The black liquid burned her eyes intensely. When she tried to look up towards the light above the burning increased in pain ten fold. Black tears ran down her cheeks as her body did its best to counter the burning but even her tears stung her cheeks. John knelt down next to her a ripped some fabric off of his mark and covered her eyes with it.

She opened her mouth to thank him but the liquid had burned her throat so badly no sound came out when she spoke. For the time being she was blind and mute. Her ghost spoke for her using the slight telepathic link the had developed.

Most Guardians were able to speak to their ghosts with out moving their mouths, simply by thought. Usually Guardians would talk to their ghosts as it took less concentration and will power to do.

"She say thank you." Ivara's ghost said on her behalf.

John nodded but said nothing as he stared warily at the ogres corpse. Though it was dead darkness still radiated off it. His ghost had floated up to bring his ship in close enough to transmat the two Guardians.

"This energy, coming from the corpse... is that the darkness?" He asked with a curious and concerned tone.

Ivara nodded and immediately regretted moving as her body still burned from the strange liquid.

"Yes. The oppressive feeling you get when you're near it is called Darkness exposure. While it can't kill you it can severely hinder your abilities. The creatures who thrive in the darkness will however, kill you. Without hesitation." Her ghost did its best to convey her bitter tone.

John turned and studied her face carefully. Though unintentional she had a look of sadness on her face. She'd lost someone or something to the darkness but he had no clue what or who. He was intrigued but decided not to ask so not to stir up and bed memories.

Her once copper red hair was now stained dark black. Her face was also darkened but my as severely as her hair. She felt disgusting and wanted a shower more than anything now.

The engines of Johns new ship hummed overhead though faint from the distance she was able to hear it fairly well. Even John didn't notice it till his ghost notified him. Both Guardians were transmatted from the dark cave into the small cargo hold of his ship. There was a small bench that ran along the interior wall of the ship. John picked her up which startled her slightly and set her on the bench.

"Well transmat you to your ship when we get close enough." He said in a calm and quiet voice.

Ivara could tell from his tone that he was contemplating something. Her own curiosity compelled her to ask but her better judgment said other wise. Her and her ghost were soon sitting in their own ship and she heard Jons voice come over the coms.

"I'll wait for you at the tower then we can get you to a doctor. I don't like what was in the cave and I don't think the Vanguard will either." He said with a slightly drifting tone.

She felt her ship rattle ever so slightly as her ghost put them into hyperspace. The sounds of the engine humming was strangely relaxing to her. The still burning pain she felt had lessened in its intensity but was still present. She her the humming of her ghost draw near then a comforting feeling washed over her.

I'm scanning your eyes for any permanent damage.

Ivara nodded her reply which was the bast she could do as of now.

It seems like a slight case of photo sensitivity. You should rest.

She already felt herself drifting slowly away into the arms of sleep. It had been an exhausting day. As her eyes shut behind the crude blindfold she thought she heard whispers though inaudible. She dismissed them and fell asleep.

Authors Notes:

So this chapter maybe a little lackluster and I apologize for that. I got a little bit overwhelmed with school but I should be able to resume daily chapters soon.