"So … it just gave it to you?"

"Well, I mean, I did have to kill a baron for it … but yeah, basically."

"I've certainly never seen one of the Fallen do something like that …"

"Well, we're usually not saving their lives; more often then not, we're the ones killing them."

"That's a fair point."

"So what do you think it means?"

"Might mean nothing. But … I've got a feeling."

"Yeah?"

"The Kings are definitely more … well, noble than the other houses, not to poke fun at their name. They don't just scavenge around looking for tech to add to their arsenal, and they're not banished exiles living on a dead rock. They have pride, they keep to themselves, and they're smart."

"What's your point?"

"Ultimately, I think that they'll do whatever gets them the farthest in the long run. And if that means repaying a debt to a Guardian that saved their life … then that's what will happen."

"So …?"

"I think it's a promise. That if and when I need help … they'll be there for me."

"That's a nice sentiment, but I can't imagine a scenario where we'll need to count on the help of the Kings."

"You never know."

KINGS' WATCH, THE COSMODROME

The Guardian walked through their territory, unintimidated and undeterred by the various decorations of Hive and human skulls alike, stuck upon metal spits as trophies for all to see. Did they not know that this was dangerous terrain for anyone other than Eliksni?

As the first line of scouts waited unseen in the shadows, the Guardian stopped and glanced around at them with steel in their gaze. They were not used to this show of behavior from a foe.

As he mulled on that thought, he decided to call them out. "Seraph, translate for me."

The Ghost waited on his word, ready to speak on his behalf to the Kings.

"Kings," Matt called, "I know you surround me, and are wondering why I've come to you. I demand to speak to one of your Barons, one who was saved by a Guardian several years ago." Seraph emitted croak-like noises, the tongue of the Fallen.

No response came. He clenched his jaw. "I do not seek a fight with you. But if you do not bring him to me, I will find him myself."

At that, he heard the sound of soft hissing that was so signature to the Fallen from the debris and rocks around him. So far, he could spot several cloaked individuals already, as well as a few pairs of eyes glowing in the cover of shadows.

He held his ground, and waited.

Apparently, something he said must have worked. It wasn't a minute before a larger Fallen emerged from the dilapidated buildings, and approached him with suspicion in its eyes. After coming to a stop, it stared at him and Seraph before yelling incoherently at the Ghost.

"His name is Paskin, and he demands that you get on with it," she explained. "He doesn't appreciate you summoning him."

Heeding her advice, he drew Aria's shock-blade from his side slowly, and held it out for the Baron to see. Paskin's body lost the tense rage that had been prevalent in his behavior, and stared at the weapon as he remembered its story. Taking a risk, Matt presented it to him, and allowed the Baron to hold it in his own grasp. Paskin maneuvered it in his clawed hands, inspecting it as one would a memento.

Finally, he chittered to Matt in a much less hostile tone.

"He remembers the blade, as well as the Guardian he gave it to. She saved his life, and that's not a debt he took lightly. He wants to know where she is, and why you're here in her place."

He nodded. "She, as well as a few others, were taken by the Messenger and the Devils who brought him back with SIVA."

The Baron seemed taken aback at the news, dumbfounded even. "He had no idea that the Messenger had returned, but he does not know what SIVA is."

"A disease," replied Matt, "a red plague that has been discovered by them, and threatens to unleash itself upon everything."

Now, there was a look of understanding in the Fallen's eyes, and he hissed softly. "The Kings' do not align themselves with the Devils, and therefore are not certain of anything … but they've heard the rumors amongst the sects of different Houses, and seen the hints of what you speak of in the lands they dare not enter."

"What lands?"

"The Plaguelands, as they're colloquially known. They lie beyond the cosmodrome, corrupted by the sickness you seek. The Devils have made it their home, growing more twisted with every passing day. The Kings may be powerful … but one does not survive through brawn alone. They're smart enough to stay out, lest they risk the wrath of whatever disturbing weapon the Splicers have found themselves."

"Splicers?" He was beginning to think that the Baron was giving him more questions than answers.

"A type of faction within each House of Fallen, technology manipulators. They're the ones who mess around with stuff they're probably not supposed to mention. And it seems that the Devils' are the ones who got their hands on SIVA first."

He tightened his fists. If the Splicers were experimenting with SIVA further, they might eventually learn to adapt it to an even greater degree of destruction. It looked like his fears about SIVA spreading to other armies of the Darkness weren't unfounded.

"The core is sealed away for good; that sanctum you mentioned has to be where Aria and the others are. Where did the Devils go to find the sanctum?"

She relayed the question to Paskin who looked at Matt.

"All he knows is that the Devils blew a rather sizable hole in the wall several miles from our position. Underneath that, they found … something evil."

The Baron continued, and Seraph pulsed with concentration. "The Fallen served the Darkness in the hope of reclaiming the Traveler and their lost civilization from centuries ago. The Kings know now that the Darkness has its own agenda, and they do not mind providing you with this information in the hopes of stopping whatever plan it has now. After that, his debt is repaid."

Paskin pointed eastward, over the mountains of rubble and towards the wall that stretched high into the sky. "He says that it's in that direction. If the Devils took them anywhere, it would be there."

Slowly, the Baron turned and began to walk away. After a few paces, he stopped and gave one last parting chitter.

"Ordinarily, he wouldn't think that we have a chance. But … Guardians have surprised him before."

Finally, the Baron and the rest of the Kings left Matt alone with his Ghost and the inklings of a plan.

"So we know where the sanctum is," Seraph muttered. "What are you thinking?"

He rotated around to look at the direction in which Paskin had pointed them. Silently, he walked back towards their ship a few hundred yards away. She was surprised by his mute temperament.

"Matt?"

He paused, and looked back at her. "Seraph … this is it. The final push of the Darkness. Something I've been dreading for years, and- and I don't know if I'm ready."

She hovered closer, hanging onto his every word.

"If we don't stop it, then humanity is at risk once again. But this time, there's no escape. We don't know of a way to counteract this stuff, even if there is one. At this point, I'm making this up as I go. I'm going to go down there, and I'm going to kill the Messenger. But then … what?"

He shook his head. "Will that save them? Can they even be saved? What about the City? I just … I don't know."

Quietly, she flew over to him and spoke with comfort and determination in her voice. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together. I've been with you since the beginning, and I'm not going anywhere now. Okay?"

After a moment, he nodded appreciatively and continued his progress towards the Javelin.

It was time to finish this.

A/N: Hey guys, sorry for the short update. Just no other way to lengthen this chapter without dragging it out.

The good news is that the next few chapters will all be full to the brim of content and action. Don't worry though; we're still nowhere near the end. Like I said, this one's a massive book.

Until the next time,

- Matteoarts