based on the story from Midlydrunk335 (with up-to-date lore-wise, story-wise, and necessary changes)
a/n: months ago, I read his story and was fascinated by his plot. However, Destiny has undergone significant changes since then, so I figured that someone would have to rewrite it eventually. I contacted the original author, but received no response. If anyone knows, please leave an address.
Story summary: Months before Season of the Seraph, out of nowhere, a Gate-shaped structure from the pre-Golden Age era emerged in the heart of the city, prompting the Vanguards and Guardians, humanity's protectors in the Last City, to evacuate civilians within a four-mile radius and investigate the anomaly. After approximately 45 minutes, the structure began to spawn strange creatures and lightless warriors, who proceeded to wreak havoc on everything in their path.
The Eliksnis and the city's civilian rangers, who had volunteered to defend the city alongside the Guardians, joined forces to confront the invaders. After a fierce battle, the invaders eventually retreated through the Gate back to their world.
During the battle, there were unfortunate civilian casualties and kidnappings which sparked anger throughout the entire city. The Guardians captured the culprit responsible for the invasion, a man named Colt Formal, and brought him in for information. At the same time, the Vanguards established a foothold on the other side of the Gate to conduct further research, as requested by Ikora and other Warlocks within the Tower.
A week later, a memorial was held to honor those who had lost their lives in the crossfire. Commander Zavala, one of the leaders of the Vanguards, vowed that the Guardians and their allies pledged that they would not rest until they had uncovered the truth behind the invasion and that they would destroy the structure once they had concluded their research and gathered all necessary information.
*4 weeks after the memorial, H.E.L.M, the solar system*
third POV
Osiris: It is certain that this world is not a creation of the Vex, Ikora. The hidden thoroughly searched for any indications of Vex's presence but found nothing. Scans of the world and even its constellations were conducted, but no matches were found in the Golden Age computer databases for now.
a meeting was taking place at the war table and everyone was present. Zavala, Ikora, Eris Morn, Mithrax from the House of Light, empress Caialt, and Queen of the Reef, Mara Sov. As holograms displayed, Osiris was explaining the situation from the other end of the meeting, which take place on the other side of the Gate.
Ikora: what about the Pyramids? Or any trace of the Witness' presence there?
the old Warlock shook his head at his former protege
Osiris: nothing, as of now. I don't know whether I'll be glad or worried about it. What about our new friend that we caught 2 weeks ago?
Ikora: he spits out some general information about the world. To summarize, he's the head of his family clan who was ordered by the king of the Saderan Empire. Once every hundred years, the passage through the Gate is opened for humanity from the other side to venture through and gain knowledge to advance their civilization. It is believed that the activation of the Gate is the work of the gods they worship.
Mithrax: gods? Like the Taken King?
the Eliksni asked since most gods he only knew were Oryx, Xivu Arath, and recently, Savathun. As Osiris was about to correct him, a voice interrupt the Warlock and said
Lord Saladin: according to the information gathered and cross-referenced by Ikora's Hidden, the gods worshipped on this world are similar to those revered on Earth in ancient times, prior to the Golden Age. They are gods of old.
Mithrax: I see...
Lord Saladin: anyway, about the man, Colt Formal, did he mention anything else related to the Saderan empire?
Zavala: aside from the political situation before his departure for the Gate and the current location of the Gate on the other end, no, nothing but cursing all of us as demonic's servants due to their view of technology as sorcery unlike theirs.
Zavala couldn't blame them for their reactions. The city has gone through decades of development to get to where it stands today. To the count and his men, it was a sight that no amount of training or preparation could have fully prepared them for.
Zavala refocused his thoughts and turned to his colleagues and allies. "We must remember that our duty is to prevent the Witness' from reaching the Traveler, and protect humanity, both within and beyond the city walls. The situation at the Gate was unexpected so once we've rescued our people and completed our research, we will shut it down."
Osiris nodded in agreement, his expression serious. "Agreed. We have enough on our plate already and dealing with an alternate dimension is the last thing we need before the Witness arrives."
Eris Morn: may I ask, Lord Saladin, how is the base of operations holding up over there?
*near Alnus hill, the other side of the Gate*
Lord Saladin: to be honest, since our arrival in this world, the enemy forces have continuously attacked the base. Nevertheless, with the aid of the rangers, Eliksni allies, and our fellow Guardians, we managed to capture the lightless warriors and eradicate the creatures. Despite being outnumbered, we were not outmatched.
Mara Sov: have you made any progress in establishing first contact with the human inhabitants of that world? Furthermore, have you learned about their magical abilities?
Osiris: four fireteams and a select group of rangers have already initiated initial contact with the human inhabitants of that world. As for their magic abilities, the Warlocks are still in the process of investigating it.
Mara Sov: I see...
upon the Awoken Queen's conclusion, Empress Caialt turned to the Warlock and the Iron Lord and question them.
Caialt: I've read the reports, Valus Saladin. One of the fireteams has intercepted the Saderan's invasion of a tribe. How exactly that happened?
Osiris sighs as Saladin starts to explain in more details
Saladin: it was supposed to be a simple patrol mission that turn into an entire three-person raid...
*flashback, a week ago, fireteam High Calibur*
the three jumpships were flying side by side. These ships are piloted by Guardians who were assigned to scout the area for enemy forces and potential sights of the Vex or Pyramid.
"Ghost, any update?" the Guardian asked, her eyes scanning the barren landscape. The tiny, floating companion hummed to life. "No heat signatures, visual sightings, or structures resembling Vex or Pyramid technology, Guardian." The Guardian nodded, relieved to hear the report. "Acknowledged. Thank you, Ghost."
the Warlock let out a sigh as she continued to grip the ship's side stick tightly. She and her fireteam had flown over the surrounding area at least a hundred times by now. Initially, they encountered lightless warriors who had attempted to shoot arrows and rocks at their ships. However, after the successful capture of many of these warriors, their numbers had dwindled significantly, as their casualties had reportedly reached or exceeded 80%. The Guardians knew that going against the lightless warriors contradicted the Vanguard's policy, but the invaders had attacked innocent civilians and destroyed their homes. This was a compelling reason for the Guardians to take drastic measures. They were certain that the Vanguard would not let this slide, not after what happened with Cad-.
"Be advised, smoke is visible approximately 5 miles away from our current location." A second Guardian speaks through the comns. "Probably an enemy's camp. What's your call, bookworm?" asked the third Guardian, addressing their fireteam leader. The Warlock, annoyed by the nickname but responding promptly, said, "We will intercept them," she instructed, "and remember, using non-lethal weapons is optional." Then she directed Flora, her Ghost, to set a course for the location of the smoke. The Warlock's Ghost, Flora, nodded and adjusted the navigation to the location where the smoke had started.
a/n: just for clarification,
The Titan is clad in The Shelter In Place armor set, the Hunter is donning the Veritas set, and the Warlock is garbed in the Gensym Knight set. As of 19/03/2023, these armor sets are available to claim in the game (except Gensym Knight)
*the Lagomorphs' village, miles away from Alnus*
Zorzal's smirk turned into a grin as he used his leg to pin the woman to the ground. The warrior bunnies may have been strong, but they were easily outnumbered. Witnessing the fall of the tribe's cowardly leader, Zorzal laughed loudly, feeling a sense of achievement. The tribe's power was easily diminished by just five corps. After the siege, Zorzal thought about the Gate that had recently been activated early near Alnus hill. He had heard that the entire force led by Count Formal had been defeated by warriors who wielded magic far different from theirs, unlike anything they had ever seen.
furthermore, it was rumored that only 18 of them had obliterated the entire corps. However, Zorzal dismissed it as mere hallucinations of the Count's soldiers. As he grabbed the woman off the ground and prepared to leave, a loud and unfamiliar sound suddenly echoed through the area.
BANG
BANG
BANG
the guards surrounding Zorzal suddenly fell to the ground and screamed in pain as their legs and arms were hit by the bullets. Confused and panicked, Zorzal turned his head towards the direction of the now-destroyed wooden wall, only to widen his eyes in shock as he saw three figures emerging from the dust and smoke. The figures were clad in unfamiliar armor and held weapons that the Romans have never seen before. Their movements were swift, precise, and powerful as they advanced toward Zorzal and his men. The Sadera warriors caught off guard and unprepared, were quickly shot down by the attackers.
*at the same time*
The Warlock surveyed the surrounding area with a sense of unease, her Ghost, Flora, hovering by her side. "How many are we facing, Flora?" she asked. Flora scanned the area before responding, "Around a hundred or two. That's the same amount as two waves of Thrall back on the Moon, Guardian."
the Warlock tightened her grip on her rifle, the Quicksilver Storm, as she witnessed the atrocities the Saderan warriors were committing against the locals. Women with animal-like features were being chained up and forced to kneel on the ground, some of them stripped naked and left exposed to the elements. It was a brutal display of power and dominance. The Warlock reached up and activated her comms, her voice was cold and determined.
"Fireteam High Calibur, we have no choice but to use lethal force. The Vanguard's policy does not tolerate such actions. Neutralize the lightless warriors and capture their high-ranking members. You'll know them when you see them." Without hesitation, the Warlock opened fire on any lightless warrior in sight.
"Roger that/ copy" replied the Hunter and the Titan, trailing behind the Warlock who was leading the way. Despite the enemy's efforts to take them down with fiery arrows, their armor proved impenetrable - forged with a strength that surpassed even that of the Empire's weaponry.
The trio pressed on with determination as they marched toward the heart of the village. Zorzal clenched his teeth in frustration, trying to mask his fear as he watched his best warriors fall one after another. Limbs were blasted apart, screams for mercy silenced by brutal punches, and some lay motionless on the ground.
the moment the high-ranking officers were dispatched to stop the trio, they were swiftly overpowered and rendered unconscious. The remaining warriors were seized by panic and fled in terror, leaving only a trembling prince and a few of his men behind.
Zorzal raised his sword, blocking the trio's path. "Stop where you are!" he bellowed. "Do you have any idea what you've just done?" He glared at them, his eyes filled with rage and contempt. "And do you know who I am, barbarians?"
as the man launched into his grandiose "villain introduction," the Hunter quietly messaged the Titan and Warlock through their HUDs. 'Trust me, I have a plan.' flashed across their screens. The Titan and Warlock exchanged small sighs and reluctantly replied with a terse 'fine.' They knew the Hunter was known for her unpredictable tactics, and they could only hope that this plan of hers wouldn't backfire like last time.
"...am prince Zorzal El Caeser of the glorious Saderan Empire! You dare to-
In an instant, the Hunter vanished without a trace. Zorzal had hurled the woman aside and was on the brink of speaking in a fearful and command tone of voice when he sensed a sharp blade pressed against his neck. Caught off guard, the high-ranked warriors recoiled from where the prince stood, terrified by Hunter's swift and unexpected action.
In a calm yet chilly tone, the caped guardian whispered to Zorzal's ear, "Let me explain how things will proceed, my dear prince. You're nothing but a parasite to your father - a beast that feeds on his own pleasure." hissed the Hunter. "Consider this your one and only warning."
the caped Guardian said as she press the knife closer to Zorzal's neck. "Back off while you can or else you'll witness your kingdom crumble." The Hunter seized Zorzal and flung him towards his trembling warriors. "Get out of here!" she growled, and the prince hastily ordered his men to retreat with him.
"This is not over! The next time we meet, all of you will beg for mer-!" Zorzal's threat was abruptly cut off by the sharp crack of the Warlock's sniper rifle. The thunderous blast echoed through the air, sending a chill down the spines of the prince and his warriors as they rode their horses out of the village, their faces contorted with fear.
Warlock extended her hand, and Flora materialized at her side. "Flora, assess the casualties and send a report to the Vanguard." She instructed. Her Little Light bobbed in agreement before beginning to scan the area. "So, how'd I do?" The Hunter strolled over to her fireteam holding up the woman that Zorzal had just pinned down. She grinned mischievously, waiting for their appraisal.
"I'd say that was reckless, but since I'm not Zavala, all I can say is well done," remarked the Titan. The woman with bunny ears stood up and nodded in gratitude toward the Hunter. Meanwhile, Flora flitted back into the Warlock's palm and delivered her report. "There are approximately seventy or eighty civilians remaining. Moreover, some have lost their lives. What are you going to do, Warlock?"
The wisest Guardian paused for a moment, noticing the bunny-eared woman looking at her expectantly. With a sigh, she began to speak in the ancient tongue of a bygone era.
*back to the present*
Caialt: although I do not condone the actions of Fireteam High Calibur, this "Saderan Empire" still deserves to be taught a lesson. A warrior without honor is nothing but a barbarian.
Zavala: but to obliterate our opponents completely? That is not our way, Osiris. We were meant to set an example, not to show off.
*H.E.L.M, Earth*
on H.E.L.M, Zavala crossed his arms, and it was hard for anyone to deny the truth. The Guardians were not an army, nor were they conquerors. They were protectors of humanity and champions of the Light.
Lord Saladin: if there's one thing I've learned in the last 500 years, Zavala, it's that our enemies know no bounds or limits. Unless we teach them a memorable lesson, they will continue their killing spree until nothing remains. And then their sights will turn to the Gate, and they will invade whatever lies beyond their world.
Osiris: Saladin does have a point. The sooner we rescue the civilians and conclude our research, the sooner we can shut down this structure. We already have enough problems to deal with on Earth, anyway.
Zavala: *sigh*
The H.E.L.M was filled with a brief moment of silence until Queen Mara broke it with her words.
Mara Sov: I suppose that means we have reached common ground for now. As for me, I will focus on finding a way to communicate with their deities. Hopefully, they won't prove to be as difficult as last time.
Caialt: I will send expedition teams for resources and set up a satellite network to make it easier for our researchers.
Mithrax: the House of Light may not be able to assist much, but we can certainly help with repairing the damages in the city. With Commander Zavala's approval, we could also establish security perimeters.
Osiris: then I believe all of us will have a handful of tasks up ahead.
Zavala: indeed, but we cannot let our guard down, the Saderan empire is still a formidable force, and we don't know what other surprises they may have in store for us. We'll need to be on high alert. Keep us updated on any developments.
Osiris: rest assured, Commander, if there are any updates or developments, all of you will be informed promptly.
*the other side of the Gate*
as the meeting concluded, Osiris and Saladin shifted their attention to the evidence board, where information gathered by all fireteams was displayed. The intel mainly consisted of the Saderan empire's history, culture, royal members, native magic, and creatures. Among all of the information, there was one thing that stood out as the most significant. It was the photographs of several individuals with tags that read "Apostles", who were chosen by the deities of this world. They knew that the threat of the Saderan Empire and the Apostles was not one to be taken lightly, despite the fact that their adversary turned out to be much more antiquated than they had anticipated.
'It's all too cliche.' thought Osiris, as he surveyed the evidence board. 'Dealing with the Hive that can wield the Light was already a hassle, but now, a world governed by ancient Romans from the pre-Golden Age? It sounds like a plot from a fantasy tale.'
To be continued
a/n: I'll be uploading my Discord server for ideas and direct comments in the context chapter so stay tuned.