#house light

Blue Hour , First Snow - John Dowd

American , b. 1960 -

The Awoken Warlock's heart weighed heavy within his chest. Walking past his siblings, all chittering and conversing, scuttling around with four arms instead of two, Velliks glanced upon his own form.

No claws. Two arms. Entirely Awoken, not Eliksni.

The man sighed heavily, frowning as he bit his lower lip, and shook the dismay away. Velliks located his Kell, then approached, bowing.

Misraaks turned around and looked upon the captain. "Velliks. You are brave as always. What may I do for you?"

Velliks lowered his shoulders, dropping his gaze. "I... I'd like some guidance, if you're willing, Kel-ne."

The Kell smiled warmly, and nodded. "Of course, Velliks, kir ma sha. Speak your heart, and I will give it Light."

Nodding, Velliks inhaled deeply, thinking for a long moment. Searching for the words to express his mind, he spoke. "I'm... not like everyone here. I haven't been. I never was." The Warlock shook his head, tensing. "You call me captain, and granted me my name as one of you, but I am Awoken walking amongst Eliksni. I mimick your habits, and your movements. Zavala believes me strange because I chitter as I speak, and I crawl around as much as I walk. He sees an Awoken. Everyone does. I see an Awoken... But... I wish I didn't have to..."

"Hmm..." Misraaks chirped gently for a moment, pondering in silence otherwise. Then, he looked upon Velliks, and motioned for him to follow. "We should not speak this matter to the House. They would be afraid, and rightly so."

Velliks stood, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"You will know soon," the Kell promised. He began walking away from the rabble of all.

Quickly, the Warlock followed, rushing to his Kell's side as they made way for the outskirts of the Eliksni Quarter.

Misraaks halted, and turned to see Velliks once more. "Have you heard the tales of the Ahamkara?"

Velliks shook his head, puzzled. "...No. I don't believe I have," he replied.

"It is hard to regale one in the stories of what was and no longer is. But still the tragedies of these wish-masters is known by all who lived their wrath." Misraaks glanced to the infinite sky above. "Centuries ago, Guardians made contact with the Ahamkara. Wish Dragons. These creatures were capable of granting anything one sought regardless of what it was. However, the price was grave. That wish would be forced to drive its maker to the bitter end, in that whatever the wisher received, they'd have no choice but to submit to it entirely. If a Guardian asked for power, they'd find themself forced to obtain power by any and all means necessary including that of everyone else. They'd kill, they'd slaughter, and they would not stop until put down. If someone wished for riches, they, too, would seek their fortune at the cost of all, never stopping even if the universe were drained of all its wealth, the very promise torturing its maker to forever hunger for more. But... the wishes were granted nonetheless. Whatever was sought became theirs. And it could not be taken away.

"Guardians feared the power of the Ahamkara, and watched as all whose desires were granted tore apart the universe. The Vanguard began a mission to slay all these wish-masters for the safety of Humanity. Dead Dragons could no longer twist their promises to those whom they granted their will. And since this elimination, none have wished. There are no Ahamkara to speak desires upon. Or so the legends say..."

Shaking his head, Velliks sighed. "Why does it matter, then? What bearing do the Ahamkara have if they no longer exist?"

"I have traveled far, across many systems in this galaxy, and I have seen boundless infinities. I've heard whispers spoken through the mouths of things which cannot be seen. Those voices are waiting. Calling." Misraaks looked Velliks in the eyes sincerely. "I am certain that the Ahamkara have not all been killed. There are few, and they live. Hidden. Waiting.

"It is true an Ahamkara will force the wisher to follow their will eternally, however Guardians would free those bound by promise when the Ahamkara who granted the wish was slain. The dead cannot enact a living will. If you can find one, you can make a wish to become Eliksni. And if you gather your fireteam, you can kill it once your wish is granted. You'll be free as the very self you desire to become."

There, Velliks's mouth fell agape, his shoulders falling as he grew entirely silent for many moments. "But... Who could I even trust to do this?! Who would be willing to go against the Vanguard law to help me?! Where would I even begin to look for an Ahamkara?!"

Misraaks grinned. "The law-breaking part is simple. My partner, Anthem-99, has been dubbed 'The Lawless Vanguard' for a reason. All the same, Magnuskel is a good man willing to give aid to all in need. He is powerful, and it would not surprise me if his might alone could tear apart an Ahamkara. Both their allies are many, and with the Titan and Hunter, you will find an army ready to follow you forth as you make your wish. As for finding one, listen to the stars. Travel in the direction of voices, and seek their sources. If you hear words from something unseen, and they reach not your ears but your mind, you will know. You will find them. Let their whispers guide you. But do not go alone. An Eliksni is nothing without his House to stand by him."

Velliks immediately bowed to Misraaks. "Kel tas ne, thank you. Truly. Thank you."

Nodding, the Kell grasped Velliks's shoulder, gripping it firmly. "You are Velliks, kir ma sha. Brave and strong. You are our captain. And I am certain your unrelenting prowess will serve you well in the battle to come. Light guide you, hatchling." Misraaks smiled, releasing the Warlock, then walked away toward the House once more.

And Velliks's heart lifted, filling him with hope. Standing up, the captain smiled, chirping gently.