The Hunted

by Oja

In a period after the Red War, Uldren has risen to a place of influence outside of the Vanguard and encourages Hunters to breed.

It was a strange time for the Vanguard, Hunters especially. The rationale behind the new movement echoed loudly in her memories, "We are many but few are strong," that's what Uldren said as he stood at the podium—a secret rally, a place for his followers to convene—a lost Braytech outpost on a desolate site on Venus. Violet didn't plan to attend but she was tired of all the requests she'd received from the postmaster. It all ended with Cayde-6—the order and the freedom. Hunters had no steady representation in the Vanguard and found themselves aimlessly saturating the Crucible trying to carve out a name for themselves. Uldren had become a prominent player with the Vanguard, having finally spread his influence beyond the Awoken, he had been graced with the Traveler's Light and found himself imbued overcoming what he had unwittingly done to Cayde-6.

With the Red Legion's resurgence and the strength of The Witness becoming readily apparent, it was a strange time to really start considering Guardian physiology. A miracle had occurred, unforeseen to the Vanguard and hardly understood by even Master Rahool. It was always thought that Guardians were unable to reproduce and while it was never uncommon for Guardians to date, it was common knowledge that sustaining any reproductive ability was farfetched. No one had ever investigated it… and then a pair of Titans came forward with a child of their own. Edith was born to guardians imbued with the Traveler's light and it was revealed that her Titan mother had in fact not been killed since the pregnancy began, proving that inactive female guardians were capable of reproducing. Edith was born with Titan traits but most certainly did not have the Traveler's Light. After a weekend of Trials,

They hadn't planned on rushing home the way they had. Violet rushed against the front door, grasping at the knob feverishly to find it's locked. "hang on," Jarek said, the keys jingling in his hands. Violet grabbed at the neck of her chest piece, scratching her neck feverishly, "Oh my God if I don't wash this fucking shit off me!" she exclaimed, urging Jarek to hurry. Jarek was itchy too but nowhere near as badly as Violet. He was smart, he'd kept his helmet on after their ordeal at the Presage. Violet whined furiously as Jarek pushed their apartment door opened, "next time keep your helmet on like I said." Violet threw her things down, furiously tearing at her armor before making a dash to the bathroom. Now Jarek removed his helmet, laughing dryly to himself. Jarek's laugh was short-lived as he quickly began to wring at his own neck, feeling the itch of the Egregore spores getting to him. Now he tore at his own armor, rushing towards the bathroom door, knocking furiously, "Violet? Are you gonna be long?" he asked, trying not to sound distressed. He could hear the shower going before Violet responded, "are you itchy too?" she yelled over the pouring water. Jarek was tearing at his neck, his pale skin beginning to redden, "because I could be a while," she continued. Jarek tried not hasten himself at the door but he began to feel it all over, now he knocked furiously. He heard the lock click and entered the bathroom without a second thought, stumbling over Violet's undergarments.

Violet peered out from around the shower curtain, lifting it slightly to cover herself, steam pouring out behind her. Jarek was itching all over, tearing at his back and waist, Violet felt bad reaching out to guide him into the scalding hot shower. She'd forgotten her modesty as she pulled her partner in and forced him under the hot water. Now Jarek let out a seething breath, the hot water burning the itch away. Luckily, they had a dual head shower, one of the perks of being bonded guardians housed within the Vanguard. They stood back to back under the scalding water, the steam filling the shower. Jarek couldn't help to appreciate the smell of lavender but also wasn't surprised—she loved everything and anything purple. She'd tried to mindful of his favorites and brought him a cashmere soap that smelled vaguely like the ocean. He'd told her before that it didn't matter what kind of soap she'd bought him, as long as it cleaned the day's battle off him.

It wasn't long before the sensation of the scalding hot water alone wasn't enough to take the itch away, now Jarek could feel all down his back and body. He struggled, furiously with his soap as Violet fell deathly silent behind him. Soon he could feel Violet's hands on his back, guiding a lathered sponge across his bare shoulders. Jarek stood still now, completely forgetting how itchy he had just been. Violet spoke uncharacteristically softly, "Let me help," she said, "I managed to wash mine off already." Jarek kept his eyes down, her toes just visible behind him as she washed along his shoulders and back, the scent of her soap intensifying.

Jarek thought about the day they'd met, a chance meeting in a common area for Guardians to congregate. He'd been uncharacteristically brave and offered her a place on his competitive fireteam in exchange for assistance with a mission outside the Cosmodrome. He had seen her as a formidable competitor but she'd been on her own for so long that she'd been flying beneath the Vanguard's radar. He'd been alone too, barring some frequent associates that would join him for the occasional trip to the Lighthouse. Since they'd come together, their platonic meetings became far more frequent and soon it was almost rare to see Violet without Jarek. Still, they'd only been friends, steadiy leaving their mark on the Crucible but when the Hunter Clause came into fruition, a program spearheaded by the recently light-imbued guardian, Uldren, The Crow, Jarek learned some things about Violet.

Jarek had noticed and felt things for Violet long before the Clause and, out of respect for their friendship, he'd kept his feelings to himself. He knew that he loved her but felt she'd never even seen him that way, even while protecting each other's lives in combat. He knew she cared deeply for him as she expressed on multiple occasions that she wouldn't trust anyone else with her life. It wasn't until the day they were grabbing their Trials passages and Violet was detained that changed everything. The Hunter Clause was a glorified breeding program to help the skilled-Hunter population. The idea was to round up capable female Hunters and pair them with the best of the best in hopes of concentrating their superior genetic traits. Jarek can remember how they seized Violet's ghost and tore her away from him, promising that she'd be safe so long as she'd cooperated. When Jarek pursued them to the Hunter's Convergence on Venus, he'd heard Uldren say, "We are many but few are strong," as he went on to promise that only the best of the population would have the opportunity to pair with a female. Violet was held captive for days within a Vanguard fortified stronghold as Jarek was required to apply for the right to see her. He'd tried to appease the Vanguard for Violet's release only to find that because there was no Hunter representation, interference would only further ostracize the rogue class. Titans and Warlocks were instructed not to interfere.

"Please… they won't tell me anything and I haven't heard from her in days," Jarek told Ikora. This was his last chance to get help with this matter. Ikora could see the desperation in his eyes, full knowledge that he'd been respectful enough to approach her without his helmet. "Guardian… it is not my place to interfere in these matters…" She'd told him once more, before turning to the computer behind her. She'd been silent for a moment before turning back to him, "have you attempted applying for breeding rights?" Jarek looked at her sternly, "No…" He said, "She didn't apply either…"

"your stats deem you eligible as a male hunter and I see she was selected for the same reason." Ikora handed Jarek a small coin, "take this to Uldren's Stronghold on Venus and tell them you're eligible… if she hasn't been assigned there may be a chance you can still get to her." Jarek nodded, taking it hastily before Ikora's strong grip held his hand, now she placed her other hand over it softly, "I can see your motivation to get to her… I know she means a lot to you, but if it's too late, you mustn't interfere in their decisions. You have to ask to be bonded to her… and she must accept. Make her understand that it means that you two must fulfill an obligation to your class. If she refuses they'll force her into their program. She'll be stripped of her ghost and forced into a monthly cycle until they're successful…. You can't let that happen to her."

Jarek thought about his presentation to the stronghold, how they'd reviewed his stats and told him he would be called when a matched female was available for him. He stood in the Great Hall and shouted, "You have my bonded mate!" The Guardian working the computer glanced at the holo-screen before looking over at him, "You are not registered as bonded anywhere in our systems,"

"Because you took her before we could register. I've come here many times and no one saw I was eligible."

"Who said you were eligible?"

"My stats say I'm eligible."

"Well I'm sorry but Violet's already up for bidding, she is one of the highest-ranking females, in very high demand."

"Bidding, they will start cycling and the highest tribute with the highest stats will have her for a month. If they fail to conceive then she will be given to the next, and onward and so forth," Jarek turned quickly to the sound of a creaking door and slow footsteps. He immediately recognized the piercing yellow eyes of Uldren as he approached. "Are you requesting a bond to a female up for bids?" he asked coldly. Jarek's face went deathly seriously, "No. We mutually agreed to bond, you'd just taken her before we could." Now Uldren looked at Jarek quizzically, "Interesting, now he approached the guarded podium, guiding the Guardian working it aside as he used the holo-panel.

"I see, you never received an eligibility notification although your stats are quite impressive… but I can't help noticing that the two of you are quite the set of competitors," Uldren continued sorting through the files, "It's curious she'd mentioned you but never said a thing about bonding,"

"Ask her now then," said Jarek, "Let me see her and we'll tell you together,"

"I'm afraid she's not talking much these days. Very quiet since intake a few days ago, although extremely combative on arrival."

Uldren motioned to the Guardians that had been guarding a large door at the back of the room. They came over immediately. "We'll take you to her but first we should talk, but before all of that we'll have to take your weapons… and you're ghost. There is no need to worry, fighting is forbidding within the Stronghold." Jarek kindly handed over his weapons, unholstering his Main Ingredient and passing over his Ghost. He followed Uldren into the depths of the stronghold, entering a hallway full of doors. He was eager to see Violet as Uldren lead her down a long hallway. At the end of the hall they entered the last room. The first thing he noticed was the large two-way mirror at the far end, and then the cast iron bed on the other side of the room. Jarek immediately recognized her dark hair hanging from the edge of the bed and rushed to her. When he approached, she didn't seem awake, almost in a fugue-like state. Now Jarek's head snapped around to Uldren, "what did you do to her?"

"She was combative, not very submissive to the program. It's possible to sedate Guardians, though the dosing technique varies. She's merely sedated." Jarek did his best to guide her gaze to his, but she seemed completely despondent and totally unaware of his presence. "We're gonna get out of here," Jarek whispered to her, trying to decide his next move. "Should we discuss your proposal for bonding or will you still want her since she's had her intake?"

"It doesn't matter, she doesn't want this, she wants to be bonded to me."

"So then, you understand what bonding entails?" Jarek swallowed hard, imagining what it would be like to have her intimately before Uldren went on, "The two of you would be tasked with reproducing within the next 2 years otherwise you will be separated and she will be available for another bond or bidding." Jarek looked over at Violet, dressed in a white hospital gown, facing the wall and totally despondent. "It's fine, I don't care, she doesn't want this."

"I wish we could give her a choice," Uldren said, "But our class needs her. I should probably tell you that she's been inspected and … for lack of a better word... taken." Jarek was hearing him but not listening, he knew that they need to verify bonding with Violet but how could she in her state. "She's capable of health reproduction and, believe it or not, as soon as she went up for bids we had quite a number of callers across the board. Would you commit to intermittent inspections on the validity of your bonding?" Jarek stared at Violet, she still hadn't moved. "Validity?"

"You'd have to have a physical examination yourself and we'd have to check every so often to ensure the two of you are making progress. Once we can confirm success her ghost will be confiscated. Resurrection is not safe after conception."

"it's fine… just please… let me bring her home."

"So you submit to these terms and she agrees?"

"Yes," Jarek said firmly. Uldren's face softened before he smiled deviously, "No need to wait for her consent, I see the two of you have been exclusive fireteam members, all you need is to submit the forms."

Jarek didn't like to remember the days after they'd returned to the Last City. Violet was distant, despondent. There would be time for their paperwork to process to register them as fully bonded but Violet wasn't the same after waking up from sedation and she wouldn't speak. When the Vanguard assigned them a home and she saw their bed together, she ran to the bathroom where she vomited. They'd been set up with the promise that they'd contribute to the Hunter Clause. On their first night together, Jarek entered their bedroom to find her already beneath the sheets. He hesitated, not wanting to overstep their boundaries before slipping under the blankets beside her. Violet seemed tense as he came up close behind her. He could feel the tension in her body, not sure if she were comfortable with sharing their bed or even the prospect of their new relationship.

She didn't seem open to the change in their relationship but she accepted the position she was in, given the painful new reality. Violet was different from most, she'd never discussed the arrangement with Jarek, never expressed acceptance of her position or denied the change in their relationship. Jarek wished she'd talk to him but she barely said a word since their bonding.

Before everything, Jarek would have given anything to be intimate with her but now it felt like it was too late to share his feelings with her—he worried that she'd see it as him taking advantage of the situation. Jarek didn't want things to happen that way and making a move now would make it seem like he was doing his duty to the Hunter Clause.

Jarek opened his eyes to the floor but couldn't take his eyes off his erect dick as Violet continued to wash the Egregore from his back. He placed his hands in front of it before reaching over his shoulder to take the sponge from her, "Sorry," he said under his breath, "I'm trying not to turn around and make you uncomfortable." Violet could see Jarek's eyes from over his broad shoulder. She watched the water roll of his strong back, flattening his short hair. She felt as if it were the first time she was truly noticing his physique. He was bigger than her for sure, his frame solid and thick when compared to Violet's slender frame. Violet could see the sadness in his eyes as she turned back to her side of the shower. They stood under the hot water silently before Violet broke the silence, "Should we talk?"

"What do you want to talk about?" Jarek replied dryly, glancing over his shoulder at her. She was allowing the water to saturate her hair now. "…why did you come back for me?" Violet said softly. Jarek looked down at his feet, "You wanted me to leave you there?"

"No, of course not," she replied, "I just want to understand how… and why…"

"There's nothing to understand. They took you, against your will, tried to force you into… you know…" Violet turned to him, visibly angry, "Are you sure you just didn't want the opportunity for yourself?" Jarek could feel her eyes burning into his back. He swallowed hard, wary of confrontation, "It wasn't about that…" he said softly, "I've always… even before the Clause, I've been in love with you…" Violet fell silent at his confession, turning back to the water as she listened to him, "It was never about the clause… and it was never about keeping you around as a fireteam member. We're a great team together, I feel like you're my best friend but I was afraid you wouldn't want more than that…" Violet didn't remained silent as Jarek continued, "No one took the Clause seriously but when they took you away I tried everything to convince the Vanguard that you should have a choice… then Ikora told me about bonding. It was the only way to get you out of there…" Violet looked over her shoulder once more before chiming in, "I always thought you felt strongly…. But we've achieved so much as a team I was afraid that exploring anything beyond a fireteam would change things…"

"None of that matters… we'd have each other… but it's like you're so against the bonding, like you're so disgusted with me… I didn't do this to force you… I was trying to protect you."

"…I know… but now…" Jarek interrupted, turning to her. He was a little frustrated but not angry, "Why can't you give in and just give us a chance?"

"…I wasn't sure how you felt, I needed to know."

"Well now that you know how do you feel?"

Violet fell silent for a moment, "If we don't start contributing to the Clause they will split us up…" Jarek had to contain his excitement at her statement and gave her time to continue speaking, "…we've already lied about consummating… if we don't start they'll send me back to the Crow…"

"They'll put you up for bids… even though we're bonded. I know…" Now Violet turned to him, her arms to her chest. Now she slowly lowered her arms exposing her supple breasts, beaded with water. Jarek glanced at them instinctively before his green eyes met with hers once more. Violet looked away shyly, expecting him to look her body over. Jarek turned away from her, turning off the water on his side of the shower before grabbing his towel from the rack and exiting the bathroom. Violet let out a long breath, almost a sigh of relief as she turned back to the hot water, hastily turning it off before grabbing her towel as well. "What's wrong?" She asked him. Jarek was busy at the dresser, annoyingly pushing her overused Crimson aside while pulling out his deodorant, "I don't want this to happen because you feel obligated, I want you to want it to happen."

Violet's wet hair sagged over her eyes as she brushed it away hastily, "…when they took me to the Stronghold… they performed an inquiry…"

"Inquiry? What do you mean?" Jarek asked. Violet sat at the edge of their marital bed, her eyes to the floor and her hands in her lap. "…some Guardians weren't resurrected intact… but I was… during an inquiry they check everything… I didn't want them to look and they said it would affect the way bidding transpired… they'd taken Ghost and forced me…" Jarek turned around now, "You mean…". Violet swallowed hard before dropping her robe from her shoulder. "It's ok… never mind." Jarek walked over to her, grasping her robe and pulling it back up, "No… tell me," he said. Now Violet seemed to suddenly shift energy, grabbing at his round cheeks and bringing his mouth to hers. Jarek drew a sharp breath before stopping and staring into her eyes. Violet stared back at him intensely, before he closed his eyes and put his lips to hers, softly kissing each of her lips.

Violet scooted back onto the bed, allowing her robe to fall away behind her. Violet lifted the sheets, slipping beneath them. Jarek crawled eagerly from the end of the bed, joining her beneath the sheets. Violet turned her back to him but reached back for his hand, encouraging him to come closer to her. Jarek scooted up behind her, his breath was uneven and ragged as he lay close to her. Violet closed her eyes softly, and opened them again slowly, staring across the room at the window. The view of the Last City was phenomenal but without the Traveler in the sky it seemed foreign. Violet looked down to Jarek's hand, his long fingers draped across her ribs. She could feel his eyes focused to the back of her head. Jarek was admiring the soft wave in her dark hair, the length of her neck, the delicateness of her features but, by now, he knew she was covered in scars. Neither of them investigated what their past lives may have been but Jarek knew that Violet must have survived the collapse and been on the front lines at some point. It wasn't hard to believe that she was the same woman he'd gone through countless crucible matches-hearing her cuss and display absolute unabashed and emblazoned blood lust. He was happy to have found her but never could have imagined her this soft and vulnerable. Before he could realize, his member throbbed, rising up against her bottom, causing her to shift away softly. Jarek pulled his belly from her back, "I'm sorry," he whispered, "I… can't help it."

Violet turned her head to him, looking over her shoulder before rolling submissively to her back. Jarek smiled, leaning over her slightly, before kissing her lightly on the mouth, "Are you sure?" He said, trying not to show his excitement. Violet nodded quickly, staring into Jarek's eyes as he lifted the blanket and kneeled between her legs. Violet's breath grew heavy as Jarek leaned over her, kissing her forehead softly. Violet swallowed hard and turned her head away, raising her knees up around him. Jarek had been waiting patiently for this moment but felt beside himself, unsure if she even truly wanted to. He stopped, holding his position over her, his broad shoulders draping the sheets over them. " Violet," he said softly, "we don't have to… I can tell you don't want this." Violet stared away from him, she felt laid bare, like a feast for him; and she was—Jarek marveled at her breasts, her deep figure, her shapely hips. He wanted her, he'd always wanted her but he didn't know if she wanted him. Violet whispered softly, her head still turned away from him, "They will check… the Vanguard will get involved,"

"I don't understand… True told me we're free to do as we choose so long as we're bonded."

"The Hunter Clause won't allow it… not for tier-ranked females… if you don't claim me they will separate us." Jarek felt indifferent to her statement, Violet was tiered but he was Diamond with a highly decorated record in the most competitive arenas. What right could they possibly have? Jarek rose up on his hands, put his hand to her cheek and softly guided her face to his, "I don't want to be sure that this is something you want…" Violet nodded silently before whispering to him, "I'm afraid…" Jarek was shocked at her statement. He stared at her reassuringly, "I'm never going to let anything happen to you… I promise." Violet could feel Jarek's weight shifting towards her, "Just… don't hurt me…" Jarek leaned over her, lovingly kissing her forehead as Violet closed her eyes softly while nodding, her knees trembling around him.

Jarek was patient and restrained despite his overwhelming excitement. He'd pictured this moment so many times before but was doubtful of her personal feelings. Now he leaned in to her sweetly, Violet staring up at him with wide-eyes, her mouth trembling with anticipation as his raging member grazed against her. Violet worked hard now, trying to maintain her composure. Jarek reached down dutifully, aiming himself against her opening. He could feel her tiny opening at his tip, excited to enter her for the first time and finally consummate their bond.

Jarek leaned down and kissed her once more, softly on the mouth. In this moment he realized how small she really was, as she shyly balled her hands to her chest and her eyes searched the room nervously. She was happy that he was calm and collected, even now. She'd thought about how even at the worst of times and the hardest matches she'd never heard him curse or yell, he was always so damn calm.

Jarek put pressure to her opening now, Violet drew a soft breath that quickly became ragged, fast-paced and uneven. She balled her fists between her soft breasts and whimpered under her breath. Jarek couldn't help but push against the resisting opening, noting her trembling and clearly pain-filled whimpers. He pulled back as Violet let out a long and hard breath. He stared down at her, stroking her hair, "Your tense…" He whispered, "You have to try to relax." Violet seemed despondent, unable to reply to him. He stared at her for a moment, lovingly thumbing her forehead over, "Do you want me to stop?" Violet looked away from him, shaking her head. She tilted her head back, taking a long deep breath before whispering, "It's ok,". Now Jarek looked into her eyes, "I don't want to hurt you," Violet could hear the sincerity in his voice as she stared up at him reassuringly, "Please…, we have to…"

Jarek stared at her, breathing hard before suddenly sitting back and rolling away to lay beside her, "No, if you're not ready, we don't have to." Jarek laid flat on his back, "Lay close to me," he said stoically through the dark. Violet rolled over weakly, laying her head on his broad chest. Jarek cupped her shoulder, cradling his arm around her. He stroked her shoulder softly, "There's no rush, especially if it's hurting you." He was disappointed but didn't show it as Violet lay silently on his chest.

Violet's voice had changed, she was soft and small, with a bit of her trademark rasp. Her voice pierced the darkness, "…at the Convergence, when they took me away, …they wouldn't tell me anything, confiscated my weapons…. I waited just long enough for a solar surge and they killed me almost immediately…," Jarek listened empathetically, he wasn't surprised to hear this. Guardians routinely killed each other in the Crucible and it wouldn't be the first time it was used as a means to control another Guardian's light. "I don't know how long I was out… but when I came back… they'd taken my gear, I couldn't move… it was dark and I couldn't get Ghost… I had no light."

"They did the same to me," Jarek said, "They took everything, including Wren. I had no light or weapons while I was there."

"Crow came to me… told me how I could help the Hunter Clause… told me how he wasn't Uldren anymore and that he wanted to do for our class what Cayde couldn't—strengthen it; said it wasn't an atonement for his past mistakes, that it was the only solution." Jarek listened to her now, her voice seemingly breaking as she went on. Violet paused for a moment before whispering to him, "He raped me,".

Now Jarek fell silent and stopped stroking her shoulder. Violet closed her eyes, fearful of Jarek's reaction. Jarek replied after what seemed like the longest minute in history, "He what?". Violet didn't reply as Jarek began to sit up, reaching over to the lamp, sitting her up too. Violet scooted back against the backboard before looking to him once more, "I'm sorry…," she said, "it happened so quickly… I wasn't sure what was happening…."

"You were drugged, are you sure?" Violet looked away from him and turned to her side. Jarek was uncomfortable about pressing her as he stared at her, "Don't apologize… if it happened… had I been there…"

"It doesn't matter, just don't let them take me back there. You have to make sure that when they come to check-in they have evidence that we're trying,"

"I'm not going to force you…"

…

Violet awoke to the sound of ships passing overhead. It was nice living so close to the Tower but you could always tell when some event was starting as Guardians assembled at the Tower. Violet rolled over excitedly but was shocked to find Jarek's side of the bed empty. She lay back down and considered what she had told him the night before and how he must be feeling. She feared he'd left to act against Crow. Violet slipped out of bed, grabbing a t-shirt from the bureau before hurrying out to check their vault. She was happy to see that all of his primary weapons were still there. Now Violet set down at the kitchenette table, pulling out her ghost. "Syl… can you locate Wren and Jarek?" Her Ghost whirred before responding, "Within the City Limits, near the Tower. Would you like me to transmit a message?"

"No thanks," Violet said, "Are there any developments from the Vanguard?"

"No updates on the Warfront however there is renewed interest in Savathun's possible assistance with Xivu Arath."

"Any news regarding the Hunter Clause?" Her ghost whirred for a moment as if working then finally an answer, "…The Vanguard has scheduled a check-in for you… it seems Jarek requested it." Violet sighed, slipping off her chair and pouring herself a glass of water. She could hear Jarek about to enter their front door. He held up a bag, "I brought breakfast, wasn't sure if you felt like cooking…" Violet immediately snapped back at him, "you arranged a meeting with the Vanguard?" Jarek set the bag down at the table, "Yes, but let me explain." Violet came back to the table and sat down as Jarek continued, "Hunters have no Vanguard representation but Crow is making all these decisions that they're endorsing. I don't think what he's doing is right or fair."

"I agree with you but Crow is not part of the Vanguard… Hunters are Guardians but we have no representation since Cayde died! They can't protect us from anything, they agreed to the clause."

"Yes… but our bonding takes precedent…," Jarek said calmly, sitting down at the table and unpacking their breakfast, "Maybe if they knew what you've been through they'd be more lenient with the clause." Violet stared at Jarek intensely, "So this is about you not getting what you want?!"

"No," Jarek fired back at her, "This is about making sure you don't end up on their bidding table. They can nullify our bond just because we're Hunters but it isn't fair." Violet turned to walk away when she felt Jarek catch her by the wrist. "Please," he said, "I understand you're upset, but we have to do this… I just want to keep you safe."

…

Violet stared at the private entrance to the Vanguard's meeting room. She swallowed hard as she turned nervously to Jarek. Jarek entered before her, Violet following behind whilst scanning the room carefully. It wasn't a part of the Tower where you'd see a lot of Guardians and it was unusually quiet and warm. They were greeted warmly by another Guardian, "Jarek and Violet? Welcome, we're glad you could make it. My name is Freya, I'll be consulting with you today." Jarek tried to relate warmly but Violet simply stared at the floor. "We see you have a complaint… a very direct complaint… regarding another Hunter." Jarek looked sternly as he straightened his back in his seat, "The Crow got this clause going… thinks he can do whatever he wants."

"I'm sorry but, according to the allegations, this happened at an outpost on Venus… which is outside of Vanguard jurisdiction."

"Yes," said Jarek, "but she was apprehended here and taken there."

"I understand we could suggest even a kidnapping but it seems that they'd registered a summons to Violet before they'd taken her. Unfortunately, since the two of you didn't become legally bonded before they'd taken her, we cannot enforce any of our laws now."

"Then, Freya, maybe you can help us understand how Violet is expected to fulfill her duties now?" Now Freya looked up from her computer, glancing at Violet, "Are you having difficulties?" Jarek was careful with his words now, "The Hunter Clause respects that we are bonded but doesn't respect her body or her choice. They can dissolve our bond if—"

Now Freya interrupted, hastily stating, "They can attempt to appeal your bonding and this matter takes months if not years to address. The two of you are within our jurisdiction as a bonded couple but the Hunter's Clause incentives are meant towards procreation. We can only investigate the matter and guide you towards success."

"Crow mentioned something about rank… that she's valuable to the Clause." Now Freya paused, looking down at her computer again. There was a moment of silence, "I see… yes…" Freya said before closing her computer, "Legally it is within their limits to apprehend her should it seem you're not productive. The appeal process is limited considering both of you are Hunters. Your position in the top 1% gives you preferential treatment however if you fail to perform she can be taken from you."

Violet stared into her lap, listening intensely before Jarek looked over to her then back at Freya, "What can be done?" Freya stared at Violet, then back at Jarek, "I understand there are difficulties and I wish there were ways around this. I'm sorry that you've been placed in this position… but you do have a duty and the two of you owe it to your class." Now Violet shot up from her chair, storming out of the room. Now Jarek stood up too, "I meant what can be done about Crow? What right does he have?"

"Crow is enabled by Hunters and there is no representation here with the Vanguard. We can only protect you as far as a being bonded."

"Thank you, and sorry." Freya looked to him now, "… for what it's worth I understand the difficulty… you'll have to hurt her if you want to protect her."

…

The next couple of days were usually full of excitement as the pair focused their efforts to the Crucible where they'd practice for the ultimate competition the Vanguard could offer—Trials of Osiris. The two proudly displayed their Triumphs and Seals, but were most proud of their impressive hundreds of successful runs. When Violet and Jarek first met, Jarek had already been an accomplished Trials player while Violet was up-and-coming. Finding they'd had competitively matched fireteam chemistry emboldened them to participate just about every weekend Trials was offered. This weekend was different as Violet tentatively approached the Tower Hangar, stopping just short of the stairs. Jarek was excited, though he didn't show it, he was adamant about keeping a level head throughout the event. He stopped just ahead of Violet before turning back, "Hey, you don't want to get stuck waiting in line for a passage," he said calmly. Violet swallowed hard staring at him, "They knew where to find me last time…" She said, "We've never missed a weekend, what if they come for me this weekend… if I take a passage they'll know that we're not… trying…" Jarek could see the fear in her eyes as he adjusted the holster on his Burden of Guilt, "They have to do an inquiry before they can take you and they wouldn't interrupt the weekend like this…"

Now Jarek grabbed her hand, stroking his thumb over it softly, "It's just any other weekend, okay?"

"Okay," Violet whispered while letting a deep sigh loose. She was a nervous wreck, something Jarek had never seen before. He'd observed her movements and was familiar with pre-game jitters but had never seen her like this. With passages registered and their transmat firing, Jarek took one last glance at her as Saint-14's band began to play. Violet pulled her Crimson and let out a slow breath as they went in for their first flawless. The first 6 matches were fair enough but Jarek could feel himself waring down quicker than usual, feeling as if he were holding up more of the slack than he was used to. They'd come to their last match when he turned to his partner, "You need to hit your shots… I need you with me on this one." Violet nodded silently to him, knowing that he was wearing down but that her resolve was already gone. They'd taken the match down to the wire—3 men standing to just the two of them. Violet aimed-down sights over Jarek's shoulder. When the enemy made a move, Violet faltered, missing her first shot, then a second. Jarek made his move, just barely taking down the enemy team. Violet was thankful to reach the Lighthouse but ashamed of her performance.

…

They'd returned home with Violet more quiet than usual. Jarek was being apathetic about how the evening had gone and was surprised she wasn't willing to return for a second card but something told him that they should wait before turning in their passages. They'd barely entered their apartment when there was a strong knock at the door. Violet looked over to Jarek, her hand already holstering her Crimson. Jarek stared at her sympathetically while encouraging her to lower her guard. "Who is it?" Jarek asked, "Inquiry." A man said dryly at the door. Violet lowered her weapon, staring down at her feet before watching Jarek calmly open the door. Three people entered, two men and a woman. The woman guided them to the table where each of them sat down. Violet was uncomfortable, staring at her hands. "Now, it's been a few months since the two of you were bonded," said the woman, "I see each of you have very impressive Crucible records but I want to know if this means you aren't actively attempting to conceive." The woman stared at Violet who was silent. Jarek glanced at her before answering, "We haven't…"

"You do know that use of birth control is strictly prohibited between tiered Hunter couples. Violet is allowed to participate in Crucible so long as there's no reasonable chance that you may have conceived. Usually between 2-4 weeks of a cycle." Jarek chimed in, "There's no birth control involved, we are legit."

"Really? Because according to records you each have been participating adamantly for the last few weeks. If you aren't making solid attempts and she's constantly in the crucible we may have to consider removing her from the Bond and turning her over to the Convergence."

Jarek stared at Violet now then at the woman, "it's not that we haven't tried… we've just had some difficulties." Now everyone in the room looked at Jarek, "With the war and everything… it's just hard to get… you know…" One of the guys smirked, trying to keep himself from laughing out loud, "it's ok bro, I'm sure you have a lot of stress." The woman cleared her throat loudly as if to remind the guy to stay professional, "Jarek, if you're having physical difficulties there are some options where we could help,"

"No, not necessary," said Jarek, "It happened and we're moving passed it, I thought I was ashamed and embarrassed back then when it happened but this is worse." Jarek escorted them to the door before one of the men stopped and spoke to him in a low tone, "We heard about what happened to her; you have to be a man if you're going to have her… don't be afraid to push her."

…

Violet lay in bed on her side. She felt uncomfortable and shaken by the pressures all around her. She just wanted to sleep all the time now, clearly depressed by the series of events. She'd gotten comfortable when she felt Jarek slip into bed behind her. It was unusual for him to join her in bed so early, especially since she could tell he wasn't comfortable with it. He didn't want to disturb her but each agreed that sleeping separately was not safe for appearance sake. Jarek stared at her bare shoulder as she lay on her side before placing his hand on it and stroking it softly but with intent. Now he moved up behind her, his strong body pressed to her back as he kissed into her neck. Violet breathe out heavily, as his large hands moved down to her waist and stroked over her belly as he pulled her body up against his tightly. Violet didn't react strongly, but she was shocked by his sudden movements that came almost without warning. Now he kissed warmly into face and mouth, Violet entirely consumed by his swift movements as his body rolled over hers. When Jarek broke their kiss, he stared down at her, brushing a lock of her dark hair behind her ear. Violet felt secure as she remained flat beneath him. She wore her sleep shirt, and Jarek could see her erect nipples poking through. He was fully aroused and full of intent as he knelt back and grabbed at the waistband of her underwear. Now Violet's eyes looked away from him as he slipped her underwear off her hips and all the way down till he slipped them off her feet. She swallowed hard as he pushed her knees up, taking the blankets up over his shoulders as he leaned over her.

Now Violet began to tremble. Her breath soft and ragged. Something told her that this would be it, that he wouldn't stop until it was done. She thought about how selfless he had been and how much he'd gone to bat for her and covered for her. How many times did he have her back… all but professing his love for her. She admitted to herself that she was in the best possible scenario but also that she could have run away and abandoned her place in the Vanguard as a guardian but that meant Jarek would have to give up everything and do the same. Jarek leaned over her, his hips positioning between her thighs and she could feel his throbbing member coming closer. Violet looked up at him, his green eyes staring down at her. She could tell he cared but was intent on continuing. Violet told herself repeatedly to relax as she could feel him reaching down to aim himself. Now Jarek pressed his fleshy rod to her opening, Violet's legs clamping around him, her body stiffening and immediately attempting to pull away. This time Jarek was prepared, putting his weight against her. Violet gasped loudly, her head turning to the side in attempt to avert her gaze. Jarek began to push against her, Violet whimpering under her breath as Jarek drew a strong breath. Violet began grasping tightly at the sheets, her breath becoming less controlled as Jarek applied more pressure to her opening. Jarek's breath was heavy but controlled, as he felt Violet finally begin to open up around him. Violet let out a strong gasp as she cried out softly under her breath. Now she closed her eyes tightly as she attempted to pull away from him. Jarek could feel her attempting to move off and so he took a strong breath before wrapping his arms around her, holding her close as he gave a strong push from below. In one swift movement he pushed himself fully inside her and now Violet cried out loudly, throwing her head back while whimpering under her breath. Jarek felt awful in this moment, trying to imagine that she'd understand his forceful entrance. He waited a moment, allowing her time to breath before kissing into her cheek and whispering to her, "I'm sorry,". Violet could hear his sweet whisper and tried to steady her breath as she felt him kiss into her cheek. Now Jarek took some of his weight off her and watched Violet draw her hands to her chest as he withdrew a bit and pushed inside her once more. Violet's head threw back from the shock of his movement, her breath ragged and uneven. Jarek placed his hands on either side of her face as he began to move slowly in and out of her.

The rush of the moment had worn off once the pleasurable sensation began to take hold. She was warm and wet inside, and she gripped him tightly. This first time, it was difficult to take in the sight of her with her hands clenched tightly to her chest, her eyes closed and the yelps and whimpers she let out with each of his movements. He had waited so long to make love to her and it seemed less and less likely that she would ever be a willing participant. He couldn't give her the opportunity to stop him again and with the first inquiry, it was only a matter of time before they'd be facing the Convergence. Jarek came down off of his hands and put his face closer to hers, brushing his thumbs over her forehead, "Violet," he whispered, Violet's eyes closed tightly while he kissed her forehead softly, "stay with me," he said. Violet struggled through her pain and opened her eyes narrowly before nodding to him. Jarek felt more assured as he continued to pump himself in and out of her. She seemed a lot less distressed now as he continued his movements. He wanted to kiss her and have her kiss him back but knew that in these moments it was best to give her a chance to adjust. He'd promised himself that he'd stop if it were too much but he'd hoped it wouldn't end until he was at least finished.

It didn't take long before a wave of intensity began to take hold and Jarek became a bit less controlled in his movements. He knew he was close to finish, but could feel Violet start to struggle with her composure once again. He began to swell inside her, pushing himself deeper and harder. Violet cried out as his pace continued. He wanted to whisper to her but he had reached the point of no return. Violet felt a panic growing in herself as he continued his pace. She knew it meant he was close to finishing. She brought herself to look up at him, Jarek's eyes were closed, he seemed focused, his pace against her even, strong and intense. Now he started to breathe through his mouth, deep long breaths as his brow furled. Violet began to grip at the sheets before Jarek slammed his hand against the pillows behind her, he let out a soft grunt under his breath as he leaned over her. Violet closed her eyes tightly, she could feel him swell and pulse inside her, his hot fluids spilling inside her. Jarek calmed shortly after, easing back out of her before throwing himself down on the bed beside her.

Violet whimpered softly, feeling raw and wet between her legs as she continued to lay still. When her legs finally slid flat to the bed she could feel Jarek's eyes on her. She looked ahead before turning to her side as Jarek whispered to her, "Are you ok?" Violet didn't turn back to him, just whispered quietly, "yeah,"

"No… don't just 'yeah' me. Talk to me… please." Violet whispered, "I'm fine… are you ok?" Jarek hesitated before replying, "yes and no," he said, before reaching over to the bedside table and turning on the light, "you wouldn't look at me… did I hurt you?" Violet lay silent for a moment, "I'll be ok…"