Act V - The Dark Below
Chapter 22 - Trust
[Tower | Last City | Earth]
Three days since Crota's End...
"I'm back~" Taka announced softly, shutting the door and peering into the home that remained as quiet as ever, it had been for several days now, say for when the TV or radio was on. Setting down the newly polished armor in the hall Taka spotted their guest who was nose-deep in a book, pages, and notes littering the coffee table while a white brow remained furrowed with focus. "Hmm?"
Dimitri sighed under her breath, not taking her eyes off the book while Taka sat down next to her, peering over the Crucible-obsessed Guardian's shoulder. Again, Dimitri fidgeted in her spot at the stare between her and the book dotted with ramblings and text scribbled in faint lines of tomes and lore. She tilted the book, trying to find a better angle while leaning away from the curious Taka.
"You're reading Hive?" Taka broke the tension, noting how her friend relaxed at her finally giving up on her teasing
"If I could understand half their terms for things, this Oryx guy's a serious poet for a crusty, world-ending alien," Another breath left her dry lips, something she noted since deciding not to move from her spot since Taka left. "Wish he used simpler words - But if anything might help now then it's worth it, Zane can thank me with all the glimmer I want."
That little slip of information tipped Taka off, her eyes relaxing with her smile. Deciding it best to pry, Taka reached over and pulled the unsuspecting girl into her side in a gentle embrace, the book practically falling atop the slumbering Ray who yelped in peril from the attack while Dimitri flopped against her friend's side, Taka having sported a giggle at the flushed Dimitri.
"You shouldn't burden yourself so much, I am here if you want to talk." Her words always had Dimitri's defenses cut clean, much like her sharp wit while against those who sought glory above her own, lately, she didn't feel like participating in the limited Iron Banner, something the legendary Lady Efrideet had nearly lost her jaw after hearing Dimitri's refusal, of course, she trusted Efrideet to keep her trap shut when Dimitri told her why, and that look, Efrideet even gave her condolences, which was nice
Dimitri, having given up on escaping a Titan's grasp of all things, leaned her head on Taka's shoulder, keeping her eyes to the book that Ray flopped onto the table while spinning his shell out from under it. "...He's been there for me, always stuck to my ass like glue, heh, honestly shows we're related since I have that same habit with people I like..." That brought some light to her face. "If I never knew he was my brother... I might not have fallen into this state, but... now I'm afraid I'll hate myself if I let him vanish this time... and Reiner, without him... I can't honestly see anyone being both a terrific ally and a worthy rival. They can't be replaced like some gun, nothing can ever replicate those two."
Despite the mellow tone between them, Dimitri shuffled out of Taka's grip, scratching her cheek while grabbing the book again to hide her face. "Don't worry about me... the whole point of a leader is to shoulder most of the responsibilities," She replied, winking at the neutral expression on Taka's face. "If anything comes up you'll be the first to know... besides, all comes down to what happens next."
While not quite the answer Taka expected, she did loosen up a little around Dimitri, and having her open up to her was always so endearing. However, she couldn't dismiss her words this time. "You're right, whatever happens next will be how this Raid properly ends..." The tone had once more shifted into a stalemate of concern so Taka's thoughts conjured a more coy idea. "I'm impressed, Dimi, usually you'd be rushing headfirst into that Hellmouth to drag them home and beat them within an inch of their lives."
The Huntress flinched, a red hue crossing her face angrily. "W-What the hell's that mean!? If anything, 'YOU' would do the same if its Ceres or me, admit it, I'm too precious to lose?" Dimitri was as quick with the retorts as she's ever been, despite her inability to bring the temperature down on her cheeks. To her reward, Taka herself held her poker face, but her own peachy cheeks had a slight discoloration. "Oh? Is someone bashful?" She had no room to talk
"...I'm not saying I wouldn't save my friends... merely putting the truth out there that you are, at your core, hotheaded." Taka shot back with a smirk, seeing anger fuel Dimitri's eyes. All Taka did was lean back with her arms crossed
"You wanna go!? Let's see you parry a Shadowshot you F-ing casual!"
"Hmm, my point exactly, do continue." Taka dared, and while the shouting match went on, CT and Ray shared their own whisper
"Oh please, get a room you two." "I know... they're as bad as each other."
[Tower | Last City | Earth]
[Ceres' POV]
"Your Fireteam, how did all of you come together?" My question was dry but not without a level of interest on my part. Three. Whole. Days. Nothing, no signal, no communication both with tech and Light, even scouts on the Moon couldn't find anything, and the way into The Stills had been sealed, the only way down was through the catacombs of that black citadel. So, I turned to Eris
She, despite the absence of Zane and Reiner, offered us her sincere gratitude in slaying the monster that took so much from others, including herself, that we had corrected the revenge herself and her Fireteam had sought to do themselves, I visited that wall of names, hundreds upon thousands of the people lost. Including Eris' own friends and ghost.
For three days I waited and prayed I'd see them come home, even if they were battered and beaten, so long as both of them breathed I would be okay, I did all I could to stay focused on the words and promise Zane made to me, that I wouldn't fall into sorrow ever again, but while its whispers were so very tempting, I had Ghost and my friends who held on with me. That and Crota was far worse to have as a vocal companion in one's mind.
Now, I asked Eris about her friends, of how their campaign came to a horrifying end, both out of a strange sense of affinity, and for the future, the Book of Sorrows and that other tome John gifted Zane held secrets to the Hive, and I needed to know all I could for the future, for better or worse. Turning her eyes away from her notes, Eris spoke matter-of-factly, though a tone laced with sorrow remained.
"I was a Hidden, having seen the horrors that plagued us, how Crota's Blades slew Light from Guardian and shattered shells, he marched on roads of crimson with a sky caked in a spiteful sun. Eriana-3, she was the one I could call a close friend, for she knew of the loss more than anyone of us, having witnessed Wei Ning die before her very eyes, she was what you could say, a legend and a true embodiment of a Titan, even she could not bear the gleam of Crota's blade."
The fires of her stone grew with contempt. "Having learned of Crota and his realm from an imprisoned Wizard, she sought the aid of a Vanguard that turned its eyes from Luna, instead, she found me, but we alone could not stand against Crota, and so, as the saying goes... 'know your enemy', we found our guide into that Pit in an exiled Warlock, more diverse in the lore and history of the Hive than any other Guardian, his own knowledge said to be as vast as another... Osiris," Eris' tone was low and full of secrecy, the mere mention of those two names I knew this had to have been invaluable to learn
Moving closer, myself and Ghost listened. "Toland, The Shattered. Upon his agreement to aid us, we assembled Omar Agah, Sai Mota, and Vell Tarlowe in our crusade to have Crota know our combined fire, an ember that raged inside us for the lives stolen by his hands, he would feel our wrath and know our ambition." Thus, Eris stood back, a weight looking to be lifted off her shoulders. "We fell, one-by-one, I could still hear their screams of anguish, but their fire, that lust for justice and revenge, it still burns, and you have carried our torch for us, and for that, I thank you."
"You already thanked me enough, Eris, but that story... I never realized how far this vendetta went, and I can imagine there's more but..." I stretched, rubbing the dark circles under my eyes. We Guardians didn't need sleep, but stress and mental exhaustion weren't without limits. "I should go, I have a patrol to get to."
"You should hold onto that trust of yours," I turned my head back, seeing that tiny, ghost of a smile played at her lips. "While my ideology has changed, trust is the only true merit I share, for trust is the enemy of fear."
Was it that obvious? Did I... really look that bad? I lifted a hand to just below my eyes, feeling the rubbery skin tug at my fingers, Ghost didn't say anything, he already gave me an earful two days ago. With a weak smile and wave, I took my leave up the stairs. "Of course, see you later, Eris."
"They'll come back... I know they will." Ghost was also worried, having actually admitted to missing Rika's constant taunts and playful manner. Without those two, we really struggled to function as usual. Stepping out into the cold, the light snowfall meshed with the bright sky, the Dawning decorations adding a shining brilliance all around us
"Atleast it never gets dull around here, so we'll be fine... they'll be fine," I trust Zane more than anyone, he'd never break his promise, even if it meant facing Revenant. Revenant... a shapeshifting creature that could drain the Light... what was it?
Groaning I sat down on a crate vacant next to the vault, and slowly turned my head to the sky, eyes low with a frown as Ghost floated next to me, himself transfixed on the faded Moon behind the Traveler.
I kept my eyes to the Traveler every day, no matter how long it takes I won't take my eyes off the sky until I see that ship, see him and Reiner come back. I want Reiner to yell, complain, challenge Dimitri to a Crucible match, I want to see Zane's smile, hear his laugher lift me up against all forms of fear and sorrow. I... want him near me, to sing to me... hold me.
"Traveller. Please... please keep them safe, I don't care what I have to do, just let them live." My prayer went out to the slumbering machine, in hopes it would hear me somehow when others have clearly done the same for far greater reasons. For the past three days, this has been mine and Ghost's routine, check-in with everyone, talk with Eris and sometimes Cayde who would probably die if we didn't intervene, then come to the vaults and sit for hours or go on patrol
Deep down, I knew what had become of me. That inferno I had died down to a lingering ember, had it not been for the hardships I've faced before it may as well burn out. Until he returns, I'll hold onto this warmth in my chest, even if it's just a sense of fleeting hope. Anger was writhing in me, anything that so much as rubbed me the wrong way had me snap, all it took was a little push, and to my displeasure, that wouldn't take long.
Of course, my constant, disheartened attitude had drawn attention. I would always sit out by the Vaults, watching the sky without ever blinking, my eyes were always bright but it was a false sense of glee, I did it so I wouldn't turn away any of my friends that wanted to talk to me. I was so lost but I still had a duty to those around me, that won't change, even... even if the worse were to pass.
"She's still just sitting there. Did something happen?" "I heard the Worst One hasn't come back from a mission with her Fireteam." "Seriously? Why does that not surprise me?" "Ceres is great and all but she's wasting her time." "Heh, yeah, no good ever comes from that guy."
I ground my teeth at the not-so-subtle comments, my heart ached but it also burned furiously, I had every right to smack them upside the head with a hammer, to vent, but I held my tongue. "If you've got something to say, better say it." Slowly, my head turned to face Morbin, his gaze to the groups that muttered among the Tower. Sternly, Morbin put a thumb to himself. "The only one that gets to call him by that title is me because someone has to keep his ego in check."
People muttered, and I slowly stood up, head low with my bangs hiding my pain-stricken eyes. "He's done... nothing wrong. He lost everything to the Vault, he had no choice but to run because he was 'Told' to, even against wanting to save them... so don't stand there and lecture me," I held my head high, anger and pent-up stress filling my eyes. "Don't stand there and act as if you know him at all! When none of you ever gave him a chance!"
Not many expected me to cause an outburst, instead, Morbin chuckled once and moved beside me, arms crossed, his eyes told me to 'go for it', Ghost and Deus appearing with a nod between them. "I couldn't save Harrow, I should have but I couldn't, I nearly got everyone in that Vault of Glass killed if not for Zane, Cayde, and Dimitri. Zane put his life on the line, faced his biggest regret to save us! Using the very weapon his best friend once held!"
I put a hand to my chest, no tears fell, I wasn't emotional or upset anymore, I only felt pride swell in my chest, a genuine smile since that day spreading slowly over my features. "He was the first person to fight beside me, I value him so much for always being near me, Morbin is no different. They're more than just my Fireteam..." Taking a second to consider my words, I sighed and continued. "Zane... saved us from Revenant... saved me when I nearly died to Crota."
Everyone verbally gasped at that, the news of a raid against the Prince was talked about, but only now has it just been announced, Morbin stepped forward. "We delved into his domain, Red here used his own power against him, when all's said and done, Revenant nearly had us cornered. Both... Zane and Reiner stayed behind to protect us, I included... much as I really hate saying his name, 'saved' and 'I included' in the same sentence, ugh."
"Answer something for us then?" A voice from a group called out, he didn't look too convinced. "Why are you so fixated on whether or not they lived? Let's say they did, why are you of all Guardians worried over some nobodies?"
In truth, that cut deep, and I almost snapped entirely had it not been for the crowd and Morbin, though I doubt he'd hold me back. But for the last three days, I've done nothing but wallow in pity because I lacked any resolve to stand my ground, this was my glaring fault I couldn't shake, when I go in without a plan I fall apart, I'm always relying on others, deep down... I'm not anything that could amount to those that came before me. But they didn't fall apart, with or without a plan they took action... and I did nothing.
Holding back a scowl I glared with unwavered determination. Right here, I'll prove them wrong. "The reason is that I want to save everybody!" He looked a little struck by that. "They never wavered to save anybody, and here I am doing nothing!" I frowned. "I failed, which is why I have to make it up to them, otherwise I don't deserve to call myself a Guardian! And people like you don't deserve to either if you're so hung up on a tragedy Zane had no fault in!"
"He fought through the pain and heartache, he was humiliated but he kept the memories of his Fireteam together!" I grabbed my rifle, looking to Ghost who read my expression with a wide gaze. "So I'm going back into that Pit! I'll claw my way through everything the Hive have if it means I can keep to the promise I made!" I stomped my foot yelling loud a clear. "I'm a Titan of the Vanguard! We are the walls of Humanity! We're the indomitable spirit that's never broken no matter how bad things get, so I'm not giving up now!"
Their reactions were a mixed bag, my own face was slightly red from both lack of oxygen and the fact I actually went through with what I said, but not once did I regret it. Morbin's fist bonked me on the head after that, making me wince. "'We're' going, and you can't stop me. I have to pay off my debt to that idiot somehow."
"I know, thank you." I said, then someone clapped, up atop the Eververse, the silky white hair blew in the wind with a challenging smirk playing on her lips
"He's my brother, and you think you get to save his sorry ass without me!?" Dimitri snapped, rubbing a knuckle over her chestplate. "That, and I lost one irreplaceable member of my own Fireteam, I won't lose another, even if he's a total Tsundere about it." Just then, Taka showed herself alongside Sero and even Eva
"We're tagging along, it's only fair we do our part in helping a friend." Taka offered us a warm smile, Sero looking more focused and passionate than me, wiping a tear from his eye
"Aw man, that was so freakin' cool! I can't just sit here when I know I could be helping, so count me in, Ceres! Whatever you need I'll give it my all!" Sero bumped his fists together, crackling bolts parting his fists
"That brat was like the little kid of our team, Summer taught him everything he knows, and I helped to build up his confidence to what it is, something I won't let go of, I'm still on the mend but if it's for him and this... whatever his name is, then sure, I'm in." Not as elegant but still touching
Soon, the murmurs around us grew, with a sudden tap to my side. I turned and was shocked to see. "Jay?" He brought out his own nervous smile, holding a hand out to his Fireteam that stood by
"My Fireteam and I are coming too, we want to help so please don't tell us not to," He requested, Jack was smiling but far more earnestly
"Great speech, and... well, I'm not a smart Guardian but if someone needs a hand I'll be here to lend one." She ruffled Jay's hair, Pip walking up next to them
"Count me in of course. The Tower wouldn't really feel the same without you three honestly." She bowed her head
Others spoke up among us, putting aside differences or plans in favor of putting their names forward in this risky endeavor since the Great Disaster. I doubt the Vanguard would approve but for this moment, it was worth it, the risks and weight of lives I bore grew exponentially, but I was more than willing to guide them with everything I've learned to date.
Everyone was willing and ready to put their lives on the line. Clearing a few stray tears with my forearm, I held up my touched smile. "Then let's show the Hive what us Guardians are truly made of."
[Ocean of Storms | Hellmouth | Moon]
"This certainly is a gathering and a half," Dimitri commented with a whistle. The ones that chose to join us on our own expedition without the Vanguard's knowledge wasn't easy to cobble together, in fact, I had to pull all the strings I could to pull this off, namely a certain Hunter Vanguard and Ship Mechanic
We were stationed inside an old lunar complex facing one of the many jagged ridges formed by a radiant light of Hive terraforming, these cliffs faced the Hellmouth, and more specifically, another way down into The Stills, since traversing the Hellmouth the long way would risk lives I wasn't planning on losing today. Operation Reliance would commence momentarily.
Checking through a datapad sent by a few Hunter scouts I had a clear view of our goal. Between the natural, abrasive walls formed since the gravity fluctuations and displaced landmass, a crevasse had formed between this barren battlefield and the Hellmouth. Between the ravine were two walls lined with Hive Knights, Wizards, and plenty of Thrall. Acolytes stood to watch atop the walls while Shriekers encompassed the forward badlands.
Through them was another one of those lifts according to Eris, she warned me the moment we made a move they'd send their Wizards to disable the functions so we had to move in time before that happens. Without Crota to lead them, it was down to powerful Hive to fill the void, so atleast their sense of leadership was demolished.
We had the numbers but the walls remained an issue, or they did, until I heard the Jumpships roar overhead, blowing away plumes of dust and rock on approach. ~Hey, Guardian, got your special order~ Amanda pulled through as I smiled at her gifts
Setting down in the dust the onlookers awed at the sight of two experimental vehicles designed by Amanda, good thing she wanted a test-drive for these. Called Drake Tanks, they were a gunmetal grey only, and sports visible welding and stains from constant abuse in the workshop, but they had what we needed, a big artillery bi-directional controls, plus, with the terrain being uneven and covered in ruins this would also be a great way to press the advantage.
~Alright, these two prototypes should get you through those walls, I honestly wasn't expecting you of all people to request but given the situation you and Cayde debriefed me on I suppose this would be a great time than any to try 'em out!~ Amanda's voice dripped with anticipation. ~Try not to get 'em blown up, have fun!~
"I appreciate it, Amanda, thank you." Gracious for her aid the walls would be no issue at all. Cayde stepped back into the coms with a hushed tone, the sound of rustling pages in the background
~...Right, got you all covered, though not for long so... du-du-du... okay-okay, Ikora's starting to give me the 'I know you're up to something' stare, so... good luck, and bring my Rookie home~ He sounded sincere, something Cayde wore like a fool but this seemed more sensitive. ~And... you know, that other guy - what was his name?~ Ouch, nevermind
~Cayde? What are you doing, Artemis has been running on fumes for the last hour?~ The sharp words of Ikora had us both wince
~Heeey Ikora! Just... checking in on a scout mission, r-really important, Artemis is trying to work overtime so I can go home, how's you?~ By then I sighed with a faint smile of worry for the Exo
"Fireteam Horizon going dark." I cut off our channel and noted that everyone looked ready, our scouts returning to me before I realized it. Dimitri gave me a wave and grabbed her sniper, jogging up to a tower facing the badlands. Facing my scouts, Pip and Jay waved.
"We got the next report, here," Jay nudged Jarvis, alongside a completely blue ghost with a darker 'X' through the shell. They both displayed the new list of information on the Hive's movements, so far so good
"They haven't spotted us, any that did I quickly took care of them, I've seen rocks with better eyesight then them," Pip replied nonchalantly, shaking her head. "Wish I could study their weapons more... ooh, imagine the augments I could make with a Hive Boomer!? Maybe some Thrall gauntlets? Or-" That curiosity I shared myself, sadly, Jay patted her head
"Please... please don't, I can't afford another debt to Banshee." His decline had her whine cutely, shoulders slump while the two walked away, Pip muttering some... colorful epithets that made me a little taken back, that aside, I was ready to go on the offensive
"Everyone listen up!" That held all eyes and ears to me. Speaking loud and strong I wasn't going to repeat myself. "Our main objective is to find and rescue Zane and Reiner somewhere at the bottom of the Hellmouth! There's a form of Hive lift at the edge of the Hellmouth, that's how they're deploying their legions, so we'll use that to our advantage!"
Pointing dangerously across the badlands, I made my way down the rampart of the building, passing under a capsized tower that served as an arch, shadows above me swung while Morbin sat by a Drake Tank, Sero taking the other. Lifting my hands to motion toward them all, I called out at the top of my lungs. "Do not risk your lives, stick by each others' sides and break through those walls with all you got! No one else will die here on this moon, got that!?"
"Yes!" "Alright!" "You got it!" "Aye, Sir!" Their unanimous calls were enough for me, clicking my fingers Ghost deployed a new weapon for me to hold with a shiver of delight, the weight of the heavy weapon tugged on my bracers but I quickly adjusted and hopped up onto the side of Morbin's Tank
The machine gun was actually Morbin's, and judging by how heavy it weighed he purposely made it that way so that he could, and it doesn't surprise me, smash enemies to death with it. Point to creativity I suppose. Lifting the weapon with my right I held the black steel and crimson Hammerhead high.
I had to take control this time, not only for Zane and Reiner but all these Guardians, they put their faith in me to see this through to the end, even with Crota out of the way the Hive were as dangerous with or without a leader. I had a plan, and if it failed then I'll just work off of everything I've learned of the Hive.
"Fireteams Vein, Harland, Wolff, and Maize, fall in on our six and lay down suppressing fire on any and all Hive combatants!" I relayed my orders, grabbing Hammerhead in both hands. "Anthem, Creed, and Jade copy that same formation on Cardinal! Fireteam Seige will provide sniper support between both vanguards, using both the dust and debris as cover!"
The Tank jolted forward, my footing held while Morbin mobilized, the troops of Guardians closing in behind us as the Shirekers came to life, spotting us immediately. Even while the helix chain of Void sailed past me and splashed off the Tank's armor, a sharp 'PING' pierced the first Shirker with an orange trailblaze, the Hive exploded, alongside two rounds of cannon fire on mine and Cardinal's end, two more falling immediately alongside another sniper shot, this one suppressed by the invisible force hunched down in the ground. Seconds later, Dimitri's body vanished from sight.
~You've improved... organizing all of this~ Huh? My head peered to the hull of the Tank. ~YOUR STRENGTH IS LIMITLESS ~ yeah, that's right~
"Without all of you, I doubt it," With an earnest thanks I banged my hand atop the hull, seeing the cannon rotate toward a massive gathering of Thrall storming the white dunes. "Morbin... send them to Hell."
~HAHAHAHA!~ Kreig took over and the cannon lit up in a flash, a large shell erupting from behind me as his cannon decimated the Thrall, gunfire behind us supporting our sides from any flanking Acolytes as both Tanks tore scores into the Moon, rooting out pods of Thrall from cracks in the ground, some were flattened under us
~This is Cardinal! Ceres, up on the hill!~ Heeding Sero's advice, my eyes locked to a dreadful sight. Stomping onto the seen draped in red cloth was a large Knight, a Darkblade carving his ax into the earth with a thunderous roar, exciting the Thrall into scampering toward my squad, but currently, Morbin was too fixed on laughing as he took out the Acolytes, and the Shirkers were holding back our advance until Dimitri and Taka could find a favorable spot to gun them down
"I got it, focus on the advance, and take down those Shirekers!" Leaping down onto the earth I sprinted toward the horde, the Darkblade slammed its ax down then pursued its kin, feet caused the ground to tremble. Whatever the Hive throw at us, nothing will stop me from saving them! For good this time! "Ahhhhh!"
Unloading the belt draped over my shoulders I tore fifty caliber rounds through chitin and bone, splinters of their hide showered me while the black ax of the Darkblade wiped the others clear, my body sliding down, the trigger squeezed hard to unload the rack of rounds into the Ultra Knight's armor, snapping points and webbing the thick hide underneath.
I spun on my knee, bullets blinded me while vibrations shook my bones, the bullets tearing through the Darkblade's knees while I dove forward, slamming the barrel into its wrist, using its own momentum to swing myself under the forearm and away from the blades, the bullets tore the joint apart, the weight of its own weapon pulled the remainder of the hand from flesh and bone. I heard the 'Click', while the Darkblade lunged to crush me, so with a rageful flame, I grabbed a hammer in my left and swung upward, breaking the neck while caving the mandibles through its skull.
Like lead, the Darkblade fell to its knees, in time for a blast of searing heat to wash over me with a fountain of rock. Through the smoke, the wheels of the Drake Tank ran over the corpse, a hand lifting me back onto the side of the Tank. "Gotcha," It was the leader of Vein, Lilly, her own light blue armor caked in dust. "Got the advantage don' know what that was but I reckn' they're desperate."
Reloading Hammerhead I sat up against the Tank. "That's good, that Darkblade wasn't as strong as one I've fought previously, without Crota they must be caught in a power struggle." That had to be the reason, it never even tried to run, almost desperately trying to kill me. Did the Hive recognize me? I guess some did run after I killed Crota... hmm, that might be worth remembering.
"Coming up on the ridge now!" A Guardian announced, the Tank flying over the edge and down onto a group of Thrall, while the Guardians cleared the way for them. By now Cardinal's team was closing in on us, our plan was to divide the forces then meet in the middle, without the Shriekers, given how the last exploded from an unseen sniper, all that stood in our way were a number of Knights and Wizards before the wall
"Morbin! Sero! Focus on the wall, everyone else focuses on the Hive numbers!" The order rang and Supers lit across the badlands, the black edge of the Hellmouth cut the sky clearly against the sun's distant glow. Time to put an end to Crota's hold once and for all
I threw a hammer long, the Tethered enemies erupting into a spire of fire alongside two Nova Bombs that reduced a large number of Hive to dust, Wizards struck hard though, their thick clouds obscuring Dimitri and Taka's view from the hillside, and the bolts battered the Tank, forcing me and Lily off while Acolytes charged.
"Lily!" I ran forward, hammer in-toe. "Hit me with your Super!" My demand had her skeptical, but after a brief second to throw a hammer at my feet, decimating the Thrall, she complied, her body radiant and overflowing with embers. Tossing two of her fireballs my way, I spun through the air, catching both spheres by the head of the hammer
The strain was noticeable, but being only a single other Super and fire of all things, this was a cake-walk compared to last time! Grinning, the spheres circled the hammer while it soared, slamming against a Wizard in a stream of molten shrapnel and embers, the two balls ruptured, spraying a fountain of flames either side like wings, scorching the ground and all the Knights under the Wizard.
Landing I kept my body aglow and grabbed Hammerhead, unleashing a torrent of bullets alongside the rest, the cracks in the wall finally piercing metal, bending it irregularly while a black cloud emerged from within, Hive bones spewing from the maw, revealing the path forward.
~We did it!~ ~The path ahead is cleared~ ~Hold on, Thrall, coming through!~ ~I AM TANK, I DO TANK THINGS~
Elegant as that was, Morbin's took the lead, bulldozing through the weakened fortification while pulverizing Hive under the wheels. We pursued the insane Exo, allowing the second Tank to pass into the gap between both walls, again, both took the vanguard as we provided support, Thrall crawling from caves while Acolytes sniped from above.
"Use the Tanks as cover, don't let the Acolytes pick any of us off!" I waved my arm, rolling between the two tanks that deafened our ears, Thrall swarmed from either side, Acolytes fell from above, Dimitri having snuck up on them, Taka providing her support by sniping the ones opposite the cliff-face. "We can do this, just keep going!"
"RIGHT!"
Our battle was fierce and had us pinned down for most of our time. I ducked under a Thrall, slamming a fist through its sternum while tossing the corpse into another that was split in two by a Titan with a sword, himself performing an uppercut powerful enough to send a large arc of fire screaming through a line of Thrall, freeing two Hunters that aided in crowd control with pulse grenades. I used mine too, creating a narrow passage between both Tanks for heavy gunners to mow down the remains of the Hidden Swarm.
Dimitri and Taka gave us covering fire and relayed movements above, while Sero and Morbin made progress on the integrity of the last wall, taking out several support beams and demolishing the ramparts above. Atop the Tanks were two Titans that kept any Thrall from overpowering us from our blindspots between the Tanks.
"The wall's coming down, look!" "Hell yes!" "WOOHOO!"
~DIE-DIE-DIE!~ ~TIMBIIIIRR!~
Both Tanks let out a final roar of flaming steel, sinking clean into the same spot that tore apart the insides of the defense, raining scrap down in a large, fiery explosion that blew away the Hive and had us hunker down against the blast radius. By the time the wind died down I took off toward the breach, the rest following in battle-cries, we needed to stop the Hive, that lift was our only chance!
Flying through the smoke and wreckage, Wizards floated in prayer toward the glowing bridge, the metal starting to disappear into a faint, white vapor as before, from here I could see the place we once entered The Stills from, being on the other side of this metal wall. Knights took notice and quickly erected their shields, deflecting gunfire, my teeth bear with desperation.
"No! I won't let you stop me!" I cried, reaching for the Knights with a hammer between my fingers. I took a sword to the chest, slamming the hammer into its side while another lacerated my back, I held in my scream and instead twisted my legs around the first Knight, snapping the neck while tackling the second to the ground, hammer caved into its helmet. "Go! Don't let them finish the chant!"
Guardians and Knights clashed with Supers, easily thinning the numbers but with the sheer frequency thrown our way we wouldn't reach them in time - No, not yet, we're not done! "Ghost, Zenobia!"
"On it, go!" He himself wasn't going to let me fail now. Switching to my rocket I hadn't the time to lock on target and just fired a point-blank rocket through the skirmish, I struck a Knight shield, killing it but the rocket missed. I twisted another in quickly, the bridge has almost completely disappeared. Another tore through the crowds, this time I'll-!
... I... missed...
From the Hellmouth, the rocket collided with something blue, setting the armed round off like a firework that caught us by surprise. A funnel of crackling lightning snapped at the sky, diving downward while missing the edge by mere millimeters as it crashed down with a massive wave of lightning to weave its way through the two Wizards, returning them to ash. The two waves of blue plasma simmered down with a hearty laugh from the cause, while another raised a shaky fist to the sky.
"Haha, yes! I did it!" ...No way...
"Yeeted us out of the Hellmouth, haha, I am so proud of myself right now!" ...You... can't be serious, right?
Reiner lay flat on the ground, armor in tatters while his leg armor looked to be completely smashed to pieces, helmet and fists burnt from that impact with the ground. Zane was no better, slowly standing up with a large gash across his stomach, his gauntlets splintered with burns too, even Quickfang looked chipped in some places while his laughter died down at the sight of all of us. Clearly caught off guard like the rest of us.
"Uhh... what did we miss? Is this a crusade? Did I seriously miss this? Your guys have Tanks?" Zane scoffed, Reiner looking up then flopped back down with a sigh. I slowly approached the front, everyone was murmuring at my approach as both Guardians looked to me in silence, I still refused to blink. "...h-hey... told you..." My mouth quivered at his voice. "I'd see you again shortly, right?"
Now everyone was in an uproar, clapping and cheering for the man that had been put through hell for us, for me. I was so angry that I wanted to punch them both, but I couldn't, instead, I launched myself at Zane and Reiner, pinning them to the ground in a tight hug that I refused to break while I maintained a shaky voice.
"Y-You dummies... w-welcome back..." I whimpered as Zane draped his arm over me, and Reiner just looked away, put his fist touched my shoulder. My smile finally returned to how it was
It was over. Crota and his army had been defeated. And the Raid Team has been reunited at the edge of the world.
To Be Continued...
I had meant for Reiner and Zane to return before this gathering of Guardians happened, but that felt cheap, so here's a final offensive against the Hidden Swarm and a true showing of Ceres' development past her sorrow over failure. RWBY taught me that line too, 'The enemy of Fear is Trust', and with that, only three or so chapters remain! I hope you enjoyed, seeya in the next chapter Guardians!
Next Chapter A Crash of Thunder
Now reunited, Zane and Reiner are visited during their recovery and with an audience, Zane asks Rika to replay the events of their escape from the depths of Crota's citadel and from the clutches of Revenant.