Sorry about the long wait my beauties. I moved jobs and I have been in funk before that. Good news is that I may be getting married later this year. It's a weird situation due to him being from overseas, but it's something to look forward to. I am refocusing on this story as it is something I am so excited for. Especially given the recent convoluted events in Season 4-5 and upcoming Season 6.

The reason it takes so long is that in between chapters I lose the tone and flow. Then I have to re-read everything and get into 'character' per say. As well as research and re-watching scenes. Its combo of things.

"This is the Control Tower of the Last City. You are in restricted airspace. We demand to know who you are if you can hear or understand us." The male voice demanded. His Ghost made noises of annoyance.

So rude, the little one sighed as it whipped around their cabin space. He looked at it fondly. He was proud of his partner's ways of breaking what would be normal social standards.

Can't blame them. He returned with a shrug. I hardly trust anyone too.

We. . . well we have a reason to Guardian. Remember that we have evidence they want us back. His little Light reminded and he flinched in response. "This is KC EX-723. We were invited by the Vanguard." His little one stated in clear tone with the usual vocal ques of a Ghost. Endearing to him after so long. He could not imagine the little AI without them.

The reply was swift.

"KC EX-723 is not in our records as a guardian owned vessel. Nor your of your expected arrival. We have system locked to shoot you down. Remain where you are until we decide our next course of action", before static met their ears.

Systems? He asked his companion as he brought his ship to a hard stop 7 or so miles from the walls. A large crank was heard in the air as sections of the wall fell away. After having kept an eye on the place and snuck in once or twice, he did not expect that. He raised an eyebrow and was impressed.

Yes, their anti-aircraft weapons. In that moment large cannons turned their way. The smaller ones seemed to remain staring in the distance, just in case.

"We are known by the moniker Guardian of Guardians." The Ghost sighed. Silly names they come up with I tell you, Guardian.

A good chunk of time passed before they heard another word from the being over the line. A slightly more informal tone floated through their speakers. A feminine voice with an odd and old accent.

"Sorry. Your identity has been identified. Please head over to hanger bay via the instructions we are sending. We will direct you to land and lead you to the Vanguard." The woman seemed genuinely sorry about the mess up, but it seemed that the Vanguard wanted to keep this meeting private.

I have a feeling they know more about us than we expect. His Ghost reasoned. The Fallen do keep records of things as well. The good and bad. Knowing the Hunter Vanguard and Warlock Vanguard, the hoard for knowledge is grand among them.

They were sent a flight plan that he followed as his little light buzzed around the cabin in anxiety, double checking everything just in case and uploading a good weapon layout for close, far, and mid-range battle. They both basked in the shadow of the Traveler as they went around its perimeter and took in the sights of city buildings that they had not been able to see up close, but knew the vague shape from afar. This was the last place human beings could hide, behind this wall. The rest of the universe was taken by the Darkness. Despite their wins, they were very much not a match for the threat looming. Regardless of what the Queen was thinking lately.

The landing was no problem as he was beamed into the middle of the courtyard where all the guardians gathered. Luckily, a frame was there to escort them.

Welcome to the Last City. The last place the Traveler can protect. Everything else is falling apart and our victories grow smaller in number, especially with this spy. His Ghost reminded as they gazed together at the protector in the sky. We're counting every day it stands after so many centuries. We are the last thing standing between the fall of the light and conquering of the dark. The defenders of the last Traveler and the last of Humanity. His Ghost seemed to take this as a personal challenge and he did too.

He had seen what could happen to prisoners. He could withstand it after so many years in military services of all kinds from Human military to Awoken militia, but helpless civilians? Or children? No that was something he would not stand for.

As he walked past the vault towers he remembered Hawthorne mentioning once and the post office area that was crowded. The place was calm and full of Guardians leaping and running around. Everyone had a place whether it was going or stand or oddly enough, dancing. He took a second, admired the serenity of the place. How every guardian stride with confidence around the place. He hid his smile in his helmet where he huffed lightly at the gawking guardians and those that seemed to trade gestures at each other. He was reminded of a memory of the Reef, where the smell of oil and distinct purple tint clouded his eyes before Ghost whizzed by just enough to catch his attention from wandering.

He had forgotten that he was carrying dried kills on his belt from his hunt much like Hawthorne did. Three gutted rabbits, his preening pure black Ghost with his blue eye and dangerous sharply shell, his own top fur cloak, and insignia on his cloak made quite the sight. He too was allowed to be vain.

I guess we are more popular than we thought. Ghost mock whispered down their link with humor emotions float along with it. He sent his own agreement back as one poor Hunter tripped backwards when they took notice of who they were walking in front of. The gunslinger saluted and backed off when his Ghost went to approach. If he could, he would have laughed hard, but he didn't want to sound demented. He hadn't laughed loudly enough to see how it sounds or remember how to.

I bet it'll sound lovely, Guardian. His little eye in the sky reassured as it went past the Vanguard emblem and ahead down the stairs.

There stood Titan Lord Shaxx, living legend from when he defended Twilight Gap and prevent the domino effect from happening to the walls of the City in the last war. He led the battle to re-secure a vital hole in their defenses despite orders to retreat. He prevented the battle from being the turning point of being a tragedy of humanity with a gamble based off limited information. He and few guardians stood their ground and held the wall from collapsing from the flood of Fallen. A hero if he knew of any. He got past with a lingering glance from him and his quartermaster. They both moved their bodies to keep his sight on them like any trained warrior would. He nodded back when the helmeted man chuckled and nodded at him in greeting. The man's ghost floating behind the giant helmet and twirled its back in greeting. He heard his Ghost do the same back. Behind him, as he made his way through the hall, he could hear the man's voice boom and creat a distraction as most flinched from the man's 'indoor' voice, "The Crucible needs you. Go in and earn your honor!"

They entered the area into a command room with a large conference table below. The whole room was busy and had people flying in and out without looking at him. Many lept onto the table where the Vanguard simply moved items left and right to avoid incidents. Most ignored him except for a few Hunters, who had a funny attitude overall as they climbed atop the table and radiated around Vanguard Cayde-6 like planets. Titans seemed to crouch in respect to Commander Zavala while Warlocks stood in a semi neat line.

He brought his eyes onto the former human first and focused on the man. The Exo wore the same dark clothing and tattered hood with red markings. His boots were more noticeable in this lighting. Dark red cloth that had seen better days and gold-yellow scarred plating, colorful like the man is, but muted and constrained. The man had subtle gambling references on his clothing and the famous hand cannon at his side.

Across from him stood the famous Warlock Ikora Rey, former apprentice of the infamous banished Osiris. She was garbed in purple robe with silver metal plating that gave her face a fierce distinction with sharp cheeks and minimal hair. She wore makeup in a way that seemed to be almost like warpaint. The woman of all rules and full of knowledge if the ever present datapad had anything to say. It was reflecting slight light over a medallion that seemed polished and well loved. It was of similar design of her scarlet obi belt. The woman stood confident in spoke to the room. She was the one that took one look at them and spoke.

"Out."

With one fierce word, the room cleared. His Ghost grumbled with jealousy as its voice didn't seem able to reflect that same emotion. She made an effortless one step turn to completely face him at the end of the table nearest to the entrance and only exit. She narrowed her eyes at his helmet.

He wanted to remain unknown as it would allow him to be able to sneak in without using too much effort.

He looked back shamelessly, ignoring that unspoken request, before gazing on the last powerful figure. This man carried the City and looked like it. The Atlas of the Last City.

He was of the same tribe of awoken with the indigo skin on his head healthy and strong. It went well with the silver metal armor atop a contrasting red. His double headed eagle emblem was carried by many who respected him, but no one flew it like his shoulder pad did. His badges told that same story with minor scuffing among them. Heavy booted, he didn't doubt that this man would not move from his spot without tremendous force. Yet. The man had soft side with regular lessons about knitting and crocheting that was popular among his mentees. His face had faded clan marks that were hidden under the shadows of his sunken eyes and frowning eyebrows. The man's presence and territorial command placed any 'marked' territory of others to shame. Those eyes were earned with wisdom and experience seemed to find his directly.

"Hunter." The Awoken's voice was deep and seemed to have its own melody.

He let his telepathic abilities unwind. Enough to still hide his race, but enough to feel the area. The man's 'mental scent' saturated the place. It was distinct and had an almost spicy taste than what he remembered Awoken to feel like. Commander Zavala was alpha here, though. For one who seems to deny being anything but a guardian, the man sure marked his place here like some Awoken commander. Which was a hard feat as many males in the Awoken species were looked down due to their gender in a matriarchal society. He was tempted to take his helmet off to challenge the man just to see if it was a conscious action or not, but now was not the time with this emergency that he had been called into. He can test the Commander another time.

Looks like a 'crush' to me. The Ghost teased as it rested on his right shoulder quietly.

Curiosity is not a bad thing, little light. He replied back immediately. He had not been in the fresh presence of another Awoken since his first death. All of them being non-male and at a distance.

Other than that one healer from the City. She was quite the telepathic force. His Ghost remembered. He was impressed as he figured that Ghost had been more overwhelmed than him at the time.

"Titan." His Ghost responded as it twittered about like a firefly. Rotating his shell in slightly show off manner. The other ghosts took notice as they turned its way and he could feel his little shoulder demon feel satisfaction at the acknowledgement.

"See I said this one doesn't speak!" The Hunter barked in good nature as it prevents his ghost from moving towards his Ghost with an index finger. The other ghost had a newer shell with more noticeable offensive traits than the last. One with spikes of its own. Not as adventurous or sharp. It seemed to be more outspoken if the little metallic huff it gave its partner said anything about it.

Influence he was indeed.

"We want to thank you for your work on the field, Hunter." The purple robed Vanguard stated before raising her eyes at the Hunter in their midst. She had put down her electronic pad and crossed her arms. The woman could probably break his face with her biceps if the rumors from Hawthorne were true. She was once a participant of the Crucible and had set a standard most do not meet. Apparently Titan Lord Shaxx still admires to this day.

Despite the clear difference from him and them, the Vanguard seemed to claim him as part of 'their' side. They seemed to forget that he never declared it. That and he was more of a rogue than a proper guardian, like any good Hunter should be. As if able to read him, Vanguard Ikora raised an eyebrow.

So that eyebrow is a Warlock thing too. Maybe your half Warlock. He heard and he ignored as his Ghost snickered at him.

"Your welcome. Tell us about the situation on the moon", his little one stated and he nodded. His partner focused on the map they were gazing at. The moon bases were displayed and camps of the different species were indicated. Curiously it seems the Queen kept one small three man squad on the moon. She was always one to want to know everything. A dangerous thing, but useful.

"We had a scout stop communicating a little past the base of the House of Exiles, the Hive seems to planning something according to the last report." Zavala spoke instead when he noticed that we didn't react to Ikora's stern manner. "We need someone to look into this, but we don't know who to trust and we have our hands tied trying to bring down the Prime Servitor of the House of Devils. I don't want to send someone untrustworthy nor endanger anyone who doesn't know the full truth."

House-less Fallen rebels that we encountered our first time there on the moon. His Ghost needlessly reminded him. They seem to be endless as more and more House are starting to enforce rules harsher than before. The Tower wasn't helping as they kept taking down more Houses and new more ruthless leaders rose to replace. Those would splinter and grow into more factions. Now instead of facing one forces, there are over half a dozen different threats of different kinds. The Reef did this too as they had this us vs them, instead of us, allies, partners, enemy of the enemy vs the threat. Both the Tower and the Reef suffered from this Black and White Outlook.

"What he means is that the creepy crawlies were never on Earth before, that we know of. They wouldn't be here unless they planned something. We hope that by going to the source, it'll let us to see what their plan is." Cayde-6 paraphrased. The Exo eyed his Ghost with suspicion before allowing his own to approach.

Ghost allowed the other to twirl around it before dodging around and going up to Zavala. The others looked at it, his little one, in curiosity as he crossed his arms at their expressions from across the table of the Leader of the Guardians. Only to indicate to his Ghost with a lazy hand wave when they turned stared at him. They seemed to have an aversion of addressing ghosts? Especially bonded ghosts.

Traditions of old. Began with the Risen, than the Titans considered it rude, and grew to this ignore the ghost thing. His partner explained again. Some consider it interrupting the Traveler's work to talk to their Ghost. Many are abused as well.

The little light gave out a static hum to itself. "We will do this. In return, I want access to the database and satellites without being tracked. We have a few leads on the 'ear in the walls'."

He nodded when they all looked to him to reaffirm. He may be a good fighter, but there was much more out there. His Ghost could only hold so much information and from that he could only teach so much to him. This resource was vital.

"Agreed, Ghost." Commander Zavala reasoned and stared directly at Ghost. The man's ghost was regal in manner and simply tilted its body to stare at it before seeming to allow Ghost's presence with a twist of its well-maintained shell.

I like this one. His partner said as it twirled around the blue head and its stoic ghost.

Of course, you do, my companion. He teased. Everyone loves Curiosity.

What you feel is not just Curiosity. The Ghost said as it faded out and appeared near his head, alarming the Vanguard briefly. It's interest. Then again, it's not like you have seen other Awoken guardian up close and on their property. I remember you telling me that the Reef and Dreaming City were like this.

It might have all changed. Awoken are aging now that they left the Distributary and that may cause customs to change, was all he responded with before focusing on the task at hand.

"Me and my Guardian will depart immediately." Ghost said as it floated to his side.

He nodded in agreement as he adjusted his hood over his helmet..

"Your guardian has no name?" Warlock Ikora asked carefully. She had her hands behind her back after his companion's announcement. Warlocks loved puzzles and he knew he was proving to be one.

"He doesn't need one. Nor do I." Ghost said back in mystery. They didn't do things by halves in this duo of theirs. He knew that this façade of coldness kept him from being a part of the people. It was a safety net until he could clean the spiders from the webs.

"And that's why we give you long fancy title names. To make up for the lack of it." The blue Exo remarked. "We will find you one. Maybe call you after, I don't know, a frame or vacuum or something!" The man spread his arms wide.

"We do our job to protect the Traveler and pay back our debt for him allowing us to have another chance at life. To do this, this city must not fall and its people must live. That is our purpose after all", Ghost remarked as its black shell seemed to gleam. "When you're on your own for so long. A name does not matter anyways." He also reasoned for Cayde-6's sake. The man perked up at the last comment.

"That will keep me busy for a while, finding you a name." The man approached him, but kept his distance with arms out motioning. The man kept his arms in sight. Hunters had quite the instinct when it came to danger. "How does Beta-5 and his trusty sidekick Charley sound?"

"No." Ghost said the moment he shook his head beside it.

So much for instinct. He told his Ghost.

"To the name or sidekick?" The Hunter continued.

He turned and left the Vanguard. He allowed his powers to 'taste' the room once again. Zavala was proving to be quite the puzzle himself. The first Awoken guardian to hold his attention without trying.

Zavala and Guardian kissing in a tree- Hey! His little light whispered mentally only to have him flick with a mental touch. His Ghost had no shame some days, but he would take this humor over the calm silence of before. I habit the little one picked up from cocky guardians. Mostly Gunslinger Hunters. Being this close to the Light made the little bot perky.

No more out of you, little Light. He jokingly rebuked. They went down the hall and up the stairs without looking at the Hive infested woman.

I will get rid of that name. I am not little, not anymore. His Light reasoned.

You're the size of my hand. Little. Light. He argued firmly as he laid his eyes on the Traveler. The protector had a large chunk missing from the bottom. Ghost reassured that it would be getting smaller as it healed or awoke.

Size means nothing. Ghost said as they went to orbit.