Chapter Text
Weeks had passed since your encounter with Cayde and the intense ether trip with Variks. At first, you had felt a surge of strength and energy, diving headfirst into your work with renewed enthusiasm. But now, the toll of those intense experiences was catching up with you. The prison seemed to be conspiring against you, crumbling and breaking apart at an alarming rate. It was as if the entire place had decided to unleash its chaos all at once, or perhaps someone had taken notice of your increased effectiveness and was testing your limits. Your queue never seemed to shrink, constantly overflowing with urgent tasks and emergencies. The sleepless nights were beginning to weigh on you, leaving you drained and barely functioning. Dragging yourself to the shower became a monumental task, and on some occasions, even the floor became a temporary resting place to catch a few moments of respite.
Exhaustion weighed heavily on your shoulders, your body feeling like it could collapse at any given moment. Dark circles framed your weary eyes, evidence of sleepless nights and the constant demands placed upon you. The once vibrant enthusiasm that had fueled your passion for the job was now flickering, threatening to fade away completely. As you stood amidst the chaos of the prison, the echoes of alarms and distant cries for help merging into a cacophony, doubt started to seep into your thoughts. Was this what you had signed up for? Was the price of your newfound strength and the fleeting moments of entertainment worth the constant struggle and exhaustion? Your body craved for a release from this intense schedule. The guards that you found yourself to be dining with on the regular even found you off putting in this state. You hadn’t noticed that they had slowly stopped sitting with you till one evening when there was no one to catch your head from falling on to your food tray as your body demanded sleep in the most unfortunate places.
One thing still plagued your thoughts, Cayde had not written to you yet. You had heard rumors of something going on at the Tower, preparations for fear of war, but they were simply rumors, nothing was certain. There was always the risk of war. Existence was delicate and with your people being the chosen of the Traveler there were many who would partake in your demise. Jealousy was a rotten fruit that every creature seemed to have sampled. Perhaps it was unreasonable to expect an answer from Cayde-6, but the disappointment you felt at the lack of contact fueled your frustrations towards him. Coward . It was a word you used to frequently describe him since the event. You didn’t even want to try to decipher the ether trip you experienced. It was too much, and yet it was not enough. The silence of your room ate you alive, it crept and slithered under your skin plaguing your very core. Anything would be better than the silence that met you each night. Your hands no longer desired to wander about your body in the thralls of imaginary situations.The intimacy you had shared with Cayde felt tainted, the memory of his touches fading into a hollow illusion. The void of his presence stripped away the authenticity of those imagined encounters, leaving you yearning for something more genuine.
Rejection, though painful, would have been easier to bear than the suffocating silence that consumed you. Anything would be better than the void that greeted you night after night. The unanswered questions lingered like a ghostly specter, haunting your thoughts and dreams. It was in this solitude that you questioned your own worth, grappling with the doubt and insecurities that threatened to drown you. Night after night, you sought solace in the comforting embrace of your pillow, its fabric absorbing the echoes of your anguished screams. Desperate to break through the numbness that consumed you, you yearned to ignite even the faintest spark of sensation, craving a visceral connection to the world around you.
Days blurred together.
Engrossed in your work as you repaired a faulty pipe in B block, the monotonous routine served as a temporary distraction from the pain that gnawed at your heart. Suddenly, the chirp of your earpiece shattered the silence, jolting you out of your thoughts. A warm, chittering voice filled your mind as Variks dialed in to your comms.
“Little engineer?” His voice sounded different, tender almost.
It took you a moment to remember how to work the thing, but after fumbling you finally tapped it correctly.
“Yes Variks?” Your own voice sounded hollow. When was the last time you spoke aloud?
“Please report to my office, yes?”
Variks requested, the subtle shift in his tone indicating that the previous tenderness was fleeting. Variks always had a way of speaking in which it seemed like he was asking when really he was ordering you to listen, to obey. It worked. You tidied your tools and adjusted the pipe enough that it would not be a hazard and briskly walked to his office. Each step down the corridor felt heavy with anticipation, the passage elongating with each passing moment. The once-familiar halls now seemed to blend together, forming a disorienting maze of indistinguishable faces and sterile surroundings. Though it took no longer than five minutes to reach Variks' office, an inexplicable unease settled within you. Doubts plagued your mind as you worried over whether you had inadvertently committed a grave error or somehow upset Variks. The uncertainty gnawed at you, tugging at your conscience like an incessant whisper. At least he wants to talk to you . The thought offered a fragile reassurance.
You took a moment to compose yourself, straightening your uniform and attempting to present a semblance of composure. With a deep breath, you raised your hand and gently knocked on the door of Variks' office, attempting to not repeat the previous times that you had startled the poor Eliksni. The sound reverberated through the silence, adding to the weight of the moment as you anxiously awaited a response, your heart fluttering with trepidation.
There was a pause.
The door slid open, revealing the dimly lit expanse of Variks' office. To your surprise, the room appeared messier than your previous visits. Amidst the intricate network of wires and screens that controlled the prison, were scattered papers and debris laying about haphazardly, creating an atmosphere of disarray. The once-familiar order now appeared disrupted, and you struggled to make sense of the chaos that surrounded you. In the midst of this disarray, your attention was drawn to a hulking shadow, its presence looming in the darkness. The glow of Variks' blue eyes pierced through the gloom, capturing your gaze. Squinting, you attempted to discern his features more clearly but decided to let your eyes adjust naturally to the dimness, allowing your other senses to guide you instead. As the door closed behind you, the fleeting light from the hallway vanished, plunging the room into near-total darkness. Variks' voice cut through the silence, commanding and authoritative.
"Come here," he stated firmly, his words compelling your feet to move of their own accord. In spite of the uncertainty that gripped you, you took hesitant steps towards him, guided by an unseen force that drew you closer. In a matter of steps, you stood before the imposing figure of Variks. Despite any fear that may have initially lingered within you, it was his prolonged silence that became increasingly disconcerting. His gaze fixated on you for an extended period, as if searching for something intangible.
"The rumors are true then," Variks chittered, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and concern.
Confusion furrowed your brow as you responded.
"What rumors?" Your head tilted to the side, seeking clarification on what he meant.
What had been said about you? What could possibly warrant such intense scrutiny?
Variks let out a deep, resonating sigh, his voice module emitting a faint staticky sound.
"For lack of better words... you look horrible," he stated, his words cutting through the air with unexpected directness.
A mix of surprise and self-consciousness washed over you, leaving you momentarily speechless. It was a blunt observation, one that pierced through any pretense. You just stood there, jaw lax and open in shock. What the fuck did he just say? The amount of emotion pulsing through your body was too much to process, your mind blanked.
“I’m sorry?” You finally managed to speak.
Variks sighed again and chittered in a very disapproving tone. He sounded like a mother about to scold her child. The unexpected shift in his demeanor confused you, adding another layer of uncertainty to the already tense atmosphere. He started to pace about the office. It appeared to you that he was thinking of what to say next, and for his sake you hoped he picked the right words. Your lack of fear towards him left him vulnerable for your verbal attacks if he dared to make a fool of you. You had an insult about his arms prepped and ready to go, just in case.
Variks' restless pacing finally ceased, and his gaze locked onto you with an intensity that demanded your full attention. He leaned in closer, his firm paw gently gripping your chin. In that moment, the world around you seemed to fade into insignificance as his face hovered mere inches from yours. The radiance of his cerulean eyes was almost blinding, their brightness consuming your field of vision. For a fleeting moment, the thought of Cayde-6 crossed your mind, invoking a twinge of pain. However, that thought was quickly overshadowed by Variks' commanding presence, forcibly redirecting your focus onto him. The magnetic pull of his proximity left no room for distractions or lingering reminiscences. Your breath quickened as the Eliksni studied you intently. As your eyes adjusted to his, you noticed they were much different than Cayde’s. They looked more alive. Intricate waves of blue cascaded within Variks' eyes, resembling the ebb and flow of a celestial tide. The hues pulsed with an organic bioluminescence, imbuing them with an otherworldly quality. They were beautiful. Your cheeks flushed as he held your face in his vice grip. Fuck. Shaky legs barely held you up as you gazed into him.
“You are trembling. Why?” Variks’ voice cut through your thoughts.
“I…I…um” You tried to stammer out a response, but you couldn’t as his face inched ever so closer, inspecting you, his eyes squinting as he gazed upon you.
“Is it because you are exhausted, little engineer? Variks has heard that you are not sleeping. That you scream in the night.”
Oh.
You blinked a few times trying to process his words. Your condition had depreciated so much to the point someone felt the need to tell him. Of all the people they could have told, they chose him. It made sense in hindsight, he was your boss, but still. Did they consider that he would intervene and that it would put lustful thoughts in your mind?
“Oh that…” You trailed off. What were you supposed to say in response?
“I can’t have that.” He cut you off.
In that moment, two observations struck you simultaneously. First, the deep, commanding tone he had just employed resonated with a possessiveness that both startled and exhilarated you. It awakened a desire within you, igniting a spark of intrigue and fascination. Second, you realized that Variks had forsaken his habitual use of third-person speech. This simple deviation from his usual manner of communication shifted your perception of him, revealing a hidden layer of complexity. He was no longer just the Eliksni warden; he had transformed into an enigma, shrouded in mystery and allure. A mixture of apprehension and curiosity danced within you, fueling a desire to understand more about Variks and the depths of his intentions. Your body went limp, your thoughts swirling in a cacophony of questions, perhaps lack of sleep was truly getting to you.
Steady arms held you up, preventing you from hitting the floor unceremoniously. Metal dug into your side as you registered that Variks had grabbed you, his hand abandoning your face and joining the other three to hold you up. He tutted, the click of his tongue sending shivers up your spine.
“No, no, can’t have this, can we?” He chittered.
Gently, he guided your fatigued form to a chair, the same one in which he repaired your wounds the last time you were here. You fell against it as your body fully gave way once he sat you down. As Variks paced in front of you, muttering to himself in Eliksni, you slumped against the chair, your fatigued body giving way to exhaustion. A deep sigh escaped him, reflecting the weight of the situation that had befallen you both. The frustration within you grew as you strained to comprehend his murmurs.
“What are you saying…?”
The slurred and hoarse sound of your own voice revealed the stress of your restless nights and internal turmoil had taken on you. In that moment, you longed for clarity, for a glimmer of understanding in the midst of the enigmatic language that spilled from Variks' lips. You were tired of being left in the dark.
His pacing paused abruptly, his gaze fixed on you. There was a fleeting moment of connection before his curt words pierced the silence.
"Determining what to do with you."
The sting in his tone reverberated through your core, igniting a sense of guilt and shame within you. You felt like a burden, a weight that you had promised yourself you would never become. The realization that you had unintentionally burdened Variks with your struggles weighed heavily on your shoulders, amplifying your self-doubt and questioning the worth you held within this new connection.
“Do you wish for me to leave?” The weight of the question lingered in the air, and a wave of regret washed over you as soon as the words left your lips. You hoped for a different response, perhaps a reassurance that your presence was wanted.
“...No. Still useful.” Variks muttered as he finally stopped pacing and stared at you.
“Are you su-”
“ Yes. Silence, let me think.” A small growl erupted from his throat.
The abruptness of Variks' response silenced you, leaving your heart racing and your body unsure of how to react. You shifted uncomfortably, caught in the grip of confusion and anticipation. His muttering grew louder, signaling his internal debate on how to handle your situation. The tension in the room intensified with each passing moment, fueling your unease.
Finally, Variks let out a sigh, breaking the uncomfortable silence. His commanding voice cut through the air, interrupting any protests you were about to make.
"You will no longer be doing engineering work," he stated firmly, his words leaving you momentarily stunned. Panic welled up within you, and you frantically began to speak, eager to defend your skills and the role you had grown accustomed to.
"But-" you started, only to be abruptly cut off by Variks' growl. The intensity of his eyes, shining in the dimness, sent shivers coursing through your spine, causing your mouth to snap shut.
"Let me finish," Variks commanded, his authority leaving no room for further argument.
Reluctantly, you acquiesced, your mouth closing obediently.
"As I was saying, you will instead assist me in translating Eliksni scripts," Variks continued, his tone measured.
Your eyes widened in disbelief. You had no knowledge of the Eliksni language, and the prospect of becoming a translator seemed daunting. Before you could voice your concerns, Variks shot you a warning gaze, his eyes piercing through any objections you might have had. He possessed a confidence that left little room for dissent.
"Variks will teach you all you need to know as previously promised. You are a fast learner, yes? It should not be hard for you," he stated, his chittering voice carrying a hint of contemplation. You had forgotten his offer to teach you Eliksni weeks ago, the guilt intensified.
“That way,” he continued, “you will still be useful to the Prison, to Variks. You are useless dead.”
Variks' words struck you with a mix of conflicting emotions. On one hand, you were grateful that he hadn't outright dismissed you from your position. However, the prospect of transitioning from an engineer to a scribe left you feeling uncertain and apprehensive. Your mind reeled as you sat on the cold chair, Variks issuing his verdict as you silently listened.
“Little engineer, you will be here early in the mornings and you shall leave once I am finished with you for the day. Bring your pad. You will start helping Variks tomorrow.” His tone was firm and authoritative.
The instructions sank in slowly, your mind processing the implications. Questions swirled within you. When would you have time to eat? Take breaks? As an engineer, you had some flexibility in choosing your hours, but this new role felt more rigid, as if you were being closely monitored and guided every step of the way. The realization that this transition might feel like being babysat washed over you, creating a sense of frustration and restriction. Tears burned in your eyes as you sat there. Variks seemed to notice your distress and made a soft clicking noise. His tone lightened as he spoke contrasting with his previous demeanor, one of his arms reaching out towards you.
“It will not be that bad little one. Do not mourn.” He looked like he wanted to say more, to do more, but he stopped himself, his arm falling limp at his side.
“Do you fully understand my expectations of you?” His tone turned cool again, professional.
“Understood.” Empty words poured from your lips.
Variks sighed, his weariness evident in his movements and the sag of his shoulders. He moved towards a workstation filled with multiple screens, his intentions momentarily paused as an alarm suddenly blared throughout the room. The piercing sound drew your attention, and you couldn't help but be filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. You instinctively rose from the chair and stood beside Variks, a surge of adrenaline coursing through your veins.
“Is there an escaped inmate?” You asked, your frustrations quickly chased away by the fear of an inmate roaming the halls.
Variks shook his head as he continued to press buttons, the alarm still blaring in the background. A hologram materialized on the console, revealing an unknown fleet of pixelated ships sailing through the sky. Your gaze locked onto the holographic display, tracing the ships' path as they engaged in a fierce battle, their targets yet to be revealed.
“Variks what is this?” Your voice rose in a panic.
With a swipe of his paw, Variks expanded the hologram, revealing the unthinkable. The ships were firing upon the Tower, your cherished sanctuary, and its once majestic structure began to crumble before your eyes. Horror gripped your heart as the pixelated image of your favorite places disintegrated, leaving only destruction in its wake. The edge of the desk became your anchor as you gripped it with white-knuckled intensity, struggling to maintain your balance in the face of such devastation.
“The Red Legion.”