Fireteam Spirit: Accepted Candidates…
Unknown user has given this information under the alias TheSacredPanda…
…
Identity ownership of all three Guardians belong to this alias…
Guardian: 1
Name: Felix
Age: Unknown (Biological and Chronological ages are unknown.)
Race: Human
Skin: Pale Caucasian skin (Able to tan under the right conditions.)
Hair: Dirty blonde (Buzz-cut style.)
Eyes: Walnut Brown
Class: Hunter
Sub: Bladedancer (A highly skilled and talented Hunter whom has studied and trained enough to be able to switch between each Hunter sub-class).
Faction (If any):Future War Cult (Member of high standing.)
Weapons:
Primary: The Calling (Legendary Class Scout Rifle of Future War Cult Faction Origin…)
Secondary: Icebreaker (Exotic Class Sniper Rifle created from an ancient blueprint discovered by Hunter Felix and forged by the Cryptarchs…)
Heavy: The Fear (Legendary Class Machine Gun of Future War Cult Faction Origin…)
Armour:
Helmet: Unyielding Casque (Legendary Class Helmet discovered within Crota's domain known as the Dark Abyss…)
Arms: Iron Regalia Sleeves (Legendary Class Gauntlets branded and manufactured by the Iron Banner Crucible initiative…)
Chest: Sojourn Vest (Legendary Class chest armour branded and manufactured by the Dead Orbit faction…)
Legs: Radiant Dance Machines (Exotic Class Grieves created from an ancient blueprint discovered by Hunter Felix…)
Mark: Kellhunter's Hood (Legendary Class Hood branded by the Fallen House of Devils and manufactured by Variks of the House of Judgement…)
Shade: The Nowhere
Ship: Armour of Vows (Legendary Class Ship branded and manufactured by the New Monarchy Faction…)
Ghost Shade: White and Gold
Ghost name: Merlin
Bio: For reasons unknown, Felix is a guardian renown for never removing his helmet. Being around for years untold, much mystery surrounds his very existence and his presence within the tower. With an age that is almost entirely unknown, Felix is another mysterious enigma among the Tower community whom is as faceless as the Guardians of old. With a calm and steady-handed approach to all opponents and situations, Felix has been referred and revered as one of the best Hunters of his time; a Guardian whom has been rumoured to have seen far more than even the legendary Vanguard. Throughout his career, he has never been rattled. In combat, he knows no fear. No matter the situation, Felix is always one step ahead of his teammates and his enemies. The only Guardian whom has been referred to as a superior combatant and strategist to him is an Exo that he and his council sent into the legendary Vaults of Venus: Warden-217. As documented by his highly vacant file, Felix has taken part in hundreds upon hundreds of missions, strikes and even raids against the Darkness; with each, his knowledge, skill and expertise only seem to grow. Similar to his master and owner, Merlin is known to be mysterious and eccentric; often speaking in an ancient Latin dialect which is known to very few Guardians of this era. What the two are hiding from the rest of their allies and companions is unknown.
Similar to his Vanguard and Faction comrades, Felix took it upon himself to mentor dozens of Guardians and has seen the task as something of a challenge to eventually overcome; in respect to his current followers, this statement rings true. Jai Octavian and Dakota Ford have so far proven to be his most time consuming and problematic challenge to date, something he is far to secretive and prideful to admit. Nevertheless, with him at the lead of any Fireteam, Felix has been known to bring about the highest success rates from the riskiest operations and missions.
However, with his high rates of success and his mysterious operations, many Faction leaders have become deeply invested into investigating him; even the Cult he loyally serves are suspicious of his remarkable abilities. They are aware something is amiss and are more than desperate to discover what it is….
Guardian: 2
Name: Jai Octavian
Age: (Biologically) 27 years of age
Race: Awoken
Skin: Admiral Blue
Hair: Powder White (Spikey, short style)
Eyes: Luminous Shamrock Green
Corruption: Located within the subject's eyes (Subject is constantly marked with corruption and his eyes are eternally consumed in a similar ominous green glow to Eris Morn's own eyes… Such taint has deemed this subject worthy of the Vanguard's attention and has been placed under the care of Guardian Felix of the Tower council…)
Class: Warlock
Sub: Sunsinger (Has the Voidwalker class but has taken it upon himself to tread the path of the flames as to improve his capabilities.)
Faction (If any): No Affiliation (Each of the cities primary factions has refused his entry into their fold.)
Weapons:
Primary: Bad Juju (Exotic Class Pulse Rifle – once believed to have been forged and owned by a Guardian named Toland – created from an ancient blueprint discovered within the pits of the Dark Chasm… Acquisition of the weapon is unknown…)
Secondary: The Comedian (Legendary Class Shotgun of Vanguard Origin…)
Heavy: The Good Doctor (Rare Class Rocket Launcher issued by the Tower armoury…)
Armour:
Helmet: Vanth Orcus 0A0X (Legendary Class Helmet issued and manufactured by the Crucible handler…)
Arms: Vanth Orcus 0A0X (Legendary Class gauntlets issued and manufactured by the Crucible handler…)
Chest: Heart of Praxic Fire (Exotic Class Robes created from an ancient blueprint discovered by the Hunter Felix…)
Legs: Vanth Orcus 0A0X (Legendary Class grieves issued and manufactured by the Crucible handler…)
Mark: Seal of the Twin Eagle (Unique Warlock Bond created as a symbol for the Tower… Gifted to Warlock Octavian by The Speaker…)
Shade: Themisto
Ship: Aspect of Glass (Legendary Class Ship built from a blueprint of a recovered wreckage from Kabr's missing Fireteam within the legendary Vault…)
Ghost Shade: Primarily black with a verdant optic and inner glow (Sign of possible corruption)
Ghost name: Midas
Bio: Once a highly regarded and respected Guardian, Jai was revered by recruits as a stalwart defender of the light. During the height of his career, Jai was openly strong and passionate about his faith in the traveller and even exhibited a charisma that could have rivalled Red-16 and potentially reach the level of the great Speaker. However, like many Guardians whom have fallen into a deep despair, Jai's career soon became blotted as he led an entire Fireteam into the Dark Chasm and watched as they were each exterminated by Crota and his despicable Hive forces. Unluckily spared from the same fate as his teammate, Jai was taken away by the Wizards and Witches of the Chasm and subjected to methods of torture that few have ever been exposed to.
After being rescued by a fleeing Guardian Nyx, Jai and he both returned to the Tower as broken men. The two – though not truly able to recover from their experience – returned to the community to continue their work. Yet, as they may have been allowed to work once more, Jai soon fell into his own deep obsession with hunting and scouring for any shred of darkness. His change from a walker of the Void to tread the path of flames is a demonstration of his passion to burn everything to do with the darkness. By all logic – and evidence from Guardian Kitori and Morn's case – Jai should have lost what sanity he once had but shows his integrity by hanging on to what little fragments of his mind he has. A testament to the determination he had in his old life.
A notable moment in his career was when Jai brought Guardian Ford into the world under circumstances that have been questioned many times over. While on patrol, Jai revived a fallen Ghost that had been lost for many decades. As life sparked back into the Ghost, she began to search for something within the Hellmouth. The two followed the lost Ghost, surprised as she revived a long lost and unknown Guardian whom had no memory of his past. Still, there is much uncertainty to whether it was with the influence of the Light or the Darkness that helped him revive the Ghost with its full functions.
His mental state has healed slightly after he was inducted into the service of the famous Hunter known as Felix along with his friend Dakota. He has found a place of tranquillity with them, a place where he is not judged by his peers. A place that has helped him recover immensely.
Nevertheless, a perfect analogy to his condition is the name of his Ghost: Midas. A powerful name. A name that speaks history of a once great king who became corrupted by his power…
Whether this is a mere piece of sickening irony or a cruel prophesy for the future is debatable… but still leaves others with great concern, all the same…
Guardian: 3
Name: Dakota Ford (Last name adopted by Dakota to fill an assumed emotional void left by his amnesia.)
Age: (Biologically) 21 years of age.
Race: Human.
Skin: Lightly tanned.
Hair: Raven Black (Short, unkempt.)
Eyes: Cerulean Blue/Sage Green (Seems to change depending on the emotional state of the individual… Possibly a unique reaction to exposure to the Light.)
Other aspects:
Scars: A deep, three-clawed scar imbedded vertically across the face. A mark that is a lasting reference to his previous life before his death at the hands of the enemy.
Class: Titan
Sub: Defender (Has mastered both Striker and Defender classes.)
Faction (If any): Future War Cut (Mostly an inactive member but is consistently watched and observed for strange behaviour...)
Weapons:
Primary: Three Little Words (Legendary Class Pulse Rifle issued by the Crucible handler…)
Secondary: The Crash (Legendary Class Shotgun of Future War Cult Faction Origin…)
Heavy: Super Good Advice (Exotic Class Machine Gun created from an ancient blueprint and forged by the Cryptarchs…)
Armour:
Helmet: Durga-GNT Type-0 (Legendary Class Helmet issued and manufactured by the Crucible handler…)
Arms: No Backup Plans (Exotic Class Gauntlets created from an ancient blueprint and forged by the Cryptarchs…)
Chest: Iron Regalia Plate (Legendary Class Chest-Plate issued and manufactured by the Iron Banner handler…)
Legs: Armada Typer-3 (Legendary Class Greives issued and manufactured by the Tower's Titan Vanguard division…)
Mark: Freeholder's Memory (Legendary Class Titan Mark issued to a select few by the Tower Speaker…)
Shade: The Old Guard
Ship: AFv1 Octavian
Ghost Shade: Primary Green and secondary White.
Ghost name: Astra
Bio: Losing his mother at an incredibly young age, Dakota was left to raise his sister within the growing city on his own. Before reaching eighteen, he worked various jobs across the city to keep himself and his sister afloat; if only barely. Eventually meeting someone within his workplace, Dakota found love with another city dweller. They later married and were expecting a child; a rare occurrence in such dark times. This, however, had a draw back as he realised his income was not enough to sustain his new family ad his sister – whom also got a job of her own but fell to same problem. Eventually taking the advice of some of his friends, along with his family's support, Dakota enlisted to be part of the human militia established by the Tower and the Future War Cult. The performance requirements were high and were almost considered impossible to match up to but, with months of training and multiple unsuccessful try-outs, he was eventually accepted. He could finally provide for his family. Alas, as soon as his career had begun, it ended abruptly with a mission upon the moon that lead to his death. His sacrifice, left forgotten over the centuries, was in vain.
Years later, however, a lone dying Ghost was discovered upon the Moon by a Guardian named Jai Octavian. Already being an anomaly – being discovered and revived upon the Moon – Dakota's strange circumstances of his revival also link to his mental state; in that he is almost entirely placed in similar circumstances to another Guardian whom also suffers from mental impairment. His failing psyche results in reoccurring nightmares of his past life – which cannot be fully comprehended as they are mere fragments that he cannot fully comprehend.
Living in a state of constant torment to his psychosis, Dakota had become a severely withdrawn individual. To outsiders he can appear to be in a constant state of depression but it is simply not the case as he is just not the most social individual and is not able to convey himself among others very successfully. Beneath the wall he had unintentionally built around himself, Ford is a generally good natured individual whom fights with a knightly sense of honour.
Many times, since his recovery, Dakota's return has been brought into question and has even put him under great suspicion from many members of the Tower. His revival upon the Moon – by the abilities of a once dead Ghost – has been reduced into many divisive theorems that vary from it being the divine intervention of the Traveller to some unbeknownst corruption that may have played a part in his resurrection. Whether he still suffers from the influence of the darkness or is just unlucky enough to be burdened with mental impairment, Dakota has yet to recover any of his memories and – to this day – has found nothing to trigger any links to his past existence.
Afterword by Felix, Jai Octavian and Dakota Ford:
"Don't say it." The first voice snapped.
"What?" Another replied.
"I know you want to say it."
The other's frustration seemed to rise. "Say what!?"
"Just don't say anything!"
"Oh!" the second voice responded, reminded of what his teammate was warning him against. "You mean you don't want me to talk about how we are in some deep trouble?"
The first groaned, reaching to grab the other Guardian but missing ever so slightly as they easily dodged the attempt. "For the Traveller's sake, Matt!" He snapped, making Matt chuckle slightly. "I told you to not screw around!"
"Woah, calm it down, Nyx!" Matt reasoned, surveying his surrounds from the confines of their protective circle of Light. He dared not step into the shadows and make any creatures that lurked within aware of his presence. "I'm just making light of our situation."
Nyx growled. "I swear, if I hear you say anything else I will-"
"Both of you, be quiet." Their leader ordered as he stood beside the large lantern-like object that stood at the edge of their protective circle, raising a curious brow at it unique properties within this abyss. It certainly felt… out of place. "I'm trying to figure out what this is…"
Appearing at his side, Felix's Ghost – aptly nicknamed Merlin – began to also scan and observe the object before them. He also seemed curious. He turned to his owner, "Non potest esse alicuius generis carcerem?" The metallic ball of Light suggested in his long-forgotten dialect. The rest of the team looked at each other, shrugging in confusion at what had been said.
Felix nodded in agreement, finding his hypothesis agreeable. "Yes, yes… You may be right, Merlin." He settled, "If anything – and this is just a long shot – it may just be our salvation to traversing this place…"
Taking initiative, Matt asked the two, "What did he say, Felix?" He continued to eye the darkness as – what they assumed to be creatures – seemed to pass them by frequently; almost as if they were analysing them – studying. Learning. It kept him on edge and he did not like it.
"He suggested that these 'lanterns'may be some kind of ward to keep the enemy at bay…" He turned his attention to the nearly invisible path that lead directly north of their position; along with the visible illumination at its end. He raised his hand pointed towards it, drawing them to gaze upon the light themselves. "If that is true, then we may have just found our way to the front-door – so to speak."
"Woah. Woah, Woah, wait!" Another member of their team – Ragnar – exclaimed as he pushed past both Matt and Nyx; stopping beside their temporary Fireteam leader. "You're trying to say that our little skydive into this abyss – though incredibly fun – wasn't even the real entrance to this place?"
Felix turned to him, raising a hidden brow at the Exo's inquiry. To be honest with himself, Felix was more perplexed with his response if he did answer. Ragnar never was an easy one to read. "Well, when you put it like that, I guess that's the long and short of it…"
Almost smiling, Felix rolled his eyes as he and his trusty team watched Ragnar barley contain his squeal of excitement at the information he had just received. This type of behaviour was not to be unexpected coming from the Exo as he clearly had some issues to work out. When brought on missions of this measure his approach towards any situation never seemed to change; fear or concern never finding its way into his demeanour. Maybe there was an innocent answer to it. He could simply be incredibly naïve about all situations presented to him… or he was just insane.
Felix seemed to prefer the latter; seeing as it was the more logical and comforting of the two observations.
Ignoring the rest of the group and Ragnar's deranged giggles of amusement, Dakota began examining the outskirts from their protected place within the appointed "Circle of Light". He could – like Matt – see the oddly shaped but familiar figures of the enemy as they roamed the outskirts – also catching a glimpse of what appeared to be a trinity of peering eyes gazing back from a single source. Yes, they were most definitely the spawn of Crota. As he saw another source of movement to his left, Dakota turned as to see it, absentmindedly taking a step to far away from their circle and into the darkness.
"Redire intra circulum!" Merlin called in panic. The others turned to Dakota, Octavian leaping forward as to pull him back into the ring. Feeling an arm latch onto him, Dakota was flung back and against the ground; only just noticing the predicament he had nearly placed his teammates in. Approaching him, Felix kneeled down beside him with a comforting hand upon his shoulder.
"Don't scare us like that, buddy." He warned warmly, sighing in relief at the chaotic events they may have just averted. He hadn't had a teammate die before and he wasn't going to lose that record now. "If it wasn't for Merlin noticing you and Jai pulling you back… we would have been in some real trouble."
Dakota turned away, unsure of an adequate response. "Right, yeah, sorry." He stumbled over his words. Jai almost gave a small smirk; he clearly hadn't changed since the day they had met. "I – uh – I got distracted… I won't let it happen again, Sir…"
"Good," Matt chimed in, "last thing I wanted on my 'to-do-list' was to lose an entire Fireteam and – as a result – get emotionally disturbed; forcing me to share a bunk in the psycho ward with the likes of Kitori or Morn." Felix and the others turned to him, glaring. Ragnar, on the other hand, began laughing hysterically. "Wow, tough crowd…"
"I'm more concerned at how you think you'll be the only survivor…" Nyx voiced his irritation, crossing his arms as he glared towards his… friend. That certainly was a word he used in its loosest form.
Matt raised his arms defensively, flickers of solar embers lacing his fingertips. "Hey, I'm a Sunsinger and – last I checked – I can revive myself in even the worst of places." He gazed toward his fellow Warlock, Jai, and indicated him to join their conversation. "Am I not right, Jai?"
The Warlock looked away. "I don't want to be involved…"
"Whatever," Matt turned back to Nyx, "you know what I'm talking about. It's not a matter of my own preference, it's a matter of the fa-"
"Shush!" Felix snapped suddenly, halting their conversation and drawing attention as he raised his Warcult issued Scout Rifle; for reasons unknown to them.
The group tensed as they looked towards an unidentifiable sound as it steadily approached their position. It was not a sound that they were familiar with, a trace of clinking metal against solid stone joining into the cacophony of this abyss as it approached and echoed. It was foreign to them. The patter of claws and talons as the enemy scurried, coming and going as their innate senses pleased. The lingering hum of an unknown energy source continued to drone on and on – although, at this point – it could almost be considered static in nature. Even the sounds of screams and roars in the distance were far more welcoming than this foreign entity – the unknown always was the most concerning.
This sound – whatever it may claim to be – did not belong here. It was not a welcome intrusion upon the abyss – to both the monsters and unliving. The sound was almost unbearably loud; almost droning in its steady approach. Silhouettes of wandering creatures seem to scatter and scour as they also desperately tried to find its point of origin; intensely bothered by the disharmony.
The team moved into a hexagonal formation, standing back to back and priming their weapons each in their own direction; ready to fire at a moment's notice. Creatures of the shadows lurked and screeched as they scurried to discover what anomaly had disturbed their observations of the enemy. Matt leaned over to Nyx and asked, "What do you think it is?" In response, the Exo simply shrugged and kept his eyes on the prowling forms; ready to gun down any of them brave enough to attack them.
"It doesn't matter what it is, Matt." Dakota declared as he focused upon his own targets. He nodded to himself as a light ping notified him of his Defender ability reaching its fullest charge. "We just need to be ready to face it; no matter what it may be."
"I hope it's something big," Ragnar said, brandishing his darkest of swords from its holster. With the handle drawn, the blade ignited into life and whirred with power. A black hole in the embodiment of a weapon. "because I need something to kill… Now…"
The sound suddenly stopped in one final drumming clang, a resonating echo lingering in the air. The team waited for whatever it was to reveal to them its identity and intentions. They held their tensed pose, slight clinks of metal coming from their restless movements as they impatiently waited for something, anything to happen.
Suddenly, a voice spoke up from the peak of a nearby rock formation. The voice was high-pitched, distorted and… annoyingly familiar. "You're still alive,"
The team turned, aiming in sync towards the silhouetted figure sitting upon the rock; the humanoid figure preoccupying himself by cleaning his weapon. If his red optics had not taken the time to glance at them, it would almost seem like he had not noticed them. This, however, was not the one whom had spoken. The group were all too familiar with the one whom had chosen to speak to them and were starting to wish they hadn't heard him.
As they stood in utter silence, a few lowering their weapons, the small being that spoke seemed to simply enjoy lingering at least three meters above them. His red optic was lit with that same simulated glee he was associated with – the deranged kind. Felix spoke up, "Swoop?" He asked, almost shocked to see them both within this pit. Were they waiting here for them? Did he just get here? "What are you both doing here? This isn't your mission."
"Certainly full of yourself, aren't you? Getting off on telling others what they can and cannot do… you almost sound like a fascist."
Felix's Ghost – Merlin – snorted, "Principes Fascism est religio."
"As insightful and philosophical as ever, Merlin." Swoop remarked as he lowered himself towards the Ghost, close enough to almost graze panels. His partner remaining oblivious to the actions taking place as he continued to clean his weapon. "But still pretentious and foolish. Fascism can be used by anyone. No matter the agenda…"
"You here to lecture us, Swoop, or are you gonna' say something that's actually worth our time?" Matt said as he narrowed his eyes towards the Ghost and kept his weapon primed towards the seemingly oblivious Guardian. His paranoia not relenting in the slightest. "We're on a schedule."
"I'm sure that you do, Matt," the Ghost remarked as he passed by the Warlock – but he still found the time to make a passing remark as to grate on Matt's nerves. "I am sure that Claudia and Pira would appreciate the time you so easily waste in continuing to try and avenge them. Your kind of Guardian is so common it's sickening."
Matt's fists clenched as he bit down the urge to lash out against the Ghost. He had been aware of the dangers of engaging either Swoop or Warden; he was sure that – in that respect – he could only blame himself for making such a rookie mistake. Still, it didn't make the situation any better. "As friendly as ever…" He said, gritting his teeth.
Jai came to Matt's side and placed a solid hand upon his shoulder; giving him a moment of comfort and a reservoir of stability so that he could calm his nerves. Like the rest of the team, Jai understood the feeling that would arise whenever engaged in conversation with Warden or his Ghost. Warden made you feel uncomfortable; unable to set your own mind at ease. He knew things, far too many things about everyone and everything around him and – for that – he could not be trusted. His compatriot was much the same – untrustworthy, incomprehensibly knowledgeable and apathetic. That would be acceptable, however, if he wasn't so cynical, cruel and tactless.
If Octavian were his older self, he would have said something in defence of the overly opinionated Guardian. Luckily, Felix – like he always did – took charge of the conversation. "That is enough of your invigorating opinions, Swoop." He took a few steps towards Warden's position upon the large rocks; glancing up towards him with an intent to investigate his unexpected presence. What did Felix hate more than Zavala's lectures? The unexpected. The ability to control. The security that came with understanding. "I want to know why you are both here? This is our mission and I am not going to allow any unexpected interferences jeopardise the lives of my team or the success of thi-"
"Are you aware of where you stand, Old friend?" Felix paused slightly, shocked at the response that came not from the overly talkative Ghost but from the Guardian. It was voice he had not heard for a long time.
Breaking from his shock, Felix raised a brow. "Yes, but I am sure you'll tell me anyway." He replied sarcastically, allowing his most public personality to switch into gear for this conversation. Even under pressure, it is unwise to allow others to see you at your weakest point. Vulnerability was not acceptable.
The Exo continued to focus upon his weathered weapon as he spoke; the apathy remaining at its fullest. "This is the den of Crota. A being whom is sung about by his Hive kin in the midst of battle; a creature whom resides within the darkest of nightmares for children and Guardians alike." The Guardian paused, turning his attention towards the attentive Hunter standing three feet below his position. "Son of Oryx, God of the Hive, Prince of the Oversoul Throne and-"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, we get it." Matt interrupted abruptly, "You're his number one fan and want to kiss him on his 'Crota's End' until the Vandels come home."
The Guardian glared towards the Warlock, his rusted optics showing a trace of rage lacing its way and corrupting the apathy that once lurked. He did not allow it to be shown as he continued. "-and ruler of the Dark Abyss. He will not allow you to reach him at this time... For you to defeat him, you require time, talent and…"
"What?" Jai snapped, growing tired of the Exo's seemingly pointless exposition. "'And' what?!"
"Sacrifice."
Felix's brow knotted once again; confusion evident at Warden's choice of words. Sacrifice… It certainly was not a word he liked to think about. It left a bad taste in his mouth. The idea of sacrificing to achieve a goal was not one he was accustomed to. More specifically, he did not the like the weight of the decision; the willingness to sacrifice for the mission. To take a life and evaluate its tactical importance – simplifying ones very existence into a numeric. It was Benthamism – Utilitarianism. The greatest good for the greatest number. That he could not accept.
"No," Felix declared, "that is not acceptable. I am not willing to-"
"I never said it is to be you whom sacrifices within this pit." The sociopathic Guardian turned back to his weapon, examining it with a renewed interest. "I am referring to someone whom has a team willing to die; many of them wishing for it. A group of the damned. Guardians who have been ousted long ago…"
Dakota, scouting the area tensely with his rifle primed, moved to Felix's side saying, "Sir, something's coming. I can hear the enemies foot traffic increasing." He turned suddenly at the sound of scraping talons passing their position."If we're going to act, we need to act now."
Felix nodded. "Take up a defensive formation at the north entrance to our position, Dakota. Just let me finish our… chat." Dakota nodded in conformation, moving to relay the information to his teammates. Felix turned back to Warden. "Now, as you were so condescendingly explaining, tell me who is this 'group' you speak of."
"What do you think we are? A scribe?" Swoop interjected, "If you want to learn something, that you are clearly to unintelligent to understand, read it up in a Grimoire." The Ghost paused his patronising commentary as he approached Nyx. "Or you could ask your resident Nostradamus. He knows of whom we speak."
Nyx jerked slightly at the Ghosts accusation, his toxic green optics widening slightly. "What?" He questioned, "How do you know about-"
"We'll talk about it later, Nyx." Felix declared, "Warden, on behalf of the Council of the Tower and your fellow Guardians, tell me who you speak of. It might just save a few lives."
Swoop scoffed at Felix's declaration; Warden simply ignored the two, knowing that he had said his peace. "Oh, so self-righteous and full of authority aren't we, Felix."
"Swoop, as riveting as your constant commentary is, I am growing tire-"
The two paused their conversation, both turning at the sound of a distant scream. It was a familiar sound within these pits; within the abyss. It was a declaration; a war cry used only by the most horrifying and spindly of the Hive forces. By the sounds of it, they were nearby.
"Oh," Swoop squeaked excitedly, moving back to hover beside his owner. The screeches of talons approached their position, forcing Felix to join the formation taken set up by his teammates. His eyes narrowed as the irritating Ghost continued his dialogue. "someone's in trouble."
In the blink of an eye, Warden and his Ghost vanished; dematerialising in the same manner as the Vex. The team were left only with the disturbing laughter of Swoop resonating in their ears as the enemy approached their position in mass. Even over the screams of their approaching foes, the laughter would not seem to disappear. The team could only prepare to face the incoming onslaught, hoping that the fury of battle could silence it.
Dakota spoke up, "Sir, they're closing in!"
"Acknowledged, Dakota." He replied, "Get ready."
"You don't say…"
Nyx growled. "Matt, I swear-"
"Stop whining, you two." Ragnar ordered, raising his sword before him. "It's killin' time and I ain't going to let you guys ruin it…"
"Shush," Jai snapped, "they're here!"
"Incoming!"
If only the laughter died away…