One for All

There used to be more of them. They remembered when there used to be more of them. A swath of guardians to serve each waypoint. It used to be something coveted by others, to be able to volunteer and be accepted into the Mysteries of Janus. Those that were required to reflect upon their actions were instated as Keepers but those that chose the path, those that sought the selfless service and understanding became the Guardians. The Keys that kept a Waypoint functioning.

When did that lose its appeal?

Being a Guardian was dangerous work. IT always had been, even before the Eclipse. Even before the Waypoints became more important than ever in protecting their kind. Yet fewer and fewer offered themselves to Janus without wanting to seek some sort of redemption. Year after year and then month after month, the number of guardians dwindled. Now those that remained were overworked, servicing the needs of multiple waypoints at once.

Was it really any wonder that they had burned, without their Guardians to protect them?

All who joined the Mysteries of Janus gave up some part of themselves to it, Keepers most of all. It was meant to signify the casting off of your old life to solely dedicate yourself to the needs of Janus and the Waypoints. Guardians were only ever required to give up their old name. The gangrel now known as Kay had done so willingly. They did not miss their old name, but on nights like tonight, where they helped a Keeper to recentre their mind and remember their vows, they couldn’t help but wonder what the life of that other self would have been like. Chances were, they would have perished in the Golden Triangle attack that slaughtered so many of the Gangrel, but perhaps not. Maybe they would have gotten lucky.

Kay considered the two kindred that were currently upstairs in the Waypoint, who had stayed to ensure the Keeper was cared for and had ensured that Kay was alerted the moment things seemed strange. They had kept Lowtus from destroying herself and this Waypoint from falling. Perhaps Kay had gotten lucky regardless. Even if they were not inducted into the Mysteries of Janus, many of the kindred of Edinburgh's’ Waypoint had proved they had the same drive and devotion that would always be welcomed into the Mysteries of Janus.

Maybe… Kay would finally have others to share their duty with once more.