A/N: Yeah, Christmas in Summer but I don't make the rules of the timeline, so... enjoy.
Act V - The Dark Below
Chapter 24 - The Dawning
[Tower Accommodation | Last City | Earth]
"Hm-hm-hmm. Hm-hm-hmm. Hm-hm-hmm-hm-hm~" One thing that the Dawning infected me with was this constant tune in the back of my head. Can't be helped, especially since I haven't stopped working for hours, thankfully I locked Taka out before she could pry into my labor, so I sent her off to Zane and Dimitri's until I was done... that was nearly six hours ago. "Ghost, how's the next batch?"
"While at first, I wasn't sure of using your Light for something like this, I suppose it does speed things along," I raised a brow. "Oh, right, yes, they're done." I raised a fist triumphantly, a toothy grin on my messy face
"And we're done!" With a cheer I put my back to the wall and looked around the kitchen, wiping my brow. "Okay, might have gone overboard... hehe." An inquisitive gaze met my eyes
"Really?" What? Call me excessive but atleast there's enough to go around. "Can still hear you."
I rolled my eyes and moved past Ghost, taking in the last of my creations that looked primed for consumption. This project of mine was ambiguous and hard to accomplish without Ghost's help, and most especially, and much to my surprise, the Speaker's help too. I had gone to the observatory to speak with the strange man called 'Xur, Agent of the Nine', and the idea sprung to my mind when I was glancing at the shelves, waiting for someone else to finish speaking with the man.
A recipe book, filled with all sorts of baked treats and simple instructions, although the ingredients were a little... baffling.
"What the... 'Ether Canes', 'Vex Milk'? Ghost, are these legitimate or am I holding someone practical joke?" The pages upon pages had my stomach growl and my head spin
"They're just fancy names Guardians tacked on one year as a fun and exciting way to spice up baking around the Dawning," Ghost answered, and I sighed, thanking the Gods that I didn't just lift someone's cookbook for cannibalism. Ghost snickered. "You really believe it was being legitimate?"
My hand rubbed over my face with a groan. "Can it, Little Light."
"You are not the first to have stumbled upon this," I turned slowly, the wise voice of the Speaker not catching me off my guard anymore. He motioned for me to follow, book in-toe as we watched the snowfall pour from the crystallized symbol of the Dawning over the iconic lens of the observatory. "When survivors came to the Last City, they brought with them the customs of a thousand lost nations. As we built a new community from the ashes of the old, so too did we create traditions that reflect this transformed world. During The Dawning, we light lanterns to guide the Light back to us in a time of Darkness. The fires from our candles and hearth flames remind us that no matter how black the night is, there will be a dawn."
"Every day, I'm learning alot of this world, I can't help but lose myself in the stories hidden under it all," A smile formed with wonder. "I hope I can continue to be a Guardian because there's so much more I want to know."
The Speaker pushed the book gently to my chest. "Your Light has become a beacon for many, new and old, I am certain your path has more left in-store."
The book squeezed in my hand, every moment since I woke in this world I couldn't remember, Ghost guided me to this amazing city, and I met so many people, all of which helped me become how I am today, and only continue to aid me as the days roll by. Today, I wanted to repay them, while it may never amount to their kindness, this felt right, deep down I know this would be enough for now.
Taking the apron off I undid the small ponytail I tied my hair into. "Alright Ghost, you ready to spread some joy?"
"Once you're ready, always, Guardian." Hmm, good answer
[Tower | Hall of Guardians | Earth]
"Eris, hi." Waving to grab the gothic woman's attention, her eyes moved away from her tomes to face me, Guardians rushing past us to clear missions exclusive to this time of year, and alot of them were very festive, while I merely wore a red scarf atop my casual clothes, my Solar Light is a great body temperature adjustment. "I brought you something!"
Her eyes never so much as blinked. "Interesting, while this 'Dawning' isn't as unusual to me as the Festival, it has... taste," I can't tell if that was confusion or distaste, but I smiled kindly
"Speaking of 'taste', here," I handed her a small gift-wrapped box containing the first of many gifts I had Ghost store in the placement of my weapons, though if I get into a fight not sure how cookies would save me from a bitter end. "Ascendant Oatmeal Rasin Cookies, freshly baked by myself and Ghost."
Upon hearing my words, Eris took one look at the box then to me, and a clear expression of surprise formed. "Again, your gift is appreciated, Guardian, I thank you."
My smile never wavered. "After all you've done for me and my Fireteam it was the least I could do," My eyes softened. "Well, I've got alot of orders left, happy Dawning, Eris!" I waved, making a B-line to the boisterous Crucible handler who had his gaze fixed to a screen replaying a match, a listing of times for both Crucible matches and something called SRL
"Hey, Shaxx," He turned to me with a hearty voice
"Well if it isn't the Guardian I've heard so much of lately! Enjoying the festivities?" I nodded, himself putting his arms on his sides. "What's this you have? A gift?"
"You caught on without realizing I was with Eris? Well yes, for you," I held it out to him. "Vanilla Blades, these really pack a punch of flavor, and even though we never talked much, I didn't want to leave you out, so enjoy."
His voice was alot less loud now, patting my shoulder. "Thank you, Guardian, both for this wondrous gift and for looking after two of the biggest players of my Crucible, without them, I can't say these matches would pose such rivalry between teams, hahaha!" With that I waved, himself reciprocating the gesture. "Enjoy yourself, Guardian!"
"I will!" "Two down, twelve to go... I think?"
This next stop was, by far, the most nerve-racking, so much so that butterflies played in my stomach as I approached the first two, Cayde having finished handing out a request to a group of Hunters, while Ikora overlooked a number of notes in her hands. Artemis flew over with a wide gaze.
"Thank the Traveller, someone I can talk to!" Artemis praised, nuzzling my cheek almost pleading with me to take her away. "Why are there soooo many requests!? It's the holidays!"
"Work is work, much as I'd rather be anywhere else," Cayde glanced to Ikora, who took her attention to me, while Cayde's danced between his datapad. "Get this done then its ramen all night, baby!"
I held in a laugh. "W-Well, I guess now would be a good time to offer these, I-I wanted to give the three of you something, as... as thanks, for everything you've done for me and Ghost," My words studdered but I didn't move, Ghost bringing out the three gifts that nearly fell from my shaky hands. "Cayde, I made you Arc Bolt Canes, for Ikora you have Traveler Donut Holes," I handed them their respective boxes
Being as eager as always, Cayde revealed the candy canes inside, the red stripe now a bright blue with a slight static charge to them, quickly, he snapped it between his metal mouth, and to my surprise, he buzzed with lightning at the sensation, eyes wide. "Mmm, it's like I just juiced myself on a power grid!"
Ikora was next, a kindhearted smile on her face. "This is unexpected of you, Ceres, but not unwelcomed given your kindness, thank you," She took a bite of the donut, looking satisfied by the looks of it, good, the worst thing that could have happened is if I messed up, I'd just die right here and now. "You certainly have a talent in this profession."
"I'll say!" Cayde continued to devour the treats with delight. "Best thing about being an Exo is the lack of ever being full so I can keep on chomping - Hey, Z, pull your head from your work and try this stuff!"
His blatant yell invoked the Awoken's attention, and I was now flustered from being put on the spot. I was anxious about offering the gift, not out of ignorance, just... he's my commander so this is sort-of scary, impressions and all that, and given his always stoic expression it was always hard to read his thoughts on anything outside of work.
Zavala's expression was unreadable but he accepted the box of cookies from Cayde, his eyes briefly meeting mine but he gave a thankful nod at my gift, it was obvious he was very busy but I was hoping he'd like them even while working so much. "I don't think I've ever seen him not working."
"Commander Zavala carries alot of responsibilities, for even the Dawning to commence he has to handle both the extra workload on top of everything," Ghost answered me, and my admiration for him only strengthened. "Well, we should be on our way."
"I hope this will help you today, and again, thank you." I bowed my head and took my leave, but I did glance back to see Cayde waving a hand to me while facing Zavala, Ikora just smiled and hid her face behind a book, but my own pride swelled at seeing Zavala already taking a bite out of one of the cookies, cracking a faint grin as I left
Next on the list happened to be in one spot. Banshee was serving Dimitri and Taka, the latter noticing my approach with a curious brow. "So you finally decided to come out of our apartment?" Sheepishly I put a hand on my hip
"I told you I had something really important to do, and so I have, Ghost, if you wouldn't mind?" I motioned with my head, holding out my hands. Dimitri finally looked to me, holding onto her bow
"What's up, my gal?" To answer her came three boxes. "Huh? Gifts?" Now she was buzzing with excitement, Taka herself smiling knowingly at what they may contain, while Banshee turned his eyes to me, setting down the rifle
"I wanted to give you guys something as thanks for everything you've done, I honestly couldn't imagine myself standing here without any of you, so for you, Taka," I handed her the box. "The recipes were strange but everything actually tasted really good so I chose some Arc Bolt Canes for you."
Dimitri was practically drooling as I handed her the box. "Some Vanilla Blades," She squealed and did her best to stay composed but that child-like smile was too obvious. Turning to the absentminded Exo I set the box before him. "And some strange but oddly satisfying, Telemetry Tapioca, hope you like it!"
"Oh? Cool, I appreciate it, kid, not often I'm given something like this, usually Cayde, so this is a welcomed change of pace..." Again, his words were spaced but I understood. Dimitri happily hugged me, already devouring one of the treats with a grin
"If baking could end wars you'd be a legend." That compliment had me giggling while Taka reciprocated Dimitri's action, but without as much strain on my bones
"Thanks for this, Ceres, now I see why you were to adamant about keeping me clear of our place," Taka replied, blinking as I handed her another box, her brow quirked. "My guess is this is for a certain hotheaded Titan?"
I nodded. "You guess correctly, I haven't the foggiest idea where he is, so... if you wouldn't mind?" Without a word, Taka nodded while Dimitri snorted a laugh
"Yeah, I'm sure we'll find him 'trying', and failing, to reach Legend rank now that the Crucible has opened its doors to greener faces, most veterans are too busy in SRL so its the perfect opportunity," Dimitri plucked her bow. "'Course, when that void dissipates I'll come back with a vengeance against those foolish mortals, hehehe..."
Taka patted her head. "Simmer down, girl, later, Ceres." With a final goodbye, I took off for the Hanger, avoiding snow on the way
"Hey, Guardian! Come by for the SRL!?" Amanda waved through a large group of Guardians, all either checking out new Sparrows and paint jobs, while others discussed bets while races continued in the background on screens, a sign directing any spectators toward a barge that had been converted into a club - Might need to check that out at some point
"No, came by to give you something!" I called, moving around the crowd with the box held out to her. A Guardian lifted it for me and handed it to Amanda, nodding to my own thankful one. After checking inside she looked at me with a bright smile. "Hope you like it! Consider it a long overdue thanks for the Sparrow and Jumpship!"
"You're the best, Ceres! But come by later, I promise you these races aren't somethin' to miss!" She waved over the crowd, standing up on the crate. "Alright! Place your bets folks, pool's open for first, second, and third race or all the above!"
"Well, she can certainly rally a crowd." Ghost, I can agree to that, shall we? "Lead the way."
"Head's up!" My body flew backward, the snowball knocking a Guardian off the Tower as I and Ghost winced, quickly jogging away as we heard someone laugh
"Hahaha...!" It was Pip, snorting with each laugh while Jack looked to pale with a toothy, nervous smile of innocence while a black and red ghost looked to her then the railing
"Ahahaha... would you believe me if I said there wasn't a Guardian there before?" Her eyes caught mine as I tried my best to stay composed. "Hey! Ceres!"
"Don't just - Jack..." The ghost growled at her complete disregard while Pip joined us holding a hand to her mouth to stop her incessant snorting
"Hi guys... ignoring-"
"What?" Both asked, blinking
"Uh-um, right, well, is Jay around, he's usually with you two?" I pointed between them at the obvious lack of a third member. Both looked to one another, then shrugged, Pip looking a little exasperated
"Would be 'amazing' if we did, he just left a note saying he'll be out and didn't say where," Pip threw her hands up. "Oh, so I leave with a vague notion, and its the end of the world but he leaves and its all sunshine and rainbows? I'm not a kid, I happen to be a walking corpse just like the rest of us!"
"Really morbid when you put it like that," Jack added nonchalantly, then ruffled her hair. "Pipsqueak here's-" That earned a punch to the face
"Stop calling me that, Blackjack!" In return, Pip was silenced with a hand to the face. Huh, now the color combo makes sense, and even the symbol of said 'Blackjack'
"-really attached to the kid, both seriously need a room, but that's why Aunt Jack is here." Her belittling of Pip had the girl's face smoking red while I giggled, bringing out three boxes for them both. Relinquishing her hold on Pip, both eyed the gifts inquisitively. "A present...?" Jack sounded generally caught off guard by this
"Yeah, from one friend to another, the bottom one is Jay's, Jack, yours is the middle being Hot Crossfire Buns, while Pip, I got you some cookies called, Gjallardoodles - Yes, the names are strange, I'm aware," I answered quickly, handing them to Pip who now looked pleased by the change in subject
"Cool, really, thanks a bunch, Ceres!" Pip replied, with Jack looking less outspoken and instead held a touching expression of her own
"Heh... really, I... can't really describe this well, I'm... not a smart Guardian, so, thank you, Ceres."
With my eyes closed, I happily mimicked her smile. I should do this more often, it's nice seeing everyone in high spirits. "Of course, I hope you'll enjoy them!"
[Zane's POV]
"What is she doing?" Morbin inquired as me and Chrome Dome sat by the upper balcony overlooking the plaza, seeing Ceres skip her way back out past a snowball fight, Jay's Fireteam rejoining the battle of snowfall with boxes in-hand, all while Ceres smiled with a laugh next to Ghost. "Those boxes, gifts? ~I FEEL ENVY FORM LIKE BILE~, very curious."
"Perhaps she wanted to show some kindness, that fits her to a 'T'?" Morbin agreed with me on that, the two of us noticing that she was waving to us, making a stride toward the staircase leading up. With a hesitant grin, I nudged the Exo. "Guess it's time."
"So it would seem..." Morbin then went silent. "You think she'll like it?"
It was an honest question but I had no idea either, given our lack of knowledge on anything close to gift-giving around this time of year, mine simply because I've only experienced the Dawning once and Morbin because... he's Morbin. In the end, it was a shot in the dark. Just then, Ceres finally reached the top and strolled up with a bright smile.
"Perfect, I was hoping to run into you guys last after my gifting spree," Ceres breathed with satisfaction, from how her expressions changed with Jay's team it was clear she had been doing this all day today. "I was going to give you guys your own but I may have gone a little overboard and so I thought we could head back to my place, you won't believe the kinds of recipes we slogged through!"
"There was alot of filler." Ghost added
"You are aware of Exos' lack of stomachs, right? We can process it into energy but other than that we stand no additional gain." Morbin's blunt answer had Ceres pout
"I spent all day making them for everyone, that includes you, atleast try one thing, pleeeease?" I've rarely seen Ceres so... passionate about a hobby, I mean, Ceres had plenty but it was like this one just really suited her style and personality, sort-of endearing honestly
Chrome Dome relented. "Fine, one thing." She jumped back with a fist pump
"Yes! Knew you'd agree!" Well, I guess now was a better time than any. Her triumphant smile turned dumbfounded as I held out the square box wrapped in a red bow, Morbin and I shared a look, then I answered her perplexed expression. "Huh?"
"For you, Titan Lady! From both of us since we are utterly clueless!" I replied, shaking it a little for her to grab. After holding out the box to her eyes she pulled back the bow, the anticipation clear in both our eyes, while I gulped silently. I had no Rika to back me up here, nor Deus, we were on our own thanks to them ditching us
Pulling the lid off, those curious, emerald eyes soon sparkled with awe under her dandelion locks. Inside was a necklace, rich gold for the chain, while housed in a cage surrounded by a gold coin inscribed with the image of a sun was a fusion of amethyst and sapphire into a small orb.
Softly, her voice whispered to us, causing us to flinch. "You guys... bought this for me?"
"Eh... no," I began, Morbin adding in blunt remarks each time
"We made it."
"The gold chain and coin represent you." "Solar."
"And the amethyst is Morbin." "Void."
"While the sapphire is me." "Arc."
"So it represents Fireteam Horizon." "~OUR BOND~!"
After our back-and-forth explanation, Ceres kept her eyes glued to the necklace, not uttering a single word as we longed for her to just say anything, this amount of suspense it giving me a heart attack! It took us days to perfect this piece, given our less-than appropriate professions but with a little help and alot of hours, it came out pretty well in the end.
A clear shimmer ran down her cheek. "Gah, that wasn't the plan!"
"Why are you looking to me when you say that? This was your idea." Morbin jabbed back at me, and I tried to keep my composure
"I said it would be nice of us to do something for her, 'YOU' suggested the necklace!"
*Thump*
Both our heads touched down on Ceres' shoulders, her laughter strained by the feeling of tears tickling my neck. "Y-You both... thank you... thank you so much!" Ceres wept happily as I felt her arm around me press tighter with a shaken voice. "Thank you... for trusting me."
With a look between us, we put an arm each around her, Morbin's simply patting her back as I rubbed mine in circles. Ghost gazed at me, then vanished back into Ceres without a word, but he looked happy, I hope. We didn't move from her hold for atleast a minute, but I didn't care, Ceres was happy, and that had my heart racing every time.
[Ceres' POV]
Now, as the sunset crawled onto the scene, me, Morbin, and Zane watched from the edge of the balcony as the lanterns filled the sky, creating a sense of stars rising to meet the darkness, passing by the Traveler and in other groups all over the city in tornados of light. And with a hand grazing over my new necklace, I couldn't stop smiling as I sat my head on Zane's shoulder.
"I couldn't want anyone else to be my friends or my Fireteam, you guys know that?" Speaking softly, I heard them both huff rhetorically
"Obviously." "Never a doubt."
I sighed. "Awesome," My ears perked up, head twisting back to come eye-to-eye with matching eyes to Zane, Dimitri winking down
"Sup, C, don't mind if we crash your little party?" Dimitri grinned, flipping up to land on the railing with her legs between me and Morbin, while Taka sat down next to her, facing away with her head turned toward us
"Is that new?" She pointed to my necklace, and I happily nodded, Dimitri and now Pip and Jack gazed in awe. When did they...?
"That looks handcrafted?" Jack could tell right away, whistling
"I hope you don't mind if we sit with you guys?" Pip inquired, and I shook my head, happy to have more sit with us and watch the show. "Sweet, speaking of... you... wouldn't happen to have... any others, hmm?"
"Pipsqueak up and scoffed them down! Had to fight for mine and Jay's nearly lost a finger..." Jack grinned, avoiding a punch from the red-faced Huntress. "Why can't people just attack me with hugs and kisses instead? Make this physcial abuse fair atleast."
"You're on your own there," Pip immediately recoiled, watching the crocodile grin stretch over Jack's face. "Don't you fucking dare, Jack!"
"Aw, fine, hard-to-get works for me." I'm sensing a pattern
"Oh, so not just me?" Ghost spoke up, with Rika and Deus finally coming back into view alongside CT and Deus. "Oh, you're finally back?"
"'Course, wouldn't want you to miss us." Rika teased, hovering next to Zane, while Deus and CT bobbed near me. "Ooo, so dumb and dumber finally polished off their gift, not bad, not bad."
"I'm sitting right here you know..." Zane raised a hand, Dimitri shoving back down while resting her head on his own, managing to balance on the railing with ease. Deus simply displayed a happy emote at the sight of my necklace while CT nodded with an acute eye
"Nevertheless, you both clearly took the time and care to properly manufacture this piece, I bet you were really happy too, Ceres?" At CT's hum of curiosity, I felt a pink blush strike my cheeks as I squirmed. "Hmm, I'll take that as a yes."
"So, what's on everyone's minds tomorrow? It is the Dawning's main event after all." Taka's question lingered over us, though between the events leading toward today, relaxation was on my mind, with a soft chuckle I put my arm around Zane while resting my other on Morbin's shoulder
"Well, the system won't save itself." I mused
"Back to the grind! I'm thinking of going for a new Exotic." Zane twiddled his fingers in anticipation
"Let me smack a heretic ~SKULLS FOR THE SKULL THRONE~ Exactly." That was Morbin on board. Maybe go back to Mars? Could use a break from seeing another Hive
"Once Jay's back we'll probably do the same, despite the Vault of Glass left without a conductor if the Vex continue to convert the planet won't be much left to salvage, right, Jack?" Pip was met with a knowing finger waved her way
"If we can save what remains of our history it could give us an edge over the Vex, also cull their numbers a bit, not that it ever works." A snort from her and all of us groaned in agreement, the Vex are the worst
"SRL for me! I want my butter shader!" Dimitri clapped, somehow using Zane's head as leverage
"Why...?" Zane pondered, completely dumbfounded as he brushed his sister's hair aside
"Eh, I dunnoe, it's shiny, but gold." A wave of her hands for dramatic effect thanks to Ray trickling Light dust over her hands
"I guess I can try it for myself, sounds like fun." Taka smiled in thought, and Dimitri paled
"R-Right... erm... you uh, kind-of have to know how-"
"If you say 'Know how to start a Sparrow' I will hurdle you off the Tower." That sweet smile scared me since it was Taka of all people radiating with a fire behind her and it even scared Dimitri into sweating nervously, Ray hiding between Ghost and Rika
We all had our goals, despite our role of being a Guardians of Humanity and the Traveler, deep down, we're still the people we were before, people who accomplished something that gave someone hope, the reason is lost to us, but somewhere, in that dark abyss inside me I know I haven't forgotten my past, none of us have, fragments of our lives fill the void in our new lives, they cultivate our Light, and when surrounded by those we trust, it can reveal gaps into who we are.
I'm a Guardian, a Titan who's braved the depths of a Vex Underworld and traversed dimensions for the sake of Humanity and of my own desire to save lives no matter how small they may seem. Who I was before, if they could see me, I hope they're proud of the good I've done, I'll strive to exceed any expectations. I'll be the kind of Guardian everyone can rest easy by and know there's hope left in this broken world.
I'll be a flame to ignite the stars.
To Be Continued in Book 3...
[NateWantsToBattle - Star Maker]
And with that, we come to the end of Book 2, but there's still a final chapter, an OVA that takes place between Book 2 and 3, so stay tuned for that. This one was interesting, given I had to delve into not only the lore from the Book of Sorrows, but Crota, and key pieces for future events. So, thank all of you who have been reading, both new and old and your support is always a welcoming sight. I hope you enjoyed it, and I'll see you Guardians, in the next book!
Next Book Coming Soon...