Guardian of The Sword

by Forlornsage

The story of A Warlock plagued by guilt and enticed by the darkness, his apprentice and her desperate drive to rescue him from his demons and win his heart, an Exo Hunter dedicated to the cause above all else and hated for the same devotion, and one very very flamboyant Titan named Chad.

2. Chapter 2

Destiny in it's entirety is the property of Bungie and it's associates.

••••••••••

Rosarian sat outside his room leaning on the railing looking up at the stars. Dinner with Vivian had actually gone very well. She had kept him busy with questions of her new responsibilities as his apprentice. It seemed she was very excited to get started. She had also told him that Ikora had said they would be meeting the last member of their fire-team in the morning.

"I wonder who it will be?" Rosarian thought to himself. "No doubt someone who the Vanguards feel they can trust with a newly reborn Guardian as well as a psychologically damaged one. What were they thinking, giving her to me?"

Rosarian looked to the Traveler. "What about you? Did perhaps you have a hand in this? Is this all part of some plan you have in place?"

He laughed to himself. Here he was actually talking to the Traveler as if he would receive an answer. He couldn't help but feel silly and yet for some reason he felt a little better about his situation. He looked back at the large white orb in the sky and sighed. "Have I spent too long wallowing? Vixxy and Greggory would want me to move on wouldn't they? To make sure their names live on after them. I'll do my best for Vivian. I may not be the best one to teach her, but I won't just brush off my responsibility to her because I feel that way. It's a promise then: I will help her on her path to becoming a Warlock."

He spoke to the traveler with newly restored determination.

After a last glance at the stars, he turned and walked back into his tiny home and sealed the door. He walked to the small table in his room and pulled Dark Tide into his lap. He fell asleep at his table, the fire of new conviction once more burning in his heart.

•••••

Vivian rushed down the walkways of the living quarters. She had each hallway mentally mapped now, so even in her hurry she knew where to go.

"I need to hurry, I can't be late! I just can't be!" she yelled to herself. A few maintenance workers and their robotic assistants jumped out of her way as she rushed by nearly bowling them over.

"Sorry!" she called over her shoulder never stopping her sprint.

"Almost there."

She turned the last corner of the living quarters and slammed face first into a cold unmoving metal object. She fell back onto her rear and groaned. Vivian rubbed her head and looked up from her spot on the floor into the eyeless faceplate of an Exo guardian. A Hunter she guessed from his thinner more agile looking armor and tattered cloak. She quickly stood back up, her cheeks flushing a deep violet, completely embarrassed.

"Oh! I'm s-so sorry! I didn't mean- that is i-im late and-"

A dark shelled ghost materialized beside the Exo and spoke. "Enough guardian. No harm done." The ghost's tone was almost emotionless. He was vastly different from Eli.

"Hello new born. This is my guardian X-2. I am his ghost, Asher. I speak for him."

Vivian stood up and dusted off her robes. "He doesn't speak? Wait how did you know I was a newborn? Never mind, it's very nice to meet you both but I really have to go. I'm Vivian, Warlock-apprentice. I'm very sorry I bumped into you. I have to go. I'm very late. Bye!"

Asher and X-2 watched as she took off running towards the main plaza and nearly crashed into a maintenance cart.

"So that's her?" The Exo questioned his ghost silently over their link watching the newborn disappear around the corner.

Asher buzzed for a moment. "That is correct. Vivian, Awoken, Warlock-apprentice to…. Oh my."

X-2 glanced up at his ghost. Asher glowed for a second more before continuing.

"She is apprentice to the Warlock Silvanus Rosarian, the only survivor of fire-team Bliss. The mission report from his ghost says that the other two members of the team were killed by an unusually strong Hive knight and that Rosarian has been deemed mentally unfit for duty with other Guardians until just a few days ago."

X-2 rubbed his chin in thought.

•••••

Rosarian looked up from a data pad to see his new apprentice nearly run into Lord Shaxx as she entered before coming to a stop before him gasping.

"I'm *gasp* I'm here *gasp*. Sorry I'm *gasp* late."

Rosarian blinked. He felt much more at ease today than he had been in a long time. "Relax. Ikora is still in a meeting with the other Vanguards." He said.

Vivian smiled brightly. She was relieved that she hadn't caused any trouble. She would have to make sure to get up a little earlier so she wouldn't have to run to be on time.

She took a moment to catch her breath then addressed Rosarian. "So what are we most likely going to be doing today? You said we might be assigned a mission today right?"

Rosarian nodded. "I did say we might get one, but I never said that we definitely will. It depends on the Vanguards. To be honest I doubt that Zavala will allow me out of the tower with you right now."

Vivian gave him a confused look. "I don't understand. Why wouldn't the Vanguards allow you out of the tower?"

Rosarian hesitated. His story about his near fall to insanity was not one he wanted to share but he knew he would have to. After a moment he shook his head.

"Not yet. I'll tell her soon but not yet." He thought to himself.

Vivian didn't press for an answer. Part of her role as Rosarian's apprentice was to trust him after all. If Rosarian didn't answer her then he probably had a good reason not to.

"More than likely they will keep us here in the tower." He said softly. "The very most I would expect would be us getting cleared to use one of Lord Shaxx's Crucible training areas. Don't worry about it too much. Once you show that your capable, they won't have a choice but to let us go out."

Vivian raised her hand and waited. Rosarian looked at her for a moment before gesturing for her to speak. "Who is Lord Shaxx? I don't think I've ever met him."

"That would be me young one."

Vivian turned around to see the very Titan she had nearly ran into when she entered standing beside her. He towered over her, standing almost a full two heads taller than her, even without taking account of the horn on his head. Vivian hadn't noticed when she had almost run into him but now with him standing before her she couldn't help but feel intimidated.

Rosarian bowed to the massive guardian. "Good morning Lord Shaxx."

Shaxx returned the greeting warmly. "Good Morning to you as well. What's this about using one of my training grounds?"

Rosarian straightened out of his bow. "Vivian, it's common practice to bow to our superiors. Lord Shaxx is in charge of the Crucible and has been a mentor to many Titans. He is more than deserving of our respect don't you think?"

"Oh! Yes he does. I'm sorry Master." Vivian nodded and quickly bowed to Lord Shaxx.

Lord Shaxx chuckled. "At ease Guardian. While I won't argue with how your mentor wishes to teach you, just know that a good set of manners will get you far with some people but I personally don't put too much stock in the pleasantries. I judge a guardian by the skill and determination they display out in the field and in my Crucible."

Vivian's smile returned. She was relieved that she hadn't insulted the elder Titan.

"Don't worry too much. You'll learn as we go." Rosarian said then turned back to Shaxx. "I told my apprentice that we would most likely not have a mission today. The Vanguards will likely have us use one of your Crucible training areas. The first matches don't begin until later in the afternoon anyway."

Shaxx nodded. "I have been briefed on a small exercise being held over in the Bannerfall area this morning actually. My guess is that this reservation is for you." He turned to Vivian. "Don't get too down young one, you will get that mission you want eventually."

Vivian relaxed a little. "It will be nice to see something outside the Tower again."

At that moment, the doors to the Vanguards central control room opened. Ikora stepped out looking like she had tasted something extremely bitter. "Good morning Lord Shaxx. If you would please excuse us, I need these two." She said while pointing at both Vivian and Rosarian.

"Rose and Vivian, follow me."

Rosarian and Vivian followed Ikora into the control room. Inside, Zavala and Cayde-6 stood examining a holo-map while another Guardian stood waiting. Ikora took her place across from the other Vanguards.

"They're here. Let's make this quick."

Zavala sighed while both Vivian and Cayde flinched at the ice in Ikora's voice. Cayde hated being on the receiving end of Ikora's anger, it usually ended with someone getting a shotgun shell to the face, blown to bits by a Nova bomb, or, if you were a warlock, sent on a very long and grueling mission.

No one spoke until Zavala cleared his throat and motioned for the unknown Guardian to join the others. The new Guardian walked calmly over to where Rosarian and Vivian stood. He was taller than Rosarian and Vivian, though he was just shy of being Zavala's height. His face was lightly tanned and he was smiling warmly. Rosarian recognized his armor as the Commando custom. It was a very high class set of armor.

Zavala spoke. "Guardians I am proud to introduce you to Chad Chadington. He is one of the most talented Titans I have had the pleasure to train. As of today he is joining the both of you as the final member of fire-team Bliss."

Chad smiled and waved excitedly at Vivian and Rosarian. Rosarian nodded and Vivian returned the wave with equal excitement. Ikora's eyes narrowed at her fellow vanguard. Zavala looked away as though he wished to leave the room. Chad appeared to be very happy with the situation and Vivian just looked from her mentor to each vanguard in turn.

Rosarian sighed. "I thought as much. A Titan is the ideal pick for us after all." He glanced back to Chad. "Welcome to the team I guess."

Chad scratched his head then spoke, his voice coming out deeper than what would be expected.

"Thanks I think. I look forward to working with you."

Rosarian's next words had as much emotion as a brick. "I'm sure that you are."

Vivian nudged Rosarian gently and jerked her chin at Ikora who did not look at all pleased with the situation either. Rosarian sighed again and shot a quick look of appreciation to Vivian.

Cayde took the opportunity to speak. "Oooookay before we all start hugging and kissing each other, let's get to what we came here for. The intro is all finished so I'll hit the mission briefing for today. Come on Guardians look here and I'll tell you everything you need to know. Fire-team Bliss, you three will be going with myself and grumpy over there." He pointed his thumb at Ikora who was still glaring at Zavala. "You'll be participating in a few private Crucible matches. Ikora and I will be watching to see how you guys perform."

Vivian seemed to deflate. She had really been hoping to receive a field mission. She really wanted to see the world outside the Tower again.

Rosarian saw her downcast face and found himself wanting to comfort her but couldn't think of a way to do so.

Ikora noticed the shift in Rosarian. He seemed concerned for the newborn warlock under his charge.

"Good. The bond between them seems to be taking root. I can tell that she's already helping him get out of his funk." She thought.

Cayde chuckled. "Alright how about we go get ol'Shaxx before someone gets a long drawn out speech about how to behave."

Cayde quickly herded the new fire-team out the door. Ikora followed and called over her shoulder. "This isn't over Zavala. We WILL speak on this again."

Zavala waited until they were gone to allow himself to lean against the central console. This was going to be a very long day.

•••••

Ikora, Cayde and Lord Shaxx led the newly assembled fire-team to the Bannerfall Crucible arena. While Vivian was still a little upset about not being able to leave the tower, she would admit that the Crucible arena was an interesting place to visit. All the trees had red leaves and many of the walls had the symbol of the New Monarchy painted on them.

The red leaves from the trees matched the color of the tattered banners that hung from some of the buildings. The abandoned atmosphere of the place gave her chills.

Lord Shaxx stopped in the center plaza of the area and spoke. "Welcome guardians to Bannerfall. This is both a crucible training arena as well as a historical landmark of the battle-"

"Shaxx."

Lord Shaxx stopped and glanced at Ikora.

"Yes? What is it?"

Ikora gave him an apologetic look. "Perhaps it might benefit the team more if their leader," she glanced at Rosarian. "Told them of this battle, as well as it's impact to the Vanguard."

Lord Shaxx crossed his arms over his chest and laughed. "Excellent idea! Warlock Rosarian! Come forward and bestow knowledge upon your team."

Rosarian sent an annoyed glare at Ikora before sighing and stepping forth to take Shaxx's place before everyone. Rosarian rested one hand behind his back and gestures to the large New Monarchy symbol on a nearby wall.

"This is Bannerfall also known to some as 'Lysander's folly'." Rosarian spoke, his voice strong and clear. "It was here that the guardians of the Vanguard and New Monarchy combined their strength and rose up to deliver the final blow against the Concordat and Lysander. Their strength and sacrifice are immortalized here. This place stands as a reminder to any and all who stand against the Vanguard of our strength and bravery."

Chad whistled in appreciation, though he already knew the lore from his own visit here with Zavala so long ago. Vivian stared at him in almost awe. Ikora nodded in approval and clapped quietly.

"Well said guardian. Very well said." Lord Shaxx said. "By the book, if a little dry, but I couldn't have given a better description myself. Alright guardians, eyes on me."

Everyone focused on the crucible master. "Now, today you will be participating in death matches. The rules are simple enough: no unauthorized weapon usage, which includes that sword of yours Rosarian. A kill counts as a single point, the first guardian to reach five points wins. Any questions?"

Vivian raised her hand.

"Yes?"

"What else would qualify as an unauthorized weapon?" she asked.

Rosarian shifted beside her. Lord's Shaxx cleared his throat.

"Your Master's sword would be the only weapon here to fit the bill. Due to special circumstances, Warlock Rosarian has been given special permission to have and carry, but not use his sword."

Vivian nodded and gave Rosarian an apologetic look. He shook his head and smiled at her to show that no harm was done.

Lord Shaxx spoke up once more. "Any further questions? No? Then let us begin!"

"Alright round one is going to be the new girl versus Rosiepoo." Cayde says cheerily. Vivian giggled at the nickname and Rosarian only rolled his eyes. "Everyone else follow grumpy and me up to the observation tower."

•••••

Rosarian and Vivian sat in the middle of the Crucible area's courtyard. They both adjusted their gear as they waited for Ikora and Cayde to call down from the observation tower. Chad had gone with them after wishing them both luck. He would face the winner of the match. They would try adding more objectives, like capturing a point or escorting a VIP on a different day.

Rosarian checked a few straps on Dark Tide's harness. He would not be using it, especially against Vivian, but he still couldn't find the strength to let the blade leave him for long. For Guardian on Guardian combat he was restricted to using only normal firearms and his light abilities. On his hip was a vanguard issued The Devil You Know hand cannon, Dark Tide rested in her sheath, and his Susano'o fusion rifle was rested on the back of his waist ready to be drawn at the drop of a hat.

Across from him, Vivian was nervously fidgeting with her scout rifle, a standard issue Trax Mallus III, and feeling extremely outclassed. On her hip was the hand cannon Rosarian had given her on the day he found her. This would be her first real taste of combat. Before they left to take their place in the observation tower, Ikora had warned everyone that today would involve an abundance of death and that it would be very painful. The whole thing had Vivian shaking. She knew that death was a large part of the life of a Guardian. Even though she was essentially immortal thanks to the traveler's light, she was still scared of dying.

"Okay boys and girls!" Cayde's voice sounded from the area's sound system. "Time to begin."

Ikora's voice came over the system next. "You will begin on Lord Shaxx's command. Standard crucible rules apply. First guardian to kill the other five times total wins. Stand by."

Vivian was still internally complaining that, not only was she going first, but also against Rosarian. This had to be the universe telling her not to be late again. She had been hoping to be able to watch at least one match before participating.

"Focus small fry. I don't think that your mentor over there will hesitate to blow you to bits or pop you one in the dome." Chad's voice said over the comm system in her helmet.

Vivian looked across the plaza to Rosarian who had materialized his own helmet while she wasn't watching. His eyes were ice as he slipped it into place over his head. Vivian took a deep breath and steeled herself for the fight to come.

From the observation tower Cayde grinned and nodded his approval to Chad. He spoke into the comm system to the female guardian. "That's more like it. When you start, try and stay focused. If you panic you'll probably die. Also try and stay away from anywhere he can get above you. I saw him in a few Crucible fights way back when. He's really good at taking advantage of his surroundings, so don't give him any extra advantages."

"Okay. Thank you both very much." Vivian responded, her eyes never moving from her mentor across the plaza.

Lord Shaxx's voice sounded. "Welcome to the Crucible Guardians! Give it your all, and you might survive."

Vivian shivered. Somehow it felt like the warning was specifically for this match-up. Was Rosarian that formidable? Her instincts screamed that he absolutely was.

"Begin!"

•••••

The match was over in under two minutes. Vivian now sat inside the observation tower wanting to cry. She had been on the defensive nearly from the beginning. Rosarian wasted no time using his blink to close the gap between them and riddling her with bullets. Through the entire match he was just as fierce as the time she had watched him fight those Fallen, charging straight at her, blinking into her blind spots or coming from above to fire down at her or drop the occasional grenade. Twice he had disintegrated her with his Nova bomb. To say that it was unpleasant was an understatement. The sensation was what she imagined having fire flowing through her veins felt like.

She rubbed her forehead as she recalled the two times he had hit her square between the eyes with his hand cannon, both of which temporarily ended her life until Eli revived her safely on the opposite end of the arena. One had given her a concussion until her next death and respawn. His hand cannon, The Devil You Know, packed a real punch and her armor was as effective as tissue paper against it. She made a mental note to ask him to teach her how to fight with a hand cannon the way he did. Her last death had been by far the most embarrassing. Rosarian's had charged her, slid into her guard, lifted and threw her over the edge of the tower. She fell for what felt like forever before splatting into the ground at the base of the tower.

Ikora patted her shoulder gently and motioned to the observation screen. It was divided in two, a view of Rosarian on one side and a view of Chad on the other. Rosarian stood waiting for the next match to begin while Chad seemed to be bouncing from foot to foot and rolling his shoulders.

"What is he doing?" Vivian asked quietly. Shaxx laughed. "He is getting himself pumped. It's a way of mentally preparing for battle."

Vivian still saw it as weird but didn't comment further. Without further delay, Shaxx called out over the sound system to the waiting guardians.

"Ready yourselves Guardians! Round two starts… Now!"

With that, Chad raised his shotgun and began firing at Rosarian. Rosarian clutched his hand and disappeared in a violet flash of light. Chad slid a few shells into his weapon to replace the ones he fired and charged into the building to his left. The screen switched views to follow both men as they advanced through the building towards one another.

"Keep your eyes peeled. Rosarian is wearing his Spektar model robes. They emit a low light so he'll be a little easier to spot. Rose will most likely engage from above or the sides." Ikora whispered to her.

Vivian responded in an equally quiet voice. "Mister Cayde and Chad said the same thing just before my match began. You sound like you've fought against my mentor before."

She shrugged and smiled gently. "I trained him remember. Just like you are his apprentice, he was once mine. He stood where you are now way back when. Poor thing, He hated to lose. I think it's partially why the deaths of his team hit him so hard."

"What were their names? He's only ever called them 'his team'." Vivian asked.

Ikora smiled as though remembering better times. "You should know, the history of fire-team Bliss is not a pleasant one. Originally, they were a standard team. One Titan, one Hunter, and Rosarian as the resident Warlock."

Vivian turned and focused on Ikora. "What happened?"

Ikora sighed. "Greggory was a striker class Titan, very energetic and hot headed. He and Rose would fight over the smallest of things but they still stood as one against anything that came their way. He was the youngest of the team in terms of years passed since his resurrection.

Vixxy-17 was the Hunter of the group. He was the oldest in terms of years revived by one year, but you would never know from his actions. He was a Night stalker: a rare class of Hunter that favored a pack of Guardians, so to speak, over roaming alone through the wilds of the universe like other Hunters. Being an Exo, Vixxy was extremely intelligent, even after seventeen memory wipes. He was the self proclaimed brains and leader of the team. Unlike Rose or Greggory, Vixxy preferred to think his actions through and leave no possibility not explored.

And of course, Rose, though he prefers we address him as Rosarian. Once upon a time Rose was a polar opposite of how he is now. He was quick to action, ruled by his passion for this life. I wish you could have known him as he was then. So much drive and wisdom far beyond his years. In terms of years since his resurrection, he is only a few decades younger than me, Cayde and Zavala actually."

Vivian gasped. That couldn't be true. Rosarian didn't look a day over twenty and yet here was her mentor's mentor telling her that he was CENTURIES old. Ikora seemed to sense her disbelief and patter her gently on the shoulder.

"Yes I know. He doesn't look his age at all. You'll have to get used to that. As guardians we are immortal in a way. You won't truly age the same way our non-chosen counterparts will. I bet that a decade or two from now, you will still be as beautiful as you are now."

Vivian couldn't respond. She knew she was now immune to death by aging but she hadn't realized that she was also immune to wrinkles. A small part of vanity couldn't help but be glad she wouldn't have to worry about being ravaged by time.

"Anyway, back to fire-team Bliss. They were sent on a simple reconnaissance mission up on Luna. We had received word that a powerful Hive presence had made itself known and fire-team Bliss was sent in to gather information.

It was a trap.

They encountered the Hive's forces, led by a single very powerful knight. Rose was the only survivor of the battle.

The team's we sent to assist them found Rose cradling that sword of his. Around him laid the corpses of more Hive than they could count and the body of the Knight that had killed the other two members of the team. The bodies of Vixxy and Greggory were recovered but Harlow later told us that their ghosts were destroyed in the battle."

Vivian turned back to the viewing screens to see Rosarian shaking hands with Chad, the score at four kills for Chad and five for Rosarian. She had been so caught up in hearing about Rosarian's old team that she had missed the entire match.

Ikora chuckled. "I'm sorry I distracted you."

Vivian sighed and shook her head. "No it's fine. My fault for asking. It was worth it to learn about my master."

"Learned what exactly?"

Vivian jumped and quickly turned to find Rosarian standing there giving both her and Ikora an inquisitive look. She growled, "You almost gave me a heart attack!"

Rosarian looked her over then shrugged. "You seem fine to me. It's your turn. Go get him."

Vivian froze and turned to the screens again. Chad stood alone in the center plaza pumping himself up again.

"I'm fighting Chad?" She asked barely above a whisper.

Cayde smacked her back and laughed. "You sure are! Give him hell newbie. He gave your mentor a hard time, but a win is a win. If you can, put a bullet in that old dome piece of his. Might take some of that extra energy out of him."

Vivian was suddenly very nervous. Another match. This time against a Titan. She hoped it wasn't like the first. She didn't need to win but she at least wanted to get a single point today.

•••••

The match began and Chad quickly rolled forward into a kneeling position and began firing at Vivian. She took off running to hide behind a nearby pillar. Chad tossed a magnetic grenade before standing and running out of sight as the grenade went off. Vivian was thrown into a wall by the blast and sent rolling by the second explosion. She was lucky her shields managed to absorb most of the damage. She quickly stood up and looked around, mumbling to herself about how stupid the idea of a grenade that exploded twice was. She didn't see Chad anywhere and her motion sensor had no readings. She sighed and advanced into the adjacent open area after her shields refilled. She had hesitated and hadn't fired even one shot at Chad. She needed to stop hesitating and shoot or she'd never get a kill.

Rosarian's voice came over her helmets comm. "Come on Vivian. You won't win like that. Remember your training."

"Yes Master. I'm sorry."

She heard Rosarian sigh over the comms. "Don't be sorry. Just focus on the task at hand."

She nodded and continued to look around. This was much different than her fight with Rosarian. Chad was so far seeming to avoid her while Rosarian went out of his way to hunt her down. She knew she was being set up. She could feel it. A lesson from Banshee played through her head.

"It's called an ambush. Even to us Guardians, if your stupid or over confident, to walk into one could be fatal."

She could feel it in her bones; Chad was setting up an ambush for her.

"Too bad I refuse to fall for it." She thought to herself. She turned around and sprinted back the way she came and followed the outside rim of the area until she was moving towards where she had been from the other side. She slowed down when a small flash of red blinked on her motion sensor. It blinked slowly and didn't change direction so whatever it was, it wasn't moving much. She slowly walked into a room and saw Chad looking away from her towards where she had been coming from, before she backtracked, with his weapon drawn and waiting. She didn't hesitate this time. She shouldered her rifle and began firing. Chad took a few shots before he jumped behind a few tables and began returning fire.

Vivian couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips. She had caught him off guard and now she was pressing forward while she had fire superiority to finish him off and get her first kill.

Suddenly a glowing purple ball arced over the tables and through the air and smacked her straight in the faceplate. It exploded once sending her flying into a wall for the second time that day. She groaned in despair as it flared up once more and exploded again, ending her life.

Chad sighed from his place behind the bullet riddled tables.

"She almost had me. Least she has promise." He said as he reloaded and ran off to set another ambush.

•••••

All three members of fire-team Bliss sat inside a waiting room inside the observation tower. The matches had proceeded until each member of fire-team Bliss had participated in two more rounds against each other. The final score was Rosarian with four wins, two against both Chad and Vivian. Chad with two wins, both against Vivian. Vivian ended with zero wins.

Vivian felt her eyes begin to water as she looked over the scoreboard again. Her first actual taste of combat and she had failed miserably. Her only good point was that she had managed to kill Chad twice during their second match. She had been much more weary of his ridiculous sticky grenades that exploded twice and managed to avoid the ambushes he set for her.

"Rosarian is right. I need to focus. He is going to be so disappointed in me if I can't get my act together. He's already getting static from Vanguard Zavala for taking me on as an apprentice. I refuse to cause him any more trouble." she thought to herself.

Chad walked up to her and nudged her playfully. "You alright? No one is upset with you, ya know." His face was hidden behind his visor but she could hear the concern in his words. She took another deep breath and shook her head.

"No. That isn't it. Well… okay that's part of it. I'm just angry with myself. I should be able to do better than this." She gestured at the scoreboard angrily.

Chad chuckled. "Why do you think that? To be honest it's a miracle you got even one point today."

Vivian's frown deepened. "What do you mean?"

Chad ruffled her hair and chuckled. "You're a newborn Guardian girlfriend! You haven't even unlocked any of your abilities yet. The problem right now isn't your performance. The problem is that your looking at this like you were fighting an equal, which during your training with Banshee I'm sure you were. But this isn't that. Just look at your fights with Rosarian and me. I didn't try and look for you, I just waited for you to bring the fight to me but I still used my light abilities. And Rosarian? He pulled no punches at all, used his abilities to their fullest and as a result, he dominated the fight. Down right merciless that one."

Vivian still felt disappointed in herself. Vivian groaned. This was in no way making her feel better even though she could see what Chad was saying. "Could you get to your point? Please?"

Chad sighed. "Don't go looking at this like it was a fight against equals. This was a test. You went against two fully trained and battle hardened Guardians, both of which have years on years on years of experience that you don't have. Be proud you did as well as you did."

"He is right you know."

Vivian cringed as Rosarian walked up to them. "You've done well Vivian. Better than many guardians that have come before you. I for one, am very happy with your performance today. Your not honestly upset about it are you?"

Vivian felt a little better knowing both her new teammate and her mentor weren't disappointed in her. "But I didn't kill you even once. I managed to kill Chad. Twice. So why couldn't I kill you?"

Rosarian shook his head. "I am a fully realized Warlock, Vivian. To use me as a measuring stick for your own progress isn't fair to yourself. Just be happy that you did well. I'm sure that once we begin your studies you'll begin to notice a significant increase in your power."

Vivian understood. She still didn't like that she would have to wait but she couldn't help but smile. Rosarian was going to teach her. She let out a sigh and nodded. "I understand Master."

Chad stepped in. "Small fry you haven't even had one day of training aside from the basics Banshee teaches all new guardians. So listen to this old fossil and pay attention when he teaches you something. I'm sure you'll be spanking his very firm rear before you know it."

Vivian couldn't help the laugh that escaped her lips when Rosarian took a step away from Chad. Some how Chad's playful words brought her out of her bad mood.

They were right. No one important would hold losing against her, especially not against the these two. She was still only an apprentice after all.

"Thank you." She said happily.

"This is good." Everyone jumped and looked to see Cayde leaning against the rooms entrance. "You guys are coming together all Chum like. Makes me want to just cuddle with something." Cayde teased.

Ikora chuckled beside him and Lord Shaxx's booming voice filled the room. "Come guardians we only have a few things to pass before you are dismissed for the day."

The fire-team glanced at each other before joining the Crucible master in the main room.

"Okay guardians, excellent performance today." Lord Shaxx said happily. Ikora and Cayde both seemed to agree with the Crucible master. "You all did far better than expected. You three shall report back here tomorrow one hour before noon for a final evaluation."

"What will this evaluation be?" Rosarian asked.

Lord Shaxx chuckled.

"Now now, that would be telling. Go on. The three of you are dismissed. Enjoy the rest of your day." He said before turning and walking away.

"Have a good day Guardians." Ikora said as she walked away. Cayde waved at the fire-team before following after and falling in step with his human teammate. They left without another word to the team.

•••••

Chad stood in the shade leaning against a wall, watching. They had decided to relax for a little while before returning to the Tower. Rosarian had seated himself on the stone steps leading towards the observation tower. Vivian sat a few steps down from him.

Vivian so far was a typical newborn Guardian. She was sensitive to criticism, held herself to a completely unreasonable standard, shied away from death and hesitated a lot. Rosarian on the other hand, so far seemed nothing like his file had led Chad to believe. So far he had been very quiet, was far more attractive than he had pictured, handled his gear delicately and had yet to show any unnecessarily aggressive behavior at all. That didn't necessarily mean the files were wrong though. He flashed a smile and spoke.

"You alright cutie? Being upset about the matches wont do anything but give you wrinkles you know."

Vivian blushed but went still. "Who me? I'm sorry. I can't really help it. I just really didn't like dying. Thinking about it makes me shiver."

Chad's grin grew wider. "It isn't so bad. You get used to it after a while and then it becomes more annoying than anything else. If I were you I'd be excited about unlocking my new powers. Oh how fabulous it must be, you look like a goddess." Vivian nodded, the words comforting her a little. "But you should know, I was talking to him when I said cutie. Sorry honey but your not really my type." He said playfully and pointed to Rosarian. "You need to be that sexy to ride this ride." He said playfully while pointing at himself.

Rosarian grimaced when Chad blew a kiss at him. Vivian only stared at the winking Titan, unsure if she should be confused or embarrassed. Chad broke out laughing.

"Oh man! I totally forgot! Candi get out here."

A ghost with a baby blue shell covered with little pink stars materialized into view. "Got it! Picture snapped and saved."

"Yes! Fabulous." Chad held up his hand, palm out. The oddly colored ghost floated into it as though high-fiving him then faded from sight.

"What just happened?" Vivian asked to no one in particular.

Chad shrugged. "Took a picture. You should get used to it, I tend to take pictures all the time."

Vivian puffed up a little. "You should at least warn us you know. I probably look rediculous!"

Chad chuckled. "Relax small fry it's just a picture. S'not like I'm gonna put it all over the Tower. These are totes just for us. Don't be shy girl, your beautiful. I'd give almost anything for hips like yours."

Vivian blushed and began sputtering and trying to slap at Chad who playfully avoided her.

"Enough." Both Chad and Vivian looked to Rosarian who was now looking at them and clearly annoyed. "Sit down Vivian."

Vivian flinched and quickly went to do as she was told but was stopped by Chad putting a hand on her shoulder. Chad frowned.

"Chill pretty boy. We're just having fun, no need to get all mom and dad on us."

Rosarian's eyes narrowed. "Be that as it may, I still gave an order and I expect it to be followed. I should hope a Titan trained by Zavala would be able to understand that."

Chad released Vivian and crossed his arms. Vivian sensed the growing tension and quickly sat down.

"What are you my husband? Don't lecture me." Chad snapped.

Rosarian growled, his temper beginning to flare. "I am in charge of this team. Like it or not I didn't just get here by luck and you will have to respect my orders. I especially don't appreciate you undermining me when it comes to my apprentice."

"Hmph that's not what I was told. Besides, apprentice or not she isn't a kid. You need to chillax."

Rosarian went still and the temperature seemed to drop as Rosarian slowly stood up. "Oh? And what DID you hear? I assume it was Zavala who told you who I am. More accurately, my guess is that he warned you about me. Hmph I doubt anything he told you was truth."

Chad met Rosarian's hard gaze with his own. "He might have said that the only reason your in command of this team is because you let your last team die."

Vivian gasped. Rosarian recoiled as though he had been struck. He felt a boiling rage building that he hadn't felt since his beginning years as an apprentice to Ikora as well as the ice cold flow from Dark Tide.

Chad continued. "What if I was told you were insane?" he asked as he stepped closer to Rosarian who met his gaze unflinchingly, void light beginning to violently swirl around him.

"If any of that was true then I wouldn't be in command of this team. This is MY team. If you don't like it then run back to Commander Zavala. We don't need you holding us back anyway." Rosarian snapped.

Chad puffed up angrily.

"What if I was told that you should be stripped of your light and banished from the tower?" Chad drew his shotgun and aimed it, point blank, at Rosarian's chest. "What if I was told your too dangerous to be allowed to remain a guardian?"

Then Chad saw it. Everything the file and Commander Zavala had said was right there in Rosarian's eyes. A blazing fury unlike anything Chad had ever seen was clear for him to see in Rosarian's eyes, now glowing an ethereal void purple. Rosarian gripped the barrel of Chad's shotgun and moved it to rest between his eyes.

"If you believe that to be true then shoot me and stop wasting my time."

Vivian stood and tried to speak. She had to stop the fight that was about to break out. "Wait. Please don't shoot." Her voice came out barely above a whisper.

Rosarian ignored her. "Harlow!"

The small ghost materialized beside him. "Yes Rose?"

"If guardian Chad kills me right now, you are NOT to revive me. Understood? If he shoots me now I stay dead."

"…Yes Rose." Harlow buzzed for a moment before fading away.

Chad gasped and Vivian's eyes went wide with terror. Rosarian really meant it. He shook the weapon and snarled.

"Well?! Do it! Kill me!"

"No!" Vivian screamed as she burst into flames and tackled Chad, two glowing balls of solar light in each of her hands. They hit the floor and landed in a heap of tangled body parts until the grenades she held exploded, turning them both into small specs of solar light and sending Rosarian sprawling.

Rosarian recovered quickly as Vivian and Chad were revived by Eli and Candi respectively. Rosarian sighed in relief until Vivian stomped up to him and slapped him across the face. Chad cringed at the blow.

"Harlow!" Vivian shouted, her anger causing her to reignite.

Harlow materialized beside Rosarian and quickly hid behind his Guardian when he saw the angry female warlock standing wreathed in flames, her normally neon purple eyes glowing bright orange with solar light.

"I don't care if I'm not your Guardian," she shouted. "You will never NOT revive Rosarian. Understood?!"

Harlow turned towards Rosarian as though asking if it was okay. Rosarian just shrugged.

"Yes Miss Vivian. I understand." He said before quickly fading away.

The flames around Vivian receded as her hand snapped up again. He closed his eyes and braced himself expecting another slap. When nothing happened he slowly opened his eyes to see Vivian, hand up as though indeed wanting to slap him again. Her face was contorted in a mixture of anger, fear and sadness and her eyes were full of tears.

Instead of hitting him, she wrapped her arms around his chest and let herself cry into his robes. Rosarian stood there paralyzed by shame. Vivian held out one of her arms towards where Chad was standing and made a grabbing motion.

Chad looked around and pointed at himself, not really believing that she wanted him to actually get any closer.

"Get over here *hiccup* Chad!" She shouted, her shout losing its effect due to her hiccuping.

Chad still jumped to comply and moved close until she gripped him by the front of his armor and dragged him into an awkward three way hug with him rubbing sides with Rosarian and Vivian crying into both of them.

After a second Chad chuckled. "You know, this isn't the type of sandwiches I'm usually into if you know what I mean."

Vivian's crying and hiccuping was instantly joined by giggling.

"Shut up Chad." She barely managed between uncontrollable giggles and hiccups.

Rosarian just held her. He was mad at himself for allowing himself to lose his temper and scare Vivian the way he had but deep down, he was proud. Vivian had unlocked the first of her powers. She was a Sunsinger.

••••••••••

Yes! Finally it's done!

Chapter two of Guardian of the Sword is complete.

As always I want to thank all the readers for their patience. This was a much larger chapter than I anticipated it being. I'm very sorry for the late update, I've had a very bad month in terms of inspiration, motivation and such and it took me forever and a day to get things to where I thought they were satisfactory.

Also as usual, if you have any questions, please please please do not hesitate to PM me. I am more than happy to explain anything you might be confused about whether it be about lore, characters, etc, anything at all. Don't hesitate to drop me a message.

NOTE: IM MAKING THIS BOLD SO YOU DON'T MISS IT. I HAVE NO PREJUDICES AGAINST ANYONE WHO IS NOT HETEROSEXUAL! WHAT YOU DO IN THE PRIVACY OF YOUR LOVE LIFE IS NONE OF MY BUISNESS AND VICE VERSA.

Just wanted to hit that before the hate-mail roles in. Chad being gay isn't me trying to poke fun at gay folks or anything, he just popped into my imagination that way. Stereotypes will be used though, so if your very passionate about it then I say in advance: "sucks to suck."

No one is making you read this after all.

Piggy-backing off the very first bit, Please do not hesitate to review this. I love getting reviews and NEED them to improve. And I'm a bit of an attention whore so getting those makes me feel good. As the username implies, I'm not a very happy individual so I need the boost. .

A big shout out goes to my friend, without whom I wouldn't get anything done: TheBoredBoot.

*Quick request for anyone who bothers to read this part of the chapter: I'm currently looking for good fanfictions to read, preferably in any of these categories -(Naruto, Harry Potter, RWBY, Star Wars: the old republic, Steven universe, Destiny, FNAF, Jurassic Park, elder scrolls, fallout, Halo)

I prefer completed but don't mind ones that are regularly updated either. I can't stand stories that are just up and abandoned though. That drives me up the wall and across the ceiling.

That's all I have for you guys. Thanks a million times over.

TheForlornSage

Walk always dear family.