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It feels…different.
The Darkness.
The swirling tendrils that weave along their forearm, around their fingers. The cool whisper against armored plates that seem to seep to their very bones.
The warmth of the Light is forgotten in that moment.
The Darkness responds to their will, Stasis conforming and surging through their form as they inhale.
"Entrancing, isn't it?"
The Young Wolf’s eyes snap open, darting around the room until they realize they're alone.
They square their shoulders, tightening their hold on the shard in their palm as they pivot.
"The power you hold…it doesn't compare to your Light, does it?"
The voice is behind them now and they wheel, stumbling back half a step as they search the shadows. The voice itself - it sets every nerve on edge. It's enveloping and suffocating and all around them like a binding they can't quite escape. It holds them taut with alarm yet…nags at their senses with a sort of soothing whisper.
"It exceeds what the Traveler can offer, doesn't it?"
They know they should be afraid, but somehow? Somehow this feels less like a threat and more…well, they're not sure what just yet.
"There, you're coming to your senses now."
They hold the shard tighter, setting their jaw as if to will a sense of composure into place. They detect a faint whisper behind them and their eyes snap to the source.
It's like mist gathering, compiling into a massive form. They retreat a few steps, eyes fixated on the phenomena until the darkest eyes they've ever seen lock with their own.
The Witness!
"It's–" Ghost’s voice falters, a worried whir passing between them as the Guardian squares themselves.
"You cling so desperately to the warmth, don't you?" The Witness's voice compounds on itself, a manifestation of different voices, different identities - all of it echoing with each word.
They should run. They should take the Shard back to Elsie and stay the hell out of the Pyramids. It's the Witness's weapon after all. His tools he uses to manipulate, to warp–
"I sense doubt, Little Guardian." They say that word, that title as if there isn't enough disdain in the galaxy to properly communicate their disapproval. Their disgust. Their distrust and demand for the Traveler to relinquish its hold on humanity.
The Young Wolf tries to hold their ground, glaring up at their enemy - that is what the Witness is, right? An enemy of the Traveler and by extension, their rival.
Guardians exist to protect it. It's ingrained in their very being and yet?
They've never felt stronger or more attuned than they do now…wielding Darkness.
"You protect, don't you, Guardian? And yet, you are the subjugated. The fool at the Traveler's disposal while it lies idle. It empowers your enemies, leaving you to their mercy and resents your rescue efforts." The Witness moves closer, the Guardian doesn't feel the need to retreat.
There is no threat here.
"Guardian–" Ghost whispers, his voice a tremor and they can't bring themselves to look at him.
"We need to go." He pleads.
"Running, Little Light? From what? You are in no danger. But you long to be. To pull your charge from the grasp of freedom."
"No. No, you're–" Ghost flickers forward and then darts back toward the Young Wolf. "Guardian - they're wrong. You know they are. We need to get back to Elsie! Remember what she told us! Darkness isn't–"
"A threat," the Witness intercedes, drawing the Young Wolf’s gaze in them. "She said so herself. If used properly, it is a tool. A weapon, yes, but one you wield skillfully."
"She also said you fell to it once. Don't make that mistake here!" Ghost pleads.
The Witness waves their hand and Ghost is drawn upward, snapping the Guardian from their daze.
They don't think. They just move, hurling a Stasis spear toward the Witness before they snatch Ghost out of the air.
And they run. Clutching him against their chest, they bolt from the Pyramid to get him to safety.
They'd never let harm come to their Ghost.
Not for anything.
The Traveler may take their Light. Betray them. But Ghost? Ghost would never abandon them.
And they will never abandon him.
"Guardian–" His voice falters and they feel his shell rotates a fraction before flickering back. "You weren't going to–"
Abandon the Light? Help the Witness?
"No." They say simply, calling their ship to the landing bay.
"I knew you wouldn't." Ghost manages softly, a relieved whir in the back of their mind.
Did he?
The idea of wielding Darkness had been enticing. Its strength was on par, if not greater than the Light.
But the thought of not having their Ghost. Of being alone and without their closest companion? They couldn't do it.
So, once they make it to their ship. Once they flee back to Europa, the Guardian finally eases their hold on Ghost.
They let him settle in their lap and they gently stroke his shell, offering what comfort they can.
It's alright, Ghost. I'm here.
"Guardian?"
Their head tilts in acknowledgement, gaze softening as they gaze down at him.
"We'll stop the Darkness…right?"
There's a tremor in his voice and the Young Wolf lifts him up gently.
"We'll stop it. I promise."
Ghost alights from their hands and nestles against the underside of their chin before their hand cradles his shell.
They'll keep him safe, no matter what.
Eyes up, Guardian!
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