Before the fall of Crota...

"Festival of the Lost?"

Psyho looked up from her food. "Oh, that's right. This is your first year as a Guardian. I forgot." The titaness tilted her bowl and loudly shoved the rest of the noodles into her mouth.

Frea couldn't help but feel a little queasy as she watched on.

With a pleased sigh, Psyho slammed her bowl back down on the table and wiped her mouth with her armored fist. "It's sort of a celebration I guess. It's held every year when the weather first starts to turn cold. We do it to honor those who died during that year, by remembering our accomplishments. It's basically a Tower-wide party with masks, sweets, and all the liquor in the world. It's a blast."

"Sounds...interesting." Frea raised a brow. Truthfully it sounded weird as hell, but nothing was normal these days.

"Don't be like that. It's awesome. I promise." Psyho waved at the ramen shop waiter, asking for another bowl of noodles. "The festival is all week long but the opening party is tonight. We're gonna get you a great mask and then you'll see why everyone gets excited. Maybe if we get enough beer into Dex he'll dance with ya." She winked.

"Dex doesn't think of me like that, Psyho."

"Oh, well-" The Titan grinned. "maybe you'll find yourself another partner instead. I imagine a lot of Guardians would be elated to dance with the Hunter who took down the Black Garden."

The huntress softly chuckled and shook her head. "Maybe I'll just skip and do patrols instead."

She rose out of her seat to leave but Psyho grabbed her wrist and forced her back down. "Oh hell no, I'm not letting you skip out on your first Festival of the Lost." She pointed a finger in the Hunter's direction. "We've been stuck raiding in that damn vault for the past month. At least take some time for yourself and check it out with the clan tonight. If you don't like it, then you can leave. Easy as that."

"Fine. But I'm not making out with some random guy alright?"

"That's up to you." Psyho's laugher boomed throughout the entire restaurant, drawing the attention of the other guests.

Not having much time to acquire an elaborate mask by nightfall, Frea had to settle with something simple. She stared at herself in her mirror as she positioned the gold half-mask over her face. The nose formed into a small beak, resembling an owl, but it didn't really do much to actually hide her features. After adjusting her hood over her head, she examined her work. Despite her adventures over the year, she hadn't collected much armor. Usually she stuck with one set until it broke, only replacing it as necessary. Though now, she wished she had kept the nicer pieces for occasions like these.

She straightened herself and smiled sadly at her reflection, her face looked tired.

Lately, Frea had been obsessed with doing absolutely everything she could get her hands on. Strikes, raids, and patrols. The last couple of months have passed in a blur and she couldn't even remember the last time she took a break. Even sleep eluded her for weeks at a time. She knew Psyho was trying to get her to relax for at least one night. But after what she witnessed in the Black Garden, even one night seemed impossible. The Darkness was coming and she had to be powerful enough to fight them.

"Yo, Frea." Psyho hollered from the other side of the door. "You done yet?"

The huntress jumped. She quickly readjusted her cape and checked the buckles on her armor. "Coming!"

Frea's breath caught in her throat when the plaza came into view. The Traveler was shining as bright as moonlight in the sky like usual, but something new was covering its surface. An intricate emblem representing the Festival of the Lost was projected over it, stretching out like a shadow over the orbed surface. And it wasn't the only beautiful light decorating the stone walls that night. Burning purple candles covered nearly every table and kiosk. Multicolored lanterns in the shape of engrams were strung up and hung across the banners in the plaza. They formed a ring in the middle, where Guardians were already dancing together to upbeat music. Masks of all kinds made everyone unrecognizable, some were plain like Frea's while others were animated with wisps and blinking eyes. It was a curious sight to see.

"What do you think?" Psyho leaned down to judge Frea's reaction. The titaness's mask was a giant jittering jack o' lantern that looked rather Hive-like.

"I wasn't expecting this at all honestly." The huntress laughed.

"Good, this would be a weird thing to expect." A voice sounded from behind.

They turned to see a Warlock donning a mask in the shape of a mini Traveler. He reached up and pulled it off to reveal his face.

"Dex! Nice mask, buddy. When'd you get here?" Psyho asked.

"An hour ago. I already got into the punch. Here." He handed Frea and the Titan a glass. "It's got quite a kick."

Psyho downed the glass in one go. Frea was more careful and took small sips, whatever alcohol was in the drink burned like lava down her throat. It wasn't easy for Guardians to get drunk because of their fast recovery systems, usually large amounts of liquor taken in a short time was the only way for them to even feel a slight buzz.

"So, Dex..." Psyho skipped to the Warlock's side. "Up for a dance?"

He grimaced a little and stepped away, taking a big swig of his drink as he did so. "I'll need like 20 more of these before I even step foot on that floor."

"Killjoy." The titaness pouted and hooked Frea by the arm. "Then I'll just have to find Frea a partner who isn't out of touch with their sensitive side."

"What? Wait-" Dex couldn't finish before they disappeared into the crowd, his voice drowned out by the music.

"Psyho," Frea grumbled as she was pulled along with the Titan. "You really don't have to do this. I can just dance by myself or maybe find someone else from the clan."

"Nonsense! Either I'm going to find you a suitable partner or call Kannon and we're all gonna dance together. But first...more drinks." She made a sudden turn, making Frea trip over her own feet.

The huntress stumbled out of Psyho's grasp and bumped into another Guardian. Heavily armored hands caught her by the shoulders, stopping her fall.

"Ah, sorry." Frea said and looked up.

The person that helped her was a massive Titan. He wore a basic set of grey armor and a mask depicting an animated flaming blue skull.

"Don't worry about it." The skull's mouth moved along with the Titan talking, which Frea found a little disconcerting. Something seemed a bit off with his voice, like the mask changed his tone as well.

"Frea!" Psyho came up to join them but her jaw dropped when she saw the other Titan. "Holy Traveler, you're a big dude."

He chuckled. "I get that a lot."

Frea and Psyho exchanged a glance. That was when the huntress noticed the mischievous glimmer in her friend's eyes.

"Actually, my fellow Titan." Psyho stepped up to the Titan, patting him hard on the back. "My friend here was looking for a dance partner. Any chance you'll like to volunteer?"

"Psyho-" Frea started.

"Actually." The flaming skull smiled as his gaze moved back to Frea. "I was already on my way over to ask the lovely huntress for a dance."

"What? Really?"

"Only if you want to, of course." The Titan bent into a short bow and reached out his upturned hand.

She stared at his palm and then looked back at Psyho. The stranger didn't give her any bad vibes but that didn't mean she wasn't on her guard from his sudden invitation.

The titaness gave her a thumbs up. "Go for it. If you need anything, then you only have to call." Psyho then whipped back to the other Titan, her face turning serious. "And if you do anything she doesn't like, skull face, then I'll be coming for you. You hear me?"

"Loud and clear," he responded.

Frea hesitantly placed her hand in his and he walked her out onto the dance floor. The music changed to something slower, quiet enough for them to talk over.

"You sure your boyfriend won't be jealous?" He asked as he slowly turned to face her. His free hand wrapped around her waist and he tugged her close enough for their chest plates to click against each other.

Blood rushed to her face, close contact was not something she was used to. "Boyfriend?"

"The Warlock you were with earlier, he's glaring over here right now."

She quickly glanced over his shoulder in the direction he indicated and there was Dex, staring just as the Titan said. The expression on his face was blank, but Frea knew that look. He wasn't happy.

"He's not my boyfriend, and he didn't want to dance so here I am," she commented.

"I see." The Titan started to sway to the tune. Frea clutched the armor on his back and tried her best to keep up with his lead. She didn't know how to dance, but somehow he made it easy to follow. "You have good friends. Cherish every moment you have with them. You never know how long it'll last."

"Wise words from a flaming skull." She smirked.

He only laughed in reply.

They danced for some time in silence. Even when the music switched to another song, he didn't let her go. The Titan moved with surprising grace as he twirled Frea and pulled her back into his arms. It wasn't long before she started to get the hang of it, and soon she was enjoying herself. The soft beat of the music and flickering candlelight made her feel so relaxed that she barely noticed the people around them. And even the stranger, the way he carefully handled her with respect proved that he was no threat. Though, the interest he seemed to show for the huntress was not lost to her.

"It's a nice night." She finally broke the silence.

"Indeed." The skull blinked. "A shame we don't hold these festivals in the City anymore. The trees have probably turned colors by now."

"Turn colors?"

The Titan tilted his head. "You haven't seen autumn in the Cosmodrome yet have you?"

"No, I was only reborn last winter." Frea stared up at him, wishing she could judge his expressions instead of the weird animations from his mask.

"They change from green to red, yellow, and even purple. Then eventually fall off for the winter. If you ever decide to take a break from raiding the Vex, then I recommend checking it out."

"Wait," she said, growing suspicious. "How do you know I've been raiding the Vex?"

He chuckled, the skull bounced to mimic him. "I don't mean any ill intent. Everyone knows of the Guardian who took down the Black Garden solo and raided the Vault of Glass. You may be masked but that cape you wear is recognizable from anywhere."

"Let me guess." She frowned. "You invited me to dance because of your curiosity?"

"No. My curiosity was already sated awhile ago." His hand at her waist squeezed as he stepped forward and dropped her into a low dip, catching the huntress off guard. She reflexively grabbed his forearm. "I just wanted to spend some time with you. You've been quite busy lately, I had to get creative to get your attention." He pulled her back up into standing position. The skull's expression shifted into a wide grin, he was definitely smirking under it.

Frea wasn't the type to swoon, but her heart throbbed loudly anyway.

"W-who are you?" She asked.

"Excuse me." He couldn't answer before a discontented looking Dex shoved himself between them, interrupting their conversation. "Mind if I cut in?" He shot the stranger a challenging stare.

"Not at all. It's about time I leave anyway." The Titan stepped around, ignoring Dex, and gently took hold of the huntress's fingers. He pressed the back of her hand to the teeth of his mask where his lips would be. "It's been a pleasure. I'll see you around, Frea."

Dex and Frea watched the stranger vanish into the crowd, the blue flames emitting from his mask became a blur amongst the soft glow of the lanterns.

"I can take care of myself, Dex." Frea said, not hiding the annoyance in her tone.

"Yeah, I know. He was getting rather cozy with you, seemed fishy." He shrugged.

The huntress sighed and removed her mask. Something about that Titan reminded her of someone, his mannerisms and confidence, the way he carried himself, and even his voice if she looked beyond the tone manipulation from the mask he wore. She laughed at herself. There was no way he was who she thought. Gatherings like these didn't seem like his style, but then again she didn't know him that well yet.

"I think it's time for another drink." Dex spoke up.

"Agreed."

Everyone took notice of the Titan that pushed his way through the crowds. It was hard not to when his towering presence alone demanding them to move out of his way. He finally entered the darkened hallway leading toward the Tower offices and sighed. Being in large groups of people always made him irritated, the noise drove his heightened senses into overload. He didn't understand how everyone else could stand it. But this night, the headache was worth it.

His relief didn't last long when he bumped into the Hunter Vanguard. The Exo held his infamous Eris Morn mask and a drink in his hand. He looked the Titan up and down, a grin slowly appeared across his face when he recognized the stranger.

"Well, look at you. I thought you hated these parties, Shaxx." Cayde chuckled.

The Titan reached up and took off his skull mask. "Sometimes even I like to let loose on occasion."

"Yeah, I can see that." The Exo crossed his arms. "Something good must have happened too. I don't think I've seen you in such a fine mood since you beat Saladin during that Iron Banner years ago."

Shaxx glanced back toward the crowd with a slight smile. "You could say that."