Chapter 2: Aftermath

[ The days following the sudden Vex Incursion of the Last City were shrouded in a sorrowful atmosphere. The Guardian and Eliksni forces had been successful in closing the Vex portals, but by that point thousands of Vex had already flooded through the warp gates. The Vex army invaded the streets of the city, raining on those who stood in their path. By the time the Vex forces had been completely eradicated, there were hundreds of dead and thousands injured, both humans and Eliksni. Amongst the streets of the Eliksni district, a small group of Guardians and Eliksni were going from building to building, recovering valuables and belongings from those who'd fallen.

"... Damnit."

One word echoed in the collapsed alleyway, Hector-6 mumbled incoherently to himself, standing in between the remains of what was once a doorway. He looked into the ruins of a bedroom, recoiling slightly at the smell. It reeked highly of something putrid, and of charred fabric. The interior of the room was painted black with ash. Across the floor, the scattered remains of children's toys and pieces of what was once a bed frame could be seen coated in a deep viscuss purple liquid. Hector-6 began to look through the pieces of fallen debris, hoping to find something that wasn't either destroyed or turned to ash. Under a plank of wood, he found something; a small wooden toy, modelled after something unfamiliar to him. Somehow it was still intact even after all the chaos that happened around it. All that it had to show for its feat of survival were small coats of ash lying across its exterior.

"Hey...is everything alright, Hector? Did you find something?" A calm, but firm voice called out to the downhearted Warlock.

"Aurora… I think I found a family's bedroom."

Hector-6 responded, his voice wavering, making the approaching Titan realize the situation Hector had found himself in. The Titan walked slowly into the room, mumbling a short prayer to herself. She could feel the color draining from her skin as she gazed upon the remnants of destruction splayed across the room. Aurora kneeled down, clasped her hands together and began mumbling a prayer under her breath for those lost in this room.

"Is… Is it alright if I join you?" Hector-6 asked the Titan in a hushed tone, not wanting to disturb her.

"Yes, of course. You don't need to ask me to pray." She replied in a soft voice.

The Titan moved herself over a few inches, allowing some space for the Warlock to kneel beside her. The two held their hands solemnly, praying for those who had perished during the attack. They could feel the atmosphere beginning to lift, though the underhanded feeling of dread still persisted, filling their minds with uneasiness.

"Hector, your prayers are not only for those who passed here, are they?" Aurora asked Hector in a somber tone, noticing that his hand began to clench into a tight fist at her question.

"We will find Erin, don't worry. We'll get her back." Aurora puts her hand on his shoulder, trying to reassure him. "Together." Aurora noticed tears forming in his eyes, and in response she embraced Hector from behind, pressing her body into his back as she placed another hand on his head.

"I could've done more, I was there, and I should have…"

"Hector, please! What happened was not your fault. I understand your pain." Aurora tried her best to comfort her grieving friend, her voice shaking; but it was no use. Hector was inconsolable, his cries filling the once silent room.

"NO, YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! I . . ." Hector tried to speak through his sobs, but he felt an even greater pain starting to grow in his heart. "I should've been there, closer. If I was next to her, t-that thing wouldn't have pushed her through, goddamnit!"

In an attempt to comfort Hector-6, Aurora took him into her chest, stroking a hand against his head in order to calm him down. He was hyperventilating, trying to speak through his tears, but his words were no longer understandable. She understood the pain he was feeling, the guilt of failure being all too familiar to her. She wanted to be there for him, when no one else could be. She didn't want him to go through those aching pains anymore.

"Hector… We can still help her. The House of Light Splicers - they must know how to reopen that Vex gateway."

Hector-6 did not respond, and instead he slowly tried to catch his breath. His breathing afterwards was still shaky but he began to pull himself together, slowly wiping the tears off his face. He nodded slightly to Aurora's idea, giving her a weak smile, and she eased her hold on him in turn.

"I want us to go see the Splicers tomorrow. I… We need to go save Erin as soon as we can."

"I agree. However, who should we ask? Is it really appropriate to go so soon after the Vex attack?"

Hector stopped to think about what Aurora just said. House Light had just suffered through terrible losses, they had been nearly wiped out because of Lakshmi-2s ignorance. His mind was torn about the situation, he knew that the House of Light needed time to recover, but he wanted - no, he needed to save Erin. He couldn't leave her on the other side of wherever that gateway led to. Would the Eliksni help him in their current state? Right now they were at their weakest. It wouldn't be appropriate to ask them to venture into Vex territory so soon.

"You seek our Sacred Splicers, yes?" A quiet, but raspy voice called to them from around the corner.

The duo turn to see an Eliksni, short in stature compared to the others they were accustomed to. Most of their torso was concealed behind a thin veil, the outline of their arms faintly visible. It raised its hands slowly, to show that it had no weapons nor any means to harm the pair, and the lack of a lower set of arms signified that it was a Dreg.

"Yes...yes, we do, but...who are you, exactly?" Hector-6 asked excitedly, finally having a potential lead to speak with the House of Light Splicers. He stood upright and began to approach the short Eliksni, his presence causing the short alien to shrink his head in fear. The Guardians' aura was extremely frightening to the small Eliksni.

"Zi..Zikreks wishes not to harm you, Zikreks only wants to help Great Machine warriors."

"Hey, it's alright. We're not gonna hurt you Zikreks, you want to help us right? Do you mind telling us how we can talk to one of the Sacred Splicers?"

Aurora reaches her hand out to comfort Zikreks, her light blue fingers seeming so delicate to him. He had only heard stories of the Awoken peoples beauty, but now seeing one this close to him, he was captivated by her calm elegance. However, the fear he held of the Guardians still overtook his reflexes, causing him to recoil in fear at the Titans hand. She slowly pulled her hand back in order to allow him some more space in the room.

"Apologies, Zikreks sadly still fears Great Machine warriors."

"I understand, but know that we won't hurt you. We're all friends here, under the Traveler." Aurora reassured Zikreks with a friendly smile.

"I see… It was my mistake to think wrong of you. I can be sure to make amends by helping you see Sacred Splicers, yes?"

"We really appreciate the offer, but if I may ask, why are you offering to help us?"

Aurora looked over at her companion with a confused expression, perplexed at his question. She thought that talking to the Splicers was his top priority, so why was he wasting time, questioning Zikreks's reasoning? She looked at the small Eliksni, who was now rubbing his hands in a show of anxiety and fear.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to sound so accusatory with that question, I just want to know why you want to help us so much."

A quiet, but piercing rumble could be heard emanating from Zikreks rebreather, small gusts of Ether filling the air around the three individuals.

"The Vex… They took many things from Zikreks, they stole so much, my… companion, my… hatchlings, taken. " The Eliksni gritted his teeth, the two Guardians could hear the pain swelling in his voice, they saw blood beginning to slowly trickle from his tight fists. "That is why. Zikreks wants to help others who have endured great suffering from the Vex. Zikreks seeks to help you save your lost friend, to get revenge for those lost on that night."

Aurora once again began to approach Zikreks, but this time she stopped at arms length and put her hands on his shoulders. She pulled him close for a tight embrace. Zikreks was surprised at this gesture, as he had never encountered a human - let alone a Guardian - that showed this much care for him.

"We will avenge those taken from us that night. We will save our friend and make sure the Vex pay for what they've taken from us. From all of us." Aurora spoke firmly, gently releasing her embrace on the Eliksni.

At the Titans comforting words, the Eliksni raised his head and looked into the eyes of the Titan. Zikreks regained his composure and wiped the blood from his hands on his tunic. He began to walk out of the room, gesturing to the two Guardians to follow him. "Come, Zikreks will show you to the Sacred Splicers, we must avenge the fallen." Zikreks spoke once more before taking to the streets of the Eliksni District, the two Guardians following suit behind Zikreks.

"Excuse me, Zikreks, can I ask you something else?" Hector-6 politely asked for the Eliksni's permission.

"Yes, you may ask your question."

"Why did you approach us, since you still fear us Guardians?"

"To prove my worth, Zikreks wants to be brave. I no longer want to cower in fear. I want to fight." ]

[ Several hours earlier, in the main concourse of the city, a large monument had been erected for those who had perished during the Vex incursion. Standing high above the memorial, Mithrax stood in silent observation of the congregation. He leaned against an iron railing, watching as Guardians and citizens alike moved below, Eliksni with them. A young Dreg adorned in a tattered tunic slowly approached the memorial, leading his child to stand among the mourners. Urged forward by a gentle push, the child carefully placed a gilded eggshell at the memorial's base. Gold soldering sealed several visible fractures, making a once shattered egg whole again. Mithrax's throat tightened at the sight. It was a memorial for a child. The walkway behind Mithrax groaned quietly as Saint-14 cut a large silhouette against the clear sky. Shoulder to shoulder, they stood. Neither spoke. They watched as Ikora and Zavala conversed with departing mourners. The Dreg and his son approached, and with a bittersweet smile, Ikora made sure to introduce them to Zavala. Big, stern, and stoic, Zavala took to one knee and spoke to the child, eye to eye.

"I never thought I would see the day, Eliksni and mankind, together like this."

Saint finally spoke, unable to look away from the two Guardians. Mithrax responded, not with words, but with a raspy, purr-like rumble and mirrored Saint's posture.

"Do you think this will hold? An alliance, fragile like glass, held in a fist?" Saint asked.

"Only the Great Machine knows what will come from over the horizon. We must be content with our own limited perspectives." Mithrax responded with conviction.

Saint nodded in quiet understanding. Down below, Amanda Holliday drew their attention as she knelt before the memorial, lighting a candle. Amanda stepped back, lingering. Mithrax and Saint watched in silence as she rose up on her toes and began scanning through the crowd. As if she were searching for someone. She gently pushed through the crowd of people, reaching out towards another mourner in a white cloak.

"Heh, I recognize that one." Saint interjected at the sight.

"Hmm." Mithrax purred.

"He helps me feed the birds in the hangar. You could call him a bird friend of mine. He is nice to spend time with." Saint smiled to himself under his helmet, unaware that Mithrax shared the same wry smile at the sight.

When the two down below caught sight of Lord Saladin, they took their leave and disappeared deep into the crowd. Mourners parted around the Iron Lord, respectful of his space and reputation as he laid a large handful of spent shell casings at the memorial. The meaning of the offering was lost on Mithrax. When Saladin rose from the memorial, he turned and looked up at the pair on the balcony, his face cast downwards in shades of doubt, remorse, and uncertainty as he quietly departed.

"I do not know that one," Mithrax said with a look to Saint. "He seems… unhappy."

Saint sighed, slowly shaking his head.

"Lord Saladin." he clarified. "He has lost many. Lost his heart, his hope. Lost so many, he believes he stands alone, even when surrounded by others. I understand his pain. I see…" Saint thinks about how his companion would describe it, "…his cautionary tale."

Mithrax heard the ache in Saint's voice. "And how are you?" Saint tensed at the question. The railing in his hand creaked as his grip tightened and bent the metal. "I am doing fine." Saint lied.

"Mhm, Indeed." Mithrax said with his best impersonation of sarcasm, then placed a hand on Saint's shoulder. "You know. It is not above a warrior's station to feel pain. Not above a warrior's station to express their spirit-wounds." Mithrax's grip tightly formed on the Saint's shoulder; reassuring, calming. "Not above a warrior's station to break, to weep."

Saint nodded in half-hearted agreement. "I should leave," he said in a tone Mithrax couldn't quite understand.

"Thank you, Kell of Kells. You are a true friend." He spoke in a wavering voice as he left.

"Go well, Saint," Mithrax said with concern. "Find your lost phoenix." ]

[ The walls of the Last City, tall and magnificent, had endured centuries worth of conflicts. They stood defiantly against those who stole and murdered from humanity, kept humanity's enemies away from the Traveler. The walls were young, but they stood tall and mighty as Guardians fought a ferocious battle against the Fallen in the Battle of Six Fronts. It continued to endure the endless Fallen barrage during the battle of Twilight Gap and still, it stood tall and defiant as the Light was taken from humanity by the Ghaul's Red Legion. Few were as old as the walls, and fewer older than them. One of those people was Commander Zavala. He watched as the walls were constructed, when the walls were nothing but pieces of brick and cement, and he was there to place the first pieces of the wall. Zavala watched as memories flashed before his eyes. Thinking back on all the times the Last City was attacked, this was the first time blood of such magnitude was spilled because of its own people. Lakshmi-2 had opened the floodgates for the Vex army to invade the city, her fears and misconceptions had caused the lives of hundreds. Not only of humanity, but of Eliksni as well. His stoic appearance always caused others to see him as stoic, his spirit never breaking even in the harshest of times. This attack however, caused him some of the worst pain he had ever experienced, more painful than the countless deaths he's had to endure as a Guardian. He felt weak, he felt as if he could've done something, something to stop Lakshmi from going too far. The end to his pain was far beyond his sight, much still needed to be addressed in the Tower, the people who were responsible for pointing their weapons at House Light and Osiris were still at large. He had sent countless Fireteams to search for Osiris's whereabouts, yet none had reported back anything of worth. This was a low he had felt rarely, only twice had he ever felt this lost in what to do; in the aftermath of the Red Legions attack, and after the death of his friend, Cayde-6.

"Commander, there is a new message awaiting you."

Zavala's thoughts were interrupted by the buzz of a robotic frame. With a low grumble, he responds to the frame, "Mhm, from who?"

"Commander, it is from Saint-14." The frame chirps a response.

"I see, patch him through then."

A large panel next to Zavala begins to flare up, the image of Saint-14 flashing on the screen, connecting the two Guardians to each other.

"Commander Zavala, has there been any news on where Osiris is?"

"No… No, there have not been any updates."

Zavala had been keeping Saint-14 in the hangar for as long as he could. He knew that if Osiris wasn't found soon, the guardian would leave to find Osiris himself. He lost Saint-14 once searching for Osiris. He didn't want to lose him again.

"Is that so? Then I will no longer wait, Zavala. I will go find Osiris myself. If no one else can find him, then I will be the one to bring him in." Saint-14 spoke with sheer ferocity in his voice.

Zavala knew the passion Osiris and Saint shared between each other. No amount of pleading or commanding would stop Saint from going to find his partner. "I understand." He responds in a somber tone, lowering his head in a form of shame.

"If you go, please send updates on your location, that is all that I will ask from you. Be well, Saint-14."

"Alright. I will find him and bring him back. He must have a reason for what he's done. Please, listen to him when I bring him back."

"That would be for Ikora and I to decide. Now be well." Zavala closed the transmission between the two. He wiped his eyes in frustration, feeling himself losing grip on everything happening around him. Nothing he said or did felt like it meant anything anymore. Guardians were still wielding the powers of Stasis even after the Vanguard had forbidden it. His confrontation with Caitl showed that even those around him were beginning to lose faith in him. Lord Saladin, he felt, had completely lost faith in Zavala's leadership. He turned to look outside the window, gazing at the Traveler's radiant light. He begged internally for answers on what to do. He wanted guidance from the Traveler. He felt the Light and Darkness fighting for control more than ever before between his people. He did not know how to fight against such an enemy.

"Commander…. Commander."

Deep in his thoughts, Zavala failed to notice the voice calling out to him.

"Commander…. Commander…. COMMANDER!"

Zavala was startled back into reality, the frame continued to call out his name whilst he was deep in thought. "Yes, what is it?" He responded in an irritated tone.

"You have visitors. Three Guardians, three Fallen."

Zavala was puzzled at this, who could be coming to see him in person? He did not know, but he was curious nonetheless.

"Give them passage, I wish to speak with them."

"Understood, Commander." The frame turned its head away from Zavala and held onto a small microphone. "You may proceed into the Commander's office now."

The doors to Zavala's office slowly opened, five figures walking through the automatic door, bowing their heads at the sight of the Commander.

"Commander Zavala, we wish to ask for your permission to proceed with an operation."

Zavala's eyebrows perked at the Titan, "What kind of operation?" he questioned them.

"A rescue operation sir. We request to have Mithrax be allowed to reopen a Vex gateway to save our Fireteam member, Erin Dayton."

Zavala recognized the Warlock who responded to his question. Hector-6, desperate to save his friend, had now walked towards the Commander in a show of confidence. Catching Zavala off guard, he knew that saying no to his request would be no easy task. ]

[ Several hours before they met with Commander Zavala, Hector-6 and Aurora were still en route to meet the Sacred Eliksni Splicers. The Eliksni Dreg, Zikreks, had promised them that he would arrange a meeting with the Splicers to discuss reopening a Vex portal into the space where Erin was forced through. The remnants of the Eliksni district had been cleaned up for the most part, although the dull atmosphere that shrouded House Lights home could not be washed away by any tool or piece of equipment. The Guardians saw how the Eliksni people interacted, the children playing a game similar to soccer, the older males and females having small discussions and hangouts, it felt as if they were walking through the streets of the Last City. The Eliksni were no different than humanity. This realization made both Guardians clench their fists, angered further by how easily Lakshmi-2 was convinced that House Light would betray humanity.

"We are close, be ready for Misraakskel."

A hoarse voice snapped the two back into reality. They were steadily approaching a large building. House Light flags hung across the walls, marking it as the pseudo capital of the district. Parts of the Eliksni asymmetrical architecture could be seen intertwining with that of human architecture, combining to create a truly marvelous spectacle. Small streams of Ether gas flooding out of the windows of the building signified that the mysterious substance was being produced inside the building.

"Is this the building they live in?"

Hector asked Zikreks, marvelling at the Eliksni infrastructure.

"Indeed, this is where our Sacred Splicers weave through the Vex Network."

"It's very impressive Zikreks. I've never seen anything like this, it's beautiful."

"Mhm, Varikskel spoke highly of House homes on Riss'. Very few still remember how Eliksni homes once looked."

Zikreks response made the Guardians' amazement towards the building change to a look of sadness. Such beauty should not be forgotten to time, they thought.

"Spare me one moment, I must speak with… a friend."

The Guardians stop walking, turning their heads to look at a long set of stairs leading to a large doorway. From the top of the staircase, they could see Zikreks beginning to wave at another Eliksni. This one had all of his arms in comparison to Zikreks. He was most likely a Vandall for House Light. They soon saw Zikreks attempt to begin a conversation with the vandal. In comparison to the vandal, Zikreks was noticeably very short in comparison to other Eliksni. Neither of the Guardians could understand the Eliksni language, so the topic of their conversation was left to their imagination, though the expression on the larger Eliksni signified that it was something unpleasant for them. The Eliksni language was a very difficult one to understand, even Crow, the only Guardian the two knew that could speak and understand "Eliksni" said that it was always a difficult task to understand.

"What do you think they're talking about, Aurora?"

"I'm not sure, though it seems the recipient of Zikreks conversation isn't having a good time."

"Seems like it." Hector mumbled. "Let's hope they agree to our plan, or else we're screwed..."

"I hope it works too."

Not long after the small exchange, Zikreks began to descend the stairs. The two could not tell the expression on his face, thanks to the rebreather he wore, though it was doubtful they would be able to tell regardless. The Eliksni approached the pair, nodding in their direction, signifying that all had gone well.

"So… what happened?"

"We are given passage to see Misraakskel, we can go inside now."

"Your "friend" up there didn't seem to be too happy."

Zikreks nodded solemnly. "He is named Ryvken, he was once long ago a captain for House Devils. You should not mention this to him. He isn't proud of his Devil ties." Zikreks stops for a moment to gather his words, unsure of how to phrase his thoughts to the Guardians. "He… also strongly distrusts Great Machine Warriors, that is why he looks so… displeased." The Eliksni said matter of factly, catching the two Guardians a little off guard.

"We understand…" Aurora replies, "I hope that we can show him we are trustworthy."

"Tskks…." A low rumble was heard reverberating from the top of the stairs, accompanied by a sweeping scent of Ether gas which invaded the nostrils of those nearby.

"Those were the same words uttered by your peoples foul tongue… Before they slaughtered my kin."

At that, the three turned their heads towards the voice, setting their eyes on the one responsible slowly walking down the stairs. The Guardians had gotten a better look at the large Eliksni, the fur and spikes on his armor gave him a more intimidating aura. As he descended the stairs, the size disparity was very clear between the Guardians and the Eliksni warrior, standing more than 3 heads taller than them.

"I will allow my kin to see our Kell in his chambers, but I will not allow you, Machine spawns. Tell me, why should I allow you to see Misraaks? How do I know that you will not finish that foul woman's work?"

"Wh...What?" Aurora was perplexed at the Eliksnis accusations. "Why would we come here to kill Mithrax?"

"You speak of opening gateways through the Vex network to a place none have ever seen. Those gateways were the reason the Vex destroyed our home, our friends, our family. Did you really think it smart to ask so much from us after what happened? We do not have lives to spare, unlike you."

Aurora looked over at Hector, hoping that he would have something in mind to calm the situation, but when she looked at him, his head was bent down in shame. In some way, they both had anticipated this sort of response. He knew that the Eliksni would be upset at the sudden request to open another gateway back into the Vex network. All around him he could feel eyes boring into his being, eyes that judged him, ridiculed him, eyes that beamed hatred over what the Guardian wanted to do. Had he no thought towards those who had just lost so much? His own pain and anguish had gotten the better of his judgement, and now he knows what his mistake has cost him.

"Look, we're sorry, I… I just…"

"Please, this is not the time to be fighting amongst ourselves. What is the cause of your visit, Lightbearers?"

Before Aurora could finish her apology, a familiar voice came from the top of stairs, his voice intertwined with that of continuous feedback. It was the Kell of Light. He had heard the commotion outside and exited from his chambers to speak with those who were the source.

"Ah… Mithrax! We came to ask for a favor." Hector kneeled towards the Kell in a sign of respect, showing he was not here to cause any harm.

"Stand, please there is no need for such formalities at the moment. What is it that you need? A friend of the Saint is a friend of mine."

"Wait, how did you.."

"I have seen you speak with him before, he seemed to enjoy your company."

"Misraakskel, I must object to this. These Machine spawn have no right to beg us to risk our lives again." Ryvken questioned Mithrax's decision. Why would he be so willing to go through the Vex network once more, especially after what had just happened to them?

"I understand your hesitation towards this, Ryvken, but please let me explain. They gave us a chance, our people and theirs have been at war for centuries. They would have sent one Guardian and this House would be no more, but they did not. Instead, they welcomed us into their city, gave us a home and allowed us to praise the Great Machine once more. That is why I trust them."

"But Lakshmi…"

"Lakshmi was delusional. What was going through her head, I do not know. Not all humans are like her. They can change, change like the Saint has."

"Tskss!" Ryvken turned away, feeling anger and resentment boiling inside him, how could he trust them so easily? How...

"Come, we should continue this topic inside, I do not wish to continue disturbing others outside. Ryvken and Zikreks, you are both welcome to join us." Mithrax waved his hand, signalling to the Guardians whose faces had lit up in joy.

Hector sighed in relief, his nerves calming down with Mithraxs speech. He and Aurora exchanged looks at each other, Aurora had an excited grin, she was happy that they were able to speak with the Kell. Hector however, was torn between emotions. He was excited that they might finally be able to save Erin, however he couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt that was swirling in his gut. He was practically begging people who were still mourning over the death of their loved ones, to open a gateway into an unknown place; a place which could bring even more ruin to them.

"Hector, are you alright?"

Hector was snapped back into reality by Aurora, waving to him to begin climbing the stairs.

"Ah, yes, I'm fine. I'll be right there."

Both began walking side by side, followed by the two Eliksni. Soon, they would finally get the answer they were searching for, and begin their journey to find their lost friend. ]

[ The inside of the Kells home was, for the most part, similar to the other homes. The smell of Ether was deeply embedded into the atmosphere of the home, filling the lungs of all those inside. There were no exuberant pieces of Eliksni jewels, no pieces of heavy weaponry, no sign that this was the Kell home. They never would've guessed it was if it wasn't told to them by the Kell himself.

"Come, sit here." Mithrax notioned into a small room where another Eliksni was already inside, their robes adorned with pieces of human and Eliksni commodities. A large assortment of books and screens surrounded them. "This is House Lights scribe, Eido, as well as my daughter. She will be joining us for this discussion; I hope this doesn't trouble you."

"Oh no, not at all. It's a pleasure to meet you, Eido." Aurora bowed her head towards the scribe.

"The pleasure is mine. My father speaks highly of the Saint. If you are allies of him, you are allies of mine." Eido bowed her head in return towards the Titan, her voice was much softer in comparison to other Eliksni they've spoken to.

The other two Eliksni, Ryvken and Zikreks, bowed in respect towards the scribe, causing her to turn her head in embarrassment. The two walked forward and took a seat next to Mithrax, the cushions on the floor being much larger than any the two Guardians were used to.

"So, how may I be of service to you? Do you require something to quench your thirst?"

"Ah, no, that's not really necessary! We appreciate it though." Hector stammered out, scratching the back of his head in an awkward fashion.

"I see. Well then, let's get onto the topic at hand. What is the purpose for opening a gateway into the Vex network?" Mithrax asked, looking at the two Guardians, his four eyes focusing intently on them.

"During our invasion of the Subjugated Mind, there were dozens of gateways open to different parts of the City, however…" Mithrax's eyes widened at this. Could those be the same gateways he'd seen in his dream? If it was, he had to know. He had to know what the Vex were planning.

Aurora noticed Hector's voice becoming hoarse, and she nudged him and nodded towards him. She would continue the conversation.

"Apologies; it's difficult for him to speak about what happened, so please allow me to continue in his stead."

"Of course, please, you don't need to ask for permission." Mithrax's eyes softened, allowing the Titan to continue.

"Thank you. To continue, what Hector was trying to say is that during our incursion into the Vex network, we found the Subjugated Mind sending Vex through various gateways, where all of them seemed to be leading into the city...except for one. That one Vex gateway leads to…" Aurora paused for a second, thinking of how she could describe it. "A seemingly endless desert."

"I see. You say there is an endless desert on the other side? Hmmm." Mithrax now had confirmation that it was the same gateway he saw in his dreams. "What were the Vex doing? They should have been funneling their forces into the city. They would have no reason to go somewhere else." Mithrax thought to himself, trying to find an answer to his question. He knew the Vex were capable of time travel, thanks to the Guardian invasion of a Vex stronghold on Venus. He'd also heard of Vex warping through portals to appear on different planets; he'd also seen them whilst Splicing through various Vex networks. He needed to be sure that this was at least a place that they were familiar with.

"Could it have been Mars?" Asked Mithrax.

"No. The sand wasn't red, from what I could see. The landscape was similar to the Sahara Desert." Hector replied. He had seen the most out of anyone else.

"I see. Are there any reports of Vex activity there? I am unfamiliar with that part of Earth."

"No...as far as we know, there has never been any Vex activity there. For the most part, old records show that there were Fallen raiding parties."

"This is strange." Mithrax was stumped on what could be happening. A place none of them knew of... if they were to go in, they would be going in blind. They didn't know if it was even in the same galaxy.

"If we were to travel there, we would need plenty of supplies to keep ourselves sustained. We do not know if that place even has any sentient life." Mithrax exhaled, his mind exhausted from going over hundreds of possibilities.

"Well, we Guardians dont need to eat or drink, so the supplies would strictly be for you and anyone else who isn't a Guardian." Aurora responded, nodding towards Mithrax to confirm her statement.

"True. If that is the case, then one of our Skiffs should be enough to support us for about a month's time. The question now is how will we find your lost light?"

Suddenly, a small object materialized in the middle room, a Guardians Ghost beaming with excitement.

"We can use our Light to locate others. I've spent a ton of time with Erin's Ghost, Dotsy, before she resurrected Erin. It will be very easy for me to find her." The small Ghost spoke, its small shell spinning in excitement.

"Cog! What have I told you about suddenly jumping out of my pockets!?" Hector snapped at his Ghost.

"Oh c'mon, Hector! Don't nag me like that! We're safe in here, who's gonna kill me? Give me a break!" The Ghost sighed, its appendages lowering in annoyance.

"Fine. Just don't do anything rash please."

"Yes, mom, I'll be careful."

"...So irritating, sometimes." Hector grumbled to himself, arms crossed.

"Heh, you two always crack me up." Aurora giggled, her smile raising the dreary mood of the room a bit.

"Anyhow, back to the topic, how many would we need for this rescue operation?" Aurora asked Mithrax.

"A dozen Eliksni would be enough, just in case there are any hostile lifeforms wherever that place is. I would like to partake in that expedition, too, if you don't mind."

All eyes on the room fell on Mithrax. His sudden suggestion had caught all of them off guard. They hadn't expected that the Kell himself would volunteer to leave on this rescue mission.

"Misraakskel, I must object! Why are you putting yourself in such danger? We know nothing of this place, yet you willingly ask to go!" Ryvken questions Mithrax, the two having a small standoff.

"Please Father, let me go in your stead. If this is an undiscovered world then I must be one to go, not you."

"No! I will go. I will not allow the Vex to continue their conquest of worlds. We must show them that we will not allow them to go unscaved outside of this galaxy." Mithrax stood, raised both his hands towards the Guardians. "Let me go with you. I will take Ryvken with me as a bodyguard, if that eases your mind a little, Eido."

"Father… Please, who will watch over House Light? This is a very delicate time."

"That would be you, Eido. I believe that you can lead House Light in my steed whilst I'm away."

"Wh-What? Father, what are you saying? Have you lost your mind?!"

Whilst the argument ensued between the four Eliksni, the two Guardians were sitting with their eyes wide, watching the spectacle.

"Wow, I didn't know Mithrax could be so assertive." Whispered Aurora.

"Yeah you're telling me. You think it's a good idea if Mithrax joins us?" Responded Hector, a hint of uneasiness in his voice.

"I wouldn't mind, I hear he's an excellent fighter, and of course having the best Splicer with us is a big addition."

"Yeah, good point. Then I wouldn't mind having him either."

The argument continued for a few more minutes, ending with Mithrax as the victor of the debate.

"That's settled, then. Eido will keep watch over House Light whilst I'm away."

"Father, I'm still worried about you. What if something happens to you?"

"If it comes to it, then I believe your wisdom could keep our House together. The Light provides."

"...the Light provides…." Eido said defeatedly, knowing that her father will not be swayed.

"Know this, I will not leave your side Misraakskel."

"I know. This will be a difficult task, but we will pull through, the Light provides."

"Yes, it does." Ryvken replied, a look of sadness could be seen across his face.

"Misraakskel, please, I would like to accompany you on this as well." Zikreks goes on his knees, pleading towards the taller Eliksni.

"I will not stop you Zikreks, but your daughter - what will happen to her?"

"I have left her in the care of my caretaker friend. She will be well taken care of whilst I am not here. It would be better if it's not me with her at the moment." Zikreks spoke in a quiet tone, keeping his eyes away from Mithrax's.

"Well, if that's settled, let's shake on it, Mithrax!" A chipper voice interjected, startling Mithrax.

"...Shake on it?"

"Uh, like, shaking hands. It's a sort of agreement."

The Eliksni cocked his head in confusion, but he lifted his hand in imitation of Auroras hand motion anyway. He reached out to grab her hand and returned in kind, embracing each other's hand firmly and shaking it up and down. Mithrax still had a lot to learn of human customs. He would need to ask Saint more the next time he got the chance.

"Then it's settled. Let's go speak to Zavala. We'll need his help in issuing the ration order."

"Let us leave, then." Mithrax began walking towards the door, when he felt a hand grab his cloak before he was able to walk out the door.

"Be safe, father, please come home soon."

"I will, my sweet daughter. We shall walk in the path of Light. Be well."

The two shared one last embrace, Eido holding onto her father in a tight hold.

Soon after, he walked out of the room, leaving his daughter all to herself. She now had to think of ways to lead House Light in her fathers stead. ]

[ The sound of engines roaring could be heard from miles away. An Eliksni skiff was being readied with a months worth of supplies; weapons, food, ether for the Eliksni, and ammunition. Specially modified Sparrows were being readied by Amanda and her colleagues, fitting them with special modifiers to traverse the sand dunes.

"Hey, Amanda, this transcript look good here?" A well built man waved a clipboard towards Amanda, trying to get her attention.

"Let me see… Yeah, it looks fine. Get a move on will ya? We ain't got all night." Amanda waved the young man off, signalling to the other engineers as well.

"Yes ma'am!"

The large field they were working on could fit multiple Eliksni Skiff, though only one would be needed for this operation. The rest of the space was filled by intrigued onlookers. Hector was nervous; he always disliked large crowds of people.

"Yo, Hector, you ready for what's comin'?' A scratchy voice called out to him. He turned to see a Hunter, holding a small flask in his hand.

"You know, it surprises me that you can still stand. Ghosts can heal a lot but I don't know if crippling alcoholism is one of them." Hector replied with a snide remark towards the Hunter.

"Oh Dyonisis, do you ever wash that thing? It looks disgusting!" Another voice called out, a softer one.

"Oh gimme a break, this thing is clean as a whistle. Not a tinge of rust on this beauty!" Dyonisis laughed off Aurora's criticism, swinging around his flask in pride.

"I'm not talking about the rust, I'm referring to your foul mouth." Aurora sneered at the Hunter, who was dancing around in gleed.

"Oh, I'm pretty sure you would love the taste of it, sugar lips! AHAHAHAHA!" He burst into laughter, taking another swig from his bottle, failing to notice the small ice particles beginning to form in the atmosphere, and the ice concentrating on Aurora's fist.

"HeyheyheyheyAuroraAurorapleasepleasepleasestopdontkillanyoneplease-" Hector pleaded for dear life at the Titan, who seemed to lower her fist, but only slightly.

"If he does that again, I will kill him. Again and again till he apologizes."

"Yes, yes, I'll let you kill him as many times as you need, now please put the ice away!."

Aurora let the ice on her fist melt, leaving a small puddle beneath her arms. Mithrax looked over towards the commotion, noticing the fragments of Stasis that formed on Aurora's hand. He was still not comfortable with seeing Stasis being used, the same power which Eramis - Kell of Darkness, had used to subjugate her people.

"Mithrax, do you have a moment?" A soft voice called to him, pulling him out of his thoughts.

"Ikorakel, how may I be of service to you?" Mithrax bowed his head in honor.

"Ah, nothing too extreme. I just wanted to see how you were feeling about this operation."

"Mhm, this is a one of a kind excursion. This is a place we have not seen before, perhaps a place where neither Light or Darkness have touched. If that is to be true, this would be a monumental discovery for us."

"Indeed it would be Mithrax, you should be cautious, we do not know what lies beyond, and the Guardians Light will be limited." She points at the trio of Guardians, still fighting over the Hunters' brash actions. "Please, take care of yourself, Mithrax."

"I will. Thank you for your blessings, Ikorakel."

"Misraaks, it is time. We must go." An Eliksni Vandal called out towards him, taking his attention away from Ikora.

"I see that you are needed, Mithrax. Take care, we shall see each other soon. May the Light guide you."

Mithrax nodded at Ikora's farewell. Turning, he saw his small Eliksni troop that would join him, composed of both Dregs and Vandals. They were dressed in heavy armor. Their chittinus skin would protect them from the heat of the unknown desert.

"Misraakskel, is it time to go?" The small Dreg questioned.

"I suppose it is. Where are our Light Bearers?" Mithrax looked around, trying to find the trio of Guardians.

"We're here Mithrax, ready when you are." The confirmation was followed by the large roar of Sparrows starting up. "Let's go find our lost Light."

The Eliksni Skiff roared to life, rising high above the ground, weapons at the ready. Eliksni Pikes soon followed the symphony of engines, their design having been modified in order to last for days on end. Mithrax's bodyguard began to ride their Pikes, waiting for the Kell to open the gateway for them. Mithrax took a look at his arm, prepping it to Splice through the Vex Network, the sound of electricity roaring to life through his Splicer gauntlet.

"BE READY! THERE MAY BE DEFENSIVE MEASURES!" Mithrax raised his arm, his company raised their weapons in anticipation of a Vex counterattack. An orb of Vex code launching itself in front of him, opening a large portal into what seemed to be an endless desert.

"THIS IS IT! READY YOURSELVES!" The sound of intense wind muffled his voice. The orchestra of engines rose an octave as the vehicles sped into the gateway, into the unknown desert. Mithrax straddled his Pike, ready to drive through the gateway and join his allies. In the distance, he could see an ivory white tower, piercing the heavens.

Zavala watched as the roaring machines began moving in unison, a spectacle in its own right. His eyes however were caught by something else, the silhouette of another Guardian making 4 in total, one he hadn't seen in the area before. A white cloak was all that he could really make out before it vanished through the gateway.]

Author's Note: Hi, apologies for sorta dropping the first chapter and not really elaborating on anything else. It's my first time ever writing anything that has to do with a story, so it's all kind of a new experience for me. I really appreciate all the comments from the previous post, they gave me a confidence boost and helped me think on how I should improve my writing. My ultimate goal for this "series" is to write an enjoyable story for myself and for those reading. I'll try my hardest to stay with the source material for both series. Re:Zero was an amazing watch and I've thoroughly enjoyed going back and rereading everything up to the end of Arc 6. Same goes with Destiny, having been a fan since the first games launch I'm so happy to write something with characters that I've grown fond of. Now for posting dates, it's been a week or so since I posted the first chapter and I've got things that I need to deal with in my life. I believe that a bi-weekly or so upload schedule should be what you expect. I try to spend a lot of time each day going over my writing, making sure it's correct and fits the characters I'm trying to write. I might do a more in depth Q&A if it's even needed, but for now I just wanted to give everyone a small update on just what the deal is with the story. Thank you for reading, I'll see you in the next chapter.