Act IV - Sorrow and Acceptance
Chapter 2 - Identity
[Earth, Last City, Downtown]
It was a surprisingly sunny day for Autumn, blessing the Last City with a small remnant of Summer once more. I took this as a prime opportunity to wear something a little less thick. I wore a red hoodie with a blouse underneath, a marigold skirt, black thigh-high socks, and white shoes, Ghost bobbing to my left shoulder with my tagalong's own ghost doing the same.
"Ahh, nice to finally be out of that stuffy tower, I swear, one more report about how one Guardian considered the pros and cons of lobotomy toward Cabal interrogations via soup spoon and I may just stand in front of a Vandal's rifle next time," Artemis whined, swaying back and forth around Ghost. "But why? Why would you do that - why would you do any of that?"
"Oh, believe me, I can think of many ways I couldn't care less," Cayde replied ironically. Clapping his hands together, his blue gaze met mine. "Thanks for this, Ceres, gave us the right excuse to leave the Tower for once, good work."
I quirked a brow, my small smile lifted. "Cayde? What did you say this time? You know Zavala will catch on eventually."
"Ahh, it'll be fine!" He waved off my question, clearly, it was something stupid and filled with holes but I wanted to bring Cayde along for a small trip into the City, given how he's almost never away from the Tower. "Anyway, Ceres, what's the occasion? Did my 'handsome' charm finally get to you?" He put a hand on his chin, trying to look sassy
"Pfft, you wish it were that easy," I playfully shoved him, the two of us parting the way for a few bystanders as we walked and talked. "Honestly, it was my way of thanking you, you know, for the message during the mission to reclaim the Last Array."
"You still remembered that huh?" Cayde asked with genuine surprise, while I nodded, my hand in my pockets, stretching the jacket a bit as I did
"Of course, it was actually what I used to rally Zane and Morbin into working together, while I haven't any clue as to how you knew something like the Black Garden was in play, I still appreciate the nudge in the right direction," He smiled at that, bumping his fist against my shoulder
"A good Hunter never tells - unless he's paid." His remark got a small laugh from the two of us
For a good portion of our day, we walked about the Last City, taking in some sights I've never seen that he told me were interesting to visit, like an intersection where he himself fought during the Battle of Six Fronts to safeguard civilians, Zavala showing up a moment later to send massive waves of Arc flashing down the streets, decimating the House of Devils.
We visited shops and bought ourselves a few things or just goofed off, being kicked out of one store thanks to Artemis and Cayde accidentally setting fire to something that I paid for and apologized profusely while the two cowered behind me and Ghost, it... wasn't fun.
"Feh, always up to something and needin' someone else to save your scrap hide, eh, Cayde?" From above us, legs swaying back and forth on a small balcony came a new voice, sly in tone, but it made Cayde jump, with Artemis widening her shell in shock
Above us was a Hunter. He wore little armor plating, say for the shoulder pads, chestplate, and knee guards. Most of the armor a dark grey with straps crisscrossing on his torso, hands gloved and with fabric wrapped around his bracers. A thick, black cape swayed against his back, torn by battles with light discoloring. His helmet remained a bandana over his mouth with a visor to cover his face and head. In his left hand spun a knife, making it vanish into Void particles, only for it to return again.
"Tevis? The heck you doing here I thought you were on Venus?" Cayde's surprise reverted back, the Hunter hopping down, still spinning the knife, his left hand raised dramatically
"'It's good to see you', I think that's how you greet normal people," Tevis replied coolly, hand raised to slap against Cayde's the two shaking strongly. "Always a rude, lying Exo, aren't you?"
"Always a cheapskate, and a loner, but to be expected," Cayde humored him, myself and Ghost looking to each other, perplexed, then I raised a finger, mouth ajar
"Umm, hi, can we jump back into this group?" My question brought Tevis to look at me, giving me a once-over, then he looked to Cayde, nudging him
"How long was I gone, when did this happen?" When did what happen? I quirked a brow, Ghost looking to Artemis who shook her shell, sighing
"No, she's not, by the Traveller, you two are as bad as each other," Artemis sighed, hovering over to me. "Don't mind him, Ceres, he's dumb, so his Cayde, but I'm less."
"I still don't understand what's going on but okay then," Shrugging without any answer, Tevis turned to me
"Ceres, huh? Didn't think Titans liked us... or Cayde very much, especially Cayde." That made the Exo in question grumble under his breath, quickly backpedaling to my side
"This here is my Rookie's best friend and Fireteam leader, meet the same Guardian that's taken care of the Vex in the Black Garden, guided by yours truly." Cayde complimented me, putting me on the spot as I blushed a little, grinning nervously at the Hunter's intense stare, even if I couldn't see his face. "Ceres, this here's the greatest gambler I know, who also cheats, Tevis, also one of the rare Nightstalkers of the Hunter Vanguard."
"Missing the part where it's only me cheating because your luck is terrible - But yes, nice to meet you," He held his hand out, clearly more polite than Cayde, but equally as strange. I shook his hand, smiling a little more confidently
"Happy to meet you too, Tevis," With a nod, he started to walk past us, raising a hand to wave behind his back
"Well then, Cayde, if you're up for another game, let me know, Ramen's on me this time, got a real big story to share!" Without waiting for Cayde's answer, he vanished into the crowd, leaving the four of us in a state of silence for a moment
"He was... strange, I'm surprised a Nightstalker would show up out of the blue like that," Ghost stated with slight awe, turning back to us. "Other than Dimitri I hardly know of any other users of the Void, say for Sparrow."
"Nightstalkers, like I said, are loners, more so than other Hunters due to their 'strange' connection with the Void, hence why Dimi gets some flak for her abilities in the Crucible, and EspaƱol grump is... well a grump, so he doesn't seem to care far as I've seen," Cayde elaborated, rubbing a hand under his chin. "Seriously need a translator for that guy."
"We do, you just don't listen," Artemis countered bluntly, and I held in a laugh as the two started arguing, following me and Ghost as we continued on our shopping trip. But Tevis seems nice, he was the one that taught Dimitri how to use her Void Light, maybe he can tell me more about her someday?
"-comprarlo entonces." Strange, that sounded like...
The four of us had made it to a strip of stalls constructed down an unused road, reconfiguring the once sleek, bustling city into a quaint, little market, filled with miscellaneous collectibles, hand-crafted items, and food. Banners of an array of colors strung end-to-end.
"Hey, I think I heard Sparrow's voice?" I pointed toward a stall to our left, our eyes navigating the small river of people to find to very distinct characters standing by a stall with many accessories, scarfs, necklaces, bracelets, and numerous other small trinkets to add flavor to your style
The first, someone at my height, a guy wearing tan shorts with an orange-striped shirt, a tooth necklace under a cropped, white jacket, and a silver ring on his index finger. His hair was short back and sides, leaving him with spiky, brown hair and goatee with soft, orange eyes, though his brows were knitted together in deep concentration.
The other male was a foot taller, dressed in a navy tailcoat with the sleeves rolled up, a brown vest top underneath with another dark green shirt under that. He wore jeans leading down to black boots. An Awoken with striking features; Warm-black hair combed back, the dark green highlights more visible in the sunlight. His eyes were a pale green too, I think he likes green.
"You sure? Might it seem... stereotypical?" Harrow contemplated, arms crossed while Sparrow remained rather mellow at what I could only assume had been a lengthy debate over... whatever it was. Just then, Sparrow's eyebrow quirked, turning to see us approaching so he nudged Harrow, the man's expression shifting. "Ah, if it isn't Cayde-6 and Ceres."
"Hey, Harrow, Sparrow," I greeted, Cayde giving them a raised hand, still muttering to Artemis about something. "So, what's going on? You looked lost in thought."
They both nodded. "Yes, our companion here is deciding if he should buy himself a new accessory to freshen his look, so far he has made no progress." Sparrow motioned to the counter, displaying glasses, and monocles of various shapes, and designs
Pursing my lips, I found this situation to be out of my area of expertise, but I wasn't horrid at outfit choices, given what I'm wearing, but that would be a rather bias opinion. Turning to Harrow, I pointed to the eyewear before us.
"Why the sudden want? You look fine without them if you ask me." My honest answer did make him smile with a soft sigh, taking in mine, Cayde's, and Sparrow's appearances, that made the bulb flicker on. "You want something that completes you, like Sparrow's necklace or Cayde's cape?"
"What about my cape?" Cayde asked, looking it over, but he shrugged and continued to explain so elaborate plan to the two ghosts
"Correct, it might seem a little out-of-place, but you yourself have an already outstanding image with that jacket of yours," This old thing? I mean, I like royal red... I didn't really leave without it or my armor so that makes sense I suppose. "Sparrow here has his necklace, hand-crafted too."
"Verdad." Sparrow nodded, then Harrow placed a hand on his chest
"It's a matter of identity, Ceres, something I'm sure you understand is just as important to the wearer as is to those surrounding him or her?" Harrow clarified his reasons. It made sense, as Guardians it was hard to stand out for your own self-image, and when there are thousands of us, who are you other than 'Just another Guardian'?
"I understand, I think I do more than most realize," I smiled, reminiscing for a bit. "Everyone wants to be unique, it's human nature to stand out in your own little ways, mine is simply by how I speak, I'm not some saint where my words sway people's hearts, I just speak my mind and if people agree or disagree is fine by me. Others do it by being the hero or through glory, and some, like you, just want to have a piece that screams 'you', that tells you apart from others, even if your height didn't already help you there."
Pointing to a silver monocle, the frame was simple, but fixed around the gold rim were tiny emeralds, obviously fake, but it added a certain flair to the smooth, elegant frame, a silver chain connected to the temple tip. Harrow examined the piece, fixing it to his face to gain a feel for the new look, while my supportive smile and Sparrow's nod of approval gave him a confident result.
"Hmm... this does feel right in a strange way, and a matching pair with my eyes too..." Harrow murmured into the mirror resting on the counter, the older lady working here giving him a small nod
"Fits you perfectly, young man." We agreed, even Cayde gave him a subtle look, humming at his new look
"It certainly does." Sparrow agreed
A moment later, Harrow handed the woman a generous amount for the new eyewear, himself content to adjust the bridge against his nose while we stepped away from the stall. "Again, you, my friends have helped me in a rather difficult position."
I waved a hand. "Think nothing of it!"
"No hay problema." Sparrow added with a pat to his shoulder, the two of them finally departing down the way me and Cayde came from, a final goodbye from them both. A moment later, Cayde's arm wrapped around my shoulder with a narrowed look of understanding
"Again, Guardian, you never cease to please others, even off duty," I scratched my cheek hesitantly at that
"W-well when I see someone who needs a hand or advice I'm happy enough to offer some help, no matter who it may be, Exo, Human, Awoken, even an enemy maybe," It was a strange conviction, but that was my identity, an illogical, sometimes careless one, but no one ever wishes to be perfect
"Hehe, sure thing, Guardian," He let go, clapping his hands together. "So then! How's about we go for lunch, I'm starving!"
Rolling my eyes, I saw Ghost shake his shell, looking away from Artemis. "No..."
"Please...~" She cooed, nudging him, but that only made him back away
"Stop that."
"Pwease~!" Artemis continued to pester Ghost, bopping her shell against his with a cute hum, and I could only imagine that if Ghost had a face he'd be beet red by now. "Pwease Ghost~!"
"Caaaayde! Make her stop!" Ghost begged for his aid, but by now he was hanging upside down from a lamppost, waving his arms toward the left street
"Hurry up, delivery doesn't travel through here during rush hour and don't even get me started on wait times if we take too long!" He was a complete child sometimes, makes me wonder how the Vanguard can put up with him constantly up to something? Mysteries of the universe
"Come on, Ghost," I motioned for the two to follow, sniggering a little as Artemis kept pestering him
"OKAY, FINE! But. Just. This. Once." Ghost floated beside me with an angry huff, Artemis' sitting atop his shell with a happy hum while he bobbed along
"Onward to lunchtime, Little Light!" I could see the smoke from here and my laughter certainly didn't help his confidence in being a steed. Never in my life did I expect to say 'I saw a ghost give a ghost a piggyback ride'
What a strange day.
To Be Continued...
Another funny chapter with familiar faces and a new one! Ceres is fun to write since she's a passenger for this craziness. I hope you enjoyed, seeya in the next chapter!
Next Chapter: Tale of Sorrow
Taka and Ceres are called upon by the Vanguard for an important meeting, one that will put a heavy burden on Ceres' shoulders.
