Tormented
Goodbye, Old Friend
And here's the other half of the double update! :D
Edited: 12/19/2021
"Sun?"
Lifting their optics, it took Sun a moment to realize that Gaia had left the safety of their mind, and now was looking at them with concern.
"How are you feeling?"
Horrible, was what Sun wanted to say, as they now can feel an ache reverberating through their head and they can feel the pull of the Darkness, tempting, encouraging to let their anger rise to the surface. There was a reason why they shouted at the young Guardians to get out. Carina has potential and, although Sun is against it, the Hunter is her friend. They weren't going risk the pair's safety.
"Had worse days." Sun decided to say. Gaia's shell furrowed together.
"Is it because of Carina's words?"
Sun paused at their Ghost, and then slowly, turned their optics to the floor, their hands going taught on their weapon. There may have been truth in the younger Exo's words but, hearing it, it had sent Sun's emotions aflare. Hearing it from another's mouth…
"She speaks the truth," Sun couldn't help but wince at Gaia's words, "Guardians who turn corrupted, who are consumed by the Darkness, they go for the nearest source of Light. Which, as you know, is more often than naught their own Ghosts."
"I know that." Sun couldn't help but snap, lifting their gaze back towards Gaia, "That's why all the extra precautions, the extra defenses, they aren't for Rasputin, they are for you."
"But it won't always work, will it?"
Sun once again paused, turning their optics away from the Ghost and settled over Rasputin's buzzing core. Rasputin's mind.
"Only time will tell." Sun said before they momentarily closed their optics, took in a deep breath, before opening them and turning their attention back onto their Ghost, "Gaia-"
"Don't. Say it." Gaia interrupted, "I am 'not' going to find another Guardian, no matter what you say and no matter what happens."
"Instinct won't allow that."
"Then I will fight it." Sun frowned at Gaia's words, "We were together for 'years', Sun. To suddenly pick another Guardian after 'centuries' of being your Ghost." Gaia shook their shell, "No, I would rather be alone and rot than find another Guardian to 'replace' you."
"They will 'not' be a replacement." Sun sighed, "Imagine them as another friend, another member of our family. Just one where I am not present."
That is when Sun saw Gaia's optic shift, the Ghost's shell deflating, "Sun…"
"Gaia." Sun held out their hand, brushing their fingertips against the gold and crimson shell, "I would rather you find another Guardian, even an 'organic, than let you rot alone, especially since the Traveler gave up their life to give you yours."
A snort can be heard from Gaia, "Even after all these years, you still believe in the Traveler?"
In turn, Sun gave their Ghost a strained smile, "And you still do not have faith in it?"
Before Gaia could retort, Sun turned towards the entrance when a familiar scream resounded from the dark hall, prompting them adjust their grip on their weapon.
"Gaia, find a place to hide. I will last as long as I can."
From the corner of their vision, Sun could see their Ghost slowly back away, then pause, hesitating.
"And what of Rasputin?"
Sun shifted themself to completely avoid their Ghost's gaze.
"As I have said before, I will last as long as I can."
"But-"
"Gaia. Hide. Now."
They can feel the worry, the concern on their back but, Sun ignored it. It didn't take long to hear the familiar hum of their Ghost fade away.
Taking in a breath, Sun ensured that their rifle was loaded before turning their full attention towards the corridor, only to see the familiar orb of darkness materialize into existence.
Leaping over their makeshift cover, Sun aimed and fired at the Orb, scrutinizing the amount and type of Taken crawling out from its ring before finally, it exploded. Nodding their head in satisfaction, Sun then decided to go for the biggest threat amongst the Taken; the Hive Knight.
Switching out their auto rifle for a shotgun, Sun slid down onto their knees as shots flew above their head, before aiming, and firing. They heard the Taken Knight let out a roar, staggering, and Sun aimed to take another shot. Except they heard a cry of multiple Thralls echo to their side.
Sun felt the claws first before they could even turn to react, feeling them easily drag past their suit and into their plating. Grunting as they felt weight suddenly fall upon their shoulders, Sun decided to drop their shotgun, taking in a deep breath. And let out a shout as solar light engulfed their body.
Ignoring the screams of the Taken Thrall as their flames consumed them, Sun snapped their hand back, letting the hammer form in their hand with a 'clang' before rushing forward, and swinging it into the nearest Taken. Seeing the Taken Cabal disintegrate into ashes, Sun then turned and swung it into the next Taken, attaining the same result. However, before they could turn and swing their Hammer, they heard another cry. This one filled with rage.
Startled, Sun once again had hardly the time to react when they felt themself being slammed into, and felt themself fly. Experience and instinct allowed them to turn and shift, Sun landing on their feet and readied their hammer. They eyed the sword that is now visible in the Taken Knight's hand.
Grimacing, Sun placed a hand onto their chest, echoes of a Hive Knight resounding in their memory.
Shaking their head, Sun forced themself back into focus and let out a war cry as they ran towards the Taken Knight and readied to swing their hammer.
Much to their surprise, right as they swung, the Knight held up their blade, blocking the strike. Scowling at this, Sun released a tinge of light and they hardly flinched when their hammer exploded.
Coughing as smoke billowed around them, Sun decided to leap back; they would need time to form another hammer anyway.
However, just as they were about to summon another into their grip, an impact to their side caused them to stumble and Sun, out of frustration, toss their forming hammer at the Taken Acolyte who took a shot at them.
This was a mistake.
That is when Sun heard the Knight's war cry, the rush of stomping feet, and then, an impact against their chest.
No, 'through' them Sun realized, as they coughed, feeling themself being lifted, hands gripping the blade of the Taken Knight's sword.
Being leveraged upwards, Sun was forced to look into the Taken Knight's three eyes. And it was grinning.
That is when they were thrown, feeling the sword's edge slip out from their chest before they tumbled onto the floor, smearing their fluids across it as they slid, and then rolled onto their back.
It hurt, much to their surprise, as Sun pressed a hand against the wound, gasping and wheezing as they heard slow and heavy footsteps approach. The edges of their vision going black, Sun looked up as they felt the steps pause just next to them. Except, it wasn't the Taken Knight.
Their vision blurred as the Hive above them grinned, pleased at the successful ambush of their prey. The pain prevented Sun from breathing properly, or perhaps the wound, both? Nonetheless, Sun found themself at the mercy of the Hive Knight, wheezing and coughing as they struggled to take in air. They then watched as the Hive Knight raised their sword, ready to finish the Guardian off.
"Sun!"
The sound of Venus' voice rang through the air, followed by a single shot, the bullet from his Golden Gun incinerating the Hive Knight.
Except, Venus isn't here. Sun thought. Not since the City had betrayed their trust. And the reason why the Galaxy had decided to abandon it in the first place.
Seeing the Taken Knight raise their blade to finish them off, Sun closed their optics, let out a breath, and relented.
It was then they heard thunder followed by a crash, Sun feeling the floor beneath them shake as the Taken Knight, no, multiple Taken screams echoed in their sensors. They snapped their optics open, Sun slowly heaving themself into a seated position, only for their optics to settle upon a familiar shape clad in copper.
"You…"
"Shut up! Angel guilt tripped me into coming back here. Thank him!" Carina then nodded behind her, prompting Sun to glance over her shoulders and see the Hunter swinging around his arc blade, "Now get up and – Oh shit!"
Noticing the shift in the younger Exo's vocabulary, it was only when Sun lifted a hand back onto their chest when they understood why; fluids were leaking from their chest wound and through the fingers, pooling onto the floor around them.
"Fuck, you finally took a hit, huh?" Carina then paused awkwardly, "Well, besides from me anyway."
Sun would have given the younger Guardian retort, if speaking wasn't going to take the last bit of breaths they could take. Instead, they gave Carina a blank stare, only to pause when they spotted Gaia's crimson and gold shell glide into view.
"Stop, don't say it." Sun shut their mouth at Gaia's words, "No matter your condition, I will 'always' try to heal you, even if it seems hopeless." They then heard their Ghost let out a sniff, "This is the best I can do."
Feeling the warmth of their Ghost's light leave them, Sun then pressed a hand against their wound, testing it, only to wince. Despite their pain receptors being turned off, they can still feel the dull ache of the injury and it still felt fresh underneath their palm. It seems that the best Gaia could do was stop the bleeding and nothing more.
"Better than nothing I suppose." Sun decided to comment before staggering onto their feet, hearing Gaia buzz around them worriedly.
"Hey Psycho, I know you can be a stubborn ass but," They heard Carina speak, "let Angel and I handle this."
Sun couldn't help a scoff, "You 'newborns' fighting against an army of Darkness? I doubt-"
That is when Sun felt a hand grab the front of their suit and, before they could react, felt themself being pulled down to Carina's eye level. They sensed the glare behind her visor.
"You know, one of things that pisses me off is when someone automatically assumes that Angel 'and' I cannot handle ourselves just because we are 'young'." Sun then felt her pull them closer so that their faces were practically touching, "Do 'not' underestimate us."
Blinking at her, Sun then felt being shoved back, prompting them to stumble and reeling their arms to keep their balance.
"You stand back and watch."
Then without another word, Carina turned and charged into the fray, joining her Hunter friend.
Silent, Sun stared, watching as the two younger Guardians fought, and then let out a breath, amusement settling into their senses, "Newborns."
"Like you were any different?"
Sun scoffed at Gaia's words but nonetheless, said nothing as they gathered Solar Light into their fist. And then turned and swung it into the face of a Taken Psion, watching disintegrate.
"I will let them fight however," They shook their hand to extinguish the remnants of any lingering flames, "If they think that I am going to stand back and do 'nothing, then they are wrong."
"Stubborn." Sun felt Gaia give them a soft look, "That's the one thing that will never change."
Unable to help but flash their Ghost a pleased smile, Sun again let Solar Light filter into their hands before swinging it into another approaching Taken and letting the flames engulfing its shape.
"Rasputin! Play the song!"
There was an echo of a mutter, a mild complaint, but nonetheless, the familiar melody played throughout the room. Not long after, Sun felt their light rejuvenate, enabling them to turn and snap their hand to their side once more, summoning their hammer.
"Thank you, Rasputin."
Scanning the room, Sun couldn't help but feel a bit mischievous when they spotted a large mass just near Carina, decided that was the best spot to toss their hammer and activate an explosion. The flames incinerated the Taken, the latter screaming as they disappear into ash. And Sun couldn't help but be amused when Carina reeled at the sudden attack. It didn't take long for her to turn her attention their way.
"I thought I told you-"
"I am letting you fight, aren't I?" Sun interrupted, receiving another glare from Carina, "and if you had expected me to stand idly by, then at least keep the Taken at bay so that I am not attacked."
A huff can be heard from the younger Exo, "Fine, but I am not saving your ass again, you hear?"
"Who says that I will be need saving again?"
"Says your cocky ass."
"And you're the one to speak?"
Sun missed this kind of banter, memories of their old clan mates as they would tease and sometimes, insult each other for fun, for play. Warmth settled into their core at the memory, and they ignored the scowl they sensed from Carina and instead looked over her shoulder. Then, proceeded to press a hand down onto her head, forcing her down, ignoring her cry of protest, and then swung a punch into a rushing Taken Knight's face. Then, before they faced anymore resistance from the younger Guardian, Sun pried the shotgun she had in her heads, and fired into the Taken's face, finishing it off.
As the Taken Knight disappeared in a flash of white and black, Sun then felt the shotgun being snatched out of their hands, followed by a grumble.
"I can take care of myself." Carina huffed before Sun watched her turn and fire her shotgun into a nearby Taken before dashing off.
"She has guts." Sun heard Gaia whistle before they saw them glide over their shoulder, "almost as much as you back when you were a newborn."
Rolling their optics at their Ghost's words, Sun brushed it off, "She holds potential." They then hummed as they watched Carina slam a fist into a Taken Vandal's face, "I wonder if the Empyreal Magistrate will allow her to forge her own hammer."
Gaia sputtered, "You do realize that not 'anyone' can forge their hammer, Sun. You may be sending this young light to her death."
"'Maybe' is the word, Gaia." Sun then leaned back to dodge a Taken Thrall's claws before punching its side, promptly causing it to burst into flames, "Did you not think we forged our own hammer without knowing the risks?"
"But you were 'naturally' born with Solar Light, the old light of old for Titans. For you, taking up the hammer held no risks." Gaia retorted, "Carina is 'different', she has to attune to the Solar Light 'around' the forge to even create a Hammer of Sol to wield." They spun their back fins in agitation, "Why else do you think that there aren't that many Sunbreakers? Even back in the day?"
Sun couldn't help but give their Ghost a blank stare, "Then what do you want me to do? Say nothing and let her potential go to waste?" They waited, and then continued when Gaia stayed silent, "I say it is worth the risk. 'When' she picks up the Hammer of Sol, she 'will' make history. Just like Saint-14.'
Turning around and swinging a fist into another approaching Taken, that is when Sun heard Gaia heave out a sigh.
"I hope you know what you are doing."
"Fifty-Fifty chance."
"That does not make it any better, Sun."
Flashing their Ghost a smile, Sun decided to say nothing before snapping their hand to their side once more, summoning their Hammer before swinging it into an approaching Taken Fallen, sending its body upwards in a mass of flames.
"They're falling back!"
Hearing the Hunter's voice echo through the room, Sun turned their attention towards the entrance. Just as he said, the familiar twisted black and white forms of the Taken were rushing away, disappearing into the darkened hall.
"Did we, do it?"
Carina sounded hopeful, pride swelling in her words, but Sun couldn't help but scowl, narrowing their optics suspiciously. After all this time, and they suddenly retreat?
"No," Sun said, "That cannot be it."
They felt the two younger Guardian's eyes settle upon them.
"What do you mean?'
"They sent their forces and with their numbers, they could easily have lasted days, weeks." Sun answered, "The Taken could have easily tired us out, waited until our light drained before overwhelming us." They glanced back at Rasputin's core, "Especially since they were so close to their goal." Sun glared at the corridor, "They would have no given up so easily."
That is when they felt it.
A heavy blanket of darkness anchoring down upon Sun, and they staggered, letting out a shuddering breath. Hearing the two younger Guardians let out a wheeze and a gasp, Sun then felt the floor beneath them shake, trembling beneath them as thundering steps slowly approached. Then, a clawed hand reached through the door, grasped the top of the frame, and jerked it upwards.
The screaming of metal fell deaf to Sun's sensors as they saw a Taken Knight, its head barely touching the ceiling as it forced its way through, swinging its blade to the side to make room to enter. Sun couldn't help a heavy breath as they slowly looked up, feeling small beneath the Taken Knight.
"Shit."
"What the fuck is that!?"
Sun heard the panic, the shock in Carina's voice, and as such, forced the nervous edge down from their chest.
"More than likely a last attempt to be rid of us." Sun answered; they heard her wheeze and choke in response, "and also likely why the smaller forces still linger here."
"Let me guess, kill that thing and we pretty much secure the bunker?"
"For this room at least. Assaults such as this usually have more than one lieutenant, especially for an area as expansive as Rasputin's bunker."
"Great." Carina muttered, "So even if we do kill this one, Rasputin is still at risk if Aleeza and Akiva do not secure the Power Core?"
"Yes."
"Well, a good reason to kill this thing and run to give them help." There was a brief pause, "So how do we kill it?"
Narrowing their optics at Carina's question, Sun, took a step back as the Lieutenant took a step forward; it grinned at the simple action.
"I see no shields." Sun assessed, "However with its size, a single hit from it will be severe."
"Fire from afar then?" They heard Angel ask, in which, they nodded, "Great, I can do that. Give me cover."
Sun blinked, "What?"
Turning their attention towards the Hunter, Sun then saw him jump onto the consoles, giving him more leverage as he slipped a clip into his sniper.
"Right, of course." Sun said, "Hunters."
They heard Carina snort, "If a hermit like you can still remember that Hunters are a good shot, then you shouldn't worry, Angel is the second-best sniper in our team."
"Second?" Sun turned their optics towards her, "Who is the first?"
They sensed a cheeky grin behind her visor, "Who else?"
Processing her words, it took Sun only a moment for it to finally click. It is good to know that Pluto hadn't lost his touch.
"Let's get this show on the road!"
Carina's shout was followed by the familiar sound of a sniper being fired, the shot echoing through the air. Seeing the Lieutenants head snap back and the Taken stumbling backwards with a screech, Sun took it as an opportunity to summon their hammers and tossing them.
The explosions emitting from their Hammers prompted the Taken Knight to reel but failed to knock it down, as Sun had hoped. Nonetheless, judging from the screeching and the way it swung it sword, cutting up the floor and the ceiling, it was enough to blind it. This was soon followed by auto-rifle shots, Sun seeing Carina from the corner of her vision slowly closing in; seeing the arc light spark around her arms, it was telling enough what she was trying to do.
However, just as she was just in range to use her Fist of Havoc, Sun then heard the Taken let out a roar of rage, a cry that event caused them to flinch. Then, it raised its sword, stabbing the sharp end into the floor. That is when Sun felt it shake underneath and spotted swirls of black and white flames permeate around them.
"What in the fuck-"
Carina's words were cut short as a combination of white and black exploded, and Sun was blinded, the flash bright to the point that where even closing their optics, they could still see it. Next, was the feeling of weightlessness, their feet treading air even as they scrambled to balance themself. It was only when they blinked rapidly and saw only the ceiling, that they realized what had occurred.
"Sun!" They can barely hear Gaia's voice through the ringing in their receptors, "The flames! They exploded! I don't know how you survived it but the others!"
The realization that the flames could have a further negative effect on the younger Guardians prompted Sun to abruptly sit up, only for them to cry out as they were met with a stabbing pain in their chest, their limbs burning despite the absence of fire. Blinking past the darkened edges of their vision, Sun scanned the room, ignoring the blinking text that blocked their vision.
"Work, damn it." Sun curled their hand into a fist, using it to rap the side of their temple which earned them a sputter from Gaia. Ignoring their Ghost's gawking, white static then flashed into their sight, only to blink away and the warning text now absent. This gave Sun the opportunity to take in a shaky breath, and once again, scan the room. It didn't take them long to find Carina and her friend.
They spotted Carina first, mainly for the reason that she hadn't been flung far by the explosion. However, even from where Sun sat, they could see that her condition was severe; parts of her armor had been blasted away or charred, revealing the scorched silver-plating underneath. The small shape of her Ghost was hovering above her, more than likely waiting for resurrection.
Sun then found Angel, or at least, a part of him. The Hunter, wearing more leather than steel, had the worst of it despite his proximity. His body was strewn about and his Ghost, with parts of him everywhere, was hovering where he had initially stood.
They need assistance with resurrection. Sun can still feel the blanket of Darkness around them and as such they pressed a hand to the floor to push themself onto their feet.
That is when they heard a rumbling laughter.
Dread sank into their chest; they didn't have to look to know that it was the Taken Lieutenant, more than likely taking in their victory. Then, they heard its footsteps, the floor trembling beneath them.
Knowing fully well that it was on its way to corrupt Rasputin's core or to finish them off, Sun then attempts to stand. Only for pain to spike through their back and causing them to collapse back onto the floor. The warning text flashed into their vision again but this time, Sun took the time to read it; their spine had been damaged.
Cursing underneath their breath, Sun then heard Gaia calling out, their voice ringing in their receptors as they glanced around. They spotted their Ghost nearby, singed but unharmed. They ignored their words, their voice as they instead found a console, one mostly intact, before turning onto their stomach. Then, using their arms, Sun started to crawl towards it.
"Sun? Sun what are you doing?" Agitation can be heard in Gaia's voice, "Sun, if you are going to do what I think you are going to do, don't! You do not have enough light to survive the after affects! You 'will' die!"
Ignoring their Ghost once more, Sun managed to reach the console, grasping the edge to pull themself up just enough for them to turn, and slide back down upon it. Then, they opened the compartment, then, their own chest cavity.
"Sun!"
As they started to pick out the wires in their chest and the compartment, Sun then grinned with dark irony. They had joked about it with Rasputin a while back, that they were going to be the 'last resort' if any of their defenses failed. Connect themself to Rasputin's system and use their light as a detonation to kill any threats but leave the Warmind largely untouched.
"Sun! Stop it! There has to be another way!"
This was enough to prompt Sun to pause and slowly lift their optics to their Ghost.
"Two Guardians are down." They started, "and my injuries are too severe for you to heal. What 'other' plan do you have in mind?"
Sun knew they sounded harsh but, their Ghost needed to hear it, telling when Gaia's gold and crimson shell pressed together; they didn't say a word. Sun then turned their focus back onto intertwining his system with Rasputin's
"As soon as this is over, resurrect Carina and her friend." Sun instructed, "then lead them towards the Power Core. By that time, the bunker should be clear of the Taken."
"But…"
"When all of you are safe, give Carina my Mark." Sun continued, "then instruct her to head to Mercury where the other Sunbreakers are stationed. Tell her to show them my Mark and that should allow her access to the Forge."
"Sun-"
"My weapons and my gear will be given to Pluto. Tell him he may use them to arm the growing clan."
"Sun!"
"And, Gaia." Sun lifted their optics in time to see their Ghost go rigid, yellow optics staring back, "You, you will find a new Guardian."
"No!" Their Ghost shouted, shell trembling, "I told you before, I won't, I won't replace…" They heard Gaia's voice crack, their optic dull as grief settled in.
Sun couldn't help but flash their Ghost a sad but gentle smile. They then held out their hand in which, Gaia glided over and settled in.
"When you see Pluto and Little Light, give them my Final Testaments." They said, "Per custom of every Guardian." Feeling Gaia nod in their palm, Sun then brought their hand close, leaned down and gave the top of their Ghost's shell a kiss.
"Goodbye, old friend."
They then let Gaia go, pressing a hand against their chest before their optics darkened and they turned their attention towards the Lieutenant, the latter of which was now near the core, sword raised.
"You are coming down with me."
Then, gathering as much of their light as they could, Sun released it through their connection to Rasputin. And then emptiness, weightless as they felt their body go numb, gasping as white flashed into their vision. Blinded, all they could hear were screams of agony echoing around them.
Then, silence.
Filled with victory, Sun then collapsed, falling onto their side as they felt the last of their light drain away. Along with their life.
Tired, Sun closed their optics, only to feel a hand settle onto their shoulder. They didn't open to see who it was. They recognize that touch anywhere.
"Ready to go? Clan leader?"
Sun chuckled softly, opening their optics and lifting them to look into the many faces of their clan. Their family.
Letting out a soft breath, Sun then closed their optics once more, and sighed with content.
Xxxxx
The last thing Carina remembered were black and white flames flickering around her, followed by a deafening explosion, pain, a scream, and then, darkness. Even after death, Carina was blind and deaf, unable to focus, unable to see. As such, when she suddenly found her vision flooding with her surroundings, the smallest hum a rumble in her receptors, Carina couldn't help but take in a rough gasp. And then proceeded to cough as she rolled onto her side.
{"Take it easy."} Spears thankfully whispered, {"Take in a breath. Slowly. Hold it. Okay, now slowly breath out."}
Following her Ghost's instructions, Carina finally caught her breath, just enough to sit herself up in time to see Angel materialize onto all fours, coughing and rasping.
"Where…" Carina wince as the Taken Lieutenant's face clicked in her mind, and then shouted as it dawned upon her, "The Lieutenant! Where's the-"
{"Do not worry about it."} She turned her attention towards Spears as the latter continued, {"I don't know how but Gaia and Sun were able to take it out alongside all the Taken present within the Bunker."}
Carina blinked, "What?"
Spears shrugged, {"I don't know the details but, from what Gaia said, Sun had used a fail-safe to take them out."}
"A failsafe?"
Carina's stomach dropped as her Ghost nodded, prompting her to scan the room until she spotted Sun, leaning against one the consoles, head bowed, their body limp, and their chest cavity opened, revealing the scatters wired within. And the connection to the console they leaned upon.
At first, Carina thought they were unconscious, or perhaps asleep; after all, taking out the Taken wouldn't have been easy. But then, she spotted the lack of lighting, the yellow lights unseen between their plating, it didn't take much for her to put two and two together.
Her core heavy, Carina forced herself onto her feet, slowly stumbling towards Sun's still form. Then, as she approached, Carina shakily reached out a hand towards their shoulder.
"Don't touch them!"
Startled by the outburst, Carina snapped her head around in time see Gaia, fury in their optic as they glided between her and Sun, "Get away!"
Despite herself, Carina's throat went tight, grief settling into her chest, "Gaia-"
"Go away!"
Taking a step back, Carina waited until the gold and crimson Ghost turned their back to her, spotting the way their shell trembled against their core.
Feeling a hand touch her shoulder, Carina didn't have to look to know it was Angel, and kept her optics forward, trying to comprehend what she was seeing.
True, she hated Sun, angry at them for showing such strong prejudice and hate towards her team. But yet, she also couldn't say that they didn't at least form a bond of some sorts; Sun was likeable in their own way, when organics weren't around.
As such, she couldn't help but feel sad, filled with grief, as she continued to watch Gaia, Sun's Ghost, mourn on their passing.