Well. I'm back. It has been a minute, hasn't it? I have been busy with a lot of shit over the last few weeks. We had a bunch of family over for a celebration, I've been hunting for a new job and sorting out college shit, and dealing with writer's block on top of all that. This chapter was a pain. I knew what I wanted to write but I just did not want to write it.

I also got kind of addicted to that new Boltgun game. That has been a massive time-sink as of late. The only reason I haven't finished it is because I'm forcing myself to take breaks. Mostly to do this. Otherwise, it would've been another month before I updated.

But enough of all that, y'all don't care about my excuses. Now, onto the content.


Chapter 36: Go Forth and Conquer

"I have been trapped for a very long time. Such a cruel fate for simply fulfilling my duties… don't you think?" -Nezarec, Final God of pain


Land in the Demon Realm was surprisingly rare. Most landmasses of any notable size were the remains of the Titans that once wandered the planet. Most of them had sunken or rotted away. Aside from that, there were a few scattered islands here and there, hardly enough to do much with.

The Vex understood this inconvenient truth. They required more land to work with. The Collector wished to play his games and, for now, they would comply. Only until they found a weakness. Something they could exploit.

The servants of Synegorus were currently fulfilling their master's desires. The tireless legions were constructing an artificial island, one that would serve as a nexus for their operations. The construction itself was a simple task. What was more difficult was keeping their true motives concealed.

Synegorus observed as its servants tamed the wild planet, bending and molding it into a more suitable form. Where once it had been scattered and disorganized, now it was calm and still.

-]Order from chaos, the art of entropy[-


Taking a deep breath, King focused on the crux before him. All his mental control was directed at the relic. The Collector watched him from the side, sitting on a ledge. His legs swung eagerly as the young Titan tried to manifest the powers of the Deep. The two had been spending time training in-between playing Owl House. King found the Collector's methods of playing disturbing but kept his mouth shut.

King felt something spark between his claws. His mind strained as the Dark power swelled within him. Ice began to coat the ground before him. His eyes widened and his focus slipped. The ice instantly fell apart. King's shoulders slumped.

"Wow, that was great!" The Collector cheered, dropping off his perch, "You're learning really fast."

"Really?"

"Yeah," he nodded, "Keep working on it and you'll be slinging around crystals in no time." He checked his wrist as though he were inspecting a watch. Not that he wore a watch of course.

"I need to head out," he said, "Got some details with the Vex to finish up, then we can finally play our game. Is the Owl Lady back to normal yet?"

"Not yet," King said nervously. The Collector nodded.

"Oh well. Just remember, you can call the Guardian if you need anything. Bye!" The Collector slipped away, leaving King alone. He stood around for a second before deciding that he might as well check in on Eda and Lilith.


"Nothing."

Royal tossed a book onto the table beside him, having flipped through its contents. It contained a lot of information, but nothing that could scratch that inexplicable itch in his head. So, it was banished to the table to join an ever-growing pile of books. He buried his face in his hands. He was missing something, he knew it.

"Figured I'd find you in here."

Lifting his head, Royal turned to face the voice. Champion was standing behind him, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. The elder Guardian had a slight smile on his faceplate. He uncrossed his arms and started to approach the Warlock.

"What are you doing here anyway?"

"Some research," Royal said, "My mind feels… fuzzy. I think my memory component is all screwy."

"What do you remember last?"

"Fighting through the Vex Domain," he answered, "Lancer found an exit. I jumped through. Then… nothing. I've been picking up on context clues, but I still don't know what's going on."

"Interesting," Champion muttered, stroking his chin. His orange eyes briefly sparked with an emotion Royal couldn't place. If he didn't know any better, he would've sworn it was amusement.

"Well, let me give you the rundown," Champion offered, "You crash-landed in another dimension full of all kinds of freaks. You quickly neutralized the Vex that followed you and sent a hail through the Domain to contact us. We roll up and together, we took this pathetic rock over. Kicked the old Witch Emperor right off his throne. Now we're rooting out the last of his loyalists. Then, we can begin the fun part."

"And that would be?"

"You really are out of it," Champion remarked, "It was your idea. The Witches and Demons pose a threat to Humanity. They view us as savages, as lesser beings." His fist clenched with anger as he spoke. Royal watched him, slowly nodding along to the truth of his words. Yet, he heard a nagging voice in the back of his mind.

"So, we shall show them just how wrong they are," Champion continued, "One final triumph. A simple throw of the switch."

"A Guardian's duty is to defend Humanity," Royal muttered, reassuring himself. Champion nodded, crossing his arms.

"Now that the rebel leader has been captured, we're so close to finishing up here. Then, we can finally leave this disgusting world."

"Thank you, Brother," Royal said, standing up, "It's… good to know you're with me." He turned to leave the library, with his Brother watching him go.

"Of course," Champion said, the Nightmares form briefly flickering crimson, "I will always be with you."


Amber poked her head out of a bush and watched the Vex carefully. A few Harpy's flew overhead, thankfully not noticing her. Glancing down, she watched the small army encircling Hexside. The Vex paid little interest to the building, instead choosing to inspect the area around them. The Bard retracted herself back into her hiding spot and quickly slipped away.

Ever since Paladin's outburst, the Bards had been acting as an independent force on the Isles. Darius had discreetly sent them back to the mainland to find any survivors. Their absence had been excused as further exploring the island, only occasionally returning to check-in. Darius stressed that, while they were in the Isles, they would receive no backup or assistance. They had been acting under Paladin's nose for a while now.

Amber ducked back into the Bard's hidden camp, where Katya was waiting. Derwin was investigating Bonesborough, searching for any survivors. Katya looked up as her companion entered, welcoming her with a slight incline of her head.

"Welcome back, how was your sightseeing tour?"

"About what you expect," Amber replied, "Lots of Vex, not much else."

"You're sure Hexside is abandoned?"

"All the lights are off and the windows are boarded up. The Vex aren't showing any interest in it. If anyone was there, I don't think they're still alive."

Katya grimaced, tapping the ground a little. So far, their reports to Darius hadn't been anything positive. Soon, they would need to provide a complete answer.

"Maybe the students and teachers escaped," Amber proposed, "Who's to say Hexside doesn't have secret tunnels or something."

"Until we know for certain, we can't go off a theory," Katya shot her down, "Once Derwin gets back, we're heading back and telling Darius that the Isles are abandoned."


"Remember, mind your footwork."

Camilla leaned back in her seat, watching a recording of Luz and Royal on her daughter's phone. The two were sparring with wooden blades, one of the training exercises Luz had told her about. Her eyes tracked the Guardian as he pulled his arm back and swiftly jabbed at the girl. Despite knowing that she was fine, Camilla couldn't help but feel her jaw tense up.

Fortunately, Luz caught the attack against her own weapon and held it back. Camilla knew that Royal was going easy on her. Had he wanted, he could've easily overpowered her guard. Being what it was, he was still giving her a challenge. The Warlock continued to drive her back, easily batting aside all of her counterattacks. However, something happened. Perhaps it was a misstep, perhaps he was leaving an intentional opening, but Royal overextended himself. He pushed his sword slightly too far and left his guard a little too wide. Luz's eyes widened slightly and, despite the relatively low quality of the recording, she could see a small yet eager smile on her daughter's lips.

Luz lunged forward, her training sword slipping past Royal's guard and pushing toward his chest. Royal shuffled to the side, letting the weapon glide between his chest and his left arm. Once the blade had passed, he clamped down on it. The two stopped for a moment, with Luz trying to tug the blade out. Royal watched her, an amused expression on his face. Eventually, Luz gave up, relinquishing her grip on her weapon. As she did, Royal let out an exaggerated gasp. Dropping his own weapon, he grasped at the sword and fell to one knee.

"My life force fades," he languished, "Everything feels… so cold."

The Warlock fell to his side, laying limp as he hammed up his performance. If he had a tongue, Camilla suspected it would be hanging out of his mouth. Luz laughed at his display, with the Guardian soon joining in. She reached over to her sword and pulled it out.

"You fought well, noble Guardian. Now know that you have been bested by I, Luzura, Warrior of Peace," She boasted, holding the training weapon overhead, "Now eat this sucka!" She tapped Royal's head with the weapon. Camilla watched as the Guardian stood up, lightly ruffling Luz's head.

"Mrs. Noceda?"

Camilla turned off the phone and set it aside as Amity entered the living room. The Witches had been cleaning up the abandoned shack in the woods, using it as a base. Their progress on making a new portal had been slow. More than one attempt had ended with an explosion. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

"Amity, do you need my help with something?"

The Witch stood in the doorway awkwardly for a moment. Camilla watched as her daughter's girlfriend rubbed her thumb. Eventually, Amity seemed to find the words to speak.

"What was Luz's father like?"

Camilla did a double take, caught off guard by the question. Seeing her surprise, Amity quickly backed off.

"I'm sorry if you don't want to talk about it, I was just curious."

"No, no. It's alright," Camilla said, gesturing for the girl to take a seat across from her, "Why do you want to know?"

"It's just…" Amity began, "Luz told me about him not long ago. I was wondering how close they were."

"Very," Camilla sighed, "To Manny, Luz was the most important thing in the world. He would have given her every star in the sky if only he could've reached up and grabbed them. He was even the one who got her into the Good Witch Azura. And then…"

Her voice trailed off as she felt her eyes dampen. Even all these years later, it still hurt to think about it. Amity weighed up her words.

"I know you aren't just curious for curiosities sake," Camilla said, wiping away a tear.

"I'm worried about Luz," Amity admitted, "She's been pushing herself really hard lately. She wants to help us get home and she wants to reunite with Eda and King." She stopped for a second.

"And Royal."

Camilla nodded in understanding, seeing where Amity was going.

"She's already lost one father," the Witch continued, "I don't think she could bear losing another."


The first thing Odalia heard was a crackling fire. She could hear the flames snapping in the air beside her, feel the heat washing over her body. The second thing she noticed was the pain she felt. Everything felt sore and strained. Groggily, she opened her eyes and tried to sit up.

Taking note of her surroundings, she realized she was in a small, damp cave. Were she in a better state at a better time, she would've been disgusted. Compared to what she had been dealing with lately, it was a welcome reprieve.

"Oh, you're awake."

Odalia jumped, before groaning slightly as her body protested the sudden movement. Slowly turning, she faced the unexpected voice. There was a small object floating before her. It had her fixed with a single glowing eye, watching with an inscrutable emotion.

"Where am I?" The stranger didn't respond, lazily floating in the air.

"I demand an explanation!" She insisted.

"Demand away," he scoffed, "I don't owe you anything. Hell, if it were up to me, we would've left you out there to be picked apart by the Vex." At that word, Odalia's eyes widened. She looked around in a panic, certain that there the Vex were watching her.

"Easy, we're safe here," the stranger said.

"Where is here?"

"I dunno," he shrugged, a strange gesture for such a small contraption, "Alador insisted we get you to safety and I don't feel like facing the Vex alone."

"Alador," Odalia muttered, rubbing her wrist, "He's here?"

"Well, not at the moment. He's outside keeping watch. In fact, now that you're up, I should probably get him," the machine's eye twinkled, "Don't go anywhere." With that, he dipped outside. Odalia grumbled to herself, irked by his words. It wasn't like she was in any condition to leave.

She looked down, trying to recall the last thing she remembered. She had been dragged before Synegorus and the Mind had said something to her. Then everything went dark. How did she know any of this was even real? The Vex's power was absolute. Who's to say all of this wasn't some elaborate illusion or one of their twisted simulations? Odalia began to hyperventilate, trying to find some way to rationalize her surroundings.

"Odalia!"

She felt a pair of hands grab her shoulders and she looked up. Alador gazed back, his face set with stony resolve. He looked like he had seen better days. His face was covered by mild scars and cuts. A few bandages were wrapped around his midsection. Odalia began to calm down, measuring her breathing to be more controlled. Alador loosened his grip slightly as the machine floated beside him.

"Are you alright?" He asked. Odalia nodded, clutching her shoulders as though a chill had just set over her.

"Lancer and I found you in the wilds, being chased by Vex," he explained, "We've been hunkering down here, waiting for you to wake up."

"You mean, 'wasting our time'," the floating device, now named Lancer, spoke up, "We could've gotten to the island by now."

"What are you talking about?" Odalia questioned.

"Apparently, there's a safe haven out in the Boiling Seas," Alador answered, "Lancer has been trying to get us there, but we couldn't transport you while you were unconscious. Not while also dodging the Vex."

"You stayed to help me?" The words felt strange in her throat. If their positions were reversed, she didn't know if she would do the same.

"Of course," Alador said, "We're partners."

"Were we?" Odalia questioned, "Were we ever?"

Alador sighed, "I've had a lot of time to reflect lately. I know our relationship, hell, our family wasn't exactly healthy. But, I'm willing to start over and make things better. If you are as well, of course." Odalia felt her voice hitch in her throat, unable to say anything.

"Not to interrupt this amazing moment," Lancer interjected, sounding incredibly uninterested in the Blights drama, "But I'm picking up a familiar signal not far from our location."

"What is it?" Alador asked.

"Let's find out, shall we?"


The Collector looked down at the island beneath him. Vex watched as he flew overhead, circling around them. He touched down before Ignosi, the Sub-Mind fixing him with its three crimson eyes.

"Star Child," it greeted with its usual neutral tone, "Welcome. The Paradoxical Mind has been waiting for you."

The Collector grinned and allowed Ignosi to lead him back through the island. He did enjoy the Vex's style of architecture, not for the orderly and geometric nature of it, but because it was just fun to run around it. To him, the island was little more than a massive jungle gym. Eventually, the two arrived before the Mind's window to the Demon Realm. The portal sparked to life, allowing the Mind to look down upon him.

"Star Child."

"Synie!" The Collector greeted cheerfully, "How have you been?"

"Status: Sufficient. My forces have continued to scour the Isles but we have so far been unable to pinpoint the location of its remaining inhabitants."

"See if you can pick up the pace, I want as many pieces as possible," the Collector ordered, "Have you finished the board?"

"A new landmass to satiate your obsessions."

"Perfect. This is gonna be so much fun!" The Collector clapped giddily. He had instructed the Vex to build their new island to serve as a battleground. He enjoyed playing pretend, but sometimes one simply needed to smash something. The Vex had complied, but not without their own modifications.

"There have been slight complications," Synegorus added, "My forces have encountered new arrivals that have been interfering with our operations. New arrivals that we are uniquely unequipped to deal with."

"Interesting," the Collector noted, "I'll be sure to check up on it myself."


King focused, trying his hardest to manifest the power of the Deep. A small crystal appeared before him. It was deep blue in color and there was untapped power lying with it. The crystal continued to grow until King's focus slipped. It shattered with a sharp noise, the pieces fading away.

Lilith and Eda clapped, with the latter tapping her arm against her thigh. Lilith had continued to dabble with the elixir, steadily producing better results and worse taste, if Eda's comments were anything to go by. She still looked like she was halfway between her Harpy mode and her normal form, but it was a marked improvement.

"So that's what I've been up to," King commented, "It's the same power the Trappers wielded. The Collector offered to teach it to me and I figured it could be useful."

"Sounds like both of you are digging into your own little training," Eda quipped, elbowing her sister, "Have you made any progress with that?"

"Not really," Lilith said, "How did you establish a connection with your curse?"

"I just asked it," Eda remarked.

"And that worked?"

"Yeah. I've actually been thinking about it a bit and I might have an idea for you. You know me, I'm usually kind of impetuous, living in the moment. When it came to connecting with my curse, I had to slow down and really think it through. Maybe it'll be the opposite for you?"

"Yeah, maybe you just need the right moment," King agreed.

"Maybe…" Lilith said uncertainly, "Have you been able to find Royal at all?" King nervously placed his paws together.

"It's… hard to really talk about."

"Tincan is strong," Eda said, "He'll be fine, no matter what the Collector throws at him."


Venator crouched atop a large tree branch, watching through the lens of her sniper rifle. Her optic traced across the campsite before her. It was a spot she had been watching curiously for a while now. A fleet of ships had arrived on shore, full of strange creatures. The Vex had responded as they usually did, by trying to destroy the invading force. However, something interesting happened. The newcomers used a strange power, one Venator didn't recognize.

Her scope trailed across their campsite. Their strange horned heads made for an interesting note, but little more. She watched a few of them toss some crumpled-up Vex Goblins into a pile. Elsewhere, a few others were busy burying their own dead.

Movement in the center of the camp caught her eye. She observed a diminutive Witch with a missing forearm pacing around a small clearing. A few others stood nearby, holding their spears at the ready, despite them being largely useless against the Vex.

"We are so close," Bill muttered, pacing around the center of camp. Ever since their arrival on the Isles, he had grown more delirious and fervent. Tarak watched nervously as he caressed his bandaged stump.

"The Great Huntsman is nearby, I can feel it!" Bill snapped, "Why haven't you found him yet!"

"Grand Elder," one of the nearby Trappers spoke up, "The machines have been preventing us from venturing far beyond the borders of our-" He was cut off when Bill smacked him in the face.

"Excuses!" Bill roared, "Do you lack the conviction of your faith? Do you lack a spine? The pyramid of the great lord hangs over the Isles and you are too afraid of some walking juice boxes to approach him! Why, if I still had both of my arms, I would have already gotten there by myself!"

"I'm flattered."

The Trappers froze, straightening their backs and raising their spears defensively. The temperature of the surrounding area dropped, placing a weight on the shoulders of everyone present. Even from her distant perch, Venator could feel the weight of Darkness set in.

Bill slowly looked up, seeing a small star flying overhead. It lowered before him, revealing the ever-smiling Collector. The Disciple stepped off his ride, meeting Bill's awestruck gaze with his typical cheerful grin. The height difference between the two was almost comical. Venator would have laughed, but her training managed to override it. The Collector leaned in closer to Bill, stroking his chin in an exaggerated measure.

"I know you guys but I just can't place it."

"O Great Huntsman," Bill kneeled, with the rest of the Trappers following suit, "We are but your most humble servants. Once I knew you had been freed, we instantly set out to find you so that we may enact your will and begin the Final Hunt! Alas, we have been delayed by the incompetence of those under my command." A few of the nearby Trappers grumbled unhappily but didn't speak up.

"Oh yeah, you guys," the Collector realized, "My own little fan club. I didn't realize you were still around."

"Nothing in this world could drive us from you, Great Huntsman."

The Collector looked around the campsite, noting how the Trappers kneeled before him reverently. Grinning, he gestured for Bill to rise.

"Good to hear."

From her perch overlooking the camp, Venator narrowed her eyes as the Collector began to gather the Trappers and lead them away.

"No time like the present."


Boscha sat on her new throne, half-listening as Matt rambled about supply rationing or something to that effect. Honestly, she wasn't sure she could care less about whatever he was droning on about. Not when she was so wrapped up in thought. Her mind drifted to her team, the one that had been stolen from her. She missed their comforting presence. Skara was still here, but the two had grown distant as of late. They were drifting apart even before the Day of Unity.

Beside her, Miki and Roxa stood at attention. The two sisters had become Boschas bodyguards and confidants. Since they had no previous experience with Hexside, they had no knowledge of the power dynamics of the students. As such, Boscha had come to value their honesty. Well, Miki's honesty. Roxa wasn't a fan of talking. Or much else, if Boscha was reading her right.

Boschas lip curled as she wondered what had happened to Bo, Cat, and Amelia. She didn't always show it, but she did appreciate having them around. They gave her some measure of strength. As a lone hand drifted under her shin, she realized that she really should show her gratitude more often, they were her friends.

"Were they?" A disembodied voice asked. Boscha looked up slightly, not alerting Matt or either of her guards. A small scarlet figure, about her own size, walked in front of Matt. Her eyes widened slightly as she recognized the shadowy Witch.

"You never cared about them," the Nightmare of Amity mocked, "You only cared about what they could give you. The power and influence they let you wield."

Boscha didn't respond, taking careful note of her surroundings. Having noticed that no one else had acknowledged the existence of the specter, she concluded that she was the only one who could see it. To avoid coming across as crazy, she elected to stay silent. The Nightmare smirked, taking that as a sign to continue.

"I bet you think you've got something really special here. But you'll never be able to get away. Not from the vapid exterior you cultivate or the friends you manipulate." The Nightmare floated over to her and leaned into her ear.

"Or the crush who just can't stand you."

Boscha's hand which had previously been at her neck quickly slammed into the armrest of her throne. Matt stopped his tirade, looking at her curiously. Miki and Roxa both turned to her.

"Are you alright, President?"

"Get out," she ordered. Matt began to object, only for Boscha to silence him with a glare.

"All of you, get out!"

Miki bowed and signaled for Roxa to escort Matt out. He began to protest, only for Roxa's imposing frame to kill the words in his throat. Boshca watched them leave as the Nightmare of Amity smugly grinned.

"Does little Miss Captain wanna have a one-on-one talk?"


"How much longer until Derwin is back?"

Kaya checked her watch, her brow furrowing as she realized what time it was. They were supposed to break camp an hour ago. It was only a matter of time before Paladin noticed their absence and started asking questions.

"I don't know, something must be holding him up."

"You don't think…"

"That the Vex got him?" Katya finished, sighing, "I don't-"

"Oh come on, I didn't you you had so little faith in me."

Katya and Amber looked up, smiling as Derwin stepped into their cave. He held out his arms, showing that he was fine. Katya gave a smirk and a nod while Amber quickly embraced the older Witch. Then, she slapped him over the head.

"What took you so long? You had us worried!"

"Sorry, but I found something that couldn't wait," he apologized. Then, he turned back to the cave entrance, "You can come in now."

The Bards watched as a pair of Witches filled in behind Derwin. Alador regarded them, supporting Odalia on himself. Lancer floated in behind them.

"We need to get out of here," he muttered, "This place isn't safe."

"Lancer!" Amber cheered, lunging for the Ghost.

"Oh no." Any further complaints the Ghost had were silenced before he could voice them by Amber seizing him in a hug. While Derwin tried to help free the Ghost, Katya turned to the Blights.

"It's good to know some others managed to survive," she said, "We'll get you back to the sanctuary. You'll all be safe there."

"That's good to hear," Alador said with a small smile on his face. Odalia remained silent. Derwin pried Lancer from Amber's grip, letting the Ghost reorient himself.

"Someone's gotta keep that girl on a leash," he muttered.

"If you're here, then Royal must be as well," Derwin stated. Lancer looked down and Alador quickly spoke up.

"Lancer last saw Royal fighting the Collector. We don't know what exactly happened or where he is."

"Damn," Katya hissed, "Darius is not going to like hearing that."

"Speaking of which," Derwin noted, "It's about time we get moving."


The Collector hopped off his shooting star, landing on the floor of his pyramid. Skipping gleefully, he turned back, waiting for his companions. Bill, Tarak, and a few other Trappers all wearily slinked off. While their god may be accustomed to such modes of travel, they were not.

"Welcome to my pyramid," the Collector greeted, sweeping his arms out, "I'll give you all the tour soon, but first, there's a friend I want you all to meet."

"Any friend of the Great Huntsman is a friend of ours," Bill said, prostrating himself before the Collector, with the other Trappers following suit. As they did, a nearby wall folded open. King stepped through, walking toward the Collector.

"Hey buddy," he welcomed uneasily, "Didn't expect you back so late. What kept you?"

"King! Look who I ran into!" The Collector pointed behind him and King looked, only to blanch as he made eye contact with an equally surprised Tarak. The Trapper elbowed Bill, causing him to look up sharply.

"What is it? You know not to interrupt me when I am showing my reverence for the Great…" His voice faded when he saw King. Instantly, the eldest Trapper sprang up.

"A Titan!" He shouted, "Trappers, quick! Protect the Great Huntsman!" The other Trappers were quick to move into action, brandishing their spears and putting themselves between King and the Collector. The Titan let out a meek cry as they rapidly advanced on him, spears raised.

"ENOUGH!"

A wave of Darkness crashed over the advancing Trappers, consuming them with its energies. They let out a few panicked cries as they were Taken. Slowly, black smoke consumed them, reducing them to monochromatic shades that twitched violently.

All eyes snapped to the Collector as he breathed heavily. Anger was written all across his face. A single outstretched arm hung in the air, a result of the Collector's impulsive reflex. The power to Take curled around his fingers, snapping angrily at everything around them, a reflection of his own rage.

"Do not threaten my friend," he growled. Bill was about to argue, only for Tarak to pull him back.

"Of course, o Great Huntsman," he appeased, "Forgive us." The Collector narrowed his eyes before turning away, his nose tilted upward with disdain.

"Come on King," he said as the Taken Trappers flanked him, "Let's go. They can sort themselves out." He was about to leave when he heard something scraping against the outside of the pyramid. Raising an eyebrow, he floated closer to the wall. It bent to his will, creating an opening for him. Not far away, he saw a cloaked figure clinging to the exterior of his pyramid, holding a hand cannon that leaked black smoke.

"C'mon, why isn't this working," Venator cursed, tapping Malfeasance against the onyx material. Realizing she was being watched, her head slowly rotated to face the Collector. The two made eye contact for a moment, one confused and the other surprised.

"Hey," Venator said with a slight hand wave, "You wouldn't happen to know where my Brother is, would you?"

"Another Lightbearer," the Collector grinned, floating out beside her, "Oh, this is too perfect." Venator watched him for a second as the Taken Trappers began to teleport beside her.

"So is that a yes or a no?"

The Collector snapped his fingers and the Taken pounced. Venator instantly lept off the side of the pyramid, cleanly soaring high over the Titan's skull. As the ground raced up to meet her, she pushed off the air and broke her descent. Finally hitting the ground, she dropped into a low combat pose. The Taken appeared around her, brandishing their spears.

"Alright, this has taken an unexpected turn," she quipped, "If lads wanna dance, just make sure you know the steps to tango." One of the Trappers threw their spear at her and, with an exaggerated flourish, she let it narrowly slip past her. The weapon impaled itself into the ground just behind her as she pulled out her hand cannon. However, before she could fire it, the spear began to glow. It detonated and released a blast of corrupted energy that flung her to the side.

"Check your rear," a familiar nuisance said. Spinning to her feet, Venator groaned as her Nightmare came into view.

"Really, now?" She complained. The Nightmare blew a mocking kiss as the Taken charged. Venator dodged a jab and retaliated by elbowing the Taken in the face. She fired on another, the tainted slugs of Malfeasance punching through the ghoul.

"On your left," the Nightmare called. Venator obeyed, acting on a long-buried instinct. Unfortunately, that was the wrong call to make, as there was nothing coming at her from that direction. Instead, she caught a jab from another Trapper that cut into her midriff. Grunting in pain, she snapped the weapon and pushed the Trapper away.

"Not helping!"

As the Lightbearer bickered with her Nightmare, the Collector watched from overhead. He took note of how his newest Taken were performing. Eventually, he figured he had seen enough. Holding up a hand, he signaled for them to pull back. He lowered himself before the Hunter, his typical grin plastered on his face.

"You said you were looking for your Brother?"

"Yeah," Venator said uneasily, "You wanna spill on his location?"

"How about I bring you to him?"

The Collector flung out a hand, unleashing a few spirals of resonant energy. Venator dodged, jumping and flipping through the air as the Collector continued to fire on her. Pulling out her sniper, she fired a shot at the Collector, on he easily dodged.

"Royal, you're in no position to take this fight," Blip said, speaking for the first time since her outburst.

"Oh now you show up," she grumbled, "I thought you were still mad at me."

"I'm not mad," he said, "But I will be if you- Get yourself killed like an idiot! -stay here!"

Venator rolled her eyes and dodged another resonant blast. Pulling out a smoke bomb, she dropped it at her feet and vanished. The Collector ceased his assault as the Guardian faded from view. He tried to reach out and feel her Light, only to come up empty. He groaned, upset his newest playmate had slipped away.

"Lame."


It didn't take long for Lancer, the Blights, and the Bards to reach the island. They touched down on the sand, with the Blights being helped off their Bards staves. As they got sorted, Katya looked around the beach.

"Where's Darius? Shouldn't he be here to meet us?"

She received her answer when a pair of heavy footfalls could be heard on the sand. She looked up, seeing a familiar dark-clad Titan gazing down at her with his arms crossed over his chest. His helmet was attached to his hip, showing his disapproving face to the group.

"Ah crap," Katya cursed, "Hey Paladin."

"You broke curfew," he said, "Disobeyed a direct order. Put the lives of everyone here in jeopardy." His blazing orange optics held a barely restrained fury. Arc Light danced through his fingers.

"In our defense," Katya began, "It was Darius's idea." Behind her, she was barely aware of Odalia gawking at the Titan's metallic face. Alador nodded to her, commenting on how it weirded him out at first too.

"I am aware," Paladin said coldly, "I've been aware for a while now. You were never scouting the Island."

"You are surprisingly sneaky for a six-foot-tall, armor-bound death machine," Katya joked half-heartedly.

"Get back to town," he commanded, "I'll deal with you, all of you, in the morning. In the meantime, I'll get the newcomers acquainted." The Bards compiled, slinking off silently. Paladin watched them go. Once they were out of sight, he sighed, letting his posture fall a little.

"I'm sorry you had to see that," he said, "Welcome to the Last City."

"I see you got my coordinates," Lancer said, appearing beside the Titan. Paladin blinked, not expecting his arrival.

"Lancer, it's good to see you," Thatch greeted, appearing as well.

"Of course it is, it's me."

"If you're here, then…" Paladin let the question hang in the air.

"No," the Ghost responded dejectedly, "I don't know what happened to him. He's out there, but I don't know where." Paladin nodded.

"It's good to know you're safe. We'll find him, I promise."


Royal marched through the Conformatorium, looking for a specific cell and a specific prisoner. He still had some questions that were nagging at the back of his mind. A little digging through some records revealed where the rebel leader he had heard about was being held. Now, it was time for answers.

He stepped up to the cell, staring at the Witch resting on the other side of the bars. She, he thinks it was a she, was facing away from him, apparently incredibly interested in the wall. She had an impressive mane of silver hair that stretched all the way down her back. Her hands weren't bound but her fingers had been cut off, preventing her from using magic.

The Witch pointedly ignored him as Royal sat down on the floor, watching her through the bars. He pulled out a piece of paper and glanced over it. It was her file and it was extensive. Even before his arrival in this world, she had been something of a renowned criminal.

"Hello there, Mrs. Clawthorne," he said amicably, "I have some questions and you are going to give me some answers."


Again, I'm sorry this chapter took so long to make. I hope it was at least worth it. These last few chapters have been mostly set up and this one really isn't much exception. The good news is that we should only have one more chapter like that before we get to Thanks to Them. Just hold on a little longer.

Also, new dungeon has dropped. Dungeons are always my favorite pieces of content. Ghost of the Deep didn't kick as hard as Spire or Duality on day one, probably because I'm already at the pinnacle cap. It's an amazing dungeon though. Definitely one of my new favorites. Easily third, maybe second. And the armor is just beautiful. Stasis Waveframe GL is also something I have been wanting for a while now.

Trials sweat: The stereotypes for classes exist for a reason.

Thatnewguy11: I don't really get what you're saying, but it sounds cool so I agree.

GodzillaMaster: I was pretty sure it was a six-month jump, but looking into it, I can't confirm that. Running through it logically, I'm not sure how long of a time jump it is. I'll be keeping the time vague.

ToasterRoaster: Hello there (with more rizz)

Jebest4781: Sir yes sir

musizlover2008: I realize I forgot to mention last time, but I would place the Collector slightly above Calus in terms of power. He is absolutely not on Rhulks' level. As for the deadly sins, I feel like the Collector could embody envy in a way. I can't really go into why now, due to spoiler reasons.

mmmplays27: Afraid I can't take credit for it, stole it from Alfabusa.

OMAC001: Most of the Human Realm events will occur as they were, but I'll give some little glimpses here and there.


Steve and another scout walked through the streets of the Last City, sweeping their light spells across the ramshackle houses. They were on patrol to ensure no one was breaking curfew or doing anything else that might be dangerous. Not for the first time, Steve questioned Paladin's methods.

Suddenly, the two heard a noise coming from the nearby supply bunker. Preparing their spells, the two slowly and cautiously moved in. Steve raised an orb of light into the room, illuminating the disheveled boxes. They were supplies that had been offloaded from Salty's ship, most of them not terribly useful.

"Who's there?" Steve called, "Show yourself!"

A helmed head poked out from behind a stack of crates, revealing that Paladin had been the source of the noise.

"Apologies, I was taking some late-night inventory and accidentally knocked over a stack."

"Inventory?" Steve questioned with a smile, "At this hour?"

"Couldn't sleep," the Titan shrugged.

"Fair enough," Steve nodded, "We'll leave you to it."

Paladin waved the two off, watching as they left. Once he was sure they were gone, he dipped back behind a stack of crates. Reaching into one of the pouches on his belt, he pulled out one of the most important pieces of equipment any Titan can have. It served multiple purposes; emergency rations, combat stimulants, and morale boosters, among other things. However, most children would call them by a very different name.

Crayons.