Chapter Text
The first time Osiris met Saint-14 was about two hours after he had been brought back. Osiris would look back on this memory with fondness, and how it laid out the foundation of who he would become, and who his heart would belong to. With his memory gone, eyes cautiously flickering about the streets of a small town, sat maybe a day's travel from what his ghost-Sagira-, had told him was the Traveler. He and Sagria had travelled through the biting cold, barely making it to the town before the sun started to set. The path was decorated by fir trees, broken roads, snow, and the constant shrieking of some strange creatures that always seemed to just be out of sight of his view. All he could do was keep pushing forward, towards this unexplained pull he had in the centre of his chest, knowing and not knowing all at once. Osiris had been Risen without warmer clothes, causing him to wonder if they had rotted away, or if he had never had them in the first place. He was wearing something more suited for warmer weather, as were the skeletons around him as he discovered when he woke.
A rather jarring experience.
The small town has a scattering of homes, larger buildings, and what looked like a town square. It was quiet and deceptively empty, with the only signs of life being curling smoke lazily drifting from chimneys from the homes ahead of him and Sagira. Osiris paused in the middle of the dirt road, gazing at the silent being that hovered in the sky, his thoughts swirling, needing to reach for some logic. The Traveler offered no answers, a silent god above them, as if waiting for something. His mind reached for something it couldn’t grasp, but was only met with emptiness. Osiris found he couldn’t form his thoughts properly; the cold biting at his skin, jarring his mind.
“S-Sagira, is there a place we can go? It’s freezing.” Osiris hissed, lowering his gaze to her, squinting. One his hands gripped at an arm, hoping to block out the swirling cold, but it was useless.
“The building ahead of us is a refugee shelter. We can head there.” Sagira supplied, spinning in front of him.
Osiris held a hand up to her, feeling comforted by her presence, nodding a bit, before he gasped as he stumbled forward as something heavy was draped over his shoulders. He looked up sharply, nearly snarling, but stopped short when he saw the soft glow of a…Osiris frowned a bit, pausing in his flash of anger.
“Exo.” Sagira spoke gently, guessing at his confusion.
Osiris was more surprised he had been caught off guard by the sheer size of the Exo, noting the sound of whirring machinery, the metal frame, and the purple glow that seemed to radiate from the Exo’s eyes and a bit around the mouth. Masculine in form, well built...made? Osiris swallowed, brow furrowing together, trying to piece how he had been snuck up on. His reflexes were slow in the cold…
“Oh? Are you newly Risen, my friend?” The Exo rumbled at him warmly, his silver body glittering softly under the dim light. “You looked cold, the blanket will help.”
Osiris blinked and gathered himself quickly. “Yes. Thank you. We were drawn here by something…the Traveler.” Osiris glanced towards the large orb in the sky, before looking back to the Exo.
“Handsome.” His mind whispered to Osiris. He glanced away quickly, tensing up a little as he pulled the blanket around his frame.
“Yes, we were all drawn here.” The Exo spoke gently, fondly. “I am Saint-14. This is Geppetto.” He grinned broadly at his own Ghost as they appeared beside him.
“Osiris and Sagira.” Osiris eyed Geppetto as he pulled the blanket up and over his head, tucking it under his chin. It felt nice…smelled nice. A quick sweep of his eyes told Osris they were the only ones in the street this far out. Not an ambush…He relaxed a little, turning his attention back to Saint-14.
“Osiris…Well met, my friend.” Saint-14 clapped his shoulder, which Osiris found he didn’t mind. Not from him. “Let's get you into the Hall. Food and a bed.”
“I would appreciate that.” Osiris turned towards the large building, moving without being led. Saint-14 seemed to approve of this as he strode to catch up with Osiris, nearly towering over him.
Saint-14’s footsteps were quiet, even with Osiris aware of him keeping step beside him. It was one of the more intriguing aspects of this Exo, so far; that and his overly friendly disposition. Osiris found he didn’t mind, slowing a bit, as something in the back of his mind wanted to stay and spend time with Saint-14. Sagira swirled in front of him, scanning things for information, letting Osiris be occupied elsewhere; she already had his back, and somewhere Osiris knew he’d always have hers. As they headed further into town, the roads became better, and Osiris caught a glimpse of someone telling stories or giving a lecture to a gathered group of other refugees. Their face was covered by a helmet of sorts, but the crowd seemed enraptured by their words. Saint-14 glanced over and gave a small hum of appreciation.
“That is the Speaker. My father.” Saint-14 gave a nod.
Osiris glanced up at Saint-14, curious. “Oh? Do all Risen have parents?”
Saint-14 shook his head. “We are called Guardians. We don’t always have parents. The Speaker found me with Geppetto, and asked me to be an example to those around me. The Speaker acts as go between the Traveler and the people here. We are welcoming both Guardians and normal people here as a means of hope and safety. We protect the people.”
Osiris tilted his head, pausing in his step, causing Saint-14 to turn back to him, questioningly.
“I see…We, the Guardians, are left without our memories, reborn, left to wander, but find our salvation in the Traveler. And the Speaker acts as its voice?” Osiris questioned, looking up at Saint-14, brow furrowed in thought, looking for confirmation.
Saint-14 nodded. “Yes, my friend. We are potential, hope for those around us. Those without the Light and those with the Light. We are guides.”
“Guardians.” Osiris concluded, before resuming his walk with Saint-14. “The Traveler…does it not speak to the Guardians, or our Ghosts directly?” He asked. “Does that not seem strange? To bring Guardians back, but only speak through them via one person?”
Saint-14 shrugged a little. “Who am I to question the Traveler and its methods? All I know is that I am here, and I am to protect these people.”
“That is what we are brought back for then. To be the protectors of humanity.” Osiris stated.
“Correct!” Saint-14 laughed, reaching up to squeeze Osiris’ shoulder gently, opening the door to the refugee building for him.
Osiris offered a small smile, not pulling away until he had to, relaxing as the warmth of the building washed over him. The worn building walls had some artwork on them,offset by windows that let some natural light in. A sturdy kitchen with Exos and humans working within it. The wooden floors were well loved as children ran across them, laughing. Wooden tables mixed with metal ones added character to the mess hall that held the refugees of the town in its own safe walls.The warm smell of bread and spiced soup met his senses as the dim light was comforting. The soft murmuration of people gathered and eating a meal together tugged at something in Osiris that he couldn’t quite place. He felt himself relax at the sight before him, glad for the safety of a building around him.
“Better.” He groaned softly, pulling the blanket away from his head.
He glanced up as Saint-14 walked past him, before following with ease. Osiris observed the others in the room, brow furrowing again in thought. So many…How many had the Light? How many were just normal people? How-
Osiris grunted as he ran into the back of Saint-14, mumbling his apologies, earning a chuckle from the Exo.
“Do not worry my friend. It is a lot to take in at first. You will get used to it.” Saint-14 beamed at him, holding out a tray of warm soup, bread, and what looked like winter vegetables.
Osiris took the tray gently, pausing. “I…”
Saint just seemed to smile, before guiding him to a table, sitting him down. “Eat. Enjoy your meal. I have to tend to others, but I will return in an hour to get you a bed.”
Osiris nodded, glancing at his food. “Yes. Alright. An hour then.” He kept the blanket around his shoulders, before watching Saint-14 leave.
Sagira swirled in front of him as he frowned at the food. “What’s wrong?” She quipped at him.
“Ah, nothing. Just…Nothing.” Osiris shook his head, testing the food, humming in delight. Warm, comforting.
The warmth seemed to settle within him, growing and spreading over his body, chasing away the bitter cold that had clung to him. He eased the blanket down around his waist, no longer needing it around his upper body as he felt the stress of the day ease slowly out of him. Osiris decided he hated being cold, wishing never to be so again. He reached out to Sagira, taking a closer look at her. Perfection was the only word he truly had for her. Osiris felt the connection to her…to something more through her. It was all confusing and he felt a bit lost, however that passed with Sagira here in front of him. He gave her a warm smile, turning back to his supper, enjoying it. As time passed, he finished up, taking in the hall around him, finding being in a large crowd a bit of a discomfort, but let his mind wander a bit, hoping there were books in the town he could read once he was settled.
“I wonder if they have tea.” Osiris hummed, after slipping back from his thoughts, listening to the chatter around him. He leaned on his arms, feeling the bite of the wood beneath his skin.
“Hard to say…supply might be limited.” Sagira stated, factual and to the point. Osiris liked that a lot.
“Well, it can wait. Not important right now, this meal will do.” Osiris stated briskly, before tilting his head. The warmth in him felt…wild. Like the sun, shifting away from the sensation of warming up, to something more intense within him. “I think I should talk to Saint, I feel strange.”
“Strange? How so?” Sagira asked, sounding worried. “I can help you.”
Osiris smiled warmly at her, pulling Sagira close. “I know…but I don’t know what it is. Saint-14 seems to understand this better than us. Ah, but…It’s like warmth…burning. From within, like an inferno.” He frowned softly.
Sagira blinked at him, twirling. “It is the Light. Part of it anyways.”
Osiris focused his attention on her. “Explain.”
Sagira bobbed and started to speak before the side of the hall exploded, knocking Osiris off his chair and onto the floor. He grunted as something hit him, causing his head to bleed. Scrambling to his feet, his eyes darted around before rushing forward to pull people away from the exposed side of the building as some strange creature came in, wielding a gun. Osiris hissed, pushing people away from the creature.
“Fallen!” Sagira hissed as Osiris pulled a man to his feet, pushing him away from the tall creature. “A raid!” She vanished into the space between spaces to keep safe as Osiris ushered her away.
A second explosion from behind him, as someone caught him around the waist, knocking them both to the ground, shielding Osiris from the main blast. Osiris grunted as he landed on his back, dazed as he stared up at Saint, wild surprise on his face. His eyes flickered to a point behind Saint, as a Fallen caught his attention, looming out from the flame and shadow. The warmth grew and became an inferno as Saint said something, before Osiris raised a hand past Saint’s head and felt that inferno erupt. Fire exploded outwards, tearing its way through Osiris as the creature that had been looming behind Saint burned away to ashes. His hand dropped to the ground, his gaze refocusing on Saint’s face, noting ash and dirt on the once shining frame of his features. The Exo was saying something again, cupping his face, trying to bring Osiris back to his senses. His control slipped as everything became too much, his body twisting beneath Saint as he felt the flame in him scorch his body. A cry of pain tore from Osiris as the fire that had erupted from him tore through him again, burning him up from the inside out. He vanished from under Saint as Osiris felt himself dematerialise from the world for a moment.
Osiris’s eyes snapped open, finding himself in another world, a different space, staring into void and fire. Around him flames seared his skin, skating across the space, wild, untamed, staying out of the reach of the purple void. Osiris felt the flames call to him, teasing him, testing him. As he tried to exercise his will over the fire, he felt the solar flair of the Sun push back against him. A growl of frustration echoed through Osiris’s mind as he saw the forest of flame danced around him, refusing him.
“No.” His mind snarled. “Control.” Osiris felt his will extend over the flames again, over the inferno erupting in him, before he saw it. A great firebird rose, nestled between the void darkness and the forest of flame, holding the gap between the two powers. Osiris inhaled, reaching out to the fire bird, wrapping his hand around some feathers, wreathing his hand in flame. Osiris felt power flow into him, an overwhelming sensation as he struggled to bring it under control. He faintly felt Sagira in the back of his mind, using her as a grounding point to focus his will over the flames. Radiant light gathered around the firebird and Osiris, before it pulsed outwards, calming the wild flames, bringing them into submission. They were one…this power and Osiris. He had his strength…his control. Thoughts returning to Saint, he stared up at the fierce gaze, unwavering.
“Take me back.” Osiris demanded. “Back to them. We need to help, we must help.”
The great firebird stared at him before wrapping around Osiris and he felt the rush of being brought back. Fiery wings extended behind him as he hovered, newly formed in the air beside Saint-14, twisting the fire in his hand. Saint stared up at him, surprised, but recovered quickly as he punched a Fallen Captain that rushed him, knocking them out.
“Saint, get them out.” Osiris snarled, eyes a deep amber colour, meeting the Void purple of Saint’s. “I have this.”
“Osiris…”He began to question, but turned to do as Osiris asked, picking up a gun to defend the escaping refugees.
Osiris turned as soon as he was sure Saint was going to be alright, and went to work. Flames were seen seering across the landscape, burning the intruders as a winged Warlock defended the small settlement, turning the tide in their favour. Osiris made quick work of the Fallen that had taken hold in the centre of the town, clearing the path for the refugees to get to safety. When Saint joined him to beat back the rest of the invaders, they seemed to dance on the battlefield, Void and Solar power chasing shadow and chittering yells across the land. Eventually things began to settle down, allowing Saint and Osiris to pause in their actions. The roads were safe now and they could rest as other Guardians pushed out remaining creatures. Osiris scowled as his eyes flickered across the town centre, noting the damage, shaking his head a little, turning to Saint.
“Is this normal?” He asked, concerned. “Will there be another attack tonight?”
Saint shook his head at him, glancing around to make sure things were indeed clear.
“No, no more. They don’t usually follow up with a second raid, nor attack large settlments. Normally the Warlord of these lands would keep the Fallen at bay…seems he’s not done his duty.” Saint growled, turning to Osiris, tilting his head up to meet Osiris’ sharp gaze.
Osiris frowned at him wanting to say more before he glanced behind Saint, nodding to the arrival of the Speaker. Saint turned to greet his father, tucking his gun away to his side. As the man approached, Osiris felt the flame within him sputtering out and died. His wings vanished as he stumbled to the ground, holding his side with a grunt. His head swam as Sagira reappeared, huffing softly. Saint turned sharply towards Osiris as he fell to his knees, energy gone. Saint’s arms wrapped around him so he didn’t collapse to the ground entirely as Osiris’ vision became blurry, sagging into Saint’s arms as Sagira hissed at him.
“You overdid it! Too much all at once.” Sagira scolded gently, scanning over him. “He’ll be fine, just too much power at once.” She addressed Saint and the Speaker, grumbling softly.
“You used Solar power without training?” The Speaker stepped into Osiris’ blurring view. Osiris noted the hint of surprise, but also the note of curiosity in the Speaker’s voice.
There was a grunt from Osiris as he forced himself upwards to give the Speaker a level stare. “Yes. It…I just followed what felt natural.” Osiris said, hoping his voice was more steady than he felt. The comforting squeeze of Saint’s hands around his arms was helping him focus and stay upright. He felt rocks and rubble dig into his knees and legs as he stay knelt where he was. Osiris cursed inwardly, but held a defiant gaze at the Speaker, not wanting to appear any weaker than he already was. The air was cold again, the warmth in him having retreated for now.
The Speaker seemed to regard Osiris carefully, then nodded. “I can help you harness that power. Make it into something you can shape and control with ease, and without fainting.”
“Good thing I’ve not fainted.” Osiris said dryly, but paused. “...Teach me, then. I want to learn.” His hand gripped at Saint’s arm tightly, willing himself to stay upright while in front of the Speaker.
The Speaker tilted his head, before chuckling. “Stubborn. Saint, please attend to him. I’ll see to the others.”
“Yes, Father.” Saint said with warm reverence, before looking down at Osiris who was watching the Speaker walk away.
A moment passed between them, the chill of the night creeping in around them as they were left alone. The chaos of the town seemed to have been dealt with, as other Guardians and people of the town put out any fires and helped find shelters for those who needed it.
“You were very brave, Osiris.” Saint's voice cut through the night, looking down at Osiris to beam at him, snapping Osiris from his thoughts, causing the Warlock to look up at him.
His head swam again as he gripped onto Saint’s arm tighter. The look Saint was giving him was wonderful…felt wonderful. Osiris went to say something, only to feel his body sway forward into Saint’s arms, his head lolling into the crook of his neck. A snort of amusement escaped him, before Osiris sank into Saint’s arms like a stone, eyes fluttering closed as he passed out.