AN: Consensus lore is surprisingly sparse, so as always when something's not expanded upon in the source material, I'll supplement my own headcanon and common sense to fill in any blanks.

The Consensus chambers are quiet when I arrive; so quiet that I can hear the faint hum of the City beyond the thick walls. I stand still in the shadows near the far end of the hall, wrapped in Void invisibility and shrouded by [Arcane]. To any eyes that might happen to glance my way, there's nothing there, just empty air.

The room is vast, designed to reflect its importance. High ceilings give it a sense of weight, while towering walls are adorned with banners bearing the insignias of the City's most powerful Factions. A massive window dominates one wall, framed with elaborate metalwork, and through it, the Traveler hangs silent in the sky, its pale light spilling across the floor. A sense of giddy excitement seems to exude from the pseudo-deity.

I shake my head in amusement and turn my attention back to the center of the chamber. One by one, the leaders of the City's Factions begin to enter, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors.

Arach Jalaal is the first to arrive. His monochrome Dead Orbit robes sweep the floor as he walks, his pale blue face grim and shadowed as always. He moves like a man burdened by purpose.

Executor Hideo comes next, clad in ornate red and gold, the symbol of New Monarchy emblazoned across own robes. He holds his head high, his posture immaculate.

Lakshmi-2 is the last of the major Faction leaders to arrive, her polished exo frame gleaming as she enters. The Future War Cult leader moves with deliberate confidence, her every motion calculated.

A few other figures trail in behind them, representatives of lesser factions and the heads of various weapon foundries. I don't recognize all of their faces, but their presence makes sense. They may not have a direct vote, but they definitely want to be aware of the decisions made here.

Finally, Zavala and Ikora enter, their arrival commanding a respectful hush. Zavala strides to his seat at the head of the table, his presence as steady and immovable as ever. Beside him, Ikora follows with measured grace.

I shift my weight slightly but keep my Void shroud intact, waiting. Beyond the gathered leaders, I spot several news crews setting up in the background. One of them has a Ghost serving as its cameraman, its shell rotating and angling to get the perfect shot. Neat. I wouldn't put it past Zavala to have discreetly informed the press that something significant would happen today.

Zavala clears his throat, the low rumble of his voice reverberating through the chamber. "Everyone is here. This meeting of the Consensus is now called to order."

Hideo leans forward, tapping the table in front of him impatiently. "Commander Zavala, what exactly is going on? This is highly irregular. Normally, these meetings only involve the Vanguard and the three major Factions. What are the rest of these people doing here?" The Executor's words are met with murmurs of agreement from some of the lesser Faction representatives.

Ah, so it was unusual then.

Zavala lifts a hand for silence, his face impassive. "You are all here because this matter concerns every Faction and every Guardian in the City. A new Speaker has been found."

The room falls deathly silent. Every gaze sharpens, every breath seems to pause.

That's my cue.

I release my hold on the Void shroud in one fluid motion, allowing the Light to ripple away from me like a drop in still water. My sudden appearance startles most of the room. A few of the lesser Faction leaders gasp and jump in their seats. Hideo's jaw tightens, and even Lakshmi's stoicism falters for the briefest moment. Only Zavala and Ikora remain unsurprised, their gazes settling on me with quiet expectation.

I step forward into the full light of the chamber, my boots echoing across the marble floor. My armored robes glint silver in the light. The newly restored Speaker's Mask rests on my face, its surface tinted to match the silver hue of my robes. Gone are the cracks that marred it, repaired through careful application of mending cantrips and good old fashioned armor smithing.

I stop at the edge of the table, letting the gathered leaders take me in. I can feel their scrutiny, their suspicion, but I stand tall regardless.

Zavala breaks the silence first. "This is Mavriel. He will serve as the new Speaker for the Traveler."

Hideo recovers first, his tone sharp and incredulous. "The self proclaimed Wizard? You expect us to simply accept this?"

I tilt my head slightly, letting my voice carry across the chamber. "I'm not asking you to accept it. The Traveler already has."

Lakshmi finally speaks, her voice quiet but pointed. "A bold claim. And yet, I do not see any proof to verify it."

I keep my shoulders squared, meeting their stares head-on, though inside I sigh. Of course they need proof. I would too. My hands remain still at my sides, though the faint hum of the Light within me betrays my quiet frustration.

"Fine. Proof." I say.

I close my eyes beneath the mask, drawing in a steady breath as I reach out. My connection to the Traveler is stronger with the mask, requiring much less meditation than I used to need, and allowing me to feel its emotions just about anywhere if I focus. I send a silent request, my thoughts forming into words it doesn't need to hear aloud.

'Help me prove it. Do something small. Just enough to shut them up.'

I expect nothing more than a simple gesture: a gentle beam of light breaking through the clouds, maybe, or a subtle glow over me. Something dignified. Controlled. The Traveler's way of quietly affirming my words without making a spectacle.

Instead, I feel it.

A ripple of excitement.

The Light stirs, alive and eager, as though my request has woken something playful and mischievous within the Traveler. My eyes snap open, and for the briefest second, I feel like I've made a terrible mistake.

The chamber around me reacts before I do. A low murmur spreads through the room as the Traveler, visible through the massive window, begins to shine. Its soft, pale glow flares brighter.

"What's happening?" Jalaal mutters, standing from his seat, eyes fixed on the sky.

Outside, the Traveler pulses with Light, waves of radiance rippling outward like the surface of disturbed water. It grows brighter still, until the faint white light becomes blinding. Around the chamber, news crews scramble to adjust their cameras. The room's occupants shield their eyes as the Traveler begins to burn like a small sun against the backdrop of the City.

A beam of pure white light bursts downward, a column of brilliance so focused and so impossibly bright that it cuts straight through the clouds. It strikes the earth far beyond the window, impacting the ruins of the Botza District with a force that makes the chamber itself tremble faintly. I catch my breath as a wave of Light surges outward from the point of impact, sweeping over the derelict ruins and washing them clean.

The others see it, too. Hideo has gone pale. Lakshmi is already on her feet, her normally impassive face unable to hide her shock. "What…?" She breathes, her voice barely audible.

I step toward the window, seeing the Traveler's smugness radiating through the Light.

Outside, the ruins of the Botza District are transforming before our eyes. Plant life explodes outward in waves, thick green vines and wildflowers crawling over shattered buildings and broken streets. Trees spring up from the earth as though they've been growing for centuries, their branches spreading wide with vibrant leaves.

From the center of the beam, where the Light still pours down, a single tree begins to rise. At first, it looks like any other oak, but it doesn't stop growing. Its bark gleams faintly, almost silver, as the tree shoots upward, higher and higher, dwarfing every other building in the district.

It grows with impossible speed, surpassing the surrounding structures until it's canopy spreads wide, a monument of green against the skyline. Higher still it rises, its trunk stretching upward as though reaching for the Traveler itself. It grows until it towers over the district, two-thirds of the way to the Traveler.

The beam of Light peters out gradually, leaving the great oak to stand alone, its leaves rustling in the breeze. The Traveler's brilliance softens, settling back into its pale glow, satisfied with its handiwork.

I can't help but grin, the faint hum of the Traveler's smug satisfaction echoing through my mask.

{Cast Nova Warp +50 points
Repaired Speaker's Mask +100 points
Met the Consensus +200 points
Summoned a Miracle +100 points

Rolling…

Benevolence - Long Live The King - Fate/Extra CCC (600 points)

Roll Success. Current stockpile: 800 Points.

Purchase Long Live The King?}

Long Live The King

The craftsmanship of the gods is a sight to behold. Like a certain golden king, you're just built different than other people. You might not have all of Gilgamesh's abilities, but you certainly share his sheer robustness of spirit, being completely incorruptible in mind, body, and soul, for better and worse. You could simply sleep in the reverse side of the moon, that horrible place filled with evil things, and be completely fine where most other heroes would risk great danger even when fully alert. No corrupting influence will be able to take its hold on you, unless you let it. Additionally, you're surprisingly competent at navigating alien environments, such as the aforementioned reverse side of the moon. Things like space and time being twisted and inconsistent won't prove to be particularly difficult obstacles, although such things might remain tricky to get around. Truly the mark of a superior being. Perhaps you should try to not let this get to your head? One smug golden bastard is more than enough already.

Pricy, but definitely worth it to ensure my mind always remains my own.

Yoink.

I turn back to face the Consensus, suppressing my own smugness just enough to remain composed. Lakshmi is still on her feet, staring out the window like she can't believe what she just witnessed. Hideo's mouth works soundlessly, his earlier arrogance thoroughly shattered. Jalaal simply looks stunned. Even Ikora and Zavala are taken aback.

I let the silence stretch for just a moment longer before speaking. My voice is steady, calm, and laced with just enough amusement to get my point across.

"Proof enough for you?"

The War Cult leader finally turns her gaze back to me, her expression unreadable as she processes what just happened. The others remain silent, perhaps realizing that there's nothing to say.

The Traveler has spoken.

I straighten my shoulders, the silver of my armor gleaming in the faint light filtering through the chamber's massive window. Behind me, the Traveler looms large against the sky, its radiance still pulsing faintly in the wake of its display.

"The Traveler has chosen me." I say softly, my voice cutting through the stunned silence like a blade. Though I don't shout, my words carry, echoing off the chamber's walls. "And as you saw, the Traveler is considerably more conversational than it used to be."

I allow the words to settle, let the weight of what just happened sink into the room. The Faction leaders, the Vanguard, and the scattered representatives of the City's foundries and lesser groups sit in stunned silence. Faces that once bore skepticism now hover somewhere between awe and uncertainty.

Arach Jalaal recovers first. He clears his throat and folds his arms across his chest, regarding me with a new, measuring look. "So-" He begins, his voice steadier than expected. "-you are to lead the Consensus, then? Taking up your predecessor's position?"

I shake my head and let my gaze sweep the room, taking in each of the leaders as I respond. "No." I say simply.

Lakshmi tilts her head ever so slightly, her synthetic eyes narrowing, and Executor Hideo shifts in his seat as though anticipating some power play. I don't let them stew for long.

"The Vanguard Commander has done an admirable job of leading the Consensus since the Red War." I continue. Zavala gives me a small, approving nod from where he stands, though his expression remains shaken by the Traveler's display. "That hasn't changed. My role is entirely advisory."

Lakshmi's metallic brow arches. "Advisory?"

"Yes." I confirm, turning to face her fully. "My purpose is to translate the Traveler's will and to inform this body of any future threats to humanity that the Traveler makes me aware of."

There's a murmur from some of the smaller faction representatives. Lakshmi folds her hands together, her demeanor ever poised, though I can tell she's already calculating the implications of my words on her plans.

Jalaal, for his part, seems satisfied with my answer. "Advisory." He repeats, as though testing the word. He nods once. "Good. Leadership by committee may not be ideal, but another tyrant is worse. I can live with this."

Executor Hideo looks less certain, though I expected that from him. "And what exactly will you be advising on, Mavriel?" He asks, his tone clipped. "We cannot operate on vague pronouncements. The City needs structure, not riddles."

"I'm not here to deal in riddles." I say, fixing him with a steady look. I let my voice sharpen, just enough to silence the room again. "I have no patience for politics. I'm not here to play your games or choose sides." My gaze sweeps over the gathered leaders. "Beyond preventing you all from killing each other, I have no interest in the petty conflicts that divide you. The Traveler is of a similar mind, not particularly interested in the specifics of your choices beyond preventing needless death."

The room falls quiet again. I can see it in their faces; A Speaker who doesn't want power, who refuses to involve himself in their politics? It's not what they expected.

I step back slightly, letting the weight of my words settle. Zavala and Ikora remain calm, their presence steady beside me. It helps, I think, for the others to see them standing there, agreeing.

Finally, Lakshmi breaks the silence with a faint nod. "Very well, Speaker. Are there any future threats the Traveler has enlightened you of?"

I pause, accelerating my thoughts. Probably for the best I don't drop the bomb that is the Witness on them right now, but I definitely need to hit the ground running on a few lesser threats.

Unraveling one of Savathûn's myriad schemes should suffice.

I let my thoughts return to normal speed and incline my head. "I know of one threat already."

Their attention sharpens, the room's atmosphere taut with anticipation.

"Savathûn's brood will attempt to do the impossible: resurrect the Taken King."

The reaction is immediate. Hideo's breath catches audibly, and Lakshmi's synthetic eyes narrow in alarm. Even Jalaal leans forward slightly, his stoic demeanor giving way to unease. Zavala and Ikora exchange a sharp glance, but neither interrupts.

"That's absurd." Hideo blurts, his composure cracking. "He was killed in his Throne World. We were assured by the Vanguard that his return was impossible."

"You're correct." I reply, "Under normal circumstances. But this plan hinges on something... unprecedented. They intend to use the Light to accomplish what the Sword Logic cannot, similar to how a Ghost resurrects a Guardian." I decide it's probably best they don't know the process requires a willing Ghost.

Murmurs erupt in the room, disbelief mingling with growing dread.

"The Light?" Jalaal's tone is skeptical, his eyes narrowing. "Why would the Traveler allow such an atrocity?"

I suppress a sigh, though the question is fair. "The Traveler's relationship with the Hive is... complicated." I explain carefully. "Long ago, before the Hive became what they are now, they were a race the Traveler considered favoring, much like it did with the Eliksni before humanity. Their descent into darkness occurred before the Traveler could reach them, but that connection remains, however faint. It's enough for the Hive to exploit. We've all seen what Ghaul managed to achieve. Is it really a stretch that others could not accomplish something similar?" A simplification, but not inaccurate.

The room falls silent again as the implications sink in. Lakshmi's lips press into a thin line, her synthetic gaze flicking to Zavala and then back to me.

{Rolling…

Lore - Feel It In My Code - WRECK-IT RALPH (100 points)

Roll Success. Current stockpile: 200 Points.

Purchase Feel It In My Code?}

Feel It In My Code

You have good instincts, especially when it comes to learning new things. It almost seems like you are simply relearning things that you already knew, with insights and skills coming quickly to you. This also has the effect of weakening any amnesia effects on you, allowing you to recover lost or hidden memories faster than before.

I won't say no to another learning booster, especially one so cheap.

Yoink.

"And what would you have us do?" Lakshmi asks at last, her voice tight.

I glance toward Zavala and Ikora, then back to the gathered leaders. "I leave it to you how to handle Oryx's corpse. His remains rest somewhere in the methane oceans of Titan, where his colossal body fell."

Lakshmi looks ready to press for more, but I raise a hand, forestalling her.

"That's all I'll say for now." I continue, my tone decisive. "Beyond this, you must decide for yourselves. I am here to advise, not dictate."

I step back further, signaling that the discussion is over. A flicker of amusement crosses my mind as I glance toward the massive window, where the silhouette of the Traveler looms behind the sprawling cityscape.

"I should probably check out the giant tree now." I say, my tone light. "I doubt it's dangerous, but better safe than sorry."

Before they can respond, the Void twists around me, warping me away.

I arrive at the base of the colossal tree in a swirl of Void energy, the sudden displacement leaving me slightly winded. The towering oak looms overhead, its massive branches cutting into the skyline. I take a steadying breath, composing myself as I notice several Guardians already gathered around the base. Their helmets turn toward me as one.

Among them, I spot Sora and Crow. They break from the group and move to intercept me, their familiar presence a comfort amidst the stares.

Sora is the first to speak, crossing her arms with a smirk. "We saw the Consensus meeting on the news. Figures you couldn't keep things at a reasonable level of crazy."

I shrug, gesturing upward with my free hand to the Traveler. "Hey, blame it. I asked for something small."

Crow's gaze shifts to the tree, his expression full of uncertainty. "So… what do we do about the tree?"

I hum thoughtfully, ignoring the lingering stares from the other Guardians as I consider the question. "Spectre." I say, calling my Ghost. She materializes at my shoulder. "Could you do a few scans, please?" I ask, gesturing toward the colossal oak.

"On it." she replies, floating upward.

At her movement, Glint and Sora's Ghost materialize as well, both zipping up to join Spectre. Seeing this, the surrounding Guardians follow suit, summoning their own Ghosts to assist.

"With this many Ghosts working together, we should have results back fast." I say, crossing my arms. "Can't do much more until then." I shift my focus fully to Crow, who seems unusually relaxed. "So… how's it been going?"

He rubs the back of his neck, a small smile forming. "Ah, Sora's been taking care of me pretty well. We've had a few run-ins with people upset about my existence, but she's talked most of them down." He pauses, his gaze flicking toward her before returning to me. "She, uh… she told me she killed Uldren."

I focus on him intently at his words, searching for any sign of distrust or unease. But he seems calm. "You good?"

He nods, a bit more firmly. "Yeah. I'm… glad you introduced us. I know you always said I wasn't like Uldren, but hearing it from her, from his killer… means a lot more."

I nod in understanding. "Makes perfect sense to me. As much as my mystical faculties grant me insight into people, I never actually met him."

Spectre returns, her eye flickering as she processes her findings. "This tree is full of Light." She announces.

"No shit, really?" I reply, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

She rolls her eye in mock exasperation. "There's nothing dangerous to the city about it."

I nod in acknowledgment. "Good enough for me." I pause, craning my neck to get a better look at the massive branches above. "...Grab me a few large branches from it. Could come in handy for crafting."

Spectre shakes herself in amusement before floating back up toward the tree, her form disappearing into the canopy.

Sora and Crow's Ghosts return shortly after, their scans complete. Sora tilts her head as her Ghost whispers something to her, a flicker of realization crossing her face.

"Oh! Thanks for reminding me, Ghost." She says suddenly, her voice bright with excitement.

She places her hands behind her back, and I hear the faint sound of something Transmatting into her grasp. A moment later, she whips both hands forward, holding a round tin in each.

"Happy Dawning, guys." She says, her tone uncharacteristically earnest.

I blink in genuine surprise, taking the container she offers me with a quiet thanks. Opening it, I catch the scent immediately: chocolate chip cookies.

I raise my mask slightly, taking a small bite. The flavor floods my senses, a perfect recreation of the cookies my mother used to make during the holidays. How did she…?

I glance up at the tree, its leaves shimmering in the light, and let out a quiet chuckle. "Receiving a gift under a tree." I say, shaking my head in amusement.

"Happy Dawning." I add softly, my voice carrying just enough for Sora and Crow to hear.

CHAPTER 17 END

AN: Merry Christmas, you wonderful readers. Mav should be back to adventuring next chapter. I'm still moving, so I'm going to be busy with fixing up my new place as well as other shit. It may or may not impact the time it takes to write.

Mavriel now has Gilgamesh levels of resistance to corruption and mental fuckery. Surprisingly useful in this universe.

Failed Rolls

[Magitek - More Brains Than Sense - Kate Daniel (600 points)] (Insufficient Points)