I don’t own destiny.

He looked around, but his vision was still foggy. His head was swimming and he had no idea what was going on. He felt like he was walking through a daze and nothing was clearing the fog that swam around his head. He felt pressure on his lower back, but it wasn’t a rough pressure. It was like someone was leading him somewhere, but he couldn’t see where or who was leading him, he honestly couldn’t even feel himself walking at this point but he knew he was moving. He blinked to try and clear his vision once more, but it didn’t help.

He furrowed his brow as a familiar scent assaulted his nose. The flowers. Her cloak? Was it still wrapped around his face? He reached up and touched the cloth, which made him instinctively breathe in the smell. It was her cloak still wrapped around his face that gave off the smell. How dearly he missed her. He wished he could find her...

He wasn’t exactly sure of anything at the moment, he hadn’t eaten in days, nor had he had clean water to drink so he was sure that had something to do with his current state of mind… or lack there of. He heard warbled speech of someone trying to speak to him, but he couldn’t understand them. It was as if they were talking Eliksni through a tube. He waved the person off and they wrapped something soft around him. He touched the thing and rubbed his fingers over it gently. A blanket? He quirked a brow and rubbed his eyes once more. He wished he could see. It was like he had something in his eyes. He reached up to try and rub whatever it was from his eyes, but it wouldn’t go away. His vision was comparative to a foggy mirror.

Maybe it was that he was in some sort of shock? He remembered this feeling... back when the previous queen, his mother, died. He had felt this way... he rubbed one hand over the other one and he propped himself against what he could only assume was the wall. He missed his mother and he wished he could see his sister once more. The only two who... no he couldn’t say they were the only two who loved him... Ashura did too.
Ashura loved him.

He knew she was searching for him.
She had to be.

:-:-:-:-:

Zavala watched Ashura from across the room. She was levitating that blade through the air once more. Cayde thought that was the most amazing thing, but Zavala knew that it just emphasized the need to train her better. He supposed she could make a decent void titan if she ever discovered those abilities, but he didn’t think she would. He watched her as she stared at the shimmering blade once more. “Ashura.” He called and she looked over at him, those silver eyes swimming with curiosity.

“Do you think you are ready to be back out on patrols?” He asked and she slipped the blade back in the sheathe and crossed her arms over her chest. “This is a trick question?” she asked and he sighed and leaned away from the table. “No.” He said and her brows furrowed. “Zavala, I thought you didn’t want me anywhere near a strike, raid, or patrol after what happened with Danny.” She said and he frowned at her. “It’s been two months and you have been cleared for duty mentally, physically, and emotionally. Why have you not even asked to leave?” Zavala asked and she traced over maps of Mars with deft fingertips. He could tell there was something bothering her.

“Do you honestly want me to explain or do you think you know the answer?” She asked as her fingers tapped across one area of the mars map then brushed away from it. “I want you to explain. You held no hesitation when you went after Alak-Hul, so why the hesitation to go back out?” He asked and she shoved herself up and away from the maps. “I’ve been... Learning.” she said and he watched her as she brushed her fingertips over the knife once more. “Elaborate?” He asked softly, not demanding in any sort of manner.

“Eris has been teaching me the language of the Hive.” She said and muttered a few words in the language, which he was interested in. “She feels she won’t always be around to teach me, so she is teaching me everything she can. I’m not sure why, but she says something doesn’t sit well with her.” Ashura sighed and he nodded, the cryptic woman was... odd in that manner.

“What else?” he asked and she motioned to the maps on the table. “Cayde has been... an excellent mentor. He has been showing me how to draw and read these maps, I never knew how... Clearly from my innate ability to provide medical care.” She mused softly, but then looked up to meet his eyes. “I think I want to delve into Clovis Bray. However, I don’t want to learn about me... more so my sister. I want to know why Kira was so willing to die. I want to know as much as I can about her...” She whispered and her fingers brushed over the maps once more.

“Ashura... Have you found any traces of him yet?” he asked and her silver eyes slipped shut. He knew the sadness behind her eyes would have shown through had she continued her eye contact. “Only his crashed ship. I have lost some of my crows, but they spotted another crow before they were dismantled.” She sighed and he offered a small nod. “Do you think you should pursue?” he asked and she shook her head. “No, not the crow. However, I do think I should pursue the reports of dead Cabal that none of our guardians can make sense of...” She said and he offered a small nod.

“Tactical thinking. What other planets have you searched for him?” He asked and her eyes told him everything he needed to know. “So, he has to be on Mars still, right?” he asked and she nodded. “Yeah... that is where my crows found his ship, but nothing of him. I can’t help but fear for his safety, Zavala.” She whispered as she fisted her hands against the maps. “Then you have my permission.” He said and her head shot up to meet him.

“Go find him, and bring him here. This can be his home now.” Zavala said and her entire being seemed to light up. He couldn’t help the small smile that crossed his lips at her pure joy. This was a flicker of the woman she was when she first arrived here, before her sister’s death, and before her and her brother began falling out. Was that what it was like to love someone so dearly that you would give the world for them? His eyes drifted over to Nina who was grinning and trying to teach Cayde a new dance. He could barely withhold the chuckle as Ashura looked over at them as well and cleared her throat, only to then clap her hands together and dance the dance Nina was showing Cayde.

Ikora laughed softly behind her hand as Cayde tried again to do it and failed, but Nina and Ashura bumped elbows then high fived, only to do the same dance together, their movements completely in sync. Nina caught him looking at her and a deep blush covered her cheeks before she spun and turned away from his gaze. That time the amused chuckle did escape him. If the woman thought she was hiding anything about how she felt, she was incredibly naïve. He shook his head and wrote something out on paper for Ashura, only to stop her amused laughter at Cayde to hand it to her. Maybe one day he could hope to have the woman she was back, rather than this woman who was reckless and seemed too focused on anything that could cause her harm.

She looked down at the slips of paper and then back up to him with an odd look. “What is this?” “It’s for you. Give it to Holliday.” he said and she nodded, but took off running. Cayde strolled over with a cocky stride. “Yes, Cayde?” he asked and Cayde retracted the arm he was about to drape over his shoulder. “Done getting angry and yelling at her, are we?” Cayde asked and Zavala gave him a sideways glance. Cayde put his hands on the table and released a sigh.

“Zavala... she’s changed. I don’t know if it is a good thing or a bad thing, but I'm scared for her.” Cayde said and Zavala turned to fully face him now. “I understand Cayde, but I have a question for you.” Zavala said and Cayde looked at him oddly. “Shoot.” “Does she treat you any differently?” he asked and Cayde seemed to be processing the question.

“No...”

“Then she is still the same person. However, sometimes the people we love find someone else they love. It doesn’t mean she loves you any less Cayde, it just means she has someone she wants to spend her life with. In a different manner than a friend would.” Ikora interjected and Zavala nodded. “Cayde... She still loves you, never forget that. And as we have all noticed she has changed, but sometimes life changes you.” Zavala said and the exo sighed as he rubbed the back of his hood. Cayde looked out the windows, only for a hand to find itself on his shoulder. He knew it was Zavala.

“Cayde...”

“Hm?” he asked, turning back around to see Ashura standing in the doorway. Her eyes looked so... sad, hurt, and angry. He had to add the angry in there. “Ashura, are you ok?” he asked and Ikora smiled softly. “Cayde... how dare you doubt me...” She growled and he threw his hands in the air. “Hey, in my defense-” He began but she rushed towards him and he flinched away, but instead of the usual expected shoulder charge... her arms wrapped around him tightly. “Ah shit...” He grumbled to himself as he hugged her back.

“You are an ass."

“I know.”

She huffed and looked back up at him as she stepped away from his embrace. “You three... you are my family and I love you all... each of you have guided me in ways I never would have understood before, but now that I feel like things are starting to fall into place... I feel like it may be alright...” She whispered and they listened intently. “I know I haven’t been the greatest student for any of you, but I want you to understand that I most likely wouldn’t be here right now if not for you all... when I first got here I was reckless and a danger to everyone around me... I was an outcast... you made me someone...” She whispered and Cayde rolled his eyes, only to receive a punch to the gut.

“Either way... I want to thank all of you.” She said and Zavala offered a small nod, while Ikora smiled. “We told you she still loved you Cayde, now stop being so fragile.” Ikora mused only for Cayde to flip her the bird. “No thank you.” Ikora sighed in amusement while Ashura shook her head. “Go find your boyfriend with the shitty haircut and leave me alone.” Cayde grumbled and that familiar flame sparked in her silver eyes. “Take it to the crucible.” Zavala warned and Ashura smirked but turned on her heel and left the room anyways.

“You had doubts about her?”

“Not anymore, Zavala... Not anymore. She's still the same abusive woman she has always been.”

“We told you so.”

“Shut it, Ikora.”

:-:-:-:-:

Ashura handed the writ to Holliday who gave her a wary glance. “You aren’t going to crash this one, are you?” She asked and Ashura blushed lightly. “No... I promise... Did Cayde tell everyone about that?” she asked and Holliday nodded with narrowed eyes. “Of course.” Ashura sighed as she looked down at the second slip of paper that Zavala had handed her. A small smile crossed her lips and she ran her thumb over the paper.
‘I know things are hard for you, and it only seems like they may get harder. I need you to hear something, so hang out by the door for a minute.’

She shook her head and looked over to Holliday, who was flipping through pages of her inventory. “Ok... I have a very nice one, based on the design of pre-collapse fighter planes... However...” Holliday started, her eyes narrowing dangerously. “No crashing it.” She warned and Ashura smiled and placed a hand over her heart. “I promise, no crashing it.” She said and Holliday nodded. “I call it the Fatal Vision.” She said and she tapped on the screen of her tablet only to turn it and show Ashura.

“It is orange at the moment and I know you hate the color, but until you decide to give me some respect it will stay that way. Then, and only then will I change the color to teal, white, and black.” She warned and Ashura gave her a sly smile. “You know you love me Amanda.” She said and the blonde woman rolled her eyes. “And I do respect you, I mean... look at this ship! It is bad ass.” Ashura said and Amanda rolled her eyes once more. “You are such a kiss ass, now go find your man and leave me alone.” She laughed and shoved Ashura slightly.

Ashura grinned and made her way over to the ship which had just been brought around. Ashura ran her fingers over the hull of it and she knew she loved this ship. It was amazing. She watched as it opened a hatch and a small set of stairs lowered out. “Amanda you ass!” she snapped, upon hearing the blonde woman laughing from across the docking bay. “I know that was a short joke!”

“Cayde’s idea honestly.” was the only reply she got. Ashura looked to see that Nina was watching her with serious eyes. “I want to come with you.” She said and Ashura nodded. “Good, I was thinking I might need some assistance.” Ashura sighed and Nina nodded lightly. “You don’t know how you will react to seeing him again, do you?” Nina asked and Ashura frowned. “I’m so scared he’s hurt and I’m coming just to see him die.” She whispered as they boarded the new ship. Ashura moved to close the hatch, but a set of white eyes caught her gaze as she looked over to check for safety.

“Hinata.” She greeted and the woman stepped closer to her. “I want to come as well. If there are sand storms I can help you see.” She offered and Ashura stared at her curiously. “You are coming just to help? Not keep tabs on me?” She asked and Hinata shook her head. “Just to help, I promise.” She said and Nina nodded at her. “Alright, let’s get to it. If we need help you can always call on Sakura right?” Ashura asked and Hinata nodded. “Alright, settle in we are headed to Mars.” she sighed as she released her ghost to do what it needed to.

She looked at the women around her in concern, she wasn’t sure what either of them truly had to gain by them helping her, but she intended to find out. Perhaps Hinata was there to see about Uldren’s well being after the war, perhaps she was there to keep an eye on her… Ashura didn’t know but she really didn’t trust either of the two women at the moment and that mistrust was solely based on the fact that she knew Zavala was keeping a close watch on her.

Perhaps the vanguard didn’t quite trust her to be out in the field yet. She didn’t know but she supposed it would continue to bother her until he was safe. She glanced around at the other women aboard her ship and she sighed. She was overly cautious and she was within good reason to be this way honestly. Her silver eyes cut to the view outside her window as they took off. She crossed her arms over her chest and sat in the pilot’s seat, her mind wandering right back to the conversation that made her so uneasy.

A man stood before her with equally silver eyes, his odd ghost hovering around them in a curious silence. “Marie Reyes,” he uttered softly as he crossed his arms over his chest, “You finally decided to show.” He bit out and she couldn’t help the irritation that flittered over her form. “Well, at least I showed.” She bit out and he huffed slightly in irritation.

“Either way. Its nice to meet you finally.” Sagira said and Ashura nodded to the ghost. “I like your shell. Vex tech?” Ashura asked and Sagira seemed to hover around excitedly. “Why yes, thank you for noticing!” she chirped and Ashura broke a small smile. “You’re welcome. I have an Exo friend who is made of vex tech too. She’s odd…” Ashura mused and Sagira released and amused laugh. “The one who has the radiolaria obsession?” She asked and Ashura nodded.

Osiris cleared his throat and Ashura looked over to him. “We have important matters to discuss.” He chimed in and Ashura nodded. “Alright, let me know what I need to do.” She said and he seemed to scan her for any insecurity and hesitation before he spoke.

“Ashura… I take it you have read my books? The queen of kells?” He asked and she nodded. “Then you realize the life of the Reef’s Prince is at stake.” He said and she nodded.
He reached up to pull the bandana from over his mouth and the hood from his head. “Then you understand the consequences?” he asked and her eyes softened in her sadness. “He will die.” She muttered and his brows furrowed and he frowned deeply. “If you can’t save him, someone close to you will kill him. I have not seen who, but I have seen his death time and time again. Be wary of who you trust, because even the people you try so hard to save can ,betray you just as easily as those who haven’t known you a day in your life.” He said and she nodded.

“I have one more question…”
He looked towards her and motioned for her to ask.

“Can I trust Misra?”

“There will never be a day where Misra is the enemy. Keep her close, for even in the hardest times she will have your back.”

Ashura took a deep breath and looked to the women behind her as she packed her med kit and offered it to her ghost, who took it without question. She stepped out of the ship and looked around. “Hinata you can see great distances, right?” she asked and the dark haired woman nodded. “Alright, then let me know when you see the sandstorm heading our way, I can already smell it. We have maybe…” Ashura took a moment to sniff the air for its signature dusty smell.

“Maybe five hours. It seems distant, but I could come sooner rather than later. If we get separated meet up here. Please… I’m begging you… help me find him.” She pleaded and Nina offered a consoling smile. “We will do everything we can to help you.” She said and Hinata nodded, her soft smile mirroring Nina’s. Ashura stepped off the ship and began looking around the dusty wasteland that is Mars. “Can I ask the two of you something without upsetting either of you?” Ashura asked and the two looked at her curiously.

“Of course.” Hinata said softly and Ashura looked away from the two of them. “What exactly do either of you gain for helping me find Uldren?” She asked and Nina released a laugh. “You’re my sister-in-arms. A fellow Corsair of the reef, I’m going to help you with anything you ever ask.” Nina said softly and Ashura released a small sigh of relief. Hinata folded her hands out in front of her and smiled gently. “Ashura…” She began and Ashura sighed, she knew she could trust the gentle soul before her, the warmth of her embracing light was proof enough.
“Forgive me for doubting you… I learned some unsettling things and… they have me questioning the people around me.” She whispered and the two dark haired women shook their heads at her. “Don’t worry about it, we understand. Especially when it has something to do with someone you care for…” Nina said and Ashura nodded as they began their trek into the wasteland before them.

:-:Elsewhere at the same time:-:

A blinding shock of light hit his senses and he stumbled to his feet as he pressed himself against the wall closest to him. ‘What is it brother? What do you sense?’ her voice echoed in his mind and as he peered around the doorway through foggy vision he pondered what it could have been. He furrowed his brows as he scanned over the area trying to find the source. A figure rose on the surface not long after a ship flew overhead. His eyes drooped heavily. He was losing energy and swiftly. It seemed his prolonged adrenaline rush was finally wearing off and the exhaustion, starvation, and dehydration were finally getting the better of him.

His limbs felt heavy and he knew it wouldn’t be long before something found him and made swift work of him. He prayed to everything that if he were to go out, it were on his own terms. He tried to blink the darkness from his eyes once more, but it was ebbing in and he knew he was going to need to rest soon. It was borderline narcolepsy. He shoved himself to his feet and ushered himself out the back door of the building he was hiding in. He grabbed his bundle of things on his way out and made a break for the closest building, but a Cabal appeared in his path.

He tried to dodge around it but a Psion sent him flying up about five feet in the air. He rolled to the side in midair and threw knives at the cabal, only for one with a bladed arm to knock him out of the air. He hit the ground rolling and looked up to see the cabal stalking towards him. He glanced down at the wound that was now ebbing in pain. He pressed a hand to the bleeding wound across his side and pulled another dagger. He flung it with haphazard precision, the blade hitting it’s mark as he stumbled forwards and hit the ground once more.

Old wounds were reopened and the new one was keeping him down. He scowled at the sand before he shoved himself off the ground and he used the body of the larger cabal to give him some leverage to get back off the ground. ‘ Brother. Answer me.’ Her voice was so demanding now and it caused him to sigh as he ducked into another building. “Yes, Sister?” he asked breathlessly and her light touched him just the slightest bit. ‘Are you ok?’ her voice sounded sincere and he nodded to himself. “Yes, these are just flesh wound that are hindering my progress.” He said and she breathed a sigh in the back of his mind. “Where are you sister?” He asked and her light became sharp in his mind. ‘I am safe. Hidden away so the likes of those who may wish harm upon me cannot find me.’ She said and he nodded. “Good… I’m… glad you’re safe.” He whispered as he pressed harder against the wound on his side.

‘What did you sense earlier?’

“I’m not sure, it was a light that cut at me. Possibly a guardian, but I don’t want to risk it.” He sighed and her light faded from him. Once more he was left alone with nothing but his thoughts… and his pain. His eyes slipped shut and he let sleep overcome him, if he wanted to heal he needed to rest.

Heavy footsteps startled him from his pained slumber. He checked his wound and saw it had stopped bleeding, but if he were to move too much it would no doubt open back up. He slowly pressed his back against the wall to get him back to his feet. He grabbed his bundle of items and slipped out of the room, the uneven heavy steps close behind. He broke out in a run, only for something to collide with the back of his head and light flashed before his eyes. He felt himself hit the ground, but the only thing in his line of sight was the world spinning around him.
In his stupor, a flash of white met his gaze and he laughed sourly. He could have sworn he had seen Kira. How dearly he missed that foolish woman. She was… his best friend. She had become such when Jollyon vacated his life. He remembered how he had found her propped against a wall ready to die.
“I suppose it’s my turn to be the helpless one…” He whispered softly as everything started to go dark. He didn’t think whoever it was that found him could even understand what he was saying if he had even said it at all.

:-: With Ashura:-:

Nina and Hinata had gone up above to search from the top of buildings, while she had stayed on the lower ground. They had been here three hours searching every inch of the place. She was starting to lose hope, but they had started finding bodies of cabal everywhere. “Ashura!” Nina called out to her and she looked up from where she was examining the dead cabal. “They were all killed with similar blades.” Ashura whispered as she looked to Nina, who had a concerned look on her face.

“We found blood.”

Ashura furrowed her brows and followed them to where the blood had discolored the sand. She crouched and dipped her fingers in the congealed puddle, only to look around her and try and find the trail. “We have to find him fast.” She said and took off running, the other women exchanged looks and followed her. The wind was starting to pick up and Ashura knew it wasn’t long before the sandstorm would creep upon them and make visibility an absolute minimum.

She followed the trail into a building, only for her breath to catch in her throat as a figure swiftly jolted out in front of her and out the back door. Her heart stuttered and her mind struggled to grasp the concept of what had just happened. Her heart thudded in her chest loudly, droning out any sounds as she took off after the figure. It was him, it had to be!

Why was he running from her?

His cloak swished behind him as she gained ground on him. She knew it was him. His face was obscured by a cloth wrapped around his face, minute amounts of his hair escaping the makeshift faceshield. Her heartbeat was thudding loudly in her ears as he was getting away.

What could she do to stop him?
“Uldren! Wait!” she called out but he kept running, he didn’t even look back at her to see who it was. She didn’t know what to do… She had to do something to stop him.
She pursed her lips and ripped the helmet from her head and she launched it. It connected with him right between the shoulders and rolled up to hit the back of his head. She instantly felt like shit when he hit the ground in a daze, but she had done what she had to, because calling out to him didn’t seem to help her any. She rushed over to him as he forced himself into a sitting position. His head lolled around weakly and his eyes were foggy, unfocused it seemed. He muttered something but it came out as utter gibberish. She bit her lip as the tears finally started to roll down over her cheeks.
She unravelled the cloth from around his face, only to see it was remnants of her cloak. She stared at it for a minute before she crammed it into her pouch to give back to him later. She brushed her thumbs over his cheeks and pressed her forehead against his. She had been so scared… so utterly terrified that she had lost him once and for all. She kissed him on his filthy bloodstained cheeks and hugged him gently. “I’m taking you home, my love.” She whispered as his whole form went limp. Nina and Hinata caught up to her and crouched next to her.

“He’s still breathing, but we need to get him to Sakura as fast as possible.” She said and they nodded as Ashura lifted his arm to help Nina lift him onto her back. They rushed to get him to the ship, but the sandstorm was upon them. Ashura held her ghost up to summon the ship to them and it hovered overhead and teleported them into it. Nina helped Ashura get settled against the wall with Uldren in front of her with his back against her chest. She draped a blanket over the two of them upon seeing Uldren shiver in his unconscious state.

Ashura watched him in silence as he started waking up, mumbling about his head. She frowned as he reached for the cloak she had wrapped gently around his face once more. She smiled softly as he breathed in the smell of it and his eyes fluttered shut in a peaceful manner. Perhaps it was what kept him moving even when he wanted to give up. She didn’t move to embrace him like she wanted to because she didn’t want to startle him. Nina tried talking to him but he waved her off and she shook her head, but still tucked the blanket closer around the two of them.
Ashura wrapped her arms around him softly, minding the wounds across his side. His heartbeat thumped heavily under the touch of her hands and she couldn’t help but smile softly. She buried her face in the nape of his neck, which pulled her cloak from around his face in the process. His soft snores were relief to her ears. He’d been out there so long by himself that she was glad he was alive. A little worse for wear, but he was breathing. And clearly he was exhausted. When they arrived at the tower, Zavala was there to greet them.

“How is he?” Zavala asked, scanning the ship for Ashura. “He’s ok… I believe. He needs rest and to get some food in him, but I think other than getting his strength back up he will be ok.” Ashura mumbled as she used her smaller form to scoot Uldren forwards so she could get him off the floor. Zavala crouched beside Uldren and scooped him up before Ashura could even complain. She rushed to follow after Zavala who was walking towards the medical ward at such a swift pace it was hard for Ashura to keep up. She brushed past Cayde, who was staring at the man in Zavala’s grasp.

“Ashura.” Cayde grabbed her arm and she stopped abruptly. “Are you ok?” he asked and she nodded. “Yeah… I’m much better now… I’m honestly surprised I even found him.” She whispered and he nodded, although his posture told her more than his words did. He wished she hadn’t found him… Ashura frowned at Cayde, who sighed and released her arm. “You know… the only reason you found him was because he wanted to be found…” He said softly and she nodded. “And… that’s what I’m kind of worried about. He was injured and wanted to be found.” She sighed and he opened his arms to her slightly.

“I’m sure he was waiting for you to find him…” Cayde said and she stepped into his careful embrace. “I hope so,” She whispered as she peered back to the doorway Zavala had vanished through a few minutes earlier. “I’m going to go check on him.” She said and he nodded as he scratched the back of his head. She took off and he crossed his arms over his chest. He waited for Zavala to come out and he motioned for the titan to follow him.
“Can we trust him?” Cayde asked and Zavala frowned deeply. Zavala was silent until they got a good distance away from the ward. When he spoke, his words were uneasy. “No. Not yet. For now we have to act welcoming until he proves he is trustworthy.” Zavala muttered, trying not to let any prying ears hear in case his words found their way back to Ashura. “Zavala…”

“We have to be welcoming Cayde… You know exactly what will happen if we usher him out.” Zavala bit at the hunter, who sighed but nodded. “Rogue Lightbearers are such an issue.” He sighed and Zavala nodded. “We cannot have Ashura drifting, especially since she is becoming stronger every time we turn around.” Zavala muttered and Cayde nodded solemnly. “Zavala!” Ashura’s voice came from around the corner and the two went rigid. They turned to face the shorter woman who was smiling at them softly. “Can I get a little help?” She asked and they nodded.
They followed her back to the ward where they were helping to lift Uldren onto the bed and failing because despite his exhausted state, he was fighting against Sakura. Not really fighting per se, but struggling against her and reopening wounds. Zavala grabbed Uldren’s arm lightly and the man stopped struggling long enough for Sakura to put him under once more. Ashura watched as they set him on the bed so Sakura could assist in healing him.

“Ashura, this may take a minute, you go eat and take a shower. You are covered in blood, sand, and who knows what else.” Sakura said and she nodded as she made her way out of the room. She ignored most of those she passed by, seeing as she didn’t want to meet their stares. It was always the stares. She took a deep breath even though she felt the need to pull her hood over her head and hide.
She made her way to her room and looked around. She was antsy… nervous. She glanced to the handle of her door then turned and rushed back to the ward. She wanted to be with him. She had spent long enough trying to track him… searching for him. She wasn’t going to walk away so easily just yet. When she got there he was awake once more, Sakura's hands delicately running over his exposed skin. His ribs were kitted slightly and Ashura knew she was searching for the best place to try and repair. She tried to enter the room but Sasuke's arm halted her progress. She looked him in the eyes and was about to speak but a small smile crossed his lips.

“He will be ok. Get something to eat at the Ramen shop, Naruto is down there. Chat with him a minute and come back.” He offered and she sighed but nodded softly. “Ok.” She whispered, only to glance back at the amber eyed man once more. His eyes locked with hers and he made a move to stand, but Sakura forced him back down and made him sit. Ashura smiled at him and motioned that it was ok, only for him to nod.

She came up on the Ramen shop only to see Naruto and Hinata chatting away. She plopped down in between Naruto and Hinata, who didn’t miss a beat and drug her into the conversation. “Wait… wait… wait... So you have two kids?” Ashura asked and Hinata nodded. “With Naruto? But you’re with Sasuke?” She asked and a small blush covered her cheeks. “You get it girl, I’m not here to judge. I never could have kids of my own.” She said with a small smile. “Well I suppose my seat is lost,” Ino’s amused voice came from behind Ashura, who swiftly apologized and offered to move. Ino waved it off with a smile.

“Im messing with you, I was just wandering by when I saw you three.” She said with a soft smile. “So I hear you found him.” Ino chirped and Ashura nodded with a smile. “Yes, I finally found him. Its all thanks to a certain friend of mine as well.” She whispered, her thoughts drifting to Jollyon once more. The masked man had come to her in secret, but in the guise of a crow. His armor so resembling Uldren’s whose armor so closely resembled a crow. Ashura reached to grab the drink that was set before her, but a statement made from the blonde woman beside Hinata made her choke.

“W-what?”

“Oh, wow. I don’t ever think I’ve heard you stutter before.” Ino pointed out and Ashura stared at her with shocked and confused eyes. “You’ll never hear it again.” She grumbled out and Ino laughed, although Naruto was trying to hide his grin. “I think I need you to repeat that statement so my brain can comprehend.” She sighed and Ino smirked. “In all honestly I stand by it. Having babies is great, but the act of making them is so much better. Especially when you have someone who looks like yours.” Ino said matter of factly. Ashura shook her head with a sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose.
“So, Spill. I would LOVE some details.” Ino said and Ashura shook her head. “Look, We haven’t done that yet and I doubt it’s gonna happen anytime soon. He’s hurt, I’m hurt and stressed and just not down for that just yet.” Ashura said and Ino nodded, but the look didn’t fade. “But you’ve thought of it.” Ino chirped and Hinata cleared her throat at the blonde. The boisterous blonde looked over to the normally soft spoken woman with a sheepish smile. “Forgive her Ashura, This is what Sakura warned you about.” Hinata said with a small smile.

Ashura looked down to her hands and grimaced at the amount of dirt and sand caked into the sleeve covering her wrist. “Maybe I should’ve gone to take a shower.” She sighed and made a move to stand. “You can stay and chat with us a little longer. Trust me dealing with Naruto and Sasuke so long… Ughh you wouldn’t believe how dirty they would show up places.” Ino Chided softly and a smirk crossed Naruto’s lips at this. “We couldn’t help it.”

“Oh… And don't forget Kiba.” Hinata giggled softly and Ashura’s ears perked at the mention of this person. “Kiba?” She asked and Hinata smiled brightly. “Yes! My teammates from my past life. Shino and Kiba.” She sighed wistfully. “Will you tell me about them? I will tell you a little more about me if you’d like…” Ashura offered and the three grinned, Ashura usually didn’t share much about herself. “Kiba was from a clan where they had partners they fought with. All of them had dogs.” Ino said and Hinata nodded. “Akamaru was such a good dog.” Naruto chimed in with a goofy laugh, making Ashura smile softly.

“He was a large dog too, coming in at almost two-hundred pounds.” Ino chirped and Ashura broke out in a grin. “Like the Pyrenese?” she asked in an excited tone that took them all by surprise. “Yeah… that is exactly what he was.” Hinata said with a small smile. “I’ve only seen pictures and read about them in books. Man… I love dogs.” She sighed blissfully and Hinata couldn’t contain the giggle that escaped her.

“Honestly I would have taken you for more of a cat person.” Ino mused and Ashura smirked. “I did have cats. But… let me guess what makes you think I would be a cat person…” Ashura said with a smirk, only to narrow her eyes at the blonde and begin to speak once more. “I’m antisocial, don’t do well in groups, and I seem to only have a select few people that I enjoy being around? Oh, lets not forget my distaste for being touched.” She laughed as she leaned back in her chair slightly. Ino quirked a brow slightly and smiled.

“Yeah… that pretty much sums up my thoughts exactly.”

“Hey Ashura.” Cayde’s voice called out to her and she turned to face him with a smile. “Hey.” She greeted with a small smile as he plopped down beside Ino. “I see you have all found my favorite ramen shop.” Cayde mused as he watched Naruto slurp down yet another bowl of noodles. He made a slightly disturbed twitch as bowl after bowl vanished from in front of the blonde male. “Nothing is safe from Naruto, he smells ramen miles away.” Shikamaru chuckled lowly as he made his way over from the shadows where he had been propped against a wall.

Ashura looked around then blinked. “Hey, where the Hell is Gaara?” Ashura asked and Cayde motioned for her to follow him. “I will show you.” He offered and they both stood. Ashura paid for her meal and bid farewell to the others, only to turn and rush to follow Cayde. “He is training.” He said as they made their way to where the smaller projections for the crucible were. They recorded all the crucible matches ever since Thalor was murdered in one. This match was two people only and they were helping each other figure out their abilities.

Her brother seemed to be listening intently to everything that Gaara had to say and she had to say that was a surprise all in its own. Her brother didn’t accept training or help from anyone. She watched as Gaara balled up his fist then slung his hand outward, opening it as he did so, which sent a small wave of what looked to be lightning outwards and destroying the target before him. She watched as Loki practiced doing the same. She smiled softly as he seemed to be catching on. “So everything is going ok still?” She asked and Cayde nodded. “Yeah for the most part.” He sighed as he crammed his hands in his pockets.
“What isn’t?” she asked, her voice becoming stern.

“There’s a large Fallen I need you to go see about.” He said and she nodded. “Save him or kill him?” She asked and he sighed slightly. “You be the judge of that, he hasn’t hurt any guardians yet, but he’s very very big for a fallen. Bigger than Krux.” He said and she tilted her head at him. “How is Krux by the way?” She asked and he shrugged softly. “Petra took her to her father after the attack on Taniks and none of us have heard anything since.” He said and she nodded.
“So, where is this Fallen you are worried about? Is he bigger than Taniks?” She asked and he shook his head. “About the same size, and he was last spotted out in the cosmodrome. Your tracking skills should be good enough to find him.” Cayde said and she nodded.

“One more question.” She cut to him, her eyes narrowed. “Is this a sanctioned assignment?” She asked and the shift in his posture was enough of an answer for her.

“Then I wont tell if you don’t.”

:-:-:Earlier:-:-:

Uldren watched as she walked up and a sense of relief washed over him. He made a move to stand, but the pinkette before him was of greater strength than he thought. He looked Ashura’s way, only for her to smile at him. She mouthed to him that it was ok and he nodded slightly. He watched as she spoke with the dark haired man that had halted her progress, only to give him a soft wave and walk away. He watched her go, but was pulled from his thoughts when the pink haired woman asked him a question as she prodded the lump of his ribs. “Hm?” He asked, having not caught the question in the slightest.

However she didn’t repeat it, her energy shoved against his roughly, shoving the bone back into place and mending it almost instantly. He struggled to catch his breath and he gave her a dirty look. “Hey, I asked if you were ready, I cant help it if you weren’t paying attention.” She mused lightly and he sighed. “I suppose.” He muttered. “She’s been searching for you, you know.” Sakura cut through the silence a few minutes later. He looked to the woman who was mending the less severe of his injuries now, seeing as she had fixed pretty much everything else. He watched as the skin of his side pulled together and mended with only the faintest of pink lines, and even that faded after a couple of seconds.

“So she was…” He muttered and Sakura smiled. “She didn’t want to leave you here either, she wanted to sit and wait for you to be better. We had to send her away earlier so she could get some rest.” Sakura mused lightly. “How does your head feel?” She asked and he rubbed the small bump on the base of his skull. “She threw something, didn’t she?” He grumbled and Sakura released a small laugh. “Yeah… You wouldn’t stop running from her so she had to knock you down somehow is what she told me.” Sakura said and he nodded. “I understand. I hesitate to admit I thought she was something to kill me, which is why I ran. My sight was not the best.” He admitted and Sakura nodded.
“I understand. You seem to be dehydrated and suffering from hallucinations caused by a severe sleep deprivation. I want you to get some rest and get some food and fluids in your system. When Ashura comes back, I will take you off the I.V. drip I have you on and let you go. But… please don’t remove the I.V. because it’s supplying you with some much needed fluid right now so it’ll help get you on your feet again faster.” She said and he nodded. “We awoken may not have had much of medics, but Ashura taught them a lot and I.V.s were definitely something she taught them.” He said softly and Sakura smiled.

“Good.”

Ashura came into view after about two hours and he couldn’t help the relieved sigh that escaped him. “Remember what I told you, alright?” Sakura said and he nodded as he watched her pull the needle from his vein. She placed two fingertips and a gauze over the area, only for her fingers to glow green for a second and she pulled her hand away. There was no mark showing he had even been stuck there. He pulled the black sleeveless shirt back over his head once Sakura was done checking to make sure nothing had come back out of place. Ashura waited for him patiently from the side of the bed.

“Not used to it being you in the bed all hurt.” Ashura mused with a smirk. He cut his eyes to her sharply and huffed. “It wasn’t my intention to have my plane crash not once, but twice.” He grumbled and she smiled at him only for her fingers to intertwine with his oh so carefully. He slipped off the bed he’d been on and steadied his stance. His entire body was in pain and screaming for him to sit once more, but he ignored it. Ashura tucked herself under his right arm and into his side softly. Her warmth coursed through him and he felt his pain slowly ebb away.
He listened to her as she rambled on and on, occasionally about the same subject and she would do so in circles. Who was he to stop her and tell her though, her joy… her happiness… it came off of her in waves and all he wanted to do was pull her in close and hug her as tightly as he could. Other than the voice of his sister in his mind, she was all he had left and he intended to keep her close. “Ashura.” He spoke softly, but she heard him clear as day. Those shining silver eyes and her confused pout of the lips… She didn’t have to even say anything and he was feeling all these feelings all over again. He never wanted to love her, but her arrogant, annoying ass had crawled her way in and latched onto his heart in a way he never would have imagined.

“Thank you.” He said softly and he expected a smile at these words, but those shining silver eyes… they began to glisten and he felt confusion rush through his form as she looked away to open the door to her room. Her lip was trembling and her eyes were hidden from his gaze as he stepped into the room. She closed the door behind her and she turned to him. “You’re so welcome.” She whispered, her tone shaky, despite her plastered smile. He opened his arms to her and she stepped forwards slowly. The feeling of her smaller form pressing against him made him feel… actually feel the weight of everything that had happened to them..
He sat on the edge of her bed, pulling her with him. He laid back on the bed and she moved to curl up beside him as she cried softly. “I love you, Uldren.” She whispered and he moved on the bed to where his limbs were no longer hanging off, not wasting a second to drag her up with him. She curled up into his side once more and he couldn’t help but feel like the taken war had just been a horrible dream. Having her by his side felt like when she would lay with him in the reef. Her presence calmed him and made him feel welcomed. She made him feel like he was someone… in the sense of who he was mattered. Everyone in the reef saw him as the Queens brother. Queens brother this, Queens brother that.

That is what he was, but it also wasn’t.
Ashura singled him out as who he was. He was Uldren Sov with her. He was his own person, not under the rule of a sister, a Queen who although she loved him dearly… She never treated him as if he was his own person. He had picked her a flower from the Black Garden, thinking she would love to see it… would love to plant it herself as she had done with so many other plants she’d been given… But… She sent it away with someone else. She never truly enjoyed any of his gifts to her. He wanted nothing more than for his sister to acknowledge his affection and admiration towards her. She had practically raised the both of them seeing as she was older by only moments, her mentality often showed as such. He had been a reckless child and she had kept him in line. He only wanted to show her how much he appreciated her…

His eyes drifted back down to Ashura who was watching him intently. “What are you thinking about, my love?” She said this so easily, so tenderly. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, only to pull her closer. “So much, so very much.” He said softly and she reached up to brush her fingers over his cheek, only for his to grab her wrist and smirk softly. “So much, as in how much you stink as well.” He said and she gave him the most offended look. “My aren’t you still an asshole.” She bit out and tried to roll away from him but he swiftly wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back to him. “I claim first shower.” He said as he used her to roll across the bed, but the moment his feet touched the floor she was already halfway to the bathroom.

“Get it together old man, you’re out of shape.” She laughed as she vanished into the bathroom. He chuckled softly and rapped his knuckled against the closed door. “I could shower with you, you know.” He said and she snorted from behind the door. “Not a chance, pervert.” “I thought I was your boyfriend, and besides it isn’t like I haven’t seen it all before.” He sighed softly and she cracked the door to peer at him. “That is true.” She sighed and opened the door to let him in. Her humor was gone and she offered him the chair that was in the bathroom. There was an exo in the room with them, seemingly awaiting command. He watched the Exo as it followed Ashura around.

“You need help to bathe?” He asked and she nodded softly, seemingly embarrassed. He watched as she removed the outer layers of her armor, and the inner skin suit that prevented her armor from chafing her skin. The Exo wrapped a towel around her as she sat on the toilet seat. He looked towards the shower to see it was a walk in with a seat inside of it as well. He glanced back to her to see the Exo removing the outer plates of her metal thigh, only to remove the leg entirely. “You’re ashamed of the leg?” He asked and she shook her head.

“No, never. Only the fact that this strong warrior everyone is seeing… I am useless without the leg. I am of absolutely no use without it.” She said as she adjusted herself to let the Exo assist her into the shower. “Why do you remove it to bathe? I made it waterproof, just as I did your other two arms.” He said and she offered a small smile. “Even so, it took so much time and work… I don’t want to risk it. And besides, my exo friend does a very good job of shining it up good as new.” She chirped softly and he offered the smallest hint of a smile to her.

“I hear your stomach growling, Uldren.” She commented as the water cut on. He could only smirk softly. “I will eat once I am clean.” He said and watched as she nodded from within the shower. “Fair enough.” He leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes, just listening to the sound of the running water. The sound was soothing to him, or maybe it was the fact he was still close to her, her presence soothed him more than anything.

‘Are you going to bring her to me brother?’ His eyes snapped open when he heard her voice. ‘I need her assistance with something brother, she is key in helping me.’ Her voice echoed within his mind and he looked over to see Ashura letting the Exo put her leg back into place. ‘Not yet.’ He whispered to his sister in his mind. Her presence left him and it didn’t feel as if she were too pleased with that response, but that was ok.

He stood and made his way over to Ashura, who was working on tugging a tight black shirt over her head. He hooked his fingers beneath the hem and tugged it down. “Do you have any assignments?” He asked as he placed a hand on her lower back, trying to steady her as she pulled on a pair of black shorts. She fixed her clothes to feel as comfortable as they could and she turned to him.

“Yeah, tomorrow at least. There’s a fallen causing concern and I’m going to go see if he is as much of a threat as most people think he is going to be.” Ashura said as she made her way over to the bed to flop down on it. “I will let you know how it goes when I get back, but I want you to get showered and eat. We have to get you back to normal.” She said and he offered a genuine smile to her as he nodded.

“Of course.” He whispered as he made his way over to the bed where she lay. She held her arms out to him and he leaned to hug her, which ended up her pretty much climbing him. Her legs wrapped around his waist and her arms around his neck. “Do you want me to shower or not?” he asked with an amused tone. She dropped her legs down one by one, but her arms remained wrapped around his neck pulling him down to her just the slightest. She pressed her forehead against his and he couldn’t help the flutter of joy that rushed through his being as she pecked him on the tip of his nose, only to release him and flop backwards onto the mattress.

“I Love you too, Ashura.” He whispered softly as he made his way into her bathroom once more. He took one more glance at her before he closed the door and he shook his head softly. She was already out. His lack of presence must have been extremely stressful for her as well.