Author's Notes: I've had a few PMs asking what Raven's voice would be, and I've narrowed it down to four possibilities. Gerald Butler (Stoick, How to Train your Dragon), Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn, Lord of the Rings), Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), and Karl Urban (Butcher, The Boys, and was also in the Live Action trailer for Armored Core 6). Not entirely sure which one to decide on, so just keep those voices in mind.

Avalon

Frigate Torrent, Earth

"So, that's the general idea of what happened." Michigan declared, finishing the immediate events after Raven died. Michigan, Raven, and Ayre were standing on a guardrail in one of the AC hangars. Or, more accurately, Michigan was standing, Ayre was sitting on a crate, and Raven was in the AC standby controls, the automatic machines looking over his AC for damages.

"So…Walter's gone?" Ayre said in disbelief.

"Old man disappeared, along with most of the Pegasus crew, five years after you guys bit the dust. The man was kind enough to at least leave the ship behind before he went AWOL."

Ayre glanced to the side, then turned back to Michigan.

"Raven says it doesn't sound like Walter."

"Trust me, you two biting the dust really hit the man. Never seen him so…depressed."

"Has there been any word of him, after 140 years?"

"None. Horizon sent their-"

"Horizon?"

"Yeah, something the boys came up with. Some of them figured, since the Last City is no longer the last city, they should have a name change. Of course, those in Horizon would never call it that. Anyway, they sent their Hunter Vanguard, Kauko, to go looking for him. But he went missing, too. The case was officially closed after that."

Kura appeared, "Yeah, losing the Hunter Vanguard was one of the first acts that began souring relations between the Last City and Rubicon."

"Sour? Michigan, what's she talking about?"

Michigan sighed, "Let's just say that, with only a few exceptions, Horizon and Rubicon aren't on friendly terms. We're still allies, but they keep us at arm's length."

"How? Don't we fight for humanity? Our species faces extinction, and we're arguing with each other?"

"Preaching to the choir, Ayre. But, words only hold so much power. Losing Kauko was only the beginning. There were plenty of minor incidents, but nothing too severe. The first big one was the Warlock Vanguard, Osiris. He has been studying the Vex a lot, and came to the conclusion that they are one of humanity's greatest threats, second only to the Black Fleet. However, The Speaker and others thought that he was becoming obsessed with them, much like a Guardian called Toland was obsessed with the Hive. Rather than face banishment, Osiris chose to exile himself from Horizon."

"Then you guys made it worse," Kura retorted, "When you sided with him."

"Hey, don't blame us for speaking the truth. Compared to the Fallen, Hive, and Cabal, none of them can manipulate time. Give me overwhelming odds against the brutes that can throw moons at planets that get in their way, any day of the week. But, what good is victory if your enemies can just rewrite them? The Commander understood the threat, and gave Osiris a portion of the REF to do with as he pleased. Those ships have been under the warlock's command ever since."

"Things nearly were smoothed over. The Last City didn't like it, but also didn't think it was worth risking the alliance over it…Until Twilight Gap."

"Twilight Gap?" Ayre questioned, with Michigan answering.

"The Fallen launched the biggest attack on Horizon in all recorded history."

"And who are these 'Fallen'?"

"Technically, they're much like us. They were a four armed species called Eliksni, blessed by the Traveler. Though, I should say, they called it the 'Great Machine'. Let's say they have an intimate relationship when it comes to machinery. However, unlike us, when the Black Fleet came, the Traveler ran away, leaving them to die. Dick move, but, given what we know, I can't say I blame it. They spent centuries chasing the Traveler, and came to Sol, trying to reclaim it. They weren't exactly happy that we 'took' their 'god'."

"If the Black Fleet attacked both of us, why are the Eliksni our enemy?"

"Because they became feral. After their homeworld was destroyed, they scattered, and turned into roving bands of tribal groups. They weren't a civilization anymore. Hell, when I say that they forged the largest army to attack at Twilight, I mean that three of the Fallen warbands put aside their hatred for each other, and joined together because they hated humanity more."

"How did it go?"

"Complete rout. Even when they attacked one of our fleets from behind, they couldn't stand against us. Then…While I would've done the same thing, some things are too far."

"How?"

"Oh, yes," Kura mocked, "Explain how taking the fight to the Fallen was 'too far'?"

Michigan narrowed his eyes at Kura. He turned his gaze to Raven.

"You've got a keeper, Raven."

"Unfortunately." He responded, to which Kura rolled her eye.

"Vice-Commander Michigan, we're entering Earth's atmosphere. ETA to Avalon, 3 minutes."

"Michigan to Bridge. You want a medal? Tell me when something more important comes up," turning to Ayre, "Want to see your first Sol city?"

Ayre turned to Raven, who nodded. Ayre looked at Michigan, and nodded.

"Alrighty. Follow me."

The three headed for the bridge, leaving Raven alone in the hangar. As they reached the bridge, Michigan took her to one of the holographic windows.

"When we first arrived, we needed a headquarters, obviously. And, since I doubt Horizon would accommodate us, especially with our now strained relations, we had to find a different place to park. Luckily, we had one just in mind."

"Avalon. The name comes from the mythical island where King Arthur was laid to rest after being slain at Camlann."

"You know your mythology well."

"Well," Ayre blushed, "While Raven was asleep, after the Coral Rebellion, I…may have taken an interest in ancient Sol media."

Michigan grinned, "Yeah, you'd be the kind of gal who'd fantasize knights in shining armor."

Ayre's blush deepened, making Michigan laugh even harder. He patted her shoulder.

"I'm just messin with you. But, what better place to have a city named after Arthurian legend…"

As they finished entering the atmosphere, and passed through the clouds, they saw a wall, a hundred meters high, stretching for miles in a perimeter that curvered throughout the city streets. The only exception would be when the wall's lower section is cut out, when it's passing over a river. Many of the buildings were in ruins, but some sections looked to be under construction. The most prominent buildings being a palace, and a tower with a large clock.

"...than London herself. Or, at least, what remains of her."

"London…" Ayre placed a hand on the holowindow.

"Yeah, keep the sightseeing to a minimum. Can Raven see all of this?"

Ayre nodded, "Yes. Despite me now having a body, Raven is able to see."

'It's just the same as when you observed me through my AC, just in reverse.'

"Yes. I now know how you felt when I did it."

Michigan merely grinned at Ayre's words.

"Darrek's going to want to speak with you. Specifically you, Ayre."

"What?"

"Since Raven's stuck in his AC, and he still has his mental connection to you, you are his voice."

"Whoa, whoa, wait, that's not how this should work!"

"Sorry, Lady. But unless you can find a way to remove Raven permanently, this is all you've got."

"What about Kura? She talked about Guardians fused with Coral."

"Not going to work," Kura retorted, "Those Guardians I talked about? There's only two, amongst the thousands of Guardians. Not only that, but they weren't fused into their ACs. I don't know what your 'AC Coral Synthesis' did, but, if everything was normal, Raven's body should've been fixed, not the whole AC. Whatever you did, Raven's body is the AC, now."

Ayre put her hands on her head, realizing that, now with a second life, Raven will be confined to his AC forever.

'We expected this.'

"I never expected us to get a second chance, Raven."

Michigan gruffed, "Seems like Raven is open to the idea. Anyways, it doesn't matter now. We'll be landing any second. Come on."

The three departed the Frigate, having landed near Buckingham Palace. And, at the foot of the frigate's ramp, was Commander Darrek, along with a Guardian in green.

"Commander Darrek."

"Vice-Commander Michigan. It seems the report was true. You have a body of your own, Ayre."

"Yes, Commander Darrek."

Cassias smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's good to have you back, Ayre. Can I assume Raven is in the-"

The hangar opened, and Raven stepped out.

"Speak of the devil…Raven, Ayre…welcome to Buckingham Palace. Michigan, I'd suggest getting back to Anchorhead. I'll take it from here."

"Yeah, yeah. Besides, those boys would be useless without me."

Michigan began heading back up the ramp as Raven walked closer.

Cassias turned to the Guardian, "Raven, Ayre, this is Lysander, founder of the Concordat, and leader of the Guardians allied to the REF."

Lysander approached Ayre, offering a hand.

"A pleasure to finally meet Raven's companion," he continued as Ayre shook his hand, "I'd be more respectful, but, if the rumors of you and Raven are true, I'd rather not."

Ayre narrowed her eyes. She fully knew what 'rumors' he likely was talking about. They were close, but she doubted that Raven was that kind of interested in her.

"Ah," Lysander exclaimed, turning to Kura, "It seems you finally found your Guardian, Kurauntaitan."

Kura flipped her shell, "Like I told you I would."

"I never said you wouldn't. Merely that you reckless going into enemy territory would get you killed, one day."

As the Torrent began to take off, kicking up winds and blowing hair and clothes, Ayre spoke up.

"So…are we heading inside, or…?"

"We're waiting for one more person," Cassias replied, "While we wait, perhaps we can get some answers."

"Yeah, I'll start," Kura declared, "Why does my Guardian still have his memory?"

"Why is that a problem?" Ayre retorted.

"Depending on who you ask," Lysander replied, "It's either a moral restraint or a safety measure. Some Guardians, before they were revived, may have been horrible people in their past lives. Remembering those events may automatically make them regress to their old selves."

"As for the moral…restraint," Cassias added, "It makes a certain sense. Let's say you remember who you were, but relations in your past life force you to commit an act that could endanger many others. What was the old quote, love is the death of duty? I don't like it, but I can understand it. Synths, however…they have a little cheat code."

"And what would that be?"

At Kura's question, Lysander and Cassias turned to Ayre.

"What?"

"Ayre is the reason I remember who I am?"

"Indeed, Raven," Lysander declared, "Miss Ayre, tell me, when a Synth dies, what happens to the Coral inside them?"

Ayre gave him a puzzled look. "Well, when a Synth dies, their body is taken to a Coral well, so the Coral can rejoin the Swarm, the collective mind of the Coral. Afterwards, the body is buried."

"Yes. But, here, so far from Rubicon, it isn't as easy to take them to a Coral well, is it?"

Ayre nodded.

"Each month," Cassias continued, "We take our dead, and ship them back to Rubicon. Before that, we have dozens of Ghosts scan amongst them, hoping for new Guardians. Most never get that chance. We might've had a few more Synth Guardians if we didn't ship their bodies back, but that would be beyond disrespectful, holding a corpse in the hope that they might come back. So, we only have the two examples of Synth Guardians to work our theory off of."

"And that theory would be?"

"Coral doesn't die, not in the same way human's die. It's very hard to 'kill' Coral. Even if the host dies, the Coral sticks around. But, more than that, the two share everything, memories, thoughts, emotions, all of it. So, when a Synth is revived, the connected Coral, still alive, reconnects with the host, sharing everything once again. This results in the Synth's memories being restored."

"But what about Synths who don't share memories?"

"True. It's not a perfect comparison. The two Synth Guardians did have gaps in their memories, most likely memories that they didn't want to share with their Coral companions. And it doesn't explain why Raven's stuck in his AC, and you now have a body."

"Ayre mentioned something called 'AC Coral Synthesis'." Kura commented.

"That could explain why he's stuck in his AC. The process involves fusing the pilot into their ACs, giving them greater speed, strength, and the whole shebang. However, as I said, they are fused into it. Depending on the AC, some of their skin literally melts into the AC as part of the fusion."

"That…sounds horrifying."

"It is. It's rare, even amongst the Warforged, to commit such an act."

"But," Ayre commented, "While it might explain why Raven can't leave his AC, it doesn't explain why I have a body."

The roar of a capital ship engine could be heard, as another ship, unlike any of the REF ships, descended onto Buckingham Palace.

"Another time. Now, I think it's time you meet one of humanity's allies here in Sol."

As the ship descended, Raven noticed that it was escorted by four ACs. However, they weren't like any he's seen. The ACs each had 'chicken' legs, and had four arms.

"That ship isn't any model I've seen," Ayre commented, "Did our allies from Horizon make it?"

Lysander chuckled, "No. Actually it's from one of our enemies."

Ayre raised an eyebrow.

"What you're seeing is an Eliksni ketch."

Kura was clearly agitated, but Ayre ignored it.

"Michigan mentioned them. But I thought they were our enemies."

"Not all of them," Cassias retorted, "The Houses of Devils, Winters, and Kings are our enemies, and they've earned the name of Fallen. But, some amongst them understand that things need to change."

The ramp opened, and, descending down it were several creatures, some of them with four arms, others with only two, but all having four blue eyes.

'These must be the Eliksni.'

'Indeed.' Raven replied.

The two armed ones began working on the ship, while the four armed ones continued down the ramp. At the head of the group was an Eliksni that Ayre noticed had slight differences. For one, the right two eyes were not glowing.

'Potential blindness?'

She also could vaguely hear the shifting of gears. Ayre could see that, while well covered, the Eliksni's right leg was either completely cybernetic, or had heavy augmentations to it.

"Eramis, Kell," Cassias declared, "I'm glad you could join us."

Eramis nodded, before turning to Ayre, then Kura, then back to Cassias.

"Where is The Raven, Darrek, Kell?"

Raven took a step forward, grabbing their attention. Eramis pushed past the group.

Kura scoffed, "Rude."

Cassias placed a hand on Ayre's shoulder. "Eramis, Kell of the House of Salvation, formerly a Baroness of the House of Devils."

Eramis approached Raven, looking up at the AC.

"I heard much about you, The Raven. Especially your acts during the Coral Rebellion. For someone who was never blessed by the Great Machine, you fought greater than most who were. I wonder how far your new wings will take you, now that you've received its blessing."

"..."

"..."

"...It simply has given me another chance to fight."

Ayre sighed.

Eramis merely turned back, heading to Buckingham Palace.

"We have a meeting to begin, don't we?"

Cassias whispered to Lysander, "That went better than expected."

"Probably because she didn't bring her AC with her."

Cassias turned to Ayre. "Will you be alright, leaving Raven to join us?"

"Yes. I've already told Michigan this, but Raven can see through me. For now, we don't know the full extent of it."

Cassias nodded, and the five of them entered Buckingham Palace. As they entered, Cassias gripped his radio.

"Mechanic team 3 to Buckingham. We've got an AC that needs an upgrade to boosters."

Reaching what was once the throne room, a long, hexagon table displaying holographic images was the most prominent feature, along with the consoles along the outer edge of the room.

"You've come at a good time, Ayre. We have several missions that we could easily give you, to get situated with your current surroundings."

Bringing up a holomap of Europe, several spots were in red. Cassias zoomed the image to England and Ireland, where only three spots were red, two in the UK, one in Ireland.

"Eramis needs some reinforcements developing an artillery platform in southern England."

"My…former House has been attacking Rubiconian forces, using the English River as cover."

"How are they using it as cover?"

At Ayre's question, Lysander took control of the map, showing an image of the English Channel. It was covered in a perpetual fog.

"We know that this fog isn't natural. No scans can see through it, and there's a slight poisonous element to it. We don't know if it's acidic, but it's definitely nauseous."

Cassias hovered the map to the north.

"Up in Scotland, the Cabal have fortified a land tank. It's basically a mobile base. We can't attack it directly, not yet, so we need to weaken their forces."

Ayre's head turned to the side briefly.

"Raven wants to know two things: what are the Cabal, and why can't we do an orbital strike?"

Cassias zoomed in on Scotland, revealing the Cabal land tank.

"The Cabal are a militaristic species, built on conquest. Much like the Hive, only, the Cabal are more spartan than religious. As for why, they have a shield protecting the base. While we could Base Delta Zero it, it's sitting on a stockpile of materials that would greatly help in Avalon's construction. So, until we can find a way to take down that shield, we're simply picking off what patrols are dumb enough to leave the shield. As for Ireland…that's a different story."

Shifting the map to Ireland, the entire island was covered in yellow, but one section on the eastern side was red.

"We aren't sure what's going on. Ten squads have been sent, and, of them, only twelve men in total have made it back, none of them from the squads sent to the red zone. These squads included Guardians, so, whatever's in there, it's taking them on as well."

"What do the survivors say?"

Lysander sighed, "I wish we could get them to tell us. However, most of them were in a state of complete shock. Some of them catatonic shortly after reaching us. Until we know more, we're sending only drones into Ireland."

"So," Cassias added, "It's mainly a matter of what you and Raven want to do first."

"You're giving us the choice?"

"It's something we learned from the Vanguard at Horizon. While most of the Guardians are in what you might consider to be a proper army, it always helps to have wildcards. So, not having Raven on a lease would, in Lysander's opinion, be the best thing to do."

Lysander raised an eyebrow, but did well to not let the others notice it. Ayre's head turned to the side, expecting an answer from Raven.

'Raven, which one do you want?'

'It doesn't matter. Both will help humanity.'

'Yes, but…' Ayre sighed.

"We'll take the artillery mission."

"Good," Eramis replied, "I'll be able to see The Raven in action."

"You'll be joining us, Eramis, Kell?"

"I had intended to personally oversee this mission, regardless of The Raven's choice. Those artillery cannons need to be established, and I cannot delay."

"Very well then. Balam has already sent Gun 3 ahead. Until we can get a jumpship for you, Ayre, you can take Eramis's Ketch. Lysander, get a fireteam ready for Scotland. Ayre, Eramis, you're dismissed."

Lysander nodded as the others filed out of the room.

"Why did you suggest it was my idea to have Raven be freelanced?"

"Two reasons: One, it endears you to both Ayre and Raven. They don't know you. And, two: so that Ayre and Raven might interact with the Last City, and hopefully start to mend the relationship between us. When our enemies take off the gloves, and they will, I'd want us standing as one. It's a long shot, but we have to do something to bridge the gap."

Lysander got a notification on a data pad on the table. Picking it up, he chuckled.

"Speaking of relations."

Lysander showed Cassias the data pad, saying an AC was inbound to Avalon. It was painted black, with the shoulders having a blue stripe, and a white Spade symbol on them.

"Seems their 'emissary' is on his way."

Cassias groaned, placing his head against the table.

"I hate talking to that Hunter."

"And he hates his job, so you have a lot in common."

As Ayre and Eramis neared the exit to the palace, Ayre turned to Kura.

"What's a Jumpship?" She whispered.

"Something every independent, or, as Cassias put it, wildcard Guardian will need. Without it, you aren't going to be traveling anywhere in Sol."

As they exited the building, Ayre saw Raven…as well as the half a dozen engineers and two maintenance MTs working on it.

"Should I be considered?!" Kura exclaimed, flying over to them.

"Just putting on the finishing touches. Okay, Raven, fire it up!"

As the mechanics and MTs backed away, Raven's boosters ignited, sending him hurtling into the air. After a moment, he landed with a THUD.

"So, Raven!" One of the mechanics exclaimed, "How are the new boosters?!"

"Minimal change to energy output."

"What?" Ayre exclaimed, but Eramis interrupted.

"Enough. Is The Raven flight worthy?"

"He's not space worthy, but he can go around Earth."

"Good. Ayre, join me on the Ketch. The Raven will fly alongside us."

Ayre briefly looked to Raven, who merely nodded, and followed Eramis up her ship's ramp.

'When did the mechanics show up?'

'Shortly after you entered. We had more pressing issues to deal with, so I didn't mention it.'

'Didn't mention,' Kura interjected, 'That an entire team was tampering with my Guardian? Your AC could've exploded!'

'Which you would've fix.'

'Don't get smart with me!'

'What were they doing?'

'The flight boosters have seemingly advanced in the past 150 years. The flight boosters should allow continuous flight, almost indefinitely.'

'Good to know.'

As the Ketch took off from the ground, Raven activated his thrusters, and launched into the air, following the ship out of Avalon. Their first mission of their second life was about to begin.

Author's Notes: You know, isn't it strange how we only get to see Russia and central Europe in Destiny, and only see small parts of other parts of Earth in PVP matches? Yeah, this is NOT going to be fun for me. This chapter didn't have any fighting, but was setting up future events, obviously.

As for Eramis's look, just imagine the blue stasis crystals on her are removed, as well as the mystery with her right leg (smirking).

Also, as stated, if you want, tell me which of the four voices you think would work for Raven (keep in mind it's him paired up with Ayre's voice as well)

As always, leave a review, fav/follow, and I'll see you all next time.