[b]Well, this is the last part of the second to last chapter, so prepare for the end. part 1: [/b] https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/181761079/0/0 [b]part2:[/b] https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/182561262/0/0 [b]Chapter index:[/b] https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/128755126/0/0 [u]Chapter 19: [i]Fire & Screams[/i] (part 3)[/u] After another hour of marching, the Fallen soldiers of House Ash made it to the Ash Coves. The weary Vandals and Dregs took their time when settling down against the rocks. They were under an overhang that loomed ominously above them, but they paid no attention to it. It wasn’t long before the 12 soldiers were gathered around a small fire, tuning their weapons, having conversations, and contemplating their future and the frightening uncertainty of it. The Venus sky was dark and beautiful, a flurry of blue and purple danced in the sky. A timid Vandal by the name of Mirnoch spoke up, out of the silence, “You know, despite the cold feeling of knowing that we are the last of the Ash, I am proud to have worn this armor and fought amongst my comrades.” There were grumbles of agreement, and then Greevis spoke, “Indeed, Mirnoch, it is a wonderful feeling…yes…” Jevik nodded his head, “And we wouldn’t have made it this far if it weren’t for Ventryx, our Baroness. She has led me and my friends into many battles, but it feels like this one is the only one that matters in the end.” Ventryx looked to her comrades, “Thank you, Jevik…and thank you to you all, for standing with me against a relentless foe, it has been an honor beyond all honors. May the Ash stand strong; E Ash dra da kir!” “E Ash dra da kir!” the soldiers repeated. Ventryx nodded and went back to her secluded spot that she had found, just a few feet from the others. She was staring at the floor in thought. She brought her wooden figure on the chain out and turned it in her palm. Not a minute of doing this went by before Rorschach sat on the log next to her. “Yes, Rorschach?” she grumbled, annoyance in her tone. Rorschach leaned back, “I can come back later if-“ “No, no, it’s alright, I was just thinking about some things.” “Oh.” He said, moving back to his original spot. He noticed the figurine in her palm once again, but before he could say anything about it, Ventryx spoke. “I need to tell you something Rorschach; it cannot wait any longer, as I feel there are many cold eyes watching our every move.” Rorschach nodded, “What is it?” “Do you remember anything about your parents, Rorschach?” She asked. The Dreg shook his head, his small tuft of hair on his head shaking with him. He had never really given it much thought who his parents were, or even the fact that Eliksni had parents. “I thought as much.” She sighed. “You were very young when they had to leave you. They had to fight in a war, much like this one.” “Wait, you knew them?” he asked, now interested in the topic. She nodded slowly, “Your father was killed late in the war, just before it ended. Your distraught mother could not raise you, so she…she had to give you up to, well I don’t remember. Despite being able to keep tabs on you, the only thing she could remember you by was this,” Ventryx held up the wooden figure. Rorschach studied it closely; it was a symbol of some sorts, like three quarts of a moon crossing together with all sorts of shapes coming off of them. “How did you get a hold of it? Did something happen to my mother?” Ventryx chuckled as she shook her head, “No, no…” her voice was sad, but also sounded relieved, “She is right here.” She said pointing at her chest. Rorschach looked at Ventryx, his Baroness…his mother, “W-what?! How-how?” he was shocked beyond words. “It has been a relief to finally tell you,” She sighed, “and I know that you must have endless questions, and I promise that I will try to answer them as best as I can.” Rorschach stared dumbfounded at his mother. Finally, his mind formulated a cohesive thought, “Why didn’t you tell me when you found me?” “I was going to,” she began, “but-“ Suddenly, a crack ripped through the air. A pained grunt came from Ventryx, who clutched the side of her neck as she fell forward into the dirt. “No!” Rorschach screamed. He looked to where the shot came from, but chaos erupted as he did so. Melting out of the shadows, numerous Vandals clad in Winter armor charged the group. Randor was among them. Rorschach felt a tug on his leg. He knelt down to Ventryx, who pulled him close. There was blood gushing out of the hole in the side of her throat, and Rorschach frantically tried to figure out a way to help her. [i]“No! Stop, Rorschach, it’s too late.”[/i] Her voice was hoarse and raspy, the Ether billowing out of her respirator. “But, I can fix this, I have to!” She grabbed him by his shoulder, “[i]Rorschach, look….look at me.”[/i] She gurgled, [i]“Promise me my son; promise me that you will keep the fires of our House safe. Even if you are the last of our people, don’t let us die. My son, don’t let us die. E Ash dra da kir, uos nolite pati nostrum bo ka. Da goden kir.” “Stand forever strong…”[/i] [b]Chapter 19 complete, now on to the final one Choo choo![/b]