"Hunters suffer insomnia at far higher rates than other Guardians—even Exos."

"But what does that mean for Exo's who are Hunters?" Viper-7 mumbled out loud reading a document within the Vanguard database regarding all known information on Exo's, The Deep Stone Crypt, and his ever enternal bout with insomnia.

"Looking up stuff again V?" Aria his ghost chimed in. The two were just drifting in orbit around Earth on his jumpship. Viper was ready to make his daily trip to The Hangar. Maybe even chat up Holliday over a proper cuppa with Saint-14 joining in. It sounded nice. Almost too good to be true with the current state of the world, "Yeah..." He replied drowsily. It had been almost two weeks since Viper had last fallen "asleep". Sleep isn't the right word for what an Exo experiences.

When an Exo sleeps they always seem to have the same dream or rather the same setting of a dream but how it plays out is never the same thing twice. Many call it The Deep Stone Crypt subroutine a piece of Exo programming that's so hardwiried into the core of the Exo that a Ghost can't do anything about. Viper has tried multiple times and Aria has failed every single time. Everytime the Exo's enter their dream like state they always wind up outside the Crypt and must journey to it but no matter how they process it and proceed their guaranteed to fail every time.

"V...you need to sleep. You're sluggish and you got yourself killed last Flashpoint when a Blight Commander literally ripped you in two. Fortunately your team had your back while I revived you but you might not be so lucky last time. I know you hate it everytime but please get some rest. I don't want anything to happen to you." The concern in Aria's voice was so sad to hear. She was known for her snark and bravado. It was rare for her to let her emotions and concern show. She was always the type to keep Viper-7 on his toes both as a form of affection but often because she had a lot of confidence in him and didn't like showing it publically. But when it's just the two of them she can let her guard down and be the partner she needs to be for him most. A friend and family. Hunter's are often loners by nature but many share a comradery among their fellow Hunters that can only be explained as respect beyond words. Many Hunter's don't feel overly close to anyone and it's very rare to see one who's very personal with anyone except one person...their Ghost.

Viper turned the database off and looked at Aria. He face showed defeat and he felt broken. Insomnia does a number to one's personality someone who's usually so jovial and lighthearted could suddenly be sullen and a shell of their former self, "Please...Please don't let me sleep..." Viper sighed heavily in pain, "I can't handle it again. I don't want to see that place again." Viper's voicebox sounded like it was cracking like he was on the verge of tears, "I don't want to see him again at the entrance. I don't want to kill you again at the beginning."

Aria hovered closely to her Guardian and nuzzled his metal cheek, "I know it hurts everytime. But it hurts me just as much seeing you like this. Please sleep. I promise when it's over we'll go right to The Hangar. I'll even call Holliday and Saint in advanced and ask if they want to get together for food and drink to catch up. What you need most after these nightmares is a friend."

Viper-7 slouches in defeat. He'd honestly take on the literal Nightmares on the Moon over the ones he dreams about everyday and everytime, "Fine...I'll go rest." Aria perks up a little, "I'll be beside you the whole time V. I promise." Viper gives off the impression of small but calmed smile, "I know you will." The Exo enters his dream-like state as his Ghost mumbles, "I hope it's a good dream tonight V."

To Be Continued?

Author's Note: I'm curious...would anyone want to hear my take on The Deep Stone Crypt Dream? And if I do. Do you want a pleasant dream version? or the Nightmare?