Chapter Text
I took my time returning to the Hall of Heroes. Stell wasn’t talking, and before, she was subjected to whatever experiment Osiris had in mind. My goal was to keep her safe no matter what. I had questions about what happened back there, but I knew now wasn’t the time. I jumped on the lift and finally made it back. I collapsed on my sleeping bag, mentally and physically exhausted.
“Ruby,” Stell started saying but tapered off.
I grabbed her, pulling her to my side. “I know you’re scared.”
“More than that. This was worse than any time we were in the Pyramid. This was the Witness who was able to access me. Who knows what else it can do? I shouldn’t be here...” Stell’s worries were valid. To have the creature we’ve feared take her over when it was planets away.
“We can leave. Find someone else.” I stated.
“Leave? You would do that?”
“I can’t stay here without you, Stell.”
Her shell slumped. “That’s true. And if we leave, who’s to say another Ghost won’t experience the same thing.”
“The decision is yours. I’ll be on your side no matter what.”
“Ruby? You’ve returned?” I looked up and saw Osiris strode towards us.
“Only just. Stell and I were having a discussion.”
“Regarding?”
“Our continuation of the mission. Stell feels uncomfortable with what occurred back at the Veil.”
“I understand. If Sagira-” Osiris paused and was no longer with us. Grief filled his eyes at the mention of his Ghost. I jumped up from my sleeping bag and took his hands.
“Osiris?”
He shook his head and furrowed his brow. “I’m sorry, where was I?”
“It’s nothing. I’ll give you my answer soon. For now, I need to rest.”
“Of course. Mind if we speak while you rest.” I nodded and motioned him to a nearby bench by the pond. So far, this city is more advanced than I could have ever anticipated. This CloudArk they’ve constructed fascinates me. It appears to function with the assistance of the Veil somehow. To willingly give up control of your physical body. It’s an intriguing concept to exist primarily in a virtual space.”
“I find it odd. Speeding about the city and seeing only holo projections of the citizens. For a city so beautiful, why live in a virtual world?”
“That would be something you should ask its citizens.”
“They would have to stay long enough for me to ask.” Osiris chuckled at my response.
“You should rest. We will discuss the next step tomorrow.” I nodded as Osiris walked away.
“He’s hurting,” Stell noted.
“Of course he is. To us, Sgaira has been gone for almost two years. For him... It’s still a fresh wound.”
“I wonder what your reaction would be if I died.”
“I wouldn’t know how to function. You are a part of me, Stell. A part I never want to lose.”
Stell shell shuddered, and she crashed into my chest, shaking. “I don’t ever want to leave you, Ruby. Even if the Traveler called us back.”
I pulled her close with no words able to console her. After a bit, Stell went silent and fell asleep in my arms. I placed her on my pillow and paced the room the Cloud Striders gave to us. These creatures fascinated me. What were they, and why are they here? I lifted my hand, and one landed on it momentarily before flying away. I would have to ask Nimbus about them later. Speaking of which, not long after Stell fell asleep, the Cloud Strider joined me in the Hall of Heroes, their voice waking Stell up.
“So... the Veil’s safe, for now. I don’t have an Earth Warlord translation for this, so, um, stick with me. If Calus uses whatever that Radial thingy is and somehow destroys the Veil, well... It’s tied directly to our CloudArk and literally all Neomuni. I don’t think you need a Warlord translation for why that’s bad. From the sound of it, your buddy there, Osiris, wants to go in guns a-blazin; which, hey, I fully support. But the old man — the, uh, other old man — my old man. Not literally, but, you know. Between you and me, he isn’t sure it’s the right call. But don’t worry, though. I reminded him you Guardians are the experts here. You’ve been dealing with this whole Witness thing a lot longer than we have. It’s okay if we lean back and try a little trust fall. If you drop us, it might be my funeral, but whatever, it’ll be fun!”
“I agree with Rohan. We need to step back and see the full picture. If this Veil you speak of is as important to you as it is to us, then we can’t tread lightly here. I don’t want to fall into any traps.”
“Wow. I didn’t expect someone who fights like you to... You know, be all careful and stuff.”
“Years of practice. I’ve been a Guardian for almost ten years. Young for some, if you compare me to Osiris. But I’ve been through hell.”
“I can’t wait to hear what you have to say!”
“Nimbus!” I spun around and saw Rohan walking toward us. “Did I not tell you to let the Lightbarer rest.”
“Ah- Yeah.” Nimbus rubs the back of their head sheepishly.
“It’s fine, Rohan. Is there anything you wanted?” Rohan gave a look to Nimbus, and without a word, the younger Cloud Strider left.
“What I want to say shouldn’t be heard by them.” I nodded, and Rohan continued. “Nimbus gave me their report about your attempt to reach our Veil. Don’t let it get you down. This is a marathon, not a sprint. I’ve been a Cloud Strider for almost ten years. When our decade’s up, we die. Our bodies can’t handle so much augmentation. I took on this mantle to protect the people of Neomuna, knowing it would kill me. I’ve only got one life to give, and it’s almost up. I need to take care of the Shadow Legion for Nimbus. Lighten the load. I still have so much to teach them. They aren’t ready. Not yet. But sometimes, they’re the one teaching me... a lesson I think Osiris could stand to learn. Look after him; he needs it.”
“I try my best.” I chuckled. “Osiris is a complicated man.”
“I can tell. For now, you are both welcome to stay here while we get the next step planned out.”
“Thank you, Rohan. And I’m sorry we brought this chaos to your city.”
“It was only a matter of time, but thank you.” He nodded before following Nimbus.
“That’s a lot to take in,” Stell commented, resting on my shoulder.
“Wasn’t it? I didn’t know Cloud Striders have ten years to live. That’s horrible.”
“They had to make do since they had a city to protect and no Traveler.”
“True.” I dug out some rations and ate them before falling asleep. The next morning, Nimbus’ voice called for me, and I rushed to them, thinking something was wrong.
“What’s the emergency!”
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. It’s just... This came for you, I think? Don’t ask me. It showed up alongside that clunky piece of technology over there. Those things just popped out of a swirling purple portal — and that’s not even close to the weirdest thing that’s happened here recently.” I looked back to where they were pointing and saw Vanguard equipment.
“Osiris didn’t bring that?”
“No. All his stuff is in the Hall of Heroes. Oh. There’s this too.” Nimbus pulls out something familiar to me. Ascendant Scepter. Similar in design to the Wayfinder compass, it’s Awoken Technology.
“Thank you, Nimbus. I know exactly who sent this.” Playing with the artifact, I walked towards the new holoprojector and pressed play, waiting for whatever Mara had to say.
“May this transmission reach you... wherever you find yourself. The Scepter will rest true in the hands of its wielder, but a message comes with no such guarantee. In the aftermath of the Witness’s attack, the Vanguard called for aid. On behalf of the Awoken people, I answered. We now face a war on two fronts: one on the far reaches of the system, and the other at your home, Earth. Continue your fight against the voice in the Darkness. I will assist as best I can in your absence. But even my powers have their limits. Return when you are able. Your people need their heroes.”
“Shit.”
“Something big is going on back home.”
“Does that mean...”
“We’re leaving, Stell.” I rushed back to the Hall of Heroes and started packing my bag.
“Is this your answer?” I jumped and turned to see Osiris standing there.
“I don’t know. All I know is something happened after we left, and since communications are still down, I’m going back. I need to know everyone is safe. After that, I’ll give you my decision.”
Osiris nodded. “It will give me time to plan our next move here.”
“As long as you stay safe, Osiris.”
“I will. Tell Saint... Tell him I’m fine.”
“I will.” Stell transmated me to my ship, and I kicked the engines to life, setting a course for home.
It was eerie flying by the remnants of the battle for the Traveler. It might have been a few days ago, but it felt like only hours. Communications connect the moment I’m back in Earth’s orbit, and then the first thing I tried to do was contact Crow. All I got was silence in return.
“Maybe he’s busy,” Stell said.
“Maybe... But I can’t shake this feeling.” I sighed as the Tower came into view. “Home first to see the twins, then I’ll head to the Farm. From the information I got from Mara, that’s where she set up.”
“The Farm? It’s been years.”
“I know.” I landed in the Hangar and saw Amanda’s spot empty. Still missing. Fuck. Stepping through my front door, I heard the twins scream before they ran to me.
“Hello, my babies. I’m back.” I kneeled down, pulling them into a hug. “I’m happy you’re safe.”
“I’m glad you're safe.”
I looked up and saw Sarli leaning over on the couch. “Thank you for keeping them safe.”
“They are a riot to be with. A perfect mix of you and Crow.”
“Speaking of Crow,”
“He’s gone to the Farm. He was muttering something about Amanda and Mara.”
“I’m heading there next. I had to stop here first.”
“Well, no need to worry about you babies. They are safe with me.”
“Thanks again, Sarli. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“I know these two are your reason for living. I’ll keep them safe.” I ran up and hugged her before dashing out the door again.
I stopped to see Saint quickly, but neither he nor Amunet were home. I’d have to find them later. For now, I needed to get to the Farm.
It was a quick jump from the Tower to the Farm, and when I arrived, I saw Eliskni, Corsairs and Techeuns working at different parts of the area. Looks like Mara and Misraaks got everything up and running.
Devrim was the first to spot me, waving me to the centre of the area where Mara was conjuring magic.
“Hello, Ruby. Good to see you again. Wish it were under better circumstances.”
“Likewise, Devrim. I’m glad to see you in one piece.”
He nodded as Misraaks arrived. Devrim turned to Mithrax and offered his hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met. Devrim Kay. Velask.”
Misraaks performs an ireliis bow. "Velask. I am Misraaks, Kell of the House of Light."
“I’d heard the Vanguard had Eliksni allies in the city. Good to have you here.”
“Yes, many have come to the Vanguard’s aid. Marakel is using her Light to protect us.”
Mara scoffs, landing and ending her spell. “Kell? There is no need for honorifics... and my power is not of the Light.” I couldn’t argue with that logic. Awoken magic was many things, but not linked to the Light.
“Afraid we must cut the pleasantries short. In the aftermath of the attack on the Traveler, the Shadow Legion has begun taking captives to the Pyramids.” Devreim said, getting our conversation back on track.
“Amanda Holliday is... we cannot reach her on any frequency.” I forced my face to stay neutral on this news. I knew she wasn’t in the Tower, but to hear it confirmed.
“Holliday is out there. Of that, I’m certain. I’ll continue scanning the comms. Knowing her, she’s up to something. The only question is what, precisely. Give me a moment to prepare the LZ, and I’ll brief you. Until then!” Devrim departed before I could gather more information from him
“Together, we will save the captives, AND Amanda. The Light provides.” Captives? Misraaks departed, leaving me with Mara.
“Ruby, I am glad my message reached you.”
“I came as fast as I could. I didn’t know things were so dire here.”
“It is. You will need more than the Light to stand against the Witness... but I can provide. Now go, and I will focus on the battles to come.”
“Your magic...”
“Our magic will not clash. Do not fret. I have had centuries of practice.” She remarked. That’s good, at least.
I headed to the opposite side of the Farm to connect back with Devrim.
“Devrim, you there?”
“Yes. Are you done with the Queen?”
“For now. Could you give me a rundown of what’s going on? I’ve been on Neptune, cut off from everything here.”
“Neptune, really? How interesting. All right, I’ll keep it brief. The Witness took a swing at the Traveler, and when we tried to intervene, our pilots went down... Amanda Holliday among them. The survivors — what there were of them — went to ground near Trostland and Old Russia. Now the damned Shadow Legion is picking through the wreckage and capturing prisoners. We’re running rescue ops in the EDZ now. Crow has gone ahead to scout the defences. He’s reporting the Pyramid outpost is utterly impenetrable. Fortunately, the Queen is on our side. Mara is imbuing you with otherworldly power... Awoken magics and all that. I’m not sure how it works myself, but if she believes you can make it through, I’m not about to disagree.”
“I’m familiar with Awoken magics.”
“Really?”
“It’s a long story, one I don’t have time for. You said you’ve spoken to Crow?”
“I have. He’s waiting for a team to reach the EDZ.”
“I’ll head there now. Thank you, Devrim.”
“See you in the field.” With the link closed, I transmat back to my ship and head to the EDZ.
“Hey, Ruby,”
“Yeah, Stell?”
“I’m picking something up from the Outskirts, and I think you’ll like to hear it.”
“Play it.”
“Repeat emergency transmission. This is Amanda Holliday. My ship was disabled during combat, and I was forced down in the EDZ. While I was waiting for evac, I saw a Shadow Legion patrol leading a group of captives to a Pyramid. I’m sneaking into the facility with the prisoners. I’ll bring my comms along as a beacon. Whoever hears this, tell Ruby to gear up and follow my signal. I’ll be waitin’. Repeat emergency transmission.”
“SHE’S ALIVE!” It wasn’t much, but it gave me something to hope for. I landed near the Winding Cove, following Amanda’s signal. I took out a few Shadow Legion stragglers before my radio connected with Amanda.
“This is Amanda Holliday — does anyone read me?”
“There she is! I’m so glad to hear your voice.”
“Hey, Devrim! Good to hear you too. I was starting to worry I’d snuck in here for nothing.”
“Snuck in where Amanda?”
“Ruby? You’re alive!”
“I could say the same to you. I-”
“No time for all that. I need you to help me.”
“Quite clever of you! A bit risky, though. Can’t say I condone it.” Drevrim chides.
“Risky?! Ain’t you the fella who once ran a Cabal blockade just for fresh eggs?”
“Guilty as charged. Just hold tight, my dear. Reinforcements are on their way.”
“If those reinforcements are Ruby, then I know I’m in good hands.”
“Oh, shut up.” Amanda chuckled, and I continued to follow the hoards of Shadow Legion.
“Where in the facility are you, Amanda?”
“I’m in the cell block with the prisoners. Ruby can follow my comms signal right to us.
“A bit of a roadblock in front of me. You might have to wait a bit longer.”
“I’m in no hurry. I trust you to get us out of here.” I found the Pyramid Amanda spoke of, but even after I cleared out the mess of Shadow Legion, I couldn’t get through.
“So, now what?” I asked.
“We will breach the Pyramid not through its walls, but through the very fabric of reality. Harness my power, and enter the Ascendant Plane.” Oh no. Stell looked at me as my shoulders sagged. Why did it have to be the Ascendant Plane? I summoned the Scepter Mara sent earlier and, with its power, tore a hole through space and time, falling into the Ascendant Plane. I took a moment to orient myself to the new area. No matter how often I’d been in the Ascendant Plane, it was never a pleasant experience. Even now that I had access to my Awoken magic, I still didn’t like the place.
“I must admit, I had several good ideas for this jailbreak... but traversing an alternate reality was not among them.” Devrim chuckled as I began my journey.
“Guardian’s doing what now? I swear, the longer I know y’all, the stranger things get.”
“Come on, Amanda. You know this isn’t the weirdest thing I’ve done.” Amanda chuckled at my response.
“So... I know I’m in the Ascendant Plane and all that... But there is Taken here.” I stated when I came across a small army blocking my way.
“Eliminate the Taken blight, and summon a Balefire in its place. It will consecrate this place and drive the Darkness out before it.” Got it. Kill the Taken. I defeat the Wizards and destroy the blight, allowing me to summon the Balefire to push back the Darkness.
“I’m in.”
“That’s great! Whatever you did out there must have worked. You got base security chasing their tails! Looks like they’re deploying some heavy firepower to stop you, though.” Amanda explained as I made my way through the Pyramid.
“There’s something up ahead. It’s... bringing back a memory, or... Uldren’s memory, I guess—a familiar voice. Be careful, Ruby.” I stopped on the stairs when Crow spoke.
“C-Crow.” Hearing his voice was somehow worrying when he brought up Uldren.
“I’m here, Ruby.” He assured me, and I pressed on. I came across what had Crow worried—a Chimera. I slid into cover and worked at killing it and its brethren.
“Banish these Taken defilers. They are but empty shells, filled with the desires of a greater will. Trust in your Light, and they cannot stop you.” Mara’s pep talk was not something on my list of things I’d hear today. Then again, I didn’t expect to see the Chimera that captured Uldren.
It fell to my feet shortly after as I stood there panting, my void bow disappearing in my hand.
“It’s dead.” I declared. Now, with the Chimera dead, the doorway forward opened up, allowing me access to the Pyramid interior.
“I tested the perimeter of that Pyramid for hours but couldn’t find any entry points. And now Ruby just walks in?”
“It depends on one’s point of view. The walls of the prison may be impenetrable, but the walls between worlds are not.”
“You never did have much respect for boundaries, did you?” I coughed, trying to hide my snicker. Crow was going for Mara’s throat with that remark. I loved that man.
Out of the Ascendant Plane, I found the prison cells containing Amanda and the captives. The only thing in my way was a powerful Shadow Legion Commander. I charged up the Balefires and took it down with the help of Mara’s magic.
“Devrim, you’re good to go,” I confirmed, and the prisoners were transmated away.
“Extraction confirmed. The hostages are on their way back to the Farm. Good work, everyone.”
I fell to the ground and worked at catching my breath. This should have been a two maybe three-person job.
“Hmm, Ruby?” I opened my eyes and saw Amanda leaning over me.
“Yo?”
“My ship’s nearby, but she took a beating. I could use your help getting her outta here.”
“Give me a minute?”
Amanda chuckled. “Alright.”
I held my hand out for Amanda to help me up. “Where is your ship?”
“Just over here. Come on.” I followed her through the Pyramid and lost her when she took off ahead of me.
“Amanda!”
“Sorry, I forgot you don’t know your way around here. I’m in the hangar.” I rolled my eyes, looking around for a way there, then remembered the power Mara used and attempted a portal of my own devising. It wasn’t as powerful as hers, but it got me to Amanda as she took down a Shadow Legion Cabal.
“Hey, Ruby. Thanks for your help back there. Just need to clear out this-” Her sentence was interrupted by a new arrival. Amanda points her chaperone shotgun and shoots the enemy. The enemy, as it turned out, was Crow. I gasped, and Amanda shook her head and sighed, frustrated.
“Amanda!”
“I didn’t. Ruby...” Amanda walked over to Crow as Glint finished reviving him, and Crow opened his eyes.
“Ow.” He groaned, and Amanda helped him up as I stood there speechless. “Nice shot. Right through the heart.”
“Thanks,” Amanda replied.
“Sorry. We thought you were Shadow Legion.” Stell explained as I removed my helmet.
“Easy mistake. I’m just so beefy.” I forehead palmed with enough force that it echoed. I was gonna kill this man. Amanda wasn’t impressed with Crow either and turned to walk away. “You’re leaving again? Don’t you ever sit down?” Crow asked Amanda.
“Nope, not when there’s work to be done.
“Amanda-” Crow paused, and Amanda turned to face him. “When you ship... I thought I might never see you again.”
“No time for that kinda talk. I’m here now. Let’s get moving. Ruby?” Amanda calling my name shook me from the dark place in my mind. Was I jealous of what went down between these two? No. Crow loved me with all his heart. But... The way he was talking just now. I couldn’t shake this jealousy.
“Yeah. You need a lift. Let’s go.” I called my ship and left Crow alone in the hangar.