Spectre is owned by Link234521. The concept of the Cabal anti-material rifle belongs to Brawl499. Firefly and Serenity are properties of their respective owners.

Dragons' Destiny: Chapter 4

The quartet of ships glided past the Tower courtyard, depositing their passengers before landing in the hangar. The three Titans and elder Hunter landed on their feet. The younger one was on his hands and knees, still having to get used to transmatting. The black Night Fury beside him regurgitated his previous meal for the second time, but fortunately kept it inside his closed mouth and swallowed it back down. They were helped onto their unsteady feet.

"You'll get used to it," Dmitri said, getting their spirits up. "Now come on, we need to introduce you to the Vanguard."

As they strolled towards the hall, the other Guardians relaxing and conversing with each other noticed Fireteam Dragon and their newest additions. Understandably, Toothless received most, if not all the attention. He kept his head low as he surveyed his surroundings, not feeling that comfortable in this new place. His upset stomach didn't help matters, either.

Hiccup noticed his brother's discomfort and rubbed the dragon's head. "Easy, bud. It's alright," he soothed.

"I'm still not too sure," Toothless whispered back, climbing down the split stairs.

Dmitri saw it first and signaled for the group to halt. Turning around, he said, "We'll wait here for now. The whole Vanguard's in a meeting."

"All of them?" 20 asked, surprised.

"Yeah. He is in there with them."

Earlier,

The windows facing the rough terrain far outside the city were darkened, the two large-caliber guns unseen. The only illumination in the room was a yellow hologram of a Hive Dreadnought, the likes of which never seen before. Cayde-6, Zavala, and Ikora Rey were standing around the long table with their Twilight counterparts.

The well-known and (in)famous Bracus Ta'aan studied every detail he could. The Centurion still kept his sky-blue on yellow color scheme, but his knee-pads, jump-pack, and arms were his new legion's black shading. Since his introduction as the Twilight Titan Vanguard, Ta'aan has made an extremely hardy reputation in the Crucible, and has become Shaxx's assistant and protege.

An Eliksni Warlock, Gakskosis, leaned on the table, upper pair of arms crossed. Originally a King, Gak was a strategist and knew how to use his opponent's weaknesses (and their strengths) to his advantage. His blackened armor, yellow cloak, and striped robe led to a few Guardians to nickname him "Bee." To their surprise, Gakskosis took the title with respect after he learned all about the nearly-extinct insect.

A female Psion served as the Twilight House's primary Hunter. Unlike the Exo she worked with, "Jessica" as she was called was quiet, answering only when she needed to. According to sources, she used to be one of the very few Psions Flayers in Sol, but tended to perform long-range support on the battlefield with her anti-material rifle. Keeping with her people's tradition, no one has seen the face lying behind the midnight-and-crimson helmet.

"My contact near Saturn said the weapon fired only once," Ikora said.

"It's not like the Queen to attack a superior force," Zavala reasoned.

Ta'aan needed a clarification. "Superior numbers or superior firepower?"

"Likely both," Gak answered.

Ikora looked at the group. "How could she have known? How could anyone?" No answered the rhetorical question. "We need a Warlock inside the Dreadnought."

Whoever was going to speak next was interrupted by the sound of boots entering the room. Alongside Spectre, leader of the Ancient Vanguard, was the leader of the Twilight House, Triton-1. The Exo, even without his Obsidian Mind helmet on, seemed to absorb what light the display gave off. His dimmed silver eyes had the glow of a far away star, almost nonexistent.

"No," the Warlock stated ominously. "What Hidden you send there will not come back. Not while he is there."

"Triton, while it is good to see you, could you save your spooky-scary stories for the campfires?"

"Cayde, that's enough. Spectre, it is good to see you alive. Wha-"

"What's the status on Korus, Titan?" Ta'aan interrupted Zavala. To the Centurion, the lives of his brothers-in-arms were not worth beating around the bush over.

"Korus is gone and whatever personnel that didn't evacuate the firebase in time are either dead or became Taken. There were Phalanxes, Psions, and Centurions with Hive forces thrown in the fray as well," Spectre reported, his Duskrender helmet resting between his arm and his side as he spoke with his fellow Vanguard representatives.

At each word of the fleetbase's destruction, the Bracus grew more and more furious. When he couldn't take it anymore, he stomped towards the exit, but stopped at the Titan's side. "I'll want your HUD video later." With that said, he went on his way, almost pushing a frame aside.

"Their tactics are more advanced than what we faced before; we met teleporting and invisible Thrall, Centurions throwing axion bolts at us, even Psions that can clone themselves by ripping themselves in half. Hell, a Phalanx tried to blast Rez off an exterior platform, but failed miserably." He mumbled an "unfortunately" underneath his breath.

"Then our first priority must be to protect the City. Whatever Spectre found on Phobos turned Cabal against Cabal, wiped out their base in minutes. How long would we last?"

"How long would any of us last?" Gak added, hanging his head low, taking in the new information.

"If... Samson has been Taken, our end will be soon," Triton answered in his defeatist tone.

Jessica slapped the Warlock's arm. "And that is why you formed the Twilight House," she said in a sweet voice. "So we could at least delay it." Her words made the Exo's optics brighten, but only a bit.

"Until we understand what we're dealing with-"

Another pair of boots sounded, followed by the alien screech of an object racing towards them. A rock, encased in an invisible orb of green smoke, came to rest on top of the projector, killing the yellow. Now, the room was bathed in the sick shade of green that Hive magic gave its shape. The eerie glow shined most on the newcomer, her trio of green eyes shining beneath her wrappings.

"They are Taken."

Cayde groaned. "Why don't we make this an open meeting and invite everyone in? Eris... Get your rock off my map."

Eris Morn traveled around the table, arm stretched towards the relic. "It hasn't spoken since Crota fell. It speaks now because Oryx is here. Come to fulfill the final covenant of his son."

Spectre groaned. "Great. Just what I needed."

"But, why fight the Cabal?"

"Not fighting," the old Hunter answered. "Taking. Controlling their will."

The green returned to the yellow hologram as Gakskosis gently removed the relic. He handled it with care, observing with his four blue eyes.

Zavala went with the direct approach. "So we focus on his army, kill these Taken until he's all that's left."

"Not just him," Triton spoke. "If Oryx has found Samson, their threat has multiplied."

The Ancient Vanguard representative groaned. "No disrespect, Tri, but can you please stop going off about him?" The man's words met a cold glare.

"Whatever you kill, he will replace," Eris continued, ignoring the others' banter.

"The Dreadnought, then. How do we get past that weapon?"

"Without ending like the Awoken," Zavala solemnly added. No one dared to lighten the mood after the truth was spoken, Gak and any Eliksni ally in the room especially. Their people served alongside the Awoken in the Battle of Saturn, and just as many never returned.

Cayde looked around the table nervously. "I, uh, gotta go... see about a ship." He turned and headed towards the exit.

"Cayde, our discussion has not yet been concluded."

"Oh, I know. That's why I'm leaving," the Exo Hunter replied, keeping pace and not turning around.

Dragon had stayed on the stairs or in their vicinity, waiting for the Vanguard to end their meeting. 20 had left to go to his quarters, leaving Krayt to polish the large shield he kept on his back. Hurricane leaned against the wall, eyes closed underneath his blue helmet. The other Hunter in the group leaned against his brother.

Dmitri noticed Cayde-6 coming out of the Vanguards' room and motioned everyone onto their feet. "Hello, Cayde. They done in there?" the Titan asked.

"It ended for me when I left. You get your S-and-R op done?"

"Wouldn't be standing here with you if we weren't," Krayt wisecracked. A smack from Hurricane put his attitude back in line. "One new Hunter and his... Night Fury, is it?"

Toothless chuffed at the green Titan before following his brother's gaze at the blue robot-man in front of the group.

"Well, well, well. Welcome to the Hunter Vanguard, kid," Cayde greeted, slapping a hand on Hiccup's shoulder. "Words of advice: don't take Zavala too seriously and avoid Ikora whenever you can... for now. Any questions can be directed to me later. Good luck out there, kid." He quickly left, leaving two new Guardians staring at him as he climbed up the stairs.

"Uhh..." was all Hiccup could say. He didn't need to look at Toothless to know the same thing was going through the dragon's mind.

"Where's he going?" Krayt asked stupidly. He turned to Hurricane for an answer.

"Don't know, don't care." 'Cane resumed juggling one of his knives, then pushed himself off the wall. "Come on."

Sure enough, the meeting had ended. The windows let the sunlight back in, showing the full room and the guns outside. Of the extra Vanguard members, "Bee" and Jessica were the only official ones in the room. Triton and Eris stood next to each other, staring outside and no doubt in quiet conversation. Spectre dashed past the fireteam, nearly knocking over one of the weapons Arcite 99-40 had on display on his counter.

They walked down the stairs and stood at the edge of the table opposite Zavala. "Commander, Fireteam Dragon reporting in," Dmitri stated, his hand and those of the other Titans up in salute.

Zavala returned the salute. "At ease, Dragon. Was your mission a success?"

"Yes, sir. This is Hiccup and his Night Fury, Toothless." Both of the aforementioned stepped forward into better view. With the exception of the two "Hive-stricken", the various leaders looked at the new Guardians.

"A dragon?" Ikora Rey asked in surprise. "But the Traveler has only called on humanity to-"

"Those are the same words you used when the Eliksni, Cabal, and Psions entered the Guardian's ranks, Ikora." The voice felt old with a mechanical tone lying beneath experience. "A dragon is no different. Those who have been chosen are worthy."

The Warlock approached the Dragons, gazing at Toothless. The Night Fury returned the look and felt it. The feeling that this one was staring at his soul. "You are a special kind, Toothless. A leader. I speak only for myself, but I can feel that you and Hiccup are here for more than just fighting for your world."

"What are you saying?" Hiccup asked. He had been in this place for not yet fifteen minutes and he still had many more questions than answers.

The Exo smiled. "Everything reveals itself in time. As it did with Oryx, so it will for your destinies." He pulled out two large, thin cards and handed them to Hiccup. "Take these. They will help get you two prepared for the future. Unless any of you say otherwise, you will be part of Fireteam Dragon."

"Uhh, thank you. I guess," Hiccup said, still not having any clue about what was going on here.

"Alright, I think it's best we leave now. I don't believe Hiccup and Toothless have gotten any of their questions answered," Dmitri said. He gave Zavala another salute, then turned to leave. "Come on, everyone."

Krayt put a hand on Hiccup's shoulder. "Don't worry about a thing, Hiccup. Once we get you two all suited up and ready to go, we'll answer your questions."

"Not sure how many you'll answer, Krayt." The team chuckled at Hurricane's jab.

Cayde, in his "disguise", approached the ship before him. "Hey, Hogan. Got a favor to ask you."

The blonde man in question looked up, then shook his hands in a "no" gesture. "No, no, no. Not this time, Cayde. Last time I did a favor for you, I nearly got killed! Not to mention a few of my crew being in the same boat."

"That's okay. Only thing I need is your ship."

"What?"

"I'm in need of a ship for a, uh," he leaned towards Hogan's ear, "special mission."

"Cayde, I'm sorry, but no can do. I've worked with you far too long to know what will happen. I give you my ship, I won't see her again."

The Hunter shrugged, knowing Hogan wouldn't be convinced this time. "Oh, well. It was worth the shot. Safe travels, friend." He walked away from the ship, being careful to avoid crossing in front of one of the engines. Putting his helmet on, he keyed in a comm channel.

"Hello."

"Hey, Firewing. I have a proposition for you, if you're interested."

"...Shoot."

(AN) - Hoped you liked that Firefly/Serenity tidbit at the end, folks. I didn't really know what to have Hiccup ask, so I decided to let the "Crazy Exo" give him even more questions. Next time, we see Hiccup working with the Tower's weaponry (if you can call accidents "working"). Now onto the reviews:

Telron - Yeah. Dragons are supposed to have long lives, it just depends on the species. If you want a bit of backstory on Toothless, I'd suggest reading "Memory".

Link234521 - Really? I do believe you are missing out on a great film. The second one, ehh, not as much, but it's still good.

Adipose1913 - Thank you. In some HTTYD stories I've read, their bond is just there, but isn't really brought close enough to the heart.

Spartan-100 - Glad to have you back onboard! Thank you for your words, which have given me a way to write the next chapter. Don't forget to write your password down so you'll have it next time.

Wow. 79 recorded views already? It's nice to know how much you all are liking this story. I hope you all have a good day/night and a very, Merry Christmas!/Happy Holiday! See ya, folks.