Hey guys! It's definitely been awhile, but before I go on I just need to let you guys know that the previous chapter was incomplete, however, I finished it so go read that if you haven't all ready. That aside, this chapter is going to introduce a slightly darker atmosphere than my previous ones, and it deals with another three-year time lapse. With this information please enjoy!
Safe House
It was late, the orange and pink-tinged sun was sinking lazily over the tall peaks of the Cosmodrome mountain range. Towering pines silhouetted against a dusky sky that was rapidly filling with stars strung out in familiar constellations. The night was quiet and peaceful, every noise seemed muffled by the thick pine needles that compressed and caved underfoot not unlike a soft mattress. An owl hooted in the distance, and a vixen's kits whimpered quietly to each other until their mother issued a low growl, quieting the cubs in their den. He breathed in the crisp, clean and still air, savoring the feeling of it filling his lungs, and running its wispy fingers through his dark hair. This was wild country, untainted and inhabited by humans, Exo's, or Awoken and their City's pollution. His good mood soured slightly at the thought of the Guardians precious City, all locked behind its walls in blissful ignorance under the Traveler's shadow. A feeling of deep sadness overtook him at the remembrance of the people… oh, the people… he had never hated them, he had only ever pitied the Guardians and people of the Tower, pitied the ignorance that they willing kept themselves in. He couldn't hate them, after all… he had been one of them; he had once believed in the Travelers light and the sanctity of the Tower… but that had been a long, long time ago… he knew better now.
His head snapped around at the sound of a shuffling of footsteps, and an inaudible curse coming from his left. He crouched, quickly rushing to duct inside a hollowed out tree trunk, thus hidden, he grew still as a statue, straining his ears for any noise.
"Careful! Let's keep our eyes on the trail and not the sky hmm?" It was a man's voice, deep and smooth, addressing someone else that was with him.
"Sorry… It's just… The stars are so beautiful out here…" This voice sounded like it belonged to a young woman, barely more than a girl.
He shifted slightly to peak out of his hiding place, only to see a pair of Guardians or at least one of them was, he couldn't be sure, as the girl looked so incredibly young and lacked any adornment to distinguish her class. The man, on the other hand, was without a doubt a Hunter, dressed in grey, white, and blue armor, with a long grey cloak embezzled with a swooping hawk. His eyes narrowed, that insignia was unmistakable; Zephyr, one of the most notorious Hunter's in recent History, he was a dangerous man, someone you definitely didn't want to be on the wrong side of. The girl, however, he didn't recognize, she was unusual, but pretty, he realized with some ironic amusement, with long snow-white hair that hung freely down past her shoulders. Large silver eyes were glued to the sky, reflecting the pinpricks of stars like two glassy mirrors. Her features were delicate but strong, with a determined line fixed on her brow, and sharp cheekbones giving her a striking appearance. She couldn't have been more than sixteen, as she had yet to gain a full woman's figure, and her voice still held that higher, often whinier tone that children possessed. There was something unnervingly familiar about her as if they had met before, yet he could not remember when; he wondered if… perhaps...
"Yes well, often the most beautiful things in life are the most dangerous," Zephyr replied to her after a moment. "Women are a perfect example." He commented with a slight grin directed in front of him.
The girl raised an eyebrow as her gaze fell away from the sky, "Oh really? And how are you an authority on such matters?" she questioned.
Zephyr turned slightly to face her, stopping almost directly in front of his hiding spot; he held his breath, not wanting to attract any attention, he wanted to learn as much as he could from these two. After all, he had nothing better to do. "You must understand I'm a lover first and foremost in life my dear, I've swooned the hearts of many a maid in my day." He said with a wink. The man in the tree rolled his eyes in mild disgust, when he had pictured the mighty Zephyr before, this is not what he had imagined.
The girl did not seem impressed, "Oh, I'm sure, just like that time you attempted to 'swoon' that waitress and she smacked you with the dinner platter." she countered slyly.
Zephyr's smile faded slightly, "Now hold on, that's not a fair comparison!" he argued, but the girl was having none of it.
"Yes, complimenting a ladies mustache is always the way to go, gets them every time doesn't it?" she presses, a malicious grin spreading across her face. He himself smiled at this comment, she was a witty little thing.
"What? You never know what women are into these days! One day its mustaches and the next it's shaving your eyebrows off! How's a man to know?" he continued defensively.
The girl crossed her arms and regarded him as if she was still unconvinced, but otherwise chose to let it go. Zephyr shook his head in an exasperated gesture before moving on down the path, the young girl hesitated a moment, she looked around, her silver eyes scanning the scenery until they fell directly on him. He froze, silently praying that she hadn't seen him, her eyes stared straight through him, it felt like if she lingered any longer he might drown in those silver depths. The feeling of familiarity spiked, who was this girl?!
"Kya?! Are you coming or what? We haven't got all night!" The Hunter called after her.
She peered at him a few seconds longer before blinking, and dazedly shaking her head in seeming confusion, "I'm coming!" She called back, glancing once more in his general direction before sprinting off out of sight.
He released his pent-up breath, only now realizing that he been holding it. What was it about those eyes that had unnerved him so much? She was only a child… he took a deep breath clearing his thoughts. It didn't matter, they were simply an inconvenience to him, despite being faced by a legendary Hunter, Zephyr wouldn't pose much of a threat to him… but still...
"Kya." he said softly, "I wonder if she could be..." he wondered, and with that, he fled his hiding place, darting through the trees, and into the blackness beyond.
"What was that about?" Zephyr asked as Kya covered the remaining distance between them.
"I'm… not sure." she replied honestly, "I felt like something was off."
The Hunter looked genuinely concerned, "Like what exactly?" he questioned.
"It just felt like I was being watched." she finally admitted.
Zephyr didn't respond right away, his stormy eyes were darker than normal as they scanned the surrounding area.
"I'm sure it was nothing Zeph, I was just being paranoid…" she was cut off as Zephyr held a finger to his lips, motioning for silence. She bit her tongue, listening intently while studying her mentor's features. She nearly let out an audible gasp as his face twisted into a look of horrified surprise, it was as if he had seen a ghost. He grabbed her by the back of her tunic, propelling her forward.
"Move!" He hissed quietly.
Kya swallowed her questions as a pang of cold fear clutched her heart, Zephyr was spooked, and nothing spooked him easily. The two shot off into the night, running as fast as Kya could manage through the trees and brush; she knew if she had not been present Zephyr could easily run at twice their current pace, and for that, she felt guilty that they might be in danger because of her.
"Scarlett!" Zephyr barked, summoning his Ghost.
"Yes? What is it? Is something wrong?" She asked, clearly worried.
"As soon as we reach that clearing summon the ship, we have to leave," he explained, earning a bob from his Ghost as she did as he asked.
Within a minute they could hear the thrust of rocket boosters approaching.
"We're going to board my ship fast, and get the hell out of here, just say close to my side," Zephyr warned, Kya simply nodded in response.
The two burst into the clearing, running to a sleek white ship hovering in the center, the entrance ramp was down. Zephyr strode up the ramp not waiting for Kya as he took his place in the cockpit. As soon as Kya was on the ramp, the ship began to rise, and before the ramp raised, she turned to look out one last time. What she saw sent a chill up her spine, a man was standing just inside the edge of the clearing, he was dressed in black, with a long cloak concealing his figure, but despite this she could see he was tall and muscular with broad shoulders and strong features. All she could make out of his face was piercing green eyes, and a wide, wolfish smile.
"What do you mean you were followed?!" Cayde whispered harshly.
"Shh!" Zephyr warned, glancing at Kya's bedroom door, "You'll wake her."
Cayde sighed and motioned for him to take a seat next to him on the couch.
"What happened?" The Exo asked calmly, gazing intently at his friend.
Zephyr took a deep breath before beginning, "Kya and I were taking the trail down from the mountains when she first sensed something was off, I had known from the beginning that we weren't alone up there, but for whatever reason, he only made a move when Kya nearly spotted him. I thought we'd be fine, and he'd simply avoid us, and we would, in turn, avoid him… but I guess I misjudged the situation"
Cayde was silent for a long moment, it had been three long years since Kya and his Ghosts had been freed from their Siva prisons, during that time she had begun her real training as a Guardian. At first, Cayde had seen to her training personally, but as time past his duties caught up with him, and Zephyr had taken over much of her training in his stead. Their latest outing had been a survival lesson, they had been traveling the mountainous terrain for a week before the eerie encounter with… him.
"So, are you telling me… that he's taken an interest in her?" Cayde asked quietly, worry creasing his face, "You do realize what that means? She's no longer safe!" He growled, his voice dangerously low.
Zephyr nodded grimly, his face downcast. "I know." He said quietly, "I should have left the moment I sensed him."
Cayde's face softened, losing some of his previous anger. "It's not your fault." he reassured him, "No one could have predicted this. And besides, it's more than possible that we could be over complicating this, I mean, he could have just been bored up there and decided to have some fun with you." He went on, his tone sounding unconvinced even to himself.
Zephyr nodded, "Perhaps, but that doesn't erase the risk… The fact remains that she needs to be kept safe." He looked at Cayde cautiously, "Normally, the Tower would be the safest place… if it were anyone else."
Cayde eyed him suspiciously, "What are you implying?" He asked, already knowing the answer to the question.
"She needs to be taken somewhere he would never think to look." Z began slowly, earning a look of hesitant agreement from Cayde.
"The safe house?" The Exo questioned, remembering the small cave located somewhere in what was once southern Canada. It had been used by him and his close friends as an outpost while out on missions near there, or merely as an escape from the Tower. Only he, Zephyr, and two others knew where it was, and how to access it.
Zephyr nodded, "Yes, precisely what I had in mind."
"But don't you think that's too close? Wouldn't she be safer on another planet?" Cayde said, expressing his concern.
"That does seem like the correct course of action doesn't it?" Z replied before explaining further, "That would make the most sense… it would be the most predictable."
Cayde nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes, "She'll go there, while one of us leads him off world."
"Exactly, we just need to make it convincing, and after he's off-world, Kya's trail will be cold," Zephyr confirmed. With this last comment, Z put a hand on Cayde's shoulder, meeting his gaze firmly, "You'll be the one to lead him away, I'll look after the girl."
Cayde did not look pleased, but nevertheless, he had to agree, his duties of Vanguard had to come first; he would be needed even more now that Zephyr and Kya were about to disappear off the grid, leaving the Tower with one less Hunter, and a powerful one at that. No one else could know, not even the other Vanguard, any loose ends could pose a severe threat to their secrecy.
"Should we tell her?" Zephyr asked.
Cayde thought for a moment, before slowly shaking his head, "No. not about him at least. I'll tell her in the morning that you want to take her as a personal apprentice, out in the wilds where you'll complete her training. She'll be all over that." He finished with a tinge of bitterness entering his voice.
Zephyr inclined his head, "And when should we return?" he asked while standing.
Cayde worked his jaw for a moment in contemplation, "When she can hold her own against you." He replied simply, looking up at his friend, "Teach her everything you know, don't go easy on her, make her strong, and bring her back." He sighed, "She'll need to be strong enough to fend for herself out there… we can't shelter her like a child for long, she is a Guardian after all."
Zephyr nodded, "Right, you have my word, I'll protect her with my life, and teach her the Hunter way. I'll come for her two days from now, bright and early." With this he left, leaving Cayde alone with his thoughts.
Someone was shaking him, gently rocking him out of a deep, troubled sleep.
"Cayde?" Someone called softly, probably Kya he decided, as the hand that clutched his shoulder was small and delicate, but deceivingly strong. He cracked his eyes opened, remembering the time she had shook him awake while they had been captured, she had changed so much since then.
He was still seated on the couch, leaned back with his hood pulled over his eyes, he must have fallen asleep sometime after Zephyr had left.
"Why are you out here? Couldn't make the distance to your room?" She asked teasingly.
Cayde scoffed with a sleepy smile, "Ah, I just… couldn't sleep… in there."
Kya was silent for a moment before asking, "Is it because of what happened the other night?" He glanced at her, seeing the slight flash of fear in her eyes at the mention of his encounter.
Cayde sat up straight while shaking his head, "No! No! Of course not! Zephyr and I were just having a drink last night, and I guess I must've passed out after a few." He shoved her lightly, "You've made me a lightweight kid."
Kya rolled her eyes, she didn't look entirely convinced, but to his relief, she didn't pursue the issue. "Well it's eight, I'm going to fix some breakfast before I head down to the range…" She said while walking to the kitchen.
Cayde turned suddenly, pointing a finger at her as if he had just remembered something, "Oh uh… I just remembered there's uh.. Something I need to talk to you about."
Kya glanced at him quizzically while pulling a pan down from the copper rack, and placing it on the stove. "I'm all ears." she said with mild interest, as she selected four eggs out of the fridge.
Cayde stood slowly, stretching with a soft groan before taking a seat at the bar overlooking the kitchen. "How would you feel about being a personal apprentice for one of the Hunter's here at the Tower?" He began, attempting to peak the girls interest.
She looked at him curiously, "I don't understand…" she said at length, cracking the eggs in the pan, filling the silent morning with sizzling pops.
Cayde shrugged, "You know, being taken in by someone who can train you as their full time duty… how would you feel about that?" he tried again, gesturing enthusiastically with is hands.
Kya squinted at him, obviously thinking hard on what he had said. "Well, I suppose it would be fine… depending on who I'd be assigned too." She began, refocusing on her cooking, "But I don't understand why that's necessary… or practical. I mean, I've been doing just fine with you and Zephyr trading off."
Cayde nodded, a hesitant lump forming in his throat. Kya wasn't an idiot, and he didn't want to tip her off in anyway that might make her suspect his true purpose. "Funny that you should mention him… Zephyr.. He's ah, he's actually the one that brought this idea to my attention."
This drew Kya's attention, "Oh really?" She asked sceptically.
"Yup." He paused, trying to think of how to begin, "Do uh, do you want me to explain what he had in mind, or would you rather hear it from the man himself?"
She paused, her hand hovering above the toaster lever, "It doesn't matter who explains it as long as you do it sooner rather than later." she said icily, harshly pushing the toaster lever down, preparing the bread.
Cayde was taken aback by this act of aggression, she was normally grumpy in the morning but… she was never hostile. "Ok well, Zephyr thinks it's time that your training was moved to its final stages. He wants to take you away from the Tower for a while… I'm not sure how long but ah… out there in the wilds he'll complete your training much faster than cooped up here. That and Hunter training is different when it comes to where it needs to take place, out there, beyond the walls… it's our domain, we have a special connection when it comes to beyond the City's borders." He was cut off as Kya slid a plate of eggs and toast in from of him, while she remained standing opposite him.
"So you're sending me away is that it?" She asked before shoveling a pile of eggs in her mouth.
Cayde was again taken by surprise by her cold words, what in the world had gotten into her? "Kya…" He began cautiously, "Are you alright? You seem… agitated."
"Oh no I'm fine." She said sarcastically, "Fine with being lied too, and treated like a child." she met Cayde gaze, her own was angry but hurt. "I'm not an idiot Cayde! I know you're sending me away because of what happened, I just don't understand why! Is it because of that man?" She asked, an accusing glare bored into him.
Cayde hesitated, "I can't tell you that." he said defiantly.
"Why?" she pressed, clearly not pleased with his answer.
"Because you don't need to know until you're prepared to deal with it yourself." He barked back defensively.
"What does that mean!"
"It means you're going to have to trust me!" He shouted at her, pushing his stool back as he stood so that it clattered on the ground.
Kya took a step back, and he saw the fear in her eyes; her eyes were moist, and she stared down at her feet, "I'm sorry…" she whispered.
Cayde felt a pang of guilt, he shouldn't have yelled at her, "Oh no, Kya…" He quickly moved into the kitchen, placing a hand on each of her shoulders, turning her to face him. "I'm sorry."
Kya sniffed, "I was just scared, that man… he... I saw his eyes… they were so dark and filled with some kind of… unfulfilled goal… and… pain, so much pain…" she finished her voice breaking, "Bu-but he was smiling… and that was the worst part."
"Smiling?" Cayde mumbled to himself, there was no doubt in his mind now that that traitor was a threat to his girl, he just wished he knew why! Kya moved toward him, planting her head on his shoulder.
"Listen," Cayde said, embracing the girl. "Zephyr will keep you safe I promise, and he'll train you better than I ever could. He will teach you how to take care of yourself out there, so that no smiling woodsman will be able to sneak up on you ever again." He grinned down at her, "You'll be a total badass by the time you return, guaranteed." he said with a wink.
She nodded against his shoulder, "Alright, I'll go." She looked up at him, "Will you be able to visit?" She asked.
Cayde's expression turned sad, "No, I wish I could but I might accidentally lead him too you. Instead, I'm going to lead him off world with a false trail, before making my way back here; that way he'll be completely in the dark."
Kya instantly looked downcast, "How long will I be gone?"
Cayde thought a moment, but the answer was hard for him to voice, "It could take years, it's not for me to say." he said softly.
"Years?" She said to herself, pulling away to look at him.
Cayde nodded sadly, "I'm sorry, but this is the only way to ensure that he doesn't find you, or Zephyr."
It was than that Kya voiced the question that she had been asking herself ever since that night, "Who is he Cayde? And what does he want from us?"
Cayde was silent for a long moment, "He's a traitor, and a madman. As for what he wants well, your guess is as good as mine."
"That's all you know….?"
"That's all you need to know." Cayde interjected, "Please, that's all I can tell you, his story is one that needs to be forgotten."
Kya nodded after a moment, "Ok, I trust you."
He patted her shoulder, "Atta girl, now go get dressed. We'll go to the range together, and maybe get some lunch later eh?" He said with a smile.
Kya returned the grin, "Alright, maybe this time I'll beat your quickdraw record!" She challenged.
Cayde scoffed, "In your dreams." he called after her as she raced to her room, this would be the last few days he would get to see her for a long time, might as well make the most of it.
"Three seconds! Three!" Kya stated enthusiastically, holding three fingers up to Cayde's face, "I almost had you!" she laughed, taking a bite out of her chocolate pecan ice cream.
Cayde laughed back, "Sure sure, give it a few decades and you might beat my quickdraw." He teased, holding the apartment door open for her.
"You never know." She said defensively, walking in and falling into the couch, "I could make you eat your words one day."
He took a seat in the armchair next to her. "Hey! I said might, why's that never good enough for you?"
Kya smiled at him, a thin line of chocolate on her upper lip, "Cause I wanna be the best. Now, I'm not an idiot, it'll take a long time for me to reach that goal, but I'm sure I can get there eventually."
Cayde nodded, "As long as that confidence don't turn into arrogance, I'm sure it's possible." he assured her.
The two spent the rest of the evening watching the epic classic known as Star Wars, Cayde had found it while on a mission in ancient Europe, and the collect of DVDs had been in good enough condition for him to use. At the middle of the second episode, Cayde looked over to see Kya was fast asleep, so he paused the movie and moved to pick her up; she would need her rest for tomorrow. He laid her down in his room, just to be safe as it was the only room in the flat with no window; after covering her with a blanket, he went out into the living to keep watch. Cayde knew exactly what he was capable of, and he wouldn't leave anything to chance, not even in his own home.
Cayde awoke with a start at the feeling of a large hand being placed on his shoulder.
"Whoa there, keep calm it's just me." Zephyr said cautiously in an attempt to sooth his friend.
Cayde cursed quietly to himself, he had fallen asleep again! "You know, you'd think an Exo would be able to resist the urge to pass out at night." he mumbled to himself.
Zephyr raised an eyebrow, "You're just a human in a machines body Cayde, don't be too hard on yourself she's fine."
Cayde sighed, realizing the time had finally come. He and Kya had spent the last two days training together, eating ramen, and watching old movies from Cayde's private collection that he took immense pride in. It wasn't much he knew, but he took every moment he could, knowing she would soon be gone for a long, long time.
"Is she ready?" Zephyr asked softly.
"Yeah, yeah she's ready. I just need to wake her up." He replied standing to his feet, he stood there for a moment, looking down dejectedly.
Zephyr studied him, "Cayde, the longer you stall the less likely this plan will succeed." he said quietly, and he knew he was right. The threat to Kya and Zephyr was not an idiot, on the contrary, he was a devious mastermind, and his borderline madness made him extremely unpredictable.
He nodded, "You're right." The Exo squared his shoulders, "She'll be at the checkpoint in an hour or so. Good luck." He said, clasping Zephyr by the shoulder, "You'll be sorely missed here."
Zephyr returned the gesture, "What will you do without me?" he replied with a grin.
"Drink alone most likely," Cayde replied, it was a joke, but a true one nonetheless.
Zephyr nodded sadly before heading to the door, "Don't let this rule your life until the time we return." He said, pausing in the doorway, "You've changed since you found her, don't let that time fade away." And he was gone, leaving Cayde alone.
Cayde slowly made his way to his bedroom, turning on the lamp next to the bed. Kya groaned, covering her head with the covers; Cayde rolled his eyes before yanking the blanket completely off her.
"Why?!" She grunted, rubbing her sleep filled eyes.
"You're leaving today." He said simply, "Come on and get dressed."
Kya's sleep filled deminer instantly vanished as understanding dawned in her eyes. "Oh." She said quietly as she rose to a sitting position. "Right now?"
Cayde nodded, "Yup, Zephyr just stopped by and gave me the all clear."
Kya bobbed her head absentmindedly, before slipping of the bed and heading to her room.
She was back out in the living room in a matter of moments, dressed in a dark green and black tunic, a leather pack hung over her left shoulder, holding only the bare essentials she would need on the journey.
Cayde smiled weakly at her, "Ready?"
Kya nodded with a sad grin, "Ready as I'll ever be."
"Oh!" The Exo turned to retrieve a bundle that was resting on his writing desk, "This is for you." He said handing her the bundle.
Kya dropped her pack on the floor, eagerly accepting the gift. "What is it?" She asked excitedly as she began to undo the wrappings.
"Just open it." He replied with an amused smile.
The girl gasped as she held out a forest green hunters cape, embezzled with a white sparrow in mid flight.
"Thought the sparrow might be appropriate, considering Z's emblem is a hawk." Cayde commented, pleased that she liked his gift.
"It's perfect!" She chimed, throwing it over her shoulders and clasping it around her neck. "How do I look?" She asked, offering him a twirl.
Cayde shook his head, "Fine, just fine, it suits you well-oof!" He was cut off as Kya unexpectedly embraced him, wrapping her small arms around his torso.
"I'll miss you." she said quietly, pulling away as quickly as she had come. "And, thanks… for the cape… it-it means a lot that you think I'm ready."
Cayde's expression softened, and he placed a hand on the top of her head, his chest filled with what he could only describe as pride. "You're welcome, you've more than earned it. And…. I'll miss you too… probably." He added with a mischievous wink.
Kya rolled her eyes, shrugging off his hand before retrieving her pack off the floor. "Let's head out then, the sooner I leave the sooner I'll return."
"Ya ready?!" Cayde called to Kya from his position in the cockpit.
"Ready!" she called back, standing near the rear of the ship.
The two were making their way over the Kolyma mountain range in eastern Russia. The plan Zephyr had left him with included them flying close to one of the peaks, were Kya would faze out, and onto the mountain. Zephyr would be waiting for her, and Cayde would hit light speed as soon as she was out, before making his way to Venus.
"On my mark!" He warned. "One! Two! Three! Go! See ya in a few years kiddo!" Cayde shouted back with a smile.
"See ya!" She shouted back, before disappearing without another word.
He immediately threw his ship into hyperdrive, speeding away from Earth, away from Kya; He hoped to the Traveler that he had made the right choice. The only thing he could do now was lead the wolf away, and trust Zephyr's ability in making Kya the skilled warrior he knew she could be.
What'd you guys think? I'd like to hear your opinion on the new threat to Kya and Zephyr. Thank you so much for reading!
