Escaping off Titan and away from the influence of Xivu Arath, but before the final effects of the psychic coral fades... Darius would finally have an understanding of what Mathafew thinks of him, would he be surprised by what he sees there?
In truth, it's the Egregore coral amplifying Mathafew's thoughts and meltdown that jars him from the grip of Xivu Arath, the flame of their familiarity doused by the flood of Darius's big brother instinct. The moment he senses Mathafew's distress, everything is thrown into the background as he seeks his little brother, knowing he's needed. He works as his brother's anchor, holding Mathafew's helmed face as Fastion helped him drag Mathafew topside while Echo and Salem217 covered their retreat.
Things are quiet now as the warlock, Salem217, flies them home and Fastion watches over them. Quiet enough for Darius's thoughts to surface again as he holds his little brother.
It was horrible. The panic Mathafew endured, the screaming hive, the mixed memories tainted by his own... How much damage had he done to Mathafew just by existing? just by being near?
It struck him then, as Mathafew balled his fists into his jacket, refusing to let him go, that each new thought of him didn't view him as the stranger he knew he was... but as the brother he used to be...
Tears leaked down Darius's cheeks as he wrapped another arm around Mathafew, two words ringing in his mind...
'I'm sorry...'
