Jae, Leader of the Swift – A Serious D2 Short Story [spoiler]The Swift: the second branch of the Blackguards, compromised entirely of Hunters. Each member is given a gilded bow, customized to their liking. -Unknown[/spoiler] “Heath was…reckless.” “Is that off the record?” “No. Leave it as it is.” “Continue.” “He wasn’t afraid of danger. Not usually, anyway. I remember the day Ghaul attacked and we felt our Light disappear, how his face went white as a sheet. He didn’t say anything for weeks. It was like he lost himself.” “Interesting.” “He liked best to work alone. Whenever we had a solo op, he was the first to be there. The first to get it done. He was reckless but efficient. Brutally so.” “And his relationship with his Ghost?” “Kaira was the only friend he had. In this life anyway. She kept his ego in check, and he was there to keep her company. It was a good partnership, like most pairs.” “How was his interaction with other Guardians?” I shift in my seat. “Stiff. Indifferent. Rude, sometimes. He wasn’t a social person. He was Mr. Practicality in the circles he was a part of. He didn’t see the purpose in friendships—or he did and just didn’t want to engage with anybody.” “Love life?” “One Guardian had a thing for him. Loura. She works in the outfit department, out in the City.” “Were her feelings strong?” I paused. “Yes. So much so that she tried to jump off a cliff.” “She failed?” “Mmm. We stopped her just in time. She didn’t take the news well.” I am silent for a moment. “If I were anyone else, I would do the same.” “Why’s that?” “We have lived far too many lives than we needed to. To live through so much and come out unscathed would make me feel alone as well.” “Are you alone?” “No. No, I am not. I daresay you are. When’s the last time you tried to meet up with some friends?” “Does the Darkness ever take a break?” “A question for a question. That’s…” “Interesting?” “I was going to say ‘cliché’. But that, too. The Darkness isn’t going anywhere.” “Exactly. That’s why we need to push it back as soon as possible.” “First things first. The [REDACTED].” “Ah, yes. Such a mystery.” “You seem well-versed in their history. For you to say that is…unsettling.” “Well…I am Faeradûn’s keeper. I have to be knowledgeable.” “Mmm. Would I be right when I say you’re better at reading than shooting?” He smiles from across the table. “Very much so. That’s why I’m paired with him. He’ll do all the heavy lifting. It’s good experience.” “And what if he…goes back to the old ways?” “You mean Savathûn? I doubt he will. He’s pretty intense, but Savathûn is [i]more[/i] intense. We’re safe.” “If you ever need, say, an army of Hunters to help with one of your hunts, don’t be afraid to call.” From across the table, the viper grins. “I plan to.” I look out the window at the sky. “There’s a battle coming.” “There’s a [i]war[/i] coming. And the Blackguards will stand fast.” “And hold the Citadel…” “Until the last man cries.” “Then the City will remember the sacrifice…” “Of the Blackguards, Iron Lords Supreme.” My smile is gone. I stand, and reach for my gilded bow. “Traveler be with us.” [i]-Jae, Leader of the Swift to another Guardian[/i]