A/N: So the Warmind reveal stream happened. Thoughts? Opinions? Hyped? Not hyped? Do you like the fact the Hive are coming back? What do you think of Nokris being a villain? Would you rather have had a brand new enemy faction?
I personally thought the Hive were being saved for September, since I genuinely thought Savathûn would be the next major threat. Leave your thought in a review if you so wish.
Or don't. Cos that's cool too.
So this chapter a little heavy in terms of content, but I wanted the 'get the team together' part of this arc to be somewhat meaningful and not like LFG.
DISCLAIMER: The following is a non-profit fanfiction. Destiny, Destiny 2 and all their expansions are all owned by Bungie, Activision, High Moon Studios and Vicarious Visions. I only own Fireteam Storm and other OCs. Please support the official release.
Saga 01: Guardian Rising
Arc 05: The Vault of Glass
Chapter 28: Fireteam Storm
Earth
The Last City
Tower
It was around midnight and Kayla's victory party showed no signs of slowing down. Even so, Kayla herself had snuck out several hours ago and retreated to her room for as much quiet as she could get. While she was grateful, if a little embarrassed for a party in her honour, the young Voidwalker would have preferred a quiet get together with the friends she'd made, rather than being shown off to the Tower and the City below via the news.
She hadn't even had time to relax since her return as it turned out that the Vanguard (though Kayla suspected it was purely Cayde) had insisted on having the stage pre-built for her return. If she was entirely honest she was surprised the Vanguard had that much faith in her (though Kayla suspected it was purely Cayde) and was fairly moved by the gesture. Even so, it was nice to return to normality.
"Uuugh, bed…" Kayla groaned, putting on shorts and a tank top before literally crashing on to her bed. "It feels sooo goooood."
"Interesting…very interesting…" Ghost murmured.
"Can you be quiet?" Kayla grumbled. "I need sleep."
"Sorry, I'm just looking at the rifle Iris gave you," Ghost said apologetically.
The rifle was gold and black and seemed to be a mishmash of other guns. The body was evidently Suros made, while the trigger appeared to have come from some sort of revolver. The magazine slotted into the back end of the weapon and had several cable that led to some sort of tube-like device under the barrel. The barrel itself was thick and triangular, with three silver rings around it.
"It's…it's a work of art," Ghost gasped. "The technology, the materials…it has parts that just shouldn't even exist yet…whoever built this was a genius."
"Uh huh, that's great…" Kayla yawned, snuggling her spare pillow.
Ghost turned back to his Guardian "All that's left now is…"
The small drone paused in disbelief, watching the snoring form of Kayla sleep peacefully and debating whether to wake her. In the end he decided against it and allowed her this moment of rest. They both needed it. With a small sigh Ghost switched off the bedroom light then positioned himself on Kayla's desk, looking through the Tower's records on the Vault of Glass. Ghost felt he needed all the help they could get.
Later…
A knock on the door prompted Kayla to stir. She looked up slightly before burying her face in her pillow again. A second, louder knock on the door caused Kayla to sit up straight. Without think she grabbed Iris' rifle and pointed at the door, panting in shock and fear. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness she remembered she was in her room. In the Tower.
Safe.
The person knocked at the door again, several times now.
"Who is it?" Kayla asked, rubbing sleep from your eyes.
"It's your favourite Vanguard member!" the person on the other side replied in a cheery voice.
"…Shaxx?"
"No! It's your old buddy, Cayde!"
"Oh…"
"What do you mean, 'oh'?" Cayde grumbled. "After all we've been through together!"
Kayla swung her legs out of bed, the pair laughing before Cayde's drifted off a little. It was unlike him to just trial off like that and the notion troubled Kayla, alarming bells ringing off in her head.
"Listen…" Cayde said finally, though it was evident in his voice that he didn't want to do this. "While you were…You're going…." Then he gave an unusually frustrated sigh. "I hate asking this of a rookie…"
"What is it?" Kayla asked, a little anxious.
"The Vex…there's only one with we have to do now, and…" There was another sigh, Cayde's voice unusually grim. "Well, I'm sure you know what that is."
With that sentence Kayla felt a crushing weight land on her shoulders. "Yeah…" she murmured. "Give me five minutes to get dressed."
"Perfect! I'll see you at the Hall of Guardians."
Once she heard the Hunter leave Kayla sighed. So much for that much needed sleep. Kayla grabbed her pants, glancing at Ghost as she put them on. He was asleep under a book and the Voidwalker couldn't help but chuckle at the drone's sleeping form. After putting her robe on she went the desk, gently prodding Ghost.
"Hey, little guy," she said softly. "Wake up."
"Huh?…What time is it?" Ghost yawned, shaking the book off him.
Kayla giggled, scooping her friend up in the palm of her hands. Ghost looked up at her. She seemed happy, but something was troubling her. He could see it in her eyes, and it worried him. The lack of knowledge worried him even more, it was frustrating that there seemed to be virtually no information on the Vault of Glass in any of the Tower's textbooks.
Kayla sighed a little. "I think it's time," she replied, her face a little sombre.
Ghost's eye widened as he floated upwards, an apprehensive silence between the pair. Finally, Ghost nodded in understanding. "Yes. Yes, I think it is."
Kayla entered the Vanguard hall, confident and determined. The room was empty save for Zavala, Ikora and Cayde and something told Kayla that her next mission was going to be 'off the records', not unlike what the Hidden did. Zavala was the first to notice Kayla, motioning to the arguing Ikora and Cayde to be quiet. Both glanced up, falling silent at Kayla's presence.
"Guardian, welcome back," Zavala said, his tone professional but belayed the truth of what he wanted to say. "And congratulations on slaying the Black Heart. To be honest, when you came to me with news from Venus…about what this…Stranger asked of you, I wasn't sure a rookie Guardian could pull it off…and yet, time and again, you have proved me wrong at every step. Thank you, Kayla, for all your help."
"U-uh…you're welcome?" Kayla asked, flattered and embarrassed. "I mean, it's nothing really…"
"I'd take the compliment," Ikora chuckled. "That's the nicest I've seen Zavala speak to someone."
"If it's any consolation, I always believed in you," Cayde said, pointing to himself for effect making Kayla laugh.
"In any case…" Zavala started, straightening up some papers. "Our scouts on Venus have reported an increase in Vex activity around the same time you left for the Black Garden, especially around…."
"The Vault of Glass," Kayla gasped in horror.
"I'm afraid so. And that can only mean one thing: the Vex in the Vault are preparing to move on the system."
'Their Oracles started to wipe everything out…' Iris's voice said, echoing through Kayla's head.
"The only thing of note we have on the Vault of Glass is Kabr's journal," Zavala continued. "A realm where time fluctuates like the ebb and flow of the sea, Vex that can erase you from existence, stars that decide whether you are real…it's insane…"
"And fascinating," Ikora chimed in, earning a stern look from Zavala. "Sorry," she said sheepishly.
Kayla felt a lump form in her throat, her mind reeling as Iris' fear came crashing down on her. The Vanguard didn't know how much danger they, no…the whole universe was in. If the Vex were able to leave the Vault…should she tell them? Could she? Would they panic? How could she defeat Atheon?
"Kayla?" Zavala said, abruptly snapping Kayla out of her thoughts. "Still with us?"
"U-Uh, yes, Commander!" she said quickly.
Zavala eyed her before continuing. "Judging by your reaction to our mentioning of this we were right to choose you."
"I-I'm sorry?" Kayla asked, a little taken aback by this.
"You…knew we'd pick you for this, right?" Cayde asked back.
"I mean…I had to go there anyway."
"Indeed," Zavala said with a nod. "Ikora?"
Ikora sighed, presenting Kayla with a photo of Iris. "This is the Exo Stranger," she started.
"Iris," Kayla corrected, surprising the Vanguard. She looked at them, repeating herself. "Her name's Iris."
"Well…" Ikora said, glancing at Zavala before continuing. "Regardless, she's been sighted numerous times whenever our Guardians encounter the Vex, most notably the Vault of Glass. Kabr even writes about her in his journal."
"Almost like she's some sort of omen," Cayde said bitterly with a shake of his head.
"But she's not-!" Kayla protested but Zavala held up his hand.
"That doesn't matter now, Kayla," he said. "The point is you have had the most interaction with her out of everyone. You've survived to tell the tale, and I'm sure you know more about what lies in the Vault of Glass than any of us."
"Which means you," Cayde said, clasping his hands and pointing at Kayla. "Are the one best suited for this task."
"We require a fireteam of six," Zavala continued. "Normally it would be premade however…given the circumstances we've decided that you know who you work with best."
Kayla stared at them in disbelief, looking at Ghost in shock. He was just as surprised as Kayla was. The Voidwalker turned back to the Vanguard, her words stuck in her throat. Ikora stifled a giggle, while Zavala smiled.
"A-Are you saying…" Kayla said slowly. "I'm leading my own fireteam?"
"Yes, we are," Cayde said, mimicking her. "Go gather them, Captain Kayla."
Elsewhere…
The City's market district was busy and bustling, filled with exotic smells and vendors of every kind selling all sorts of wares ranging from food to clothes to weapons to pets. It was a sunny September morning and Hayley-13 was taking some down time to relax. It felt so good to be wearing something other than her Warlock robes and she had bought the orange flowery sundress she was wearing just for her next free day.
"Excuse me, little lady!" a portly vendor with a magnificent moustache shouted, catching Hayley's attention. She looked around quickly, before putting to herself. "Yes you, you adorable mecha girl!"
Hayley blushed a little as she walked up to the vendor. The stall in question was a flower stall and the Exo was soon overwhelmed by the fresh, aromatic scents that wafted from the stall. Rich red flowers lined the front, going up to vivid oranges and bright yellows eventually merging with deep blues and purples, the beauty soothing Hayley as she looked up and down the stall's shelves and tables. The vendor chuckled as Hayley went from table to table, taking in the scents and aromas of the merchandise.
"You strike me as chrysanthemum lover," the man said when Hayley gravitated to the orange flowers.
Hayley nodded, picking up one of the bouquets. "It's my favourite flower," she said with a smile, looking over the bouquet. "They're so well cared for. It's obvious how much they mean to you."
"In this day and age, we all need something to hold onto," the vendor said wistfully. "My wife had a garden when she…" The man quickly wiped his eye, a look of sadness washing over his face. His wife was someone he evidently didn't talk about much. "Well, she always said flowers can bring joy to everyone," he said chipperly.
Hayley slowly smiled. "I'm sure she'd be proud of you, sir," she said. "I'll take this bouquet."
"Ah, that'll be thirty Glimmer then."
Hayley reached into her bag and reached in to pull out her purse when she spotted a familiar face in the crowd. Kayla, in a punky red tartan skater dress, was busy looking around the market. The way she walked gave off a sense of urgency and she looked troubled, however she seemed to be getting distracted by the food stalls. Hayley quickly paid the man, taking the flowers and running up to Kayla.
"Kayla, hi!" she shouted.
Kayla turned, facing lighting up when she saw Hayley. "Hey!" she said with a grin, quickly turning to vendor. "I'll have the XL hot dog with grilled onions and ketchup."
"So, uhm…what brings you here?" Hayley asked, watching Kayla greedily grab the hot dog.
"Actually," Kayla said, taking a bite out of it. "I was looking for you."
"F-For m-me?!" Hayley gasped in surprise. "W-Why would you want…m-me?"
Kayla looked around before grabbing Hayley's wrist, dragging her to a nearby alleyway. Hayley was a little afraid of Kayla's out of character moment. She hoped it was nothing bad. When Kayla was sure that they hadn't been followed and the coast was clear she sighed.
"The Vanguard want me to lead a raid on the Vault of Glass," Kayla explained with a grim seriousness in her tone. "I want you to be on the team."
Hayley's eyes widened in shock. That was something she wasn't expecting and, judging by the fact that Kayla's face was near deadpan, Kayla wasn't joking.
"B-B-but what if I-I screw up?" Hayley said quickly, fear evident in her voice. "A-A raid is a big deal and I'm not t-that great. T-Things could g-g-go so wrong, and I-I don't want to cause someone's death. T-The Vanguard have o-only just started l-letting me go on strikes, and-"
She stopped when Kayla grabbed her shoulders, staring intently at her. "You remember what Argus told you before the Phogoth strike?"
'We've all made mistakes as Guardians. But if you let yourself be ruled by them you'll never progress. Living in fear is no way to live.'
Hayley bit the bottom of her lip, then let out a long sigh. "Ok," she said. "I'll-"
"Hey! Hey whaddaya think ya doing?!" an angry voice yelled from the alley's entrance.
Both girls turned to find Crusher, Hayley's ghost, flying towards them, his eye filled with rage. The ghost flew right in to Kayla's face. "Oh, I see how it is," he growled. "You befriend my Guardian and then manipulate her into giving you her innocence!"
"What? No!" Kayla shouted back. "I was asking her to help me with a secret mission!" Kayla glanced at Hayley, who was covering her face in embarrassment. "I don't even want to know how that works…" she added.
"Oh, is that how you're swinging it?!" Crusher snapped. "Well I don't buy it!"
"Crusher, stop this!" Hayley shouted, stunning the ghost.
Crusher glanced at Kayla, then flew to Hayley like a naughty child.
"As I was saying," Hayley said. "I'll join you."
Kayla grinned. "Perfect!"
Midtown
It was midmorning and the sun was shining down over one of the City's many winding rivers. In one corner, nestled on a grassy plaza between two buildings, was a small crowd. In the centre was an Awoken man with a black quiff playing a guitar, the music making the people dance to a funky almost gospel beat.
"Ooo, come a little closer, it's a feeling that I can't deny
"Oh, I was weak but I never thought I'd speak about the darker side
"Ooo, is that a tent? I could repent upon the side of the road
"Oh, but I kept on going. Yeah, I headed for another low
"I get up from the ground in the middle of the morning
"Up from the ground in the middle of the evening
"Up from the ground in the middle of the night
"Ohh, I Testify."
Flying around was a sparkly pink ghost exciting the crowd, encouraging them to dance and attempting to convince them to donate glimmer to the busker. Further down the street, following the sound of the man's crispy, throaty, lyrical, European-tinged singing was Kayla. She was bobbing her head along to the tune and singing along quietly.
"I didn't know Jaeger could sing," Ghost said. "I didn't know you knew the song too."
"It's an old pre-Golden Age song," Kayla said. "And I didn't know he could either. The man is always full of surprises."
Reaching the crowd Kayla pushed her way to the front, apologising quickly every so often. Once there she could see Jaeger in a pinstripe suit having the time of his life. The sheer joy this man got from making music was plain to see and it invigorated Kayla and the crowd to dance more.
"He's good!" Ghost said, bobbing along.
After around five minutes the song was over Jaeger stood up and bowed as the crowd broke into applause.
"Thank you, thank you!" he shouted with a smile, almost sliding up to an Exo woman and kissing her hand, a rose appearing in his mouth. "My fair maiden, if I could have your name I will dedicate an entire set of songs to you. Your beautiful eyes, your soft and exquisite lips, your delicate hands, your precious legs…"
"Where did he got the rose from?" Ghost whispered.
"I don't know," Kayla replied with a shrug before shouting. "Hey Jaeger!"
"Your beautiful, spectacular and divine…" Jaeger said, trailing off when he saw Kayla. "Excuse me, madam, Guardian business." Jaeger gently placed the rose in the woman's hand, prompting her to giggle, before jogging up to Kayla.
"Well, if it isn't the Traveller Saviour," he greeted.
"I never thanked you for the help with the Gate Lord," Kayla said with a smile.
"Ahhh don't mention it," Jaeger said. "You ended up saving the Traveller because of it, that's thanks enough."
"Bit over the top," Kayla laughed as the pink ghost flew up to them. "Hey, Cheryl."
"What were. YOU. DOING?!" Cheryl yelled at Jaeger, quickly turning to a stunned Kayla. "Kayla, dear, it is lovely to see you again, we should catch up over wine." Then she turned back to Jaeger, glaring at him.
"I was just saying hello," Jaeger said sheepishly, earning a zap from Cheryl. "Hey!"
"No flirting with the audience members!" Cheryl shouted, shaking her head. "Honestly, I don't know why I put up with you…"
Jaeger chuckled turning to Kayla. "What can I do for you?"
Kayla's face turned uncharacteristically serious catching Jaeger off guard. Once the ground was dispersed Kayla walked up to him, speaking in a low whisper.
"The Vex haven't been defeated yet," she said. "I'm putting together a fireteam to stop them."
Jaeger looked at Cheryl. "Gee, I don't know. Fighting Zydron was very taxing, and you want my help again?" Cheryl frowned at him, making the Hunter grin. "Of course I'll join you."
A rooftop…
As the sun grew higher and the day gradually grew hotter a calmness settled over the City. It was something that Shifter-45 hadn't seen in years and he's was both grateful for Kayla's actions and secretly glad he had trusted her. She'd be an excellent Guardian to work alongside. A little immature and evidently led by her heart, but an excellent Guardian nonetheless. He looked up at the Traveller. It seemed a little brighter today.
Shifter chuckled to himself and continue cleaning his 1000 Yard Stare. His ghost, Sebastian, flew up to him and settled himself beside him, resting his eye.
"It's peaceful," Sebby said.
"Yeah," Shifter agreed gruffly, wiping the barrel of the rifle down.
"It's nice to rest easy for once."
Shifter nodded, closing his eyes and thinking back to his old friend, Kabr. It was hard to believe that a rookie Guardian could have accomplished something he didn't: delaying the Vex. The Nightstalker shook his head, a sad chuckle escaping him.
"You ok?" Sebby asked, looking up at him.
"Just thinking about Kabr. I miss him."
"I know."
"…Do you think Kabr could have survived?" Shifter asked, trying his best not to let his emotions get the best of him. "Do you think he could've stopped the Vex if he got another chance? If I went down in that damn Vault instead of him, could I have stopped whatever was in there."
"Why don't we find out?" came a woman's voice from behind.
Turning around Shifter saw Kayla behind him. She was stood with Ghost beside her, a fierce determination on her face. After a moment she spoke again. "The Vanguard want me to raid the Vault of Glass. What do you say?"
Shifter thought for a moment, standing before Kayla. The pair stood in silence as the wind blew gently against them.
A downtown bar…
It was early afternoon and a certain bar on a certain street of the downtown distract was unusually packed for this time of day. Rumours had spread around the district that a former Sunbreaker mercenary was at this bar challenging anyone who dared to outdrink her, demanding payment from anyone who couldn't. The rumour had spread like wildfire and as such the bar was heaving, all of them centred around a table. On one side was a bedraggled man that seemed to be on the cusp of passing out. On the other was a toned, Mediterranean woman with a flushed face. On both sides of the table were piles of empty glass steins.
"You give up yet?" the woman asked, smirking.
"How…how can you drink so much…?" the man said, almost on the verge of tears. "It's been two hours!"
"Listen, Vecchio," Athena said, slamming another stein on the table. "I'm one of the Sunbreakers and they're all big, burly macho men that enjoy drinking, fighting and comparing each others cazzi. You learn to one up people like that, and you certainly don't compare!" the Titan gave a hearty laugh before leaning in close, speaking in a deadly voice. "Now pay up!"
"B-But, I don't have the Glimmer…" the man said weakly.
"He doesn't have the Glimmer!" Athena repeated aloud to the baying crowd, dramatically hold her arms up.
"Boooo!" the crowd jeered.
Athena turned to the man. He was openly sobbing and obviously so drunk he couldn't think coherently. She almost felt bad for him.
Almost. A bet was a bet.
"Athena, what are you doing?"
Athena turned quickly. At the front of the crowd was Kayla, he looked a little annoyed by what was going on.
"Hey, runt," Athena said with a smile. "What're you doing here?"
"Well, I was looking for you actually," she replied. "I heard there was a drinking contest and you were around here so…yeah." She slowly peered over Athena's shoulder at the sobbing man. "Didn't think you'd be extorting people though."
"Ah, it's not like that!" Athena protested.
"Oh, it's totally like that," Owl said nonchalantly from another table.
Both women turned to look at him. He was reading with a beer glass with a straw next to him. Kayla didn't want to think how much of a drinker Athena's ghost was if he was anything like his Guardian. Athena turned and gave Kayla a sheepish grin. The Warlock folded her arms in response.
"Well?" Kayla asked.
"E-Excuse me!" the drunk man whimpered, holding up a ring. It was platinum and with sapphires encrusted to it. Athena noticed a similar one with rubies on his right ring finger.
"What?" Athena asked, slouching her stance a little.
"T-This is all I have…" the man hiccupped. "M-My husband and I…we were travelling here three years ago…i-it's all I have left b-but…I don't want to piss of a Guardian…"
Kayla looked at the guy, then Athena. Around her neck was silver chain with Artemis' engagement ring on it. Athena herself looked as though someone had just ran a bulldozer over her emotionally, the reminder of the pain and the guilt of making the man do this was written all over her face.
"Tch!" Athena said, gritting her teeth. "Keep it!"
"W-Whu…?"
"I said keep it you dumb fuck!" she bellowed again, turning to the disappointed crowd. "And you lot can fuck off as well!" she shouted, barging her way through them.
Kayla followed her outside. To her surprise Athena was crouched over, clutching her chest. Her breathing deep and erratic.
"C-Can't breathe…" Athena said, gasping for air as though she were suffocating. "I can't breathe…!"
Kayla ran up to her. "Easy," she said softly. "You're having a panic attack."
The Warlock guided her friend to a nearby bench, sitting her down then crouching before her and hold her hands. "Breath with me, ok?" she said. "In….and out…in….and out…"
Athena nodded, matching her breathing with Kayla's. The Warlock nodded reassuringly. Athena watched Kayla stroke the backs of Athena's hands with her thumbs but the Titan couldn't feel anything except numbness, as though they'd been weighed down with something. The feeling around her mouth was going as well, sending the Titan into more of a panic.
"Focus, Athena," Kayla said. "Focus on my voice, focus on what you can smell, taste, and what you can see."
Athena nodded, focusing on the soothing sound of her voice. Around her were the smells of homecooked roasts, pies and fish and chips all meshing into a confused but delicious scent. Around her were families, laughing and enjoying a day out with the children. On her tongue she could still taste the bitterness of the beer she had downed.
She could kick herself for that.
After what felt like an eternity the Sunbreaker felt her hands and mouth return to normal, and the tightness in her chest slowly went away as though a bowling ball had just been lifted.
Athena sat in silence for a while before she spoke up. "God, I feel terrible…" she said sadly, her voice hoarse.
"Don't worry about it," Kayla said, plopping herself next to the Titan. "It's over and done with now."
"So…What can I do for you?"
Kayla fiddled with her fingers, then sighed. "I'm going to raid the Vault of Glass. I need a team with people I can count on."
Athena looked up at the sky, then sighed. "I suppose I should do something more productive gamble and drink," she said with a small laugh. "Sign me up."
A park…
Delta strolled through the grassland taking in the mid-afternoon sun. It was quiet, lazy days like this he would sometimes stroll and see the sights of the City. Although he'd done these trips more than once since he arrived Delta always found something new to find. This was one of them: a large sculpture park hidden out of the way near the North Wall. Sculptures of all kinds were on display here, some of them going as far back as the Renaissance and, although they were heavily damaged, they were still beautiful to look at.
'Look at you…' a familiar voice sneered. It was a voice that had been with him since he came to the City. 'You were feared once, and now look at you…staring at art of all things…what happened to you?'
Delta continued onwards, sticking its headphones on to block out the surrounding noise. The voice was still speaking. Even though he couldn't hear it he could still feel the niggling pain in the back of his head that reminded him of its presence. It was a reminder of his own inner darkness. The one he'd forgotten, but the feeling of which still lingered in the back of his mind.
The Titan focused on Sal, who was busy flitting from one sculpture to another in awe. He laughed a little. Sal might be naïve and childlike, Delta almost considering her a little sister due to the way she acted sometimes, but she was a ray of hope in a dark world. Since she'd resurrected him Sal had given Delta a renewed sense of hope, whether the timid ghost realised it or not. Sal turned around, her eye lighting up as she motioned behind him. Delta turned, taking his headphones off. There was someone else who had given him hope.
'Oh…it's her…' the voice said bitterly before going silent.
"Hey Kayla," Delta said. "Long time no see."
"I didn't take you for an art lover," Kayla chuckled.
"I'm not," Delta replied. "But it's nice for Sal to get out and about. Plus, I like exploring the City. There's so much to do here!"
"Tell me about it," Kayla grinned.
"Hey, Ghost!" Sal said, flying up to the white drone. "I heard you kicked the Darkness's butt yesterday!"
"Well, I wouldn't quite put it like that," Ghost said. "But it truly was an epic battle, where the bond of my Guardian and me were tested like never before."
Sal gasped, flying closer to him. "R-Really?"
"Oh, of course!" Ghost said, flying off to a statue with Sal. "Let me tell you all about it."
The pair of Guardians watched their ghosts fly off, Ghost regaling a dramatic version of the events in the Black Garden. Delta turned to Kayla and shrugged.
"That's…that's not what happened at all," Kayla sighed with a shake of her head.
"Do tell."
Kayla thought for a moment. "Well, I'm pretty sure I was outside the space-time continuum as a start. The Vex there were living statues, they sound a lot like Daleks now that I think about it. Oh, and the Darkness possessed three Gate Lords to fight me."
"Wow, only Gate Lords?" Delta asked, unimpressed.
"Yeah, that's what I thought!" Kayla laughed. "Big eldritch…thing that destroyed the Golden Age. Attacks me by possessing a Gate Lord. So disappointed!"
"Anything else?"
"Well, the Darkness was quite affable, which was a surprise."
Delta made a face. "Really?" he asked sceptically.
"Yeah, it said it admired my convictions," Kayla replied with a shrug.
"Wow, that's deep."
Kayla nodded. "Oh, I forgot!" she said, pulling two ice creams from behind her back and Delta one.
"Nice!" Delta said, taking it and licking the top. "So, what can I do for you?"
"I need a fireteam and you are on my list," Kayla said, eating her own ice cream.
"Don't tell me," Delta said, holding his free hand up. "The Vex are still out there and are going to cause the end of the world as we know it."
"Yep."
"Lots of dangerous Axis Minds and a less than five percent survival chance?"
"Most likely."
Delta looked at Sal before giving Kayla a wicked grin. "Bring it on."
Hall of Guardians
Late Afternoon
Zavala oversaw the team Kayla had assembled. All of them her recognised from strike reports Kayla had presented to him, and all of them he had some knowledge of before. Cayde was looking over the team, giving them all a pep talk and generally being his normal, zany self. The team appreciated it.
"Here are the reports of all six Guardians," Ikora said, handing Zavala a group of papers.
"Let's see here…" he said, looking up at them. "When I call your names you will come here and sign this form. Once that's processed your team will be made official. I will add this raid to your list of accomplishments."
"Yes, Commander!" the six said in unison.
"First of all," Zavala said. "Delta. Defender Titan. You were found by West Gate unconscious and covered head to toe in blood with nothing put a pistol, your ghost and an injured girl who you insisted was treated before you were."
Delta stepped forward and nodded, signing the paper. "That is correct Commander."
"Thank you for your confirmation," Zavala nodded as Delta stepped aside. "Next up Hayley-13. Sunsinger Warlock. What you lack in combat skills other Guardians of noticed you greatly make up in intelligence and strategy." Zavala squinted at the paper, double checking the last bit. "You aspire to reform the New Monarchy?" he said in surprise.
"T-That's me, sir!" Hayley said, stepping forward and signing her name.
"Thank you. Jaeger Schwarze, Bladedancer Hunter with an uncanny skill with blades in general. It says he you survived the only survivor of the Dwindler's Ridge incident?"
"With all due respect Commander, I'd rather not talk about that now," Jaeger said, unusually serious as he signed his name.
"That's fine, Jaeger," Zavala nodded. "Athena Accardo?"
The Sunbreaker stepped forward. Zavala continued. "Sunbreaker mercenary with an extend stay at the City for undisclosed reasons. Other Guardians have noted raw strength but have commented about 'emotional instability.' Nevertheless, you've proven yourself capable in battle."
"Just point me at what to kill," she said, signing her name.
Zavala nodded. "Shifter-45. Nightstalker Hunter. Noted for killing multiple high value targets solo. And…you knew Kabr the Legionless?"
Shifter said nothing as he signed his name.
"And last but certainly note least, Kayla Ashcroft," Zavala said. "Rookie Warlock, four months experience. Dismantled the Devils with the help of Delta, stood a Hive Light-draining ritual, slew Archon Aksor with the help of Shifter and Fireteam Fenrir's Anora, openly engaged in combat with the Cabal leaders on numerous occasions, and of course the destroyer of the Black Heart."
"With a resumé like that it's only fitting you led this," Ikora said.
Kayla stepped forward and signed her name, taking her place with her team. Cayde then peered at the form.
"Ahem, you forgot your team name," Cayde said, looking up at them. "It's a very important part of being a fireteam, I'd say the most important part!"
The team looked at each other in confusion.
"Er…Kayla said."
"What about…Fireteam Avenger!" Jaeger said with a childlike grin.
"I like Fireteam Avalanche," Athena said with a devilish grin.
"I-I'm a fan of Fireteam Justice," Hayley said with a raise of her hand.
"I'm cool with the Chocobros," Delta said with a shrug.
"I think we should be named Fireteam Team Alpha Wolf Squadron," Shifter grunted.
Kayla thought hard. She need something powerful that struck fear into her enemies. "How about…Fireteam Storm?" she said.
The team all murmured before nodding in agreement. Cayde eagerly scribbled that down on the form before giving the paperwork to Ikora. While the pair went off arguing about Vanguard duties and actual Vanguard duties Zavala turned his attention to team.
"I don't know what Kayla has told you, or what you already know," Zavala said. "Kayla was kind enough to come here beforehand and fill us in on the details, all of which are confirmed by Kabr's journal. The Black Garden was only the beginning. The Vex are amassing weaponry in the Vault of Glass that Ikora has classed as ontological. In layman's terms it decides whether or not you exist. Although this power is confined to the Vault of Glass, and only the Vault, the Vex are evidently trying to bring these weapons on to the field." Zavala glanced at the team. Their expression ranged from shocked, to scared, to determination.
The Commander continued. "However, there is a ray of hope. Kabr's journal spoke of an Axis Mind in charge of the Vault: Atheon. If we can take this Mind out we might just be able to permanently stop the Vex's research into time-based weaponry." Zavala straightened and looked at the Guardians before him, handing Kayla Kabr's journal. "This is all the help we can give you. Use it wisely."
"Thank you Commander," Kayla said.
"The Vex in the Vault have total control over the reality inside it. They are unlike anything you have faced before. However, I am confident that you can pull through."
"Piece of cake," Athena smirked.
"I-I'll do my best," Hayley whispered quietly.
"For the City," Delta said with fierce determination.
"I wonder how many girls will be impressed by this?" Jaeger chuckled with a perverted grin.
"Don't worry, old friend," Shifter said. "I'll set this right."
"Good luck, Guardians," Zavala said. "And may your Light burn brightly."
Delta put his hand on Kayla's shoulder. "Well then Captain. Time to give the order."
Kayla looked at him and nodded. "Alright Fireteam Storm! Lets show these machines what the City is made of!"
"Yosh!"
NEXT TIME: The newly christened Fireteam Storm arrive on Venus, and start the toughest challenge of their lives in Chapter 1-29: The Gateway
