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A group of three guardians stood outside the mirror located deep within the throne world, the mirror used to reach the altar of reflection. Since an incident in which a warlock met their final death, the Vanguard decided they could spare another two guardians twice a week to ensure the mission was entirely safe.
It was in this fireteam that you currently stood, a hunter and two titans. David and Goliaths, speed and strength, blade and bash, you could think of more nicknames but felt three was enough.
You were quite excited now, waiting for another chance to enter the mirror and reach the altar was agony sometimes. The Vanguard did not know why you enjoyed these missions so much, and unfortunately, they did not seem to think your enjoyment meant you should do these missions more.
Ever since the fireteam amount change it had become difficult to reach the altar alone, which was required if you were to do what you wanted there. It usually came down to a case of telling the fireteam members that you wished to ponder whatever the Witch Queen Savathûn had just told you all. Titans were almost always accepting of your reasoning and just left you to your devices. Warlocks, however, usually came with more scepticism.
While you were yet to have anyone deny you your time alone you had come plenty close. It was fortunate today that you had two titans. So fortunate in fact that you felt bold enough to try something new.
“Hey, so this is your guy’s first altar run right?” You asked the two as they turned to you.
“Uh, yeah.” The one on the right replied bluntly. The one on the left, continuing his companion’s thought process.
“Why? Is there something we should know?” The titans were similar in appearance, which led you to believe they had some sort of relationship outside of your current fireteam. Back to the matter at hand, you set your scheme into action as you answered his question.
“Well, I guess you could put it that way.” You started, leaning on your hip to try and seem authentic. “It’s a less tactical warning and more… general warning.” The vagueness of your statement clearly caught the attention of the two titans as they turned to face you. “OK, so this is kinda low-key information so if anyone asks you didn’t get it from me.” Their attention was now entirely on you, they looked infatuated.
“It basically boils down to, this mission is boring as fuck.” You say bluntly, trying to make your words sound genuine. “It takes ages, you have to write stuff down on paper because the Vanguard doesn’t want any chance of misinformation coming from Savathûn or anything, and speaking of her, you have to listen to her long ass speeches about some random shit you don’t care about, but you have to pay attention so you can give a report to the Vanguard after.” Rant over, you just watch the titans, gaging their reactions to see if they bought it.
“Why didn’t it say any of that on the mission brief?” The one on the left asks, though his voice is less disbelief than it is pure despair. The idea of a boring mission seems to have phased the two more than any kind of danger could. As they both look at each other you know now is the time to reel it in.
“Cause then no one would take the mission and no-shows would be happening every day.” They turn back to you and even through their masks you can see how downtrodden their expressions are. “I’m assuming from your reaction you’re not too pleased about it?” The tone almost betrays you as the smugness from your scheme seeming to work sets in. Quickly adjusting to seem more sympathetic you quickly continue, “You know, there’s a reason this mission used to be a one-guardian operation, it’s piss easy. If you guys want, I could, you know, take it on my own. You guys can just go mess around in the throne world.”
“What’s the catch?” The right titan asks with distrust. Left titan crosses his arms as he looks at you expectantly. You were hoping for no questions but luckily your forethought meant you had a way out of this one.
“No catch, I let you guys know when I’m done, you can take my report and give it to Zavala and we all get our loot. Win-win,” The truth comes easy before the lie, which you try to sell with a purposeful pause which lets the titans look at each other and then back at you, but before they can even speak you let out an exaggerated sigh. “OK fine I have a reason for wanting to be alone but it's nothing bad. If I go alone it takes longer, and I really don't want to be back at the tower any time soon. I have a strike report Ikora is expecting and I haven’t even started it.” The lie practically sells itself as everyone knows the infamy of Ikora’s strike report requirements.
Both titans nod immediately after hearing your reason before Right speaks. “Oh OK yeah that makes total sense, though I don’t know why you’d want to put off writing one report for the sake of writing another.” You hold your tongue on that one, there is a big difference between writing a report about going into the Cosmodrome to kill some mildly infamous Fallen captain and writing a report about a former Hive’s story about some cool darkness fighting shit.
“You sure you’ll be good?” Left speaks hesitantly.
“Yeah yeah, I’ll be fine.” You brush off their concern. Walking towards the mirror with new purpose. Turning back to the two titans to address them once more. “You guys just have some fun.”
As they both give their own farewells you walk into the mirror, disappearing from sight as the titans turn away and begin to walk out of the cave.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————
The world in the mirror was weird, but also quite beautiful in an odd way. The water-like substance reflected light. The rich crimson plants scattered around. It brought you some sense of peace, unfortunately, the residents of this place did not give you the same feeling of peace.
Before you could face the Hive within, however, you needed to finish the strange puzzle which blocked the door. Why the Witch Queen decided to have a puzzle that someone who didn’t even speak Hive could solve, blocking the altar, you didn’t know. You weren’t complaining though.
As you approached the first step of the puzzle a loud sound brought you out of your stupor. Watching in confusion as the doors which usually required the completion of a puzzle, opened on their own. You quickly looked around, searching for any other guardians or anything which could have finished the puzzle without you realizing. Upon finding nothing you turned back to the door, seeing an Acolyte now standing in the doorway staring at you.
At first, you were shocked and your brain malfunctioned, instincts screaming for you to pull out your gun and kill the Hive immediately. Luckily for both of you, your instincts did not manage to kick in and after seeing the Acolyte also simply staring at you passively you made a choice to leave your gun in its holster for now.
Walking towards the Acolyte you could see it flinch slightly, but still, it did not draw its weapon, it simply watched. You turned your head to the doorway you now both stood in before looking back at the Acolyte.
“Uh, Thanks for opening the door. I think?” You assumed that’s what it had done since it was standing here now, but it didn’t give a reply, it just stared. In response you also just stared, the staring match going on for some minutes before it spoke something in Hive. The meaning of which was completely lost on you. “I, uh, sorry I don’t understand Hive.” You remarked, to which it responded with a few seconds of staring before making a move almost like a shrug and walking off to where you had come from.
If what it was trying to do was make you go back where you came from, it, unfortunately, failed, as you walked forward toward where the altar was held. You passed a few more Hive on the way, but they simply gave you the same impassive glances the first Acolyte gave you. It was very odd.
Only upon seeing the Hive lieutenant who guarded the altar did the fear set in. You had been an idiot, you were quite literally facing the Hive god of deceit and you had thought nothing of the Hive around you being passive. It must have been a trick to get you in this position so that you could be given your final death.
These anxieties were quenched upon seeing the lieutenant glance at you for a second before going back to talking to the knight which was standing in front of it. Sighing, trying to relax after your brief panic you continue still towards the altar, it was only in the next room now. The door was already opened, which eased the thought that you would have to resort to violence anyway.
Quickly walking into the room you scan around, seeing that there were no Hive in this room. Nodding to yourself you approach the altar itself, bringing a few items out of your inventory to set them down. The first item made sense, the relic that guardians used to access the memories Savathûn had saved here. The items which followed however would confuse anyone else who watched.
Teapot, teacups and a package of tea. Upon placing these items onto the altar you look around again, waiting for the other member of your tea party. However, it seemed as if she did not want to show herself. Coming to the conclusion she was simply running late, you had gone through the usual steps much quicker due to the sudden pacifism of the Hive after all.
Focusing again on the items on the altar you fail to see the sudden appearance of a silhouette behind you. The tall being stooped down low as they slowly brought a hand up to your shoulder as you sat obliviously. When the hand touched your shoulder you immediately snapped your head around to see what, or who had done it. Seeing no one behind you, you turn back to look in front only to see a large pair of legs suddenly standing on the altar.
“Gah Fuck!” you immediately exclaim upon seeing the legs, looking up to see the rest of the person now in front of you. Eyes moving up their body towards their head, where a hand now blocked their mouth as they silently laughed at your reaction. “You can’t just do that out of the blue Sav,” you continue, “What if I like, threw a knife at you on instinct.” Crossing your arms as you spoke, looking up at the Witch Queen as she lowered her arm and crouched down, as she was so much taller than you it became a chore to talk to each other if she remained at her full height.
“Oh guardian, you know you cannot hurt me here,” her voice was calm, yet held a smugness only possible from a Hive god.
“Yeah duh, but what if the knife bounced or something and planted itself in my skull instead.” You rapped your knuckles on your helmet to make the point clear, before realizing you still had the helmet on and quickly pulling it off to lay it at the altar's side.
“Oh please, dying is hardly an issue. It is merely an inconvenience at this point.” Savathûn retorts, moving to sit down now instead of the uncomfortable crouch she chose previously. Your response rebuking that claim dies in your throat as you instead move to climb onto the altar alongside the Hive.
“Whatever, budge up so I can sit.” You grumble, moving the tea set to be in the middle of the altar, accessible from any side.
Huffing, Savathûn moves back slightly to allow more room for you to seat yourself, before speaking, “You know, my lap is always an option. I’m sure it would be much more comfortable than this cold hard altar,” she purrs, causing you to quickly freeze up before grasping your composure back to quip back.
“No offence, but I don’t think I’d be able to tell the difference.” This ends up being a mistake as the glare you receive causes you to shrink back before trying to worm your way out of the situation. “But feel free to prove me wrong.” You squeak out, causing Savathûn to smirk again, as much as she can without lips at least, as she reaches over and grabs you, pulling you into her lap.
“So?” she inquires after a moment of you shifting around on her legs.
“Yeah, I think I was right.” It wasn’t exactly a lie. Her chitin was hard and not exactly radiating warmth, at least it wasn’t as flat as the altar.
Savathûn simply huffs in annoyance, “Well you have my apologies for not being covered in blubber like the rest of the races in sol.” She grumbles. For a god of deception, she seemed to be bad at hiding her true feelings most of the time.
“Actually I think the only races in sol that even have fat are the humans and awoken.” You respond, looking up at Savathûn’s face as she looks down at yours. “Well Eliksni are kinda like you guys, vex are literally metal and I think cabal are made out of pure muscle.” After listing them off you glance back up before adding, “so if it makes you feel better, you’re like at least top three most comfortable laps to sit in.”
The huff that comes out of her mouth in response is either annoyed or amused, yet she makes no comment for you to confirm so you leave that conversation there. Turning back towards the tea set you grab the teapot. It’s empty right now so first things first, solving that. The sound of a flame igniting brings your attention to your side, as Savathûn holds some solar energy in her hand, holding it expectantly as you hand her the teapot.
She takes the teapot and brings it down in front of you as you bring your hands together and focus. A dark blue light begins to shine from them as you slowly create a small shard of stasis, drawing your hands apart as it grows. Before it gets too big you drop it into the pot, beginning the process again.
It takes a total of 4 crystals before the pot holds enough water for you to actually begin brewing the tea. The first guardians to try and melt stasis were both idiots and geniuses in your mind. Why they decided to do it was a mystery but you were not complaining at the convenience that it granted you now.
A small chuckle brings you out of your head as you glance up to Savathûn as she laughs, turning towards you and seeing your expression she explains. “The irony of me using light and you using darkness is never lost on me. Perhaps someday you’ll have to teach me so I can truly become the pinnacle of switching sides.” Her voice holds amusement, however, your own thoughts are less jovial.
“I dunno, Krill ‘Corrupted’ by darkness, ‘saved’ by light, then drawn back to darkness doesn't sound like the kind of cycle id like to be in.” You try to make it a joke but the actual concern you feel leaks into your tone. Savathûn simply hums in response initially.
“Being tricked into corrupting your race and willingly taking the ability to make ice cubes are quite different darling.” If not for the seriousness of the current topic you'd have become a mess at the pet name she used, however, you instead look up towards the Witch Queen. Seeing her face shows her usual melancholy expression when discussing her initial deception from the Witness.
It was always a sore subject for the Queen, you’d never been able to find out what she felt about it. Guilt for subjecting so many to the pain of having a worm, shame from having been beaten at her own game, or anger at the fact she almost was saved by the light instead of the dark. You didn’t want to ask directly, so you simply listened whenever she spoke about it.
“Well I’m no expert in stasis but id be glad to help you learn.” You smile up at her in an attempt to lighten the mood. It appears to work as her own mouth slips into a small smile. It’s at that point luckily that the teapot begins to boil, prompting you to begin brewing the tea. Lifting the empty packet into Savathûn’s expecting hand, which she then brings up to her own face to read, which leads to her letting out a small gasp.
“You managed to find some,” she makes no attempt to hide her joy as she sets the package back down and looks at you.
“If I tell you how you probably won't believe me, you reply smugly.” Explaining how Saint-14 had allowed you access to Osiris’ private tea stash when you had finally worked up the courage to ask. After the warlock had woken from his slumber, unfortunately, caused by the very person you were trying to get the tea for, his titan partner had been in such a good mood you knew now was the best time to ask. Unfortunately, you somehow managed to miss the fact that Saint would simply tell you to ask Osiris yourself.
Luckily for you, he was clearly feeling very generous. That and the fact that he clearly had no interest in the tea blend anymore, claiming something about how he couldn’t tell if he enjoyed it or if it was simply Savathûn’s lasting influence. She explained how while occupying the warlock’s body she had grown an interest in tea, especially the brew you had with you now.
“So, the great Osiris wakes from his slumber. Good, I was dreading having to take someone else's body, it truly inst a pleasant experience growing accustomed to a new one.” Her joke is in bad taste but you still find yourself letting out a huff of amusement before quickly scolding her.
“C’mon you can’t make jokes like that.” You try to hold a frown but it is difficult as you watch her roll her eyes. Something she picked up from you pretty quickly. “At least you can’t if you want any chance at actually doing anything with the Vanguard.”
At that statement she lets out a laugh, “Perhaps a change of plan is in order then, why don’t you simply join my lieutenants instead?” Her claw finds its way under your chin, lifting your head to look into her eyes.
After a moment of staring at them, they were a very nice shade of green after all, you find your voice, “Nah, not sure I could stomach the stuff you guys eat.”
She tuts in response before sighing, “I suppose you have a point. I do quite miss your cuisine. What I would do for a chance to visit that ‘ramen shop’ within the tower.” Her voice takes on a dreamy tone as she reminisces. You, however, are suddenly overtaken by a massive grin as you jump out of Savathûn’s lap and turn around to face her, as she looks at you with interest.
“Close your eyes and hold out your hands.” You command, to which she tilts her head but then complies and waits for you to do whatever it is you are planning. You quickly bring something else you brought out of your inventory. A box of spicy ramen. Placing it into her hands you tell her to open her eyes. She gasps much in the same way she did when seeing the tea you brought. She looks at you in surprise, seemingly so shocked she can’t even speak.
Getting back her composure she quickly tries to move on from her display, “You really have outdone yourself today haven’t you?” She tries to make her tone neutral but you can hear the joy in her voice and see the involuntary smile gracing her… teeth.
“Anything for the Witch Queen,” you reply sarcastically, before continuing. “I’m just glad I was finally able to get back, especially since I was able to get in alone this time.”
Savathûn had begun to eat the ramen, with difficulty as she now lacked the lips usually used for slurping. She paused however to inquire, “Yes I noticed that, how did you manage?” You quickly explain how you tricked the two titans and she laughs heartily. “Hm, you truly are a guardian after my own heart. I thought something was strange when you arrived on your lonesome, though I will not complain. It meant I could prevent the unneeded deaths of my Hive.” She pauses for a second, as if in thought, before adding softly, “Thank you for that.”
You don’t reply for a second, only realizing what she meant after a moment of thought. “Of course, Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to get here peacefully.” You smile as you speak, “Though you may want to teach some English to the Hive here, one of the Acolytes tried to tell me something but I have no idea what.” This causes her to laugh softly before going back to her ramen.
Finally, the tea finishes brewing as you pour it into both cups, Savathûn setting down the now empty ramen container in favour of the teacup you hand her. Taking your own you glance at her before making the choice to once again climb into her lap and sit. The act of which pleases the Queen more than you realize.
Sitting in silence for a while, you both sit sipping your tea. It’s a comfortable silence though, you are both enjoying it. Unluckily it is suddenly interrupted by a knight bursting into the room, surprising you, though Savathûn seems much less. The surprise is enough for you to grasp your cup a bit too strong, crushing it in your grasp and stabbing yourself with the broken ceramic.
Savathûn quickly dismisses the knight, who you think apologizes for the interruption. She then turns to you and upon seeing your hand she tuts, “Knights truly have no subtlety.” You simply pick out the ceramic and toss it to the side for now, sighing at the sight of your now bloody hand you reach into the pack you keep on the side of your hip and bring out some bandages to wrap around your hand. Confusion doesn’t begin to describe Savathûn’s reaction as she watches you wrap your hand. “What are you doing?”
You keep wrapping, glancing up at the Queen before talking, “Uh, you know. Making my hand not bleed,” you laugh softly as you finish covering your new wounds.
“Yes, that is what confuses me. Why are you using such… primal methods? Why not have your ghost heal it?” She sounds genuinely confused, which makes sense considering the circumstances, though unfortunately for you there was a valid reason. One which you had yet to share with the Queen. Even with all she had done and the fact you certainly trusted her, you felt uneasy at the idea of sharing the condition of your ghost. Not satisfied with your silence she brings her claw to your chin to make you look at her again. Whether you are imagining it or not, her eyes seem to hold true concern, making you crumble and sigh as you bring your hand out in front of you.
Your ghost spawns out of your hand with a flash of light, unlike most ghosts, however, yours lay in your hand physically instead of floating. It was very clearly in disrepair and damaged severely. It was pretty much just the core and one spike of a shell left. The core itself was cracked and chipped. You had never replaced the shell out of fear it would cause the ghost to crumble entirely. The silence carries on too long for your comfort when you see Savathûn’s hand reach down next to yours, you glance up at her face and seeing the same look of concern you slowly place your ghost into her hand, allowing her to bring it up to her face once again and look at it closely.
“They are, alive?” she asks softly, placing the ghost back into your hand allowing you to disperse it and bring it back into safety.
“Yes, but barely. I am lucky my connection to the traveller seems mostly unimpeded, but the healing capabilities are much more reduced. I don’t like making them have to exert themselves.” Your voice is soft, and you have to fight to not let it break. You had not shown your ghost to anyone since they were injured.
“I’m sorry.” Savathûn gently whispers, you just shift around in her lap to wrap your arms around her. Trying to avoid breaking down in front of her. She wraps her arms around you in response, though she can only really manage to get one without having to keep an uncomfortable stance.
You both sit there for a while, not saying anything, not doing anything. You eventually break the silence yourself, “Thank you,” You don’t move, however, staying close to her and keeping your arms around her.
“Of course. A guardian’s relationship with their ghost is special.” She says wistfully, before letting out a sigh. “I do miss him sometimes.”
“Immaru?” you ask, to which she nods. “I assume he thinks the same, though it doesn’t seem to keep him down much.” You laugh, remembering the expressive Hive ghost’s words you heard on your comms so often. Savathûn simply hums at your words.
“He was instructed to keep the Throne World in order if I were ever to be vacant.” She elaborates after thinking to herself. “His attitude is likely just a side effect of not having me correcting his tone,” she adds, amused.
This time you give a hum as your response. Pulling your face away from her chitin you glance at her, seeing her watching you too. You smile at each other, well you smile and she grimaces but it's as close as she can manage so you don't mind.
It’s at this point you realize how long you have likely been here, while time was quite odd in here it certainly still passed. If you stayed too long you’d likely worry the Vanguard and the two titans meant to be here with you. Letting out a sigh you make this clear to Savathûn, “I think we’re gonna have to cut this meeting off soon Sav,” the use of her nickname makes her chest flutter slightly, you used It so rarely that it felt special whenever it came from your mouth.
Sadly it was used in the sentence it was, causing her to sigh. “I suppose you have been here a suspiciously long time by now.” You get up, allowing her to stand herself. Cleaning up the tea set you both get off of the altar and you quickly place the relic you brought onto the altar so it appeared as if you had actually used it. “You know you don’t actually have to use that right?”
“Yeah, but I like making it authentic.” You respond, to which she simply shrugs as she recites one of her stories for you to write down. It’s shorter than most, likely so you don’t have to spend ages writing it out and end up taking even longer. After finishing, one of the mirrors in the room lights up, indicating your way back is now open. You turn back to Savathûn first, watching as she lets out a dramatic sigh, grabbing your helmet and handing it to you.
“Do try to come back sooner next time, take too long and I may have to come to find you myself.” It’s meant to be a joke but you’re sure there is some amount of seriousness in those words.
“Trust me I try my best to get on these missions, but short of straight up telling the Vanguard my reason for wanting to come here I don’t think I’m gonna get any priority.” You sigh.
“Well then tell them.” She smugly responds, before switching to mock offence “Or are you embarrassed by me?”
“Hardly, it’s more a case of I’d probably get tried for being a traitor to humanity. I’m just gonna have to wait until they decide they want to play nice by themselves.” You smile but it doesn't reach your eyes this time. While you enjoyed these visits you knew Savathûn was really starting to feel the pinch of being stuck here so long, and while you wanted to vouch for her you knew that would lead nowhere and would only lose you brownie points with the Vanguard.
“Well when your Vanguard finally decides to see reason,” She brings her claw under your chin and tilts your head up. “I’ll certainly need a guide.”
You grin at her as she lets your head go so you can put your helmet on. “Oh you know it, I’ll be showing you all the best food and tea spots in the last city.” Stepping towards the mirror you cast one last glance towards the Witch. “Well, catch you later… Darling,” You try and fail to copy her flirtatious tone, but your words have the effect you intended. Watching as her eyes widen in surprise and her mouth hangs open with her words not making it past her teeth.
Laughing you quickly hop through the mirror leaving Savathûn to herself for a moment to find her voice. Eventually managing to let out a raspy, “Catch you later.” She stands for a while, just smiling to herself before she turns away and walks out of the altar room.
She really hoped the Vanguard would hurry up and get desperate enough to want her help already.