Tormented

A New Sunbreaker, A New Guardian

Edited: 01/02/2022

"Take this Mark and bring it to Mercury. The Sunbreakers will take it from there."

That was all Gaia had told her before they followed Akiva and the others into his ship, apparently insinuating for her to venture to a Vex infested planet on her own. Admittingly Carina didn't mind; venturing out to Mercury solo means a higher chance of encountering something exciting. The only problem Carina had to do was come up with an excuse to split off from the group, much to Duke's chagrin. Gaia had apparently neglected to tell them that she was parting ways with the others. Nonetheless, it was successful and now, she sat in her ship, rubbing the yellow cloth between her fingers as Spears piloted the ship.

Carina recognizes the symbol upon the mark; although faded and frayed, the orange hammer is still visible against the yellow background. It was obvious that despite the years, it was taken well care of.

"Sun must have been part of the faction for a long while, I mean look at it, it's hardly holding together," She said as she lifted her optics towards Spears, "Wonder why they left the Sunbreakers."

{"Well they did have Clan Galaxy to look after."} Spears stated, not once pulling his optics away from the controls, {"Although it seems that Sun still kept in contact with them, considering how nonchalantly Gaia told you to head to Mercury."}

Brushing her fingers against the faded mark, Carina pondered before saying, "Do you think that means I have a chance to wield the Hammer of Sol? That I have a chance to attune to Solar Light?"

There was a hum from Spears, {"You have potential, although that does not mean I am not concerned. As you know, not all Titans can attune to Solar light easily; there even have been reports of some died trying to attune to the Forge."} That is when Carina heard Spears pause and felt the concern through their bond, {"There is a chance that you might not be able to successfully attune to the Forge as well."}

Squinting at her Ghost, Carina waited for the punchline and when she received none, she opted to remain quiet and instead, continued to graze her fingers over the mark, confused and curious. Had Gaia thought that they had potential to be a Sunbreaker? Or was it Sun who had thought it best to send her to Mercury? Carina pondered upon the latter.

"A challenge then?" She said, then smiled, "I will accept."

{"Oh Traveler."}

Laughing at her Ghost, Carina stood up from her seat before reaching down and untying her current mark, - a simple pelt from a furred creature on her first lone patrol – from her waist. Delicately placing it on the arm of the chair, she then hooked Sun's mark, feeling the cloth slip from her fingers and dangle down to her knees. Carina admired it, leaning out a leg to gain a better of the Mark; aged and well taken care of.

"Do you think that this will be a better way to present it than simply handing it over?" She asked.

{"Perhaps. I feel that they would appreciate the successor if they wore the original bearer's Mark. Handing it over seems like as though we a hand in their death."}

"Well…"

{"Don't say it. I am polarizing the windows."}

Giving her Ghost a bewildered look, Carina then lifted her arms over her optics as a blinding light flooded the ship. Fortunately, just as it had slipped into the ship, it was gone as the windows darkened, allowing Carina to lower her arms and blink.

"Was that the Sun?" She asked as she looked out the windows, seeing a fiery inferno outside.

{"Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun."} Spears confirmed, {"Makes sense that we are able to see it before we land."}

Humming to herself, Carina then opted to look around it and instead, admire the blocks that they passed. They were too clean to be natural but too even to be man-made, something that even with their best cutters cannot do so perfectly. Curious, Carina leaned towards the front window, wanting to take in the perfect cuts.

{"We will get the opportunity to sightsee once we land, Carina."}

Feeling Spears press against her chest and push her back, Carina couldn't help but huff, "You sure about that? From what I heard, the Sunbreakers aren't exactly welcoming when it comes to strangers 'visiting' their Forge, especially when it comes to the Hammer of Sol." She allowed herself to be pushed back into her seat, "What makes you think that once we land, that the Sunbreakers won't attack us on sight?"

{"And you call me a pessimist?"}

"Shut up."

Hearing Spears laugh, Carina simply crossed her arms and pouted as she felt the ship slow down and then land beneath her.

{"Ready?"}

Responding with a nod, Carina watched as Spears glided over and right before they collided, he disappeared in a flash of light. It didn't take long for his presence to settle into her mind. Then, the familiar buzzing of a transmat rang in her sensors, signaling to her to square out her shoulders and feet. Next, white flashed into her vision followed by weightlessness, prompting her to straight herself out and land on her feet.

The first thing she felt was herself sinking, causing Carina to reel her arms and lift, pulling herself out of the sand.

{"It's safe."}

Considering her Ghost's words, Carina reluctantly and slowly drifted down and when she saw her feet disappear into the sand, she forced herself still, slowly descending until she felt her feet fall upon something solid. She let out a breath of relief. And then promptly yelped as she was blinded by the sun.

{"Don't look at it!"}

Spears' exasperation can be heard as carefully, Carina lowered her raised hands, and blinked as her vision slowly cleared.

"Wasn't thinking."

{"I can tell."} There was a sigh from her Ghost, {"Eyes up. We're in unknown territory now. Watch out for-" }

The sound of rushing footfalls reached Carina's audio receptors, interrupting her Ghost, and prompting her to leap to the side. The sound of cracking thunder, one that Carina recognizes as a failed shoulder charge, echoed through the air as she rolled onto her feet, allowing her to look up at her attacker.

"Oh, come on!" Carina threw her arms up into the air as she spotted a Titan adorned in black and silver armor. And at how easily he towered over her, "Why is everyone fucking taller than me!?"

{"Because you are only four foot ten, Carina."}

"Oh, shut up, Spears."

Seeing movement, Carina's optics then grew wide as her the Titan before her cracked his knuckles, and flames flickered around his shoulders.

"Oh, shit."

A clang, one that she remembers from when Sun would summon their hammer, then can be heard, signaling to Carina to jump and activate her lift. An explosion shifted her sideways, forcing her to twist and land on her feet; she cursed at the sight of charred sand and a burned hole.

"Fuck off!"

Gathering Arc light into her fists, Carina dug her heels into the sand and propelled herself forward with one large leap. With a resounding slam, Carina felt the ground beneath her shake, her arc light snapping out in all directions and smoldering anything in its wake. Taking in a deep breath, Carina then lifted herself up, only to throw her arms down in shock and anger as she spotted the Titan landed a safe distance away.

"Oh, come on! Don't tell me you fucking dodged that!?"

"I dodged it."

Carina twitched at the Titan's comment, narrowing her optics at him; she didn't have to see his face to know that he was smiling, "Hah, Hah, you think you're so funny?"

Instead of receiving an answer, Carina instead watched as the Sunbreaker summoned another hammer, prompting her to groan, roll her shoulders, and charge.

{"Carina? What are you planning? Carina? Carina! Oh, Traveler! Carina! What are you doing!?"}

Taking in a deep breath, Carina tuned out Spears protested and instead, waited until she saw her opponent toss his hammer. Then, right as it flew right at her, she slid down onto her knees, leaning back just as the hammer entered her vision. She can easily feel the heat as it flew just centimeters above her visor, her optics burning from the close proximity to the Hammer's flames. Nonetheless, the instant it left her sight, Carina then took the opportunity to leap back onto her feet and dashed forward. Charging her light, she then slammed her arc filled fist right into his helmet, watching with satisfaction as the light surged forward and cracked through his visor, shattering it just as she sent him flying.

Skidding herself to a stop, Carina couldn't help but pump a fist, gleeful at her triumphant. Only for it to be quickly shattered when the Titan quickly rolled onto his back, and then pushed himself onto his feet, shaking his arms as if the hit was nothing more than a hindrance. The only remaining satisfaction she got was the Titan tearing his helmet off and tossing it to the side.

"Fuck you!"

Charging her arc light into her fists, Carina dashed forward, not even faltering when she saw her opponent charge his Solar Light and bolted towards her. Gritting her jaw, Carina let out a war cry as she swung her fist forward, only to see her opponent do the same.

White flashed into her vision and Carina felt herself treading air. And then feeling the wind leaving her artificial lungs as her back slammed into a hard structure. Gasping and wheezing, Carina blinked rapidly to clear out the blurred edges of her vision as she grasped the wall behind her.

{"Carina! You alright?"}

"Honestly, no." She managed to groan out as she somehow leveraged herself onto her feet, only to come to a sudden halt when she saw a barrel of a pulse rifle pointed right at her face. Following the body of the gun, Carina let out another groan at the sight of the silver and black clad Titan.

"Really?"

Hearing nothing, Carina watched as the Titan tilted his head, then laughed as he lowered his weapon and said, "Well done."

Giving him a bewildered look, Carina couldn't help but reel when the Titan held out his hand; a gesture for her to accept his help. Glancing back and forth between his hand and the Titan, Carina slowly and carefully wrapped her hand around the Titan's. In other words, she locked her grip tight, feeling his fingers collapse under her strength. To her disappointment, instead of a shout or a curse, the Titan simply flinched and instead helped pull her onto her feet. She only received a satisfying reaction when she released her grip, where she saw the Titan finally let out a hiss and shake his hand before he clutched it close to his chest.

"Is this how you greet all Guardians?"

Carina couldn't help but flash him a smile, "Only if they beat me in a fight."

There was a pause, the Titan slowly turning his hazel eyes to her, his expression blank.

"Right…"

He then coughed into his fist just as a familiar star shaped shell materialized into view and quickly got to work on his ruined hand.

"I apologize for the sudden attack, however, the Empyreal Magistrate made it quite clear that any who land here must be tested."

"Excuse me?" Carina couldn't help but give the Guardian a disbelieving look, "Empyreal Magistrate? A test? For what?"

This earned her only a grin from the Titan, "Take your best guess." He then raised his hand and flexed it before turning and nodding to his Ghost. Then, as his Ghost materialized back into the safety of his armor, he turned his attention back towards Carina, "Follow me."

Watching him wave her over and then walk away, Carina couldn't help but narrow her optics suspiciously.

"What do you think, Spears? Should we follow?"

{"Well."} Spears started, {"Considering Gaia told us to head to Mercury to meet the Sunbreakers and we managed to bump into one, I don't see why not?"}

Unable to help but still feel suspicious, Carina then shrugged; Gaia didn't exactly tell them 'where' on Mercury to find the Sunbreakers. This was the best lead if any. As such, Carina ran after the Titan, only to come to a short pause to match his strides.

"The name is Vaine." The Titan introduced, "yours?"

"Carina-23."

"An Exo then?"

Carina frowned at his question, "Is that a problem?"

"No, no." Vaine held up his hands, Carina spotting a tinge of panic in his eyes, "I was simply curious. Most Exo I have met aren't this, small. No offense."

Groaning at this, Carina shook her head and sighed, "Can't exactly help it when I was built this way to easily flank enemy troops." She shrugged, "The smaller the target, the more difficult it is to be spotted."

"That would explain how you dodged my Hammer of Sol." Vaine hummed, "I have to admit though, it was a bit daring."

Carina couldn't help but laugh, "Well, the best way to catch an opponent off guard is to do the unexpected." She then grinned at him, "And what better way to do that than rush towards a Hammer of Sol?"

This prompted a laugh from Vaine, "I will try and remember the next time I am in the Crucible."

Unable to help a smile, Carina turned her attention forward, only to pause. The pair had made it to the other end of the structure and out in the horizon, stood more of the perfectly cut blocks, illuminated by the sun. However, what caught her attention the most was the circular pattern at the end, and in the middle, a ball of flame hovered.

"What is that?"

"That is the Forge, Guardian."

Jumping at the unfamiliar voice, Carina turned around, bringing her hands up ready for a fight, only to pause when Vaine held up a hand.

"She is not threat." Was all he said before he lowered his arm, signaling to Carina to force her arms back to her side and inspect the newcomer, the latter of which slowly approached, arms folded behind her back.

Adorned in yellow armor in which Carina recognizes as the sun imprinted on her shoulders and helmet, the Titan before her held regal confidence, and a grace that she knows Angel would be envious of. Despite this, Carina kept her guard up, preparing herself as the Titan slowly approached and then came to a pause just several feet away.

"Thank you, Vaine, but I can handle the rest from here. You may leave."

Then, to Carina's surprise, Vaine placed a hand over his chest and bowed, "Of course, Empyreal Magistrate Ouros."

That is when Carina sputtered, optics flashing over to the aforementioned Magistrate just in time to see Vaine give her a wink and a smile before he disappeared in a flash of transmat. Waving her hand over where Vaine had just stood to ensure that she wasn't being fooled, Carina then fixed her attention onto Ouros and glowered, "So, you're this Empyreal Magistrate I keep hearing about?"

"Yes." She confirmed, "However, you may simply call me Ouros. I am not one for formalities." Carina then watched as the Sunbreaker strolled past her, prompting her to turn and follow. They walked past the orb of flames and came to a pause just near the edge. Carina heard Ouros take in a breath.

"Sun had finally passed."

"What?" Carina recoiled, "How did you…?"

"Before they left the Sunbreakers, Sun said they will past their Mark onto a successor." Ouros turned her head to face her, "but only when they know their life is coming to an end." She turned her eyes back towards the horizon, "Last I have heard, Sun had passed but, I knew that was a lie when no Titan came to the Forge bearing their mark. Now, here we are." Ouros then nodded her head, and it took Carina a moment to realize she was pointing to the Mark dangling around her waist, "It also helps that Gaia sent a message saying you were coming."

"So that is how you knew to send Vaine to 'test' me?" Carina frowned as this earned her a nod from Ouros, "A test for what exactly?"

That is when she heard a scoff, "Do you think we let any Titan enter here? I test them to ensure that they are not only strong but, also bold and willing to take risks. You have proven yourself in your fight against him." A chuckle can be heard from Ouros, "Using only your fists against a Sunbreaker? That is not a common tactic used against us."

Unsure of whether to be annoyed or proud, Carina decided to ask, "So, I passed? Now what?"

"You are Sun's successor, you bear their mark. It is only right that you take up their path as well." That is when Ouros took a step to the side and then gestured with her hands towards the ball of flames, "And the right to take up their Mantle."

Glancing back and forth between the flames and Ouros, Carina blinked before it finally clicked, "Wait, but how am I supposed to forge a Hammer of Sol with 'that'?"

"You figure it out, Guardian."

Glaring at the Magistrate, Carina then turned her optics back towards the forge, heaved out a sigh, and then rolled her shoulders.

"Well, here goes nothing."

Taking slow and cautious steps towards the flames, it was only when Carina held her hand towards it that she realized that the head of the flames were irregular, not natural, the heat too strong to be man-made. Curious, she concentrated her light around her hand, and it was then, she saw the flames flicker and waver; a ball of Solar Light, she realized. In awe, Carina then pressed her fingertips against it and, instead of pain, she felt warmth crawl up her fingers, encouraging her to further push her hand in. As she felt the heat shift, Carina would adjust her light accordingly, feeling the flames brush against her armor and plating, as if they held a will, sentiency. She only understood when the entire length of her arm was in, she recognized a light, one that she had just fought alongside just hours before.

Sun.

Taking in a deep breath of realization, Carina then closed her optics, grasping inside the Forge until finally, she grabbed onto something solid, a grip. Before she pulled it out however, she released her light, a small amount to power the Forge. And for future Sunbreakers to feel the history of those who had wielded the Hammer. Then, with a swift turn, Carina's arm came free, the flames of the Forge caressing against her plating just as felt Solar Light build around her frame. That is when Carina took the opportunity to glance down at the Hammer in her hand.

At first, to her, it looked basic, seeing nothing unique. But, as she further scanned the weapon, she noticed the beak at the tip, and diamond shaped patterns running down the handle. It was simple, beautiful, and powerful.

Closing her optics as she took in a deep breath, Carina concentrated, feeling the flow of Solar Light fade, and the grip of her Hammer dissipating from her hands. By the time she opened her optics, it was gone, stowed away to be used at another time.

Hearing footsteps approach, Carina turned to face Ouros, the latter of which came to a pause just short of her. Although her expression hidden by her visor, Carina can tell that she was proud, pleased just from the way her shoulders and head held high.

"Sun chose well." Ouros said before she bowed, startling Carina as she heard her add, "Welcome, Sunbreaker."

Xxxxx

It was dark when the group made it back to the Tower, bringing Akiva some relief; the less people know of Fireteam Redacted's escapade, the better. When the group landed in the Plaza it was empty; Tess had closed up shop and Rahool had left his spot near the tables for the rest of the night. The only one present was Banshee-44, the old Exo giving them no more than a glance before returning his attention back towards the weapons on his table.

"Well." Aleeza's voice was clear in the night air, "Who wants to guess that the Vanguard are still up?"

Akiva would have chuckled, laughed even if it wasn't for the fact that he could easily feel the glare from Duke upon him and his sister's back; it was obvious the Titan was still not pleased about not just Angel leaving the group, but also Carina, the latter of which had claimed she had an errand but refused to detail what. As such, he feigned a cough, leaning against his twin to exaggerate his weakness.

"They must be resting." Marcel hummed, "That means we won't be able to report in until the morning." A groan can be heard from Duke, "If that is the case, what are we going to do about 'them'?"

Akiva didn't have to ask what Marcel was insinuating; he can still feel Gaia settled in the crook of his neck after leaving Angel's side, the Ghost having long ago powered down and rested.

"They are going to stay with me." Akiva sensed the doubtful look from both Duke and Marcel, "Look, I understand why you are so nervous letting a Ghost with me, especially after today, but Gaia has nowhere else to go, especially with their Guardian, deceased." Nervous, Akiva trudged around, signaling Aleeza to help him turn to face his fellow Titan, "Just let them stay with me for tonight. When we meet the Vanguard in the morning, we will find another alternative."

The narrowed look never left Duke's face but nonetheless, the Titan let out a sigh, "Fine, but if anything goes wrong, it's on 'your' head."

Flashing Duke a smile, Akiva nodded before he watched him turn and disappear into one of the halls, with Marcel following after him after a quick wave goodbye. This allowed Akiva to let out a breath of relief.

"You sure it is a good idea to let Gaia stay with us?" It was Lex, the Ghost materializing nearby, his shell shifting nervously, "What if they try to escape when we are all asleep? What if-"

"Then they leave." Aleeza said, prompting Lex to sputter, "Gaia has every right to leave whenever the please. They have no Guardian and the Vanguard naturally do not have control over them."

"The Vanguard won't be pleased if Gaia left considering who their Guardian was." Lex muttered out but nonetheless said nothing else as Akiva shifted forward, signaling to his twin to follow and gradually help him walk.

Fortunately, Neve's quarters were close, and it didn't take long for him to punch in the number and enter with his sister in tow.

"Akiva?"

Turning his attention towards the couches in the living room, Akiva's eyes widen as Neve sat up, rubbing her eyes.

"Neve? Why are you sleeping here?"

"Was waiting for you to return." Neve stood up and from where he stood, Akiva can clearly see concern in her eyes, "What happened?"

"Long story." Akiva answered as his lover approached and he easily slid over into her arms. He then turned to Aleeza, "Thanks."

Sensing his twin flashing him a smile and a nod, Akiva then watched her step out, the door quietly closingbehind her.

"So, who is your little friend?"

Flashing Neve a bewildered look, Akiva then only understood when she nodded her head towards Gaia, the latter of which still slept soundly just below his jaw.

"Another long story."

This prompted a sigh.

"Redacted." She said as he felt her slowly lead him down the hall; more than likely to their bedroom, "Perfect considering how little you say of your exploits, even to me."

Akiva smiled sheepishly, "What if I say that mostly it's for the sake of friends?"

This earned him a soft chuckle, "I do not mind, as long as you return safely."

Nodding in agreement, Akiva then came to a halt, shifting his weight towards one of the doors, "Before you force me into bed rest, may I see Ora?"

"Of course, you may." Neve raised a brow at him, "He is your son."

Akiva responded with another smile, "And he is your son."

There was a chuckle before Neve shifted her footing so that they turned to the bedroom door and with slow movement, she opened it. Careful to not make a sound and with Neve's help, Akiva tiptoed his way towards the crib.

Smiling softly as he spotted Ora's sleeping form within, Akiva leaned over and simply watched as his son slept.

"You know." Lex whispered, "all our years together, I never thought that we would be in this position. A Guardian and being a father on the side." Akiva heard his Ghost take in a deep breath, "Your child, is so beautiful."

Akiva let out a quiet hush but smiled at Lex's words. If he were to be honest, he had never expected this as well, at least, not again, not after Maylea. Her death made him thought he would never be ready to be a father again but, seeing Ora in his crib, soundly asleep, the thought had quickly dissipated. This time, he 'will' be around, ensure that his son has a safe and happy childhood, and able to roam free without fear.

"Gaia? What are you doing?"

Snapping out of his reverie, Akiva tuned in onto Lex's voice, only to feel the absence of Gaia's presence on the crook of his neck and spot the Ghost idly gliding just above Ora's crib.

It was then they spread out their shell, exposing their core. And then blinding Akiva as their light illuminated the room. It didn't take long for him hear Ora whimper. Then scream.

Panic kicking in, Akiva reached out a hand and tried to snatch at Gaia, hoping to pull the Ghost away from his child. However, instead, Akiva let out a curse as he instead touched air and then yelped as he was forced back by Gaia's light. His concern grew as his son's cries turned in screeches.

"What in the Traveler is going on!?" That is when Akiva noticed Neve, barely able to see his lover settle near his side, feeling her hands grip his arm tightly.

"I don't know." Akiva hissed out as he attempted to take a step forward, only to collapse onto his knees. His body was still too exhausted to properly force his way through.

However, just as he gritted his teeth, preparing to force himself to stand, the light vanished, quickly followed by silence.

Then, a giggle can be heard echoing through the room.

Confused, Akiva then felt Neve wrap her arms under one of his, signaling to him to use her to help himself back onto his feet and once again, use her as leverage to help him stand. The pair then slowly made their way towards the crib.

At first, Akiva was relieved when he saw Ora awake, but unharmed, giggling and beaming at Gaia, the latter of which was just out of the infant's reach. However, as he prepared to question the gold and crimson Ghost, that is when he spotted it: the once colorless optic, now gleaming with gold.

"Akiva." He heard Neve take in a sharp breath, "Don't tell me…"

Instead of answering his lover's words, Akiva instead felt his knees collapse, weakness suddenly over coming him again at the realization: his son, a mere infant, has been chosen. Chosen to be a Guardian.

The edges of his eyes burned, his chest heaving, Akiva then felt arms wrap around his shoulders, pulling him into an embrace. Wrapping his arms around Neve, Akiva buried his head into her shoulder the best he could and wept.