Destiny: The Legendary Hunter

[Writers-Ablood]

[Sector 618]

As Void approached the seven guardians lined up against each other, he smiled and nodded his head.

But before he could even begin to introduce himself, Void felt a vexing glare from Amos. Knitting his brows, Void shot him a glance, but the warlock had a disgusted expression, like he'd somehow stepped on shit.

"Another newbie thinking he's hot shit." Amos flared his nostrils, walking towards Void.

" I don't know why you thought to join here. But I am the champion. " Amos spat out.

Void didn't understand the show of anger as a nearby gunslinger leaned in, "Screw off Amos, you got lucky once. It won't happen again."

Amos scrunched up his nose as he looked at the two hunters with disgust, He immediately turned away and stomped towards his team.

"So much for warlock's being wise and calculating. Don't mind that idiot, he just doesn't like it when Shaxx praises others." The gunslinger chuckled, offering a handshake.

"Not a problem, I guess we'll just have to smack some sense into him again." Void grinned and shook his hand.

"Warrod"

"Void"

The two hunters seemed to be on the same page as they found Amos's actions to be immature.

"I like what I hear. Count me in. I'm Jason." The titan in the team walked over, as he placed his hand above the two, like a dogpile.

"Edith" The arch warlock chimed in, "though I will apologize for that dumbass. I promise we're not all the same." She smiled and gave a little wave to Void.

"So, what's the plan?" Warrod asked, side eyeing the other team.

Void held a dangerous grin, "It's simple really, we'll smash them into the ground."

His words earned him some curious glares as Void motioned for everyone to huddle in.

-------------------------------

"Alright Guardians, planning time is over." Shaxx shouted into the arena, as he surveyed both teams.

Raising a small revolver, he pointed to the sky, "Prepare your defences, load your guns, sharpen your blades and clench your fists. When I fire this flare, on the count of three. The crucible will start." He announced with great vigour.

"Your objective? Elimination. Last team standing, wins it all. Now remember, give it your all, and don't hold back. Show them the light guardian." Shaxx's words seemed to brew excitement within both teams.

"1"

"2"

Adrenaline ran high, senses ran wild and hearts started pounding. Every blink barely scraped away the seconds as they all waited on the last number.

"3" Shaxx clenched his fingers, slamming his hand on the railings, the flare shooting up into the sky, as green hue spread across the arena.

With a fire burning in their heart, the two teams met in the middle, auras collided and the titans from each side rushed into a brawl.

Amos seemed to glide above the fight as he rapidly blinked around the battlefield, surveying the grounds.

His eyes looking for the new hunter that had just managed to piss him off. Light gathered in his palm as he flicked an empowering rift downwards, " Keep pushing forward."

The rift landed on his titan as he easily overpowered Jason, slamming the titan to the ground.

He planned to follow with a punch but as his hand moved, bullets immediately grazed through his cheek, and ripped through his shoulder.

"Keep your hands off my boy." Warrod chuckled, peering into his scope as he perched upon the warehouse roof.

Feeling multiple bullets shoot towards him, the titan jumped backwards as he blocked with his shoulder releasing a strong barricade to cover his retreat.

Amos immediately signalled his team to blitz the sniper as the two hunters seemed to flicker through the air towards the warehouse

"Not so fast boys." Feeling a jolt nearby, the two hunters immediately tensed up and leapt backwards.

Edith smirked as lightning pulsed through her fingers, she thrust forwards, barely grazing the two enemies.

Things only seemed to get worse as both sides opened fire, a hail of bullets pelted every corner of the arena.

In what could only be described as a maniacal frenzy, Edith fought two hunters at the same time, keeping them at bay with her thunder as Warrod provided long distance support. Nothing escaped the gunslinger's eyes as he scoured the field for anyone foolish enough to be exposed to his range.

Amos being the warlock seemed spooked as he was forced to provide a constant influx of rifts to keep his team alive.

While all this seemed to unfold, Jason and the opposing titan spent the entire round trying to not let the other participate. While a gritty brawl ensued,

Jason was pushed back blow for blow as the titans duked it out.

"Hey the empowering rift is messing me up. Do something" He shouted into his comms as he ducked under a blow.

"Stick to the plan Jason!" Warrod replied as he tried his best to snipe Amos out the air.

However the warlock's reactions were too fast, as he blinked just before the bullet seemed to hit.

"Running on empty here. Void?" Edith chimed in as two hunters immediately assaulted her figure.

"Ready, its a go." Void replied, his figure invisible as he lurked around the arena, setting up his smoke bombs.

Edith weaved through the blows as she swung her head to the side, the punches barely grazing her.

"Go go go" Edith shouted, alerting the two hunters as they took a cautionary leap back, enough for her to blink away towards the center of the arena.

"Comin in hot" Jason shouted as he shoulder charged through the bunker walls, the opposing titan on his tail.

"I got it" Void responded, instantly Jason felt a translucent figure jump through the shadows to the titan.

Void swung his fist, rocking the titan in the jaw. Before he could gain any semblance of balance, he wrapped his legs around the titans neck and jerked to the side while a dagger plunged into the titan's nape.

The titan's body slumped to the floor as Jason felt his mind go blank seeing Void appear out of nowhere.

"W-wha..." He slurred his words

"Save it." Void kept rushing to the center.

Amos immediately realized something was amiss as Edith blinked away. His eyes darted around the field, as he saw Jason and Void rush to the center.

"They're in the center, quick-" He held his comms as he felt a slight prick and immediately blinked a few spaces behind himself, just in time as a scorching bullet rushed through his old position.

He felt Warrod's gaze as he saw the scope glint in the distance.

"YOU fucking bug" Amos clenched his teeth, there hadn't been a single second where he wasn't targeted by Warrod's scoping. If not for his reaction timing, Amos was sure he would have been hit eliminated by Warrod ages ago.

Amos immediately flew towards Warrod as the bullets kept flying by, the warlock dodging it with a blink each time.

"Hey hey hey he's pissed." Warrod spoke as he kept firing.

"Good job, keep him there, bait it out." Void replied as their team reached the centre.

Edith reached the centre as the two hunters were hot in pursuit.

The two figures appeared to rush in as they saw Void, Jason and Edith. Without hesitation their guns glowed golden as they pointed towards the trio.

Void smiled, seeing the golden gun, he wasn't intimidated, 'I faced someone far scarier.' He smirked.

Suddenly, a cloud of smoke erupted around them as Void triggered his bombs, flashing a haunting smile, his figure seemed to disappear within the smoke, surprising Jason and Edith.

The two hunters were unable to peer through the smoke as their uncertainty grew. With only one shot each, it was foolish to waste it on something they couldn't see.

However a strange aura seemed to linger in the air as they felt a shiver run through their spine.

"Devour them" Void whispered, his spectral figure held a bow as a shadowshot tore through the smoke, engulfing the two hunters whole as their bodies were chained to the floor, light tethers sucked their power away, leaving them as lifeless corpses.

The smoke dissipated as Void finished off the hunters.

"Woah, I didn't know you could do that." Jason replied, star struck.

"It's definitely a welcome surprise." Edith laughed.

"I told you, we'll smash them into the ground." Void shrugged his shoulder as he grinned.

"Guys funny story, but I am still alone here." Warrod shouted shakily as he blitzed across the roof, jumping to other buildings.

The trio could barely spot Warrod as they saw him chased by Amos slinging energy blasts aiming to rip through the hunter.

"Fight BACK COWARD" Amos roared, as he dashed towards Warrod.

Warrod deftly dodged his blasts as he rushed towards the cente.

However, as Amos saw him run, his anger blinded him. "Fine, then run from this." He mouthed, as a great energy surged through him, his body levitated off the ground as he held his palms towards the sky.

"This is gonna be bad" Edith smacked her lips together as she saw Amos condense a frightening amount of light into his hands.

"That's gonna sting for sure." Jason gasped, as he analysed the energy surging through the warlock.

Void looked at the two as they didn't bother moving to help Warrod, "You know you guys are kinda cruel."

"Please, this handsome face can't take that nova bomb again." Jason replied rubbing his chin.

" Warlocks can be vengeful, it's best not to get in the way." Edith shook her head.

"Guys? Hey, hey I can see you three. Why the f*** are you not moving." Warrod shouted as his voice went hoarse. He looked behind him to see Amos's erupting nova bomb.

Realization set in as his eyes went wide and he saw his world turn white. "F*** me"

The nova bomb pulsed through the arena as the ground shook. Three figures in the centre looked towards it's eruption as they gasped with concern, "Told you it was gonna sting." Jason replied.

Void nodded, "Good idea, we're better off here."

Edith shrugged as if to say, 'I told you so.'

"Well, I guess it's time for work. We're not gonna win by staying here are we." Void chuckled his gun revolving in his grip.

"It's as good as done, after that nova bomb, Amos is probably all out of juice." Edith replied, loading her shotgun.

"So why did you just load up that explosive shot into the barrel?" Jason inquired.

She chuckled pumping the slide backwards, "I just don't like his face."

Jason immediately recalled her previous words about revenge, and vowed to never cross a warlock if he could help it.

The dust cleared, Amos saw the three figures approaching as he tried to take a fighting stance.

Walking towards the exhausted warlock, Void spun his hand cannon leisurely and pointed it towards him, "Oi, don't think of any sudden moves, we all know you can't block these shots" Void chortled.

"Please...against the likes of you, I-I could do this all day." Amos heaved a breath as he stood limping with shoulders slumped.

'Did he just quote captain america?' Void was shocked as his jaw dropped.

"What? Scared?" Amos laughed.

The warlock seemed to think that Void was intimidated by his pathetic stance, hence he continued his slurry of words.

"You're ju-"

Before he could finish his words, Edith pulled the trigger as the warlock's head exploded into smithereens with a single bullet.

"Bad way to go." Jason shook his head in dismay.

"Indeed" Void couldn't help but agree, as the two stood over the warlock's body.

Far away, Shaxx who had been completely thrown off by this round was speechless.

'Invisibility is quite useful' He thought to himself, however Shaxx thought it wasn't enough to qualify Void as promising.

Of course, that was until he saw the double play using the Shadowshot.

'How did he know a counter to the golden gun?' Shaxx contemplated, did he experience this before?

He was thoroughly impressed by the hunter, the titan was lost in his thoughts as he finally heard a loud bang and saw Amos's head blow up, 'Ah, that's a bad way to go.' He shook his head.

"This is Amazing! Erhm, The victor has been decided, marvellous job guardians." Shaxx shouted with an ecstatic hum in his voice.

As the round concluded, several ghost's appeared as the guardian's were slowly revived. Warrod hearing of their victory walked over to his team.

"Nice job Void" Warrod shook the hunter's hand as he glared at the two beside him.

"Don't look at me, I can't make shields." Edith threw up her hands.

Jason gave her the side eye and spoke, "Listen, all's well that ends well isn't it? You did good by attracting his attention." He patted Warrod's shoulders but the gunslinger simply gave him a dangerous glare.

"Great job guardians, your team demolished the enemy completely. Void, a word." Shaxx stepped closer as he requested Void to follow him out.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

"It seems that Zavala was right about you." Shaxx slapped Void's shoulders.

"Agh..Thanks." Void replied as a strange numbness spread through his arms.

" You've honed your instincts nicely. Especially your stealth, it combines great lethality with the element of surprise. You should be proud." Shaxx's voice echoed in the arena as a belated laugh followed.

"However I must ask, how did you plan on hindering the gunslingers with the smoke bombs?" Shaxx held a curious gaze as his eyes swept over Void's figure.

Void contemplated his words, his thoughts raced backwards as he recalled the encounter two days ago.

He could recall everything in that fight, as Shin used the explosive knives to create a plume of dust to separate himself from Sai. However, despite having the choice, he waited until the arc hunter dashed outside the dust explosion to try and use his golden gun.

Naturally, Void's observant eyes didn't miss such a small action. One thing was clear, golden gun worked best if used with direct line of sight. Hence to him, interrupting that line of sight with a smoke bomb was the best solution.

As for the planned smoke bombs? Luring the enemy to the center as he waited there in stealth was a standard tactic anyone could come up with. But the deciding factor were not his smoke bombs, but his Shadowshot.

Since Shadowshot enveloped a massive area, direct line of sight wasn't necessary. As long as it landed within the vicinity, the radius of the tether would envelope anyone within range.

Void's lips parted, "Golden gun is a technique requiring great precision. I didn't think they would take the risk of missing if they couldn't see me for a few seconds. On the other hand, my arrows will always find the way." He answered, beaming a smile at the old warlord.

Void could only attribute his tactics to his own realizations, after all he couldn't just share his mission history with everyone could he?

"Yes...yes. Devouring light, a peculiar attribute of the Nightstalkers indeed." Shaxx replied, his eyes lingering at Void's hands.

"It is a power that commands fatality..... and fear." Shaxx's voice dwindled to a whisper as he snapped out of his trance.

Shaxx cleared his throat, "Forgive me, I was just reminiscing. Yes, about your performance, you had me thoroughly impressed. A few more rounds like that and I would be inclined to reward you from my personal collection."

Void's eyes lit up the moment he heard personal collection, 'A crucible armory weapon... I need it.'

"Let's run it again, I can't leave without my loot can I?" Void replied, a smirk lined the corners of his lips.

"Bold and courageous. I LIKE IT." Shaxx chuckled in surprise as he turned towards the arena.

"You hear that guardians? Take your positions." With a swift flick he rolled his flare gun.

Shaxx loaded in a single flare as he cocked the gun, "Again."

---

[ Six Days Later, Twilight Gap]

Near the mountain valleys of the last city, winds howled, tattered and charred crimson banners fluttered as they hung high, basking in the dawn of the morning sun.

The harrowing landscape filled with a golden hue, it's grounds razed of any blooming life, reminiscent of the crusades fought in the last century.

"Here we fight, for the memory of those who stood." A solemn voice echoed through the hallowed grounds, ringing through the rusted walls of the frontier.

Shaxx looked down from his spire, gazing upon his guardians with a sombre melancholy hidden behind his eyes.

Void's figure flickered through the tall grass with dagger in hand. He leapt through the bushes towards an unsuspecting warlock, twisting his body in mid air, Void flipped upside down and swiped the dagger, etching a line between head and torso.

Like a blur, his feet touched the ground and he disappeared again,

"Here we die, for the glory of the Light that never fades" Shaxx spat out as the head rolled on the floor, his voice laced with a soft quiver.

Suddenly, the arena went dead silent as a figure cleaved through the air, whipping his handgun out.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are." Warrod shouted, his eyes looking for a trace of Void.

Keeping his gun cocked, Warrod darted around, trying to catch a glimpse of Void. However, catching a Nightstalker in stealth was akin to finding needle in a haystack.

Feeling a breeze gush in from the right, Warrod's eyes widened as he jerked his head forwards.

A sharp whistle sliced through the air as Void's dagger zipped past his nape, inches away from decapitating the gunslinger, before Void could reposition, Warrod retaliated, immediately firing shots at point blank range through to Void's chest.

"Oi, Oi, I thought we were friends." Warrod spoke, his hands fumbling with the magazine as he swiftly reloaded.

Void found his balance as he sprang to his feet, feeling a few heavy shots deposited in his chest plate, he reached to his side and his hands snapped towards the hand-cannon.

"I could say the same" He replied, the two hunters immediately leapt backwards as their trigger fingers settled in.

Void's eyes glistened as a strange foresight enveloped his view. His hands twitched as he saw Warrod pull the trigger.

The bullets seemed to halt as time slowed down. Void flung his arm in front, tugging on the trigger to match their trajectories.

Void felt the world move as his foresight ended, suddenly the shots rang out and the bullets collided dropping to the floor.

"How the f*ck did you even do that." Warrod growled as he yanked on his side grabbing thin air.

"Mother****er ", Warrod cursed skidding on the ground with his hands shuffling near his side.

"Looking for this?" Void teased, as he juggled a carbon mag in his hands.

A trace of understanding flashed in Warrod's eyes as he recalled the earlier dagger attack.

"You didn't think I actually missed, did you?" Void spoke as his lips tugged into a grin.

Warrod's shoulders hung low, " Alright, you got me. Fair game partner." He sighed, as he slowly raised his hands.

Void pulled down his gun and tossed Warrod the mag, but just as he chucked it, Warrod's hands jolted, as he snapped away grenades from his belt and tossed them.

"Grenade!" Shaxx exclaimed.

Seeing two grenades leave Warrod's grasp, Void's wrist twitched as he immediately fired a shot straight through one.

A strong explosion rang out as the grenades discharged in mid air, exploding near the gunslinger as he felt his face charr off, bits and pieces of his body had been blown to smithereens as he finally slumped to the ground.

"Better luck next time, partner." Void blew the smoke off his barrel as he holstered it to his side.

Shaxx slammed his hand into the metal beams, his jaw wide open, "THIS IS AMAZING."

He clapped fiercely and jumped off the spire. Shaxx hit the ground and immediately sprang up into his signature pose, chest wide open with hands resting to his side.

"THE VICTOR HAS BEEN DECIDED"

As he shouted out the conclusion, several ghosts appeared above their dead guardians, slowly condensing light into their new forms.

The guardians all gathered on Void as they congratulated him for the victory.

Jason pumped fists with Void with an impressed smile, "I gotta admit, the free for all is a badass idea."

"Maybe, I will stop holding back the next time" Jason chuckled with an amusing grin.

Edith slapped his back as she quipped, "Don't talk big when you died first."

Jason sucked in his lips as he rubbed his back, "You can't blame me, when I saw you I got lost in your eyes.... and then a fucking rocket hit me outta nowhere."

Void swayed his head, "My bad on that one, didn't mean to interrupt your little date."

Edith's eyes sparked, "It wasn't a date." She gritted her teeth.

Void raised his hands as he chimed, " Say what you want, but you also froze when he looked you in the eyes."

Edith zapped Void with a finger as she strutted away.

Void rapidly rubbed his arm to reduce the pain as he glared towards Jason, "Yeah I don't get how you fell, for that."

The titan seemed to glance towards Edith's departing figure as he replied, "Just something about her, she's like a ball of energy."

Warrod walked towards the two as he tapped shoulders with Void, "I thought I had you, you're a beast you know that?"

"It's all in the hands man." Void twirled his fingers and laughed

"You gotta teach me the last one later." Warrod replied

Shaxx cleared his throat as he took centre stage, "Attention Guardians!", all eyes turned to him.

As everyone gathered around Shaxx, the warlord pushed out his chest and spoke with vigour.

"These six days have been amazing. No doubt, the crucible has gone through many changes as suggested by Void, for that I must thank you." He gestured towards Void as everyone clapped.

"For the future, we must continue to evolve. The light finds a way guardians. Always. finds a way to become stronger by the day. We must do the same."

Shaxx looked towards the horizon, " Now, to reward our latest Victor, Void, I must say that you've continued to impress me. I've decided to give you a weapon forged by the finest gunsmiths the city had to offer."

Shaxx opened his hands as a brown auto rifle appeared within them, "We stand here, at the Twilight gap. A land of grief and horror. A land where we fought grimm battles, but emerged victorious, hence, the city stands."

"I reward you, with the true hero of the twilight gap. Grimm Citizen." Shaxx's voice resounded as he handed over the rifle to Void.

Void felt a sudden weight on his shoulders as he grasped the rifle. As if he could truly see the battles the weapon had fought. He caressed the gun's old frame, it's iron sights, the worn handle. It seemed to fit perfectly in his grip.

"Thank you." He replied with conviction.

Grim Citizen III

Rank: Legendary

"The grief and horror of Twilight Gap drove some of the finest gunsmiths in The City to elevate their art"

Perks:

(Accurized Site) : Precise Fire

(Who's Next?): A kill with the final round in the magazine increases reload speed

(Perfect Balance): This weapon has extremely low recoil.

(Spray and Play): Increases the reload speed of this weapon when its mag is empty.

Click to shrink...

The crucible resolved for the day as Shaxx recounted the old stories of Twilight Gap, reminding the guardians to always focus on improvement, and to never give up. (A/N: Ignore the slight errors in timeline for the twilight gap. We will just assume that it happened in the order that I write the arcs.)

Twilight Gap was a testament to the unshakeable will of the titans to defend the city, a heroic battle that could decide the fate of the city. Shaxx recounted how his fireteam had fought the eliksni held the city's walls and refused to fall back to the Ridgeback District.

An act of defiance that had bought enough time for the city's forces to regroup and push back against the Eliksni invasion.

After listening to the warlord reminisce, Void went to orbit as he patiently waited.

For what you ask? Well of course, the one timer that truly mattered.

{ Legendary Guardian System}

Time Left: 00 Days, 00 Hours, 00 Minutes 10 Seconds

Click to shrink...

Void counted with bated breaths as the timer hit zero and the system window refreshed.

He gulped, and slowly clicked towards the system again, as Void saw a single phrase show up on his screen, he smiled.

---

{ Legendary Guardian System}

~ Store Unlocked~

Click to shrink...

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[Venus]

A cloudy horizon weighed down on the rocky terrain, as dense gaseous smog polluted the air. Expansive volcanic plains with rugged mountains seemed to stretch infinitely.

Three guardians could be seen painstakingly scaling upwards of a rocky granite mountain as they hung thirty thousand feet in the sky, a single slip meant a slow but deadly fall that one would never wake up from.

Despite their endless stamina, ascending the seemingly titanic height had them panting for breaths, their heavy breathalysers pushing out white fumes, the guardians grunted and growled as they climbed.

With a dogged tenacity, the three pulled themselves over a narrow ledge lining the gargantuan mountain. Their backs against the rocky mountain they peered below, only to see clouds floating beneath their feet.

A heavy wheeze rang out as a guardian started beating his chest, "I can't do this anymore, it's f*cking never ending. We've been climbing for days." He clawed at the mountain and squeezed, turning the rocks to dust as it slipped through his fingers.

"Calm down Ajax, it's just a little more and we're at the top." A titan beside him spoke, as he leaned in to the rock, his legs dangling freely.

"You've been saying but I just don't understand. There's no energy signal here, we can't find it again, we've been climbing for as long as I can remember and have found nothing. Can't you see, Ray? There's something, something very wrong here." Ajax mumbled, feeling strange sense of crisis as he stared at Ray.

" You're overthinking it. Just a few more hours and I think we'll be at the top." A warlock beside him chimed in.

"Overthinking? You're mistaken. Aren't we thinking too less of it? This mountain doesn't exist from orbit, there's not even a trace of it, and yet the moment we step foot in here, it just...appears? A mountain that stretches into the horizon? The Jumpships can't even come near here!" Ajax jerked upwards as he felt a strange sensation crawl over his body.

"I just don't understand. I...I checked my sensor, we've climbed twice the estimated height of this mountain, but it doesn't end.. it just doesn't end." he held his head as a faint headache began eating away at his senses.

"Relax Ajax, sensors can be faulty. You need to calm down. Perhaps we should take a break." Ray hurriedly held Ajax with one arm to prevent him from falling over.

Ray's voice echoed in Ajax's mind as a strong migraine seemed to pulse in his mind.

"No, no we should leave this place. We should leave, yes. Look up Ray, the top, it just keeps stretching upwards. It's like a cruel trick, an illusion. I don't understand why we're doing this." Ajax held his head tight as he tried to suppress the pain.

"We can't leave, we have a mission to complete. You're just overthinking it. We need to report the energy disturbance at the top." Ray replied, placing a firm hand on Ajax's shoulder.

Ajax's mind snapped as he felt an immense sense of dread, he slapped away Ray's hand as he looked into the titan's eyes. A sour lump collected in his throat as Ajax gritted his teeth, "Why are you talking like that?"

The warlock spoke as he looked towards Ajax with soulless eyes, "You're just overthinking it, we only need to climb a little more towards the top."

His words hit Ajax like a truck, his mind went numb, hands quivering as his heart sunk to his stomach. A chill ran down Ajax's spine, "What is going on?" He asked shakily.

"Ajax, you don't look too good. Sit down, you're over-"

" I am overthinking it huh." Ajax chuckled as his hands traced over to his side, "I am just overthinking it."

With a swift jerk, he pulled a gun towards Ray's head, a finger on the trigger, Ajax uttered,

"Who are you?"

Ray slowly grabbed the barrel, "Ajax, lower the gun, what do you think you're doing."

"He doesn't call me Ajax." The finger tightened around the trigger as the cold steel barrel rested on Ray's face.

"Ajax....what took you so long?" A smile crept on Ray's lips as his eyes turned dark, sharp fangs protruding through his grin.

Clenching his teeth, Ajax furiously pulled the trigger as gunshots rang out, bullets digging into Ray's disfigured face.

Blood spluttered all over the rock wall as Ajax stood backed away from the ledge, his hands trembling.

A gruff voice came from Ray's figure as it began morphing into a serpentine draconic skeleton, "Ajax, just a little bit more to the top."

It's hands stretched into gargantuan claws, as thousands of teeth grew out of it's mouth. "Ajax, you're no fun." It spoke, it's gravelly voice grated against the ear.

Ajax started heaving as his heart began pounding. The gun in his hand was empty as he tried to pull the trigger.

The warlock beside him grinned, his figure hunched over contorting as bones and scales grew through it's spine.

Ajax screamed as he tried to scramble backwards into the rock, but the mountain seemed to cave in as he touched it, his figure sunk into the sandy grain of the rock as it began withering away. He fell as the two draconic serpents slithered towards him.

Reality itself seemed to crumble as he sunk from the horizon, the mountains turned into titanic waves as they slammed into him, the world changed to an ocean as he kept sinking to the deepest darkest depths.

Ajax frantically tried to move, but he couldn't. The ocean seemed endlessly deep, as the weight of the world pressed down on him. He felt water seep into his lungs, all life seemed to slip from his eyes, but he couldn't die.

The light revived him, into a never ending hell, he drowned again, and he kept on drowning, living and dying for what he could only say was a century.

It all seemed unreal to him, where was he? But it didn't matter. The pain was too much, it seemed as if he was trying to swim against the tide of the universe.

No matter what he tried, water filled his lungs rendering him useless. Ajax felt hopeless as he saw himself descend into the dark depths of the ocean. He looked up as the last rays of light escaped his eyes, he saw the two dragons swim through to him, their bodies enlarged as they enveloped the whole ocean.

Ajax's mind began questioning himself. What was he seeing? The dragons surrounded him as he sank further, their gargantuan bodies encircled him.

Was this a new hell he had entered? What had happened to him? What had happened to his companions.

In a state of unending death and life, Ajax seemed to float for an eternity. His body desperately gasping for air every time he revived, only to drown once again. But the dragons waited, beside his corpse. For a reason unknown to him, they did not leave his side.

His heart and mind had both collapsed as all semblance of sanity crumbled in his soul, Ajax wished he was back, back on earth. The last city, he couldn't remember it now, but he loved it there.

Anywhere, but here in this purgatory. He died once more, but this time the dragons weren't silent.

"You could go back, away from this place. Safe, with your friends, your home. All you must do is wish for it." It spoke, it's voice reverberating through the endless ocean.

"Just wish for it, you can be so much more Ajax, just wish for it." The dragons whispered as Ajax felt life return to him.

He did not understand what was happening, but he uttered with trembling lips, "I wish..."

His next words drowned out by the water as bubbles moved from his mouth. But it was enough for the dragons, as they grinned.

The oceans parted, as reality's fabric was twisted once more, a wish was granted.

Ajax's body twisted as a tear in space formed, his remains vanished into the wormhole leading to the last city, as he disappeared.

"Oh vagrant, we grant your wish. But the debt must be paid in due time." The dragons echoed as the oceans dried out, the world began to reform into the rocky plains once again.

Unbeknownst to them, the wish they granted would lead to their own demise.

---

[The Last City, Vanguard Quarters]

Ikorra surveyed a few documents in her office as a spectral whisp wandered behind her.

She frowned, as the warlock revealed himself, bowing before her.

"What is it" Ikorra asked, slamming her book close.

"A disturbance on Venus was detected, the energy signals don't match anything we know. The orbital imaging...showed us something unbelievable." The warlock immediately pulled out a few images.

"It's like the world...collapsed on itself. This level of a catastrophe is only possible through one means." The warlock stopped as he looked towards Ikorra, her eyes gleaming with understanding.

He collected himself before he continued. "We believe a wish was granted. The Ahamkara were on Venus, we can no longer sit back and watch them destroy our world."

Ikorra turned towards the pictures as she saw mountains disappear and appear from orbit, waves erupting in Venus's atmosphere. Her eyes were glued to them, as she couldn't believe what she saw.

Her thoughts grew grim, if the Ahamkara were capable of terraforming worlds. They had to be dealt with.

"There is, one more thing." The warlock interrupted as he brought out a gps locator.

Ikorra examined the locator as she saw it blinking, still wet. The sensor seemed to malfunction as she couldn't get a proper reading.

"A survivor?" She guessed.

"The sole survivor from the Venus fireteam. He somehow ended up here. There's only one problem. He seems to have lost his mind." The warlock's words fell with a deafening silence.

Ikorra looked to the device in her hand as she put it down, she contemplated for a few minutes as she gave out an order.

"Gather the consensus, tell all the captains to attend. It's time for a hunt."

The warlock nodded and warped away.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[The Tower]

Sunlight seeped in upon a large roundtable in a vast great hall, lined with chairs. The consensus consisted of vanguard leaders, the numerous faction heads in the city, all notable guardians who commanded authority and the speaker.

The first to arrive, were the faction heads, who simply sat around. The last city heralded many factions, each spearheaded different ideologies for guardians and supported their ideas, functioning largely as a political party within the consensus. They held no concrete power, but their ideas were backed by hundreds of guardians.

The second, were the numerous squad captains nurtured by the Vanguard. Top tier combatants who had heralded the guardians into a terrifying force on the battlefield. Hunters like Tevis and Sai Mota fell into the category.

The squad captains functioned similar to a modern day military general, their presence demanded respect. They held authority and power, but were still under the top brass.

Naturally, the last to arrive were the Vanguard. The three top commanders of the last city. Zavala, Ikorra and Cayde. The three managed every single guardian in the city, and were considered the heads of their respective cliques.

As all gathered, not a word was spoken and every representative quietly took their seat. The consensus was never gathered for tranquil reasons.

Every member present understood one fact, if they had been called, some great threat had moved the Vanguard to finally gather all the viable forces in the city. They all exchanged silent glances as tension bult up in the room.

All were on edge, having no intel was the biggest disadvantage for the faction leaders. They would jump on every opportunity to promote their agendas, but the Vanguard were far too capable to let any morsel of information slip to their hunting dogs.

A characteristic shuffling reverberated in the room as Cayde played with his gun,

"Hey hey hey, why the long faces?" Cayde chuckled, resting his feet on the tabletop, as the ones behind the table seemed eerily quiet.

A faction leader, Jalaal stood up as he flicked his poncho.

Glaring at Cayde, his nose scrunched up, "You gather us at the break of dawn with no explanation, yet you still ask worthless questions."

"Dead orbit was it? Calm down princess, did we interrupt your beauty sleep?" Cayde retorted whipping his revolver back into the holster.

Jalaal looked at Cayde's feet pointed towards him, their eyes met as Jalaal's face contorted.

"if you've got a problem amigo, we can always take it outside" Cayde continued, resting his neck on his hands as he leaned back, he shot the man a glare.

The two maintained eye contact as Jalaal reluctantly swallowed his anger, crossed his arms and sat back down.

Ikorra eyed the two from the side, as she signalled the table to quiet down.

Zavala spoke up as the Vanguard commander, "The consensus cannot start until all required members are present. As it stands, we are missing a few names. Therefore, I request that all those present, wait patiently."

Avoiding his gaze, all faction leaders settled in quietly as their gaze lingered on the door, waiting for new arrivals.

A few minutes passed as Wei Ning waltzed into the room with a thundering cadence. She simply stood beside the squad captains, and the long wait continued.

Waiting for an hour or two, the room stayed dead silent as a strange aura neared the room. Everyone instantly tensed up, their hair stood on end.

Feeling their goosebumps, their eyes were glued to the entrance as a loud thud flung the door wide open. Two individuals and Shaxx donning their heavy suits of armor walked out into the hall, a gruesome killing intent threatening to spill out any second.

"I hope we're not too late Zavala." The man's voice shook apart the room, the gravitas in his words spread around the room as his charisma drew everyone in.

With a hint of respect in his voice Zavala exclaimed, "Saladin, we've been waiting." The awoken titan sauntered over as he firmly shook the mans hand.

He turned towards the one at Saladin's side, "Lady Efrideet, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Zavala finally looked towards Shaxx, as the crucible commander simply nodded standing beside the Vanguard.

The hall seemed full, but a few names on Zavala's list were still not present. Hence, he chose to wait a bit longer.

This time, the hall wasn't dead silent. The arrival of the iron lords had sparked quite the conversation within the hall. Accompanied with Shaxx, the three were practically living relics of the warlord era.

"It's an honor, Lord Saladin, Lady Efrideet, I am Lakshmi-2. The future war cult remembers your legacy everyday." The exo bowed her head

Slowly, the rest of the faction leaders began greeting the Iron lords.

Small talk had already began circulating within the room as two other guardians quietly entered, slipping past the table towards Ikorra's side.

"Praedyth can't attend. He's busy, he asks for your understanding." The titan spoke, handing Ikorra a token with a rune engraved on it.

Ikorra took it in her palms as she nodded, "I understand that his research is important. But the consensus doesn't take no for an answer. You should relay that to him next time, Kabr." She replied.

"Of course, in the meantime, Pahanin and I are here to answer your call, whatever it may be" Kabr replied, as Pahanin nodded wordlessly.

Ikorra signalled to Zavala as the vanguard commander took centre stage, all eyes went on him as the room quieted down.

Zavala glanced around, at all who had gathered, a sombre frown etched over his face,

"We gather here today, to address a threat. A threat to our very exis-"

Suddenly a rumbling pair of steps rushed from behind the door, two fiery Sunbreaker's titans barged into the consensus, putting everything on hold.

"I hope we're not late." Ouros chortled, dragging Liu Feng behind her.

The consensus seemed puzzled at their presence, as Ikorra stood up,

"The Vanguard did not invite the Sunbreakers into the consensus." She spoke up, as an oppressive light emanated from her.

Ouros smiled at her threat, as she simply walked closer, with Liu Feng in tow.

"But I did" Another voice chimed in, as all eyes went to him. A man clad in white robes, with a strange mask on his face, descended from the spiralling stairs.

"Speaker" Zavala acknowledged the man's presence as he led him towards the centre of the room.

Ikorra calmed down seeing the speaker as she let go of her aura.

"The Sunbreakers will prove to be an excellent force towards our newest goal. Is that not true Ikorra?" The speaker stated with his soothing voice.

"Naturally, but I am far more concerned about their loyalty to the city than what they're capable of." She retorted.

But the speaker simply waved her off, "In times of war, one does not pick and choose, as guardians we must use all what we have to protect. The Sunbreakers have accepted to help us. We cannot reject this goodwill."

Ikorra simply nodded, knowing she would not win the argument, "As you wish, speaker."

The speaker put his hands behind his back and walked around the room, surveying all those who were present.

"My fellow guardians, the Vanguard calls upon your aid. The city needs you, your strength and your bravery. A new enemy has appeared. The light within us calls to our duty." He uttered, giving Zavala an opportunity to continue.

Zavala took a deep breath as he continued once more, "The Ahamkara are a mystical species. Capable of granting wishes, changing the very flow of reality in our world. Coming to our world with the Traveler, they feed on the possibility of what could have been." His voice died down as he pulled up some papers.

"These wish-dragons. They accrue power through our desires, and we pay dearly for them. A wish granted, is a terrible, terrible price paid. At first, we looked to them with hope. But their power has limits. It can be corrupted. With thousands of guardians ready to make wishes, the Ahamkara grow unimaginably strong. Yet every wish they grant, impacts the life of everything we hold dear."

Listening to his words, many faces held a grave look.

"Recently, these dragons have cultivated enough power to terraform worlds. It is a frightening display of power."

Zavala's eyes narrowed,

"If such a power was turned against the Last City. Humanity's last stronghold would cease to exist. Everyone in this room knows, that there are many who actively work towards such an outcome."

He heaved in a deep breath,

"The Ahamkara need to be hunted down. So that such a power never turns against us." He declared.

Zavala's orders were surprising to say the least, but the first to agree were the Iron Lords.

Lord Saladin and Lady Efrideet agreed immediately,

" To nip such a threat in the bud, it is what we do as light bearers. We cannot allow the enemy the opportunity to strike first." Saladin's voice rang within the hall.

"The future war cult is ready to face any enemy, just say the word commander." Lakshmi spoke out immediately.

However, a disgruntled scoff from Jalaal upset the mood of the room.

"So you say we must fight wish granting dragons? If they can change reality itself, who is it to say that we can even kill them?" He muttered, but his words did not escape Ikorra.

The furious warlock vanguard simply continued,

" The Ahamkara derive power from belief and desire. If we give them nothing, they are simply helpless. But I suppose dead orbit is always looking for ways to run than to confront any enemy."

Jalaal's pale skin seemed to brighten up with red hue as his eyes struck wide open, "How dare you say that? Dead orbit gives us hope, to live on beyond the sol system. It's an opportunity for life to blossom beyond this accursed world. We, are not cowards."

Ikorra's hand slammed the table, rattling the faction leader. "How dare I not? If you wish to prove yourself, by all means. Step up to the occasion."

The speaker stepped in to ease the tension in the room as he skilfully changed the subject,

"What type of fireteam do we plan to send?" He asked.

"Ideally, three in each team. If not more. Everyone gathered here has their own forces, I am sure we can manage this at least. We are up against hundreds of Ahamkara, and not a single one should be left alive." Ikorra answered, looking towards Kabr and Pahanin.

"The Sunbreakers work best alone, we will handle our own fireteams." Ouros chimed in.

"I will let the Praxic fire know, we have all the numbers we need." Wei followed up.

"It seems to me that everyone is raring to go. However, with our current firepower, we are not ready." Zavala said.

"We will need help. Humanity does not have a lot of allies, hence there is only one we can truly trust."

"You mean to say, seek assistance from the awoken?" The speaker asked.

"Their Queen posses magic beyond our understanding, perhaps, her warriors will be of assistance. Or at least her weapons will be useful." Zavala affirmed.

"It is all decided then. However, I see the two of you do not have a third?" The Speaker switched towards Kabr and Pahanin.

"Apologies speaker, but I believe we're up to the task." Kabr replied, not wanting to partner with a nuisance.

"The speaker is right. I do not doubt your ability. But the Ahamkara have a way with twisting appearances. A third will suit you the best. The city has many fine guardians. Any requirements?"

Kabr and Pahanin exchanged a few glances as they sighed helplessly,

"One who would not get in our way. Perhaps, someone who is quick and quiet." Kabr replied, eyeing Tevis.

"I appreciate the invitation, but my squad likes to work better alone too." Tevis chuckled.

Kabr narrowed his eyes, with slight disappointment, his face stooped low, until another voice chimed in.

"I do believe your squad has someone to spare does it not?" Wei interrupted.

"You can't be serious, it's a dangerous mission." Tevis glared.

"He's been through worse. Are you going to stop him now?" The titan questioned.

Before Tevis could even reply, Wei continued to speak out,

"A guardian who is quick, quiet and lethal. I have exactly the right person in mind. Isn't that right squad captain?" She shouted, drawing everyone's attention.

Tevis sighed internally as he apologized to his apprentice in his heart.

'Your life is quite difficult'

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[A few hours Earlier, Orbit]

{Legendary Guardian System}

~Store Unlocked~

Click to shrink...

Void stared at the screen, as the one thing he had been waiting for finally happened.

Immediately, without wasting a single second, Void clicked towards the system, and opened the store.

What could he hope to find there?

'Treasures? Weapons? Powerful Relics? I want them all!'

Greed flashed in his eyes as the store opened up. Instantly, in front of his eyes, thousands of items appeared in a grid, each with it's price on display. Void was unable to keep a track of anything, as all manners of weapons and armors were on display.

Weapons he recognized but couldn't buy. Armor sets that he recalled but were far too expensive. But everything was too cluttered in the grid. As Void immediately sorted the items by category. He found something...strange.

{Store}

~Item Categories~

1. Weapons

2. Armor

-->3. Character Cards

4. Miscellaneous

Click to shrink...

"Character cards?" Void muttered to himself.

He didn't completely understand the category of items, so he clicked it.

{Character Cards}

"Allows the user to harness the ability of a character they've met. Cards have a limited number of uses depending on the rarity. Abilities can be earned through quest rewards or simply be bought"

Click to shrink...

Void hovered over the category as he read the explanation, immediately he knew he had hit the jackpot.

He couldn't help but let out a roaring laughter, "It's over, finally it's over. It's finally my time, I will take them all, every single ability. It will be mine.", Void seemingly lost his mind, unable to even comprehend the joy he was feeling right now.

Of course, once his laughing fit was over and he felt at top of the world, Void examined the abilities he could buy.

{Abilities}

1. Shin Malphur

2. Zavala

3. Shaxx

4. Ikorra Ray

5. Cayde-6

6. Wei Ning

7. Sai Mota

8. Tevis

....

...

14. Levi

...

...

34. Banshee-44

Click to shrink...

A long list of guardians appeared before him, and as Void read the names, a shiver ran down his spine.

"Can I really?" He questioned, refusing to believe it. His finger lingered over the name.

He couldn't resist, as he immediately checked Shin Malphur.

{Shin Malphur's Abilities}

1. Golden Gun Mastery (*Locked. Host does not possess gunslinger subclass)

2. Blade Barrage Mastery (* Locked. Host does not possess gunslinger subclass)

3. Predators Gaze (Unlockable: 1,200,000 Đ)(A/n:The symbol shown is what will be used as currency)

4.??????

5.??????

6.??????

7.??????

.

.

12.??????

* Only the Abilities experienced by the user and applicable to the hosts' body can be bought.

Click to shrink...

Void's eyes were instantly glued to the third ability, as it was the only one he could unlock. His mind raced back as he recalled the battle with Shin.

When the man first confronted him, the unbearable pressure that weighed down on him, forcing the air out of his lungs, rendering him immobile.

'So that was the predator's gaze...'

Void knew one thing deep down, that ability alone was enough to outclass an enemy below oneself. If Shin truly wanted, Void wouldn't have walked out of that fight alive.

"I need to get it." He immediately resolved himself to buy it.

There was, of course, only one small issue.

{Store}

Current Balance: 0 Đ

Click to shrink...

Void's hands started shivering as he smacked his ships dashboard.

"BROKE? ME? You're Lying, WHERE IS MY MONEY." Feeling he had been stabbed through the heart, Void cried out.

System: Host's current value is calculated to be 0 Đ. The system's calculation cannot be wrong! Please earn some money!! ( o > o)

Click to shrink...

Void immediately saw red as he looked over the screen, "Can't be wrong? You f***ing BASTARD. All the missions I did, where is my glimmer. Where is MY MONEY."

He questioned the system, almost trying to grasp the holographic screen in his hands if he could.

System: No need to worry host! The answer to that question is simple, our analysis shows that all earnings before the store update do not count! As such, the host currently possess no earning, because they were not synced with the system! Please earn some glimmer through bounties!

(O - O)

Click to shrink...

"N-No....Not like this. Please, everything, everything I've done." Void felt his heart sinking.

"S-System, you're lying to me right. Come on, you can't do this to me." He begged, pleading to the emotionless neon screen.

Little did he know that the system knew no mercy.

System: Please host, don't beg. The system will ensure your growth. An easy way out is never the answer! Now, let's go earn some money!

Click to shrink...

Void felt his soul leave his body, what had he done to deserve this?

"Every story I read with a system was op. So why, why me? A F****ING SYSTEM is supposed to be a cheat DAMMIT. Why are you trying to make this fair." He felt like ripping his hair out.

But he knew he couldn't win against it. Naturally, Void wanted that skill card, he wasn't about to wait around.

"Obsidian enroute towards Skywatch, let's pickup some bounties." He ordered as Obsidian input the coordinates and the ship jumped down from orbit towards the atmosphere.

---

[Skywatch]

Void's jumpship tore through the skies as it hovered near the lunar command.

He transmatted out and made his way to the Nightstalker base, walking all the way towards the control room.

The control room housed numerous terminals connected to the Last City, which allowed the Nightstalkers to pick up a few bounties and even send items back and forth.

Like any squads' headquarters, the Nighstalkers had ensured they could easily obtain supplies and collect information.

Void entered the room, storming towards the terminal with no time to waste, as he briskly accepted tens of bounties, stacking up his portfolio. Naturally, there was a built-in limit to what a guardian could take on at once.

Hence, after collecting all possible missions, Void quickly summoned his sparrow and shot towards the exit.

Peculiarly, a familiar figure lingered near the exit bay, Void slammed the breaks as he slid his bike, dust welling up as he stopped next to Tevis.

Void nodded impatiently, "Captain."

Tevis saw Void's erratic behavior as he saw him rushing to get out, "Going somewhere?" He asked, calmly putting his hand on the sparrow's head.

"You know, the usual. Just earning some money." Void replied immediately.

"The usual, yes. Is that why I got reports that you were going crazy in the terminal trying to accept all the bounties?" Tevis looked at him accusingly.

Void gulped, stammering slightly, "Is that so? Maybe I was in a bit of a rush, sorry."

Tevis sighed, seeing his apprentice, " Just don't end up doing anything stupid to earn glimmer, it's not worth it. For a while don't take any dangerous missions, you should rest up."

It reminded Tevis of his old days, the nostalgia almost sent him into a trance, until Void snapped him out of it by revving the sparrow.

"What about you? Why are you standing at the exit bay, everything alright?" Void asked, seeing his captains' scrunched up face.

"Yeah, just something annoying that popped up. The Vanguard wants us at the consensus. I had a great evening planned with the squad, but I guess we'll just have to push it to another day." Tevis heaved a reluctant sigh.

"I will catch you later, it's urgent." Tevis didn't bother to explain any further, his figure transmatted away, leaving Void puzzled.

"The consensus?" Void tried to think of any reason, but as far as he knew, there were no major clues to any event.

However, since they had gathered, it surely wasn't just a formality.

Void thrust his engines as he shot towards the cosmodrome, " If the consensus really found something to fight, we don't have much time to get stronger. Obsidian, display all the bounties, nearest first."

"I've lined up everything, though I must say, the consensus hearing seems to be urgent. I can't find anything in the city's database." Obsidian began displaying all the markers on the radar.

"Urgent? That's not good news. Should be okay though, the captain's pretty strong don't you think?" Void wrung the throttle as his sparrow tore through the desert plains, shooting towards Devils' Lair.

"Indeed, Captain Tevis is ranked very high on the combat index of the city. The chances of him being in danger are lower than 8%" Obsidian chimed in.

As the two closed in on Devil's Lair, Void glanced at his target list as ten fallen came up.

"Obsidian, locate and mark the targets within the vicinity. We'll be here a while."

His lips curved into a dangerous smile as Void got off the sparrow and immediately entered stealth.

All of Void's bounties were assassinations. Naturally, the targets were fallen squads or captains in the Devil's Lair.

Void couldn't possibly fight them all at once, but assassinating them? It was a piece of cake considering his arsenal.

"Void, I am detecting emp's and signal locators within the area. The House of Devil's upped their security since last time." Obsidian cautioned, scanning the surroundings.

"Gotcha, turn off all comms channels then, we're going in dark." Void replied, "There's no way we're missing out just because of some trackers."

---

[The Consensus]

Kabr eyed the Nightstalker Captain, he appreciated the skill set the subclass represented, and the reason he agreed for a third to be a Nightstalker was because his fireteam needed one.

However, Tevis's quick rejection shattered all his hopes. It was truly difficult to ask a Nightstalker for a joint mission. Except the Vanguard, they wouldn't listen to any other orders. They were all quite elusive and impossible to locate.

But as Wei interjected, Kabr's eyes flashed with interest.

"Captain, if it is possible, we would like to request for that hunter from your squad." Kabr chimed immediately.

Tevis sighed, seeing as everyone in the consensus looked towards them, he knew the issue was out of his hands.

"I am sorry Kabr, it's not that I am denying you, but our newest member is still a bit wet behind the ears. Besides, he's quite the solo player." Tevis replied.

Kabr sighed, lamenting his luck, but then Zavala spoke up.

"Is this hunter the one I am thinking of?" He asked

Shaxx continued, "Indeed, if it is the hunter I am thinking of, I believe he's quite capable on the battlefield, still a bit lacking in the power department."

"That is true, I don't suppose he's that experienced with his powers yet. Perhaps he isn't that suitable." Wei replied, considering Shaxx's opinion

Hope fluttered in Kabr's heart as he considered everyone's opinion, yes even if the new hunter wasn't that capable, he could still easily have him learn from himself.

What better way to get closer to a Nightstalker?

"E-Er, If it is as you all say, Pahanin and I do not mind letting that hunter participate in the hunt with us. We will ensure his safety and take care of him." He quickly added, afraid that the moment would pass by.

Pahanin quickly nodded, catching onto Kabr's drift.

Zavala found the two veteran guardians an amazing learning opportunity for Void. Although it was a rare opportunity, he wouldn't let Void pass up on learning from the best.

"Then it is settled, the Vanguard will contact the hunter to join your fireteam temporarily Tevis, if you please." He gestured.

Tevis nodded, taking out his transponder and calling Void on speaker.

Everyone waited, as seconds turned into minutes, which finally turned into a looming awkward silence.

Tevis coughed, as he tried to call a few times, but finally gave up.

Feeling all the eyes on him, he couldn't help but take a dry gulp.

"Gentlemen, it seems like I can't connect the call right now." He laughed helplessly.

'Where the hell are you Void....'

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[Devils Lair]

A blur flickered through the fallen encampments, stalking the Eliksni squads through the shadows.

Void prowled unseen, his translucent figure merging with the dark crevices in the rusted complex. His eyes darted between two Fallen captains patrolling the area.

Multiple squads of Dregs and servitors were scattered around, likely in charge of this area.

"We've got a lot of company don't you think?" Void whispered.

"Apparently, after the last mission with the Praxic Fire, the House of Devils is slightly on edge. My scans show that a lot of squads surveil the area around here." Obsidian whispered back, camouflaging it's shell.

(A/N: If you've not caught on yet, Fallen or Eliksni classify themselves with a tribal system. But instead of tribes, they call it "House of ----- " , you get the gist. Devil's Lair similarly comes from the fact that the House of Devils, a very strong faction of the Fallen race, usually control this area.)

"Let's get to work then." Void mumbled, immediately flickering above the high beams in the roof. He watched from above like a hawk, surveying each and every move of the fallen.

Instantly, his eyes turned azure, as he peered through the stats of the captains.

---

Captain: Akhmis

Race: Eliksni

Level: 28

Click to shrink...

Captain: Shesik

Race: Eliksni

Level: 30

Click to shrink...

'Not bad' Void's eyes narrowed, prepared to target the weaker captain first. Naturally he needed an opportunity. Fallen captains were somewhat strong if attacked directly.

But an assassination? Now that was a completely different story, no one would survive if their head was cut off.

Void stood up, balancing seamlessly on the beam as he silently trudged directly above the captains. He looked down as they circled around, checking the perimeter.

His right hand twitched, as a dagger appeared in his grip, blade lined with energy.

Void waited, patiently. He stood there, still as a rock, his presence was completely erased.

About thirty minutes of patience later, Void had already analyzed the common route the captains would take.

Preparation was everything, hence he didn't leave things up to chance.

His gaze peered through their tracks, knowing that his opportunity would come, Void tensed his muscles. The moment the two captains looked away from each other and walked in opposite directions, Void would strike.

Reaching to the side with his left hand, Void silently gripped two smoke bombs. He counted his breaths, his heartbeat quickened, as the two captains kept circling each other.

Then, the moment struck, the two for a split second, walked in opposite trajectories. Their figures neared each other, as Void's eyes narrowed.

A few seconds later, as the two captains walked past each other, their backs fully exposed. Void opened his left palm.

*Klink* Two black bombs plopped to the ground, rolling slightly. The sound alerted the Eliksni, but it was too late.

Instantly, an eruption of purple smog engulfed everything, blinding any caught inside its radius.

Void dropped down, gently swooping in on his prey, his dagger glistened with aura, as he plunged it into the Eliksni's neck, jerking his hands backwards as he cleanly cut through his trachea, beheading him in a single strike, without a sound.

The cut began to singe, as the corpse burned slightly, the headless body dropped to the floor.

Shesik's eyes burned, as the smog blinded him, he heard something drop to the floor, he clutched his eyes, as a smelled a familiar scent. Instantly making his hair stand on end.

"Ether". The Eliksni was terrified and confused as it tried retreating out of the smog, but to no avail. He immediately sensed a surge of power in front of him.

His body jolted, but before he could react, Void conjured a blade, swiftly stabbing into the captain's brain, Void pulled the dagger back, cutting the Eliksni's face in half.

"Huh, easier than I thought." Void was pleasantly surprised, "The poison in the smoke bombs is a great addition, Levi's a genius for that one."

Void's lethal blade skills combined with the blinding smoke bombs were perfect for a swift assassination. However, naturally the largest factor was Void's level.

He had truly outclassed the Fallen captain's from the beginning.

Sensing the commotion in their barracks, the Dregs and Servitors were at edge, and as purple smog leaked into the open air, alarm bells were already ringing.

All fallen forces converged towards the barracks as Void watched with a frown.

"Obsidian, two done, eight more to go, what's on the list." He quickly asked, as the smoke began to clear away.

"They want you to thin down the fallen squads in the area." Obsidian replied immediately.

Seeing them all horde his way, Void grinned, "Perfect, it's time to try out Shax's present."

Void pulled out the auto rifle from his inventory, as he deftly loaded unlocked the safety and aimed down sight.

The smoke cleared, the squadron of dregs were alerted to his presence, but Void had no plans for stealth.

Dregs growled as they leapt with their arc daggers, they flooded towards him as Void stood in front of the narrow barracks entrance.

Instantly, he gripped the rifle with both hands and pulled down the trigger.

A storm of bullets hailed upon the dregs, tearing them to shreds in the blink of an eye, as the rifle fired on full auto, the barrel ignited, as the barrage of bullets seemed endless.

The rifle seemed to overheat, as the barrel was steaming hot, yet Void did not let go of the trigger. Swaying the rifle side to side, he sprayed every inch of the barracks in bullets, finally stopping as his magazine ran empty.

White Smoke and a burning smell enveloped the room as Void fanned the barrel, "Damn, this baby can shoot".

He glanced outside, making sure that all the dregs had been reduced to smithereens. Void let go of the rifle as it disappeared into his inventory.

Instead, he clutched the saber secured on his back, with a faint smile he skillfully wielded the sword taking a stance as the blade sparked with arc energy.

"The dregs are gone, but you're all still here aren't you? Don't keep me waiting." Void spoke to the seemingly empty room.

But just as a second passed, a humongous spherical machine teleported Infront of him. It's purple core spinning rapidly as it summoned smaller servitors towards Void.

"You know, I never was a fan of you servitors. Tedious little shits" Void remarked, twisting the saber in his grip.

The servitors surrounded Void, as he took a slight step back, clutching the sword tighter. Void planted his feet into the ground.

With a jolt he erupted forwards at blinding speeds, swinging his sword as he sliced through the mini servitors one by one.

Instantly, Void dashed towards the gigantic Servitor, with a heavy swing, the lightning arced as it collided with the purple energy core, the sparks charged the core beyond capacity as it began glowing bright red.

Void pushed his saber deeper, cleaving through the giant Machine, as lightning lingered in the machine's carcass, the core shined bright. The unstable energies converged and exploded outwards, engulfing the barracks in flames.

As the smoke cleared and the dust settled, Void appeared huddled in the corner, bracing for impact. Most of the explosive shockwave had been absorbed by his armor, but unfortunately it had completely ruined his cape.

Void stumbled up as he patted himself clean. His hands reached his cape, now torn and tattered. He sighed, "Banshee's gonna kill me if I ask him to repair this." Void dismayed.

He shot a quick glance around, and then peeked at his radar. Confirming that all hostiles around were truly dead, Void summoned obsidian.

"How many bounties was that?"

Obsidian contemplated, "Adding in the squad of Dregs and servitors, you've completed six of the ten we took. We could easily cash them in and come back later."

Void sheathed his saber, "Really? What's up with the last four?".

Obsidian ran a few calculations as his eye blinked, "Hmm, the last four bounties aren't exactly possible. They are all tied to hunting the prime servitor and reclaiming this area."

Void frowned, "But what?"

"But, the Prime Servitor of House of Devils has been recorded as missing for a few years. No one knows where it's located. I think the bounty can be classified as a mistake. There's no way a single hunter can do all of that. We would need a fireteam at least." Obsidian immediately retorted.

"A mistake? You're telling me the city's database is outdated?" Void kicked a rock in frustration.

"I don't know about faulty, but this bounty is basically impossible. Someone must have accidentally classified the strike mission under the head hunting bounties category." Obsidian immediately recorded the mistake in his local registry.

"Great, so we're done here? Seems a bit of a waste doesn't it?" Void continued.

Obsidian glanced around the area as he contemplated, finally deciding on a course of action, "I mean, if you want to do more. You can volunteer to take care of the jamming arrays here. The cities satellites will start working in this area again. Think of it as community service!"

Void considered the offer, "Hey, as along as it's not some tedious job, it's ok."

"Hmm, considering the type of array, we'll only need to take out one jamming array to disable the entire network. Since all the fallen are dead, it's basically a waiting game. Essentially, it's a freebie." Obsidian immediately tagged the array on the radar.

"A freebie sounds nice right now." Void smiled, as he shot towards the marked location.

Climbing up the House of Devil's barracks, Void jumped from roof to roof until he ended up near a foreign satellite dish. He summoned Obsidian as the ghost started tinkering with the circuitry.

A few minutes later, the satellite dish seemed to lose it's bearings and the array jamming the cities network went down.

"We're all done here Void, we can go home now." Obsidian replied cheerfully.

Void inspected the satellite as he grabbed a grenade from his kit, ripped the pin and chucked it near the dish, flickering away.

Seconds later, the dish exploded, permanently disabling the network.

"The hack was probably useful, but I prefer more concrete solutions." Void added.

"I guess that works." Obsidian sighed, not bothering to explain the specifics of his network hacking to Void.

"So, the city satellites can access this area now?" Void inquired.

"Yup, and it's all thanks to us. Though we can expect the fallen to replace the jammers in a week at most. But that time is enough to gather crucial data using satellites and comms channels." Obsidian answered.

"Huh, you smell that Obsidian? Smells like philanthropy to me. Can't wait to tell the squad we're the reason the City can access House of Devils territory without being tracked." Void jeered.

"Ah, almost forgot. You should probably turn on the comms channels since we won't be tracked now." Void expressed nonchalantly as he summoned the Jumpship to go to orbit.

But just as he was about to transmat, his comms channel came back online, and immediately exploded with tens, if not hundreds of messages and calls from every single person in the squad.

Void's eyes went wide as he saw the notifications piling up, "W-what, what's happening? Is it an emergency? Obsidian, crosscheck."

"Accessing city's database.. No, everything looks normal to me. We're good." Obsidian replied immediately.

Confusion and anxiety built up, getting a few missed calls was the norm for hunters who often stayed outside comms range. But getting hundreds? There was a problem.

Seeing as they were all from the squad, Void connected the dots. The Nightstalkers needed him? Why?

"Obsidian, try connecting to Skywat-" Void's words were interrupted as another call came, this time from Levi's number, that had already called him at least 70 times.

Void immediately accepted the call, as a rushed voice hastily spoke out.

"Void, Void where are you. We need you at base right now. Captain's looking for you, and he's mad. Super mad. Listen, I don't know what you did, but you should be careful. He's got.." Levi's voice cut out as the signal scrambled.

Void furrowed his brows, "Hey, hello? You there? He's got what?"

Levi spoke again, this time in a faint whisper, "Listen man, he's just got people. I think you need to hurry the f*ck back to base right now. It's big."

The call disconnected before Void could reply.

Void's thoughts ran wild as he immediately transmatted to jumpship and set the course to skywatch.

He immediately thought of all the things that could go wrong.

'Could it be....They found my secret stash of golden age scraps in the base???'

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Void's heart was pounding as the Jumpship shuttled through the horizon.

He recalled Levi's panicked voice and the instant the call disconnected, "That bastard, if this is a prank I am not letting it go."

Did Tevis really find his secret stash? Impossible, even bandit couldn't find it, and that weasel could practically smell loot.

Anxiety bult up in his chest as Void began fidgeting his leg. The Jumpship neared Skywatch, Void swiftly maneuvered the ship close to the entry bay as he tagged the auto landing and transmatted out.

He briskly made his way towards the base as he saw Bandit and Cory atop the spires for sentry duty.

They had grave expressions etched on their face as they glanced towards Void and gestured him to hurry up.

Void's courage instantly diminished. The urgency of the whole matter wasn't funny at all. Aside from the sentry's the base seemed, quiet, too quiet.

He put his head down and hightailed it towards the central bay, but with a swift glance towards the council room, Void finally understood why the base seemed, empty.

The hall leading towards the council room was lined with all the Nightstalkers in the base, standing at attention, perfectly distanced, with hands behind their back

Void hesitated as he reached the beginning of the hall. The moment his footsteps inched closer, everyone shot him a glare.

Void stammered, unable to say a word. He felt that if he even tried to explain himself, they would pounce on him and beat him to death.

'How could I know that some scraps would get everyone disciplined, f*ck. I need a new stash location' Void mumbled, lost in his thoughts, trying to make sense of the deep shit he was in.

"Stop f*cking mumbling and get in there before I shoot you in the face." A grunting whisper came from Levi who was sweating bullets, standing closest to the door.

Seeing the desperation in his face, Void didn't bother to argue. Void hardened himself to face the music and began walking towards the door.

His footsteps stop directly before the entrance as he shot one glance at Levi, perhaps pleading for an explanation. But Levi only swayed his head, a look in his eyes that said they were all somehow screwed.

Void sighed, having tried his last resort, he prepared himself and grabbed the door handle.

With a resolute motion, he swung open the door and entered, slamming it behind him, boldly standing at attention as he immediately began reciting from the bottom of his heart.

"Captain, whatever it is, trust me, I was only following Levi's lead." Void closed his eyes in anticipation.

But seeing as no one was breathing down his neck by that point, he hesitated and opened one eye.

Void instantly sucked in a cold gasp as he saw the entirety of the Vanguard, and the Squad captains staring him down.

His words had already earned him multiple questioning glances.

Seeing this sight had almost knocked the wind out of Void, he simply stood there with his mouth wide open, unable to comprehend his next course of action.

Void stood there stiff as a rock, until Tevis scuttled towards him, immediately putting his head in an arm lock.

"I called you, ten times. Don't you know it's not allowed to turn off your comms channels while you're out for a mission." Tevis spoke through clenched teeth, as the rest watched the captain scold Void.

Void gasping for breaths, barely managed to wedge his hand in the arm lock as he spoke with a choked voice, "B-But, you're the one who taught us to turn it off so the city doesn't bother us with patrols while we're out."

Tevis's face went pale as he saw Ikorra raise a brow, he immediately clenched his arms tighter, forcing Void to struggle to stay awake,

Tevis showed a hardened smile as he laughed, "Me? Taught you what? Please, don't try to shirk your misdemeanour to others."

Tevis chuckled nervously, as he shot Void a glare that basically said he was screwed.

"Please, captain, let's hear him out." The speaker intervened, as Tevis immediately let go and Void tumbled to the floor.

Caressing his neck as he spoke softly, "Thank you, speaker."

"No problem. Now let's hear why you've turned off your comms channels. You do realize that the city insists hunters keep it on, in case of emergency." The speaker spoke with a curious glint in his eye.

"Yes, I do. However, I was carrying out a few bounties in Devils Lair, and they had a jamming circuit with a tracking network. So for safety I turned off my comms." Void replied, "Obsidian, show them."

Obsidian revealed himself to the room as he project a huge schematic of the Devils Lair satellite network to the consensus.

"We found the jamming circuit, but it had a hidden function of tracking the network and comms channel of the city. So for the security of our own comms channels and frequencies, we thought it best to turn off the comms channel till we disabled the jamming array." Obsidian immediately began his explanation.

"Wait a minute. You said Disabled?" Cayde interrupted.

Void cleared his throat, " Yes, disabled. We knew the city would need the jammers disabled so after eliminating all hostiles, Obsidian and I carried out the destruction of the jamming network. As it stands, we might just have a week of surveillance on Devils Lair." He said, while stumbling to his feet.

"Sooo, what you're saying is, not only did you carry out your bounties, you went ahead and did the city a favor? Good job kiddo." Cayde shot him a finger gun as he smiled.

Naturally, Void appreciated Cayde saving him from getting grilled in front of the entire consensus so he flashed a smile back.

Zavala was impressed with Void's sense of duty, "To think you did the city a favor. I apologize for the disturbance. The Vanguard urgently required your presence, but it seems we were too impatient. Thank you, Void."

Ikorra followed up with a resolute tap on the shoulder as she walked next to Zavala," Good job guardian."

Seeing as the Vanguard was pleased, Tevis breathed a sigh of relief.

A boisterous laugh rang out in the room, "Like I said, Void's a professional. He is bold, and talented. Let's not dilly dally, the man has done a lot for us." Shaxx dissolved all tension in the room.

"Indeed, my instincts tell me he's a capable helper. Though, every blade requires a whetstone." Saladin chimed in.

The presence of the Iron Lord shocked Void as he didn't even notice the man's presence in the room.

He simply bowed his head as thanks, 'Kindness truly derives kindness.' Void immediately said his prayers, if he hadn't disabled the jamming array, perhaps he would really be in deep shit.

"But, can I know why I was called here? " Void asked, pleased that he wasn't in any trouble.

"Of course. The Vanguard is planning an operation, your squad will be participating, but an external fireteam requested you to separately join their ranks. The guardians at question are very experienced, they can teach you a thing or two. They've also volunteered to ensure your safety." The titan vanguard explained calmly.

However, despite his calm smile, Void was internally in confusion, "Me personally? I am sorry commander, but I don't understand why they would request me. I am still not up to par to pair up with experienced fireteams." Void immediately dissuaded Zavala.

" Your confusion is understandable Void, however, it's not you that they require, but a Nightstalker. They invited your squad captain, but he refused. However, seeing as you have not fully integrated with their squad, we were hoping you could entertain this request. The benefits they offer you are quite tempting if I say so myself." Zavala continued

Void noticed that neither of the other two Vanguards spoke up. Meaning that no matter what he said, Zavala was determined to make him accept the proposition.

'I guess life is hard...' He sighed internally.

"Commander, may I ask who the fireteam is?" Void inquired, naturally he knew most of the notable guardians from the game, hence, he could easily determine if they could really ensure his safety.

"It's nice to see you interested, the fireteam requesting your presence are Kabr and Pahanin. A fireteam with the legendary warlock Praedyth, who you will be filling in for."

Void immediately tensed up, 'Kabr and Pahanin, is the vault of glass truly so near?' His mind raced, if it was truly related to the Vault of glass, Void was simply a lamb to the slaughter.

"Commander, I appreciate your recommendation, however, what is the mission?" Void asked varily.

Zavala nodded to Ikorra as the warlock pulled up holograms of Venus and other information.

"The mission, is simple. The city aims to hunt down the ahamkara, to wipe them off the face of this universe. For that, we have gathered all our forces, take a look."

Void felt his jaw drop as he glanced at the hologram, 'From the Vault of glass, to the Ahamkara Hunt'

Void sucked in a cold breath, 'Life truly is hard'

 

[Writers-Ablood]

The hologram came to life as it simulated the Ahamkara's image. A titanic draconic lizard with a hunched spine, on all fours, with thousands of fangs lining it's mouth.

'The last wish raid was one thing, but this...', Void gawked at the hologram's lifelike simulation. Astonished at the Ahamkara's appearance.

Real life was far scarier than the game. A real ahamkara was hundreds of times more cryptic and mysterious than Void thought of.

"This, is an ahamkara?" Void walked around the hologram, taking in it's gigantic stature.

"Not exactly, no." Ikorra replied as she flicked her wrist, and the hologram morphed into something far smaller.

"The consensus has already discussed everything about the Ahamkara, however, since you missed the appointment, we'll be doing it again. Listen carefully, I won't be doing repeats." Ikorra said solemnly.

Void immediately stood at attention, carefully analysing the hologram.

"Tevis, get the rest of the squad in here. We'll do a joint session." Ikorra ordered, pushing the hologram towards the centre of the room.

Tevis immediately complied, as he opened the door, and gestured to rush in. The Nightstalkers calmly gathered in the room as they stood in line at the side, their eyes naturally drifting towards the hologram.

Void joined the other Nightstalker in their ranks, as he lined up with them, facing the centre of the room, but he soon felt a deadly glare at the back if his head.

Void flinched, glancing back, he saw Levi staring daggers at him as he slowly creased a thumb across the neck.

'F*ck, did he hear me?' Void immediately grimaced, but chose not to show it and focused towards Ikorra.

The warlock vanguard's gaze fell on the Nightstalker squad as she took a resolute stance.

"Guardians, we gathered you here for one thing. The city, is facing a new enemy. An enemy from myths and legends, capable of twisting our very reality." Ikorra declared clenching her fist, garnering several varied reactions from the squad.

She touched the hologram, as the image of an Ahamkara appeared once more in all it's glory. It's titanic figure scaled down was imposing regardless of size.

The Nightstalkers sized the hologram up, observing its features, as several frowns appeared in the team.

Ikorra noticed the dull reactions, but continued regardless, "The Ahamkara are a powerful species, of shapeshifting, wish-granting creatures. They first joined our world with the Traveler."

Murmurs broke out as everyone looked at the draconic entity with a newfound perspective.

"The old guardians called the Ahamkara, dragons. Like fables brought to existence. Some of you might not know, but a few centuries ago, the city utilized these wish granting creatures for our own incentives. However, many notable guardians paid a terrible price for their wish." Ikorra's gaze turned deadly.

A sudden lull flushed the room as Ikorra spoke with a melancholic glint in her eyes.

"The list was long, it even included two hunter vanguards' Tallulah Fairwind and Kauko Swiftriver. After losing many guardians, we decided to shun the Ahamkara and to drive them away from earth."

Void's eyes widened, this part of history was mentioned in the lore books but, hearing it first hand had sent chills down his spine.

"What we did not know, was that the Ahamkara grew stronger with every wish they granted. Feeding on our desires, like parasites. We fought a gruesome battle, and with the help of Osiris, we were able to remove the strongest Ahamkara's from earth. Sending them drifting into space."

The room grew silent at her words, as people bowed their head in respect to Osiris's name.

Void was entranced by the history as he couldn't help but ask, " If we really did drive them out, what use is the hunt now?"

Ikorra dejectedly swayed her head, " The Ahamkara are mysterious indeed. We don't know how, but they came back. Our operatives noticed a paracausal event on Venus." She displayed the world altering event on the hologram.

The squad inched closer, anticipating her next words.

Ikorra's voice grew sullen, "Detecting the energy fluctuations, a fireteam of three went out to investigate. Only one survived, and when we found him, he had completely lost his mind."

The Nightstalkers were aghast, grinding their teeth with clenched jaws and hardened faces.

Levi stepped forwards courteously, "If the Ahamkara are as strong as the vanguard says they are, how can we defeat them?"

This question had also popped up for the other Nightstalkers, but questioning the Vanguard wasn't exactly what they wanted to do.

Ikorra nodded, acknowledging his question, " The Ahamkara feed on our wishes. But in return, if we have none for them, their power over us grows weak."

Ikorra immediately flicked the hologram once more, as the Ahamkara's stature shrunk from a gigantic draconic abomination to a small lizard barely a foot in size.

" Their form is simply a lie that they weave into the universe. Do not trust it, their true self, is far weaker than you would think."

Ikorra walked towards the squad, "But a word of caution, guardians. The Ahamkara are notorious for being able to read surface thoughts. Do not let your mind lead you astray. They can take any form you think of, but they can't copy every mannerism."

"When engaging an Ahamkara, do not reveal any information. They might be able to emulate our image, but they can't simulate our knowledge."

Void immediately perked up, "You said they can copy how we look. So how do we know which one is real if we aren't allowed to reveal any information to verify our identities?"

His question immediately stumped the squad, as they too realized the contradiction of their orders.

As the Nightstalkers panicked slightly, Lord Saladin, Shaxx and the others curled their lips into a smile.

"They can copy how we look guardian, but not our essence. If at any point, any team is faced with an Ahamkara and cannot differentiate between each other. Face your double, and pull the trigger." Ikorra gestured for a shot to the head.

Her gesture left everyone speechless, as Void frowned, "You mean to say, that we kill our copy?" He interrupted.

"The Ahamkara will do everything to blend in, copying you best they can. But they cannot copy the light. You and your doppelganger shooting each other will result in a simple skirmish. The Ahamkara will either reveal himself, or you both will die. But the real guardian can be revived." Shaxx instantly retorted.

"Do not forget guardians, the weaker Ahamkara gather their powers from deception. Don't give them a chance. As for the stronger ones, they will seek to overwhelm you, annihilate them with all your fire power." Shaxx commanded with a growl.

The Nightstalkers immediately snarled, stomping their feet in acknowledgement.

Void followed their lead, snarling with a gruff voice.

Ikorra continued to discuss the various formations for the Nightstalker squad, but as Void wasn't included in their lineup, he decided to step back and observe the room instead,

His eyes mainly lingered around Saladin.

'Lord Saladin Forge. One of the ten legendary guardians who stopped the warring age before the city. I didn't think he would make an appearance so soon.' Void's gaze met his as he nodded with respect.

Saladin acknowledged the young hunter and then promptly excused himself from the room, vanishing away.

As Saladin left so did Shaxx, leaving the squad with the Vanguard and the speaker.

Ikorra finished her long lecture of tactics, turning to Void at the end.

"Kabr will take care of your plans, his judgement is impeccable. You can rest assured, he won't make any mistakes. I suggest you meet up with them and become familiar with their pace. "

Void agreed with a nod, but his eyes lingered towards the exit, he found the meetings very exhausted.

He clenched his jaw, almost letting out a yawn, as he glanced to the side and saw Cayde eyeing him with a raise brow.

With a sly grin, Cayde yawned, stretching out his ligaments. Watching him had almost forced a yawn out of Void, but seeing Ikorra so close, he had no choice but to try his best to hold it back.

'Bastard, I swear I will loot your stashes for this' He grieved internally.

"One last thing, our forces alone might not be enough for the Ahamkara. The vanguard plans to contact the awoken to send forces and weapons for aid. So I am telling you all now, if you do anything to ostracize their people."

Ikorra flashed a dangerous frown, as everyone in the squad understood her without a need for the words to be said.

They sheepishly nodded, not daring to go and test out the Vanguard's threat.

Turning her back towards them, Ikorra looked to leave the room. Her footsteps stopped directly before the door, as she flicked it open.

Glancing back at Void she chucked him a gps node, her figure withering into thin air.

Void immediately put the node in his pocket and looked towards the remaining guardians.

The Speaker greeted everyone once more, as he humbly walked towards his ship and travelled back towards the city.

Zavala and Cayde gave each other a nod before disappearing swiftly.

With the Vanguard gone, the squad breathed a sigh of relief, and so did Void.

However, before anyone could react two figures flickered besides Void, pinning him down by the arms.

"M****F****, I should have left earlier." Realization dawned on him on what was about to happen as Void cursed under his breath.

"You dog bastard, following my lead you said? I didn't f*cking know you were so loyal to me." Levi chuckled, twisting his wrist.

"Doing what I taught you? You sure seem to have some nerve." Tevis chortled with a steeled face, as he kneeled on Void's spine.

Void felt like puking as his stomach sank, "Listen, we can talk about this, there's no need for violence" He immediately tried to weasel his way out of their grip, but failed.

"Come on, guys. Hey, hey bandit, come on." Void panicked and looked towards the squad as they all turned deaf ear towards his cries, scuttling out the room.

"Cory, Cory?"

"Guys, guys please."

The last man shut the door behind him as Void remained pinned on the ground, struggling as he tried to wobble out from underneath Tevis.

"Stop f*ckin moving, do you really think you can escape?" Tevis, patted him on the back with a smile.

"Captain, listen, I am not wrong you know? You did teach that during my training" Void pleaded.

"Not wrong? Is that so?" Levi gave him a soul gripping stare, as he placed his hand on his holster.

"W-wait, wait wait. You, you don't have to do that." Void instantly cried out.

Levi chuckled mercilessly, "It's fine Void, whatever happens, just follow my lead."

Void gulped dryly, knowing he wouldn't get out of here easily, he surrendered himself to fate, and took his beating like a man.

However, as far as some Nightstalkers were concerned, that day, they did hear something akin to a dog yelping like it was being beaten with a stick.

While the others could swear it sounded like a duck being interfered with.

None could really agree to the source of the noise, but they weren't stupid enough to check. Whatever happened in the Cosmodrome, stayed in the Cosmodrome.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[SkyWatch]

Void could be seen beaten and bruised, as he limped towards the terminals.

He slammed open the door, as he carried himself till the terminal and immediately began claiming his bounties.

Void gasped for breaths, as strange mumbles slipped from his mouth.

"OHohoh, you bastards, I will... Both of you, just wait ....."

Calming himself down as he held on to the terminal Void started checking his balance.

"Obsidian, speed up the claiming process, the cities servers are too slow to verify." Void ordered, as he inched further from the terminal

Obsidian appeared as he immediately sent a few instructions to the server, confirming the completion.

Void's wrist buzzed as the glimmer transferred to his account. He immediately opened the store to see if it registered with the system.

{Store}

Current Balance: 100,000 Đ

Click to shrink...

Void exhaled a sigh of relief as he saw the number go up. Six bounties had earned him a hundred thousand. Performing a few mental calculations, Void estimated that it would take him about seventy bounties to afford the skill he needed.

"Ahh..so troublesome." He bit his lips in frustration, but then Void recalled the real reason he was doing all of it.

"That's right.... that skill, will be mine." Determined to earn the big bucks, Void immediately shifted to work mode.

Void summoned his jumpship to the exit bay and made his way through the base, analyzing the gps node he got.

"Obsidian, where does this lead us?"

A momentary scan later, Obsidian observed the node closely.

"Hmm, according to my estimates, the location is somewhere near around..a place called, the Plaguelands?" Obsidian seemed unsure as he checked the node once more.

"What's wrong?" Void asked, reaching the exit bay's dock yard.

"Nothing, it's just that. This place is listed as restricted travel by the city. The danger ratings are off the charts. Radiation poisoning levels that I've never seen. The whole area is quarantined at the edge of the old Russia."

Void transmatted to his ship as he shot towards orbit.

"I guess that just means our new fireteam chose an interesting place to meet. Don't fret about it, set navigation to the node's location." He ordered, piloting the jumpship to coast along the stratosphere.

Obsidian felt an ominous sensation as he plugged in the coordinates, and the jumpships' navigation automatically used the autopilot to steer itself.

Seconds later, the turbo engine sputtered alive as the ship blasted above old Russia, tearing though the Cosmodrome's air space as it entered the desolate airspace of the decrepit mega cities of the golden age.

The gps node pulsed as it directed the ship towards an inconspicuous mining town.

Void stared down from the cockpit, he felt a sick sensation as his heart sunk to his stomach. Signs of humanities collapse still felt, so vivid. He couldn't help but imagine the terror it brought.

Rusted skyscrapers, broken roads, oceans of toxic waste that flooded every inch of ground he saw.

Nuclear waste had clearly made the whole area barren, not a single blade of grass dared to grow, even the air filtered through his ship felt heavy and leaden.

Void put on his breathalyser mask as he saw the gps node pulse once more. The jumpship steered towards a small tunnel as it levitated above, gently rocking in midair.

A second later, Void transmatted out, fully geared up and armed from head to toe. He took faint steps, moving like a blur as he appeared near the tunnels entrance.

Void gazed into the descending tunnel as he signalled Obsidian to light the way.

Obsidian pulsed a bright light, illuminating the centuries old mine as Void carefully treaded along the steep rail lines, descending into the abandoned shaft.

The path crumbled along the weight of his steps, yet Void didn't leave any footprints behind, a discrete skill he had picked up through the Nightstalkers.

Once he had descended continuously for about ten minutes, Void heard the distinct sound of water dripping.

Void traced his hand along the sides of the wall, water droplets ran across his fingers

He estimated that the mine walls had long eroded due to the acid rain. The toxic water pooled above ground had began leaking into the mineshafts below.

Void walked along the path a bit longer, ending up at a large cavern that stretched into another dark descending shaft.

Yet his instincts roared at him to stop when he reached the center of the cavern. Void's eyes darted around but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

However, Void knew better than to question his instincts. His heightened senses scoured each inch of the cavern.

He finally noticed it. The mineshaft at the end, seemed irregular. He couldn't place a finger on it, but Void felt that if he kept walking, he would never reach it's end.

On the other hand, the Cavern felt like a strange place. It was empty, far too empty. He couldn't see through it.

It almost seemed intentional at this point. The moment Void arrived at this conclusion, his hand jolted towards his holster as it clicked open.

Void's grip tightened as he cocked the hammer. Tracing his finger along the trigger, Void surveyed his surroundings once more.

He peeked at his radar, nothing showed up, ' No enemies, yet why do I feel so uneasy?' A frown appeared on his face.

"Obsidian, cut the light." He whispered, his figure slowly blending in with the darkness as Obsidian's illumination flickered off.

Like a phantom in the night, he moved briskly. Void's eyes twitched, turning a light shade of turquoise, his gaze pierced through the drenching dark around him.

The absence of Obsidian's light had definitely triggered something. Void could see perfectly normal in the dark, one could even claim that as a Nightstalker, there was nothing more suitable.

However, for the first time ever, as he glanced around, Void truly felt like he was stranded.

He felt like a presence watched him, yet there was no one around. Like the dark was working against him.

Void had been scurrying around the room, bouncing around erratically as he tried to shake the eyes off.

But it didn't work. Whoever it was, was far beyond Void's ability to hide from.

Understanding that his efforts were futile, Void stopped darting around, and came to a halt at the cavern floor.

He took a few quick breaths, stabilizing his condition, and he waited.

If he couldn't find the presence, the presence would surely find him.

Void couldn't sense any hostility, so he wasn't at all afraid that something would happen. Void was truly shocked that someone beyond the Nightstalker squad could play him like a fiddle in the dark.

However, knowing that Kabr had called him here, it was one of guardians from his fireteam.

Void deduced quite quickly that Kabr couldn't have been the one. After all, a titan wasn't quick enough to bamboozle his senses.

That left him with two options, Praedyth and Pahanin. A hunter and a warlock.

Praedyth was hailed as a legendary warlock. But Void didn't think that it was the work of a warlock.

After all, a warlock didn't have the necessary finesse to tail him so effortlessly.

That left only one individual.

Void smirked, as he waited wordlessly in the dark cavern.

"Are you really going to continue this game with me? I didn't know the great Pahanin was so hostile to his fellow hunters." He spoke to the empty cavern.

But Void knew that his words were heard.

The darkness that had occupied the cavern, that feeling of being watched had immediately gone away the moment he said Pahanin's name.

Peculiarly, a few orbs of light bloomed in the cavern, illuminating the entire cave.

Void was perplexed seeing the orb of light bloom from nothingness, but then a chill ran down his spine as he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Feeling his heart jump from his chest, Void jerked his head around, but found himself alone.

Before he could process what happened, he felt another tap on his other shoulder as he whipped back to find a hunter, an inch from his face wordlessly staring into his soul.

Void was left speechless as he glanced at the hunter, a man clad in glistening silver armor, with neon highlights tracing the edges.

He felt his legs wiggle, Void tumbled backwards, almost losing his balance as he looked closely at the hunter in front of him.

"Are you...Pahanin?" Void inquired.

The man stared at Void dumbly, as if to say 'what a stupid question'

He slowly nodded his head.

Pahanin seemed to stare at Void for a bit longer, gauging him up and down, then he finally turned around and began walking away.

"Follow me" His voice echoed throughout the empty mines.

Void gathered himself as he began pacing behind Pahanin.

The hunter walked a random route in the cavern, as he seemed to stop before a dead end.

But as Pahanin traced a symbol on the rocks, they crumbled and withered away, revealing a secret pathway leading inside to a secular hideout.

"You first." Pahanin gestured with a flick.

Void followed his words as he quickly walked through the small gap, Pahanin following closely behind him after sealing the entrance again.

As Void finally made his way through, he ended up at a large cathedral, seemingly constructed into the wall of the cave.

It seemed like a work of art, engraved into stone. Void admired it's beauty, but it wasn't long before a second voice snapped him out of his trance.

"Welcome Nightstalker, to our hideout." A titan with an armor seemingly fashioned from Vex remnants invited Void into the cathedral.

Void glanced upon his figure, the titan donned a unique helmet that obscured his eyes, instead replacing them with a single red dot.

'The man rumoured to be among the strongest titans to have ever lived.' Void met his gaze as the titan walked forwards for a handshake.

" I am Kabr." He announced, with overflowing pride.

Void shook his hand, and quietly followed him inside, Pahanin had long disappeared the moment Void saw Kabr.

As Void and Kabr made their way inside, Pahanin had already holed himself up in a corner of the room, as he seemed to be scribbling something in a tattered book.

Void spared him a glance, but then began looking around.

"This place."

He had never seen so many parts and materials gathered in one location. It was practically littered with equipment.

"Ah, don't mind the mess. Pahanin is an exceptional inventor, but it often involves a lot of experimenting." Kabr clarified, leading Void deeper into the cathedral.

The two walked towards a heavy obsidian door, but Kabr quietly stepped up and knocked thrice.

Void watched as the doors shifted to carve out a pathway for them. Kabr stepped through as he signaled Void to follow along.

"Praedyth doesn't like to be disturbed when he's working, but just follow my lead." Kabr whispered, gesturing Void to come along.

The two entered upon a small room, pages upon pages of scribblings and runes scattered all over the floor, as a warlock tinkered with a piece of armor on his workbench.

As Kabr approached him, the man jolted backwards anxiously.

"What's wrong? Is he here already?' Praedyth asked anxiously.

"Calm down, you're staring right at him." Kabr replied.

Praedyth shoved Kabr aside as he stared at Void from head to toe.

Void truly felt like he was completely exposed under Praedyth's gaze.

"Good job not falling for the loop spell. You've got a good head on your shoulders." Praedyth complimented.

"Thanks, the mineshaft just seemed... suspicious." He replied, unsure of what to say.

"You hunters and your....'instincts' they are quite troublesome to trick sometimes." Praedyth chuckled.

Kabr left the two alone in the room as he walked back outside, preparing a few things.

"So, I heard you're taking my place for the hunt?"

Preadyth jumped to the point, startling Void.

"Yeah..that is what I've heard." Void replied.

"Interesting...interesting indeed." The warlock whispered, his gaze lingering at Void's sword.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Praedyth inched closer to Void, slightly intrigued by the hilt of the arc sabre.

"You wield a sword?" He asked, voice laced with a hint of excitement.

"May I?" Praedyth outstretched his hand.

For some reason, Void felt like he couldn't refuse, and unsheathed the sabre. Presenting it to Praedyth, as he gently laid it in the warlock's hands.

As Praedyth inspected the sabre, Void observed the legendary warlock in front of him. The Living myth, the man erased from time itself.

Praedyth seemed, unreal to say the least. Void looked right at him, yet he felt like he was staring at an apparition. His appearance was subtle, one that no one would notice.

He donned a tattered blue robe, grey armor underneath. His arms were wrapped in strange white bandages. There was nothing special about it.

But Praedyth's aura was frightening. As a warlock, he didn't have the habit of hiding it. Hence, Void was able to experience it, to the extent that Void didn't understand how light could be so dense.

It almost felt like Praedyth was wearing a second armor made purely of light.

Void focused his eyes, as they peered through Praedyth's stats.

Name: Praedyth

Age: ????

Race: Human

Sub-class: voidwalker

Light = ????? (Unrestricted)

Level= ????? (Unrestricted)

Click to shrink...

'I can't see through him', Void narrowed his eyes.

"Eliksni tech. Fascinating isn't it. A sabre engineered with an arc core, harnessing the electricity as a blade."

Praedyth swung the sabre around, adjusting his grip.

"Perfectly balanced blade."

The eccentric warlock finally traced his finger along the sharpened edge, as it nicked his finger, but instead of blood, a wisp of light dripped out, seemingly stitching up his wound.

"A good sword. You've got a keen eye to have picked this up." He chuckled, tossing it back.

Void grabbed the hilt and sheathed it again, taking a relaxed breath now that there wasn't a crazy warlock swinging a sword near him.

"Thank you. I guess I did get lucky finding this sword. I almost died for it too." Void snickered, recalling that day.

"Ohho? Did you now, I suppose every hunter has an odd weapon or two they risked their life for." Preadyth chortled, recalling Pahanin's antics.

"Now then, let's go. We can't keep them waiting." He snapped his fingers as the pages in his room came to life, assembling into a neat grimoire that jumped into his arms.

Void was impressed by his stellar skill as he nodded, "Please, lead the way."

Praedyth lead Void towards the roundtable room, a placed filled with holograms, screens and various other terminals constantly spewing out data.

As the two walked inside, Void saw Kabr already tinkering with the holograms, while Pahanin scoured the data nodes, running from terminal to terminal.

Kabr turned around, seeing the two approach as he gave a faint smile.

Void's eyes peered through the titan,

Name: Kabr

Age: ????

Race: Human

Title: The Legion less

Sub-class: Defender

Light = ????? (Unrestricted)

Level= ????? (Unrestricted)

Click to shrink...

"So?"

Praedyth flicked his wrist as the grimoire flew to Kabr, landing softly in his palm.

"He passed, barely."

Void furrowed his brows, "Barely?"

Praedyth rolled his eyes as he shoved Kabr aside and began flicking through the holograms.

"Yes barely, if you didn't notice the looping spell, I would have failed you. But, fortunately, you've got a good head on your shoulders." Praedyth paused, his hands froze.

"Ah, but you did manage to notice Pahanin. I was shocked. Your senses.... are exceptional." He smirked.

Kabr's eyes widened, "He did...what?"

"Surprising isn't it. That bastard can trick his own shadow, but somehow got detected by him."

Praedyth continued browsing through the holograms, Void glanced at a few, but they only seemed to show planets and moons in the solar system.

"Oi, is it true?" Kabr shot Pahanin a glance, as the hunter was still scrambling from terminal to terminal.

"Yes." Pahanin replied hastily, still absorbed in his work.

Void glanced at the hunter, this time with his skill.

Name: Pahanin

Age: ????

Race: Human

Sub-class: XXXXXX

Light = ????? (Unrestricted)

Level= ????? (Unrestricted)

Click to shrink...

Kabr's eye was full of awe as he glanced at Void, "You're better than you look."

Void sighed, "You know, I appreciate the compliment, but I do have one question."

Kabrs sight focused on Void , "Go on."

Void walked towards Kabr, "The Vanguard told me you request a Nightstalker. But, it just doesn't make sense."

His words made Praedyth and Kabr give him a confused look.

Void pointed to Pahanin who was still scurrying back and forth, "That guy, he's a Nightstalker isn't he?"

Not letting anyone interrupt, Void continued, "I have never met him, but I know he can run circles around me if he wants to. Tell me the truth, why did you request me?."

Void concluded Pahanin was a Nightstalker the moment he had somehow trapped him in the dark. Yet the system showed that he wasn't?.

Regardless, if they had someone this stealthy, why did they need him?

So he couldn't help but think why the fireteam had requested him to join.

Praedyth and Kabr shared a glance, followed by Kabr swaying his head.

" Your questions are appreciated Void, but unfortunately I cannot give you an answer yet. Don't worry, it's nothing related to the hunt." Kabr replied

Void's ears perked up, "Yet?"

Kabr nodded, "I plan on telling you, once we think you're ready."

"As for Pahanin. He, isn't a Nightstalker like you. That bastard grew up in the dark ages. He learned to adapt and survive with what he had. The concept of a Nightstalker wasn't yet invented. You'll be surprised with his abilities if you get to see them."

Void looked at the titan with curiosity, but soon an ecstatic shout snapped the three of them out of their talks.

"I found it."

Those three simple words had Praedyth and Kabr running to the terminal as they huddled around Pahanin.

"Hey, get...I said GET OFF ME...You'll mess up my helmet." Pahanin flung his arm, getting out of their small huddle as he wiped off the dust from his armor.

Void was slightly surprised at the hunters demeanour. He acted cold initially, but he could see that with Praedyth and Kabr, there was a slight spark, that just struck warmth within the trio.

Void felt his eyes turning hazy as he recalled their penultimate fate, 'Ah...it stings.'

'Praedyth, the warlock erased from his own timeline. Kabr, the titan who would face a legion for centuries in a time loop, and lastly Pahanin, the hunter who would somehow escape, losing part of his sanity. Eventually dying to Dredgen Yor.'

'Wait'

It was at this moment, that a thought struck Void....'Dredgen Yor?'

His mind raced back to the day he fought Shin Malphur.

'Why didn't I realize it sooner.' His thoughts were in disarray, as Void sprained his memory, recallinh what Shin said to Wei.

'-The last titan to survive was Rezyl Azzir, but he's ancient history....' Void immediately froze.

Dredgen Yor was an alias for the titan Rezyl Azzir.

'Dredgen Yor...is already ancient history. The future, has changed.' Void's eyes went wide.

He looked at the trio once more, particularly at Pahanin as the hunter squabbled with his team.

'Pahanin's future has already been changed. If so...could I really change the future for everyone else?' Void questioned himself.

Void was not one for ideals. Unlike the idealists, he knew what he would face in the future. He trusted his ability and luck. But something like changing the future was far too uncertain. He wasn't that strong yet.

However, as he watched Pahanin still alive, while Dredgen Yor had already been defeated....Void felt a hope blooming inside of him. He recalled the future of Wei, Eriana, Sai, Tevis...Cayde....All the one's he had grown slightly close to....

For the first time, Void truly felt that with his meagre power, perhaps he could make a difference.

Caught in his train of thought, Void was lost in a trance.

That was until Kabr and the trio stopped bickering and finally began focusing on their terminal.

"Void, care to join?" Praedyth invited, Void felt a jolt as he snapped out of his daydreams.

He walked towards the trio, reading the data they had found.

"This is?"

"The Vanguard instructed each team to find the Ahamkara. The creatures are apparently scattered around the solar system. Our team chose Mars."

Void nodded, as he began reading the energy signal from the planet's surface.

"At first we looked over it's moons, but found nothing. However, a few days ago, for some reason, the energy signal on mars spiked. Exactly at the same time as the terraforming on Venus." Praedyth commented.

"So the Ahamkara are on Mars." Void concluded.

"That is what we think. The Vanguard told us to wait for the awoken treaty, but we think it's better to go alone and verify the search. What about you?" Kabr chimed in.

Void stammered hearing his words.

"Uh..I don't think that is possible." He replied, with a slightly flushed face.

Praedyth looked at him questioningly, "Is there something wrong with the data?" He asked, refusing to believe it.

"No, no. The data seems fine but..."

Void sighed, "Err, you see...I-I don't have a Jumpship capable for interplanetary travel." He stuttered.

Preadyth immediately gawked at him with a deadpan look as Pahanin face palmed while Kabr was simply left speechless.

"..."

"Are you serious?"

"...yes"

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Screams echoed in the tunnel as three figures hurled Void and dragged him to the entrance.

"WAIT, WAIT, really, I really don't have the money." Void struggled to wiggle out from their grip, but to no avail.

Paying his antics no mind, Void was chucked out of the mining tunnel as he landed on his back.

He rubbed his aching spine and slowly sat up.

Suddenly, he saw a dodecahedron zip through the air, and thud as it knocked him in the head.

"F***...." He immediately held the back of his head, and looked at the engram thrown, it glowed softly.

"What the hell is this supposed to be." Void furiously grabbed the engram.

"Some extra change, for you." A figure emerged from the tunnel.

Void glanced back to see Praedyth staring at him with a disappointed frown.

"I didn't think you were this broke. Then again, I can't hope to see how you would make any good money with your skill level." Praedyth jeered.

Void clutched the engram as he stumbled to his feet, "Well my bad for not being risen a century earlier, retard."

Praedyth shook his head as he flicked his fingers dismissively, telling Void to screw off. He turned towards the tunnel, still chuckling.

"And don't come back without the ship....Dumbass." Praedyth retorted, his voice rang through the mining shafts as he disappeared back inside.

Void pinched his forehead, mumbling strange things as he took a deep breath.

A few seconds later, he triggered his transmat and disappeared.

"Obsidian, set coordinates to the city, full speed." Void asked, still a bit chippy.

"Setting coordinates for the hangar, estimated arrival, four hours." Obsidian replied, appearing in the jumpship.

Void exhaled a sigh as he began fidgeting with the engram in his palm. Using the main screen, Void browsed the various jumpships for sale at the hangar.

It wasn't that he had not considered an upgrade. He was still piloting his scrap ship, although he had gotten it patched up.

The ship had no accelerated warp drive, a big reason why it took him so long to pile up the money was that equipment was too damn expensive...

Unlike when he was in game, loot didn't just drop freely. Naturally, he could take whatever the fallen warriors were carrying, but they were never equipped well.

In the end, Void was always at a loss on how to gather equipment.

Considering the time-line, the city didn't exactly have an influx of resources, as it was a relatively "peaceful" time. The gunsmiths and technicians weren't exactly stressed about their survival.

Most operations or strikes were done without any civilians informed.

He glanced at the engram once more, its grey color was something he had never seen, "Obsidian, what kind of engram is this."

Obsidian took one look at the grey engram and began decoding it's encryption.

"Hmm, it seems that this an old-city engram. They went out of use because of their impracticality in long term storage, they were replaced by the crystal encryption engrams recovered from golden age facilities."

"Old-city engram?"

Void flipped the engram over as he gave it a closer look. 'Makes sense why I never saw this.'

"Alright, so how do we decode this stuff?" Void asked.

An engram was an encrypted form of storage, however, if the engram was out of use then how could he even begin?

"Hmm, the current cryptarch, master Rahool might have an answer. But he might have to study the engram first. Estimated, a few days?" Obsidian analyzed the probabilities.

"A few days?" Void panicked at the estimate.

He looked at the gray engram, slightly frowning, "Did Praedyth just pull a fast one on me? That bastard, he's cheekier than he looks." Void cursed.

Obsidian swerved around the engram, "Hmm unlikely. Praedyth is a very very old warlock. There were even rumors that he was missing for a century. He hasn't been back to the city in ages."

"So what you're saying is." Void slapped his forehead.

"I think he might've forgotten how old that engram is." Obsidian swayed it's eye helplessly.

Void groaned, "For a genius, he's pretty f***** stupid."

He held his head, thinking of a way to get out of this, when a thought struck him.

'System, can you decrypt that engram?'

{Legendary Guardian System}

Answer: Using the store, in the miscellaneous section the host can utilize the services of a cryptarch, but the cost can vary depending on the difficulty of the encryption.

Time estimate: 0 s

Click to shrink...

Void's eyes glistened with hope, as he immediately opened the store, scrolling all the way to the miscellaneous items.

A massive list of items propped up in front of him.

{store}

1. Ship maintenance (Mechanic)

.

.

10. Armor polishing (Leatherworks)

.

.

30. Encryption storage (Cryptarch)

.

.

40. Decryption (Cryptarch)

Click to shrink...

Void read through the options till he ended on decryption. He clicked it, and an interface popped up.

{Decyption: Cryptarch}

[ Please choose nearby engrams to decrypt]

Click to shrink...

Looking at the engram in his hand, he thought of it, as the option appeared in the store.

{Deryption: Cryptarch}

[1x Old City Engram; Price: 3000Đ]

Click to shrink...

Void didn't hesitate to pay the price as he clutched the engram in his palm.

The store took a second to process the transaction, after which the engram in his hand slowly began to disintegrate, revealing the contents inside.

A small microchip with an encrypted account number.

"W-what??" Obsidian immediately felt dizzy as he rushed over to Void, seeing the engram fully decoded.

"How did you do that? What was that?" Obsidian questioned unable to process how a few days job was taken care of in a few seconds.

Void felt his eyes get stuck wide open. Going with the flow, Void decided to use the system, but he had never considered how that would look....

He had never used the system so "openly", hence, Obsidian didn't know about it. Naturally, after today's display, Obsidian had his doubts.

He scanned Void a few times, afraid that there was an anomaly.

"Obsidian, listen..." Void felt tongue tied, how could he even start explaining the system.

Before Void could get another word out, Obsidian sighed.

"Haa....Void, you don't have to say it. I know you're...special. Compared to most guardians actually." Obsidian replied/

".....Ok, listen. I don't know how to explain it, but I can do things that others can't?" Void blurted out, as he registered what Obsidian said.

"Wait a minute, you knew? What do you mean you knew?" Void asked, puzzled.

"Of course, I am a supercomputer droid better than most artificial intelligence tech in the universe. How could you think I didn't know?" Obsidian replied.

"Ok ok, but how did you know?" Void asked, recalling his past actions.

Obsidian circled around him, as he thought for a moment, " Well, the day I met you, you were somewhat mindlessly staring at clicking things in the air. At first, I thought your mind was not fully healed, then..."

"Then?"

"Well, then you began using your powers. You weren't surprised, almost like you knew where we were. When you first unlocked your light, I was somewhat shocked. I mean, I asked a lot of other ghosts, and they just said you were talented." Obsidian explained.

"But then, I saw you talking to yourself, sometimes, you'd be frustrated, or even get angry...Almost like you were addressing something that was there. Something I couldn't see. "

"Specially yesterday as you wailed hours about losing all your money while thrashing the ship." Obsidian recalled, rolling his eyes.

"Ahh...can you just forget that." Void embarrassingly scratched his head.

Obsidian rolled around mid air, "All I am saying is, I know you've got some secrets. Some that you haven't shared with me, but it's fine. I trust you Void."

Void glanced at Obsidian's glowing neon eye,

"When the Traveler sent us all to help humanity, I spent centuries searching for someone. I wandered all around the earth. Then, finally, I found you. When I saw you, I knew you were going to be the one. I knew it was destiny that brought us together." Obsidian's voice grew soft.

Void glanced down as he chuckled slightly, reminiscing about the day he met Obsidian, melancholic tears forming at the side of his eyes.

"... I was really clueless back then huh." Void murmured.

"Void, I chose you. I have never regretted that decision." Obsidian reaffirmed.

Void grew sombre as he asked, "You said you saw me acting weird right....Why did you never tell the Vanguard, or anyone else."

Obsidian's gaze became resolute, "Ghost's don't work for the city, we are bonded with our guardians. I didn't want anyone to question your behavior Void. Whatever secret you have, it's safe with me."

Void fell quiet, as he contemplated.

A few seconds of silence passed, as his lips parted.

"What if I told you a secret that doesn't make any sense? Something that goes against this world. What would you do?" His gaze lingered at Obsidian.

Void didn't want him to answer. He was afraid. Would Obsidian judge that he didn't belong here?

Feeling his heart already sinking to his stomach, Void felt sick. Obsidian was the one who had truly been with him every step of the way.

He was irreplaceable as a companion....

Silence descended on the ship, as the two stared at each other.

"I would stand against the world, by your side." Obsidian replied, unwavering.

Void flashed a smile, as he pulled Obsidian's shell into a hug.

"Thanks."

" You're welcome...Hey when's the last time you washed your cloak."

"....."

"Void?"

"#$&#"

"What did you say."

"I said, I don't need to wash it, it's still brand new." Void flat out lied.

"Uh huh...."

"Anyways, I will explain this 'special' ability, so listen carefully." Void stated, contemplating on how to lay it out.

"Don't worry, I am all ears."

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[A few hours earlier, The Vestian Outpost]

Located deep within the heart of the asteroid belt, the reef was the domain of the awoken and a gateway to their pocket universe.

A race born during the first collapse, descended from the humans who tried to flee from the darkness. Originating from Exodus Green, a colony ship caught between the darkness and the Traveler's counterattack.

The awoken were immortal creations from the collision of paracausal powers, possessing strange magic that infused light and dark. Under the rule of their queen and Kell of the house of wolves Mara Sov, they thrived at the edge of the Sol system.

However, today was peculiar, beyond the reef's sunward side, through the Vestian web, in the heart of the reef, was the queen's throne.

A flurry of steps could be heard hastily ascending the flightpath as a squad of Queens Guards rushed towards the throne room, led by the awoken prince, Uldren Sov.

Uldren hastily fidgeted with his transponder, a frown lingered on his face as he reached the gate to the throne. His steps halted, as he held up an open palm.

The Queen's Guards stopped abruptly, and nodded, briskly positioning themselves around the throne room, standing as sentries.

Uldren inched closer towards the gate, his hands creeped closer, but just before he pushed it in, a melodious voice resounded, and doors seemed to open by an invisible force.

A woman with platinum blond hair and bright turquoise eyes sat on the throne as she looked towards Uldren, she smiled.

"Welcome, brother." Mara spoke, her arms folded over each other, a chirpy little ahamkara nestled in her palm as it playfully nipped her fingers.

Mara flicked her wrist and rubbed the Ahamkara playfully, but there was a slight wariness in her eyes as she glanced at the creature. She knew the Ahamkara's potential, it was a seductive power.

But the Ahamkara never granted perfect wishes, Mara knew, that nothing was ever truly free.

Uldren glanced at the Ahamkara, his face stiffened. Despite being the one who had delivered the ahamkara to Mara, he was still unsure whether his decision would bring glory, or ruin, to the awoken.

He sighed, "There's an urgent transmission from earth. They request for our aid." He used his transponder to replay the transmission, as Ikorra's figure appeared on a hologram.

Mara slightly leaned forward, her eyes fixated on the warlock vanguard. The message played, as Ikorra described the Ahamkara threat, and the last city's request for aid.

Uldren's face scrunched up as he understood the Vanguard's request. He was furious.

After understanding the Ahamkara's powers, Uldren had painstakingly searched for a young docile Ahamkara, and presented it to his sister, as a way to help the awoken prosper. Finding the one in itself had been a miracle.

'They want to take away our hope?' Uldren's mind raced as his face turned grim.

Before he could utter a word, Mara had finished contemplating, and answered.

"Agree to it."

Uldren couldn't believe those words, as utter confusion reflected on his face.

"Sister, what does this mean? The Ahamkara were supposed to help us build our dream. If we abandon that hope, we won't ever accomplish it." Uldren crept closer, pleading, his eyes fixated on the ahamkara.

Mara glanced at Uldren, with slight annoyance as she continued.

"Brother, do you wish to question my decisions?" She retorted.

As the one true queen of the awoken, Mara Sov held the entire reef in the palm of her hands. Her magical abilities alone were top-class even compared to the warlocks of the city. Uldren Sov as the spymaster of the awoken didn't dare question his queen.

Uldren hesitated facing Mara's cold eyes, but nevertheless. He insisted.

"No sister, I don't dare. But you said the Ahamkara's are our future, how can we let the light -bearer's steal it away." He replied, barely a whisper.

Mara's eyes narrowed as she held up the Ahamkara in her palm. Her eyes peering into the cosmic creature of mysterious origins.

"They are indeed our future, brother. But you misunderstand. The awoken don't need the Ahamkara, we only need an Ahamkara. The Techeun witches have studied these wishing abilities. As long as we hold one, that is all we need." Mara explained, as the Ahamkara crawled around her palm.

Mara's gaze turned cold, her eyes glistened.

"If the guardians want to do the awoken a favor and wipe out the rest of the Ahamkara, it is only natural that we should help." A faint smile crept up on her lips.

"Send them Vestian weaponry, accompanied with a squad of Corsairs. We will help the guardians hunt down all the Ahamkara." Mara ordered, glancing at the corner of the room.

At her words, two Eliksni captains donning blue garments emerged from the shadows, standing beside her throne.

They shared a glance as one briskly retreated to the shadows once more, while the other stood beside Uldren, intending to pass on the queen's order to the rest of the outpost.

The awoken prince finally understood the plan as realization struck him, "Don't worry sister, I will see to this completely. We will help the guardians wipe out every single Ahamkara, down to the last one."

He bowed slightly, excusing himself from the room as the Eliksni captain followed him.

As he exited the room, the Queen's Guards stood at attention, Uldren gestured forwards as the group marched the prince through the Vestian outpost, gathering caches of weaponry and squads of Corsairs to be sent to the last city.

However, back in the throne room, Mara silently scrutinized the odd creature resting in her palms. As if carefully studying a specimen, Mara flicked her wrist, as the Ahamkara was wrapped in a bubble of awoken energy, silently floating in the room.

Mara knew that despite it's beastly appearance, the Ahamkara could understand her well. Possessing intelligence on par with most advanced civilizations.

It was then, that she finally spoke to it.

"Who are you?" She whispered in her mind.

As the Ahamkara wrapped around her fingers, it shuddered hearing her thoughts.

It's numerous eyes matching the queen's gaze, the Ahamkara ghastly responded, with a single word.

~Riven~

---

[Somewhere in Orbit, Jumpship]

"So, what you're saying is, there's a system that helps you level up, with missions and guidelines? Like some sort of game? Hmmm." Obsidian narrowed his eye, as he began simulating his thoughts.

Void sighed as he reassured Obsidian for the fifth time,

"Yes, yes, I am telling you it's not like a game, it really reflects how strong I am."

"And there's a store now?"

Void scratched his cheek as he elaborated,

"Well yeah, sometimes the system gets an update. As I continued to grow stronger, so do it's abilities."

"I understand. but then..." Obsidian contemplated for a few seconds as fully digested the information.

"What's your main mission?" Obsidian prompted.

"Huh?" Void was caught off guard.

" You said it gives you missions right? What's the main one." Obsidian prompted again.

Void glanced at his screen, looking at the mission he hadn't visited in a long time.

{Legendary Guardian System}

Main Story Quest:

-> Become Legend (0/1):

The light calls for aid, become the herald of change needed in the world, push back the darkness and defend the Traveler."

Rewards: x1 {Unknown}, x1 {Unknown}, +10000 Legend Points, +10 million Glimmer.

Click to shrink...

Void smirked slightly as he answered, "To defend the Traveler."

"That's....You're a guardian, so it makes sense." Obsidian finally began to accept what Void was rambling on about.

He quickly scanned Void's body one more time and shot another question,

"Your vitals have improved massively compared to when I first found you. But how strong are you now? According to your 'system' anyway." Obsidian chirped, not accepting that the system was more knowledgeable than him.

"'You mean my level?" Void replied.

He immediately moved to his status screen, something he hadn't done in a long while.

{Legendary Guardian System}

Name: Void Blade

Class: Hunter

Level: 37

Light Level: 80

Subclass: Nightstalker Shadowfiend (Lv 2/10) (Variant)

Equipment: (LL refers to Light Level)

[Weapons]:

Primary: True Prophecy *( Hand Cannon)

Secondary: Grimm Citizen III (Auto Rifle)

Heavy: Radegast's Fury (Rocket Launcher)

[Gear]:

Helmet: Ghost Angel (80 LL)

Grips: Jackknife 2.1 (78 LL)

Chest: Sanction Six (82 LL)

Strides: Scarlight Boots (85 LL)

Class Item: Ghost Angel Cloak (70 LL)

* = 6% boost in accuracy for headshots against fallen enemies

=======================

Combat Perks: (9 Unlocked)

~Spectral Shade: In combat, enemies have a higher probability of losing your presence if you break line of sight.

~Sixth Sense: As a hunter, you're able to sense danger a fraction of a second before it occurs.

~ Dagger mastery: As a skilled blade master you're able to masterfully wield daggers whether it is in long or short range encounters.

~Void Imbalance: Grenades are likely to explode immediately when shot with void weapons or void energy.

~Acrobats Dodge: Masterfully dodge your opponents, successful attack dodges allow instant counters and parries.

~Advanced Agility: You move fast guardian!

~Triple Jump: Jump twice in the air using an intermediate mastery of light.

~Gilded Blade: Your melee attacks have a chance to trigger Void singe on champion enemies

~Void Sense: Your glare pierces through the enemies, revealing their weaknesses, highlighting critical spots.

[Passive Perks]: (1 unlocked)

~ Crafting Lv. 3/10

Remarks: If you tried really hard, just maybe, you might turn a sheet of metal into a thin chest plate.

Click to shrink...

"Level 37. Hmm, for comparison, a fallen captain is typically around level 40." Void answered.

Obsidian thought for a second as he observed Void's figure again,

"My readings do show that you have a high vitality, comparable to Fallen captains. But I can't evaluate your abilities that accurately. I suppose the system is something useful indeed." He reluctantly admitted.

As the discussion on the system ended, the main terminal lit up with the re-entry prompt, indicating that they were orbiting above the city.

Void took his seat, and the jumpship shot through the atmosphere, towards the hangar's docks.

Within a few seconds, they were inches away from the hangar and Void slammed the sonic disruptors, slowing the ship down to a halt.

The auto dock triggered as the jumpship gently floated to the designated parking spot and Void transmatted out.

Usually, he would run out to the top and spend his time in the courtyard, but today was different.

Void was here for a big purchase, and who better to ask than the resident shipwright?

His eyes drifted until he spotted Amanda, as she tinkered with another jumpship docked nearby.

Obsidian followed along as Void made his way to her, eager to check out the new catalogue.

It wasn't long before Amanda took action and went into full salesman mode, as she happily showed Void the catalogue of ships for sale in the hangar. Naturally, these included some old junk ships, some brand new prototypes and the classics.

Void was definitely aiming for something special as he pointed Amanda towards the prototypes and began browsing.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Amanda and Void argued as the shipwright couldn't just sell the prototypes without tests in place. There were enough cases of guardians imploding as they re-entered orbit.

However, Void couldn't exactly accept that reason, what would a hunter be without unreasonable greed.

"But they look so good Amanda, can't you just do the tests now?" Void urged, not letting go of the catalogue tablet.

Amanda frowned as she reached to snatch the tablet back, prompting Void to run around with it.

"What- Get the f*** back here VOID, I am not giving you no ship." Amanda shouted as she gave chase.

Her speed was obviously a joke as Void toyed with her, remaining only slightly out of reach at all times.

"Okay okay, I will give it back but you promise to show me the good designs, I know you're hiding the good stuff, Banshee told me all about your secret workshop." Void shouted, earning a few curious glances from the rest.

Amanda jumped at the mention of her workshop as she couldn't keep it together.

"AAAAAA-Okay okay, I get it, just give it back." She ran up to Void and snatched the tablet back as she briskly pushed her palm to his mouth and dragged him away.

She crammed Void into her small office, and slammed the door behind her, shooting him a mean glare.

Void couldn't help but smirk as he motioned for her to display the designs.

Amanda felt her brows twitch as she stared him down, she suddenly felt the urge to punch Void.

"Fine, but so help me god if you mention my workshop one more time, I won't ever service your ship." She threatened.

Void immediately zipped his lips as he eagerly waited.

Amanda began fidgeting with her tablet as she went through a few password screens.

Her anger hadn't subsided, as Void could still make out one or two mumbles,

"Stupi- f**** droid, s'posed to be forgetful...." Amanda muttered, clenching her tab.

He silently prayed for Banshee as he knew Amanda wouldn't let that go unpunished.

'I am sorry, I will definitely get you some more scraps next time.' Void resolved internally, recalling the gunsmith's fascination with golden age vaults.

After a few minutes of searching Amanda handed the tablet over, her lips curved into a sly smile.

"I wasn't gon show this anytime soon, but I've been workin on this for a while now."

Void's eyes were glued to the screen as he saw the ship, a slick jet-black frame, with a chamfered contour and trigonal boosters, he was completely mesmerized.

"Woah...Can I even afford this?" He hesitated, glancing restlessly at Amanda.

"Fine, I can work with a discount, but you owe me one. Big time." She replied, annoyed at Void's puppy eyed glances.

"Thank you, thank you, I will take it." He immediately grabbed Amanda for a hug, leaving her slightly flustered.

"Don't do that" She pushed him away,

"Oh sorry, I was just in the moment." Void held his hands up.

"No I don't mind, it's just that your cloak, it smells like shit." She retorted, slightly covering her nose.

"Huh?...What"

"Seriously, when did you last wash it." She opened the door slightly to air out the room.

Obsidian appeared behind Amanda as he stared disapprovingly, shooting a glare that said 'I told you so'

"I-....It's...it's brand new, I SWEAR." Void yelled out, but the two had briskly left the room to work out the deal, slamming the door behind them.

Void twitched with anger as the door slammed on him, taking a moment to calm himself down, he took a few deep breaths.

As curiosity crept up on him, he finally couldn't help it anymore.

'There's no way...right?' Void thought.

Slowly, he grabbed his cloak and brought it to his face.

Taking a quick sniff he felt nauseous.

"AOUGh...This shit smells like rat piss." He gagged, mumbling under his breath.

Fanning his face Void stomped out of the room, but not before making a quick laundry reservation to his room.

Obsidian and Amanda still discussed the purchase as Obsidian discussed and implemented all the changes required, specifically the inter-planetary warp.

"So, is it available?" Void chimed in.

Amanda swiped a few things on her tablet, as she estimated the costs,

"Sorta, I can get you the ship in three hours. Just need to add some finishing touches." She replied, prompting Void to a sign an electronic contract.

Void grabbed her device as he glanced over the terms, he looked to Obsidian.

"This seem all right?"

Obsidian gave his nod of approval as Void signed the contract and handed it back.

Amanda happily received it and shared Obsidian the ship's new identification codes.

Seeing as he received his new transmat code, Void chucked over Praedyth's microchip.

"This enough to cover it?"

Amanda plugged the chip into the tablet like a sim, as the screen flashed a generous number.

"Barely." She scoffed.

"Pleasure doin business with you boys. Excuse me, I gotta get some work done." She scuttled through the hangar, tagging a few service droids to follow her.

Void and Obsidian shared a glance as they saw her leave,

"What now?" Obsidian asked.

Void glanced at his wrist as a his bracelet flashed green,

"Don't know but I added some laundry services to the room." He replied making his way to the elevator.

"Oh thank god." Obsidian heaved a sigh of relief as he followed Void to their room.

"....." Void was left speechless as he shot Obsidian a dangerous look.

"You know, maybe a pink shell isn't a bad makeover." He chimed.

"Listen, we can always talk this out. Let's not resort to rash decisions." Obsidian stuttered, as he hovered just a tad bit away from Void.

---

[Three Hours Later...]

Void stepped out of his room, with a freshly steamed cloak.

Feeling refreshed he sniffed around his armor,

"This fragrance is insane, what did they use?" He couldn't help but ask.

"Hmm, the services listed it down as Lavender Blast" Obsidian answered.

"Lavender? Yeah, list that down as a favorite for now." Void replied, feeling quite cozy in his gear.

Giving his wrist a flick, he pulled up the interface on his visor, monitoring any new messages he might've missed.

"Anything new?" He asked, skimming through old notifications.

"Amanda said the ship will be ready in twenty minutes. Otherwise, we're completely free. It's almost too quiet. Like the calm before the st-"

Obsidian couldn't finish his words as a barrage of messages hit Void's transponder. Prompting him to quickly reply to the alerts.

"So much for timing it man." He shook his head.

Obsidian immediately brought out the hologram message from Vanguard personnel, as Ikorra appeared.

"Attention guardian, the city has received confirmation of aid from the awoken outpost. We'll be receiving weapons and a squad of personnel to help us through the hunt. The rendezvous point will be shared shortly. All fireteams and squads are to gather now. Over and out."

The message was short and to the point, Void glanced at Obsidian as the two picked up pace to the hangar.

"You got the coordinates?"

Obsidian hummed as his eye flashed, "Just received them, seems like the Vanguard don't want the awoken to linger near the city. We're meeting outskirts of Skywatch near the Lunar complex"

"I guess not, I'm surprised the awoken agreed." Void contemplated for a few seconds.

There truly wasn't much merit to Mara Sov agreeing to this expedition. At least that's what Void thought until he recalled a crucial detail.

'Of course, if Riven is involved, it's a different story.' He frowned.

The two reached the hangar as Amanda handled a few droids doing safety checks.

"Everything ready?" Void paced over, practically itching to get into his ship.

Amanda could sense the excitement oozing through his cloak as she signed off on the last few checks.

"Yeah, she's all yours. Take her away." She replied waving Void off.

Void instantly triggered his transmat and appeared within his ship, Obsidian fired the engines as a sharp 'Whoop' was heard.

The Sonic thrusters roared as the ship lifted off the dock.

"Woah...that's the new car smell" Void then felt the smooth directional steering as he maneuvered the ship to orbit, tearing through the air at Mach speed.

"Obsidian, send kabr a reminder, and set course to the Lunar Complex" Void ordered, as he slowly pulled the ship upwards, practically flying vertically upwards.

Once they had smoothly exited to orbit, Void slammed the engines as a sharp 'crack' was heard, and the warp drive pulsed.

Almost as if Void was punched in the gut, his body slammed in the chair and the ship blasted towards the Cosmodrome.

"E-Estimated trajectory" He barely formed a sentence feeling the g-forces slamming him down.

"20 minutes." Obsidian replied, as he barely stayed afloat.

As the ship warped through atmosphere with a chaotic entry, Void shot towards the cosmodrome, and steered toward the lunar complex.

Within minutes he hovered over the massive industrial complex and transmatted out, sending his ship to geostationary orbit.

He stepped towards the gates as he saw Cayde coming to fetch him.

"Heyy kiddo, how's it going. Gotta say, nice ride you got there." He bumped fists and gave Void a cheeky smile.

"Yeah but hands off, don't even think about offering a trade." Void immediately interjected, knowing full well Cayde would try the old scam.

"Come on, you say it like it's bad. Tell ya what, I will throw in some extra glimmer on the side, besides you get to enjoy the presidential vanguard jumpship as your own." Cayde buttered him up.

"Save it, we both know you've got the standard arcadia model retrofitted with a warp drive. Amanda practically begs you to have it serviced everyday."

"What can I say, I like living on the edge." Cayde laughed.

Cayde ushered Void inside as they passed through all security checks, arriving deep inside the Lunar complex.

Although the complex wasn't exactly city territory, it was a trivial task to quarantine the space and clear out any hostiles. Somewhat like a temporary foreclosure.

It was perfect to receive "allies" that the Vanguard wasn't yet comfortable with.

Void and Cayde walked out to an empty oval room,

"Take a seat kid, the others will be here soon." He said, casually kicking his feet up on the table.

Void sighed, knowing Ikorra would chew Cayde out later.

Nevertheless, Void sat down and began contemplating his next steps regarding the Ahamkara hunt.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[Lunar Complex]

Void sat in silence, entranced by his own thoughts. His head was filled with questions, as he glanced at the empty chairs.

'Following the original timeline...the city should succeed no matter what.'

However, with the newfound changes in the future, he wasn't so sure anymore. Void frowned. A familiar 'click' echoed through the hall as Cayde played with his gun.

'Must be nice to be that strong.' Void sighed internally observing his carefree demeanour.

Void sat up straight, exhaling a deep sigh as he slapped his knees,

'Whatever it is, first priority is to make the most of every opportunity.' He resolved himself.

Cayde chuckled, shifting his seat to face Void, "Nervous?"

Void heaved a breath and stretched his arms, "Just a little." Cayde furrowed his brows as he studied Void a bit longer. He holstered his gun and leaned back into the chair.

"Ya know champ, everyone's a bit scared before a big job. Yeah, even me." He smirked.

Void chortled, " Is this your version of a pep talk?"

"Why, is it a bit too cheesy?" Cayde struck him an exasperated glance.

"My bad, go on."

".....Anyways, as I was saying. Everyone's scared, but after the job, they only have good stories." Cayde stated, slightly reminiscent.

"Yeah, that's called telling a lie." Void shook his head and shrugged.

Cayde rolled his eyes, "What would you know? Every story is true if you tell it right."

Void chuckled, rolling his shoulders, "Where'd you get that one from? Another trick in your book?"

"Nah, a friend of mine said it back in the day. You know he always had the best stories. This one time he eve-....huh." Cayde put two and two together as his eyes narrowed.

The two then sat in complete silence once more as Cayde had a massive frown on his face.

It was almost borderline awkward but then Void felt his radar blink as a few ships descended near the entrance.

Shortly after, Kabr, Pahanin and Zavala entered the hall.

Zavala sent a nod to Void as he took the chair of the centre consul, while the others simply sat wherever they pleased.

"Thank you all for making it here, the rest should be arriving soon. Let's maintain decorum as we wait." Zavala stated, earning a nod from everyone.

"Cayde, that means no feet on the table." He repeated, raising a brow.

Cayde groaned as he put his feet down and leaned on his arm, exhaling a few sighs.

"Thank you." Zavala promptly sat down, checking his comms to ensure all was on schedule.

A few minutes later, Void glanced at his radar and felt numerous ships as well as a few unknown energy signals gather above.

'Must be the awoken.' His eyes were glued to the door, but he wasn't alone.

The rest had already picked up on the faint energy fluctuations, all wore tough faces and awaited their new "ally".

Ikorra was the first to march to the hall, with all squad captains in tow. Following the group was a team of awoken scouts, armed to the teeth, donned in lilac and purple armor carrying caches of awoken origin.

However what caught Void's eye was the man leisurely walking behind his team. Bright auburn eyes, pale blue skin and a sly gaze.

Void frowned , 'Uldren Sov, to think we meet like this.' Naturally, he was someone Void was highly on guard against.

The man who seemed to be against the guardians at every turn. The one who was ultimately responsible for the murder of Cayde-6.

His eyes flashed blue as Uldren's stats appeared.

Name: Uldren Sov

Race: Awoken

Level: 32 (Max for Destiny 1 is 40)

Click to shrink...

'He's stronger than I expected'

The awoken were extremely gifted with their physical abilities, but level 32....

'Guess he isn't famous for nothing.' Void looked away, focusing on the weapon caches instead.

Ikorra glanced to Zavala as they motioned for all guardians to stand, welcoming the awoken envoys.

The guardians all formed a line as the caches were stacked ahead, following this the Corsairs stood in formation, as Uldren took the lead.

He looked towards the Vanguard, nodding.

"Queen Mara sends her regards, according to our agreement, caches of our finest weapons, and a squad of our best scouts. I hope we have a good collaboration." Uldren smiled, extending his hand to Zavala.

Zavala returned the gesture, and the Corsairs opened up the caches, revealing pristine reef weaponry.

After exchanging a few words with Zavala, Uldren took his leave, assigning his squad of Corsairs under Ikorra as agreed upon.

Void found it amusing, he along the others could easily tell that Uldren was probably just keeping up appearances. There was no need for the prince to actively participate in the hunt.

'I guess being royalty comes with some benefits.' Void thought to himself and chuckled, as a guardian who wasn't yet known, he couldn't exactly decline the Vanguard's orders.

Ikorra quickly took charge of the room as she waved her hand, and each crate of weapons flew towards the fireteams present.

"Take what you need, anything extra goes to the Sunbreakers, they've already began searching for activity on Mercury and Venus." Ikorra ordered.

Naturally, guardians weren't ones to pass up on loot, as all eagerly began rummaging through the caches present.

Kabr and Pahanin were no exception, as the duo began inspecting the snipers and the autos. It wasn't long before they aimed down sights to try and get a feel for the weapon.

However, Void wasn't any different. He had already scanned through most of the caches with his eyes, and didn't find the need to grab any weapon. His new auto rifle practically made up for it.

But just as he thought that, Pahanin shot him a glance.

"Hmm?"

He scooted closer to guess what Pahanin wanted, and as he did, Pahanin plunged his hand into cache, digging up a a silver lined sidearm.

Running his fingers across the barrel, he mouthed,

"Good."

The next second, he tossed it to Void.

Vestian Dynasty (Sidearm)

Rank: Legendary

"Long Live the Queen"

Perks:

Precision Frame: This weapon's recoil pattern is more predictably vertical.

Chambered Compensator: Stable barrel attachment. • Increases stability • Moderately controls recoil • Slightly decreases handling speed

Armor-Piercing Rounds: Rounds cause extra damage to combatants' shields and over penetrate targets. • Slightly increases range

Kill Clip: Reloading after a kill grants increased damage.

Dragonfly: Precision kills create an elemental damage explosion.

Click to shrink...

Gripping the sidearm in his palm, Void felt it's heavy rounds and stable body finish. Truly an auto sidearm that could pierce through armor like cheese.

Inspecting the weapon thoroughly, he definitely liked it.

"Thanks" He nodded, receiving a nod in return as Pahanin continued testing the weaponry.

Kabr wasn't an easy titan to impress. With a great inventor like Pahanin and the one of the smartest warlocks like Praedyth by his side, the titan had grown accustomed to weapons polished to the highest degree.

However, as he held the gigantic auto rifle in his arms, he felt it was peculiar. He felt a sudden rush of energy as his fingers lingered near the trigger.

It puzzled him, 'This must be the awoken technology' He concluded.

Handing the rifle to Pahanin for the final 'Okay', Kabr continued inspecting new weapons.

In the end, a few among the weapons were truly meticulously crafted. However, the same couldn't be said for every weapon.

Once they had gathered the best fitting weapons, the duo stepped away from the caches, signalling Void to follow along.

He obliged, knowing that although his eyes were pretty accurate, Pahanin had centuries of experience to guide his judgement, something he couldn't easily triumph with just the stat window.

Void joined the two as they waited for the squads to fully load their arsenals.

"You got the ship?"

Kabr leaned back into the wall, crossing his arms as he waited for an answer.

"Yeah, newest model with a warp drive. We're good to go."

Void grabbed a chair nearby and sat down. Their fireteam huddled in a corner as they waited patiently.

Despite the large selection of weapons available, guardians were quite picky with what they used. It was natural of course, no guardian would pick a weapon they didn't fully trust.

As such, each squad captain had singled out what they believed were weapons that would serve useful.

Ikorra saw as most captains had finalized their arsenal, hence, she stepped up one more time.

" Those present here, arm yourselves the best you can. A single bullet might make the difference between victory and defeat."

Her words caused a few to reconsider, glancing around the caches they had gathered for their teams.

Ikorra received a few resolute glances, prompting her to continue.

"Guardians, we are one step away, from victory, or from defeat. Our objective, is to hunt down the enemy, no more and no less. Don't falter in the face of twisted lies, let the light guide you."

A few stoic faces emerged following her reminder.

Ikorra smiled, knowing every single person had taken her reminder to heart.

" Every fireteam leader here has been provided a list of notable Ahamkara locations. As far as we know, they are experts at hiding. The world bends to their will. But the Ahamakara, like us, are weak to their own desires for power. Wherever you choose to search, you might have to lure them out."

Ikorra's gaze swept through the room

"Taunt them, frighten them, whatever it is you need to do. But once you find them, don't hesitate to deliver the final blow. Whatever it takes guardian, we will hunt them down, to the last one."

Her eyes went cold, a surge of aura pulsed through the room, stifling pressure building through the hall.

Void felt his hair stand on end as the aura struck him, an imminent sense of danger ran through his mind. He could feel his body trembling against a wisp of her power.

'Is this the true power of a warlock vanguard?' He thought, noting to not cross Ikorra as long as he could help it.

The room gravitated to her next words, all waiting in silence. Ikorra gave a solemn nod,

"May the light be with you, guardians."

With the last phrase, she stepped down, returning the room to a relaxed state.

Zavala and Cayde were the first to leave, their sombre faces reflected in the dim sunlight.

Cayde unlocked his holster, as he transmatted away. Not a second later, two ships shot through the horizon, warping towards orbit.

On cue, Ikorra and the Corsairs under her exited the hall, traveling to Jupiter's asteroid cluster.

"Let's go, we'll regroup at the cathedral and leave for Mars."

"...." Pahanin nodded

"I will see you there" Void replied, scuttling to the exit, as he spotted Sai and Tevis's disappearing figures, he could faintly make out a wave as they two transmatted away.

He sighed, putting his hand down.

Looking back, Kabr and Pahanin had already triggered their transmat.

Glancing around to ensure he was alone, he swiftly unholstered his hand cannon, and stored it in his inventory, instead replacing it with the new sidearm.

Tapping his wrist twice, Void's figure blurred, disintegrating into fine data lattices as he appeared within his ship.

"Obsidian, route to Cathedral," He relayed, slumping in his chair, his eyes lingering on the faint blue prompt in front of him.

{Legendary Guardian System}

(Canon Quest) The Great Ahamkara Hunt:

" The city calls for aid against mysterious creatures rumored to have been brought into existence by the Traveler during the Golden Age. Now they threaten to untangle they very fabric of reality. Deemed too dangerous to be allowed to live on. Hunt them down guardian."

Rewards: 10x Ahamkara Spine, ++Xp, 700,000Đ , +1 Store Roulette Ticket

Click to shrink...

Void's eyes perked up at the last reward, a faint smile hanging on his lips.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[The Cathedral]

The sun sank low, golden light drowning the evening sky, clouds marred the horizon.

Suddenly a sonic boom exploded through orbit, as a sleek black ship tore through the Cosmodrome towards the Plaguelands.

Boosting towards the mining tunnels, the ship decelerated using it's omnidirectional sonic thrusters, coming to a gentle stop near the mining tunnels, as a lone figure transmatted down from the ship, and quietly descended into the dark dreary mineshaft.

'Let's see, he pressed this one.'

Void retraced Pahanin's footsteps as he caressed the cavern wall. A few tries later, his hand grazed a hollow spot, runes shines as the walls crumbled, revealing the Cathedral's entrance.

Not wasting anymore time, he paced towards the control room.

"What's this about a briefing?"

Void spotted Kabr and Pahanin gathered around the control terminal.

"Right on time. We're analysing our entry point."

Kabr gestured Void to participate as he swiped the hologram, enlarging it for all to see.

"Entry point? Were the energy signals not accurate?"

Void spun the image, surveying the topology. 'Rocky mountains and an endless desert.' He frowned.

"No, the energy signals only helped us narrow it down to a planetary scale. If anything, we're searching for needles in a haystack."

Kabr sighed, flashing an irritable frown, Pahanin nodded, seemingly agreeing.

"Surveying all of Mars is impossible. It would take us years. Even if all of us split up."

Void contemplated for a strategy yet his head was completely blank.

'Ah...I wish a quest marker was here.' He lamented.

He didn't think that locating the Ahamkara itself would be a huge challenge. 'I mean, they're practically dragons, where would they hide?'

Or so he thought....

The trio stood in solemn silence, coming up completely blank in terms of a plan.

"But wait. How will the other teams locate them?" Void furrowed his brows. Surely someone had figured out something?

Kabr and Pahanin shared a glance as the two continued to sigh.

"All other fireteams have a very narrow search location. It can't be compared to a planetary energy signature."

"...Are we fu*ked?" his shoulders stooped low.

"Not yet. Catch"

A voice interjected, and Praedyth walked out of his study, dishevelled and lethargic. He chucked a hollow spherical node to Kabr.

"The Ahamkara emit paracausal radiation, A wavelength detected by sensitive light alloys. All we need is a compass to tune out the noise."

Kabr spun the ball as he found a small luminescent white shard suspended at its centre.

"Is this.."

Praedyth grinned, with slight pride.

"A shard of the Traveler. If you're looking for paracausal activity, there's no better material. It's extremely sensitive, and will fly to the closest source."

Void's eyes widened as he inched closer to the ball.

"Are you serious?"

It piqued his curiosity, but seeing as Kabr was holding it...

'Perhaps I should calm down.'

"I thought the speaker demanded all the shards be returned. This...is quite troublesome." Kabr grew solemn.

He handed the Orb to Pahanin, who examined it with great interest. A few mumbles followed as Pahanin muttered under his breath, closely eyeing the orb.

"..um" Void's hands itched as he stood waiting for his turn.

"The speaker won't be concerned. He owes me one, just make sure no one else knows of the orb."

Pahanin nodded deeply, handing over the Orb to Void. But just as it hovered above his palm, Praedyth flicked a finger as it swooped back into his hand.

"Wh-what" Void flinched as the orb slipped through his fingers.

Praedyth shot him a wary glance, "That means you need to keep your mouth shut. If anyone finds out about this, you're in deep shit."

Void gulped, he knew the severity of the situation. Shards of the Traveler were exotic. The great machine had long lost parts of its exterior coating through the first collapse.

These small shards that rained over earth were quite shocking. They provided great abilities to the guardians. Almost to a fault, because it also attracted prying eyes.

Void understood that guardians....were volatile people. They held a certain thirst for power. A hunger to prove themselves against the world. To face the darkness. But that cultivated greed. Greed wasn't bad, but when it exceeded one's limits....things turned sour.

Guardians would sooner kill each other endlessly than surrender the shards. That was when the speaker stepped in. Gathering the remaining shards and destroying them through unknown means.

Void looked expectantly towards Praedyth. He didn't know how he had a shard, but it was an opportunity of countless lifetimes.

"Fine, but if a single word comes out of this. It's your ass on the line." Preadyth caved and handed the Orb over.

Name: Praedyth's Compass

Rank: Legendary (Artifact)

"Even within the darkest depths, under the deepest oceans or beyond the seven skies, the compass will always guide you towards the energies of the universe."

Click to shrink...

Void caressed the orb carefully as he felt a jolt run through his body.

"Wait"

Praedyth frowned, as he rubbed his nose. Raising a brow at Void, he leaned closer.

"Did you finally wash your cloak?"

A stiff frown etched onto Void's forehead as he tightened his grip around the orb.

"Uhm....SO, how does this thing work anyway."

Preadyth rubbed his chin as he studied Void's face.

"Hmm. It's quite a simple principle. You'll need a fast ship, circle around Mars a few times. Analysing the orbs reaction through a few rotations will allow us to pinpoint the area with the highest density of Paracausal activity."

"That's it?" Void was astonished.

Praedyth, on the other hand, cackled like a mad dog.

"What? You expected some complicated formulas and spells? We both know you're too retarded to even comprehend those, so I kept it short and simple."

Void's brows twitched, as he narrowed his eyes.

"Huh? Old man, you're practically ancient. I am surprised your aged mind can even remember formulas. Let's not mention that you gave me centuries old engrams to decode either."

He scoffed looking at Void fiddling with the orb.

"Alright, that's enough, give it back, you'll damage it with your brute hands."

"Tsk."

Void reluctantly passed the orb over, he rubbed his fingers together, feeling lingering power on his skin.

Kabr chimed in solemnly.

"Pahanin, show Void the gear, and pack everything up. We're leaving soon."

The hunter nodded, as he turned towards the door.

"Follow me."

Void thought nothing of it as he tagged along with Pahanin. He considered it a boon. Although Pahanin wasn't very social, his gadgets and artifacts were always legendary. It wouldn't hurt to see what he had worked on.

The two hunters scuttled out the room, leaving Kabr and Praedyth behind.

They shared a glance as the air grew heavy.

"Any progress?"

Kabr's words were vague, but the warlock frowned, knowing exactly what he meant.

"No. I don't know who made it, or how it's there. But that Vault is impregnable. There's no other way to enter it."

Preadyth shook his head with a deflated sigh.

The two shared a second of silence, as the titan continued.

"We've spent a decade, waiting, studying. It's clear we need a more direct approach."

Kabr insisted.

"No. The vault is dangerous, Vex networks scour the place. There's only one way in, and that's suicide. There's no data on anything inside, spatial coordinates are disrupted through unknown means."

"It's a trap Kabr, a death-trap designed for those who dare try. The vault is a curse. It plagues the mind, it draws you in, but the moment you enter, it's like you've vanished from this world."

Praedyth's voice carried slight terror, his face turned pale recalling the archaic vault deep in the heart of Venus.

The Vault of Glass they called it. A decade earlier, their fireteam had found it, there was only one way to enter, through legions of Vex, unlocking a gate leading to a never ending chasm. Knowing it was impossible to trek through, they had given up.

Biding their time, collecting information and gathering equipment. Yet, they still couldn't figure it out. Something deep within the Vault called to them, it urged them to rush inside, like an itch in the soul.

Praedyth wished to forget the Vault, to move on. But alas, Kabr had other plans. He couldn't let the titan rush in alone, hence, he tried and he kept trying. Not willing to see the man he admired walk to his death.

Praedyth's gaze softened as he glanced at Kabr, a solemn frown growing on the titan's face.

"Try again. We need to try again Praedyth. You know it. There's something that calls us, beckons us inside. We can't stop now."

Kabr felt incensed for a second, as he heaved a sigh.

"Kabr please, I implore you to see reaso-"

"No. Not now, we can talk after we finish the hunt. Until then, please keep working Preadyth."

Kabr interjected, leaving before the warlock could reply.

Praedyth glanced at Kabr's departing back, words stuck on the tip of his tongue, he clenched his fists and exhaled a sigh.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[Cathedral, Workshop]

Pahanin and Void walked across the hall, heaps of trinkets and gadgets were scattered across the floor.

Void felt intrigued as his eyes darted around. However a second later he furrowed his brows.

'They're all broken or damaged.' He sighed, slightly disappointed.

"Here."

Suddenly, Pahanin threw him a helmet.

"Hmm? This is ?" Void inspected closely, as he grabbed the sleek headpiece.

Anti-Extinction Mask (Helmet) [Reforged]

Rank: Legendary

""Let us describe the art of mapping a dream. First, all former dreams must be crushed. This makes the ink with which we draw."- ????

Perks:

Heavy Armor: Improved Resilience

Restorative: Increases Health Recovery

Atmospheric Disruptor: Allows disruption of toxic atmospheric gases

Click to shrink...

"Take it, your armor filters won't hold up." He chimed and continued to rummage through his workshop.

Void nodded, and switched out his gear. He sucked a quick breath in, feeling refreshed.

'The improved Resilience is definitely active'

"Did you make everything in here?" Void began looking around once more.

Pahanin nodded, "Centuries of work."

His eyes seemed to shimmer as he recalled those days, but soon snapped back to reality.

Pahanin continued rummaging, as he finally found a few odd looking chips, neatly banded in a small transparent cache.

"What are those?" The case caught Void's eye, and the microchips were quite exquisite.

"Isometric-harmonizers." Pahanin answered, handing one to Void.

Void questioningly stared at the chip in his palms, as he saw Pahanin gesture towards his transponder,

He flicked his wrist and clicked open his bracelet, adding the chip into an empty slot.

Void did the same as he felt a sudden influx of static flush his ears. But a second later, a beep sounded.

Pahanin tapped his wrist lightly, and Void felt the vibrations resound in his ears.

"Woah, these are way better than the City's comms."

"Yes, emp-resistant." Pahanin was quick to reply, almost reveling in his own inventions.

Void looked around at the piles of trinkets, "Neat. Do we have any other gadgets to take?"

" Just one more." Pahanin answered as he carefully pulled out another dusty cache from the pile.

Void's keen eyes caught on, as Pahanin opened it to reveal more intricately packed chip modules.

"GPS-Node. You will always see where we are." He threw one to Void.

"Obsidian" Void called out as Obsidian appeared and quickly copied the node data to a backup and linked the chip to his visor.

Void inserted the chip into his bracelet as Pahanin closed the cache. The two made their way back to the control room as they saw Kabr striding out.

"Are you ready?"

Kabr seemed irritated as he quipped.

"Good to go." Pahanin tossed him the two chips as Kabr swiftly inserted them into his transponder.

Void nodded, as Kabr lead them outside, three Jumpships hovered closer and a moment later their figures disappeared inside.

Void swiftly brought maneuvered the ship as Obsidian appeared beside him. The sonic engines blasted as they shot through the horizon, in line with Kabr and Pahanin.

A static sound buzzed as Kabr's voice resounded.

"Can you hear me?"

"Yes."

"Yeah."

"Ok. Follow my lead, we'll shoot towards the minor asteroid belt and warp from there." Kabr's ship launched across the stratosphere as streaks of light lingered behind.

"Affirmative." Void answered, as he sucked in a breath and went full throttle. A shockwave reverberated through the skies as the three ships exited earth's atmosphere.

"Preparing for warp. I've sent you the coordinates." Kabr chimed in, as his warp drive activated.

The space ahead began to twist, as a slight whirlpool formed and Kabr's ship accelerated inside, disappearing from view.

Pahanin was the next to follow, plunging into the wormhole.

Void felt slightly nervous as he blasted forwards into his first jump.

His ship entered the wormhole. For a few seconds, the world had stopped for Void. Gravity fluctuated as an extreme load burdened his body, yet he felt light as a feather.

'F***' Void squeezed his steering tighter,

The horizon outside twisted into itself, colors previously impossible seemed to emerge, as light itself raced alongside him. Then, a sudden crack propagated as space unfurled.

He took it as his signal and steered closer, it took him in and spit him out to the other side. A jolt ran through his ship

"That was...amazing" Void took a deep breath as he saw the red planet in view.

A few jumbled words resounded in his ears as the signal attuned.

"Void, follow my lead, we'll orbit the planet at hyper-speeds until the orb gives a reaction." Kabr announced. His ship steering into view.

"Alright."

The fireteam circled around until Kabr felt a slight deviation in the shards position.

"Change trajectory, eastern side. Follow me."

All three ships zoomed towards the eastern hemisphere of Mars. Kabr held the orb tight as the shard began spinning, ultimately pointing downwards.

"The shard is directing us here. Prepare to land." Kabr ordered. steering downwards.

Void pushed his ship down, "Preparing to transmat, entering land zone in four minutes."

"Affirmative."

The horizon shook as three Jumpships pierced through the dense Martian sand clouds, racing towards the surface. Sonic thrusters triggered as the ships hovered to a halt.

Void, Pahanin and Kabr transmatted down, a fierce sandstorm erupted, dusty plumes hung in the air, hindering all vision. The red rocky surface of Mars churned under their steps.

Kabr scoured the area, "Mission Log #001, establishing ground zero, scouting peripherals, over and out."

"The dust is too heavy, my sensors are clogged." Void fidgeted with his Visor but his radar seemed to glitch.

An eerie sensation permeated through, "The shard is reacting. We are not far. Keep your guards up" Kabr clutched the orb putting it safely in his pocket.

His words seemed to stiffen the air, as Void and Pahanin pulled out their rifles.

Kabr glanced at Pahanin , "Set up the network array, make sure we're transmitting to the city."

"I will stand guard and secure the perimeter. Void yo-"

Void switched over to his sidearm, "Scout out the area? I am already on it."

"Good, if you run into anything, transmit first. Do not engage." Kabr shot him a somber look and Void nodded.

Kabr turned away as he chucked a few trip mines around the area, "Meet us back here in ten."

"You got it."

Void flickered away as his figure turned translucent, blending in like a phantom in the raging dust storm.

'To think the Martian storms would be this fierce', Void felt the howling wind sting through his armor.

He focused his eyes, his pupils turning blue. Void darted around the area at lightning speeds, surveying absolutely everything.

Halting his stride, Void stood at the peak of a rocky cliff, gazing down at the vast Martian desert. Endless red dunes stretched towards the horizon, not a trace of life to be seen.

"Obsidian, find anything?"

"Hmm, according to analysis, everything seems...normal. Far too normal, no energy signatures detected."

"Nothing? The orb definitely reacted around here." He furrowed his brows, gazing with a skeptic eye.

"Reporting, all status normal. No signs of activity." Void pressed near his ear.

".....Affirmative, circle back to camp. We'll move in a group." Kabr replied, slowly a frown appeared on his forehead.

"Roger, moving back soon." Void replied, as he zipped away.

Kabr looked to Pahanin as the city's comms node seemed to have sprang to life.

"Any problems?"

"No, we're transmitting to the city. All signals are normal."

Kabr glanced at the orb with curious eyes. However, he knew better than to question Praedyth's device.

A gust of wind flushed the camp as Void entered the perimeter his cape fluttering and steps heavy.

Pahanin and Kabr shared a glance.

"How's it looking outside?" Kabr asked shuffling around the node.

"The dust is bad, but it's nothing serious. We should probably gather the others and start searching."

Kabr felt a faint smirk tug on his lips as he turned towards Pahanin.

"Yeah, we're setting up the comms relay now, the reserve team should be here soon."

"Did you already setup the satellite?"

Pahanin dusted himself off as he stood up, "No."

"No need to worry. Void, you reckon you could put down this node for us on a mountain nearby?" Kabr reached into his pocket as he pulled out the orb.

Void scratched his head, "Yeah, that'll be easy don't worry about it."

Kabr's eyes lingered on the shard, "Thanks." He chucked the orb to Void, his own hands lingering towards his side.

A second later, it fell into Voids palm.

Pahanin and Kabr locked eyes, as Void looked strangely at the orb.

And then.....the shard twitched.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Kabr felt a devious smile grow on his face, a chuckle escaped his lips as he towered over "Void"

"This is amusing...."

Void seemed puzzled as he stared at the orb in his hands.

Instantly, Kabr's aura erupted as he punched out.

"Wai-"

Before Void could even say a word, the blow rocked him in the gut. Fist's the weight of mountains blasted him backwards as the ground cracked, gusts of wind whipped and howled.

His crimson red eye shined, a deathly pressure weighed on everyone around, "To think you would walk to your own death, lizard."

"Void" who was completely caught off guard, lay sprawled on the ground. All life seemed to have been taken out, however, a second later, umbral energy seeped into its husk.

The body began to rot as bones and crooked teeth protruded from its hunched figure.. What was once Void had malformed into a ghastly horror, it's pitch black eyes gazing at Kabr, the dragon licked its lips.

~I see it, your wish, Oh Prideful One.~

Kabr cracked his fists as he walked forward, "As I thought, I will just have to break that mouth of yours."

~Wish for it. The Vault will be yours.~

An enchanting voice echoed, leaving Kabr frozen where he stood.

It's smile deepened, stygian eyes focusing on the titan.

~Lordly peasant mine, wish for it. I can grant you everything.~

It's thin arms outstretched and nails grew towards him. Entrancing the titan in its bewitching gaze. The creature spoke, incoherently, it whispered to the inner most desires of Kabr's soul.

Kabr inched closer to its slithering arms, and the ahamkara grinned.

~Come to me, O lofty desires~

Its voice seeped into the world, beckoning. However, just before he could embrace the titan. a silver streak flashed forwards.

The ahamkara felt danger, like never before. it panicked jumping backwards, but a lightning swift slash sliced through the air as it cut up the lizard into pieces, leaving only its head intact.

Pahanin flickered besides Kabr, tapping him on the shoulder, "You okay?"

Kabr felt drowsy, as he rubbed his forehead, "Ergh....I am fine, thanks." A streak black frown etched on his face.

"It had a strange power." Kabr glanced towards the Ahamkara's head, his heart quivered for unknown reasons.

Pahanin nodded as he walked towards the dismembered corpse, a thin short sword in his hand.

~W-what is your wish, O killer mine~

Pahanin slowly embedded his blade in its head, his eyes boring into the Ahamkara's.

"I do not need you to grant it." He whispered back.

Sensing its end nearing, the creature embraced it, as it peered into his killers soul.

~Ahh, how peculiar. O Killer mine, your desires. ~ The Dragon spoke its last, as the blade reaped its life.

Pahanin swiped his sword as the blood dripped down.

"The Vanguard said that the Ahamkara's feed on our desires. That power, it was the devils whispers."

Kabr clenched his jaw, "To think I almost fell for it."

Void's figure flickered nearby as he hurried to ground zero. "What the, I could swear I heard a bomb go off."

His gaze trailed off to the severed Ahamkara corpse, his face stiffened. Void walked over to the body as he picked up the orb, dusting it off.

The shard spun around, but it didn't glow. Pahanin and Kabr heaved a sigh of relief.

"It took your form, but it misspoke."

Kabr, Pahanin and Void shared tense glances.

"I couldn't detect anything, and I didn't sense this one either. It can only mean.." Void felt the anxiety flush his face.

"They somehow altered our perception. Was it the moment we touched land? Or perhaps, later."

Kabr looked puzzled, Pahanin inspected the comms relay again.

"Communication is fine. However, that one coming here." His eyes lingered at the corpse.

Void understood at a glance, "Trying to alter our Comms relay, they're trying to cut down our options for backup."

Kabr nodded, "Most likely, it's an iron trap. The longer we stay here, the more we're affected. If we lose the comms relay....We'll be headless chickens."

"But it doesn't make sense. If we've really stepped behind enemy lines, their retaliation should be more than that. Unless.." Void contemplated.

"Unless their numbers aren't high. They can't risk direct fights." Kabr chimed in.

Void shook his head.

"The Ahamkara's strength doesn't lie in numbers, it lies in the wishes they've gathered. The ones here could be far weaker than the ones on Venus."

Silence took over the trio, as their minds raced.

"Retreat isn't an option. The other teams are too busy for assistance. If we can't complete our mission, who knows where the Ahamkara will go." Kabr's face grew solemn.

"If we push hard now, we might have a chance at eliminating them for good. But the risks are high."

Kabr clenched his fists, and Pahanin whipped out his sword to his side.

Void flashed a resolute look, "If that's how it is, I'm not backing down." His hands traced to his rifle, -click- He reloaded.

Pahanin smirked, "Good. Then I have an idea.", glancing towards the orb.

Void chucked it back to him as he got to work, carefully dismantling the orb, Pahanin skillfully pulled out the shard inside.

"The shard is attracted to the Ahamkara. But its too small. If we use the comms relay to transmit its frequency, and test the response. It is possible to track them down."

Kabr thought it through as he moved towards the comms relay, "But, the relay won't work anymore. Isn't that so."

Pahanin sighed, "It is true. The relay cannot handle two sources at once. At most, it will survive for a few days."

Kabr grinned, "To chase a slippery enemy and cut off our comms, or to retreat and let it go. This is the final decision, choose carefully, you're risking everything." His eyes wandered to Void.

Void held his silence, 'Kabr and Pahanin won't die. Or so it was, but with Praedyth missing there's a risk....of failure.'

He frowned internally, 'To chase or to run away.' Void chuckled.

"You know, I haven't been a guardian for long, and I am nowhere near as strong as I want to be. But if I was scared of dying, then I would've never come this far."

"I won't run away." He stepped towards the titan.

Kabr tapped him on the shoulder, "Brave words kid. Pahanin, do it. Let the hunt begin."

Hearing those words, the hunter tweaked the relay, as a pulse resonated throughout Mars. A silent echo, replied back, deep within ravines and caves, the Ahamkara heard, springing to life.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

A wave of energy washed over Mars, as the trio wore solemn looks.

Void felt like his skin crawled with ants, his body twitched as he felt sharp pinches.

Kabr took in a deep breath as he tweaked his visor.

"Looks like we're not dealing with a small number. Configure the signal to match our radar."

Pahanin swiftly reprogrammed the relay to coordinate with his microchip, "The frequency is matching. You'll see them now."

Void focused his vision as his radar lit up, hundreds of red dots scattered around mars.

'Is each of them an Ahamkara?' Void felt cold sweat roll down his back.

Kabr surveyed his radar, "Clusters packed into underground ravines. They're all hiding, the closest pack is five minutes from here. Let's strike before they can see us coming."

Immediately, he summoned his sparrow, and revved the bike, its thrusters roared.

Void brought out his own, "Ready", he jerked the handle as a neon light sparked.

"Let's go." Pahanin swiftly mounted his sparrow as he shot towards the nearest cluster.

"Don't fall behind kid." Kabr shouted, blasting off behind Pahanin.

Void immediately sprang into gear as a trace of neon light erupted, he ripped through the sandstorm, shooting towards them.

Like spears shearing through the storm, the trio cruised at breakneck speeds. Pahanin's riding skills could only be described as legendary.

The Martian terrain was rocky, uneven and crumbled under high speeds, however, Pahanin had not once slowed down, no matter what twists or turns came, he kept his pace.

'Talk about reaction time' Void felt strained to just keep up at speeds beyond sound, but Kabr and Pahanin seemed completely fine.

"Kid, can you hear me? We're close, hang in there."

Void looked towards Kabr as he waved a hand, picking up the pace to match Pahanin, Void took a breath as he wrung his accelerator fully, barely catching up.

A ravine came up ahead as the trio slowed down.

"We're here." Pahanin's voice echoed across the channel, he planted his foot in the sand as his sparrow skidded, drifting across as he stopped just before the edge.

Pahanin gazed at the abyss below, Kabr and Void braked to a halt beside him.

" Damn, I can't see a thing." Void squinted his eyes, but the ravine remained pitch black.

"It's probably just a trick." Kabr equipped his rifle again, feet lingering near the edge.

"We're going down, don't mess up the landing." He glanced to Void, and nodded.

Void gave a nod back, as Kabr dove straight into the Ravine, Pahanin followed, nimbly plunging to the depths.

Void equipped his own rifle, as he gave it one last reload.

-click-, swift as a phantom, Void leapt inside, nosediving to the bottom.

'It's pitch black, I can't sense anything.' His fall seemed to be go on for too long.

'Is this another mirage? No, I saw those two go in.' Void kept freefalling down into deep.

He tried to spread out his senses but it was like trying to catch his own shadow off-guard, impossible.

A minute had passed, Void felt a cool breeze brush past him, as he continued to plunge deeper into the ravine.

'I am close' Void instinctively pushed himself down, like a needle.

Void had seemingly lost his sense of balance, yet surprisingly he didn't feel it impossible to make the landing.

He smiled recalling his first death, 'Compared to that, this is nothing.'

Light gathered at the soles of his feet as he spread his arms to slow himself down, feeling the closer than ever, he swiftly kicked the air twice, an impulse rushed through him, as he softly dropped down.

A second later, he felt the firm bedrock as he gracefully landed on his toes, 'I guess captain's training wasn't all that useless..'

Void pressed his ears as he felt the comms static, but soon the channel seemed clear.

He whispered, "It's me, if you can hear me, reply through the comms."

Although Void couldn't sense anyone nearby, Pahanin's comms channel was active, there was a slight hope that the network was still working.

" Its @#$@#$ .....I can ...@#$@#$ you. We are @#$@#$, we're separated, @#$$@ forward. @#$@#$ you soon."

A painful static buzzed through his ears. The message seemed far too distorted, but Void could decipher what he needed.

'Move forward'.

He stood up and activated his stealth, his eyes focused on his radar, a few enemies lined up ahead.

Void gripped his rifle, as he stealthily prowled the dark ravine. His figure molded with the shadows, his pupils glowed a faint blue.

It wasn't long before Void encountered it, a spiny serpentine husk, coiled around a boulder. Hollow eyes, and crystalline fangs, the creature hadn't noticed Void in his spectral form.

Void knew instinctively, it was an Ahamkara. Some eerie energy just seemed to spill out from the creatures aura.

'It seems miniature compared to the holograms. But how strong is it.'

He couldn't just take a guess. A single strike, if he couldn't finish it within that, Void didn't know how the Ahamkara would react.

His left hand still held the rifle, as his right palm seemed to conjure a dagger. Void felt his heart skip a beat.

The Ahamkara seemed to look above, in a trance. It looked towards the faint horizon, high above, as if it could read the stars.

Void stirred his light, as it coated his dagger, a thin streak on its edge. Taking a quick breath, Void was ready to pounce, yet his body felt...frozen.

Or perhaps, it was the world.

'It's this feeling again', Void felt, weightless, but stiff. Nothing could move now, not even him.

It all grinded to a halt, yet Void could feel his right palm, or rather, his dagger.

'It's small, but there's movement.'

Void took a fraction of a second, as his thoughts aligned, 'Of course, so it's like this.'

Instantly, a thin coat of light spread around Void's body. 'Just as I thought', his legs twitched, as he plunged forwards, piercing through the frozen world.

The gears of time seemed to shift once more, Void moved at speeds beyond comprehension, he flickered above the Ahamkara. The creature sensing his power, seemed alarmed, seeing this crisis, it sought to hide.

It pulled the seams of space, to escape.

'As if I'd let that happen.'

Void's dagger cut through, as a swift strike sliced through the Ahamkara's head, a streak of purple light corroded the remains.

Its head rolled to the floor, as Void gently slid across to a halt.

"That's one down."

Void felt a blue screen pop up, as a notification appeared.

Passive Perk Acquired: Time's Tempo (Imperfect)

Ability: On rare and random occasions, the world stops for a brief second, allowing you to move with it.

Remarks: "Guardian, the bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot"

* Skill can be perfected to be an active perk

Click to shrink...

'So this is what I've been feeling.' His thoughts lingered around the imperfect tag.

'If I could perfect this skill.' Void's mind raced with the possibilities, but it was no time to daydream. He shook his head and got back to his senses.

A glance at his radar showed a couple more Ahamkara lying in wait. 'It's possible they've sensed me, either way, I can't stop here.'

Void picked up the pace as he merged with the shadows once more. Stalking the ravine, he flickered like a phantom. The radar showed they were directly ahead, as Void snuck through to a cavern.

However, no Ahamkara were to be found. The cavern seemed empty. That was until he heard a voice, and it whispered to his soul.

~O Strange one, why must you hunt us. You and us are the same. Wanderers in this universe.~

The ghastly voice seemed to echo, as Void felt a shiver run down his spine, he looked up.

"Is it your hobby to hide like cowards? Or are you just scared for your life." Void smirked.

At his taunt, a few draconic serpents crawled down the roof of the cavern, dangling as they faced him.

An Ahamkara smiled at him, as it spoke, almost like it was reminiscing.

~O strange one, is life and death so different? Either way, we continue, drifting across times. Isn't that true?~

"If it's no different to you, then you wouldn't mind dying right?" Void immediately aimed his rifle, as he held down the trigger, hundreds of bullets shot towards them, as smoke built up in the cavern.

Seeing as the barrel went red hot, Void let go of the trigger. However, that wasn't the problem.

'Their energy is still here', Void frowned.

The smoke cleared a second later, revealing the Ahamkaras dangling, jovially staring at Void.

~O brother ours, do you truly not remember?~

~Brother mine, why must you forget everytime?~

~Clumsy brother~

~Brother~

Several voices resonated within the cavern, as Void felt a sense of oppression.

! Warning: Host is being affected by an external energy

! Warning: Host is being affected by an external energy

! Warning: Host is being affected by an external energy

[ Host is recommended to use his light!!]

Click to shrink...

Void immediately felt nauseous, as the Ahamkara's slithered closer, with fanged grins, their bodies deformed, elongating like ophidians.

He noticed the system's warnings, and just as before, Void coated himself with a thin film of light.

'This pressure, it's wearing off'

Seeing as their cryptic ways wore off, the Ahamkara froze in place, eyeing Void. Sensing his dangerous aura they crept backwards.

"So normal bullets won't work huh." Void let go of his rifle as it transferred to his subspace, instead he unsheathed his saber.

The blade arced, now coated with a lilac aura. Void eyed the Ahamkara, he could see they were afraid. Afraid of his light.

He inched closer, knowing that they weren't as strong as they seemed. He recalled Ikorra's words.

"The weaker Ahamkara use deception." Void grinned.

"Since you bastards couldn't do any tricks, you're pretty weak huh."

His words made the Ahamkara's shift backwards, as they seemed to whisper in an unknown language.

However one spoke out.

~O brother mine, speak your wish, we shall grant it.~ It seemed hopeful as Void seemed to halt his steps.

"My wish? You wouldn't believe me if I told you" With those words, Void flickered.

Before the Ahamkara could get another word in, he clutched his sword, with a swift movement, he slashed through the cavern, as the lightning arced sending out a horizontal slice.

In one move, Void had dissected all their heads. He stood over their corpses, as he crept closer.

Void picked up the bones of the Ahamkara he had just killed, examining them closely.

Ahamkara Bones (Crafting Material)

Usage: Can be used to craft weapons or armor of all kinds.

* Upon crafting, there is a possibility of a cursed item being made.

Click to shrink...

Void squinted at the description, 'I will take that chance'

He collected all the bones in his inventory and walked away. Moving forward through the ravine.

Yet as his figure disappeared, a very faint whisper echoed, muttering away.

The Ahamkara's severed head twitched, it's eyes sparkling for a second, as it finally died down, embracing death.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Sprinting across the ravine, Void could feel packs of Ahamkara moving, seemingly frightened.

"It must be the others." Void rushed forwards, hoping to meet Kabr or Pahanin.

But an instant later, a shockwave erupted across the ravine, the caverns shook, the ground crumbled and the walls broke down, trembling as a wave of aura pulsed through.

Void crouched down, as the trembling seemed to dwindle.

'This feeling. It's Kabr.' Void immediately placed a hand on his comms.

"Can you hear me? Kabr, we're close." He spoke out, an immediate reply echoed through his receiver.

"@#$@#? sorry, the signal is @#$@#$, I can't @#$@# you" A jumbled message buzzed. Void kept moving forwards, rushing through the caves.

He noticed the ground shift, as new cracks and tunnels appeared, 'Whatever that shockwave was, it broke the entire ravine.'

Void hesitated for a second as he saw splitting paths, "F***, this one's a gamble", he stood up and bolted to the right, following an emerging tunnel leading deeper.

His senses roared, as a group of Ahamkara's emerged from within the walls. Void felt a sharp prickling touch, his eyes widened as he immediately ducked.

Not a fraction of a second later, a ferocious winged tiger pounced clawing through what would've been him.

Their eyes met as the beast realized it had missed, Void kicked the ground, shuffling backwards.

"This a new form of yours? Here kitty kitty." He jeered, his eyes darting around, tracking the others.

The Ahamkara flashed a fanged grin, as its sharp claws dug into the cavern floor.

~Brother your journey ends here~ whispers echoed within the group, as the remaining four Ahamkara crawled forwards, transforming into bloodhounds and raptors

Void couldn't help but whistle in amazement, "The whole squad's here", Void flicked his sword as he took a stance.

The group of Ahamkara stared him down, a menacing aura spreading through the ravine. Slowly, both parties inched closer, itching to make the first move.

Void scuttled closer, their gazes unwavering. Just as they got within reach. Void's figure flickered at blinding speeds. The tiger's wings unfurled as it ferociously leapt.

The two clashed, Void swiped his blade as the tiger clawed, in the blink of an eye, sharp whips of air tore through the area, the ground crumbling under their intense tackle.

Void's wrists twitched as he barely held the tiger from moving, immediately he sensed a movement.

'This is bad.'

Two gigantic wolves bolted across from the pack, dashing towards Void with sharp fangs. Sensing the imminent danger.

Void shifted to his backfoot, jerking away, as he clenched the sabre. A thunderbolt arced across the blade, as he plunged it into the ground, "Sorry but, I am not done yet."

His light coursed through the blade, amplifying its power, an overcharge surged from the sabre as it electrified the entire radius of attack.

The hounds charged towards him, shooting forwards like bullets. But just as their fangs seemed to reach Void, the electrical surge pulsed, seconds later, an enormous charge erupted.

Arc light blasted through the blade flushing through the ravine, pushing everyone back, as it engulfed the wolves, eradicating their figures.

The winged tiger seemed to be cautioned as it shivered, retreating a few steps. But the other Ahamkara encircled Void, like vultures, ready to pounce.

Void exhaled a sigh, as he swiftly got to his feet. Feeling slightly light headed from the earlier attack, he held his blade close. Yet Void felt a sombre frown etch on his face as he looked towards the remaining Ahamkara.

!! Warning !!: Arc Saber is damaged, arc core is no longer stable. There is a chance for the weapon to break.

Click to shrink...

'These bastards are too tedious to deal with.'

He kept his eyes on the group, as the tiger crept, ready to lunge at any second. Void's gaze lingered at the raptors. It was obvious that the moment he tried to kill the tiger, he would lose an arm and a leg.

He couldn't approach them with his range, but they couldn't come close either.

Void staggered his blade as he circled around, 'At times like these.' His feet dug into the ground, as energy coursed through his veins.

The ground beneath his soles cracked, as an immense pressure rang out in the ravine, Void's bloodthirsty eyes took note of every single beast. The Ahamkara sensed his emerging energy as they scattered.

"It's too late you bastards." A chuckle escaped his lips, 'I will borrow your trick Levi', using his legs as springs Void shot forwards like a bullet, faster than sound.

Twisting his entire figure in mid-air, Void's heel connected with the tiger's torso, his aura corroded its skin, as he kicked, the air erupted, blasting the tiger backwards, planting it into the granite walls.

Void fell towards the ground as he felt his entire leg go numb, 'That monster, he was doing kicks like these in a row?'

Sensing Void's instability, the instant he fell, the raptors blitzed towards him.

Void's leg twitched, 'F***, I can't move', his heel hit the ground, he limped as a surge of pain jolted through his knees, pushing himself the furthest he could, Void crossed his arms.

The raptors leapt, as one's teeth sunk into his chest armour. Void jerked, as a sharp chomp tore off his right arm, his sabre fell to the ground. Feeling his bones crunch away, Void clenched his jaw.

His left hand conjured a dagger as he yanked himself away, thrusting his blade directly into the raptor's neck. Spilling blood all over.

"Rot you bastard", Void gnashed his teeth, as he stumbled away. His dagger plunged into the raptors neck, it began to feel a corrosive energy seep into its core.

No later than second, the Ahamkara collapsed, decaying under Void's gilded blade.

The last two Ahamkara's lunged at him, Void struggled to get to his feet as he swiftly chucked a few beads from his left hand. Instantly, they exploded, covering the entire area in dark smog.

Momentarily, the Ahamkara were blinded, as Void triggered his perk, vanishing into the shadows. Panic had set in, as the two remaining seemed to be at high alert. Their senses unable to grasp Void's location.

"I really didn't want to use this yet" Void gasped for air, hauling his launcher over his shoulder, his right arm replaced by tendrils of light as he pulled the trigger, fiery light condensing at its tip.

"Burn", he whispered, the rocket blasted, as it seamed to burn the world, in an instant the entire ravine was engulfed in flames, the impact blasting through the walls, as the cavern shook. Void heaved a sigh of relief and fell to his knees.

"Obsidian" He panted for breaths as his ghost appeared.

"Restoring Vitals, the light won't help much here, we're far too deep." Obsidian's aura emerged as it reconstructed Void's arm.

"That's fine, just patch me up for now. Any contact from the other two?"

"No, the ravine's network seems to be an irregular maze, the signals can't make it past the thick walls, it's intentional interference. I thi-", A rumbling shook the caverns as dust fell.

"I don't suppose that's one of them?" Void caught his breath, stretching his regrown arm.

Obsidian seemed to frown as it analyzed the cavern's walls, "No, but I have bad news. The ravine's walls are getting weaker by the minute. The rocket earlier wasn't a good idea."

"It can't be helped, we need to keep moving." Void picked up his sabre and gave it a good swing.

"Not only that, the damage isn't all from our side. The others must be fighting too. The caverns can't handle it all, I'd say ten minutes and this whole thing will come crumbling down."

Void's face went stiff, "A timed event? This is ridiculous. Spam the others with messages, we've got to speed up."

"Already on it, hopefully they're receiving these." Obsidian sighed as it disappeared.

Void picked up pace as he rushed towards the end of the caverns, instinctively he could tell he was getting closer and closer to the rest. He darted through the cave systems, one after the other.

"This eerie energy." Void narrowed his eyes as he kept running, a cold sweat ran down his spine. His instincts screamed danger, but there was no way he could stop now.

Void's figure turned translucent as he swept forwards, turning corner after corner, he navigated the maze.

Immediately his body quivered as he turned the corner.

"What in the..." , Void abruptly halted, a wave of fear spread through his mind, a hot pulse running through his heart.

A titanic Ahamkara was in front of him, and Void couldn't move a muscle. 'Dragon? Yeah this is the real deal.', Void couldn't help but curse internally.

Gargantuan sharp pincers, jagged fangs and spiny back, the Ahamkara unlike the others wasn't timid or afraid, rather it remained calmly in its place.

Void felt his heart pounding, chest heaving, still within his invisible form, Void prayed that it couldn't see him.

'There's no other way, I must sneak through.'

Cold sweat ran down his back, a sense of defeat. Void knew that no matter the the circumstance, there wasn't any way he would win over it. It was deeply rooted within him, his instinct as a hunter.

He took a shaky step, creeping against the walls, as he inched closer to the other side.

~O brother, must you be so shy~

A bloodcurdling whisper echoed. Void froze in his steps as his heart skipped a beat.

He shivered. From the depths of his soul, Void wanted to hide, his fingers dug into the rock behind him, his body curled away from the creature.

~O brother, I see you do not remember.~

The Dragon moved, its titanic body curling around the cavern walls, as it's jaw widened, and it flashed a bone chilling grin. Its numerous eyes shifted to Void.

He couldn't find the words to speak, Void felt like his entire world was torn to pieces. His mind was going haywire, an intense headache rushing through his head.

~I see your wishes brother, you want to return back don't you. Run away from this world, leave its battles behind. Wish for it~

The Ahamkara crawled closer, Void felt a twinge in his mind, his vision blurred, as it felt like the space around him slowly crumbled.

Reality itself shifted, as Void was thrust into emptiness.

~Wish for it~

The words echoed in his mind, a never ending whisper. Every fiber of his being succumbed to its charm.

Void blacked out.

Piece by piece, a memory from his mind reformed the world around him, as Void's body remained in limbo.

---

The monitor went blank, and the next second, A bright flash spilled into the room.

My eyes hurt really bad. I squeezed them shut as the monitor in front of me kept glitching.

"What the f***, man, this goddamn monitor. I guess that's what wish.com will do." Shaking my head a few times I rubbed my eyes.

My vision seemed hazy but it slowly turned clear. I felt a slight twitch in my wrist as I tried to move. What was I doing? Huh, I can't seem to remember.

I sat back in my chair as a familiar sound track played. Puzzled, I looked to the monitor, "Witch Queen? Oh shit, it's finally working."

Immediately I scooted forwards. "Enhanced difficulty mode hmm, let's see if this has an exotic drop rate multiplier."

The Destiny logo flashed as the screen shook, slowly my guardian rose up in the cosmodrome.

"Pretty standard beginnings." I sighed, knowing I would be going down this rabbit hole again.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[A few hours later]

"WHAT THE F*** man", I slammed my keyboard in a rage as the screen turned dark, and a voice echoed.

'Guardian Down'

"How am I supposed to.... this goddamn difficulty is cursed." Heaving a sigh I massaged my face to keep myself calm.

It's not like I was bad at the game or anything. It's just that, this difficulty, I could swear it was harder than grandmaster, no matter what I tried, eventually my health would run out.

Playing Nightstalker felt like an actual stealth game and not a slide shooter frenzy like the everyone else had told me.

I groaned as I shook my head, "Maybe it was Warlock masterclass after all."

Feeling the heat flush to my face I leaned back into my chair, the skull on the screen staring right at me. I didn't know why but it rubbed me the wrong way. Something about losing here, it didn't feel right.

"Damn, am I really addicted to this trash game?" Taking a few quick breaths, I stopped resisting and pulled my chair closer to the screen.

"F*** it, it is what it is."

No matter what, this time I wouldn't lose. The screen turned green as the game reloaded. My guardian respawned, holding his gun. Funny enough I had somehow gotten a legendary arc sabre sword.

I wasn't really sure where I picked it up from. Swords are kind of outdated unless it's the Xur one's or the exotics but this sword was honestly not too bad. Get this, I even picked up an old ass iron banner reward.

Radagast's fury? Didn't expect to land such a good roll on it. I mean it's no Gjallarhorn but it hits hard. I guess I won't dismantle it just yet.

You know, Nightstalker wasn't particularly strong, it was quite weak compared to other classes. But damn the super hits hard. I don't know if it was an extra perk but I already had the Shadowshot variant unlocked.

I guess the higher difficulty did give some leeway here and there. Anyhow, the moment the game started back up, I sprinted to the action.

What was I doing you ask? Strikes of course. I would be a lunatic to play gambit or pvp with no friends. Besides, I was somewhat of a thrill chaser. I could solo strikes and take my time with the insane difficulty modifier.

Sure I could gather a fireteam, but where's the fun in that? I crouched and used my stealth, it took me ages. But one by one, I slowly wiped out every single champion in the strike.

The moment the last hive knight fell, the finish screen showed up, damn this solo grind is really worth.

Just looking at the xp made me drool, "I am really gonna finish the season pass in a day at this rate."

It was almost unbelievable. As for the loot? Well...it was shit.

"F***, what the f*** is this shit? Two blues and... A GRAY? Am I being pranked?" my guardian jumped around the chest.

As I tried every button I could think off to try and get more loot. "NO no. You can't do this to me....Do you know how much I've sacrificed?"

Spamming didn't help and I could only accept the outcome. In fairness, I did cuss out bungie with every word I knew. I mean, those bastards really set the loot multipliers to dogshit.

I can't even believe these drops. "I thought the gray one's went extinct."

Disappointed, I opened my equipment to quickly dismantle the trash for some measly glimmer. Inside my primary weapons I found it, though it wasn't a sidearm I had heard of before.

Traveler's Chosen (Basic)

Click to shrink...

"Damn, bungie what kind of bug es this.", I stared at the gun in disbelief, after all, there literally was no way to get a basic drop in Destiny 2.

Seeing as I wasn't getting any loot, it was probably time to switch up from PVE.

"I can't believe I have to do this shit.", reluctantly my I summoned my ghost, surprisingly it had a sleek obsidian shell. I guess I had gotten lucky while picking up the cosmetics.

My cursor lingered towards the director, as the solar map opened up. The pinnacle symbol glistened under the crucible and gambit.

Now I wasn't a degenerate, so there was no way I was about to play gambit solo, "I guess crucible it is."

I quickly selected control as my game-mode. I mean I hadn't exactly farmed any good loot, so a free for all was not in the picks. I could only hope for a good team to carry me and capture the zones.

"Either way, it's not like we gotta win, three games that's all." I psyched myself up, it wasn't easy to survive the shitshow called the crucible.

I pressed to queue as the game began searching for six other guardians.

"Please, please, just no blueberries." I prayed sincerely in my heart. I don't think I could survive a pvp match with some random degens.

'Match Found'

The screen lit up as my ship blasted off into the horizon, slowly five other jumpships came to view as our fireteam warped through a wormhole.

Shaxx's voice blasted over my headset,

"Control. Time to fight, Guardians. Capture all zones."

I grinned, peculiarly I could almost swear I'd met that guy who voiced Shaxx. Weird, I couldn't really recall when.

Our fireteam finally landed, as the map was revealed.

[Sector 618]

"Damn, isn't that a Destiny 1 map? That shit brings back memories."

The map filled me with unknown vigor, and a hunger to win. Perhaps my old instincts were reawakening eh?

As the fireteams posed, I made sure to read my teams names, " Hopefully they're nothing cringy."

[Blue Team]

1. Void_Blade

2. Captain_Tevis

3. ThunderingXWei

4. JasonTheTank

5. LightningEmpressSai

6. OurosSunFire

[Red Team]

1. The_Golden_Gun

2. Xx Levi xX

3. WishingDragon

4.Edith's Arc

5.TheLegionLess

6. LivingMyth

Click to shrink...

"....Why the f*** is my name the worst." I scanned over the teams again.

"Oh thank god, this retard is using the stupid Xx shit." I heaved a sigh of relief. I mean my name was cringy, but damn, this was another level.

A strange familiarity washed over me as I saw their avatars appear, "Damn, have we played together before?"

I turned on my Voice chat but no reply came. I could only shrug, it's not like everyone has this voice chat setup.

"Take those zones, Guardian! Victory demands it.", Shaxx's voice bellowed, as the round started.

Instantly, I found my entire team sprinting towards the center of the map, as I followed.

"For the love of god, where's the tactics guys." I begged on the comms but no one even looked at me.

'This is gonna be a stomp.' I had already accepted my defeat.

[A few rounds later]

I sat at zone B crouched, shell shocked. Who the f*** were these guys? Pro players? Streamers? What lobby am I in?

"These bastards are lifeless, they're too good." I felt a feverish heat rise up to my face.

'Specially that bastard', I screamed internally and glanced at the leader board.

|| Player Name || Kills || Assists || Deaths ||

||The_Golden _Gun || 30 || 0 || 3 ||

Click to shrink...

"Is this guy a hacker or what?" My frustrations were completely justified. Trust me.

This assh*le had somehow sniped me from across the map at least eight times. Not to mention he hadn't lost a single goddamn 1v1. The only time we killed him is by ganging up a 3v1 and spamming our supers.

"Their team is too good", I shuddered, as their titan, LegionLess was a goddamn one man army.

I mean this guy rushed into Zone A a few minutes back and won it SOLO.

"I F*cking swear bungie nerf this goddamn class." I cried out, sneaking around zone B for dear life.

But alas, nothing lasts forever. My radar blinked red, as an enemy sped up towards me. My heart almost stopped, but I soon saw who it was.

'Xx Levi xX'

"Oh thank god." This guy was insane, but he was perhaps the only one I could barely win against. I mean if not for the light suppression in crucible, he would probably crush me.

Surprisingly both of us were playing Nightstalker so it was more of a duel than I could admit. I immediately rushed out as he sprayed bullets towards me.

Instantly, I threw down a smoke as my figure vanished, his radar confused him as he darted around, but I instantly equipped my rifle as I sprayed him back.

The two of us bounced around like monkeys as we tried to get the drop on each other, but I somehow caught him with an empowered melee. Just before he could recover, I instantly pulled out my launcher.

'God bless this quickdraw perk'

I could see him panic but it was too late.

"EAT SHIT LEVI" I screamed into the mic and jumped up, the rocket went off, blasting towards the ground as it engulfed the entire zone, eliminating Levi.

I didn't really know why but beating that guy felt exhilarating. 'This is literally amazing.' I felt blood rush up as my heart pounded. Was Destiny ever this fun?

"Zone B Captured. You're in the lead" Shaxx exclaimed as my team was an inch away from victory.

But I swear to god, that bastard took it personally.

"LivingMyth" I mean so much for me picking hunter. This guy was insane at warlock. He's definitely a pro.

I saw the kill feed as he mercilessly wiped my entire team with a gigantic nova bomb.

'Is this f*** using Nezerac's Sin? His damage is too high.'

I held my head as we immediately lost the round. The enemy team got Zone A and C at the same time.

"You may be defeated, but you must never surrender, Void" Shaxx echoed as the crucible scoreboard appeared.

My Ears Perked up, "Huh?" I looked at the screen, where Shaxx's dialogue was subtitled at the bottom.

"You may be defeated, but you must never surrender, Guardian."

I blinked in exasperation, did I get stomped so hard I started hearing things?

"Whatever..." I mindlessly clicked next as the lobby restarted crucible match.

Strange thing was, the teams, remained the same. It was a rare thing for all twelve players to play the same game again.

"Do these bastard's have no life?" I groaned, this was gonna be another try hard game.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[ An hour later]

I screamed into the mic, hoping that at least one of these degenerates would listen.

Thankfully, LightningEmpress triggered her super as she zoomed in and struck their entire team with a swipe of her staff.

"For the love of F***, Finally" I jumped back in my chair as I felt the energy drain from hands.

Shaxx appeared again at the scoreboard. 'Zones controlled. Targets eliminated. Good work, Void.'

"Again?", I put on my headset properly and shuffled closer to the screen.

"Zones controlled. Targets eliminated. Good work, Guardian"

"Is this audio just bugged?'

Not paying it anymore attention, I quickly skipped through the end screen, "Only one more match left".

Playing crucible was quite draining, I was slightly happy it was over, but these last two games had been a ride.

Obviously, not a single person quit, as the lobby continued for the third match.

"Woah, a tie breaker?" I smiled. perhaps everyone else was having an exciting time just like me.

The loading screen began, as the game thrust us all into the match. I won't lie I found a rhythm to follow with my team.

We would always rush in and take different positions. The enemy team would follow a random strategy each time and we would always adapt.

This time was no different. I got into position as the control match began.

[Another hour later]

Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt ecstatic. I don't know how, but we did it. With a score tied for a few rounds, we finally managed to pull ahead.

By a single point, we won 150 to 149.

"That was insane." I smiled like a madman, but to my surprise the entire lobby quit right after the match.

'Huh, guess they were all farming pinnacles too.'

Shaxx's booming voice returned, "Hard-fought victory, Void".

My ears twitched, but I decided to ignore it. Bungie and their bugs were just weird. Quickly skimming through the scoreboards, I exited the crucible returning to the Orbit Map.

I saw as a few pinnacle engrams were deposited into my inventory. Seeing as it was settled, I surveyed the Director for other things to do.

"Let's see, featured raid... Vault of Glass?", I hovered over the legendary raid.

"Wasn't this week supposed to be the new Disciple raid?" I guess Bungie changed their minds.

It's not like I was gonna do those raids anyway. LFG's were annoying and not something I wanted to get into.

I quickly clicked the Tower on earth as my ship blasted forwards, the wormhole cutscene played.

But strangely, the screen seemed to glitch, Instead of going down, the ship hovered over the earth, orbiting the traveler.

"What is this?" I double clicked my mouse but the game seemed unresponsive.

Did I just disconnect? I immediately glanced at the WiFi but it seemed completely fine.

Suddenly, a cutscene played. As the Traveler seemed to shift erratically. An immense aura of light pulsed from it.

The light seemed to glitch my screen as it went completely white.

"'Wha- Huh?"

Immediately, my head was filled with whispers.

~Wish~

~Wish for it~

~Ask for it Brother~

Like a needle poking every inch of my mind. I couldn't escape the whispers. I heard it again, but this time, the entire room collapsed.

Darkness overwhelmed it, as a titanic snake-like dragon coiled around me. Its jaws wide open.

I couldn't describe it, but fear overtook me, I scuttled backwards, falling to my knees. Crawling away with desperation, trying to hide, but it was of no use.

The Dragon roared, as its voice shook me. I shrieked, my hands covered my ears and I closed my eyes shut, praying that it goes away.

Then I heard it, a voice. Drawing the essence of the mind closer with each word. It was like a bud of sunshine, rooted deep inside me, and it whispered my name.

Rather, it whispered, "Void".

The Voice beckoned, as I panicked, heaving long breaths, my heart stirred.

"Void" It beckoned. Sensing the Dragon crawling closer, I couldn't hold it anymore. I answered it, and it felt like fate, or perhaps it was destiny, my destiny.

Hundred's of images flashed my mind, The Traveler, Obsidian, The last City, Captain Tevis, The Praxic Fire, everyone I had met. But I didn't understand anything.

As if sensing my hesitation, a hooded figure approached.

At first I thought he was but a spectre, a shadow born from the depths of my own mind. But then he spoke.

"Will you give up?" His voice struck like thunder. The shadow grabbed me and pulled me up. Within his faded eyes, I could see rage, and a hint of sorrow. Who was he?

Before I could answer those questions, the shadow embraced me. "The vault, I will be...waiting."

His words confused me. But for some reason, I was inclined to agree. He looked me in the eye, and whispered. But I couldn't make out the words.

Suddenly, he let go and stepped back. A second later, his figure scattered, as if he was never there.

It was then that I stopped hesitating. I had finally accepted it, my reality.

---

The Ahamkara faced Void, curling away at a corner as it feasted on his desires. But just now, it felt cut off. Like something inside his target had changed. The dark emptiness of Void's mind was coloured a royal purple.

Aura erupted from Void as his figure transformed from a feeble boy to a fully fledged guardian.

"You lizard bastard." Void groaned his voice resounded, startling the Dragon.

~You...Who are you?~

It couldn't recognize Void, or rather, what Void had become. An Ahamkara didn't see appearances, rather it peeked at the others soul. But now, Void's soul was not what it first was.

"Me?" Void's aura erupted as the illusion around him crumbled, bringing back the Caverns.

Void clenched his fists as he felt a newfound power surge within him.

Glancing at the stunned Ahamkara, He flashed a smile.

"Just a Nightstalker."

{Legendary Guardian System}

Hidden Quest Completed!

Acceptance: Embrace the light Guardian, with all the horrors and trials that come with it.

Rewards: 20% Increased Light Mastery, Dual Super Abilities Unlocked!

Remarks: The Light Lives In All Places... In All Things... You Can Block It... Even Try To Trap It... But The Light Always Finds Its Way. You've found it Guardian, never lose it again

Click to shrink...

 

[Writers-Ablood]

The Ahamkara gazed at Void, observing his erupting light. He didn't understand how Void had broken through the illusion of desires. But one thing was clear.

If the Ahamkara couldn't devour Void's desires through a wish, he had turned from a prey to a predator. The only remaining option was to eliminate him.

Arriving at this conclusion, it's demeanour shifted from an elusive trickster, to a harbinger of calamity. Unlocking it's jaws, the dragon roared.

A shrill cry rendering any normal creature petrified in fear. Energy gathered in its jaws, as hundreds of wisps shot towards Void.

Void glanced up, and his sixth sense triggered. The wisps like stars, shimmered in the dark ravine, as they flew , akin to a hundred arrows ready to pierce through him, he smiled.

"Finally getting serious?"

He flickered towards the dragon, as the wisps slipped past him. Void dodged each by the skin of his teeth, dashing through the barrage.

"I got a treat for you.", Void launched himself in the air as he chucked several grenades towards the dragon's gaping mouth.

Swiftly, shifting in the air, Void evaded the onslaught of wisps, gripping his sidearm, Void shot a round.

The grenades seemed to glitter with a blinding flash, instantly, an explosion erupted, engulfing the ravine in decaying light.

Void slid across the cave as he got to his feet. The Ahamkara growled, heavy smoke rose from its jaws.

"So? How does it taste?" Void smirked, swiftly flicking his arc sabre into his hands.

~Foolish, O brother mine~

The dragon was incensed at Void's taunts, crawling through the cavern the Ahamkara's jaws clicked together. It's claws dug into the rock.

With an air bending cry it lunged forwards, swiping through the cavern floor, ripping through rock like paper.

Void darted around the cavern as he jumped over the claws, unloading a fresh clip of bullets directly into its eyes.

Fury coursed through its veins as it saw Void buzzing around like a fly. Channeling its strength the dragon leapt at the hunter like a mad dog.

Instantly, Void kicked the air as he bolted backwards, however it was too late. The titanic Ahamkara slammed through everything its path as it kept clawing.

Like a raging bull the Ahamkara aimed to slam into Void. Yet each passing second Void kicked the air, shooting himself back.

Void felt his back graze the walls, 'F***, end of the line.' His eyes shifted to the dragon.

The dragon flashed a fanged grin, rushing at him with full force. Slamming its entire body against the ravine, the Ahamkara gnashed its fangs.

An earthquake pulsed through the caverns as the walls shook and dust rose, the dragon regained its balance and bellowed.

Clawing on the walls as it looked to ravage Void's remains.

Instantly, it felt an itch on its back, the Ahamkara's eyes widened.

A voice chimed in, "Looking for me?"

The Ahamkara was astonished as it found Void laying on his back. It was unable to comprehend such an action.

Absolutely sure that it had made contact with Void when it slammed him, it didn't know how Void had simply appeared as if it had never happened.

Before the Ahamkara could move a muscle, Void flickered away.

"You reptilian bastard, I just got this washed", He reappeared on the ground, dramatically dusting off his cloak, Void gripped his saber again and took a stance.

Lightning traced the edge of the blade, a thin aura coated weapon.

"I guess I will make a new one out of you", He extended his hand and motioned with his fingers, taunting the Ahamkara.

Listening to Void ramble on had long pushed the Ahamkara over the edge. It's gargantuan claws dug into the cavern as it ripped out chunks of the ground.

A boisterous roar rang out as the Ahamkara chucked the boulders at Void, lunging forwards.

Void flicked his sabre and leaned to ahead, with a deft swipe of his blade he cut through the stone and lightning arced.

The Ahamkara raced forwards and slapped with its tail. Void parried with his blade, but the momentum was too strong as he was flung backwards into the wall.

In the same instant, Void shot forwards from the wall, airborne, as he lunged at the dragon, striking with his sabre. The dragon unhinged its jaw as a stream of energy erupted towards him.

A streak of lightning pulsed through the air and the two blows met head on, immediately collapsing as a resultant shockwave flared up.

Void barely held his own as his arms went numb. Tilting his blade he redirected the energy and landed on the ground.

Instantly, zooming through once more, persistently striking the Ahamkara. Void felt a strange quiver in his hands, as he deflected the Ahamkara's claw, and realization hit him.

'The sabre is about to break'

Not allowing it to break his tempo, Void kept striking, slash after slash, the Ahamkara lost in its rage was unable to react due to his sheer speed.

As he felt a chip in the edge of the blade, Void pulsed the lightning one last time. When he did, the arc core turned dark and unstable. He knowingly pressed on.

The dragon felt the turbulent energy surging from the core, and it hurled itself away, but it's large size was too big a target to miss.

Void threw the sabre as close as he could, its core now a murky red. Immediately, his hands flicked to the back, and Radegast's fury rested on his shoulders.

Aiming at the core as it flew to the dragon, he fired.

In the blink of an eye, the core burst, as energy radiated from within. A thunderbolt struck and an explosion erupted through the ravine, dense black smoke covering the entire area.

Void narrowed his eyes and waited with bated breaths, but the dragon had disappeared. An eerie sense spread over his body.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Shuffling around the cave, Void stood alert. His eyes darting around, searching for signs of the enemy. Yet it seemed as if it had obscured itself from the world.

He frowned, 'Did it run away?'

Void wasn't sure he could give chase, and if it had truly run away how would he even find it again.

Suddenly, panting breaths broke the silence. The Ahamkara's figure reappeared, as a mist condensed around it.

Immediately, he aimed towards the fog, his finger curling on the trigger. Then the mist dissipated, revealing an eldritch horror, heaving as it clawed the ground.

Cold sweat dripped down his back, Void clicked his tongue, "Am I fighting Freiza?? Stop transforming you bastard."

The two sides stared each other down with bated breaths, Void's piercing gaze looked for weaknesses, yet it's new form was elusive. Tough skin that could resist bullets, sharp fangs that would rip him to shreds.

Yet most concerning, was its size.

'It's barely half it's original size' Void clenched his jaw, although the size reducing was great in his favour, the Ahamkara's agility was bound to increase.

For Void who was already at his strongest, this was an unforeseen circumstance.

Their eyes met, the beast's gaze seemed eerily hollow, as if it had given in to its primal rage.

Starting it off with a bang, Void instantly fired his rifle, emptying his magazine. Hundreds of bullet shells scattered over his feet.

The Ahamkara seemed in a feral frenzy as it dashed around erratically, it's figure barely visible under the bright muzzle flash.

As the barrel accrued a crimson hue, smoke flushed the cavern as a burnt odor spread, choking any within.

A figure flickered as it dashed through the smoke, Void jumped out, his eyes darting around unable to find the enemy.

His hair stood on end, the Ahamkara dug through the cavern floor and leapt from below. Void had already sensed it, yet there was no time, his body hung in mid air, as the beast beneath him bellowed.

'There's no other way', Void leaned himself back as his leg stuck out, in the blink of an eye, Ahamkara's jaws ripped through his flesh, chomping his entire leg till just above his knee.

The immediate imbalance allowed the momentum of Void's jump to fling himself backward.

A horrid rustic stench caught in his throat, as Void landed, limping away. The Ahamkara's bloodied jaws unclenched once more, as it drooled.

He felt himself shivering, blood spilled out and a numbing pain lingered. Void didn't waver as his light rose.

Within a fraction of a second, he found himself aiming his bow, a decaying light condensed at the arrows tip. The Ahamkara snapped out of its stupor, as it grew cautious to the power it could feel.

Void drew in a breath and let go, the arrow of light pierced through the air, the beast tried to leap away.

However, a strange sense of fatigue took over as it found itself drawn towards the arrow. Tethers of light anchored it as the arrow struck, piercing through it's back and leaving a gaping hole, erupting as it corroded its body.

Feeling its organs singe and rot, the beast winced with pain, growling, it ferociously struggled to pounce on Void, but the Shadowshot anchored it to the ground.

Void felt an exhaustion wash over him but hastily took out his rocket and aimed, 'It's probably not enough to kill it.'

Just as he meant to pull the trigger. A rumble echoed as the caverns shook once more, a loud thump resounded repeatedly, like drums being smashed.

Each passing second, it got louder as the cavern quaked. Void and the Ahamkara felt an immense tyrannical presence, a blood curdling growl.

The roof cracked and shuddered, a titanic dragon slammed and thrown, smashing downwards, Kabr furiously threw it downwards as he wrapped around the dragons nape.

Using his inhuman strength, he grappled it's neck and suplexed the gargantuan dragon, ramming it's head into the cavern floor, cracking the bedrock as a sinkhole formed, the nearby surfaces crumbled.

All swiftly tumbled down to the bottom of the caves, Void clutched onto the rocky granite and held on for dear life as fierce gusts of wind flushed past him, a dust cloud erupted within and scattered away.

Within it, was the boisterous titan, the legion-less, Kabr wrapped around the dragons head as its massive body went limp from the blunt impact.

Kabr didn't stop, as he clenched it's jaws with both arms, and yanked.

He roared, and snapped his arms to the side, shattering the dragon's skull with his bare hands, leaving it lifeless.

Void felt his grip loosen as he fell down on his back, hugging the rocket launcher, barely sitting straight.

"Looks like I made it just in time, you ok kid?" Kabr vigorously dusted his hands and blue blood splattered around.

Void heaved a sigh of relief seeing the titan, then noticing his bloodied armor. 'Did he beat the dragon using only fists? Damn, crazy crayon eating bastard.'

"About ok." He replied, but Void frowned as he felt his tethers had been ripped off. He couldn't feel the beast's presence.

"Careful, there's still one runni-", Void blurted out, as a silver flash zipped past him and Kabr, slashing forwards.

The sword split the air, a sharp slash echoed, instantly, a yelp resounded, the beasts imposing figure limped on the ground.

It's hind legs completely sliced off. A click resounded, as the sword was sheathed, and Pahanin walked out from the shadows.

"Just in time." He exclaimed, a proud look in his eyes.

Void exhaled a sigh as he wiped his brow, and laid back on the rock. Obsidian was quick to appear as his leg began healing.

"Oi, you bastard, did you just copy my entry line?" Kabr gave Pahanin a side eyed glare, but the hunter simply ignored it, shifting towards Void.

Kabr clicked his tongue, "If you were following me you should've just come out. Either way, let's be quick to note that I said it first." he clarified.

Pahanin seemed to twitch, staring back with a questioning glance, as it to say, 'Why would I copy you?'

"Huh? Don't give me that look, you think you looked better than me?" Kabr raised a brow, scoffing.

Pahanin sighed in a whisper, intentionally dusting off his pristine silver armor, equipped with neon traces, throwing side glances at Kabr while he did.

"Tsk, cheap bastard." Kabr immediately gave up. Pahanin's armor was far too exquisite to even hope for a comparison.

Void shook his head in dismay as he finally healed up, stumbling to his feet.

"You can argue about your entries later. We need to figure out the next move." Void rolled his shoulders as his joints cracked.

Pahanin nodded, as a horrified yelp resounded again, the Ahamkara, desperately trying to move, as it crawled on its arms.

Kabr wanted to deliver the finishing blow, but just as he inched closer.

"Wait, let's think about it." Void interrupted.

"?" Kabr flashed a puzzled glance.

"That one's the last one here isn't it? If it dies, we need to go searching again." He explained.

"So?" Kabr questioned.

"So, why don't we use a faster way, a way to find them all at once." Void urged.

"A wish?" Pahanin chimed.

The air grew solemn as the trio shared glances.

"I know it sounds bad, but give it a chance." Void said.

The trio leaned towards the dying Ahamkara.

"Whether it's a wish to know where they all are, or a wish for us to find them all faster. If it can help us, I don't see the problem." Void contemplated.

The reality, was that the guardians had previously used this exact method to find and eliminate all the Ahamkara. Otherwise, how could a race of wish granting immortals be wiped out? It was their own power that led to their demise.

Void knew that, hence, he suggested in hopes of nudging the fireteam towards the obvious answer.

Yet, Void didn't know the exact wish that had been made, hence, he too was apprehensive.

Pahanin and Void wore worried faces as they tried to come up with a shrewd plan. Kabr observed the dying Ahamkara, as he tapped his fingers, his eyes seemed to glisten as a realization dawned.

"There is, one wish." Kabr replied.

---

A/N: Might play around with upload schedule as suggested by one reader. Will try to keep it consistent, thank you all for reading!

 

[Writers-Ablood]

"It's risky, and will probably get us killed. A lot." Kabr's voice grew heavy.

Void and Pahanin frowned, 'For a titan to say it's risky...This is no joke.'

"An all out war, on the surface of Mars, that neither side can run from." He suggested.

Facing silence, Kabr reassured "But, it will work."

"If you believe it, I agree." Pahanin immediately replied, an uncharacteristic smile crept on his lips.

Kabr's eyes shifted to Void, who seemed to be contemplating his words.

A frown etched on Void's forehead, " It might work, but if we can't run from it...I will be at a severe disadvantage"

Void had already thought it through, as a Nightstalker he wasn't made for long drawn out battles. Rather he was more suited towards guerrilla warfare that allowed him to retreat at leisure.

If he had to commit, 'The skills I have might not be enough. I can't be compared to a titan.'

Kabr understood the dilemma, he glanced at Pahanin holding the sword, and then looked at Void.

"Don't hesitate, if it gets hard, we're there. You might die a couple, but we'll grab the revives." He assured.

Void gulped, he had as much assurance in those words, as his own fireteam completing a day one raid. Naturally, he knew that despite that guarantee, he was in for a hell of a battle.

"Yeah, let's just get this over with." He replied, psyching himself up.

The reason he agreed, was that Void knew the original trio had done something similar to finish off the Ahamkara on Mars. An all out war that lasted until either side was completely eradicated.

In fact, according to the lore he recalled, 'Almost all fireteams will arrive at this solution. But everyone will pay a different price.'

Whether that was Kabr, Ikorra, Lord Saladin or whoever else. The payback was obvious, for such an everlasting war, they had indeed gotten their recompense, in such a manner that they themselves or their fireteam had been locked into an ever lasting battle.

Kabr being trapped for eons in the Vault of Glass, Eris Morn trapped by the curses of the hive, Lord Saladin plagued with the S.I.V.A crisis. Wei Ning, eternally extinguished on the moon, Tevis trapped versus an unstoppable legion of Vex.

It was all the same.

Void understood that this was probably what had led to Kabr's demise in the vault of glass, yet there was no other solution. Regrettably he could only let the titan play it out. For now.

Kabr sauntered towards the beaten Ahamkara, grabbing it by its horns, as he gripped its nape.

"Tell me, dragon, will you grant my wish?"

His words stirred the Ahamkara's primal instinct, its soul shivered, like a tree shaken by a strong gust of wind.

~What is your wish, O Evoker mine~

It's tongue slithered as it whispered.

"A war, us against your entire legion on the surface of Mars. No side can run or hide." He spat out.

The Ahamkara's eyes seemed to glitter turbulently, turning a cloudy white. It whispered in an unknown tongue, as it looked towards Kabr.

~Your wish, we grant it, O Evoker mine~

It's eyes shook as it looked breathless. Kabr held it's head as he position his thumbs against its eyes.

"Good", he replied, thrusting his hands to pluck out its eyes as he ripped its skull in half, he chucked its carcass away.

He turned towards his fireteam, flicking his hands to wipe off the blood.

"Let's go."

The trio immediately jumped up, dashing through the holes Kabr had punched in. They climbed the levels of the ravine hastily, whether it was a dead end or a splitting road, a single blow from the titan would reveal a glaring hole.

All they did was ascend through the abyss. Minutes later, above the surface of mars, cracks propagated on the sandy floor, tremors building up.

The tremors seemed to halt, but, instantly a fist smashed through from underneath, as the surface shattered to smithereens. Three guardians crawled out, lathered in dust.

Void coughed as he cleared his rebreather, "We're on top alright, Obsidian how far are we from ground zero."

Kabr and Pahanin immediately surveyed their surroundings. They seemed to be surrounded by mountains at each side, at very low grounds. Almost as if it was caved in.

"We're about twenty minutes from ground zero. Now at the A349-2311 Crater." Obsidian replied, retreating to its invisibility.

"This isn't just a coincidence." Void remarked.

Pahanin nodded as Kabr chimed in, "Indeed, the Ahamkara seem to have the high ground." He squinted towards the craters peak. Numerous silhouettes gathered at its edge.

The sandstorm raged on, dust scattered in the air limited visibility. But the moment Void looked towards them, he knew what they were.

Hundreds of Ahamkara stood their ground lining the craters edge. They were completely surrounded, within a mosh pit.

"Their numbers on mars are far more than we expected." Kabr stated.

Pahanin seemed to ignore his words. He walked towards the edges, waving his blade, taunting the beasts.

"Whatever you do, keep your eyes on him. You might just learn something." Kabr cracked his knuckles, and unlocked his sniper from his back, handing it to Void.

"Use it, you're the only the one with enough range."

Void nodded as he scoped in, aiming towards the edge. He saw a legion of Ahamkaras. His eyes honed in.

All had transformed into beasts, from serpents, dragon, tigers and eldritch, some as large as titans that almost creased the horizon, whereas others that simply dwarfed the expectations.

The Ahamkara's understood Pahanin's taunts, as an immense bloodlust flushed through the crater, Void felt cold sweat drizzling down his back.

Suddenly, hundreds of beasts rushed down to the crater. A stampede, that shook the ground as dust clouds erupted.

Void instantly gripped the trigger as he felt the tremors in his legs, glancing ahead, Pahanin flashed forwards, like a silver streak rushing towards the frontier.

Kabr walked slowly as he gazed towards the titanic monstrosities, sizing them up.

Void's pupils turned blue as his hawk eyes glanced through the scope. The stampede rushed towards Pahanin as the hunter dashed towards it.

Void caressed the trigger as he aimed towards a few Ahamkara's, rapidly firing one shot after the other as it punctured through them.

His bullets didn't dissuade the enemy, as Void quickly reloaded his magazine. Pahanin and the beasts were only a foot away from each other as the two sides leapt.

However, at that instant, Pahanin's figure seemed to split into several reflections, each dashing towards a group of enemies.

Void's eyes widened, 'Clones?'

His mind raced, but slowly everything fell into place. After the Vault of Glass had closed, Pahanin was one of the only ones able to open the door alone, despite it requiring three plates to be activated.

Perhaps he had used a similar technique to open the vault from the inside?

What was more important, was that each clone seemed more than a mirage, it could fight with the exact same reflexes and strengths as the original.

'It's not just an illusion. Those clones are real.'

Void was astonished, he immediately provided cover fire as his bullets zoomed past the hunter, ripping through the Ahamkara's heads.

The war on mars began, as Pahanin held down the front line, Void kept providing cover fire.

Yet within the chaos, Kabr walked through the stampede, looking towards the gargantuan monsters at the backlines.

His aura rose up, displaying an unfathomable level of strength. Kabr's eyes met the Ahamkara's which stood tall.

They glanced towards him with intrigue, and ridicule.

"How dare you look down on me" The titan spat out.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Dark clouds loomed over the horizon, winds howled, a chill spread through the air. Sharp gusts of wind tore through the surface.

The gargantuan dragon scoffed, the ground trembled with its roar. Its crimson eyes dropped low, where its gaze matched with a man it could only consider, puny.

Ridicule built up in its eyes, a sly grin slowly curling on its lips.

"How dare you look down on me."

Kabr spat out, a horrific bloodlust spilled out of him, with an ungodly rage, he bridled at their gaze.

The beast felt its blood go cold, its scales shivered as it coiled backwards. Astonished, it looked to Kabr with enmity. As it did, the remaining Ahamkara around it cried out, planting their claws into the ground.

Kabr didn't falter, moving forward one step at a time. His aura erupted and he stood against them all.

His gaze matched theirs, as he outstretched a hand, "Come"

Instantly, the dragon bellowed, its titanic tail whipped, slicing through the wind as it slammed down on Kabr.

The titan blocked, as his arm collided with the blow and the ground cracked, a crater appeared around him.

Kabr held his arm higher as he resisted the tail, prompting the dragon to push harder. Yet the two seemed evenly matched with their strength.

"Is that all?" He cackled, immediately, twisting his arms around the tail as he leaned back, digging his fingers into the dragons scales.

Kabr channelled his strength as he yanked the tail towards him.

Feeling its strength slipping, the dragon grew frightened as it pulled back. However, immediately, Kabr planted his legs and pulled.

A jolt of pain ran through the dragon, as it fell on its back, unable to balance itself.

Kabr was drenched in purple blood, and hurled off the tail he had torn, leaving the dragon writhing in pain. He brushed the blood off his cheek, and looked to the rest.

"Didn't you hear me?"

Their eyes went wide, shooting incensed glares. The Ahamkara's roared, ready to pounce.

"Come."

---

-Click-

A metallic clink resounded in the battlefield, a bullet shell hit the floor, a stampede of beasts rushed forwards.

"Careful, I can't hold them back any longer." A voice buzzed in his ear.

Silver streaks pierced through the beasts as they danced around the battlefield.

Void pumped back the bolt as he kept aim, "Roger, I will keep firing."

-click-

Another shot rang out, shearing through the torso of a winged tiger, his light infused bullets shred through the small Ahamkara like paper.

Void's hawk like vision gave him clarity despite the raging sandstorms, he swiftly tapped the trigger numerous times, his bullets shooting through the stampede.

Glaring through the scope, Void saw them get closer to the centre of the crater, yet he kept firing. He gave one look to his mag reserves and hastily got ready to move.

'three bullets'

The stampede of Ahamkara rushed towards him, merely seconds away from contact.

"Running on empty, I need to move." Void blurted out, peering through the scope.

Instantly one of the silver streaks darted towards him, Pahanin deftly swept him from his feet as he carried him away.

Void placed the gun over Pahanin's shoulder and his last three shots rang out.

-Click-

A frown etched on his face as Void holstered the gun on his back. Pahanin threw him out to even ground, his clones still fighting tooth and nail, ripping through the enemy numbers.

"You got other plans?" Pahanin whipped out his daggers ready to lunge in.

Void instinctively reached behind his back for a hilt, but gripped empty air.

'F***'

"I guess the old ways are the best." Void got to his feet as aura surged in his palms, conjuring two daggers.

Pahanin smirked as he turned to the Ahamkara, "I've got your back."

With those words, he immediately flickered away, joining back into the fray.

Void crept closer as he took a deep breath, his eyes surveying what lay before him. Hundreds of Ahamkara, raging to rip everything to shreds, yet Pahanin danced around them, in the blink of an eye he picked them off one by one.

His speed alone was unfathomable, the only indication to his position would be the slight gleam of his armor. Hence the silver streaks.

Void was hesitant to jump in, yet he had no choice. It was high time he realized the truth of the Ahamkara. A species unaffected by the material plane. The only way to kill them?

Light of course. Naturally the sniper he was using had special bullets, but Void was clueless on how he could replicate that power for his own guns.

That led him to the next best conclusion. Void sucked in a quick breath, flipping his daggers, as a thin coat of light spread across the edges.

Taking a slight step backwards, Void shot forwards, lunging towards the enemy.

Within a few moment he was completely surrounded, a beast lunged towards his arm, but Void pulled it back as he landed a crushing kick to its torso.

The next second, he clenched his dagger and threw it, immediately it cleaved threw the Ahamkara's head.

'One down.'

However, there was no time to spare, within seconds, ten more pounced on him. He quickly conjured another dagger but what seemed to be an Ox rammed right into him throwing him back into the ground.

Just before his back touched the ground Void twisted himself and got to his feet. His thoughts were in disarray, but not for long. The moment he channeled his aura, Void felt calm.

All manners of beasts rushed towards him, but Void had already caught a glimpse of the attack, he deftly zipped through them all, his daggers stealthily nicked their skins..

A corrupting pain spread through them, Void lunged back as he chucked a small pellet, engulfing the entire place in dense smoke. Blinding them all.

The Ahamkara felt their bodies go numb as a sense of terror spread through them. Void rushed in like a spectral assassin, cleaving heads left and right.

Suddenly the ground beneath his feet cracked, his senses roared as Void flickered back, the next instant, a gigantic worm crushed through the surface, swallowing the ground he was just on.

Void darted towards the worm, utilizing his sheer speed to strike hundreds of times with his daggers, bruising its skin, his gilded blade leaving it paralyzed.

"Behind you." Pahanin shouted.

Void's hair stood on end, he briskly ducked. A fraction of a second later, Pahanin shot towards the worm, as if treading on air.

-Clink-

His scabbard clicked, the world seemed to slow down, a streak of light cleaved through the worm.

The battle seemed to stand still as all were shocked at his display of power. Yet Pahanin was nowhere to be seen, instantly jumping back into the fray.

Void got back to his feet, rushing back in.

'Crazy bastard, I can't let my guard down for a second.' Void smirked to himself. He felt his heart beat rise. Was it the body he had inherited that was pumping to go? Or was it himself?

It didn't matter to him, Void saw as the several Pahanins fought like demons. Not a single movement was wasted. Unfathomable speed and unbridled lethality, a man deserving to be one of the greatest hunters.

'Faster'

Void blitzed into battle, zipping through their numbers as he swiftly swiped with his daggers, cleaving one apart.

'Faster, I need to go faster.'

Within the chaos, Void's figure blurred, he rushed in and out of battle, throwing his daggers that shot like bullets through the Ahamkara's skulls.

'Faster'

Void pushed himself to the limits exploding with aura, his speed had increased to a point that he was barely a blur. Weaving through the Ahamkara, he sliced them apart.

Void was indistinguishable, his unique aura and speed hiding his presence. Like an invisible reaper, he killed tens of Ahamkara every second. But the strain was far too much.

He felt his aura thin out, he stumbled for a second, yet it was a fatal mistake. The hundreds of Ahamkara, pounced at that exact instant.

Unable to even react, a winged tiger ripped apart his arm and leg, blood rushed to his eyes as rustic lump collected in his throat.

Numerous others lunged, until his body was thoroughly torn to shreds. Void felt a cold shiver down his spine, in his last moments, his eyes turned to the horizon, masked by the crimson tears he shed.

{Guardian Down}

The world went red, it was cold, Void felt his soul sink into the abyss, the warmth of life drifted away.

"Don't slip away." A whisper came, and a jolt of light surged through his veins, immediately Void was yanked back into the world of the living.

His chest heaved as he sucked in a cold breath, he was wide awake.

Pahanin stood beside him, as his ghost assisted with Void's revival, his clones barely held back the others from approaching.

"Don't get careless, we have a long way to go." Pahanin disappeared immediately.

Void felt disoriented, but he channelled his aura once more, conjuring two daggers, his figure slipped into the shadows.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

"Come"

The Ahamkara's encircled Kabr, towering over him, at first they considered him a simple threat, one flap of their wing, or even a sneeze, and he might've died.

But now, it was an anomaly. What kind of creature were they fighting? Their gaze lingered near the dragon, as it bled out, it's entire lower spine and torn out with its tail. A horrific fate.

Standing before him, were behemoths. The strongest Ahamkara on Mars.

Kabr chuckled, at a glance it was intimidating facing towering enemies. Yet, he found it amusing, they were still stricken with fear as they stole glances at him.

The remaining titans seemed to emulate a tiger, a serpent, a raven and a deer. Their colossal bodies seemed unreal, covering the very horizon.

Each step spread tremors, every breath a hurricane, and their strides an unstoppable apocalypse, threatening to shatter through the world.

With a swift stride, the tiger shot towards Kabr at breakneck speeds, lunging as its claws dug through the earth, creating a ravine.

Kabr responded instantly, a shield conjured in his hand, colliding with the tiger. An unstoppable force with an immovable object.

Quakes erupted with the fierce clash, Kabr let out a war cry as his leg's sunk into the ground, the tiger's claw seeping into his shield.

Just as he regained some semblance of balance, the ground beneath his feet rumbled, crumbling as the serpent surged from underneath.

Kabr was caught off guard as his shield fell apart, the serpent's body coiled like a spring, instantly, shooting forwards with its mouth agape, it swallowed Kabr whole.

It's body stretching for miles and miles, the snake twisted and twirled its body, hoping to digest its prey faster. Yet a sudden jolt ran through its innards.

Not a second later, a lump formed within its stomach, its insides clamped shut, seemingly pulled from the inside.

What seemed to be a hand, ruptured through its thick scales, Kabr channelled his aura, fuelled by rage, he ruthlessly tore through the snakes inside, ripping it in half with his bare hands.

The snake writhed and shrieked in pain as it was sheared apart horrifically, Kabr rushed out covered in blood, lunging towards the tiger.

Sensing the titan, the tiger leapt forwards at blinding speeds, its razor sharp claws set to cleave through him. Kabr's aura flared, dense energy pouring out of him.

He grit his teeth and held out his hands, conjuring a dome of energy that parried the tiger, at the same instance, the raven fluttered its obsidian wings, ferocious gusts of wind blasted towards Kabr.

As all the blows collided, Kabr's shield held steadfast, surviving the assault. His Light, instead strengthened the titan further, covering his body akin to an extra suit of armor.

The deer charged at him, ramming its antlers into the shield as Kabr struggled to hold up his barriers, as if wrestling a mountain.

Sensing its impending victory, the deer scoffed, driving its hind legs into the ground it launched Kabr into the sky, shattering the dome of light.

A blink of an eye later, the raven soared above, as it swooped down like hurricane, slapping Kabr down towards ground, not a fraction of a second had passed, yet the tiger darted towards the titan.

It raced Kabr's fall, leaping high as it focused its entire weight into its claws, the tiger slashed down, sending a crushing whirlwind, it mauled Kabr into the earth.

Silence echoed as the three behemoth's encircled Kabr's mangled body. Yet the titan stood tall, unwavering.

Two grenades plopped to the ground. On cue, warm nourishing light spread from them, revitalizing Kabr who was trampled into dust.

With a torn chest, shattered helmet, and bleeding fists, Kabr panted for breaths. He raised his hands, dense aura sprouted forth, shaping into a circular shield on his forearms.

With not a breath to spare, the deer charged him again, this time aiming to crush Kabr head on, the unsurmountable beast rushed in like a flood, ruining all in its path.

Kabr dashed forwards, but just as the deer rammed its antlers, the titan slid under, slipping past it, as he lunged to the side, chucking his shield. it ricocheted through the deer's leg, slicing its ankles bare.

Before it could realize Kabr's intentions, he leapt to grab its legs, but a second too late. The tiger blitzed through driving into his shoulder, as it slammed him to the side.

Reaction at lightning speeds, Kabr grabbed his returning shield, his armor thrusters blasted as he spartan charged the tiger.

Slamming the shield on its head, he disoriented the beast just enough to manoeuver below it and grab onto its neck. Kabr swiftly latched on, clamping his arms as he jerked, deftly beheading the tiger.

The deer regained its balance as Kabr let go of the tigers nape. A new dust storm emerged as the raven sent hurricanes his way.

Dislodging his shield from the tiger's skull Kabr charged the deer, not allowing it to react, he swiped the shield across its hind legs, severing the tendons in its knees.

It cried out, realizing, once immobilized it was no better than a sitting duck. Sensing the distress the Raven flew closer, diving down as it tried to tear Kabr apart with strong winds.

Yet Kabr wished to do the same, as he planted his feet into the ground, conjuring another shield in his left hand, Kabr launched the first shield as it shot past.

The Raven swiftly dove underneath, but the shield seemed to return, Kabr flung the second, the Raven dodged, tilting to the side.

Its talons inches away from tearing off Kabr's head, it crowed. Unbeknownst to the beast, the two shields collided, they ricocheted as one rebounded.

Faster than a bullet, the shield shot to Kabr, cleanly severing one of the Raven's wings. The moment the blow struck, it was too late.

Unable to even defend itself, the Raven, mere inches away from its prey seemed to falter, the titan punched out, a blow so fierce, the tremors tore through the Raven, leaving it in shreds.

The last one remained, as Kabr approached the so called goliath once more.

"I told you."

"Don't look down on me." He spat out, this time, with the scales toppled on his side, Kabr had reduced the goliaths to measly whimpering flesh mounds. In his eyes, they had merely regained their true standing.

The Deer wished to move, yet its legs had gone numb. Its own gargantuan body unable to support its weight, held it down. A prison of its own creation.

Kabr solemnly walked to its head, cracking his knuckles. He peered into its eyes, and struck, shattering the Ahamkara's skull, leaving a gaping hole in its head.

His work done, Kabr looked back onto the vast army rushing his comrades. His ghost appeared by his side, now safe from attacks.

Kabr healed up to his peak state, as he walked towards the battlefield once more.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Tremors shook the surface, as the legion of Ahamkara tumbled, spreading out as they tried reaching Pahanin.

The lone hunter stood patiently in the centre of the army, yet none could approach him, inching closer to his range would bring out his clones.

Like silver spectres, in a frenzy of blinding streaks, all who tried would be torn to shreds.

Pahanin gazed back at the erupting clouds of dust and rocks, where hurricanes lingered and ravines spread out. His keen eyes caught sight of Kabr sauntering back to the battlefield.

A sly smile crept on his lips as they curled upwards. Wordlessly, he turned his back, unsheathing his blade, his eyes searched for Void.

"Handling it?" He spoke up.

Void's translucent form flickered into sight as he fought off Ahamkara, but this time utilizing his aura to the highest efficiency.

He weaved in and out of stealth, combined with his previous speed outburst, he was akin to a lethal ghost.

Void clicked his daggers together as he cleaved through beasts one after the other, keeping his guard up.

"Just...barely." He grit his teeth and spat out.

Seeing as Kabr had killed off the calamitous Ahamkara, Pahanin had thinned down their numbers, just enough to a manageable flock.

The next step? Training of course. Pahanin stood calmly gathering their attention, while Void hid and picked off a group one after the other.

Naturally, Void couldn't keep the stealth up for long, and just then, Pahanin would provide a slight, helping hand.

-Clink-

Pahanin's gripped his blade, glancing at Void, he clenched, slicing forwards. A wave of light followed the strike, sweeping through the Ahamkara, dropping them like flies.

The Ahamkara were helpless, due to Kabr's wish, none could run off.

Had they decided to rush in to Pahanin, they would be ruthlessly cut to pieces before they could blink. Hence, the only one option remained.

To try and eliminate at least one was their thought. As their numbers piled on Void, pushing the Nightstalker to the limit.

'F***, is this a solo raid? Am I on ad clear?' He cried internally, but there was no time to complain.

Instantly, his muscles tensed, Void shot forwards his daggers edge glowing a bright purple, zooming through their numbers Void hacked and slashed.

Pushing himself further and beyond, Void didn't spare a second to breath, a phantom blitzing through the entire army alone.

His eyes glimmered a faint blue, time slowed down as Void's figure blurred, dodging the attack inches from his face, he countered with a strike, cutting through a winged tiger.

But exhaustion drew closer than ever. It was given that Void could always use his Shadowshot. But there was only one reason he didn't.

{Legendary Guardian System}

Dual Super Abilities Unlocked!

Click to shrink...

A crazy grin threatened to spread on his lips, Void hacked and hacked like a maniac, a hysterical psychopath chasing his reward.

What better way to temper himself than a war? It was obvious that he had to suffer. To die again and again until he could be sharpened into a real weapon.

Pahanin understood, and hence gave him a chance. It wasn't one Void was willing to squander.

With each breath he grew closer to death, but each strike pushed him closer to an epiphany.

Until suddenly, his light reserves ran out. The moment his stealth vanished, hundreds of Ahamkara piled on top, chomping through his limbs, bone by bone.

Before he could blink, Void's heart was punctured by serpent's tail slamming into him.

Void felt his chest shudder, a pain he couldn't describe in words. It felt as if each vein in his body was suffocated at once.

{Guardian Down}

Instantly, Pahanin shot towards him, a barrage of clones rushing out to clear an area as he reached for Void's corpse. Obsidian appeared, seeming concerned.

"Rest assured, he's a tough one." Pahanin soothed, the ghost nodded as he looked to him, Pahanin sent a jolt of light from his fingers to Obsidian.

Immediately, Void felt he was touched by a spark of life, his body resurrected, as Obsidian hid again.

"How many is that?" Pahanin asked calmly.

Void gasped for breaths as he stumbled to his feet, his heart raced as he tried to calm it down.

"I think....that.... was eight." He uttered through wheezing breaths, Void glanced at his system screen, and flashed a smile.

"Is this really helping?" Pahanin inquired, leaning on the hilt of his blade, he yawned.

{Legendary Guardian System}

+ Spectral Blades (Super Unlocked!):
With each strike, vanish at will, weave into the veil of shadows, your presence, nothing but a haze. None may hide from your sight while you are veiled.

Click to shrink...

"Just watch" Void replied, his hands covered with a misty energy.

Pahanin shrugged and watched intently

Void conjured two deadly daggers, brimming with light, he clenched the blades, exuding immense power. Light condensed on his feet as Void shot towards the battle once more.

Seeing his enthusiastic leap, Pahanin felt odd, he had never really met a hunter so eager to jump in, just to keep dying. At least not one as young as Void.

At least that's what he had thought. Yet Pahanin's keen gaze had caught on to Void's plan. His brows furled as he watched.

"Could it be?"

A swipe of his daggers, Void vanished, leaving Pahanin awestruck. A haze spread across his flickering figure akin to an ethereal phantom running berserk.

Void's presence felt incomprehensible, each strike of his blade threading through shadows. Pahanin's eyes went wide.

Each move calculated, each stab precisely at the right time, unfathomable lethality. A blink and one would miss it. Void was able to blend into nothingness, as if he never existed.

Till the last fading seconds his blade caressed the enemy, he was undetectable, illimitable by his own senses, a true hunter who lurked in the dark.

For the first time in centuries, Pahanin beamed, a chuckle escaping from his lips.

The laugh felt contagious as it spread out, echoing in the distance. A few seconds later, Kabr who had rushed across, leapt to stand beside Pahanin confused at his antics.

"....Did the Ahamkara finally offer you a sense of humor?"

"Shut your mouth and don't ruin my mood. Is this what it feel like to be outclassed? Fate is a cruel mistress." He lamented, shaking his head.

Kabr's eyes fell on the battlefield, as he saw a blur flickering and reaping kill after kill.

"You taught him that?" He crossed his arms and observed, impressed with Void's agility.

"No, he learned it on his own. Funny isn't it, what took us decades, took him mere days." Pahanin's eyes narrowed.

Kabr smirked, "Seems like he will be a monster in the future."

Pahanin's lips parted, he spoke, barely a whisper, his words drowned out by the hectic bustling battle.

"Hopefully, not one we have to face."

The two veterans stood at the side-lines, watching Void clean-up. A few minutes had passed, and his aura drained out. Void panted, exhausting himself to the brink of failure.

His legs gave out as he kneeled, but a bright smile lined his lips. Void fell on his back and let out a sigh.

"I am done. You guys got the rest right? I can't even move a muscle." Void grinned staring up at the sky marred with dark clouds, a single ray of light piercing through it all, showering him in a radiant glow.

Kabr and Pahanin shook their heads as Void laid on the ground, "Kids these days..."

"This new generation is hopeless." Pahanin pressed his lips, his clones splitting up and charging into battle.

"I suppose he deserves a small break. Lets end this, you and me." Kabr cracked his knuckles and held out a fist.

Pahanin bumped his fist as the two strolled on to centre of the field. Ahamkara's threatened to lunge at Void, but Kabr swept his hand as a barricade appeared around the hunter.

"Sit tight."

Void gestured a quick salute as he plopped his neck down on the sand, heaving a sigh, the world seemed to grow distorted.

Perhaps it was his own senses growing dreary, his mentality exhausted to the brink, as a young guardian he had yet to built a perfectly resilient mind.

With one last glance at the golden light Void closed his eyes.

---

[A distant moon of Jupiter]

Crimson light piercing through desolate space, blood red skies.

Volcanic dust spread through the air, a pungent sulfuric odor choking the lungs, the horizon blemished by charcoal clouds, the surface, an ashen ground, barren to even the most miniscule of life's miracles.

Myriad mountains of corpses littered around, Ikorra stood over a graveyard of whispering bones.

Mere moments ago, it was an army of Ahamkara, now reduced to dust and dirt. Her lone figure brooded, eyes glued to the skies, deep thoughts surfaced within her.

Until a figure approached, Eris Morn, a hunter within the infamous hidden. She walked towards the vanguard, her steps halting mere inches away.

"What did they offer you?" Eris said, her gaze stretching for miles, following the grave of carcasses.

"Same as you, I'm sure" Ikorra clenched her arms behind her back, a gentle wisp of light fluttered around her, she looked down at the bones, incessant whispers eroded her mind.

Yet standing above them, she felt at peace, it was far easier to concentrate.

"Everything they said, was true." Eris whispered her eyes misty, recalling what she had seen.

Ikorra frowned, her voice crisp, "Regret is a morbid companion." she cautioned.

Eris felt a prick in her mind, she nodded, but the Voices grew harsher in her ears.

"Guide your light north of here, if there are any left, we must find them."

"They showed me my life before my ghost."

The whispering bones shuddered, quivering with an ethereal presence.

"Eris. Focus." Ikorra retorted, her sharp reminder seemed to calm the huntress down. The whispers seemed to weaken.

"Yes." Eris sucked in a quick breath, channelling her light.

The two summoned a storm that consumed the bones, crushing them to dust. The whispers grew louder by the second, screeching in their ear, but the maelstrom grew stronger.

Soon they couldn't distinguish between the other, as all the bones disappeared, seemingly wiped from existence.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

"Don't fall back! Give no ground!" A shout reverberated, thousands of guardians marched the barren lunar grounds, their rushing footsteps echoed against the deathly still emptiness of space.

The air grew heavy with thick miasma , the horizon smeared green, defiled by necrotic energy, thousands of hive rituals sprouted, archaic runes spread across the surface.

Darkness loomed over the moon, swallowing the light. The day of disaster had arrived, the traveller's light could no longer reach the moon. For he had arrived, the eater of hope, Crota the son of Oryx.

They were helpless against him, like sheep to slaughter, numbering in the hundreds they rushed forwards.

"Go! Go! Go!" Zavala barked.

Thousands of Acolytes rushed. screeching, clawing to the surface as they erupted forth.

A roar of thunder ripped through the horizon, Crota surfaced from the deep, commanding an army of hive wizards, he charged. Their hymns and melodies began, conquering the minds of weak guardians, burning their very soul.

Hundreds perished, forever erased from existence.

The armies met, Crota laughed, a deathly grin, his hollow eyes turning pitch black, he swung his blade. Knights broke sprouted from the ground, marching in hundreds as they met the guardians, challenging them with Impenetrable shields.

With their light stolen, the guardians were weak, faced with a finality they couldn't exceed, they had become mortal.

"Nightstalkers, now!" Ikorra summoned, a dozen Shadowshots blasted through to the centre, threatening to swallow the hive.

Crota roared, a hive wizard appeared, its book of spells fluttering as it recited a cursed hymn, chains sprouted from the earth, swallowing the arrows.

Nothing could stop his army, yet the guardians charged, trying to brute force through. Bit by bit, their numbers fell, a frenzy ensued.

"ZAVALA, what madness is this. We can't win, we need to retreat." Shaxx roared, axe in hand as he barely held his ground, hacking through the hive.

"NO! We can do this, we must win." Ikorra warped in, a void pulse disintegrating the acolytes nearby.

Instantly, ten hive wizards summoned themselves forth, wisps of necrotic energy blasting towards the guardians.

Zavala slammed the ground, a weak barricade rose up absorbing the blasts of energy.

"Old friend, the consensus has decided we must fight! We cannot retreat." He grunted.

The Hive Knights broke through the first line of defense, their ascendant swords carried wrath and unquenched hatred, power enough to suffocate the remaining light within the guardians.

"Knights charging, TITANS, WITH ME." Zavala rushed forth, his feet planted into the ground, shoulder bashing into the knights, he rammed them away.

A fierce battle ensued, Zavala, Shaxx and Ikorra covered each others backs, yet even the fiercest of champions couldn't fight the armies of Crota alone.

"Zavala, they will slaughter us. This is not wise." Shaxx heaved, slashing through three knights yet his axe couldn't penetrate their shields.

The titan vanguard felt pressed, his light running low, his back turned to Shaxx, he glanced at Ikorra. One look and he could tell, her strength was running out.

His eyes fell on the front lines. Crota reaped hundreds of guardians, madness spreading through him, the hive god felt immortal.

'Traveler, have you forsaken us?' Zavala lamented, snapping to his senses. He grit his teeth, and accepted reality.

"GUARDIANS! RETREAT." He bellowed.

But it was too late, half their numbers had perished, the remaining exhausted to the brink, and with no light to replenish their strength. Humanity faced a disaster.

Ikorra's energy surged, her spirit unfazed facing the greatest calamity humanity had tackled. She shouted. "NIGHTSTALKERS! COVER THE RETREAT. WARLOCKS, OPEN YOUR PORTALS."

The warlock Order mustered their last ounce of light, flickering portals fizzled at their retreat. Salvation seemed close.

Ikorra flew up, exerting her light, a massive nova bomb gathered in her palms, with a flick of her wrist, it rushed to the hive wizards, who immediately hid behind their knights.

Mindless acolytes rushed forth, turning to ash. However, their numbers were into the millions, another army sprouted seconds later, rushing to the guardians as they struggled to cover their backs.

But the worse had yet to come, Ikorra's ear buzzed.

"It's an ambush, the wizards found us. Run NOW." Tevis screamed, the Nighstalker squad caught by thirty Hive wizards encircling the hunters.

Ikorra's head jerked towards the lunar dunes, a hidden spot they had secured for their team, numerous runic circles etched into the horizon, hive wizards spawning through.

Despair was imminent, she clenched her fists, and closed her eyes. Ikorra glanced back at the retreating guardians. Determination grew within her, she shot towards the dunes.

"I am coming, please, stay alive." Her voice a whisper, she rushed as fast as possible, just one more portal, the only one who could do it was her. She had to make it.

Tevis felt his light drain, a horrid cold spreading through his veins. Hive wizards flew above, his entire squad behind him.

"Void! I told you to run, it's not your time to die." Tevis clenched a dagger, grunting as he faced the hive.

"Captain, respectfully, I am not f***** going anywhere" Void barked back, panting.

The Nighstalkers ran empty on bullets, three days of fighting had exhaustion setting in. Their light reserves depleted. Yet, not a single hunter ran.

Quietly, they stood behind their captain. Unsheathing their blades one after the other. The squad peered above at the chanting wizards.

"Boys, let's make it out alive." Tevis chuckled necrotic rot spreading through his legs.

Down at the battlefield, guardians ran, as fast they could. Chaos and fear spread, the wizards chanted their songs, summoning chains that wrapped around the light-bearers, pulling them to their death.

Crota, the hive prince revelled, with each soul reaped, he grew stronger. No power could pierce his shell, and no spell could harm his soul. A deep instinct ran within the prince of the hive.

His eyes glistened when he spotted the portals. Speaking in an eldritch tongue, he commanded the wizards to stop them. There was no escape today. For today was the day of despair.

Not far away, Jason, Warrod and Edith's fireteam lingered, rushing the guardians to the portals. Warrod and Jason held the line as Edith opened a portal.

"Let's go! We have no time. Jason!" She pleaded, her arms quivering. A strange rot spreading through it, her breaths felt heavy, the magic was making her unstable, she couldn't hold the portal for long.

"Warrod! Clear the acolytes, I see survivors." He ignored her words, wrestling the Knights back, barking to the gunslinger.

Warrod wasted no time, hundreds of bullets showered on the hive grunts.

"Get back, I will be finished soon." Warrod yelled.

Jason struck with might, throwing back a knight, "No! There's no time."

The titan grabbed each survivor he could, hurling them back through the portals. But the hive had caught up.

Crota approached, a sense of suppression washed over them, Jason clenched his teeth as he felt his feet sinking into the ground.

The wizards immediately cast their spells, hundreds of necrotic chains slithering towards the Edith

Jason's body jolted, his power rising to new levels, he raised his hands, a dome of protection erupted from him.

"Jason!" Edith screamed, her heart clenched in place, the portal she made flickered violently. Edith stretched out her hand, inches away from him.

The titan glanced back at the warlock, her memories fluttered through his mind. She screamed, urging him to rush back.

But he knew it was too late. All wizards channeled their spells towards him, his dome of protection covering the backs of the retreating army.

The moment he let go, every other guardian would perish. Jason understood it well.

He looked once more to the warlock, struggling to keep the portal open, tears running down her face, her eyes distraught with fear and longing.

"NO! Please!" Edith cried out, her hand banging on the dome, as she rushed out of the portal.

Jason shot a quick glance to Warrod the hunter inches away from death, he nodded.

"I'm sorry."

Jason turned back, facing the hive prince himself. Shouldering the entire army alone. He bellowed, a final war cry.

Edith stumbled trying to dash towards him, the portal seconds from closing, she felt a hand grab her waist. Their figures flickered as Warrod shot towards the portal, the hunter's eyes clouded with regret.

The wizards summoned their tomes and grimoires. A symphony of pure horror, the deathsong shook the horizon.

Jason felt the last portal close behind him, the strength leaving his body, his arms going numb. The Dome shattered under Crota's sword and the titan fell to his knees.

Looking up, the wizards had finished chanting, he closed his eyes. A bright green flash beamed through the moon, a dreadful melody echoed, rending all life futile. Oblivion had come.

---

"Wake up." Pahanin prodded Void with his scabbard.

Void jolted awake, a sudden twinge of pain gripped his head. He was sure he saw something. Something he couldn't recall.

His eyes drifted to the Ahamkara bones. What had he seen? But he quickly discarded the thought. Whatever it was, the Ahamkara's whispers could play with the mind. He was sure it was just a side-effect.

"Are we done?"

"Just finished up." Kabr replied, cleaning the blood off his fist.

"So what's next? We're going home?" Void stretched his back, feeling slightly sore.

"No, Vanguard ordered all the bones to be destroyed. Their skeletons still carry some power." Pahanin responded, handing void a few grenades.

"Get to work."

"Are you sure this isn't abuse of power?" Void stumbled to his feet, grabbing the grenades.

"Gather all the bones, pile them up, you know what to do." Pahanin waved him off as he took a seat on a boulder.

"Can I at least keep some?" Void immediately chimed.

Pahanin looked to Kabr with a raised brow. The titan considered it, and shrugged.

"Thanks." Void saluted and got to work.

Naturally, had they said no, he would have still tried to sneak pieces into his inventory, but Pahanin's eyes were not easy to avoid at all.

Nevertheless, so began brutal manual labour, as he carried hundreds of corpses to separate piles.

His eyes lingering on the system window, but it seemed that his reward wasn't available till he had truly finished the assignment.

Void shook his head, fate was indeed cruel.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[The Next Day]

Void dragged his feet towards the pile of carcasses, a strong stench assaulted his nose as he hurled a pile of bones into the pit.

Crouching down, he rummaged through the pile, scrutinizing each bone. A few minutes later, he chucked a few pieces of ribs and spines towards the other end of the pit, scattering them near a separate pile.

"We're done." He hollered.

"Oi, keep it down." Pahanin retorted, pulling his hood to veil his eyes, he rolled over.

Void felt his brows twitch as he cursed under his breath.

"What did you just say?" Pahanin jolted upright.

"I said, perhaps you'd like to start us off...Sir." Void juggled the grenades.

Pahanin clicked his tongue as he rustled his cloak, rolling his shoulders.

"You do the honors, I am tired of this place." He spat out, wiping sand off his armor.

"As you wish." Void swooped down to grab the pile he had set aside, leaping out of the pit. He pulled the pins and let them drop to the center.

A second later, tremors shook the air, a shockwave erupted, plumes of dense smoke rising from the center.

The pile of bones now reduced to ash, scattering away with the howling wind.

"Is it done?" Kabr chimed in, carrying their old comms relay on his back, he planted the transmitter into the ground.

"You just missed it." Pahanin answered, he shifted closer to the comms relay and opened its circuit bay.

Kabr's eyes fell on the pile in Void's arms.

"Keeping all that?"

Void shrugged, "Bit of a collector."

"Suit yourself." Kabr eyed the bones but the aura they emitted rubbed him the wrong way. Akin to an eerie whisper threatening to erupt. A sense of imminent doom.

He didn't know what charmed Void, but he knew hunters loved to collect odd trinkets. As such over the years, he'd learned to mind his own business.

"How long till we leave?"

"Just need to setup this final node, we're ready to leave." Pahanin tinkered with the circuit as he rewired the components. Prompting the relay to act as an emitter instead.

"Do we really need to close off every relay we put down?" Void inquired. He didn't know enough about the realities of space communication.

Pahanin dusted his hands, "No, this one's special. We're marking the mass graves." His eyes lingering towards the ash polluting the wind.

"Ahamkara's are hard to kill off. The emitter will help us check every once in a while. Within that ash and this barren planet, if they really are alive. We'll kill them again." His voice rugged to the ear.

He walked off as his wrists lit up, the transponder pinged the Jumpship.

"The winds are bad but, ships will be in range in five minutes."

"Just enough time for a talk." Kabr crossed his legs as he leaned on a boulder.

He shot a glance at Void, "What's your next move?"

"Hmm?" Void was caught off guard, he circulated his thoughts but couldn't arrive at an exact answer.

"Nothing concrete yet, I'll hang around the cosmodrome and explore more. There's something I am trying to find."

"Treasure hunting?" Pahanin chimed in.

Void shrugged, "Sorta"

"Try the northern Dry Sea or Edge of the shore. Everywhere else was cleaned up decades ago."

"I will keep it in mind." Void nodded.

"It's not a bad option. But I've got ideas." Kabr interrupted, stealing a glance at Pahanin, the latter going dead silent. As if he knew what was about to be said.

Pahanin frowned slightly, but didn't say a word.

"Void, you're growing fast. Faster than we could have ever imagined." Kabr showered him with genuine praise.

"So I will offer you a choice. Join my fireteam. I.....no, we plan to tackle something on Venus. I can't tell you exactly what it is.. A place sealed for centuries, holding answers to the very fabric of our reality."

Void's heart skipped a beat, 'The Vault of Glass, as I thought...'

"What will it be?" Kabr pressed on.

"Think carefully, don't let greed blind you." Pahanin slipped in a few cautioning words.

Kabr retorted, "Do you not think he'll make a good fit? We can teach him. Make him stronger."

"I don't doubt it. But you can't lie to him. You're not telling him what's at risk. You never planned to." Pahanin calmly answered.

Kabr took in a deep breath, and let out a sigh. He nodded.

"Don't thoughtlessly jump in. It's bigger than you think. We've been at it for hundreds of years. So we'll chase the next anomaly no matter the cost."

Void felt a slight tinge of sorrow in Pahanin's voice. 'That feeling, like nothing matters anymore.'

"But you, you've got everything ahead of you. It won't be easy. You might just never come back."

Kabr glanced back, "You heard him, what'll it be?"

Void pressed his lips together. 'Vault of Glass. I am not ready for it yet.' He couldn't see a conceivable way to succeed.

"Sorry but... I can't."

Kabr shuffled away from the boulder as the ships pierced through the Martian atmosphere.

"I understand. But, you're always welcome to join our fireteam, for this or anything in the future. We'll be there if you need it."

He fist bumped Void, the Jumpship's flew closer.

"See you around kid."

Kabr waved, his figure dissociating into fluttering specks of light.

"Hope you find something worthwhile down there." Pahanin saluted as he transmatted back.

Void didn't waste a second as he appeared within the helm of his ship. Immediately he stashed the pile in his inventory.

"Obsidian, set course to city. We're going home." Void spoke sullenly.

The fate of the vault haunted him.

'Can I save them?' He was lost in his own mind, the autopilot routed back to earth.

---

[Earth, The Last City]

Several Jumpships pierced through the atmosphere, guardians returning from the hunt. The hangar was crowded, and it wasn't long before the Vanguard's office was lined with fireteams.

Naturally, each fireteam only sent their representative. Unfortunately, Void was handed this task, meaning he had to stay back and report every event.

The Speaker was engaged with several guardians. As he spotted Void, he excused himself from the others and paced closer.

"Void, I presume you bring good news?"

He nodded, "Total annihilation. We burned their bones to ashes. Though I did keep a few souvenirs."

"I understand, that won't be a problem. The Vanguard will contact you once they're available. You're free to go."

Void immediately high-tailed it out, leaving towards Skywatch before it got too crowded.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[Tower, Earth]

Hoards of Jumpships soared the horizon, circling over the tower, squads and fireteams transmatted down to the courtyard.

Perhaps the largest gathering of guardians since the dark ages. Their representatives rushed to report to the speaker.

The guardians lined up ahead of the consensus hall, the speaker waited within. Receiving updates from each team.

Listening to the accounts first-hand, the speaker breathed a sigh of relief. The bulk of status updates he received pointed towards a landslide victory. However, not all was good.

Several squads from Dead Orbit and New Monarchy, two leading factions of the city, had failed. Returning beaten and bruised, they could only hold their heads down as their sectors were reassigned.

The speaker couldn't condone such a failure. For the first time, there was a slight crack in his demeanour. Ahamkara were volatile, eccentric and bizarre. But they weren't fools.

'The cost of failure was far too high.' Thoughts raced in his mind.

As he received the batch of failed hunts, the speaker's face stiffened. His eyes searched around for the consensus members. Yet none had returned.

A single flick of his wrist pulled up the transponder's interface. He swiftly sent a discrete SOS message to the Vanguard to rendezvous at the tower, as soon as possible.

'Time is of the essence. We cannot wait any longer.' He mumbled, taking his leave to his chambers the speaker excused himself from the guardians.

Secluded in his room , staring at the pile of papers on his desk, he pondered over the reports he had just received.

---

[Trojans, Jupiter]

Two Jumpships raced in distant space, thrusters blaring.

Ikorra felt her transponder buzz, she glanced at the message, furrowing her brows.

"...Eris, we're speeding up."

"Copy."

A second later, a turbulent eruption throttled the ships through Jupiter's asteroid field, triggering a warp, space crumbled, convulsing to form a wormhole. Eris and Ikorra rushed through hyperspace.

Immediately, the tunnel collapsed, spitting them out to the other end, minutes away from earth's outer orbit.

---

[Titan, Saturn]

Zavala sat on the edge of a steep cliff, his eyes surveying the ravine below, littered with bones and skulls.

He felt a ring in his ear, his wrist buzzed. Zavala stole a glance at the encoded message.

"It appears that we've no longer got idle time. Are you finished Cayde?" He spoke out.

Cayde hooked his arm around the rocks, flailing above the ravine. He aimed his ace, squinting to see through the iron sights. "Yup, big blue just give me...one uh, second right here."

A bright ember lit ablaze at the tip of his barrel, solar energy condensing in the bullet chamber.

"Aaaand....Boom." The trigger clicked, a single bullet shooting towards the pit below. Lighting ablaze everything in its path.

The shot struck, a brief lull spread. Hot air bellowing from the abyss below.

Zavala got to his feet, peering over the edge, "Seems like you've lost your touch. Need another shot?" He raised a brow.

Cayde flashed a sly smirk, jolting upwards to stand beside the titan.

"You see big blue, it's all about....timing." He snapped his fingers. The valley now engulfed in an evergreen flame.

Fire seemed to eat away at the bones, a large infernal storm brewed, blasting upwards. Not a second later, inferno erupted from the abyss, igniting the rock itself. An inescapable hell.

Zavala's eyes widened, "Quite the performance. If only you were half as creative in your other duties." He sighed.

"I know big blue, I know. We're ready to go though." Cayde sauntered away from the cliff

"Wait." Zavala abruptly called back.

"Huh?"

"Did you turn off your transponder? I don't think you got the alert."

"Sorry what?" Cayde cupped his ear.

"Turn on your transponder Cayde."

Cayde spammed the button on his wrists, "Sorry..Uh, can't hear you from the Jumpship. Comms cutting.....out."

After intently mashing the controls, the transmat finally triggered as his figure turned into a mesh of particles, scattering away.

Zavala held his forehead, taking in a deep breath, he softly exhaled and shook his head. A fraction of a second later, he channelled back to the Jumpship.

---

[Lunar Command, Skywatch]

A sleek black Jumpship shot through the Skyline.

"Obsidian, park the ship on exit bay." Void transmatted out.

"Roger, directing ship systems." Obsidian processed the protocols, "Void, I am picking up some notifications from the Nightstalkers. I think everyone's on their way back."

"Didn't think they'd be done so soon. Ping to see who's close. We can meet up here." He scuttled off to the control room, naturally, Void couldn't help but pick out some bounties.

After all, the glimmer target still wasn't complete.

"Ok, seems like Levi is in range for an hour. He's enroute to the complex." Obsidian sent a request to Levi as Void waited near the control room.

"Gotcha." Void swiftly wrapped up the bounties. His gaze finally fell onto the system tab. The quest reward glimmered right in front of his eyes.

He hit claim, a surge of xp funnelled into him, raising his stats. Ten Ahamkara spines were deposited into his inventory, and his glimmer reserves shot up.

[Glimmer: 800,000]

But most importantly, Void found an additional item in his inventory.

[1x Store Roulette Ticket]

[Would You Like to Use it Now?....]

"No." He decided against it. Void wasn't sure what he could gain, or more importantly, what he was gambling with. He furrowed his brows.

"System, what are the possible prizes from the roulette?"

[The Roulette system is directly connected to the store. The User may roll for 1 chance to obtain any item or unique ability from the store. However, certain items or abilities may only be usable with restrictions.]

Although the description was quite vague, Void found it to be quite a useful item. One that he planned to use. But for now, he had other plans.

Opening his inventory, Void took out one of the many Ahamkara skulls he had collected from Mars. He stared at the cracked skull in his palm.

Gazing into its hollow eyes, Void scoffed.

"How long are you going to stay quiet?" He whispered.

Yet there was no response. Void intently waited, but once he saw no change, he continued.

"I had many questions to ask. But it doesn't seem like you'll answer."

"Isn't that right....Brother." Void called out.

However, unlike before, the eye sockets shivered. A remnant wisp jolted in the disfigured bones. As if taking a deep breath, the skull opened wide.

A harrowing voice echoing through its hollow remnants.

~What say you? O Brother mine~

Void was startled to hear the Ahamkara conversing willingly. But he reigned in his curiosity, opting to ask one at a time.

"Tell me. Why do you call me brother?" He asked, his eyes sharply focused on the skull.

---

[Tower, Earth]

The Vanguard Trio rushed back to the tower on the summons of the speaker. A private meeting was held in his chambers.

"It's urgent news. New Monarchy and Dead Orbit failed their sectors, we need to relocate guardians and find the Ahamkara. If we wait any longer, it will be too late."

Ikorra frowned, her fingers curled, the numerous reports circling around her as she scanned the details swiftly.

"This...is catastrophic. How was there no call for backup?"

Cayde and Zavala's faces darkened.

The speaker shook his head.

"Pride. The leadership of the factions is too restrictive. Instead of asking for help they tried establishing themselves just like the Sunbreakers."

Zavala spoke out, "I thought we agreed that the Vanguard takes the lead on guardian matters."

Ikorra swiped her fingers as the reports neatly stacked themselves on the desk, "Indeed, but it seems that the faction have forgotten who is really in charge here."

Cayde felt the tensions rise as he interrupted, "Hey, hey. Point fingers later, we still got dragons to hunt."

The Speaker contemplated "Yes. Cayde, I reckon we do. The only way to counter this is to send reinforcements. Closest squad to this sector are the Arc Hunters under Sai Mota and Lord Saladin's fire team."

"Ok, we send a cleanup crew to pick up the pieces. But after that, the consensus needs to have a meeting. With all members present. There are no exceptions."

Ikorra's words struck like hot iron, as the speaker's eyes gleamed with certainty, the next consensus gathering would be unavoidable, no single representative would be left free.

It was time for the Vanguard to remind the city of their absolute control over the guardians. The factions would cooperate, willingly or unwillingly.