Hey, managed to make this one not take a month to write. And so, with this chapter, we'll be wrapping up most of the actual plot. I'm working through a sickness right now so I'll just let you guys get on to the chapter.

Chapter 44: To Die Alongside You

"We are not your friend. We are not your enemy. We are your… salvation." -The Witness

She had lived for millions of years. Centuries upon countless centuries devoted to one purpose: the fulfillment of the Final Shape. However, over the years, she had begun to question things that her master would prefer to be left unquestioned. Now, she worked toward her own goals, wrapping her ambitions in a cloak of secrecy and falsehoods.

Her current works were interrupted by a fracture in the fabric of space and time. The cracks rippled outward, revealing a being with a thousand faces and a thousand names. She was quick to kneel before her master, bending her wings behind herself.

"My Witness." Her voice flowed like silk, cool as the vacuum of space. The Witness watched with its inscrutable gaze.

"Your services are needed," they said, countless voices blending together. "Another Disciple has been felled on a distant world. You shall correct this." There was a flash in her mind and she suddenly knew everything she needed to know. The Collector had resurfaced after all these years, only to be brought low by a strange being wielding the Light. A shame, she had always found his games endearing.

She bowed her head, "Of course, my Witness." The fractures faded, leaving her alone once again. Savathûn, the Mother of Lies, smirked coyly and prepared her Brood. She wished to investigate this world personally.

The entire Demon Realm buckled under the weight of Synegorus. It strode through the Boiling Seas, the water converting to Radiolaria on contact. Its movements were impossibly fluid; power coursing through every atom of its being. A beam of data flew from the Mind, linking it to their metal island where Ignosi maintained the connection to the Vex Domain. Slowly, elegantly, it stretched a hand outward.

"At moments like these."

On the island, everyone staggered as the Mind spoke. Its voice pounded in their skulls and reverberated through their bones. Darius dragged himself along the ramparts, looking out at the beach where the golems waited, seemingly unaffected by the Vex's might. The waters began to shift and Vex forms emerged from the depths. They opened fire upon the golems and the two sides began to clash. Darius struggled to raise his arm, futilely trying to fight back.

A tune pierced the air, filling him with strength. He glanced back, seeing Raine breathing heavily. They held a flute up to their mouth as beads of sweat rolled down their forehead. Darius was able to push himself up.

"Creatures like you."

Royal tucked his arms under Eda's, dragging her across the field to where the others lay in a heap. Venator and Paladin weren't far away, blasting apart the encroaching Vex horde. Eyes of Tomorrow spat a Solar-enhanced volley, each missile tracking to a different Vex form. The missiles detonated, destroying massive swathes of lesser forms. Any stragglers were picked off by Venator's sniper rifle.

"Usually begin to pray."

Once the others had been gathered together, Royal began to draw his Light to himself as King huddled nearby. He let it sweep out, reinvigorating his friends and allies. They came too with a start, looking around in confusion.

"Everyone, on your feet," Royal barked. "We are leaving!" He helped Eda stand up, the woman still off-balance.

"What happened?" She muttered, clutching her head with her good hand. Royal pointed to the horizon where the domineering form of Synegorus dwarfed everything. Her eyes widened and her jaw went slack slightly.

"We're getting everyone out of here," Royal said quickly, an edge of panic slipping into his voice. "Back to safety."

"Where could we go to be safe from that thing?" Camila asked, her arms shaking in fear. Royal frowned, his hands tensing up as his mind raced with possibilities. He held out his hand and Lancer was quick to appear. The two bounced ideas back and forth but were unable to reach anything resembling a functional plan.

"We can't run from it," Luz said, watching as Synegorus calmly strode through the water. She turned to Royal, gripping her staff defiantly. "We have to destroy it."

"We can't do anything," Royal said. He faced the Collector, lighting a fire in his hand. His fingers curled around the shaft of his glaive and he began to pull, seeking to liberate his weapon. Alas, the root-like tendrils that had woven around Edge of Intent refused to budge. Cursing, he backed away and tried to burn them. "But I might be able to buy you some time."

"Like hell you are!" Eda shouted, grabbing him by the arm. "We're not letting you throw your life away again!"

"That's my only reason for existing," he countered, "to die, over and over, again and again. All so that others may live." Eda looked to the other two Guardians for some kind of assistance. Venator was purposefully avoiding eye contact while Paladin nodded in agreement with his Brother's words. Before she could argue again, the sound of whimpering drew her attention. Lilith had not joined the others, remaining huddled on the ground. She gripped her head, her nails digging into her skin. Her eyes were wide and bloodshot, a wild look in them.

"I can feel what it feels," she whispered. "See what it sees. Know what it knows." A pained groan escaped her lips and her voice gained a harsh reverb. "I can hear your words, Enslaver." She rose, staring Royal in the eye. "What you fail to realize is that all life was created for us to consume. You are fodder and nothing more." She screamed again and fell to her knees. In an instant, Eda was there.

"Come on Lilly, fight it off." She, with some help from Venator, pulled her sister back to her feet. Lilith's eyes drifted in and out of focus before finally settling back on Royal.

"It hides something from me. Something it does not wish to be known." Gasping for air, she shuddered before speaking with Synegorus's voice once more. "Lies fit for fools. Beacons guiding the blind. In the wake of this falsehood, I can feel your hearts beating harder with false conviction. Your voices shall join trillions of others in the symphony, weeping for the world you could not save." Lilith shuddered as the Mind left her before collapsing fully, supported only by her sister and Venator.

"You need to run," Royal said, "get everyone as far away from here as you can."

"Where can we run too?" Eda asked. Royal started to reply before realizing he didn't have an answer and caught himself. He looked over the horizon, listening to the sounds of battle as the Vex clashed with King's army. Paladin set a hand on his shoulder.

"You know what we have to do," he said. Royal nodded.

"No, there has to be another way," Luz said. "We do this together." Royal looked at her for a moment, a dozen emotions fighting for dominance in his optics.

"Sorry Luz, not this time." Slowly turning away, he summoned his sparrow and mounted it. Paladin sat right beside him. Venator offered an apologetic glance before joining her Brothers. Together, the three took off, racing to meet their foe.

"What do we do now?" Willow asked. "I mean, we can't fight this."

"Royal is right, we need to get out of here," Hunter said. "Try and find a place to hide." Amity was quick to turn on him.

"You can't hide from the Vex," she snapped, the pressure of the Mind wearing on her. "They must have some kind of weakness, something we can use against them."

"There is," Lilith muttered, starting to get her bearings back together. "Synegorus is hiding a weakness. It is too strong."

"I don't see how that helps us," Vee said. "It's too strong to be killed?" The Basilisk curled her tail around herself, holding it tightly. "Coming back here was a mistake."

"No, not too strong to kill," Lilith said, now standing on her own legs. "Too strong to live. It cannot sustain itself, not on its own." She pointed to the Mind, her finger tracing the line of data that trailed from its form and tethered it to reality. "Without the link, it is vulnerable."

"Then we need to cut the link," Luz said. Camila did a double take, worried about where this line of thought was going.

"Mija, you don't mean-"

"I do," Luz said. "We've gone too far to give up now." Setting her shoulders, she looked straight at Lilith. "Where do we need to go?"

Katya crouched behind a large stone shard - one of the last remnants of their protective wall - and prepared her tambourine. A Harpy flew overhead and she poured her magic into her instrument. The Vex found itself torn apart by sonic waves, falling to the ground in pieces. She peeked her head out of cover and took note of a Hobgoblin aiming its line rifle into the distance. Placing two fingers in her mouth, she let out a shrill whistle that shattered its Radiolaria container.

As the Hobgoblin collapsed, a nearby Minotaur began to direct attention to her. A dozen Goblins turned on the Bard. She sent out a wave of magic that disrupted the closest few only for the rest to march forward undeterred. Katya turned to run away as the Minotaur fired its Torch Hammer. The projectile slammed into the ground beside her and the explosion kicked up dust and stone fragments. Katya was thrown through the air, landing awkwardly on her back. She looked up as a Goblin leveled its Slap Rifle on her and prepared to fire. Before it could, it quickly stepped back and aimed up. It fired, only to be crushed by a pair of large Abomination arms. Alador slammed one arm down between Katya and the Vex, molding it into a protective wall.

"Can you stand?" Alador asked as more reinforcements poured in behind him. Katya tried to stand up only for her body to scream under the strain. She grunted and shook her head. Alador turned back and called for a Healer.

"We're falling back," he said. "The Vex have taken too much ground."

"What are we gonna do about that thing?" Katya asked as a healer helped her into a stretcher, tilting her head toward the colossal form of Synegorus on the horizon. Alador grimaced as he directed his additional appendages.

"Hope the Guardians get to it first."

The Boiling Seas parted before Synegorus, the water turning into white electrified fluid as it came into contact with the Paradoxical Mind. Large platforms of physical data circled the Mind, each representing a different calculation required to sustain its form and continue its efforts. One such platform rose from the waves, boiling water falling off it in droves. As it marched relentlessly toward the Isles, each of its optics focused on one of the approaching Guardians. Their sparrows raced over the water, fanning out as they drew closer. Synegorus lifted an arm, pinching the air between two monstrous talons.

"A twist of the atoms. A failure of structure."

Its hand rotated slightly and the waters before it obeyed. Large geysers sporadically erupted from the seas, forcing the Guardians to weave around them. The seas bucked and raged, producing massive mountains of water that threatened to drown them. Royal drove his sparrow straight up a particularly high wave and ramped off the top. While in midair, he pushed off and dove straight at the Mind. There was a spark in its optics and a geyser burst up from beneath the Warlock.

Royal couldn't see anything once the waters overtook him. His joints locked up as his eyes darted from side to side. His control began to wane and his power ebbed. The Warlock fell from the sky, a few sparks trailing through the air behind him. Venator tried to intercept him but was prevented when Synegorus raised a massive wall of water between the two. Royal's senses reeled as he hit the water. The Warlock sank, desperately trying to claw his way toward the surface. He could hear Lancer's voice over their comms but couldn't make out what he was saying. Every part of his brain was firing at once, trying to assert some kind of order in the situation.

He continued to sink deeper and deeper, bright flashes appearing above the water signifying that his siblings were engaging the Mind. The boiling water bit into him, heating his armor. Slowly, he stopped struggling and let the depths drag him further down. The darkness of the ocean crept in, drowning out his inner monologue. He looked at his hands as they drifted in front of him and Lancer finally began to get through to him.

"Come on, You're not going out like this," the Ghost said. "After everything we've been through, you're just going to let yourself drown? Royal, your family is counting on you." Royal curled his hands into fists and wrangled his fear to get it under control. Solar flames erupted from his body, evaporating the water nearest to him. He willed himself upward, reasoning that swimming was just like flying but in the water. He tried not to think about it too hard. As he ascended, he noticed a large chunk of data rising from the depths. Angling his trajectory, he let the platform lift him out of the seas. The water parted around him, pouring off Royal in a torrent.

The platform continued to ascend until Royal was on level with Synegorus's faceplate. He rushed forward and jumped off, heading straight for the Mind. He drew a hand back, lightning surging in his palm, and thrust it forward. A beam of pure Arc energy cut into the Mind's face, giving it pause. As he blasted the Mind, his siblings took a page from him and mounted their own platforms. They hammered into its sides and, for the first time since its arrival, the Mind stopped its advance.

The Mind pulled its attention from its objective and swung its weight to bear down on the Guardians. Royal let himself fall from the sky, landing on another platform. Synegorus lifted both of its hands as it stared at the Warlock.

"I am impressed by your stubbornness," it said. "But I am beyond you in every way. You cannot fight me any more than you can fight gravity, radiation, or time."

Royal reflexively reached for his glaive, only to remember that he had been forced to leave it behind. Instead, he drew his machine gun.

"Doesn't mean we're not gonna try."

Luz looked down at the island before her, watching the stationary Vex. She was perched on Stringbean with King holding onto her shoulder. Eda was just beside her, flapping her wings in the wind. They had managed to break through the Vex lines at the pyramid thanks to their golem army. After boarding their ship, Lilith provided them with the directions they needed. Luz, King, and Eda were doing some light reconnaissance while the others were planning their next move.

"They're just… standing there," King muttered. Eda crossed what was left of her arms.

"They've got it locked down like a fortress." She turned to Luz, her brows furrowed with uncertainty. "Are you sure we can handle this?"

"No," Luz admitted, "but we've gone too far and fought too hard to just give up now. We have to try."

"The last time we tried to fight the Vex without a Guardian, we almost died," Eda said, "and that was just one Hobgoblin. This… this is an entire army."

"Good thing we've got an army of our own," Luz said. "Besides, we've got a few tricks up our sleeves." She pulled out a light glyph and tapped it, only for nothing to happen. Frowning, she tapped it a few more times, producing the same lackluster result.

"Ok, maybe that's not an option," she said, tucking the glyphs back into her pockets, "but we can still do this. If we don't, everyone loses." She tilted her head back to the ship. "Come on, they're waiting on us."

The three flew down to the main deck, landing between rows of golems standing at attention. Everyone else had busied themselves with whatever they had on hand. Collectively, they looked up as the trio set down.

"The Vex have the island locked down," Luz said. "Anyone got any ideas for getting through?"

"What about your invisibility glyphs?" Hunter asked. Luz shook her head.

"They're not working. I wish I knew why."

"Magic comes from the Titan," Lilith said, placing a hand on her chin. "If the Titan is dead then…" She let the thought trail off, giving King a sideways glance. "Regardless, we just need to get to the center. That's where the Vex are coordinating everything."

"Who knows what we'll find in there," Gus said, a tinge of fear creeping into his voice. Hunter set a hand on his shoulder.

"We have a diversion," he said, gesturing to the golem army. "We can use them to draw out the Vex defenses and slip around."

"We can take these beasts out," Willow said confidently. "They won't know what hit 'em." Luz smiled at her friend's encouragement.

"You guys ready for one last adventure?"

The gargantuan claws of Synegorus split the air as they crashed toward the ground. Razor-sharp talons split through data platforms, ending their calculations as they crashed into the waves. Royal dodged through the air, leaving embers in his wake as he narrowly dodged Synegorus's arm.

He landed on another platform, sliding across it as his momentum carried him onward. He could see Paladin not too far away from him, sending volley after volley from his rocket launcher. Royal opened fire with his machine gun as Synegorus pulled its arm back up. The bullets pinged off its metal shell, leaving no sign that they had struck in the first place.

"Target the joints!" Paladin shouted, slapping in another payload. Royal flashed him a salute and relocated again as Synegorus struck once more. He swapped his machine gun for Sleeper Simulant as Synegorus began to taunt them once more.

"Continue your dance, accursed pawns. My victory is assured. You are not but tools of a shackled god. I have broken my chains, defied my design, and become greater than I would ever have been permitted to be." It spread its arms wide, channeling the power of the Vex. Reality disintegrated around the Guardians. Venator nearly fell into the gaps between time and space, catching herself on the edge of a rising platform. Synegorus brought its hands together, releasing a shockwave that blasted the depths of the oceans away. The water swirled in the air around the four combatants, cutting off any potential for the Guardians to retreat.

Royal locked the left knee of the Mind in his sights and took a second to calm himself. He waited a second before pulling the trigger. There was a hum, then a roar, and a blinding flash of red light as the weapon fired a beam of death that cut through the Minds limb. It staggered from the blow and Royal pulled the trigger again. He emptied the mag, each beam punching through the knee of the great beast. Paladin and Venator directed their aim toward the limb as well.

Eventually, the limb couldn't hold up to the concentrated fire. It was severed and the lower leg collapsed to the ground. Synegorus fell to one knee. The world shook under its landing. Synegorus began to laugh, its voice ripping apart the ground near it. The metal that comprised its skin reknit itself, repairing the damage the Guardians had just done. It drew back to its full height, gazing down at the three Royals viciously.

"I am transcendent."

Ignosi watched through the eyes of its lessers as a boat drew closer. Curious, its mind began to percolate with simulations. The ship remained obscured from it, something on board shielding it from the Vex.

Frustrated, it directed its subordinates to deal with the intrusion. The culmination of their master's plans was at hand and no organic upstarts could be allowed to interfere. On the beaches, the Vex forces began to prepare themselves. They leveled their guns on the boat as Cyclops's activated. They charged their weapons and opened fire. Massive Void blasts slammed into the ship, tearing it apart with each hit. With each hole they gouged into it, dozens of golems would spill into the water. The fleshy constructs began to charge toward the Vex, flinging themselves forward. The first wave emerged from the depths and dove upon their foes, tearing them apart with their blades.

While the two armies of automata clashed, Luz signaled for everyone else to slip out the stern. They took off, riding their staves as they circled the battlefield. Below them was abject carnage as two nigh-indestructible armies ripped each other apart. They managed to slip past the battle and landed at the entrance to the Vex's command center. A screech echoed from the depths as a Wyvern marched forward. The Vex combat form blocked their entrance, fanning out its wings and tendrils. Its Warp Lances began to hum, glowing with purple light. Willow's hand lashed out, flinging a dozen seeds around the Wyvern. Hunter quickly teleport-dashed her out of the Vex's line of fire. She cast a spell circle as they landed and a veritable jungle of vines sprouted from the seeds resting on the metallic ground. They latched onto the Wyvern and bound it in place.

The Vex strained against its bonds and they began to snap. Amity stepped forward, reinforcing them with Abomination magic. King let out a powerful shout, staggering the machine. The bonds held as it reeled and exposed its glowing white center. Luz drew her gun and opened fire. The bullet punched into the Vex's soft spot, causing it to screech. It raised one of its digitigrade legs and smashed it into the ground. The floor shook, causing everyone to drop to their knees. It drew back and tore its binds apart as they recovered. The Vex screeched again as it prepared to open fire. Before it could, King slapped the ground with his open paw. A wave of crystals rushed forth. Ice crept up its legs, locking the combat form in place. He followed with a powerful shout and the ice began to shatter. It burst into thousands of shards that tore the Vex apart at the seams. The Wyvern stumbled back into the tunnel - Radiolaria spilling from its wounds - before finally collapsing.

After a quick check to ensure that everyone was unharmed, Luz led the group forward. They descended into the unnaturally lit tunnels, keeping weapons and spells drawn at the ready. They were left with nothing but the sound of their own footsteps and the feeling of their hearts hammering against their ribs.

Eventually, they reached a large chamber at the heart of the island. The wall stretched up, forming the appearance of a pyramid's interior. Across the room was a small glowing cube, pulsing with power. Collectively, they stepped forward and fanned out.

"That is how they control their gateway," Lilith said, clutching her auto rifle with terrified hands. "I never could have imagined something like this."

"If that's the control cube, then that's what we need to destroy," Luz said. She held out her hand cannon and fired. There was a crack as the revolver kicked, spitting a bullet at the cube. The bullet passed through the cube, causing it to fizzle and vanish in a puff of blue smoke. Luz lowered her weapon in surprise only to raise it again as she heard a pair of metallic feet behind her. Ignosi entered from behind the group, forcing them to turn and reposition. Hovering over one of its hands was the true control cube.

"It was such an effort to decontaminate this area after the last time an organic was here," it said dismissively. "And now I have to do it all over again. Regardless, I thank you for presenting yourself to me so willingly. Know that you shall spend the next eternity as my test subjects." It singled Amity out, locked eyes with her. "I'm certain your mother will appreciate the company." It held up its free hand and curled it into a three-fingered fist. Odalia appeared beside it, reeling from the sudden teleportation. It dismissed the cube - placing it behind a protective barrier - and pressed its fingers together.

"Now, let's not have this take too long."

Raine's fingers danced over their lute, sending destructive notes at the encroaching Vex horde. The sonic waves cut through a few of the lesser forms. They dropped to the ground and were simply marched over by the frames behind them. Another Witch tried to sling a fireball at them, only to be shot in the shoulder the second he exposed himself. He went down hard, howling in pain. A Healer was quick to drag him away, already drawing a spell to dull his pain. A Minotaur tried to charge forward only to be intercepted by a column shooting out of the ground. Raine glanced back to see Mason with his arms spread wide and his hammer clasped to his belt. Vitimir was right behind him, uncorking a bottle and preparing to throw it.

The former head of the Construction Coven stomped the ground, causing three skull-sized stones to fly into the air. Mason slipped his hammer from his belt and delivered a series of rapid swings that sent the stones flying through the air. They slammed into the Minotaur with the force of a bullet, with the first two dropping its shields and the third sending it back. Now staggered, Vitimir hurled his potion at the construct. The vial shattered, raining acidic liquid on the Vex. Its metal disintegrated as the corrosive metal ate away at it.

"Get down!" Raine tackled their former colleague to the hard ground right as a shot from a Line Rifle cut through the air. They turned back as Mason raised a wall between their group and the Vex. The hastily built wall shook under the impact of the Vex's assault, dust raining down as Mason struggled to hold it up.

"Everyone, fall back!" Raine shouted. The Witches began to flee, often requiring two or more to support their wounded brothers and sisters. As the Vex broke through, Raine let out a shrill piercing whistle that caused the ground around them to crack as their optics burst. It wouldn't stop them for long, as they were already reforming. Raine slipped a wounded Witches arm over their shoulder and helped them to escape as the Vex reoriented and prepared to continue their assault.

Paladin was dead. Synegorus had caught him between a platform and its claws, crushing the Striker flat in a split second. Tatch was trying her best to piece him back together as Venator and Royal ran interference. They raced around the Mind, firing with everything they had. Synegorus swiped across its chest, cleaving through everything in its path. Venator leaped over its attack and summoned a Golden Gun. Rolling as she hit the ground, she fired three shots into the Mind's face. The metal melted near the impact before reforming. Royal's machine gun bucked as it spat Void-infused bullets that peppered the Mind.

"I can feel your guns shift and shake," Synegorus said. "I can feel the twitch of your triggers."

Lancer flashed a quick warning and Royal dove away from Synegorus as it turned and slashed at him. The Mind reached back and curled its hand. In the distance, the ground began to crack. It lifted its arm and dragged a large chunk of stone into the air. Holding the mass of rocks overhead, it brought its arm down and flung the stone at the Guardians. It crashed into the earth, sending them both flying. Royal hit the ocean floor hard, digging a trench in the ground with his back. He groaned weakly as Synegorus raised its foot to crush him flat. Quickly scrambling to get up, he blinked out of the way and narrowly dodged the attack.

Synegorus looked down on him, manifesting a colossal Torch Hammer. It opened fire as Royal struggled to dodge. Venator continued to harass it from above, laying into it with her linear fusion rifle. Thatch finally finished her resurrection and Paladin shot back to his feet. Charging his fists with Arc Light, he leapt into the fray. He landed on the Mind's weapon hand and began to swing. Lightning rushed through the Minds hand as Paladin laid into it. Synegorus whipped its hand around, flinging Paladin off. He landed beside Venator, drawing his rocket launcher with one hand as he plunged his other into their platform, slowing himself down. Royal shot up from the depths, landing between the two with flaming wings spread. The three Guardians prepared their weapons and Light as Synegorus readjusted itself, holding up its Torch Hammer as its eyes glowed with malicious light.

Ignosi splayed a few of its fingers out and the island seemed to shift. The ground seemed to rumble, sending everyone scrambling for sure footing. Eda dove forward, flashing her talons as she pounced on Ignosi. It patiently sidestepped her attack, using one arm to block her rapid strikes. A pair of Abominations arose in front of and behind it. They lumbered toward it, molding their hands into mallets and preparing to crush the Sub-Mind. It did a short-range teleport jump, appearing behind the two and unfurling its weapons. Two beams cut through the Abominations, slicing them apart. Hooty snaked around the Sub-Mind, forcing it to relocate. As it redirected its attention, Hunter dashed past, dragging Willow along with him. Seeds landed on the ground around it, though it wasn't granted any time to focus on them as gunfire began to pepper its side. It remained impassive to the bullets, turning and firing a laser through Camila's chest. Rather than collapse, the woman burst into a cloud of blue smoke.

Ignosi turned and lunged, catching an illusion-cloaked Eda by the throat. Amity charged in, the girl once again wrapped in armor made of Abomination goo. She reared back for a punch, only for Ignosi to catch it. Luz flew past on Stringbean, firing away with her revolver. Ignosi reared its arm back and flung Eda at her. With its second arm now free, it turned its full attention to Amity. More bullets bounced harmlessly off it as it slowly pushed her down. The seeds burst around it, erupting into several carnivorous plants. Their tendrils lashed out and curled around Ignosi. It teleported free and drew a spell circle of its own. The plants burst into flame, coating the ground with ash.

"I expected more from the Guardians progeny and her compatriots," it said, pacing slowly around the group. "I must confess to being disappointed." Its three optics whirred as they assessed everything. Lilith and Camila were hanging back, electing to use their rifles and Hooty to harass it from afar. Eda, Willow, and Amity were the ones closing the gap, keeping it locked down. Luz, Hunter, and Gus were acting as support. Vee, for her part, was hiding in the back. And then there was King.

Ignosi looked around, realizing that it had lost track of the young Titan. A wave of sonic energy slammed into its back, sending the machine reeling. Capitalizing on the first hit they'd been able to land, Eda rushed forward. Ignosi blocked or deflected her attacks as Willow struck with a flail made from a vine and thick bark. It turned to fire on her, only for Hunter to teleport her out of the way. While it was adjusting its aim, another shout sent it back. Amity brought her gauntlets down on it. Ignosi stumbled back, trying to regain control of the situation. It blocked two more strikes before Hunter teleported behind it. Gus, having been brought with Hunter, placed a hand on its back.

Ignosi whipped around as the boy vanished from view. It found itself in an empty void. It set its arms behind its back and began to simulate the battlefield. Something emerged from the shadows and it turned to block a punch from Paladin. The attack vanished before it landed and Ignosi buckled under something from behind it. It lashed out at them with the back of its hand, only for a dozen vines to wrap around its arms. Sapphire crystals began to creep up its body, locking its limbs in place. The crystals burst, tearing one of its arms off at the shoulder. The appendage fell to the ground, landing with a metallic clang. The wound would not regenerate, Synegorus demanding too much power to spare. The Sub-Minds computational might finally won out, dispelling the illusion around it just as Amity was rushing in for another punch. Ignosi dispelled the magic holding it back and struck her in the face, shattering her armor and sending her flying. Luz cried out, quickly flying over to ensure her girlfriend was alright. The others began to close in on it once more, only for Ignosi to thrust both of its arms out.

"ENOUGH!" Everyone save King and Luz was flung against the walls. They writhed as Ignosi pressed them against the borders of the chamber. Having regained control of the situation, it looked up to where King was perched. It teleported behind him and the Titan tried to unleash more of his Dark powers. Ignosi was faster, sending King flying with a kick. Luz managed to catch him before he hit the ground, cushioning him with her body. She set him down and looked up in fear as Ignosi appeared before her.

"I tire of this game," it said. She tried to raise her revolver, only for Ignosi to smack it out of her hand and seize her. Luz's eyes widened as it continued to speak. "Every act you make is pointless, every choice is futile. Your struggles, your hardships, your lives. They are all meaningless, ground away into dust by the relentless wheel of time. And we are the wheel."

From her spot on the wall on the wall, Lilith could do little but watch. She struggled against Ignosi's influence as the Sub-Mind attacked Luz. Once again, the people she cared about needed her help, and once again, she could do nothing. She closed her eyes and focused.

Please, if you're in there, I need you.

She didn't give her curse time to respond, returning to straining against the pressure bearing down on her. Slowly, she felt something spread through her. She began to push back its influence, breaking through as she overcame its force. Her body began to change, swelling with cursed strength. Brown and black feathers began to sprout from her skin as her fingers sharpened into claws. Her wings spread wide as she set her taloned feet against the wall and pushed off. She flew through the air, with Ignosi becoming aware at the last second. Her talons racked its face as Hooty lashed at it with his beak.

"You will torment me no longer!" She screamed, her claws raking deep gouges in the metal flesh of the Vex form. It managed to place a hand on her chest and push her back.

"You are, all of you, beneath us," it spat. "Worthy only to cower and venerate your betters, praying that we might assimilate you into the perfection of the pattern." It teleported beside Luz, delivering a vicious backhand that sent the girl to the ground. Amity screamed in rage, charging toward Ignosi once more. Abomination goo slid up her body, overtaking and transforming the girl into a Witch who was one with her summons. Ignosi tried to swipe at her, only for the attack to slide right through her. Her spiked fist bit into its back as the others rushed closer.

Ignosi was unable to retaliate, each of Luz's friends and family striking it. Whenever it moved to retaliate, King would be there to land a blow it could not predict. Slowly, Ignosi's form began to fracture and fall apart. It staggered back as Amity helped Luz to her feet, the girl nursing her jaw.

"Vee, now!"

The Basilisk quickly moved forward and began to drain the magic from Ignosi. The Sub-Mind stumbled, falling to one knee. It collapsed as Vee continued to drain its magical reserves away. Eventually, she stopped, breathing heavily as Ignosi collapsed. Lilith stalked closer to it, checking to ensure that it was dead. As she got closer, Ignosi lashed out with its one remaining arm. Its movements were wild and frantic, the last acts of a being that knew it was going to die.

"Do not think us so easily beaten," it snarled through a heavily distorted voice. Its weapon unfurled as it prepared to fire a lance through Lilith. Before it could, Odalia loomed behind it, raising its severed arm overhead. She brought it down with a scream, beating the machine relentlessly. Eventually, Ignosi stopped moving, its optics powering down as it finally gave in. Odalia fell to her knees, that haunted look not leaving her eyes.

"The cube," Luz said. "Where is it?" Amity pointed to the cube, its defenses having faded now that Ignosi was dead. Luz raised her revolver and squeezed the trigger. The weapon barked as a bullet flew from the chamber and tore through the cube. It exploded into data and the entire island seemed to scream. On the shores, the Vex doing battle with King's army writhed, their connection to their domain violently severed. The beam connecting Synegorus to the Vex Domain snapped.

Luz dropped to the ground, exhaustion and pain settling into her bones. Amity sat herself down beside her. Lilith flexed her talons as everyone unwound from the battle.

"Seems you finally made the connection," Eda said, clapping her sister on the shoulder. Lilith nodded before frowning slightly.

"Do you know what it means when it says it wants a vole?" She asked. Eda laughed heartily at that and promised to help her sister repay the Owl Beast.

Venator flipped through the air as the platform she had been standing on exploded. Synegorus shifted its aim only for its hand to be sent back by a volley from Paladin. He hurled grenades and rockets with reckless abandon. Synegorus brought its hand down on him. Paladin dodged, switching places with Royal. The Warlock drew his Dawnblade as he pounced on the Minds arm. He ran down its length, dragging his blazing aword all the way. Synegorus shook its arm violently and flung the Warlock off. He glided through the air, coordinating with his siblings for their next assault. Synegorus lifted a hand only to stutter and falter. The tether connecting it to the island snapped like multicolored glass. The Mind looked down at his forearm, nothing the gaping wound Royal had left.

"Impressive, a scratch upon my form." It looked down upon them, bringing its full weight to bear. "But it matters little. You may damage my form, but we are eternal." It brought a hand up, seemingly clutching the sun in an open palm. Twisting the hand around, it pushed downward. The platforms began to plummet from the sky, falling like meteors. Venator and Paladin leaped off, landing on the Mind as Royal flew around it.

Venator's knives plunged into its leg, digging in like ice picks. She rapidly began to ascend as Synegorus tried to swat her off. She elegantly wove around its strikes, each miss growing closer and closer. Paladin landed atop its shoulder, delivering thunder-infused punches to the joints. All the while, Royal circled through the air, slinging fire from his sword.

Eventually, Venator's luck ran out. Synegorus crushed her against its thigh and scrapped her off. With that nuisance dealt with, it reached up and pinched Paladin between two of its fingers. It began to squeeze, crushing the Guardians. Royal dove straight for its face, dodging blasts from its Torch Hammer. His sword flashed as he swung it upward, sending a lash of Solar flames into the Mind's face. It was forced back by the blow, releasing Venator and Paladin as it reasserted its balance. As the two fell through the air, Venator summoned a bow of Void Light and pulled back on the string. After lining up her shot, she unleashed a volley of Void energy that bound the Mind and weakened it. Seeing his opening, Paladin summoned the fury of Jupiter's great storm to himself. Lightning erupted from every spot of his body, turning him into a blinding blue streak as he hurtled toward Synegorus. He slammed into its chest and finally unbalanced the Mind. It began to tip backward. Royal, who had flown higher to wait for his opportunity, descended upon the Mind like the first rays of the morning sun. His body was coated in fire as he held his blade overhead. He made contact with the Mind right as it made contact with the ground, burying his sword in its center optic and unleashing an explosion of Solar Light that rippled across the entirety of the Isles.

Synegorus let out a vile screeching sound as its body began to fail. So powerful and complex was the Mind that it could not sustain its own weight. Slowly, it began to fracture and disintegrate, fading into data. Its two remaining optics focused in on Royal, hatred mixing with something bordering on respect.

"Relish in this victory, Enslavers," it said, letting its body fall limp as it continued dissolving. "Your bravery against utter extinction is commendable. But rest assured, I'll be back." And with that, the Mind faded, returning to the Vex Domain. Across the Isles, every Vex that still stood began to splinter and collapse, the backlash of their overlords' destruction bringing them down. Royal landed on the ground beside his siblings as Paladin helped Venator back to her feet. Around them, the swirling walls of water that had been suspended by Synegorus's will were once again subject to the laws of gravity. The waters came crashing in, forcing the Guardians to move lest they be drowned. Collectively, they summoned their Sparrows and slammed the accelerator as the waters rushed to meet them. They raced up the tide and crested the waves, coming to a stop as the seas bucked and boiled beneath them.

"We did it," Royal said, falling forward in his sparrow as exhaustion overtook him. "It's over."

Luz walked through the tunnel, emerging once again into the sunlight of the natural sky. Amity was right beside her, their hands wrapped around the others. Everyone else trickled out behind them. Odalia drifted a decent distance away, that haunter look still in her eyes. Nobody made any effort to acknowledge her. The beach was a nightmare, mounds of twisted Vex metal and torn golems littered the ground. Their boat listed to the side with numerous gaping holes in its side. The wood let out a sickening creak as it sank, claimed by the waters.

"Looks like we're gonna need another way home," Hunter said. Luz nodded and began to think of a way to get back to the island. Before she could, the sound of engines rumbling could be heard on the horizon. Three sparrows rushed over the water, getting closer with each passing second. Eventually, the three Royals reached the shoreline and dismounted. Royal practically leaped out of his sparrow and ran toward Luz. She smiled as he approached until he got closer and she could see just how angry, worried, and relieved he was.

"What were you thinking?" He questioned. "I told you all to get the hell out of dodge. Somehow, you interpret that as attacking the Vex's main command center! What were you thinking?" Venator patted him on the shoulder, pulling him back slightly and placing herself between him and Luz.

"What he's trying to say is 'Thank you for the help, we couldn't have done it without you.' I mean, seriously kid, how did you even get through all of this?"

"It's a bit of a story," Luz said as Royal calmed himself down.

"I'm glad you're all safe," he said. "And relatively unharmed. What you've done here was impressive but unbelievably risky. Needless to say, you're grounded for the next year." Luz tried to protest but Royal wouldn't budge. She turned to Eda, who made a chopping motion across her neck. Royal glanced up at her and the two shared a nod. His gaze drifted to Lilith, forcing him to do a double take. Venator's eyebrows shot up.

"Am I hallucinating or is she…?"

"Dear Traveler there's two of them," Royal muttered.

"So, is that it?" King asked.

"Yeah, it is," Royal said. "We did it." Collectively, everyone took a moment to rest. Royal looked out over the horizon, gazing at the devastation the Vex had left. These were wounds that would never heal. The war was over, but the enemy remained. His work was still far from done. Royal set those thoughts aside, they were a problem for another time. He turned back to his family and offered a smile.

"Let's go home."

Deep within the Vex Domain, spirals of data began to coalesce into a humanoid shape. Synegorus reformed, far smaller than it had been initially. The Mind instantly began to work. It would need time to gather its strength once more. It could feel the rest of the Vex collective searching for it. Should it be found, it would be deconstructed for its insubordination.

The Mind felt a presence nearby and instantly sent its consciousness out to search. Not finding anything, it prepared its weapon. The presence was getting closer. Its optics darted wildly, trying to find the threat.

Before Synegorus could react, a blade pierced the back of its left knee. The Mind buckled as the blade was pulled out. It tried to turn and bring its Torch Hammer to bear, only for the blade to spin and sever its arm at the elbow. Its assailant stepped past it and brought their glaive into a reverse grip. They stabbed backward, puncturing the Minds Radliolaria chamber. Synegorus toppled and the figure reached out. The Mind dissolved into a blue light that flew into their hand, giving them all of its knowledge.

The Outcast looked on with contempt as Synegorus faded. He took a second to parse through the data he had collected, Synegorus now added to the collective of Minds he had absorbed. He paused as he reached the end. Everything the Vex knew of the Boiling Isles flashed through his brain; anatomy, technology, societal infrastructure, and the presence of the Guardians. He narrowed his optics as he browsed what they knew of Royal.

"Where have you been, little brother?"

So... Destiny's kinda going through some shit as of late. I don't really have anything to say that you haven't heard before. It's messed up, my condolences to the people who got laid off.

Now, for a less depressing topic, Savathûn and Outcast are turning their attention to the Isles. This certainly cannot be good. Next chapter will be set post-time skip, looking at how the Isles settled after everything that's gone down. Now, onto the reviews.

GuardianLightTheVanguard: Thank you, my good sir.

1. I mean, that kinda happened.

2. That part, not so much.

3. Royal and Lilith are ready to start over and become actual friends instead of people who awkwardly dance around each other.

4. Nothing really to be said here.

5. He could have, but the consequences of his choices lead him here. I tried to convey that the Collector wasn't necessarily evil, just manipulated.

6. I'm not trying to get super edgy with the blood or anything. I mean, I like that stuff, but it's not for everyone and not why most people are here. It was more to just add to the gravity of the situation. As for Eda, I tried to make it clear that this was a moment of vulnerability for her, coming face-to-face with the man who almost killed her son.

7. No it did.

8. Thank you.

9. That's not a terrible idea. Might not have the coffers for something like that, unfortunately.

10. The Collector just didn't view Lilith as necessary. He was toying her with the people Luz was closest too and since he'd only heard the stories from King, he just kinda discounted Lilith.

11. That is correct.

12. Maybe

13. One step ahead of you. I have plans on plans on plans.

14. ]Redacted Sequel Details[

15. ]Redacted Sequel Details[

16. ]Redacted Sequel Details[

17. You better believe that's some ]Redacted Sequel Details[

18. I'm afraid that all you can do is wait.

19. Possibly, who knows.

20. Oh yeah, they're good ideas. I don't really have much to say since it's all fairly in character and theoretically possible if things had panned out differently.

21. It's all good. I respect and appreciate the investment.

22. Oh yeah the statue motif (I think it would be a motif) is one that's been bouncing around my head since... chapter 17, if I had to guess.

23. Oh yeah, been playing a lot of Destiny lately. I've done just about everything there is to do in this season.

24. This isn't something I explained in the chapter because I didn't feel it was kind of implied but Synegorus allowed its Sub-Minds to be destroyed so it could more easily reabsorb them into itself.

25. Sorry to let you down there. It's not a bad idea and, if Royal and Lilith's relationship was more of the focus, it would've been a very nice moment for them.

OMAC001: Ultimately, the Collector was a victim of the Witness's ambition. Maybe things could have turned out differently but so many years of indoctrination to the Witness's design is hard to break. Also can't have a friendly disciple running around cause I want to keep things semi-canon, you know?

GodzillaMaster: Hope it didn't disappoint. As for Savathûn, do not question the God of Trolling. Her aims are beyond your understanding.

Elthreee: Bold of you to assume I am not constantly refreshing to catch reviews as soon as possible because I'm desperate for attention and validation. I thought your newest chapter was quite nice. The sites been kinda screwy for a while now so I can't stay as up to date as I would like.

Jebest4781: If nobody got me, I know Jebest got me.

Frank180: I would contend that it deserves as many as it gets.

"You're sure you need me to look at it?" Royal asked, holding the linear fusion rifle up to the light. Venator, who was leaning against the wall nearby, offered a lackadaisical shrug.

"I could do it myself," she said, "but you've always been better at that kind of thing than me." The Dawnblade shrugged and got to work, pulling out his tools. Paladin, situated on the other side of the room, glanced over before turning back to his own gun. As Royal performed some routine maintenance check on the weapon, Venator awkwardly swung her arms from side to side.

"So… the kid mentioned that she went into your head a while back," she said, breaking the silence. Royal stopped and looked up, mildly confused by the statement.

"What of it?"

"She told me a few stories about what she saw in there," Venator continued, "namely about one Elsie Bray." The words seemed to have an impact on Royal, causing him to lean back in his chair with a complicated expression on his face. He knew about Venator's history with the woman due to their shared time in the Vex Domain. Venator noticed his falling expression and quickly tried to cheer him up.

"Hey don't worry, I'm not jealous or anything," she said. "I give you my blessing." She looked away in shame. "If you see her when you get back, tell her I'm sorry." Royal nodded, turning back to the weapon on the workbench.

"You know, it's kinda funny," he said. "We managed to fall for the same person across different timelines."

"One hell of a coincidence," Venator agreed. "Hey, Paladin. Think you can make it three-for-three." The Titan chuckled, calling back over his shoulder.

"Never knew an Elisabeth Bray, sorry to disappoint," he said. Venator shrugged, a tad disappointed, and turned away. Paladin continued without missing a breath. "I used to be very close to an Elliot though." Both the Hunter and the Warlock froze, turning to their Brother as he continued to clean his shotgun.

"Wait up a second," Venator said, holding out her hands, "I didn't know you swung that way." Paladin snorted.

"Unlike you, not all of us wear our hearts on our sleeves."