(Insert, Johnny Cash: Hurt.)
Every Guardian goes forth into darkness knowing there's a chance they may not come back, that their light won't be enough to hold the black tendrils of evil at bay. Many have given their lives and faced their final deaths for the defence of the City and her people.
Titans, Warlocks... And Hunters.
The memories of those Guardians live on through their brothers and sisters, the City they defended, and in the nightmares of the dark abominations that slew those Guardians. For their days are numbered, because their comrades will ride restlessly in haste to find the creature that killed their fellow Guardian.
No Guardian has ever gone quietly into the dark, their has been no record of a defender of Earth running from battle. These heroes stood steadfast on the fields, in the trenches, and along the walls to fight for those they care for. Because they have the audacity not to lay down and die... but to fight.
We've known one of these heroes for four, almost five, years now. He's been the favourite to many players in the Destiny community, and has been known by many even inside the story and lore of the game as well. He's brought light to our darkest times, cheered people up when they were kicked down.
A provider of comic relief.
In the game he's taught many Hunters how to fight in the ways that served them well in the wilds, being a mentor to them when his comrade and friend, Andal Brask, fell to Taniks the Scarred.
When he still roamed the wilds he soared within a ship he named Serenity, (not canon, made that up.) using it to explore the system. He walked alone in the wilds where he felt the most at home. Holding qualities no one else possessed.
He may have lost his memories of his life before the collapse, unable to recall those whose lives were taken by the same thing that forced the Traveller into a near eternal slumber, but he managed to build new ones with the other Guardians he met.
He will always be remembered as one of the best Hunters of Destiny... Cayde-6, The Wildcard.
The man, the myth, and the legend that filled the Prison of Elders with the worst of the galaxy, being an Arbiter of the law in an otherwise bleak and lawless universe. His handcannon named after his long dead son has shot down countless foes, and has burned brightly with the fires of Sol for many centuries in the City's service.
An Exo who may have had a heart of metal and chassis of circuits, but had the soul and mind of a man that acted far more human than most who resided on Remnant. The sparks in his electronic cyan eyes may have gone out... but his spirit watches over the City and his Guardian kin just like the Speaker and the others who have fallen in its defence.
He can no longer hold his weapon against the darkness.
But that doesn't stop us from carrying on with his memory held close to us all.
Loading a bullet in the chamber of our rifles in his name.
Cocking back the pump of our shotguns for his tribute.
And backing a shot for his memory.
He may not carry the torch of law and justice in the untamed wilds... but who said we can't carry on the torch for him.
Uldron may have killed Cayde to ascend the throne of Kell in the house of Dusk. He may think this is some game... and you know what... he's right. This... is a game of thrones... and when you play this deadly game... you either win, or you die.
So to the Barons of the house of Dusk. Mark your calendars, because your dying first.
Then Uldron's next... hope you're wearing brown pants motherfucker... or a lot of red.