Guest: The RWBYverse characters having their memories may be at least partially addressed between the time Forsaken and Shadowkeep; at current, we are around the time period Curse of Osiris is taking place.
Review to guess how that may play put
I do not own RWBY, which is the property of Viz Media, or Destiny 2, which is owned by Bungie. All characters, locations, and lore from these franchises belong to their respective creators. This fanfiction is purely for entertainment purposes and not for profit.
Chapter 16: Shadows of Titan
Pyrrha Nikos' boots made soft thuds against the metallic floors of Siren's Watch as she walked towards the operations deck. The methane storms outside lashed against the reinforced windows, a constant reminder of Titan's volatile nature. Deputy Commander Sloane stood near a console, her broad shoulders squared, her stance exuding an air of defiance against the darkness that seemed to creep closer every day.
"Guardian," Sloane greeted, her voice steady despite the grim atmosphere. Her piercing blue eyes fixed on Pyrrha as she approached. "I'm glad you're here."
"Commander Sloane," Pyrrha replied with a respectful nod. She glanced at the holographic map displaying red markers across Titan's surface. "The Hive presence has been increasing. It's becoming… alarming."
Sloane's lips tightened into a thin line as she folded her arms. "Alarming is an understatement. These Hive aren't just settling in—they're digging deep, establishing something big. But," she added, a faint smile tugging at her mouth, "I doubt that will be too much for the slayer of Crota and the Taken King."
Pyrrha's cheeks flushed lightly, but she maintained her composure. "The Hive's tactics are as relentless as ever. Have we identified their primary operation sites?"
Sloane tapped the console, zooming in on a portion of the map. "Here, near the Arcology. The Hive have overrun most of the Golden Age infrastructure, turning it into… whatever they're building down there. We've detected high concentrations of Hive energy signatures and… whispers of something deeper."
"Whispers?" Pyrrha frowned, leaning closer to the display.
"Psychic resonance," Sloane said grimly. "The kind we've only seen around Ascendant Hive. It's faint, but it's there. Something's stirring, Guardian. Something we can't afford to ignore."
Pyrrha straightened, her hand instinctively resting on the hilt of her rifle. "I'll investigate it personally. If the Hive are preparing another push, we need to shut it down before it gains momentum."
Sloane's expression softened, though her resolve didn't waver. "I knew I could count on you. The people here look to Guardians like you for hope. They need to see that we're not backing down."
Pyrrha's silver eyes glimmered with determination. "We'll never back down. Light shines brightest in the darkest places."
Sloane extended a hand, clasping Pyrrha's forearm firmly. "Be careful out there. Titan has a way of making you feel small, even for a Guardian."
"I'll be fine," Pyrrha replied with a confident smile. "This isn't my first time facing the Hive."
As Pyrrha turned to leave, Sloane's voice stopped her. "One more thing. There's an old comm station near the Arcology. We lost contact with a scouting party there yesterday. If you find any sign of them…"
"I'll bring them back," Pyrrha promised, her voice resolute.
Sloane nodded, watching as the red-haired Guardian disappeared down the corridor. Outside, the storm raged on, but within the Guardian's heart, there was only unyielding fire.
Pyrrha stepped out into the storm-swept platforms, her Ghost's light cutting through the swirling methane haze.
"Well, this feels welcoming," her Ghost quipped, its tone laced with dry humor. "Hive, storms, and a faint scent of impending doom. Just another day on Titan."
Pyrrha chuckled softly. "Let's focus on the task at hand, Aegis. We've faced worse."
"True," Aegis replied, scanning the horizon. "But it doesn't hurt to stay vigilant. The Hive love their surprises."
Navigating the narrow walkways, Pyrrha made her way towards the Arcology, her rifle at the ready. Shadows moved in the distance, accompanied by the guttural growls of Thrall. She pressed on, her steps steady and deliberate.
Ahead, the faint glow of Hive runes illuminated the entrance to a cavernous structure. Pyrrha paused, her Ghost scanning the markings.
"This is definitely Ascendant Hive," Aegis confirmed, his light flickering uneasily. "Whatever they're doing here, it's connected to the Ascendant Plane. Be ready for… well, anything."
Pyrrha gripped her rifle tightly and stepped into the shadows, her resolve unshaken. Titan's storms raged on, but within her, there was only light—a beacon against the darkness.
The Courtyard stretched before Yang, bustling with Guardians and civilians alike. Near the railing overlooking the Last City stood Commander Zavala, his broad shoulders squared as he gazed out at the Traveler. His armor gleamed in the sunlight, each plate etched with the history of countless battles.
"Guardian," Zavala spoke without turning, his deep voice carrying easily over the ambient noise. "Step forward."
Yang approached, feeling the weight of his authority even before he faced her. When he did turn, his glowing eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her straighten unconsciously.
"So," he said, "you've already tasted Solar Light in combat. Tell me, what did you feel?"
Yang flexed her fingers, remembering the heat coursing through them. "Power, but... more than that. Like a fire that wanted to protect as much as it wanted to burn."
A ghost of a smile crossed Zavala's stern features. "Good. You understand instinctively what some Titans take years to grasp. The Light isn't just a weapon - it's a shield. We are the Wall against which the Darkness breaks, the defenders of the Last City."
He gestured to the sprawling metropolis below. "Look at them. Every civilian, every child, every hope for tomorrow - they depend on us. As a Titan, you don't just fight. You become the line between humanity and extinction."
Yang's eyes traced the City's silhouette, her throat tight with sudden emotion. "No pressure, huh?"
"The pressure is what forges us," Zavala replied, his voice softening slightly. "The Light chose you because you have the strength to bear it. Your Solar affinity suggests a warrior's heart - passionate, protective, unwavering. Embrace it."
In the Bazaar, Weiss found Ikora Rey amid a collection of books and scrolls, the Warlock Vanguard's thoughtful gaze lifting to meet hers.
"Fascinating," Ikora said by way of greeting. "Your Light resonates with both Arc and Void energies. Unusual for one so newly risen."
Weiss blinked in surprise. "You can sense that?"
"The Light speaks to those who learn to listen." Ikora set aside an ancient text. "As a Warlock, your path is one of understanding. Knowledge is our weapon, wisdom our shield. Tell me, what draws you to study?"
"I've always believed that understanding gives us power," Weiss replied carefully. "Not just to fight, but to change things."
Ikora's smile was subtle but approving. "Good. Many see Warlocks as mere scholars, but we are warriors of a different kind. Through study and discipline, we unlock the Light's deepest mysteries." She lifted a hand, Void energy dancing between her fingers. "Every secret we uncover, every law of Light we master, brings us closer to protecting humanity."
"The Void... and Arc," Weiss mused. "How do I control them?"
"Control is only part of it," Ikora corrected gently. "First, you must understand. The Void is the space between spaces, the whisper in silence. Arc is the connection between all things, the spark of life itself. Start there. Let the Light teach you its own nature."
The Hangar echoed with the sound of ships and machinery as Blake sought out Cayde-6. She found the Exo Hunter perched on a stack of crates, idly spinning a knife between his fingers.
"Well, well," Cayde called out, his mechanical features arranging themselves into a grin. "Another Void walker. And here I thought my day was going to be boring."
Blake approached cautiously. "You're Cayde-6?"
"The one and only," he hopped down from his perch with casual grace. "Adam mentioned you'd be coming. Said you took to the shadows like you were born to them."
Blake tensed at the mention of Adam's name, her ears flattening slightly against her head. The reaction wasn't lost on Cayde, whose optics flickered with interest.
"Ah," he said, his tone knowing. "Complicated history there, huh? Don't worry, we've all got our stories. And hey, if Adam's vouching for someone, that's rare enough to take notice. Haven't seen him in decades, then he shows up with three new Lights? Interesting times."
"You... know him well?" Blake asked carefully.
"Know him? That old Bull's been around since the Dark Age. Used to run with the first Vanguard before..." Cayde paused, shaking his head. "Well, that's a story for another time. Right now, let's focus on you. Especially that trick you pulled with the Fallen. Love the style."
"You... know about that?"
"I make it my business to know when a new Hunter shows promise." He sheathed his knife with a flourish. "Especially one who takes to the Void like you have. Not many can embrace the shadows without losing themselves to them."
Blake's ears twitched slightly. "Speaking from experience?"
Cayde's blue optics flickered in what might have been a wink. "Let's just say there's a reason Hunters tend to work alone. We walk the edge between Light and Dark, scout the borders other Guardians won't touch. But," he added, his tone growing serious for a moment, "that doesn't mean we're alone."
He gestured around the Hangar. "See all this? The City, the Vanguard, the whole setup? It's here when you need it. Just don't tell anyone I'm getting sentimental. Bad for my reputation."
Blake allowed herself a small smile. "Your secret's safe with me."
"Good." Cayde drew a hand cannon, offering it grip-first. "Now, let's talk about proper Hunter weaponry. Can't have you running around with just any old gun, can we?"
The three new Guardians would spend hours with their respective mentors, learning the foundations of their classes and the nature of the Light they now wielded. Each conversation shaped their understanding, preparing them for the battles to come.
The Last City had gained three new defenders, each finding their place in the eternal stand against Darkness.
After their meetings with the Vanguard, each Guardian received their first proper set of armor. The Tower's requisition officers had prepared standardized field kits for newly risen Guardians, but each set was tailored to their respective classes.
Weiss examined her new Warlock robes with careful appreciation. The high-necked combat coat was a deep navy blue with silver trim, reinforced with lightweight armor plating that didn't restrict movement. The bond on her left arm pulsed with a subtle Arc energy, marking her as a Guardian of the Tower. Her boots were sturdy but elegant, designed for both battlefield mobility and scholarly dignity. A silver-trimmed helmet completed the ensemble, its visor designed to enhance a Warlock's connection to the Light.
Yang grinned as she donned her Titan armor. The heavy plasteel plates were painted in dark blue with white accents, each piece interlocking to create a formidable defensive shell. The distinctive Titan mark hung from her waist, a symbol of her duty as a defender. Her pauldrons were substantial without being cumbersome, and her helmet bore the classic swooping design that had protected Titans since the earliest days of the City. The entire set made her look like a walking fortress, exactly as a Titan should.
Blake's Hunter armor prioritized mobility and stealth. The fitted chest piece and leg armor were a midnight blue, with flexible joints that allowed for silent movement. A hooded cloak fell from her shoulders, its fabric treated to break up her silhouette. Her gauntlets featured grappling attachments, essential for the vertical mobility Hunters were known for. The helmet was sleek and angular, its sensors optimized for tracking prey through any environment.
As they regrouped in the Tower plaza, each wearing their new armor, they looked like proper Guardians for the first time. Their Ghost's shells had also been updated with standard Tower colors, marking them as official members of the Guardian ranks.
"Not bad," Yang said, flexing her armored fingers. "Though I might need to add some personal touches later."
"The functionality is impressive," Weiss noted, adjusting her bond. "Every piece serves a purpose while maintaining the traditions of our classes."
Blake ran a hand along her cloak. "It feels right. Like we finally look the part."
Their armor wasn't the finest the Tower had to offer - those rewards would come with time and achievement - but they were no longer newly risen Guardians in scavenged gear. They were official defenders of the Last City, and their appearance now matched their calling.
Nix, Flare, and Nikko hovered around their Guardians, scanning the new armor with approval. The standard-issue gear would serve them well until they earned their way to better equipment. For now, they looked ready for whatever challenges awaited them beyond the City's walls.