You have lost the Game.
Alright, you're welcome for that. Now onto the business at hand. It's time to conclude the Splicer plotline.
If you enjoy it, feel free to leave a review saying what you liked. If you hate it, feel free to leave a review reciting a ritual for my sacrifice upon the altar of the Blood God.
Chapter 12: The Enemy Within
"Rise up as one. March towards the sun." - Lakshmi-2 speaking to the Last City
For the first time in months, the sun was shining over the Last City. The Vex's grip had been shattered. The potent Taken corruption that had once choked the air was now gone, finally allowing the people to breathe. Across the city, people were celebrating, cheering for the brave Guardians who had valiantly fought off the Vex.
Lakshmi was not joining in the festivities. She observed the parades and celebrations from her perch on the walls, and her enhanced vision allowed her to pick out all the details. Down in the city, she bore witness to House Light mingling with some of the less-hostile citizens. The children of the two species ran through the plaza together, playing and laughing, unaware of the tragedy the future held.
She was aware of someone walking up behind her but elected to keep her vigil over the city, only acknowledging them once they were beside her. Osiris joined her post, looking out over the city.
"The morning sun shines upon us once again," he said, taking a moment to bask in its warm rays. "It is a brand new day, just as you foresaw."
"Indeed," Lakshmi responded. "Everything has played out as the Device predicted. All I have witnessed has come to pass—rather, almost all."
"The futures it shows you, how much faith do you place in them?"
"They are correct just often enough for me to always seriously consider them," Lakshmi said. "I have no reason to doubt what I have seen. The Darkness surrounds us, and people choose to remain blind." She gestured to the festivities below. "Do you think they would be so jovial if they knew what approached? Would they be so content to lie beside the Fallen if they knew what would happen once they closed their eyes? Once Darkness falls, blades will rise."
"You have done all you can," Osiris said. Lakshmi frowned.
"But I have not," she said. "I could do more if only I had the tools." She looked at Osiris pointedly. "Or the support."
"You forget, I am no longer part of the Vanguard," Osiris warned.
"But your word holds sway," Lakshmi rebuffed. "When you speak, the stars listen. Perhaps if you had not been so careless, had not lost your Light, you would be able to see the threat of the Fallen."
Osiris remained impassive, save for the slightest narrowing of his eyes. His Ghost, Sagira, had recently been slain by a servant of Xivu Arath, the Hive Goddes of War. Since then, his connection to the Traveler had been severed. Losing your Ghost was perhaps the worst fate any Guardian could endure. Bringing it up so callously was an invitation for Osiris to pick her up and throw her off the walls.
It appeared that cooler heads would prevail, for today at least. Osiris simply crossed his arms and looked at the colossal white sphere that dominated the horizon. "I have no choice but to trust the Traveler's will." He paused as though he might be able to peer into its enigmatic mind by sheer force of will alone. "Do you believe us to be living in a new dawn?"
Lakshmi took a moment to ponder the question. The Device had shown her many futures, most of which diverged at this moment. Either the Fallen would rise up and steal the Light away, dooming Humanity to extinction, or someone would act. Lakshmi knew what she needed to do but did not know how to do it.
"We find ourselves in the flash of lightning before the coming storm," she said. "We have but a single, brief moment before the thunder begins." Osiris nodded in agreement before turning to face the Exo.
"I may know how to aid you now, more so than I ever could before." Lakshmi raised an eyebrow at the Warlock's offer. He began to pace as he continued speaking. "The Device was recovered from the vaults of the Ishtar Collective on Venus, correct?" Lakshmi nodded. "It is based on Vex technology. Poorly understood and barely operable, but Vex technology nonetheless. It may be possible to rewire the Device, turning it from a portal through time to a portal through space."
"You seek to turn our most sacred relic into a Vex teleporter?" Lakshmi asked. Osiris waved a hand as though batting away the unwanted thought.
"I would not phrase it so garishly, but in essence, yes. You would be able to send the Eliksni to the furthest corners of Sol. Perhaps even further than that."
Lakshmi reached into her robes and retrieved the Device. She looked it over as she contemplated his offer. The proposal was admittedly tempting, but she had reservations. "These modifications. They would be safe?"
"And completely reversible," Osiris said. "A temporary sacrifice. Is that not worth saving the city? For centuries, you will be lauded as a hero. The only one with the foresight to know what was needed and the will to enact it."
Lakshmi spared one last look at the Device. It weighed heavily in her hand like a lump of tungsten. She hesitantly offered it to Osiris. The Sunsinger accepted it, holding the Device gingerly.
"I will have returned to you by nightfall," he said, looking over the Device. "Until then, try to enjoy the festivities." He departed, leaving Lakshmi alone once again. She tucked her arms behind her back and returned to her vigil to quiet her nerves. Soon, this would all be over, one way or the other
"Today, we stand under the light of Sol's sun and the Light of the Traveler," Commander Zavala said. He stood, back rigid and arms tucked behind his back, before a massive assembly of Guardians. Dozens, perhaps even hundreds, had been temporarily recalled to the city for the ceremony. Many more were forced to remain at their posts across Sol and were simply watching a live feed. And, of course, those two were still locked in their duel of sick moves and immaculate vibes. Not even this triumph could interrupt their bout. Most would disperse after this, returning to their fronts. The celebration was for the civilians.
"The Vex have been defeated, their simulation undone," Zavala continued. "Our people can once again rest with ease knowing that the Darkness has been staved off at least one more day."
Luz watched from her spot in the crowd. When Royal said there would be a ceremony, she expected a parade and maybe an interview. At least a few medals. Royal had informed her that wasn't how Guardians did things. A Guardian's deeds stood for themselves, enshrined in the titles they had earned: Royal the Vexbane, Malek the Kingslayer, Iris the Young Wolf. All Guardians had contributed something to the war against the Vex, either overriding their operations alongside House Light or keeping other threats at bay. She would be recognized for her contributions, but if Luz wanted to stand above her peers, she would have to earn her title.
"Know that the war still rages on," Zavala said. "Our enemies are restless, numberless, and without fear. We must not lower our guard. The next threat is already on the horizon. We will be ready to meet it." He concluded his short speech to a chorus of battle cries and applause from the Guardian ranks. Amity leaned closer to Luz so she could be heard over the noise.
"I was expecting a 'but' there," she said. Luz snorted, agreed, and joined the applause. The Tower courtyard didn't take long to clear out after that. Most Guardians went for their jumpships, preparing to redeploy across Sol. A few gave Luz and Amity some light smacks on their armor. Supposedly, it was a show of respect, acknowledging their work. Even Iris joined in, giving Luz a grin and a nod as she departed.
"So what else is there to do?" Amity asked. "Go out on patrol? Pick up some bounties?"
"Forget that, we've earned a break," Luz said. "I'm gonna head down to the Eliksni Quarters and join the party. Wanna come with?" Not having anything better going on, Amity shrugged and decided to join.
Elsewhere, Royal was nursing himself back to health. He was steadily exorcising the Taken corruption that had ravaged his body. It was slow, bitter work, but he was making progress. He had watched the Commander's speech from his feed as he rested in his quarters. It was rare for Guardians to require additional time to heal; the Light was usually more than enough to repair whatever was damaged. Royal simply wished for a secluded place to recover his strength.
He sighed as another pulse of Solar Light swept through his body, burning away the rot that had settled in between his gears and pistons. A few thin trails of black smoke leaked from his body. His armor had been removed and lay on his desk in a neatly organized pile, leaving him clothed in nothing save for a pair of pants. Royal stretched, inspecting the structural integrity of his torso.
There was a knock at his door, three rhythmic strikes equally spaced apart. Assuming it was Luz, he called for her to enter. He was a little taken aback when Elisabeth stepped through and gently closed the door.
"I heard about what happened," she said, getting straight to the point as she pulled over a chair. It's about everything: Quria, Outcast, Marauder." She paused as Royal's flames flared. How are you holding up?"
"How do you think?" Royal asked, rubbing his faceplate in exhaustion. "My brothers. My sisters. So many of them. Dead. Desecrated. Dishonored." Royal looked up, his optics darting wildly in horrific realization. "Has he found Paladin and Venator? They don't know he's still alive! Outcast is coming for us, all of us!" His body was shaking at the thought. Elisabeth set a hand on his chest, slowly and gently pressing him down into his cot.
"Easy," she said. "It's all going to be fine. If you're anything to go by, your siblings will be fine. Outcast doesn't know where they are; he can't get to them."
"He will find them," Royal said. "I have to get there first, warn them. Together, we might have a chance."
"Royal, look at me," Elisabeth said, cupping her hands around the side of his head. She stared into his optics, her thumbs gently resting on his fins. "Everything's going to be fine. Outcast won't get you, I promise." Royal set one of his hands atop hers, still clearly panicked. He tried to move, only for his body to be racked by another wave of pain. Royal relented, allowing his body to relax. Elisabeth seemed relieved, removing her hands from his head.
She gave a soft smile. "Now, I believe you owe me a story."
"Right, the Isles," Royal said. "What did I offer, specifically?"
"You mentioned something called Grudgby," Elisabeth said. "Not that I have any idea what that is."
"Well, nothing a short lesson can't fix." Royal began to explain the story, with Lancer chiming in to explain some of the rules. Elisabeth listened intently as he concluded the tale detailing Eda's and his victory.
"It certainly seems like an… interesting sport," she said.
Royal shrugged, "It's not for everyone. Though maybe watching a game would be more stimulating." He suddenly got an idea. "Osiris almost has the portal to the Isles finished. Maybe I could show you around?"
"Smooth," Lancer said in his ear while Elisabeth fixed him with a look that sent strange feelings through him.
"I might just take you up on that offer."
Down in the Eliksni district, the mood was festive. The area around them may still be bombed-out ruins, but to House Light, it may as well have been a palace. They had won and thrown off the shackles of the Endless Night. Many hoped that, with the presence of the Vex now diminished, tensions between House Light and the broader city would dissolve. Others were less optimistic, but everyone agreed to leave those questions for tomorrow. Today was a day of celebration. There was even armed security from New Monarchy gathered, presumably to ensure that the celebration didn't get out of hand and that they weren't interrupted by the more contentious elements of the city.
Amity lurked off to the side, making small talk with a few Eliksni and sympathetic Human citizens. She sipped at more of that strange, oily coffee-like drink. The air was filled with traditional Eliksni music. It was odd, and the sound made a strange reverberation in her chest, but it wasn't bad. A small crowd had gathered near the band playing the music, dancing and cheering into the sunset. Amity half-listened as the people around her chatted, more fixated on watching Luz as she danced with Eido. Both seemed to be having the time of their life.
Amity felt a small spike of jealousy impale her heart. Marauders' advice echoed through her head, and, for a second, she considered walking over there and asking Luz for a dance. She forced it down, though, not wanting to put Luz in an uncomfortable position. She kept a watchful eye on the two; she would be lying if she said the image of Eido snatching Luz away hadn't crossed her mind. But she tried her best to ignore those thoughts. That wasn't fair to either of them.
As she took another sip of her drink, a sudden burst of vivid colors caught her eye. Setting her cup aside, she focused her gaze on the spot where the flash had appeared. Intrigue mingled with determination as she slipped away from the revelries, her mind set on uncovering the source of this mysterious disturbance.
At the party, Luz was having the time of her second life. There had been laughs, drinks, and plenty of banter. She mainly stuck near Eido and Amity until the former dragged her to the dance floor, with the latter electing to remain off to the side, much to Luz's unbidden disappointment.
Unfortunately, it hadn't all been sunshine and rainbows. Someone in the crowd had produced quite a large helping of booze. Caught up in the moment, Luz downed a few sips only to spit it out once the taste hit her.
Now, she was off to the side, trying to wash that foul taste out of her mouth. Eido watched, more than a little amused. Luz downed another water bottle, swished it around her mouth, and swallowed.
"Why do people drink that stuff?" She asked. Eido just shrugged. As Luz continued washing that rancid flavor out of her mouth, she heard the sound of heavy footfalls approaching. Misraaks, who had been away from the festivities to attend to important matters, approached her from behind.
"I see you are enjoying the evening," he said jovially. Luz shrugged, already reaching for another water bottle.
"Beats the ceremony at the Tower," she said. "What about you? Are you finally out of your coop?"
"I'm afraid the duties of a Kell leave little time for such pleasantries," Misraaks said. "I simply wished to thank you for everything you have done."
"I'm just doing my job," Luz said. Misraaks nodded.
"Indeed. But that does not mean you do not deserve gratitude." He reached into a compartment in his armor and removed a small device. "Besides, I have something that belongs to you." He handed the device to Luz. Accepting it, she realized it was the phone she had given him not long ago. She had almost forgotten about it, what with everything that had happened since then. She wasn't even sure she wanted to see what was on it. Were those memories even her own anymore.
Seeing Luz's expression, Misraaks grew concerned. "Do you not want it?"
"No, that's not it," Luz quickly said, giving the Kell a smile. "Thank you for this. It's just… I think I might wait a bit before using it."
Misraaks nodded in understanding and began to turn away. Before he could, a loud crack sounded through the air, drowning out the music. The mood instantly died, with people looking off toward the source of the sound. A wave of overwhelming power crashed over the area, staggering the civilians and knocking them to their knees. Luz's head snapped to the source as a high-pitched whine filled the air, and she narrowed her eyes; she knew what that feeling meant.
She helped Eido and Misraaks to their feet. "The Vex have infiltrated the city; get everyone out of here!" She drew her hand cannon in one hand and charged the other with lightning. Before either Eliksni could respond, she sprinted toward the Vex's infiltration.
Amity crept through the rubble on the fringes of the Eliksni Quarters, stepping through bombed-out ruins and dust-choked streets. Suspecting an ambush, she summoned a pair of Abomination gauntlets. The sound of chatter grew closer, becoming louder and more defined as she got closer. Amity crouched behind a ruined wall. Pal peered around the corner at her insistence, relaying what he saw over their private line.
"Ma'am, everything is in position," a security guard said. Amity's brow furrowed as Lakshmi's voice sounded in reply.
"Good, open the feed. I want this message heard on every frequency in the city." A nearby radio clicked a few times. Amity activated her radio and began recording Lakshmi's message; it could serve as crucial testimony should she attempt to do something dangerous.
"People of the last city," Lakshmi began, speaking clearly and with a prideful fire in her voice. "We have endured many great tragedies thanks to our strength and a steadfast commitment to Humanity. The Traveler chose us. It abandoned the Fallen because they are unfit, unworthy of the Light. They would take it from us if they could. The Vanguard have lost their way. They embrace the Darkness. Welcome Eramis's followers into our midst with open arms. Force us to celebrate our lost heroes alongside those who murdered them."
Amity's fists tightened further in her gauntlets at the Exo's words. She had half a mind to make her presence known right now. But she elected to wait; Lakshmi hadn't technically done anything punishable yet. As Lakshmi continued, Amity heard the distinct sound of mechanical whirring. A strange tension entered the air, one that felt familiar to her.
"Yes, the Endless Night is over," Lakshmi said. "But now, Mithrax and his House will use this opportunity to do what the Fallen have always done. Covet. Cheat. Steal. Kill. I have seen the future with my own eyes, and it has not changed. Doom still builds on our horizon like a terrible storm. But there is hope. Right now, loyalists from Future War Cult and New Monarchy have rounded up the Fallen in our city. With the aid of Osiris, I have learned how to safely command the power of the Vex. I will use it to do what the Vanguard could not. I will tear open a rift, banishing the Fallen to the depths of space from which they came."
Amity's eyes widened at Lakshmi's proclamation. What she was doing bordered on madness. She recalled something Paladin had confided in her so long ago; outside of beings like the Taken, there was no commanding the Vex. The entire city would be at risk if she didn't act now.
Before she could advance to stop Lakshmi, the whirring increased pitch to an ear-splitting shriek. There was a loud crack like a chunk of reality being split away to fall into the abyss. Amity felt the power of the Vex flood through the area, no doubt incapacitating the Lightless guards Lakshmi had brought with her. The Exo didn't notice, so it was shielded from the shockwave thanks to the Device. She was positioned atop a small outcropping, arms spread and optics facing the sky. The Exo was so enraptured by her moment of glory that she could not see it unraveling.
As such, she was unable to see the first Vex exit the portal. A Minotaur strode through, its frame glistening in the dull light. The lone crimson optic of the machine spawn quickly assessed the situation. Amity stood up from her cover, watching in horror as more Vex followed behind it. The Minotaur leveled its weapon at the head of one of Lakshmi's guards. The barrel glowed as it prepared to fire.
"We alone will save Humanity!" Lakshmi continued, oblivious to the threat directly in front of her. "I have seen the darkest futures, and, with this act, I will-" She was interrupted when the Minotaur opened fire on the downed guard. Its torch hammer spat a ball of blazing purple energy directly into the unconscious woman's face. Her head exploded, coating the Minotaur's lower legs in grey matter.
The Minotaur had only a split-second to process its kill before Amity crashed into it. Her gauntlets dented the Vex's frame with every swing. The Minotaur staggered under her blows. It brought a fist around to try and strike her head, only for Amity to catch it against her forearm and deliver a devastating punch to its Radiolaria chamber. The Minotaur fell over, sparking white liquid spilling from its chest. Amity was vaguely aware of Lakshmi screaming behind her.
Sparing a glance, Amity saw Lakshmi desperately backpedaling away from an encroaching Goblin. The construct fired its slap rifle through her chest, prompting a scream of pain from the Exo. Lakshmi fell onto her back, now out of sight, and the Goblin continued its advance. Amity couldn't see what was happening, but Lakshmi's screams painted a vivid picture. Amity couldn't find it in herself to feel sorry for the woman. She had brought this upon them all, and now she was paying for that mistake.
She wasn't given much time to focus on Lakshmi as the Vex continued to pour through. A Hobgoblin opened fire on her from afar, forcing her to raise her shield. More shots slammed into her, slowly pushing her back as the Vex teleported into the clearing. Her radio sparked to life as she shrugged off more shots.
"All fireteams!" Ikora said over the line. "Find and close the insertion point!"
"This is Guardian Blight; I am at ground zero," Amity said, blasting a Goblin with her pulse rifle. "I need immediate reinforcement!"
"Understood, dispatching Guardians to your position," Ikora responded. "Mithrax, what's your status?"
"We are overrun!" The Kell responded, his voice tinged with desperation as gunfire filled the feed. "Please, we cannot hold them off for much longer!"
"Do not worry, Mithrax, I am on my way!" Saint shouted, his boots thundering loud enough to be heard over the line.
"No, you must protect your people!" Misraaks replied.
Saint's reply was quick and decisive. "You are my people!"
Amity couldn't afford to pay the conversation any mind. The Vex continued to hammer her position, steadily pouring through the portal. She fired as fast as she could but couldn't stop them all. A Wyvern stepped through the portal and immediately opened fire on her. Its blasts rocked the ground around Amity, sending her sprawling to the ground.
The Wyvern stomped closer to her, charging its weapons to fire another volley. Amity forced herself to her feet, summoned a Sentinel Shield, and flung the shield as hard as possible. The disc cut through the air with all the speed of a sparrow. It embedded itself in one of the Wyvern's legs but didn't cut through.
"I can't get to the portal," she said, scrambling for cover and hoping anyone could assist her. As she reloaded her pulse rifle, the taste of something metallic entered her mouth. Another cracking sound reached her ear, though this one was far different from the Vex. She looked up just in time to see the sky around her split by a bolt of lightning.
Luz landed in the center of the Vex horde, her entire body wreathed in electric sparks. Her arms flung out, directing her Arc Light outward. Bolts shot out at the nearest Vex around her, atomizing them. She raced to the portal and tried to step through it, only to find herself pushed back.
"They are really sick of us getting in there. Keep them off me," Luz said, turning back to Amity as the Vex reassessed the situation. She hefted her arm, deploying her Splicer gauntlet. "I'll open the door." Amity nodded, summoning an Abomination to back her up. The Vex opened fire again, bringing their wrath down on the two Guardians. Amity and her golem moved as fast as they could, doing everything to protect Luz as she pried at the digital lock. Aurora appeared beside her Guardian, helping to pick at the Vex's defenses.
"Luz, Amity, where are you?" Royal asked over the comms, his voice still a little faded.
An explosion went off near Amity, forcing her to dive to the ground. "Oh, you know, enjoying the fireworks!"
"Elisabeth and I are on our way, but it's absolute pandemonium up here," he said. "It's going to be a while before we can get to you."
Luz glanced back at Amity as she batted a Harpy aside with her shield. "Then don't bother coming to us; regroup with Saint and House Light. You need to hold the perimeter."
"You are not going in there without me!" Royal protested, only for Luz to cut him off.
"We can handle ourselves," she said, flinching as a few shots slammed into her back. Her armor absorbed most of the damage, but she could feel the bruises forming. "Please, don't let the Vex hurt any more innocents," she pleaded. Royal remained quiet for a moment, clearly unhappy with the call.
"Understood," he finally said. "Stay safe in there, alright?"
"In there honestly seems safer than out here," Luz responded as Amity blocked a Minotaur punch with her face. She was sent flying back to Luz, skidding on the ground as she landed with a meek 'ow'.
"Please tell me that you almost have it open," Amity groaned as she stood up, already readying her fists.
"Almost, I just need a little more time," Luz replied, feeling the tug of the Vex through her gauntlet. She had almost broken through, and they could feel it. The Vex continued firing from all sides, threatening to overwhelm the two Guardians. Amity's Abomination was torn apart by gunfire, finally collapsing into a puddle of sludge. Amity summoned the goo back to herself, swirling it around herself and Luz as a protective barrier. It didn't last long. Her shield was shattered not long after, pushing her to the ground.
The radio sparked to life again as Ikora began to speak. "Osiris, what's your position?" There was no response from the Sunsinger, prompting Ikora to ask again. "Osiris?"
"He was right behind me," Saint said. "I-I have lost him!"
"Osiris, respond!" Ikora shouted. Realizing that the Sunsigner was off the line, she shifted her attention. "Amity, reinforcements have almost arrived; just hold out a little longer."
"Sometime this decade would be lovely!" Amity shouted back. The Vex continued their assault, more and more shots slamming into Amity as she tried to cut them down. Alas, they were appearing faster than she could kill them. She curled her arms close to her chest, pooling all her Light into her hands. With a pained grunt of exertion, she flung her arms outward, projecting a dome of Void energy around herself and Luz. Void Light molded around their bodies like a second armor. The Vex's shots slammed into the Ward of Dawn, ineffectual against the protection Amity had raised.
"When did you learn to do that?" Aurora asked. Amity grinned, though her forehead was coated in sweat from the strain.
"I wasn't top of my class for nothing," she said. Another Wyvern blasted the Ward, tearing off a large chunk of it. Amity hissed as she redirected the remaining Light, patching the defenses but weakening the overall structure. "I can't keep this up much longer!"
The Wyvern brought one of its legs up to stomp through the Ward. Amity braced herself for the sensation. Before the construct could bring its weight down on the dome, a volley of Void tethers flew through the air. They crashed into the Wyvern, binding and suppressing the machine-spawn. The tethers lashed out at other nearby Vex, latching onto them. Light wove into their forms, destabilizing their atomic bonds. Three rockets spiraled around each other in a beautiful helix of fiery orange, electric blue, and deep purple. They detonated once they hit the Wyvern. The Void tethers pulsed and tore the connected Vex apart, leaving the Wyvern stumbling.
A cloaked figure landed on the ground as the Vex exploded in a cloud of lavender particles. Rolling with the impact, she drew a red and black pulse rifle and fired a burst into a Hobgoblin's chest. The Vex collapsed as SIVA nanomachines tore it apart from within. Iris bounced to her feet, opening fire on the remaining Vex.
"I had a feeling I'd find you here," she told Luz. A Minotaur attempted to strike her from behind, only for Iris to manifest a Stasis kama in her offhand. She quickly spun around, dragging the blade across the Minotaur's chest and bisecting it. "How's that portal coming along?"
"Almost got it," Luz said. A clicking sensation reverberated up her gauntlet. The portal's defenses faded away, finally offering them a way through. "Alright, it's open!"
"Go through," Iris ordered. "Find the Mind. Destroy it. I'll keep these bitches entertained." Luz nodded as Amity jogged over to her.
"You sure she can handle them all by herself?" The Witch asked. Luz cast a sideways glance at the Young Wolf, watching as she unleashed a whirling tornado of razor-sharp Stasis shards that tore the Vex to shreds. Iris whipped around, pulling a sleek hand cannon off her hip and leveling it on the Wyvern's exposed Radiolaria chamber.
"Jackpot." She fired, her weapon kicking back in her hand as a bullet tore through the Wyvern's core. It screeched as its form fell apart, dropping to the ground in large chunks.
"Something tells me she'll be fine," Luz said. With that, the two dove into the Vex Domain once again. Their feet hit the ground at the edge of an extended platform. A titanic pedestal sat at the end, serving as the command perch for an oversized Minotaur.
"There are too many Vex!" Misraaks shouted over the comm line. He let out a grunt of pain, presumably his armor absorbing a shot from the Vex. "We need that portal closed!"
The Minotaur's head suddenly shot up as if it could hear their comms. It glared at the two women, an ancient intelligence lying behind its singular optic. Malice, contempt, disgust. This thing was the last vestige of the Endless Night. The plans of it and all its compatriot Minds had been undone. If it were to fall this day, it would not be without a fight. Portunos, Subjugated Mind, readied a mighty torch hammer in one hand and an axe made of data in the other. The Minotaur teleported to their level, the platform quaking beneath its steps.
"Lay down your arms and submit yourself for assimilation," the Mind commanded, the weight of its power rippling around it. "You will not be granted a second chance for compliance." Rather than respond verbally, Luz and Amity simply prepared their Light. The Mind returned the favor, slamming the blade of its axe into the ground before it. The platform split, separating the two Guardians. Amity charged while Luz slung lightning bolts at the Mind from afar.
Portunos opened fire with its weapon, each shot blasting away massive chunks of data. Amity dodged around the explosions, her shield forming over her arm. Portunos brought its weapon down once again, shattering the ground before her. Amity leaped onto the shaft of the weapon and charged up it. Her shield met its chest in a sprinting shield bash, causing the Mind to stumble back.
Luz soared into the air, small trails of fire burning under her feet. She loosed a few blasts of fire, pushing the Mind back further. It swung its axe into the ground, planting the blade deep in the data. Leveraging its immense strength, it pulled a chunk free and flung it at Luz. As it flew through the air, Amity commanded her Abomination magic to curl around her arms and form into long whips. She lashed them around the prism mid-flight and pulled with all her might. Her feet dug into the ground as she swung it around and slammed it back into the Mind.
Portunos fell to one knee as its axe fell out of its hand. It was already beginning to stand back up when the Vex Domain flashed crimson. The Mind shrieked, clawing at its head. Luz landed beside Amity, already preparing her lightning.
"Of course, he'd show up," Amity muttered. The two quickly went back to back. Portunos stood up; its previous targets no longer its priority. A large blue light appeared across the chamber, eventually coalescing into another towering Mind. It wasn't any frame that Luz recognized, appearing far more armored than a Minotaur. Its hands ended in sharp talons, with a torch hammer clutched in one of its hands. In the center of its face were three optics, the central one slightly raised.
Amity felt her breath hitch, "It can't be."
"Prey of the Mind-Eater," Portunos said. "Paradoxical Mind. Cease your aggression or be deleted."
Synegorus stared at the three targets before it, remaining impossibly still. Then, it blitzed forward in a flash of shining metal and calculated brutality. Its talons raked across Portunos's chest, tearing open its Radiolaria chamber. The Subjugated Mind spasmed as it desperately clutched at its gut, trying its best to stem the flow of its lifeblood. Portunos fell to its knees with a thundering crash. The glow in its optics faded, and the Mind was felled.
Amity stepped in front of Luz, holding her shield out protectively. Synegorus turned to look at her. Despite herself, she was shaking a little. She remembered what it felt like when this Mind had entered the Isles. How its mere presence had frayed the threads of reality. The psychic scars of that moment had lingered in the memories of all who felt it. The fact that it wasn't nearly as large as it had been back then was of little comfort to her.
Rather than attack, Synegorus kneeled. Its body glowed bright blue as it faded back into nothingness. The two women stared at the spot it had once been.
"Neat trick, isn't it?" The mocking voice of Outcast asked. It came from all around and within them. The wall of the pedestal distorted as Outcast stepped out of it. "Sometimes I sick the Minds on each other when I can't be bothered to break them myself." He teleported beside Portunos, absorbing it in an instant.
"You're going to pay for what you did to Marauder," Amity snarled, baring her fangs under her helmet. Outcast made an exaggerated show of rolling his optics. He was instantly behind Amity, one hand on the back of her head and the other wrapped around her chin. With minimal effort, he broke her neck. Amity didn't even have a second to react as her head was suddenly on backward. Before Outcast could wrap his fingers around Pal, he was forced to teleport away by a blast of lightning.
"Do you always let your pet speak for you?" he asked, as though commenting on something as casual as weapon maintenance. Luz moved to stand over Amity defensively.
"She's not a pet, she's a person."
Outcast shrugged, "Could've fooled me. I don't see the point in such creatures beyond mindless entertainment. Though now that I look at it." He stared at Amity intently, his eyes whirring in their sockets. "Curious. Her Light is dim, far less potent than yours. Even your broken god knows she is worthless."
"What do you want?" Luz asked, cutting him off before he could go on a rant. "You haven't attacked me yet; you must want something."
"Clever girl," Outcast said appraisingly. "What I want… is to talk." Luz tilted her head in confusion as Outcast began to pace. "You clearly mean a lot to my little brother. And I've checked through the memories of every other version of myself I've met. Never, in any other timeline, has a Royal-6 met a Luz Noceda. I want to know what makes you so special."
"You're insane if you think I'd talk to you," Luz snapped.
"No truly sane man could commit to what I have," Outcast replied. "Here, as a show of good faith, I shall allow you to return your pets—" He held up a hand as Luz glared at him. "—Apologies, companions body to reality."
Luz narrowed her eyes, watching Outcast suspiciously. He made a shooing gesture with his hand, almost as though he was telling her to get on with it. Luz deployed her gauntlet and opened a return portal for Amity without averting her gaze. Her body fell through, leaving the two alone.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Aurora whispered in her ear. Luz sighed.
"Not at all. But I get the feeling he won't let us out if we don't entertain this." Outcast clapped his hands together, raising a pair of small outcroppings from the ground. He dusted the nearest one off and sat before gesturing for Luz to do the same. She acquiesced but elected to keep her gauntlet deployed if needed.
"Alright," she said. "Shoot."
"I have looked through what Synegorus gathered from its time observing the Demon Realm," Outcast began. "To think such a dreadful place may have existed back in my time is horrifying. That Belos character had the right idea—a true hero of Mankind. But I'm getting off-topic. Tell me, what does my brother see in you?"
"How should I know?" Luz asked. "I've only known him for a few weeks, a month at most. Any bonds we may have had were left in my grave."
Outcast frowned. "I do not understand. Every Royal, across all timelines, leads a doomed existence. Every. Single. One. And yet, Scholar persists. He may not have reached his end point yet, but I do not believe so. That leaves you as the only variable."
"Look, I don't know what's so special about me," Luz said, trying to keep her frustration from spilling into her voice. "I talked to Elisabeth, and she said that she's never met me before in any other go around."
"You know Elsie?" Outcast asked, his pensive expression falling away to one of surprise. Luz nodded, and, for a moment, she could have sworn she saw something approaching Humanity in his optics. He quashed it in an instant. "I see. I am vaguely aware of your timelines, Elisabeth. Or rather, her incessant meddling with the linear flow of time. Everything, even the Vex Domain, is rewound with her. I can feel its ripples but am not immune to its effects. If you have only emerged in the most recent incarnation, you have some unforeseen importance. And that means I can't kill you, not yet. Doing so would only rewind things again, undoing all of my work and condemning me to this cycle again."
"If you want to break the cycle so badly, why do you keep hunting the Minds?" Luz asked. Outcast chuckled somberly.
"Devotion inspires bravery," he said, reciting the Guardian oath. "Bravery inspires sacrifice."
"Sacrifice leads to death," Luz finished.
"I embody this, more than you may think," Outcast said. He stood up without warning, causing Luz to scramble backward. He looked down at her, his expression complicated and indecipherable. "Thank you. What you have told me has clarified the futility of my existence. My world was always doomed, no matter what path we took. All because yours must live."
"And what does that mean for you?" Luz asked.
Outcast held up one of his hands, data spiraling around it. "That the importance of my work has only grown." He snapped his fingers, opening an exit portal for Luz. "You may leave, but be warned; next time we meet, we shall likely lock blades."
"Hold on, now it's my turn to ask you a question," Luz said. Outcast raised an eyebrow, appearing mildly intrigued. He tilted his head, interlacing his fingers expectantly. Luz took a breath. "What do you really want?"
Outcast looked away as he thought, weighing up his thoughts within that twisted mind of his. His expression shifted between several things in a split second.
"What does anyone want?" He asked in response. When Luz failed to give an answer, he provided. "To go home."
With that, Outcast stood up. Luz glanced at the portal, only for Outcast to hold up a finger. "One more thing." His eyes gleamed with unholy light, the detached malice of the Vex returning to his gaze.
"Tell my little brother that I will put everything he loves to the torch."
Clouds of dust filled the air as bolts of destructive potential energy tore massive chunks out of the stone walls. Misraaks crouched behind one such wall, reloading his bulky rifle. He quickly mounted the weapon on the wall and began to charge it. An Arc beam erupted from the weapon with a sharp snap. The beam hit a Cyclops dead in its center eye, causing the artillery unit to wildly discharge its payload into the Vex lines before exploding.
Beside him, Saint was firing his shotgun off as fast as he could reload it. Each shell tore another Vex in half, only for them to be replaced by three more. The Vex kept up their unrelenting fire, stepping over the bodies of those who hadn't been fast enough to escape. Saint, Misraaks, and the other Eliksni holding the line were slowly being pushed back to the saferoom where the survivors had gathered. Eido was doing her best to soothe the hatchlings as they sobbed, a shock pistol clutched in one of her hands. There was a loud rumble and a snap, sending another shockwave over the area. However, only the Vex seemed effected by this one.
"Their portal is broken!" Saint shouted over the gunfire. "Keep behind us; we will not let them harm you." A nearby Eliksni with a wire rifle was thrown to the ground by a nearby torch hammer blast. Saint hooked a hand under his arm, dragging them behind cover while holding up a shield. "Rise, friend, you will not fall this day!"
The offending Minotaur tried to charge the Titan, only for Saint to let loose a mighty roar and punch it in the chest so hard that it was torn in half. A shot from a Hobgoblin bounced off his shoulder. He raised his shotgun to blast the sniper, only for Misraaks to beat him to it.
"If we do not survive, this will be the story Eliksni will tell," he said. "Of the Saint, standing alongside us."
Saint primed a grenade and threw it into the Vex lines, detonating them in a swathe of Void Light. "And you with me, Kell of Kells! Together, we are enough!"
Above them, on the rooftops, a hooded figure approached the warzone. Osiris watched over the battle, his arms crossed and his face inscrutable. As the Vex horde drew closer, a colossal orb of pure Void Light crashed into their lines. The first few rows of machine spawn were instantly atomized, disintegrating into nuclear vapors as a payload with all the force of a collapsing star hit them. Ikora floated down from above, gracefully reaching the ground with more Void Light curled around her hands.
She turned back to Saint and Misraaks. "More than enough." Behind the Vex, more Guardians arrived, being led by Zavala. The Commander sprayed down a few Goblins with auto rifle fire before grabbing a Minotaur by its head and slamming it into the ground with an Arc-infused hand. Royal wasn't far behind, proving why he was called the Vexbane. His rifle spat Solar rounds as Elisabeth took cover beside him, opening fire with her own weapon. Saint let out a bellowing laugh as the Vex now found themselves caught between the hammer and the anvil.
From his perch, Osiris frowned. His eyes darted across the battle as it rapidly turned against the Vex. The outcome was ultimately irrelevant, the next pieces were already in place. He turned away from the battlefield and walked off, his arms tucked behind his back.
"Alea iacta est."
By the time Luz returned to reality, the fight was over. The Vex, outnumbered and outflanked, had been broken by the Guardian reinforcements. With the threat ended, most of them had cleared out. Now, the Eliksni were tending to their wounded, disposing of the broken Vex frames, and preparing their dead for burial. Commander Zavala was speaking with Misraaks and Amity, gathering their reports about what had happened. Future War Cult was already under fire, and the surviving leaders were avoiding the public while they tried to figure out what to do.
Luz walked through the still-smoldering warzone, the reality of what had just happened finally crashing into her. She drifted closer to Amity, glad to see her back on her feet.
"We will allocate whatever resources you need to conduct repairs," she overhead Zavala say to Misraaks. "Leave Future War Cult to the Vanguard. We will deal with them."
"What do you intend to do, Commander?" Amity asked, facing away from Luz. Zavala sighed and rubbed his forehead, already exhausted from the work he would have to do.
"I don't know just yet. We haven't had a situation like this since the Concordat tried to seize control. Rest assured, Future War Cult will face the full punishment we can bring down upon them. New Monarchy as well."
"And Osiris?" She pressed.
"Has vanished," Zavala said. "Saint is already organizing search teams. They will depart as soon as we are certain the situation in the city is stable."
"That is good to hear," Misraaks said with a bow. "Thank you, Commander." Zavala nodded and departed, fading into transmat. Luz made her presence known as he left. Misraaks and Amity both perked up as she grew closer.
"Luz! You're ok!" Amity stepped forward as though she was about to sweep the smaller Warlock up in a hug, only to catch herself and take an awkward half-step back. "It's… I'm glad you're alright. The last thing I remember is seeing Outcast. Next thing I know, I'm waking up with Iris dragging my body out of the line of fire. What happened in there?"
"Let's find Royal first; he'll want to know," Luz said. "Is everyone else safe?"
"We are still counting our dead, but it is less than it could have been," Misraaks rumbled. "We are fortunate you were on hand. Both of you."
"Just doing our duty," Amity said. Luz looked down.
"Any amount of innocent deaths is too much," she said bitterly. "Where's Lakshmi?"
"The Vex beat you to her," Amity said. "I didn't see what happened, but it didn't sound pretty."
A small part of Luz relished in that, hoping that Lakshmi's final moments had been agonizing. The rest of her was horrified by her own thoughts. Before anything could come of it, she saw Eido making her way over. She called out to her friend before wrapping her arms around Eido's chest. The scribe returned the hug.
"I'm glad you're alright," Luz said, clutching her tightly. Eido glanced around the rubble of the battle. Somehow, the Eliksni District looked even worse than it usually did.
"Alright might be overselling it." The two broke from their embrace. For a second, Luz swore she saw a slight glare in Amity's eyes as she looked at the Eliksni. It was gone as quickly as she noticed it, and Luz chalked it up to the poor lighting.
"Royal is disposing of the Vex frames," Eido said, pointing to a spot off in the distance where the Warlock in question was melting the Vex down to slag. He was crouched over the pile, wielding his Solar Light like a blowtorch. With luck, the metal of their frames could be separated from the Radiolaria and repurposed to repair the Eliksni District. Luz saw Elisabeth kneeling beside him, sorting through the pile.
As Luz made her way over, their conversation became clearer. Royal melted a Goblin head to slag, pooling the molten metal into a small container. "To think Lakshmi would be so reckless as to put the entire city at risk. It disgusts me. Was she not aware of the potential consequences?"
"Let's not worry about what might have happened," Elisabeth said. "We stopped it in time. I'm surprised you were willing to jump to House Lights' defense." Seeing Luz draw closer, she offered the woman a wink. "It seems that Luz is a good influence on you."
"I did it for the city as a whole," Royal said, though the statement lacked any bite. "Besides, not even the Fallen deserve to face the Vex's wrath. No one does."
"Even Outcast?" Elisabeth asked. Royal remained silent, not having an answer to offer. Luz sat beside Royal, staring at the pile of lifeless Vex frames. Shadows danced across them as the light from dying embers bounced off the tarnished bronze metal. Royal glanced at her as she sat beside him.
"Glad you made it out," he said. "When Amity got dropped on us with a broken neck, I was worried."
"That's putting it mildly," Elisabeth said. "He was tearing his way through the Vex like a scythe through wheat to get to you."
"What did happen after… you know?" Amity asked, subconsciously rubbing her throat. Luz took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words.
"It's Outcast," she said, looking directly at Royal. "He's coming for you. And he says he won't stop until he's destroyed everything you love." Royal's expression shifted as his posture tightened. Elisabeth set a hand on his shoulder as fire danced in his optics.
"Then he better come out swinging."
So. The Final Shape gameplay preview. It is with great sorrow that I must announce I am taking away Bungie's cooking license.
And promoting them to Head Chef.
Holy shit, they have cooked with this. New enemy race that looks to be the most dynamic they've made yet. Mixing Light and Dark subclasses to create what looks to be the most overpowered builds in the history of the franchise. How the hell is Bungie going to make the Raid challenge us? Well, guess we'll just have to wait and see.
I also realized that I predicted mixing subclasses back in Witches and Warlocks. So, yeah, I'm a prophet. Bask in my glory.
Now, I'll be playing Into the Light later today. Man, I cannot wait. It's a shame about those Warlock robes, but whatever.
Also, I've got a little surprise for y'all after the reviews today.
GuardianLightTheVanguard: I'm not gonna copy-paste the whole review here; it's a long one.
1. Yes, Royal is definitely missing everyone. Sucks that he'll never be able to see most of them again.
2. We'll have to wait and see.
3. I have read Owl House Prime. It's pretty nice. Haven't read the latest few chapters, mostly because I keep forgetting too.
4. She can still use her magic and she probably will gain Stasis at some point.
5. Yup.
6. Maybe, who can tell?
7. I haven't plotted that far ahead yet, so we'll just have to wait and see.
8. She can.
9. Wait and see, my friend.
10. She's Arc down, while Stasis and Solar are mostly under wraps. Void will be tackled at some point in the future.
11. I may or may not have something else in mind.
12. Who knows? I mean, I do. I've already written the chapter.
13. I have one or two in mind for them.
Elthreee: Great chapter, can't wait for Outcast to get his just desserts. Whenever it is, it'll be worth it for sure.
Also thanks for the shoutout, new chapter soon fs. Iron Banner has made me procrastinate on the very ending ffs.
That probably won't be for a while. Outcast is hopefully going to be a more long-term villain. Also, yeah, man. Real recognizes real. And I hear you about the Iron Banner grind. Got the Slide/Chain and Envious/Chain rolls so I'm eating good.
lautaro94: The guardian: [waiting to be called to end the mission they started only to hear that quaria was defeted by a royal and two kinderguardians]
I spoke with my friend who I borrowed Iris from and he confirmed that she was busy trying to outdance those two Guardians in the Tower.
She didn't succeed.
hornig3: OK, shit got real. Hope Royal doesn't destroy any of his progress due to Maurader's death. Also Elsie being openly happy and laughing is so freaking cute, she really would get along with Eda.
He's got a support system to help him, but he's always at risk of slipping.
It was the crack of dawn, and the sun's rays were slipping over the horizon. The world was bathed in pale golden light as the shadows slowly retreated. The green plains of Europe shone with morning dew. For once, the world was quiet and serene.
Royal wouldn't let that stand. His ship tore through the lower atmosphere with Luz and Amity behind him. The roaring engines cut through the early morning air like thundering gods. They dismounted once they reached their destination as their Ghosts steered their ships away. Royal drew to his full height, placed his hands on his hips, and took a deep breath.
"Can't get views like this in the city," he said, gazing out over the plains before him. Amity yawned, supporting a half-asleep Luz on her shoulder.
"It is five-thirty in the morning," she protested. "Could this not have waited until later?"
"Nah, the EAZ gets too crowded," he said. Besides, it's the Solstice—a time for celebrating the lives we have and mourning for the souls we have lost."
"EAZ?" Amity questioned, trying to blink the exhaustion away while Luz snored in her ear. "Don't you mean EDZ?"
"Nope," Royal said, spreading his arms wide. "Welcome to the European Aerial Zone! Every year, Ikora takes a big chunk of the ground and flings it a couple of miles in the air."
Amity's eyes bulged at that claim. She reluctantly glanced behind her and saw a sharp drop off where the ground fell away into the open sky. She quickly backed away from the edge. "Why in the world does she do that?"
Royal shrugged. "No clue, and I'm not stupid enough to ask."
"Royal, Ikora scares me," Amity whispered. Royal let out a deep laugh and shook his head.
"She scares all of us."