Act IV - Sorrow and Acceptance

Chapter 8 - New Light

[Last City, Earth, Tower]

The Raid on the Vault of Glass was something not many had anticipated, the fight against one of the Collective's strongholds and against Time's Conflux, Atheon wasn't a feat many would have seen being a possibility. Led by a rising Guardian of the Titans, Ceres led a team down into the depths, returning but not without the heroic sacrifice of Harrow, a Warlock who gave his life to save two lives, at the cost, he and his ghost were lost to the Vault, by what the Vanguard now call, 'Revenant, Light Taker', for its reason of primarily targeting Guardians' ghosts.

Even with this, the Raid Team was rescued from the grasp of the Vex by what many Guardians called the 'Worst One', who fought with Cayde-6 and 'The Anomaly' of the Crucible, bringing the slayers of Atheon home. Now, without any threat looming over their heads, the Guardians finally had a well-deserved break to mourn the loss of a friend and gather themselves for whatever lies ahead.

"Well, I'm surprised they didn't talk more about Eva, might be the next issue's topic?" Mulling over the magazine I threw it in the bin and went about my walk down into the Hall of Guardians, finding Eris' spot vacant. Strumming away on my guitar softly, finding the simple symphony of notes to be relaxing, my eyes drifting to my new scar, snaking up my right arm, but I didn't resent it, I thought it was cool. "Still... we should go see-"

"Ah! Just the Guardian I was looking for!" My tune was interrupted abruptly, turning on a heel to face Lord Shaxx, the Titan standing with his arms crossed. "Two people wanted to speak with you when you had the time."

"Well, no use in waiting I suppose, point me to them, Shaxx." He did, and my head craned toward two very familiar faces. One was Ikora who wore a small smile, standing far less rigid, and beside her was... Sloane? I haven't talked to her since... uh - well it's been a long time

"Good evening, Zane, I trust you have been enjoying your time recovering from the incident within the Vault of Glass?" Ikora was concerned for me, that's nice

"Totally," My eyes widened with my dramatic hand gestures. "You wouldn't believe it, but people were... thanking me, and some even apologized for being mean to me or something. I mean, I get it, no-one really liked the 'Worst One', but hey I hold no grudges - Its been a fun day."

"I can see that, you look as though a heavy burden has been lifted from you, Cayde told me himself, with a few dramatics, that you braved the Vault you wanted no part with anymore to save your fireteam and their allies," That made me relax a little, standing with a plain smile on my face as she continued with a look of relief for my wellbeing. "It couldn't have been easy, facing your inner demons."

"...Yeah, it was... tough, trying to keep a straight face for everyone so they knew that there was still hope, not just as Guardian, but as a person who cared for lives above his own, I was ready to give everything I had for the sake of both revenge and for them, but not to die," I lifted my head, smiling brightly with Rika floating beside me. "But to live for them too."

Ikora approved of my answer, she knew that this wasn't an easy road for me, she could always see that in Guardians she knew well. "I also wanted to thank you personaly for assuring the safety of both one of my Hidden and my apprentice, so if there is anything you need I will see to it with the best of my ability."

Shaking my head rapidly with my hands I took a step back. "I-It's fine, you don't need to owe me anything, Ikora, honest."

"Please, even if it is something trivial, I wish to compensate you somehow?" Now that she did bring it up, one idea for the Festival of the Lost came to mind... preparations for the holiday in a few days were already in motion, say for the decorations being prepped around the Tower

"Well, there is something..." I walked up to her ear and started whispering my plan, seeing her sight widened slightly, though a small smirk crossed her lips. "Think it can work?"

"That it would, Guardian, quite the surprise too." I giggled a little

"Ahh, it's the least I can do for everyone, the Vault of Glass has some people happy, others adapting, and the Festival only makes more sense!" While we discussed this, and my excitement starting to boil over, Sloane took a step forward, looking directly at me with a stern expression, but she looked tense, almost nervous or disappointed at herself, Shaxx and Ikora never said a word between us, me and Rika shared a look.

"I... am sorry, for... everything I've said about you, and to you directly..." Her head was bowed, hiding her expression. "When I found out allies I could truly call friends had perished and you were the only one to survive, I... had no real outlet for all this sickness I harbored, and I directed it at you, I didn't bother to hear you out, nor did I give any reason for my anger-"

"Why do you all apologize?" That made her freeze, bending back up to meet my neutral gaze, my hand rubbing against my guitar gingerly. "I get it, why people hated me, and for a while, I felt the same about myself, there's no reason to feel guilty, it was... everyone's way of trying to move on."

"I tried, but only now am I okay... I know Summer died down there in my arms, along with Echo who couldn't say a word, I was ordered my Shadis at his deathbed, we lost Eva but now she's back, though with her sense of time completely screwed up, Marco was afraid like me but still managed to give everything he had left. All of them gave their lives for me to live, and I will never let that go to waste. I accept what happened and I'm willing to move on with everyone I can now call my friends."

"Even so, please, let me just say sorry, so I don't have to face you with guilt anymore?" I chuckled a bit at that, seeing her face turn a little red from embarrassment

"You already did," Rika pointed out, while I nudged her. "Oh right! Here, we thought to give this to you, since we couldn't really find the right time to try and approach you, so with the Festival of the Lost coming up, eh, why now?"

Appearing in my hands I revealed to the three of them a picture, still as clean as the day it was taken, though in a silver frame. It was of a Fireteam, all with rather rugged armor, stained with colors to make each stand out. One was of an Exo, his arms crossed and looking irritated by the two people behind his shoulders. The one to the left was of Sloane, smiling with her hand on Vlad's shoulder. To the right was Summer, her hair radiating with the sunset, eyes wide with a laugh frozen in time, holding two fingers above Vlad's head.

Sloane said nothing, just taking the picture frame I offered to her. "See, we shared storage so alot of their junk takes up alot of room so while I was filtering out... questionable items, I came across this, and I thought that when the time was right I'd give you it, something of Summer's that she treasured."

"...Thank you... Zane." Her hands brought it close to her chest, while I just waved a hand happily

"Ah it's fine, I've got others to talk to now, so not to be rude, buuuuut..." Shaxx then put a rought pat on my back

"Go on, Guardian, I'm sure you've given us alot to talk about, your sister certain had her fair share telling me her side of the story!" Shaxx laughed out loud, while Ikora nodded respectfully as I copied her, waving as I made my way for the exit

"Think she was happy?" Rika asked me quietly while I tapped my nose

"Well, if anything, she knows she doesn't need to let go to move on."


"I haven't got an order like this - Not in my notes buddy, nothin' I can do there," Banshee spoke so autonomously as though he's said those exact words millions of times, he might have, he's... forgetful

"Again, how can you not remember an order 'YOU' wrote - You know what, doesn't matter, I'll just order it again for next Wednesday." Ah, the lovely ranting of Vlad never ceases to amuse me, he had a new eyepatch over that missing of his now too, it really suited his bad attitude

"I second that," Rika added, our approach garnering the attention of the three. Morbin, who made repairs to Judgement, Vlad and Banshee who were arguing - well, it was more Vlad yelling and Banshee rubbing his head absentmindedly. "Sup, Little Lights!"

":)" Deus projected, flying to greet Rika, while Skoll looked constantly irritated

"Stop calling us that, he may like it but-" Rika bumped into him

"Aww, why be such a stick-in-the-mud, I'm only messing with you!" That only made him grumble more. Clearing my throat, I waved to Vlad

"Hello~! Banshee forget again?" My question made him nod, glaring back at the other Exo. "What about Morbin?"

"I have nothing to say to you other than... th-th... thank you for... you know... saving us." Huh? He was... thanking me too? It must be a good day then

"What the hell reset him this time?" I whispered to Vlad and Banshee rather loudly

"I can hear you, Worst One!" He then sat back down. "Guess that no longer applies, hmm, still, I'd rather not be in any more debt to you than I already am."

"We're buddies, you don't need to repay me!" I appeared beside him with a smile, Judgement's muzzle resting on my nose

"Hug me and I'll end your children's children." But Guardians can't have kids, and I'm a guy? "Figure of - You are the Worst One."

"Aww, apology accepted, best buddy." Moving my attention away from the crazed Exo with a shotgun I saw Vlad stand with his hands to his sides

"So, what is it you want from me? A thank you or whatever else has been spreading like wildfire these past two days?" Vlad was always straight to the point, I knew he also hated me somewhat, but he had the sense to realize I understood him well, Summer and he were an unbreakable duo for years

"Nope! In the spirit of the Festival coming up I wanted you to have something," Rika obliged with my hand waving for her to hand me the item from storage. In a small flash of white particles came forth a black leather necklace, bound with a few golden stripes, a silver chain at the bottom connected to a shiny, gold charm of a sun, a blood-red ruby fixed in the center of the celestial body, sunlight made it twinkle a bit too

The Exo's violet eye glowed, jaw unhinged at the sight of the charm dangling from the necklace like he were seeing a ghost stand next to me. "H-how did you... she never took it off."

"I... took it, knowing I couldn't take her body home with me I decided that atleast something of hers could escape that place, Lumina and her sun necklace were those things," I offered the necklace by the cord, seeing Vlad hesitate to grab it. "Go on, I have enough of their stuff to remember them by, and if I ever wanted to; Lumina, for the most dangerous of tasks."

He graciously accepted the token of Summer's, holding it gently over his head to slip it around his neck, the charm adding to his contrasting dark colors fittingly, the charm was definitely a nice touch to his bleak design. His posture had changed significantly, though his gaze remained the same again, unfazed.

"This means more than I am able to express, I am honored to have it." Now he looked ready to ask me something new. "On a different note, how has Ceres been? No-one other than her roommate has seen her and while I am sure she is okay, she hasn't ever died yet, has she?"

Me and Morbin looked to each other, then sighed. "That's right, but she's seen us die and come back, but never die and... stay dead, so it's probably weighing on her mind right now."

"I see, well if you do see her, don't let this bother her, slap the sense into her as she did for me, right?" That I wouldn't do but I got the incentive. "And if you see Eris, tell her... 'Osiris May Not Investigate Gatekeeper's Usual Location. Investigate Sector-6, Back-up And Call Kira', got it?"

My brain had stopped processing at that, even Rika's shell looked frazzled. "U-umm... okaaaay? Sure, I'll tell her... whatever that means?"

He hummed then turned back to the desk to fill out a new form for a weapon. "Good day then, Zane, and say 'Hi' to Ceres for me."

"~AND US~!" Morbin/Kreig bellowed, while we both took this as our que to leave, having my brain rack around that sentence to keep it memorized, though it did make my head spin, my stomach feeling queasy

"Ugh, too much thought!"

"Surprising, you have those?" Har, Har, Rika


[Tower North]

Coming just down the steps, passing by New Monarchy I saw that someone stood alone at the far end of the railing, facing off toward the City below with their back to the Tower, I could make out her dandelion hair anywhere, and the red jacket too. Feeling a strange sensation of joy and anxiety build-up did make me slow my movements just a bit. We hadn't talked since the Vault of Glass, and she was completely out of it back then over Harrow's death, but... could I ask her just as Cayde and Dimitri did for me? Would she spill her plight onto my lap?

As I approached, I remained out of her field of view, startled when I saw, of all people, the Speaker approach her, Ghost looking startled himself but he made no comment that I could hear, so I moved closer, hiding between two supply crates of New Monarchy as I listened in.

"You know this view is a constant reminder, both to us and the City that we are forever watching over humanity, that our eyes will never turn away from our goal," His voice was smooth, but it still made Ceres squeak a little, her head turning to Speaker while her posture straightened, but I could see it, dark rings under her eyes, in only two days. "No need for alarm, Guardian, I only wish to ask why it is you feel compelled to do as I do, stare out toward the lights and think endlessly?"

"I... I'm trying to find a way to move forward, to make sense of my choices up 'till now, but... trying to do what I think is best... I really can't tell if what's best is what's right," Her head turned to the orange sky, lost in thought. "I'm don't know what to do."

"Mmm, you are uncertain due to previous choices under your guidance, or is this of those you guided? Do you hold yourself accountable for that which has brought a bitter-sweet victory for the City?" Speaker always had an answer, and never sounded anger, disappointed, only calming and understanding

"If I had remained vigilant, I could have saved Harrow without him having to... die for someone like me, I was weak, if I was stronger, smarter, he would still be here." Is this what was eating at you, Ceres? Not guilt but the fear of being too weak to save others? "I can't lose people who put their trust in me, if Zane or Morbin died I... I don't think I could live with myself."

My hand gripped the strap on the crate, wanting to run out and tell her she's wrong, she is strong and that we would never blame her for our deaths, but if I did it would only make her feel unsure, I had to take this slowly. Being the optimist meant always finding light in the darkest of days, but to rush into all instances of sorrow would do no good, I need to talk with her, to understand and assure her she was wrong to think she had to become stronger alone. It hurt to bite my tongue and watch and do nothing, but I had to for her.

"I'm sorry Zane." I am too, Rika, but we will see this end without tears

"There is much in a Guardian's life that is left questionable, how we choose to wield the Traveler's Light as a weapon, to protect humanity and our allies from the forces of darkness, our system is rich with secrets and unanswered questions, some of which can be teeming with pain, loss, doubt," Speaker turned around, but left Ceres and Ghost with a final notion. "When you uncover these secrets, they may entail sorrow, but it is up to us to see them bathe in light, to learn from what they teach us, that is how we grow."

"I'll... take that into consideration, Speaker." Ceres didn't sound certain, but his words did have her ponder by the railing more, so I decided to leave her be, for now, I had to dwell on some thoughts of my own


[Tower Accommodation]

The day was nearing its end and tomorrow would be the start of the festivities, but I had other plans in mind, but I needed to accomplish a rising tide I knew could not wait, I wanted to let it simmer for a while, but if my past experiences have taught me anything, Ceres' thoughts were bordering on toxicity, mine were drowning, neither brought a benefit to either of us.

"It's time we gave her closure too, Rika, only fair what goes around comes around." While making for Ceres and Taka's quarters with gusto, I turned the bend and nearly fell back on the red carpet, finding a Titan standing before me with black jeans, a white shirt, and navy jacket, though without shoes only blue and white socks, but that blue hair made her stick out on the white walls. "Hey, Taka!"

"Hi, Zane, thought I heard you muttering this way," Was I loud?

"You were pretty loud..." Rika whispered softly. Clearing my throat I saw their room only two doors away, with Taka's right hand brushing her white strands of hair back

"So, how's the treatment going if you don't mind my asking?" Softly I started our chat, seeing her eyes linger on her hand

"Fine... just alot to adapt too so I won't be in the field until some point in November hopefully, but therapy has been great, Eva can be a handful with that narcissistic attitude of hers, but she can be interesting to talk to," Taka shared in my small chuckle, CT appearing in her palm. "CT here has managed to coax Eva's ghost, Freya, into talking a little more - She reminds me of Ray alot."

"The two actually are good friends, finding themselves more outspoken with each other, though Ray is more so now thanks to Dimi, maybe trying too hard in keeping her ego in check," That made me scoff, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Honestly, even I can't handle hearing Eva and Dimi try to boast better than each other, that's a headache no-one asked for."

"Hehehe, I can imagine; In other news, I'm sure you don't need it but I wanted to thank you for saving everyone, and me especially from that Gorgon... the... thought of disappearing forever was... really frightening," I frowned, seeing Taka rub her forearm gingerly, eyes wavering. "If I didn't Ceres and Morbin may not be remembered, and if you never showed up I... was really scared."

"Hey," My hand pressed to her own, smiling assuringly. "You're still here, this isn't a fake world. Honestly, you had Dimi worried more than me or Cayde combined, she was really determined to save you, so don't let the fear of being forgotten get to you, I doubt Dimitri would ever forget someone like you, honest."

Her gaze softened, and... were her cheeks pink? Why would - I narrowed my eyes, moving closer to her gaze as she blinked, my suspicious hum in my throat. "You know something, Dimi's been... strange, like taking care of her hair in the morning, something she NEVER does, believe me, morning Dimi is scary Dimi."

Taka's confident smirk returned, that poker face was really strong, like facing the Wall with my bare fists, but like all defenses, there lay a weakness, a crack in the wall to exploit over time. Dimitri was never girly unless really rare circumstances occurred, and her relationships with people never move beyond best friends, or me being her Brother of course, but this was new, and a consistent trait over the last two days.

"...I don't know what's up with her - But keep it up, I like seeing her this happy!" That broke her defense a bit, but that was all I needed to know to piece it together. "My little sister has a very tomboyish nature, combined with a competitive streak, but she can find it confusing letting her feelings show, the complete opposite of me, so if you have that effect on her, keep being yourself, seeing her happy all the time just... feels right to me, you know?"

"I'll keep that in-mind, Zane, although, I have to ask you for a favor," Now it was my turn to remain neutral, seeing her sigh after looking to CT, the ghost nodding once. "Ceres, she's been... taxing herself, spending her early mornings working out to the point she nearly collapses, hardly eating too, and she doesn't talk as much, I'm worried that she's trying to push me and CT away for our own protection, despite not needing it."

"Harrow died saving her and Vlad, even he expressed some level of concern - The Vlad amount that is, and I saw her talking with Speaker, she looked lost, confused about her decisions so I wanted to talk to her, but... I don't know what to say, what can I say that wouldn't sound like everything she's probably already sick of hearing?" I had no idea what to do, I wasn't a smart person like the rest

"Like you said about me, being you just makes Ceres who she is, I've seen it, how she laughs and smiles with you and Morbin, but 'you' specifically makes her feel as though no task was ever out of reach, that her choices could always prevail so long as you stood by her," Taka smiled warmly, patting my chest. "Just be you, and she'll hear you, I promise."

While the outcome may be hard to reach, hearing my own words used against me didn't sting, it had logic I couldn't defy. I had that effect on Ceres, but was it that powerful? I know she's happy with us, but me specifically? Was that true? If so, it might work, I could reach her if she allowed it.

"You always have a way with words, dummy." Rika bopped my head, Taka and CT moving past us

"Please see to it she gets some rest too, the poor girl hasn't slept since we returned from that Vault." CT requested of us, and we nodded. "And while we're out no messing around." What did she mean by - Nope, not thinking about it

*Knock-Knock-Knock*

Three taps and we waited with anticipation, worrisome and hope rising and falling within me, I had to remain calm here so why was it hard now of all times? Because of the situation? Ceres? Ahh, too many thoughts! No, just focus Zane, you can do this!

"Heeey, Ghost, how's you?" Me and Rika greeted kindly, the shell floating up to us with a neutral gaze, how did he open the door? Questions for later

"Fine, as always, nice to see you two again - Although, I think I know why you're here," His assumption was correct, since I nodded with a smile, tapping Rika

"You don't mind if we..." I trailed off, so Rika bopped Ghost on the back of his shell, pushing him toward another room instead, even though Ghost tried to get a word in

"Move your metaphorical butt, Ghosty." 'Ghosty'? Didn't know she had a nickname for him, though unoriginal since it's just adding a letter to his name. Now alone in the small hallway, I took the time to notice the inside of their main room, since it was connected to their two rooms, bathroom, and open kitchen, it left little unseen

The box-shaped room housed their living room, with two sofas in an L-shape, an armchair sat across from a coffee table next to a large window that peered toward the City below, giving me a massive overview as I had in my home. The place was clean, say for the papers, cups, and other assorted items littering the table, the light above turned off, even the T.V remained offline. Yet sat there on the dark blue sofa, spread out with her eyes closed was Ceres, wearing shorts and a crop shirt, red socks too.

She was listening to something on earphones, breathing softly with her hands on her exposed stomach, her crop shirt revealing her... ahem, rather toned abdomen, alongside her well-defined forearms, Ceres was nowhere near muscly, I think she said something about wanting to be slim but athletic, this was the result, and it was - AHH, bad brain, bad brain!

Patting my warm cheeks I sat my guitar down beside me, sitting back on the sofa next to the one she occupied, seeing pictures of her with me, and Morbin, that bright smile of hers alongside mine, and Morbin did manage a faint grin. Another was of her and Ghost, wearing rather basic matterweave armor, maybe from when they first arrived here? It's been just over two months since we met, man that was fun, seeing her beat that Archon, then help me find the first page of the Book of Sorrows.

"Who would have thought, you'd turn into an amazing Guardian, Ceres," She couldn't hear me, but that was fine, I'd let her know I was here when she woke up. "If you never showed up, I'd still be seen by most as... well, the Worst One, some still do but I'm okay with that."

I sat back with a soft smile toward the Traveler, finding the sun radiating with its shadow to be an odd comfort. "People can call me the 'Worst One', that's fine. I know I still have my old friends beside me, pushing me back to my feet whenever I fall down." I took a small look to Ceres, then back toward the window. "Now? Now I have all of you, so that makes me even stronger."

. . .

"...How can you sit here and say that... after all I've done..." I jumped, startled by Ceres laying there, eyes closed still, but her mouth curled into a frown, headphones off. "...I have no right to be anything to you, I should have just stopped at the Templar, even before that but I didn't, this... stupid thought of justice was just masking the fact I wanted to do what so many couldn't, I'm... I'm horrible."

"You wanted to be the first to lead a team that conquered the Vault? Not a bad goal, that's why we all went down there, it sounds selfish, but deep down we all wanted to do what was right in ending Atheon's control over the Vault, don't try and lie to yourself, there is nothing wrong with wanting to succeed." I remained seated, even as she turned toward the back of the couch, facing away from me. "Ceres, I'm not going to leave, nor am I going to give you the same spiel as everyone else."

"...Please just go... I..."

"Don't want me to get hurt? I used us like a battering ram over a near-bottomless pit on the Moon, I've been killed by a Cursed Thrall and sliced by a sword, one killing me so if anything I'm a magnet for pain, though I'm not proud of that." Scratching my cheek sheepishly, Ceres still didn't move. I frowned, but still never moved. "Talk to me Ceres, please?"

"About what!?" She finally turned around, this time sitting up with a fiery glare, teeth knitted together to hold back her anger a bit. "I was weak! I was naive! Anyone else should have led that Raid and I let my stupid accomplishments over the Black Garden cloud me then! I should have said 'NO' but I didn't and look what happened!"

"..." No response and she took that point to continue venting, hands rubbing against her eyelids

"I won't risk anyone else's lives for mine, not until I'm stronger, strong enough to prevent that 'Thing' from hurting anyone else!" Her hands lowered to her lap, head downcast to avoid my gaze, and it hurt alot to see her like this, just like a mirror to the past and I had to face it, she needed to as well. "Zane... I understand what you're trying to tell me but this is different!"

"How so?" My turn, Titan Lady. "How is my past different from your present? How is your desire to push others away different from me?"

"This is different!" I stepped back up, moving to push my hands against her wrists quickly, pinning her to the sofa as I stared down at her with no malice or pity, just a consistent state of equilibrium. "I can do this alone, only until I get strong enough!"

"You'll die out there, either by some fluke or because no one will be there, not to save you but to stand by you. Guardians are stronger together, you taught me and Morbin that so don't say it isn't true." I held her down, a Titan's strength was beyond mine, but with how conflicted Ceres was, her strains did little against my hold, her eyes constantly looking away, but her shaken gaze finally met mine, large and full of so many emotions. "Don't let this rule over you, if we let our pursuits destroy us then what good are we?"

"You don't get it, I'm the only person who can-"

"If that creature, 'Revenant', walked through the door what would you do!?" I barked back, seeing her fist ball up, trying to fight against me but only by an inch

"I'd beat him!" I pushed back against her weak resolve, my head leaning closer to hers, she was like a frightened animal with nowhere to run, if she unleashed any Light now it would probably hurt, alot

"You'd die!" She pushed back again, but her arms were shaking

"I can win!" Her voice was starting to break, eyes hidden for a moment, but I didn't relent, holding her down with everything I had

"You can't even beat me!" That finally made her stop, her strain had simply vanished, and her head tilted back to face me, tears creeping into the corners of her eyes, mouth shaking

"I-I don't want you to die too..." My own grip softened, but I didn't move, nor did she fight me. "I only feel angry toward myself, had I been stronger or smarter I could have prevented that Thing from killing Harrow, maybe even save him when he was shot, but I didn't do a thing, only watching as the murderer walked away, throwing his ghost away like it was trash."

"You're never alone in this world, Guardians can be divided at times, factions and the Crucible segregate those at times too, but us? Dimitri's Fireteam, and ours, and many more know that there is no reason to be alone when we're stronger together, we took down every obstacle in our way, against time itself to beat the Black Garden and Atheon." My smile returned. "I'd follow you through it all. Morbin would too. So don't be the dumb hero of the story, okay?"

After a lengthy pause, the strain on my hands was gone, Ceres' muscles relaxed while she took a long, shaky breath.

"...*Sniff* Okay, I-I'm sorry I..." Ceres looked to me again, cheeks turning red. "U-Um, can you let me go now, I'm not going to hit you."

"Oh, right!" I immediately pushed off her wrists, falling to sit down on the other end of the sofa, scratching my cheek feeling a little embarrassed, but now there was an awkward silence between us, it was good she wasn't going to just push everyone away, but it would take time, and I was more than willing to wait, I've waited this long to move past my own mistakes

Deciding to distract myself, I picked up my guitar, rubbing over the laminated face before strumming once to test the cords, adjusting accordingly while I felt a pair of eyes watch me closely, inspecting my movements while I worked, it was a little strange all things considered.

"...Could you play something... if you don't mind?" Hmm? My eyes glanced over at Ceres, seeing her trying to hold a shameful gaze to me, her wounds were still fresh, and after that small argument it probably made her feel very vaunreble

"Sure, beats the awkward tension between us," I wasn't sparing on my humor. Adjusting my spot on the sofa, I resting the curve of the bouts on my thigh while adjusting one of the tuning pegs. "Any preference?"

"Whatever comes to mind," Well her suggestion made it easy then, had a song I picked up from a Music store Downtown, had a soft melody too. "..."

Muscles locked at the sensation of Ceres pressing up against my side, her head resting on my shoulder while her body tucked itself in, enough room for my arm to move easily toward the strings over the soundhole, but I did feel a little bit of heat rise to my face at how close she was, I could hear her breathe softly, even smell faint remnants of apple in her hair.

"R-Right... hmm... let's see..." Plucking a few strings and testing some tunes, I adjusting with her gaze never leaving my hands, following them closely as I listened to the clock on the mantle 'tick' to the rhythm in my head

Mica Caldito - Till I Die (Kill la Kill Cover)

I have to go to somewhere I saw
When I was so young and immature
I want to know if truth is painful or not
And why my heart leads at the sight

The time will tell us gently
Just how powerless we used to be
But now, now's the time to raise my arms
And throw away all hate

'Cause I meant to be your piece until I die
No one wants to be alone
So I'll leave my soul by your side
And though we fall apart between Hell's divide
I'll seek you on my own
That old smile, beneath the stars

You have to go you have the time
Before the world caves in beyond cue
The fate that we know, this cruel world but we would survive
I can see through the tender lies

Time will tell us gently
Just how powerless we used to be
But now, now's the time to raise my arms
And throw away all hate

Don't let me be your wound
Wash off what leaves you bound
Always be safe and sound
Let me pray for you

'Cause I meant to be your piece until I die
No one wants to be alone
I'll leave my soul by your side
And though we fall apart between Hell's divide
I would seek you on my own
That old smile, beneath the stars

Till I die
By your side

Till I die
By your side

I played through the melody, feeling a radiating warmth spread through my body, comforting against the sunset while I let my hand rest on my lap, seeing a hand next to it, while my eyes peered to my right, finding Ceres fast asleep on my shoulder, her body still curled together against my side as she softly dreamed, it took nearly having my ass kicked by a Titan, and some verbal abuse from her, but it finally took all her strength.

Her whole attitude was all over the place, from being distant to snappy to hesitant all the way to clingy, her whole mental state must be in disarray from sleep deprivation, something Guardians can stuffer from. Despite how weird it was, I'm glad she was asleep, can't get strong if she can barely stand. Deciding to take up her idea, I gently placed my head against the cushion behind me, resting my guitar on the floor as I closed my eyes, still smiling contently.

"Sweet dreams, Titan Lady."

To Be Continued...


A slice of life after all the pain, and a sweet moment with Zane and Ceres, so cute! We'll see the aftermath of that later. I hope you enjoyed, seeya in the next chapter Guardians!

Next Chapter: Patience and Time

Ceres wakes to an embarrassing sight, while Taka watches humorously, but after a long-awaited rest, Taka tells them both of a Crucible Match they missed that day between Dimitri and The Shadows of Yor.