Reaper POV
"I'm hunting down the group of people that killed Cayde." I let out in a sigh and place Nico into a chair. "He has a group of different Fallen with him."
"Corrupted Fallen that Petra calls the Scorn" Xaxa cuts in as he appears in front of us.
"Yes, the Scorn" I answer before going on. "They are working with Uldren Sov as of right now, but I'm planning on killing them all. Now with you guys here it will be a little bit easier then if it was just me by myself." I see them all nod as I pace to the other side of the ship. "From the little bit of action, I had with a small group of them. One of them like to play games with its prey. By leaving traps out in the open for anyone to set off. I would say that you would be lucky if the trap blows up in your face."
"Is that what happened to you Reaper" Nico asks in a small voice.
"Yes, I set off a trap of theirs and paid the price for it." I answer as I think about what happened. "I was lucky to be able to get out of it. I would not trust anything that just happens to look out of place or anything that looks to good to be true." I pause for a second to think about something else that I felt as I was fighting my way out of the trap. "I as you heard Spider say there is one who is a great shot and is able to target ghosts when the appear so make sure your ghosts stay out of sight. No matter what ghosts do not appear. We can not risk you guys getting nailed even if we die wait to bring us back." All the titans look at me like I'm crazies as the words leave my mouth.
"Yes, I know it's going to suck but its for the best." I answer the titans unasked questions. "We need the ghosts too much to run the risk of them being destroyed. Can your ghost work with one another? Just is case something does happen to one of the ghosts. That way we can bring you back or use your abilities, but that ghost will have to work double time."
"I'm sad to say no" Xavier tells me before going on. "I never knew that we could do that or that was even a thing that the ghosts could do that. I wish I would have known that because it would have made a few things different if I knew that."
"It's not something a lot of Guardians know" I tell him before he goes on. "I know that my ghost and Nico's ghost can work for both of us. So, we need to get your ghosts to do the same thing. It should be easier for your ghost to do because you are all titans and not a mix of the different classes."
"What are you thinking Reaper" Xaxa cuts in asking the question that is on everyone's mind.
I take a couple minutes to think about the plan I have going on. I want to bring one of the titans with me to help take some of the pressure off. I also want the others to help with the clean up with the prisoners that manage to escape. I could care least about which ones do what. Even knowing all that I know that Nico will not let me out of her sight. So, I need to pick a titan that will work well with both me and Nico. I glance up and see that everyone is staring at me waiting for me to fill them in on the plans I have.
"Okay so here is the plan that I have. Please let me know if there are any changes that I need to make." I start off as I finish making the plan in my head. "Nico and I will be on the same team. I would like to have one of you to join us to make a full fireteam of three. The other two will help with the retaking of the Tangled Shore."
"Are you sure about that Reaper" Nico asks. "I mean you do really get along with Titans. Sorry Xavier but we know its true given his history."
"No, you are right Nico" Xavier answers. " I was just about to ask the same question. Reaper are you sure about this, I have no problem with one of my team going out with you and Nico. I will make sure that no matter who ever goes with you will follow your orders without question."
"Xavier" One of the titans snaps. " Why would we listen to this useless hunter. He has no right to tell us what to do. He is not even our fireteam leader, you are and the only reason we are here is because of you not him." Nico looks like she is about to snap at him, but I hold up a hand to wait and see how Xavier will handle it.
"Louis that's enough" Xavier growls cause the one in question to sink back into his chair. "You will do what I say because we owe that to him after he saved our lives back on Earth. Or did you forget that part when we almost got over ran and had to get saved. You know as well as I do that, he was the hunter that came with Nico and Deathbringer. Even if that does not convince you to do it you have no way back to the tower without my ship."
"Reaper is also the new Vanguard hunter" Nico slips out causing everyone to look at her.
"WHAT" Louis yells.
"Reaper is" Nico starts.
"I'm the New Leader of the Hunter" I inform the group. "Cayde asked me to take the Vanguard Dare which I did. I will not go into details about it because you don't need to know. Nico I was really trying not to tell anyone about that until I meet with Ikora and Zavala."
"You're telling me that because Cayde is" Louis Starts but I cut him off.
"Yes" I snap. "Look if you don't want to be here, then I don't fucking need you here." I glare at them all. "I could give two fucks if you want to help or not but I'm not going to keep you here." I turn and march to the ramp and lower the door before anyone can stop me. "Don't let the ship hit you in the ass on the way out. I knew I was better off working alone." I raise my hand with my middle finger extended.
"Reaper" I hear as I walk down the ramp. I just continue walking down the ramp into the mess of the Tangled shore. "Reaper."
Nico POV
"Reaper" I say with a small voice as I watch him leave the ship. When he does not turn around, I glare at the Titans next to me. "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT LOUIS. WE ARE HERE TO HELP REAPER NOT DRIVE HIM AWAY. AND THE FIRST THING YOU DO IS TELL HIM THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO HELP AFTER WHAT HE DID. AFTER HE SAVED YOUR ASSES BACK ON EARTH THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT HIM."
"Nico" Xavier tries.
"NO XAVIER IM NOT GOING TO STOP." I snap at the titan before going on. "YOUR TEAMMATE HERE JUST INSULTED THE HUNTER WHO SAVE HIS ASS. HE CAN'T EVEN SAY THANK YOU FOR THAT. NO INSTEAD HE WANTS TO PLAY A GAME WITH HIM AFTER HE JUST LOST HIS FRIEND." I take a deep breath to try and calm down. "And now Reaper the person we came out here to help is going to do this on his own. After we told him we are here to help with the mission that he is on."
"Will you be able to track him Nico" Xavier ask bringing me back to what is happening.
"Shit" I growl as I glare back at Louis. "Sam, can you track Reaper or Xaxa. Because know them Reaper is already gone."
"No Nico, I will not be able to track them" Sam answer slowly. "And knowing Reaper we will not be able to track him. Xaxa will not let us near him at all unless we figure out something or we just leave."
"Shit so what I'm understanding is that we have no way to track Reaper" Xavier sighed. "And with Reaper disdain of titans he will not make it easy to find him." He stops for a second as he turns to Louis. "You will now stay on the ship until I can figure out what to do with you. I can tell you this much you are lucky Reaper is not how he use to be. I want you to know that you are no longer welcome on my fireteam after we return to Earth."
I watch a Louis lowers his eyes to the ground in shame. He seems to want to say something but is unable to. I don't blame him especially after the ass chewing, I gave him. I would not be able to look anyone in the face after what he did. Now that Xavier does not want him on his fireteam he has nowhere to go.
"Xavier" Louis starts.
"No Louis" Xavier snaps. "Not only did you embarrass yourself as a titan, but you also embarrass Nick and me. But you did it in front of one of the top ranked Hunters without thinking about your actions. We came here to help Nico with her mission but instead of listening to me or her. You run your mouth and manage to make him angry. That just adds to how much."
The sound of gun fire reach us before he can go on. We grab our rifles and take aim at the ramp of the ship that is still down. We never raised it again after we watched Reaper leave. As the sound off gun fire get closer, we move to get better angles. As I reach the far side of the ship's ramp, I notice that a few of the fallen that we saw in the layer. They seem to be guarding a person between them. Their guns are facing away from us, firing at unseen enemies.
"Hold your fire" Xavier growls as we scan for enemies.
"It's Petra" I say out loud as I see who the Fallen are guarding. "But why is Petra out here and not in the hideout." As we watch them get closer to the ramp, I step down the ramp to help with the guarding. I quickly fire at a Scorn sniper who just appeared on the ridge. I hear Xavier step down the ramp behind me, I hear a burst for a rifle behind me and see another Scorn drop.
As Petra and her guards reach the bottom of the ramp, I see her turn and rush up the ramp. One of the Fallen who was guarding her drops to the ground dead as a sniper shot nails him in the head. The other Fallen guard darts away from the ramp and heads into a cave nearby. I roll backwards into the ship avoiding incoming fire. As I finish my roll Xavier closes the ramp.
"Well, that was a warm welcome." Petra laughs as she turns to face the group, but her smile turns into a frown as she looks at the group before her. "Where is Reaper at, I'm not able to reach him on the radio." I guess Louis looked at the ground or moved because the next words out of her mouth. "So, Reaper is out there alone right now hunting the Barons. So, I'm guessing his radio or comms is off. Which means we will not be able to track him. Well then, I will tell you instead, two of the Barons are moving. We know that one of them is the Rider because of the number of Scorn pikes that have been seen running around and they are causing a lot of problems. Spider could use some help with dealing with them. The other one is the Hangman; he has taken a cave near here and is striking the Spider forces when ever he gets the chance."
"Knowing Reaper" I start with a thought. "He will not want to deal with Rider because he hates racing around on a sparrow. He might go after the Hangman if the area is close by. Again, knowing him the is a heavy might. I know for a fact he will want to go after the Rifleman as soon they poke their head up."
I pause again thinking about how Reaper will at out. But its hard to tell because he left here mad or annoyed at one of the titans. He is not known to think straight when he is mad. Which has happened a couple different times on different missions I have been on with him. The main problem now is that we can't track him because of Louis who managed to get under his skin.
"Nico" I hear Xavier ask. I don't answer as a thought enters my mind
"Petra, who manage to get a trap off on Reaper" I answer.
"I believe it was the Trickster. Why" Petra answer with a curious look.
'That would be who he is after' Sam tells me in my head.
"We need to track the Trickster." I let out as I gather my thought. "Reaper will hunt down the Trickster before going after the Rifleman. Because Reaper hates when someone manages to one up him."
"Are you sure" Xavier asks with a questioning look in his eyes.
"Yes" Petra answers before me. "Now that I think about it that is who Reaper will want to kill more the Rifleman. Yes, I know the Rifleman took out Cayde's ghost, but Reaper has his pride. Reaper hates being surprised the most and the Trickster got him. She got him good from the looks of it so, he will not let that go until she is dead at his feet."
"Agreed" I nod as I think some more. "Reaper said he wanted to split into teams before he left. So, here's what we will do for the teams. Xavier and I will start looking for the Trickster. Louis and Tanner, you will help with the Rider." I see them all nod their head at my choice, so I go on. "Now if I guessed wrong and Reaper shows up hunting the Rider, YOU WILL LET MYSELF AND XAVIER KNOW RIGHT AWAY. YOU WILL HELP HIM IF HE IS NEED OF IT AND YOU WILL NOT GET IN HIS WAY."
"But what if he does not want help from us" Louis asks in a small voice.
"I DON'T CARE IF HE WANTS HELP OR NOT. YOU WILL HELP HIM AND THEN YOU WILL BRING HIM BACK HERE SO I CAN TALK TO HIM." I snap at them causing them to jump. I guess that all of them understood because no more question. I could see that Louis was still up on the wall about helping Reaper, so I decide to help with that.
"Louis" I say in a sweet voice that is laced with venom. "If there is a problem with what I'm telling you then you and I can go have a nice long chat in the Crucible. How does that sound."
"I understand Nico" Louis replies with fear in his eyes. "There is no problem here I will do what I can to help with the mission."
"Good" I smile. "Let's go and find Reaper then." I turn to lower the ramp so we can go on our way to save Reaper or at least help him. "Hold on Reaper."
"Nico" Xavier whispers. "You do know that Reaper will kill everyone before we find him right. So, we will not have anything to do."
"I know" I whisper back as the ramp finishes. "But maybe he will save some for us. If he does not save us any then I'm going to drag him to the crucible." I hear Xavier laugh at that as I begin the walk down. A small blush crosses my face as I place my helmet on. "Let's go."
Reaper POV
"That's one small army of assholes down." I sigh as I pull a knife out of a Scorns eye. "Only a million more to go."
"Reaper there is only a couple armies left not millions." Xaxa tells me as I walk on. I just shake my head as I continue to move forward. "Reaper, what that pile over there."
I look in the direction of the pile he is talking about. I'm to far away to see what it is so I begin to walk closer to it. Just as I round a crate a Scorn Chieftain jumps out at me. I quickly fire off a shot only for it to bounce off its shielding. I growl as it waves its hand over its head and spawns a small tower next to me.
The tower begin to spin slowly as a purple light erupts out of it. A thick line of the light races out towards me and attaches itself to me. I try to pull backwards but nothing hopes, I try to jump but my body does not leave the ground. Its almost like the tether I use when out on mission.
"Shit" I growl as it pulls me closer to it. I slowly raise my hand cannon up and aim it at the tower. But the chieftain begins to fire at me from where its standing. I feel the rounds bounce off my chest piece as I fight against the tether. As round after round hit me, I try and focus on the tower. A sharp pain passes over my arm causing me to lower my hand cannon. I try to focus on the weight of the gun to help with the pain.
I feel a sharp pain again as the tether pulls me closer. I manage to look down at my leg to see a small knife-like object stick out of it. The anger in my stomach grows as I get pulled closer to the tower. The laughter of the chieftain reaches my ears as the anger becomes fire. I let the fire build for as long as I can stand the pain of being shot. More pain crosses my body as I try and focus the anger on what is going on.
Once the pain becomes unbearable, I throw my hands out in front of me. A wave small blade of light leaves my hands in the direction of the tower destroying it. I shift my hands in the direction of the chieftain sending another wave blades of light. Its passes the chieftains shield and cutting his body into pieces. I let out a sigh as the tether fades, the pressure of it bleeds off my body like a bad drink.
"Reaper" Xaxa cuts in. "You did it again. The blades of the light that I have never seen before. How do you do that?"
"I don't know Xaxa" I answer. "It only happens when I feel anger starting to build up."
"I get that Reaper" Xaxa answer. "But the problem is that you are normal a very calm person. So, with you getting angry is what scares me. It seems that you are bottling up your feelings again. You know that Nico is."
"Yes, I know" I snap back. "I will deal with that problem when it comes to it. As for now shut up and stay focus because this is the second time that someone has managed to get the better of me. Its really starting to piss me off that I can't stay on top of it."
"Okay Reaper" Xaxa answer before going quiet.
"Now let's see about this pile of stuff is that has you all worked up." I say out loud as I appear the in-front of the pile.
"No, it can't be" I hear Xaxa say as he appears.
"Xaxa, I told you that you need to stay hidden." I snap at the ghost before he fades away. "Yes, Xaxa these are what you think they are. Engrams but why would a bunch of engrams be out here in the middle of nowhere." I reach out and pick one up off the ground and look at it closer. I watch as I begins to change colors in front of my eyes.
"REAPER THAT'S A BOMB." Xaxa yells in my head without even thinking I throw it as far as I can to make sure I'm out of the blast range. I watch as it sails in the air changing color to a dark almost blood red. Then it explodes causing rocks and debris to fly around. "Reaper if those."
"Xaxa, I know we will not let those reach the Tower." I answer as I scan the area looking for signs. "Is there a way you can track those to see where they are coming from so we can cut out the supplies." I let him work in piece as I walk up to the remaining pile of engrams. I try and think of a safe way to dispose of them with out hurting myself or anyone who might be nearby.
"Reaper, what are you thinking." Xaxa asks me as I walk around the pile of engrams.
"I was just thinking about how to destroy this pile" I laugh.
"Oh no" Xaxa sighs.
I grab a grenade off my belt and set it next to the pile. With a nod I walk away from the pile a few feet just to be on the safe side. I pull my hand cannon from its holster and take aim at the grenade. Just before I'm able to pull the trigger I hear a noise from behind me. I spin around only to get hit by a flail in the side.
"I have found you." The figure laughs out as they move closer to me.
'Reaper' I hear Xaxa in my mind. 'That hit broke a rib and has damaged your armor. I will need time to repair your armor. And maybe a day to heal you rib but from the looks of this guy you will not get the chance to run.'
'Who said anything about running' I tell my ghost before I glance at the figure. "Well it took a lot longer for you to find me then I would have thought. I mean I have been walking around here looking around for the Rifleman but I guess you will do."
The figures growls at me as they continue to move closer to me. Every step the figure takes seems to make the flail spin faster and faster. As I focus on the flail, I barely see clouds of smoke start to appear all around. More and more enemies appear all spinning a flail as they walk towards me.
"You know that if you wanted to kill me" I mock the giant figure. "You should have brought more people with you. I mean this is just enough to maybe give me a warmup before I go after." I shade step to the side as a flail comes flying at my head. "Before I go after you loving father." I finish as they search for me, but I laugh as I watch them glance around for me. I continue to laugh know that they will not be able to find me because I have temporarily turned invisible.
'Reaper, we should run now' I hear from Xaxa. 'But knowing you, we going to try and kill this guy. I believe that this is the Hangman if that helps any.'
I smile as I round the corner of a crate as I become visible again. I check my belt to make sure the grenade has been replaced. I quickly check my hand cannon to make sure I don't have to reload anytime soon. Just as my eye raise back up from checking my gun, I see a Scorn with a flail walk around the corner. I throw a knife at it before it can warn the others. Thankfully the knife flies true and enters its skull killing it quietly. I turn to walk away from the body as I hear a couple Scorn screeches.
I glance around as I walk away from the screaming Scorn. I notice a small cliff a few feet away. I jump up into the air and jump again to make it up to the cliff. But the noise has been noticed but the corn who are looking for me. I turn around looking down on the enemies as I begin firing my hand cannon. One of the shots hit a flail and causes it to explode taking out a group of Scorn around it.
"Well, that's a neat trick" I say out loud as I take aim at the next flail. As the flail explodes a giant figure jumps over the fire. I take aim at its head and pull the trigger. The smile leaves my face as the bullet bounces off the giants head. I fire off seven more shots only for them not to do anything. I reload the hand cannon just a few of the enemies reach me. I dodge backwards as one of the jumps up into the air and explodes. I fire off five shots taking the enemies down before they can get to close.
I realize I made a mistake as a loud boom happens behind me. I try and brace for the impact that is about to happen. Just as I tighten my stomach the flail comes flying from the side. I force of the impact launches me across the cliff. I try and turn in the air as I sail in the air but I'm not able to turn fast enough. My body slams into a side of the building causing my to cough up blood spitting it all over the inside of my helmet.
'Reaper' Xaxa says in a worried voice. 'That impact broke more of you ribs and caused one to puncture a lung.'
"Shut the fuck up." I snap as I struggle to stand up on my shaking legs. "I want my rocket launcher." I hear a sigh, but he does what I ask. I feel the weight of the rocket launcher on my back. I place my hand cannon back in its holster and reach behind me to grab it. Just as I bring it in front of me, I see the giant figure marching towards me. I laugh as I decompress the trigger on the rocket launcher. I watch as the rocket hits the Hangman blowing up in his stomach.
The Hangman stumbles as the explosion knock him backwards. I lower the rocket launcher and load another rocket into the tube. I raise the launcher back up and aim it back at the Hangman. I fire the rocket at him and watch it explode on his stomach. A hole appears in his gut as he falls backwards on the ground. I watch as the enemies that appeared to help him fight me run away. I laugh as I set the launcher down on the ground. I lean backwards on to the wall of the building and slide down. As I sit down on the ground I start to laugh.
"Well, that was easy" I laugh out. "At least we know how tough these assholes are."
"Reaper we need to hide so I can heal you." Xaxa tells me as he appears again.
"Fine Xaxa bring my ship near and warp me on." I sigh knowing that he is right. "Also stop appearing out in the open I don't need the Rifleman taking you out."
"Fine Reaper" Xaxa tells me as he disappears. "The ship is over head, and I will be warping you on shortly." I relax as I feel the warp take hold of me. I open my eyes as I feel my feet touch down on the floor of my ship. "I will take us to orbit Reaper. You just lay down it the bed."
"Already heading that way" I tell the ghost as I lay down in the bed. I close my eyes knowing that Xaxa will take care of everything. Thankfully I feel sleep begin to take me as Xaxa moves the ship to orbit and work on my ribs.
"I'm telling Nico that you are safe." I hear Xaxa say as I drift off the sleep.