[b]VII: Ghosts of Former Selves – A D2 Short Story[/b] Trinity watches Rys and Tetra as they dance slowly in the moonlight. Tetra's head rests on his shoulder, and his head presses against hers. It seems less of a dance and more of a rhythmic embrace. Trinity sighs. “They are the CUTEST thing.” Damian, Rys’ Ghost, rolls his eye. “There is little point for them to be together this early in life. They won’t be wed for another five years, at least. I fail to see the logic behind it.” “Logic my foot,” Trinity says. “If I had a foot. The only reason behind it is to form a lasting friendship that won’t crumble easily. Everything they’ve gone through this year has strengthened that cute bond.” The Ghost scoffs. “Not everything needs logic, Damian.” “I am the Ghost of the heir to the Throne of Steel, of possibly the greatest Warlock to be graced with the Light. His protection is my first and only priority.” His single eye narrows. “I will not let him be endangered. Logic is my only ally in this mission.” “Do you think my Guardian is putting him in danger?” “Yes, of a broken heart! This is the greatest pain humanity has endured, and I would not see it come to Rysedian.” “Tetra would never abandon Rys.” “The people of Riis thought the same thing until the Traveler left. The result is one more faction vying for the Light.” Trinity does her best to glare at the Ghost. “I thought I had you figured out. I thought you looked after your Guardian like every other Ghost. But when I see two people in love slow dancing the night away, you see the potential threat of a broken heart for the kindest, most honest Warlock I know.” “Then you HAVE figured me out. That is my aim and end. To secure Rysedian’s place on the Throne of Steel with a secure lineage. Tetra cannot give him that.” “And how would you know?” “She’s a Hunter.” Trinity fumes. “And that’s it? Just because she’s a different class doesn’t mean she isn’t a good match. Honestly, you know nothing about love.” “On the contrary, Trinity. I was the one who healed Rys after his first heartbreak.” The female Ghost pauses. “What?” Damian looks at her and floats further from the two Guardians. “About two years ago, right before Tetra entered the picture, Rysedian was dating another Warlock. Cornelia.” “Never head of her.” “She was expelled for…extreme measures. She and Rys got along fine at first, but then she started pushing the line, crossing it, even. One day Rys wouldn’t take it anymore and ended their relationship. It about drove her insane. She either loved him to death, or was too far gone anyway to know anything different. So when Tetra arrived, and she would take Rys’ comments to heart…” Damian glances toward the dancers. “It meant a lot to him. A lot more than I thought it would. I was positive he would never love again, for fear of his heart breaking yet again. But Tetra has healed him. Yet I do not believe she is the one for him.” There is silence in the courtyard where they float. “Tetra loved someone, too,” Trinity murmurs. “Kid named Wallace. Good guy. Reminds me a lot of Rys.” “What happened?” “They were supposed to go on a scouting op together, but Wallace gave Tetra the day off cause it was her b-day. He was killed by Taken that afternoon, as she laughed with her friends and family. He shouldn’t have gone on his own. She found his body the next day. She wept for three.” “I'm sorry.” Trinity bobs up and down, as if shrugging. “It was a while back. Ish. Pain's still there, though. I liked his Ghost. Wasn’t as tight as you but not as professional, either. I don’t know.” “Thank you, I suppose.” Trinity looks over at the Guardians, the moon illuminating their silhouettes. “They're right for each other. I can feel it. They’ve both felt such pain, such loss, I can see how they’re drawn to each other so strongly. And what is love if not strong?”