Ash Parth into Beyond Light

by Ash Parth

A series of events where the Guardian, Ash Parth, and his Ghost, Dusk, follow through Year 4, Beyond Light. Destiny itself is the property of Bungie and these series are a part of FanFiction.

A series of events where the Guardian, Ash Parth, and his Ghost, Dusk, follow through Year 4, Beyond Light. Destiny itself is the property of Bungie and these series are a part of FanFiction.

Prologue:

How long has it been? Ash Parth thought to himself.

Where he and his Ghost, Dusk, stayed within their small cottage with peace in mind. Hearing the stories made by Chroniclers, seeing many Guardians and New Lights achieving their goals. To Ash Parth and Dusk, they were mainly listening in and reading their days away. Even to see what the events 2020 has been from the worse to the good. From the Bushfires to Black Lives Matters and many fundraisers to see humanity restore each other piece-by-piece. Or some to protest and restore the chaos so change does not occur.

Parth made the plays to seeing the ones who protest to suppress change be locked up and having to feed off information to the Vanguard and to Guardian and non-Guardian connections so they would handle the situation. All for seeing the world live with the peace that he and Dusk would rather live with.

Even Tara would feel proud of seeing him live like this. Reminding himself that Tara was still here every time he looks at her wedding ring around his neck like a pendent.

Parth looks at Dusk and asked, "You've been spacing out lately, Dusk. What are you thinking of?"

Dusk turned to answer, "Just for what has been going on. Did you know that the Traveler has been fully healed?"

Parth raised a brow and looked out to see the Traveler itself fully restored. He went back to the com links to hear from Titan as he had someone stationed there but heard nothing. He wonders if that Guardian New Light was holding up on his own. Rather, Parth worries if that coming Darkness and the Pyramids had gotten to him like they've done to Titan, Mars, Mercury and Io.

"How long had that occurred?" Parth asked his Ghost.

Dusk took a minute to listen in on some other Ghosts. He answered, "Not too long ago. You know, other Guardians were at the Tower and even at that one area to see the Traveler heal. You could've joined them."

Parth can only look back at Tara's wedding ring. "Wasn't too interested, to be fair. Too many troubles within the Tower and so many Guardians have no respect for me and after seeing some, I do not give respect back. Hell, if they have their own business, so do I. As far as knowing that the Traveler has been restored, it's good to hear. I bet the Tower was full of uproars."

"I'm sure they are, Parth. Some were wondering where you were while they were watching."

Parth only shrugged to answer.

Suddenly, Dusk freaked when he picked up something from an unknown frequency. Parth looked at his Ghost, wondering what Dusk was freaking out for. Parth asked Dusk about the frequency which the Ghost was talking through. The answer lies to what the Darkness was telling them within their dreams.

Europa.

Chapter 1: Arrival

Ash Parth and Dusk arrived at the icy moon, Europa, when the Darkness continued to call upon them to come. To this barren moon that used to be a colonized area for humanity during the Golden Age. As beautiful as this looked even to see the planet, Jupiter, it was not beautiful for long with what awaits them. Seeing these Pyramid-like structures Dusk called Crux left and right.

"So, there were more of those things here then last we checked, correct?" Parth questioned. But no answer was received from his Ghost. "Why the silent treatment, Dusk?"

Dusk shook off the silence that he was having since they arrived and explored a little bit of this moon.

"Sorry, Parth," Dusk admitted. "It's just seeing all of this is sending a chill down my shell. I mean, you know it all, right? When we'd visited the Moon multiple times and hear the Darkness there? I never thought that I can sense the Darkness being more strong here on one of Jupiter's moons."

Parth shrugged the answer on that.

Dusk jumped a little when he picked up an odd signal. Parth asked where the frequency was from and his Ghost had answered that the signal was coming from here. On Europa.

So they both followed on foot, getting used to the bite of the frigid cold, much more colder then Mars up north. They'd discussed that the signal was coming from a Fallen called Variks. It's been a long time since Parth had remembered that prison warden of the Prison of Elders before it was broken out with the Scorn with Variks being half responsible with the trouble. Funny, that had been two years ago since the whole "Uldren Sov killed Cayde-6 and everyone became outlaws here and there". But that was two years ago and he heard rumors that Uldren Sov was back, even asked Saint-14 about it when the Dawning came and the Titan gave Uldren a gift.

Reminding himself that everyone deserves a second chance. Even Red tells Parth that everyone does. Then again, he doubts himself to get a second chance. Uldren Sov gets it more then how Ash Parth gets.

It didn't take long until Parth and Dusk took notice that there were some other Guardians who were fighting some Fallen. Parth wonders who they were - both being Titans, one male and the other female as character model stands out. Looking through his Eye of Sol, he sees the Fallen bearing a House Sigil that he'd never seen before. He asked Dusk what to do. Dusk only told him that they could run and gun as per usual.

But Parth knows best to not be reckless when he doesn't know much about the enemy. So he'd perched at his current location and started to snipe some of the Fallen. A few good headshots and plenty of killing off the stragglers. It sucks being rusty on these snipes, but kills are kills regardless.

He zoomed through the scope to see the Titans which the female was waving towards him when she noticed. Signaling that the coast was clear.

Parth rushed over to see that the female was acting glad to see him, while the male was glaring towards Parth as if telling him, "We didn't ask for your help". The best reply to the stubborn bastard for Parth was to flip the bird to disrespect back if thanks weren't given.

The ol' "disrespect me and I'll disrespect back at ya" policy as Ash Parth keeps it as his standards as a mercenary.

The male Titan in return replies, "We didn't ask for your help, mercenary. It's just troublesome that my Mountaintop is shit right now. It's annoying that the Vanguard had to nerf this."

Parth replied, "Then it's best to do what I call 'adapting' to something else, ya stubborn ass. Not everyone can do what you wanna do."

Nothing else to say, the make Titan walked off without saying another word. Disgusted by Parth's words, possibly.

The female Titan in front of Parth shook her head and said, "Why the hell am I always stuck with that asshole again? I mean, can't he at least have fun once in a while. It's not a competition as far as I get this distress signal."

Dusk mentioned that it's possible that this Titan has received the same frequency as they did. Pointing out that the little campsite was nearby, he would still need to decrypt the location of the source. So Parth and the female Titan agreed and went inside.

With an addition of Parth saying, "Least I don't have to listen to more of Mr. Egoass who left you behind. Kinda felt bad for ya."

The female Titan shrugged and replied, "Not the first time we'd done this, Ash."

Recognizing that voice after she'd said those words. Parth remembered that this was that female Titan he'd worked with a couple of times. This was Natalia Kresnic if he remembered. Even asked her name which she did. Knowing Natalia being here, the male who was with her was Nasa, the smartass who the duo when running that Nightfall operation a few months back.

How was he not surprised?

While in the campsite which Dusk recognized it being Evantide was where the Ghost was decrypting. Parth and Natalia took a break to discuss why she and Nasa were here. Her reply was that he received orders to look into Europa and she was dragged along with the bastard. Parth mainly pointed out that she needed to run her own life even as a New Light. She did agree to it as confessed why she would enjoy being a Guardian herself. Wanting to be a hero as she confessed. Parth choked his own air knowing that it was a cheesy excuse and Natalia smacked him on the arm for poking fun of her.

But they both digressed and was told that the signal was close at Charon's Crossing as Dusk described.

So Parth and Natalia went to the coordinates Dusk had given to find more Fallen gathering in one spot. Dusk had warned them both that there was a growing Darkness close by. They were cautious when approaching while fighting through the nest of space spiders as Parth always call a whole group of Fallen while in combat against them. It didn't take too long until they were close to Variks who pleaded to be saved. His fourth arm was taken off and frozen where he was standing. Natalia was ready to fire but Parth gently told her not too as he is one of the good Fallen.

She didn't get it as Parth expected. Do Parth had to explain to Natalia about Variks, the Loyal, who was the prison warden of the Prison of Elders who would often give Parth some work back in the old days. Even Variks confessed for Parth along with sharing some valuable information. However, it was cut short when they were hearing orders given to the Fallen from a commanding Kell of the House that they were not familiar with. Out of nowhere, something came down and was dubbed a Brig. Variks had to shelter himself from the violence and says that he would explain once this was all over.

Teaming up, Parth and Natalia managed to put a stop to the coming Fallen forces and the Brig which wasn't as tough as that Insurrection Prime from the Kell's Scourge was back at Ebisu Ruins near that Black Armory vault as this was a smaller version of the giant machine the Fallen created with their own hands. They had to doublecheck if the stragglers were still roaming but nothing came up the radar.

Natalia looked up towards Parth and said, "Well, that was a ride. Didn't think we needed to work like this again."

Parth shrugged and replies, "Nothing to stress about. Like they say, a job's a job. And with these certain situations, this won't be the first time we'd have to deal with the Fallen."

"Speaking of..."

"No, Natalia. Variks is an Eliksni who is his own. I'm sure he didn't mean it back at the Prison of Elders when it came to his own desires. Everyone has their own mistakes and reasons."

Natalia was looking like she was having a mind shuffle when thinking about what Parth was telling her. She decided that she is okay to go on her own and let Parth handle Variks since she doesn't know much on dealing with the ex-warden who is still below them, taking shelter. She quickly says her farewells and runs off on her own.

With Natalia gone, Parth called out for Dusk and asked, "So what do you think, Dusk?"

They both looked over the horizon of Europa's tundra and Dusk answered, "I don't know. All I know is that there might be more danger than there already is, Parth. You sure you can handle all of this? There is more Darkness than there was in the past."

Parth grinned while staring at the gassy planet above them. "What can I say? Danger is a part of life, Little Light. Guardians like myself can deal with them regardless."

Chapter 2: Darkness Calling

When Parth was driving his Sparrow throughout the tundra of Europa, Dusk notified his Guardian about the intermissions this Eramis was broadcasting. This must be what Variks was telling them about her and her "House Salvation" with the use of the Darkness. Like the Crux they've been seeing here on Europa.

The drive didn't take too long until they had reached the city where the Fallen came to take shelter even Variks came here for a home.

Riis-Reborn is what they call this place.

It is homely as Parth can tell even to see some of the Eliksni, the friendly kind, take shelter within the vicinity. Some did notice and fear him. Dusk even had to point out that Parth did dress with fear before coming here.

Parth replied to his Ghost with a glare and rolled his eyes before they continued through the lifts into Riis-Reborn. However, some of the Fallen of House Salvation were ready for him. With a shotgun at hand, he took care of Wretches and Dregs one-by-one even with a Dire Promise when long range was necessary. To their surprise, more of those Brigs intervened. Dusk had to clarify that they were done by the remnants of the Kell's Scourge.

Ironic that the Spider's cowardly brother's syndicate would turn themselves as House Salvation's new troops.

They had both arrived to a viewing glass to see a group of Fallen gathering to a Crux and to who they believe is Eramis, the once-called Shipstealer. Who was announcing to her House the use of this Stasis that Variks mentioned on their drive here. Demonstrating the powers of Stasis even for one of her generals to show the Traveler the meaning of their pain.

It actually impresses Parth when this was part of his dream the other night with his doppelganger with the same powers as Stasis.

Was this a coming of that premonition? Was it turning into reality as the rumors were floating?

Dusk had to bump Parth to wake up as they were discovered. Even Variks had to inform them to get out before they were to get themselves frozen by the powers of the Stasis they wield. They managed to escape with a skin of their teeth and flew towards Variks' position.

To Parth's understanding, this Stasis is something new and he wasn't sure on how to deal with it currently.

When Parth and Dusk arrived to Variks, the Eliksni mentioned that his people will need to leave this place as Eramis knows more of other Guardians and even Parth's presence aligning with Variks would cause trouble for the people. Parth couldn't agree more as the Eliksni here are in peace and they will be caught in the crossfire and innocent creatures will die in Eramis' path.

So the method is to get a broadcast out for both Guardians and Eliksni alike. The storm picks up as Parth has finished with the transmissions panels. Out of nowhere, there was a different transmission that was beckoning them.

It was a Crux.

The Darkness was beckoning towards Ash Parth.

It wasn't long until Parth can hear Dusk resist the Veil taking over and speaking, but it was inevitable when Dusk - being taken over by the Veil - was leading Parth towards the opening where three individuals were fighting off the House of Salvation. It was Eris Morn, the Drifter and one whom he remembered back then when being told to kill the Heart of the Black Garden.

It was the Exo Stranger who looked towards Parth and mentioned that he has arrived.

When Ash Parth approached, he talked with each of them. Eris Morn, the Drifter, and after, the Exo Stranger who explained about the situation and this Stasis while presenting what she called a Splinter. Telling him to approach the large structure from afar called a Ziggurat.

With the Splinter, as Dusk was worried after he went back to normal, Parth can feel the same cold hands as his doppelganger from his dreams after attuning the odd structures to feel the same powers Eramis wielded. He was being told to go to the Nexus.

And so, he had drove to the Nexus to see a Crux alone on its own.

Approaching, communing with the Crux, he could feel himself frozen stiff until the powers of the Darkness swell and the empowerment of Stasis was released and Vex suddenly appear. It was the time when Parth wanted to use the powers of Stasis from the shuriken's to the kamas to wipe each of the Vex out until they were all wiped out. The communion has ended and suddenly, Parth had passed out.

All Ash Parth can think of now was to hear Dusk asking his Guardian if he was alright to hearing that doppelganger telling him that he might've found his... salvation at last.

Chapter 3: Lost Civilization

Parth awoke to feel himself being surrounded. Thankfully not the feel of Stasis, but rather a haven. He sees that there was a woman. She was dressed all over in heavy clothing. She was surprised to see Parth up and alive.

"Thank goodness," the woman says. "We were worried you would freeze to death when we found you wondering around the area. Well, your little friend was calling for help and we picked up a signal."

Parth looked towards her in question. This was human-like as humans don't last long here on this planet nor an Eliksni. To his surprise, she was tilting her head the same as he did with curiosity.

"Not to be rude but... were there humans on this moon last I checked the records?" Parth asked. "I mean, there were colonized humans on this moon, but they were wiped out but unknown means."

The woman was shocked to hear the question from Parth and tried to keep quiet until an elderly males voice approached and appeared.

This what surprised him the most, this male looked human but this male has on some ears looking like a wolf. Even a tail that's like a wolf. He started to think that this woman is the same as the elderly male.

"We figured that you are not like any other human since it has been for centuries last we've seen humans," the male says. "I am Mi'thras, the leader of what little my people are, stranger. We lived a while even during these Dark Ages with those creatures you see outside."

"Interesting, never figured that other races would rather hide then handle themselves in self-defense," Parth pointed out. Even checking if his weapons were around, checked that they were hanging off the wall.

"Sorry, he doesn't talk much on others," Dusk pointed out for Parth.

The woman who seemed to be the one who nursed Parth back to health kept observing Dusk in curiosity.

Parth intervened and explained, "Long story short, that is my Ghost, Dusk. I am a Guardian from Earth. I came to Europa because of a signal which we have intercepted. We fought against the House of Salvation who is wielding the Darkness and we escaped. It all followed by putting on some intercoms and the Darkness beckoned me to wield Stasis, which thankfully that was temporarily." It had then came back to Parth that he had passed out and looked towards the woman who decided to reveal her wolf-like ears since the elderly male had already done so. "Were you the one who brought me back here?"

The woman shook her head and explained, "My brother was the one who found you after hearing some signal your... Ghost was sending. I am Shi'mara. We are what you can call a Wolfen. There are not much of us but mainly here on this moon."

Wolfen...

Interesting as Parth nodded in interest.

"Well, thanks for that. But now if you excuse me, I have to be on my way to see someone," Parth says as he dresses himself up in his current gear from before and armed himself back up. "Give your brother my thanks."

"Are you sure you should go on your own? Not only those machines are roaming but those, what do you call them? We never go up to them and we keep ourselves hidden is why we do not know outside of the worlds."

Dusk asked before explaining which Parth allowed his Ghost to do so while he decided to see this little civilization that was filled with ruins of what colonies of the Golden Age used to live before the Collapse filled with not too many of others who are called Wolfen range from adults to even children. They looked toward Parth as if they had never seen him before.

It didn't take long until Parth could hear some scuffling around the corner and most of the Wolfen present went into hiding. Sure enough, it was a group of Fallen scavenging the ruins as usual and noticed Parth present.

And they were battle ready.

Thankfully, Ash Parth was ready as well when he pulled his shotgun, Felwinter's Lie, and loaded up.

Dregs started to pursue and Parth only pulled out his knife mainly to pull a fast one on them out until a Captain came in with the same Stasis powers which Parth had to back away. These Fallen sure know how to upgrade themselves. But thankfully someone else interfered and managed to plant a sharp knife on top of the captain which made him bleed out. An open opportunity for Parth to rush and fire a point blank shot to its face and it went down quick.

The assister pulled the knife out and cleaned the blood off. He was a Wolfen as well and looks similar to Shi'mara.

This must've been the brother who found him on the Nexus not too long ago.

When the other Wolfen came out of hiding, Parth looked straight towards the assister and said, "Thanks for that. In both ways, actually."

The Wolfen male bumps his chest with his free fist and said, "Anything. No one messes with my people while there is breath within me."

Shi'mara spoke out towards her brother as if lecturing him when it comes to fighting.

Dusk met back with Parth and tells him, "You know, sometimes there is more to any world then you would expect."

"You can say that again, Dusk," Parth admitted. "So why not we head out of here and make it back to Variks?"

"You sure about that? I'm quite curious how these people are still alive after so long. Even the elder was a bundle of information that we don't know about. They say that they lived for a long while until the Collapse."

That, Ash Parth, was intrigued.

However, this was not the right time since Eramis and her House Salvation were still going around and claiming this moon as their own while killing off some Guardians and Eliksni alike.

Possibly next time when Parth has time to gather information rather then killing off Fallen.

But before Parth and Dusk walked out, the elder, Mi'thras, approached and asked, "Leaving so soon, stranger?"

"Unfortunately. Plenty of my kind fighting the good fight and some more of the Eliksni in need, Mi'thras."

The elder nodded his head. "Having to reach a hand is never a wrong thing to do. Keep in mind, Guardian, if you feel the need to visit, you are free to do so after helping the young Mi'klain ward off those scavenging Fallen who would come across us and kill. Do you have a name?"

Parth introduced himself as he is and he agrees to come back whenever he wishes. Even to ask Mi'thras to thank Mi'klain for him on finding Parth at Nexus when he passed out.

On the way out, Parth asked Dusk, "Better we tell some other Guardians about these Wolfen?"

Dusk answered, "Well, they are the last of their kind. Do you think the Traveler won't mind?"

Parth shrugged on that. But thinking back on Mi'klain's heroic deed, he might think of them as assistance in case of more troubling times against Eramis and her House.

Chapter 4: A Warrior's Honor

While both Guardian and his Ghost were wandering out of the ruins of the Europan colony where humans used to live, Parth couldn't help but to believe that other kinds of species are around these parts of the Solar System. Let alone they survive the absolute zero temperatures of this moon for all these years or however many with the Fallen and even the Vex roaming around. Even Dusk couldn't help but believe that maybe the Traveler knew about other species and started to think curiously.

"Well, on the other hand, at least we are alive thanks to those Wolfen, correct, Parth?" Dusk admits.

Parth shrugged and replied, "Sure. But still, to think other kinds of creatures are alive. And you thought you see their kind in storybooks or in anime, eh?"

Dusk actually chuckled on that little joke that his Guardian dared to make.

But the Ghost halted when he received a signal not too far from here.

Parth questioned where the signal was and Dusk led to that same location as there was a Ghost nearby, with some Dregs nearby looking to tear the small machine piece-by-piece. He didn't take too long to handle them with just his knife.

When the coast is cleared, the Ghost that held a Alchemical Dawn Shell took a peek and she made a sigh of relief when she noticed Parth and Dusk. "Thank you," she says. "I didn't think some other Guardian would be around here."

Parth looked closely at the Ghost Shell as if he'd seen this one before. There are hundreds of other Ghost Shells all around, but sometimes he can recognize some of them.

"Don't mention it," Dusk said to cut off his Guardian who was putting his face too close to the other Ghost. "Where is your Guardian? No Ghost dares to wander off on their own without his/her Guardian."

"Well, if you have a stubborn one after reviving him as a Guardian, you get lost on where the last coordinates was."

"Makes sense to me, but any idea where that last coordinates were located at?" Parth questioned. "And who is the name of your Guardian?"

"Darren Van."

Parth rubbed his helmet as if knowing that name. Even admitted that the name was familiar to him. And he'd figured out who this Darren Van was. He was one of the Guardians he'd assisted back at the Dreaming City that Azura Karn, one of the Awoken royalty, when masses of Taken were running amok and acting funny.

"So why is that Titan off on his own?" Parth asked Darren's Ghost along with asking if she was given a name.

"Rein is what I was called - by others, actually," she introduced herself. "Darren never really calls me by the name most Guardians call me. Some thinking that I might've mothered Darren Van much while he is thickheaded sometimes."

Dusk mentioned that he could relate to Rein as he eyed towards his Guardian. Parth only glare when he was mentioned as "thickheaded".

Regardless, Parth started to notice that some Fallen platoons were gathering around the area. Suddenly, he noticed that the platoon were being overwhelmed, seeing that a Titan was wiping them out with a Burning Maul. Even recognizing that Maul.

It was Darren Van as he and both Ghosts were meeting up with him who was continuing to wipe each of the platoon clean.

No time to talk or get caught up, however, as more Fallen from House Salvation were gathering around and started to fight off relentlessly. But since Parth was here, he lend a hand whether Darren Van asked for it or not. It didn't take long until an Elite of House Salvation arrived and used some of the Stasis to try and freeze both Guardians. But Parth was quick on his feet to dodge the freezing powers and used a Golden Gun to land a headshot on the big brute. The Elite fell and the platoon reinforcements retreated as their leader fell.

With the dust cleared, Rein met up on Darren Van and started to lecture him on not leaving her behind again. As they argued, Parth and Dusk looked at each other, thinking that this felt like they both were like that sometimes.

But the reunion was cut short when someone else was interfering with their communications and someone was calling for them.

"Machine spawn," that voice was calling out to them. "I have seen your vigor and I am impressed. I live to fight and you peek my interest. So COME! I will be waiting."

The transmission cut off after that last sentence.

Parth looked towards Dusk on who that was and the Ghost decided to give Variks a call on that Fallen com voiced in.

In the meantime, Parth interrupted Darren Van and Rein's argument yelling, "Alright, alright, enough already. Darren Van, I know you never asked for help, but here I am and you better be thankful that you haven't been killed yet. Not sure if you are familiar with the situation. Speaking of..."

Darren van cuts Parth off replying, "If you're wondering why I'm here, Ash Parth, it's secret as I keep it."

"Azura Karn sent ya?" Parth guessed with a sly remark.

Darren Van glares.

"A good guess but the business that we're here for is still classified and we can't share any of it to anyone outside of the Dreaming City," Rein answered for Darren Van.

Before continuing their conversation, Dusk came back and needed to talk with Parth and tells Darren Van and his Ghost that they might have to move on with something if they are doing their own mission. Even telling them good luck on whatever they were up to. Darren Van and Rein said likewise before both parties dispersed.

With them out of the way, Dusk leads Parth back into the Nexus, explaining what Variks was telling the Ghost on that one Fallen from the coms.

As it turned out that it was one of Eramis' Generals, Phylaks, the Warrior, who was there at the Riis-Reborn Approach, demonstrating the Stasis the Crux granted her when Eramis was giving her speech of freedom and the way to showing the pain her people has suffered from. As it turns out, the signal that she was admitting was deeper into the Nexus called the Well of Infinitude, issuing a challenge.

To Parth's belief, he might as well be looking forward to a challenge, almost thinking that it might be a good sign when it comes to this Stasis powers corrupting within him as Dusk had to inform Variks about what they'd been through. But he didn't let that slow him down as he'd fought through the Fallen and even the Vex who were at war with each other. In the meantime, the Vex were sealing the way in and Parth had to take them out including a new kind of Vex that he wasn't familiar with called a Wyvern. It was some trouble, but after observing their movement and attack patterns, he'd managed to deal with them without breaking a sweat.

As they move down deeper and deeper, Variks had spoken through the communications and feeds them both information about Phylaks and what has been going on here with House Salvation and motivation to use Stasis to rule over not only the friendly Eliksni but also invade various planets with the powers of the Darkness. That mainly motivated Parth more to stop this Stasis power to freeze over innocent lives.

It didn't take long until they had made it to the deepest parts of the Well of Infinitude after assaulting more of the Fallen forces who got in their way to where a Skiff arrived and Phylaks jumped out and assaulted them both with not only her Queenbreaker's Bow, but with Stasis as well. Throwing insults with the way of honor, both Phylaks and Parth traded blow after blow while dealing with reinforcements as it looked like she was using some sort of Vex technology to bring in more Fallen to outnumber him. Except he was lucky to switch to Blade Barrage to handle the numbers.

It lasted until he had felt that build up of power he was easily familiar with.

Stasis was calling for release.

If it had to come to this, Parth was gonna have to release it and used its powers to fight off whatever was shielding Phylaks and took her down. Not before he used one of the Kama and pointed it at Phylaks' face.

"Answer a couple of questions before I would have to end you, Phylaks," Parth demanded. "What plans do you and your Kell up to so I can put it all downhill?"

Phylaks was actually laughing as if this interrogation was a joke. Afterwards, it looked like Stasis started to freeze over Phylaks after she'd appreciated the battle between her and Parth.

With Phylaks gone, so was the Stasis that was resting within Parth when the Kama dissolved.

All that remains here was Phylaks' Splinter. Parth could only pick up the Splinter and thought that the Exo Stranger would know what to do.

After that, he might take himself a break after so much craziness has happened here on Europa. A good refresher was calling for him.

Chapter 5: Ice-Aged Paradise Falls

Ash Parth decided that he needed a break from Europa for now after his fight with the House Salvation Fallen. Even against Phylaks with Stasis after communing with that power. Thinking over what this power was meant for.

But as Dusk had to remind his Guardian, regardless the use of Stasis, he is still a mercenary when against the powers of Darkness. Especially against Eramis or her House Salvation who are fighting against other Guardians.

As speaking of, Parth decided to check up on some Guardians, Meredith-12 when he spotted her at the café that he was about to relax for the time off.

When they met, and sat down with their orders being delivered, they exchanged information about their trips to Europa. Meredith never cared much on the Fallen but rather the Clovis Bray facilities that are located on that moon. She was more obsessed with finding out about where she came from rather then fighting against the powers of Darkness.

Rather, she did discuss with him about the Stasis that has been going around. When she asked Parth, he tried to ignore what the power felt when he fought the Vex who were interrupting and Phylaks who wielded the power of Stasis herself. He would rather keep that silent.

For now, their conversation was cut short when Dusk had received a call from Melchizedek to see him at the church orphanage to talk about the situation. Even added that something urgent has come up. That was a good enough break when Parth pardoned himself from Meredith, adding that she needs to be careful herself when she goes back to Europa to look into her past.

It didn't take long until Parth and Dusk arrived at the orphanage to see Melchizedek sharing some lessons to the children who are staying at the church. Before noticing, Lailah greeted Parth and asked why he was here. He explained much about being needed. Sister Lailah goes ahead to inform Melchizedek about Parth's presence and he excused them both from the Sister and the children.

When both men are alone, Parth asks, "I was told you needed to see me, Melchizedek?"

Melchizedek cleared his throat and answered, "I have called you here. We have a dire situation and from what I was told by Commander Zavala, some of the Guardians who made their way to the Moon, didn't respond back. So I took it upon my liberty and thought about you to take care of such harsher tasks. Don't worry, I'll have someone else to cover for you. Someone who is familiar with the Hive Runes or whatever Warlocks know with their studies."

Parth snickered when it came to Melchizedek being that was a the Titan he is.

But other then that, Parth asked what is so important to be heading to the Moon upon short notice after dealing with House Salvation and their Stasis - including his own.

Melchizedek explained that it was Osiris. That Sagira, his Ghost, was dead. Melchizedek knows much about Osiris being an exile as he sees mercenaries like Parth will struggle if assistance was not given. Why Ash Parth is tasked to go and save a fellow exile before anything worse happens.

Without any delay, Dusk transmats Parth into his ship and they flew off quickly towards the Moon. To the rendezvous point to meet up with a familiar Warlock.

It was Hojo Eiji Parth meets up who gleamed in excitement upon arrival.

"Good to know we are meeting like this again but in a different manner," Hojo says to Parth.

Keeping the introductions short, both Parth and Hojo are getting a signal from Osiris about his current location and what he's been up to. Sharing information about Xivu Arath and using her High Celebrants before Sagira has suffered her fate while eavesdropping on what the Hive are currently up to. Even running across and gathering information on these cryptoliths that showed themselves. Even hearing from Noir Karn that a couple of those things were showing up a few days ago from what Parth recieved.

Knowing Hojo's worrying gaze, Parth can tell that him being a Warlock would feel heart broken since Osiris is one of the wisest Warlocks while being part of the Vanguard before Ikora Ray, even as an exile.

They both arrived to seeing one of the High Celebrants being a larger Hive Knight pulling a Taken portal to escape. Parth and Hojo followed suit while dealing with nay of the Hive that get in the way. This was bizarre in Parth's case on what Xivu Arath, Sister of Oryx and Savathun, is planning. But regardless, they made it to see Osiris managed to meet up with them, but being pushed off by a Hive Knight out of nowhere.

But as soon as Hojo was ready to save Osiris, the Hive Knight was was stabbed in the back by a sword.

Out of nowhere, a voice spoke out saying, "We warned you of the dangers."

It was that same voice that Parth was hearing from Dusk but ignored since Hojo was more worried on saving Osiris then heading warnings.

Afterwards, an Awoken male came forward which shocked both Hojo and Parth.

Uldren Sov? Alive?

No... this "was" Uldren Sov. With that Ghost by his side, he is now a Guardian.

When the Awoken's Ghost tells them his name, Uldren Sov didn't say his old name. His name was more called, The Crow.

But out of nowhere, Parth can feel that they weren't alone. Dusk gave him a heads-up and they dodged what seems to be... Stasis.

Out of the shadows, a Warlock came out with a hand cannon at hand to show off a menacing aura that Hojo could feel. It was Darkness that was growing within this Warlock.

"I thought the ex-prince was here alone, but didn't ex to know some exiles are here too," says the female Guardian.

When Crow wanted to ask, his Ghost, Glint transmats him out of this area. Parth tells Hojo to take Osiris out of here so he can handle this woman.

The female Guardian made a gruff sound knowing that it was now her and Parth.

"Look, I got nothin' against you, but you buttin' in like this is bad for business," the female Guardian says to Parth.

Parth stood his ground when Dusk mentioned that this Guardian is chockfull of Darkness and Stasis.

"You mentioned about Uldren Sov, who isn't himself but who is is now, if you don't know Guardian logic," Parth points out. "But I would like to guess that you are an Awoken, yourself? But rather... you are one but you don't fight for good intentions, aren't you?"

"Good to know that you are a smart boy, love. As for what I do, it's business, not personal. Now if you excuse me, I have to meet up with someone. By the way, the name is Calypso. Remember it well, mate," she added before she was just gone.

As this Calypso was now gone, Parth stood for a second until Dusk snapped him out of it. Parth tells Dusk to call for Hojo and see if him and Osiris made it out okay. In the meantime, as Parth boarded his ship, he follows Crow's coordinates to the Tangled Shore.

He was gonna have to talk with what might be going on.

Chapter 6: Crow's Nest

After meeting with that Calypso woman, Ash Parth laid back in the pilot seat of his ship and asked Dusk to connect with Hojo to check on the situation while Osiris was with him. Dusk was concerned more on Osiris though as Hojo is one of those Warlocks who look up to the exiled Warlock, Osiris.

When they are connected, Parth asked Hojo what the situation was.

Hojo did respond with making it to the Tower, but at the cost of hearing Melchezedek in fury knowing that Parth was not here to participate on completing this mini-mission.

Parth had to cut off the communication as he was still lost in thought as thinking over what that Calypso was after. Or rather what was going on. It was all so strange. Eramis and her House Salvation with Stasis, learning some of this Stasis which comes on and off as Parth could feel, meeting up some species that the Traveler either have forgotten to save or they were surviving all on their own, to seeing Uldren Sov, or the Crow, alive as a Guardian while Osiris was chasing after Xivu Arath's High Celebrant wielding the Darkness that departed and took Io, Titan, Mercury and Mars along with the Pyramids.

So much was going on while Parth was hiding in his little cattage.

But this was all that he didn't need.

What he needed to deal with, first of all, was to see Crow again. Parth did leave a tracker on him before he and his Ghost ran off when Calypso showed up.

Following the coordinates led back to the Tangled Shore. Or rather... to the Spider.

Both the Spider and Crow were discussing why Osiris wasn't present when Parth was coming closer to the voices they were speaking through.

Of what purpose they needed Osiris, Parth's guess was as good as his.

But out of nowhere, when Parth was about to leave, the twin Fallen brother, Rox and Nox, showed up out of nowhere which made Parth jump and take out his knife. Spooked them both, telling Parth that they mean no harm until their boss, Spider, aspired them to bring in their, "unwanted guest".

With no other choice, Parth followed along with Rox and Nox behind to see Crow facing towards Spider, noticing Parth. Parth could see Spider look intrigued towards one of his favorite mercenaries showing his face.

"What a surprise," Spider says. "To see my favorite, Ash Parth to show himself. I see you've followed suit, right?"

As if this Baron of his own syndicate know better then the other Fallen who run this Shore.

"You can say that, Spider," Parth says. "But here's my question, what's with this New Light being under your command?"

As the room was silent, Spider tells Crow to get back to what he needed to do and shoos everyone else within this room so that it was only Parth and Spider in here.

Spider chuckles and explained, "You could say that I've brought this New Light under my wing since I'd found him wandering around on my Shore. And seeing his face makes me wander if it was pleasurable to send him to your Tower, but I double-checked and thought, 'Maybe I can use him', after I've made some... 'modifications' to his little Ghost."

Parth was curious on what Spider was getting at. He allowed the Baron to continue.

"Let's just say that as long as the little Crow keeps his word under my rule, the little Ghost is safe, if not... BOOM," Spider says with a snide as his own humor. "Now, I even negotiated with some other Guardians to work alongside with Crow to drive these cryptoliths off of my Shore so I keep getting my share of Glimmer. Even you can assist if you agree. Just... don't mention the name 'Uldren Sov' to him whenever you're around him. I'll even throw in some extra for your troubles, Ash Parth. As we are good... partners, yes?"

Knowing the atrocities that Spider has done to Crow's Ghost after hearing this little story, not only he would take a better bounty per fight, but it also helps dealing with whatever Xivu Arath was planning with her High Celebrant.

Upon agreeing, Spider dismisses Parth.

Rox and Nox checked in on Parth and the Guardian only told the twins that he was fine and they should worry about themselves. Agreeing with each other that they continue the good fight.

In the meantime, Parth had stopped by to see Crow working on what seems to be a Lure out of Hive cryptolith parts as it looked. After Parth asked Crow, Crow explained much of the Lure's usage to bring out the minions of Xivu Arath. Agreeing that it would help lower the Hive God's forces until her High Celebrants come out to fight back.

Good on Parth, but bad on some of the others.

So Parth took the Lure upon agreeing to work with Crow and Spider to test out its usage here on the Tangled Shore. It worked and followed what the lower class of these Fallen who are under the control of Xivu Arath's influence. Being called Wrathborn as Crow explained. Even against this Fallen named Savek which Parth desecrated and returned, hearing some stories about her from Crow.

At first, Parth didn't really think much but at the same time, he had to feel sorry on Savek according to what Crow was telling him.

All Savek was was just minding her own business until Xivu Arath forced the Eliksni into submission.

New plans comes to mind when dealing with not only Eramis and her House Salvation but also Xivu Arath's influence with or without help.

Chapter 7: Technological Secrets

When Parth was patrolling Europa for a minute, he was keeping his coms on in case something came up involving Eramis and House Salvation. Parth started to keep his connection with Hojo clear in case he finds something else involving the Wrathborn. Even a secret comlink for Crow and Glint thanks to Rox and Nox's help before he left the Tangled Shore.

So far it has been quiet for the past few days even by enemy activity. The past few days, Parth killed time with Gambit along with finding something new from the Drifter. In return, however, the Drifter has been quiet himself even with Stasis.

Additionally, Parth doesn't dream much of Stasis for those same past few days. Rather, he feels the chill as if Stasis was creeping in on him. Even when he'd visited the orphanage to entertain the kids, he started to feel the Stasis creeping over his arm and have one of the children wrapped around his hands. All five fingers wrapped around that tiny neck. It'd nearly freaked the kids and even Sister Lailah out when she asked.

Being here on Europa could clear Parth's mind even to hopefully find some prey.

It didn't take long until he'd found some Vex advancing onto a conflux. But this conflux is different. This conflux was made by Fallen hands.

He sees someone was fighting off the Vex. It was a Warlock using a Scout Rifle and wearing some Geomags.

Parth had recognized this Warlock from the Dreaming City when running a job for Azura Karn to deal with Taken like Darren Van a few days ago.

What was her name again?

Talim-5 as he was introduced to.

Not backing down, Parth managed to save her from a Wyvern that was reading to divebomb her from the side. It'd surprised her before a Servitor arrived.

As Parth asked Dusk, his Ghost took a minute to configure both the conflux and the Servitor that arrived to discover that this was done by the Praxis, the Technocrat. Another Elite of House Salvation and to Eramis.

To Parth, this was perfect timing as he was bored out of his mind anyways. Without holding back, he pulled out a Golden Gun and blasted some rounds into the Servitor. Afterwards, Dusk immediately started to analyze the data the Servitor was storing in order to track it to its creator.

In the meantime, Talim-5 confronted Parth with her Ghost out and thanked him for the assistance.

"I didn't expect to see you here, Ash Parth," said Talim-5's Ghost, who she called Wind. "Rather, Talim here was being too careful as usual. Not in a bad way," he added when Talim glared towards her Ghost.

"Rather, I had to find the data that that conflux contained for Praxis' location," Talim admitted.

When Dusk returned, he says, "Well, you are just in luck. I've pinpointed where he the Technocrat may be at. He isn't too far. Rather... he is down where the Bray Tech laboratories are below us."

As Dusk pointed out, Parth and Talim looked downwards to an opening and followed suit. When they'd entered, the facility they entered was what Dusk was explaining. This facility was a set of laboratories where the man himself, Clovis Bray, was setting up research with Vex parts and Exo frames.

To Talim's surprise, this was the place where Exo's were built.

"I don't understand," Talim says to herself. "Our birthplace is here? Where that man, Clovis Bray, was researching and scavenge Vex for our kind to be built?"

It didn't stay quiet for long until a Brig appeared along with some Fallen reinforcements were storming on them as a surprise attack. They managed to survive this but barely. So they took a rest.

Suddenly, they can hear Praxis on the coms speaking about the Exo and their "Kell" from the Golden Age being interesting for his research. Even with a live subject that entered.

Talim was surprised to hear thus and admitted to Parth when he asked. Admitted that Meredith was here on her own. As it turned out from Talim's explanation, both she and Meredith were teaming up to find answers after spotting the Technocrat messing with some empty Exo frames. It'd enraged Meredith and followed suit without Talim. It was why she was looking into the conflux as Wind, her Ghost, pointed out which was made by the Technocrat's hands.

All Parth could say after he sighed was, "I figured Meredith would go on her own like that. We all know that she would do anything to find the answers of where she came from but for rushing in like that, it will get her killed."

As the break's over, both Parth and Talim got up and they rushed through traps and any Fallen troops who'd got in the way until they made it to the room where the Technocrat, Praxis, was working on some research even Meredith who was stripped into her frame and her Ghost, Matilda, was frozen in Stasis. He took notice of Parth and Talim's arrival. He started acting like he was excited to see them both arrive.

"Even more Exo made from the Golden Age arrive, yes?" Praxis speaks to himself. "But you, a human, is not welcome here. Rather, you both being Guardians, I am sure you'll look forward to what I have in store for you." After snickering to himself, he was ready with a Shrapnel Launcher along with the coming reinforcements of Shanks and Wretches.

Both Parth and Talim spit up to handle some of the reinforcement. Parth managed to deal some of the damage to Praxis until a set of shield generators came into function to keep Praxis protected. Parth asked Dusk and they both noticed the shield generators exposed. Easily taking them out with some gunshots to them. A while later, more sets of shield generators appeared but scattered. Thankfully, Talim was here to take care of some of the shield generators while Parth had to take out some more of the Fallen reinforcements who just arrived.

Parth cursed to himself to see that the shield generators didn't return, but rather it was the Stasis Praxis was using to protect himself and Talim was just unconscious from the Fallen who arrived. All of a sudden, he was hearing that same voice of himself.

To use the power of Stasis.

If it had to be this way, Parth embraced the power of Stasis and used it against Praxis which he had showed no mercy on the Technocrat nor his Fallen reinforcements. Releasing Silence and Squall until everything was frozen in place and everyone was dead.

It didn't take long until Variks had tapped in and sounded relieved to hear Praxis was dead.

Variks tried to contact Parth but nothing was coming through. In return, checking in if he was alright.

Parth replied that he was okay along with the two female Exo's who are now safe.

But out of nowhere, a male Exo has entered and broke the tube containing Meredith and started to carry her on his shoulder. Then he approached Talim who was still unconscious.

Parth approached before the make Exo took notice and glares.

"Calm yourself, for I mean no harm," says the male Exo. "I would even like to thank you for killing off that bug who is disturbing these facilities. Now you can leave."

"Not without both of the ladies," Parth called out. "They're Guardians too. Here I am with Talim, who you are approaching, to save Meredith, who is on your shoulder, who was captured by Praxis after going on her own with recklessness."

The male Exo was staring towards Parth at first and then to both the female Exo Guardians. "Meredith-12 and Talim-5 will be safe here with my own kind," the male Exo informs. "You don't have to worry about them for now until later when I get their frames a repair. So you worry about your mission with those bugs."

Parth wasn't sure even when he asked Dusk.

This Exo has no Light. Just a frame who is living down here for who knows how many centuries within this facility out of Fallen sights.

All Dusk had to tell Parth was to not worry and let the male Exo do what he wants to do.

"Can I trust you?" Parth asked.

The male Exo stared towards Parth through those bright, red eyes as if he was in distraught. "Like I said, you worry about your mission with those bugs. I worry about my own kind."

Parth wasn't sure even from the racial remarks this Exo was making. But from Dusk's words, he would have to trust this Exo for now.

"You got a name? For the next time I can check up on you?"

For a while, the Exo male stared towards Parth until he took Talim by the arms. Even stashed Talim's Ghost, Wind, in a bag where the frozen Matilda was also being stashed in.

As he leaves, he gae out a name before he was gone from Parth's sight.

Cain-6.

Chapter 8: Cosmodrome Return

As Parth returned to the Stranger with the Splinter, he unexpectedly ran into someone else.

It was Colonel Melchizedek waiting for him. Even his Ghost, Yual, was present.

Parth can tell that Yual informed her Guardian about about him.

"I want to guess ya didn't like it that I wasn't back at the Tower to inform you about Osiris being back at the Tower, right?" Parth teased.

"No need to bother on that, Parth," Melchizedek replied. "Your buddy, Eiji Hojo, told me all about what you were up to. Even was told that you've been busy here on Europa even against the House of Darkness. Never cease to impress me."

"Which is why you're here, correct?"

It was Yual's turn to talk, "Well, we are all in this against Eramis and her 'House of Salvation'. A lot of other Guardians have lost their lives against that House and their Stasis. Rather, we were also informed that some of Eramis' troops were spotted at the Cosmodrome. Somewhere in one of the Lost Sectors if you are familiar over there."

Parth can only shrug to that.

Last time he was there was against Splicers and SIVA with his old Clan. Even took down Aksis, Archon Prime.

But knowing this information is more important then anything else.

After Dusk took some of the information from Yual, he and his Guardian didn't waste haste and made a lightspeed flight to the Cosmodrome on Earth. Landing to a new landing point next to a Guardian he'd never seen before. Dusk had to inform Parth that this was a teacher to the New Lights named Shaw Han.

Parth snickered to that name and decided to call this guy Shawn.

Teasing aside, Parth discussed with Shaw Han about Eramis' troops being located here in the Cosmodrome. The information leads them to a Lost Sector known as the Exodus Garden 2A after forcing some of the Fallen to drop some information. Fighting through some of the remaining Fallen from the abandoned House of Devils while listening to Variks who was on the intercom.

Learning some more of Eramis as looking into some of the Lore pages Parth had collected to learn some of the same names as Eramis, Praksis, Phylaks and even Taniks, somehow being a part of their House. Even to Parth's side of the story, he would have to feel sorry for Eramis. She was as old as Variks. Except she was fueled with rage towards the Traveler.

It didn't take long to Parth to arrive at the end to deal with Bakris, the Adamant.

Out of nowhere, Parth could feel Stasis once again and wielded it without holding back. Using it to deal with the surrounding Fallen reinforcements that arrived including the Servitors that guard this Lost Sector. With every one of them gone, Parth felt himself exhausted. Dusk delivered some of the Light to uplift Ash Parth before getting another transmission from Variks through the coms, informing them about what he recieved from Bakris' death.

This involved the Vex.

Parth was concerned about why the Vex.

Variks did mention that there was another dark secret that lies on Europa which involves Clovis Bray who built a portal which allows Vex to cross over to Europa from the Black Garden. And that Eramis would use it to bring more Vex over to wipe out all other Eliksni who oppose her and her House.

Chapter 9: Glassway

From Parth gathering the information after eliminating Bakris as Melchizedek's and Saw Han's information, he gathered it all into one place that Variks mentioned.

An unknown place called the Glassway. Where a Vex Portal was built. Where Eramis would open it up and unleash more Vex to wipe out the remaining Eliksni who resist her rule.

That, Parth needed to stop her from doing.

As soon as he arrived, Dusk informed Parth that he was getting a call from Melchizedek that he will be needing back-up, whether Parth refused or not. Having no choice, parth waited at the Asterion Abyss until someone did arrive. One Guardian Melchizedek had sent to back him up.

It was Natalia. Again.

Well, rather, she was surprised when she'd saw Parth in the distance.

"Didn't expect that I was told to team up with you again, Ash," she admitted. "Ya know, Melchizedek is fishy, if you ask me. He tells much of the the mercenaries - like you, for example - that he keeps an eye on whether they are in a Clan or not. But that doesn't mean that I see you as a fishy person, you know."

All Parth can reply with is just to shrug it off and tell her to not worry about it.

But it questions him more that it was only he and Natalia here in the strike into the Glassway. Where and who would their third be for the Fireteam?

Not to worry much when Parth was getting a transmission from Variks, explaining about the Glassway and the portal that Clovis Bray has made down there. Bringing the Vex along to create the Exo of today from the Golden Age.

If only Meredith would know this, she would have a field day of finding out more of her past. But Parth wonders if that Cain-6 would share some of his wisdom to her and Talim back at the Bray Exoscience Labs.

Without delaying anymore time, both Parth and Natalia went through the Glassway from the Asterion Abyss to run into various Fallen from House Salvation. Even enforcers under Eramis' orders to keep them out of their way. But that didn't stop either Guardians to advance and deal with each wave. However, when they'd made it to the radiolarian lake as they needed to drain the milk, they were pinned down. Parth sniped multiple snipers, yet more Shanks were flooding in and Natalia could only do so much with only an auto rifle and a shotgun.

Their saving grace arrived almost in the nick of time as more Shanks were forming and Vandals arrived to deal some of the final blow.

It was Mi'klain who managed to take out the Vandals on one side and used their guns to take out the other Vandals on the other side. He'd met up with Ash Parth and Natalia when both the radiolarian fluid was drained before more of the reinforcements appeared out of nowhere. No time for introductions, Parth handed Mi'klain a scout rifle from his armory and instructed the wolfen how to aim and shoot. It was indeed new to Mi'klain, but it turned out that he wasn't that bad of a shot with a weapon that was foreign to his tribe.

The three of them managed to cut through all of the Eliksni in the way until they made it to where they spotted Eramis before she left with the Vex Portal opened. Telling them that she has gotten what she had came for and escaped.

In front of the Guardians and the wolfen, there lies two large Hydras. One of them was named Belmon, Transcendent Mind and a Transcendent Hydra came out of the large Vex Portal while more Vex were flooding in from the small portals from the side.

All three hesitated and took cover while Vex advanced. Parth and Natalia was at one side. Mi'klain was at the other side. He looked confused knowing about what was coming out since he looked old as his Tribe goes. But Parth had to slip one of his snipers towards Mi'klain to take out some of the advancing Goblins while he and Natalia distract the Hydras. Chipping away until they both returned to the void. Afterwards when they all took out the remaining Vex in the area, the Transcendent Hydra came out of the void and more Vex reinforcements flooded out with added Wyverns and Hobgoblins. All three did the same except Mi'klain used a sword that he found to take out the Wyvern coming from behind Parth and Natalia, pouncing it while taking the biological core with his bare hands.

Natalia looked sickened just by watching but she noticed the Transcendent Hydra approaching and pulled out a Ward of Dawn to protect Mi'klain. It gave Parth a chance to take out one a Chaperone and shoot at the center of the Hydra until it retreated to the void once again.

Afterwards, Belmon returned from the void and this time, more Vex including Fanatics emerged. The Ward of Dawn was gone and Parth pulled out a Shadowshot to tangle the Vex that are approaching. Mi'klain retreated to the back to take a few shots with the sniper he was given and forced Belmon to return to the void.

But that didn't last until both Belmon and the Transcendent Hydra emerged from the void. Vex reinforcements were sporadic as this was the last stand for them at this point. That didn't stop the two Guardians and the Wolfen, fortunately. They took out the coming enforcing Vex one by one before the Wyverns cut through to divebomb on them. Parth took out the Chaperone again to shoot out the massive Vex, even the Transcendent Hydra who was behind. It was only Belmon remaining and it was Mi'klain who dealt the final blow with both claws and fangs to tear out the top portion. Parth warned Mi'klain to retreat before the Hydra exploded to pieces.

All of a sudden, the radiolarian fluid was draining. All three were curious why until Variks was calling out to the, checking on what the situation was.

"Well, to tell ya the truth, Variks," Parth answered for the Eliksni. "However, Eramis got away. The Vex are down though."

All Variks has to say was this, "...Eramis, what have you done!?"

Chapter 10: Introducing a New Ally

Parth was ready to see Variks, however, with Natalia and even Mi'klain by his side, Melchizedek ordered them to return to the Tower at his office. It was so they could debrief on what Eramis had done against her own people.

As they'd returned, plenty of people were not only looking towards Parth and Natalia, but also to Mi'klain, humans, Guardians, even the frames who were only curious. All Parth could think of to some of them were wondering who let this "thing" at the Tower. He could even tell that the young Wofen didn't like the feel of the evil gazes some of the people and even Guardians were giving to him.

All Parth can do was tell Mi'klain to keep it to himself until they get out of the Tower.

As speaking of, all three of them arrived at Colonel Melchizedek's office, seeing the colonel looking through the glass with his Ghost observing beside him. She even tells him that the three requested guests have arrived.

Melchizedek's eyes were on Mi'klain at first until he took notice of Parth and Natalia. He'd seated while insisting the three to have a seat themselves.

After Melchizedek asked what happened on Europa with Eramis and her house, Parth did most of the explaining.

The colonel was not happy as he took a deep breath and said, "So you're telling me, The House of Salvation are going out opening a Vex Portal, which was made by Clovis Bray's hands, to sic on their own people? On top of that, Eramis has escaped yet again? To be fair, if your words, she did it as a diversity when you three arrived." Melchizedek made a huge sigh and continued, "Commander Zavala will definetly lose his head over what'd happened. In the meantime, what is this creature you'd brought with you? Never seen his kind before. But at the least as he did assist you in battle, I congratulate on him for holding a gun against the Vex. Which speaking of, congratulations, Mr..." Melchizedek added while wanting a name from the Wolfen.

Mi'klain introduced himself by his name and the Tribe he is born and raised from.

All Melchizedek was was impressed with Mi'klain.

"A Wolfen and his Tribe is as impressive as I remember Eliksni and/or Fallen and their Houses," Melchizedek praises. "I'm sure that plenty of scientific minds would be interested to see more of your kind with curiosity."

"Sadly, some of your people here on the Tower don't appeal too much of me lightly when we arrived," Mi'klain pointed out. "Exactly what is a furry, if you don't mind me asking?"

Parth had beaten Melchizedek by answering, "Just a term humans used for a love on human-like animals."

Mi'klain looked at Parth with a glare, thinking that it might be a slur for his kind.

Parth was thinking that Mi'klain might not get used to being here on Earth.

"Ignore them," Melchizedek says to Mi'klain. "Humans are paranoid like that, thinking that anything outside of mankind would kill the rest of them like how the Hive, Fallen, Vex, Cabal, and hell, even Taken do to us. I can at least give word to the Vanguard that you have helped Parth and Natalia here. Maybe even help us."

"Hate to break your hopes up, but there are few of us Wolfen who would fight. We fight for survival as much as mankind and Eliksni do. I don't mind helping out Ash Parth as he helped my Tribe back on Europa. But for us to help your Vanguard, I don't think that decision is mines to decide. Only our elder decides the Tribes fate. For now, I appreciate the offer."

Melchizedek wasn't going to complain on such. So he'd dismissed Mi'klain until he was done with Parth. Melchizedek even dismissed Natalia to keep the Wolfen safe in case some people would harm the third of the team who stopped Eramis' plans.

So it was only Parth and the colonel in the office.

Colonel Melchizedek returned to the window to see the people doing their own business. The Awoken was mainly thinking over plenty of orders he was getting as he mentioned how Osiris is doing when Eiji returned with him and not Parth along the way.

All Parth had to say was that everything he had his hands full even with Spider.

All Melchizedek can do was sigh, showing dismissal towards the mercenary Guardian such as Ash Parth.

Parth took it as a chance to leave Melchizedek be as he needed to think of what the motive is next.

As Parth leaves the colonel's office, he'd met up with Natalia, asking what to do with Mi'klain. All Parth told her was to take him back to Europa and his Tribe. Even give them the message that Mi'klain fought well to assist them both through the Glassway.

Natalia was concerned on what Parth was going to do while they're gone. All he had to answer was that it was his own business.

Without anymore delay, Natalia calls on Mi'klain that they were leaving.

Mi'klain gives Parth thanks for allowing his assistance and will pass word to his Tribe on his heroic deeds, even the tour within the Tower here on Earth. All Parth replied was to not worry too much as it was one of those rare instances for someone like a Wolfen to help a Guardians duty.

Natalia and Mi'klain were finally gone, heading back to Europa.

As soon as Natalia's ship was out of sight, Parth decided to have himself a walk. All he can think of was what has been happening lately.

This was as if the pieces were coming together and later on falling apart. First House Salvation, then Stasis, then finding out about the Wolfen, then Crow and Spider, and now back to square one with House Salvation releasing Vex to seek out their own people whoever defies Eramis' rules. But It was already starting to juggle his mind on what to do next.

Deal with Eramis?

Deal with Crow and Spider?

All Parth can think of was just having some sleep of his own as this was becoming a burden of responsibilities resting on his shoulders and he just wanted to dust them off.

Even Dusk had to ask if he needed to calm his nerves.

All Parth decided to do was head to an area where he would normally calm his nerves.

It was this small park where he and Tara would relax whenever they are free from their jobs. When there is nothing going on in Parth's Guardian life, he would invite Tara to enjoy the sunlight, have lunch and even watch the children play with each other. Tara even teased a couple of times if they wanted children. He joked with her too much that Guardians can't reproduce, but that was to just make her playfully mad. Even at times, she would playfully take his book away when he reads under the sunlight.

How memoria becomes a tease to dead memories he carries.

But out of nowhere, Parth could feel the chill in his spine. He felt the Stasis growing inside him again. Like his doppelganger was tempting him to use the Stasis again and again.

It didn't take long until Parth realized that he still has a Splinter in his hands after his fight with Praxis, the Technocrat.

He was gonna have to take it to the Exo Stranger back on Europa after he calms his nerves.

But out of nowhere...

"Hello there, handsome," says the same woman back on the Moon. "Remember me?"

Parth couldn't forget the names of bad apples, especially Guardians who hates his guts.

"Calypso, was it?" Parth guessed well.

"Ding ding. Correct you are, Ash Parth. And before you ask how I know you, it's easy to know your infamy. But that aside, what happened to that Prince you stole from me?"

"You mean Crow? Why are you after him, anyways?"

Calypso didn't waste time as she'd let out a ball of Stasis from her staff at him.

Thankfully Parth dodged it.

"The question is supposed to be, 'How do I know that he was alive?' Well, only a few of us heard that he was raised from the dead after the Traveler apparently chose him to become a Guardian. All I want was to bring him back to our side. But before you ask, we aren't like the Scorn or those undead bastard Barons. No. I work with someone much more sinister."

Parth, fortunately, didn't want to know as he just threw a shuriken towards Calypso.

She dodged it and grinned.

"Well, suit yourself, mate. Something tells me that you aren't ready for some darker action. So I'll just find that Prince myself. You go and play with your little light while playing devil's advocate. Ciao," Calypso added as she flew off away from the coming crowd, leaving a chill air around the people.

"Dusk, did ya get a feel of our 'friend'?" Parth asked his Ghost quietly.

"Yeah, and just like you'd mentioned on our flight off the Moon, that Calypso woman wasn't born from the Light," Dusk answered. "It was as if, something else raised her."

"Like who? The Pyramids as they are the opposite of the Traveler?"

"Who knows? All I say is watch out if you come across her. Not to mention we should inform Crow about her."

"Before or after we deal with this Splinter?"

Chapter 11: Dreaming of a Crow

Before dealing with the Splinter to the Exo Stranger, Parth suggested to check on Crow back at the Tangled Shore to warn him about Calypso. But as he and his Ghost arrived, neither Crow nor Spider were there. It was a Captain who is one of Spider's right-hand men.

Other Eliksni called her Physgon, the Sniper - which Parth wonders if she was related to one of the Barons of the Scorn. She took notice of him and his Ghost on her way into the secret lair, with concern in her eyes.

"First time I run into you, Mercenary Ash Parth," she greets him. "I was told about you, good and bad. Even plenty of good things from Spider himself."

"Only heard about ya from Rox and Nox," he explains. "And yes, this is the first time we meet in person. Even joked about you being related to one of the Barons."

She glares at him.

Dusk had to calm them both down and explains to her about Crow being targeted.

Physgon sounded amused when she was thinking over what Parth's Ghost was explaining to her. "To think the bastard raised from his grave anew would have enemies willing to bring him into their side. And needing to tell the Baron about the situation. As if dealing with Eramis and her House of Dark was bad enough while I'm here guarding the whelp under the Baron's wings. And to think Guardians wielding this 'Stasis' like the Eliksni can happen."

"Well, Guardians do go dark with or without good intentions once in a while," Parth replies when he showed the Splinter in his possession.

Physgon baked away while taking out a Wire Rifle towards the Splinter Parth had possessed.

Dusk had to get in-between them and yelled out, "Please, now is not the time to tease one another in bloodshed. Look, do you think there is any way we know where to look for Spider? Or at least Crow as he is in danger."

"Sorry, little spark, I can't tell you. Nor am I allowed to share it under the Baron's orders. I've been dealing with Wrathborn left and right while you Guardians do your own business," she explained. "Thankfully some of your kind come around to handle some of them here and the Dreaming City. For the record, most Guardians are at the Dreaming City with those things that grow from the ground."

She was talking about those cryptolithes. Parth remembered that Noir mentioned some of those and Wrathborn roaming around the Dreaming City. All of a sudden, Parth started to think that Crow would be at the Dreaming City.

But he wouldn't because any of the Awoken who see him would assume Prince Uldren Sov was alive and now a Guardian.

It would be a bad call even from what Parth promised to Spider.

Without any delay, Parth and Dusk said their farewells to Physgon and to send the message to Spider that they were here before leaving the Tangled Shore.

As the flight to the Dreaming City goes, Dusk asked Parth, "Do you really think Crow would go on his own to the Dreaming City even when he conceals himself from his own people easily?"

Parth gave that question some thought and only answered, "Him being a Hunter, I can believe that he knows the risk of being out in the open."

"How?"

"His Ghost, Glint."

Dusk was silent, understanding what his Guardian meant as it did bring them back when they started off as mercenaries after the fall of the Last City and the Crow's Nest Clan.

"Like old times," Dusk said to himself as he'd reminiscing the old days both Ghost and Guardian had been together.

Parth nodded as they were getting close to the Dreaming City.

As they both arrived at the Dreaming City, they took notice of the cryptolith that was standing tall as they landed not too far away. They were both fixated on what the structure looked like in a biological way of how the Hive summons those. Or how Xivu Arath has been planting these and enslaving the Fallen and even her own troops to become Wrathborn.

But the moment of silence didn't last long as there was a sound of a sniper shot from a distance and Parth took cover behind the biological-like tree. Dusk hid in case it was either the Scorn or the Taken looking to kill Parth's Ghost off to make him killable. After using a mirror to find the sniper through the openings of the tree without being noticed, Parth noticed that it was an Awoken Vestian Guard having her face covered and her bright violet hair tied into a bun.

There was one choice that Parth would do to avoid bloodshed.

"Look, whoever you are, Vestian Guard, I am not looking for trouble," Parth called out. "I'm here for a couple of reasons and I would like to keep those to myself. Now if you don't mind lowering your weapon, we can go on our marry ways."

Those words fell into deaf ears, unfortunately as the sniper was pulled and the bullet deflected off of the cryptolith as Parth was ready to move a little out of the tree. He went back into cover after the shot was fired.

"One wrong move and you will look into a bullet into your head," warns that one voice that Parth started to recognize. "You have no idea how much I needed this."

Parth took a deep breath and waited a few seconds and rushed to where the sniper was perched while shadestepping away from the bullets what were fired until he made it to the bottom of the cliff the sniper was located at. He waited for a few more seconds until he threw a smoke bomb to catch the sniper off guard and snuck behind her, with a Steady Hand to her head.

"Move and one of these will pierce through both the helmet and the cranium in a row," Parth warns her. But he added, "I know it's been too long but why not we take it all off and take like regular folk. Guardian to Awoken like we normally do here on the Reef?"

The Vestian Guard turned slow with her hands up. She took her helmet off so her bright violet hair falls and showing her tired blue eyes.

Parth was surprised at first, lowering his hand cannon slowly saying, "Surprise, surprise. Didn't recognize you at first, Sen. Last I remembered you was when you were a rookie when I was hunting Wolves."

Sen Cuhn, the Awoken in front of Parth, replies, "I was surprised you remembered. How long has it been, Ash Parth? A little too long last we've met, I believe."

"Oh, come on now, don't be like that, Sen. You know I am one, busy merc-for-hire. Runnin', gunnin', killin', chillin'. I see you've worked hard for a promotion yourself. Congrats."

"While I do appreciate your gratitude, you never came back once in a while, Parth."

He remembers what Sen meant as it was coming back to him.

"Hey, Dusk, do you have any idea what she's talkin' about?" Parth asked his Ghost.

Dusk sounded tired after hearing his Gaurdian's question, exhaling deeply.

"Well, you were a womanizer before Tara, Ash," Dusk reminded him. "Maybe you'd hit on her while we were hunting the House of Wolves?" he's added the question in an inside voice.

"Please," Parth admitted. "I felt like a young, little bastard when I was just chasin' tail along with chasing Fallen tails, Dusk. Hell, after you've said that," Parth faced back towards Sen who had a hand cannon at his temple, convincing her to put it down, "I would admit that I was a lustful bastard back then before I met someone I call my girl. And for that, I'm sorry. I'm gettin' too old for that except when I'm in the mood. Now if you put that down, I will be on my way and you go and do your... Vestian Guard duties, understand?"

"What business do you have here, Parth? A perfect excuse for me to have a gun on your head after many years you've been busy. Back and forth for these... Trials and the Wolves before the Taken. I waited day after day until you stop by to see me. A true lady killer, Ash Parth. Killing more hearts then the enemies, I have to say."

Dusk bothered to chuckle at Sen's joke to point out Parth's old whims.

After knocking on his Ghost, Parth explained, "Well, you see, I'm looking for another Guardian. Looks hooded like me, a Hunter. With Spider's symbol on his chest. Have ya seen him around these parts? I need to warn him on something and I was told that he was here."

Sen didn't lower her gun while she stares. "Not that I know of any Guardian working with that bastard bug."

"Well, I do business with him once in a while, and even Petra Venj does when you-know-who was out on his own with the Barons. Hell, we all know Spider is shady, but business is business. Only personal with his cowardly brother."

"Hmph, not that I care about either, mines is right in front of me."

All Parth needed to do was to throw Sen Cuhn off and just get out of her sight. He didn't want to waste anymore time then he already has been doing. On a desperate thought, he threw a smoke bomb which threw her off and he vanished. Parth followed by grabbing Sen's wrist and unarming her, throwing the hand cannon off to the distance.

"I'm sorry for doing this, but I am in a hurry," Parth admitted. "I'll tell you what," he adds as he was distancing himself from Sen, "I can stop by once in a while when I'm free."

Without hearing what Sen was telling him, Parth made it to the Spine of Keres to get out of the Vestian Guard's sight. Relieved, he sat against the rocky wall.

"You know, Ash, I know you were flirting with danger, but if you forget, danger would become more dangerous," Dusk pointed out.

Without thinking about Dusk's words. Parth got back to his feet and spotted Crow at last. Finally caught up to him which Crow was surprised.

Afterwards, Parth explains to Crow about Calypso. He didn't buy it at first, but when Parth only tells Crow about Calypso possessing Stasis, Crow was now concerned about Stasis.

"I see," Crow says. "I'll keep that in mind. By the way, this 'Stasis' you mentioned. What is this power? I was told that it was part of the Darkness in communion."

All Parth explained was, "Yeah. Something like that. The thing is, this is something that I don't know if I can control it."

After a moment of silence, Crow started to explain, "You know, if it comes to hearing voices, I will often hear something like that in a distance. I don't know who that is, as it does sound regal, but all I know is that would assist me on my pursuit of my missions. And it has to do with these cryptoliths," he adds as he pointed at the cryptolith nearby. "I know for certain that Xivu Arath is up to no good even to use her own kin against us. As I was told, we keep fighting. Don't you think so on that, Parth?"

After hearing those words from Crow, Parth nodded away and tells him, "I kinda understand what you mean there. Just keep your guard up at all times. Who knows whose voice is telling you things nor if it involves Calypso looking to take you under her wing."

"Don't worry. Only people I can rely on are some of the other Guardians from the Tower, Spider and even Osiris. Speaking of, I need to get back to Spider and debrief him on the cryptolith here in the Dreaming City." As Crow noticed Parth showing concern, he added, "Don't worry. I haven't shown my face as Osiris has been telling me. It's even how you work, right?"

After that smart remark, Parth said his farewells along with telling Crow to keep his guard up before transmitting out of the Dreaming City.

While in orbit, Parth sat on the seat, thinking over about what Crow told him about voices. Maybe it can be done with the doppleganger in his head when it comes to Stasis.

Without any further delay, Parth sets his course to Europa.

Chapter 12: Embracing the Cold Dark

After coming back to Europa, Parth made it to the Ziggurat with Praxsis' Splinter and offered it. He was told from the whispers of the Dark to head to Riis-Reborn for the Crux to commence a communion.

No doppelganger... yet.

After pushing through the Fallen and, out of nowhere, Vex running amok since Eramis opened the portal, he arrived to commune. Afterwards, he felt more of the Stasis growing inside and he just sat cross-legged for the doppelganger to come.

However, he didn't arrive.

Infuriating, Parth left to encounter some of the Fallen reinforcements. He'd just took them out without any trouble. On the way out, he noticed a Skiff being locked in place by some contraptions.

When Parth asked, Variks interfered and asks Parth and some other Guardians to help fellow Eliksni to be free from Eramis' device so they make it to House Light.

Without doublechecking, Parth goes ahead to take out the devices, which brought in some Aspirations of House Salvation wielding Stasis. He didn't waste anytime while assisting another couple of Guardians who appreciated his arrival while deactivating the devices and freeing the Skiff. It was flying off towards House Light as Variks announces.

After a few minutes standing in the snow and cold, Parth was in deep thought, thinking about what Eramis has been doing to her own people. She was only giving them a home until the Darkness and Stasis has been involved.

But then again, the Darkness has been calling out to Parth and even plenty of Guardians as of this late.

"Variks, I'm going to fight off Eramis," he tells the Eliksni. "We both think Eramis has gone off too far, right? Well, let me take care of her. Even take on the rest of the House of Salvation if I have to."

Variks had no words at first, but he replied, "A victory for some Eliksni to escape, yes? But if the root of all evil needs to be stopped, indeed, yes?"

As Parth agreed, he's set out on dealing with any Fallen who gets in his way. In the meantime, Variks and Eramis exchanged words about home and empire and even how the Darkness is affecting her mind. Even with the vex who were in the way, fighting off the Eliksni, both good and bad.

Out of nowhere, Parth noticed a Warlock fighting off some of the Vex along with a Titan.

Both were familiar.

Marri Qoresh and Chronus-3 were here, surprised that Parth ran into them.

"Well, look whose here after so long," Marri mentioned when she saw Parth.

Chronus-3 humped as he noticed.

As Parth knows, the Exo was never a man of many words. But he was curious why these two are here.

Which he asked and they explained that Eramis needs to be stopped as her releasing the Vex and killing off any other Eliksni who defy her rule has been too far for both Eliksni and even Guardians alike.

Understandable as they stormed through both Vex and Fallen alike until they made it to Riis-Reborn where all three of them can hear Eramis and Variks argue with eawch other as they get closer to where Eramis is holding herself at.

She took notice and was not happy that the three Guardians were at her present. Not to mention of the power of Stasis that the three had to use once in a while to deal with Praxsis and Phylaks a while ago.

It was now just the three of them against Eramis. But it didn't take long for Eramis to bring some of her own reinforcements to handle the Guardians. But it doesn't stop Parth's Shadowshot, Chronus-3's Thundercrash and Marri's Dawnblade to handle the adds off while striking down Eramis.

But victory wasn't near when she'd halted the three Guardians and even their Ghosts with Stasis. When they were pulling out the Splinters, Eramis grasped on them all and crushed them all with her bare hands. Looking forward to release them from the "shackles" that Stasis is detaining them.

But out of nowhere, Parth was feeling it. As if that same doppelganger was approaching and telling him, "It isn't just the Splinter you wield that gave you power. As the Stranger mentioned, you would have to focus the inner power within. Even if it isn't the Light."

And the doppelganger wasn't wrong. Although Parth has always been asking himself with the people and even Guardians who would talk about him being a Devil's Advocate when it comes to being a mercenary within the shadows and defending humanity in his own way. All he could think of was using those words to make him stronger while proving the cowards wrong.

If they wanted a Devil's Advocate with this Stasis power, he would show it to them.

With that, it was more than enough to break through the Stasis that he was trapped in and wields one of the Kama. As he pointed it at Eramis, he tells her while Marri and Chronus-3 breaks out, "It's not gonna be me who'll break, Eramis. The ones who will break are you and all the other assholes around this Sol System."

As Parth took notice, Marri and Chronus-3 have wielded their Stasis powers and lashed retaliation to Eramis and her coming reinforcements with these same powers that she wielded. they managed to take her down. However, it wasn't the Guardians who took her down. It was the Darkness itself as Stasis was starting to freeze her whole body while looking over one of the pyramids at the background.

And so, it was over. Eramis was dead. The Eliksni get to live another day. But how will Parth and so many other Guardians live with this power that grows within.

Chapter 13: Accepting the Inner Dark