Destiny: The Legendary Hunter

[Writers-Ablood]

The altar glowed. A bewitching hymn struck the hearts of those present, the air quivered and fell silent.

Mephitic spirits gathered and a terrible gale roared, as wicked whispers turned to howls, the runes lit ablaze. A fiendish fire danced across the bones, a dreadful blume converged.

Ghastly reflections of the hive wizards took form within it, descending towards their summons. As lightless tunnels were plunged into twilight, a gelid chill gripped the earth.

The next instant, everything stalled.

[Sixth Sense]

Void's body moved on instinct as he unsheathed his blade, a sharp aura exuded, then with eyes settled on the altar his body flickered.

A dreadful strike cleaved apart the rune circle and split the apparitions in the fog, causing a malevolent eruption, the Hive magic danced wildly but it was immediately eaten up by the blade.

Void's violent slash snapped everyone out of their trance as a sudden panic overtook their senses.

"RUN!"

Four shadows shot towards the tunnel exit in a mad frenzy. The altar had shook the hive from their slumber. Any second now, and they would flood the tunnels looking for the disruption.

"What the HELL was that" Levi groaned dashing forwards with extreme speed.

"Hive wizards, they ensnared us with that fog." Void replied, darting beside him.

The ground rumbled as frightening shrieks resounded.

"They're awake. We're gonna be surrounded." Cory barked, his face stiffened as he sprinted faster.

"Then we'll just kill our way out." Bandit hissed, unsheathing his daggers.

As the four spectres bolted through the tunnels towards the courtyards of the Hive fortress, an army of thralls awaited them.

"CHARGE." Levi roared, a vigorous aura exuded from within him, he flashed forwards with a swift kick that split the air on impact, ripping through the thralls.

Immediately, Bandit's figure dissolved into Cory's shadow. A murky coat of light stuck to the latter's knuckles as he mowed down any thralls before him with lethal punches.

-Clink-

Void's blade unsheathed, Pahanin's technique flashed his mind. He swiped ahead, a lilac streak swept ahead and cut through the thralls.

Cory skilfully weaved through the thralls. His murky light tugged at his own shadow, as he punched again, shadowy spectral arms rose and punched just the same.

"What! How did you do that?" Void flickered beside him and slashed.

"Practice and patience." Cory chuckled, the shadows around him took the form of his strikes.

Suddenly, a spectre scattered from Cory's shadow, reaping lives with vicious swipes, Bandit surfaced for a second.

Bandit dryly chortled ,"He calls it Shadow boxing", and then jolted from shadow to shadow, like an untouchable wraith.

The thralls outnumbered them, but the four hunters were viciously mowing them down for a chance to survive.

Levi jumped up and summoned his bow, as light concentrated into an arrow.

"Son of a-" Void stammered as he and Cory shuffled away while Bandit hid in their shadows.

Levi's arrow pierced through the hive as it tethered them to the ground corrosive light erupted, umbral chains sprouted from the Shadowshot and drained the thralls of their vitality.

"Give us a goddamn warning, shithead." Void barked, his hands rested on the hilt of his sword.

"I thought you had sharp eyes shithead." Levi raised a brow.

Another wave of thralls rushed closer.

-Clink-

He swiped his sword, its edge covered in a thin streak of light which swept forth, dissecting everything ahead.

"Watch the blade!" Cory slid under the sword's streak, the attack barely grazing his cloak.

Bandit emerged, dancing with his daggers as he rushed towards the fortress wall.

"Call the ships, we're running outta time." Bandit shouted, climbing towards the exit.

Levi tinkered with the transponder and sent out the pickup location, "They're enroute, let's go!"

Despite the thralls chasing them, Levi followed Bandit's lead and leapt to the fortress wall

Void and Cory followed closely behind but realization struck.

"The traps!" Void barked, but it was too late. As the four looked back, the mindless thralls had triggered their own mines.

A blinding flash spread out.

The sudden eruption was too fast. Far too fast for anyone to notice. The explosion pulled everything in as the Hive energy erupted, the blast reduced everything to smithereens.

Only a crater was left behind. The hive fortress itself was buried beneath the lunar dust. All life was reduced to dust and ash. Hive themselves weren't immune to their accursed power.

Alas, that was its overbearing cost. The lightless crater shimmered, three ghost shells remained steadfast, standing over the ashes of their guardians.

The fourth, was no where to be seen.

From the darkness, a shadow wiggled and danced wildly, a second later it spat out a charred figure.

Bandit heaved a breath and weakly coughed.

"You guys owe me....big time." He trudged towards their ghosts, a sudden spark of light jolted from his palms.

Void, Cory and Levi had their bodies reconstructed as their ghosts resurrected them. Suddenly pulled from the brink of death, the four felt nauseated.

" Fuck, those idiots really blew themselves up." Cory sighed.

" All's well that end's well." Levi shook his head.

Void got to his feet, his eyes immediately looked towards the east. A cloud of dust rose and fell. Faint tremors grew more frequent.

His eyes narrowed, "It's not over yet."

Just as he had said, a terrifying shriek bellowed. One that they hadn't heard before.

"That explosion was quite a show, because of it we've attracted some...attention." Void contemplated.

Judging from the tremors he felt it could only be one thing. Void gestured them all to get ready.

The four took a defensive stance, readily trying to charge up their light through the ghosts before the enemy appeared.

'It can only be that' Void grimaced.

Suddenly, the shrieks grew louder, faster, and seemed closer. It had picked up pace. The tremors now felt like a beating heart, pounding wildly.

Dust rose and fell, as shivers ran down their spines. Across the crater, they saw a titanic figure.

An amalgamation of rotten bones, and miasma, a hulking and towering giant that looked upon them as if they were its next meal. Unlike its size, it was mighty and fast.

As they looked upon it from the distance, it charged on all fours, like a rabid beast, crossing miles in seconds.

Finally, It was upon them.

'An Ogre.'

 

[Writers-Ablood]

--

"Didn't know they even made em this big honestly." Cory trained his eyes on the Ogre as it heaved in breaths.

"You know what they say, the bigger they are, the harder they fall." Levi raised his head to match the towering Ogre's gaze.

"Well I am not pushing him, so do the honours." Bandit dismayed his eyes locked on to the Ogre's shadow.

Void calmly walked forwards, signalling the rest to follow, slowly the four Nightstalkers had encircled the Ogre.

A sudden prompt appeared.

==

{Legendary Guardian System}

+(Optional Quest - Enfeeblement)

Shatter the Might of Crota. Kill the Ogre!

Rewards: ???
Remarks: Let's establish one fact. Only Green Ogres are Allowed!

==

'Might of Crota' Void's eyes narrowed, he recalled that name. The Ogre wasn't as simple as it looked.

As the beast stared them down, the Nightstalkers plotted their attack.

"That exposed brain gives me a bad feeling, keep an eye out." Void clenched his blade.

An Ogre could fire lethal blasts of energy from its head, without a titan to block it head on, any other guardian would probably be vaporized to dust.

"What's it doing, fidgeting on its feet?" Bandit narrowed his eyes as the four prowled around the Ogre.

"It's trying to strike, but doesn't know when. Probably just confused." Levi judged, his hands gripped the edge of his rocket launcher, ready to deploy any second.

"What time till the ships get here?" Void asked, conjuring a grenade in his left hand.

"Few more minutes, but I'm under the impression that the Ogre knows." Cory dug his feet into the dirt.

The encircling hunters halted for a mere second.

Facing the Ogre's piercing gaze, a tense tremor shook their hearts. As if it could read their souls, the Ogre shuffled.

It scrambled on all fours, beating the ground with its arms. Suddenly, it rushed forwards charging towards Void.

Hurling its fist forwards, the Ogre roared. Void deftly slipped underneath, as he dropped a smoke below its feet.

The next second, a plume erupted, covering the crater in dense fog.

As if reading Void's intentions, the rest of the hunters slipped into the mist akin to spectres.

Their figures scattered, enraging the Ogre, its head glowed as a luminous charge threatened to break out.

Instantly, zipping through unnoticed, Void slashed at its ankles with breath taking speed. A sudden singe paralyzed the Ogre for a fraction of a second.

"Shoot!" Levi barked. Bandit, Cory and he emerged letting go of the arrows.

Three Shadowshots tore through the air as they erupted in the crater. Slithering chains constricted the Ogre, devouring energy out of its body.

Pushed beyond its breaking threshold, the Ogre's shrieked, its gargantuan body convulsed as energy gathered at its head, erupting forth as a pure beam of fiend fire.

The Ogre's fire melted everything in its path as it viciously whipped its head around. The hunters danced around it, barely letting it graze their figures.

They shot towards the Ogre. Void blitzed to the side, with a vigorous slash he dug into the Ogre's flesh, a corrosive singe ran through its blood.

Before it could recover, Cory's apparitions rocked him with blows till it lost its balance. The Ogre, could not recover. As it fell, Bandit appeared from underneath, ferociously cutting its flesh with daggers.

Scrambling to its feet, the Ogre swung a haymaker hoping to swat away the Nightstalkers, but they were slipping through his blows as they continued to devour its life.

Despite all the wounds it had received, the Ogre was still raring to go. As a depraved amalgamation of the Hive, its corrupted body would not rest until it was completely erased.

Void knew that. But to completely kill the Ogre was difficult. The Hive rituals had made it too strong. Even if they fought for a few days the Ogre wouldn't stop.

The only other way, was to force the Ogre to retreat. To damage its brain beyond use.

Void's light flared, a thin streak of it covered the edge of his blade. The sword felt restless, or rather, Zamyr's presence stirred within it.

He crouched a few metres before the Ogre, a coat of light on his soles. Void leaned forward slightly.

The others caught on, flickering towards a safe distance.

As the Ogre stumbled forwards its eyes locked on Void. Yet before it could perceive what happened.

Void shot forwards like a bullet. With extreme and ruthless speed, his blade swung overhead ripping through the sound barrier, Void's energy erupted to its maximum.

He slashed, the sword strike cut through the lunar surface and struck the Ogre.

Despite its thick armour, a small crack appeared in its head sending it tumbling backwards.

Levi took his chance, unloading four rockets on to the Ogre at the exact instant, a cloud of dust rose obscuring the crater.

"Ships are here!" Cory cried out, he and Bandit darted towards extraction.

Levi and Void glanced the Ogre's way, sensing no movement the two bolted.

A second later, four figures transmatted out. With Jumpships on full throttle, the hunters ran towards the colony ship awaiting them.

Beneath them on the Lunar surface, the Ogre had regained its balance. As the cloud of dust settled, a scar marked its crown. With its enemies no where to be seen, the Ogre cried out.

--

[Vanguard's Colony Ship]

Ikorra's aura spilled out, her eyes shimmered. Her hands tensed as she tightened her grip.

Toland hung in the air, an umbral energy wrapped around his arms and legs, twisting each in different directions.

Helpless yet unafraid, the warlock remained silent. No amount of words would appease the Vanguard as it was. Not yet anyway.

"I will ask again. What did you do." Her voice thundered.

The Vanguard had immediately surrounded him the moment he had made the mistake of speaking in Hive tongue.

Toland had no chance at escape. His eyes remained glued at the life monitor. As long as the squad was safe, he wouldn't be punished too harshly.

Asher chimed in, "The Squad's back, their Jumpships are on the network."

"Tell them to report to command." Zavala nodded.

"No." Cayde abruptly interrupted.

"You want four hunters in this room that this rat sold out? You're out of your mind big blue. We wouldn't walk two steps out before some unfortunate incident befalls him." Cayde chuckled.

"Unless of course, you're okay with it. I... take no part in it." Cayde held his hands in surrender, letting the decision fall on the titan.

Zavala contemplated. Toland had indeed acted suspicious, yet he couldn't let the affected team be near the warlock. There had been far too many such cases in the past. Retaliation was a very real thing.

Sensing the opportunity, Toland decide to speak.

"Zavala...I have done nothing except what you've asked." He heaved a difficult breath, causing Ikorra to lower her magic.

Toland rubbed his wrists and caught a breath.

"Explain yourself." Ikorra waved him off.

"The Hive are cunning and shrewd. Their magic has a mind of its own. I only possess limited knowledge. Reading their runes on the altar, I simply.... had no clue what would happen."

"Your actions almost caused us to lose our squad. You want me to put it all on an accident?" Ikorra clenched her teeth.

"No, I understand the risks of the Hive. I cannot expect the others to put their lives on the line to gain knowledge. Your hunters are right to blame me. I can only ask for forgiveness." Toland lowered his head.

A palpable silence ran amok in the room.

Ikorra's light boiled.

"Asher, have Toland stay in the command." Zavala chimed in and walked towards the door.

He glanced back at Asher, "and tell the squad to report to the main hall."

==

 

[Writers-Ablood]

--

[Main hall, Colony Ship]

"He's gone, they're definitely taking him somewhere else." Bandit scoffed, narrowing his eyes.

"Well, after what he did, I'd do the same." Void chimed in, he too could feel Toland's presence disappear into the distance.

"Talk about accountability." Cory chuckled.

"Like it or not, he's a warlock. They need his knowledge. they won't just sit back and throw him to the wolves." Levi sighed.

"So, what now?" Void glanced at Levi. They didn't have much of a plan to confront Toland. But being deprived of the chance was not something they were prepared for.

A second later, Ikorra, Cayde and Zavala walked through the main door.

Levi frowned, "We play nice."

--

[Earth, Mumbai Push]

Nestled within the jungle-choked towers of tattered Mumbai, hidden beneath the slithering tangled vines was a small cave entrance that descended towards the depth of the city.

Hive runes marked its entrance, engraved on its mossy rock floor. At its base was a chamber full of old scrolls, books and journals.

As a Jumpship flew above Mumbai and shot away, Toland appeared at the cave's mouth, warping towards the base of his hideout.

His ghost, Guren, revealed itself.

"You've finally found it, the Deathsong of Ir Yût" Guren mused, suddenly it turned sour, "If not for their ignorance, we could've witnessed it."

"We'll get another chance. I am sure of it." Toland replied, he grabbed a Journal and sketched the runes he had seen on the altar.

The summoning words of Ir Yût, it was incalculably precious. But soon Toland frowned. Though he had found the summoning phrase, the altar had been broken by the hunters.

Ir Yût, the hive wizard was no pushover. Without sacrifices, he couldn't possibly summon her. There had to be another way. A way to call upon the Deathsong.

Toland's attention suddenly turned towards the war effort. It had picked up pace in the last few weeks. He doubted they'd let him contribute to it now that he'd slipped up.

"Guren, is the city fully supporting the war?" He curiously inquired.

The city had sent its plans to every guardian available in the city. Toland would make full use of their naivety.

"The plans outline a full assault. Their war campaign won't end here." Guren scanned through the records.

His lips wrinkled into a wry smile, "Let's learn how to benefit from their ignorance. We need to bide our time."

--

[Main Hall, Colony Ship]

"We'll be cutting down the exploration. The Hive are far too mysterious and dangerous." Ikorra spoke back into the circle of Nightstalkers.

"What about the ambush plans?" Levi questioned.

"Our hands are tied." Ikorra pressed her lips in a line, "We can't put you in danger to find the Hive's base. It's all far too risky."

"You should be happy you're not scurrying around in their tunnels anymore." Cayde chimed in.

Zavala sighed, "Trying to start a war without knowing their source, it's almost impossible."

"I don't suppose you're just gonna sit back and allow that." Bandit could smell the fickle words the Vanguard were laying down.

"No. The City will resort to conventional methods. It'll take us a while, but we'll survey the entire moon with ships once we're ready." Zavala responded.

"We'll need some skilled pilots. You guys got any experience?" Cayde smiled.

Immediately, the Nightstalkers shifted their eyes around. They weren't at all interested in making any deals with the devil.

Unexpectedly, Void raised his hand, causing the room to abruptly pause.

"Err, listen kid, I know you're ready for it. But you've got no piloting experience. They'll shoot you down like a duck" Cayde brushed him off.

"I'm not stupid, I know that much. But I've got another idea." Void spoke up, the gears turned in his head.

All eyes turned to him as he held his words. Void thought it through, and knew that it was a plausible choice.

"You can't locate the base because there's no way to trace the Hive accurately."

"Right, and?" Ikorra urged him to continue.

His lips curved into a smile, "But you can trace light can't you?"

"Wouldn't be that hard." Cayde nodded.

"In that case, we don't have to trace the Hive, just trace the light." Void pointed to the mission recording.

"More specifically, my light on that Ogre a few minutes ago."

The idea was odd, and not entirely practical. Yet Void was entirely certain it would work.

"Your light signature wouldn't last that long." Zavala replied.

Void held up his blade, "It's a special sword. The traces don't vanish as easily."

"Why that Ogre? For all we know it could be going back to some place entirely unrelated." Ikorra inquired.

The reality was that Void knew that the 'Might of Crota' was an Ogre created by Crota. If anything, he was sure to visit Hellmouth, what it considered home.

Void shot a glance at the screen once more, "Can't really say but."

"It's just a hunch."

The Vanguard shared a few quick glances. Finally Ikorra connected her transponder to a new line.

"Asher, can you trace his light signature? Check last coordinates for a lead."

"On it." Asher replied and immediately got to work. The main hall's screen shifted as he switched to a gps locator for the Ogre.

"We're sending the colony drones as trackers. It'll be traced easily, but that's our only option right now." Asher spoke up.

"That's fine, a few drones are worth the price." Zavala agreed.

Moments later, the drones shot towards the lunar surface, programmed to follow the Ogre.

--

[Lunar Surface]

A few hours had passed since the Ogre faced Void and his fireteam. He had remained on site in case those fools ever decided to come back.

Unfortunately his instincts determined that wouldn't happen. Disgruntled the Ogre waddled away.

He'd decided to check again for their presence, but it wasn't the main priority. The Ogre knew his master was busy. Only a few weeks stood between a tribute ceremony for the Worm gods.

He shuddered, despite being a mindless husk of flesh, the Ogre was fully aware of its creator's powers.

Minutes later, he decided to rush back to Hellmouth. Eerily every few miles he felt a few flies hovering just beyond his senses. Alas, their meagre aura was not worth its attention.

Yes, he would only focus on the stronger opponents. That was his purpose. For he, was the Might of Crota.

The Ogre began trudging the final stretch. It neared an illusory barrier, crossing through effortlessly. It was a curtain that veiled Hellmouth from the outer world.

Unbeknownst to it, the meagre flies had also crossed over.

--

 

[Writers-Ablood]

--

Beyond the illusory veil, fiendish winds swept the lunar plains. The Hive fortress situated within an ocean of storms marked their keep.

It guarded a crudely dug crater that stretched for miles towards the lunar core. The crater itself served as an inverted fortress to the Hive's brood.

A wicked and cruel smog festered within the crater, obscuring any light from piercing inside. All that was left was darkness.

The Vanguard's drones surveyed Hellmouth, transmitting live data back to the colony ship.

On the other side, the Vanguard had finally realized how deep the Hive infestation truly was. Hellmouth was an enigma, completely obscured by surface scans and only visible within distance.

An evil magic that could dissuade the eyes and senses- the Hive's veil was deceitful, and effective.

"How many are there?" Ikorra sucked in a breath, her eyes glued to the screen.

Asher paused and took in a deep breath. Finally, he spoke.

"I don't know."

The ship went eerily quiet as all eyes fell on Hellmouth. The cradle of the despot, Crota the hive prince.

Hellmouth seemed cursed- barren and destitute. Festering cruelty and wickedness, stripped from every grace in the world. Void's eyes widened as he witnessed it all- He felt, that If there truly was evil in this world, that would be its cause.

The Guardians had fought many wars in the dark ages; trying to conquer the gift of the Traveler. But no one, was ready for the war that was about to come.

They could feel it, that it was bigger than everything they stood for. Bigger than just them. As if the universe itself had thrown its burdens upon their shoulders.

Now more than ever. They needed to succeed.

Suddenly the Vanguard's comms rang. All forces were now enroute to the lunar orbit. It had begun.

"Mark that location, we'll setup camp nearby and plan out our assault" Zavala commanded.

"Got it." Asher replied

Zavala glanced back at the Nightstalkers, "For now, we'll need some more reconnaissance and scouting, I think I can count on you guys for that."

Asher pulled back his drones-lingering beside Hellmouth wasn't wise. Hive wizards were far more perceptive than some Ogre, and he wasn't willing to be found.

"We know the drill, we'll map out the camping spots." Levi nodded.

Just then, Zavala's wrist buzzed as he spared it a glance.

"Good, your captain will take the lead. Godspeed guardians."

As the Vanguard turned their focus towards guiding their armada, the Nightstalkers unceremoniously transmatted out and raced to meet up with the rest of their team.

--

"Do you four read? Status?" Tevis broke the radio silence as four Jumpships zipped through Colony ship's hangar.

"Copy, we'll meet you at lunar orbit." Void answered.

"Brief me at rendezvous, we'll meet soon." Tevis swiftly disconnected the call.

"You know, I thought we'd get a bit of rest after all that. But we're really gonna go down there again?" Bandit languidly groaned.

"Yeah, well there's no tea parties at war, princess." Cory rolled his eyes.

"What did you say?" Bandit barked back.

Cory being an imbecile, kept chirping up, "Hmm?"

Enraged, Bandit couldn't help but scoff "That's what I thought."

"Let's hope you do that more often." Cory nodded and briskly disconnected from the call, manging to evade the record breaking slurs Bandit immediately recited from memory.

--

[A few minutes later]

"So we've got eyes on their base?" Tevis leaned back in his cockpit, mentally tallying up all he had heard.

"Something of the sorts. No clue on the numbers, but the Vanguard wasn't excited by the revelation, so I can't assume its good." Void chimed.

"They'll probably release the word soon." Levi added on.

Tevis tapped the ships dashboard as he saw the new coordinates being passed to his team, his eyes narrowed.

"Good job, all of you." He paused and glanced at the new orders, "Look's like we've got our work cut out for us."

The Nightstalkers buzzed about the orbit for a few minutes, and suddenly their ships flared and shot towards the dreadful surface.

Their squad of fifteen, split into three groups, each targeting to scout out one crucial perimeter of their so called "camp" position.

Cory, Bandit, Levi, Void and Tevis chose to scout from the campsite closest to the Hive's illusory veils, a distance of only ten kilometres.

But due to the odd and misshaped lunar terrain, their line of sight wasn't entirely uninterrupted. In fact, it could be said that the Hive wouldn't be aware of them until they decided to strike.

Tevis squinted, looking towards the Hellmouth, a faint light gathered around his eyes. Seconds later, dark lines filled his face.

"I'll be damned, those crafty bastards. I can't see a thing." No matter how hard he tried, after a while it was all but a blur.

Yet he knew his sight had betrayed him, because in his bones, he could feel the chill and dread seeping through the Hive's forsaken fortress.

Though, unlike the others, Void didn't find it difficult to see the veil. In fact, for him, it was more so a pellucid curtain- translucently clear.

"What's the status on the follow up?" Tevis dusted off his hands.

"Titans will be here to setup a wall. We've scoured the place, turned every goddamn rock inside out. We're safe." Levi answered.

Tevis shook his head, "Or.... that's what they want us to think."

"Find some high-ground for our squad. We'll need it when the war breaks loose."

Void had surveyed the map and outlined many spots already. He knew why Tevis had asked for it.

"I've saw a few spots. We'll check em out as fast as possible" He answered.

The reasoning was simple, Nightstalkers weren't the damage dealers. They weren't the frontliners. But one thing was for sure. Their abilities allowed them to be control freaks on the battlefield.

Reinforcing any side as they please, weaving in and out of battle. Not to mention their Shadowshots that served as their attack and defence- A cataclysmic blast that chained down enemies with tendrils.

A Nightstalkers greatest asset was their ability to remain unseen. High ground would allow them to abuse all their abilities to the max.

"Good. One last thing, tell the Vanguard we'll need some hard hitting firepower." Tevis nodded.

Tevis shot one last glance to the veil, "Trying to fight the Hive in their own illusion is a death sentence. Whatever that thing is, we'll blast it to kingdom come."

==

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[An unknown time later]

As noxious winds swept hellmouth, a harsh and terrible gale flooded its eroded valleys. Dust scattered and the ground trembled, like an ocean at storm.

None knew whether it was dusk or dawn. Because the fractured horizon mirrored the lunar surface- bleak and tearing at the seams, lit ablaze with green fire.

But the fire was, uncanny. Its virescent embers seemed to eat away at the light, only leaving behind a grim and wretched chill that seeped into one's bones.

The guardians had finished all their preparations. Thousands had gathered to weather the storm.

Every able faction in the city, had taken a stand.

The Nightstalkers, Arc striders, Gunslingers, Titans, The Warlock Orders, The Crucible, The Praxic Fire, Dead Orbit, New Monarchy and the Future War Cult and thousands of other guardians.

Void wrapped up his duties and rushed back to the squad.

Tevis looked towards the veil, "Is it done?"

"We're on track. Everything is ready." Void nodded.

The squad shared a few glances, no words were spoken. A silence seemed to stir, and the last few sparks of solace, fizzled out.

It was time.

"Calling all units, we're ready to strike." Tevis connected to the main channel.

Shaxx immediately answered, "Crucible squads on standby, we'll lead the front charge."

Eriana chimed in, "We'll back you up."

"This is Dead Orbit, we'll join the charge."

"New Monarchy, ready"

"Future War Cult, affirmative."

As hundreds flooded the channel with their responses, one last reply came.

Zavala joined in, "All Vanguard personnel will join the front lines, may the light be with us, guardians."

Tevis looked to Void as the two locked eyes. Both nodded and Void's transponder shifted to a different line.

"Cayde, you copy?" Void squinted as he tried to spot the man in the eye of the storm, merely a few hundred meters away from the veil.

"Positive, planted explosives on the perimeter, standby." Cayde's finger rested on the trigger, he raised a hand, an entire squad of bombardiers took aim with rocket launchers on their shoulders.

Void heaved in a breath, "Light em up."

Cayde's lips curled to a smile, his hand dropped.

Rockets rained on the veil, hundreds of explosive mines triggered. In an instant, the veil erupted, a radiant ball of energy spread and thundering shockwaves shot outwards.

With the Hive's stronghold no longer obscured by their magic, they were vulnerable. The explosion rang tremors deep within their underground necropolis.

Hoards of thralls rushed to the surface, ambushed by thousands of guardians.

The fiendish fire in the sky flared, as a harsh wind blew causing the smoke and dust to settle.

and then, there was war.

--

A legion of guardians charged, using the eruption to mask their ambush. Countless thralls were met by a hail of bullets raining on them.

There it was, the monumental clash of light and dark. Guardians razed the hive armies to the ground, establishing an early foothold in the gruesome war.

However, lead and light were not a complete answer to the Hive.

Shaxx mowed through several thralls with his burning hammers, suddenly an icy chill crept up his spine, then the light in his veins seized and clotted.

The ground cracked- fissures leading to the Hive necropolis appeared.

A hundred Hive knights marched from within, their obsidian blades forged and cultivated in death itself. A malefic aura emanated from them, staining all that was present with darkness.

"Wipe them out!" He roared swinging his sol hammer, only to be met with the Knight's impervious black shield. But as he tried to swing once more, it was too late.

The moment his hammer had connected, a dark power stripped him of his connection to the Traveler.

Shaxx felt his heart sink, faced with an impervious and invincible enemy, his light served him no longer.

The Hive knight could sense his dread. Immediately, its black shield crumbled and the knight swung its hexed blade overhead.

Shaxx grit his teeth and blocked at the last instant, the sheer force of the blow brought him to his knees. But the fight wasn't over.

As the entire frontline was overwhelmed with the knights. The Nightstalkers hadn't sat idle.

"Shoot!"

What seemed to be a mirage ripped through the horizon and tore through the storm. For a moment, the battlefield was struck with awe, as all witnessed the cataclysmic Shadowshots falling from the sky.

The devouring light erupted, eating away at the dark. Chains and tethers sprouted and slithered towards their enemies.

Tides had turned, with the Knights bound, their stripped light had returned. Shaxx summoned his hammers once more, with a burning vengeance.

He struck and cleaved through one Knight, leading his squad to gain more ground.

As the momentum shifted, the Arc striders weaved in through the gaps in their assault, led by Sai Mota, using their lightning they ruthlessly tore through the Hive ranks.

The warlocks were not far behind, as the Hive struggled to find a foothold. Several void warlocks rose to the skies, fury festering in their hearts.

Their energy's converged, resulting in one massive Novabomb hurling through the Hive's forces, crushing and eating away at any unfortunate within its path.

With the Hive on retreat, the guardians seemed at a certain advantage. However, despite the ambush, repelling the Knights and thralls had consumed most of their light.

Though with the Traveler's grace, they could recover it in mere instants, for some peculiar reason, that connection seemed severed.

As a bout of weakness gripped the guardians, they too strategized a retreat while leaving behind scouts for the Hive.

And so, the first day of the lunar war was over, light and dark had clashed, but nothing had prevailed. Shax and the Vanguard had rallied back their elites within their camps, determined to strike back with more ferocity.

However, none were wiser to what the future held. Everything was up to fate. Or rather, as it would have been- Alas, a certain Nightstalker was prowling the battlefield as a scout.

Pacing around the marred lunar field, Void was struck with an idea. Though he knew he couldn't win the war alone, he could definitely cut back their losses.

==

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Void gripped his sword, he could feel Zamyr's presence stirring within. He knew why- The Hive's corrupted souls were a perfect solution to the blade's hunger.

''Ease up, we won't be on the side lines much longer.'' He continued to whisper and the sword relented.

Taking determined steps, Void prowled the frontlines, his thoughts racing in his mind.

"You know if the others saw you talking to your sword, they'd label you crazy." Levi chuckled, his figure flickering beside Void.

"Maybe they'd finally label you a creep for sneaking up on people." Void brushed off his arm and continued walking.

"Can't blame a guy for being good at his job" Levi shrugged.

The two walked along the edge of hellmouth, with the storm still raging on, one couldn't easily step outside the Hive's fortress.

Hence, after securing ground, the guardians had managed to setup several shabby war camps deep into the Hive fortress. Though they weren't much, it was a blessing for fireteams always on the move.

"It's not looking so good." Void stopped and turned to look towards the Hive tunnels leading deep into the earth.

Levi nodded. His eyes traced the scarred ground, mere hours earlier, a massive skirmish had taken place, with the guardians struggling to maintain ground.

"Wars never do."

Void heaved a breath and sighed, "You know what I meant."

"I do." Levi paused, he raised a brow, "so what's the big plan with you loitering around the outskirts? We've got plenty of scouts already."

Void's eyes narrowed, "I'll transfer to the frontlines, join up with the crucible squads. It'll be better use of me."

Levi smirked, "Well aren't you the genius to figure that one out. A step too slow though."

Void shot him a questioning glance, Levi continued walking as he kicked a rock forwards.

"Don't give me that look. I knew you'd eventually come up with an excuse to leave." Levi shook his head.

"Lucky for you, I sniffed that out." He smiled, "I told the Captain we didn't need a lousy archer in our setup and In his infinite wisdom, he agreed. Guess you're starting on the front lines tomorrow."

"Lousy archer?" Void grimaced.

"I'd apologize, but have you seen your aim? Besides, I needed strong words to convince the higher ups. You should be thanking me." Levi waved him off.

"Someone ever tell you that you're bit of a stalker?" Void's face twitched.

"Like I said, good at my job." Levi smiled back.

==

[Vanguard War Camp]

With the war underway, all guardians within the high-brass had gathered in the Vanguard's camp.

The air was stifling and the mood was sour. The reality of war had shown its bleak colours, and the consequences of losing were far more than they could afford.

With one foot in the war effort, the guardians couldn't afford to withdraw. A retreat would likely trigger a massive chase, exposing the city's weakness to the Hive.

Ikorra, Zavala, Cayde and the Speaker sat quietly across the various squad leaders and elites. A dreadful silence hung in the room.

Naturally, the one to break the mould, was Shaxx.

The warlord held enough renown to garner respect and fear, and he used it well.

"The Hive that we face now, are not the ones we know of. Their powers are unheard of, almost as if they were a different species altogether."

Shaxx's words echoed, everyone present had no choice but to agree.

They themselves had seen these inexplicable powers. For what the hive were using, was darkness- An ancient and unknown enemy that had somehow returned.

None knew why the Hive were capable of wielding it. Most of all, none knew it had returned.

But the signs were present. The only one to faintly link them, was the Speaker. Yet despite his knowledge, even he would fail to understand how the Hive wielded such ancient power.

Humanity was clueless.

"What do you suggest?" Zavala leaned towards the table, engrossed in thought.

Shaxx paused, contemplating each word, "Their swords hold extraordinary power. Each cut bleeds light from our veins. That power is dangerous, its not something we can handle."

"Lord Shaxx, if you're suggesting a retreat, it'd be far too foolish. We're in too deep. A retreat now, would just be inviting danger to our doorstep." Lakshmi interrupted.

Though she held a point of her own, her incentives lay in the city utilizing more of her soldiers- An opportunity the Future War Cult was not willing to give up.

"I agree, this isn't a fight we can simply turn away from." Jalaal quipped.

"We also feel the same, we can't be turning our backs now." Hideo chimed in.

The room fell silent. With the Hive on the backfoot many wanted to push further into hellmouth, while some felt it was far too dangerous to fight the hive within their wretched domain.

The war council was divided.

--

[Lunar Orbit]

A stealth Jumpship zipped through space as it tunnelled towards the Lunar Orbit. Reaching its outer perimeter, the ship's thrusters sputtered out.

Its momentum carried it forwards, the ship glided towards the lunar boundary, eventually coming to a stop.

Toland's keen eyes surveyed through all vanguard channels, collecting all information he could.

"Looks like the first encounter was a tough one." He mused.

Guren skimmed through the combat logs summarizing everything, "They're planning the next move."

"What's the sentiment?" Toland's eyes narrowed.

"Hesitation." Guren floated to his side, "they are not prepared."

Toland nodded, "What's the analytical outcome?"

"Assuming a constant level of aggression from both sides." Guren paused, "they won't last another two days."

"Seems the plan is shaping up nicely." Toland chuckled, his eyes trained on the Hive runes carved within his journal.

"Soon."

==

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[Hellmouth]

As night turned to day, the fractured horizon remained unchanged- ablaze with wretched viridian flames.

A hundred fireteams marched towards the tunnels, determined to push back the hive and infiltrate their home. This time, Void had chosen to accompany the crucible squads.

Warrod, Amos, Edith, Jason and Shaxx. The one's he knew were all present.

"We'll march to the front and charge in, if its only thralls, then we break through the tide and claim new ground." Shaxx briefed his squads.

Void nodded, and then chimed in "The Hive aren't stupid, I reckon they'll bring in the big guns today. Keep on your toes."

The Crucible squads nodded, Void was among the first to survey the Hive on the moon, his advice wouldn't fall on deaf ears.

"That's why you're here? To match the big guns?" Warrod chuckled.

Void smirked, "Well someone's gotta take the heat, and we both know its not those two" He gestured towards Jason and Edith.

"I heard that." Jason coughed while Edith rolled her eyes.

"Good, since you're already paying attention, I'll give you a tip. If you hear my sword, then duck." Void shrugged.

"What if I don't?" Amos raised his brows.

"Let's just say you'd be head under heels for me." Void passed the squad, standing towards the front.

All fireteams had marched towards the tunnel entrances. Facing the tunnels that stretched deep towards the necropolis, a shudder ran through those present.

A howling wind swept up carrying a foul stench of rotten bones. Fear gripped the hearts of those present, halting their march.

As the air grew heavier, the ground trembled and stifling pressure choked their ranks.

"This feeling." Void's eyes narrowed as a familiar sensation abruptly washed over him.

He immediately signalled Shaxx to be cautious, but those around him followed it too, suddenly all eyes and ears fell on void.

But the tremors continued to shake the ground, nearing the surface as the seconds ticked down.

"Hive Ogres! Watch their eyes!" Void barked.

As if his words had manifested, a dreadful quake shook the ground, the scattered tunnels seemed to shake and crumble, and the Ogres rushed to the surface.

The Ogres shrill cries resonated, instantly rupturing any ear that dared to listen. Their shrieks had summoned the winds themselves, and a tempestuous gale swept the battlefield.

An army of thralls flooded the surface. Hell had broken loose.

Streaks of blood trickled down their faces, pooling at the ground, thousands were maimed, and countless were brought to their knees.

A spell of weakness seized the guardians, their minds were disarrayed and hearts sunken. The thralls leapt towards the enfeebled and the Ogres gathered their fiendish fire.

All hope seemed to be crushed and splintered.

-Click-

Void unsheathed his blade, his light violently flaring. He shot forwards, and swung.

A crushing strike cleaved through the air, and struck the Hive, tearing them apart. It instantly erupted, the shockwave of energy hurled everyone back and cleared the field for a brief moment of respite.

Flung backwards, Void flipped in the air and dug his feet into the dirt, sliding to a stop.

"Now!"

Shaxx conjured his flaming hammers and pounced towards the fight, he hurled one hammer as it collided with one Ogre, bursting out in a flaming eruption.

The few seconds Void had bought were enough for everyone to regain their footing, immediately the guardians were back to their full assault.

But as the Hive realized their fatal tactic had failed, more thralls hatched and rushed towards the fight.

As the guardians met the Hive in a fierce and bloody battle, Hive Knights and Wizards emerged from fissures. But this time, the guardians were prepared.

A group of warlocks channelled untamed lightning through the light. As thunder clouded the horizon, they aimed towards the Wizards. The thunder coursed through them, and a bolt threatened to strike the fissures.

But just as it did, the Knights summoned their impenetrable stygian shields. Light and Dark collided, and a quake radiated through the lunar surface.

The Hunters weren't far behind, zipping past the shields, in an instant they whipped around and struck with their Golden Gun. The radiant bullets tore through the Knights, burning them alive.

As the Knights fell, the Ogres entered a frenzy, fire danced in their eyes.

Fearing the worst, the shield titans erected domes to safe guard as many as they could.

As the fiendish fire spilled, the Ogre's fire poured out, striking the domes with full force. No side could give up, and the struggle of power continued.

But as Void found his footing, he gripped his sword and zoomed past the front-lines, facing the Ogre's alone.

A faint coat of light masked his presence. Suddenly he appeared, with a spectral aura converging at the edge of his blade. The Ogre's sensed him, but it was too late.

Void danced within the battlefield, carving his devouring light into the Ogre's with relentless strikes. His gilded blade had singed their rotten flesh, eating through it.

The sudden strikes disrupted the Ogres, their fire weakened. Grasping the opportunity, Ikorra led a squad of warlocks, each conjuring a Nova Bomb with their palms.

The Nova bombs hurled through the horizon, but a hundred necrotic chains slithered in from emerging fissures, wrapping around the bombs. An ensuing eruption seemed imminent, but the chains seemed to contain the energy.

Though their tactic had failed, Void didn't stop, and rushed in once more. Because he knew what was next.

Just as he had thought, cataclysmic Shadowshots tore through the horizon's seam, crashing towards the Wizards.

The arrows collapsed into an eruption, eating away at the Wizards. Devouring tethers struck through them, chaining them to the ground, sapping their magic.

Void emerged like a wraith, ready to reap his souls. Before the wizards could continue their magic, he swiped with his blade and cleaved them in half.

With all the Hive he had reaped, his sword emanated a faint ghastly gleam.

'I am close' Void knew there wasn't much left before he could unleash Zamyr's power.

As the ferocious battle continued, the guardians rained bullets on the Hive, matching blow for blow.

Rockets struck the Hive like hail, and swept the field of thralls. But the Ogres still stood. The necrotic magic sewed their flesh together forcing them to writhe in agony.

Void looked to dash in, but then, the world halted.

Like a puppet without strings, Void found himself unable to move. His eyes widened, and his heart raced.

Something was wrong.

Then, memories of Praedyth flashed in his mind, and a strange force seemed to burn through them. His memories began to crumble, erasing themselves as if they had never existed.

Void struggled, but he couldn't counter it on his own. It was only then, that his sword shuddered- As if summoned.

Zamyr's presence stirred, overwhelming whatever had overtaken him. The Ahamkara's will shielded Void from the world and the sensation passed.

Time flowed once more. But Void was certain, he had lost something.

Something he couldn't recall.

==

 

[Writers-Ablood]

==

Void faltered taking a knee, his blade dug into the soil, a ghastly aura emanated from its edge.

"You awake?" He heaved a breath. The battle against the Ogre's raged on.

~Reunited at last, O brother mine~ Zamyr's gravelly and jubilant voice resounded within his mind

"That feeling earlier, was it the Vault?" Void's mind raced, he scrambled to connect the dots, immediately searching for what he had lost.

~Indeed, the Templar sought to rewrite your memories~ Zamyr scoffed, to it the Templar was but a child tugging at the strings of time, hoping to unwind its fabric.

The memories of Kabr's fireteam flooded his mind. Pahanin, Kabr and Praedyth. Void's eyes narrowed. He recalled meeting the titan and hunter, but Praedyth....his mere existence eluded his mind.

He couldn't wrap his thoughts around it. To him, only a reflection of the warlock was left behind, etched in his memory.

Void grit his teeth, 'So they're already deep in the vault.'

He'd hoped that Kabr wouldn't rush into Venus, but it was all in vain. With the war, there was no way Void could help.

"Can you help them? The one's in the vault" As a last resort, Void whispered in his mind.

Perhaps...Zamyr could still make a difference.

The wish dragon paused, seemingly perturbed at the request. It's consciousness faded for a second, but then it replied.

~Their fates are their own, while yours is intertwined with mine.~

Void nodded, for a moment it weighed on his mind. Whatever the conclusion, he vowed to take revenge.

Void got to his feet, "Whatever happens, don't let the Templar erase my memories."

~Fear not O brother mine, I will shield you~ Zamyr chuckled.

With a swift flick, Void cleaned his blade, a thin aura coated his figure.

"Hope you're ready, its time you pull your weight." Void angled the blade towards the Ogres.

His feet dug into the ground, and his light erupted. With both hands gripping the hilt of his sword, Void raised the blade overhead.

"Rip them apart."

Instantly, he shot forwards with an explosive step, his figure flickered.

~As you wish~

The blade quivered, a harrowing energy wove into the sword. Almost as if fate itself had sharpened its edge.

Feeling the weight of his blade rise, Void darted, treading on air with a thin coat of light on his heels. He swung, and a ferocious slice cut through the wind, like a whisper eating away at the world.

Those who saw it that day would go on to describe it as dreadful. A horrifying sword strike that gnawed at the seams of reality- A frightening power able rend the untouchable.

Tearing through the field, it struck an Ogre, rending spirit from flesh. An attack that aimed at the very core of the Ogre.

And so began the legend of the Ghost Sword.

With the Ogre cleaved in two, its bones shook. But no magic could save it now, with a final shriek, its gargantuan body began to melt away. Stripped of its soul, the Ogre was a mere pile of bones and flesh.

As it withered, the battle intensified, guardians and Knights rushed to the front. A ruthless bloodbath ensued. With one less Ogre to hold the onslaught, new Wizards emerged.

With their hymns and chants, they summoned an army of Knights to turn the tides. But the guardians weren't far behind in terms of reinforcement.

Wei Ning hurled a Knight away, charging towards the front. A thunderous roar resounded and she surged with lightning, leaping towards the skies. A squad of arc titans rallied behind her.

Up above as lightning danced and thunder cackled, the titans gathered their light. Like falling stars, they shot towards the Hive.

With a thunderclap erupting above them, the Hive erected their shields. Then, it all came crashing down.

The guardians hid within their domes as a lightning flash razed the battlefield. The air trembled, and the ground charred black, shockwaves tore through the dirt and shattered the lunar surface.

Void squinted, the massive eruption had almost engulfed him. He looked back, the others felt the same. It was far too difficult for guardians to fight as an army. They were was just not enough space.

As the tremors died down, both sides were doggedly hanging on. But the Hive were in dire straits. Their armies were slaughtered, and only one of the two Ogre's had survived the thunderous assault.

Yet, they didn't back down.

A stifling fear choked the guardians. They had fought tooth and nail, hundreds had perished trying to slaughter their champions. Now they had razed one army to the ground and yet, the Hive persisted.

They showed neither fear nor remorse. All they held was a strong desire to fight.

As the guardians emerged from their domes, gathering towards the front, they held their breaths.

The Hive had already began raising a new army. A million thralls clawed their way out from hellmouth, with a cohort of Wizards weaving their rituals and then a legion of Knights marched through the gates.

A harrowing thought gripped those present. How long could they fight?

The enemy boasted an infinite legion of mindless thralls, cunning wizards and frightening Knights.

How long could they fight on? How long could they struggle against them?

It didn't take long for such thoughts to bloom within their minds. As darkness choked the lunar surface, their light dimmed.

With the Traveler's grace stripped from them, the guardians couldn't fight for long. It seemed, their light wasn't bright enough to illuminate the dark.

Was this the end? Or perhaps, the beginning of something grim?

Void watched with the Hive with bated breaths. How long could he fight for?

A familiar sensation jolted through him. An ominous presence watched him, the world had stopped.

'The Vault' Void's face darkened, had the Templar acted again?

"Zamyr" He cried out out, a phantasmal Ahamkara appeared, wrapping around his shoulders like a serpent.

Before the Templar could overpower him Zamyr's will gripped the fabric of time.

Templar's overwhelming authority contested it, but the Ahamkara held it in no regard, it simply commanded the world to concede. As long as it concerned its own soul, none could go against its desires, its wishes.

With its wishful intercession, time broke free from the vault and disobeyed Templar, breaking its control.

As the sensation passed, the world resumed.

But the Ahamkara grew restless. Void felt it too. With the Hive standing on their feet, fickle fate was no longer on their side.

As if it recognized the moment, the Ahamkara cautioned Void, its voice sullen.

~Be careful! It is near, O brother mine~ Zamyr shivered.

Void felt the urgency in its voice, "What is?"

~Death~

 

[Writers-Ablood]

==

Void shuddered sensing the overwhelming presence underneath Hellmouth.

The fractured horizon flared brighter, vermillion embers gnawing away at its seams. Signifying the beginning of something macabre.

His heart pounded.

-Badump-

Void froze.

All guardians turned pale as a foul and wicked aura gripped the battlefield paralyzing every soul present.

The Hive wizards seemed frantic, their magic trembled. Whereas the Knights and thralls stood tall and roared recognizing the presence.

Their fanatical and shrill cries choked the guardian's spirits. They could feel it too. The power of the overwhelming and tyrannical entity ascending through the necropolis.

He was coming. Crota, the eater of hope.

~Retreat Now!~ Zamyr cried out.

Void snapped out of his trance, instantly scattering a dozen remote smoke mines across the field. His eyes frantically darted around

"Lord Shaxx! Order the retreat! There's no time!" Void barked, his voice drowned out by a vile and fiendish roar.

A bout of weakness took over the guardians. Void could feel his light being sapped away.

To his despair, the next instant, archaic Hive runes shimmered. A darkness loomed over the horizon, and no light reached the moon's surface. As if banished by a higher power.

The ground quaked and the lunar surface fractured. A wicked viridian fire poured out of hellmouth. Then, a thunderous roar reverberated. Wielding his heretical sword in hand, his figure set ablaze by a fiendish flame.

Crota, the Hive's Ascendant Prince, emerged from the abyss.

Facing the World-breaker, their souls shuddered and fear overwhelmed them. His presence alone felt suffocating but as he gripped his sword, the guardians felt an excruciating pressure weighing on their chests.

Crota's Sword Logic carried a tyrannical will. Having seen it themselves, they knew it was too late.

Void's heart raced.

The Guardians, no, humanity itself would lose. He couldn't let it happen. But Crota's sword logic was too strong.

'I can't clash with it head on. I need to restrain him.' Void's face stiffened. Memories flashed in his mind and his eyes widened.

There was one way, no perhaps it was the only way.

'System, open card store: Tevis.'

-------

{Tevis Larsen's Abilities}

1. Shadow Shot Max Mastery: Deadfall (500,000 D)
2.Phantom Step (200,000 D)
3. Onyx Blades (600,000 D)

*Only abilities experienced by the user can be bought.

------

'Purchase two Shadowshots'

He clenched his fists, a fervent violet light burned within, curving around his palms to form his bow.

Void's light erupted. His target was simple, to break whatever spell Crota had managed to overwhelm them with, he only had one chance. So he would use his strongest card from the start.

'Use them both' Void immediately consumed the two cards.

The sudden surge of aura startled those around him. They couldn't understand how Void had the power to continue.

As Void pulled the string back, light condensed into a dark arrow. But when the cards got used, the Shadowshot warped into something dreadful.

Onyx chains wrapped around Void's arm, his light compacted into a devouring nova at the arrows tip. Void felt an immense weight tugging at his fingertips.

But the Hive prince immediately perceived the sudden influx of light, his eyes turned murky black. He raised his sword, with a taunting grin. His gaze wandered the battlefield, who dared to face him?

Crota's soul weighed on Void, and as the Hive prince wielded his blade, it was now or never.

'Zamyr!' Void beckoned.

The Ahamkara wove its soul into the arrow, lacing it with its lethal presence. Void hoped to catch the Hive prince off guard, but the tactic proved to be a mistake.

An instant after the Ahamkara's interference, Crota's eyes snapped to Void and his gaze settled. The Hive prince flashed a cynical grin.

'Did he sense Zamyr!' Void's heart skipped a beat. With the arrow's surging power slowly eating away at his grip, Void's gaze hardened, he could afford no mistakes.

Despite Void's overwhelming light, Crota didn't seek to dodge, he sought to destroy. A ruinous darkness covered his crystalline blade. His face contorted with a maddening shriek.

With a swift flick of his wrist, the Hive prince raised his sword. Without wasting a second, Crota swung. His terrifying might was at full display.

Faster than sound, his sword strike cleaved the lunar surface, tearing towards Void. Facing impending doom, Void released the Shadowshot.

A dreadful Onyx arrow cut through the air, instantly colliding against the surging sword strike. Light and dark rushed to the devour the other, but their collision which should have resulted in a turbulent eruption simply fizzled out.

'He matched that power with one swing?' Void's eyes widened, Crota's power... it was far more frightening than he could imagine.

Crota and Void locked eyes once more. He could feel that the Hive prince was curious about Ahamkara's power. Something the prince had never seen before.

'He wants it' Void's eyes narrowed, his breath quickened. Void glanced around, whatever spell Crota had used was broken. The guardians were no longer bound by darkness.

The first to move were a group of elite titans. It was pure instinct.

"Protect the others!"

Those were the only words Void heard, and chaos ensued. Twelve titans rushed towards Crota, seeking to slow him down.

But the Hive were not so easily stopped. Crota's roar shook his army. Thralls and Knights leapt towards the front. It was an all out war with nothing to spare. In mere moments, a cataclysmic disaster had engulfed Hellmouth.

Shaxx watched as Crota reaped the light from one titan after another. No matter what they did, he was simply too strong.

The Hive prince marched towards the centre, with each step he took, a hundred souls perished. With each swing, he reaped their light, devouring it to strengthen his own soul.

As Crota marched, hundreds rushed in with only one goal, to buy time.

Shaxx stood, facing the destruction, a bitter taste lingered in his mouth. His hammer burned ever brighter, just as he was about to charge in, a hand clasped his shoulder.

"Lord Shaxx! We must retreat, its not possible without you!" Void pulled the titan back.

Shaxx let go of his grudge, his duty was far more important than revenge. The city needed him.

"I will gather the Vanguard, get the team and maintain a defence line!" Shaxx barked, rushing towards Zavala's direction.

Void bolted through the chaos, with a snap of his fingers, all remote smoke mines detonated creating a fog barrier.

"Run through the smoke! Now!" Void bellowed, a purple fog swiftly spread across the field aiding in their retreat.

His eyes lingered at the ones who'd chosen to fight Crota, a bitter gleam flashed in his eyes.

Across the battlefield, Shaxx charged towards the south line, towards Ikorra. But with their powers restored, the Vanguard was already retaliating in full force.

Ikorra flew towards the sky, lightning danced on her fingers. As she channelled her light, a bright thunderstorm engulfed the battlefield, smiting the Hive's army. Zavala took the exact opposite approach, conjuring a titanic shielding dome. As all hell broke loose, he sought to defend what was left.

Unlike them, Cayde chose to embrace the chaos altogether. His squad of bombardiers and rocketeers refused to back down. Aiming at the Hive prince and his Knights, they constantly shot out explosives.

Shaxx rushed inside Zavala's barrier, helping carry the injured towards safety, "Call the retreat. We've got no time to waste!"

"Zavala, do it! Tell the warlocks to rush to the back!" Ikorra continued channelling her lightning.

Zavala grit his teeth, holding the barrier steady with both hands. "All guardians, this is Vanguard Commander. Ordering a full retreat now! Warlocks, get to the back! Everyone else, cover the retreat! The City needs us to survive, we cannot fail here!"

The sudden command sent waves of guardians to the back. Though they Knights and thralls were on their tail, with the aid of the spreading fog, their retreat was obscured.

But the threat wasn't over.

In the minutes that had passed, hundreds had lost their lives to Crota. The world-breaker was far too vicious of an enemy. He marched ahead, ruthlessly massacring any ill fated to stand in his way.

Mowing through hundreds of light-bearers, Crota drew on their souls to replenish his sword logic. The strange power he consumed from them, it was enticing. The Hive prince had decided that he would not let a single soul escape.

Yet, as Crota took another step forward, a lightning bolt came thundering down. From within, came a fierce warrior. She single-handedly pushed back the Knights.

A jade cong on her wrist reverberated as she punched out, her strikes erupting with lightning. Finally, she faced the world-breaker. Her eyes carried an unbridled rage.

Crota could feel the purity of her soul, that was exactly what he was looking for. A suitable target to devour. He sauntered towards her as she spoke words he didn't care to comprehend.

"I challenge you." Wei Ning barked, her voice leaden. She couldn't allow more to be destroyed.

Away from the battle, Void despaired as he spotted Crota approaching Wei Ning. He knew exactly what was to come. It wasn't something he could allow to happen. He immediately dashed towards her.

But then, an ominous sensation pricked his sixth sense. Void shuddered.

----

[Lunar Horizon]

As the grim battle raged on, a stealth jumpship quietly soared above the Ocean of Storms.

Toland quietly surveyed the battle, "Hundreds dead, I guess you were right."

"My analysis is never wrong" Guren nodded.

"I suppose its time we join the fray." Toland caressed his runic journal. An eerie and wretched power rested within it.

"Where will it happen?" Guren mused.

Toland looked on the battlefield, his eyes glimmering as he spotted a few familiar faces. He hummed a peculiar melody.

"How about we finish where we left off?" His eyes burned with a wretched gleam.

===

 

[Writers-Ablood]

---

Void flickered, shooting towards Wei with frightening speed. A terrifying omen weighed on his heart, akin to an augury of doom. His thoughts raced.

'Is it Crota?' Void's face darkened, an uncertainty stirred in his chest. His figure materialized, gripping his blade, Void stood beside Wei.

"Get back, this isn't your fight." Wei noticed his presence and snapped with a sharp glare.

"It's not yours either. Join the retreat, there's still time." Void pleaded, his eyes lingered on the Hive prince.

Crota sauntered towards them, dragging along his heretical sabre. Viridian flames danced around the blade as it dug into the lunar surface.

"I can't do that."

Wei's light surged, a jolt danced around her fingers and lightning coiled around her arms. She punched, and a turbulent storm thundered towards the Hive prince.

Crota roared, and with a savage strike, crushed the lightning. Facing his flames, the storm trembled. Raw power coursed through her veins, and Wei charged by hurling another cyclone towards him.

Void unsheathed his sword and immediately poured his light into the blade.

A second later, Crota broke through the tempest, thrusting his dreadful sabre towards Wei. But just as it grazed her, a lilac light flickered and Void's blade parried his own.

As their swords clashed, Crota easily overpowered the hunter, flinging him away. Void dug his blade into the ground, barely grinding to a halt, "We can't win!" he barked.

"I know." Wei charged again, her fists collided with Crota's crystalline Sabre. With shear strength, she forced the Hive prince half a step back. But as the viridian flames flared, Wei felt her light being burned away.

Void instantly clicked his wrist, his comms connecting to the Nightstalker's private channel. "Code red, if you've got spare hands, shoot this way."

The comms buzzed, and a strained voice replied, "You bastard, we're fully booked, but I'll cut you a deal. Sit tight." Levi spoke through panting breaths.

The Hive prince acted with frightening speed, thrusting his dreadful Sabre forwards. But moments before it reached Wei, a lilac light flickered, Void's blade clashed with the heretical sabre.

Before Crota could pull back, Wei jostled with lightning and threw another punch- Thunder roared and a storm struck the Hive prince, but he did not falter. With a savage swing, Crota flung Wei backwards. Instantly, he raised his sabre, slamming it above Void's head.

Void grit his teeth and sliced above to parry, but as sword and sabre clashed, a terrifying force came crashing down, forcing him to his knees. Void's arms shook as he desperately gripped the hilt of sword.

Crota's viridian flames danced over Void ready to burn his soul to cinders. Void spat out blood and struggled to escape, but Crota's sabre easily pushed him down.

Tearing through the skies, a Shadowshot flew towards Crota. Sensing its corrosive light, Crota redirected his fire above. Pillars of flame slithered and collided with the it swallowing it whole.

At that instant, Crota lost sight of Void and the latter's figure scattered into haze. The Shadowshot's unstable energy erupted with a bright flash, pushing everything back.

Shockwaves scattered and Void flickered beside Wei. He was battered and bruised, with a necrotic energy eating away at his strength.

"Are you planning to die here? Leave!" Wei barked stumbling to her feet, Crota's sabre had dug into her skin, leaving her panting for breaths.

"I could ask you the same thing!" Void stayed down, hoping to gather his strength. His eyes darted around the battlefield. The smokescreens he placed had lingered, allowing the retreating guardians time to recoup.

Just ahead of the retreat, the frontline was filled with hundreds that faced the army to buy time. But with the rejuvenated Hive army fiercely attacking them, their frontline would soon crumble.

Yet in this situation, keeping Crota occupied for a few minutes was the most he could ever do for the city. He knew Wei could not bear that burden alone.

Then, a cold shiver ran down his spine. Void's eyes widened and he yanked Wei down.

"Duck!"

A vicious gale swept across, tearing through the dust clouds. Crota had just cleaved through the eruption. Void's eyes narrowed, "He's not playing around anymore."

He could sense Crota's patience growing thin. Right now, brewing within the prince's malefic soul, Void could see it , a terrifying desire to kill.

Void shakily got to his feet. "Don't let that blade touch you. " His eyes were glued to Crota's sabre. The viridian flames retreated from Crota's figure and wickedly danced around his blade.

Wei pursed her lips, observing Void's courage, she was flustered. A young guardian was giving it his all, just to survive. So why had she lost hope? No, she couldn't afford to let him down.

She tapped her communicator twice and the Praxic Fire's channel lit up. Wei looked ahead, Crota's malevolent killing intent had condensed into the world. The Hive prince lifted his sabre.

That was all she saw.

Crota took a step forward. A single step, that left everything in ruin. Immediately appearing ahead, his sabre loomed above their heads. He swung and a fiendish storm descended towards them, ripping the horizon apart.

Void jerked forwards, preparing to swing but Wei threw him to the side. Her Jade Cong trembled with lightning as her fist collided head on with the sabre.

Necrotic flames ate away at her arms but she refused to let go. With each passing second, Wei struggled under the sabre's weight, her feet dug into the soil.

"Reinforcements will come in a bit, we just need... to hold him back." Wei panted, her fingers gripped the sabre's edge.

Void writhed in pain, a necrotic rot gripped his soul. Watching Wei struggle to hold back Crota's blade, Void came to a dreadful realization. He couldn't muster even a single ounce of light.

'Zamyr, is this the end you saw?' A strange thought bloomed in Void's mind. With a swift flick, Void discarded his sheath. If this was the end, he'd go down fighting.

~Do it now. Use it.~ The Ahamkara's whispers echoed and the ring stirred awake.

Void grabbed the fragment hanging around his neck. As if possessed, its crude markings shimmered. The fragment began eating away at the necrotic flames and a bright light pulsed from its core, momentarily stunning Crota.

[Traveler's Blessing activated! Time remaining: 30 seconds]

The sudden burst of light chased away the dark, filling Void and Wei with brimming light.

Facing the light, his wretched soul shivered. Crota's presence faltered, for the first time, his overbearing sword logic faced an entity it could not devour, a light it could not extinguish.

Wei's strength returned, and lightning danced to her tune. The sabre bounced off her figure as a thunderbolt erupted from within her. Immense light flowed through her as she shot towards the Hive prince.

Crota condensed a malefic ball of energy in his palm, with a flick of his wrist, the energy burst forth, colliding with Wei head on, it forced her to her knees.

[Time remaining: 29 seconds]

Void raised his sword overhead, its edge lined with a sharp lilac light.

-Clank-

A crushing strike violently cleaved through the air clashing with Crota's sabre, just as his sword strike was devoured by the sabre, Void flickered ahead.

Overpowering Crota's energy, Wei rose to her feet, charging towards him. Crota immediately raised his hand, and a malefic and fiery hail rained upon them. Void weaved through them, zipping towards the prince while Wei summoned a storm to smite the Hive prince.

Their swords clashed again. Without his tyrannical presence, Crota could not suppress the light. This time, Void's light had reached him, barely grazing his skin. Then, Wei's thunder struck and a pillar of lightning engulfed him.

But they knew it wasn't enough. Despite his suppressed powers, Crota was no weakling. Wrestling through the storm, he unleashed his sword logic, erasing the very concept of lightning.

Once again, the Hive prince had merely suffered a graze.

[Time remaining: 28 seconds]

Void summoned Zamyr's will and clashed against the sabre again, but despite the Ahamkara's power, Crota's sword logic could not be overturned. When their blades clashed again, Void was thrown back.

Taking advantage of the gap, Wei darted, lightning coiled around her arms. She threw hundreds of punches as uncountable shockwaves collided with Crota, each managing to stall him just a little.

[Time remaining: 27 seconds]

Void's eyes widened as he felt a familiar aura, he turned to spot a thunderbolt racing towards him. An instant later, Sai mota appeared. The two only shared a glance, but she had already grasped the situation.

Without a word, Sai Mota had joined the fray. Her lethal arc daggers barely chipping away the prince's crystalline skin.

As Void, Sai and Wei clashed with the eater of hope, the Hive prince fought with a mad frenzy, managing to dominate the three guardians.

[Time remaining: 26 seconds]

But then, a flaming meteor came crashing down and Eriana emerged with fiery wings, her flame bolstered their strength further. She joined the three in trying to suppress Crota, her fire dyed the horizon a golden hue.

As a song of fire resounded in the battlefield, four guardians raced against time to stop the world-breaker. Each second more precious than the last. Giving it his all, only one message lingered in front of Void's eyes.

[Time remaining: 25 seconds]

===

 

[Writers-Ablood]

----

[Time remaining: 25 seconds]

Four guardians raced to stall the worldbreaker, but the Hive prince had realized their intentions.

He roared, fire pouring from his blade as he swung. Crota's sabre cleaved through stone and space, tearing the lunar surface apart. His wicked viridian embers danced, twisting into a turbulent tempest that erupted forwards.

Then the winds howled, corrupted with Crota's Oversoul. It howled and trembled with the voices of devoured worlds, all eventually condensing into a tide.

[Time remaining: 24 seconds]

The timer ticked but the world had slowed down. Void's light flared.

He could see it, he could see everything. The ruinous emerald fire eating away at the ground, the monstrous tides storming towards him, and Crota's Oversoul that burned bright, akin to a corrupted star in a malignant sky.

Void tensed, a frightening pressure erupted from within him. At this instant, every fibre in his being was trying its hardest to push his body past the limit.

His heart pounded and blood rushed his veins. Gripping his blade, Void drew in a sharp breath.

'There's no time'

His eyes settled on the Hive prince, as if aware, the gears of time turned ever so slightly. He could see the approaching tide.

'Faster, I need to be faster'

His feet dug into the ground. A faint azure glow shimmered in his eyes. Void flickered.

'Faster than I've ever been.'

He exploded forward, racing against time itself. His form vanished, the afterimage of his light streaking azure and lilac across the battlefield.

-Clink-

Void swung. A wave of azure light traced his blade, his sword met the tempest head-on. But he felt it instantly. He knew the difference between him and a Hive prince.

A crushing pressure followed, if he crumbled now, Crota's Oversoul would swallow everything whole. As the world weighed on his shoulders, Void grit his teeth.

He would not fail here.

[Time remaining: 23 seconds]

"Watch your back!" Sai barked, arcs jolted through her. She tugged on lightning and raced towards the tide. Right at that instant, the skies rumbled, and Wei raised her fist coalescing the turbulent clouds into a quivering star.

The titan bellowed, beckoning thunder, and the star descended, wrapping around her wrist. Wei clenched her fist, a storm cloud swirled around her arm.

"Move now!" Wei bellowed, her voice a storm itself as she hurled the quivering star into the tide. The impact was blinding, a flash of thunder and light.

Void's hands trembled, the lightning seemed to affect him. As the storm thundered closer, he dragged his sword across the tide, gathering light into himself and flickered away.

Like an eruption, the corrupted winds clashed with the thunderstorm. But it wasn't over. Sai sped up, flicking her wrist and dragging lightning into her palms. With a swift leap the huntress fashioned lightning into a staff, spinning it in the air.

Sai twirled the staff in her arms, and aimed towards the heart of the tide. Her light surged, her grip tightened. The next instant, she flung the staff, it shot towards the erupting tides, piercing through them.

A malevolent maelstrom of thunder and fire broke out, scorching and scarring the barren moon dust. As the tremors settled a crater emerged, carved into the lunar surface.

Beyond it, wisps of fog merged and spat Void out to the ground. Panting, he struggled to his feet, his eyes glued to the battlefield searching for Crota. The battle wasn't over– It couldn't be.

Embers sparked beside him, an instant later, they scattered to reveal Eriana. Her flaming wings a soothing warmth. The warlock waved her hand and a healing rift surged open.

"Be careful," she said softly, her voice steady despite the crumbling world around her. The words were simple, but the weight behind them gave Void pause. He nodded, drawing strength from her presence.

[Time remaining: 19 Seconds]

Void hurriedly glanced at the timer, "He won't be like this for long. 19 seconds before Crota regains his powers."

Hundreds of questions raced in her mind, but for now, Eriana chose to trust the young hunter before him. Whatever the cause, they could not waste this opportunity.

"Zavala's ordered the retreat, the backline is secured." Eriana confirmed.

Here gaze shifted to the battlefield. Behind her, titans held the Hive army at bay while warlocks gathered at the edge of the field, their portals beginning to shimmer with light. Hope flickered in her eyes.

"I understand." Void heaved a breath, stumbling forwards. His hands quivered, a jolt arced between his fingers. A subtle reaction that didn't go unseen.

Eriana stuttered, she was sure of what she'd seen, "Void, your light…"

"I know." Void crept closer to the crater, his aura flickered, shifting between lilac and blue.

He sensed Sai and Wei's light, relieved that they were ready to continue. But where was Crota?

Had he retreated? No that wasn't possible, Void turned towards the sky. The corrupted star flashed bright, tendrils of necrotic fire flared in the horizon.

Above it all, a lone Sabre hung in the sky and it juddered.

[Time remaining: 17 seconds]

"Get ready" Void said, his voice steeling. Sai and Wei appeared beside him, their lights burning fiercely. Together, they turned their eyes skyward.

A seam of the world became undone, and Crota emerged from its gaping maw, brimming with power. The Hive prince raised his hand, and his blade answered. Just then, Crota flicked his hand down.

The Sabre shook, plunging towards the surface. As the calamitous blade descended towards them, Sai and Wei shot towards the sky, channeling their light they raced to deflect it.

Void saw the sabre falling towards them. His hands shimmering with arcs slowly brushing his blade as he sheathed it. A faint memory of Pahanin's technique flashed in his mind, soon mixing with his own imagination.

He could do it. No, he had to do it.

-Clink-

[New Subclass Unlocked! : Bladedancer]

Void's light shifted, a brilliant blue overtaking him, he looked up and swung, racing towards the sky like a thunderbolt as he appeared beside Sai and Wei. The three thunderbolts seemed to merge as they clashed with the prince's sabre

As thunder once again clashed against the Oversoul, the horizon tore at its seams.

[Time remaining: 16 seconds]

----

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Lightning danced across the sky, scattering light like shards of a shattered blue star. Thunder cracked, its deafening roar seemed to tear at the fiery seams of the horizon.

A tremor shook the battlefield, blue lightning flashed and Crota's crystalline sabre was blasted from the air, its cries reverberating as it powerlessly slunk back to its master's hands.

The clouds trembled and thunder struck the ground in a violent arc, spitting Void, Sai, and Wei onto the moon's battered surface. An instant later, Eriana's fire enveloped them, her healing warmth a fleeting respite.

[Time remaining: 16 seconds]

A storm brewed above, Sai raised her hand and beckoned. A bolt struck her palm and the huntress gripped the searing arc, molding it into a staff. Her cold eyes gauged Void, an imperceptible sense of disbelief and awe present in her gaze.

Words jumbled in her throat, followed by a sudden spell of unease. As if the storm within her mirrored the one above.

Her instincts screamed.

A jolt ran through her. Sai jerked to the right and Crota's sabre whistled past. Its burning edge slicing inches away from her neck. Her figure surged with lightning, Sai flickered. Her gaze darting till she spotted the Hive prince. With a swift flick of her wrist, the huntress hurled the staff and it exploded forwards.

Like a bolt of fury.

But even as her attack surged, the sabre that had missed her began to tremble. Like a puppet on unseen strings, and when a malevolent will tugged, it turned.

[Time Remaining: 15 Seconds]

Void drew in a breath, his lungs burned. His eyes flared a blue sheen. His mind focused, and the world froze.

He saw the instant the sabre's trajectory twisted, its burning edge turning towards Sai. A dark power radiated from it, wanting to pierce through her.

As each moment stretched to an eternity, the sabre blazed a viridian trail tearing through the air.

The timer ticked. [Time Remaining: 14 Seconds]

Void tried to move, at least he willed his body to obey, but it refused. Muscles convulsed in pain, his legs screamed in protest. The sabre loomed in front him, its searing edges so close he could feel the embers boil his skin as it glided past.

[Warning!: Status Condition (Lightning Overdraft) User is overwhelmed by lightning!]

[Warning!: Status Condition (Lightning Overdraft)]

His heart sunk, panic pounded in his chest, his body trembled under its own weight, and that's when he realized it. Unbeknownst to him, his light had pushed him too far.

'Move!' Void screamed internally.

Then a jolt flashed, like a crack of thunder and a brilliant blue shot past him.

'Wei!'

Her hand caught the edge of the sabre, Wei gripped it with all her strength. Sparks erupted as her Cong clashed against the Viridian fire. For an instant, the blade grinded to a halt.

But then its fire flared.

Wei's fingers cracked and crumbled, the metal on her gauntlets melted away. Lightning coursed through her veins, barely shielding her.

"Not today!" Wei growled.

[Time remaining: 13 Seconds]

As her knees buckled, Wei's light surged like a tempest. She drove her other fist into the flat edge of the sabre, the sheer force of her blow sent shockwaves rippling outwards. Yet the sabre didn't shatter.

Violently struggling in her grasp, the sabre burned through her fingers, eating away at her flesh as if alive, and as her light faltered for an instant, it wrenched free flinging her into the ground.

Crota loomed in the distance. Stretching from his Oversoul, tendrils of corrupted energy wrapped around Sai's staff, suspending it as it dissolved. The hive prince raised his hand, and the sabre flew to him with a sickening hum.

[Time remaining: 12 Seconds]

Crota's form began to blur, the edges of his figure melting into tendrils of shadow that slithered across the ground. The air chilled, a low hum of malevolence accompanying his vanishing act

The battlefield twisted, an unnatural darkness flooded above, staining the lunar skies, akin to ink on a dry canvas. Crota apparated, his towering figure punctuated by the eerie sea of darkness gathering below his feet.

When the four guardians raised their heads, the shrill cries of wailing souls within the dark tide echoed in their ears.

[Time remaining: 11 Seconds]

The Hive prince lowered his hand, blood curdling screams resounded, and an ocean of black came crashing down.

Eriana watched as an overwhelming darkness descended on them. Faint embers fizzled around her robe. Her fiery wings flared, and her frail arms weakly reached towards the horizon. She channelled her light.

Nestled in her palms, embers sputtered, giving life to fire.

A fire that formed into ferocious red serpents that rose from the barren ground, slithering as they shot towards the horizon. The serpents grew tall, straightening into radiant pillars that held back the dark.

With a sea of darkness weighing on her shoulders, the warlock barked.

"I can't hold it for long, scatter!"

[Time Remaining: 10 Seconds]

Her command was absolute. Sai darted left, arcs of lightning trailing her movements as she sought cover. Wei bolted, her fists glowing faintly as she prepared to strike again. Void stumbled, his body screaming in protest, but he forced himself to keep moving, adrenaline surging through his veins.

[Warning!: Status Condition (Lightning Overdraft)]

Void witnessed Eriana's flame struggling to hold back the dark, but with his own light working against him, he felt powerless. Void watched as the dark sea threatened to consume him, its tides wrestling against Eriana's fire.

'Powerless...' The word struck him. Void chuckled. It was true, he was powerless. Facing the strongest enemy he'd ever encountered, at the most critical junction, and just when he needed himself the most. He had fallen short.

A bitter pang resonated in his chest. 'So what if he lacked power?'

Was he supposed to roll over and accept his fate? No. That wasn't it. If all he needed was power, he would just borrow it.

'System, claim the roulette ticket'

[Claiming 1x Store Roulette Ticket]

....

[Spinning the wheel !]

A transparent blue screen popped to his right, at its centre was a large wheel. At each spoke, was a name, etched in bright light, brandishing its own hue. As the wheel spun, Void waited with bated breaths.

[Time Remaining: 9 Seconds]

The wheel slowly grinded to a halt, its pointer clicking along the spokes. When it finally came to a stop.

[Obtained 1x Character Card (Sai Mota) Lightning Waltz : For one minute, a coat of lightning envelopes you, Blade dancer abilities are enhanced ! ]

'Use it'

A crackle of thunder resounded, the card on the screen shattered into arcs and combined with his body. Lightning surged in his veins. He looked up, Eriana's pillars were beginning to crumble. The warlock was brought to her knees, her fire flickered.

Void stepped forward.

***

Eriana felt the weight of the world crashing down on her, and as Crota's dark tides consumed her fire, she felt inexplicable fear. Her breaths quickened, she forced her light to burn brighter, but she knew it was futile.

She watched in horror as her pillars buckled, and the dark horizon moved to swallow her. Thoughts raced in her mind. 'Sai and Wei, they've taken cover.' She was sure they'd continue the fight. But as she recalled Void being unable to move, she could only hope he'd made it out.

The dark sea was inches above her, she could hear the wretched and vile screams resonating from within. Any moment, and it would consume her too. Perhaps she would be among the forlorn souls fated to be trapped within Crota's blighted shadows.

But she'd played her part. In the end, that was all that mattered.

[Time remaining: 8 Seconds]

Lightning crackled, a blue spectre raced towards her.

Eriana turned with an anxious gaze. 'Sai?' Had the huntress come back to try and save her?. She panicked, her lips parted, she had to warn her to escape!

'No, it's not her. Then...it couldn't be!'

Void shot towards her, squeezing every ounce of light in his veins. Just as the dark enveloped her, Void dashed in, tore through the tides, and grabbed the warlock.

Before Eriana could even comprehend what happened, Void slung her over his shoulder, and darted. But the tides seemed to collapse around them. Eriana could not see a way out, she tried to summon her fire, but her light was too weak.

Then she heard it.

"Zamyr! Push it back!" Void barked.

[Time remaining: 7 Seconds]

The dark tides rushed towards them from all sides. But then, a ghastly presence seeped into Void's light. Unlike anything Eriana had seen before.

She recognized it, that phantasmal force.

As the tides closed in, Eriana saw an Ahamkara's claw rest on Void's shoulder. The spectral wish dragon coiled around Void's back, rearing its head towards Crota. At that instant, a clash of true transcendents took place.

The wish dragon displayed its might, expending the souls its blade had claimed to wrestle the forces of the world against the hive prince. Crota's shadows withered, reeling back to their master's embrace, much to the prince's surprise.

As all came to an end, Void's sword stirred.

~I have done what I can, we shall meet again. O Brother mine.~

Zamyr vanished.

[Time remaining: 6 Seconds]

Void and Eriana heaved in heavy breaths. Crota still flew over them, but the Hive prince seemed oddly consumed by his own shadow. Perhaps, unable to understand what had happened.

"Calling all forces! We've secured our Retreat! Portals are up, main ground forces have retreated! Pull back now!" Ikorra's voice buzzed on the common channel,

Instantly, Void and the others were filled with vigour. Leaving the Hive prince flabbergasted, the four guardians bolted towards the backlines.

With the portals in sight everyone sighed in relief. A squad of warlocks led by Ikorra was rushing everyone in. All tertiary squads had pulled back from the frontier. At a glance, Void could see the Nightstalkers were further away, still posted up on sentry.

Seeing as they had managed to hold back Crota, the other squads had ensured the Hive's armies failed in sabotaging their retreat.

This was the end, he'd made it. He'd single handed changed the course of the timeline.

He had succeeded.

***

In a Jumpship teetering above the ocean of storms, Toland hummed a grim melody. His gaze locked on to a peculiar Nightstalker. He'd seen the new guardian perform miracles. The hunter had pushed back the dark, and wrestled against the Hive ascendant. Toland knew of what Crota really was, and he was in awe.

'How did he do it?' The old warlock chuckled.

Now, as Void rushed towards the retreat. Toland felt bemused. His fingers caressed the journal in his hands, slowly flipping to another page. He'd watched as the war slowly came to an end, and Toland had loved every moment of it. What he'd learned from the Hive, was nothing less than a treasure.

Now, perhaps it was finally time to use it. One last puzzle, that the war would help him solve. Though he had expected far more casualties. This much, was still acceptable. The warlock fingers traced the runes he'd carved into his Journal.

Toland spoke. Not word, nor phrase. Neither eye or ear could perceive it.

And then, the runes glowed.

===

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Toland spoke. No words. No sound. Neither eye nor ear could perceive it. Then the runes glowed.

A cold gale swept across the barren plains, and an eerie thrum reverberated—low, resonant, inescapable, rooting them in place.

Void faltered. He was inches from the portal when a gelid chill slithered up his spine. The hymn echoed. Soft at first, then rising—spindly notes threading through bone, weaving into mind.

It beckoned.

A viridian brume rolled over the horizon, stitching the fractures in space like an old wound. Ghastly reflections stirred within.

Void's sixth sense screamed. His hand shot to his blade. But the sword, stripped of its souls, robbed of its voice was nothing more than a dull fang against the mysterious Hive magic.

It was too late.

Everything stalled.

The air folded. The world paused. And then they came. A cohort of Hive Wizards descended. Their robes burned with fiendish fire, their voices humming a wretched melody—a song that peeled the soul itself.

Their wretched melody swelled, layering over itself in discordant echoes, and the air hitched, choking every heart with an unseen pressure. Void's vision blurred, he saw as the cohort of hive wizards, pale and ghastly, stretched open their mouths.

A fiendish hue engulfed the world, their voice grew louder, and then life began to unravel, akin to a frayed string stretched thin. The death song, had begun.

Void's vision blurred. The song was not heard—it was felt, etched into marrow, slithering through the gaps between ones thoughts.

Mercy, was not in its nature. The death song, It was not a weapon—it was an extinction event, an antithesis to the symphony of life itself. As its echoes cascaded down the lunar plains, even the wretched Hive army reeled.

No soul could survive oblivion.

The Guardians staggered.

Some screamed. Others whispered incoherently. Many simply dropped to their knees. Their Light frayed at the edges, worn thin by sound alone. Their bodies convulsed as the Deathsong's magic coiled around their cores like a serpent tightening its grip.

Void dropped to his knees, and strained against it—every breath a battle.

All around him, the trance deepened. Guardians stood frozen, glazed eyes wide and unseeing. The light in their chests flickered.

Watching it all from above, Crota loomed over the Horizon. The Deathsong reverberated, its echoes rushing past him. The Hive prince watched, impassive. The fight was ending. Whatever miracle the Guardians had hoped to bring, it had withered.

Crota's eyes dimmed. The battle bored him now.

With a ripple of darkness, his figure flickered—and vanished.

The battlefield was left to the song.

----

As it all came crumbling down. One spark cut through its oppressive haze.

A rich violet light flared, shimmering against the Deathsong. Defying the melody of death itself, Ikorra stepped forward. Eyes ablaze with unrestrained vigour. Her light couldn't overpower the song. At most, it was akin to lighting a torch within a blizzard.

Perhaps futile. But its warmth could not be suppressed.

"You will not take us."

Ikorra's Light swelled as she spoke, as it spread, one by one guardians broke free from their trance. As warlocks that followed her voice began to weave counter-spells, within seconds, thousands of guardians were freed.

The trance fractured. But the Deathsong continued, oblivion could not be stopped. With no choice left, the warlocks immediately summoned portals leading back to the colony ship.

"Heed my words, retreat now!" Ikorra barked, wielding her light she managed to keep them all lucid.

As guardians retreated in droves, Void got back up, his eyes darted beyond the ridge as he spotted them. The Nightstalkers.

Too far from Ikorra's light, and still within the song's grasp. He could see it, they were fading. Void glanced at his status.

[Lightning Waltz: (40 Seconds Remaining)]

His lightning card was still active. It was his only lifeline. He clenched his fists, and a brilliant coat of lightning enveloped him it wasn't enough to completely suppress the song, but with Ikorra's light still in his system he would be fine. As he stepped forward, a sudden voice caught his attention.

Just behind him, a portal flared, the others were calling him back. He took one look at them, but didn't hesitate.

Void shot towards the ridge.

----

Darkness bled into the corners of Tevis's vision.

He staggered, one hand braced against the rugged lunar canyon, the other clutched his bow, its shine dimming with each breath. As the song coiled tighter, his eyes burned. He could feel it, deep within him, his soul was struggling to keep up.

He looked around, Levi knelt beside him, venomous fangs sinking into his spirit. Bandit, flat on his back, his lips parted as he echoed a silent scream. Cory stood tall, but his body began to rot, slowly crumbling to dust.

The song wasn't just a trance, it wasn't just a melody. It was something far more sinister, akin to drowning in open air.

Tevis wrestled against an overwhelming darkness fighting to pollute his soul. Each breath he took was a herculean effort, and as the song clouded his spirit, he felt himself beginning to blur.

But something in him said, it wasn't his time.

'No, not yet.'

Call it instinct, but Tevis listened. He couldn't fall, not now. He grit his teeth, searching for the last embers, searching for himself. If he was to go, he wouldn't die kneeling.

Then, something tore across the field. From beyond the ridge, past the veil of viridian brume.

A blue spectre.

It was fast, desperate, but most of all, familiar.

Darting through the viridian brume, the spectre left a ghost trail behind him, almost as he himself was a mirage.

Tevis blinked once, his mind was in a haze, and then realization struck him.

"Void..." It was the faintest whisper, perhaps barely a murmur compared to the song that threatened to consume them. But the moment he uttered the word, there was hope, as if life itself clung to him.

He was coming.

The others saw it too. They stirred faintly, their souls clung to the moment and thin cracks formed in their trance.

He bolted across the canyon, arc flaring beneath his feet, light surging around his frame. A healing grenade glinted in his palm.

He skidded beside Tevis, grabbed his shoulder—eyes locking for just an instant.

And then the Light surged.

It hit like lightning. Tevis gasped, clarity flooding his veins. As Void turned, the grenade burst—waves of healing light rolling over the Nightstalkers.

The trance shattered.

As light finally coursed through their veins, the Nightstalkers got to their feet and the squad assembled. They were bruised and battered, no words were spoken yet, but one thing was clear. Their hunt wasn't over.

All eyes shifted to the Deathsingers looming above their heads.

Void's hand hovered over his blade, an arc jolted through his palm as he unsheathed the sword. There was no ghastly presence, no Ahamkara to rely on. For a moment, it was just him, and he would make it count.

A blue sheen spread across its edge.

"You dog, you had me worried." Levi chuckled, a dark bow manifesting in his hand.

"Where's the backup?" Bandit heaved, playing with his daggers.

Void raised his sword, "Retreating. It's just us."

"For now." Tevis's eyes narrowed as he triggered his distress signal.

"Fighting to survive, not a bad way to go out." Cory limped, clutching an ashen arm, his light was back, but the song had succeeded in poisoning his body.

Void stomped, and with a flash of light, he jolted upwards. As his blade reached the wizards, two Shadowshots cut past him, restraining the Deathsinger. With a vicious stab Void tore one, and swiped towards the next.

But the Deathsong reacted, a sonic boom erupted flinging Void backwards. Void tumbled, and Cory kicked off, a shadowy tendril replacing his lost arm, it wrapped around Void's ankle swinging him back up.

Void raised his sword and cleaved downwards, but the next verse of the song surged.

The blade's edge struck air, met with an unseen barrier and its backlash cracked the sky shooting Void down again.

Crashing into the canyon's wall, Void dug his blade into the rock as he continued to fall. Arc light flickered, and a dust storm kicked up around him.

Falling to the floor, he gasped, the wind knocked out of him.

The Deathsong still surged—thick, suffocating. His Light crackled faintly, but he felt it... fraying. Flickering. Failing.

The Deathsinger he had killed had simply rewoven its existence.

Their light wasn't enough to kill what was dead, he needed something more. Something stronger.

As the wizards wailed, the song's suppression struck them all, pushing them into the ground

Void grit his teeth. Then, he remembered. A last resort. A weapon not of Light… but of fire. Of war. Sheathing his blade, Void pulled a rustic javelin from his inventory.

{ Using Valkyrie Prototype }

The air around him shimmered. As he channelled his strength, and the Valkyrie prototyp synchronized with his visor.

---

" WARNING: Valkyrie Prototype CORE UNSTABLE. "

"DETONATION IMMINENT!""IGNITION AUTHORIZED.""GLORY TO THE WARMIND."

---

He held it with both hands and rose slowly.

"What the hell is that?" Levi asked, stepping back.

The Deathsingers shrieked again, and the next verse echoed, threatening to rupture the sky. Cory flinched—his shadow tendril recoiled. Bandit cursed under his breath.

The javelin lit up—crimson at first, then golden, a miniature sun in his hand. Sparks trailed behind him as he marched straight into the cohort of wizards.

"Cover me."

He didn't wait.

He ran.

The Deathsong reached its peak, a vortex of banshee screams and psionic pressure. A sonic wave slammed toward him. Void thrusted forward, the Valkyrie flaring. Plasma met corruption.

The javelin held, but barely. Hive magic pushed back, gnawing at the weapon's core. Another verse. Another shriek. Another wave.

Void was struck again—lifted, hurled—yet he kept moving, kept swinging. Every blow a shockwave, every step a defiance.

The Valkyrie was incomplete. A prototype, barely stable. It sparked violently now, overloading. Still, he fought. Strike after strike.

Tevis's communicator shimmered, and Ikorra sheared through the viridian brume. Watching as Void contested the Deathsong, she created one final portal to the colony ship.

"Go!" She urged.

The Nightstalkers obeyed. One by one they limped or sprinted toward it. Tevis hesitated, but even he knew—they were spent.

"Void!" Ikorra called.

He turned, just in time to see the others disappear. The Deathsong erupted with another verse.

He parried. Barely. The Valkyrie flared—unstable now, whining with pressure. The wave launched him into the air.

Ikorra raised her hand—her eyes blazing with command.

With a crack of Light, she snatched him mid-air with telekinesis, yanking him toward her.

As Void flew toward the portal—he made one final choice.

He hurled the Valkyrie behind him.

The javelin spun once—then detonated and the portal snapped shut.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

The moon burned. Not with fire, but with song.

As the Deathsong reached its final crescendo, a terrifying sonic wave tore through the lunar crust. Its devastating tremors faintly lingered in the hearts of the guardians as they watched from the colony ships.

On the lunar surface, hive magic flooded like a dark tide of ichor staining everything in its path. Everyone watched, as only ash and dust remained.

Inside the ships, battered and weary guardians slumped against the walls, falling flat on the floor. For a moment, there was silence. Many heaved short ragged breaths, while others blankly stared at their feet, lost in thought, as if still in a trance.

Some remained hopeful, glad that they had survived a war. But some were distraught, their sunken eyes wandered, stopping at each sullen face, praying they'd recognize a soul or two.

But as the minutes passed, a grim and mortifying reality settled in. That perhaps those not present, would never be seen again.

Moments later, the thrusters flared, and one by one the colony ships broke away from the ruined moon, routing back to earth. Their engines glowed against a backdrop of ash.

It was a long, quiet and bleak ride back home.

---

[ Earth, Tower]

The colony ships docked at the hangar, and as the gates fell open. Hundreds of guardians dragged themselves out. Among them were those that silently wailed, those that doggedly checked for other survivors, those that hung their heads low, and those that looked to the skies, basked in light of the Traveler, and questioned everything they had ever known.

No one spoke, there was nothing to say.

When the people of the City saw what had become of their heroes—those once hailed as humanity's champions, beings of courage, of fire, of Light—they were shaken.

The Tower, once alive with motion and chatter, fell still. For the first time in a long while… there was no hustle, no bustle.

Only silence.

Only sorrow.

The last bastion of humanity grieved and there was no one left to guide them through it.

Soon, the crowds dispersed. The Guardians carried out their wounded—hundreds poisoned by the Deathsong, their bodies rotting from the inside out, their spirits barely holding on. Every squad converged, tending to the injured with desperate urgency.

Tevis stood to watch as his squad was carried off, almost everyone was in critical shape. But during all this, only Bandit had noticed that Void was nowhere to be seen.

The day bled into night.

Survivors gathered in dim-lit circles. They spoke names, shared stories, passed around weapons and trinkets left behind—tokens to commemorate those they feared they'd forget.

The city was choked with a hollow silence, and through it, grief became its only solace.

---

As the city mourned, Void walked alone—his cloak brushing against crumbling stone, his steps muted in the back alleys.

He wandered in silence, until the noise of the Tower faded behind him, and all that remained was the wind. Eventually, he found himself at the city's edge.

Whatever had happened… it was strange. Unsettlingly strange.

His instincts itched with unease. He could feel it crawling beneath his skin, whispering something he hadn't yet pieced together. He focused—and then, it came rushing back.

He recalled how he ran from Crota. His body remembered each step, each breath, each glance he spared. He recalled the chill just as he was inches away from the portal.

That chill—he'd felt it before. It begged the question, what had truly transpired?

Void furrowed his brow.

If the Hive planned to use the Deathsingers, why bother chasing them down? Why send an army at all?

Most of all, if that was their plan, why did Crota appear? Void knew that the timeline was in disarray. He had already expected something new on the moon. In fact, his very presence was an element no one considered. So why had it gone this way? Why, was it exactly when he had let his guard down?

That was the problem. It was too precise.

These questions loomed in his mind. But slowly, as he unearthed the cause, Void paused.

What he had arrived at, was an unsettling and unnerving answer. An answer he wasn't prepared to face.

He had experienced that chill once before, and now only one name came to mind.

'Toland.'

The old warlock was crazy and obsessed, but Void did not think he was willing to go this far. At least, not at this scale. Even in the original timeline, Toland was the core for every Hive discovery. Without his journals and knowledge, the City would know nothing.

But if it was, as he thought. Void grit his teeth. He turned to glance back at the City—its lights dim under the Traveler's watchful eye.

Then his timeline was utterly twisted, and he had no choice but to set it straight. Void clutched his sword and made up his mind.

"Obsidian," he said lowly. "Where does the City store its old records?"

The Ghost blinked into view, humming softly. "Records are stored by timeline. Depending on the era, you're looking at either the Warlock archives or the Vanguard's personal logs."

"Recent operatives. Decommissioned personnel. Start there."

"The Vanguard quarter, then. But it's locked down."

"Can you get in?"

Obsidian pulsed. "With all eyes on the Courtyard? Won't be a problem."

"Good."

Void turned from the city's edge. As he stepped forward, he vanished into shadow.

---

[Vanguard Quarters]

Buried deep within the Tower's labyrinth, the Vanguard's personal floor was less an office and more a bunker. Reinforced walls. Surveillance arrays humming in every shadow. Under normal conditions, it was impenetrable.

But the Lunar War had cracked more than just the Moon.

Void prowled through the corridor, little more than a shimmer. A green laser gate loomed ahead, pulsing faintly. His form flickered, fading near invisible as Obsidian spliced the field—just enough of a hiccup to let him slip past undetected.

The door to the main chamber whirred open with a low groan.

Inside, a vast conference hall stretched before him. One side anchored by a holo-interface. The other: the city's primary control console, its presence like a silent sentinel.

Void's gaze narrowed.

He approached the console without a sound, Obsidian hovering in sync. A soft chime echoed as the Ghost interfaced, blinking in low pulses as encryption dissolved. Lines of names bled across the screen—thousands, maybe more.

But Void's search was precise.

Toland.

He found the file buried beneath decommissioned tags and restricted keys. As he accessed it, the console projected lines of text, diagrams, field notes—enough to fill a lifetime. More than a lifetime.

Research spanning centuries. Patterns drawn in madness. Obsessions inked in secrecy. Encounters with the Hive that felt too intentional. Too rehearsed.

None of it mattered. Not now.

Not until the entries shifted—highlighted data flagged from the time of Toland's exile. Final communications. Classified sites. Probable hideouts.

Void leaned in. He tapped for extraction—and the screen blinked red.

"Obsidian." His brows furrowed.

"Already on it." The ghost replied, "System's not corrupted, its just that the data seems to have recently been taken off grid."

Void's brow twitched. "How recently?"

"No timestamps. Whoever scrubbed it used the Central console. No logs left behind."

Void clenched his jaw. "Backups?"

Obsidian nodded, "But it would take hours to scour the City's backup archives for such a small file. In that period, security will be back to normal."

With his last lead lost, Void felt frustrated. A bitter rage built up within him, he should have seen it coming.

But then—movement.

Void jerked around, only to find a ripple in the shadows.

Across the table, a figure emerged from within like ink from a bottle. "Looking for something?"

"Bandit?" Void froze, a few seconds passed as he stared Bandit down, neither said another word. A sullen silence, akin to a frayed wire, stretched between them. Finally, Void heaved a sigh.

"If you know what I'm doing, don't try to stop me." Void shook his head, ready to leave the room.

Bandit let out a dry chuckle, the kind that sounded like it hurt more than it healed. Perhaps the war still lingered behind his eyes. He glanced at Void, his dour gaze lingering for just a few seconds till he finally looked away.

"Stop you?" His clenched his fist then shuffled his fingers, an encrypted data disc appeared in his hand.

"You seem to have the wrong idea." He replied. With a flick of his wrist he tossed the disc, it flipped and landed on Void's palm.

"Take it." Bandit turned to leave, but then he paused half-turned, silhouetted against the soft blue glow of the holo-console. "We both know what needs to be done."

"But don't forget....you're not alone."

Their eyes met. Then there was silence, but also a mutual weight. A trust built upon unspoken words. A belief cemented by what they had experienced.

Void nodded.

Moments later, a lone Jumpship subtly took off from the hangar, broke through the clouds and vanished into the horizon.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[Mumbai Push]

In a grotto beneath the overgrown quagmire of Mumbai, nestled within the heart of its concrete labyrinthine, Toland traipsed about—A long and winding trail of archaic scrolls swirled behind him, dancing as he flicked his wrist.

The cave stirred in rhythm with his steps. Crudely carved Hive runes glowed, etched in mid air by the swirling scrolls.

"Such agony." Toland mumbled, not to himself but to the cave, "Such power."

He paused before an altar of bones, Toland snapped his fingers and the Hive runes pulsed. Then, his hand hovered over a grimoire, and the book trembled, as if reluctant to be chosen.

"I heard it." He spoke, his voice low, quivering with veneration. "The Deathsong, it was more than just a symphony."

His eyes narrowed, the gears turned in his head as more grimoires were summoned to the altar. "It was an ode to power. A poem for the ascendants. Despite being immortals, we were weak. We could not bare to comprehend its beauty."

Toland's hand shook as he etched his memory onto the grimoires. Then, he raised both arms, and the pages scattered, violently swarming around him.

As he stood at the centre, Toland caressed the altar, and it pulsed. His eyes widened with awe, as he saw a faint thread connecting each page.

"I see...." The pages seemed to converge as the verses of the song reconnected. When Toland read it, he understood that he had finally unearthed the true essence of the song.

"An invitation, to shed mortality, to embrace power, true power. To live, and die by the logic of the sword."

As reality dawned on him, Toland stepped back in reverence, soaking it all in. Then his ghost, Guren appeared by his side.

"Have you figured it out?"

The old warlock chuckled, "Yes, yes. Soon, I will join their ranks Guren. The ranks of those with true power."

Guren nodded, "I am with you. My only regret is that I might not live to see you triumph", the ghost was aware that if Toland embraced what he sought, the warlock's soul would no longer be bound to his light.

Toland didn't answer. He was already staring past him, toward the mouth of the tunnel.

Something shifted.

"Incoming." Guren's eye pulsed.

"Heading here?" Toland asked, though he already knew.

"Yes. Trajectory's direct. It's not a scouting pass."

"How many are there?"

"Just one ship." Guren replied, "Shall I engage defences?"

Toland paused, he waved as the all Grimoires returned to their shelves and the Hive runes turned to dust.

"No need." The old warlock had already guessed who it was. The fact that he was coming alone, represented a lucrative opportunity. A chance to add on to his experimental collection.

"If the city wanted us gone, we'd no longer have our light. But if its him, perhaps we stand to benefit from his arrogance." Toland smiled.

--

[Surface of the Quagmire, Mumbai Push]

A lone Jumpship zoomed through the moss covered spires, its thrusters flared and steam coiled into the monsoon air as the ship landed softly.

Void transmatted out with Obsidian flickered beside him.

Then a faint tremor ran through the ground.

"You felt that?" Obsidian shifted, scanning the perimeter.

Void nodded and placed his palms on the ground, he tensed as his eyes turned azure to observe the flow of energy, "We're close."

"I'll try tracking traces of light-"

"No. He's not trying to hide." Void's eyes narrowed, he could see it. Traces of Hive magic lingered in the air, in the distance was a collection of illusions and traps crafted solely to lure and confuse victims.

But Void could see through all the smoke and mirrors. Despite placing a plethora of traps, Toland hadn't tried to mask his presence.

'Rather..' As he walked, his skin stung from faint waves of magic almost akin to a lullaby, 'Almost as if he wants to be found.'

Void looked towards the source of the berceuse, a grotto hidden behind lush jungle vines, surrounded by spalled concrete towers. Void took a step forward, and vanished.

---

[Inside the Grotto]

Void's figure reappeared in the mouth of the cave, stitching together from splintered shadows.

As he went deeper, Void paused.

'The air...'

It was still and heavy, far too heavy. Laced with a scent of ash, bones and something older, something sinister.

Void stepped forward, his boots crunched against the mossy floor. The cavern's walls were soft to the touch, tracing his fingers along he could feel the remnants of crude carvings almost akin to scars on a mutilated corpse.

Faint whispers reminiscent of the song echoed.

Venturing deeper into the cave, something shifted, Void's sixth sense flared.

Deftly jerking to the right, Void dodged a spike shooting from the wall. Suddenly, the walls began to melt, Hive runes glowed faintly. Countless tendrils emerged from the ground, shooting towards Void's body.

Void flickered, weaving through the maze of tendrils, he swiped his blade across the runes and sliced through them. The tendrils burned to ash as the runes broke. His blade stirred eating away at the weak magic.

He sheathed his blade and sauntered into the dark, unfazed by whatever lay ahead. After all, a Nightstalker proved lethal in the shadows.

Clearing traps one after the other, Void moved till the walls pulsed with green veins stretched thin across the rock. He heard the lullaby again, the further he went, the louder it got. Each step closer stung, but it didn't deter him.

Void could feel the thudding in his bones as the waves reverberated against the silent cavern. Then, he slowed his steps. His senses sharpened.

There were no more traps, no more illusions, just him and stillness. But it was dense, moving through it was akin to wading deep waters.

Void could see a faint seam in the rocks, 'This must be the end.'

Determined, he scattered into shadows, reappearing on the other side. Then he saw him.

Toland.

The warlock sat on a stone pedestal, holding an archaic grimoire as he recited from it. His voice quivered as he reached the crescendo, but then their eyes met, and Toland smiled.

The lullaby stopped, the runes froze and the grimoire flew from his hand. A low hum reverberated into the ground, and the cavern fell silent, as if it had finally stopped trembling.

"You recognize these verses, don't you?" Toland chuckled.

Void didn't answer.

"Ah! Perhaps not, you were too busy trying to fight it. How unfortunate." Toland heaved a sigh as he lightly tapped his forehead and laughed.

Slowly, his voice dropped lower, and he continued. "So what brings you here?"

Void's voice was cold, "You triggered it didn't you?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Toland was calm, then his smile faded. " Maybe you're still jaded from the war. I did hear about the casualties, I was entirely heartbroken."

Void's fingers curled into a fist. He stepped closer.

"Hundreds lost their lives. You crippled their mind, body and spirit. Is that all you wish to say?"

"All I did was study the Hive. Relentlessly, not from Orbit, not from safety, but from within. I stood where they stood. I saw what they saw. Now, I understand what they do. Is that what you accuse me for?" Toland's voice softened as he sounded wistful.

"You'll pay for this."

A silence followed.

Then, Void walked forward. The shadows behind him surged violently as he launched forward, blade already unsheathed. Toland raised his hand—runes flared to life coiling into a dark tide.

Void swiped his sword, shearing through it. He jolted to the side, flickering above Toland, sword covered in arc as he cleaved downward. But Toland raised his arm, and the soft cavern rock stirred to life.

Pillars emerged from underneath him, shielding the blow. The next second, Toland flicked his wrist, the walls slammed into Void.

The Nightstalker swung, crushing the walls to pieces. Instantly, Toland clasped his hands together, and the rubble shot back at Void.

He flickered, darting and weaving through a storm of rocks. His foot planted into the ground, and Void shot forward, his blade at Toland's neck. But just before he cut through, Toland swiped, and the ceiling came crashing down, forcing Void to flicker away.

Before the Dust settled, Void vanished in a flicker of shadowstep.

Toland cleared the room, the cavern lit with sickly runelight as he raised both hands and summoned a storm of crackling symbols. They whirled like knives and descended but there was no sign of Void.

The Nightstalker prowled in the dark, shooting forward he reappeared behind Toland with a swipe of his sword. But the warlock warped away, as Void's foot touched the ground a glyph triggered that lashed out like a spiderweb, ensnaring Void's foot and burying him into the rock.

Runes flared to life, encasing Void in a prison of psionic glyphs. With Void in his grasp, Toland sneered.

"Predictable."

Void struggled, but the glyph's tightened. There was no escape.

"You were always so interesting, always so mysterious. But your arrogance brought you here." Toland chuckled.

"Guren." Toland spoke, "Void, you had potential. Alas, I suppose you'll be more use to me now."

Light pulsed and his Ghost appeared beside him, "Begin preparation for extraction. We'll need to leave soon."

"Running away already?" Void scorned.

Toland raised a brow, "Getting restless? Your anger won't get you anywhere now. You shouldn't have come alone."

Void's lips curled into a smile, "That's the thing, I was never alone."

Unbeknownst to Toland, he had committed a grave mistake in front of a hunter. A ripple surged across the cave—quiet at first, like a heartbeat in the dark. Then the shadows shivered.

Toland blinked. "What—?"

A blur erupted from behind Guren, Bandit plunged an onyx dagger into the Ghost's core. Sparks flickered, and with a soft crack, its shell fell apart.

"No!" Toland scrambled, but before he could react, Void twisted, the blades on his armor shearing through the glyphs with ease.

He leapt, slamming Toland with a kick, flinging the warlock into the wall with a thud.

Panting, Toland slumped. His hands shook, blood trickling from his mouth. Without his Ghost, without the Light—he was mortal. Weak. Defenseless.

Void stood over him, blade drawn, pulse steady.

"Didn't I tell you? You'll pay for this."

Toland coughed, "So you know how to act. Quite the scheming weasel."

Void leaned closer, his foot crushing Toland's hand, "Your anger is meaningless. It's your own arrogance that brought you here."

But Toland wasn't shaken, "You think this is victory? You lost the moment you came here."

Before Void could reply, Bandit spoke up, "Void—we've got incoming. City ships. Looks like Praxic. He tipped them off."

Toland grinned weakly. "The moment we started the fight, I sent a partial recording. Now that you've done this, they won't let you go Void. You don't understand, in their eyes, you've just committed the greatest sin."

A long silence followed.

Then Void turned to Bandit. "Get out of here."

Bandit hesitated. "Void—"

"Now."

Bandit reluctantly vanished into shadow.

Void turned back to Toland. "You sent out a message," he said coldly. "So here's mine."

He drove the blade through Toland's heart. The warlock gasped. Then fell silent.

As Void stepped back, the shadows receded. But the silence didn't last. Moments later, a golden flare of Light cracked and split the roof of the grotto. The Praxic Fire was here.

Boots hit the ground. Aunor stood before him, flanked by warlocks and titans, their weapons drawn.

She looked down at the body, then up at Void, and then to the broken ghost shell beside his feet. Her eyes widened in horror.

"Void.....What have you done."