“You know what? I was just wondering when you’d suddenly teleport us here and tell us to go on a mission!” Arkay tutted as he, Litvir and Arkay found themselves standing in that familiar darkness.
“Hello, my Missing…” Deathven grunted, somewhat ignoring Arkay’s statement. “I actually brought you here to see if you are available for missions once more.”
“You do realise you can call us, yes?” Retvik asked.
“I like speaking to my Hidden Trios in person. You three are powerful, interesting beings. It is a shame not to see you, to speak to you as… well, not equals, but you get what I mean. Also, I am not a fan of phone calls.”
Arkay and Litvir glance at each other, silently nodding in agreement.
“Fair enough! So, what do you need from us?”
Deathven smiled, but there was no way of telling. “I need three things from you currently. But the first thing I need from you is rather simple. I would like a status report on…” Deathven paused briefly, flicking through a nearby pad. “Foreverflame? An interesting codename for the little one. Did you give them a codename based on Flamebearer here?”
“Uh…” Arkay hesitated, now glancing at Retvik. “No, not… not intentionally. But the little darling does have a fiery sheen to themselves, and they are red-plated like me… and they… they are adorable.”
“You are not getting too attached, are you, Flamebearer?” Deathven asked.
“I am trying not to. Despite a lot of things. Foreverflame is safe and happy though, he is adapting nicely. Things are looking up for him.”
“Good, good. Well, that is the first thing out of the way. The second thing I must ask is how you three are doing. All three of you seem a little off.”
“We do?” Litvir blinked in confusion. “In all honesty, apart from the feelings of uncertainty that having a new Synaisthyn around are bringing to us, things have been well. We are happy, are we not?”
Arkay and Retvik both nodded in agreement.
“You are well and truly happy?”
“We are, yes.”
More hidden smiles. “I am glad to hear that.”
“I appreciate that!” Arkay smiled back in an odd manner. “But I can’t help buy ask why you’re asking.”
“I have had some… anger among my other Hidden Trios. Those who are shaped vaguely similarly to you. At the same time, news of the Missing being genuinely active is beginning to spread, which brings us onto the third thing I wish to ask you all about.”
“So you do have a mission for us?”
“I do, yes. But it is a diplomatic mission. In fact, I actually need you to prove that you are beneficial to Voidborns allied to Deathven.”
“That was definitely aimed more at me than it was those two, wasn’t it?”
Deathven grunted. “Only a little. However, Deathbringer, you do sell your companions short. Flamebearer was the one who took out the Crystal Doom and Souldrainer was the person who convinced a member of the Goldblessed to turn on his own kin. You are all deadly to Voidborns, if you want to be. But your mission, which will hopefully be rather brief, will be to speak to a splinter group. The Vast Voids are many, but they are also easily spooked. Some of them believe in… Plated conspiracy theories and this splinter group is of the opinion that the Rainbow Ruin is coming for them.”
“And you want us to convince them that the Rainbow Ruin thing is a bunch of bollocks and they’re dumb for even considering that it’s real?” Arkay growled.
“In… in kinder words, essentially yes.”
Arkay eyed Retvik and Litvir, but neither of them seemed that bothered.
“Is that wise, sending in literally one of the people they believe to be part of the Rainbow Ruin?”
“Yes. Because, Deathbringer, you have the potential to be utterly terrifying, but in reality, you are a small being who will only be a threat to those who threaten you.”
“And, worst case scenario, I can make some telepathic suggestions?” Litvir queried.
Deathven thought for a moment. “Well, if things get dire, then you may use your telepathy to convince this splinter group that you are harmless, but I would rather you at least attempt to use proper diplomacy. Is that possible with you three?”
Retvik nodded. “It definitely is. Their prophecy is ludicrous anyway. Some simple logic should be enough. The question is, do you have any information on this splinter group, so we are not going in blind?”
“I will send you a full folder containing everything you need to know. I will also give you ship coordinates.”
“You are not going to teleport us straight there?” Litvir was confused. “You normally do.”
Deathven frowned briefly. Again, no one could really tell. “No. I will give you coordinates and you will make your way to the teleporter point in the Justarian Circle.”
“Why?”
“Because I would like you to keep an eye out on your travels. If you come across ANY problems while travelling to that teleporter point, I want you to report that to me immediately.”
Again, Arkay, Retvik and Litvir all glanced at each other.
“Is something going on there?”
“Potentially. But I am still gathering data. When I have enough information, I may need to send you in properly. For now, you are just to keep an eye out. Is there anything else you need?”
Retvik and Litvir shrugged. Arkay wasn’t so sure, but he shrugged as well.
“I think we are good!” Litvir grinned. “May we go home now and get ourselves ready?”
“Of course, Souldrainer. I admire your optimism. Please do not take too long, the quicker I get these Vast Void Voidborns back in line, the better.”
“I’m sure we’ll be able to at least convince them that I’m not stupidly dangerous…” Arkay muttered. “We’ll be alright. We normally are.”
“Wonderful!” Deathven exclaimed. “I shall send you home now. Good luck, my Missing.”