Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Oh good timing! I need you to come here.” Smith, head of security, called from across the catwalk. 

“Sure. What’s up?” I walked across the lane, careful my low heels didn’t get stuck in the grates. 

“I need you to meet our newest member. He will be part of your security team from now on.”

“You’re much younger than I would have expected for someone in your position.” A man, maybe mid to late 30’s stuck out his hand. He had striking eyes and an infectious smile.

“I get that a lot. But thank you. Nice to meet you.” I shook his hand nonchalantly and turned back to the officer. “Smith, you know that we really don’t need security down at this level but I’m assuming this came from the small break-in upstairs?”

“Yes mam.” The stiff older gentleman nodded and gave a half smile. 

“I guess you’re under my charge now, aren’t you?” I tilted my head and smirked. 

“I suppose so.” He beamed. “Beats kicking kids out of the upper levels just for wanting a peek of all the cool robot stuff going on down here!”

“Well, follow me, we’ll get you set up and I can show you around.” I walked back towards my lab with my new security guard in tow. 

“So does this mean you have an electric personality or are you just another boring dud?” He chuckled lightly at his own joke. 

I turned back and smirked, “I think you will have to make that determination on your own, But in my opinion, we will get along just fine, newbie. Come on, I’ll let you meet the team…”

-|-

“You need to get to the ships!” A middle-aged man in a lab coat yelled as he ran by. There was no time for anyone to pay any attention to what I was about to do. I had been working on this machine for weeks but never fully tested it on a human. There was only ONE Deep Stone Crypt and this was just a half assed side project. But hell, if I was going to die, at least I could say I tried.

I climbed into the glass tank and worked the buttons that I had placed within arms reach. The machine engaged and holding bars shut around me, keeping me in place. They were tighter than expected but not horrible. 

In front of the machine was an Exo body, I would have finished hooking it up into the machine if I had had more time. It was too heavy and too awkward to deal with in the heat of the moment. We had, maybe, minutes left before impact. I shook my head trying to steady my shaking self and regain my resolve. ”Okay, you can do this, just, just…..hit the button.” My hands were trembling and I had a sense of regret being stuck in the chamber when the others were fleeing for their lives. 

“THEY LEFT!” A guard cried out. “THEY LEFT. WE’RE STUCK HERE.” He screamed and the sound of a gunshot rang out. That moment was enough to renew my determination.

I pressed the green button that booted up the machine. The pain was indescribable, it felt like my flesh was searing off and my mind being ripped open and grated against shards of glass. My scream and cries were heard by no one. Then, the pain stopped and after a few moments, one of the glass doors opened. I collapsed onto the metal floor, bracing myself with metallic hands. 

“It worked. Oh my Traveler it worked!” I looked over the Exo body I inhabited and started to feel strange; like I wasn’t meant to be there. I tried to stand up but my body refused to coordinate properly. I shouldn’t be here. I’m in that tank, dead. My body is dead. I’m dead… I looked at my body, frozen in a cryogenic state. I knew that body wasn’t dead but it didn’t help. 

I shouldn’t be here. This body is wrong. The thought kept repeating in my head. I needed to fight it as best I could. This was my only chance to get out of here, to get to my family. Everything pointed to my mind losing control, repeating the words in my head “I’m dead. I should be dead. Dead. Dead.” All of this, signs of Exo Rejection. But I didn’t have time to deal with it. I needed to forge ahead. Maybe after the Darkness I could come back to try and fix it, but for now, I needed to ignore the growing numbness in my body as I dragged myself across the floor continuously chanting “I’m alive. I’m here.” It was all I could do to keep my sanity.

Then, there were flickers of time. Moments between bouts of darkness where I was conscious and clumsily dragging or walking to the highest level of the sub basement. I looked up the stairs and shook my head. My limbs were numb, the rejection was taking over and I was losing control of my body. There was no way I was going to get up those stairs. If I was going to be stuck down here, I wanted to at lest message my family. I pulled out a SAT-phone and dialed. The call rang until it went to voicemail. 

“Hey sweetie, it's me. Looks like I’m gonna be a bit late meeting you. Tell the girls I say ‘hi’ and that I miss you all, so, so much. I hope your flight goes well. I’ll figure out a way to track your trajectory and meet up with you and the crew later. I gotta go now sweetie, I love you all, so very much.” 

The mechanical limbs felt so heavy and everything felt so different and chaotic. I let out a ragged cry. I was going to be trapped here, alone, my family looking for me, not knowing where I was. I kept chanting “I’m alive. I’m here. I’m alive. I can do this.” It was all I could do to stay awake, but suddenly the ground shook violently. And then, a wave of Darkness hit the planet and my body collapsed. I fell into a pure black abyss. 

-|-

"Guardian. Guardian! Wake up, guardian!"

My optics flickered as my body struggled to boot up. Groggily, I mumbled, "wha, what's happening?"

"I am a Ghost. Well, your ghost, actually. I've brought you back through the Light of the Traveler! You've been, well, dead, for a long time." The cute floating mechanical object chirped.

"Oh? Oh…ok..." I sat up. My body ached, and all my joints and fibers were stiff from lack of movement. I started rolling my ankles and checking the movement in my hands and fingers. The silicone and carbon fibers that tied my joints together were stiff and in desperate repair from lack of use. "Nice to meet you, umm, eyeball thing?" I questioned, stretching out my arms, not paying attention. 

"Ghost." It replied curtly, "I am your Ghost. Please do not ever call me an 'eyeball thing'. That feels disturbing in some sort of weird way. Call me Moonsong." It bobbled around happily in the air. "Once you're all booted up we need to get going." It bathed me in a blue light, scanning me. “Oh good, no major damage to fix right away!”

"Moonsong. Got it. Ok, so why do I need to get moving? Also, where are we? And..." It was like having a word on the tip of your tongue, but I couldn't quite place anything. I knew what I was, but not who I was. "Do you know who I am? Or my name? I can't... I can't seem to remember." I gave my body a quick glance. It wasn’t one meant for female Exos, but it seemed that I didn’t have time to be concerned, according to my ghost and he floated back and forth impatiently while my body booted up. 

He stared at me and shifted like he was waiting for me to say something. "Guardian, I am sorry but most Guardians don't remember their previous lives. Some get pieces here and there but never fully remember. Then there's some of them that, that, just don't want to. It’s better not to remember in my opinion. I’ve seen lots of Guardians lose themselves that way.” He sighed softly, lowering himself down onto my shoulder. "There's a lot we can talk about on the way back to the Tower. For now, we needed to get you some sort of weapon and then a ship. Europa is a lot further than most Ghosts go to find their Guardians. But I knew you were out here waiting for me to find you!"

“You were waiting for me or I guess searching for me?” I asked, bracing myself against the wall for support as I rolled over and got on my knees.

”I’ve been looking for you for a long time. Each Ghost has their own Guardian that they are meant to find, guided by the Light of the Traveler. You just took longer to find than most. Many Guardians believed I’d never find you, But I had faith the Light would guide me.” He bounced happily.  

A small whirring and humming began to start in my chest. I stood up, stumbled a bit at first, but finally got my bearings. I wasn't sure how a dead Exo could 'wait' for a ‘Ghost’ to come to revive them but I shook the thought away. "Well, you're the one who has the answers. So I guess we are stuck together for a little while till we get to this ‘Tower’ you're talking about." I finally got to my feet, the joints creaked and I followed after the little floating Ghost.

The section of the facility I was found in was at the bottom of a deep storage bay or a research facility. I was surrounded by computers, lab tables, and Exo bodies, including several that were covered in tarps or glass chambers for safe keeping. I wandered around the facility that looked so familiar but was such a distant memory I couldn’t put my finger on it. One of the last rooms we passed has a long walkway that leads to a machine with two tubes, one completely frosted over, and the other a dead Exo in front of. The feeling gave me a shiver down my spine and a strong sense of deja vu as we walked out of the area and toward an elevator. 

I pushed the button for the elevator, mainly out of curiosity. I heard a lurching sound in the distance but nothing that seemed stable. “I doubt the elevator will work, most of this facility is running on backup and solar power. I’m just lucky there were some lights on down here” the Ghost pointed out. 

We walked out back toward the stairs. There were railways that looked like they could carry big cargo crates to and from sites, but otherwise there were only the set stairs leading, well, anywhere. Looking up, it felt like it could go on for miles. There was some debris that I could climb, but at the moment I had no idea of my capabilities. It was navigable but somewhat frustrating since Moonsong was rushing through the facility, looking for a firearm and armor, he said. 

As we hustled up the stairs at an uncomfortable pace, I had these voices in my head about rushing people into ships to get off the planet. Which I suppose is why there may not be any human bodies lying around, only dead Exos scattered across the labs. That was me, just a few moments ago. “ So sad and lonely…” I thought. I was broken from my thoughts by an odd electrical noise suddenly flashing in the distance as we rounded the last staircase into another, similar, looking facility. The whirring noises and cybernetic grunts in the distance didn't sound too friendly. The sound of bullets and electronic screeching and creatures screaming could be heard in the distance. Someone, well, some things were fighting in the distance and I wasn’t in the position to walk over and say a friendly “Hello!”

Moonsong bolted down an adjacent corridor away from the sound. "This is bad. This is really, REALLY, bad." He swished back and forth nervously. "This way!" He rounded another corner and up another set of stairs. He flew up a series of catwalks that I tried my best to not look down through.

"What exactly am I supposed to be afraid of? Or worried about?" I yelled, barely keeping pace with the Ghost. My breath was ragged and heavy, which seemed odd since I had no lungs but those questions could be saved for another time. 

"This place is swarming with Vex. A robotic race bent on traveling through different timelines and simulations to preserve their species. And then it looks like the Fallen are fighting for territory. Another interesting topic for later." The Ghost looked around visibly irritated that he couldn't find what he was looking for.

"And you couldn't tell me this BEFORE they drop in to murder me a thousand times over!? Oh my Traveler, I am going to die here right after being resurrected!” I said grabbing onto the wall for support. 

”I would NEVER let that happen to you.” Moonsong snapped, flipping himself around to look me square in the face. "Now, look for some sort of closet, or cabinet that might have something in it you can use.” 

“Look I am just saying…”

He turned around surveying the area as best he could. He panicked. Completely immersed in his mission to hear anything I had to say.

I surveyed the room. "What about this way?" I pointed towards a large mound of crates that appeared to be covering a door or opening. I picked up a large piece of sheet metal and wedged it in between the door and the boxes. If anyone was to come and find us this makeshift cover would at least buy us some time.

"Guardian! What an excellent find! See? I knew you were special!" He bobbed up and down happily rushing over. 

"Or I could just be relying on some deep-seated Exo memories..." I shrugged, "Or just got lucky." A smirk creeped across my face. I knew I was being cheeky but, hey, comedy helps with tough situations.

"Let's just agree with what I said, OK?" He clicked. "Grab what you can. Armor, guns, ammo, anything that might be helpful. We can get you better equipment when we get back home." He scanned one side of the room and I scoured the other looking for anything that could be helpful. 

”Here he said, it’s probably a bit big but I would rather you have it than not.” I picked up the chest piece and put it on. Yep, way too big for me. But it didn’t matter, I needed something if I was going to survive the next hour in this Light forsaken facility. 

I assembled a hodgepodge of armor and picked over the weapons. Most were rusted and with Moonsong's sense of urgency, it didn't make sense to try and grab any ones that needed to be repaired or be picky about sizing and fitting. Maybe I could come back for some at a later time. As I picked over the shelves, I found a box at the bottom of the worn-out shelving. I also found a few smaller boxes and behind that, another large box. After some effort, I pulled out some weapons, holsters, ammunition, and a large stash of shiny blue rocks. In the smaller boxes were grenades, traps, and knives. Perfect! I picked up as many grenades, ammo, and knives I could shove into my new cargo pants. 

"OH! Wonderful, you found a glimmer stash and more weapons! I'll transmit them back to the Tower for you!" The Ghost hovered over, inspecting the mound of trinkets. “I see you also have... Is that a hand cannon? Good find. Might be better to grab a machine gun or auto rifle though too.” 

Anything else I didn’t put onto my person was magically gone. “Neat trick. You stored them for me?”

”Yep. Are you ready? We need to get going.”

I grabbed what I could and holstered it to my back. Armor was difficult to move in when you weren't used to it but it was even worse with it being the wrong size. Not to mention my stiff silicone and electrical joints. Having no helmet made me feel even more uncomfortable but it would have to do for the time being.

“It’s freezing out there right? Even for an Exo?” I turned to face my Ghost. He nodded. I grabbed a scrap of fabric and quickly wrapped it around my neck and head into a makeshift hood and cloak. The rest of the fabric was used to make bracers, for my arms and thighs to wear under the armor I had found. I wrapped my face as tightly as I could. The last thing I needed was my jaw freezing shut so I couldn’t communicate. Once I felt the padding under my armor, it made it so it wasn’t as difficult to wear. 

“You ready? We have a hectic time ahead of us.”

I fumbled with the auto rifle in front of me, I understood how it worked but didn’t feel confident in my ability to fight like a soldier out there. “I guess I am… as I’ll ever be.”

For most of the facility, I ran as fast as I could. My Ghost hid quietly somewhere in the hood of my cloak. Occasionally he would redirect me to a different path, knowing full well that I was not in shape to open a door to a room filled to the brim with enemies. We zigzagged through the facility as best we could before my Ghost sighed in my ear. We had run out of places without enemies. It was time to fight. The electrical static I heard earlier was coming back, I could feel it. The electrical hum coursed through my circuits and I felt these enemies travel through dimensions and air. 

“Hostiles incoming. So, it’s now" He turned and we locked eyes, "or never, Guardian." I pushed through the door and bolted out into the main room, auto rifle at the ready.

The electrical popping noises started up again and with a bright flash of bluish-white light, a group of Vex descended upon the previously vacant space. "Shoot for the white spots in their chests!" Moonsong hollered. I followed as instructed and blew a whole clip into one. “Not good. Shoot in bursts to save your ammo!” 

“Got it. Sorry” I winced. In the back of my mind I remembered I only had a small and limited supply of ammo so I needed to play smart for the endgame of this battle. 

"Which way?" I shouted into the air, keeping my focus on the Vex as they continued to suddenly teleport in. One, two, three... Six... ten, Vex down. I was surprisingly good at this.

”I need to check the facility maps to see which areas have collapsed and which haven’t.” He started scanning the main terminal of the room when a stray bullet flew close to him. “Keep them busy and away from me while I work!”

”Got it.” I ran around the other side of the lab stations and drew their attention, shooting in spurts like Moonsong said. The dead bodies of the Vex started to pile up on the floor. 

"Fallen contact! Get to cover!" Moonsong hollered as he flew towards me. I didn’t know what a ‘Fallen’ was but I vaguely remembered he had mentioned them earlier. Suddenly a group of creatures burst through the door. Humanoid spider-like creatures came running through the doors at a rapid pace. Then the Fallen came from behind us. A group of smaller ones with one really large guy with an even bigger looking gun, to be exact. 

“A raiding party with a Captain… We need to get out of here Guardian.” Moonsong shouted. 

Heavy fire dispersed the Vex and left me cornered. “Fuck, what the hell am I going to do!?” I took one of the grenades that I had nabbed and tossed it to where the Fallen were coming from. A burst of screaming followed. I turned around and did the same with a clustered group of Vex, the electronic cries bringing me some semblance of relief. 

Moonsong had completely vanished. "I'm still with you Guardian. You'll just hear me in your head for now. " I nodded, still keeping focus and shooting at the growing number of enemies attempting to overwhelm us." Follow my directions. I'm getting a reading of another Guardian nearby. If we can get out of this facility, we can catch a flight back on their ship."

"Ready when you...Shit." My gun jammed. I smacked it a few times and tried firing. Nothing. I slung it onto my back and pulled out the hand cannon in my right holster. I flipped the gun upright, checked the cartridge, and popped it back in. The big guy, whom I assumed to be the “Captain” took the opportunity to shoot everywhere. I took one to the shoulder, the top of my head, and my left foot. "Shit. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck." I pulled the trigger and took down as many smaller enemies as I could. Right at the last moment, I threw another one of the grenades I had and heard the victorious sounds of dying enemies. It managed to take down the big guy as well. “That’s payback for my shoulder you assholes.” 

"Ok. As much as I would like to heal you, it’s time to get to safety." I turned tail and ran following my Ghost's directions. We were being followed but the catwalks and supply crates helped make up for my lack of mobility after being hit a few times. The new hole in my foot didn’t help my mobility either. 

We ran out into a large, seemingly safe clerin in a bitter, lifeless, landscape. "Europa..." I whispered. I didn't remember much, but the idea of all of the bodies buried under the snow, never to be seen again, gave me the chills. The doors to the facility slammed shut behind us as I continued to run away from the space, trying to put as much distance between me and whatever the hell what had been shooting at me. I had this horrible nagging feeling in the back of my head that I was forgetting something. But that something could wait until I became a Guardian and could actually come back and take those things back there head on. I shivered in the cold looking for any signs of life. In the distance I could see Vex shooting something else but they were quickly wiped out but what I could only assume was another Guardian.

"It seems like that Guardian is really close. I'm pinging them now.” Moonsong turned and nodded at me. I nodded back, trying to catch my breath as I jogged to a halt. 

"Yo, new Ghost, who dis?" The com-link echoed with a quiet giggle and the sound of an electrical sigh.

"Cronus? Great! It's Moonsong, I found my Guardian but we need a way off the planet and back to the Tower."

"That’s sweet dude. Where you at?" The deep voice rumbled.

"Just outside the Bray Facility in Cadmus Ridge. I can place a beacon if you..."

"Nah, no need. I see ya. I’m coming up on your left." A whirring sound approached us but it seemed he had no attempt to slow down. 

Suddenly, a giant man riding what could only have been described as the world's smallest hoverbike (compared to his stature) came barreling down the shoreline. I stepped back. "Moonsong. He's not slowing down... MOON…".

Suddenly, it was like all the wind was knocked out of my lungs as a huge gloved hand picked me up with ease and flung me on his back. It took me some time to actually catch my breath as we flew away from the facility. 

"This is the drive-thru special. Hang on tight. My ship is just overhead. Mel is bringing her down now." He bellowed loudly. I was silently thanking the Light for being an Exo. I didn't want to have to feel as much of the cold or the feeling of literally having the wind knocked out of me by a giant man; just you know, simulated gasping for air with lungs I really didn’t have. Either way, it still hurt. 

The noise of the ship landing brought out all different kinds of hostiles. We hurried on through the ramp and the bike Cronus was driving evaporated into thin air. I was stuck on my knees, trying to slow my breathing and trying everything in my power to grasp the situation and not throw up. Can Exos even throw up? I don't even breathe... I thought, completely bewildered. This day kept getting more and more insane by the minute. I had followed Cronus into his ship and collapsed into a heap of metal on the floor, shaking terribly, fluids leaking from the holes in my body.

"Hold on," Moonsong said quickly. "Let me get you healed up." Suddenly a bright light covered my body. The pain and damage I had taken vanished just as quickly as it had seared through my circuits. I was mesmerized by the concept and stared at Moonsong, completely awestruck. “There’s a lot I wasn’t about to tell you before we had to leave but we can talk about that later. For now, you should be healed. No more holes or pain, right?” I nodded.

The tingling feeling of being healed faded quickly as the large man picked me up like a cat by the back of my armor. He propped me on top of a box and sat down on another crate. He took off his helmet to reveal his purplish skin and bright blue hair shaved into a Mohawk but with bouncy curls. His skin seemed to shimmer in the dull light. "I'm Cronus. I'm one of the Titan Guardians." He beamed, ruffling his helmet hair. He had a kind face but looked incredibly intimidating but his beaming smile made up for it.

"Eh, hem...." A disembodied voice fake coughed.

"Ah! Sorry, Mel." A bright blue Ghost appeared rolling its eye. "This is Melrose! Melrose this is Moonsong and..." The Titian gestured towards me.

"I ummm haven't quite remembered my name yet." I looked to the floor as a short awkward silence fell upon the ship.

Cronus leaned back pondering. Melrose looked at him and then at me. "What about Prim? Short for Primrose? I mean, you could use that... they’re the first flowers to bloom in winter. Ya know, since you were the first Guardian found on Europa…” Melrose added. Slowly drifting towards me and my mismatched armor inspecting my face.

“Mel, I think that’s perfect! It’ll work till you remember your name or come up with somethin better! But I think it fits!" Cronus crossed his arms and nodded in approval of the choice. “That and ona’ count of you seeming prim and proper n’ all that.” He chuckled.

”Cronus you’re right, she is the first Guardian on Europa. That is quite an impressive feat.” Moonsong hummed; pleased with himself. 

"Efficient and fair enough, thank you Cronus." I replied. I removed my wet, heavy cloak from the snow and slowly removed my helmet and face mask, trying to avoid my horn. An excited squeal came from Cronus.

"Dude, what class are you!?" He leaned forward, grabbing my hands, and shaking them excitedly. "A Titan would be fly first guess, judging from the armor? But you seem… a little short and petite for that… Maybe a Hunter! Now that would be so totally ironic!" I turned to face Moonsong who looked completely wide-eyed.

"I completely forgot to tell you since we were, ya know, trying not to die and all. But, YES! You are a Hunter. One of the three different types of Guardians." He bobbed up and down happily giving his small lecture. 

“This little guy had been looking for you a LOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNGG time like, for years, maybe even hundreds of years.”Cronus gave a thumb over to Moonsong. 

"Ahem. Back to what I was saying. You have Titans, like Cronus here, who report to Commander Zavala. Warlocks that report to Ikora Rey. And then Hunters report to Cayde, another Exo like yourself.

Cronus continued the lecture, "The three of 'em are called the Vanguard. Everyone has one they report to, for advice, missions, briefings, and all that stuff. They're the ones who are usually sent to help kinder-Guardians like yourself get settled."

"Ok." I nodded then raised two fingers. "Two questions. "One: What are kinder-Guardians? And two: is there something I should know about this Cayde, Mr Hunter, Vanguard guy? Whom... I guess is… now my boss?" I glanced between the Ghosts and Titan with mild curiosity and annoyance.

"Well, let's just say Cayde isn't your typical Vanguard…” Moonsong sighed. “He gets into trouble, avoids work…If it was my choice I would have you be a Warlock. Ikora is the best there is and she would be an excellent mentor. Cayde is…” he sighed.

"Dude's kinda a loose cannon, but MAN, is he funny. And he is going to LOVE you!" Cronus bellowed, digging through one of his boxes for a ration bar. He took one, ripped it open with his teeth, and sat back down, chewing the bar with his mouth wide open. "As for 'kinder-guardians' that's the term we use for freshly rezzed Guardians. Sorry, resurrected Guardians." He mumbled between each bite. "You'll pick up the slang terms as you go. No biggie."

"Ok. So, he will like me because... I am a Hunter? Or…?" I questioned, trying not to look disgusted at him eating with his mouth open.

"Sing-song, my dude, have you NOT told her?" Cronus gestured between bites of food.

"Told her what? And what have I told you about calling me 'Sing-Song'!?" Moonsong asked defensively.

"Moonie, you gotta see the resemblance. Just look." Cronus instructed, ripping open his second bar. "Also, girlie, you're gonna want to ditch that armor. It's Titan class and WAY too big for you." He gave a hearty laugh.

I did as I was instructed. I unclipped the armor at the waist and shoulders and placed them on the floor, along with my extra wrapping I had used for padding to keep the armor in place, leaving only a long-sleeved undershirt, fingerless gloves, holsters, combat boots, and a pair of cargo pants that were too large and had all the ammo one could pack into them. The awkwardness as they both stared was unbearable.

"Oh my...The paint... Even the horn..." Moonsong floated up and looked over my exposed face and torso. “Other than the extreme rust, she is a near-perfect replica.” He looked completely wide eyed (eye?) and backed up.

"Oh my Light, man! That's hilarious! I think one of the only differences is her optics are in bad shape and need to be repaired. She needs a new paint job and to fix the rust, but that color! Holy shit, you two are gonna be the cutest little couple of Exos I ever did saw!!"

"Whatever irony you’re laughing at is lost on me. Do you guys not see a lot of Exos? Or..." I stared down at my hands, heavily rusted with a layer of bright teal paint underneath. Did the rest of my body look ridiculous....? “Or am I just really, really, rusty?”

Cronus kept laughing for a few more moments before he looked over at me. "Wait, you don't know what you look like do you?" I shook my head no. "I'm not a vain person so I don't have a big mirror but there's one in the shower. Melrose, can ya help the poor girl out? I gotta make a call to the Tower." He got up with the ration bar still in his mouth and walked into the cockpit.

Melrose snapped. "He sometimes acts like I am a glorified secretary but I am his Ghost. I help him not die and complete tasks. If Ghosts weren't destined to find their Guardians, I would have picked a different one. But we work well together, most of the time." She rolled her eye exaggeratedly. She hovered right in front of my optics. Using her power she picked up a photograph stuck haphazardly to the wall. It showed a group of people with an Exo off to the side laughing.

"The two of them just realized that you look like a rusty replica of this Exo. She pointed him out with a small laser pointer from her eye. That's Cayde-6, your Vanguard. You are a replica almost EXACTLY right down to your original paint job. So, until you can get spruced up with a new paint job or different parts, be prepared to keep your helmet on." She transported a stack of towels and soap. She tilted her body to the shower as if trying to point. "For now, we’re starting you off with a shower and some starter gear. You are making my ship smell like Vex milk. Some of the rust will rub off in the shower if you rub at it. The rest of it… you’ll need a good sander for that."

I understood why they were a good team. Melrose kept Cronus in check and he made sure they both took their needed breaks and had a few good laughs. I nodded and turned to the shower happy to not be covered in mud, guts, and 'milk'. I spent quite a lot of time in the shower feeling the paint and rust flecks fall off after years of neglect. My joints and silicone/carbonite undercoating finally started to stretch out a bit as well. I was starting to feel more human again instead of the cobbled up Exo that I apparently was.

After I got out of the shower. I looked in the mirror. I was covered in rust. But the resemblance to this Cayde person was uncanny. Melrose transmatted some plain clothes and basic Hunter armor from a vault from a person she referred to as "They're not gonna miss it." She snickered. "You are going to work on your cloak. Hunters will tell you it's kind of a signature or a personal thing they do.; So, I just dried off the one that you had before. Titans and Warlocks have their versions of personal emblems as well... Now then, we are just about ready to land at the Tower.” 

She quickly turned around, nearly touching my nose. I wasn't sure if it was a concerned look or an angry one. "My recommendation is to keep your helmet on as long as you can. Also," she paused, her eye nearly clenched. "Stay away from that Cayde. I know he's your Vanguard but, Cayde is trouble and the last thing you need is him finding out how much you look alike. He’s got the reputation of being a Casanova. He denies it but he has quite the fanbase here among the citizens of the Last City. However is truly the embodiment of stupidity, recklessness, and just straight suicidal in his antics." She floated away towards the cockpit. "Docking now Cronus."

I took the opportunity to wrap myself in my new armor and put on a balaclava Melrose had given me, carefully trying to put it on while trying to find the hole she made for my horn. Hopefully no one was there to greet us while I finished getting ready. I was tying my boots back on when Cronus popped out of his messy cockpit. I heard the ramp of the ship lowering behind us. He tossed me a small bag of some basic supplies and grabbed his rucksack. "Come on Mel. He's not that bad. Sides, I enjoy kicking his ass at cards.”

"Now hang on, who is kicking whose ass at cards?" A sassy male Exo said. He waited for the ramp to lower while leaning on a nearby railing.

"Cayde! My man!" Cronus reached his arms out, walking right past me tilting his head towards a helmet sitting on a box. I rushed over before they could see me and popped it on. It also gave me a quick chance to flip my hood up.

"I picked up this 'lil cutie! She's one of yours." Cronus gestured with his thumb behind him. I sheepishly waived.

"I finally found my Guardian!" Moonsong flickered into view between the two. “Cronus picked us up and helped us get here since I found her in a pretty bad spot on Europa.”

"No prob, Sing-Song.” Cronus gave a huge grin with a thumbs up.

Moonsong sighed "You're never going to stop calling me that, are you?"

"NOPE!" He laughed, patting the small Ghost on the head.

"Well well well, the first Guardian found on Europa!" Cayde chuckled, "Europa isn't the easiest place to survive so I expect good things from you, miss..." He walked a bit up the ramp and extended his hand out to help me down after noticing that I was shaking bad enough that my joints were clicking.

"Primrose... we're going with, heh, Prim for short… for now, I guess." I took his hand and walked down the ramp. Trying to look as calm and collected as I could. To be honest, even I knew it wasn’t working.

"Sounds good. Nice to meet you." He bowed slightly, still holding on to my hand. "I'm sure you'll pick up this Guardian thing in no time!" He looked at my hand as I pulled it back quickly. The squint and flicker of his optics gave me an odd feeling… like he knew I was hiding something from him… or maybe it was just excitement?

"Well," Cayde grabbed my bag from me and slumped it over his shoulder. "Time to do Vanguardly things. Show you off, erm around and get you settled." He chuckled.

He walked away waving to Cronus. "Thanks for picking this one up. Tell your blue boss that it's 2 and 0 for new Guardians being Hunters. He knows where to send the glimmer!"

"Thanks again Cronus! I hope to see you soon!" I waved enthusiastically and then trotted to catch up with Cayde and match his pace. "I'll take it, you're a gambling person?" I looked up at him trying to study his face as we walked. 

"Oh, my dear, you don't know the half of it." He winked and then loudly clapped his hands. "Its a long story for another time. Probably one with lots of alcohol! Buuuuuuuttttttt, let's get you settled first. I bet you'll want to shower, eat, and get a nice grand tour of the tower!" He waved his arms excitedly.

I chuckled softly. "Actually, if you could just show me where I am gonna stay... and where I might get some basic supplies. I was able to get a quick shower on Cronus' ship. I think I just need to lay down and process… all of this.” I gestured to the Tower courtyard. “That and I these servos and motors haven’t been used much in a looooooonnnng time." I tried to play it off cooly but my awkwardness was showing through.

"Nah. No worries. You're right over here. If you need anything, you can always reach me through your Ghost. Sundance and I are usually up anyway." He rubbed the back of his neck and opened the door of my tiny apartment. He placed the keys in my hand gently, studying it a bit more than in the hangar. "There's not a whole lot here since we have had to rebuild the tower but if you need anything or want to decorate, feel free." He mused. He gently placed the bag Cronus gave me on the small, worn-out couch, waved gently, and closed the door.

”I guess I just missed my chance to catch up with Sundance.” Moonsong pouted. I chuckled as I started going through the bag. 

“With him as my Vanguard, I’m sure you’ll see her sooner rather than later.” I smiled. Cayde seemed nice enough but I guess the rumors of him were more based on the missions he gave, not so much the way he carried himself. He just seemed… nice. Quirky… but nice.

The place was kept clean enough. Everything was a hodgepodge of styles but at least the couch was somewhat comfortable. I sat and went through some of the things that Cronus gave me: Knives, some ornaments for weapons, a simple side arm, extra ammo, and two nice ammo cases. I finally was able to take all of the random cartridges I had on me and put them somewhere. I started stacking all of my weapons on the small bookcase to the left of the couch.

Suddenly, I felt a presence by the door for a brief moment and grabbed a knife. "Moonsong, can you scan to see what it is?" I was still on edge from the day and I highly doubt that I was going to let go of that instinct for a while. Moonsong giggled and motioned towards the door. "Careful, very dangerous." He chuckled and the disappeared quietly.

I opened it ever so slightly to come face to face with the torso of Cayde. Startled, I jumped back, with a knife at the ready. "Oh my Light, Cayde!" I slid my knife into my side pocket, and left the door wide open. "I am so sorry! I'm just a bit jumpy." And silently thanking the Light that I had yet to take my helmet off.

"Well, that was an entertaining welcome!" He beamed. "I was just gonna say if you need to unwind when you're not sleepy or whatever there's this bar close by. He gestured and then clenched his fists in the air "OH MAN! And then there is this place with the BEST ramen ever."

“I do love some good ramen!” I smiled brightly. “But maybe another time? I really want to get unpacked and just sleep. 

“Oh no, I totally get it. I’m wiped after just doing paperwork so I can only imagine how it must feel to suddenly be rezzed and waking up on a strange planet! I’ll pencil you in for a rain check on the ramen then, yeah?” He gave a quick thumbs up.

For a second his face seemed to sink. He seemed to be pouting, slightly hurt that I didn’t take him up on his offer. But suddenly he popped right back to his normal suave state and leaned in the doorway, bracing himself with his forearm. "My treat! Let me know when!" With that, he gave a friendly wave, trotted off, and drifted away into nothingness.

I closed and then locked the door. "No more interruptions like that again, please." I begged.I finally took off my helmet and plopped onto the bed with my head in my hands. "So, that is my doppelganger... the infamous Cayde," I mumbled softly. I flopped onto my back and stared at the ceiling. I secretly thanked the Traveler that I was an Exo, our expressions were harder to read than most, even between other Exos. Looking back at my hands, he was so much taller than me. I must have been a really early prototype. I was small and petite compared to him. I smiled and back to a few moments ago… he had such charisma and charm. No wonder I was told to keep my distance by Melrose. With his sudden drop ins I would need to be on my guard to always be ready to hide my face. "Traveler, I don't think I can do this," I mumbled, covering my face with my hands.

"Are you alright? Your heartbeat is significantly faster than before." Moonsong floated over my head. Blinking curiously. “Oh crap, I forgot that Moonsong was here. Wait, how did he know that?”

I spread my fingers just enough to see through them..."How much do you know through this connection thing we have from the Traveler?" I clenched my mouth plates together making an audible grinding noise. It was a habit I had when I was a nervous human that carried over to Exo conversion. For some reason I could remember that but not my own name? Weird.

"First off, that's bad for your gears and sounds awful. But to answer your question, I can hear some of your thoughts, and feel any of your emotions. I know where you are and share some of your memories. If you let me, I can share just about everything with you. I am basically an extension of you and your Light in a smaller, more compact body. We can be and act as one if you truly wish." He cooed softly and landed on the bed. "We don't need to talk about any of that now. Let's just focus on relaxing a bit. You're my Guardian now, and I'm your Ghost." He hummed slightly.

I rolled over and smirked. "I guess it's okay if we share some more private things, like feelings and whatnot." I giggled "Just don't go blabbing to anybody."

"I don't have lips so it is difficult to blab." He chirped. He floated up and made himself a comfortable nest above my head on the bed.

"I don't either but yet somehow it still happens." We both laughed for a good few moments before I realized that I couldn't just sleep in my gear.

I sat up and sat on the edge of the bed. I unclipped my armor and set it nicely on the floor. I went to the bathroom, rinsed off my face, and jumped onto the bed. "I think I will just sleep forever," I mumbled into the pillow.

"How are you feeling now that you have a space to call your own?" Moonsong cooed, mimicking my exhausted state.

"Overwhelmed would be a better word." I muttered. I rolled onto my side and looked at the blank wall. Within a few moments my body gave into exhaustion and I started to give into sleep. “This world… feels so different than the one this body knows, and I know somewhere deep inside my memory says so too.” I sighed heavily and stretched out on the bed. 

"One day at a time Guardian." Moonsong turned the lights off and transmatted my armor away. He bumped his closed eye gently to my head as I laid back down. His equivalent of a kiss to his Guardian. He was so relieved, hundreds of years looking for his Guardian. He nestled into a spot above my head on the pillow, settling into his nest. His happiness and relief overpowered him and he too gave into sleep. His shell glowed ever so slightly like a little night light. "Welcome home, my Guardian."

Chapter Text

Cadye nearly skipped through the crossways of the Tower, coffee cup in hand, whistling the most obnoxious tune he could think of. He kicked the door of the Vanguard's headquarters. "Zavala and Ikora! Your favorite Hunter has arrived! And even early I might add." He winked at Ikora, she gave a small chuckle.

"What has you in such a good mood this morning, Cayde?" She inquired, still keeping her eyes glued to her paperwork and holopad.

Cayde plopped in his chair and put his feet up on the table. Zavala gave him a glare. Cayde took a nice long sip of his coffee. "Big Blue here owes me money! And it is not a common occurrence that he loses a bet!”

”Oh really?” And what is your bet this time? Ikora put her holopad down and leaned forward, a small giggle and smile crossing her lips.

”The shtick is that whoever gets to most kinder-Guardians in a week wins. And this week, I win! So, you can wire me your glimmer now Zavala.” 

Zavala stood up grumbling under his breath. He walked over to his own belongings and grabbed a small bag. He sat back down, swatted Cayde's feet off the table and tossed the small bag over, much to his chagrin. It was too early for how loud and rambunctious Cayde was, but then again, maybe Zalava hadn’t had enough coffee. 

"Awww, I honestly wasn't expecting you to pay me in person." Cayde put a delicate hand over his mouth in jest. "You can always save face by just wiring it to me." His attitude was specifically meant to grate on Zavala's nerves. He tucked the bag of glimmer into one of his side pockets with a grin. "So what's the next bet? I like this part where I beat you at something." His cheeks glowed, emphasizing his shit-eating-grin.

"Cayde! If you would for once take things seriously! I don’t have the patience for you right now…" The once normally calm headed Zavala lost his composure and raised his voice but was suddenly cut off by a knock at the door. He ignored it and headed over to grab some coffee from the pot they had brewing in the corner. Ikora took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. 

"Please come in," Ikora calmly beckoned. Trying to put on her most polite face.

"Is this a bad time?" I cautiously opened the door. I had unloaded all of my belongings and couldn’t figure out what else to do before I had my first mission. I had rejected Cayde’s offer of being walked around and regretted it now. But I was so tired and probably wouldn’t have remembered it anyways. I released a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. 

"Despite the noise you just heard, we are quite available." Ikora smiled, turning her head to Cayde and Zavala in a 'I will strangle you if you keep this up' kind of way. "What is it we can do for you, Guardian?" She motioned for me to sit down, expecting a long conversation.

I shook my head ‘no’ and stood firmly at attention at the head of the table in clear view of the three leaders. "I am ready to begin whatever training or paperwork that I need to do in order to register as a proper Guardian." I blurted out. The three of them looked at me in complete silence before Ikora broke the awkwardness. 

Ikora giggled lightly and put her hand on my shoulder. "There's no paperwork. You'll work with your Vanguard to go over how we do things here. Cayde, have you met this young Guardian yet?" She motioned over to Cayde. 

"Yep. But she totally turned down my offer to show her around and get her food when she first got here!" He leaned back in his chair with his hands interlaced behind his neck, wearing a sassy look completed with a sly grin on his face.

“It's literally because I am taking every opportunity to avoid showing you that we have the same fucking face. I literally am stuck in a duplicate body to yours!” My thoughts raced and I panicked.

"Sir I am sorry! I was just so tired, I wasn't thinking straight and, and I am sorry." I bowed and grimaced underneath my helmet, grinding my back mouth plates again. At least they couldn't see or hopefully hear that. 

"Kid, lets get a couple of things straight" He hopped out of his chair and sauntered over to me, bending down slightly to meet my gaze. "Don't call me 'Sir'. That kinda crap is for Big Blue over there." He gave a lousy thumb back towards the still slightly irritated Zavala who gave a haphazard wave as he stirred his coffee, trying to get it to cool down faster. 

"Secondly," his face got closer to mine. His eyes squinted. "I am not offended at all! Just givin' ya some shit." He popped back up and punched me lightly in the arm and chuckled, the lights in his cheeks glowing softly with each giggle. 

"Listen, if I was in your boots I would be dead tired too. Exos don't really do well on Europa. My joints can feel the stiff freezing winds from even here." He shuddered and gave a small grimace. "Plus, that's a long flight. That's not even including that Cronus picked you up! That dude can talk for ages… much like his Vanguard!” He turned to face a still tired and grimacing Zavala.

He lifted me from my bowed position by turning my head and gaze up to him gently with his hand. "All good. Promise, kid." He winked. Suddenly I felt so small and idiotic for acting the way I did in front of the Vanguard. My chest felt warm and I could tell I was ‘blushing’ inside from my overzealousness. 

"Ikora and Zavala probably think its adorable that you literally just bowed and called me 'sir' though." He turned to Ikora, she nodded quietly, trying to hide her wide smile. She had never heard anyone call Cayde ‘Sir’ and it gave her quite the chuckle. It just showed how disconnected from the world I was and how I knew so little about Guardians and the Vanguard, and especially about Cayde.

"I'll say this, Cayde." Zavala grabbed Cayde’s attention. The Awoken man smiled somewhat, his deep voice rumbled in his chest as he spoke, standing up slightly from his chair and resting his palms on the table. "This kind of Guardian and her attitude makes it worth losing glimmer over." He chuckled. "What is your name, Guardian?"

"Primrose, sir. Please call me Prim… I haven’t quite remembered my name or anything…” I looked for some sort of compassion in his eyes. Zavala was a hard read, not to mention his low tone of voice made him naturally intimidating. 

His eyes squinted. "That's a bit odd for an Exo." Zavala stood up bringing a finger to his chin. "Don't most normally remember their name? Cayde?" He turned to face his comrade who was busy staring at me. “The rest of your memories are not of importance since you are here, now, as a Guardian with a new life and a new start. Don’t let your past hold you back even if you do start to remember a few things here and there. We mostly tell Guardians to stay away from digging into their previous lives. You’re different people once the Traveler resurrect you as a Guardian.”

Cayde stared into my helmet, his optics trying to look for any semblance of a lie, or even my facial structure under the helmet. "Ah. Well, give it some time, kid. The only reason I remembered anything was because of a journal I had on my person. If you were a normal functioning Exo, maybe it would be different, depending on how my resets you’re had." He slapped my shoulders and turned me around. "But anywho… Ikora, Zavala,” He tipped his head and gave a lazy salute to each of them, “as much as I love paperwork and mission reports... I actually have FUN Vanguard work to do!" He pushed the door open quickly, letting me walk quietly out by myself.

As the door started to close I heard Zavala holler, "Be back before tomorrow's meeting!" 

Ikora approached the door and held it for a brief moment as I approached it. "You're in good hands, Guardian. We look forward to seeing you soon." She gave me a soft motherly smile and then turned to Cayde. "No shenanigans and be nice, you!" She poked a finger into Cayde's chest. 

"Oh no mam, Scouts honor!" He replied and winked at her eliciting a smile from the Warlock’s face. She closed the door quietly, waving at me as she did. 

"Thanks a lot for getting me outta' there, kid. It's a freakin' snooze fest!" He whispered into my helmet, grabbing my shoulder again walking us towards the bazar. He beamed, turning to face me with a hearty laugh. "Not often I get to piss off Zavala and get away without getting chewed out!” His hand still rested on my shoulder. He brought me close and shook me.
“Well, wadda' want to do?" He shot me with a look like that of an excited kid. "Big Blue paid me my glimmer so we got some good pocket money! "OH! Let's get you some decent gear. My treat! But first, the GRAND tour!" He waved his arms out and spun around excitedly. All I could do was giggle and nod enthusiastically.

He was nowhere near as bad as what Mel made him seem, he was genuinely nice and I, knowing absolutely no one, was thrilled to at least make one other acquaintance who seemed like they could be my friend… well, I guess, boss-friend. He grabbed me by my shoulder and walked me around, side by side. I felt slightly embarrassed but it seemed so natural for Cayde so I went with it. 

We walked past plenty of other Guardians through my tour. It looked like most paid Cayde no mind but I noticed the ones with cloaks, most likely the other Hunters, blatantly stared, some even grimacing. I paid it no mind and tried to get back to listening to what Cayde was saying. 

He showed me around, pointed out where all the vendors were. He specifically pointed out his favorite places to eat and drink were. Finally, we stopped at the hangar to meet Amanda. "Well, well, well. If it isn't the Vanguard Hunter himself. What did you break this time?" She mused, wiping her hands with a rag and placing it in her pocket. 

“Prim, meet Amanda. She can fix just about anything! Today we are getting, little Prim, here, setup. She's one of my new Hunters.” He stood with his arms crossed over his chest, looking proud. "So, I guess you could say I'm breakin’ her in." He shrugged, still smiling.

I elicited a snort. "Nope. Never say that again please. That's... that sounds so bad." I tried to stifle my laughter, holding my hand to my helmet. 

"I'm with the new girl on this." Amanda grunted. "That's just raunchy to say to a new recruit." She shook her head in disgust.

"What? What did I say?" Cayde stammered, looking genuinely confused. Then a sly smile crept across his face.  

"Whatever. Light help me, your mouth will kill you one of these days." Amanda grabbed a holopad and handed it over to me shaking her head. "I swear he does it on purpose to just mess with people..." She rolled her eyes. "Have your Ghost help you sign into this and I can give you a starter Speeder and we can look at what kind of ship you might like!" She seemed excited as she pointed out the different models.

I looked around and pulled at my hood. "Moonie?" I called out anxiously. Moonsong sparkled into existence just in front of me. "Sorry Prim! I was getting some of your other things in order." He bobbled up and down happily. He hovered over Amanda's holopad and flickered for a moment. "We should have plenty to get you a basic ship right away from that cache you found yesterday!" 

"Hey! That better not have been one of my caches!" Cayde pouted. 

"Ah, Cayde, Amanda, this is my Ghost, Moonsong!" He floated down into my hands as I gave him a nice warm smile. He bumped his shell against my helmet before turning to greet the others with a polite bow.

"OH! Moonsong! It has been so long!" Another Ghost glimmered into existence. She hovered just above Cayde's shoulder. 

"Sundance?!" Moonsong exclaimed. 

"Ah it is so good to see you!" The two hovered and spun around each other in a small but cute little dance. 

"Sorry we didn't get a chance to see each other last night but new Guardian business. Prim, Sundance is one of the best Ghosts I have ever known. She and I have known each other for, well, let's just say a long time." The interaction between the two of them felt adorable. Like two crushes that hadn't seen each other in a while. They spoke quietly amongst themselves, catching up on their latest adventures.

"That's adorable!" I mused, looking back and forth between the two Ghosts. 

"What is?" Cayde turned to look at me and pointed a finger, getting a little defensive. "My girl, Sundance is a fantastic Ghost and if you have anything to say about the best partner in the world..." 

"No." I shook my head, eyes still locked on the two Ghosts. "They're like cute little mirrors of each other." I turned to Cayde and Amanda who both looked slightly confused. I turned to the two of them to explain. "Sun and moon. Song and dance." I gestured from left to right to emphasize my point. Slowly they noticed my point and smiled... I laughed into my helmet. 

"It’s like they were cute little robotic puzzle pieces!" The thought excited me. "It’s heartwarming, ya know?" I gestured towards the Ghosts.
"You didn't tell me you had a girlfriend Moonie." He suddenly pulled away from Sundance and back to the holopad in my hands.

"I… I don't..." He quietly mumbled backing away from Sundance who also did the same. She transmatted away, clearly slightly offended or embarrassed by my comment. Moonsong floated over to the holopad to look at what we could purchase. 

"Eh, hem, with whatever cache you found I suggest we pick up these." Moonsong deflected, getting 'back to business'. "Amanda, what are your thoughts?" I looked over the pad and then handed it to Amanda. A spark of excitement spread across her grease and dirt covered face. She clearly loves her job! I smiled. 

"These are much better than the starter gear! That must have been some cache you two found yesterday!" She looked up from the pad, calculating something. "I can have 'em ready for you in about four days. I'll ping Moonsong here when they're ready." 

"Thanks!" I exclaimed! "That means I can go on missions then, right?" I turned to Cayde. He shook his head; his arms still crossed over his chest. 

"I am 100% betting it was my cache." He rolled his eyes."But in all honesty, no missions yet, kiddo. The Vanguards gotta chit chat about getting you a starting fireteam to help walk you through the basics. I wish I could take ya, but Zavala has me chained to that damn desk all day and night. I don’t think I’ve left the tower in years." He groaned. 

“Really?” I asked, looking somewhat sad for him. Suddenly an idea bloomed in my head and I whispered over to Amanda and Moonsong and bolted. 

"Come on, let's get you set up with Banshee. I'm sure he'll have something better than that rusted automatic you got strapped to your back." He walked away quickly, not even waiting for me to catch up. “He may be grumpy on the outside but he can be a real softie too. I used to run with him back in the days before I became a Vanguard. I think once you get past his rough exterior, I think you’ll like him, kid!” He paused for a brief moment but as he turned around, I was gone. “Kid?!” 

He turned around and looked all over the courtyard. “For the love of the Speaker…” he huffed as he started stomping back to the hangar. He took his time while he thought of how to scold me for making him look ridiculous.

Moonsong hovered in the air by Amanda making small talk about getting a new shell with the excess glimmer I had. When Cayde came into view with a scowl. "What the hell? Where is she?" He questioned, more curious than irritated. He looked around the hangar and behind Amanda’s things. “You didn’t secretly dismantle her did you? Cause, I thought I might kinda like that one…. She seems interesting”, he pouted.

Amanda smirked "She'll be right back. You can just stay here and work on some fancy knife tricks or something to impress her with." She gave a good laugh and went back to working on a Speeder. 

"What does that mean?" Cayde crossed his arms in front of him shifting his weight to the side. “Explain.”

Amanda rolled out from beneath the Speeder. "It means exactly what you think it means. Go practice some knife tricks or whatever you need to do to wait a few minutes, fancy pants. Show her how 'cool' the Hunter Vanguard really is." She waved her hand, the gesture to leave, and rolled back under the Speeder. She laughed trying not to snort as she put a wrench in her mouth and got back to work. Moonsong hovered bubbly and went back to watching Amanda work.

"I AM COOL!" He scoffed as he stomped away. "Well, kid still needs a few new weapons... I guess I'll just grab something quick." Cayde made his same walk back to Banshee and asked for a new auto rifle, sidearm, shotgun, and scout rifle. 

"Got a date with some Fallen?" Banshee grumbled, still focused on piecing back together a sniper rifle that was torn apart on his desk. 

"Man, I wish! This whole Vanguard thing blows sometimes. I miss being out there, kicking ass and whatnot." Cayde leaned back on one of the pillars, looking over his new purchases. 

“Then who're these for?" Banshee wasn't much for small talk but when a Vanguard member came up and bought some high end weapons, he had to wonder. 

"Got a new Hunter yesterday. Still can't quite get a read on her though. She seems timid one moment, and then the next she has the level of sass to compete with my own!" He laughed thinking back to his lewd comment that set both the ladies off. Even with a helmet on she was expressive where you could almost see the emotion creep across her face without even looking. Wonder what kind of Hunter she'll be. Hope she won't think I'm trying too hard with these. I mean, she's carrying gear almost as rusty as her hands are.

"You sweet on her?" Banshee muttered, still working. 

"What? No. The kid just needs a LOT of help getting started. Everything she has, including her body is rusted to hell." 

"Hmmm… another Exo, huh?”

“Yep. Her lil’ Ghost found her all the way on Europa. Even I wouldn’t want to be stuck there THAT long.”

“That places leaves a bad taste in your mouth… ‘specially for our kind.” Banshee paused briefly, letting a memory flicker across his mind before he shrugged it off and went back to work.

“Yeah. So, maybe I just feel a bit bad for the poor girl. I’ll have to help her find someone to fix that pain job of hers when we get a chance… Anywho, thanks!” He turned away and decided to head back to the hangar. 

Familiar Hunters and other Guardians waved and tried to make small talk but Cayde was too busy. You could be back at any time and he needed to be there to chastise you for your behavior. Unfortunately for the other Guardians, he was dismissive and continued walking towards the hangar. 

-|-

“Did you hear what he told Banshee?” A human Hunter ran up to a fireteam standing over by the vaults. 

“Yeah. What the hell?” An Awoken Warlock huffed. 

”Who is this newbie? Why are they giving her special treatment?” Another Warlock chided. 

“Dunno, but that’s not like Cayde. He doesn’t spend glimmer frivolously like that, not even on himself…” An Exo Titan crossed his arms and grunted. 

“I don’t like it.” An Awoken Hunter said, playing with one of his knives in the air. 

“Hey bro!” Another Awoken pair, a Titan and a Warlock waved him over. “Ready to go?” 

“Yeah.” He sneered, looking back at the direction of the hangar.

-|-

Cayde paused with a thoughtful gaze back over to Amanda and Moonsong before heading back over. He crossed his arms and lifted a knuckle to rest his head on. "Sundance, you get any weird readings from her?" Sundance slid out from her hiding spot in his cloak. 

"There's a lot to unpack there. Her amount of Light is unspeakable but it flickers like a fire. I can’t really describe it.”

“No, I got you. I can feel that too.” Cayde said, eyes transfixed to where you had stood. 

“I also think she remembers more about her past than she lets on…" 

"I thought so too. But, as someone else who has stories they would rather not share, that is her prerogative." Sundance hummed slightly and slid back into her spot in the cowl of his hood and disappeared. We'll just have to wait and see Sunny. A soft smile left his lips as he continued to wait watching Amanda work and Moonsong bobble up and down, occasionally glancing around to see if his little Guardian had returned. Not yet. 

-|-

After speaking with Amanda about how Cayde hasn’t left the Tower in so long I got an idea but needed to have her help distract him if he came back to the hangar looking for me. 

I ran as fast as could down the stairs from the back of the hangar and along the catwalk to the other side of the tower. A couple of jumps up and I was back up by the ramen shop Cayde had pointed out earlier. Thank the Light I don't have lungs because this would really suck otherwise. I huffed, trying to catch my breath. I ran to the large door and knocked. 

"Please come in." Ikora's soothing voice responded. I stepped in still trying to slow down my breathing. "Guardian? Where's Cayde?" She stood up looking concerned. She walked over and put her hands on my shoulders. "Is everything alright?" Her concern made Zavala lift his eyes from his work and set it aside. 

"Everything's fine! Thanks! I just need to hurry before Cayde realizes I'm gone." 

Ikora and Zavala both let out stifled laughter. "Well, that just solidifies the fact that you were meant to be a Hunter if you can manage to slip away from him of all people." Zavala's eyebrows raised as he smirked. "What can we do for you, Guardian?" He said calmly, furrowing his brow curiously.

"I want Cayde to go on a mission with me, or at least to train me for a bit." I took a deep breath and sighed heavily. "If he really is the best Gunslinger out there, then I would like to learn from the best for when I become one." 

Ikora crossed her arms and gave a halfhearted smile. "Guardians don't really get to choose their gifts. Cayde was born to be a Gunslinger, but that doesn't necessarily mean that is meant to be your path." She turned back and sat down in her chair “There are other subclasses, some more rare than others. To be fair, I can't get a reading on what kind of Light you will wield yet, only that it is truly magnificent and strong." She looked across the room at me and noticed my disappointed posture and sighed. She grimaced slightly, knowing full well that getting a Vanguard away from their station was a lot. It meant that Ikora and Zavala would have to take up even more of Cayde’s slack since he would be gone. She turned to speak before being interrupted.

“Let them go." Zavala sighed stating plainly, a deadpan look across his face. Ikora turned with complete bewilderment. "You have a week before he is to return here, on time." He tapped at the table aggressively, thinking. His eyes looked over his papers quickly and he turned to Ikora. “It would be nice to not have him around with his constant antics and grumbling.”

"Ikora, do you have some assignments that would be good for them as a team?" She nodded, still somewhat confused. "Go, tell him the good news and be on your way. We expect to see great things from you." Zavala waved me away. "Expect the paperwork for the departure approval sent to Amanda within the next few hours. Cayde should keep his holopad on him for briefing details.” 

"Until then, get ready." Ikora gave a warm welcoming smile. She whispered as she opened the door, "Good luck Guardian!" and gave a small thumbs up. I bowed to both of them, thanked them, and then ran out the door to find Cayde as the door shut.

"Zavala, is that wise? A week is a bit generous..." Ikora sat down, her brow furrowed in concern. “Her Light may be brighter than most but we don’t know how that will turn out. I don't even know if she's ever held a gun before becoming a Guardian!" Ikora placed her hands on the table and shook her head over her paperwork. 

"Cayde will be with her. Besides, if this girl is as good as Cayde thinks she will be, then I think it is worth the gamble." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table with his fingers interlaced. "One that I don't intend to lose." He smirked.

-|-

I made it back to the hanger with Cayde, Amanda, and Moonsong waiting. Cayde had a disgruntled look on his face and his hands on his hips ready to scold me. I trotted up to the three. "Look, I'm sorry I left you hangin’!" 

Moonsong laughed audibly. "Get it? Because its the hangar?" He looked over to my head shaking. "Oh, not a joke. Got it." He backed away slightly embarrassed. 

Cayde stepped forward attempting to use his height to intimidate me. "Yeah ya better be! Just because of that, I am not taking you out for ramen for lunch." He turned around, away from me in an exaggerated huff. 

"Would it matter if I made it up to?" I pleaded, grabbing onto the edge of his cloak? It was difficult to make a pouting puppy-dog face under my helmet but I tried my best.

"Depends... What are you getting at?” He turned around and lowered his gaze to meet mine. “A bet?" His eyebrow raised and a devilish grin came across his face and rubbed his palms together. “Cause get ready to eat cr…”

"Not a bet!" I waved my hands and shook my head 'no'. I froze for a moment as he relaxed into a sly but curious smile. He swayed his hips with one hand on his hip and the other hanging. 

"Something better!" I gave him an awkward double thumbs up. I tried my best to be relaxed but everything about the interaction was stiff and awkward.

A beeping came from Amanda's holopad. She looked over at her and grabbed the holopad off her tool chest. She made a concerned look as she read it and then a bright smile grew across her face. "Wow, kid. Nice job! That was pretty quick." She flipped the holopad around and held it up towards Cayde. 

"What's up A?" He reached out carefully and held the holopad in his hands. His head jerked back as he read and then reread the notes. All of them were flight approvals. He swiped through the several pages of paperwork, looking everything over like he was trying to read a foreign language. I stood there for a few moments hoping it would sink in. It didn’t. Probably because he was used to giving them, not receiving them. 

Well, he may be really handsome but he has the intelligence of a rock. I thought about how long the exchange was taking and a look of irritation came across my face. 

"Makes it easier to stay away for safety’s sake, doesn't it?" Moonsong giggled, his voice echoing in my head. I forgot he could pick up on some of those stronger thoughts and emotions. I rolled my eyes.

I walked up to the holopad, and took it from him. 

"HEY!" Cayde shouted, "I WAS READING THAT!" 

I swiped a few pages over to find the single page I was looking for and handed it back to him. "This." I pointed at the two signatures on the screen. He looked up to me and we held eye contact for a brief moment. His mouth hung open, unable to speak.  

He still doesn't get it. Or he just doesn't believe it, I guess. Holy crap is he just truly inept with paperwork…?

"Oh my cotton socks! Just grab your gear! I got you off Vanguard duty for a week so we can go out and you can help me with learning this whole Guardian thing!" I smacked my hand against my helmet, shaking it vigorously. Why did I bother? I hope he is as good a Guardian as others said. 

"Amanda, could you please prepare a ship I could borrow? I can pay for the refill or whatever needs to be done." 

"You got it girlie!" She gave a quick thumbs up and grabbed her holopad back and started typing.

"In the meantime, I am going to pack some of my things and get ready. Zavala cleared us to leave tomorrow morning so better close your mouth before it becomes a bird’s nest!" I said as I started to walk away. 

I turned around "Let me know what you wanna do and where you wanna go to help me with training. I am just getting you out of the tower as a thank you for helping show me around." I gave a salute and walked away.

I heard him before I felt anything. From behind me Cayde had grabbed my arm, spun me around to face him and then spun me around in the air a few times before bringing me into a tight hug. "You, my dear, are my hero!" He beamed. His whole face seemed to be radiating happiness. “You have no idea how wonderful this is going to be? I get to be all badass and shoot things and you get to learn from the coolest Guardian ever!”

I didn't realize how expressive his face could be. I was so grateful I had my helmet on otherwise I would be completely letting my jaw hit the floor. Why is it that the one person I was warned about is the most adorable idiot I have ever met? Or is he just like this with everyone? Am I getting my hopes up? That maybe, I could be special, or even, impress him as a Guardian? At least he makes me want to be a better Guardian!  

"You get what you need, and I'll meet you for ramen tonight and then we can head out tomorrow. Don’t worry about borrowing anything we will take my ship. Ok? Just ping me when you're hungry and I'll meet you there!" He patted me on the back and disappeared to who knows where. 

Moonsong sighed heavily watching everything from the hangar with Amanda. "That's a first for me. I don't think I have ever seen him get all excited and affectionate like that." Amanda laughed. 

"Your Guardian seems to be a genuinely sweet girl. I think he really appreciates that. Most take him for a joke. Granted, that what he acts like, but no one is ever sweet to him." She smiled as she turned around back to her work, fiddling with something in a tool chest. 

"Amanda. She, she, said the thing..." completely paralyzed, Moonsong floated there. "Amanda, have you ever heard anyone else say that before?" 

She watched me walk away, eyes locked onto my small figure. "Nope. Never." She resumed looking through the tool chest, taking the comment no mind. “I’d suggest you never mention that to either of them.” She looked at Moonsong.

I took a few more steps and then a sudden sense of panic hit my circuits. We would be out for a week. I couldn't wear my helmet for a week straight, not to mention when eating ramen later tonight. I hustled back to Amanda and Moonsong. 

"AMANDA!" I huffed, trying to catch my breath, bracing myself on her bench. "Amanda, do you... do... uh..." I stumbled over my words. How does one ask someone to rip apart their face nonchalantly?

“Spit it out kiddo." I regained my composure and took a big breath. 

"Do you have somewhere, uh, private. Preferably behind a lockable door?" She could see and hear the awkwardness in my request. In her mind, machines were easy and straightforward, people were the harder part. 

"Sure. Come on. Follow me." She sighed heavily, set her tools down, and walked me to the back of the hangar where she had a large storage room for spare parts. We walked in and she locked the door. 

"Alright, kid. Whadda got that is so important?" She leaned against one of the benches, using her elbows to support herself. 

"Can you keep a secret?" My voice was nearly hoarse with how quiet I was attempting to be while looking around nervously. 

"Sure. Unless you're gonna tell me that you are the tooth fairy... cause then I will need some sort of reimbursement for a few lost years of teeth, girlie." She crossed her arms in front of her, slightly losing patience with my charade. 

"Ok. Um, don't freak out. OK?" I cautioned heavily. 

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. There's nothing really that can surprise....." I unclipped and lifted my helmet. I held it gently in my hands in front of me while I looked down and shuffled my feet back and forth. 

"Holy fuck. That, that is, um, something." She stumbled over her words, trying to stifle a laugh. 

"Can I touch you? Your face I mean." She reached out gently and traced her fingers along each of the rough ridges and rust that covered my face. 

"You got some sort of fettish that I didn't ever want to know about?" She chuckled. "Damn girl, you are the spitting image of ‘em."

"I know. That's my problem. Look, all I know is that I must be some sort of prototype of him. Since, I think he was made on Europa? Hence, the lack of refinement or protective powder coating on the metal." I squatted down, letting my helmet drop to the floor. "I can't show anyone this face. Especially him!" Amanda circled my rusty metal frame and put a finger to her lips thoughtfully. 

“Well, I got some pieces here we can pretty ya up with but it won't be staying on for too long. Take a hit to the face or what have y'all and it'll come right off into bits." I could feel the hope in my metal heart rise cautiously with each word. "However, more importantly, I'll polish and sand some of that rust off of you. It won't be pretty or colorful, but at least you don't have to wear a helmet 24/7. Fair?"

I squealed in pure glee. "You have no idea how grateful I am to you. I have been just terrified of being found out and it's just..." 

She raised her hand. "I don't need the backstory. Let's just get to work. I have other projects that I need to get to after this." She left the room and came back with some goggles, gloves, and two different sanders. "Let's get this done. You have a ramen date to get to." She laughed.

"Not a date!" I stammered. "More like.... A briefing?" My equivalent of a heart fluttered at the word but I swallowed that feeling down. 

"Uh, huh. Listen kid, Cayde loves his ramen, but I don't think I have ever seen him insistently ask a newbie like yourself out for dinner. Not to mention whatever Disney shit he pulled with the spinning and hugging earlier." Amanda shook her head and chuckled as she pulled some pieces down from some shelves. 

It felt like my circuits were sparking. Do not take this the wrong way. He is being nice. You don't know anything about each other. Get over yourself. He is just a pretty face. And body. And charming. And.... Fuck. I'm screwed. I looked up at Moonsong. He rolled his eye and shook his core disapprovingly. 

The time passed quickly and something that started out mid morning soon broke late into the afternoon. Amanda had managed to grab a chest plate and silicone pieces to attach from the medical ward. (I didn’t even want to ask how they got those) Even if I was a male body type, I was able to somewhat get away with looking like a woman even with a tight shirt on. I shuddered at the thought as to where the extra Exo pieces came from. Moonsong himself looked impressed with the subtle changes. Having silicone breasts and some metal plating to my chest plate made a difference. 

The finishing touches were some pieces soldered to my face. A few horns attached around my horn and some attachments to my cheek plates and to my hips and glutes gave me a rounder more female shape. She had taken the lights in my throat and optics and changed them with a pretty shade of teal. She blew my body off with a leaf blower to clear any excess dust or shavings. Ironically, it felt perfectly comfortable to be a naked Exo with Amanda's lack of interest in the intricacies of how they work. Most people ogle or ask but she let it be. She had shaved down some of my frame, added roundness to my shoulders by shaving off some of the silicone to my shoulders and neck.  I looked more like an actual female Exo than a half-assed prototype of a one of a kind Exo male. She tossed some proper female armor to me, watched me get dressed, and walked around looking for places where the male Exo body may reveal itself.

"Lucky you don't have a fully finished Exo body. Cause you won't see me doing no sex change operation in the back of my hangar." She snorted and started to wipe her hands off with a wet rag. She waved me on so I could turn around. I looked in a makeshift mirror from a rounded piece of sheet metal and felt like I could dance. "Thank you Amanda. I truly appreciate it. Once I get back to Europa I'll be working on fixing up my actual Exo body. I never got the chance to finish it before the collapse." I twisted and turned in place to see myself from different angles to admire her handiwork completely forgetting what I had just said. 

"You remember the collapse? The Darkness?" She gasped, not remembering to not talk about what I remembered. I fiddled with my hands, my eyes darting back and forth through the awkward silence. 

I picked up my helmet from the bench, clipped it, and hung it on a hook from my belt and thigh. I turned to her with dim flickering eyes. "It's only bits and pieces. All I remember was trying to build my body, rushing to send people off in ships, and then... I know there was someone I needed to find; to get a message to. I remember crawling to where I was found and trying to make contact with someone when this horrible ache and pain ran across my body and everything became dark. That must have been when I died.”

“Well, you’re here now and that’s all that matters.” She nodded with her arms across her chest looking proud of her work.

I opened the door, feeling confident, and looked around the hangar. “I never realized how little of the Golden Age made it through the waves of darkness. Hell, especially on Europa. But, that's really it. I still don't even know my name." 

Amanda grabbed my shoulder and looked me in the eyes with a somber expression. "You'll figure it out. You Guardians always do. Now then," she smacked my ass "Get goin'. You got a Ramen date with a big Exo idiot!" She let out a hearty laugh and started putting her tools away.

Moonsong hung back and hovered close to Amanda's ear and whispered. "Do you think.... Maybe they... they....knew each..." 

"Don't finish that sentence Ghost." Amanda snapped. "I don't wish that on anyone. It's messy and honestly, I've seen it destroy Guardians." She sat down on the stool in front of her bench and played with a rag. "I will say, the sock thing is a phrase I haven't heard anyone else say but those two. I know that they BOTH were alive before the collapse. So, I hope they don't. I don't wish it on her... or on either of them for that matter. That's the last thing any Guardian needs is their past from hundreds of years ago staring them in the face." She sighed and tilted her head back, exhausted from the long day. "Nobody wants that kind of crap." 

Moonsong chuckled, "What, more cotton socks?" 

Amanda smacked him with a rag, "Go get your Guardian ya goof."

Chapter Text

Prim POV

I hustled back to my small apartment. I felt bad for not really putting any effort into cleaning up my mess, but that could wait until after I got home or maybe got some real weapons! I needed training and it was true, Cayde was the best gunslinger out there. I looked at the hand cannon and other weapons I had picked up back on Europa. Shit! I forgot to go and meet Banshee for some new weapons. I'll just have to spruce these up a bit. I was someone who always wanted to be well prepared, at least, I felt like I was someone who was. I slid on a black bodysuit with a cowl neck, still trying to hide any of the makeshift adjustments that Amanda made earlier. I still had my black cargo pants from Europa. I turned to Moonsong with my arms stretched wide. “I look like I am trying to go for a stealth mission.”

“At least it’s sleek and matches?” Moonsong chuckled under his breath.

“I’m heading to the Bazaar to get some decent casual clothes.” I can spare a bit of time making sure I actually have comfy clothes to wear when NOT working, or ya know to sleep in! “Moonie, can you think of some things I can keep here to eat that are decent and shelf stable? I need at least something here to eat. Also, can you throw in about 2 handles of whiskey or bourbon? This place is going to drive me insane or kill me…”

“Or both!” He happily chirped. “No worries. I can order some things and have them delivered. Including some glassware for your copious amounts of liquor.”

“Thanks.”

With the amount of time I had remaining I was able to grab quite a bit for a more casual wardrobe. I grabbed some jeans, leggings, sweatpants, shorts, and other basic clothing and was somehow convinced into buying a long ornate scarf by one of the vendors. It was a beautiful deep teal interwoven with a shiny material that made it shimmer in the light. It reminded me of my cheek lights Amanda fixed. Also, it embarrassingly reminded me of Cayde…his shining teal eyes and… and… never mind.

When I returned home I saw paper bags and a few boxes outside my apartment. I rustled through them and found some decent food. Noodles, peanut butter, canned goods, coffee, tea and some more other shelf staples I could use. The box on the other hand was filled with glassware and three handles of whiskey, good whiskey. I looked over at Moonsong “Do I still have any money left after all this?” Chuckling slightly as I continued to put things away.

“Of course. This is barely a dent. Since you found that cache and received a hefty starting sum from Cayde you’ll be set for awhile. Even if you wanted to stop by Banshee’s before dinner.” He mused, looking very proud of himself.

After switching my pants to a comfortable pair of dark blue jeggings and a light colored long sleeve shirt. I wrapped the cashmere scarf around my head and neck. It made me feel pretty and made for a half-assed casual looking Hunter cloak. It was actually very pretty all put together. I don't even remember the last time I ever even associated myself with that word ‘pretty’. I really need to figure out a more permanent Hunter cloak. Maybe I could draw up some meaningful sigils when I get back home after the mission.

I grabbed some other snacks and ration bars that I had left on the table and put them in my rucksack. I wasn't sure what rations Cayde would bring (if any). So, I wanted to be able to cover both of us if necessary. Who doesn’t love a good bowl of instant ramen?

I went to the bathroom to tidy myself up and pin my scarf in place so I could hide my more… worn and sanded bits. Even with the sanding, you could tell I was worn out and an older model. I needed to ask Cayde where he got his touch ups for a fresh coat of paint until I could get to Europa. I couldn’t stand looking like this for much longer. It just made me feel sad and forgotten. Just like how Moonsong had found me…

"Sundance just said Cayde is heading down for food. We can go now, or he said he is more than happy to wait and have a few drinks." Moonsong hollered from the kitchen.

"Let's head over now. I could use a drink with these nerves!" I shook my shoulders and arms to try and get the jitters out to no avail.

"You have some here but I guess company is good too. I just wouldn't recommend drinking to calm your nerves before a mission. Seems like a bad combination.” He floated into the bathroom where I was trying to organize myself.

"Do I look like I am trying too hard to be casual?" I looked up at him, my brows furrowed. He closed his eye halfway.

"I don't even think that is a real thing." He rolled his eye and started to push me out. "Time to go Guardian. You’re making this harder and more complicated than it needs to be!"

“But!”

“Out. Or I will call and ask him to pick you up and make it look more like a date.” He huffed. “He’s a known idiot. I doubt he will notice anything more than the color of the scarf you’re wearing.”

I sat on the worn couch and threw on a pair of combat boots, grabbed a small messenger bag, some, glimmer, and then tucked some knives into my side pockets.

"Do you really think you'll need those?"

"I never know what I will need around here. So, better safe than sorry." I dropped the keys to my apartment on a chain around my neck tucked into my shirt for safe keeping.

"Well, I will be with the Hunter Vanguard. I think the only trouble we get into will literally be his fault!” I laughed

“Please don’t get into trouble. I don’t want to have to bail my Guardian out of jail on her second day alive.” Moonsong snapped. I giggled as we headed out.

Cayde POV

I walked up to the usual bar and took a seat halfway in. I picked a spot at the bar that I don't normally sit at but it was easier for me to keep an eye on what was happening outside.

"The usual?" The barkeeper asked, polishing another glass in his hands. 

"Sure. Why not? Make it a double, thanks!" Sundance hovered just in front of me.

"You seem to be starting a tad early..." She gave me her usual disapproving look.

"Maybe I got jitters from getting the hell outta here for the first time in a while. Give me a break! I still had to do more paperwork even after being told I was off the hook for a week!"

I looked over and saw a trio of Awoken. They were siblings in their previous lives and managed to all be picked by the Light within a week of each other. I waved happily, acknowledging their presence. Their Hunter, I could never remember his name, came over to greet me. 

“How’s it goin? If you’re drinking by yourself you’re more than welcome to join us.” He smiled brightly. 

“Nah, thanks for the offer though. I got someone comin’ here in a bit.” As I replied Jeremy placed my drink down. “Thanks, buddy.” I turned, shot him a wink, and a finger gun. I turned back to the Awoken kid, “Maybe at the next big group dinner I can catch up with you and your fam. I’m sure you have some awesome stories for me.” I smiled and patted him on the shoulder. He walked back to his table looking a bit disappointed. 

I slammed my drink and signaled for another one. “Pretty please?” I made puppy eyes at him. He chuckled. 

"Just don't overdo it.” The barkeep, Jeremy, said, setting the drink down. I don’t like having to kick people out of here, especially if it’s the Vanguard.” He winked with a sly smile. “So what’s the occasion? Normally I don’t see you with a smile but with a more worn out look after a hard day.”

”I’m finally getting out of this Light forsaken tower to head out for a week on the moon! I would have preferred Nessus, but hell, anything is better than being stuck doing paperwork and boring meetings!” My excitement made me almost jump right out of my chair. I could barely control the solar energy dancing through my circuits. It was amazing that someone would do something so kind for me and even more surprising that Zavala and Ikora would be cool with it. A WEEK. A whole week of shooting things and taking down bad guys, a glimpse of the life I used to have before all this Vanguard nonsense. 

“So tell me, how did you manage that? I thought that the Vanguard had you on a tight leash?” He rested his arm on the counter and gave a low chuckle. 

“Those damn masochists could work till their limbs fall off.” I waved the idea away. “No, I got a kinder-Guardian that asked me to show her the ropes. Honestly, it’s the nicest thing anybody has done for me in a while.” I laughed loudly causing the other tables to turn to look at me. “My bad guys…” I raised my hands in surrender, chuckling quietly to myself. 

“So?” Jeremy leaned in. “She's a new Hunter. You gotta make sure you show her your good side so she doesn't think you're a total idiot later." We both laughed.

”It's true, people call me a "wild card" but it was really more a way of saying ‘Cayde does what he wants and doesn't care if people think he's crazy or not!’” I chuckled as I finished my last sip.

“Uh huh, sure.” He smiled as he set down another drink, a generous double pour if I were to say so. 

I sipped my whiskey slowly and kept an eye out for the kid. The city was pleasant at night and it was one of the only times that my mind seemed to be at ease. If I wasn't here right now, I would probably be climbing the tower, looking for fun hiding spots to look out at the scenery beyond the city. 

"Cayde?" A young Exo woman wandered into the bar.

She had beautiful teal eyes and her cheeks glowed with the same beautiful hue as she spoke. A quick glance showed that she had sanded down some of the rust that was covering her body. That’s what Prim looks like under her helmet? That must have been why she was covering her face. Poor thing was embarrassed to be seen with someone so awesome like me! But either way, she looked nice.

"There she is!" I stood up. Prim was trotting towards me with a more comfortable outfit on. "I like the scarf. Reminds me of... well... me!" That one gave her a good chuckle. "I just realized, you finally don't have a helmet on. You get yourself all sanded up?" I gave her a nice soft smile.

"Yeah," she ducked her head down, pulling on her scarf. "I still need a lot of work. But it's a start right?" She smiled back. “That reminds me, where do you get your paint touch ups done? Is there a place where they do that here?”

“First, this face never needs touch ups since I polish so regularly. Remind me to give you some to try. But secondly, I’m not sure, I’d check with Amanda. She’s the one always fixin’ stuff.” I took a sip.

“Well, I think she’s run out of patience for me for today. I asked an awful lot of a person I just met.” She looked down and played with her hands.

“Oh did she sand you down? Nice job. Don’t worry about upsetting her. She speaks in glimmer. Just transfer some to her and she’ll be your best friend in no time!” I chuckled, taking another swig. 

She pulled up the barstool next to me and leaned over. "What are you drinking?" She leaned forward to look at the amber colored drink. “Smells like whiskey!” Her eyes shone brightly, so cute. 

Before I could say anything she turned to the barkeep and called out "Excuse me? Could I have what he's having? Thank you, kindly!" She sat down and put her bag to the side. She's SO polite. It's almost funny but also pretty cute. Like, a little, adorable, puppy. I have this weird instinct to just… squish her in my arms and make her giggle.

“That is sexual harassment, Cayde.”

Like I didn’t know that Sunny… give a guy a break. Sheesh. 

"Here you are, miss." Jeremy smiled and handed her drink over gently. "Prim is fine. Thank you." He nodded “Name’s Jeremy, nice to meet you.” He shook her hand then turned and walked back towards the small kitchenette area of the bar. They didn’t have much as far as menu items go, but most people weren’t here for that anyways. 

"Well, normally it would be ramen and then maybe a drink, but it has been a day." I sighed heavily, taking a big swig of my drink. The light burning sensation was pleasant going down. My cheek lights flickered as the liquid went down.

"I can honestly say, this has been a very stressful two days." She took a big gulp of her drink. "I don't mind having a drink first. Calms the nerves!" She held her drink up with a beaming smile on her face. “So, let’s talk a little bit about next week.”

“Well my soon-to-be favorite Hunter, sit down, and loosen up. We are embarking on the most exciting journey of Hive-clearing and most importantly, sipping whiskey for the time being.” I raised my glass to her.

“I’ll take that as a compliment, thank you very much! Now, anything I should actually know about where we’re going tomorrow and the Hive?” She looked at me taking a slow sip of her glass. I watched as her eyes turned a deeper shade of teal blue as she got serious. It made me so curious and intrigued but I know that Sundance would give me an earful if I started meandering too long.

“We're headed to the Moon to clear out some Hive, as requested by our old friend Eris Morn.” I gestured for another drink. I would need one to talk about Eris. Jeremy nodded.

“Eris Morn?” She put down the glass and rested her elbow on the bar and rested her hand on her cheek. She knew there was a story and was already ready for it. She was too smart for her own good.

“Long story short, she's been dealing with the Hive for a while. Got a bit... touched by the Darkness when she lost her fireteam in a mission on the moon. But she knows her stuff, and we owe her a favor. Well I do at least. When the ‘Taken King’ showed up, I may have taken her ship and….” I picked up my glass and gurgled into it “Got it completely destroyed.”

She reached out her hand and pushed my glass down. “You completely destroyed it? Did I hear that right?” Her eyes and face lit up as she started to laugh.

I sighed “Yeah. And no matter what I do she still hates me for it and will never let it go.” I rolled my eyes and groaned.

“Wow, you’re just a giant dork who got caught!” She tried to stifle a laugh but the glow of her cheeks made it all too obvious. “That honestly doesn’t surprise me. Clearly you had some sort of risky idea that only a Hunter would attempt.” She motioned for another drink and smiled at the barkeep. When he stopped by she grabbed the drink from his hand and thanked him sincerely.

Before he left he leaned down and whispered into her ear. She looked at me, then back at him, giggled and nodded.

Is he flirting with her, right in front of me? I’m Cayde, freakin’ 6, the Hunter Vanguard!? Yuck, now I’ve seen everything. Oh man, I am actually envious. I’m an idiot.

“You’re pouting because she thanked Jeremy? Wow, you’re being petty today.” Sundance chided.

“What did he say to you if you don’t mind me asking?” I said, a smirk on my face trying to hide my envy.

“He told me you were part fish and that I shouldn’t try to keep up with you or I’d end up getting thrown out. That, and he would hate to do it to a pretty new Guardian like myself.” She giggled again, taking another small sip of her drink.

”Wow, first off, rude. Second, only somewhat true. Well, anywho,” I grabbed her other hand and brought her attention back to me. “Look, Eris and I go way back. She's been through a lot – lost friends, touched by the Darkness. But she's got a heart, buried deep beneath all that pain. I owe her one, and this week is another chance to settle that debt. You with me?” I raised a fist for a bump and waited.

“Sounds like she's been through a lot…” She slipped her hand back and bumped my first with hers. She then rested her elbow on the table and held her head in her hand again covering her mouth, looking away with a smile. If I didn’t know better, it looked like her vocal lights turned a shade of purple… like, blushing? Oh my Light that’s fucking adorable.

“Uh, yeah. Everyone has a story here. So many stories to tell. But to get back to business, the Moon – it's not just rocks and craters. It's a graveyard of old battles, and the Hive? They've made it their playground.”

“Great. Sounds like a party.” She snarked and smiled into her drink.

“Exactly! Now, about shooting – it's an art. And you will watch and learn my finesse and precision my friend! Everyone has their preference but all I need is right here!” I picked up my Ace of Spades from its holster and twirled it in the air on one finger before clipping it back it with an overly confident grin.

“Oh HO! Impressive! You gonna teach me that move?” She chuckled, her mouth still hidden by her hand. The light teal/purple lights of her cheeks flickering with each laugh. 

“Oh, you bet… In time. But first, let's get to the ramen. Tower's got a spot that'll make you question your existence.”

“Question my existence over ramen? Now, that's a bold claim, sir.” She laughed again. “Should I be prepared to have an existential crisis?” She held her hand over her mouth and gasped. “I don’t know how I will be able to handle that!”

I’m starting to feel like I would do anything to make this woman laugh… damn. She’s a cutie and… if i’m lucky… a damn good Hunter.

“Not a ‘kid’ anymore?” Sundance mocked.

“Uhh, Cayde?” Her glass was up like she was waiting.

“Wassup?” I felt like I just woke up from a trance.

"Cheers?" She smiled awkwardly, like she had pushed my friendship too hard.

"Ah! What are we drinking to, my dear?" My usual smile back, looking into those perfectly bright teal eyes of hers.

She paused for a moment, "To a new partnership and a great first mission!" Her eyes and cheeks lit up as she spoke.

"I'll drink to that!" We each finished our drinks, tapped them on the table twice, and flipped the cups over. We both looked at each other wide eyed.

"I've never seen anyone else do that before!" She laughed.

"I haven't either!" I tried to stifle my laughter but it was just so ironic. “Have you been stalking me?”

“How could I!? I was rezzed yesterday!” She kept laughing and collected the cups into a single pile on the table, being courteous to the bartender.

"You think she's trying to suck up to me, Sunny?" I whispered into my hood.

She floated out, clearly annoyed. "I don't know but you're both being adorable and it's going to make me sick." She mumbled.

After a few moments she turned around. "Well, it would be bad to have too many drinks before we have ramen. Wouldn't it?" She stood up and threw her bag over her shoulder, extending her hand, and I took it out of courtesy, of course, and smiled brightly at her.

"Touché, madam. You're quite correct." I adjusted my hood and watched as she walked over to the bar. She put down the glasses and a small bag of glimmer and whispered to the barkeep, "Please keep it to pay off whatever his tab is, give yourself a 30% tip, and then use anything left as an open tab. We’ll be back eventually. Keep it under Cayde’s name." She smiled. The barkeep nodded, smiled, and then began to count up Cayde’s running tab.

”Trying to make a good impression?” He chuckled dryly.

”Something like that, more as a ‘thanks for the help’ kinda thing. That and I get the feeling he’s one of those ‘I’ll get ya next time kind of patrons’.” 

“Damn straight, kiddo.” She giggled again as she turned and left.

I walked out and waited for her to walk out. I waved goodbye to the Awoken team. They meekly waved back. I paid it no mind as she walked out. We walked side by side to the ramen shop.

"Sorry if you wanted to stay longer. But I feel like the fatty broth of ramen gets ruined if I have too much whiskey. It just doesn't taste as nice. Ya know?" I smiled, looking down the street.

She looked up at me with raised brows. "I honestly have never thought that. I would be curious as to how that works."

"Clearly, we need to test this theory!” I mocked, matching her excitement. Adorable nerd.

“We can try all sorts of different combinations, from how many drinks, to what type of ramen and see if you think it is true!" She started counting different combinations on her fingers as we walked. 

I raised my eyebrows as I watched her circuits and gears running at full speed. She looked so excited and looked like she was running experiments in her head.

"Wow, you REALLY are a massive nerd." I elbowed her lightly. "How am I going to survive a week of missions with a massive dork like you?" I flung my arm dramatically over my forehead.

She laughed hard and held her stomach. “Oh my Light you are horrible!!”

"You sure you're not meant to be a Warlock? Being a bookworm and numbers kid, is more of an Ikora thing!” I mused, giving her a sly smirk.

She immediately stopped and looked up and crossed her arms. "I mean, I can always ask Ikora to switch." She replied with a devilish grin. "But then wouldn't you lose whatever bet you had with Zavala?" Her lights flickered as she chuckled quietly to herself.

"OH HO! NOW THERE'S THE HUNTER SASS! You make this Hunter proud." I wiped a fake tear from my eye and grabbed her shoulder. "Onward! To ramen!" I pointed dramatically.

“Fine,” she said “BUT YOU’RE PAYING!”

"I am a true gentleman to my word.” I laughed. She was really funny to tease! I turned around to smirk at her. I circled around her back, grabbed her shoulders, got really close, where her ears would be and whispered. “Oh, and, also....” I backed away quickly, I tapped her on the head and rushed down the street, yelling.“You're it!"

"Not fair! Your legs are longer than mine and I don’t know where I’m GOING!!!" She hollered after me, trying to keep up.

Sunsong popped out of my hood and glowed while she laughed. “Having fun?”

“Tons!” I laughed.

“Good, but seriously make sure you pay for that damn ramen. I know how big your tab was at the bar and I’m pretty sure she paid the whole damn thing.”

“Of course. I’d never actually make her pay for ramen, that is a true gentleman’s job!” I winked and turned to look at Prim hustling down the street. Besides, Banshee hooked me up with some good stuff that would more than cover that lousy tab.”

Prim POV 

By the time I caught up with him, Cayde had already taken a seat and handed me a menu. "Did you already order?" I huffed, as I sat down.

"Now, what kind of gentleman would I be if I did that?" He smirked.

"The same kind of ‘gentleman’ that left a brand new Guardian to try and keep up with your crazy antics in a cheaters game of tag!” I tried catching my breath but still needed a little bit.

"I knew you could keep up though!” He sat there giving me a thumbs up.

"I had no idea where I was going!" I snapped.

He blew a raspberry and waved his hand. "You were fine!" Besides, if I got too hungry I would ping Moonsong our location so he could guide you. He grinned. 

"Well, fine.” I sat down with a ‘humph’ “I'll take the Takana ramen, with two eggs on top please."

Cayde turned to the waiter. "Did you catch that by any chance?" They nodded. "Sweet. Cause I have no idea what she said. Sounded too fancy." He gave a lazy thumbs up. “You know me, my man, Spicy Ramen, just how I like it!”

Within a few minutes, the ramen was out and we were both happily slurping away. "I could eat this every day for the rest of my life." He groaned.

"This is really good, but I also like Pad Thai. Those noodles are so yummy!” I said between slurps. “Between these two, it’s so hard to choose!"

Cayde put down his bowl and tilted his head. "Pan Thai? Like a pancake?” He then proceeded to stuff his face with more noodles.

"PAD Thai. You've never had it?” 

He slurped his noodles up. “If I had, would I be asking?” He raised a curious brow.

“Oh man, it's delicious! Yummy noodles with lime and a light peanut sauce. Ah, so good. Once we're back from our week of missions! I'll make some and bring it to you."

He dropped his chopsticks and looked completely flabbergasted. "You cook?"

I leaned back awkwardly. "Yes?" Don’t most people?

"Do you know how to make ramen and other stuff?" His eyes widened as he spoke.

"Yeah. I mean, I can teach you…” I tried to go back to eating my food and he touched my bowl with a single finger.

"I. Will. Literally. Pay. You. To. Make. Me. Food." He looked like a kid that tripped head first into a candy shop. “Like, seriously, 100%, please. Sundance knows that I am skilled enough to burn water!”

Sundance echoed from nowhere “This is fact.”

"Ok.” I laughed and poked him in the chest, “but you're buying the ingredients." I slurped my broth and set my bowl down.

“I would give you an ENTIRE CACHE to buy ingredients and have you make me food. So, anything you need my dear, just say the word. I will get it. I mean, this IS my food we are talking about.. And if it’s specially made for me?! Ho Ho! Talk about JACKPOT!” He fist pumped and nearly fell over in his seat splaying his legs out and pushing away from the stall. He grabbed the counter and pulled himself back before losing balance.

I laughed at his excitement and took a deep breath and sighed, leaning my head back. "So delicious!" I exclaimed with a sigh of content.

"See?" He squealed, "I told you it was amazing! Why does no one ever believe me the first time?” He kept eating with such zeal, if he was human I would have concerns for heartburn but with Exos, it didn’t matter. All I could do is raise a brow in amusement.

“I did. I’m here aren’t I?” I laughed as we continued talking. By the time we finished our bowls of ramen it had already gotten late.

“So there I was BLAM, POW, POW. and then I suddenly realized I was out of ammo and then…” he turned his head from making finger guns to look at me. 

I yawed slightly, trying to cover it with my hand. I was so interested in his story but I could feel myself falling asleep.

“Oh dang, I didn’t realize it was that late. We better get you home. We have a long week ahead of us and you need your beauty sleep.” He patted me on the shoulder as he got up from the chair.

“So do you…” I got up from the stall and stretched “Or are you one of those Exos that struggles with insomnia?” I gave him a sly smirk.

“Girlie, I don’t need beauty sleep because I am already the epitome of beauty. I am the perfectly sculpted Exo!” He stood up and posed dramatically. 

I laughed hard and bent down to my knees for support “whatever you say princess!” I stood back up and couldn’t stop giggling.

Cayde sighed, "Zavala probably planned the flight pattern early on purpose just to see if I would show up on time!" He stretched too, letting his arms fall loose at his sides. “ Come on, let getcha’ home” he lazily waved toward the direction of my apartment. 

He was walking just slightly in front of me with his hands behind his neck. He insisted on walking me home after I gave him crap about the game of tag he started earlier. As we reached my door, I fished the keys out of my shirt and unlocked the door.

“I’m excited to see how things go this next week! I think I’ll really improve!” I turned to say to him as I opened my door. 

“That's what I like to hear! Tomorrow, we show the Moon and those damn Hive what Hunters are made of!” He flexed his muscles and gave a good hearted chuckle. "Until tomorrow Guardian! Have a good night!"

I waved and thanked him quickly, watching him disappear before heading into my apartment. Before I did anything else, I took the last few things I needed for my trip and placed them on the table for tomorrow. I quickly rinsed off in the shower and climbed into bed.

After tossing and turning for nearly two hours I decided to get out and clear my head. I was too excited to sleep. I threw the same clothes I wore to dinner and snuck out into the open air. I walked to the nearest balcony and looked out over the horizon. The breeze felt good along my freshly sanded metal. Since there were very few people around, I felt a bit more comfortable with my head and face exposed. I looked up and saw a hidden catwalk. A few jumps up and I was able to grab the lowest rung. I pulled myself up and walked as high as I could go. The pathway ended at the top of a building, with an amazing view of the forest and area directly surrounding the city.

The wind was brisk and blew my scarf but it somehow gave me a massive sense of nostalgia. It felt comforting in a way. I sat in silence for a while, desperately trying to remember something, anything about myself. I sat down, wrapped my arms around my knees, and rested my head facing the vast abyss of the city before me. A half melody creeped into my mind's eye and I began to hum. I repeated the fragment of a song, over and over, hoping to remember more. Nothing. I sighed a bit of discontent. 

"Moonsong?" My voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, Guardian?"

"Would you mind recording this for me and searching if there is any record of a song that sounds like it?"

"Of course." I hummed quietly, repeating the snip-it a few times before taking a big sigh.

"Since it's probably pre-collapse, it might take me a while. But I will find it for you. Then we can come back up here and listen to it together. OK?"

I nodded. I stared at the moon and reached out to grab it. It looked so small compared to the Traveler. “I’ll be up there tomorrow with Cayde.” I clenched my fist and drew my hand down to look at my palm. “I hope I can wield the Light well and not embarrass myself in front of him.”

“Why do you think that?” Moonsong hummed and he rested on my shoulder. 

“I dunno. I just don’t want to be a disappointment I guess. He has all this faith in me and I… don’t have any in myself.” I choked out a weak cry. “I’m just an imposter. Trying to live someone else’s life through a worn down rusty old body…”

Moonsong hovered in front of my face “The Light picked you, I picked you. You’re destined for more than these feelings of guilt and remorse. I know this is a lot to take on right now but trust me, you’re going to be amazing. I just know it!”

“Thanks Moony.”

“Of course. You are my Guardian after all.”

“Hey. Once we’re done with this training and I’m approved for missions, I need you to ping Cronus and ask if he knows anybody who would want to go to deep Europa with me.”

“Sure. Can I tell him what the reason is?”

“I just want to be me, not this… imposter body. You know what I mean right?”

“Yes.”

“Good” I stood up and stretched again. I was finally sleepy. I fell forward and used my jump right before I landed. I looked up to the top of the tower I fell from. 

I felt the presence that someone had apparently taken my place from out of the shadows, but I was too tired to care or call out. I sighed heavily. I was suddenly exhausted. I walked into my apartment, kicked off my boots and barely had the energy to wash my face. I collapsed into the bed barely getting under the covers. I fell asleep to a welcoming and warm dream, one that I wouldn't remember other than, I deeply missed and loved whomever I dreamt of.

Chapter Text

Day 1 - The Moon

CAYDE POV

”Sweet Speaker, holy crap! Nope, nope, nope!” Prim didn’t like the Hive, especially the Thrall. It’s been the most entertaining thing scaring the crap outta her with severed arms and roaring behind her. Her screaming and shooting blindly is entertaining but shows that I have a lot of work to do. 

Day 1 we spent focused on just clearing out what we could at the surface level. I took point and tried to leave her with somethin’ to shoot at. She called me a ‘show off’. She’s not wrong but it’s been fun just getting out of the Tower and away from sittin’ on my ass all day. 

Once we cleared the initial area I set up camp a short ways away out of sight and range of any danger. After that, it was shooting practice. First was auto rifles…

“If you hold it like this, there’s less recoil and you can get better continuous shots.” I handed over the auto rifle to her and watched her form. She took shots with the leftover body parts I had stacked up in the distance. “Not bad, now these are great in a massive firefight. You could also substitute with a pulse rifle. Until you can control the rate better, I wouldn’t use it as your primary.”

“But you don’t use any of those. You just your hand cannon, even in a massive firefight.” She stared at the Ace of Spades. 

I pulled it out and twirled it on one finger then clipped it back into place. “That’s because I am a true professional.” I gestured making cliché model poses. She rolled her eyes and reloaded her weapon.

 “OH! I can’t believe I forgot!” I smacked my head. Her head swiveled around and bolted upright. “Follow me, munchkin’. I gotta show ya somethin’.” I headed back to the ship and lowered the ramp. 

She walked up the ramp and sat down on one of the crates. She looked at me curiously. 

 “I gotcha’ some stuff, so umm feel free to take any or all of it! Banshee gave me a deal so we could get you set up!” I pulled out a few cases from beneath my bunk and slid them over to her. “SURPRISE! Go on! Just don’t tell anyone I got em’ for ya’. Don’t want people to think I’m a big softie or nothin’.”

With a shaky hand she opened up each case one by one. A sniper rifle, an automatic rifle, scout rifle, and a shotgun. I watched her put a hand to her mouth with sheer glee. “Banshee had shown me these wares earlier and I was so pissed, someone had gotten to them before me when I came back.” Her eyes glowed with appreciation. That’s the smile I’m lookin for, sweetheart. I just smiled and watched her reaction. 

“I got a… whadda’ call that fancy stuff in bathrooms like flowers and smelly stuff, like a collection of stuff??” 

“Potpourri?” She looked at me and tilted her head.

”Yeah! That!” I pointed at her repeatedly. “I got you a potpourri of weapons!” I held out my hand like it was delicately holding a teacup. “Sounds a lot fancier and better than ‘I wasn’t sure what the hell to get you or what you like to kill things with!” I leaned back and put a gloved hand to my chin, “I’ll have to remember that word… Sundance, remember for me to use the word ‘potpourri’ in front of Ikora. It sounds fancy and sophisticated and all, like all that other stuff she says.”

Sundance appeared and rolled her eye. “K. I’m sure Ikora will appreciate the new vocabulary…”

I rolled my eyes at my Ghost. “Sassy.”

“Cayde, this is too much!” She looked at me, gobsmacked, her cheek lights that adorable purplish hue. 

“Nonsense! If you’re going to be the world’s second best Hunter, you best expect to equip yourself like one!” I smiled so wide from her excitement.  I put a lot of thought and effort into thinking about what guns would fit her frame and possible fighting style. 

“Thank you. I could honestly hug you right now.” 

“I would let you BUTTTT I just had my armor pressed!” I winked and turned my head away as I rubbed my hand on the back of my neck. If you were to hug me I would lose my shit. I’m gonna freakin’ die over here. Sheesh.

“This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.” She picked up the sniper rifle lovingly and gazed at it, regarding its beauty and craftsmanship.

“Well, besides the whiskey I got you last night.” I winked.

She pointed a finger in my chest. “My dear sir, I paid for that whiskey.” 

“Oh yeah! Speaking of which, would you mind paying the rest of my tab there? I’m not the best at keeping Glimmer on me… dude only takes cash. I can wire you whatever it was/is.”

 She laughed and shook her head. “Already done. I gave enough Glimmer to the barkeep to top off your tab. However…” She leaned in close to my face. “I’ll make sure your tab is always paid, as long as you pay every time we get ramen! Deal?” She stuck her hand out. 

“Deal!” We both chuckled. 

“Speaking of ramen, I brought these.” She pulled out packages of spicy ramen from her rucksack. Oh my Light, this girl is perfection!

I closed the ramp and let the air stabilize. I plugged in a small electric kettle and poured some water in. 

“This sounds like the perfect break for dinner.” I clapped my hands and rubbed them in excitement. 

We sat in silence once the noodles were done and we were both happily slurping away. It was the first time in a while that I hadn’t felt the need to fill the emptiness with a quip or a joke. It was nice.

“I’ve been thinking,” she finally broke the silence, “if you really want to cook I can teach you a couple of easy pasta recipes. Or maybe you’re more of a chicken kinda of guy? No-no offense to the Colonel of course!”

“Colonel is a proud member of her species but that doesn’t stop me from eating a well cooked chicken.” I stifled a laugh. “Just as long as she doesn’t get any leftovers. I would hate for her to become a cannibal.” I covered my mouth trying to stifle a laugh. 

“Stop! You’re making it hard to eat cause I’m laughing too much!” Prim said, pointing her chopsticks at me. “You’re so awful!”

“But you have to admit, I am witty and handsome though!” I nudged her knee with my foot.

“Maybe witty. I don’t know about handsome…” she chortled, covering her grin with her chopstick hand.

“Le gasp! Me? How could you not? I am sheer perfection! The only Exo of my kind! And I am not joking about that.” I pointed at her.  “I was specially handcrafted with care to perfection.” I crossed my arms over my chest and winked. “The only Exo that I’ve seen look even remotely like me is, well, you.” I relaxed and rested my hands on my knees and clasped my hands in front of me watching her reaction.

“We-well I d-don’t know a-about that.” She tried covering up her face but the purple hue of her cheeks that I have come to associate as her blushing shone through. I chuckled and nudged her leg again. 

“Take it as a compliment. No need to get all jumpy on me.” I smiled and looked past her along the wall, checking the time back in the Tower. It was 11pm back home. “Hey, it’s late, why don’t we call it a night and you can try your new toys in the morning?” She nodded.

I got up and pulled open a storage cabin and slid the lid open and up. “This is usually meant for storage but it works as a second bed in a pinch. I’ll sleep up here and you take the big bed.” 

She stood up, “oh no. You’re taking the big bed and I’ll take the bunk. I’m smaller and more petite than you. That and if you go up there I will lock you in there for a week.”

“Well hey now, that’s not even fair. This doesn’t even have a-oh look at that, it does have a lock.” I rolled my eyes and lifted my hands in surrender. “Fine, missy. You get the bunk. Just don’t complain to me in the morning if your back is all out of sorts.” 

She climbed up into the bunk and giggled “I’ll be fine Cayde, stop being overprotective.” She rolled onto her back and sighed.” this is perfect, ima hit the hay, you do whatever you need to. So don’t worry about me. 

“Al-alright, sleep well princess. Don’t let the Thrall bite.”

“You ass! Ugh, sleep well Cayde, good night.”

“Night.”

-|-

Day 2

PRIM POV

We had left the ship in place and went on our Speeders around to the other side of the moon. Apparently there was plenty of Fallen activity to keep us busy with a few patrols for the majority of the day. 

Cayde decided to take the front lines while I stayed back with my new sniper and scout rifles. Turns out, I’m a damn good quick shot with a long range weapon, taking out Fallen left and right around Cayde before he could even get to them. 

The radio chirped “save some for the rest of us. Damn, girl.” Cayde chided. I looked through my scope and watched him making rude gestures at me. I shot a warning shot in response. “Are you for serious right now? You could have hit me! How will you ever explain how I abandoned you on the moon because you accidentally killed me trying to be funny?!” 

“Oh hush, you’re making a big deal out of nothing. It wasn’t even near you.”

”Yeah but still-“

”Servitor, 5 o’clock.” 

“Wher-oh I see it. Anything else?” He ducked into cover and checked his weapons. 

“I see, 4 Shanks and 6 Dregs… What the hell are they doing out in the open like that?” I pulled my head away from my rifle’s scope and decided to head down. I hopped over and down the slope and joined Cayde in cover by a large boulder. 

“We need to get to higher ground from a different angle. If there’s a Servitor, there must be-

A shot rang out just above our heads, the spot still smoldering as we looked up. 

“Vandals” Cayde snapped. “Follow me.” He bolted for a far ridge along a cliff side and hopped up. It gave us a perfect vantage point while providing cover from wherever the shot came from. “Based on the angle it was that ridge.” He pointed to where I just was. “Good thing you joined me when you did or your Ghost would be having a fit right about now.” 

I watched him as he was calculating where to go and what to do next. His eyes turned slightly darker teal and his cheek lights dimmed as he hummed. He turned to look at me and smiled. 

“You got that shotgun on you?” A sly grin eased across his face. 

“Yeah. What are you thinking?” I switched weapons and grabbed my shotgun and checked to see if it was fully loaded. 

“If there’s one Vandal, there has to be more. I’ll take those out while you get after the Servitor and its gang. Throw a grenade first then charge in. You’ll catch them off guard if you swing in from the right, just slightly behind them.” He motioned over to a small building. “Once I’m done with the Vandals I’ll meet back up with you and we’ll finish them off. Sound good?” 

It took me a second to catch everything he said but I nodded once I understood.  

“Count of three, one… two…. THREE!” 

We split and ran off in our different directions. I heard the first shot from him ring out and followed up with tossing a grenade into the distracted group of Fallen. It took out the shanks and most of the Dregs. I dodged a spray of bullets and shot off my shotgun and rolled into cover. I ran between rocks and the building to get close to the group and rallied again, BAM, then ran to reload in safety. 

In the background I heard four shots ring out. Hopefully Cayde had cleared the rest of the Vandals and was heading down. As I turned I was face to face with a Servitor. Two quick shots at it did absolutely nothing. I turned to run to cover again and saw him, a Captain, shrouded in purple light. It roared at me and lunged with one of its blades. 

“Cayde, we got a Captain and I can’t touch the Servitor!” I panicked running back to the building for cover, bobbing and weaving through the metal panes, struggling to reload my weapon.

“It's shielded by the Captain. Take him out and we’ll be good to go. I’ll be right there. BANG!”

I rounded another corner thinking there would be empty space and ran right into the Captain. I raised my gun and took two shots as it swung down one of its blades. I tried to dodge but it sliced through my shoulder armor. I rolled to the ground, clenching my injured arm in one hand and my gun in the other. I managed to get more shells in the shotgun and rolled out of the way of another sword slash. I rolled onto my back and as the next sword came down I kicked its arm up, breaking the joint completely. I shot directly at the Captain’s face and he was finally taken down, collapsed into a mess on the ground. I reloaded immediately. 

I switched to my auto rifle and clipped in a new magazine. I ran to where I last saw the Servitor, still in place. It made a disgruntled groan as I unloaded my clip into its central eye. When I was out, I made a quick switch like Cayde showed me and shot two last shots from my shotgun from close range into its eye. It backed away swaying erratically, spinning out of control before erupting into shattered pieces. 

It took me a moment to catch my breath. Where was Cayde? He said he would be my backup. I looked around the landscape and suddenly heard clapping from above me. I jerk my head upward to see Cayde standing on the second level of the building looking pleased with himself. 

“Where were you?” I snapped.

”You had it! Why would I come in and steal your thunder when you were more than capable of handling that on your own?” He laughed as he dropped down onto the hard ground. He looked over the damage I had caused and nodded approvingly. “Seriously, nice job!” He smiled. 

I could feel myself getting flustered by his compliment. “Thanks…” 

“You act like you’ve done this before and it's pretty impressive.” He looked over in the direction of the ship. “Wanna head back? Probably need some food at this point.” 

“Now that you mention it, I could go for food.” I chuckled and summoned my Speeder and took off. 

“Hey!” He hollered after me taking a running start when summoning his own Sparrow. 

We got back to the ship and headed in. Cayde got started on our makeshift dinner while I got a chance to shower. 

“Completely smitten yet?” Sundance mocked 

“Hush you. She’s right around the corner.” Cayde whispered, pouring the instant rations into containers. 

“I don’t hear a ‘no’ coming from that mouth.” She hummed happily. 

“You’re killing me Sunny. Let a guy make his food in peace.” He said, pouring the hot water into the bowls and stirring. 

I came out of the shower in a long sleeve shirt and shorts, my metal feet clapping on the metal floor of the ship. Cayde took a quick glance before getting back to what he was doing, ducking his head into his scarf. 

“Let me take over while you shower.” I grabbed the spoon, brushing his hand as I did and watched him walk away with his head down and buried in his hood. I turned to Sundance, “Everything ok?”

”Oh he’s fine. Just worried he burned water or something stupid like that.” She chuckled and fluttered around me happily as I poured more water and some veggies and spices into the mixture. 

“I hope he’s okay that I made some improvements to these rations. They taste like cement otherwise…” I grimaced. I sat down on the bed and stirred my food. It was decent enough. It was meant to be stew but I had actually brought some frozen veggies and spices to add to it. The temperature on the moon was perfect for keeping all of my stuff nice and cold. It also helped that Cayde and I really couldn’t feel the temperature difference too much. 

I took my first few bites and realized that I was hungrier than I thought. I grabbed another two packs and some more veggies and added them to both our containers. I figured if I was famished, he would be even more so. I was just stirring everything together with new hot water when he came back out. He wore a t-shirt, zip-up hoodie and sweatpants. 

“If you keep stirring it really will be cement. Have you been doing that since I left?” He chuckled, his cheek lights glowing. 

“Oh, sorry, I added some stuff. Here.” I handed him his double portion and sat back down on the bed.

He joined next to me and took his first spoonful. “What the hell did you do to this!?” He looked over at me. “It's so much better than usual!” 

“Veggies and spices. Nothing much.” I took another spoonful, pleased with myself.

“Man, you can manage to make bland rations taste good? You must be a true wizard when it comes to cooking!” He smiled excitedly at me with another bite of food. 

I looked down into my food and stirred thoughtfully “I’m fine enough. Just basic stuff I guess.” 

“Don’t sell yourself short. Thanks for making this better! I totally appreciate it! It ain’t no ramen, but it sure as hell beats plain cement!” He beamed. 

I turned to face him. “You’re a giant dork. You know that?” 

He leaned in close and whispered “shuuuush, don’t tell anyone. They might actually believe you.” He leaned back on his palms against the bed “I need everyone to recognize my awesomeness. Only the cool kids get to know anything else.” He turned and winked. 

“Wow, your ego knows no bounds!” I laughed and set my empty bowl aside on top of a storage box. I flopped back on the bed and sighed happily. “Thanks for doing all of this for me, really.” 

“You think this is for you!? Kiddo, this is for ME!” He flopped back and rested his hands on his stomach. “You don’t know how suffocating it is being in the Tower all the time. I used to be amazing out there. Shiro will tell you, we used to get into so much shit with Andal back in the day!” He smiled thoughtfully.

“Oh yeah?” I asked “Tell me about your adventures. Or at least one of your favorites!” I looked over at him as his eyes lit up and his cheeks glowed bright as he spoke. I listened attentively and slowly drifted off to sleep into the third or fourth story. 

“Cayde?” Moonsong hovered over the both of us.

”Waddup little guy?” He leaned forward. 

“She’s out.” He motioned over to me, sleeping peacefully half on the bed. 

“Haha, guess my stories are too amazing for her to keep up.” He slid off the bed and picked my legs up and swung them on the bed and pushed me over towards the wall. He then took the comforter I was laying on and wrapped me in it. 

“We’ll just do this for tonight.” He smiled as he grabbed the comforter from the bunk and laid it on the other side of the bed. “Bed’s big enough anyways. Her own little burrito should be fine. He laughed quietly. 

“Thanks little guy.” He smiled. He rolled over and faced me. “Sundance, can you set an alarm for me? Hopefully I wake up before her and don’t scare the crap outta her.” He chuckled lightly, closed his eyes and fell asleep.

-|-

Day 3

PRIM POV

The morning started easily enough. I apologized repeatedly for taking over the bed and how Cayde had to sleep in the bunk. He insisted that he slept wonderfully and didn’t mind the conditions with a sly smile. 

We had a few more patrols to do, but we finally got to move the ship to a different spot. I was already starting to get bored of the simple patrols and was looking for something more as I took out enemy after simple enemy.

“Just a few more and we’re done with this one!” Cayde hollered from a distance.  

“Are we just going to do patrols for the rest of the week?” I grunted back as I walked back to where Cayde was taking cover and writing notes. He said it was so much easier to keep up with boring paperwork when he was sitting near the action and watching his new Hunter from a distance kicking ass.

Thrall came rushing back to where we were and with a few flicks of my knives, they were down. “Aaaaaannnndddd, done. That’s all the material requested for that one.” He smiled up at me from his holopad. 

It had been 3 long days of just patrols, getting me used to flying a ship, and my Speeder (without completely wiping out or crashing). He could tell that I was bored, and to be fair, so was he. I saw a group of Thrall starting to break out of the cave they were in. I ran down, popped a grenade in there and stabbed any stragglers. Cayde pondered for a moment and then waved me back.

 “Let’s head back and I’ll see if I can convince Zavala or Ikora to give us something a bit more interesting.”

We took our Speeders back to the landing site Cayde had picked and headed inside. “I got an idea! Moonsong, did you by any chance record any of her fighting on Europa?” Cause I got plenty of her here with Sundance.” 

“We were kinda busy fighting for our lives, ya know…” Moonsong grumbled, “but I did manage to get some. Here’s everything I got.” He played some snippets as holograms where he had actually caught a glimpse of me fighting.

 Cayde looked everything over again and again. “You’re a natural kid, you should be on missions with an actual fireteam, not patrol duty! I’m gonna ping those two and see what we got available. If they see this footage I got and of you, and the stuff when you just rezzed, kickin Vex and Fallen ass, they should get the idea.” He sent a quick message and placed the holopad down.

 “I mean, I know you haven’t seen a real shit show, but those are few and far between, thank the Light. Being the last Guardian standing in your fireteam when you’re trying to take down a high ranking Wizard or cabal or WHATEVER. It brings something out of you, something primal, makes you hone your skills, and gives you that last push to make it back home. Ya know? BOOM KAPOW BOOM BOOM KAAAAAAPOWWWWWWW.” Cayde made elaborate poses that got the four of us into a laughing fit. 

He readjusted his armor after his antics. A message popped up on his holopad and Cayde groaned, dragging his hands across his face. “Zavala and Ikora say that we are to ONLY patrol more or just head back early.”

He turned to me with a sad look “BUT if you’re THAT bored, and REALLY want to go back… my….. my heart will be badly hurt if you say ‘yes’ to going back!” He grabbed at his chest armor like he had been shot. “My own Hunter… betraying me!” He faked a sniffle and then looked back over to me.

I smiled meekly but then turned to staring at my lap, playing with the hem of my tattered cloak. “I guess I don’t see the point when I am not doing it for a specific purpose. I mean, I know we need the parts and stuff, especially helping Eris, but I could use some new things that I won’t get until I am on a REAL mission. Like, a new gun or some gear would be nice, and I know I won’t find that doing a week of patrols on the moon.” 

I shrugged, and started to grind my back plates irritated with the situation. I ran my fingers over the old rifle I had. I knew I needed a new one, but I used most of my Glimmer to get a ship and a Speeder first. I guess the saying ‘You gotta’ spend money to make money’ was applicable in this situation. I sighed heavily.

 “I just want to be a good Guardian. I want… I want to make the Vanguard proud.” 

Cayde walked over and placed a hand on my shoulder pad and shook me softly. “Well, you can start by relaxing a bit. I can hear your plates grinding from over there! Haha!” 

He walked back over to the holo pad and some panel at the side of his ship. “‘Sides, I’m proud of you. Like, super proud of you! No one has done this great before in such a short amount of time!” He turned his head and had this big grin on his face that shone brightly with the orange glow in his cheeks and throat. He gave me the thumbs up, winked at me, and turned back to his work.

He was facing the monitors, typing away at something. I looked at him, which I found myself doing more and more. He was beautifully designed and the lines and plates that made his face were so well crafted. He had beautiful eyes, an adorable laugh that I would do just about anything to hear, and his voice… Holy Light! I could melt into a molten puddle to listen to him talk all day and night. I wondered about his construction and if he had gotten the armor tailored to fit him just perfectly. No Hunter or Exo wore gear that was amazingly good looking or perfectly fit other than him. 

My eyes went into a daze as I admired him from the short distance away between us. I realized my staring and pulled my hood down from sheer embarrassment. Between grinding my plates and staring blatantly (nearly sexually) at my supervisor, I was a complete mess. These past few days had felt so intimate and I was starting to lose it. Moonsong peeked out of my hood and whispered, “Guardian, many can say he is a pretty face, but also a complete idiot. Remember what Melrose said!? Walking disaster!” Moonsong made a tongue clicking noise and bonked the top of my helmet. “Rude!” I swatted at him. Eh, I deserved it I guess. 

Cayde sat down across from me on his bed. There wasn’t a whole lot of room on the ship but at least this way he could put his boots up on the other chair and support himself on the wall that made up the headboard. He yawned slightly, finally allowing himself to relax after ANOTHER patrol. We had managed to get 8 done in just a few hours. Zavala and Ikora were elated for the patrols and the immediate paperwork that was turned in with them. “We can take a break for now. The Hive cluster tend to be more active later in the rotation. So there will probably be something fun to do then. He smiled at me, while I was still holding my hood over my head, face down.” 

He picked up one of the weapons he had given me and started pointing out modifications that I could make and what they would do to each weapon. He was knowledgeable on just about every type of weapon despite being known to only use his Ace of Spades. The only time I had seen him use anything else was when he was demonstrating for me. He was a great teacher and easy to learn from. I just found myself distracted. 

Despite the crap everyone gives him for being a massive knucklehead, he is incredibly intelligent when it comes to weaponry. I nodded and made sure to memorize each and every aspect and the modifications or attributes I could add. I knew they could be upgraded and it would be a blast to work on these. I was so excited to try them out, I almost wanted to work on them now and run out into the hoards of Thrall, for target practice.

We sat for a while, talking about weapons, Spicy vs Tonkatsu ramen, when suddenly a beacon pinged a horrible screeching noise. Red signals showed up on any and every screen and even the ship’s windshield. Even the Ghosts were pinged. “Request….. backup…nested Hive Wizard ritual… backup…needed ASAP.” The broken signal repeated. 

Cayde stood up with a dead serious expression. He checked the cartridge on his Ace of Spades, tucking it back into its holster and checked his ammo pockets. His entire demeanor changed, “Well, you got your wish, kid. This is the real deal.”

Chapter Text

After the call he went into a small box and grabbed a few knives and tucked them into various places: boots, sleeves, back armor, legs, etc. Anywhere he could carry one, he had one. I picked up the guns that Cayde gave me. Anything else, I had Moonsong transmit away for keeping. 

“Hey kid, you set?” I looked up and we made direct eye contact and nodded. “You stay with me, keep your ghost down, and you do exactly WHAT I say, WHEN I say it. OK? I need you to say and do this for me.” 

I checked my own stash of knives and readied myself. I looked at him, eyes full of vigor.

”Got it?” He repeated.

 “I got it.”

“Repeat it.”

”I will listen to what you say and I will do what you tell me to do. I will stay with you as much as I can during a firefight unless you say otherwise.” 

“Good. Ok.” He places his hand on chin trying to think of the fastest plan possible. He didn’t show it but it made him nervous having a total rookie with him. He chuckled awkwardly. “Well, if there was ever a test to pass this is it. Sundance, can you trace its origin?” 

Sundance sparkled into existence and pulled up a holo map. “It looks like there is a very large gathering of Hive down through the temple into the crater you were playing target practice earlier today. My suggestion is to pack extra ammo. There seems to be quite a few. I can’t get a read on any of the Guardians’ Ghosts so it seems like they are trapped in a Darkness zone.” 

“Thanks Dance.” 

“Good luck. I’m with you all the way.” With that, she vanished. 

“I told you they would be active later in the rotation! Had we known they were down there… shit.” His eyes darted back and forth. 

He was quickly and silently trying to analyze a situation and come up with a plan and I was watching it happen. Or, I hoped I was. Otherwise, I was silently watching an Exo have a small meltdown or something. 

“There’s no way we would have known. You said it yourself when I was down there that comms are crap.” I tried my best to make him feel better about the situation.

He took a deep breath and calmed himself. “You’re right. I did.” That small comment helped reassure him. “Well, you ready to get back at it?” He threw a thumb back towards where we had just been picking off the Thrall opening. I gave him a thumbs up, and followed him out down the ramp. 

He summoned his Speeder and grabbed my wrist as I was about to summon mine. “Hope on mine, it’s faster and we don’t really have the luxury of time so, I’m gonna need you to keep close, alright?” I nodded, hopped on, wrapped my arms around him and we took off. 

I was trying my best to maintain my composure but the feeling of his back against me made my circuits hum. I just hope he didn’t notice and closed my eyes. He turned back, smiled knowingly and winked. “Are you nervous or is it just me?” Suave bastard. He gave a good chuckle and we both prepared for the upcoming shitstorm we were about to face. His breathing calmed as his eyes darkened and he shifted into focus. This was Cayde’s speciality, infiltrate and kick ass. 

The ridge we approached was crawling with Hive, completely unlike when I was practicing. “Get ready to jump!” Cayde hollered behind him. 

“What did you…?” The Speeder disappeared under my feet as Cayde rode off a small ledge, hopped off midway, and landed gracefully while taking out some Thrall midair, cleaning the area around him. 

I, on the other hand, rolled down the ledge and managed to steady myself to keep sliding. Thankfully, I used my momentum to pull out two of my knives and start stabbing at the Thrall as they came. As they tried to swarm I hopped back and switched to my auto rifle. Once my feet touched the ground I charged the swarms and laid into them. When my clip emptied, I slid under an Acolyte and put a new clip in, switched back to my knives, then stabbed him in the back a few times. 

I dodged easily and took down several enemies with fluid knife stabs and slices. I was able to keep my rifle attached to my back as I took out Thrall after Thrall. It was almost a dance from a distance. I looked over. Cayde was perfectly cool under the pressure. He took small glances at me to check how I was doing, pondering WAY much more than he really should have given the situation. 

Probably an Arkstrider with that dancing and movement. She really IS good. Damn. She looks so…… elegant? Either way, she will make an excellent…hunter. Yep she’s a sweetie… SHE WILL MAKE AN EXCELLENT HUNTER! Keep it together, man. He mused slightly embarrassed at his own thoughts, as he filled Ace with a new cartridge, shot the last Thrall in the face, dusted himself off, and approached me with a smile on his face.

All of the Thrall were wiped out in just a few minutes. I was breathing heavily but still impressed that I was able to keep up and not get overrun when just using my knives. I needed a breather but the look on Cayde’s face said ‘no way’. I groaned slightly as I wiped the blood off on my armor. “Gross.” 

“Not bad, kid.” He chuckled, “Ready for some more fun? Come on!” He rushed into the mouth of the cave and waved me on. We were surrounded by Knights and Acolytes. I tried to take out one of the Knights with my automatic but it seemed to just bounce off of him. Cayde grabbed my arm, pulled me to his chest, and held me close, my back to his chest. “See the shield? It's Solar backed. I’ll break it, you fire. Got it?” With a few shots, the protective shield of one the Knights was gone and I could easily take them out with the auto rifle. So, there were shields that matched the different types of weapons. That was a new one for me. 

We looked at each other, still stuck together in that double firing stance. I thought I managed to see a soft smile from him. Suddenly, I heard a whizzing in the air and jumped, pushing him backwards. The Acolyte’s sniper bullet hit me right through my helmet in the eye. I couldn’t risk exposing myself without a helmet. I would be killed in an instant with my luck. Guess I was stuck with one eye and a busted helmet till we could get back. I picked up my sniper rifle and traced the shot back to the few Acolytes hiding behind a staircase. 

“Kid, you alright?” He stammered as he got up from me knocking him down.

”I’m good, just down an eyeball at the moment.” I winced. If I hadn’t stepped back in time the shot would have gotten both of us. 

“Shit.” Cade shot the Vandal and hopped up to take on the rest of the grunts. 

 Head shot. Head shot. Head shot. I was pissed, not only was I struggling to keep up with Cayde, but I wasn’t going to slow us down with my optic, flickering in its socket. I felt like a complete idiot. 

“Nice, kid!” Cayde had approached the remaining enemies and just finished shooting a Knight through the head from under its chin. I sighed, feeling relieved and ready to head down. I turned to smile at him and give him a thumbs up but with my broken eye, I failed to see the nearby Knight. In an instant, the wind was knocked out of me and I was flung to the ground by the weight of its heavy sword.

 It felt like slow motion, the searing pain in my side from the sword, my eye flickering in and out and pulling the rifle in my hand to the side with my good eye. BANG. BANG. BANG. BANG. BANG. I watched the bullets fly through the eyes of the Knight. I was still stuck… partially wrapped around a column and the floor leading upwards to an altar, the other half, mutilated by the sword. 

I looked over at Cayde, his face panicked. I turned back to the Knight as it lowered its shield with its sword at the ready to attack me again. I took a deep breath and unloaded my entire clip into it. I couldn’t tell what exact part of him I was hitting but it took him down. It stumbled to keep its balance and swung at me one last time before it started to fall over.

I rolled out of the Knight’s way and fell directly into the chasm we were to head down momentarily. As I fell off the edge, I made sure to give the dead Knight the middle finger for messing up my sides, and fell into total darkness with a horrible collection of thuds. Totally smooth… 

Moonsong fluttered overhead as Cayde elegantly landed right beside me. He picked up my broken frame and smiled brightly looking directly into my flickering eye. “You know, people are going to say you are too much like me. You know that right?” He winked. “One of us needs to have some restraint.” 

My voice box fizzled as a spoke, “issss that a bad thing? I think you’re pretty cool. Where’s the problem?” I chucked and immediately winced as I noticed Moonsong was beginning to heal me with a soft blue light.  

“Tell me how cool you think I am when you have two eyes to look at my antics with.” Cayde chuckled lightly and laid me back down against a large boulder for cover, his usual lights seeming a tad more reddish than normal. He started to look around the cavern for any enemies.  

“Did you need to hit literally every rock or boulder on the way down?” Moonsong snapped. I gave a halfhearted chuckle with a cough as he healed me. 

“I guess you could say….” Moonsong was in no mood for my shenanigans and gave me a glare. “I rocked…it!” I coughed horribly. I gave Moonsong a thumbs up. He pushed my hand down and made sure the next zap hurt my collapsed and dented chest. Despite the frustration, I could tell he was happy for me to get in those last few shots as payback. 

“Hey, kid! I am gonna have to steal that line. That’s a good one!” Cayde laughed as he gave himself a stretch. “But seriously, give her a break Moonie.. I literally ran off a cliff when I was first rezzed, so she's still fairing better than I did!”

 “You did?” I coughed, trying to sit up with a big smile.

“Oh hell yeah. Sundance scared me shitless, but we will have to have that story for another time.” He gave me the once over and playfully punched my arm. 

“You good?” He grabbed my forearm and pulled me up gently to my feet, holding me in place by my arm and shoulder, inspecting for any loose wires or cracks. Gliding his hands over my shoulders, arms, and back. 

 “Just about,” Moonsong glowered. “98%.”

“Good enough!” He slapped me on the back “Onward my noble apprentice!” Cayde ran down the nearest tunnel he could see. A screeching Wizard coming from the opposite way proved his sense of direction was completely wrong. 

“Just kidding! THIS way!” He ran back across the cavern, hopping from cliff face to cliff face. 

“Moonsong, remind me to never take directions from that guy…” 

Moonsong rolled his eye. “Noted.” He sighed heavily as he disappeared from sight.  

I managed to catch up with Cayde shortly after. He was crouched and turned to face me with a finger to his lips. I crouched down and peaked over the edge of the rock face to see Wizards hovering over a black wavering ring with what looked like clamps over three Guardians struggling to break free. They looked like they were fading quickly. The equivalent of my blood ran cold as I looked at the group in despair. I looked back to Cayde.  

Sundance hovered low to the ground. “It’s a ritual ring. You see the guardians?” I nodded silently. 

“We don’t have much time.” Cayde looked around for a brief moment. “Look, this is way beyond rookie stuff but we need to get them out of there now.” I loaded my guns just to be ready. “Alright, you go left along the hidden ridge back there, and I take the right.” 

I looked at what he was directing us to do and hesitated “Won’t you be totally exposed?” He grabbed my face and winked, “You’re gonna get a front row seat as to why I am the best Hunter in the galaxy. Normally one would ask for a kiss for good luck but we both know I don’t need that.” He laughed, his cheeks and mouth a slightly redder shade than normal. “On three. One. Two. THREE!” 

We both bolted in our directions, ghosts safely hidden from view. Cayde broke up the three Wizards while I shot down the traps holding the ritual circle together with my sniper rifle. The hostages were free and looked up for guidance. Cayde gave them a signal to head to our previous hiding spot. I was able to shoot some of the snares in the way of their escape. 

They grabbed their gear and bolted away, too exhausted from having their light drained to fight. Their ghosts flew out of hiding and immediately attempted to start healing them just outside the ridge where Cayde and I had once hid. I could thankfully see only an outline of the healing light from their Ghosts. 

I ran back part of the way towards where the three Guardians were resting. I knew it wasn’t safe, if a Wizard got past Cayde or myself, they would be wiped out in an instant. “Head back to the entrance of the cavern! It should be clear!” I pointed in the direction where they needed to go. “We’ll rendezvous with you there.” I looked at Cayde and he nodded. We needed to wipe the Wizards out and head out ASAP.

Once the hostages were on their way, I aimed for one Wizard and got a few shots off before they took notice. I hurried down the passage Cayde told me about earlier. A deep rumbling rose from the depths of the cavern but the high shrill of a Wizard followed me. 

Moonie, remember that sense of direction thing?  

“Yeah?” 

I made a poor choice.  

“By trusting Cayde?”

”Yup.”

“What do you need?” He chirped in my head.  

I need you to get those guardians as far away from here as you can. Can you get past everything without getting blown up?  

“But without me…. I am your…” 

Can you or can you not? 

”Yes but…”  

JUST DO IT. They need you more than I do right now! 

Moonsong flew off after the fireteam to lend a hand in leading them back to the open entrance of the cavern, healing them, and restoring their light. Both the team and their ghosts sure couldn’t do a whole lot without his help with their Light being drained so much. As much as he hated to admit it, I was right in that moment. It hurt him to leave me behind but he would be right back, ready by my side once again.

Cayde had nearly taken care of the Wizards when a huge roar broke the scrummage. I turned from watching Moonlight escape and was face to face with one of the largest enemies I’ve seen, even angrier than it looked. It roared in my face, splattering me in spit and Light knew what else as a shiver ran down my circuits. Holy shit, an Ogre. Holy shit, I’m fucked!  

I backpedaled and hopped up the ridge as fast as I could slamming round after round right into the face of the damn thing with a shotgun. It didn’t faze it. I ran back even more so I was at least partially covered from its attack. In the background I heard Cayde pop off his Golden Gun. “Oh thank the Light.” The first two shots popped off without a hitch, right at the Ogre’s legs. It finally took a knee, clearly injured but not down for the count. The third shot was interrupted by a screech and he took care of all the Wizards. A hidden fourth one looped around the tunnel I was in and got right behind me.

Shit.  

The Ogre flailed its massive arm in pain and broke the rocks holding the tunnel together. I ran forward and rolled off to a small alcove. As the rocks collapsed I slid in and took cover. As the ruble settled, I had managed to keep myself intact but was wedged between two large boulders with just enough room for me, or a Thrall to get through. I was completely trapped, surrounded by raging enemies, and without my ghost. Worse was I had no real way of letting Cayde know I was alive or dead. My only exit was through a giant shitstorm of incoming Thrall, a Wizard, or trying to fight through an impenetrable Ogre. And like the idiot I was, I sent my Ghost to go help other people. On the other side of the chaos, Cayde jumped back to take cover and ran. “Shit. I’m out, kid.” He hollered as he looked at his holsters. “We gotta head back. The guardians are alright, right?” He took off running. 

Moonsong flyed up and kept pace with Cayde as Sundance popped out, “They’re good.” They said, hovering close to his hood. 

 “Let’s go!” Cayde caught up with the group, struggling to move. He helped carry the small hunter of the team and the titan carried his Wizard. They made it back to the cavern entrance. 

As they ran, Cayde made eye contact with the hunter. “Hey, it's you from the bar the other night! How’s it goin’?” He huffed as he ran. 

“Really? That’s your question?” The hunter yelled frustrated by his somewhat humiliating situation. 

“Yep. We gotcha boss. No worries.” Cayde chuckled as they reached the mouth of the cavern. He plopped down the disgruntled Guardian. “Me and my newbie here gotcha covered.”

“Uhh, the one you were having drinks with?” He questioned. 

Cayde nodded at him then looked up the cavern. “Little help buddies?” Moonsong floated up and scanned the area and illuminated all the ledges that I had apparently hit on the way down. He let out a brief chuckle and let down the tiny hunter he was carrying. “You literally hit every ledge on the way down, kid.” Sundance kept trying to heal the fireteam as she could, but only escaping the darkness down here would help the team heal their light completely. 

“Kid?” He turned around. “Kiddo….?” He looked at the fireteam they saved. They shook their heads. Cayde started looking for any sign of movement in the darkness. “Not a time to play pranks, kid”, his concern growing rapidly. He hollered with a half laugh.

”She told us to go ahead,” the Warlock started. 

“She seemed like she had it under control…” the Titan followed up. 

“Sundance” She flew up to him with a slight ‘hmm?’ “Sundance, she’s still alive right? You can sense her with your scanners right?” 

“Yes.” Cayde picked his ghost up and looked her dead in the eye. 

“Yes? Yes, what? Is she hurt? Is she down? You gotta give me more than that!” He snapped at Sundance. “She looked at Moonsong, knowingly.”

“Sundance, get them above ground and set a rescue beacon! The tower needs to know they’re safe!” He pointed up the chasm. 

“Cayde, you got us this far, we can handle the rest.” The Titan gave a thumbs up. We’ll let the Tower know you and your girl saved our asses.” 

“My what?” He let go of Sundance and faced the fireteam.

”Your protege?” The Warlock crossed their arms and tilted her head. “We figured you’d get one eventually…”

“MY PROTEGE!? She’s a KINDERGARDIAN! Literally like, 5 days rezzed from the grave! And shit, I gotta save her ass before she gets ripped into, like, 40 pieces!” He spun around and took off.

”Kinderguardian?” The Warlock questioned. I mean, I can tell by some of the gear but her light…”

“Yeah… There’s something… just really odd about that hunter.” The other hunter jumped up and out of the cavern with ease. “I guess I can see why you favor her…” He groaned. 

Cayde snapped, “She did me a fucking favor. Now get the hell outta here. I have to go save her ass before she becomes Thrall scraps.”

The Titan jumped up and sent off a few shots at some lingering Thrall. “One of you two send out that damn beacon already. I feel like I’m getting dragged down to that damn ritual all over again just sitting here!” 

The Warlock looked at Cayde and ascended, “Good luck! Thanks again!”

The hunter made it up to the surface with a huff. “So that’s the favorite new hunter of Cayde’s… not very impressive.”

The Warlock groaned, “save your issues until we get off this damn rock.” 

-|-

Moonsong zoomed past Cayde and went to hide back behind the ridge they were at before. “ WAIT! Cayde please! Don’t go running in there like a lunatic. She’s trapped.”

“WHAT?! NO, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! That is NOT what we are here for! Get in, get out. THAT was the plan.” Cayde was terrified and pissed. 

“It was the Ogre… that the…”

“The tunnel collapsed.” The words fell from his mouth like all of the light was draining from him with each syllable. He sat down with his back to the ridge and his Ace of Spades resting on his knee. 

Not only was she in danger, she was surrounded by a Wizard, an Ogre, and whatever else the Hive had waiting behind that passage; and it was HIS fault. He sent her there thinking there would be more cover.

Who thinks to shove an Ogre in THAT SMALL of a space! I mean, fuck. Fuck, Cayde, think! Suddenly the roar of the Ogre tore him from his thoughts. He could only watch in awe as his little “kinderguardian” popped through the pack of monsters like a completely seasoned guardian. “Ok…This is gonna suck, like a royal fuck-ton… But I need you to capture as MUCH of this on footage as possible. BOTH of you. Clearly without getting blown up of course. But you know what I mean.”

Moonsong quipped “But why now?” He floated up to the Exo’s face.

Cayde turned to the ghosts, his eyes dark and serious. “I’ve felt it for a while… but she's not a typical guardian. Moonie, you rezzed her. You know what I’m talking about. But we need to know how, and why.” He creeped over the ridge again. “I’m not joking. Like, I wish I was, but I need you two to stay here and do the little holo-camera thing while I gotta and try to get her ass outta there before we are both plastered to the floor.”

 He hid back down for cover and rubbed the top of his head. “The Vanguard needs to know about her Light and whatever the hell she can do. Well not me… cause I mean, I am here living her being a badass. Plus, I don’t do that stuff. But Ikora! Ikora and Zavala have the fancy brains for that. My brain is just kinda smooth… ya know, like my hair!”  He took a moment, watched his joke land flat and slid his hood back on and looked over at the two unamused ghosts and grimaced.

“Tough crowd, you two. Sheesh.” He rolled his eyes and hopped over the ridge and began to take out as many of the Thrall as he could. 

The cry of a dying Wizard ripped through the small pathway and the enclosed space made it difficult to not feel like my ears were bleeding and even harder to evade the Ogre. I stabbed it right in the face, rocked off of the embedded blade and slid under it. I managed to get free from the collapsed tunnel and had gotten past as many of Hive as I could.

Without warning, the Ogre backed up and flailed its arms wildly. As I was trying to head to the area right past the ritual we had stopped I felt it grab me as I was flung into a cold empty room completely opposite of where I was trying to reach. The crashing of my body into the middle made an echo throughout the chamber. 

“Well, I guess that’s one way to treat a guest. Fuck I need to get better dodging.” I dusted myself off and took a deep breath. My chest and back plating were a disaster. I couldn’t take much more being thrown around without my ghost. “Fuck, I am sorry Moonsong I should have kept you with me.” I looked around trying to get my footing. I stood in the middle of a sanctuary, with a Wizard at the top of the altar and green flames surrounding the room. I checked my ammo again and readied my gun.

The screech of the Wizard was ear piercing and threw off my sense of balance. Once it realized that I was still standing, gun at the ready, it screeched again. Three bullets right in the mouth and 4 in the face better shut your ass up. I didn’t see it die or hide, but at the moment I was able to get a glimpse of what I was really in for. I finally looked around the room fully illuminated, the green flames wisped and expanded to the chandeliers and sconces on the walls. “Well fuck me…” I was greeted by an army of Thrall, Cursed Thrall, Acolytes, and Knights from each side. 

 I double jumped back onto the second level and threw a few knives at the cursed Thrall. Their explosions took out a good chunk of them and the regular Thrall. I followed that up with a grenade and tossed another at the damaged Ogre back at the entrance for good measure. Thankfully it took out quite a few Thrall with it. The Ogre was still functioning, but damaged enough to stay out of my hair for a bit, much thanks to Cayde’s Golden Gun.

I left myself wide open for the Acolytes on the second floor so I hopped down with my knives at the ready, killing Thrall as I looked for places to take cover. My sniper rifle had a Solar element to it. So I needed a better place to take out the Knights when I could find the chance. The Knights were significantly easier once Cayde told me about the elemental shields. I ducked behind one of the columns and reloaded my sniper rifle. With a couple empty clips and fancy dodging, I had counted 10 Acolytes down and 3 Knights. I knew it didn’t matter but it gave me a sense of accomplishment and made me feel like I was actually making a dent in the never ending supply of Hive. The bigger issues were the Thrall, and the cursed Thrall - the numbers were just too many and nothing pissed me off more than a screeching demon trying to give me the worst back scratch of my second life. If I could rip all of your arms off I totally would, you little shits. 

 I could do this. I felt it in my light. Suddenly the rumbling returned. I looked back outside and thought the Ogre out there was back but a bright flash of a hand cannon going off gave me a sense of relief. Cayde was back. Thank the fucking Traveler!

Cayde was busy trying to make his way into the sanctuary and thankfully saved me the hassle of dealing with that behemoth. But suddenly, the doors on the left and right of the chamber opened. With all the commotion I didn’t hear the door behind the altar open, one last Ogre at each of the newly opened doors to round out their numbers. From the altar, the one jumped down and threw its hands to the ground and knocked me to my knees. It proceeded to throw me to the back of the room against the stone wall directly below the altar. Any strength I had was immediately knocked from me and I could feel my light dance around my tattered body collapsed on the floor. That was it, I was done for. At least the better guardians got away. They could take all the light I had wasted by being an idiot here, trying to be a stupid hero. I snickered at my own stupidity. 

An Ogre dragged my limp body towards the center of the room. The Thrall and remaining Knights cleared a pathway for it. Just when I thought a Wizard or Knight would just shoot me and get it over with, the Hive surprised me. 98% healed. I remember Moonsong saying that before. 

Would that 2% even fucking matter right now?  

 Suddenly, I was flung into the concrete again, and again, and again. I felt my body completely go limp but somehow still remain conscious.  Somehow I was still alive. Cayde’s words echoed in the back of my mind, beckoning me to stay vigilant. “Being the last guardian standing in your fireteam when you’re trying to take down a high ranking Wizard or cabal or WHATEVER. It brings something out of you, hones your skills, and gives you that last to make it back home.” I was the last guardian. I needed to make it back home… “Traveler, please.”

Cayde, Sundance, and Moonsong came just as the Ogre smashed the sacrificial altar and flung me like a ragdoll into the middle of the room. “I need to help her!” Moondance flew forward in complete desperation. Sundance blocked him and pushed him back outside the door. “If Cayde can get her out, she will need you then. If you go in, you’ll both be killed.” So they both watched from a safe distance as the battle raged on. “We need to wait this one out. I know it’s hard, but for her sake, you need to wait until it’s safe for us to get to her.” Sundance reminded him. “Then we all go home together.” She looked over at Moonsong, his eye completely focused on my limp body on the floor. The poor ghost looked like it was crying.

Cayde ran in shooting anything that moved. “Kid, you gotta get up! There’s only so much I can do.” He picked off cursed Thrall and Acolytes left and right and started to make his way to the Altar. 

The light continued to dance around my body. “Are you leaving me my Light? I’m sorry I failed…you.” My eyes glazed over as I tried to lift my heavy trembling hand, I felt like the Traveler was speaking to me but they seemed so… so young. “Bring him back, when the time comes. For now..    tell my da….love him…always be Ac… in the… 

The Ogre had one more good smack to fling me into the column, it felt like life had all but left me. Suddenly, my glazed, blackened eyes burst with Light. My eyes radiated light blue to the point you could see my eyes through my partially shattered helmet. I pushed myself to my knees and did a quick view of the room. There were so many.

Cayde was there trying to get to me, motioning me to come back with him to safety. I lifted my head up and screamed a pitch higher and more deadly than any Wizard ever could. My body had taken on a menagerie of colors. My feet glowed a radiant purple, and my hands were on fire, and my head and eyes were radiating sky blue but I felt completely fine. I looked at Cayde, still beckoning for me to come back. It felt like slow motion, a force from my hand pushed him and the ghosts towards the door and surrounded them in a healing light. 

Cayde frantically yelled. “She needs to get out of there, like, YESTERDAY! KID! GET OUT OF THERE!”

 “Just shut up and trust her.” Sundance scolded. Moonsong nodded in agreement. 

”The Traveler is with her. It’s the will of the Traveler.” Moondance mumbled in a hushed voice.

I closed my eyes and took a huge breath. I bolted for the Thrall in the middle. A blue grenade flew across the room and pushed them towards the center. I stretched out my hand and a blue staff appeared. I spun gracefully around the outside of Thrall and Acolytes with ease. When that power felt like it was going to run out, I jumped and flung the spear into the ground by one of the walls, shattering the floor and sending out waves of Arc energy.

Pausing, I stood in the middle of the room and waited for the enemies to charge. I triple jumped, threw a grenade right in the middle of the room followed by a smoke bomb. I landed in the mist and disappeared into the darkness. While I was hidden I hopped up to the altar. I took another deep breath and I leaped into the air and drew a bow made of void. I shot a collection of arrows that created teathers to hold the entire remaining group of enemies in a cage. With the last of my Void I shot arrows into the heads of two of the Ogres I had injured before. They collapsed with ease.

I dropped to the ground off to the side of the group with a roll and picked up the hand cannon I had been holding onto. I made a drastic jump again towards the altar for a good view of the void trap I had set. I held my hand in the air and snapped my fingers to trigger my Golden Gun. I took out the remaining Ogres and a few Knights with a rapid fire. I used my last jump to hop back to the altar. As the Void snare started to fade I jumped towards the middle of the room, my body wrapped in pure Solar energy. I flipped in the air, my feet hanging over my head as I grabbed my collection of knives and spun violently, imbuing them with my Solar power and watched them all explode the remainder of the enemies in the sanctuary. I landed right back in the center of the enemies, their bodies smoldering from the scorching energy behind me. The last Knight still stood, barely, its shield barely protected it from the blasts.

Once I landed I was barely able to walk. The lights in my eyes started to slowly flicker to a dim red, barely visible under my helmet but the solar energy still swirled violently around me scorching the ground where my steps were. The Knight snarled and chuckled at my inability to kill it. I waited patiently for it to lower its shield only to laugh and mock me, his gun at the ready. Like flinging a card, I flung one final knife right to the forehead, the material smoldering in his skull. It finally took him down. I walked over, dislodged the knife from the creature’s forehead and wiped it carefully on the Knights’ cloak and hovered it above the dying Knight’s face. I laughed, my body trembling from the overuse of light. The Knight was struggling with its last breath, squirming to grab its sword to make one last stand. “Fuck you.” I took my boot and snapped its neck. I stepped off the dead Knight and looked up to Cayde and the ghosts, the protective light finally let them free. I felt a wave of light leave my body rapidly. Whatever gift the Traveler gave me in that moment was taken back, leaving me feeling raw and empty. I waved lightly, took a few steps towards them. Once my body realized I was safe, I collapsed onto the floor.

Chapter Text

Cayde looked me over and saw I was covered in what looked like blood. He couldn’t tell if it was Exo fluids or just the Hive’s but the thought terrified him. “You got all of that Moonie?”  

“… I have no idea how she…. She used so much Light, all at once.” Sundance stammered. 

Moondance just nodded silently, his gaze never leaving his precious guardian. “Then it just seemed like the Traveler took it all back when she didn’t need it anymore… If a Ghost could cry, he looked like he was. 

 “Yeah, we can talk about that at the tower Sunny. Ikora and Zavala, ya know… big brain shit.” Cayde knelt softly and rested his head against my shattered helmet. “Damn kid, you should know better than to show me up… Save some badassery for the rest of us.” His normally lighthearted chuckle sounded like his circuits were crying.

He asked Moonsong to send most of my gear home, no need to carry extra guns when the Guardian meant to use them was passed out. Sundance grabbed the ship and brought it just outside the entrance to the cavern. He gently carried me in his arms nestled as delicately as he could.  

Cayde POV

The three of us decided that a shower was in order. I was trying my best to be a gentleman. I need to make sure that no major gashes were leaking fluid out of her. A naked Exo and a mostly undressed one… This doesn’t scream like I would get my head chopped off by Big Blue, and put on Ikora’s shitlist, nope, not at ALL! Sundance you would cover for me and prove my innocence right?

”Maybe.” Sundance replied, a snarky tone to her voice. 

“Is she good?” I grunted. It was really weird to try and wash someone else in a small ship shower. I mean, and with me holding her, it was something… interesting to say the least.

 “No peeking!” Sundance scolded. 

“‘I’M NOT! Traveler help me! Do you know how awkward this is in the first place?!”  

“Nope!” Moonsong said, his demeanor slightly better than before. Maybe making fun of me was their sick fetish. Sick ghosts and the weird shit they’re into. 

”I heard that!” Sundance bit back.

That was the point! I snickered which got me a small bump on the head from her.

One of the ghosts watched over me… Like they had to?? I am a gentleman, after all. If I were a lesser Exo I might have been inclined to feeling-up the naked woman in my tiny, tiny… wow, this is a tiny shower. 

The other Ghost scrubbed the Hive blood off the unconscious Exo. The ghosts helped dry her off and dug through her rucksack for some of her casual clothes for her to wear and transmatted them on. Especially considering she was going to the medical bay immediately upon arrival at the tower I didn’t want her armor getting cut off and they needed easy access to get her fixed up.

 I carried her to my makeshift bed and watched her sleep. The soft rhythm of her breathing brought me some comfort. She looked like a mess. Her thin, long, black-sleeve top didn’t leave a whole lot to the imagination. I felt bad looking, but I couldn’t help but stare at the scorched marks and poor solder work. Her arms looked weak like a good portion had been sanded off, and then the rest of the circuitry smushed in there. I don’t know when, but I sat there, holding her hand. It was more comforting to me to know that she was still there, next to me, alive and by my side. 

I went to shower and changed into a clean set of armor. I knew I would immediately have to jump back into Vanguard mode as soon as we walked off the ship so I needed to be ready. It still didn’t change the fact that a young, naive Guardian got so badly injured on my first and only trip away from the Tower in what felt like years. I looked over at her resting on the bed and covered my face. I was wracked with guilt for not looking after her but at the same time, I was awestruck by her raw power bestowed on her in a pivotal moment by the Traveler. What is it about this kid that is just so important that the Traveler reaches out directly to her?

I walked over to the bed and sat down, glancing at her one more time to make sure she was cleaned off and not physically injured. I grabbed her rough hands and ran my thumb over them. What exactly had she been through before getting to the Tower? 

“She’s just exhausted.” Moonsong lulled. His tone was somber and distant. “She should be okay after resting.”

”So it should be the same way as the Guardians we saved earlier but on a much larger scale. Correct?” Sundance asked.

”She nearly drained all of the Light the Traveler gave her. She almost killed herself in the process.” He choked.

“So have you Moonsong. Both of you have pushed yourselves too far. I can barely feel the Light from either of you.” I gestured with my head for the two Ghosts to rest on the bed. 

They landed softly on the bed above her head. Sundance nuzzled Moonsong, trying to comfort the poor Ghost. “You’ve done all you can.”

“Then who did this to her?” I reached out and touched the scorched bits and looked over her torso. It was bent and broken in so many places. “Moonie, is there nothing you can do about this?” 

He shook his head. “I can’t fix what wasn’t meant to be there before. I’m just glad everything has held up this long.” He looked down with his eye like he was guilty of something. 

”What do you mean?” I snapped “I’m not supposed to be here… I wasn’t here before, but holy crap… oh my Traveler, here I am! Back from the dead! Thank the Travelers Light!” My sarcasm reached peak asshole at this point. I was angry. I looked over Prim again, the more I looked, the more a mess and cobbled together she looked. He, her ghost, can’t fix this? 

Moonsong looked miserable and scooted closer to Prim.  He transmatted the delicate blue cloth she wore as a cape when we had ramen to give her a sense of comfort, or more for him I guess. Most likely, to keep himself busy. He carefully and repeatedly wrapped the cashmere shawl nervously around her head and neck. “When did you notice the marks?” Moonsong questioned quietly, just above a whisper. 

“Her hands and her shoulders. Only males have these extra webbing pieces.” I pointed, “So literally right away I knew she was different.” 

“She was a hodgepodge of parts when I found her.” He looked up at me. “She’s a prototype. She was never meant to make it out of the facility.” 

I brushed the back of my neck with my hand. I had so many questions but I had no idea where to even begin. “With how stubborn and tenacious she is, you would never have guessed. Heh” I smiled lightly, watching my ‘Protege’ sleep soundly. If I hadn’t been sitting next to her I would have thought… well, let’s not think about that. Her face brought about a sense of familiarity and… a bit of sadness, she looked so much like me and the thought that I could have been in her situation without the amount of Light she was bestowed in that exact moment, well, I would be in a lot worse shape than her. I lay down next to her, still holding her hand trying to let her know that I was there in her unconscious state. Or it might have just been to help calm my nerves. I looked at her dark optics, just a little while ago her cheeks would have been a bright teal or even purple, with the right joke. Her eyes matched mine, it was comforting and reassuring. I kept reminding myself that she would be fine after some rest, but it was hard, knowing how bright her normal light burns like a raging fire and now feeling just a candle’s worth, fighting desperately from going out from the wind or a single breath. 

She fights like a freaking monster but now, she’s so delicate, like if I held her, she would crumble. Why did you have to be a hunter? Zavala or Ikora could have done a better job at protecting you.  Andal, buddy, my fucking arrogance got me into trouble again. Shit. 

Moonsong hummed and looked at Sundance. “It’s not our place to say, but she tried so hard to make it so you wouldn’t notice that she was a prototype. That she was actually more than what she was.” 

“Why would it matter if I noticed?” I rolled on my back, tucked my hands behind my head, and rustled up so I was leaning up against the headboard facing the three of them. No matter what position I was in, I still felt like I couldn’t settle down. I looked at the ghosts inquisitively. “She’s fine just the way she is. Even if she’s cobbled up parts, I wouldn’t judge her…”

“Melrose told us to stay away from you, keep a low profile since she is unfinished.” Moonsong gawked. “I originally thought it was because of your reputation as a Casanova.” 

“Me? A Casanova? That’s hilarious. Never even been with anyone since I became an Exo. So, I am very curious how that rumor came about!!” I smirked and narrowed my eyes mischievously.

“I honestly don’t know. That’s just something Cronus said…” Moonsong chirped, looking concerned. Sundance shrugged.

“Oh. We didn’t wash her clothes or armor.” She said, picking up each piece to get ready to be thrown in the shower to rinse off the blood. As she picked up the gear, a small metal ‘tink sounded. 

I got up to pick up the small piece. There was a short metal wire, the industrial copper, electrical kind, nothing meant for a necklace but it was something that wouldn’t break easily.  At the end of it, a Spade that looked like it was made of glass. A beautiful fiery wisp was embedded in the glass. It was a sharpened blade so you could use the top of the heart as a handle and the bottom as a blade. A self-defense weapon, or in this case, a literal throwing knife. I played around with the knife, feeling it slip between my fingertips. It radiated Light, for something that looked pure black, it felt like a rainbow of light that pulsed in my hand as I held it.

I had so many questions about her, her life, and who she wanted to be, but did I even have the right to ask? I shook the thoughts from my head as I undid the messy wire and put the spade in my pocket. If it was something she kept with her in battle, it must've been important. I left the wire sitting on the table next to her belongings. I grabbed my holopad and put in a message to Eververse. She needed a better chain and they could help. Especially since Banshee wasn’t the kind to do the whole ‘jewelry’ thing. 

“I’ll get her a better chain than some cheap wire, ok Moonie? Just don’t tell her I got this. It’ll be a nice surprise for when she wakes up.” I winked. 

Moondance popped up slightly at the sight of me pocketing the article but nodded nonetheless. “Thanks. She’ll like that.” 

There were a lot of stories to tell and questions to ask, but this one wasn’t mine. The first thing was to get her better. Second, we talk about the prototype thing and how to get her some proper parts. Third, we talk about whatever the hell this is. I took a deep breath.

Sundance came back “Docking in 5. Medics on standby.”

”Showtime little buddy. You ready?” I looked over to Moonsong. As we docked I picked her up gently and was ready to carry her off the ship. As the ramp lowered I carried her placed her gently on the gurney and turned to Moonsong. “Go on, stay with her.” He nestled into place above his Guardian’s head and was pushed away by the med team. I finally released a breath that I didn’t realize I was holding. 

The only thought I had as they left was that I wished I could go with them and make sure she would be ok. That and whatever the Light did to her didn’t mess her up. I kinda really like her the way she is. The medics were gone in an instant.  

I turned to see Ikora and Zavala right there, ready and waiting. I took one look at them and started off running, I had no time, one of my Hunters needed me!

“Listen…” I started to run off but was cut off by Zavala.

 “I want a full report on whatever happened here. This was supposed to be a simple week of patrols and training.” Zavala crossed his arms and pinched his nose trying not to say what was really on his mind. 

“Look, look, look. Yeah, you can say it. I fucked up. But” I raised my finger “A lot of stuff happened but we were the closest to the SOS beacon and rescued some guardians from a ritual and I told her, ‘We play it safe and book it once they’re out!’ We no sooner get the guardians to the surface to send out another beacon for pickup and Sundance says she’s not there. She stayed, of her own volition, yes I know that word and how to use it thank you, but she WILLINGLY stayed behind to give that Fireteam the greatest chance of survival. ‘For the greater good’ as you like to always say.” 

“You saved their lives, from what I heard their Light was nearly faded away by the time you got there. You said she was talented and gained a lot of skill from just those few days but why would she take that risk? She’s not even a week old Guardian!” Ikora’s look showed so much worry. She seemed beside herself with the worry only a mother could have. Prim wasn’t even one of her Guardians but with how unique she was, the entire Vanguard was acutely aware of her Light and was interested in her growth.

“She could have called for help but she didn’t. I don’t know what… There were Knights, Wizards, OGRES, as is MULTIPLE I think like 5, the whole shebang! I think she had the idea she was buying us time by drawing their fire but she also got trapped in a tunnel collapse, so that didn’t help anything.” the thoughts replayed in my mind of what she must have gone through and it made my circuits hum with anger and fear. 

“I don’t know. She kept repeating during the patrols we did that she wanted to be good, for the Vanguard, for the Guardians, for me … She’s trying to prove something and it’s gonna get her killed.” My hands were shaking, I could normally find some way of making a joke to get out of this one but… I just…. FUCK. I royally fucked up. She was my responsibility. A brand new Guardian almost drained their Light completely and almost actually died because of my careless leadership. 

 Ikora shook her head in disbelief “How? How did you make it back here?” She grabbed my shoulders and shook me gingerly. 

“Okay, so, hang with me here, ok?” I brushed her hands aside as Sundance shimmered into existence. I pointed to her. “I had Sundance and Moonsong record everything. Because this, this is crazy shit! Also, as if it wasn’t weird enough. She scorched a freaking Knight's neck with her BOOT.” I pointed down to my boots and stomped. “A SHOE, IKORA! Speaking of,” I put a finger to my chin. “I never checked if her boots were ok, but that’ isn’t important.” I shook my head and hands to clear the erroneous thought away. “Scorching solar power in a shoe!” My shaking wouldn’t stop, I had never had so much nervous energy. Did her Light affect my circuits too? Shit, that would truly be insane.

“Cayde, go be with her. She needs support.” Ikora tried to calm everyone’s nerves and get back to the matters at hand. “And you should probably get checked out too. I’ve never seen you so jittery. Not even when there’s a special on Spicy Ramen.” She gracefully smiled with a look of concern and understanding. “Sundance, if you can find Moonsong, we will need your footage to see exactly what happened here.” She nodded and left with the panicked Vanguard to find the other ghost and his pupil. 

I rushed to the medical bay as soon as I could. The medics knew exactly where to direct me. My run came to almost a tiptoe as Sundance and I rounded the corner to Primrose’s room. Moonsong rested on Prim’s chest, his eye closed, facing her. They had taken the shawl he had and wrapped it on her as a small bed for him. 

“They said her vitals are fine. Everything is fine physically. I’ve scanned her 26 times. She won’t wake up.” He mumbled, sounding completely defeated. “I heard it… the Traveler. He spoke to her, well, something did. I could hear it when it happened. Right before she conjured all that Light.” Moonsong stated, his tone somber. “She just needs rest. That was so much Light, more than I have ever seen a fireteam use at one time. It was just too much for her body to handle. I can only imagine how an organic Guardian would handle that much Light…”

Sundance floated gently toward her counterpart. “We need your help. The Vanguard…”

“They want the footage I have, don’t they?” He turned around, eye glazed over. 

“Yes.” She murmured. 

”I don’t know… I don’t know if I can watch it… It’s, so terrible for her…”

”I know. But they need to know. Especially if the Traveler is involved.” She floated close to him and nuzzled him gently, trying to get him up. 

His eye flickered open and he floated away from his soft blue shawl nest. He touched his head to Prim’s “I’ll be right back after we talk with the Vanguard. I promise.” He floated up to Sundance and me, ready to go.  

I slowly walked into the room past all the wires and machines they had monitoring her. I slid my hood down, grasped her hand, and softly squeezed it with mine. “Don’t go wakin’ all dramatic like until we get back, ya hear?” I slid my hand out but felt some slight resistance as I left. The two ghosts rounded the corner of the room. I looked over at the hand I held just briefly. I walked back and knelt by her bedside. “I’ll see ya soon sleepin’ beauty.” I pressed my front plates to her hand. As good a kiss as any I suppose. I pulled my hood back up and left the room. I could feel a strange warmth from where I kissed her hand. A smile crept across my face as I followed the two ghosts to the Vanguard’s room. 

Our walk to the Vanguard was awkward and quiet. None of us knew what would happen to Prim after this meeting or how Ikora and Zavala would react to her in general. Could this be a good thing? To have someone nearly as close in power as ‘The Guardian’? They had shown up one day and became an unstoppable force of nature, maybe Prim’s fate was meant to be a sign from the Traveler like they were? The pit in my stomach churned as we approached the door. 

As I approached the room, the heavy doors were already ajar. I could hear Zavala and Ikora bickering. 

“The one time we let him out of the tower and things went to hell!” Zavala snapped. 

“Cayde actually went by the book this time. It’s this new hunter we have to worry about!” 

“But this situation could have been avoided!” He banged his fist on the table.

“Could it have been completely avoided?” I cut Zavala off. “No. See, I played it by the book for ONCE and this is what I get? You two did NOT see what I saw, what these ghosts and I saw. Hell, the fireteam we saved even knew something was up with her light when she was helping RESCUE them!”  I moved from my spot against the door and closed it completely. 

“I know I’m a goofball but I DO take things seriously when it comes to the safety of my people, MY Hunters. You two should know better than anyone that I would risk my life out there so they wouldn’t have to, Vanguard or not. I’d rather never see another Guardian dead if I could help it. Primrose showed that same sense of honor and vigilance as me. She knew we needed to get that team out of there, even after breaking the ritual, they were nearly lightless and one hit would have taken them or their Ghosts down. She sacrificed her safety to give us the chance we needed to get away!” 

I looked over at the two Ghosts and nodded. “You’re gonna wanna sit down for this Blue, Ikora. It’s not pretty.” I grabbed a chair and spun it so I could sit with my arms leaning on the back while I watched. “I honestly don’t know if I am even ready to watch this shitshow again. I’m already pretty shook up from watching her firsthand doing this.” I sighed.

“Moonie? Can you and Sunny sync up?” They both nodded and floated on opposite sides of the table. A mostly, 3-dimensional video of the fight was displayed, all the way back to the moment we made contact with the witches, split our separate ways, and then down the path to the crater opening when we realized she wasn’t there. Moonsong even caught her demanding him to help the others. There was absolutely no fear in her voice. Only courage and determination to save the group.

Suddenly the two videos synced back up in a familiar scenario:

“Ok…This is gonna suck, like a royal fuck-ton… But I need you to capture as MUCH of this on footage as possible. BOTH of you. Clearly without getting blown up of course. But you know what I mean.”

“But why now?” 

“I’ve felt it for a while… but she's not a typical guardian. Moonie, you rezzed her. You know what I’m talking about. But we need to know how, and why.” 

“I’m not joking. Like, I wish I was, but I need you two to stay here and do the little holo-camera thing while I gotta and try to get her ass outta there before we are both plastered to the floor.”

We watched the rest of the footage in pure silence. I watched as Zavala and Ikora looked onward, distraught and in complete bewilderment of the spectacle in front of them. Her raw vigor, stamina, and tenacity left them speechless as she was beaten to a bloody pulp. The whole thing played out like one of the goriest, bloodbaths I think any of us had ever seen. 

“Oh my…..Light.” Ikora watched in horror. “How? How could she even physically…?”

“What were the Hive even doing with numbers like these?” Zavala stood up and circled the image. His face was in awe and frustration. 

Suddenly, the collapsed figure on the screen was surrounded in a massive outburst of Light, controlling multiple elements at the same time, switching back and forth between different supers in a flick of a moment. Her face was calm and collected as she slaughtered enemies left and right. Even taking down multiple Ogres in just a few hits. Once she landed on her feet and walked toward the Captain on the floor I watched Ikroa’s face grimace, she knew what was coming. Prim’s boot sizzled in scorched energy pressed on the Captain’s neck and with one swift motion, snapped and partially melted. The footage ended with me running to her aid as she collapsed on the floor.

“I told you. There is something about her Light that is different.” I stood up, “Moonie, go back to where the Ogre threw her before the Light… Right before she… yeah. Pause here.” I pointed to the exact moment when the Ogre threw her up against the altar wall. “No guardian survives this. 99% wouldn’t even LIVE to get to THIS point.” I seethed.

Ikora tried to calm her nerves, but her hands were shaking. “How could a Guardian, less than a week old, be able to withstand that kind of abuse?” She wiped away tears in her eyes trying to push past the horrors she had just laid witness to. She stood up, walked over and grabbed my shoulders. She looked at me with a pleading look in her eyes “How is she? Is she ok?”

“She’s fine, just needs rest.” I sighed. At least that’s what the medics say. She hugged me with a feeling of desperation. “Her light is returning, slowly. Slower than I’d like, but Moonsong says he can feel it returning bit by bit.” I looked over at the doorway, hoping to get back to Prim’s side. “We just don’t know how long she will be out.” I covered my face with my hand and shook it. 

“I am so sorry you both…” She covered her mouth and sat back down. The gravity of the situation we were dealing with finally hit her. “We, we need to show this to Eris.”

“I know. I already sent her a copy.” I crossed my arms watching the two of them look at me befuddled. “Just cause she hates me for blowin’ up her ship, which, let me remind you, I apologized for and offered to buy a new one…” I paused, trying not to make some snide remark. “Just because of that, doesn’t mean I am gonna hide things about the Hive from her. Especially since that is where she knows them best.” 

“That is one matter. The other about this Guardian…” Zavala glowered and crossed his hands behind his back while he paced. “A Guardian of that immeasurable power must be contained. The Guardian that has helped us thus far has always been in control, restrained, and calculated. This-this is madness. She is clearly not in control of her Light, she’s a wild card and it looks like she is a glass cannon.”

“Primrose... Her-her name is Prim.” I said, still watching the two of them. “I wouldn’t call her a ‘glass cannon’. Look at the beating she took to get to that point. She’s nowhere near the level of a ‘GLASS CANNON’. Just because she isn’t one of your thick headed Titans, doesn’t mean-“

”Please, both of you. We need level heads for this. Prim needs rest and help to guide her Light. Maybe there’s something in the archives of this kind of Light-wielding happening before. Or maybe I can spend time with her trying to control and unlock the parts of her mind that would help her control her Light better.” Ikora stood between Zavala and I, hands pressed to each of our chests.  

I sighed heavily, backing up and turning away. The atmosphere in the room was smothering, Zavala’s overly aggressive nature of protecting people grated on my nerves and my lackadaisical nature on his. We were two sides of the same coin and Ikora knew that. I clenched my jaw, my cheek lights an ever-so-reddish hue.

“If anything, I think we need to see her in a more controlled setting. Give her a fireteam we can trust and more localized missions till she can better control whatever this “gift” is, the Traveler gave it to her .” Ikora looked at me. We both nodded.

“Possibly but she needs to have routine check-ins, with us, with Cayde, and the med bay. We need to know what she has if we are going to use her as a weapon for the Light, for the Traveler, and for the people of this city. The last thing we need is to let some sort of rampage happen and we lose the respect of the guardians and our people for hiding this, this, possible monster!” He waved his arms out, frustrated. Zavala was clearly emotional over the experience. He rarely let his composure slip this bad.

“Let’s not say ‘monster’. She clearly means well. When she is more confident in her control, I say we show the people exactly what she is capable of. If we show them that she is on their side, They’ll see that power as something to behold and respect. Just like us guardians, when the Traveler first brought us all here.”  Ikora took a step toward Zavala. “She will need guidance from all of us if she is to thrive. For now, let’s let her rest and we can reconvene when she wakes.”

“Fair enough.” He nodded, crossing his arms in front of him.

”Whatever, I know you two will be calling the shots on this so it doesn’t really matter what I say anyways. I’m outta here.” I started walking away. “Come on you two, let's head back.” I glowered at Zavala as I turned to leave.

I started to push the door open when Ikora grabbed my arm. “I know you don’t usually need sleep but you need rest. Don’t stay up all night worrying. She will find you when she wakes up. I am sure of it.” She smiled her usual gentle smile. “Thank you Moonsong and Sundance. We appreciate your assistance.”

I left the room and headed to the tallest building I could find. Moonsong and Sundance followed. I sat there, trying to calm down and be patient. There was nothing I could do until the sun was up and I could track some things down, maybe catch up with that Awoken fireteam we saved to see how they were doing. I was never good at being patient, not many Hunters are. I sighed.

I took out the glass spade and played with it in my hand. It was well-crafted and beautiful in the moonlight.  “Hey Sunny, Moonie.” I watched the reflections play off the glass in the moonlight. “Thank you for your help. It isn’t much, but I appreciate it.” I looked up at the two and smiled meekly.

“Hey Moonie…” 

“Yes?” He chirped.

“Did you ever figure out the song she was humming?” I looked up at him and smiled.

“Yes.” He groaned. “Has anyone told you it’s rude to eavesdrop?”

“Yeah, but you should have told your Guardian it’s rude to take other people’s hangouts.” I chuckled slightly and laid back on the roof. “So you gonna tell me?”

“I would say ask her yourself when she wakes up.”

I hopped down off the ledge and headed back to my apartment. “You headed back to the med ward Moonsong?” I asked, gesturing inside. 

“No. Tomorrow maybe… Do you mind if I stay here tonight? Without her Light near me I feel so… lost.” He floated somberly into the flat. I closed the door and got ready for bed. Finally showered and cleaned up I laid down staring at the ceiling. I was awake but restless inside. Sundance and Moonsong could feel it too. 

“About that song… I know I said to ask her when she wakes up but I don’t know when that will be.” He hovered just above my shoulder and whispered. “So don’t you tell her I showed you. He and Sundance nestled into a comfortable spot on the pillow next to me and Moonsong started playing a recording.

A soft guitar started playing. It was clearly an old recording, even before the Golden Age, but it was pretty. “ Moon River…” 

I asked him to play it again and again until I eventually fell asleep.

Chapter Text

“Hey princess! Slow down!” Cronus was a small dot in the distance when I finally slowed down on my Speeder. “Ya know, it’s not considered polite to leave your fireteam behind. I know you’re pushed for whatever this cache is but damn girl, give the rest of us a chance to breathe!” He laughed as his Speeder slowed to a halt. 

Nix shouted as he approached the two of us, “You’re the only one with real lungs, Cronus. Need I remind you.” He hopped off his speeder and looked around. “Any hostiles in the vicinity?” He said, gun at the ready. He was an Exo, like myself, who gave off a serious and mystical vibe, truly befitting of a Warlock under Ikora’s tutelage. His purple hue looked radiant in the sunlight with a shimmer in his undercoat of paint that made him look entirely made of Void magic. 

“Primrose, you know how much I dislike breaking up the fireteam while on a mission. I know that you’re excited for whatever tip you were given but please…” He shook his head and turned to Cronus. 

“You encourage her. Between the two of you I don’t know who is worse.” 

“Nix, babe, I am sorry, but she is so rambunctious, I have to keep an eye on her.” 

“Don’t you ‘babe’ me. You know how I feel about using pet names while on missions. Especially when the comms are open!” 

“You two ladies done talking over there? You’re killing me on the radio…” Cayde chuckled through the comms.

“Sorry, I just know that it was supposed to be around here somewhere.” I looked over my map with Moonsong and glanced at the surrounding area. “It was some sort of rock formation.” I squinted my eyes. “Cayde, just what am I looking for here?”

“Oh, hey you! Alright kid, uhhh let’s see…” I heard rustling papers in the background of the comms “Ok. Go left seventy paces... Ok STOP! Now, look up!” 

I did as I was instructed and ended up seeing a large boulder formation. “It looks like…..?”

“It looks like Zavala’s head?” Nix, got straight to the point and didn’t like to mince words. Something I admired about him. “This, there is no way this is a natural formation, Cayde.”

Cronus, ever the child of the party, had already started climbing up the formation. “Haha! Mel, get a pick of me up here hugging his nose, we can show Z when we get back to the tower!”

Mel shimmered into existence and rolled her eye. “Fine. Hold still…” She grumbled.

“Did you say Zavala’s head? Okay right, great. Also, don’t tell him I said any of this, okay? Also probably not best to tell him I stuck something in his nose.” Cayde whispered quietly, in a hushed tone. Zavala must have been in the room with him.

“Sure. I won’t tell him. But wait, what about his head…and nose?” I questioned.

“The cache, it’s in his nose.” He murmured under gritted teeth. “Enjoy the glimmer but leave the exotics for me, okay? Well, bring em’ to the tower but I get first pick. Ya know, finders fee and all.”

“Hey! I can see up his nose! Man, dude’s got a bunch of snot up in there!” Cronus laughed hysterically. Still having Mel take footage of the antics.

I climbed my way up and into the hollowed out area in the nose. There was a chest and a small handwritten nose that said “Enjoy the boogers. - Cayde” I pulled the note off and put it in my pocket to show Cayde later. He probably even forgot that he put the note there. I laughed and opened the chest. A nice stash of glimmer was there and one extra large supply of engrams and weapons. I popped my head down the hole and hollered. “You guys comin up or what? Cause I’ma take all the glimmer if you don’t.

Nix huffed “We’ll take our share of the glimmer. But the exotics are still up for grabs if any of us don’t have them yet. Sorry, Prim, Cayde.” 

“Hey! I lead you guys there. Just let me see what you bring back ok?” Cayde pouted, radio signal crackling. 

“Well no guarantees, but we’ll stop by later to show you what we may or may not share.” I chuckled having Moonsong transmat the glimmer and transfer equal shares amongst the three of us. Moonsong transmatted the engrams and weapons to Cronus’ ship for safe keeping. 

It had been nearly 3 weeks since the whole ‘rescue mission’ went beserk event on the moon. I was out for nearly a week but almost immediately after I woke up I was poked and prodded like nobody’s business. Exos were old technology so having one to look at and try to understand made the med team and their engineers get really excited. None of them mentioned anything about the welding marks or the sanded down silicone parts. Maybe many assumed that they were meant to be there or showed the passage of time. After a few days I finally freed myself from their grasps and begged the Vanguard to call off the medical team dogs.

I followed up with Amanda shortly after being released from my medical prison for touch ups. She had found a guy to do my paint for me as well. She said that she trusted him, so I did as well. It was awkward having all of my silicone taped off but I was given a nice shiny teal coat of paint with an iridescent layer of purple that reflected in the light. My body was nowhere near ready for long term use but it was a start to have my own color and cleaned up silicone and welding. Amanda still gave her usual warning about not getting banged around as it was horrible for her to find replacement parts for the ones that were crushed in by the Ogres on the moon. We managed to find some, but there was a distinct difference in the plating across the chest and shoulders but that was nothing my armor or a long shirt couldn’t cover.

Soon after my repairs and paint job, I was cleared for missions with my new fireteam. Turns out the vanguard had set it up for me using two of the best, most trustworthy of their classes to band together with me. We worked well as a team and cleaned house like nobody’s business. However, Cayde fussed every once in a while about my condition. He would randomly ask if I had ever lost power to my leg servos or had a bad coupling in one. 

Cayde had been known to help a guardian out here and there with some caches he would find and mark down for safe keeping, but it seemed like every mission we had, there would be an extra cache in it for us if Cayde was running it. I took it as a perk of being a hunter but apparently that wasn’t really the case - not according to Cronus and Nix. They gave me some good mockery over Cayde’s ‘fatherly’ affection for the new ‘kinderguardian’. They even muttered things said about me by others at the Tower, that I was clearly Cayde’s favorite. Cronus and Nix chalked it up to me saving his ass on the moon and tried their best to hush the disgruntled murmurs from other hunters. It did little to stop the envious glares I received when I was with Cayde. Fortunately or unfortunately he didn’t notice the looks people gave us.

My fireteam had cleared 3 Fallen houses of their Kells and supplies and headed back. It was a long mission, several days worth of work, but it was nice to be let out of the tower after inspection after inspection from Ikora and Zavala after each mission. They each took their turns asking for updates and gave me whatever they could to make sure that I was prepared for my missions but it still left a bit of a sting knowing that they were mostly trying to avoid me having another “Super Outburst” as it was dubbed. 

Ever since the Hive incident, I wasn’t unable to summon any super whatsoever. Sure, I could easily manifest grenades and use other abilities but for some reason I was never able to retain enough Light to manifest a Golden Gun or Void Bow. Moonsong figured I just needed time to recuperate but my circuits hummed with curiosity and frustration. I upgraded my armor and weapons rapidly so that I wouldn’t be left behind by my fireteam. If I wasn’t working on an active mission, I was at home tweaking something to give myself a much needed edge or picking up extra bounties from people to do while on missions. My favorites were always from Banshee. After awhile he started to nod at me when I would walk by his stall while at the Tower. Glad to know that I had gained some respect from the vendors.

The group of us headed back to Cronus’ ship, it was crowded but cozy. It was a similar model to Cayde’s but I was always in the bunk. With Nix and Cronus being a quiet couple, I never wanted to interfere. Though Nix always made sure that there was NO INTIMACY during missions, much to Cronus’ pathetic cries. “Not even a hug?” He would beg. 

“No.”

”No fair.” He would pout. 

We sat around the stash of weapons and engrams we had just picked up and were sorting them by value to each of us. After we each picked one for ourselves, we made sure to include Cayde.

“You think he already has one of these?” I asked the group while we sat in Cronus’ ship on our way back to the tower.

“Not sure, but the stats are better equipped for a Gunslinger so maybe. Not that he would ever really use it. His Ace of Spades is pretty unique. I’m almost certain he had it custom made.” Nix grunted as he peeled off his mud-slicked cloak. “Ugh, I gotta get me another of these. I’m tired of doing laundry.” You could hear the irritation in his cracking voice box. 

“Shoulda’ been a Titan. Just jump in some water and you’re clean as a whistle.” Cronus hollered from the cockpit. 

“Some of us prefer to not be complete heathens, Cronus. And please stop talking with your mouth full.” 

“You Exos can be real persnickety, ya know? No offense Prim.” 

“None taken.” I smiled brightly. We were quite the collection of Guardians, a Solar Titan, Arc Warlock, and me, the dud. Somehow they never judged me for it and it made me feel the most welcome since I rezzed. I had developed a reputation at the tower for being a dud pick for Moonsong, who had waited what seemed like thousands of years for his Guardian to arrive. I felt bad but it didn’t seem to irk him too much, since we knew the truth that my Light was different than most. 

The handcannon in my hands gave off a warm Solar energy to it. It felt off to say but it reminded me of Cayde so much. He was caring and tender. Though when I tried to tell my fireteam how kind he had been during my crisis and that I felt somewhat special, they shot my hopes down and laughed at the idea of Cayde being ‘caring and tender’. 

“Nah,” Nix said, “he’s friendly to most hunters and Exos. Kinship, if you will.” He left it at that after seeming my visual disappointment. 

We returned to the tower and had the help of some other Guardians unload our supplies, mainly the Awoken team. The same fireteam Cayde and I helped during the Wizard ritual helped us and we had become close friends. Team Bluemoon, they called themselves. I got along great with their Warlock and Titan, though their Hunter and I had some rough edges to sand out. Cinder, the Hunter, greatly disliked me. I could never put my finger on as to why he was that way. His entire fireteam was composed of Awoken that were found on Earth. They were tight knit and some even speculated that they were siblings when they were alive, but those memories never surfaced for them. I shrugged off the aggression due to a long day or a shitty mission. 

Nix and Cronus helped drop off the exotics they weren’t interested in off at Cayde’s little hangout in the hangar. They waved politely and turned to head to their shared home. “We will see you for dinner around 8 alright?” Nix waved as he left. 

“Oh, whatcha’ gettin’?” Cayde questioned, already getting into the pile of goods dropped off. 

“Thai.” I responded, kneeling down and sorting through some of the items with him. Cronus decided to throw everything in a single bin and left the rest to Cayde and I to sort through so I could keep any of the sales from the mission. They knew I was still starting out as a Guardian and how expensive it was to buy new gear for myself. 

“Noodles!? Mind if I join you?” Cayde looked up at me with a bright smile. 

“You’re always welcome! You know that.” I chuckled, grabbing some leftover armor and putting it in a pile for Moonsong to transmat for sale later. 

“I’ll put on my best dress! Do you think green or yellow?” He stood up holding two unopened engrams. “I want something that will really make my eyes POP!” I nearly snorted at the ridiculous comment. 

“No one needs anything popping off. Especially you Exos.” Ikora mused as she approached. “I think one of the Post Office employees nearly lost an eye when a bearing let loose on one of you.” 

“I said sorry!” Cayde put the gear down in a huff. “‘Sides I should probably get it actually fixed instead of shoving it back in after…” he looked down at his legs. “Whoops!”

”I have been fixing my small issues as they come up.” I perked up. “Nothing serious, just some quick adjustments to get the years of dust out and whatnot. I might be able to fix your leg up if I have a look at it. If you don’t mind.” 

“I might just take you up on that. There’s the bearing in my knee and then there’s this spot on my back that is always causing problems. I feel like it's just a lint trap in this handsome physique, ruins the vibe, ya know?” He leaned back against a pole and a small ‘pop’ was heard. “See? Physique ruined.”

Ikora chuckled. “I guess you will need to give up one of those exotics for that kind of help.” She looked into the crate we had mostly gone through. Pushing some Legendary gear aside to show three Exotics nestled at the bottom. 

“Nu-uh! We can share. Oh! There’s this guy down in the bazaar that makes the BEST Exo wax. I’ll trade you. We, good?”

”Sure. I also would have taken free food, too.” 

“But I already agreed to pay your Ramen tab.” 

“We’re grabbing Thai.” 

“Oh. Right. I’ll get that too.”

“Sounds like you two have a fun night planned.” Ikora smiled as she picked up one of the Exotic engrams. He bounced it in her hand, mentally guessing its contents. 

“My fireteam and I just got back today and figured to grab real food rather than another night of cooking.” I shrugged. “I can only cook for so many days with two picky eaters before it drives me nuts.”

“That reminds me, you owe me a cooking lesson.” Cayde pointed his finger at me. 

“Then buy some ingredients and a recipe and we can get started. This ain’t my fault!” 

“Well, I’ve been busy running missions.” He pouted. 

“Oh hell no. You are not getting out of buying ingredients. I have been DOING those missions you run, so don’t give me that crap!”

Ikora interjected, Now, now, you two. Save your bickering for later!” She laughed as she put the engrams down into the crate. “ Prim, would you or your team care if Zavala and I joined you? An evening away from our desks sounds wonderful and it could serve as an impromptu debrief.” She looked somewhat nervous as she spoke. She swayed side to side and looked more at the ground than she did at Cayde or I. 

“Feel free. We’re meeting at 8 at the Thai place off the main bazaar area. I’m sure Cronus and Nix would love to not have to wake up early for a formal report tomorrow.” I smiled, turning to Cayde who had a plain look on his face.

“Thank you. See you then.” She nodded and left just as quietly as she came. 

“There’s something up with those two.” Cayde mumbled, watching Ikora’s figure wander off into the distance. “She doesn’t just ask for things like that. Those two don’t usually mingle with other Guardians out of nowhere.” 

“Well, I’m not worrying. If something comes up, my team and I will handle it like we always do.” I gave a small wink to Cayde and laughed. I started off in the direction of my flat and waved back to him. “That includes you too Mr Hunter Vanguard. I’ll see you later!”

”What should I do with the leftover gear?”

I turned around and started to walk backwards, facing him, hands behind my back. “Send whatever you don’t want to me or use the sales to pay for dinner. When I know someone else is paying I tend to have a bit healthier of an appetite!”

“It’s a date! See you and the rest of the van-dweebs later!” His over enthusiastic wave made it look like he was going to trip and fall. He somehow always looked like he could fall over or do a flip all at the same time. 

I turned around and headed towards my place. “Moonsong, I need to know how I can get even half of that energy. Dude could be running on fumes and can still lap most hunters.” 

“Or he could just be insane.” Moonsong snorted. 

“He’s completely wired backwards! This isn't related to my schematics at all!” A voice echoed in my ears. 

“What?” I stopped and asked, doing a complete double take to Moonsong.

“He’s just insane?” Moonsong stated. Looking concerned. 

“But I thought you… Nevermind.” I shook it off and quickened my pace to my place. “I wanna get cleaned off before we have to be there. Plus, I should actually clean my place if he’s coming over for repairs.” 

“True. You have gun oil and ash on your ceiling I have been meaning to tell you about.”

”Really? I thought I got that.”

“Nope.” 

“Ugh.”

-|-

8pm rolled around and the two fireteams sat at the small Thai place down one of the main streets of the city. The winding road made the group assemble three small tables along the street instead of being scrunched at the bar in the back of the restaurant. 

The group ordered a variety of curries, appetizers, and noodles. It was more of a family-style event than everyone getting their own dish. Cayde was ecstatic to be trying all the different dishes at once. 

“Oh man. This could rival Ramen. Maybe. I dunno, THAT is good. But THAT ONE is amazing.” Cayde was a wave of excitement between mouthfuls of rice and noodles. 

“I told you that Pad Thai is a classic. And that Green Curry is amazing!” I matched his tempo, the two of us being complete foodies while the rest of the group looked in awe of two complete idiots obsessed with food they didn’t really need to eat. 

“I used to love crab rangoons but once I became an Exo, the cream cheese filling feels so weird sticking in my tubing.” Nix groaned, “Still, can’t beat the flavor.” He shuddered and popped one into his mouth. He saw Ikora reaching across the table to grab something. “Here ma’am, please, let me.” He took Ikora’s bowl and stacked another scoop of rice and curry with a Rangoon on top for good measure. 

Talk of the completed missions and possible new Kell to take over went quickly as the food was cleared from the table. The group moved to having a few drinks while two thirds of the Vanguard revealed their true intentions for meeting, aside from the delicious food they didn’t have to order as takeout for once.

“Ikora and I were thinking that you and your fireteam should join the Crucible.” Zavala said, placing his flat palms on the table. 

“The Crucible?” I questioned. I swiped my drink with a heavy gulp. The subject had never been brought up. I had met Lord Shaxx and was violently shaken by a handshake with the strength that could rival an Ogre but other than that, I gave friendly hellos and moved on through my day. 

“Is there a particular reason you’d like us to be show ponies?” Nix gulped his beer and crossed his arms. “Cause I’m not interested in doing a little dance for the masses. You know that’s what they’re trying to do right?” He looked over to me. I took another swig of my drink and looked down at the table. 

”Ikora and I think it would be good experience for Prim. Since the fighting styles of Guardians vary heavily, she could get a better grip on how to counter different combat styles and tactics out in the field.” Zavala put his drink down and leaned in. “We don’t want anyone getting comfortable and sloppy. That’s how we lose guardians.” He huffed. 

“Zavala and I want to make sure you are being given every opportunity to awaken your supers. Crucible may be just the thing. The in-your-face combat might trigger your body to remember how it feels to use the Light again.” Ikora sighed looking at me with concern. 

“They really just want to tell you that since the kid hasn’t got her super figured out or just her powers in general, they want to watch the progress she’s made in a controlled setting where they can intervene if necessary.” Cayde slammed his drink down. “Like she’s suddenly gonna blow up or somethin’.” He snapped as he looked at my team, clearly irritated.

”Cayde, you know that isn’t true. We want Primrose to be the best version of herself she can be. You know that.” Ikora begged. 

“I’m with Cayde on this. This isn’t some fun little match, you’re looking for her to participate in a round robin style tournament aren’t you?” Nix quipped, glaring at Ikora. His gaze made the hairs on her neck stand up. 

“Look I am all for the Crucible, but one when SHE wants to.” Cronus grumbled. “She has a right to decide. Right Prim?” He turned to look at me.

“What about what I FEEL?” I hollered at the group. “You all act like I am not here or that I am this fragile little thing. Well guess what? I can hold my own like the rest of them. If you want me in the damn Crucible so fucking bad then I will. If it will shut you all up. Cronus, Nix, I won’t ask you to join me if you don’t want to.” I slammed my palm on the table and ordered another drink. 

Nix and Cronus looked at each other and nodded. “We’re with you. Whatever you wanna do. That’s what a Fireteam does.”

“Do you really think the Crucible is the best place for that?” Cronus grunted. “She’s doing amazing things out on the field. She’s got Nix and I, and between the three of us, hell, you’ve seen our work!” 

“I think this discussion has soured the evening. Ikora, Zavala, I think you should discuss this with Prim. Cronus and I will take our leave. You don’t need the backup dancers to your game when you really need to talk with the lead singer.” Nix grabbed Cronus by the collar, bowed to his master and the Titan Vanguard, and took his leave, with a confused Titan in tow.”

”See ya later sweet-pea. We’ll miss you! Mostly me.” Cronus cackled to himself and turned around to rub the Warlock’s head as they walked away. 

I looked over at the two as they disappeared in the distance, a light flush of purple in my lights as I giggled. Cayde gave a quick glance between me and the two walking away. His expression went from annoyed to furious. 

”This is just ridiculous. She’s a fucking grown ass Guardian and so WHAT if she can’t summon her supers? It doesn’t make her any less effective! Stop treating her like she’s some broken little thing that needs to be mended. She’s fine the way she is! Cayde slammed his fist on the table and stood up. He walked over to the cashier, paid the full bill, and left, him and Sundance transmitting away into nothingness. 

“Cayde! Wait!” Ikora stood up and reached for the already gone hunter. Defeated, she sat back down and sighed. “What I think Zavala is saying has merit. We need you to be quick, and nimble when needed but to be able to rapidly adapt to different situations and conditions as they arise. Even more so with your condition. ” Ikora had relaxed a bit enough to allow herself to be a bit more loose with her words. The normally composed woman showed her frustration with her partners’ lack of tact. 

“Cayde is right, though. This is to test your skills in an area that has more control than a flood of Hive in a rush of emotions, adrenaline, and sheer Light.” Zavala snapped. 

”I’m sorry. We didn’t mean to catch you off guard.” Ikora tried her best to put her nurturing smile back on but it seemed forced and insincere.

“Our goal is not to patronize you, but to get to the bottom of this… situation of yours.” Zavala interlaced his fingers and rested his elbows on the table. “It’s not like a Guardian like you has ever existed before. So, the idea is that if your ‘talent’ were to arise during one of the matches, we can show…”

”You can show the people that I am not planning on destroying the city and that I am another one of the ‘good guys’. Is that it?” I leaned back in my chair and rolled my shoulders back, cracking them. “Show the people that I’m not some terror to be dismantled back in the med bay like you had them aching for when I woke up? Did you two do this to ‘The Guardian’ too? Or is it just because they are so gifted with the Light that it doesn’t matter what they say or do?” I seethed, my words meant to act like venom to the two Vanguard members. 

“We would never put you in a position like that. The Vanguard gives you their full support.” Ikora tried to grab my hand. I ripped it back into my lap before she could touch me.

”Just like how you let Cayde in on your little idea before coming here.” I snarled. “Glad to know that you are such a great Fireteam that you can all come together with this plan.” I stood up abruptly. “Thanks for the forewarning. I’ll talk to the guys about Crucible. Just tell us what day.” With that, I chugged the rest of my whiskey and left the two at the table. ”Cayde paid the tab, so feel free to leave whenever.” I waved nonchalantly as I walked away. 

“That could have gone better.” Zavala rested his head on his hands. “I never expected her team to be irate over this chance.” 

“They bonded quickly, just as intended. I guess you could say we paired them up too well.” Ikora patted him on the back. “Another round?”

”Might as well. We won’t be hearing from Cayde until tomorrow afternoon with this. I haven’t seen him like this in a long time.”

-|-

I walked back to my flat in silence. I was fuming but I understood why Ikora and Zavala wanted to present me to the public. I was a loose cannon at best but a walking time bomb if things went south. I got it. I was more pissed off for Cayde. To throw one of your people up for something without talking about it. It was wrong.  

I slammed my fist on the wall to the left of the door. “Just, fuck… ”. 

Moonsong hovered into view. “You know they mean well.”

“Don’t give them the benefit of the doubt! They ambushed my team, and CAYDE.” I snapped, fumbling with the keys. “How do they do that to their own? That’s just… so fucked.” I finally got the key in the slot and twisted it.

I opened the door and set my stuff on the counter, the door still ajar. “If you’re getting repairs Mr. Boss Man, you’ll need to actually come inside. Just take your boots off and close the door.” I chided, taking off my own boots, not bothering to look behind me. I sighed heavily and flopped onto the couch. I waited a few moments before hollering to the outside. “If you don’t come in here I will lock you out Mr. Bad Bearing.” I waved inward to the empty doorway. 

Suddenly Cayde decloaked and appeared in the middle of my small living room. “You knew I was here?” He plopped down on my worn couch and started taking off his boots. “Most don’t even know I’m around unless I let them.” He chuckled, looking over at me. I was so annoyed that I hadn’t bothered to look at him since he entered. 

“Oh, does that mean it was you who was listening to me on the rooftop that night a few weeks back?” I snapped.

“W-what?” He stammered.

“It’s nothing.” I got up to grab my tool kit. Cayde reached to grab my arm but missed. I came back a few seconds later and knelt in front of the Exo, a scowl on my face. “Which bearing is it? The left kneecap?” I pulled up a small rolling stool and motioned for him to remove his leg armor. 

“Yeah, actually. How did you know?” He started removing both of his leg armor, gently putting it aside.

”Your gait is off and you have a bit of a hitch when you plant your foot during your stride.” 

“Ok. You are officially my doctor if you can point that kinda nonsense out without even looking at the thing!” He smiled at me and I didn’t bother looking up. 

“Hey, hey look at me.” He grabbed my chin lightly and pulled my face to look at him. My eyes looked glazed over and my expression was just pure sadness. “What is it?”

”Its,” I grabbed his hand and pulled it away and set them down on my knee, still intertwined. “How could they do that to you? To me? We’re not just machines, we have hearts too! And my fireteam… Didn’t they think at all about how we’d feel about sprinting that idea on us?”

“You say ‘us’ like I’m the one who would be going to the Crucible.” He chuckled lightly. 

“You know what I mean.”

”I don’t.”

”They didn’t tell you! They hid it from you because they knew you would be angry for my sake.” 

“True. But, they also know I am quick to judge and can be pissy when I get caught off guard. Either way, it was a lose-lose for both of them and they knew it. So, I think they went with the worst option, but whatever.” 

“I’m not broken am I? I’m still a Guardian, a good one even. Why is it so necessary to show the people of this city that I’m not going to let loose and kill people? They don’t do that to other Guardians!” I squeezed his hand and my screwdriver in the other hand tightly.

”Kid, as much as I would like to say that they are wrong…” He squeezed my hand gently, “There has never been a guardian like you. And that power you can possess is terrifying. You literally became Light and wielded it like nobody’s freakin’ business. So, we have to let the Lightless know that you ARE on their side, just like you’re on mine. Hell, us Exos have experienced this kind of prejudice before, back when we were new and scary monster machines. I remember those days vaguely…” He laughed lightheartedly, let go of my hand, and cupped my cheek. “You know what’s really scary?”

”What?”

”Having you possibly destroy my kneecap.” He chuckled and leaned back.

He got me into a giggle fit, showing the bright purple glow in my cheeks. After we both calmed down, he took off both the rest of the leg wrapping for a good comparison. I looked over the knees and confirmed my suspicions. I gently got to work taking the knee plates off. 

“Huh, that’s odd.” I used a small screwdriver to move wires aside in his leg. “Your wiring is ummm…”

“Weird? Kinda backwards and a mess? Yeah, fun innit? Whoever wired me up must’ve been an intern or something. Colors are all weird and the layering is odd in places. Makes pulling myself together a bitch and a half though!”

“Boo, bad Exo puns.” I chuckled as I continued working. “But yeah, there should be sleeping here to protect the wiring. I’ll try to put some on and solder it closed for you.”

“Aww, Doc. Leave Jonah alone. He did his best. Not everyone is a perfectionist like you.” A voice echoed in my head, it sounded like…. Cayde?

”Did you say something?” I looked up and locked eyes with Cayde. 

“Umm… no. No. Nope.” He stumbled over his words with his cheek colors turning slightly reddish as compared to their usual bright orange. 

“No. Seriously. Did you say something about… a Jonah?” 

“No. But I did say something about how cool it is that you notice all these little things. Who’s Jonah?” He leaned in and tilted his head.

”I don’t know. But these voices are starting to weird me out.”

“Oh. Are you talking about reset voices?” He leaned back again and crossed his right leg over his left at the ankles. 

“Reset voices?” I questioned. I put my tools down and grabbed a rag to wipe my hands. 

“Little ghost voices you hear sometimes after a reset?” He asked, puzzled by my expression. “No?”

“I’ve never been reset.” I started looking for another tool and the bearing I had previously purchased.

“Never?” Cayde crossed his arms and squinted. He didn’t seem convinced. 

”No. If I recall I hopped in this body right before the collapse started. The giant wave of pure…”

”Pure darkness. I remember it too. Sometimes I don’t think I remember anything but you know it too so that means, I couldn’t have made it up. Right?” 

“That was when I woke up originally. I think.” Suddenly flashes of images blurred across my mind. Like rapid fire, I was flooded with a barrage of broken memories and fragments of sentences and voices. “I…. I… lost someone.” My circuits hummed and my vision blurred with electronic interference. “Shit…” I put my hand on his knee for support. 

”Hey.” He leaned forward and steadied me by bracing my shoulders. “It’s okay if you don’t remember. Okay? You okay kid?”

”Yeah, I just… It’s been a long day.” My vision returned and the humming stopped. “And to hear about the Crucible, I think it just got my mind all out of sorts I guess. Just hearing nonsense I think.” I shook my head and he took one of his hands off my shoulder and held it gingerly. “Thanks though.”

”Yeah. Those two. We talked about maybe putting you in the Crucible later, but now? Now is too soon.” He huffed and leaned back again, still holding my hand. “I’m responsible for you. Not them. You’re one of my Hunters dammit. Let me be the one who makes the calls on what’s good for you sometimes!”

I squeezed his hand. “This is good, I appreciate it. Right here. You, reassuring me and helping me mentally work through this nonsense.” I squeezed his hand one more time then let go and got back to work. Within a few minutes of focused silence, the repair was finished. “Alright, stand up and move around a bit. I want to see how it holds up.”

Cayde stood up and did a few squats and kicked his leg around. “Feels pretty damn good. Thanks Doc.” He giggled slightly. “You got anything to drink here? Sitting here, lookin’ pretty, is thirsty work. And I don’t think I finished my drink at the restaurant… Did I?”

I gave a good laugh in return and got up. There was a small bottle of whiskey and two glasses sitting in the cabinet. I grabbed them and plopped back down on the couch next to him. I handed over the bottle, “this is what I got if it will tickle your fancy.”

”Oh ho! The lady knows her stuff. This is my favorite.” He pulled the cork and poured two glasses. 

“Mine too. Something about it. I dunno.” I shook my head and shrugged. There was a sense of nostalgia but something I couldn’t place.

”Feels like home, right? He handed me my glass. “Well, either way, thanks for the fix. I guess you outrank me now, eh?” 

We clicked glasses. “What in the fresh hell are you talking about?”

”You’re my new doctor. Or engineer at least.” He chuckled. 

“Nah, can’t outrank you. You’re the Great Hunter Vanguard!” I laughed and waved my hands. I gave him a small jab with my elbow. 

“Well, fine. I am hard to beat anyways. I mean, look at me. I’m awesome!” He took a swig of his glass. “So awesome in fact, that I could dance. You got music?” Cayde rushed to put his wrappings and boots on and hopped up. He moved the small coffee table to the side of the room. 

“Music? Uhh, Moonsong? Can you help with that?” I looked around for the missing Ghost.

”Any requests?” Moonsong glittered into existence.

”You know. I am a total boss at Hokey-Pokey!” He started to dance the children’s dance with the most ridiculous enthusiasm. “Sides, nothing helps a shitty mood than good music, good drinks, and good company!” He had the brightest smile. It was infectious. 

“I don’t know what you like to listen to, but I have quite the variety of music. Moonsong, you pick, and the four of us can dance.” I winked at the Ghost and got to my feet. “I won’t say I am any dancer but I have my fun every once in a while.” 

An edgy upbeat song came on with a big band swing chorus. It was just the perfect song to get the goofy dance party started. 

“Maybe, but I know for a fact that you can keep a rhythm. You sing beautifully!” Cayde hummed, grabbing my hand and twirling me. “Man, this is the best this leg has felt in ages!”

”Ah! Now I know who was lurking in the shadows while I was trying to figure that song out.” I mused, raising my eyebrow to look at him suspiciously. 

“That was my moping slash sentimental thinking spot first, ya know.” He crossed his arms and huffed. 

The four of us had our laughs and dancing until the wee hours of the morning. Moonsong got sleepy so the music slowed down while Sundance took over for the resting Ghost. We sat back down on the couch out of breath. 

“I think Moonsong has called it. You know the party's over when the Ghost calls it quits before it’s Guardian.” Cayde yawned. 

“You got a far walk back to your place? I have some blankets and extra pillows if you want. Freshly laundered since Cronus is a sweaty mess when he stays over after missions sometimes.” I smiled, patting the couch. 

“Oh, I wouldn’t want to intrude. ‘Sides, I am one of those night owls and now that I got my sentimental thinking spot back for the evening, I might head there and relax a bit. Cool off ya know….”

”Oh, sure. No worries. Glad to know I could help you with the repair!” My voice sounded much more disappointed than intended. I couldn’t help but struggle with the rejection since I had already had so much fun that night. I just didn’t want it to end, even if it was just talking till one of us passed out on the couch or making jokes till I eventually crawled into bed. 

“Oh! Remind me to bring you that wax I was talking about earlier. I forgot about it with all the fun engrams and dancing.” Cayde smiled half heartedly. For some reason, he seemed melancholy as well.

“Good night princess, I’ll see you for your next mission or the Crucible, or whatever around the Tower. Come and save me from Vanguard duties every once in a while! Oh, and about the Crucible…” He leaned in closely, his breath hot on my neck. “Don’t tell anyone, but you’re my favorite to win.” He winked mischievously and left quietly through the door, closing it gently behind him. 

The evening ended on a decent note but I couldn’t place where the weird intimate mood came from with Cayde. I pondered it as I climbed into bed and placed my sleeping Ghost in his small nest on one of the pillows. 

I hummed quietly as I drifted off to sleep.

-|- 

Cayde climbed his way to the top of his self proclaimed ‘Sentimental Thinking Spot’ and laid down, stretching out his legs, a new found sense of ease in his left knee. It seemed like this was going to be another rough night. “Ugh, of course she’s probably with Cronus, big dumb Titan. I was supposed to be the one standing up for her… not him.” He stretched and thought quietly to himself.  

He grumbled to himself staring up at the stars. The beautiful view reminded him of the quiet humming and singing he had once heard in the very same spot a few weeks before. His thoughts drifted back to the small dance party at the apartment just a short while ago. He hadn’t found that kind of connection with anyone since before he could remember. He missed that connection and longed for her touch. It was comforting in a way that he couldn’t describe.

He sat himself up and mumbled. “I’m gonna need a lot more repairs, it looks like.” He smirked silently and chuckled at his own plan. Besides, they never got to that spot on one of his back plates. Maybe another time. For now, he needed to grab that Exo wax from home. He made a quick stop at his place and grabbed a new container of wax, completely forgetting to lock his door on the way out. 

As he walked back to Prim’s apartment, he heard a faint humming and singing from the open window. He placed the small tin with a small note stuck to the top in front of her doorstep. ‘Ready up for the Crucible with this. I’ll hit you up for another repair after you kick some major ass.’

Her quiet singing was like a warm blanket to him, like he had heard it for years and years. He leaned up against the wall for a brief moment and listened to her soft singing. “Man, what I wouldn’t give to hear her sing me to sleep…” He sighed heavily after hearing her fall asleep singing to herself and then quietly disappeared into the cool, calm night. 

Chapter Text

I had somehow convinced Nix and Cronus that it would be good experience in the Crucible, despite their original apprehension and anger towards the idea. I knew they were looking out for me in their own ways. After all, they were two of the three people who knew I was a prototype of Cayde with half-assed modifications. 

The day came quicker than expected and I found myself shaking in my boots, second guessing the whole idea. 

“What happened to the confident ‘I can totally handle it!’ girl?” Cronus chuckled. Stretching his arms out before putting on the rest of his armor. 

“She’s probably still stuck in that fantasy dream world where I am good and don’t have hundreds of eyes watching these televised games!” I nervously laughed, sitting on the bench waiting for our names to be called. 

”I told you. Show ponies. That’s why I don’t do this stuff, but you were so easily swayed by whatever Ikora and Zavala said.” Nix sat in a meditative stance on the floor trying to “mentally prepare for the shit-show”. He had stated earlier. “Here we are. 5 rounds of this nonsense and then you owe me food.” He looked over at my face. If I could look pale I would be. Nix uttered a single laugh. “Make that two meals.” He chuckled, going back to his meditation.

Suddenly Lord Shaxx burst through the door with a hearty laugh. “Are you Guardians excited?” His booming voice seemed all the louder in the small room. Cronus looked over my direction as if the question was only meant for me and smiled brightly. “This one could use some encouraging Shaxx!” A sly grin escaped his lips. 

“What’s the matter Guardian?” He walked around, crouched down to my level with me sitting on the bench, and grabbed my shoulders. “You can’t fight well if you’re this tense. Relax.” He shook me gently. My nervousness from this behemoth of a Guardian towering over me didn’t help my nerves. “Relax!” He got progressively louder. “I SAID RELAX!” He began to shake me violently as if trying to shake the fear out of me. 

“I can’t concentrate on my meditation with you yelling Shaxx!” Nix snapped. 

“What do you mean you can’t focus on your meditation with me yelling? I’M NOT YELLING.THIS IS MY EXCITED VOICE!” 

“Fine. Please take you and your excited voice out of the room and we can finish getting ready. Shaxx nodded politely and left just as quickly as he came. 

“YOU’LL DO GREAT GUARDIAN. I AM SURE OF IT!”

“Thank you.” I mumbled. 

“You’re welcome, but that wasn’t entirely for you. I’ll need to replace my hearing sensors if he does that kind of crap again. Him and his enthusiasm are a deadly combo that could give me nightmares.” I nodded.  

About ten minutes later, we heard the cheering of one of the matches concluding. We were next, I held my Sunshot and Dead Men Tell No Tales in my lap. Cayde had let me keep those engrams and even taught me the trick to using iron sights instead of the digital ones I was used to. 

“ I’m giving these to you on the condition that you kick major ass out there. Don’t want my favorite hunter getting their ass kicked. I got money riding on you winning.”

”Wow, I feel so special. Thanks.” I said sarcastically.

”But seriously though, I got money riding on this. So, just do your thing and it’ll be smooth sailing. I might even treat ya to some spicy ramen again.”

Reflecting on that conversation gave me a good boost of confidence. “Are we ready?” I looked at the two boys and clapped my hands together. 

“Ready.” Nix and Cronus said in unison.

With that, we put our helmets on and walked into the area. 

Our first game was Control. Amazingly, our team had run through tactics for each map ahead of time and we were able to take a large lead right at the beginning with a Power Play that Shaxx“hadn’t seen in years”. We waited for the team to nab Point A. Nix grabbed point C and then hauled ass to B where we were waiting for the incoming team from all directions. We then split Cronus for and Nix and I for A. We held those points for almost the entirety of the game. Cronus gave an excited kiss on the cheek to Nix who pushed him away, completely embarrassed. 

‘How’s your first win treating you? Cronus probed, giving me an elbow in the side. 

”Pretty good. I’m a little more confident after we spent all that at the ranges really helped!” I really started to get the hang of the iron sights and was slightly disappointed to have to switch. I felt comfortable with my Scout rifle for battles when I had space to see targets approaching, but knew that I would have to switch to my Sunshot or Thorn eventually for a PvP match. 

Next, our team was broken up into the game of Scorched was a hilarious way to take frustration out. Blowing things up was a great second match. Nothing says ‘have some fun’ then handing a bunch of Guardians Scorch Cannons and saying ‘have at it’. The anxiety I started to feel was losing its grip on me and I was genuinely having fun. My only concern were my makeshift body adjustments that I had Amanda reinforce the day before. They took a nasty beating and between matches she hovered over me to check on me like a mothers hen. I reassured her that I was doing fine and that everything was holding up just fine. She nodded, still not entirely convinced. 

Rumble was next. Though I felt decent in my skills this was a challenge. I knew my teams’ strategies but I struggled with finding the other two hunters until it was too late. A couple knives in the back and a sniper shot placed me in fourth overall. Still, in the grand scheme of things, I was still able to make it to the next round. 

I looked in the crowd trying to find familiar faces. I spotted Banshee and gave him a simple head nod which he returned. No reason to make it more complicated than what he was comfortable with. I looked for the Vanguard but they appeared to be scattered. Maybe they were still working? Oh, they were standing with their own kind: Ikora with the Warlocks, Cayde with the Hunters, and Zavala with his Titans. It was seeing him in a more ‘professional’ role since I knew him as a loveable goofball that I had become close with over the past few months. I smiled at him. He smiled back and gave me a thumbs up, low enough that it wasn’t entirely noticeable but it made my equivalent of a heart flutter. 

“Got the butterflies?” Moonsong mused. 

“You choose now of all times to use our telekinetic powers?

”I don’t have much to whisper to you. But this is much more interesting. Forget getting nowhere near close to him like Melrose said. You have the biggest crush.” He cackled, his voice fading. 

“Thanks, now I have to NOT think about that while in the next match.”

Clash was our fourth round in the Crucible. Our team had gotten broken up again but we were ‘guaranteed’ to be together for our fifth and final match. I had gotten used to the chatting of fans and Shaxx’s booming voice in my earpiece. I felt like I had finally found my groove with the latest win. First place went to my group and that was that. We were set for the next round. 

I was honestly filled with absolute glee and energy to think that someone who didn’t have a super could make it this far but here I was. 

-|-

Cayde shuffled out of his seat and left his Hunters. One of them grabbed his cloak and asked “Where ya goin’? Match is about to start.” They said with a smile. 

“I gotta see about a newbie that I need to congratulate. She won me big money today.” He chuckled and walked off towards the changing rooms under the arenas we were in. He failed to see the look of frustration and disgust that some of the hunters had. 

“Seriously? This kid comes out of nowhere, defeats some Hive on the moon and we’re supposed to be impressed?”

“I don’t know why Cayde cares about her so much…”

“Maybe it's because a pathetic Superless Light user that he feels bad for her. 

“Maybe.”

”Fuckin’ bitch.”

The group went back to watching the other game, cheering on Team Bluemoon. The Awoken group had developed a bit of a following for their dynamic and fighting styles in Crucible, so it would be interesting to see a Superless child fight off three seasoned Guardians. 

He walked into the changing room and saw that the game had already started. He watched from the monitors and decided to stay down here to congratulate the winning team (hopefully Prim’s). 

-|-

Survival.

 I had prayed to the Traveler I wouldn’t be stuck playing Survivor and bog my team down with unnecessary deaths and overall lackluster performance. I switched to my Sunshot knowing full well I was going to be needing to use as much of my training as possible. We were matched against the fireteam we had saved from the Wizard ritual back on the moon, Team Bluemoon. 

“No hard feelings if we kick your asses, right?” Cinder approached me directly. “Now that we have our Light, we can show you how to actually wield it ‘dud’.” 

The warlock, Ashe, had a bit more tact than her counterpart. “May the best fireteam win.” She bowed gracefully.

”Let’s have a good game and wrap this up!” I beamed, “My stomach has been rumbling since our Rumble match and those nasty protein bars Cronus devours fiendishly don’t sit well with my servos.” I chuckled trying to lighten the mood. Everyone but Cinder was in a cheery mood. He was shooting daggers at me with his eyes. 

“Have I offended you?” I asked apprehensively. 

“He gets like this before a match sometimes. Don’t take it personally.” The Titan, Gene, shrugged, shaking out his limbs a bit. 

The chime rang and we were teleported to our designated spots. “Go get them Guardians!” Shaxx bellowed from the comms. We were off. Cronus and I took front and Nix supported us from behind. BANG a headshot. Suddenly, we were on the board. 

“Nice, kid. Let’s keep it up.” Cronus said as he split from the group. “Ready Nix?” 

“Roger.” Nix hovered above us and took the lead. We split into three and stayed in the tunnel ways ready for a glimpse of any of the other team members. I looked through my scope in the distance and saw an empty field. Suddenly, I heard loud footsteps and a whoosh from the fist of a Titan. I dodged and backflipped out of sight. 

“Titan at the south tunnel” I commed. Then, I heard the shotgun and jumped up. “Warlock too.” I readied my gun and turned around. Cinder was there, ready with a knife. I shot first and he dodged and swung wildly at me, knocking the back of my neck. I fell. My helmet spiderwebbed on impact. 

“Cronus, are you close?” Nix sounded concerned. “They’ve cornered her! Now’s for a teamfight.” He huffed, running down another alleyway. He saw the Gene and took aim, the firing of a pulse rifle took him down and scattered the other two. 

“That’s very much unlike a hunter.”

”What do you mean?” I asked, trying to get my bearings. I took the helmet off and smashed the rest of the visor in. Better protect my head than worry about a tinted visor. 

“Using your head.” 

“Did you just seriously make a joke about me falling four stories headfirst into the ground?”

Nix just lightly chuckled.

Cronus rounded the corner and made eye contact with us. I pulled my rifle and took aim at the Warlock, Ashe, ready to trigger their super. Headshot. She collapsed to the ground. 

Gunshots were heard in the distance. Cronus and Nix bolted in their direction. Looking back for a brief moment. “The Hunter is still nearby, I can feel it.” They both nodded and rushed to the next location. As I took a quick breath a grenade rolled from between my feet. I dodged but without my visor I took a lot of damage to the face, I could feel the ajmentations cracking and popping from the heat and stress.

I rolled over and took a few shots from my hand cannon and took out both Cinder’s legs. He wailed in pain. “You fucking bitch! Fuck you.” 

“All part of the game, right?” I shot him once, execution style. Then left to catch up with the others. Before I could even round the corner of the current 2v2 matchup I was stabbed in the face with a dagger. I looked around, fuck. I’m down to one optic. Stupid ass helmet.

I took the helmet off completely and pulled the knife out from my eye, taking the full wire harness and optic with it. Moonsong didn’t have time to heal me before he was back ready for round two.

“That’s what you get for being a cunt.” Cinder laughed. “You fucking dud.” 

“What’s your beef with me, dude?” 

“My beef , is that you’re treated like a princess when you should be serving the REAL Guardians on hand and foot.” 

“A princess? Dude, I’m here and fight my battles the same as you.”

“ EVERYTHING is handed to you on a fucking silver platter. Your fireteam, your engrams, your glimmer, fucking everything. We’re fed up with it.”

“Who’s ‘we’?” I reloaded my gun, getting frustrated by the conversation that distracted me from my actual priority, helping my fireteam. 

“Hunters. Most if not ALL of us. The Vanguard treats you like a delicate fucking flower and the rest of us have to fend for ourselves. You never thought it weird how Cayde does favors for you all the fucking time? It’s bullshit.”

“So is this conversation.” I rolled my eyes. BANG a headshot. I hustled over to my team, Cronus and Nix were taken out so I turned tail and met up back at the spawn point. 

“Where were you, homie?” Cronus pouted. 

“Cinder has it out for me. I’ll tell you more later, but he’s gonna be focusing his efforts on me. Let’s stick with full fireteam battles.”

”Agreed.” Nix stated, dusting off his robes. 

The three of us took off towards the main plaza, round after round we matched each other. One side taking a full team wipe and then the other. We were down to our last few lives and we still had barely a lead. A full team wipe by them would win the game. We just needed one more kill to win. It was an all or nothing final stand. 

The Titan dropped in first with an Arc super. The pure shattering power from his fists flung us away from each other as we barely managed to avoid the attack. The Warlock followed suit with a rocket launcher. Nix and Cronus were both down and out. My panic set in and I jumped up to the highest platform I could. I pulled out my rifle on the spent Titan and took a few shots. Missing all of them. Fuck.  

I turned around and heard shuffling behind me. This time I was prepared, I blocked Cinder’s knife with my own and rolled backwards, kicking him off the platform. As he fell he grabbed the ledge and my ankle. With the last of his effort he pulled me down and I bellyflopped onto the concrete of the plaza. 

I barely got to my knees with the little strength I had after that fall. “Well, good game guys.” I smiled, raising my hands up in defeat. But none of them took a shot. Gene ran up, grabbed me by the helmet and kneed me in the face. As I flung upward he whipped me back down by pulling my helmet clean off. “You sure you wanna do this?” He asked, worried.

Ashe looked over at Gene, “She deserves it right?” She had her turn next, kicking me in the chest till I flipped over. She stood on top of my chest and crossed her arms. “What’s so special about you now?”

”SHAXX, CALL IT! CALL THE GAME!” I hollered my voice box crackling under the pressure, but there was no answer.

”Comms are jammed so everyone can see this little performance you’ve put on.” Cinder said. He grabbed me by my horn and pushed my head down. “See, I noticed that your Light is off. But what I also noticed from seeing your around the tower, is that you look like a fucking shit show. So why would the Vanguard care about a little nobody like you?” 

He took a knife and cut my armor off, revealing my undershirt. He ripped through the shoulder and the top of my chest, finding the weld spots that Amanda had just redone and wedged his knife under the metal and started to pry off the attachments. He knows, he knows what I look like under this! My mind went completely blank as I struggled to get up and fight back against the fireteam that proceeded to hold me down and peel off all the attachments from my face and body. My cheeks, forehead pieces, arm and chest prosthetics and left it at that, otherwise I would really be a naked Exo. 

“There we are. Heh. I didn’t expect this… you look just like our beloved Cayde. That’s why your Light is so fucked, because you’re just a fucking copy of a better Hunter. Probably trying to psiphon off his Light to better your own. You disgusting Exo.” Cinder chuckled. 

“How?” I begged, pleaded. “Why are you doing this to me?”

”I saw the shoddy job back on the moon and was curious. Looked up Exo data and haven’t seen any Exo that looked that messed up walking out of a Bray facility. So I figured you were hiding what you actually looked like. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t expecting an obsessed Cayde fangirl or whatever you are.”

”I’m just a Guardian like you. I’m not a fucking princess or whatever. Just kill me and get this fucking game over with!” I screamed, my vocal chords frying with each word. Finally my body started to heal, the broken areas mended underneath the additions. Any added parts where molted and thrown to the ground, I was exactly as I had looked when Moonsong found me. 

The rage my body started to glow a myriad of colors. My strength came back to me and I spin kicked the fireteam off of me. I summoned my Arc staff and sliced the calves of the Warlock and Titan. They wouldn’t be moving or walking for a few minutes until their Ghosts healed them. I turned to Cinder, looked him dead in the eyes and said plainly, my eyes glowing a bright teal, “run.”

He took off in a total frenzy but before he could even round the corner I had shot off a Void arrow and grabbed the energy with my hands, dragging him back towards me. His face showed sheer terror as he pleaded for me to not torture him. 

“I’m not torturing anyone. I’m ending this fucking game, immediately getting my ass to Europa to get this Exo body thing settled, and then…. Maybe eat a sandwich.” I mused, smiling happily. I snapped my fingers and popped my Golden gun. Three headshots within seconds of each other. That was it, the game was over, and my bare body had been exposed to the entire city. I was a copy, a prototype, of Cayde-6. There was nothing I could do. 

I collapsed on the ground, shaking violently. I screamed as the radiating Light left me and I was only left with an emptiness I couldn’t describe. Moonsong finally revealed himself, ready to help me heal my wounds.  “I’m so sorry.” He said as his warm Light repaired my body.

“Moonsong, make arrangements to go back to Europa ASAP. I need this fixed before I am swarmed.”

”Did you want to even make it back to talk to the Vanguard and explain?”

“No. I need off this fucking planet, NOW.”

With a trickle of light I was pulled back to the tower with a collection of people all gathered to see the ‘Triple Super Killer’. The yelling and chattering blocked the sounds of Shaxx and the Vanguard yelling for my attention. I ignored the crowd and began bobbing and weaving my way to the hangar. Cronus caught up with me first.

”Look, Prim, I’m so sorry.” 

“It’s not your fault” I huffed, quickening my pace. “You wanna make it up to me? Grab Nix, I’m going to Europa.”

”Why? What’s there besides Bray…. Oh. Fuck it. I’ll meet you at your ship. See you in 5.” He picked up on the subtle clue, thankfully, and hustled back into the crowd to grab the mentioned Warlock. If I was going to build a new body and transfer to it, I needed to have help and another Exo would be an added bonus. 

As the ramp to my ship opened I heard familiar footsteps running across the hangar. 

“Kid! Hey, wait!” Cayde ran up waving his hands, looking completely distraught.

“What could you possibly want, Cayde? Can’t you see I’m a mess enough as it is!” 

“It’s okay.” He grabbed me and held me in for a tight hug. “It’s okay. No one knows your story, and no one can judge you for it.” He hugged me closer. He used his free hand to pull my hood down from my cloak. “Hell, not even I can!” He grabbed my face and looked into my eyes. “I will say, your eyes are prettier than mine.” He giggled and smiled. “I also think I like our face without all the messy solder or weld spots on it, but you’re still quite the looker, just like me.” He winked. 

It was what I needed to hear, someone who genuinely cared about ME not what I looked like. He kissed the top of my head and pulled my hood back on. “I’ll take it you’re headed back to Europa to fix up a few things?” 

“Yeah… Get myself in a better body. The right body. Or at least the one I was meant to be in.” 

“Don’t change too much, I like looking in the mirror sometimes.” He gave me the finger guns as he walked down the ramp. “Don’t worry about the Vanguard harassing you for a while. There’s damage control to do here and then Zavala is all in a tizzy about Warsaw’s dropping down on Mars and some crazy Hive things made of ice? I dunno.” 

Cronus and Nix ran up the ramp and gave a quick wave to the Hunter. “You ready? This is gonna be a lot different than a regular mission.” I looked at the two boys, “If you don’t want to come, you don’t have to.”

“If I didn’t want to help you in your current situation I wouldn’t have shown up here.” Nix said. He started to clear a spot to sit and move some things around. 

“I’m ready when you are, princess .” Cronus mocked. 

As the door finally started to close I heard Cayde. “Hey! I’m serious about the eye color thing! You better use the same Hex code or you won’t be my favorite anymore!

I smiled. It was the first time he had seen my face, and rather than be weirded out or judgemental, he cared and understood that I was ashamed but that there was nothing wrong with me. 

I couldn’t wait to come back and show him and the rest of the city who I really was, what kind of Exo I was really meant to be. 

Chapter Text

The aftermath of the last Crucible match left the city divided. Many citizens were impressed that such a Guardian existed, one that could continuously use supers back to back. Others were terrified at the sheer power of a Guardian that could bring an entire team of seasoned Guardians to their knees. The Vanguard had some fires to put out in order to ease the minds of the people and bring peace back to the city. However, it didn’t change one thing, Cayde was proud. No one was going to stop him from supporting his favorite Hunter now that she had the respect of so many other Guardians and put the other two Vanguards in their place for doubting her skill and dedication. 

“This was not supposed to happen! How, who took control of the comms? Shaxx, I thought you had sole control over the lines!” Zavala spat venom with his words. This was an embarrassment to the Crucible, an embarrassment to the Guardians and in front of the whole city no less. 

“Normally yes, but I stepped away for a brief moment to meet with one of the teams before the match. They said they had a question about something for the next match.” Shaxx looked visibly uncomfortable. For a man of his stature he wasn’t used to being beaten down verbally or being ashamed. You could tell that he felt bad for something that wasn’t entirely his fault.

“Specifically so they could skirt around them. One must not have been present, correct?” Ikora asked sternly, her hands gripping into fists. Normally she kept herself under control but this time was not the case. Guardians betraying Guardians, it was unthinkable.

“Yes, their Hunter, Cinder.”  Shaxx stood firm, unwavering in his accusation. He knew alright. As soon as the match started something was off but he never thought that someone would deliberately take advantage of a situation like that and be him of all people! Shaxx was nothing but kind albeit a bit loud and boisterous at times.

“Of course it’s one of mine. Conniving little shit. I’ll wring his neck!” Twisting his cloak in his hands. He was emotionally invested, someone hurt one of his people and it was one of them. What happened to the camaraderie he had worked so had to build up. It wasn’t just that fireteam, he had heard whispers and hushed disgruntled and snide remarks b it he thought people would talk to him. Hell, he was their Vanguard for Light’s sake! 

“That sniveling little,” Zavala pounded his fist on the table, almost leaving a visible dent. One could feel the heat coming from the Titan Vanguard. He rarely got angry to the point of it being outwardly visible, but this was far beyond that. There were so many things riding on this day and it wasn’t even Primrose's fault it all came to a crashing halt.

“So much for gratitude for saving their asses from a Wizard ritual.” Cayde slyly said, leaning against a pillar in the room. He had given up pacing around awkwardly, waiting for the chance to bring up Prim and her success in the match. But the topic focused on the negative aspects and he wasn’t willing to get chewed out over a petty bullshit joke at the moment. 

Shaxx was flabbergasted and completely appalled that someone would mess with the Crucible in such a way. “How is the Guardian?” He turned towards Ikora, hands nervously fudging. She looked in bad shape when I last saw her… and you said her Ghost couldn’t heal that?! I highly doubt that-“

“Amanda gave her some aftermarket treatments so she looked less like a prototype and more like a finished model. It worked, until asshat and his fucking team ripped her apart!” Cayde kicked the pillar in frustration.

”Honestly, we don’t know. She left the planet before anyone got a signal from her.” She sighed, exasperated by the day’s events. She was worried but Prim was unfortunately the least of her priorities. There was cooling down the public’s outrage and perception of the event and then dealing with how they looked at Guardians in general. There was no Speaker anymore so the Vanguard tried their best to keep peace between the Light bound and the Lightless.

Cayde huffed as he paced bath and forth. He was clearly mulling something over in his mind and completely ignored the call of his teammate. He was too wrapped up in planning something.

”Cayde, where is Prim? Is she alright?” Ikora showed genuine concern. None of them knew the secret of her being a prototype Exo, not to mention CAYDE’S prototype before all of this. No one in the room knew what happened to her after the match except for Cayde and her teammates. They went radio silent after leaving the tower and turned off all of their tracking. 

Cayde,” Ikora grabbed his arm. “Ar-are you alright? I can’t imagine that one of your Hunters was hiding that kind of secret from you.”

”Why would I be upset? We all know how absolutely handsome this face is, well I guess OUR face is. Besides, I am not the one we should be worried about. I wasn’t mutilitated in front of hundreds of thousands of people on a live stream, he continued pacing.” Cayde crossed his arms and gave a dark stare at the door. “Speaking of, we should let them in now, right? Shaxx it's up to you to stay. It’s me who gets to lay into this little shit.”

”Cayde! Language!” Ikora snapped “we need to keep some level of decorum desite how we currently feel. She said hands still clenched into fists in her lap.

“Agreed” Zavala sat down. The rest of the Vanguard and Shaxx took their seats on the opposite side of the table from the door. 

“You may enter now.” Shaxx said, his booming voice seething with malice and contempt. “Good Evening Guardians.” He started.

Ashe entered first “Good evening Vanguard, Lord Shaxx.” With Gene right behind. Cinder lingered in the doorway. The three stood awkwardly in the doorway as they waited to hear what the Vanguard had to say. 

“Sit. Down. Guardians.” Zavala barked. 

The three took their seats opposite of the authoritative group. 

Gene started “Sir, if I may...”

“No you may not!” Zavala snapped. He sighed heavily, leaning back in his chair. “Do you even begin to understand what you have done to this entire organization, to the respect we have from our city, our citizens, not to mention your comrades in arms!” The rant had started and the three Guardians were already quivering on the other side of the table. “Pathetic. Pretty. Self-righteous and narcissistic. I don’t care what excuses you have for acting the way you did, but you deliberately went against any and all principles we uphold as Guardians. What were you thinking?”

Cinder, under his breath, replied “It wasn’t fair…” His hands clenched into fists. He slammed one on the table and lashed out “She was literally handed everything, while the rest of us have had to work tirelessly to get loot and our own glimmer. And her she is, walking up out of fucking nowhere getting treated like the Vanguard’s roayal princess. And it’s not just me who feels this way! Other Guardians have said this too!”

Ikora jumped in “Excuse me? You want to talk about fair? A Guardian, your sister in arms, was completely humiliated by something she desperately tried to hide. Something she couldn’t control. The darkest part of her shame as she begged you and pleaded with you to not do what you did. But here we are. You destroyed her mentally and physically without a single shred of remorse. It sickens me. If you had a problem with how we treated her you take that up with US not some Guardian who is trying to make a name for herself and try to be useful!” 

She turned to Gene and Ashe “And you HELPED him! I don’t know if pure Darkness possessed you in those moments but Light help me… I will drag you and your Ghosts back to the Traveler and ask for the Light to be drawn back for cowards such as you!” Her hands gripped tightly in her gloves. She wanted to smack some sense into them but she desperately tried to remain composed. She swung her arm out, her palm slamming on the table as she stood up. Tears welled in her eyes but she was damn sure she wouldn’t cry in front of these pathetic children. “You terrified and humiliated a fellow Guardian for your sick pleasure and I will not stand for it!”

Ikora had grown a soft soft for Prim in the past few weeks. Prim was punctual, polite and a go-getter, not to mention naturally inquisitive and intelligent. She had an infectious enthusiasm and a great personality brimming with optimism. She felt the attack on Prim like an attack on herself and the Vanguard and especially an attack on Cayde, one of her fireteam members.

Asha snapped back “If it didn’t feel like you were babying a broken down piece of shit Guardian like her, none of this would have happened. You handed her everything. Everything was easy, when the rest of us bust our asses, grinding away at patrols and raids to get anywhere; she walks in, looks like a pathetic little princess, and you all take pity on her.”

Cayde stood up silently, each step heavy and deliberate, and grabbed three holopads that the Vanguard used daily, pulled up a few screens on each one, and slid them across the table. “Go on. Tell me what you see.” He crossed his arms and sneered at the team his normally colored cheeks showing almost red in anger. “Go on, keep reading…”

A short few minutes of uncomfortable silence ensued as the fireteam read through the data that Cayde offered them. “Notice anything?” He snapped, circling the group looking as though he would slit their throats instantly if given the chance.

The data collected was status reposts on all of the missions that Nix, Cronus and Prim had completed in the short amount of time they had been a fireteam. 12 high priority missions, 62 patrols and 4 raids in a little under a few weeks. 

“You all know I hate reports and paperwork, but this is hard to not watch. They are unstoppable and take up just about anything as they can get on top of bounties they pick up along the way. So, you wanna try your little shit speech about being a pathetic little princess now?” He huffed and ripped his own holopad from Cinder. Let’s see here, the most recent big score was taking down 3 Fallen holdouts and their Kell.”

”Their Kell?” Ashe questioned just above a whisper.

”Yup.” Cayde chirped happily. “So now 3 houses are scrambling for new Kell and are desperate for supplies.”

The team was mute. The data more than showed that the armor and weapons Prim and her group were more than worthy of the work they put in. “Yeah, occasionally I’ll throw them a glimmer cache here and there, but Prim and I have a system where she pays my tab at the pub and I pay for ramen after the team gets back. And as we all know, I do like my whiskey. So, if you want to bitch about me paying my dues, go ahead, but their work ethic shows more than any other team out there.”

He walked back and picked up the remaining two pads from the Guardians, still awestruck by what they saw. Cayde sat back down and kicked his feet up on the table. Zavala was too pissed off at the Guardians to even snap at him for his lackadaisical behavior. 

“What you did was unacceptable on so many different levels. If you have problems we expect you to handle them like the adults you are. The Vanguard is not meant to be a babysitting club for disgruntled ignorant ingrates.” Zavala said, his voice deep and brooding. He stood up and walked around the table and grabbed two of the chairs the Awkon group were sitting in. “You have issues, you bring them to us, or settle them amongst yourselves. I will say, I am quite curious how these rumors got started in the first place. It seems too coincidental that your team was the one to act on the dissatisfaction. Did they come from you?” He leered at Cinder. He suddenly turned his attention to Lord Shaxx.

“Lord Shaxx, you’ve been awfully quiet. Do you have anything to share?”

Shaxx stood up and slowly walked toward the group. ”My Crucible is an honor-bound area where Guardians like yourselves are meant to join together to hone their skills. Not to belittle and degrade their brethren and physically tear them to pieces. These are games designed to test your skills, not to mentally break down your opponents and destroy your fellow Guardians.”

 He slammed his palms on the table and shook the room. The three Guardians gasped, though Shaxx was one who could be a little over enthusiastic and aggressive, it was unheard of to see him get physical or show anger. “You’ve brought shame upon your teammates and to yourselves. You tampered with my equipment and skirted by the rules to maliciously attack and humiliate a camarade on a live feed in front of the ENTIRE CITY. As of this moment, you’re permanently banned from ever participating in the crucible, again.”

“SHAXX THAT'S NOT FAIR” Cinder jumped up from his seat in protest. 

“WHAT ISN’T FAIR IS YOUR COWARDICE AND PATHETIC ARROGANCE THAT MADE YOU AND YOUR FIRETEAM SO ENVIOUS OF ANOTHER Guardian THAT YOU NEARLY TOOK THE LIGHT FROM HER!” Shaxx rushed over to Cinder and grabbed him by the neck. Ikora and Zavala jumped up to stop him but held back, knowing Shaxx still had some sense of self control. 

“She was shaking in her boots before the games even started. She was worried she wouldn’t be good enough, that she would hold her team back or fail them, and you know what you did? You broke her to the point she’s run away to try and desperately hide from everything and everyone. Do you feel good about that?” 

He slammed the petite Hunter up against the wall of the office. “I should have your head for this, but there’s no point in wasting time on you and your shameful and pathetic team. RPick yourselves up Guardians before you completely lose the respect of the entire Tower.” With that, he stomped through the doors and slammed them shut. 

Cinder slid down the wall desperately trying to catch his breath. “We didn’t know. How were we supposed to she was a complete disaster?” Tears welled up in his eyes as his teammates picked him up from the floor. 

Ikora walked up to Cinder “Didn’t you say that you noticed her weld and solder marks? Then you did you but you still did it anyway. You attacked an enemy that openly surrendered and broke anything she had attempted to do to hide her secret!”

“It was never your business. SHE was never your business or anyone’s for that matter. Only the Vanguard knows the status of missions unless you share them with each other on your own. You had made her a target since she rescued your dumb ass on the moon as a fucking rookie within her first week.” Cayde walked over, footsteps barely audible, like he was stalking a prey, ready for the next kill.

“But Cayde, you have to understand…”

“Understand what? That you were intimidated by a fucking KinderGuardian and still are? Get your shit together. You and your team are banned from missions until we can find ways to trust your asses again.” He pulled a knife from his sleeve and played with it in his hands, keeping his eyes off Cinder. He wanted to slit his throat and watch him bleed out before his Ghost would heal him, but the Vanguard were supposed to be better than that.

“But Cayde!” Cinder screeched, barely making noise between sobbing. Suddenly a flaming knife flew by his face, just grazing him enough to make his cheek bleed. Cayde had nonchalantly pulled another dagger from his leg strap to keep the threat going and to make him stop begging like a child. “Next one goes right for the head, kid. Or maybe an eye, like you did for her.” He knelt down in front of Cinder and flipped the knife again. “Don’t make me make your Ghost rez you. It’s not a good look.” 

“Get your shit, and get out.” He stood up and went to join Zavala and Ikora. “I don’t want to see or hear from you for at least a week, maybe even two, any of you. If you remember anything about being a fucking Guardian you’ll stay out of our damn way before I skin you alive and wear you as my new cloak.” Cayde’s normally bright blue eyes darkened to a dimly lit deep teal. It was as if all compassion and Light left him with rage and disgust. 

“Return to your quarters. We’ll each speak with you individually as to how to proceed.” Ikora walked over to the door and opened it, ushering the fireteam to leave. Once they left she turned to her fireteam she sighed heavily and said “I think this is the most we have ever been on the same page in awhile.”

”Agreed.” Zavala said coldly. “Now, what do we do from here?” He pinched his nose as his brows furrowed. “We eventually need to get them back on the field. In the meantime…” He turned to Cayde. 

“Ikora, I think you should meet with Osiris, he might be able to help shed light on Prim’s power. He must have been something like it in some sort of timeline.”

Cayde turned to Zavala “And Z, I think you can tackle whatever the hell is happening on Mars with the Warsats and whoever has been jamming and using the Vanguard signal. Someone is there and trying to break through, not to mention the Hive infestation. If it has anything to do with Rasputin, you’ll be best there with that Guardian we’re all so fond of.”

“And you?” Zavala turned to Cayde as he headed to the door. 

“I gotta see about an Exo trying to get a new body out on Europa. I just hope she doesn’t get herself killed in the process. I kinda like that Hunter, and I’d like to keep her around. The paperwork will have to wait for a bit but that’s not something we can’t handle when we get back from our missions.” With that, he closed the door and left. 

“I don’t think I have ever seen him so calculated since the Red War. And even then, that was iffy.” Ikora hummed, pondering. She stared at the door he just left through. “That Guardian is more than just a Hunter to him.” She placed a hand to her chin and chuckled. “And I doubt he knows that.”

”Hmm, well, I plan on letting him figure that out on his own.” Zavala smiled slightly at the thought. He cleaned up the office and sighed. “She seems good for him. At least he’s doing his job more seriously now.” He chuckled loudly. “Cayde… doing work willingly. That’s a sight I never thought I would see.” He smiled brightly. 

“You plan on letting him pursue that?” Ikora looked at Zavala questioningly. 

“If he can be this calculating, focused, and collected because of her… I don’t see any problem with that. If he starts to slip, then I say we intervene.” He chuckled slightly. 

“Since when have you ever thought that way?” She walked up to the Awkoen and patted him on the shoulder. “What kind of person does it take to tame Cayde-6 of the Vanguard?” She laughed lightheartedly at the thought. 

”Everyone deserves someone to help bring them peace and make them feel whole again. And I feel like Prim could just maybe be that Guardian for him. She has the tenacity and determination for it.”

“We’ll see.” They both smiled thinking what a love sick Cayde could be like, the idea alone made the two laugh. It was nice to know that one problem was out of the way and the team could focus on more important matters at hand.

-|- 

CAYDE POV  

I headed out of the meeting room and saw Cinder waiting for me. “Not talking to you now, kid. I have better shit to do at the moment.” Like get the hell off this planet and to Europa.

“Please,” Cinder pleaded, “Let me come with you. I can apologize properly.” He looked genuinely remorseful for his actions and toys with his hands nervously. “I don’t know what else to do to make things right. I screwed up royally and I need to make up for it. I just thought I was teaching her a lesson on behalf of all of the frustrated Guardians. Ya know? They have. Right to be heard.”

I spun around on my heels and braced the kid up against the wall with my forearm. “You think your little show back there give you a free fucking pass? I said no. Prim is in a fragile enough state without you and your bullshit. Again, if other Guardians had issues they should have brought it up themselves to us instead of cheering your ass on while you brutally mutilated another Guardian where everyone could see.” He used his heavy metal body to push Cinder up against a well. “You have no idea how Exos work. And why should I bring you anywhere? So you can trash all over whatever she comes back with? Fuck you, you little shit. Consider yourself dead to me until I figure out how we’re going to make you fix this mess.” He grabbed the Hunter by the shoulder and pulled him out of the way, heading towards the living quarters.

“Sundance, I need the ship…”

“Already on it. Zavala and Ikora gave you free reign until Prim comes back safe and sound.” Her voice was full of worry. She hadn’t seen him like this since, since, well the day he became a Vanguard after losing the dare.

“Good. Lets stop by home and Prim’s to grab what we can and head off. Being here is really just pissing me off.” I looked back only for a brief second. Cinder was still sitting on the ground, his arms and head resting on his knees, crying. I picked up my pace and headed to the apartments. “Although, do me another favor. Grab a couple of those instant packs of spicy ramen, Maybe I can get a little bit of a smile on her face with one of those.” 

“Already ordered.”

“You know me too well.” I transmatted back to my place and decided to pick up the mess I had made earlier. After watching everything as it went down I lost it. There were broken glasses and my favorite bottle of whiskey and dishes shattered on the floor. I cleaned the glass shards off the floor and used a wet rag to clean up the sticky mess from the liquor. Hell, I even made my bed and tidied up the place. 

I wasn’t sure what shape Prim would be in when she got back but I wanted to be ready to help however I could, if she needed my place or hers to recuperate with someone watching over her. Though, ugh, I rolled my eyes, I supposed Cronus could do that job. We Exos have to look out for each other and she could potentially be a complete shit show till she gets used to her refined body. 

My mind wandered as to what she meant by ‘custom body’. Most Exos didn’t have custom parts, well, except for me and a few others. I started to wonder if she would resemble her human self. I wonder how beautiful she would be with a new body, and those beautiful eyes of hers. Maybe she’d be taller or shorter with a bit more curves to her figure. I wonder what she looked like when she was human. I bet she was really pretty, just like her personality. Oh crap, she’s gonna need new armor… well, that’s for later. My mind flashed through images of her smiling face and I swear my heart skipped a beat and my face flushed. Good grief, I was becoming a complete mess over this little Guardian.

I realized I had gotten distracted and packed my things and headed to her place. The door was unlocked, just like she left it. I wandered around her apartment and found some tools, spare parts and just for giggles, opened her cabinet. There was a small gift bag stashed away. I took it out and looked as the small handwritten note:

   To Cayde,  

I know this doesn’t really make up for all that you’ve done for me, but thanks for always being my number one support. I just wanted to say, that I really like   I have always admired you for your optimism and infectious energy. Maybe one day you and I can share this after I kick some butt in the Crucibles (especially since you said you had money riding on me winning!) You jerk. Thanks for having faith in me. 

With l 

Thanks again, 

Prim 

“There’s no need to thank me when you’ve always been a bad ass.” I chuckled. I sat on her couch and poured myself a glass. This was an even smoother tasting whiskey than she had before when we had our little dance party. I reminisced on the things I wanted to say that evening but after hearing Cronus’ name leave her mouth I was too sour to even mention our friendship or the possibility of something more. 

After slamming the first glass, I finally felt my anger start to subside. I went into her bedroom and made her bed, picked up a few dishes, cleaned up some scrap lying about and sat back down for one last glass before I took off. 

That second glass turned into three and I sat there staring at the ceiling, laying down on her couch. I could’ve sworn I got the same feeling from her as I gave off around her. Was I just rusty after not being with anyone for so long?  “Sunny?”

“Yeah?” She stated, looking at the beginning of my long night of drinking.

”You think I have a chance?” I stirred the drink with my finger gently, mulling over my thoughts. 

“At flying your ship? No. I’ll be taking care of that if you’re leaving tonight. If it’s tomorrow, maybe I’ll let you fly.”

”No, no, no, no, no.” I waved my hand, swatting her away. “With her.”

“Excuse me?” Sundance seemed surprised. Her eye widened in complete shock. 

“I know she’s with Cronus but… maybe?”

”She’s not. They’re just teammates. Besides, Cronus is with Nix.”

I bolted upright, “WHAT?” 

“Yeah, Nix and Cronus are a thing. Prim is on her own.” Sundance replied, seemingly annoyed. 

“WHEN WERE YOU GOING TO TELL ME!?” 

“Are you stupid? They made it obvious during dinner and shared an apartment….”

“What the hell?”

“Nevermind. Just, don’t get on the comms tonight. The whole world doesn’t need to know that you just finished a bottle of whiskey and just realized that you have feelings for one of the most powerful Guardians in the galaxy.” 

“You’re right, maybe when I see her I can tell her. As long as she doesn’t change those damn beautiful eyes…” 

“Yes, yes. She has pretty eyes.” Sundance mocked.

“Beautiful, Sunny. Just, beautiful…” I swigged the last of the drink and laid back down. I couldn’t tell if it was the whiskey giving me a slight buzz or the idea that someone I was genuinely interested in was actually single. 

Maybe I was reading the signs right? Oh man, how do people even date nowadays? How does that even work when I am her Vanguard? Oh boy… something for tomorrow I guess. 

Sundance grabbed a blanket as her Guardian started to drift off to sleep. Most nights he would wander the city into the wee hours without sleeping. So seeing him relax enough to actually sleep was a small miracle. She made an order to replace the bottle of whiskey that he had drank and set a reminder to put the new bottle back in the gift bag before they left in the morning. 

Somehow Cayde tripped into Primrose’s bed, but was sure she wouldn’t mind given her current situation. Sundance nestled in a comfy spot on the pillows and set an alarm. With that they both fell into a deep, welcoming sleep. 

Chapter Text

Clearing the levels of the Europa Bray facility were significantly easier with proper gear and teammates. Vex and Fallen had all but finished scouring for what they were looking for. I managed to guide the group of us through the maze of rooms and stairways that lead to various other laboratories, at least the ones that the public were aware of. Eventually, we had made it into the deepest sub levels where I was originally found and started looking for anything that pointed to Exo production. 

Cronus and Nix wandered through the facility looking at all of the empty Exoskeletons that were strewn about. There were a group of them lying on a table that the wiring hadn’t been completed on. Nix had a look of discomfort on his face as soon as we entered the lab.

“Try not to touch anything” I warned. “We don’t know what safety measures are still in place. This is a high level security place by the looks of it.” Suddenly Moonsong chirped up.

”Here! This is where I found you! We must be close to where you were converted.” He floated near a spot on the ground that had once been covered in a thick layer of dust. 

I hope so. I really don’t like the idea of being in this place any longer than I have to. I had a nagging headache and started to hear a strong buzzing sound in my head. 

I suddenly winced, holding my head, “What’s that horrible sound?”

“I don’t hear anything. Maybe you should sit down. This could be a lot for you to take in if old memories are resurfacing.” A thud was heard right behind the two.

He turned around to face me; I had already collapsed against the nearest wall. My consciousness failed me. My eyes and body were working, but any lights of mine flickered as I sat there against the wall. 

Moonsong cried out “Primrose! Wake up!” He started scanning me for any issues but found none. All they could do was wait for whatever I was experiencing to stop. 

-|-

”Hey I just wanted to see if I could see… Oh… is that… him?” A young man pointed over to the men strapping an Exo down. His shiny teal coating reflected the overhead lights. He looked ghostly without his eye or cheek lights glowing with his wildly expressive facial features. I could only nod. 

They rolled the unconscious Exo out of the Engineering lab, bearing fixed and off to complete a new Whisper. The silence left in the room was suffocating. That would be the last time I saw him.  

“Yeah. I’m sorry. He was…” I fumbled with my hands as I spoke. 

”Wiped again?” The young man turned towards where the elevator had just left. What did he do this time? 

“He’s on his way there now. But honestly, it’s all because he misses you and your mom. It causes him to reject the Exo form. At one point it led to a full rejection of the skeleton. So…Yeah. But that’s not why you’re here is it?” 

 -|-

The noise finally stopped playing in my ears and the vivid memory faded. I knelt down on the ground. It felt suffocating to hear the voices and see the vision so clearly in my head. My optics and ears hummed with overstimulation of electricity. This was the place. The place where the memory just played. My eyes still flickered a bit, but it was tolerable but the voices continued as we walked. 

[ “What have I told you about calling me when I am in the middle of something?” 

“Aww come on kiddo, you know I ship out tonight, give me the good ‘ol once looked over one more time before I go? Please? You’re the only doc I trust Doc!”]

“Your heartbeat is well beyond safe parameters and your heartbeat wavelengths are in A-fib. Prim you need to collect yourself. Stay down and I can try to help.” Moonsong hovered erratically, desperately trying to control the anxious energy that his Guardian was giving off and sharing with him. He saw glimpses of what I saw but he couldn’t piece it together. That thought alone, scared him. I shook him off with a gentle wave. 

“I’ll be fine. Just… give me a few moments.” I huffed. 

“Uhh, Shelly and I are gonna find a way to get power… This is, just…” Nix seemed shaken as well. Not nearly as much as I was. But being in the facility that created Exos like a candy factory gave us all the heebie-jeebies. He tried desperately to hide it but he was completely shaken.

“It’s alright, I get it.” I said, getting up slowly. I carefully walked down a corridor with a long platform towards some sort of machine. Maybe it was a database? ”Cronus, Mel, go with him. He seems like he needs you right now. This isn’t easy for either of us to be here. Besides, this is more for me to deal with anyways.” 

“Thanks for understanding. The whole Exo thing is hard for him at times…” He nodded and chased after his beloved Warlock. 

My head hummed again and my vision became static. I knew I had to sit down but had lost feeling in my body. 

[ “You think they miss me?”

“I will.”

“No, no, no, you’ll just miss my jokes. But my family. You think they miss me?”  

“Of course they do.” 

“You’ll help take care of them when I’m gone, right?”  

“Of course. I will, always.”

”I’ve never making bets with you again… cheater.”

”Oh come on, you just suck at cards. Don’t hate me, my fam, they’re wonderful from what I can remember.]

“PRIM! Are you alright?” Moonsong watched me stumble over my own feet as I struggled to maintain consciousness. “I don’t like this place. We need to leave. We’ll figure something else out!”

“Moonie, it's ok. I just, I think there’s so many memories that were made here that I am kinda losing it… We must be getting close to it, to something…”

“Does any of this seem familiar? I know something is happening to you but… do you feel like your Exo body is nearby? Can you even sense something like that?” Moonsong floated above using his light to shine along the path, somewhat shaking. 

“I keep… hearing and seeing things.” A sharp pain in my circuits shot through me. “AH!” My optics flickered painfully. “Fuck. Traveler knows that I can’t stay like this.” I stumbled down the catwalk and landed in front of the machine. 

[ “Day 561 since Exo was established. Exo Unit 3-1-25-4-3 compromised heavily due to familial attachment. New iteration protocol LSW to be  completed before deployment.” ]

 “Moonie, while I still remember, I need you to remember the last thing I saw. Did you see it too? Or hear it? Or is it just me losing my mind?’ 

He nodded. “No, I see them too! You’re not alone, I’m here. I hear what you hear, remember?”

I nodded and sighed. This day was already too much. I gingerly approached the machine. Moonsong using the light from his body to shine as we looked around the machine. Suddenly Moonie’s light caught her in his sights. That’s when I saw her. The limp Exo sitting outside the chamber. She was beautifully crafted, a similar face to mine and a light teal coating that had managed to stave off the rust. A nice shine and powder coating, expert paint job, the works.

Suddenly the entire chamber was flooded with light. “Got the lights!” Cronus yelled down the hall as he jogged into the room. Nix walked cautiously into the doorway, saw me in front of the machine, and suddenly bolted down the catwalk to us.

“Mo-moon-s-song, can you scan what’s in there?” My heart sank into my stomach, my whole body trembling. I had a feeling what the answer was, but I wanted to be sure before I completely lost my composure. I could feel every fiber running through my system zapping and popping with anxiety. 

There were two distinct chambers. The one of the right was open, wiring ripped out of the clamps that were clearly meant to hold an Exo in place. The chamber to the left was frosted over, a layer of ice coating the outside. I stepped aside and tried to rub some of the ice off. I eventually took my cloak and rubbed the outside. Inside, a body lay resting, covered in a thin layer of frost. She was cryofrozen, somehow still running on backup power from the mainframe or a generator. Alive, but from all appearances, dead to the world. 

“Okay,” He floated closer, feeling unsure. “Scan indicates that this human is Aralyn Martin, Chief Engineer of Robotics for Bray Laboratories. She has been cryogenically frozen during manual override attempt at transfer to prototype 3-1-25-4-3-X03.”

“Oh my Light.” He started to back away slowly and turned to face me, eye completely glossed over. Shaking as he got closer to me, he hid himself in the cowl of my hood and tucked his eye into my shoulder, scared to continue this investigation. 

I went up and scraped at the frost with my hands to see the person a bit better. A lab coat, glasses, teal hair in a ponytail, with a pale complexion. I backed away slowly and collapsed, trembling on my knees, palms flat on the ground. “Fro-frozen d-during Exo tran-tr-trans-sfer to pro-prototype 3-1-25-4-3-X03.” I mumbled. “Is that correct?”

Moonsong gave a soft whisper. “I’m sorry…”

“Prim! The boys ran to see me collapsed on the ground next to the Exo body making a screeching crackling noise that could only be described as the Exo equivalent of wailing. Like a banshee, I was lost in the darkness of my own sorrow and memories to function as anything more than an uncontrollable siren of emptiness. “I shouldn’t be here. I’m dead. I’m dead. I shouldn’t be alive.” I kept repeating and shaking. 

My eyes were black, I couldn’t see, but the memories flashed through my mind were overwhelming. The woman in the chamber, me. The body laying there was made for me. My panic trying to get into the machine. The darkness, all of my last few moments. Nix knelt down and held me tightly. He wasn’t a very emotional Exo but knew how painful the experience was being back here for me. He just hoped that the physical contact could help pull me out of whatever thing I was going through. Moonsong started scanning me and trying to heal me as he could given the situation but nothing worked. 

Cronus tiptoed past me and looked at the second chamber. “Moonsong what did you do!?” He looked horrified.

”She…. She… That’s….. That….s….Pr..i..m.. The human in the tank.” Moonsong sank down to the catwalk, I went silent, and the two of us were limp, and just barely flickering with Light.

”What?” Cronus looked at the body. “That’s Prim? The Prim that’s the Exo, right there?” He couldn’t help but stare at the person in the container. 

“Help me up and bring that Exo body.” Nix snapped, my eyes still black as the depths of darkness we faced, listening to me chanting “I shouldn’t be here. I’m dead. I’m supposed to be dead.”

 “Cronus, she’s, she’s rejecting her body. We need to get her out of there and see if she accepts the new one.” He carried me to a table and set me down.

“Why is she saying she’s dead? She’s right here…” Cronus’ face was pale as he spoke. “She’s still here, right?” He turned to look at his Exo. He roughly placed the replacement body on the table next to my current mumbling one.  

“It's called Exo body rejection. It happened to a lot of the original Exos if I was told correctly. They didn’t feel human anymore and saw themselves as dead. Especially if they even see or hear things that remind them of their previous lives. They were reset to help them forget their old lives. The number after their names is how many times they’ve been reset. We need a direct transfer between the two bodies. The hard part is over. She’s already IN an Exo body. I’m no engineer but I remember what they did to me when I needed an upgrade. There’s just a plate… forget it. Just come on!”

”Wait, Banshee has been reset 44 times!?” Cronus yelled.

“Yes, love, but I’m not doing this now. I can explain later. Shelly, I’m going to need you to look over one of the computers and pull up the specs for this body type. Can you do that?” She nodded and flew away and started scanning the machines with Moonsong. It was all he could do to help his Guardian at the moment and it was driving him nuts. 

 Nix blushed slightly from the sight of the naked, fully detailed Exo laying on the table next to my armored body. He rolled me over and found a hidden port that he pried open with a good amount of force. It was filled with plugs and adapters. 

He grumbled and sighed, getting frustrated. “Shelly, where are we on the schematics for these two…”

“Got ‘em. Displaying now.” Two projected electrical schematics and mechanical diagrams were displayed side by side. 

“Perfect. Cronus, pry the neck seal open on the new body while I look at these. There should be a small plate, like mine, see?” He turned and pointed at the back of his neck.

With a quick flip of the wrist the plate came off. “Uhh, this is your thing. There’s wires everywhere.” Cronus backed away from the two Exos.

“That’s fine. It’s just connecting the colors with adaptable cables. Thankfully it looks like they were both drawn up and color coded by the same engineer.” He took his time pulling out small extra bits of wire and plugging them each into adapters and then into their coordinated sockets. “Babe, I need you to find me some kind of reader, I need to know if there is an electrical signal going through these. I don’t know what the hell to do here. Shelly, any instructions on this?” 

”There appears to be notes of switching into different more complex bodies for more prominent investors but that is all. It’s signed by Bray himself to Aralyn.”

Nix sighed. “Of course. Keep looking.”

Cronus ran around the lab, grabbing anything that looked like a scanner. If it wasn’t, it was thrown on the floor. Finally, he pulled open a drawer of a desk, old outdated packets of ramen mixed in there. He grabbed it and ran up with the closest thing he could to a scanner. Turns out he was correct. Nix plugged it into the remaining port and watched the boot up screen, firmware updates and the code transferring from one to another. 

“I also need you to find me something around here for her to wear. Her body.. eh.. is more detailed than her old one and completely naked. I really don’t feel like walking out into the abyss of Europa with a naked Exo. I mean, Light help me, I am desperately trying not to stare at her. This craftsmanship is fucking beautiful and… shit.” His cheek lights tinged a pinkish hue. 

Cronus chuckled slightly “I doubt anything will fit those, umm, curves she’s got goin on over there, but I can at least try to find some sheets. Also, what’s the big deal, its metal plates and silicone?”

”Dude, it's like seeing me naked. Not just silicone and metal plating now is it?!” 

“Point taken. Does an oversized onesie tech coveralls work?” Cronus grabbed the items and started delicately putting them on the body, trying not to disturb whatever process was happening with the wires and transfer.” 

Nixe hugged his mate and quietly said “Thanks. I appreciate you.”

”I appreciate you too, sweets.” Cronus and Nix touched heads as a small chirping noise was heard. They both turned towards the new body. 

The eyes of the new body flickered on. I blinked a few times and waited for the system to boot up. It felt like waking up by Moonsong all over again.

”Guys? Everything ok?” I struggled to lift my head up.  

“AH! Prim! You’re still attached!” Nix panicked, holding the cables in place. He was literally holding my life in his hands. 

“I should be good now. Thanks. Can you take them off and put the plate back?”

”Y-yeah. I-I me-me-mean umm. Are you ok? Are you, ya know, you?” He awkwardly asked, slowly stepping towards me, fiddling with his gloves. 

“Yeah. It’s me. I smiled, my red and pinkish cheek lights glowed with my smile.” It was sudden but Nix hugged me, I could tell he was scared for all of us that I might not come back. ”I’m here. I’m here. I promise.” My words reassured him and he finally returned to his usual facade of keeping his shit held together. 

“You rejected and we weren’t sure if you would for this one, and…”

“Thank you, both of you. I wouldn’t be here without you. I can never repay you for your help. 

Suddenly, flashes of lights and crackles of energy were heard off in the distance. Along with gunshots. “And kind moment over…Fuck, Vex.” 

“And with Vex, there will be Fallen.” Cronus huffed. He ran down the hall to look up at the cat walks. “The flickering is a few levels up but we need to hurry. Nix?”

“She’s not really in a position to move any time soon. It takes a bit for the body to transition and warm up. She’s gonna be stuck here for at least 5 to 10 minutes.”

”Fuck”

”Yeah, fuck is right.”

The gunshots and Vex and Fallen noises were getting closer. Cronus ran upstairs. “I’ll try to hold them off, you two do what you need to.” Suddenly, the distinct sound of a Golden Gun rang through the facility. 

“What the hell? Who else could be here?” Nix snapped his head back at the doorway nervously. 

“Go help Cronus. I’ll be fine.” I waved him on. 

“Got it. Good luck Miss Aralyn.” He gave a slight bow. 

“Thanks Nix.” I smiled. “But Prim is just fine.” I chuckled. 

”But you just remembered your real name.” 

I nodded “We’ll have time for that later but go help him!” 

Upstairs a battle raged on. Cronus and Nix were doing well holding off the Vex as best they could but without the full fireteam they left their backs open more than they should have. Cronus took a shot right to the should and ducked into cover. “Fuck. We need Prim.” 

“Mind if I step in for her for a while?” Cayde stepped up with a chuckle. 

Cronus and Nix looked completely confused. “How? Why?” 

“Can’t leave one of my favorite hunters sitting SOL while you’re up here having all the fun. Speaking of, where’s the little spitfire?” He looked around. 

“Nix finished the transfer. She just needs time to boot up.”

“Holy shit you found it? And here I was expecting this to be a longer excursion. Guess I get to head back to the tower sooner than I’d hoped.” He smiled slyly, “that’s okay though. I’m kinda excited to see how this goes.” He took out another group of Vex with a grenade and dodged to the side to reloaded. 

”Hey, Titan, bubble us.” He cooed smoothly. Cronus did as he was told. Cayde rushed out and flung a fury of Solar blades at the fallen and rushed back to the bubble. “Well, fuck, I’ma need to pick those knives up in a bit. He laughed. 

Nix hopped in and used his void to clear out a large portion of the enemies and Cronus hopped in and spread the remaining group with an overhead smash. The rest of the groups were easy pickings for the three of them.

“4:23 seconds if I counted correctly, she should be getting up about now.” Nix snapped. The group headed back downstairs to where I was sitting. I was able to sit up and move my arms but that was it. My body hadn’t booted before and was running diagnostics so my legs still weren’t working quite yet. 

“Is that Prim?” Cronus yelled. He came barreling towards me in a giant awkward hug. “Oh man, I could kiss you. Shit I was worried!” He shook me back and forth giggling as the three of us took our individual sighs. Nix joined the hug and patted me on the back. The three of us giggling now that we were reunited.  

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him, Cayde. Holstering his Ace of Spades with that cocky smile of his. “I'm glad you kept most of my design and the eye color. Though I will say, I am going to miss looking into a mirror when I see you. But hey, I guess there’s only room enough for one of me.” He chuckled, crossing his arms. 

Cronus let me down and draped a blanket over my shoulders. I turned to face Cayde on the table, my legs still struggling to function. “You came? Why?”

“I told you, you’re my favorite Hunter. Do you take me for a liar?” He tilted his head, his cheeks turning a deeper shade of orange red. “Besides, every fireteam needs a Hunter. Even if just in a pinch.” He beamed. He pulled me in for a tight hug and whispered into my ear. “I’m glad you’re safe, you horrible trouble maker.” 

He looked down and saw that I was only wearing the thin zipup meant to be worn over clothes and the blanket Cronus gave me. “Uhh, we need to get you some clothes. Like ASAP. Sunny grabbed some from your place. You should really not leave that thing unlocked.” He motioned upstairs. “I have them on my ship.” 

“Ok.” I said, “Let me grab what’s left from my other body.” 

“Already transmatted when you need it. Though I have a feeling that you will need some new your armor. Considering you’ve been wearing modified male armor for the most part before…” Moonsong shook his head.  

“Fine.” I grumbled. “Let’s get out of here.” As I started to talk a step and tripped. Fortunately Cayde caught me. 

“Alright, Cronus, Nix, I need you to fly the ship that’s out there. She’s like a drunk duckling at the moment.”

”That’s my ship!” I snapped. Still holding on to Cayde’s arm for support.

”Ok drunk duckling. Someone else is gonna fly it.” Cayde scolded.

Cronus snorted, “drunk duckling.” He couldn’t hide his smile. Nix elbowed him in the gut.

“Hey! You try switching bodies and then get up and walk around like no big deal!” 

“Nix, can you fly? I’m too tired and Prim’s bed is really comfy on her ship.” 

“No shenanigans on my ship or I will slice your throats in your sleep” I pointed at both of them. “I love the shit out of the both of you but I am NOT cleaning whatever mess that could be there when I get my ship back. Do you hear me? Cronus you and your damn protein wrappers and chip bags drive me INSANE!” Nix nodded.

“Cronus may be an idiot sometimes, but I would never betray your trust.” Nix smiled. “Now let’s get out of here before more Vex or Fallen show up.”

“Good idea.” I said as I started to take a step. Suddenly I was picked up and plopped over Cayde’s shoulder like a bag of grain. ”What the hell Cayde?”

”Not letting you trip down like 12 flights of catwalks. Sorry kiddo.” He laughed and began to hop off the catwalks one jump at a time. 

“We’ll see you nerds at home.” He looked back and Cronus and Nix who both looked a little worse for wear. He smiled and continued his upward ascent.

It was finally time to head home, in my real body. 

Chapter Text

Cayde gently placed me on the edge of his bed. It seemed as though he upgraded the mattress and pillows since I was last there. It was significantly comfier. “Did you have this replaced recently?” I inquired, smirking.

“Better than on the moon missions, yeah? I had the inside of this place mostly redone since I enjoy sleeping here more than at home.” He looked around the space, looking proud of his work. 

“Really?” I bounced on the bed a bit and adjusted the pillow I was leaning on. “You don’t like your apartment?” 

“Too confining. I’m a bit of a wanderer if you hadn’t guessed already. Being in the ship makes me feel like I could take off at any time and be back in the action. One second.” He walked into the cockpit and got the ship off the planet’s surface and into open space. “Sunny, can you take care of things for me?”

”Only if you’re nice.” His ghost floated out of the cockpit.

”I’m always nice!” 

“You know what I mean.”

”Pretty please?” He pouted.

”Fine. Only because you said ‘please’”. She floated into the cockpit and disappeared.

Cayde walked back into the room and sat back down next to me on the bed. “What was I saying again? Ah, being stuck and how it sucks.” He chuckled.

I hummed in agreement and smiled at him. “I know the feeling.”

”Really?” He turned to look at me. “But you’re on missions and doing the whole Guardian thing all the time.” He waved his hands in a “ what gives?” p ose. 

“Deep down I feel like I was always stuck HERE in Europa. Stuck here waiting for something to make me leave. Stuck here when the darkness came and I was still here, alone, and died, alone, again, still stuck here. And here I am back again. I feel rooted to this place in a way that makes me… not hate it… but just feel sad. Ya know?”

“Yeah, I guess I get what you mean. I miss being able to take off on insane adventures, looking for loot and just being badass; me and my crew. Those were the days… Now, it’s a lot of paperwork and not so much fun and I'm stuck, there in the Tower, only listening and reading of the grand adventures you are all having.” He put his arm around me. “But since you showed up, man, I get all the fun, excitement and terror.” He sighed heavily. “You know, you scared me shitless in the Crucible.” He leaned back on the bed and let his arm drop behind him to support himself. 

“First you were all badass with the BANG, BANG, BANG, holding your own and kicking the asses of seasoned guardians. And I cannot tell you how fucking proud I was of you.” He flailed his arms wildly. “Oh man you should have SEEN Zavala and Ikora’s faces. Man, they were never so salty for losing a betttttt…. Ya know, you’ve grown so much in these short few weeks and I… I just think you’re amazing.” He looked up at me and had a look of a proud parent. “Keep this up and you might be badass enough to beat me one day!”

“Well, thanks. That means a lot coming from you. But really, you’re the bar? No one has beat you in a match before?” I tried to sound confident and sassy but could feel myself getting shyer around him with the compliments. 

“No. Nope. Not even once. Now, if we’re talking about a fight between Vanguard members, whooo boy… Ikora would probably knock Zavala and I both out. She’s a monster of a warlock. Never seen anyone like her. Honestly, there’s very few exceptional guardians. There’s that one that people call ‘The Guardian’; they’re pretty cool. I mean, fearless as shit and relentless. Amazing. But then there’s you. Your tenacity and determination was absolutely awe inspiring. I heard all sorts of Guardians say they were impressed or wondered where you learned to move like that!” His arms reached out in front of him and then suddenly he clenched them into tight fists and brought them towards his face, his lights dim and dark.

“Then the last round. I sat there seething with hatred. That, that, shit that happened. It never should have. Those assholes… People like that aren’t Guardians, kid. They’re worse than any Cabal, Hive, or Fallen I’ve ever seen. Ikora, Shaxx, and Zavala had to hold me back from dragging that little fucker and slicing his limbs off one by one during the match.” He looked at the ceiling trying to regain his composure. “Fuck, Cinder even wanted to come with to apologize. Like I would let him near you ever again. Fuckin’ piece of shit prick.”

“To Europa? Why the hell would he even ask to do that?” I leaned over to look at his face.

“Got pretty chewed out by us and Shaxx. Gotta say, he’s pretty much jobless unless Bandit wants to let him in on some of his matches. He’s banned from missions and permanently banned from Crucible… the whole fireteam is. It’s too lenient if you ask me, but I’m just a quarter of the deciding factor. Shaxx took the battle and outcome pretty poorly. He hasn’t been himself since that whole incident. He feels responsible for your condition. Honestly, seeing your attachments collapse as that piece of shit hit you was enough to make some Guardians sick to their stomachs.” He covered his face with his hands, trying to hide his complete rage. 

“Really? I mean I guess.” I leaned forward and stared at the floor. “My existence got someone banned…shit. How fucked is that?” I chuckled slightly and hung my head.  

In an instant Cayde shot up from the bed, grabbed my face, and turned it to make me look at him. “Your existence isn’t the issue. You were never the issue. Fucking petty self righteous Guardians that think people owe them something are the reason. NEVER and I mean NEVER question your reason for being here. The Light chose you and I am fucking GRATEFUL for it. First thing in my life I’ve been truly grateful for in a long ass time. After he realized what he said his cheek lights tinged a little bit of pink. 

A moment passed between us where I had the overwhelming urge to lean forward and kiss him. His hands were still holding my face and we stared into each other's eyes. When I gained the determination I was too late. By the time I attempted to lean forward he started to get up from the bed. Well, so much for all of my courage. I caught myself without him noticing, so at least there was that.

He turned around and put his hands on the wall above the bed and looked down at me with a serious face. “As long as I’m around, you’re not gonna have to face that kinda bullshit again. Ya hear? You’re MY Hunter. Got it? MINE! We're brothers and sisters in arms and that means something… to most of us Hunters.” He turned back around and adjusted his hood, mumbling something under his breath.

I laid down and finally breathed a huge sigh of relief. “Thanks. I’ve been so scared of letting people in and showing any part of me. It was like wearing a mask for weeks and hiding everything about me.” I draped my arm over my face to try and hide the emotions that were pouring out of me. “I felt like I could cry at any moment if someone found out. I didn’t want anything to happen to you or say something about you because I was a poor, messed up… copy. You have no idea how embarrassed I was letting you see me in that prototype body. I felt so corrupted and disgusting and thought you would see me the same way if you ever found out. I’m glad to be back in the one I was meant for.” I smiled so widely my cheeks glowed a nearly neon pink. 

“I thought you looked amazing anyways. I mean, I know I always do. So, eh hem, if you were MY prototype, then you must have been at least 80% as amazing as me.”  He smiled lightly and posed ridiculously. His sight lingered for a moment as his eyes traced down my body covered in a thin jumpsuit. Once he regained his senses, he snapped to attention. 

“Well, umm, Sundance, can you get her clothes for her? I’ll be in the shower getting cleaned off. This Vex Milk stuff is just nasty.” Cayde walked away as soon as he could, barely looking at me. 

“It’s good to see you and in your new body no less. I’m so happy for you!” Sundance chirped. Floating around me excitedly. “No wonder he’s… Having a hard time. You look absolutely beautiful. Wonderful craftsmanship!” She laughed, looking back at the door where Cayde was.

“I know right, she looks so much happier!” Moonsong added he hummed with happiness around me, bobbing along with whatever tune he was humming, 

“Sunny.”

“What’s up, kid?” She said as she transmatted a pile of plain clothes for me and sat them gently on the bed. 

“What do you mean he’s having a hard time? Did I offend him somehow?” I sat up looking completely confused and dejected. 

I sat back up on the bed and was left to sort through my belongings that she picked up. I grabbed a t-shirt and a pair of leggings. I realized that with this new body I would need to buy all new clothes and another full set of armor. My female figure matched my human one so my bust was larger than before and my hips wider. Needless to say, the shirt turned into a crop top and the leggings into capris. 

Sundance came floating up to me. “Honey, there’s a beautiful woman, wearing a tiny crop top and very tight leggings that don’t leave much to the imagination.” I realized how I must have looked and covered my face out of embarrassment. “To top it all off she’s lying in his bed and he has had the…” 

“Sundance! Enough!” Cayde walked back out, his head dripping wet, shirtless, and a reddish glow to his cheek lights. “This is a small ship and I can hear you talking smack about me. Normally I would let it go, but that’s more personal shit for her and you damn well know it, you cheeky little Ghost.” He had a sly smile but there was a bit of anger and frustration to the tone of his voice.

“Uh huh, sure.” Sundance rolled her eye. “You’re just pussyfooting around.”

”Where in the darkness did you learn that word? Sheesh, you seem like the one who needs a reset.” He chuckled lightly and looked at me. 

“You’re dripping wet.” I walked over to him. “Here” I grabbed the towel from the table meant for me and wiped off his face, using my hand and tussling the towel roughly. “Better.” I giggled.

It was difficult to not stare at his beautifully crafted Exo body. He looked like he was chiseled to perfection. Part of me wanted to keep my hand on his cheek a bit longer but he grabbed it and pulled it down.

”Better? Not really.” He sighed and turned back to his small room. 

“Did I do something wrong? Look, I’m sorry I am a mess. I know I put everyone in a bit of an awkward situation.”

“That’s not the point.” He got close to me and pushed me towards a wall, his palms on either side. I could feel the water dripping off of his body onto my leggings.

“It’s you. Everything about you. It’s driving me nuts. I….I… just need a minute.” He turned away and left to finish showering. 

I got up and started to pace around the room. What could I have done to upset him? Is he mad that I look so different? And if so, WHY?

”What did I do…?” I stood there murmuring quietly.

As the questions racked through my mind he quickly came out in civilian clothes. A gray shirt and some sweatpants. Oh my Light, he was handsome in his usual garb but I was awestruck by him. I turned away quickly, the lights on my cheeks turning from red to pink.

Fuck, I forgot about the blushing feature. I need to turn the damn thing off!  

He paused in the doorway. “Sunny? Did you grab her clothes? Cause those look… ummm.”

”A bit tight? Yeah, well, a different body makes the clothes fit… a little more exposing than I would have liked.” I awkwardly smiled and turned around.

”Not my fault.” Sundance cleared her throat, “but not bad either though. At least for now. At least they fit, or she might be wearing your clothes…” She stared at Cayde for a moment, glared with a huge amount of sass, nodded, and disappeared.

Cayde turned his head, covered his face, and mumbled under his breath,  “Idon'tseeanythingremotelywrongwithdoingthat.” He turned back, his hand on still on his face “Fuck… someone rip my eyes out before I lose my fucking mind.” He mumbled into his hand.

“Did you say something?” I looked up at him, my heart pounding. 

”Ahem. Yea. Good.” He pointed some finger guns at me in an odd stiff motion. “You good? Want some whiskey? I really could use some right now. Calm the nerves…. Heh. Been a long day.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sure you’ve had quite the day. There’s some in that little cabinet there. Pour me one too if ya could.” 

I poured two hefty glasses and the two of us sat down awkwardly with our glasses in silence. He sipped his drink slowly and I stared at mine, trying desperately to not stare at him. “You okay, kid?”

”I appreciate all of the help but you know, I’m not a kid. And I hope you still don't think of me as a kinderguardian still… Right?” I looked at him dead in the eyes and took a big gulp of my drink. 

“I am well aware of that fact. And to answer your question, no. You haven’t been since we were on the moon. You are a fucking monster. You are just so damn amazing, kid!” He turned his head away from me and took a long sip.

“Then why do you call me, kid, or kiddo?” I turned back to my glass and took another big gulp, then held it in my hands, looking into the swirling liquid in the glass. I was hoping it was something like a simple nickname for me, but he called almost everyone ‘kid’. I felt a bit disappointed that he didn’t think of me as special enough to have my own nickname…

“Hmm… “ He leaned forward and stared into his glass. “I guess to keep people at a distance, ya know?” He took another swig of his drink. “I’m your Vanguard.” He took a pause and thoughtfully stared into his drink before deciding to speak again. “Even though you are clearly my favorite, boundaries are boundaries, ya know? People already give you shit for being my favorite, can you imagine if I gave you a different nickname than the rest of ‘em? They’d eat you alive!” He gave a half smile and winked. 

It didn’t help my disappointment, even though it was an answer I already knew. I swigged the last of my drink and quickly poured another and slammed it. I was desperately hoping that I could get some liquid courage to help me. In large quantities alcohol can slightly override their system, but never to the point of being completely belligerent. I was about to pour another, hoping it would do at least something to dull my anxiety!

“Woah, pace yourself. We’re not sure how you’ll react to alcohol in this new getup.” He laughed and leaned forward and grabbed the bottle from my hand. He poured a bit more in his glass, put the bottle down, but stayed leaning forward.

I took a huge breath, my circuits were humming with anxiety. I had to say something now, in this moment, it seemed like the right time. Fuck, I need to tell him now or I never will. This is my best chance.

”You can do it. Sunny and I know it’ll go well. Don’t be worried.” Moonsong cooed in my head.

How do you know? 

“Just because… just do it!” 

“Hey, everything ok, kid?” He placed a hand on the forearm of the arm that was holding the drink. “Maybe you should stop this for now, you seem a bit rattled.” He gently took the drink from my hand and placed it on the table in front of us. 

 “Fuck. I really need to be buzzed for this… but Umm….” I stared at the ground and wiggled my toes to keep focus. “Well… umm… are there boundaries… that can be crossed? At least ones without horrible repercussions?” I started to fumble with my hands wincing ever so slightly.

“Kid, not sure I'm reading you correctly but are you asking…” he leaned in closer with his trademark sly grin. He knew where I was trying to steer the conversation but was having too much fun listening to me fumble with my words.

“If a regular Guardian can….umm….see a Vanguard….”

”Not sure what you mean. We’re almost always in the main room. Besides, you are seeing me right now, aren’t you?” He laughed.

”I mean romantically.” I mumbled

Moonsong gave an excited squeal of approval in my head. I really wished I could hide these things from him. Dude, shut up. I am barely keeping this together so please just stop.  

“Hmm…Not sure.” He rested his chin on his palm and made a pretend thinking face. “That depends on the Guardian. If they’re fine with keeping things quiet and low key I don’t see why not.” That was all he needed his sly grin to brighten across his face. His usual swagger and charisma came back in full force.

“Is that you we’re talking about? Do you have a specific one that you’re asking about? I mean,  Zavala wouldn’t dream of it and Ikora might be okay with it… depends on her mood.” He turned and had the biggest smile on his face. He had been waiting for that moment. A single moment where he could show just how suave he could be. He grabbed my chin gently and tilted his head to meet mine in a deep and passionate kiss. My mind was lost as his tongue played with mine. I was so wrapped up in it I felt like I could forget literally everything. He pulled away from me, my plates still partially parted and completely stunned. “If you ask me, I’d be perfectly fine with it. But you see, there’s this one hunter of mine… and she’s kinda my favorite… I doubt anyone but her would do it for me. Unfortunately, I’ve had my eyes on her like a hawk for a while now… ” His eyes seemed to flicker with excitement and longing.

I was dumbfounded. “I just… I umm…”

“Just so you know, kiddo, next time, it's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.” He chuckled. His hand slipped from my forearm and wrapped it around my waist and pulled me closer.

I looked into his eyes, grabbed both sides of his face and pulled him in for a kiss. The metal plates made a small ‘clink’ as they met but our tongues met and danced wildly in each others’ mouths. He ended up falling over on top of me as I continued to hungrily pull him in closer. I eased up and let both of us take a breather. 

“That’s my girl.” He smiled devilishly, breathing heavily. “Now, just so we are clear, this is what you want, right?” He said between muffled kisses. I moaned back to him and nodded. “I mean, I could devour you right here but that’s up to you.”

Damn, he was sexy and knew exactly what to say to get me going.

He leaned forward and peppered kisses and nibbles along my neck. I could feel the sensation all the way down my spine. For what felt like eons, I knew that I had wanted this man. I wanted to feel his touch, to have him look at only me and my slowly returning memories only solidified that fact. Here he was, looking at me like he could pounce at any moment if I gave the slightest hint. All that came out of my mouth was “You. I want you.” 

His eyes widened as though he wasn’t expecting that answer from me. He laid down on top of me, my little clothing covering me, barely preventing me from feeling him on top of me. I could feel his lust and desire building and his cock pressing between my legs, just begging to be touched, which just made me quiver in excitement more. He rested himself on his forearms and got close and whispered in my ear. ”I need to hear you say that again for me.” He licked up my neck, driving my circuits insane. He kissed me deeply one last time before he pulled back, tongue still sticking out. 

I grabbed the back of his neck, “Cayde, I wanto you.” I sighed heavily with a light moan at the end. Hoping that was enough to satisfy his curiosity. 

“You know that if this happens I won’t be able to stop myself right?” I nodded back. “You may just end up getting stuck with me.” He lifted my shirt and continued to kiss and softly nibble my body gently, letting me utter small moans. It was enough to get him completely drunk in the lust and desire of the moment. 

He got up, took off his shirt and pulled the remainder of my clothes off. “Fuck, you are absultely stunning. As if I didn’t think you were beautiful enough already inside and out, now you’re just… Fuck,” He ran his hands up from my leggings, along my torso, across my sensitive chest up to my face. He cupped my face with his hands and kissed me deeply. He growled low in my ear. “Can I get rid of these? They are really sexy with how fucking tight they are, but they’re in the way and if I don’t get them off soon I will cut them off with a fucking dagger.” 

I pulled them off and tossed them aside. The smile on his face was pure bliss. He leaned in to kiss me again and I held up my hand to stop him. He leaned back confused like I irked a puppy.

”Please.” I tugged at his pants that were still on. I turned my head to the side and covered my face, embarrassed at my own nervousness. “You are VERY over dressed for this occasion. I giggled.

His smile returned. ”Soon enough, princess. For now, it’s your turn.” He kissed me again and again till I was out of breath. 

He laid back down on top of me and let his hands travel all over my body. He stopped at my nipples and bit them gingerly, his tongue circling ever so slightly. I had spent so much time developing this body to make it as human as possible and I was finally living and experiencing something that even my human self hadn’t. But I wasn’t going to ruin the moment by expressing that I was so happy he was about to take my virginity after stealing my first kiss.

I moaned louder from him continuing when his left hand grabbed my other breast and rolled that nipple in his hand. His right hand traced its way down right between my legs. He used his index and pinky fingers to trace up and down my inner thighs making my spine shiver with each movement. With each shiver, he played with my entrance with his index and middle fingers, intently watching my face as I writhed and wriggled under his touch. 

“Please, put them inside. I’m begging you.”

“Begging? I like the sound of that. He smirked, my nipple still positioned within his mouth plates. He learned forward, kissed my forehead and whispered down my neck as he planted kisses and small nibbles. “Beg for me. I want to see you come undone for me.” 

“Cayde….” I grabbed his hand and tried to force his fingers inside. “Please… I’m begging you. Fuck, I need you.”

”Not want? You need me? I guess I can oblige.” Suddenly his fingers were thrusting in and out of me, dripping wet with excitement and longing. The feeling of him playing with drove me wild. I had never experienced such intenseness before. I moaned his name again and again, each time his thrusting became more vigorous with his fingers. I could feel myself tightening around him, he kept his fingers in me and found a spot that started to send me over the edge. Suddenly he pulled his fingers out and stuck them in my mouth, making me savor the taste of my own juices that he made me make before I was able to climax. The throbbing inside me was driving me wild. 

“That’s a good girl. You still want me now?” He asked gently as I continued to suck on his fingers. 

I pulled at his pants. He finally pulled them off exposing himself to me and before I even had a chance to admire him, he started gliding himself inside my wetness. I moaned so deeply with his fingers in my mouth. He took them out and proceeded to glide himself in more, slowly working his way in until he stopped completely. I looked up at him with hazy eyes. “What are you doing?” I gasped.

“Tell me what you want. I want to hear you say it. Over and over again. Tell me. Beg for me.” He kissed me again and down my neck. The movement was just enough to drive me crazy with him inside me. My body was already begging for him. “Cayde, please. I need you to fuck me. I need your cock to make me cum all over you. I’ve fucking wanted you so badly, please, please.”

“Well at least I know what you’re thinking about at night.” He winked.

“Cayde!” He took the opportunity to thrust into me, deeply and hard. My moan was loud and breathless. He kept a steady rhythm but he could tell that I was getting close and my body clenched down on him. He grabbed my legs and put them on his shoulders, deepening his penetration. It twinged for just a second but then pure ecstasy took over. I was getting so close that I was desperately trying to keep from cumming so I could enjoy him longer.

“I need to feel you come for me.” He started thrusting into me harder, it was tight, and I was still close from him fingering me but then he took his thumb and rubbed it over my clit. 

My body was so overstimulated that my pussy muscles became so tight around him. He was keeping a good pace but was reaching his limits. “Oh my Light, baby, you feel so fucking good I…. I….” 

“Please, Cayde, please!” That was all we needed, the waves of ecstasy we felt fed off of each other. My orgasm feeding him and vice versa. We laid in our postcoital bliss for a few moments while we caught our breaths. When he finally pulled out, I felt an intense sensation of longing and emptiness which I guess he noticed as I moaned slightly. He came back and gave me a long deep kiss and grabbed a towel to help clean me up.  

“Hey, uh, my bad about just now.” He rubbed his neck as he sat down next to me.

”About what?” I looked at him blankly, sitting up on the bed.

”I really didn’t last too long did I? I don’t think I’ve ever had sex as an Exo, so I was pretty sensitive…I guess? Didn’t last long.” He looked genuinely disappointed.

I laughed and kissed him deeply “you were absolutely amazing! And as far as stamina goes… you’re dealing with someone who also has never had sex as an Exo! I think stamina comes with practice.” I winked and nuzzled his cheek.

“You have no idea how badly I have wanted to do that.” He smirked.

“Have sex with me?” I laughed out loud. “Wow, quite forward aren’t you!” I shoved him lightly.

“No. Just to kiss you. To, I dunno, be with you? The sex was just an added bonus.” He winked at me. “Honestly, for a hot second I thought you and Cronus were a thing.”

I burst out laughing and the embarrassment clearly showed on his face. He picked me up and carried me into the shower and handed me a clean towel, rolling his eyes while I continued laughing.

“Hey! I don’t know each of the fireteams’ dynamics, but you two seemed close.”

“Close only because he kept making fun of my crush on you.” 

“Oh my goodness? You, like-like me? Traveler help me how will this poor Hunter Vanguard deal with this obsessive stalker.” He posed dramatically.

“Oh shut up, the feeling was clearly mutual.” 

“You bet your fine ass it is.” He smacked my butt still wrapped in a towel. I rolled my eyes.

“Wow. Smooth.”

He went in to kiss me and our horns clinked. He both laughed it off but touched horns again, softly we pressed our foreheads together, and stayed there. It ironically seemed more intimate than kissing. It was reassuring, tender, and loving. As we parted horns we both had huge smiles on our faces, lights glowing extra brightly.

We both took our turns rinsing off. While I was in the shower Cayde switched out the sheets and took the side furthest in towards the wall of his bed. I crawled in afterwards, wearing some of his clothes so I didn’t “make things more unbearable” until we were back at the tower. 

I laid down flat on my back. “Is this something you’d like to do again?” I chuckled mockingly.

He grabbed me from my side and pulled me in close to him with him being the big spoon. “Not right now. I mean, I’m honestly spent from everything today.”

“Boooooooo!” I pushed him away meekly and laughed as his terrible joke.

“No really though, if I’m being honest, if you’d let me, I’d like this…” He hugged me and nuzzled my cheek. “Us, this, whatever this is, every day. Of course, after we go on a proper date.”

“A date?” I turned to look at him. 

He opened his eyes sleepily, “Unless you want me to be a one time flight thing…?” 

“No, I… I just thought maybe I wasn’t good enough for you. I mean, you’re the Vanguard and all.” 

“And you are my soon to be girlfriend once I woo the ever-loving shit outta you. Get over the Vanguard thing. To you, I’m Cayde, nothing more, nothing less.” 

“Wait girlfriend? 

“Isn’t that what you were insinuating earlier?”

“Yeah, but, I didn’t think you’d actually…”

”Well I am, so there! Besides, you're talking too much.” He used one finger to silence my mouth plates. “You’re stuck with me cause I can’t get enough of you. Been like that literally since day one.”

 I chuckled and snuggled in. I started humming softly as I started to fall asleep. 

“Hey,” He murmured, his eyes still shut. “You have a pretty voice, you know that?”

“Is this your way of asking me to sing us to sleep?” I smiled, rousing from my sleepiness for a little longer.

He peeked one eye open, “Maybe…” He nestled his head into my back and nuzzled my cheek. I started to sing softly. The feeling of being held was one I had never experienced before, but it was so comforting. Cayde fell asleep shortly after my song. Which according to a small whisper from Sundance didn’t happen often. I quietly rolled over slightly, and kissed his forehead and nuzzled his horn with mine. “Good night Cayde.”

Chapter Text

By the time the two of us woke from our restful slumber, we were about an hour out from the Tower. Cayde and I decided that it was best if we kept our “relationship” a secret from everyone, at least until the rumors of the second “Super Guardian” or “Triple Threat” died down. ‘The Guardian’, as many referred to them as, was one of the most powerful guardians that anyone had come across in hundreds if not thousands of years. People flocked to them like flies to honey. I didn’t want that kind of attention drawn to me more than there already was after the event at the Crucible.  

From what I gathered from my background and the voices, echos as I liked to call them now, seemed as though the Traveler brought me back for a specific reason. Clearly not to be one of the greatest Hunters of all time, but maybe to be one of the best behind the scenes supporters the Tower had ever had. I had one specific job to do for the Traveler and now it was time to figure out what that entailed.

-|-

Walking out of the ship was awkward. I was a new Exo that Cayde had brought back and one using very little armor. I managed to squeeze into my vest since it was leather and stretched a bit on the sides. But otherwise I had a long shirt crop top with a vest that covered most of my torso. I couldn’t get my leg armor on so I settled with my leggings under my shin plates and my boots. As soon as we walked off the ship I started hearing whispers. I replied to most of them with “My armor caught fire, this is all that was left.” Most nodded and left it at that since some Hunters preferred leather gear over metal in places, and since I was already metal, I could pass it off. I decided that I would buy just about any armor set that I could. With a flash from Moonsong, I was able to transform back into a normal looking Guardian. It felt at home for the first time since I became a Guardian. I didn’t have a chance to look at myself fully geared up with the right body for the time being, but I knew it just felt right.

Cayde took his time getting off the ship to “act nonchalantly as possible”. I figured it was because he was too comfortable in bed. Sunny later told me that he was panicking over how people would perceive me coming out of the ship in that state. Turns out the sly Cayde was a much more soft and considerate person than most would think. But I already could tell that just from the little time I spent with him on the moon. 

He peaked out of the ship and looked around, his expression somewhat sour. “Looking for someone?” I stood near the edge of the ramp with my arms resting on the bar. “Cause I saw this crazy looking Guardian a few moments ago looking messed up as fuck and damn, she looked hot.” I chided, trying desperately not to laugh. 

”Ah yes, humor at my expense.” He tucked back into the ship to pack up his ruckbag. I walked up to follow him.

”I appreciate your concern but I think you panicking and acting anxious is more awkward than anything.” I rested my hand on his shoulder. “Think of this as how the moon missions should have ended. Two guardians coming back home after kicking ass!” I rubbed his back and smiled. He looked at me and grabbed my hand and squeezed it lightly. 

“Fine. But if crop top armor becomes a thing amongst my Hunters, I will hold you 100% responsible. He nuzzled my cheek and put his hood up, ready to head out. I grabbed my own bag and followed him out. 

“Lookin’ good, kid” I turned to face the voice, it was Amanda. I ran down the ramp, dropped my bag, and hugged her tightly. “Ok, ok, easy. I’m a little bit squisher than you are.” She struggled and I released her from my vice-like grip and apologized. 

”Oh! My bad. I just, I am so grateful for all your help before. I am so excited to have the right body but still wanted to thank you for everything since I really couldn’t after the Crucible…”

”Well, you did and we’re squared away. Did the knight in shining armor Vanguard over here fix you up?” She looked at Cayde, smirking. “He has a habit of causing trouble so you best stay away. Isn’t that right, Cayde?”

”What do you women have against me today? I just showed up to help her fireteam out while she was doing the whatever transfer-y thing.” He waved his hands around, looking somewhat annoyed. “Speaking of her fireteam, where’s Prim’s ship? It should be here by now.” He looked around the hangar but to no avail. 

“Got it in for repairs, got beat up by a meteor shower.” She chuckled looking at my face turn to anger. “But don’t you worry, Cronus is paying for the damages.” She smirked.

”Fuck, for that kind of damage he better.” I rested my hand on my head. “And I just had it painted.. ugh.”

”Yeah, no worries, we’ll get you back up and goin’ its just gonna take a couple of weeks.”

“WEEKS? Darkness damn him, well that is gonna put a huge damper on solo patrols for a long while. I guess I’m stuck flying with them for awhile.”

Cayde chimed in, “I would offer you mine, but my Queen stays with me. Sorry.”

”Wasn’t gonna ask, but thanks for letting me know.” I rolled my eyes. “Well, thanks Amanda, I gotta get home and unpack before I report to the rest of the Vanguard and do a nice, long write up of my mission.” I groaned. 

Cayde and I walked side by side through the main area of the tower towards the barracks. He started chuckling to himself and leaned over. 

“I’ll look forward to reading your report later.” Cayde smirked. “Especially about the extra work you did for me on my ship…”

I dead stopped and swiveled on my feet to face him. “You’re an ass, you know that right?”

”Nah. But you have a nice one though.” He stood there smirking, waiting for me to get more embarrassed. 

“I….. YOU……just….Fuck you…” I snapped at him with a smile on my face, desperately trying to not show how completely embarrassed I was.

Cayde walked past me and whispered “Maybe later.” He giggled. “Time to do BORING VANGUARD STUFF now.” He hollered as he transmatted away. 

I threw my bag over my shoulder and trudged my way to my apartment. I slowed down as I approached it. There was an envelope stuck to the door.

“A note? From whom?” Moonsong asked.

”Cinder.” 

-|-

“Hey, hey! There’s my two favorite Vanguards!” Cayde burst into the room and grabbed Zavala by the shoulder. “How ya been, Z? Ikora, good to see you as always.” His attitude was infectious and soon even Zavala was smiling. 

“I trust all is well with our little Exo Guardian?” Ikora smiled happily, sipping some tea. 

“Yeah, she’s good. All fixed up. Gotta buy some new stuff and her ship is pretty busted up so it’ll be out for a few weeks.” He sat down, kicked his legs onto the edge of the table and leaned back into his chair. “I’ll have to put her only on fireteam missions for the time being. Amanda said she would let me know when the repairs were done.” He looked over at Zavala and pointed at him. “Supply runs are gonna have to be redesignated on the Hunter end, since that makes…” He leaned over and grabbed a holopad and scrolled through some notes. “12 Hunters down for repairs or other reasons. We can figure the semantics of that out later.” He put down the holopad and looked at Ikora and Zavala. They were completely stunned. 

“Cayde, are you alright?” Ikora tilted her head, her steaming cup still in her hands. She looked at Zavala who shrugged. He nodded, looking confused.

“Are you sure you’re alright? If you need anything let us know.” Zavala said sternly. 

Cayde put his legs down and leaned forward and rested his arms on the table. “What gives? I show up to work, to do work, start doing work, and you two look at me like my arms have fallen off again!” He shook his head. 

“It's just… you’ve never been one to get straight to work. There’s always a joke, or a mocking retort… something to put off your work before you actually start. Your day.”

”Yeah well, Europa is a long flight, what the heck else was I supposed to do but try to not get swamped when you two were off doing whatever you were doing.” He waved his hand nonchalantly. “OH!” He pointed at Ikora. “Did you get any info about the kid’s weird triple super?” 

“None, unfortunately. Osiris and I scrolled through nearly everything he had and couldn’t find a single thing.” She put her cup down and held her head in her hand. “There has to be something about her that makes me Light so strong.” 

”Z, how did the Warsat crap go? I was a little far away to hear any chatter on the radio.” Cayde turned to Zavala and placed his head in both of his hands in a childish pose. 

“Well Cayde, if you must know.” He sighed heavily. “Ana Bray broke into one of the facilities there and made contact with Rasputin.” He slowly clenched his hands and unclenched them slowly. He repeated that a few times, clearly a practiced behavior to manage his temper. 

“Rasputin? Like THE Rasputin?” Cayde’s jaw dropped. “Woah, now there’s something new. And Ana… I thought she was…”

”We all did. She wanted it that way. But she’s back and won’t leave Rasputin’s side. She thinks she can learn from him.” He shook his head. 

“Well, she’s a Bray, she would have access to that and other facilities. Maybe Prim can have her check them out with her. It might be worth it to see why she has that triple-super. Maybe, it could be worth a shot?” He sat and pondered a moment. “Do we have a bare bones ship she could borrow? She could go there, learn from Ana and maybe get some answers while she waits for her ship. I already counted her out of patrols and supply runs, so why not?” Cause slyly remarked.

“Weren’t you just in a Bray facility? Did you find anything?” Ikora asked, taking another sip of her tea. 

“We were kinda busy. I walked in as her team was finishing up the transfer and we got hit by Vex AND Fallen. Didn’t have too much time to go perusing their records. A team and some time could fix that but we can’t afford that kind of resource right now.” 

Zavala looked at his holopad. “There might be one in bay 32 that Amanda was working on. Ask her if it's in flight condition. Thankfully that’s not a far flight but it’ll be a bare bones ship, no chairs or bed or anything. Just enough to get by.” Cayde nodded approvingly and sent a message over to Amanda to check on the ship. 

“Thanks, Z. Gotta hand it to ya, you’re pretty generous when you feel like it.” 

“I’m generous when you actually do your work.” He smirked.

”Ouch, my poor heart. Whatever shall I do? Maybe use my cloak as a tissue.” He grabbed his cloak and pretended to blot his eyes but then returned to his more serious demeanor. “But seriously, if we have extra resources we aren’t using, it makes sense to send her there and try and get more answers while her ship is out of order. Besides, it’ll be a good test run of the ship for Amanda, see how it handles before selling it.” 

“True.” Ikora sipped thoughtfully. “Very insightful of you.” She looked down at her gloved hands, tracing the pattern on the table. “Prim, is she…okay? Mentally…” 

“I think so? I didn’t really think to ask. That might be a better conversation to have with you… I’m a complete mess when it comes to dealing with emotions and being all serious and stuff. You know me, lone wolf, badass Cayde, heartless killer.” He posed dramatically. 

Ikora and Zavala laughed. They missed Cayde, the room felt heavier when he was gone and wasn’t doing something silly with his shenanigans. “Well, either way, glad to have you back.” Ikora grinned ear to ear and Zavala gave an affirming nod while hiding his own slight smile. 

Chapter Text

I entered my apartment, grabbing the note on the way in. I put it on the coffee table. I wasn’t in the mood to hear anything from Cinder. I put my rucksack down and took off my new armor. I gently set it aside on the couch. I finally had a chance to stretch and look at myself in the full length mirror in my room. I gasped. 

The beautiful dark blue/teal color with light gray and light teal accents. The curves matched that of a real human, instead of the cobbled up, makeshift, thrown-together mess I used to be. My legs collapsed under me. I sat there looking at myself in the mirror. Crop top and leggings aside, I finally felt like my outside reflected who I really was, a strong and beautiful Guardian. 

“How do you feel?” Moonsong circled around me. 

“Like I could cry. I never thought, I… I feel so different. I just feel so happy and proud of myself. If my memories are correct from those flashbacks… I made this. The craftsmanship and metalwork… it’s beautiful…” I touched the mirror and then my face. I just couldn’t stop staring.

“Well, now that you are in your right body, how about we say we get you some clothes that fit you?” He chuckled.

”Yeah, let me grab a small bag for my keys and some glimmer.” I pushed myself to my feet. I looked around and realized that the only shoes I had were from my armor set. I sighed and put them on.

”I’ll just mark down that we’re getting shoes first. Do you have an idea of what you’d like to get?” He hummed. “What about a dress or two? So you can wear them on your dates?” He mocked but was somewhat serious. “I’ll also mark down sleep clothes, clothes for under armor, casual tops both short and long sleeved, and bottoms. Does that sound about right?” 

I turned to him, sitting at the kitchen table, “yeah and maybe some basic stuff to decorate a cloak?” I rubbed the back of my head. I felt somewhat naked without a helmet but maybe it was because I was used to being under fire? As a Hunter I figured it was time to make a cloak for myself. 

“Maybe some accent color fabric or paints! I’ve seen other Guardians do that!” He seemed so excited for my cloak more than anything else. He transmatted my armor away, and picked up some clothes and things from my rucksack and put them away or in the laundry for me. 

“Thanks Moonie.” I had roughly doodled out which stalls and shops at the market and what would be the most efficient way of grabbing what I needed. I also had a rough idea of the design that I wanted for my cloak. I already had one that I wanted to customize. So I sketched it out as best I could and folded up the paper and tucked it away. I was anxious to go out again in the tight clothes but they were all I had. 

“You ready?” Moonie spun around me. 

I giggled yeah, let go. I don’t really want to take all day doing this stuff. I’m tired and would really like to just stop doing anything for a minute or maybe a week. 

We left but I made sure to close and lock the door. If Cinder knew where I lived then he would come back. No more living relaxed with the door unlocked. The idea of him being near me sent shivers through my circuits. “Send a message to Sundance and Cayde that we’re out and that my door is locked, please.”

“Smart idea.” He nodded. 

-|-

The shops in the city were pretty well stocked and I was able to find most of what I needed right away. I changed into a better fitting pair of black, thick athletic leggings and fitted gray shirt and some real, casual shoes. Moonsong laughed and shook his head when I put a belt on and found some nice boots with plenty of room for knives. I was also able to get a leg holster for a sidearm and another for a handgun. Moonsong transmatted what we bought back home but I insisted on at least keeping the knives on my person. It was a force of habit as well as protection if we came across anymore people like Cinder. We were almost done with this shop and then I just needed to get my fabric and other craft supplies. 

I waited my turn to pay for my items behind two other people. There were some whispers my sensors were picking up from behind me. “Moonie, sneak by and tell me what they’re talking about.” I was anxious about not knowing where my status stood with the people of the city. I looked similar enough that I could possibly get mistaken for my other body and that could be bad. I would hate to have to fend off terrified people of the triple-super Guardian that was a monster.

“They’re trying to figure out if it is you. They want your autograph. I think you’re a bit paranoid between the Crucible and that letter, huh?”

”I guess. Wait what? An autograph from ME?”

“Go on, say ‘hello’”. Moonshine chuckled inwardly.

I took a deep breath and turned around to see two young girls with what looked to be spiral bound notebooks in their hands. 

“Hi!” They said in tandem, giggling feverishly. 

“We were wondering…” The taller one stepped forward. “If you could…. SIGN OUR NOTEBOOKS!” They both excitedly closed in on me and in a normal situation I would have already garnished a knife and slit their throats, but they weren’t Fallen and I wasn’t on a battlefield. I was in a clothing store and these girls liked me? It was truly an odd situation for a Guardian.

”You’re that Guardian right?” They squealed.

”Yeah, yeah. The one that did the triple-super and beat up that bad team in the Crucible?” 

“Is that how you fight out there? Killing bad guys and stuff with your special powers?” The shorter girl made punching movements, notebook still in hand. 

“Umm, yes?” I mumbled.

”WOW!”

”SO COOL!”

”CAN YOU SIGN THIS FOR ME?”

“OH OH! ME TOO!” 

They handed me a marker and I scribbled out the ‘Prim - the triple super’ on the covers. They giggled in delight and asked more questions, eagerly wanting to know about what it was like being an Exo and how Guardians did their missions. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a strange movement. 

“Check the back end of the store, Moonie. Something isn’t right over there.”

”Roger” Moonsong, still hidden from view, wandered over. As soon as he approached, a young teenager turned around and started casually walking towards the front of the store. 

“Prim! The kid is a shoplifter. Black hoodie, curly hair.” 

“Got it! Thanks!”

I turned back to the girls and, with a bright smile, gently told them. “I am so sorry could you hold these for me for a moment. I have to take care of something really quick. 

“Ok.” They nodded, faces still smiling as they looked at their notebooks. 

I turned around and quietly walked towards the boy, keeping my eyes on him. Suddenly he turned his head and noticed me. He bolted out of the shop and down the street, running as fast as he could. Some of the stolen items fell out as he ran, but I would pick them up later. The area of the bazaar was long and full of shops that noticed the boy and pulled their wares back from getting damaged. 

I hauled after him, realizing that there was a downward slope to the road. I jumped from wall to wall until he was just behind me on the ground. I pulled a dagger and threw it just before the boy’s feet. The boy made a dead stop and fell backwards cowering.

”You-you-you could have killed me!” He whimpered. 

“Good thing I don’t miss.” I said as I gently landed. ”If I wanted to kill you you would have been dead before you left the store.” I reached out my hand to the boy and helped him to his feet. “Alright, we’re going back to return what you stole.” 

“I didn’t steal anything!”

I picked up my dagger from the ground and put it away. Then grabbed the kid by his shoulders and shook him up and down. All sorts of things fell out of his hoodie and pockets. I finally set him down and looked him in the eye. “Didn’t steal anything, huh?” I stood there with my hand on my hip. “Pick it up and put it in this sack. You’re going back and apologizing and returning that woman’s goods. 

He got up and started to run but I gracefully grabbed him by the hood of his hoodie and clotheslined him. “Alright, we’ll do it the hard way.” I sighed and grabbed him and lugged him over my shoulder back up the way to the shop, picking up any erroneous items that fell during the chase. Once we were inside the shop I plopped him in front of the register. “Ok. Your turn.” I motioned for him to talk.

“Um-uhhh-umm I-I am sorry for stealing your stuff. It’s all in this bag.” He took my bag and dumped it on the counter. He stood there looking at his counter as the woman looked over the belongings. She grabbed a small box and slid them into it for sorting later. 

“Right after school” the woman snapped.

“What? The boy replied.

“You’re gonna come here right after school and work until you work off the things you took.”

“I-I guess that’s fair.” He sighed.

“Give me your details and your parents’ names and numbers so I can tell them what you did and how we are going to fix this. Ok?” She glared at the boy. He nodded. She looked at me and then at him “and stop shaking, she’s not gonna hurt you. She’s a Guardian. You should say ‘thank you’ to her for not stabbing you cause I bet she easily could. I wouldn’t have minded.” She winked at me and slapped the boy’s hand and sent him home.

“THAT WAS SO COOL!!” The two girls yelled.  

“They way you jumped on the buildings and caught him off guard with your knife PSHEW!” She mimicked throwing a knife. 

“NO ONE IS GONNA BELIEVE THIS TOMORROW AT SCHOOL!” The two squealed in excitement.

“Ah-hem” the shopkeeper interrupted. “I took the liberty of ringing your things up. It’s free”

“No, no, no! I insist I pay for this! Really.”

“Take it.”

“Fine. But I’m leaving glimmer for you behind!” I hollered as I sneakily dropped glimmer in the box behind the counter and left. 

“Well that was exciting.” Moonsong chuckled, floating next to me while he transmatted my clothing away.

“Yeah, who knew shopping could be so eventful.” I laughed back. “Sheesh.” 

“Just your cloak left, right? Have you decided on what you wanted to do? He paused in front of me curiously. 

“Yep and I sketched out a decent pattern! Can’t wait to show you.” My cheeks glowed as I headed to the shop.

The shop was small but incredibly tall. The bolts of fabric reached the ceiling. Only the shopkeeper knew how it was organized but he could pick up a bolt of linen or wool in 10 seconds. At least, that’s what he said when we walked in. 

“What can I do for you my dear? Are you here for robes? Or a sash?” He inquired.

“I’m actually looking to make uhhh….”

“Ah! A Hunter cloak. I should have known after your display earlier. Very quick and nimble, you were. Thank you for that.”

“It’s fine. Really. It's no trouble at all.” My cheeks turned a tinge of pink with embarrassment. 

“What colors? And what style are you looking for?

“So I have a rough idea… its based on this cloak I brought here, but I wanted to make adjustments to the teal sections. I would like them to be patterned, alternating diamonds and spades. The same color teal if I can find some.”

”Like playing cards?” The man questioned.

”Yes! And then I wanted to add a single row of the pattern alternating down the top of the hood. Right on top with a light gray. I want them there but-“

”But not too obvious. I see. Are you going to make it yourself?”

“Well, kinda, I was gonna borrow one of the machines from here and get this altogether…” I looked down at the floor, who was I kidding, I can’t sew.

“Okay, I can do this for you. You want a detail around on the bottom too?”

“Suré! That’s a fun idea!” My eyes lit up, he was willing to make the cloak I designed and even thought it looked nice. Thank the Light! At least it would look good, hopefully.

“Ok, come back in a few hours, I’ll have it for you. You can pay for the materials for the embroidery. It won’t be much. But don’t worry about my services. Think of it as a thank you from me for catching that boy earlier.” The man nodded at the drawing and took it. He took a few measurements to adjust the cloak to my height and shooed me away while he went to work.

“But sir!” 

“Get out and I will tell your Ghost when it’s ready.” The man smiled. “You will be best dressed Hunter!” He giggled as we walked away looking over what color thread to grab.

-|- 

I spent the next few hours going through all the new things I bought. Even an order of armor showed up at my doorstep. There was another note attached to the door when I got home. I ripped it off and took the other letter and threw them away. I didn’t need his bullshit in my life ruining things.

Once we were done I had started scribbling notes from the ones I took in my notebook previously. Each sticky note had a specific color for what it represented. And what it could pertain to. Blue were Cayde memories, orange were Bray tech related, green were related to Ace, and white were the visions and words I kept hearing that Moonie and I thought might be the Traveler. I made a rough timeline and started placing the memories as to where I thought they were between my time in Europa and the darkness. Moonie and I decided that I would hang it behind a giant painting behind my beat up couch. At least it wasn’t open to any prying eyes. Just as I was hanging the picture back up for the day, Moonsong shot into the living room.

“Sundance says the Vanguard wants to see you.” Moonsong chirped. As he was about to say something he paused and bounced in excitement. “ALSO YOUR CLOAK IS DONE!”

“Well, we clearly know which is first!” I put on my newest armor, thankfully I was able to buy pieces of the set from other Guardians and made them a nice light gray color. I hoped it would look nice with the cloak. Moonsong and I ran out the door, rushed to lock it and then transmatted down to the fabric shop.

-|-

Beautiful couldn’t describe the exquisite intricacy that laid before me. He took my idea and expanded upon it. The spades and diamonds were beautifully embroidered into the teal lines and the lines down the center and outer rim of the cloak were so small but beautifully detailed. The diamonds weren’t plain but made with four beautiful swirls that came together at points and the spades looked like two larger swirls but with the added foot and extended point on each one. At the bottom of the cloak, embroidered in silver thread, he made a large diamond in the bottom left corner and a spade in the bottom right. They were faint enough that at a quick glance you wouldn’t be able to see them. You could only really tell if you were looking for them. I was giddy and so excited. He wanted to see me with it on as well.

“Is this the armor you wear?” He asked as he stretched the cloak across my shoulders, draping the fabric over. 

“Yes. But it is new. Is there something wrong?” I turned my head to ask him.

He shook his head “it suits you, your color, and your cloak beautifully. Now, hood up.”

I flipped up my hood and felt right at home, it was well crafted and didn’t get in the way of my sensors or optics which was great. I spin around to see it in the big mirror he had. 

“It’s perfect! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!” I shook his hands excitedly.

“You’re one of the good Guardians, you treat the people like people and care about us. What you did today goes a long way.” 

“Most Guardians don’t?”

He shook his head. “Never mind all that. Your little friend says you have to meet the Vanguard. So, on Your way!” He started pushing me to the door.

“Sir, your money!” I struggled in the door way, he kept pushing me.

“Your friend already paid everything. It is all good. He smiled brightly and finally pushed me out the door.

“Please tell me you paid him.” I stood there awkwardly.

“There’s a bag of glimmer on his workbench.” Moonsong giggled.

“Oh thank the Light. Another vendor that I had to fight to pay.” I groaned “I don’t want to use that kid for brownie points with the vendors.”

“It was just the right thing to do.” He nodded “we should get going. The Vanguard is waiting.

“Oh shit!”

-|-

“You may enter” Zavala’s commanding voice said. 

“Good evening. I was told you were looking for me.

“Yes. Zavala got up from his chair and clasped his hands together. “I never got to say congratulations at the Crucible amidst all the chaos. You were astonishing out there. And I see that you, your fireteam, and Cayde were able to get you into your rightful Exo body. You, your determination, tenacity, honor and loyalty are all aspects we look for in a Guardian. You have more than proven you’re truly a Guardian we can trust and depend on. You have my thanks and extreme gratitude.” He walked around the table and put his hand on my shoulder.

“I feel I must apologize for the horror and trauma that occurred during the Crucible events. I helped push you into participating and was more concerned with our image as Guardians instead of you as a person. For that, I am deeply sorry. My oversight could have cost you your life.” 

He sighed heavily as I continued to stare into his eyes. He had a caring soul but had built this strong facade to protect himself. It seemed that the normally disgruntled Vanguard did have a kind diamond. 

I placed my hand over his hand that was still resting on my shoulder. “Sir, if you hadn’t pushed me into the Crucible I would have honed the skills I needed to get back down to the bottom of the Bray facility on Europa. We had a good fireteam, but our tactics and drills we did in preparation for the matches became second nature to me and my fireteam during those battles. Don’t apologize for the actions of a single Guardian and his fireteam. No one could have foreseen that.” 

“Thank you Guardian, that’s very kind of you to say that.” He took his heavy hand off my shoulder and extended it out for a handshake. “Either way Guardian, you have my thanks and congratulations on finding your right body. Welcome home.”

After shaking my hand he stepped back and crossed his arms. Ikora stepped forward and echoed his sentiments and added “If you’d like to talk about your memory and flashbacks that you mentioned in your report, please, reach out. I think we can work through some of them and bring you a bit more peace, it may give you more insight as to why your Light seems to work differently than others.” She carefully cupped my cheek and let her hand slip away. “Whatever you need, we’re here.” She had a warm welcoming smile as she stepped back. She raised an eyebrow as she looked over at Cayde.

“Look, kid, I don’t do speeches so I’ll keep it short. Sorry for all that horrible shit you went through. I hope I was helpful in getting you back here and into your right Exo-self. I can’t imagine how that must feel but, hey, at one point you were almost as good looking as me-I mean you still are and umm- that’s beside the point. You did good. And we are all grateful you’re here, home and safe.” He nodded and winked at me which made me jolt upright a bit and send my circuits into over drive. 

“We also wanted to discuss with you. Any information that you may have gotten from the Bray facilities would be helpful. What might be even more helpful is talking with Ana Bray and possibly Rasputin on Mars. She may have more insight for your current… situation.” Zavala seemed slightly annoyed after mentioning Ana. Apparently there’s a Guardian that can get under his skin like Cayde can. 

“She too has regained parts of her memory and might be able to help shed light on yours. That, and it would be beneficial to help create a better connection between us and someone who might have access to Golden Age technology we could use.” Ikora said, sitting and leaning on the table for support behind her. “Cayde had Amanda find a ship that you will be able to use while yours is under repair.”

“Hey, I said maybe, we’ll see what Hawthorn has for us tomorrow. If the ship is there, it’s a bit of a beater but it’ll get you to and from Mars, no problem. Just don’t expect all the luxuries of your ship. Like, a bed for instance. BUT a ship is still better than no ship for a few weeks, am I right?” 

I looked over at him and nodded. “Thank you. I appreciate you doing that for me.”

“Don’t thank me, we got Guardians that are out for the time being and I need every Hunter I can get. So if we can get you mobile, the better off the Tower and city will be. Right, Blue?”

“Yes. Though, if you need some time after your deal please, take what you need. We need you at your best out there.” Zavala seemed genuinely concerned about me. They all did. In a way it was comforting.

“Thank you all” I replied. “I truly cannot tell you how thankful I am for your help and support. Zavala I think I will take just a few days to recuperate and touch base with my team before heading off again.”

“Never a problem Guardian. You were our last appointment for the evening so I will bid you Goodnight. Ikora stretched and transmitted away.

“I have a bit more I’d like to get done, but have a good night Guardian, Cayde.” Zavala nodded and returned to his seat with papers scattered in front of him and his holopad.

Cayde followed me out and immediately stopped once the door closed completely. “Okay two things: One, your new look is snazzy. Looks like you did some customizing to a Frumious. Nice!”

”There’s a little more to that but yeah!” I smiled. 

“AH!” He took a deep breath and sighed “Two, that was really fucking difficult. I didn’t know how amazing you’d look in your armor and cloak, but damn. That’s incredibly easy on the eyes.” He chuckled, walked up, and put his arm around my shoulder and leaned in. “What’re you up to tonight? Anything fun? Or could I interest you in a meal? My treat!” He smiled brightly, waiting for my response.

“Is this your ‘date’ you were talking about?” I giggled. “I’m good on food but some company is always welcomed.”

“Well no. But we could call it that if you’d like!” He let go of my shoulder and brushed his hand along my back, sending shivers up my circuits. 

“So beautiful….” He looked down at the cloak.

“Ah. It is isn’t it? He did a great job.”

“Actually I was talking about you but the cloak is nice too.” He turned to me with his sly grin.

“Ok. Ok. I walked into that one.”

We walked in comfortable silence back to my apartment but just as we arrived I stopped. Attached to the door was another envelope. ”What the actual fuck?” I jogged up to the door, ripped the note off and jingled my keys to get inside.

Cayde quickly followed and walked through the door and closed it. “What was that about?” He said, leaning looking annoyed.

“Cinder has been leaving me notes on my door.”

“How many so far?”

“3. That’s just today.”

“3? That’s fuckin’ obsessive. Are you alright?”

“Yeah, it’s just… unnerving, ya know? Especially after everything.

“Come stay with me tonight. You won’t have to worry about him or I can stay here. Whatever would help you feel reassured.” He pulled me into a hug and rubbed my back. I rested my head my head on his shoulder.

“Your place, please,” I said meekly, a soft yawn escaping my mouth.

“Moonie, can you take her armor? I wanna see the cloak though.” Moonsong intently laid the cloak in Cayde’s palm. 

“Prim, go grab some clothes and I’ll be right here when you're back.”

I begrudgingly let go and shuffled off to my room to grab what I needed. 

He picked up the corners of the cloak and lifted it up, admiring it. The teal matched them but inside each line of color, there was a pattern alternating all over the cloak in the lines and the trim. “Sunny, can you hold this up please?” He said, smirking.

“Sure, what for?”

“I think my little Guardian thought she was sneaky.” Sundance moved around so she could see the pattern better. 

“Is that… are those… diamonds and spades? Oh my, at the bottom, it's all embroidered, and on the trim, and down the hood, all in silver. OH! She’s got teal ones down the stripes!” She lowered the cloth and set it gently in Cayde’s lap. “Looks like she likes you quite a bit to put this much effort into decorating her cloak. 

“Appears like it doesn’t it?” He chuckled, rubbing his gd hand over the embroidery. I guess we didn’t realize we’re both in deep.” He sighed, looking thoughtfully as he admired the hidden signs of affection within my cloak. “She’ll have me wherever she goes…” He smiled.  

-|-

Cayde and I walked back to his place, my rucksack over my shoulder. Cayde held my hand the whole way there. I wanted to tell him that people might see but he was quiet and kept his head down and hood up the whole way. It took a bit for me to keep up with his pace. I had switched to civilian clothes before we left since seeing another Guardian following a Vanguard into their house at this time of night could be seen pretty poorly as compared to a random civilian, someone outside of the Guardians, would be less scandalous. We reached his place and he unlocked the door, pulled me in and slammed the door shut. As he did Sundance transmatted his armor away. 

He kicked off his boots and pushed me against the door and kissed me deeply. My bag fell to the floor but I couldn’t care less at the moment. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled in closer. He replied by grabbing my waist and tugging at my clothing. I took a quick breath and removed my top. His hands raised to my back and undid the clasp of my bra as he nipped at my neck. “This is new.” He mumbled between nips. 

“Nearly everything is since I don’t want a repeat of on the ship…”

“But I got the feeling you enjoyed what we did on the ship.” He chuckled as he touched horns with me and rested his forehead against mine. 

“You know what I’m talking about…” I groaned.

“Oh, you’re referring to the fact that your clothes were so tight that your leggings and shirt could have easily been ripped off with how stretched they were?” He looked into my eyes and winked.

“Ass.” I rolled my eyes.

“I’ll deal with that later” he smacked my butt and then took each cheek in his hands and squeezed. 

“Alright enough.” I pushed him back with a smirk on my face, trying to push him to the bedroom. That idea failed as he grabbed my wrists and pushed me back up against the door. 

“Nice try. But this is my turn.” He growled and he dropped to his knees and grabbed one of my nipples in his mouth and nipped at it lightly and then swirled his tongue around it. 

“Nnnngh” my legs started quivering as I held back a moan. I released the tension I held in my arms and let them fall to the side in defeat. Instead I pushed his hood back and stroked his head as he played with me. He switched to my other nipple and grabbed my breasts with his gloved hands. The leather over my sensitive nipple drove me wild with everything else he was doing. I clenched my jaw shut trying not to moan and give in to his touch.

He leaned back, looked up at me and let out a low growl “fighting back still? Fine.” He released my breasts and picked me up. He pushed open the door to his bedroom with his foot and dropped me on the bed, ripped off my shoes, and slid my leggings and underwear off in one foul swoop. He took off his cloak and draped it on a chair in the corner and climbed on top of me. His weight on top of me kept me from moving or wriggling. He watched with a sly grin on his face. His cheek lights, a dark orange.

“Sir, you are once again overdressed for the occasion.” I mocked, crossing my arms and pouting.

“Oh my, you’re right! These gloves need to come off before anything else happens! This will get messy.” He took his gloves off and tossed them aside. He hopped back on the bed and grabbed onto my hip and stuck his fingers in me. I gasped as he wiggled his fingers inside me. “Whadda want me to do sweetheart? I could just stay here.” He nibbled my leg and ran his tongue along the side and just up to my entrance. 

“Cayde…” I moaned breathlessly. “Please play with me. Or…. Just fuck me baby.”

“Just fuck you? But making you beg is half the fun!” He started thrusting his fingers inside me, the juices making noises with each thrust. “I didn’t realize just how bad you wanted this.” 

He took his fingers out and licked them and moaned slightly. He took off his clothes and stuck his fingers back inside me, making sure each finger was coated. He pulled his fingers out and proceeded to stroke himself and lubricate himself in my lust. I wanted him so badly but I loved how he teased me. Eventually he played with his cock right at my entrance and just smiled.

“Fuck, Cayde. Please.” I squirmed under his grasp. “I love all of this but I just need you right now, please.”

“That’s my girl.” He immediately slid deep inside of me and let out a small groan. He leaned over, planted his elbows above my shoulders and kissed me passionately, grabbing the back of my head and neck to make the kiss deeper. I moaned into his mouth, our tongues intertwined. When we finally took a breath he proceeded to plant kisses and nibbled my neck while keeping his hips rocking at a steady pace. When he didn’t hear an immediate moan or feel a reaction, he lifted his head and looked at me. “You okay baby?” His hand cupped my cheek. I was breathing heavily and trying desperately not to orgasm. I wanted the moment to continue because it felt so right, so perfect… I felt so… complete.

“Ah…not done yet?” He smiled, his lights growing dim as he proceeded to thrust harder and faster. He pressed his forehead against mine. “Cum for me baby. Let go. I got you.” With those few words my entire body relaxed and the waves of ecstasy echoed through me. My breath was ragged and my cheek lights pulsing with each breath. This man had me under his thumb and I didn’t even care. I loved every second of it. As the clenching of my womanhood slowed I looked up at him, leaned my head up and whispered “cum for me, baby.” A few pumps later and I could feel him pulsing inside of me. I wrapped my legs around him as he collapsed on me. As he finished his release he breathily replied. “Well, that was, fuck… say that at any time and I might just cum. That was really fucking sexy.” He laughed. 

“I’ll be sure to add that in my next report.” I cackled.

“Oh my Light, could you imagine Blue’s face? Oh my, and I would probably die if Ikora read about my sex life. Shit she would have absolutely no respect for me.” He slid out of me and plopped his face into a pillow and groaned. 

I slid out from underneath him and sat up. “That’s thinking she has any respect for you at all now.” I looked at him and chuckled. He turned slightly just so he could see me with his left eye. “That was uncalled for, jerk.” 

Suddenly a pillow was slapped across my face as I was pushed back down onto the bed, being smothered. “If I needed oxygen I would be very upset right now.” I chuckled.

“Good thing you don’t. I would hate to smother you to death while naked. But I love this look on you, it means you’re mine.” He muffled his laughter as the thought hit both of us. 

“You dork.” I pushed the pillow down, with a light giggle.

“What?” He turned his head away, covering his face. 

“Awww somebody likes me too much…” I teased. After not seeing his expression change I blinked, unsure of what to do. “Come on Cayde. I’m only joking. Cayde…?”

Suddenly my vision was blocked by another pillow thrown right at my face. ”Oh, I will destroy you!” I growled.

He shielded himself from me as I threw another pillow back at him.

“Should we really be having this fight naked?” I sat up and grabbed the pillow to cover myself with. 

“I don’t know but you’re right.” He let the pillow down and looked at me. “Is this ok? Or are we rushing this?”

“I… I am not the one to answer that question.”

”Why? Because you suddenly covered your cloak in diamonds and spades? Care to explain that?” He smirked as he fell over and brought me with him. We ended up spooning as I sighed heavily.

“I thought of a diamond because I was an unrefined, slapped together mess, who, quite literally, got beaten to a pulp and put under the pressure of going back to Europa and coming back as… Well, me. It’s a nerdy thing since diamonds are just rocks crushed under pressure for hundreds, or thousands of years. So, I’m kinda like a diamond. Plus it fits into the playing cards motif…thing.”

“And the Spades?” He said with a sly smile.

“Look, I don’t want to say or do anything that’s clingy but I thought it would be nice to have a reminder of you when I’m out on the field.” I pulled my knees up to my chest, wrapping my arms around them. “I don’t know what we are so I don’t want to make you uncomfortable or feel like you’re pressured into something you don’t want-“

“So I was right about the spades. He nuzzled the back of my head and sighed. “I’ve followed you since I met you. Something was different, not just your Light but you. You’re different. And you never treated me any different or wanted anything from me. Hell, you went out of your way to try and get me time away from the Tower and I had literally just met you. No one’s done that for me. Ever. So, fuck, it if its clingy. I love it.”

He scooted over and held me in his arms. “I’m not sure you wanted this…” he gestured to himself. “It’s not gonna be a normal relationship and it’ll have to be quiet and I wish I could shout it to the world that I found someone amazing but I can’t change that fact. I have to look like I am impartial. Especially after the Cinder incident. Other Guardians were involved with that, he was just the one that acted. And I don’t ever want to put you in that kind of danger again. Do you understand?” He scooted closer to me. 

“Yeah..” I quietly mumbled into the pillow. And then buried my face in it.

“Prim, I am sorry that I can’t be public. I am ready to give this a real shot but I’m not in a position to put you in another dangerous situation because you’re involved with a Vanguard. It puts a target on your back; both outside and inside the Tower.”

 He tried to lift my head up from the pillow. After a few failed attempts he finally lifted my head up to look him in the eyes. “Look at me. I’m here and will be on your side no matter what, ok?”

I turned my head, cheek lights tinged pinkish. “Prim…”

“It’s not about the public thing. I just, I don’t want to be so dependent on you. I want to still be seen as a strong Guardian in your eyes and I feel like my feelings make me weak sometimes.” I looked down.

He grabbed the back of my head and neck and kissed me. There was a hunger there that I had never felt before, a sense of desperation that I never noticed. He broke the kiss and we touched horns. “Thank the Traveler.”

“Huh?” I looked to meet his eyes.

“Prim, I mean, it’s like we’ve known each other forever but we’ve only known each other for a few weeks, maybe months, right? You’ve held your own this whole time. I’ve just been a freaking side character to your amazing story. And whatever we are has only just started. So, don’t try and push me away just yet.” His eyes were soft and his sly grin was replaced by a look of pure happiness and relief. 

“I really like you, like…. A lot.” I chuckled. The gnawing feeling in the back of my brain: Yeah, you’ve known him for more than a few weeks. Talk about hundreds of years… 

“Me too.”

“I have an idea, it’s silly but, call me Ara… when we’re alone call me Ara and then call me Prim anywhere else. That way I know when it’s okay to be… ummm.”

“Be my girlfriend?”

“Yeah,  and when to be one of your Hunters. Wait, really?”

“Yeah. Would you be okay with that?”

“Of course.” 

“Ok. Ok. Fuck… hahaha I never thought I would say that word, ever… but back to what you were saying.

“Call me Prim in public and then call me Ara or Aralyn when it’s okay to be your girlfriend.”

“That’s actually smart. But where’d Ara come from?”

“Aralyn is my real name. Moonie scanned a tank that was before my Exo transfer and her name was Aralyn. So, that’s who I was before being an Exo, the darkness, and becoming a Guardian.”

“I think I could get used to calling you that.” Cayde smiled, nuzzling my cheek.

-|-

 The next morning Cayde took me to see Amanda about the ship I could borrow. She said she would need another day or two to get it ready for that far of a flight but that I was welcome to look inside. 

Cayde was right, it was bare bones. I would at least need a mattress of some kind for the trip and I could easily use storage crates as a makeshift table and chair. That and the Mars facility had plenty of resources if I needed a shower or whatever. 

“Looks good. I’ll have a mattress sent over and whoever buys it can have it after I sleep on it for maybe a few nights.” 

“Deal. Thanks for waiting. Some Guardians have primadonna syndrome.” 

“I doubt you’ll find a Guardian more humble than this one.” Cayde said. “Alright I’m off. Have fun doing whatever, you two.” He waved as he walked towards the Vanguard’s room. Clearly he had plenty to do but made time for me. 

“So, Cayde, huh?” Amanda leaned on her knee that was balanced on a crate.

“What?” I turned to look at her.

“You and him. You would make a cute couple.” She pointed back and forth at us.

“Why does everyone say that?” I pulled my hood down over my eyes.

“He dotes on you and you clearly like him. Makes perfect sense to me.” she shrugged.

“What do you mean ‘dotes’. How is he doting on me?” I grumbled leaning over to speak quieter.

“Let’s see, he goes to the moon with you, stayed by your side all the time when you were in a coma, made sure only bet on your success in matches, was the first to lose his shit when the beat down happened, flew off to rescue you and your fire team. What else am I forgetting…?” She put a gd hand on her chin and tapped on her cheek. “AH! Flys you back home on HIS ship and now this. He has me working on getting a ship ready for you.”

“First off this is by Zavala and Ikora’s orders. Cayde was the one who said you had a ship.” I stood up, getting slightly defensive.

“Chill. I’m givin’ ya crap!” She laughed. “Man, look, if it upsets ya that much I won’t tease ya so much.” She gave me a small punch. “He cares a lot about you, but you care a heck of a lot more for him. Right?” 

“Is it that obvious?” I looked towards the direction of the Vanguard room. I sighed and turned back to face her. “Well, whatever. It’s not like it matters anyway.” I laughed awkwardly. It was better for me to be the hopeless romantic in love with my boss rather than any other rumor, so I figured I would play into it. 

I started to walk away. “ Thanks Amanda. Let Moonie know when and I’ll be back. Ok?”

“Sounds good, kiddo.” She waved as I walked away. 

-|-

A irksome feeling came over me as I walked towards my apartment. As I rounded the corner that had my apartment in sight I saw him, Cinder. He hadn’t noticed me and was busy sticking another note on my door. Moonsong flew ahead and got right in his face. 

“Why do you bother showing your face here? After all you’ve done you’re starting to leave letters? To what? Will they fix the damage you’ve done to MY GUARDIAN!” He had expanded from his anger, small pieces of his shell swirling around him with a tenacious and dangerous speed.

“Moonie, it’s ok. I’m ok. Thank you.” He floated back to my side and nuzzled my cheek. “Thanks buddy, I appreciate it.”

“Always, my Guardian.” He glared at Cinder as he flashed away.

I closed the distance between the two of us and towered over him. “What do you want?” I turned to the letter taped to the door. I grabbed it and crumpled it in front of him. “You think I would want anything that has to do with you?” I dropped the crumpled letter on the ground. Cinder’s eyes followed it. He wouldn’t lift his head.

“Look, everything I did was wrong and horrible. I know you don’t have to forgive me but, I’ll keep trying until we’re at least amicable. That’s my first goal.” He twiddled his fingers trying to keep himself from looking up.

“Doesn’t explain the notes or what you want from me.” I crossed my arms, ready to pull knives from my vest’s side pockets. I wanted to be ready for some sort of bullshit but he finally lifted his head, I knew why he didn’t want to look at me… he was a blubbering snotty mess. 

“I just..hiic…wanted to….sniff… invite you… to a group dinner.”

“What?” Moonsong and I were both confused.

Cinder started cleaning up his face and regained some level of composure. “There’s a bunch of us Hunters that want to get together and meet each other. I tried to invite Cayde this morning but he hasn’t forgiven me yet. So, he said he’ll think about it. But it won’t be just me and I can show up after you or whatever you want. I just thought maybe meeting some of us would help bury the hatchet and change people’s minds about you and whatever thing they think you have with Cayde and the Vanguard.” 

I finally released the tension I had been holding and sighed heavily. I didn’t want to trust him but meeting other hunters and ingratiating myself would be a good way to make friends and stop rumors before they started about Cayde and I being in a relationship. “When is it?”

“It’s ummm actually tonight. Which is why I was trying so hard to- you get the idea.”

“I’ll go. But if there is any sign of bullshit from you or this group, I will fucking super your asses to oblivion. Do I make myself clear?” I pointed my finger at him and he flinched. 

“Yeah. I got you… here’s the note we’ve been passing out, see you there.”

He quickly handed me the paper, backed up and turned and ran. Good you little shit.

“Well, this is going to be something to explain to Cayde.” I chuckled looking at the paper. 

“Why did you accept?” Moonsong floated from his cozy spot in my hood out in front of my face. 

“I’m starting to change my image, with the people, the Vanguard and now some Hunters? It’s a start. Hopefully I’ll make a good impression and I’ll have a lot less to worry about and not feel like everyone and their mother is glaring at me around the Tower. As I did with Amanda, I would rather be seen as the idiot Guardian hopelessly in love with my boss than have any rumors about us spreading around.”

“Fair enough, I’m sure Cayde will find that tactic funny. But I’ll be right there if we need an SOS.”

“Yeah? You gonna call Cayde to come bail my ass out of a situation? I can handle myself, thank you very much. I might not be the best talker but at least I’ll say that I tried.” I unlocked the door and went in. 

Moonie transmatted my armor away, leaving me in my under gear. “I guess I’ll shower and get ready. Moonie, send a message to Sunny and Cayde that I’m going to this thing whether he likes it or not. Please and thank you.”

“Sent. And, you’re welcome. Just don’t expect a happy-jolly response from him.” He hovered close to my face as I pulled my shirt off and got ready to clean up.

 “OH a response. ‘I’ll see you, that asshat, and the rest of my idiot Hunters later then. ♠️’ Wow, I wasn’t expecting any of that.” 

“I’m sure he’s fuming but Sunny put a nice spin on it, I guess.” I chuckled as I hopped in the shower and rinsed off. “I guess it’ll be time to use one of the ‘date’ dresses I got. So much for relaxing for a few days. Even my Light knows I’m gonna be socially burnt out for at least a week after this… and I still haven’t spoken to Cronus and Nix. Traveler help me get through this.”

“Just relax and you’ll charm all of them. I know you will!”

Chapter Text

I showed up to the dinner in a casual A-line dress. It had thick straps, a fitted bust and was made of a nice comfortable cotton. Not exactly fancy but enough to show I put effort in. The place was a family style Italian joint with a nice big open room that apparently the Hunters had booked completely for themselves, nearly fifty of them at the time. Many were in the middle of handing down dishes to each other when I showed up. 

Cinder stood up first and reached out his arms to welcome me. I walked towards the table and waved awkwardly. “Everyone, this is Prim, the triple super Guardian. Everyone, say ‘Hi’ and be nice!” A couple of people waved but most went right back to talking. “Here, I got you a spot.” He took a jacket off of an empty seat across from him. “People here are nice, you just have to start the conversation first…”

”Hey Triple, how’d you do that at the Crucible?” One male human hollered from the back. The majority of heads turned to look at me. 

”I was just gonna ask that!” An awoken girl yelled back at him.

”I think we ALL were gonna ask that.” An Exo male yelled as he stood up. “Let her talk and shut the hell up. I’m talking to you Blaine!” He pointed down the table to someone I couldn’t see. “Shut your mouth if you want to keep it!” He turned towards me and rubbed his arm awkwardly. “Sorry about that. I’m Rex-10. People just call me Rex or Rexin. Nice to meet you.” He waved. “Now, I think if everyone SHUTS UP,” he looked around the room and extended his hand. “You, my dear, can finally talk.” He sat down as the quiet mumbles returned.

“So, how does it work? Do you get the same work up to build the super? Does it take a long time? How did you figure it out?” A human girl rapidly-fired questions. “Oh, I’m Mina by the way.” She waved enthusiastically.  

“Woah, look, I only know that shit has to get real bad for my body to activate that but now, I’m learning to control my abilities like the rest of you.” I stood up and started to back away from the table.

“That’s a tad disappointing that you’re not a complete badass anymore, but fair.” One Awoken said “I’m Jules, by the way”, he waved in acknowledgement. He sat lazily in his chair and was practicing knife tricks towards the opposite end of the table. 

After the initial awkwardness of everyone apologizing for being assholes, we got into some friendly banter about missions and the life of a Hunter. It was nice to talk to people other than my fire team and the Vanguard. Amanda and Banshee were alright, but not much for long conversation.

I met a few good Guardians but many decided to leave after they had their fill. They were friendly but clearly didn’t want to get involved in any drama surrounding me.

 It was decided afterwards that we would go to a bar nearby and hangout there. I told the group to go on ahead while I sent some messages to Nix and Cronus. We needed to catch up on what’s been happening and I was done putting that conversation off. “Can’t we have a mission with your… temporary replacement. Please wish us luck with the newbie.” Nix replied. Satisfied, I left for the bar.

The group of us left was surprisingly decently sized: Three, Awoken, three humans, and two other Exo. 

“What are we all drinking?”  I looked over to see an Awoken was drinking whiskey. “I’ll have a double of what he’s having.” 

“A double? There’s no need to catch up. We are just getting started.” Mina, giggled. 

“Exos take quite a bit to feel really anything so she’s not really catching up but more just getting started.” The other Exo said. “I’m Lancer-3, Lance for short.” 

“Hi everyone, I’m not sure if I introduced myself to each of you but I’m..”

“We know who you are, triple-threat!” Mina shouted. Her excitement bubbled over.

“My name is Prim, not triple-threat. So, please call me that from now on.” I gazed at her sternly. I couldn’t tell if she was just hyperactive or drunk.

 Conversation was mostly ridiculous stories from missions. Cinder even told his story about how he first met me - when Cayde and I saved his team on the moon.

”I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them.” He smiled while chugging his beer, clearly tipsy. 

“And yet one would think you would be grateful she saved your ass. Funny how some people show appreciation.” A chuckle came from the entrance of the bar, as Cayde strode in with a swagger. He approached the table and rested his arms on the back of a bar stool. “What’s up, kiddos? He smiled and laughed. “You know, if you invite me somewhere, you usually have to be there when the person shows up. If it weren’t for Mina, I wouldn’t know where you guys went.” He ruffled her hair and walked over to the bar to order. I couldn’t help but feel slightly jealous that he could show affection to these guys but not to me in public. 

“I thought you said he wasn’t coming!” Cinder whispered to one of the humans. They shrugged their shoulders as Cinder looked over excitedly. “Maybe he’s giving me another sho-“ 

“Did you see that? He tussled my hair. That HAS to mean something right?” She turned to the group with an excited look on her face. 

I chuckled. “ It could also mean that you are the only one WITH hair on this side of the table. It was true, Mina was the only human within arms reach of Cayde when he walked in. She glared at me something fierce. “What would you know? The only reason he cares about what you do is because you might explode or something for all we know.” She huffed and crossed her arms.

“I’ll be sure to put on a wig next time we go out. Maybe I can get my hair tousled and feel all giddy. Prim do you think I would make a good brunette? Maybe blue?” Rex laughed, clanking his glass on the table. 

“Alright, one of you needs to scoot your ass so I can sit.” We shifted so that Cayde was sitting between Mina and Rex. “Now what about brunettes?” 

“Rex wants you to play with his hair if he gets a wig.” I laughed, covering my mouth. 

“Oh Rex, I had no idea you felt so left out.” Cayde said sweetly. He then reached down and flung Rex’s cloak over his head and tousled it. Rex struggled for a minute and then was able to fling his cloak back over, looking completely disgruntled and then laughed. I looked over at Mina who was staring daggers at him. 

I grabbed another drink and sat back down. “They givin’ you any shit?” Cayde asked, leaning over behind Mina to say it quietly to me. I shook my head no. 

“Oh man! Guys, there’s like 4 dart boards!” One of the humans yelled and then all hell broke loose. There was suddenly a round robin of games of darts with each person throwing in a 5 glimmer bet. Ironically, half of them were absolutely terrible at darts. I stayed in my seat and watched, laughing every so often that someone said Lancer would cheat since he was an Exo. 

”If it were knives it would be a different story!” Rina, another human, grumbled. 

“If someone wants to take this to the range I would be down!” Mina squealed. “Cayde you wanna go to the range with us?” She hollered over to him, now sitting next to me, also watching drunk idiots play darts. 

”I’m not letting you go near the range with this much alcohol in your system.” Lance snapped. “None of you should. Ya’ll are a mess.” Cayde chuckled, the alcohol hitting him a little now.

“You ‘Guardians’ should get back to your little tower.” A crotchety middle aged woman snarled. 

“Excuse me?” I suddenly became stone cold and turned towards the woman. 

“Ya heard me. Get out. No oneeeee wannntts you heree.” She slurred her words, clearly drunk. “Get the fffffffffuck out!”

“Guys, we pay our tab and leave. I am not getting into trouble here with anyone.” I said quietly to the group.

“Agreed. Can you cover the tab while I get the idiots back outside and towards the barracks?” Rex started to lead the group out. 

“Yeah. Hey, bartender, can we close the group out? Pull from this account and here is your tip.” I pulled some glimmer in a bag and left it on the counter. I walked over to the drunk woman and sat down. 

“I SAID LEEAVEEEE” She sputtered, sloshing her beer in her hand.

”Why do you hate guardians?” I kneeled in front of her. 

“Cause yer lazy good fur nooothings.” She slammed her beer down. 

Cinder cautioned “We should really go.”

Cayde echoed the sentiment. “Kid, we’re going. That’s not a request.”

“No.” I shooed them away. “I wanna know. I want to know what we did so bad to her that she hates us.” I looked between the two of them. I wasn’t going anywhere.

“My son. When the city was attacked… NONE. OF YOOOOUU GUARDIANS SAVED HIM!”

”I’m sorry. I heard that the Red War was terrible… I don’t have anything I can really say that would make your pain any easier.” I put my hand gently on her back.

“Maybe he can be a guardian like you one day? A ghost will find him and I could see my son again?” She started to sober up from the somber but yet controlled expression she wore on her face.  

“Maybe.” I smiled. “But I will tell you, there’s a trade off for being a Guardian. You wake up a clean slate. Most never remember who they were before and those that remember can only remember bits and pieces. For some, it's comforting, for others, a heavy burden. So, even if he was resurrected, he wouldn’t be your son anymore. I’m sorry.”

The woman slapped her head on the table and began to weep. “My baby boy…” She reached her hand out and held mine tightly. “What about you?” She looked up at me, tears streaming down her face. “Do you remember who you were?”

“I’m an Exo, I was designed to not have any attachments to my life before as a human, and as a Guardian, I only remember the horrors I saw before the collapse. Those were the unfortunate memories I kept when I became a Guardian. I carry that burden with me every day.”

“You’re that old?” Her face that had once shown hatred showed pity and sadness.

“As a Guardian, no. But this body of mine is. I remember making it myself, trying to get into it before the darkness hit, but everyone I loved died when that happened. I couldn’t tell you their names or faces, but that’s the trade off for being nearly immortal. You need to leave your past self behind.” I sighed and rubbed her back as she calmed down. 

Cinder and Cayde watched as I interacted with the bitter woman. Cinder was astounded at my ability to connect with a human despite being an Exo and not having the ability to ‘show emotion’ as many people thought. We can emote just as well as anyone, but it’s significantly more subtle. He watched as the woman got up, paid her tab, hugged me, and left. She looked like a massive weight was off her shoulders. 

Cayde came up to me “That was risky, are you alright kid?” 

“Yeah, she just looked… sad. I don’t want to see anyone feel that way.” I looked out to the direction the woman was headed.

“Well, I’m gonna catch up with Rex, those idiots probably can’t tell which way is up at this point.” He leaned in closer and whispered “Your place?”

I nodded. “Good luck, sir.” I laughed. 

“What did I tell you about that ‘sir’ crap! Stop it!”

“Sir? I’d like those shots I spoke of earlier now, please. The man behind the counter brought two glowing green shots.

Cinder walked up to me with the two glowing green shots. “What’s this about?” I asked, suspiciously. 

“A token of good faith. Thanks for comin’ out and giving them a chance. I told you that they’re a good group.”

“Well thanks. I appreciate it.”

”Cheers then?”

“Cheers! To new beginnings.”

”To new beginnings!”

We walked up the stairs to get back to everyone. Once we hit the main plaza Cinder grabbed my arm. “Prim, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything personal when I attacked you. I was just sticking up for the guardians who wouldn’t stick up for themselves.” His expression was strained as he continued to close the space between us. 

“What are you getting at?” I growled.

”I may be trying to move on from all of this nonsense but there are others that may not be so welcoming. I’d be careful of Mina. She’s got an unhealthy obsession with being the best. She also has this obsessive thing for Cayde and it is her motivation for literally everything. Anyways, I’m sorry. I hope that maybe one day we can move past my fuck up.

”Maybe…”

”Just… give it some thought.”

“I will. Thanks for inviting me. It was… better than I hoped.” I turned and walked towards my apartment and once I was back to my place, unlocked the door and slid down till I was sitting against the door. 

“Prim, are you alright?” Moonsong hovered. “Ara..?”

I couldn’t control my body, I was shaking. More memories flooded in and I couldn’t take it. “I’m ok Moonie. I’m ok. Just, get me some of those damn sticky notes.”

He hovered back with notes and a marker as I feverishly scribbled down what was coming to my head. I needed to get it out and on paper while it was still fresh in my mind. Group dinners on the base; time spent at the shooting range together; Cayde’s wife sobbing in my arms; them having a fight over Ace and how he would basically have no father; Cayde accepting to join the Exo experiment; he and I fighting over his decision and how it nearly ruined our entire friendship… I got up and rotated the painting above my lumpy couch and stuck the notes in a small pile and then rotated the painting back. I sat down on the couch and held my head in my hands. No wonder I was warned to not learn about my past, it was destroying me. The man I had loved for hundreds of years possibly loved me back and I was a fucking wreck thinking about it. I needed to get my shit together, Cayde was coming and I needed to get my shit together. 

-|-

CAYDE POV

“Something is wrong with Ara. Moonsong just sent a message. “Ara could use a hug.” Something is wrong? Did Cinder fuck with her again? I shuddered at the thought.

I ran as fast as I could to Ara’s place and knocked on the door. It swung open with ease, it wasn’t even closed fully. She was sitting there with a marker and sticky notes everywhere, holding her head in her hands.

”Hey, sweetness, whatcha doin?” I kneeled down to look at her. “Was it Cinder again, because I will destroy him, Speaker be damned!”

She lifted her head and smiled lightly. There was an off glow to her eyes and cheeks that made me feel sad. “Baby, what’s wrong?” I held her cheek in my hand.

“Just my head, filled with memories and weird images.” She chuckled. “I’m sorry, you picked a hell of a mess to get into a relationship with.”

“Eh, just a different kinda messed up than I am.” I sat down next to her. “Man, we need to get you some new furniture. This is lumpy as hell. How am I to ravish you on this, no no, not on this… thing.”

”Yeah, I was looking at furniture. I’ll probably order it all tomorrow.”

“Wow I even used the word ‘ravish’ and you didn’t even give me a chuckle or maybe a giggle?” I stood up and picked her up. “Alright, bedtime crabby pants!” 

“I’m not tired, I’m fine.” She whined

”So? You don’t have to be tired for me to snuggle the ever-long crap outta you!”

I placed her down on the bed and started taking off my gear. “You know, you should warn me if you’re going to wear something so cute. I was ready to jump you, you know.”

“And how will I know what is considered ‘cute’?” She said as she took off her dress and hung it up.

“Or sexy” I pointed at her. 

“Ok, so how am I supposed to know that?” She rested a hand on her hip wearing just her undergarments. 

“Ok, there’s that. And that’s really not even fair in this discussion.” I walked towards her and wrapped my arms around her. “But…. Hmm…. Basically anything.”

“Anything?”

“Yeah, probably.” I laughed and nuzzled her cheek. I went back to my stuff and threw on a t-shirt and joggers and hopped into her bed. She threw on some shorts and a tank top and followed me. 

I patted down in front of me and spread my arms open. “Come on.” 

She hesitated but snuggled up against me as the little spoon and I squeezed her just a bit as I pulled her closer. 

“I don’t know what’s going on with you and your memories, but I’m here. So, if you need a hug or support or I don’t know, anything… let me know. I will drop anything to come and help you.” I rested my chin on her head. I care so much for you but you gotta talk to me about what’s bothering you or how I can help. 

She nodded and turned around to face me. She pulled my head down, kissed my horn and then pulled me in for a kiss. It was deep, lustful, and full of love and passion. 

“Alright, that’s it. I sat up.” She looked at me completely confused. I pointed to her and shook my finger “If we wake up before I have to run out the door, I will destroy you, sexually that is, but then you owe me a giant coffee. Ok?” 

She nodded and giggled knowing full well that we both just set our internal clocks to wake up early. She kissed my horn and my cheek and face. “Prim…Aralyn, shit, whatever… Don’t shut down on me like that, ya hear?”

“Wasn’t planning on it.”

“Good.”

“You can just call me Ara. I know it’s confusing.”

“No, I’ll get it eventually. Prim for public, Ara or Aralyn for… sexually A-ctive?” She laughed loudly and her bright smile was finally back. “It's like you’re a secret double agent or something.” I laughed. 

“I promise I am not a secret double agent.”

“Good. Cause I might have to murder you.”

“Goodnight Cayde.”

“Goodnight Aralyn.”

-|-

PRIM POV

An intense session of lovemaking, two carafes of coffee later and I was somewhat functioning. Cayde on the other hand was full of energy, nearly bouncing off the walls. I started to think that sex was like a battery recharge for him… I groaned looking in my barren pantry. I needed more coffee but I didn’t feel like going to buy and make it, so instead, I just threw on some clothes and went to buy the largest cup I could find. 

Moonsong popped out and looked at me. “You look awful. Maybe try sleeping sometime.”

”Wow, thanks.” 

“Some Exos don’t even sleep and here you are running on fumes after… whatever you two wanna call that.”

”Ok. One, don’t ever mention that you can see AND hear my sex life and two, I had a rough day yesterday too.”

“Fine, I’ll give you that. Anyways, I got a message from Amanda. The ship is ready.”

I perked up a bit at that moment and smiled. “Ok, lemme put that furniture order in, we can grab the mattress and be on our way.” I paid for my coffee and walked back to my place with a bit more pep in my step. 

Moonie followed behind and quietly said in my ear, “maybe change the sheets first before going to Mars.”

”Moonie! Stop, ugh, I am not disgusting enough to leave them on.”

“Ok. Just saying.”

”MOONIE!”

-|-

I was finishing up putting the mattress in the ship and unloading some rations for myself and putting them away. Suddenly I heard a holler from Amanda, “Yo, kid! Your Vanguard is lookin’ for ya.” She smirked as I rolled my eyes. I walked down the ramp to find Cayde.

“No goodbye for me?” He whined. 

“Nah, I figured you’d end up following me to say goodbye.” I laughed as I stepped up to my ship.

Cayde looked like a lost puppy as I boarded the ship. I could tell he desperately wanted to say something so I asked him to help me carry some cargo aboard. Thankfully the ship was nice and clean (thanks Amanda). As soon as we set down the crates he pushed me into the side room and kissed me deeply.

“I missed you.” He smiled and rested his head on my shoulder. I giggled and kissed his forehead.

“I saw you this morning.”

“But still…”

“I missed you too silly.” I laughed, “Sorry I have to leave so soon.” I hugged him tightly.

Since that single night on his ship it was like we became the giddiest, happiest couple but only in private. Anyone who asked why he hovered close he told them that unless I could control my light properly that he would be keeping a close eye on me. Zavala and Ikora completely agreed with his decision and pushed him to keep pestering me until my Light stabilized. That also meant extra training with Ikora and Zavala too when I came back. If that's what I needed to do to spend time with him I was willing to take on the extra work. 

He kissed me deeply again but this time with a slight growl that let me know that he was not satisfied with just my small affection.

“Later, ya goof.” I slightly pushed him away, giggling at his antics.

“But… but… what if it’s really quick and I keep you from moaning?” He smiled slyly for a brief second. “Fuck, but the noises you make are so damn sexy.” He kissed me one last time. I pushed him away and pointed to the ramp. He turned to leave, grumbling as he went down the ramp of the ship. 

I started to finish putting things away when I heard him yelling. “Hey! Don’t have too much fun on Mars. You still got shit in the EDZ that I need ya to take care of!” 

I rolled my eyes and hollered back “Ana and I are gonna have a giant rave and you’re not invited. Rasputin will be the DJ.” 

“RUDE!” He bickered as the ramp closed.

I sent him a quick message that I would let him know when I was coming back so we could grab ramen together. 

His reply was “I’m counting down the minutes. Try to get back before it gets cold or I’ll have to eat your share.” 

Amanda lurked around the corner, and watched the goodbye. “You two seem chummy now.” 

“Maybe? But I can’t really be as excited to see her when she’s not a tiny version of me. I heard you were responsible for mutilating my beautiful tiny face!” He fake sniffled “As you know, I am the embodiment of sheer Exo perfection!” He posed dramatically. “Now she’s just… normal Exo.” He scoffed and shrugged his shoulders.

“Uh huh, sure. If you start hanging around her ship like a lost puppy just know that they’ll be rumors more than you saving her and her fireteam’s asses on Europa. After all, she did come back to the tower in your ship. Not hers.”

“Have you tried flying after switching bodies? Fuck that. Kid needed sleep. Snores like a fucking Cabal.” He faked a shiver. “Let me know if any of my Hunters come back without their paperwork. Cause maybe with most of them here I can finally catch up with this boring Vanguard shit and maybe grab a sandwich.”

“Will do boss man!” She waved as he disappeared from sight. She shook her head and smiled. “They’re both idiots.” She laughed as she got back to her own work. 

“Agreed.” A young woman’s voice said from behind.

-|-

CAYDE POV

Since I had nothing better to do while waiting for Ara to come back, I was actually diligent in my work. I guess working while waiting for Prim to return was more suspicious than me goofing off or hovering around her. Zavala and Ikora took notice and asked “Anything happened while you were gone? You seem so focused now…” 

I knew what they were insinuating but brushed it off just as easily. “Ya, I don’t have to worry about one of my best new hunters going a-wall because they got mutilated in front of the entire city. She seems happier, but we all know that my face was the better choice.” I winked. “Nah, I’ve gotten kinda bored of Vex and Hive hunting for now .” I paused looking over a piece of paper, “NOW, if you hear of a cache from some Fallen in the EDZ, I will totally be sneaking out to pocket those goodies for myself!” 

Ikora rolled her eyes and Zavala groaned. That little display was enough to keep them off my back for a little bit at least. I was at least able to hide it easily enough from those two. At least, I hoped so. 

A knock came at the door. It was Mina. 

“Good Morning my Vanguards!” She was as chipper as ever. I walked over with my casual smile. 

“Waddup kiddo? I don’t have any missions for you for the next few days unless you wanna run patrols down in the EDZ for supplies?” I smirked. This one was always beaming with energy and enthusiasm.

”I was actually gonna ask if you could help me at the range? I figured it might be worthwhile for me to use a hand cannon. Make myself a bit more well rounded?” 

“Well, I don’t have a whole lot goin on here so, that might be a good break.” I looked over at nodded at Zavala and Ikora. “See you dorks later.” I waved and held the door open for the little Guardian. 

I followed her down to the range. Took a few shots with Ace and tried to work on some trick shots that I could use next time I felt like playing in the Crucible. Mina watched, transfixed with my proficiency with the weapon. After I had my fun I stood next to her and watched her shakily hold her gun. 

“It’s fine if you need to use two hands. They’re heavy and have a bastard of a recoil, kid.” I chuckled as I positioned her hands together over the gun in a proper holding position. 

She took several rounds of ammo and just couldn’t handle the recoil and sheer size of the weapon. She could easily use a sub, or an auto no problem but it seemed more like she was aiming poorly on purpose. I watched her stance and handling and started looking at her more deliberately. She was aiming like shit on purpose. While she was reloading I rolled my eyes. I don’t have time for this bullshit. 

I placed my hand on the gun as she reloaded the cartridge and looked in her eyes. “What’s this about? I know you’re a better shot than this.” 

“Is it bad to want to spend time with my Vanguard? Besides, it gives you a chance to get away from paperwork!” She smiled as she took ‘aim’. Another round misfired. I was starting to get irritated. 

“Alright kid, keep working at it. I’ll be impressed when you can hit that target with a full cartridge's worth without missing.” I waved as I walked away. Suddenly BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG. I looked back

”I did it!” She jumped up and down. She came running up to me. “Did you see? Maybe I can be as good as you one day!” She grinned, eyes gleaming. 

“I didn’t see it but I totally heard it. Nice job, kid.” I started walking back. 

“Oh…” She sounded like her heart sank. 

“What’s up?” I turned my head around. 

“I was, I just hoping you’d be a bit more proud of me… is all.”

”What?” I turned around. And walked down the steps towards her. 

“Like, maybe a pat on the head? Or a hug?” She stretched her arms out and closed her eyes. 

Seriously, kid? “Umm..” I flatly patted her head twice. “Good… job.” I turned around and headed back before her eyes even opened. 

I entered the Vanguard room with a heavy sigh. 

“Trouble in paradise?” Ikora chuckled, covering her laughter with a gloved hand. 

“I know I made a joke about it but I guess Prim was right, I have a bit of a fan club.” I sat back down and rolled my eyes. I shuddered at how forward Mina was in asking for affection. It seemed so, fake and wrong. I started thinking to how adorably awkward Ara was when she started to ask about Guardian and Vanguard relationships on my ship. She was so fucking cute and worried. I sighed and finally got back to my work. Ara, fuck, come back soon. 

-|- 

PRIM POV

Ana Bray, a guardian that was the top linguist and descendant of the great Clovis Bray, insisted that I pay a visit to her location on Mars to discuss my role in Bray Laboratories. That, and to pool our collective information on who we were and what our last moments were before the collapse. We had immediately gotten into Bray tech talking and it was like having a long lost sister, someone who knew a bit about what life was like at the Bray facilities. 

”You remember working on Elise’s body?” She looked at me, completely puzzled. Shaking her head. 

“I remember that there was a degenerative disease that ran through your father and sister. I was too young and inexperienced to help your father before…”

“Before he ripped himself to shreds.” She shuddered at the thought, barely remembering the distant echo in her mind of her previous life. 

“We called it Dissociative Exomind Rejection and Body Dysmorphia…” I wrapped my arms around myself. “Were you aware of it?”

“I’ve heard of it, but not exactly sure what it was since my work was with Rasputin” She looked me in the eyes, tears welling up. 

“Basically the mind cannot comprehend that the body has become an Exo. They believe they are dead and in some sort of purgatory. That’s why, the body mutilation was usually the route they resigned to…. To end… their suffering or their cognitive functions would degenerate until they ceased.” I looked at the floor and shuffled my feet. “I’m sorry. I wish there was more that I could do, or say.”

“Was there a cure? Or anything else that was important about it?”

“That is where the Deep Stone Crypt came in, and I don’t know how that all works. I made the bodies and occasionally shut them down for a reset, which helped a bit with the DER but that’s all I can recall so far. 

“That’s more than most of what I had through some of these old catalogs.”

“We…” I sighed. “We also had research to believe that couples that were converted could have a higher chance of mimicking one another’s condition if the other relapsed into DER.”

“Basically you’re saying…?” 

“If one died, the other would develop DER at nearly a 85% chance of critical failure. That’s why your grandfather chose individuals for the most part.”

She typed away some of what I told her in a log on one of the computers. We needed to keep adding to the knowledge we had so that we could help anyone that might be affected by Bray technology, especially the Exos. 

“You seem to have picked up quite a lot from your visit and transfer.” Ana placed a hand on my shoulder and pulled me into a hug. “It’s good to know I’m not alone in this search. Maybe together we can find more information to help the Exos and bring back some Golden Age technology. Traveler knows we could use it right about now.” 

“Agreed. I head you and The Guardian was able to stabilize Rasputin? If I may, could I greet him?” I was nervous as all hell but decided to give it a shot. If I could tell Cayde my feelings, what could I lose in talking to a massive Warmind that could obliterate me in a flash of a second?

“We’ll see if he lets you but it's worth a shot.” She smiled and grabbed my arm, leading the way. 

I followed Ana down the long hallways to the massive security doors that lead to Rasputin’s central core. The door unlocked and opened automatically. “I guess that’s a good sign?” I looked at Ana. She shrugged her shoulders. “Let’s see if he feels like talking today.”

I walked up and bowed politely to the Warmind, like I was approaching royalty. In the world of AI I guess he was royalty, completely supreme to all beings. Instead of telling him my Guardian name I decided to see what he knew of me through Bray technologies. “My name is Aralyn Martin, Chief Engineer of Bray Laboratories on Europa. I was part of the Exo Project.”

Ana and I waited what seemed like hours before he finally responded. Ana translated for him “I know you and your story. Your diamond, your family, they are hidden. Find the Exodus. Take them home.” She stepped back looking just as confused as I was. “He’s usually not that cryptic.” 

I knelt to the ground holding my head “Exodus…. Which one…?” 

“Mom, that’s for getting these. You sure you’ll be ok? Let us know when you get off planet and we can figure out how to meet up. The girls miss you but we’ll see you soon. Okay?”

My eyes flickered as the memory passed. I shook my head to refocus on what was in front of me. 

“Are you alright?” 

“Yeah. Just… a lot going on at once for my circuits. Heh.”

“I guess so.”

I stood up. Maybe he isn’t being as cryptic as we think. If we take it at face value there’s a lot of options. Though, I don't know who they are in his message. To be fair, I wasn’t sure as to what I was expecting.” I turned and bowed again and deeply thanked the Warmind and turned to leave. 

The doors closed behind us and I released a breath that I didn’t realize that I was holding onto. “I think he likes you.” Ana chuckled. “Most don’t show the level of respect to him as you did. I guess you made a good impression.” 

“Thank the Light! Because I was scared shitless. Not everyday you get to meet a behemoth like that and not get obliterated in a second.” I nervously chuckled. 

We walked back to the terminals we met at and exchanged as much information as possible before we were both mentally exhausted. We walked towards the ramp of my ship.

“Oh! I found this when you mentioned your real name before you got here.” She gave me an old holopad. “I’ve been digging through things and this had your name on the back plate. I knew I had seen your name before…”

“What is this?”

“Heck if I know. I couldn’t get it to power back on by charging it. Maybe it would react to something else but, it might have some of your notes on it. Maybe have someone help you rip out the memory drive? I dunno.”

“That would be huge. If I get it working or if anything comes up I’ll add it to the shared journals with my initials attached. Maybe we can meet every few weeks to go over notes? I might have to do some more digging, much to Zavala’s sheggrin.” I giggled. 

“Oh, well, Zavala can eat my boot. If it were up to him Rasputin would have been controlled as a giant weapon and probably eaten by a giant ass worm god.” Ana huffed. “If not for that Guardian and myself, Rasputin wouldn’t be here. But maybe I’ll stop by the Tower to see their libraries. There is quite a bit of my grandfather’s work documented by exterior parties which might be insightful. So, it would be nice to see you and maybe a few other Guardians  every once and awhile.”

I loaded everything she had given me into my ship and turned to walk away when she gently grabbed my arm. “Hey, don’t be a stranger. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone in this anymore. Ya know, all the Bray stuff.” She said with a smile on her face. 

“Same here.” I smiled. We shared a brief but tight hug and waved our goodbyes. I got on my ship and set coordinates for home. As we exited the atmosphere of Mars, I made a call on a private line. 

“Joe’s Pizza, how may I destroy your life with pineapple and ham?” A small chuckle was heard in the background. It was Ikora laughing. 

“I’m heading back. Current ETA is 8 hours. So, I’ma work on this log and then crash, ok?”

“Make sure to send it to crabby-pants-McGee first. He’s all over that Rasputin shit.” I could hear him yelling to someone in the background. “Hear that Blue? She’s heading back with more Russian angry machine stuff.”

 He covered the comm mic and whispered “Can I meet you at your place later? Kinda miss your face.” He removed his hand from the comm. “Fly safe Guardian, get that report in before I fall asleep at my desk, K? Oh! I gotta go feed Colonel. Be right back Ikora!” The call ended abruptly. I think he’s doing pretty well at hiding his feelings but the more time we spend together the easier it will be to notice. 

I chuckled into the comm. He was trying to be quiet but I wasn’t sure if Zavala or Ikora would pick up on the slight whispering but my gut instinct was that they would. I grabbed my holopad and got started on the report, quoting as much from Ana as possible. “Moonsong, can you play that again? I want to make sure I got that down correctly.” 

Two hours into my flight back I was finally done with my report and sent it to the entire Vanguard. “Hopefully that will keep them off mine and Cayde’s backs for a bit. Zavala has a slight anxiety fueled obsession with Rasputin. My mind was too filled with questions from my conversations with Ana to get any proper shut eye. I took a 30 minute power nap and then got back into logging my memories as best I could. I ripped the pages out of a small notebook and tried to arrange them in chronological order. It was an old method of working when we had holopads but having something tactile helped me keep grounded while sorting through the somewhat painful memories. That, and they were easier to tape to the wall.

I knew I needed to keep all of this hidden from Cayde, just until I pieced everything together. I had ordered some furniture to be delivered but made sure to not order anything that would replace that painting. At least, not till I could be there to receive it. Maybe Cayde could get away with spending time with me by moving boxes and putting together furniture. I would hide the memory notes behind the painting until I could find a better place to put them when he wasn’t around. 

”So, I knew him when he started, AND when he was shipped on to Venus. I just need to figure out how much time was between the two.” I arranged the sheets guesstimating the number of pages between the two. “He also spoke to me as though I was his personal engineer. Either that was a running joke or I was directly involved in his Exo conversion.” 

I turned to Moonsong “What do you make of this?” 

He floated by the papers, looking over each note carefully. “Could you share these memories with me? If you were to meditate on them, maybe I could see them better. Ikora does that a lot with her Warlocks.” He closed his eye and hummed slightly. “We could ask her for help but I don't know if that would let her see what you’re trying to remember…”

”No, no Ikora. Not if I can help it.” I plopped down on the floor and assumed a basic meditation pose and closed my eyes. I started taking deep breaths, in thought my stomach and out through my nose, again and again. I sat there for what seemed like hours and gave up. 

“How much time was that?” I sighed.

”20 minutes.” Moonsong sighed. 

I got up to my feet and immediately felt dizzy. “Be careful!” Moonsong chirped. I completely tripped on my own leg and face planted into a wall. 

“Son of a Fallen whore!” I grunted. I carefully sat down in my chair holding my head and checking for damage to my horn. As I sat there with my head down I felt something drip down my face from my eye. “Fuck” I got up to look into a mirror and clean the outside of my optic nerve. The scene of looking in the mirror reminded me of another time. My eyes flashed bright blue and I barely heard Moonsong tell me to sit down before I slid onto the floor using the door to support myself. 

“And here is where Dad works!” Cayde was walking around with his son on his shoulders. He pretended to almost fall over and helped the child down. A beautiful woman followed the two of them, looking completely lost in the environment. And thiiiiiissssss here, is the cool boss lady.  

“ACK!” I was busy digging around under the table looking for a lost screw. “Oh man, that’s going to leave a mark. 

This is Doctor Aralyn Martin. He waved his arm out and I smiled.  

“Hi, owww, I’m Dr Ara, what’s your name?” I reached my one hand out for a handshake but the child slapped it away. I kept rubbing the slight dent on my head knowing it would be a nice big bruise later. I sighed. The kid would likely never like me. 

“Are you the reason my dad works so far away from home?” The child turned and hid behind his mother. “Cause if you are, I hate you.” 

”Ace! Buddy, this is not how we taught you to introduce yourself. Now, Try again.” The mother coaxed her son forward. 

”It’s nice to meet you doctor lady.” He haphazardly shook my hand and then wiped it on his jeans making a disgruntled face as he did.  

“So you’re the famous Ace I’ve heard so much about! Your dad talks about you nonstop!” I laughed. 

”Only my family and cool people can call me Ace. You’re not one of them!” He pointed his finger at me and pouted.  

“Fair enough.” I shrugged. Kids will be kids, I thought. “You wanna see some of the cool stuff that your dad protects while he’s here? It’s super secret, so you need to pinky promise you won’t say anything, ok? I stuck my pinky out waiting for his acknowledgement. 

”I guess so, only if it’s super cool.” He wrapped his pinky around mine and we shook on it.  

I turned back to Cayde and his wife. “If you two would like time to catch up I can show him around and meet you two in the cafeteria in about an hour or so. K?”  

“Thanks, kid, I really appreciate it.” Cayde replied, rubbing the back of his neck. A habit that he really only did when he was nervous about something… but he walked hand in hand down the hallway with his wife. 

I turned back to the boy and asked excitedly, ‘What should we look at first? I got a ton of cool robots you can see and play with. How about that for starters?” 

”WOAH REALLY? Real robots. I mean, like ones with guns and stuff?” 

“Yep, and ones that people will come to live in too!”  

“Are you really smart and make all of these?”  

“I’d like to think so and yes, most of the designs here, at least the hardware, were designed by me.” 

“Ok… maybe… you can call me Ace, since… you’re like, cool and stuff.”  

“Thanks Ace! It’s a pleasure to meet you.” 

I woke up laying flat on the floor. “Well, that was something.” 

Moonsong scanned me from head to toe. “That was such a bizarre experience. To think that physical trauma could bring back memories. Fascinating. Especially since you’re an Exo!” 

“Yeah that was some… Wait. You saw those memories too?” I turned to Moonsong as he continued to scan me. 

“When you fell over I had attempted to heal you but instead my Light was absorbed by you and I could see and hear everything that you were experiencing! We have to tell Ana! This is breaking news!” 

“Not yet. I… need time to process this. I remember him, his son, and I think his wife or his “Queen of Hearts” as he refers to her sometimes. I… my feelings feel… so wrong now.”

“You know that was hundreds of years ago, right? Besides, he was a completely different person back then. He may remember that they once existed, but you are here NOW.”

“I think you’re right. I need time to work through this, collect the memories and maybe meet with Ikora once I start to make some sense of it all.” 

I wrote in my makeshift journal and smiled. “At least I was cool enough to call him “Ace”. I smiled softly and closed the book. I had a feeling that the story of my past would only get more complicated and revealed the more time I spent with Cayde. But, being with him was worth any price, he felt like home. 

Chapter Text

I returned to the tower slightly earlier than expected so I figured I would just report in person, if the Vanguard had time, I knocked on the door and hear Cayde answer “Come in.” 

I approached the table and immediately walked over to Cayde. “Made it back a bit sooner than expected so if one of you has time... I could”

“Can’t, trying to finish up this paperwork before I leave for the day. Talk to Big Blue.” Without looking at me he turned and hollered, “Zavala, she’s got your Rasputin update.” He turned his head back to his work. I looked at Ikora in shared confusion.

”Ah, Guardian, come with me to my office and we can discuss a bit further.”

”Sure. I have all my notes here but I also sent you a copy earlier. Did you happen to glance over them?” I followed quietly, watching Cayde hoping he would look up at me. He didn’t, not even a single glance. 

I spent about an hour going over mine and Ana’s notes and decided that we needed to inspect most of the Bray facilities and that I was the Guardian for the job. Zavala stated that my new position would require reporting directly to him and working with Ana to bring their Golden Technology back to the Tower for investigation. 

“Would this be any reason that Cayde appears to be grumpy as all get out?” I lazily pointed my thumb back towards the Vanguard’s room. 

Zavala sighed “He’s always been protective of his hunters. You and Ana are two of them, that also means that your fireteam has a replacement one.” Zavala crossed his arms and shook his head. “Cayde felt your group was working perfectly fine and that it would make more sense for one of his more ‘loner’ styled Guardians to take on the task of dealing with Rasputin and Bray facilities but ultimately we decided you were the best fit given your… intimate background with the facility on Europa.”

”I understand. Just hope I don’t get the cold shoulder forever. I usually appreciate his lackadaisical demeanor when I visit you guys.” I shrugged my shoulders. Zavala and I made small talk as we entered the Vanguard Headquarters. I saw Ikora and took my chance to chat with her. 

“Miss Ikora” I sheepishly approached her. 

She chuckled slightly. “Ikora is just fine. How can I help you guardian?”

“I was wondering if we could step outside. There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.” I played with one of the loose threads on my glove.

”Of course, please, we can go wherever you feel comfortable.” She opened the door and took a few steps outside. “Thank you, by the way. Cayde is making the room feel suffocating with his attitude.” 

“Agreed. Anyways, I need some of your insight. I’ve been having these vivid flashbacks to my previous life. They’re not in any sort of order so it seems like gibberish to me. But I was wondering if you could help me, maybe make sense of some of itt? One happened in the middle of a mission and I don’t want that to be a huge risk every time I go out.” 

“Hmm, we did talk about working through those. But, you’re the first Exo Guardian to have this sort of thing happen. How many times was your mind reset as an Exo?”

”Zero.”

”None?” She put a hand to her chin and looked as though she was in deep thought. Her eyes shifted back and forth quickly.

”I rushed to save myself from the darkness right before the collapse. So I took whatever body I had completed at the time and transferred as much of my mind as I could. It wasn’t 100% but barely any Exo is 100% of who they used to be.” 

“That is concerning. Do you feel any strong attractions to objects or places that may help?” 

“Europa, Venus, and Nessus… so far those places… for some reason. I mean, I know why Europa is one and probably why Venus is too, but… I haven’t spent much time on Nessus.” Ikora seemed surprised at my answer. 

”Why the pause?” Her head tilted to the side as a concerned look spread across her face. 

“Something to do with Exodus and the Ishtar Collective. But the idea of going near something on Nessus fills me with this overwhelming sense of dread that I can’t explain. I looked down and continued playing with the loose string on my glove and I started to shuffle my feet awkwardly.

”We don’t have to address anything you don’t want to but I think we can start with a guided meditation session. I usually teach my Warlocks some techniques that may be of assistance. Since you seem to be stuck in the tower for a little while, would you mind meeting me tomorrow?”

”Thank you, that sounds like a good idea.” I replied. Her smile returned as she straightened her back, bringing back the nice and composed Vanguard Ikora. We walked back into the room, only Zavala was there. 

“Where’d Cayde go?” I looked around slightly irritated. “I picked up a new hand cannon I think he could look at.”

”Not sure, he said he was hungry after catching up with all his work and took off.” Zavala shrugged his shoulders. “It’s about time he stepped up with his work, honestly I can’t believe he finished this early. That, and that disgruntled attitude of his was atrocious. Ikora and I couldn’t keep dealing with it forever.” 

“Ah, well, whatever. I have some furniture to unpack. Have a good night!” I waved at the two of them and headed to my apartment. The boxes I had expected were missing. “Fuck.” I opened the door and turned to unlock it. “People stealing crap, ugh, now I have to…” 

A pair of hands covered my eyes “Guess who?” 

I chuckled “The world’s crabbiest Vanguard? Sheesh, give a girl some warning if you’re gonna give me the cold shoulder.” I turned around to see Cayde with a huge smile on his face. 

“Sorry for the lack of composure back there but I saw the packages sitting at your door when I grabbed lunch and was trying to get everything together before you got back!” He waved his hands excitedly. “But somebody got back way earlier than expected so I had to bust ass to get my work done. But now, we can figure out where you want everything but I think I did pretty good. I put your couch and stuff back since it seems like you like that painting so much. Especially since it was there when you moved in.”

My gut sank at the idea of him going through and finding all of those notes stuck to the wall, but his intentions were so innocent that I brushed those thoughts aside. I walked over and hugged him so tightly that I felt like I could pop some fibers. “Thank you so much. This is so kind of you.”  I leaned up, grabbed his face and kissed his horn. “You’re amazing, you know that?” I chuckled. 

“I figured we’ve both had a long day so, takeout?” He shrugged, eagerly waiting for my reply

”Is pizza cool with you? I just feel too lazy for chopsticks tonight.” I sighed and sat down on my new couch. “Oh man, this thing is comfy.”

”Pizza is good as long as there is no ham or pineapple nonsense on there.”  He shook his head in disgust. 

“Sure.” I laughed. “I’ll order and pick it up. Last thing we need is you getting caught walking in and out of my place.” I pointed at him and he nodded in agreement. 

I left the Vanguard in my apartment and closed the door. I turned to see Mina. “Hey Prim! How’s it going?” She smiled as she leaned on the balcony just outside my apartment. 

“Hi. Just got back from a mission. Getting food. What’s up?” I awkwardly shuffled and headed down to the pizza place. She unfortunately followed. 

“Just wanted to see what you were up to tonight. Maybe we could hang out! Trade some fun stories or whatnot.” Her smile seemed strained and tired. 

“I’m actually arranging furniture  and probably doing some slight repairs. This one hand of mine is feeling a bit sluggish on the grip. So, that’ll take a while and a lot of focus.” 

She ran ahead of me, turned around and put her hands on my shoulders, stopping me in my tracks. “I want us to be friends. Ya know? Us Hunters have to stick together, you know… We all have a bond that I don’t see in the other classes. I mean, our Cayde makes everyone feel welcome, we’re all just family to him. Do you get it?” She blinked a few times while waiting for my reply.

”I’m not entirely sure what you mean but I wouldn’t mind being friends. I just can’t do anything tonight, alright?” I side-stepped her and continued on my way. 

“That’s fine. I’ll see you around. Just, let me know if you ever need to talk. When things get rough or fizzle out, I’ll be there for you.” She winked and walked away. 

“I am unsure as to what she was insinuating there…” Moonsong hovered in my hoodie. 

“Me neither. She’s… something.”

“That is one way to describe her I suppose.” He popped out of my hood. “Pizza is ready, better get there and back to the apartment before it gets cold.”

”Oh, yeah. Thanks.” I nuzzled him before he disappeared into my hood. 

Within an hour Cayde and I were both lying on the couch eating pizza and telling stories of our time apart. He described how Zavala and Ikora immediately question his motives for getting work done, insinuating our relationship. He explained the angry cold shoulder was to help them get off his back.

I explained some of what I got to talk about with Ana and my short and terrifying experience with Rasputin. 

“What was he like?

”He kinda looked like a giant Ghost, all pentagonish. But his voice is booming and terrifying.” I tried describing the shape with my hands but to no avail. 

“You remember anything else about your past?” He pulled me into a cuddle and rested his chin on my shoulder. 

“Rasputin told me something that is supposed to point me somewhere. ‘I know you and your story. Your diamond, your family, they are not here. Find the Exodus. Take them home’. I know there were a lot of Exodus ships and I know that many didn’t make it or well, I guess that's how we got the Awoken, right?”

”True. I’ll have Ikora and I check our scouts for anything that might help. This is getting fun. Like a huge game of hide-n-seek but its memory fragments.” He got up from the couch and stretched, a few of his joints clicking.

”Well, you don’t have to, but I thank you for helping anyway.” I tried to get up but was suddenly picked up and carried bridal style into my bedroom. He dropped me down onto the bed and started carefully taking off his gear and setting it aside. 

Once his torso was fully exposed he turned back to me. “I know you’re sleepy. I can hear it in the way you’re talking. So, get ready for bed. Besides, I worked hard to put all this stuff together, now I can cuddle the shit out of you in it.” He looked so excited, like someone having a sleepover for the first time.

Part of me was sleepy, but seeing him sitting there like a piece of fine art made me suddenly want to devour him. So I got an idea. I started to get ready for bed and threw on a cute little tank top nightgown. In my old body, it fit perfectly fine. In this new body, it barely covered my chest and hugged all of my curves and just barely covered my ass. That should be more than enough to get him going.  

He continued to take off his boots and his pants to change into casual sleep clothes, a T-shirt and shorts. “What side of the bed do you normally sleep on?” I asked casually, waiting for him to notice me on his own. He got up left, grabbed himself two bottles of water and walked back into the room. He immediately dropped both of them.

”Thank the Traveler those weren’t glass.” I chuckled as I stood there rubbing some light wax coating on my worn down fingers and hands. 

“When did you have time to buy this….this, sexy little thing?” His jaw dropped and he walked closer to rub his hands along my sides. “You did this on purpose…”

He pulled me closer “You don’t want to sleep, do you?” I shook my head no. I motioned for him to climb up to bed with me and patted next to me. He looked slightly confused. I pushed him down and climbed on top of him. I shifted my weight on my palms and leaned on him while I slid off my panties, sitting right on top of his bulging lust for me. 

“Ara… What are you?” I proceeded to grind on him, rocking my hips on top of him. He sighed and settled into his position on the bed. I pulled down his sleep shorts so I was grinding right on his cock, my wetness getting all over him. “Babe, that’s not fair.” He moaned lightly. 

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I should be rewarding you so much more after putting in all that hard work today.” I winked and slid off of him. I played with his girth in my hands, everything slick from just me grinding on him. I stuck my tongue out and proceeded to lick up and down his shaft, minimicking my movements with my hands. 

“Babe… fuck…” He whispered.

”Don’t stress, I got you baby.” I moaned as I circled my tongue around the head of his cock. A light hiss of sensitivity came from him which brought a smile to my face. “How bad do you want me?”

”You should know that answer already.” He chuckled, his breath heavy. 

“Tell me.” I looked at him, playing with just the head of his cock with my wet hand. 

“Fuck baby, please stop teasing me. I need you, so get yourself over here and let me-“

”No. My turn today.” A sly smile came across my face. I climbed back on top of him and leaned on my knees and grabbed his cock. I just barely played at my entrance with it. 

“Holy shit, you’re so fucking wet.” He grabbed the sheets to keep himself from grabbing me. 

“Wanna feel?” I leaned into his ear and whispered. 

“Fuck, babe, yes, holy shit.”

I sat down and absorbed his whole length into my soaking wet pussy. I grinded on top of him and listened to him moan. I shifted to my feet where I was able to bounce up and down on top of him, hitting deeper into myself, a desire and heat building low in my stomach. I kept slamming him deep into me and I started to get close. My body hummed with lust as I hit my breaking point. I started to lose momentum and Cayde pulled me close to him and kissed me deeply as he thrusted hard into me. He moaned into my mouth and I reciprocated releasing on tongues to gasp as I started to cum.

”That’s my girl.” He growled as he pulled me back down and fucked me through my orgasm, my walls slick and pulsing around him. As my body calmed down he played with my overstimulated clit, rubbing it slightly with his thumb. My whole body clenched down on him as I gasped and writhed under his grasp. “Fuck baby, you are so tight on me.” 

I took that as a nod that he was close and moaned into his ear, “This pussy’s only for you.” I tried to sit back up but he ended up grabbing my head back down to kiss me again and holding my body on top of his as I could feel his release inside me. 

I moaned as I lifted my up and let him slip out. A sense of longing was still there and I laid on top of him for a moment before he sat up and grabbed me into a tight hug. “Have I told you’re amazing yet today? Because you are.”

“Because I made you cum?” I laughed. And nuzzled his cheek and rubbed our horns together. 

“No. But that does make it more appealing. I missed you. Is that weird? Did you miss me?”

“A lot. I’ve missed you every minute we’ve been apart.” I mumbled, “We should get cleaned up.

Once we were dried off I changed into a new sleeping dress, still short but covered my breasts more. Cayde changed back into his night clothes and plopped down on the bed pulling me with him. He pulled me close, making sure our horns didn’t accidentally bump into each other. He looked at me and had the biggest smile. 

“But seriously, you’re amazing, you know that? Not just as a Guardian, but as a person. You have this aura about you that is so intoxicating that I couldn’t help but want to know more about you since I first laid eyes on you. Fuck, I just… I don’t ever want this to end.”

“You know we can’t have sex 24/7,” I laughed. 

“Oh you ass. You know what I mean.” 

“I know how you feel. I was told all these weird things about you before I even met you but everything I’ve ever heard about you was wrong. So amazingly wrong. I… I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world.” 

“Guess we’re stuck together, you and I.” 

“Guess we are. Goodnight Cayde.” I kissed his horn and cheek. 

“Goodnight Ara.” He kissed my horn, nuzzled the crook of my neck, and my exhausted body fell right asleep.

Chapter Text

I awoke early in the morning to find that Cayde was already gone. In a small crumpled up receipt on my nightstand was “Mornin’ didn’t want to wake you but morning meeting. <3” 

”That’s so like him.” I rolled my eyes and threw on some basic civilian clothes. I left my apartment and went to the local coffee shop and grabbed a latte. I walked back to my apartment and ran into Cronus and Nix. 

“Why hello miss completely absent Hunter.” Cronus almost yelled. It was nearly 8am but most guardians weren’t up and about yet. He gave me a huge hug, picked me up, shook me, and plopped me back down. 

“Dude. Shush. You wanna wake up the whole town?” I put a finger to my lips and stared daggers into his eyes. 

“I do. I really do.” He had a beaming smile, chuckled loudly, and took a large breath before Nix touched his arm.

”Please don’t. I hear enough of you yelling the rest of the day to deal with it now.” Cronus and I snorted slightly at the sentence and looked at each other. 

“Oh. HA. HA. I could expect this behavior from Cronus, but Prim… you too?”I shrugged my shoulders and smiled. 

He sighed. “Glad to see you’re alive. Though, it looks like coffee may be more than what you’ll need to stay awake today. Rough night?” 

“You could say that.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “It’s just been a long few weeks and Cayde was being such a dick yesterday it kinda threw me for a loop. I’m heading back to my place after grabbing some coffee, did you two want to join? I can order something for breakfast.”  

Nix paused and turned to Cronus. “Would you mind running an errand? Grab a few things for breakfast if you can get some coffee and whatever else you want and meet us at Prim’s?” Cronus nodded and trotted off to find sustenance while Nix and I headed back to my place.  

We walked into my apartment and immediately sat down on the new couch. “Mind if we chat for a moment?” Nix expressed, he himself looked tired, worn down. 

“How are you doing? Physically? Mentally?” He looked genuinely concerned. For someone who showed just about as much emotion and Banshee it was interesting to see this level of emotion coming from him. I guess being with Cronus was starting to rub off on him. 

“Physically, I’m alright. Mentally, I’m a wreck.” So many memories keep coming back to me and it's so awkward to recognize people in them, hundreds of years later.  

Nix sat next to me on the couch listening intently as I explained what happened on Europa and these voices in my head. There’s people here I can vaguely remember meeting or seeing in my previous life. I kept everything relatively simple and didn’t explain in detail the people and specific memories. 

“Wait, you remember people from when you were human? So, long before the collapse?” He was baffled. 

He leaned back on the couch, looking completely paralyzed. “I’ve always wondered but I have never actually wanted to know about my past. I am a different person now, I couldn’t…. I am sorry. That is a heavy burden to carry and I don’t envy you.”

“Yeah, it sounds even more crazy saying it out loud. You’re the first person I’ve told… I mean, I try not to let it show but its really weird to remember things about someone… people I see now and they have no idea who they were before becoming a Guardian. And, with how my mind went nuts and my body stopped functioning…” I shuffled my feet awkwardly. “I don’t know what to do with this. I’m scared that if I go out on a mission something will trigger and I’ll be as useless as a rock having the world’s worst existential crisis.”

We sat there awkwardly for a few moments, neither of us figuring out what to say to each other. I looked around my apartment. It looked much nicer with the furnishings but I hadn’t gotten a chance to figure out where to put my stacks of memory notes that I had yet to put on my memory wall. So they sat in a few notebooks sitting in a drawer in the side table next to the couch. I wasn’t sure if I should just keep them in a book or holopad or hide them somewhere. I wasn’t worried about theft but more of someone finding out. But, all of this would be lost if I blacked out during a mission and died… for real.

”Well, that’s why you have a fireteam. We are here for each other.” He reached out and put his hand on my shoulder. 

”Thanks… that means a lot coming from you.” I grabbed his hand and patted it. 

A knock at the door and Cronus let himself in. “Ohhh nice and cozy! I like the decorations!” 

“Thanks, put them in last night.” I smiled. I sniffed the air. “Something smells sweet.”

”Thanks. It’s donuts!” He sat down at my small kitchen table with a large container of coffee, juice, milk, cereal, and two packs of donuts. 

“Are you moving in?” I chuckled, pulling everything out of the bags and putting them on the counter. 

“No, but with how busy you’re now, I doubt you’ve had much time to go eat some good food.” A smirk crossed his face. “Cayde too busy for his ‘favorite hunter’”?

“Don’t talk to me about that. The dude nearly chewed me out yesterday because Ana Bray wants my help and Zavala is in charge of that. He got super pissed off about being excluded from that agreement.” 

“He’s just being protective.” Cronus said with a mouthful of donut. “You know he likes you… He really does. Like, you know that right?” 

“Yeah, well, if I keep this up I’ll really be on his bad side.” I mumbled and shrugged it off. A sudden flashback to the previous night. My cheek lights started to glow a bit pink. I slapped my palm to my face hoping the images would go away. They didn’t. So I rolled my head to the side to look up at Nix. 

“So, what brings you two here?” I groaned. 

“We need our fireteam member back. This new kid ain’t cutting it. He runs into shit like he’s a freaking Titan and then gets blown up less than 10 seconds later.” Nix said, bluntly. “We’re gonna be dispatched to the underbelly of Nessus to intercept a Cabal Expedition later today and we need a solid team. Right now we’re just waiting for the right rotation of the planet to give better coverage to sneak in.” 

“I guess the Cabal are digging deep into the Vex machine to make some Psions super powered or something.” Cronus said, setting down a glass of milk. 

“Sure. I have a thing with Ikora this morning but I’ll check with her, Zavala, and Cayde to see if I’m cleared. I’ll ping you when I’m ready. 

“Keep the stuff in your fridge. I’ll be coming back for it when we get back to the tower later.” Cronus said. 

“I doubt I’ll want milk after fighting all those Vex. I also don’t want Mel scolding me again.” I chuckled and waved as they left. 

Nix dipped his head as a slight bow and left after his Titan.

“Time to visit Ikora.” I stretched, “Come on Moonsong, we have some meditating to do.”

”Then a nap. I don’t know how you’re awake after last night.” He made a fake yawning sound.  

“Coffee, my little friend. Lots and lots of coffee. Feel free to snooze in my cloak if you’d like.” 

“Will do.” He found a cozy spot and disappeared.

-|-

The walk over to the Vanguard Headquarters was about 15 minutes, it would have been 5 if I hopped from roof to roof like some regular hunters did. Unfortunately, I managed to have a flicker of a memory flash across my mind so I stayed grounded. 

“What am I supposed to do now that she’s gone?!” 

“Me, I’ll be here for you. I told your dad that, and I told your mom I would too… You won’t have to be alone in this. I’m so sorry Ace.”  

I turned a corner and finally took a breath. My circuits were buzzing with anxious energy. I took one of my knives out and stabbed it into the wall of the concrete with a twisted grunt. I wanted all of this to end but my mind and body couldn’t let me forget. It was just barely a few weeks ago that all of this nonsense started and here I was, first thing in the morning, losing my shit. I guess I could thank that for why Cadye and I got together since he probably wouldn’t have even noticed me if these memories didn’t keep fucking up my Light. I stabbed the concrete again and again, making just a small chip in the wall. 

“You know, you’re gonna dull your blade if you keep that up.” I heard a snarky voice say. I took the knife and instinctively pivoted on my heel and threw it at the origin of the sound. I missed Cayde’s face by an inch but did manage to pin his hood to the wall. “Well, remind me not to piss you off.”

“Oh my Light, I am so sorry.” I grabbed the knife and pulled it out, sheathing it as quickly as I could. 

“Look, I get it. I am a lot to handle but you don’t need to kill me to cut things off, ya know?” He chuckled. 

I walked over and put my head on his shoulder. I was shaking and breathing erratically. The anxiety finally hit after my collected and pissed off facade had worn away, “I’m sorry, I just… I just… panicked.”

”Don’t apologize to me, apologize to my hood and that knife, they got the worst end of the bargain. Oh, and if you made a hole in my hood you are fixing it.” He placed a hand on the top of my head and patted it. “You gonna be okay?”

”Yeah, I’ll be alright. Thanks. I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.

“Hey, hey, hey.” He put a hand up. “As much as I would like to, I can’t do the whole PDA thing. At least, not yet. gotta figure out some logistics first… Not that I minded it at all in reality.” His voice got quiet. “I would smother you but I, my dear, have a facade to keep up.” He grabbed my face, pulled me in a small alley between two buildings and kissed me passionately. “Where are you headed anyways? I didn’t even leave your place more than like  30 minutes ago.”

”I naturally get up at this time…” I shrugged.

”Well, shit, I guess it wasn’t enough last night if you’re up walking around already.” He winked. 

I felt a blush creep across the lights on my face and instinctively looked down. Cayde was carrying an extra large carafe of coffee and a bag of some other supplies in it. “You really need that much caffeine? I guess I was too much for you last night.” I chuckled. 

“Har, har, lookit’ you, using my own joke against me. No, this is for the Vanguard. My turn for coffee duty. Speaking of, I gotta get back.”

”Would you care if I came with? I’m supposed to meet with Ikora this morning.”

He turned and started to head toward the direction of Headquarters. “Oh? You taking Ikora up on her meditation stuff? Careful, I don’t need you becoming a warlock on me… barely see you enough as it is, kid.” He elbowed me and laughed. 

I shoved him back. “Jerk. She’s just trying to help me out. Sort through some of these flashbacks I keep having. I’m actually really worried it could interfere with a mission.” I hold open the large door to the Vanguard room. “The last thing I want to do is put my fireteam at risk.” I walked in not realizing Ikora and Zavala were already there.

Cayde set the stuff he was carrying down on a small take and poured two cups of coffee. “Here, you earned it for dealing with Ikora’s lessons later. She can wrack your brain somethin’ fierce.” 

I turned my head puzzled.

”Cayde, the reason you struggle so much is that you have the attention span of a gnat sometimes.” 

“True.” He shrugged and nodded. 

“Guardian, Cayde brought you with?” Ikora seemed puzzled but at the same time very curious.

”Found her having one of those weird flashbacks, having a hard time, that and she said she was gonna meet you later. So I figured she could come with me and have a bit of coffee while she waits for you.” He smiled. Downing his first cup.

I looked at him confusedly, “No wonder you have so much energy. I bet you drink half of that yourself.” I chuckled and looked over at Ikora who nodded with a big smile on her face. 

Zavala finally got up and grabbed his own mug of coffee. “No more issues with Cinder, I hope?” He yawned slightly and turned to face me. “He’s back on missions now, but let us know if he causes any more issues.” 

I nodded, “thank you sir.” I turned to Ikora who was pouring herself a drink, “Since I appear to be significantly early, I will see myself out and see you a bit later.” 

She nodded, smiled, and said “thank you for your patience. This shouldn’t take too long.” She placed a hand lovingly on my shoulder and gestured which door to use to get there the quickest.

I knew I needed to ask them about the mission on Nessus but I figured talking with Ikora was a good way for me to get in their good graces by figuring some of my shit out.

-|-

Within an hour Ikora had approached me as I was sitting there watching the rising sun. “Beautiful isn’t it?” 

“I find it so interesting that he have this city here, we venture off to other planets, have these big epic battles, but yet we still see the sun rise and every time I do, I am in awe of it. It's so serene and beautiful and peaceful unlike the chaos around us.” I sat on the ledge of the tower with my knees pulled to my chest. 

“That kind of insight and internal thinking is what we need to try and break through today. But, the sunrise is inside of you and everything triggering the trauma and chaos is around you.” She sat down on one of her comfy pillows and patted one in a motion for me to join her. 

I used my multi jump to hop back and landed on the pillow with a plop. “Well, I was going to say that your comment before was something I see frequently in warlocks, but you hopping back the way you did would make even Cayde laugh. 

“Sorry, I figured it was more efficient than walking back.” I smiled awkwardly. 

We had sat there for nearly two hours and I couldn’t tap into my mind’s eye or even relax enough to do a basic meditation with my Light. I chalked it up to the fact that I only have Light when things are desperate. Surprisingly, she agreed with my theory.

Instead of Light, we moved on to my memories. I sat with Ikora desperately trying for anything to come up in my head. “What helped you before?” She asked plainly. 

”Umm…being in the Bray Facility, being attacked by Cinder and the Hive, seeing my frozen body, and oh yeah, face planting into a wall.” 

“Really?” She laughed. “Trauma, it’s your trigger for literally everything, even physical.”

“Yeah, not my finest moments.” I pondered long out at the vastness of the landscape of the city, and just beyond it, the unknown. But as I looked I could see broken ships, piled cars, wreckage of the world before. 

“Ikora, random question, how many Exodus ships are still in existence?”

“I’m not entirely sure, I mean, we do have direct connection with Failsafe on the Exodus Black, but that ship is in nearly 100 pieces. She might know how many are in a state worth investigating. That or Mara Sov. The queen of the Awoken. They were also on an Exodus ship before everything happened to  create the Awoken.” 

“It’s just,” I sighed heavily. 

“There’s more to this question…” She looked at me and cocked her head. 

“Rasputin told me to do something when I met with him”

“Wait, Rasputin spoke you? Personally? I don’t believe that was as apparent in your report as you lead us to believe.” She seemed more surprised that I met with him as opposed to the slight omission of that part in my report.

 “I’m sorry. I never meant to lie. It’s just that, he was so cryptic and confusing. All he said was that he knew me and my story. And to find the Exodus and to bring them home.”

“Bring who back?” 

“I don’t know. The more I think about it, the only thing I can come up with is the broken voice I heard when I was battling the Hive on the moon. If I can remember… ““Bring him back, when the time comes. For now..  tell my da….love him…always be Ac… in the hole.” I shook my head. “At the time it seemed like gibberish but the more I thought about the way it was said, how it sounded, the only thing I could piece together was...” my eyes widened and my circuits started to hum. The pieces were coming together. Especially from the memory this morning. “Please, I need your word that no one will know. I just… I’m not ready yet. 

“It’s alright, you are in a safe place. I can assure you what you say will only reach the ears you want it to.” She leaned forward and hugged me. It was uncharacteristic of her but she could tell this was a lot for me. I was shaking with anxiety, I knew that what I would say could really change things. She leaned back and waited with a patient smile. 

“If everything is pieced together correctly… from my view it had to have been… Ace.”

“Ace?” She looked over to me with a sense of concern. Her eyes suddenly widened and she leaned close to me. “Cayde’s?”

“Look, I know it's crazy. There’s these bits and pieces but please, hear me out. The gibberish I heard. It was a young male voice. If I filled in all the gaps with everything I know about him it would have said “Bring him back, when the time comes. For now, tell my dad I love him and that I will always be his Ace in the hole.” 

“Prim, this, this is huge…” Her eyes searched for lies in my eyes and was only met with a blank stare. 

“Would you come with me? To my place?” I grabbed her arm. “I wouldn’t ask normally but… this, I need your help with.”

”Guardian, are you alright?” Her voice sounded concerned and anxious. 

“Please. I am begging you. You are the only one who could understand at this moment.” 

“What is this about, Prim? Is it something you can’t say out loud?”

I took a large deep breath and whispered. “Piecing things from my memories. I have been getting flashbacks to… I mean, I knew Ace. Personally…”

Ikora’s eyes widened but she sat still. “Ok. Lead the way.”

I got up and started walking to my apartment. 

Ikora got up slowly and looked at the top of the building and winced. She lowered her head and followed me slowly. Under her breath she muttered “you couldn’t help yourself, could you…?”

-|-

We walked into my apartment and she looked around. “Please sit on one of these barstools. I just need to grab some tape and take this down.”

“The painting…?” Her eyes watched impatiently as I set the painting aside and a rainbow of sticky notes and a faint line with the three points. Europa, Venus, Darkness were exposed.

”Prim… what is this?” She walked up to the board and looked over all the sticky notes. 

She read through them as I wrote “Moon, first activation of triple-super ‘Bring him back, when the time comes. For now, tell my dad I love him and that I will always be his Ace in the hole.’” on one of the white notes and put it on the wall over the one with the missing message. 

“This is how I have been keeping track of things.” I opened the drawer and looked over more sticky notes and handed it to her. “I keep getting bits and pieces but it’s starting to make a bigger picture. I just, I just don’t know why this is happening. They’re getting more frequent and I feel like it's trying to help remind me of something or prepare for something.”

She looked over everything. Ikora put a hand to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes. “He’s real. Ace and his Queen truly were real…” The tears fell down her cheeks as she looked at me. I looked down and rubbed the back of my neck. 

“I know we aren’t supposed to go digging into our pasts, but, I owe him a debt of honor. He saved my life after I switched bodies on Europa by carrying me to his ship, without him, I would have died.”

“What do you want to do with this information?” She murmured, rubbing the tears from her eyes. “Cayde needs to know.”

“I want to find Ace. I want to find out what happened to him. I’ll need some time, but I think it's worth it to give Cayde the evidence he needs to help him find closure, to let him know that he didn’t make them up. I watched him lose his memories as an Exo. Now, I’m gonna find out what happened to him, his wife, and if I can, bring them home to bury them, or at least make them some kind of memorial.”

I grabbed her hands in mine and squeezed them. “He deserves to know they were real, I just need to piece my memories together enough to figure out what happened. Just this morning… I think his wife died early on, while Ace was still young. That’s what Cayde saw me freaking out about.” I looked down and shuffled my feet. “I adopted Ace. At least, from the scraps of memories, I became his mother. And something about the Exodus ships is related to him.” 

Ikora nodded and took a ragged breath, still trying to hold back tears. “Don’t let this consume you, you are your own person, and you are here, right here, right now. Your shared past cannot be your entire existence.” She grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me in for a tight hug. “But you have no idea how much this will mean to him. Thank you.” 

“I don’t know how to tell him. It’s not like I can walk up to him and say ‘Hey, so I knew you in your past. I’m pretty sure I helped turn you into an Exo. Oh and by the way, I adopted your son because your wife died!’”

”Fair, and I’m sure it makes it harder to bring up since you’re seeing each other.” She smiled faintly. 

“Yeah, exactly.” I turned to the board again and pondered a moment until her words finally hit me. “WHAT?” I turned to her, my jaw slack. “How..? How did you figure it out?”

She chuckled. “Any time Cayde actually decides to get straight to work Zavala and I know something happened. I just figured the timing with Europa and how he acted at the Crucible meant the two of you were involved.”

”Well, it wasn’t until after Europa but I am so sorry!” I bowed. I didn’t know what else to do. “I… I… umm”

”You’re fine. He’s finally getting work done and to be honest, this is the happiest I have seen him in a very long time.”

I lifted my head to look at her. I proceeded to grab the painting and hung it back up on the wall. “Well, I guess… that makes it slightly less terrifying. Now I just worry about Zavala… Does he know?.” 

“Oh, I wouldn’t worry about him. Zavala doesn’t usually get involved in people’s affairs. But us Warlocks tend to have more of a 6th sense of these things.” She had a sly smile on her face as she opened the door to my apartment. “Tea? I need something to help calm my nerves.”

She closed the door quietly and I locked it. “That sounds great. But can we stop by the Vanguard room first?” I asked. “I need Cayde and Zavala’s permission for a mission later today.”

After returning the painting to its original place, we left the apartment. I locked the door and we walked in heavy silence towards the Vanguard’s room.

Ikora paused and looked upwards over my apartment and shook her head. 

-|-

I walked into the Vanguard Headquarters and looked around. Cayde was just sitting down and Zavala was there flipping through more work. “I have a question for both of you.” I smiled, waiting for Cayde to look up.

”If it’s a question like ‘Does this armor make me look fat?’ I refuse to answer that. That is a booby trap and you know it.” Cayde pointed a finger at me and smirked halfheartedly. “Haha ah, booby trap. Double joke, Blue. I am zinging them today.”

Zavala grumbled “I can’t tell if I liked your grumpy mood yesterday or your more annoying one today. Both are insufferable.” He pinched the area between his brows. “What can we do for you Guardian?”

“I understand that I am assigned to stay on top of Bray activity but I was requested to assist in the Cabal incursion on Nessus by Nix and Cronus later this evening. I would like permission to participate.”

Cayde stood up, his hands resting on his head. “Yeah, that new kid, umm, Alan, isn’t fitting too well. He fights more like a Titan than a Hunter, if you ask me.” 

“You’re not the first to say that. I’ll have to look into this but you may go. Nix and Cronus have mentioned that their team dynamic hasn’t been the same without you.” Zavala countered. “Go ahead.” 

“Thank you sir. Thank’s Cayde. I appreciate the trust and support.” 

I turned away to go to visit Ikora when Cayde chirped up. “Good luck Guardian.” A wink and a beaming grin on his face.

There’s the man I was in love with but could never tell. I smiled deeply as I left to see Ikora back outside.

-|- 

I ran back out to Ikora who was sitting on the railing where I left her, looking over the expanse of the city. “Would you still like some tea?” She turned and asked.

”Yes please!” We walked down the main path through the bazaar arms linked as Ikora told me stories of the Vanguard and the pranks that Cayde loved to play on Zavala. 

She looked up reminiscently and said “You know, since he met you he’s really stepped up. Like seeing you get banged up and what you went through probably reminded him of Andal. They were best friends, brothers more like. He was the Vanguard before Cayde in the hunter position. They were a terror… those two. Always had something up their sleeves, always ready for action. That’s why Cayde gets so antsy being cooped up in the tower.” 

She looked towards me with a smile “Maybe we can get you both out there again sometime soon. He enjoyed it, and for a whole week we were able to keep him focused on work afterwards!” She chuckled. 

We both laughed “Is the work really that difficult? I’d be happy to help if need be.” 

“Oh no, it's really not. But he can’t sit still, like a toddler having a tantrum.” 

“I can only imagine flipping tables or scattered paperwork everywhere. If only, that would be absolutely hilarious!” I laughed, stopping to hold my stomach. 

“Do I hear two ladies gossiping about me?” Cayde appeared from behind almost out of nowhere. 

“Not gossiping,” I said “Admiring your… quirks” I chuckled. Ikora smirked and tried to stifle a laugh. 

“Fine. Don’t tell me. I know it’s all good things! Where ya headed? Food? Or coffee?”

“Tea actually. I’m gonna need a small nap before this mission tonight.”

“Yeah, that’s what I wanted to chat with you about. But it can wait until after coffee. I’ll take mine black with sugar.” He winked and turned around to leave just as quickly as he came. 

“Fine but you owe me.” I paid for the drink, picked them up and turned around…

“Where am I supposed to bring this?” I hollered after him. “What a mooch.” 

“You’ll get used to it.” Ikora chuckled. She sighed happily, like a heavy weight had been lifted off her shoulders. 

“Thank you again for listening and just… everything. I think I just needed someone to bounce ideas off of and help me piece my life together, or my old one I should say. I just need to figure out what to do with him.”

“You’re welcome. My advice is to tell him. And soon. Maybe when you get back from this mission later. He deserves it. And you both deserve some kind of respite from these memories haunting you.”

I sat there silently, closed my eyes, and hung my head. She was right. As much as I wanted to piece everything together by myself, it involved him and he had a right to know. 

“As for your coffee, probably drop it off by Amanda at the hangar. He tends to hang out there kinda like she might be his favorite person but will never tell her. Or I guess, second favorite.” She winked and waved goodbye. We went our separate ways. 

-|-

I ended up back at my apartment. I opened the door and put the tea and coffee down. “You know I know you’re there right?” I chuckled while taking a sip - not my tea. I swapped the two cups. 

“Now you’re honing your skills like a TRUE hunter! He grabbed his coffee and plopped down on the couch. “How was meditation?”

“Ugh, fine. I guess. Ikora somehow wrangled herself into getting me to get through some deep stuff. It was more of a therapy session or I guess, brainstorming? She’s more like a therapist than a Warlock Vanguard!” I leaned back and rested my head on the back of the couch. 

“So, what you’re telling me is I get more boring paperwork and you get to go have silly fun talking nonsense? Oh poor you!”

“I told her I would help with your paperwork if need be. I think I could be good at it if I tried.

”It’s not that you wouldn’t be good at it, it's more that I would have the world’s most horrible time focusing. He had a dreamy smile on his face and chuckled. 

He kissed me on the cheek and asked “What do you need for tonight? Anything? Banshee owes me a favor so I can get some extra stuff.” 

He stood up and started to go through my shelves, mumbling about Vex and best weapons. When suddenly he turned around. “OH! I forgot! This came in.” Hidden in his cloak was a small box from Eververse. One could tell by the thoughtful packaging they had. “Open it.” 

He kneeled in front of me with eyes glimmering like a kid. Once I got past the tissue paper I saw it. “Where did you get this?” My voice cracked and my optics flickered. “I thought it was lost in the battle with the Hive on the Moon.“ I covered my mouth to stop the heavy labored breathing.

I took out the blade, a pure Solar energy radiated through the blade with a bit of what felt like Darkness captured inside. As soon as my fingertips glazed the smooth surface, memories of the item resurfaced like a calm stream of consciousness. “This was a gift from my… family. I never saw them again after…” I looked at the blade that was given a titanium handle and heavy chain so it could be worn or used as a weapon. ”This is the nicest thing someone has ever given me. Thank you.” I hugged him desperately and then kissed him as deeply as I could. “I love it. It’s perfect for protecting it. I woke up carrying this. But it seems like I didn’t know how important it was to me until just now. It was made by someone very dear to me, I guess.” I smiled. “Kinda looks like a spade don’t you think? Hahaha I guess we both have our own respective spades now.” 

Cayde zoned out for a brief second, blinked a few times after a minute or two and was suddenly back in reality. ”Heh. Look… uhh I gotta get back to paperwork and you're gonna pack for your flight tonight. AND you should nap. I’ll see you before you take off. Promise! Okay?” He backed up awkwardly, winked, with an awkward smile, grabbed his coffee and left. 

After he closed the door he unwrapped the small piece of paper in his hand. ‘Met wife briefly, and entertained Ace with Exo project skeletons - Pre Exo’. He crumpled it and put it in his pocket.

-|-

I sat down on the couch toying with the beautifully crafted knife in my hand completely flabbergasted. Why did he suddenly leave? Was it that it was a spade shape? Was it me? I shook the thoughts from my mind as I started to pack for the mission. I felt an emptiness I had never felt before. I couldn’t stand that we hadn’t talked through whatever that just was, I had hoped we could discuss things like adults but I guess not. I took a restless nap and ended up grabbing a few energy drinks before heading to the hangar.

I walked to the edge of the hanger, watching the ramp unload. I packed my things for flight and waited for my Fireteam. Within an hour they were up and ready to go. I asked for another half hour giving the excuse that I needed to get my mind straight or grab something from my place. 45 minutes later Cronus tapped me on the shoulder stating we needed to leave.

We decided to take two ships to Nessus to give us better coverage of the area. Mine would stay in orbit and Nix’s would be on the ground. I readied my weapons and loaded up onto the ship. I waited until the ramp completely closed before giving up. I didn’t know what I did, but Cayde never showed up. In the last very second, I saw him sitting on the roof of the hangar and watched him suddenly jump down as the two ships took off.

So much for promises…

Chapter Text

CAYDE POV

After getting to her place I looked around at the newly decorated stuff. I saw the big picture she had hung above the couch that was crooked and adjusted it. The canvas wasn’t held on very well. A single note from behind the painting fell down. I picked it up and tucked it in my pocket. I hung the painting back up and tried my best to straighten it. If it’s important I’ll talk to her about it later.

“You and I both know that you’ll be snooping later.” Sundance mocked. 

“Will not!” 

Sundance rolled her eye “She's here”. 

I made a quick duck into the kitchen and hid. 

“You know I know you’re there, right?” 

Shit, am I rusty, or is she just that good? 

After some simple conversation, I was finally able to bring up the present!“ OH! I forgot! This came in” I had hid it in a back pocket hidden by my cloak so I wouldn't forget it. “Open it.” 

I kneeled down so I could clearly see her face while she sat on the couch. I was so excited and nervous at the same time. I hope she liked it and that she enjoyed it. 

Her expression was so complex as what looked like a slew of emotions ran across her face. “I thought it was lost in the battle with the Hive on the Moon.“ I reached forward to comfort her but she took the blade out so I waited patiently. I could feel the Solar energy radiate from the small blade.

“This was a gift from my family. I never saw them again after that. I looked at the blade she held. I wasn’t sure from the design but I felt like it was intended to be a simple self-defense tool, so I treated it as such when I asked Eververse to craft something for it. ”This is the nicest thing someone has ever given me. Thank you.”

She grabbed me and kissed me deeply and hugged me. “I love it. It’s perfect for protecting it. I’ve been carrying this since I woke up, so it's kinda my good luck charm. It was made by someone very dear to me, I guess.” I smiled at her.  “Kinda looks like a spade don’t you think? Hahaha, I guess we both have our own respective spades now.” 

A small spark, a crackle, echoed in my head and I became lost in thought, lost in a dream.

I heard my voice distinctly but it wasn’t me... At least, not presently. It was my voice but I couldn’t remember which Exo version number I was. It wasn’t this one. “Look, if you’re gonna use that thing in a pinch you need to hold it like this and use a gabbing motion and twist it. Or if you want to be really cool, you can throw it.” He carefully wrapped some spare pieces of leather around the handle and strung it around my neck. “Now you got your own little spade ready for battle. Hahaha”

It sent shivers down my spine. I knew the voice, but who was I talking to, Prim? Was I her family? Did we know each other? How, just what exactly am I to her or was to her? I needed answers, but not now. At this moment I had to at least try to keep it cool. 

I shook myself back into reality. ”Look… uhh I gotta get back to paperwork and you're gonna pack for your flight tonight. AND you should nap. I’ll see you before you take off. Promise! Okay?” I backed up and winked. I grabbed the coffee that she left on the counter for me and left, shaking violently.

 Just outside the door I opened the note that I had grabbed from behind the painting. ‘Met wife briefly, and entertained Ace with Exo project skeletons - Pre Exo’. I crumpled it and put it in my pocket. I tossed the coffee in the trash and headed to Vanguard Headquarters. Ikora knew more, she had to.

For a second I couldn’t hear the world, only a buzzing in my head that shook me to my core. I bolted to the Vanguard room. I was a complete mess when I got back to the main room. Ikora was there by herself sipping her tea like nothing had happened. “Ikora. We need to talk.” 

She looked across the table at me. “About?”

Fuck I knew she was good at keeping a facade but this was insulting. “Why did you go back to her place?” 

“Ah. I knew you were eavesdropping. What exactly did you hear?” She stood up and pushed the door open to the outside. I walked through and wandered straight to the railing. She quietly followed and stood beside me.

”What did she tell you?” I said coldly.

“I told her I wouldn’t say. It’s not my story to tell. It’s both of yours. but you already know that, don’t you?” She didn’t make eye contact but instead stared out into the vastness of the city. 

I know I shouldn’t have snooped but I did. It was stupid of me. She clearly already told Ikora that she was going to eventually tell me. I don’t know if it was fear, anxiety or even rage that kept me from keeping my cool, but I tried. I tried my usual facade, I tried the happy-go-lucky self bit but couldn’t keep it together enough to continue the conversation that way. 

I handed her the crumpled-up piece of paper. “Read it.” I snapped. 

She smoothed it out and read it. Her composed face changed to pain and sorrow. “Where did you get this?”

”From her place. Where are the rest of her notes? What does she know about my past?” I threw my hands down.  

Ikora poked me in the chest. “The two of you are so stubborn. So, she knows that you had a son and a wife, many people do.”

“But she knows, KNOWS. Like, I have never been sure if he’s been real or not, for all this time I had convinced myself that I had made them up to give me something, literally ANYTHING to hold onto. Which means some of my memories are actually correct and so are hers. I just, I don’t know if I am ready for that or whatever else she knows. Whatever she has been dealing with is affecting me now too!”

”What do you mean?” Ikora suddenly turned. 

“I saw me teaching her how to use this, this… thing. I found it on her and it felt so familiar when I picked it up but she was unconscious on the moon and I couldn’t ask about it so I just held onto it. Then I decided that I would get a better strap for it and as soon as I handed the damn thing to her I heard and saw me, an earlier version of me and her. Ikora, how much is she hiding from me? I need to know!”

”I don’t know, and neither does she. She’s been trying to piece things together so she could tell you everything in one story, but it doesn’t appear that it will be that way.”

”Ikora I am not ready for this kind of shit. Hundreds of years and I’m still not fucking ready.” I rested my head against the railing. “What the hell am I supposed to do with that? With this? I spend… too much time with her for this to be a thing I have to deal with.”

“No one is. The Traveler brought her back, one of the few people who could actually piece together a huge puzzle you both have been trying to figure out, you, her, the Exo. Even Ana, whose work only included working with Rasputin, may not know as much as she does within those locked memories.” 

“Get to your point” I snapped, pushing myself off the railing, holding my head in my hands, rubbing my face. “Is this her fault? Her Light? I mean we know it's unstable but I don’t think I can take that kind of chance of some PTSD coming back from my past to kick my ass while I am trying to.. to… never mind.” 

“Well, it’s not like she’s tried to hide her memories out of malice. She cares deeply for you. I can tell.”

”Ikora, I need you to be my ina-pinch therapist, not a matchmaker. Yes, I mean, I think so. I don’t know. I just feel betrayed after overhearing what she said earlier, what I accidentally found at her place, and now the vision. I just, I feel like a fucking experiment or just being used as a memory trigger for her.” I sat down on a nearby bench. 

Ikora sat down next to me and put a hand on my back. 

“I need you to show this shit to me. I just, I want to know that someone else can help me make sense of it. I need to know what’s real and what isn’t. I can’t talk to her without knowing. Without letting her know that I know!” There was desperation in my voice which made it crackle slightly. Ikora sighed.

“Ikora. You’re showing me. Once her team leaves, I’ll meet you at her place.”

She nodded. It was a heavy burden to carry, for both of us. “Alright, Cayde. Alright…”

-|- 

I watched her team load up and move out from a distance atop the hangar. She kept pushing their departure back for one reason or another. Sorry kid, I just can’t keep myself together around you enough right now to say good luck. I know you’ll be just fine without a ‘good luck’ from me. 

Once the ships were safely out of sight, I dropped down to the hangar only to run into Amanda. 

“You know she was waiting for you ever since she started loading her stuff?”

“I know. I know. I’m sorry.”

”Don’t tell me sorry! Tell your little hunter who was waiting for hours just to see her damn Vanguard wish her well on her mission. Where they’re going isn’t going to be easy. They’re the third team to go in on this. The others came back scorched as all hell. I still got repairs from that and some of those Guardians are still recovering!” 

“I didn’t know.” I rubbed the back of my head under my hood. Sundance came out and tried to cover for me. 

”You know he’s been swamped with stupid work for this entire week!  Give the guy a break!” 

“Yeah, is that why you were so conveniently sitting on the roof of my hangar and hopped down only after she left?”

Sundance turned around and hid back in my hood. “I tried, sorry.” 

“Look, I gotta go, but tell her I’m sorry if she gets back before me.” I waved behind me as I left to head to Prim’s apartment.

”You can tell her yourself ya asshole!” Amanda said, waving a wrench as I walked away.

“That was uncalled for,” Sundance murmured. 

“No, she’s right. I made a promise and broke it cause I was too freaked out. I am being an asshole.” 

Sundance stopped floating and watched her Guardian walk away, she was sad for him. Her eye blinked a little bit from sending a message. “Hopefully they’re still in range…” she sent Moonsong ‘Cayde says sorry he couldn’t be there to wish you well in person. He just missed your take-off. Good luck guardian <3’. 

”Maybe that will put a bandaid on things for a bit. She floated away and caught up with her Guardian shortly afterward. He was so lost in thought he normally would have heard her but this time, he didn’t. 

-|-

“You have a key to her place?” Ikora questioned. She suddenly sighed. “Of course you do.”

“Well, that didn’t take you very long.” I chuckled, a sense of spite in my laugh.

”Oh your relationship? No, I figured that out a while ago.” She chuckled. 

We walked in, “Here.” I pulled a bottle out of my bag, twisted the cap, and grabbed two glasses. “I have a feeling we’re gonna need this.”

“Cayde, it's still a bit early but… I guess you’re right.” She walked up to the painting in question, took it down off the wall, and put it aside.

I backed myself up to one of the barstools. It had a large hollow back but the wall was decorated with a rough timeline and posted notes and ripped sheets of paper. 

“Wha… what is all this?” I took a large sip of my drink, put the glass down, and approached the wall.

”From what she mentioned briefly, it’s a timeline of her time at Bray Laboratories. But here is where things get messy.” She pulled out more sticky notes from in the drawer. Underneath was a notebook.

I was immediately drawn to it. I picked it up from the side table drawer and opened it. I flipped through a few pages until I found pages that had paragraphs circled in red.

”Cayde starts a job as a security.” I flipped to the next one. “Met Ace and missus and was “officially” allowed to call him ‘Ace’ since I passed the coolness check of a 10-year-old.” My heart was racing in anxiety as I read, but I chuckled at the idea of my son giving a ‘coolness test’. 

Look, there’s more, she pointed as I continued to look over the timeline and the notebook in my hands. Pointed out in the upper right-hand corner of the notebook was the turning point of my past life… 

“Accident at work, Cayde refuses to take my money and chooses Bray’s ‘way out’, even though it will leave his family without a father. He wouldn’t let me help him even though I could have paid all of the debts. I had nothing to spend my wages on when stuck on a frozen wasteland.”

I flipped a few more pages:

”He finally approved the design of his Exo body. 4 prototypes later… he was extremely particular about the face having a horn and the color. Still a dork, even when he was going to become a robot.”

Ikora pointed to the wall and pointed out some specific notes:

Personal Log:

II_XVII_MMMCLXXXII

”Initialization failed, the body was rejected, DER, LSW initiated. Variant 2.”

II_XXII_MMMCLXXXII

”Failure - LSW protocol enacted. Variant 3” 

III_I_MMMCLXXXII

“Variant 3 stable.” 

He was forgetting things. I told him to keep a journal and write letters to his son. 

V_X_MMMCLXXXII

“Variant 4”

Cayde was reset again before being shipped off to Venus. Ace asked me to go to Earth. Cayde’s wife wasn’t doing well. Treatment of the cancer failed. She hit stage 4 with affected lymph nodes and spine. 

VII_XXIV_MMMCLXXXII

Exos weren’t considered humans so they have no rights. Cayde couldn’t even take care of Ace since he couldn’t even remember him. I took over legal guardianship. Ace remains on earth until his graduation. 

Ikora pulled off a folded-up page close to where the timeline said “Darkness”.

IV_XXX_MMMCLXXXVIII

Ace gave a gift. Cayde taught me how to use a blade before he was shipped off again. Cayde failed his inspection. He remembered too much. 5th reset. 

I looked back in the drawer with the notebooks and grabbed what appeared to be a golden age holopad. “Ikora, look at this.” I handed the pad over to her delicately. She gently wiped some of the dust off of the pad. It was dead. 

“Maybe if…” Ikora infused some of her Light into the holopad and it lit up, flickering ever so slightly. She scrolled through the screens and folders until she found something. “There’s only one entry that opens.” She handed it back to me and I clicked it. It was… it sounded like Prim’s voice, she sounded… broken.

“LOG 

I have no idea how many months it's been since they were here. Natalia and the girls, Ace. Time. Ha. It’s funny how time changes things. A child I barely knew became my son. I’m a grandmother at 38. My best friend, who I would consider the love of my life, refused my help and took part in the Exo project instead to settle his debts. I had to watch them scan his brain, take his body away, and then watch his Exo self slowly lose his memories, wipe after wipe. Is it silly of me to want to just see him smile again? To see him recognize his son and now grandchildren? I suppose it is at this point. 

I don’t have Cayde or the kids here to entertain me with their stories. It’s just me, and the Exo armatures. If this darkness comes as they say it will, I have started on a body just in case. But, worst case scenario, I’ll put one of Cayde’s prototypes in the chamber. I would have no one to help me with the LSW protocol if something were to go wrong so I have set the machine to keep the generators running. So I might keep my life signs stable if I ever need to come back to a full human form since I am not working from a brain scan like the rest of the Exo. I hope this works and the transfer works. This is a prototype machine, a smaller version of the Deep Stone Crypt, but I don’t know what else to do. I want to be there for my son and his family, and Cayde… wherever he is.  

Traveler, please give me the Light I need to make it back to them.

Signing off for one last time - Dr. Aralyn Martin”

Ikora was crying softly. “I think you have your answer as to why her Light is affecting yours. The Traveler brought her back to be with you or at least, to help you.” She pulled me in for a deep hug and I hugged her back. We rarely had any sort of physical contact but this, I think, was needed for both our sakes. 

We sat down on the couch and began to process what we had read and heard. It was a massive invasion of Prim’s privacy but on the other hand, it was my life she was talking about. And MY son she was looking for information on. At least, I know that she cared and loved him as her own. She was a good mother to him. She wasn’t my ‘Queen of Hearts’ as I used to call my wife, but I guess, she was my Ace of Diamonds. My two Aces. I smiled at that thought. 

Ikora and I poured some more of the whiskey and compared comments on the writings on the wall. Once everything was said and done, we cleaned up like we had never been there. 

“Do you feel better? Knowing that she cares for you and that you’re not just some experiment or just a trigger for her memories?” Ikora asked as I closed the door. 

“Yeah. I actually really do. Don’t tell Zavala any of this!” I pointed a finger at her nose. 

“Haha no, I won’t. You can do that on your own time.” She turned to walk away.

“Ikora?”

“Yes, Cayde?”

”Thank you.”

“You’re welcome Cayde. Now think about what you are going to say to your little ‘friend’ when she returns. You know she’s going to feel hurt no matter what you do.” She transmatted away. 

”Yeah, at least I don’t feel like I am walking on a tightrope anymore. She’s a keeper, one that I don’t plan on letting go.” I smiled as I transmatted back to my place.

Chapter Text

We landed on Nessus near the Tangle, greeted by Commander Zavala’s voice over the comm channel. “Guardian, we've received limited intel regarding a Vex information depot. I want you to get in there and figure out what they know.”

“Greetings, Subordinates of my Captain! Commander Zavala has requested that I run tactical on this mission. Please allow me to help you with your invasion of the Insight Terminus!” An overly enthusiastic Failsafe chimed in. 

I looked over at Nix and Cronus, “Who’s Captain?” We got on our Sparrows and headed down the sloping path. 

“Captain is the Guardian that saved the Cayde unit and I from Fallen during the Red War.”
“Yeah, and it would have been easier if he hadn’t brought the Fallen with him when he ran and hid like a coward.” She sighed heavily.

“Ah,” I realized. “THE Guardian is Captain. Gotcha.” I rolled my eyes as we kept heading to the Arcadian Valley. I didn’t know much about Failsafe except that she was a bit of a split personality and that she was the AI for an Exodus ship that crashed into Nessus. Otherwise, for some reason, I got an eerie feeling from her that kept me away from Nessus altogether.

“Let’s get in, and get out. I have a date with my bed for a nice nap.” Cronus laughed.

Mel popped out “Hey, Failsafe. You're familiar with this place?” She said with the most sass she could muster. She didn’t like being told what to do and Failsafe seemed to rub her the wrong way. 

“Oh yes, quite! The Vex were very active there when the Exodus Black first arrived on Nessus. The Vex that murdered my crew came from there.” Failsafe said, still chipper as ever. 

Mel curled close to Cronus, “Oh. Sorry to bring those memories up.”

“It's all right. It's only taken me a few centuries to suppress them. In other news, I have not detected significant Vex activity in that area since shortly after the Exodus Black arrived!” 

Nix grunted, “I doubt that will continue given our track record…”.  

We dismounted at the mouth of a cave and followed the tunnels until we reached a choke point. I peeked around the corner. “Vex. Looks like we’ll have a bit of a party in there.” I smiled. 

“LET’S DO IT!” Cronus came rushing in taking out several Goblins while Nix and I covered the rear. 

“Minotaurs!” I yelled. Nix took a nice shot while I chased after the other with my Arc-blade.

“Oh shit girl! You got some Arc shit going!” Cronus hollered. 

“Yeah! Thanks! FINALLY!” I laughed.

Within a few minutes, the room was cleared of Vex and we moved on. Nix took the lead. 

“Red Legion? Great, the Cabal are here.” He looked back at us. “Failsafe, what the hell?”

“I am monitoring Vex Transmissions. It appears that the Vex are repelling a Cabal incursion at your present location.” Her pleasant demeanor seemed eerie given the circumstances. 

“No shit, but what are they doing here?” Nix leaned on the wall and slowly reloaded.

“The Vex are currently calculating probabilities to that question. Response will be forthcoming!” 

Cronus snapped “Yo Z, how is she running tactical if we are getting this as we are going through this place? We need this beforehand!” 

“Failsafe’s intel is the best that we can get given the current situation. She is able to tap into the Vex and Red Legion lines and relay information as it comes in.” Zavala grumbled over the radio. 

“We’ve been spotted,” Nix yelled back. The three of us ran into the chamber and split, taking out enemies one by one until a giant golden Colossos approached with a machine gun. Nix and I ducked while Cronus popped a bubble for us to reload and heal in. 

“You guys ready? You two go right, I go left.” Cronus nodded. “One, two, THREE!” 

We took our positions, Cronus taking the brunt of the fire while Nix and I threw grenades and flanked him. He dropped quickly and we moved on carefully through a narrow passage. 

“Hey, look!” I quipped as I leaned around the edge of the rock face. 

“Is that a Vex Conflux?” Nix looked at me, confused. 

“Red Legion is fucking with Vex tech! Let’s get our asses in there!” Cronus led the charge as the three of us rushed the room. 

“This was a horrible idea!” I yelled dancing around trying to avoid getting shot. I finally found a decent spot and started taking out the Cabal one by one with a sniper rifle. I watched the battle unfold as Cronus and Nix cleared the remainder of the room. We regrouped as a giant Psion fled.

Moonsong chirped in “That guy looked like a commander of some sort.”

Failsafe happily replied, “That's correct, Friendly Ghost! That commander was Kargen, an elite Cabal Psion who has caused significant damage to the Vex collective in this timestream.”

“Well,” I chuckled. “This sounds bad.”

Nix sighed, “We always get the fun ones.”

“They say "like attracts like," you know.” Failsafe countered. 

We wandered through the passages and found another previous Vex location, surrounded by Red Legion. The commander we followed ran through a Vex Gate and sealed it. 

“Failsafe. What is going on here?” I whispered through my clenched jaw. 

“I have good news… and bad news.” She chirped in the comm. 

“Gimmie the good news.” I huffed. 

“According to the Vex, Kargen has almost complete control over the local Vex gate network. I predict several detachments of Cabal over the next few minutes!”

“Excuse me? I said, ‘Give us the good news first.’” I sighed. 

“I did.”

”Nevermind about the bad news then.”

“Understood!”

We rushed to the room and found the circle that controlled the gate. It was time to stand our ground.  

“Stay in place to open the gate!” Nix yelled, firing off as many rounds as he could into the surrounding Cabal forces. 

“Did you mean for that to rhyme?” Cronus laughed, launching a grenade into a group of War Beasts. 

“IT DOESN’T” Nix yelled, reloading.

“Ladies, you both look lovely but shut the fuck up and shoot!” I snapped, firing off my hand cannon and taking down Gladiators. “There's a Centurion!” 

“I CALL DIBS” Cronus ran out smashing his way through two Centurions, and grabbed an orb. “Nix, I brought you a present.” He hollered as he came back into the circle covered in blood and breathing heavily. 

“Use it for the gate!” I snapped.

We ran through and immediately fell down a well. Thankfully we landed on a ledge and rolled down slightly before making our way downward to a lake. 

“Fuckin’ Vex milk…” Nix groaned. “I am going to hate every second of this.”

Kargen unleashed five Void orbs that destroyed a collection of Vex as he continued to try and hack their conflux. 

“Ok, don’t get hit by that!” I yelled. 

“Wasn’t planning on it.” Nix floated over and dragged Cronus into cover. 

Rally after rally of bullets and defeating both Vex and Cabal we were able to secure the Vex plates and force Kargen to flee from the conflux. 

“This guy is good. But we’re better” I snapped. “Nix, Cronus, get ready to go super.” They nodded. I felt a tingling sensation in my hands and feet as I jumped into the air and shot off three Void arrows. “Take him down!” 

Cronus and Nix took everything they had at Kargen. He collapsed and we were able to collect the data he stole along with some great loot.

Nix pinged Zavala. “Location secured, Commander Zavala.”

“Good work, Guardians. What intel did you discover?” He replied.

Moonsong cut in. “There's an almost unreadable data artifact here, labeled "OXA." It's heavily corrupted, but I'm able to make out "MSund12" from the access log. What is "OXA," and who was "MSund12"?”

“Those are questions for another day, I suppose. But for now, well done.” Zavala signed off and we were left to collect our loot. Cronus dragged all of us in for a group hug and nuzzled Nix. Nix fought it but eventually gave in with a smile. 

I just laughed at the happy couple and envied their relationship and openness. Maybe, if Cayde and I were actually to become a ‘thing’ we could eventually be open? That might be asking too much… I didn’t know what we were anyway. 

We launched in our respective ships and left the planet. 

I took a shower in my armor and then one by myself. I left the armor dry to avoid getting Vex ‘milk’ all over. I curled up on my cabin bed, it was a small twin-sized but it worked well enough for missions. 

“What do you think that message meant and MSund12?”

“I don’t…” My vision blurred and I could barely hold myself upright and held onto the wall for support. “Maya.”

“What?” Moonsong got close to my face as I whispered.

“Maya Sundaresh. That has to be her. We’d need to go back, to the Ishtar Academy. That’s where Cayde was sent, to protect her. If I remember correctly.”

“Should we let the Vanguard know of this?”

I steadied myself and sat down on my bed and held my head in my hands. “And tell them what? That I remember a random name that has mostly been removed from history? No. We need more information on this. And that isn’t me just being possessive. I would need to talk to Cayde about what he remembers. If he remembers her at all… I just don’t know how to bring that up…”

“And that’s if he decides to talk to you…”

 “At least, he better. He needs to explain what the hell that was. I could see him on the top of the hanger and drop down as we were leaving. Ass.” I pulled the covers up and nestled into a victorious and proud sleep of a job well done.

-|-

 Moonsong woke me before we landed at the tower. I sent a ping to Sundance “Can we get him to talk to me?” 

She replied, “He won’t talk to anyone at the moment.”

I sat there wondering if I had done something wrong, our last interaction before the Strike was him returning my spade to me. Was it weird that I called it my spade? I mean, it technically was in the shape of one.

I had a hard time looking at it for too long. Every time I did it stirred more memories and I was running out of paper on the ship to keep track of everything. I had started writing on scrap pieces of paper and taping them to my board at home or left in the side table drawer. It was all that I could piece together and to keep my sanity. That I made Cayde, and I was responsible for killing him as a human. I know he willingly gave himself for the experiment but I felt like I could have pushed him harder to avoid his fate. But then again, I wouldn’t be here without his prototype in the chamber just before the darkness hit. 

And Ace… How would I even begin to explain that I had adopted his son after something horrible happened to his wife? Was I stealing his son and those memories from him? Was it wrong of me to even try to remember? Have I tainted some image or idea of who Ace and his ‘Queen of Hearts’ were? I suppose I would… But one could have only assumed that they were gone long ago, so why bring it up now? “Oh yeah! By the way! I remembered that I adopted your son and your wife died of something I don’t remember. Do you still wanna try this whole seeing each other thing?” Yeah. That would go over like a fart in church. 

We landed at the tower and much to my and my team’s surprise, Ikora and Cayde were there to greet us. 

“Howdy! Glad you made it back safely. Now, what exotics did you bring me? Come on, can’t leave a guy hangin’.” Cronus and Nix pulled some loot out from some of the storage crates and shared excited faces over the weapons. 

Ikora walked up to me and hugged me. “I guess this is a thing now that we do!?” I hugged her back and she asked quietly in my ear “Are you alright? No issues?” She backed up slightly and let me take a big deep breath. 

“No. But I did manage to activate my Arc and Void abilities. So, that’s good news. Just letting them emerge one by one I guess.”

Ikora chuckled at the three of us, “I’m glad to hear that your worries were swept away with these newfound powers. I suggest you spend some time working on each one as they arise and find what works best for your fighting style. You could do some solo patrols since I know the Crucible left you with a terrible mental scar.” I shuddered at the word ‘Crucible’. I would return eventually, but not anytime soon.

”I’ll have to tell Lord Shaxx that I am not quite ready for such excitement with this new stuff going on. I’m back to being a kinderguardian again.” 

I turned to head back into my ship when I heard the three boys yell “No you’re not!”. I laughed. They were right but it was difficult to think I had to start from the bottom when before I was able to control whatever I wanted of each super ability. I guess this will give me a chance to “live with the element” as Ikora says. 

I started unpacking and loading things into my rucksack to get off the ship and get cleaned up back at my place. I heard footsteps up my ramp and a small knock on the open panel. “Hey, um we kinda need to have a chat.” It was Cayde, not his usual facade of being overly happy and cheerful. Nix and Cronus must have left since he left his happy mask down around me. 

“Talk? About what? That I watched your dumbass climb to the roof of the hangar and watched you still there as I took off? ‘I promise.’ Yeah, ‘I promise’ my fuckin’ ass.” 

“Listen, there’s a lot to unravel with me and I…”

“I don’t want to hear it. You know my backstory. You wanna talk about unraveling and how I got to where I am? Stop it with the-”

“I SAW IT. OK? YOUR TIMELINE OR WHATEVER HISTORY BOARD THING IT WAS. I SAW IT.” He banged his fist on the wall of the ship. “I was seeing and hearing things at your place when I gave you that thing back and left, ok? It wasn’t right, but, fuck, I’ve never had actual MEMORIES come back before.” 

“You saw, what exactly?” My stomach dropped and I could feel my pulse racing. 

“Memories of my past life. And your… the timeline thing. The one that was behind the painting” He hung his head in shame.

”Get to the point.” I crossed my arms.

”I was pissed off at myself for freakin out when I know you’re in the same boat but yours is takin’ on a hell of a lot more water than mine.” He looked up at me with complete sorrow in his eyes. “I… I accidentally saw a note that fell and couldn’t help myself. I’m sorry.”

I grabbed the rucksack full of my portion of loot and hefted it over my shoulder. I walked past Cayde without even glancing his way. I headed out of the hangar back to my apartment at a trot. I didn’t want him following me but I was too late. 

Cayde caught up with me by dropping down off one of the catwalks. Jerk. He grabbed my shoulder and I smacked him away and finally turned around to look at him. “Were you ever gonna tell me?”

“Yes.”

“When?”

I looked down, I couldn’t find the words to explain. “Eventually, when I was ready…” I didn’t even know when that would be.

“Were you gonna tell me about MY FUCKING FAMILY?”

“Of course I WAS!”

”Or were you just gonna be a fucking coward and hide it all so you could feel special about pining after someone you couldn’t have and suddenly, thousands of years later got the chance to be with?”

My mouth hung open, my eyes turned to pinpricks as I had the realization and weight of what he just said. I felt disgusting. I hung my head down, my eyes barely open, and in a whisper, I murmured “Fuck you.” I turned and left Cayde standing in one of the crossways of the hangar to the rest of the tower. He was lucky, no one heard him, except for one single person.

”I thought you were going to sit and talk like civilized people. Do you not do that anymore? Ikora grabbed the shoulder of her comrade and walked him up the ramp to the next section before the main tower plaza. 

“Fuck Ikora. Just… Fuck.”

”Words, Cayde.” She shook his shoulder sternly and glared at him. “Take a breath and tell me what I just witnessed.

“I don’t know what just happened… I was just so angry, I still fucking am! How dare she hide shit like that from me!? But I just wanted to apologize for looking at the damn thing in the first place  and I get WHY she hid it from me but then SHE had the gall to be pissed off about it.”

Ikora took a deep breath and sighed, “Think about it from her perspective, she’s trying to put together pieces of a puzzle that spans about 20 years of her previous life, with nothing but fragments to go on. All she has are some random notes she writes from flashes she gets every once in a while. Maybe she wanted to show you when she felt like she had enough to piece together a bigger amount that made more sense?”

“There’s plenty there that made a whole lot of fucking sense. Come on Ikora! YOU saw it too!”

She grabbed his shoulders with a face of pure disgust. “I don’t care what I saw. It’s about what I just HEARD. Your last remarks were the most pathetic insults I have ever seen. I never thought you would stoop so fucking low Cayde. You’re both completely different people now, and you know it. Neither of you knew each other's past when you met so how can you even begin to understand how damn hurtful it was to that poor woman.”

She slapped him across the face, shaking her hand from the sting of hitting metal. ”She didn’t know who you were when she started falling in love with you. Now, you’re lucky if she’ll speak to you outside of the obligatory mission reports.” She backed up, closed her eyes, and loudly yelled “Cayde-6. the Hunter Vanguard, I am ordering you to fix this. Get your shit together and fix this or I will not be talking to you either.” With that final snap, she set off to her area to calm down from getting so angry at the whole situation. 

Chapter Text

I crashed into my apartment knocking the half-drunk whiskey bottle that was left there over and shattering it. I didn’t care anymore. I took the painting down and ripped all the notes down and threw them into a giant pile on the end table. Even if he didn’t approve of it, I was still going to get to the bottom of MY OWN LIFE. 

“Or were you just gonna be a fucking coward and hide it all so you could feel special about pining after someone you couldn’t have and suddenly, thousands of years later got the chance to be with?”  

I punched the wall, leaving a nice big hole. I needed to get this anger out on something. “Moonsong, we’re going to the EDZ, on the outskirts of the city. You know, the one where a lot of Guardians are found?” I started packing a few weapons and preparing myself.

”But that area is strictly off-limits! And there are quite a bit of Fallen and Hive there!” He was so upset his shell started to loosen from his core.

“Just point me in the right direction. I don’t care if you’re with me or not.”

’Will this help you?” He floated closely in front of my face, blinking his eye at me questioningly. “With your anger or to vent or whatever you need to do?”

”It’ll be a start but if you don’t move I will not hesitate to push you aside and go anyway.” I said as I walked out the door, Moonsong following closely behind, and leaving the door unlocked for our unwelcome guest that I assumed would visit. If he bothers to show his face in front of me again. “Ping Cronus for me? I’m gonna need to crash at his place. I don’t think I should be alone and I need someone to vent all this to.”

I walked out into the massive pile of cars that had been stacked up. I began punching through any windows that were left and started ripping cabling from what I could. My hands were getting smashed up but each time Moonsong just healed them for me as I continued breaking anything in sight. “Moony, can you send this stuff to my place?”

“Sure but what do you need it for?” 

“Repairs, you think Exos don’t have wiring, bearings, and such? Eventually, there will be something Light can’t fix. Like that asshole’s bearing, I fixed.” 

“Touché.”

“That and smashing cars is therapeutic in a way. Taking my anger out on something other than that idiot’s damn face. FUCK!” I hopped on top of a car and began punching the cloth roof, ripping the material and crushing the flimsy framing. After some time, I was pleased with my scavenging and went back to the tower, and to crash on Cronus’ couch since I figured Cayde might try and talk to me tonight. I couldn’t handle that after a long mission and that blowout at the hangar.

-|-

CAYDE POV

Nix and Cronus were true to their word, I did get an exotic or two out of their little excursion. I dropped off my stuff and immediately began to pace up and down the corridors and alleyways of the Tower. “What the hell am I supposed to say? My bad? Sorry, I exploded at you because I am terrified about learning everything. Fuck.” I rested my head against one of the buildings and pounded my clenched fist into the wall. After a few hits, I turned and slid down against the wall. 

I sat there a good while, pondering my thoughts again and again. 

Did I care about her because of these memories? No. 

It’s because she is who she is. Right? 

Are these memories fucking with my head? Yeah. 

But she has it so much worse and yet she still has the patience to put up with me and care enough about me to try and piece our lives together. Our two worlds were intertwined back then. 

Who cares if she had feelings for me? She loved me enough to care about me getting reset and losing my family. Hell, she adopted my son to save him. If that’s not love then I don’t know what is.  

“Fuck.” I banged my head back again realizing that I cared much more deeply for her than I ever thought I could, “fuck. I need to see her.”

I got up from the wall and rushed over to the apartment. The door still unlocked, I rushed in “Prim! Ara?” No answer. I ran into the bedroom. “Ara?” No one. I ran back into the living room area and heard a small crunch and shuffling under my boot. “The whiskey. Fuck all of her notes are everywhere.” I grabbed the pieces and grabbed a rag from her linen closet and wiped up the mess. “Maybe I just royally fucked this up beyond repair.” 

I sat down on her couch after cleaning up the ripped-up painting and scattered notes all over the floor. She had to be coming home soon, right? “Sunny, is Moonsong answering?”

“No.”

”Can you try again? OR maybe patch directly to Ara?”

”No. And no.” 

“You mad at me too?”

“Yep.” Sundance flew a few feet away in front of me. “You think she wants to talk to you after a hard mission, after you chewed her out in public, and are now crawling back waiting at her place for her to come back and you, what, talk for hours, say sorry, and beg her not to hate you? I almost hate you and you’re MY Guardian!”

”That was the idea but now that you say it out loud…” I sighed and hung my head.

”You’re being stupid. Go home. Write your thoughts down, and you can figure your life out in the morning. And I swear to the Traveler if you decide to get drunk…”

”No, not tonight. Maybe something to numb the pain a bit but, I need to get my shit straight before I see her again.”

I walked back slowly to my place, half hoping I would bump into her on the way back. I hated myself. There’s no way in hell she would ever give me another chance; hell we didn’t even really have a first chance at anything. I opened my door and dropped everything where I stood. I haphazardly took off my armor, showered, grabbed a glass, and poured myself a drink. 

After what seemed like hours of writing my thoughts down next to my journal for Ace, I finally climbed into bed. I lay there for a few hours, unable to sleep. I remembered the night we had where she sang softly and it was like the world's sweetest sound I had ever heard. I slept the best I had in ages because of her. “Fuck, I should have recorded it. I could use her singing to help me sleep.”

I groaned and grabbed a small bag and left to head back to her place. Maybe we couldn’t talk it over, but I wanted to tell her just that I care about her and... Well… that I… fuck. I’ll worry about that later. I opened the door to her place. She still wasn’t home. I laid down on her comfy couch. I grabbed the spare pillow and blankets she had offered me once before and started to fall asleep almost immediately. It must just be the comfort of her place. I just hope she’s not mad I’m here when she comes back.

-|-

PRIM POV

I walked into Cronus’ place and was welcomed immediately with a warm hug, tea, and a cozy blanket. He sat me down on his couch, pulled up a chair, and sat down. “You tell me what you need.” We sat in silence as I sipped my tea. 

Cronus suddenly hopped up from his chair and rushed to the front door. He swung it open and Nix walked in with a list and several bags of groceries. “Hey, hun, I still haven’t been able to… get…” Nix looked up and saw me sitting there, my head still down. Prim… I mean… I mean. Shit” He nearly tripped backward and fell onto the floor if not for Cronus catching him mid-fall. 

“Sorry, you were out and not picking up my calls. Otherwise, I would have told you she was here.” He blushed profusely, helping his partner up. 

“Ahem, Prim, it’s good to see you. Despite the usual circumstances.”

“You can drop the prissy act babe. She knows you relax around me.” He smiled.

”Well shit. Sorry. I just keep people at a distance. Someone has to keep a face instead of this buffoon here.”

“You know you love me.”

“Yes, but that has nothing to do with it. Anyways,” He turned to me and sat down on the couch next to me. “You look like utter shit. What happened? We left and saw Cayde walk over to your ship. That was the last we saw of you.”

Cronus gasped “Did you make a pass and get rejected, because I have candy and ice cream for that.”

I shook my head, laughed slightly, and sipped my tea. “I wish that was the problem,” I sighed heavily. “Look, I don’t know how much you want to get into this or how much you want to know but this isn’t as simple as ‘Hey I fucked my boss’ kinda fuck up.” I blew bubbles into my tea, closing my eyes for the expected judging.

”Girl, you need to chill out, we’re your fire team we always got your 6. Now, did you want… wait? Wait. WAIT.” The growth of excitement on his face was almost terrifying. He ran around the corner of the kitchen and slid up to me on the couch. “DID you fuck your boss?” He looked up with a huge grin on his face. His Awoken complexion was almost sparkling with excitement as much as he was. 

Nix showed his head aside “THAT is what you took from her confession?!” 

Cronus shrugged his shoulders, still smiling.

“You don’t ask that kind of thing. Light be damned, Cronus!”

”I wish that was the issue here, but it's not. We fought over something I’ve been trying to keep from him. From everyone. And, I think, that from, ahem” I nestled more into the blanket, “how close we've gotten recently… I think he’s just hurt. I didn't trust him. BUT HE FUCKING LOOKED AT MY SHIT WITHOUT ASKING.” I shook the mug in my hands, the little amount of tea left swirled violently in the ceramic cup. 

“Girl, you have more secrets than the world has glimmer but in all seriousness, I’m sorry. I’m still with you, but I am stuck on the whole ‘you and Cayde’ thing. Are you a thing? Were you drunk? Was he?”

Nix grabbed Cronus’ ear. “The hell is wrong with you. She’s spilling her fucking guts and you’re stuck on the fact that they slept together?” He sighed and pulled Cronus up. “You put away these damn groceries.” He turned and pointed to me “Do you want more tea or something stronger?” 

“Stronger would be great.” I smiled halfheartedly. My heart was breaking at the idea of no longer being close to Cayde. 

”Help yourself to the cabinet here. I’m making food if you’re hungry.” Nix grabbed three glasses and set them aside while I looked through their liquor. 

While Nix cooked I explained the complicated situation between Cayde and me, how the reason I had my prototype body was because I had made his in my previous life. Cronus listened like it was the most amazing thing he had ever heard and I will admit, it was nice to have some people to tell. 

The hours grew long and Cronus hit his limit, he asked Nix to share the short version with him in the morning, kissed his head, and waddled into bed. However, I could tell that Nix wasn’t used to people knowing about the intimacy of their relationship. Especially since Nix kept a strict facade around the rest of the Tower. 

“Look, I’m not one much for talking but it sounds like you, erm, really like Cayde.” 

“I’m not stupid. I’ve fallen for him and I have been since day one.” I buried my head in my knees still wrapped up in the blanket on the couch. 

“Ok. So you love him. Now what? You lose all of that because of a fight? Especially one over a topic neither of you have ever had the chance to tell someone before or even talk about?” He pulled the blanket tighter around me and refilled my drink. “Give yourselves a break. No good comes from blaming yourselves. Though, I think I might punch him in the face for that last comment he made to you.” He made a fake punching motion with a right upper hook and a left jab. 

“But seriously, Cronus and I have been together for nearly 50 years here as Guardians. We’ve had physical brawls between us over who can remember, whatever, shit. But we care. And I haven’t met someone else like him to make this Exo heart feel human for even a little bit.” 

I gently hugged him and, for once, he hugged me back, tightly. I felt so thankful to have been assigned a team that grew to be such good companions. I felt so lonely when I felt like a freak. Amanda was the only person who helped me and she didn’t even enjoy doing it in the first place. It seemed like she just pitied me at the time. 

“I think that’s what we have. I know it's weird to say since he’s my Vanguard, but I feel human again around him. It’s like I forget that we’re made of metal and wires when I just see his stupid handsome face.” I sighed and gulped my drink down and stood up. 

“Are you ok?” Nix looked concerned since I had ingested a significant amount of alcohol. 

“Yeah, I’m good. I just realized I actually should go home. I need to sort things out by myself but you two have been so very helpful. I would have just wallowed in my misery or beat the shit out of more cars if not for your help.”

“We’re here, just like we know you’d be if something were to happen to one of us.” Nix nodded picked up the blanket and took the glass from me and put it in the sink. ”Just be safe. Let us know what’s going on in the morning.”

”Thanks. Moonsong, let’s go home.”

“Ok, Goodnight Nix, Ziva”

They both nodded as we headed out. 

-|-

The walk home was short and I wasn’t surprised at the guest sleeping on my couch when I tiptoed in. 

Sundance blinked awake barely, “He couldn’t sleep so we came here. I know you had a-”

”Shhh, help me get him to bed.” I reached over and gently shook Cayde’s shoulder. “Come on sleepyhead, let's get you to a real bed.” 

Cayde blinked slightly awake, barely opening his optics all the way, and followed me as I pulled the covers away on my bed and let him lay down. He was almost immediately back to sleep. I could hear his unnecessary breathing noises. I found it cute. I smiled and folded the blanket he was using and stacked the pillow on top of it. I downed a glass of water to help dilute the alcohol processing through my system and then grabbed two more glasses, one for me, the other for him. I placed them at each end table and got onto my side of the bed and nestled under the sheets. 

“I’m sorry.” I heard him gently say, half awake. 

“I’m sorry too,” I replied and kissed him gently on the back of his head. 

“Can we not fight again please?” He continued mumbling in his groggy state. 

“As long as you’re not an ass in the morning, then yes,” I whispered and softly chuckled near the back of his head. 

He rolled over and pulled me close. “Good. Cause I don’t want to lose this.”

“You won’t, at least not yet.” I hugged him back. ”Goodnight Cayde.”

“G’night…” He slowly drifted off. “I love you.”

”I love you too.” I smiled half awake, not even realizing how naturally we had both just said those very important words and how much they would truly mean in the upcoming months. 

Cayde’s eyes shot open. He had been faking sleepiness since I woke him up just in case I was mad still but this moment changed everything. His heart was pounding in his chest. “We love each other. We, as in both of us. Holy shit.” He wasn’t sure if he would be able to fall asleep with how happy and excited he was to say it to me again and again, but then quietly, he heard a soft humming as I lay sleeping. He kissed my head. The anxiety and excitement soon left for a calm and tranquil moment as he heard me hum to sleep. 

-|-

CAYDE POV

I rolled over and reached an arm out to feel her presence. She wasn’t there and her side of the bed was made. A streak of panic shot across my entire body.

 ‘Did I dream last night? Shit, I knew it was too good to be true. Fuck. I feel so freaking pathetic right now.’ I went to grab his hoodie that I had on earlier but distinctly remembered taking it off halfway through the night and placing it on the nightstand. 

I got up, metal feet slapping on the floor of the apartment, and walked into the kitchen. 

There she was, humming and dancing ever so slightly in his hoodie. She wore a little apron with a big bow tied in the back. She hadn’t noticed me yet. I stood in the doorway with a big grin on my face. Whatever she was making for breakfast it was already too much and too kind of her to do for me. Either way, she was spoiling me just by being in my presence, especially in that outfit, with short shorts barely able to be seen under the length of the hoodie. I wasn’t sure if I should wait to bother her until after she had finished working on what she was doing or if I could be selfish and get close sooner. I chose the latter. 

I slid his arms around her midsection and rested my forehead against her shoulder, my horn protruding over the edge of her shoulder carefully, avoiding her face. “I thought you were just a dream, and that I had woken to a harsh reality where you hated my guts and…”

She put her hand up to hush me. “I am still mad. Furious actually, but it's a lot harder to hate people while talking over good food. So I figured we could talk things over while we ate.” 

“Whatever you say.” I nuzzled her neck. If she was this nice when she was supposedly ‘furious’ with me, I could handle anything we needed to talk about. 

-|-

PRIM POV

I had finished making breakfast and grabbed the small plates and brought them over to the table. 

Cayde picked up the omelet. “Hot, hot, hot.” He put it down on another plate and shook his hand. 

“You have metal hands and that still burns you? I don’t get you sometimes.” I shook my head and grabbed a plate and fork. “Sorry, it's not ramen, but it's still a bit early for that.”

”I vaguely remember you keeping some ramen cups in a drawer in your lab. One that I often took stuff from. Maybe that’s where I started to love it. But, eggs are a decent substitute.”

”See? Is it bad, remembering things?” I winced a bit while asking.  

I sat down and handed Cayde a plate of bacon, a fork, and a knife.

“For someone who is ‘furious,’ you are treating me very well.” He took a big chunk of the omelet and popped it in his mouth. 

“Would you prefer I show you the new hand cannon I picked up? I think it would look really nice between your eyes.” I smirked while grabbing a few slices of bacon. 

“Hey, there’s no need for that.” He pointed his fork at me. I refused to look up at him and instead focused on my food. “Alright, I guess there’s no getting around it. I am sorry. Truly and honestly sorry.” He reached his hand across the table to grab mine. I recoiled on instinct. 

“Do you know why I am mad?” I cut into my omelet and took another bit.

“Because I looked at something I shouldn’t have? Because I invaded your privacy?” He looked back down at his food and took a piece of bacon and fiddled with it in his hands. 

“That’s one thing, but I understand I should have told you, but I need you to understand it isn’t an easy topic to just suddenly bring up!” I slammed my hands on the table. My hands slowly curled into fists with my fingers trembling. 

“If that’s not it, then… what?” He looked at me and tilted his head.   

I closed my eyes and my voice crackled as I spoke. “Were you just gonna be a fucking coward and hide it all so you could feel special about pining after someone you couldn’t have and suddenly, thousands of years later got the chance to be with?” I lifted my head to look at him and opened my eyes, my face devoid of any happiness or joy, just sadness and pain. 

“Prim, Ara, I…” He reached for my hand. When I pulled back he stood up and grabbed it. He walked around the table, still holding my arm. He kneeled in front of me and rested his head on my hand. “I was mad. I thought you were keeping me as some sort of ego boost or pet project to help you regain your memories.”

“You know I would never do that!”

“I know you wouldn’t do that. But after seeing all of the notes and everything, it was hard for me to accept. How could someone like you exist? I felt like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. You saved me, my family, and came back with the Light to come and find my stupid ass again? It doesn’t feel real.”

“I didn’t plan any of this.” I rested my head on his, my voice still crackling. 

“No. You didn’t. But, I think the Traveler did.” He lifted his hand and stood up. He walked over to the small end table and opened the drawer. He took the notes that were crammed in there and pulled out the dead holopad. He walked back over and dragged a chair to sit next to me. “Here.” 

“Of course you looked through more of my shit.” He winced. I took the pad from his hands and looked at the blank screen. “What do you want me to do with this? It’s dead.” I looked over at him. He grabbed the edge of the pad and smiled lightly. 

“If you infuse some of your Light into it…” Suddenly the pad booted up and turned on. My eyes searched the folders and words on the screen. “Here.” He opened a file on the pad and a sad, broken voice started speaking. My optics flickered as I listened to the message that was left from my past self. I sat there in a daze as the words echoed in my head.

“I want to be there for my son and his family, and Cayde… wherever he is.  

Traveler, please give me the Light I need to make it back to them.

Signing off for one last time - Dr. Aralyn Martin”

“You asked the Traveler for help, and it responded.” He took the pad back. I was awestruck. 

“Cayde, I didn’t mean to-”

“I know. There’s no way you would have known that the Traveler would have sent a Ghost to find you. But I think it heard your cry for help and actually answered.” He hugged me. “Aralyn, there’s nothing I can say or do that would make up for all of the pain and strife you’ve gone through on my behalf but just know that I will always be here. I will always be right by your side. I love you. Not just because of this or anything else related to our pasts, but because of who you are now.”

“I love you too.” He leaned away from our hug and we touched horns. I giggled slightly and smiled. “I guess I have always loved you. I guess the Traveler took pity on me and gave me a chance to say it to you.”

“Not pity, it used you to make my life better! You saved me. I haven’t felt human like this since even before I became an Exo. And that is all because of you.”

We stayed that way for a few moments before we hugged and laughed over the ridiculousness of our situation. Two people who were friends in a previous life, given a second chance to be lovers. All thanks to the Traveler and the power of the Light. 

”No more hiding this kinda shit.” Cayde gestured to the now ripped-down wall of notes and scraps of paper. “Look, I, we, well, whatever we are we need to trust that the other person will understand. I don’t go down that easily when it comes to this kinda stuff. I just, I wish you had told me, anything.”

”I wasn’t trying to hide it from you on purpose. Please understand, I wanted to get a more clear picture of what happened before I told you.” 

“You adopted MY son when I couldn’t even remember anything about him, my wife, their voices, their faces. I had convinced myself for hundreds of years that I had just made them both up to keep myself going, to give myself something to live for.” Cayde started shaking and closed his eyes. 

“Cayde…”

“No. It was my mistake… and you, you kept my family together and you wanted to hide that from me?”

”I wasn’t giving up on you and your family. Hell, I’m still not giving up on you, this history… us… I will fight for it all.” 

“If you let me, I’d like to stay by your side and figure all of this out together.” He reached across the table and grabbed my hand. ”You know that there are some… stipulations of being together. You know that right?”

”We have to hide everything. I know the drill.”

“No, Aralyn” He was one of the only people who knew and used my real name. “I want this. I want you, I want us, I guess I’m asking you to officially be my girlfriend instead of whatever we were before.”

“Fuck-buddies with really, really bad feels?” I chuckled. Cayde made a disgruntled face and shook his head.

”Please never say that again. Maybe… lovers?” He laughed.

“Wow, a romantic at heart, huh?” I smirked.

”Only for you, my dear.” He winked and returned my smirk. “But we can’t hide shit from each other. Yes, we have to hide this from everyone in the Tower but between you and I, there cannot be any secrets. Ok?”

The decision was that we would keep the wall at his house and fill the notes from both of us along the same timeline. Anything extra or unknown as far as we knew, we would work together on. Once a week we would dedicate time to honoring our memories and talk about what we did and didn’t remember, however painful it was. 

He got up and collected the remainder of our breakfast. ”This is the least I can do since you made such delicious food for me.” He said as I sat and watched him do the dishes. 

I was completely flabbergasted that he was still here despite what happened to us yesterday. He seemed perfectly at home in my place and it felt right to have him in this space. “Would you like to keep some stuff here?”

I asked without thinking… knowing that he wanted to keep us a secret from the rest of the tower, mainly for my sake but a bit for his respect and stature as a Vanguard. I had already had a hate club once, I didn’t need another one from his fangirls… the ones he denies but we both know exist.  

“Honestly, that might not be a bad idea. The last thing I need is the walk of shame coming from your place…” He laughed.

”You know people would look at you as the badass and me the slut right?” 

“Ugh, yeah, I’ll bring stuff. HOWEVER, you, my dear, are limited to one hoodie at a time!” 

I got up and rushed to the bedroom but was grabbed by the torso before I passed the threshold “Ahh! My one weakness! A limited number of hoodies!” I flailed and kicked jokingly.

“Haha! I know your true weakness, you foul temptress!” He grabbed the hoodie and pulled it over my head, exposing my barely-there crop top and short shorts. 

“Yeah? My weakness? What about you, mister handsome hero? What is your weakness?”

He reached down and picked me up, my feet flailing behind me. He tossed me onto a half-made bed. “You, that, just, just you.” He lifted my shirt up and over my head and started to nip at my nipple. “You’re my weakness, and from the looks of things, you fully know this.” 

I moaned and breathily said “This is just my night clothes. I don’t do this on purpose.” 

“Thank the Traveler I don’t live here because I would lose my shit and never be on time for anything ever.” He mumbled with his mouth filled with my nipple, nibbling softly. 

“Like you’re on time for anything as it IS.” I moaned louder. 

Cayde had slipped a single finger inside of me, just pushing my shorts and underwear to the side. “I think you’ll beg to differ.” He smirked, releasing my nipple from his mouth and nipping at the side of my neck, his breath deep and heavy. His hand played inside me gently and softly, teasing me barely inside or just playing around the entrance to my heat. 

“Fu… fuck.” I seethed as he inserted a second finger. With his other hand, he made circles along my hip and then grabbed and pulled me down forcefully and then thrust upward with his fingers at the same time. I gasped at the sudden pleasure and pressure that started to build inside of me. He looked at me and happily hummed.

I tugged at his hand to remove it so I could have him and all he did was shake his head. I was getting close but he wanted to tell me, “This is the start of me showing you that I genuinely didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m here with you because I want you and only you.” His voice was breathy and uncertain “Ara, I just want you to know… ” He started chuckling.   

The pressure built up inside me in the most inopportune moment as I released wave after wave of pleasure on his fingers and moaned, letting my juices run out onto my soaking wet panties. I tried to hide my face as he removed his fingers and stuck one in his mouth and then one in mine shortly afterward. “I love the way you look when you cum for me.” He smiled and laughed. 

“You fucking ass.” I smacked him. “Ugh,” I groaned. “I love you, you stupid idiots.” I laughed trying to crawl away from his grasp.

”Not because I just made your orgasm, right?”

“Did we have sex last night before you said it?

“I… you, you were supposed to be sleeping!” The embarrassment and shock came across his face. His cheek lights up the cutest tinge of reddish yellow from the blushing. 

“Cayde,” He looked away and hid his face. “Cayde-6, look at me!” I grabbed his face to look at mine and kissed him passionately. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Not just last night but night after night after night, I love you.” He kissed me back and smiled into our kiss. 

I wished time would stop so we could have that moment forever but alas, we each had other things to go to later that day, so we finally showered and put clothes on. Cayde thankfully thought to bring at least some fresh clothes despite the emotional turmoil of last night. We decided that after our errands were done we could come back to my place tonight. He said he would bring dessert to continue from this morning and I completely blushed as he nuzzled me before he opened my door and left. I stepped outside to watch him disappear and sighed. 

“Rough night?” A bright and cheery voice said. 

Chapter Text

I looked to my right and suddenly there was Mina, smiling. 

“You have no idea.” I sighed, stretching my neck. 

“I have no idea how you Exos do it.” She looked down the walkway, past me. My circuits started to buzz with nervous energy. Had she seen him leave? 

“Heh. Do what?” I searched her eyes for any sign that she knew something. She finally turned and made eye contact with me. There it was, sheer envy and malice.

”How do Exos stay up all night and still have energy for missions? It seems like you should at least have some battery to recharge.” She blinked a few times. “Are you alright Prim?” Her mouth flattened and her eyes became dark. 

“I’m fine. It was just a long night, emotionally, physically. I’m gonna grab some coffee so I’ll see you-“ I turned and started to walk away when a hand grabbed my cloak. 

“With Cayde?” There it was. Her cheerful voice dropped, the facade gone. “Why was he leaving your place just now?” She yanked my cloak so I had to take a step back to counterbalance. 

“Look, he was just getting a bearing in his knee fixed. I just grabbed a bunch of parts and whatnot from the EDZ and he needed a fix before-“

”Before he kissed you goodbye?”

”Excuse me?” I snapped my head and turned around at her. I stood at least two heads taller than the human but it didn’t make her back down. Instead, she grew more fierce, glaring at me. 

“How’d you do it?” She yanked on my cloak, pulling me closer. “I’ve been rezzed for years and have spent years trying to get him to notice me. And here you are, suddenly showing up and becoming the fucking star of everything.”

I slapped her hand to make her let go of my cloak. “What the fuck is your problem?” 

“YOU. YOU ARE MY PROBLEM. You play this massive hero act, then a damsel in distress and then somehow have the entire city talking about you. Did you just impress him? Was it the sudden change in your body? People noticed that but never said anything. Oh, so you have someone do some customizations on your fucking body and suddenly Cayde is all over you?” She flung her arms around like a child having a tantrum. It was almost comical if I wasn’t getting yelled at.

“You wouldn’t understand even if I tried to explain anything to you.” I chuckled as I turned back and walked away. I turned back to see her glaring me down, tears running down her cheeks. 

I headed towards the hangar to talk to Amanda until I was suddenly pulled by my cloak. “Listen here you little shit.” I spun around and looked down expecting Mina. It wasn’t.

”Wow, you really know how to make a guy feel welcome, kiddo!” Cayde stood there with his arms crossed across his chest. “Have I don’t something to offend you yet today?”

I lifted my gaze to meet his. “No. Sorry, I thought you were someone else.” 

“Someone givin’ ya shit? Cause I have a few knives I sharpened that would be a great going away present!” He took one of his knives out and started tossing it in the air lazily. 

I snorted, “dork.” I smirked at him. “To what do I owe the pleasure of the honorable Hunter Vanguard’s presence?” I curtsied sarcastically. 

“I just wanted to let you know I gotta go. Me and The Guardian are heading out as soon as I grab some ammo from Banshee.”  He put his hand on my shoulder and started leading me back towards my apartment. 

We walked right past Banshee’s stall. “What’s the mission? Everything ok?” 

“Oh yeah. Totally fine! Just a bit of trouble in Space Prison.” He laughed as we walked along. 

“Space Prison?” 

“Oh yeah, my good friend Petra asked for- have I told you about Petra? Petra Venj. She’s a pretty cool Awoken. Right hand of the Awoken queen Mara Sov.” He seemed excited talking about his friend. It was nice to see him smile and have a chance to leave the Tower to help someone dear to him. 

“Oh! The Awoken, they were on an Exodus ship, right? I don’t suppose that maybe I could meet with the queen? See their records?” I smiled. Maybe they would have records on the Exodus and I could see if-

”Mara’s dead. Her, and many of her people died during the fight with Oryx, the Taken King.” He tucked his head down and kept walking until we reached a small alcove, somewhere discreet. 

“Oh…” My optics dimmed slightly. There went my hopes.

”Oh! But don’t you worry! I’ll ask Petra! She knows all sorts of shit. You’ll have to meet her sometime. She’s a badass, much like yourself.” He gave me a light punch. 

“Do you think she’ll know anything?” I looked up at him, searching his eyes for an answer that I knew I wouldn’t see in him. 

“Let’s hope so.” He smiled and pulled me close, making our horns touch, resting his forehead against mine. He knew how important the intel was and even thought to ask his friend on my behalf. I sighed slightly as I stepped back from him. 

“How long will you be gone?” I didn’t lift my head. He could tell I was disappointed since we decided we would be going through memory fragments together later tonight. 

“Don’t you worry your sweet little head.” He winked and smirked as he slowly stepped towards me. “I’ll be back in a jiffy. You’ll barely notice I’m gone.” He chuckled as he grabbed the back of my neck and pulled me in for a deep passionate kiss. 

Our tongues danced for a few moments before he moaned in my mouth and pushed me up against the wall behind me. I instinctively pulled him closer to me so that our bodies were fully touching. My circuits were humming as his other hand stroked down my back. He tugged me closer one more time before he groaned into my mouth. 

“Fuck. You little minx. The things you do to me.” He stepped back and rubbed his forehead. “Damn. Well, I’ll just have to save those thoughts for later.” He looked up and shook his finger at me. “You’re terrible you know that?”

”Are you saying-“ I tilted my head to the side “that I’m a bad girl?” I smirked and looked at him. He looked like one of his circuits popped. 

“Oh ho! Now THIS! This is a new one! I LIKE that idea.” He started to walk away, pointing his finger at me. “You, you, you keep that. That thought. Yep. That’s a good one.” He trotted off leaving me still leaning against the wall. 

I pushed off the wall, giggling. Just as I was about to turn the corner he came back and embraced me in a tight hug. He whispered in my ear “I love you, Ara. See you soon.” 

I pulled my head back and cupped his cheek. “I love you too, Cayde.” I kissed him lightly. “Now go kick some ass and come back with a good story for me tonight.” 

“Oh you know I totally will!” He kissed me again and finally ran off, like a kid with a sugar rush. 

I stepped out into the light just to see his cloak flutter in the wind as he ran away. “Dork.” I laughed. 

-|-

Since I finished my errands and had nothing better to do, I asked Nix and Cronus to run some bounties and patrols while I waited for Cayde to come back. 

We were in the EDZ hunting a Kell. It had taken the place of another Kell taken down by Guardians before us, so it was still new and had difficulty keeping cool as we rampaged through its territory.

Nix and Cronus almost looked at ease while they took out Fallen one by one as we raced through a system of tunnels. We finally reached a large cavern with a slew of Fallen ready to take us on. 

“Finally!” Cronus bellowed. “I was starting to think this would never get interesting!” 

Nix laughed, “Nothing is interesting to you unless it’s exploding.” 

“I find you interesting…” He came up and grabbed Nix, kissing his mouth plates and running off. Nix covered his face in embarrassment and nearly ran back into the tunnels if it weren’t for me. 

“Ok, common, princess! Back to the fight!” I grabbed his shoulders and turned him around and pushed his back. I felt a heat growing in my chest as a rush of excitement hit me. “Cover me, this Kell is mine.” I jumped down into the group and laid down a trap bomb, throwing a few knives to take down a few enemies as I ran for cover.

I saw the Kell shooting towards Cronus, tucked under cover. I loaded my hand gun and ran to get a good shot at him. I slid under some rubble and jumped up. In that moment the heat left my body and slithered up my arm, igniting my hand cannon. I took my shot and completely disintegrated the Kell in one foul swoop. I landed, my body suddenly radiating Solar energy. I took a few more Fallen out before the feeling faded and I was left standing in an empty cavern except for three of us. 

Nix floated down and landed just in front of me. “I guess I didn’t have to cover you, Golden Gun.” He gave me a thumbs up and looked over his shoulder.

Cronus was barreling towards us and slid right in front of the two of us. He picked me up in a tight hug and spun me around. “My baby girl is all grown up! Nice job, girlie!” He plopped me down and patted my head. 

“Thanks!” I fixed my hood and looked up at the massive Awoken. “That one felt so natural compared to the others. Wow, finally! I can use Solar energy!” I put my hand cannon in its holster and looked over my hands. They still felt a strong warmth but it was slowly fading. 

”I guess you’ll end up a Gunslinger like your boyfriend.” Nix patted my shoulder. 

“Should I start calling you ‘Space Cowboy’ from now on?” Cronus laughed to himself. 

“Only if I get to wear one of those funny hats and vests I see in some of those old holotapes.” I laughed as I started walking the group of us up and out of the cavern. 

We told jokes and inspected the loot that we picked up over the day as we headed out of the tunnels and back into the open. As we exited we heard the distinct sound of a Fallen ship. We all looked up and ran for cover. 

The crushing sound of a Devil Walker landing on the surface drove us all into heavy weapons mode. Nix dawned a machine gun, Cronus a sword, and I, a rocket launcher. 

“Nix, Prim, take out its legs!” Cronus said as he rounded the rubble he was behind and ran towards a decrepit building. Nix and I nodded at each other and aimed at the legs of the Walker. 

“LAZER!” I hollered. Nix and I split and ran for further cover as we continued to aim our weapons at the legs of the walker. I shot off a rocket and ducked behind rubble to reload. 

Suddenly my breath hitched and I felt like I was being smothered. I clawed at my chest. I felt like I was suffocating. My circuits buzzed with anxious energy that sparked through my system, it burned like it was tearing through my body. 

“Ara, are you ok? I don’t know what’s happening, but your Light is fluctuating violently!” Moonsong cried. He could tell something was wrong too. 

“I don’t know. I don’t know what’s happening. But, I have to take down that fucking Walker!” I shot up from behind the rubble to take aim and froze. I suddenly felt a massive vacuum, a void, in my chest. I tried to take a breath but my gears and circuits seized up.

”PRIM!” I heard Nix scream. I snapped my eyes to my right to see him running towards me. “GET DOWN!” Then darkness. 

-|-

I bolted upright upon revival. I looked around to see Cronus and Nix looking down at me and Moonsong floating above me. 

“Ara! Are you alright?” Moonsong fluttered close to my face. I could see him but it felt like I wasn’t there, in my own body. 

“I’m dead.” I mumbled. 

“You were, but Sing-song here rezzed you!” Cronus smiled and chuckled. When I didn’t respond he took a knee and grabbed my shoulder and shook me lightly. “Prim?”

”I’m dead. Dead. Dead.” I kept murmuring quietly. 

“Prim? Hey!” Cronus shook me harder. He turned to Nix and Moonsong. “What the hell is going on?” Nix looked horrified. 

Cronus stood up and put his hands on Nix’s shoulders. “Dude. What gives?”

”Prim?” Nix kneeled down and gently grabbed my hand. He looked into my eyes, his expression worsened. My lights were dim, flickering slightly. “Cronus, we need to get back to the Tower! Grab her and let’s go!” He stood up and rushed in the direction of the ship. 

-|-

We landed and Cronus ran off the ship and placed me down against a wall. Nix ran off to the Vanguard's room. Suddenly he transmatted back, breathing heavily.  

“I already called the med bay! What is going on? What aren’t you telling me?”

”Cronus, PLEASE!” Nix was shaking violently as he rested his hand on Cronus’s forearm. He looked at his love with a look of sheer desperation. 

Cronus picked me up and bolted for the medical ward. 

As we approached a large room in the medical ward, Ikora was standing in front of the door. “In here.” She said with a broken voice. Cronus cautiously placed me down in a chair in the corner of the room. 

”Mam. I think her condition is tied to him.” Nix stepped forward. 

“I agree.” Ikora said, tears welling in her eyes. 

Cronus lurched to say something. Nix flung his arm out to stop him. “Cronus, just wait, ok?” He walked over to me in the corner of the room. “Prim, I’m sorry.” He hugged me tightly. “I am so sorry. But I need you to look at me and come back, ok?” He grabbed my hand gently and stroked it. My lights flickered slightly and he nodded. “Ok. Ikora, she needs to see him.”

”See who?” Cronus choked out. “What’s going on?” He looked over to see a gurney with a white cloth draped over it. As he stared at it he realized it was the Vanguard’s symbol. “Nix?” He desperately looked over to him.

”I will be outside.” Ikora said, nearly whispering as she walked past Nix and silently closed the door. 

Nix walked over the gurney and slowly pulled back the cloth covering the body. He never looked down but only at my eyes for any sign of change. A sudden spark flickered to life in my eyes as I slowly lifted my head to look over by Nix. The light in my optics slowly glowed brighter as I became more animated. 

“No.” I whispered, coming back to reality. “No. No. No. NO. NO. NO.” I got up from the chair and ran to the gurney. There he was, Cayde. 

“Baby? Baby, please.” I cupped his cheek with my left hand and stroked the side of his face with my right. His face was mangled and smashed in, bullet holes in his chest and various cuts and dents in his armor and exterior. “Cayde. You said you’d be here, last night, and every other night, right?” I searched his optics for any kind of life or signal that he was still there. Nothing. 

I grabbed his head and pressed out foreheads together so that our horns touched. “I love you. Please. Please don’t do this to me. I just got you back. I finally found you after hundreds of years and… you can’t do this to me…” I kissed him lightly and collapsed on top of him, desperately holding on. “You can’t… you can’t… you can’t be dead.” My limbs shook as my optics dimmed. “Don’t leave… me.” 

“Prim?” Nix put his hand on my shoulder and listened. “SHIT! Conus, get another gurney, we need to strap her down!” 

“WHAT?!” Cronus screeched. 

Ikora burst through the door. “Nix what’s wrong?” 

“She’s rejecting! Get someone to strap her down!” He yelled, pulling me off of Cayde onto the floor.

My body squirmed unnaturally, jerking and shaking with each movement. My hands suddenly gripped my shoulders and started trying to pry through the silicone and metal. The wires became exposed. 

“ARA! Stop! What are you doing?” Moonsong hovered trying to heal the damage but it was impossible as my hands were still digging their way into my arms. Finally after struggling, I ripped away my left arm and flung it to the side of the room. 

“Cronus, help me hold her down!” Nix panicked. I started flailing under their grip.

”LET GO!” I screamed. “STOP IT! I’M NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE! I’M DEAD!” I lurched forward. Nix covered my mouth and eyes with his hands. He looked up at Ikora. She was horrified. 

After hours I was reassembled and strapped to a gurney, limp and murmuring to myself. I had been moved to a different room and Ana Bray had been called for help. She wasn’t at the Tower until much later but while everyone waited with bated breath I was locked and tied up for my own safety. 

“What are we looking at Ana?” Ikora sighed over the radio. 

Ana slammed her fist on her dashboard. She sighed heavily, choking back tears. “Dissociative Exomind Rejection.”

Chapter Text

“What?” Ikora asked, tilting her head slightly. She was exhausted physically and mentally. She could barely comprehend what Ana was saying.

“D.E.R., it’s a condition where the mind of the Exo disconnects from their body.” Ana had her hands on the table, slouched over, shaking her head. She sat down in the chair behind her with a ‘thump’ and sighed, her tears hovering on the tips of her eyelids. “It WAS a condition that many of the early Exos suffered from. It was supposed to be absolutely brutal. The mind slipped away and they lost all sense of self.” She took a ragged breath and continued. “Many panicked and tore themselves to shreds, repeating phrases about being dead or that they weren’t real. I’ve never seen it in real life since most Exos that dealt with the condition were neutralized by wiping them using the Deep Stone Crypt but I don’t even know where it is. There were no notes about it that I could find in the Bray facilities.” 

Ikora rested her hand on her chin and paced around the table. “Prim, she… she apparently started this while out in the field on a mission?” Her lip quivered, she had an inkling of the reason but still had to ask to be sure. “Why would it suddenly happen?” She turned to Cronus and Nix who were staring at the ground awkwardly. She stood silently holding her arms close to her body, anxiously waiting for the other shoe to fall.

Ana choked on her words, “She had previously mentioned D.E.R. to me and that at one time researchers found that there were a lot of cases where couples that made the transition suffered greatly if one came down with D.E.R..” Ana sighed heavily before continuing. “Prim said herself that a large percentage of Exos that developed the symptoms or died, had partners that developed the condition. It took both people to be wiped, sometimes repeatedly, to remedy that but something big had to trigger it.” Her whole body tensed as she spat her words out like venom. “It doesn’t just suddenly show up in a perfectly functioning Exo like her!” She slammed her fists on the table and bit back her tears.

“It was Cayde,” Nix stepped forward, his face looking haggard. He fiddled with his hands and stared at the floor. The once confident and poised Warlock was shaking as he spoke. “We were in the middle of a fight and she just stopped, like she had been frozen or wasn’t even really there.” He paused, trying his best to not let the memory of his friend’s lifeless stare shake him. “Her eyes… They were blank… hollow. She took a direct hit and was taken out before Cronus and I dragged her away from the fight. After being rezzed I thought she would snap out of it but she didn’t. She just kept repeating ‘I can’t be here, I’m dead. I’m supposed to be dead.’ We couldn’t risk losing her out there so we brought her back here.” He shifted his weight with a slight sway, like he was struggling to stay standing. His legs shook and his mouth plates were grinding together. “She came back to herself for a moment when she… Well, when she… she saw Cayde. She spoke to him, asking him to come back, again and again. Eventually she just cried out and…”

Nix paused and looked back at Cronus and shut his eyes. He was silent for a few moments and then opened his eyes and turned to face the others after composing himself. “I think when the realization that he was actually gone hit her, she lost it completely. She collapsed onto him and right after that we had to restrain her. She was worse than in the field. She, she fucking tore her arm off and tried to rip herself apart.” He crossed his arms and shivered at the thought. The images of his comrade attempting to rip through silicone and metal was haunting to another Exo like himself. 

Cronus came up and rested his hand on his lover's shoulder tenderly. After glancing at Nix they both nodded. “We think her body knew what happened before her mind did. I don’t even know how that would happen but, it’s the only thing I can think of that makes any sense.” Cronus saw that Nix was struggling and had to step in. It was bad seeing it as a human but couldn’t fathom how bad it was from Nix’s perspective. Normally he would try to lighten the mood with a quick witted joke but the air was suffocating with anxiety, dread, and grief.

“That could explain her behavior from your mission but I don’t think Exos even HAVE the capability of sensing each other’s presence or life. Unless it was tied through the Light or... I don’t even know what to think of that idea…” Ikora turned to face them, an expression of fear and agony on her face. The realization that there was such a deep connection between the two HunterHunters and how traumatic the situation was made her expression sour. She bit the inside of her lip to keep herself from saying anymore.

Ana sighed and rested her head in her hand, racking her brain for anything of use in this situation. “I just wish she had tol-“

“That is complete and utter nonsense! If this was even possible we would have seen it in other Guardians, or it would have shown signs in either of them sooner.” Zavala yelled from across the table. His face and eyes were red from the emotional day. “Just how irresponsible could he… just an idiot. Always has been..” the Commander took a heavy breath and sighed. He muttered under his breath, “…was.”

“Zavala,” Ikora walked towards him. “I don’t think anyone could have predicted this. And just because there are other Exo Guardians doesn’t mean that it could or couldn’t happen to them. But I believe that Prim and Cayde were a special case. Their bond goes beyond time that anyone could fathom.”

He looked up and into Ikora’s eyes, searching for something. Tears welled in the commander’s eyes as he looked back down at the table with a furrowed brow. “I don’t know how we couldn’t have noticed how close their connection was. It’s literally killing Prim because of it. I know he could be irresponsible but with how focused he has… had been recently, I must have convinced myself it wasn’t true. Most of the time it was his personality that made people misconstrue his intentions. The only people he had a real bond with were us and…” Zavala sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair. His eyes drifted up at the ceiling as he covered his face with his palms.

“After Andal’s death he distanced himself from people. Became aloof but yet still the comedian everyone knew him as. He didn’t even notice people were interested in him before.” Ikora chuckled under her breath both at Zavala’s ignorance as well as Cayde being the lady killer. “But with Prim, he actually tried to win her over. And trying to actually put in effort towards literally anything was his least favorite thing to do.” She smiled slightly, holding back tears of her own. 

“That doesn’t change the fact that we lost him and now we’ve lost her too.” Zavala choked back tears and took a strained breath, trying to compose himself. 

Ana looked over at the Titan and stood up.

“Let me see her. Maybe there’s something we can do. There might be a workaround given that she was able to transfer into an Exo without the crypt.”

“That’s right! She was able to transfer her consciousness using a machine she built!” Cronus pointed excitedly. “Why don’t we take her back there and see if it could help.”

Ana pondered quietly as she stepped forward again to face the group. “I think she’s too fragile right now though. We would need to figure out a way to be able to take her somewhere and not have her lose it but I like where your head’s at! Maybe some of the machines still have some of Prim’s notes, like her design process for that machine specifically. We could replicate it? My credentials still work as an admin, so I should have access to override some passwords or at least get into her files if they are still there.”

Cronus looked back at his partner. His excitement was extinguished by the dead look in his Exo’s eyes. Nix sighed loudly, “Please excuse me. I am not feeling well. Ikora, if you want to meet later please contact me. In the meantime, I will be heading home.”

“Wait, your experience would be of great help-“ Ana’s reaching arm was blocked off by Cronus. 

“Let him go. He’s really shaken up by all this.” Cronus watched as Nix exited the room. “He’s worried that it could happen to him if I were to pass.” He sighed and turned towards the group. “I don’t know, seeing her like that… as much as I want to jump at the chance to help her... I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be one of them. An Exo I mean. I honestly might want to just die over than deal with that life…” He sighed as he let his arm fall. He glanced around at the others. 

“How can you say that as her friend?” Ana snapped, “You should know that she would fight tooth and nail for you all and you just say ‘let’s let her die’ when shit gets rough?”

”Even the Traveler can’t help her. We’re not even sure if bringing her back to that lab would do anything. And even then! She would still have to face the reality that Cayde isn’t here anymore. She could relapse again at any time! Why should she suffer!?” Cronus’ hands were balled into fists, he was trying desperately to maintain control of himself but he was entirely ready to beat something or someone to a bloody pulp.

 “Show me where she is! I’ll fix her or- or find a way to get her to the Deep Stone Crypt and then she’ll see how much of a bunch of cowards her fireteam is!” Ana jumped from her chair and started to stomp away.

”Enough! Both of you!” Zavala barked at the group. “If the Traveler wanted her gone then she wouldn’t have her Light or Ghost. Clearly she has a purpose to serve as a Guardian. If she wants to actually die because it is of her OWN will, then she will have to kill or convince Moonsong to let her do it.”

“Zavala’s right. If it is happening to her just because she’s an Exo, we can’t make that decision for her. She still is human inside and her feelings matter. And we all know that she is so much stronger than this. She won’t break from this. I know it.” Ikora tucked her arms behind her and took a deep breath. “We will bring her back.”

“Fine.” Ana turned on her heel and left the room. Cronus followed shortly after her with a huff.

Ikora and Zavala left quietly after the two. 

The door closed swiftly with a large thud. A small gasp with panicked breathing was heard from around the corner. The quiet hum of Void energy swirling around them kept the eavesdropper from being seen. The Hunter crept away from the Vanguard room, desperately trying to hold her breath. She turned a corner and collapsed in a small alleyway out of sight. Her panting turned into uncontrolled sobbing. “Why? WHY?”

-|-

At the med center, moments seemed like an eternity as she laid there, chanting her song, her cries for the sweet relief of death that would never come. All of her senses were dull and mute. She didn’t even hear a group of people enter the room.

Ana carefully approached her and rolled her head onto its side to pop off the back plate from her head. She plugged in a small device and watched a collection of waves dance across a graph. “It’s all over the place.” She looked back at the group. “Everything is literally bouncing off the walls, her circuits are overloaded, her heartbeat is nearly twice as what it should be, and the fluctuations in her consciousness are insane.” 

“Ok, what does that mean?” Cronus stepped forward and walked past towards Prim. “Can we do anything for her?” He grabbed the dormant Exo’s hand and squeezed it gently, waiting patiently for a reply squeeze. After a few moments he put her hand down gently and patted it, taking a step back to look at the two Vanguards and Hunter.

“I don’t know. I’ll have to take this data and analyze it. There’s so much we don’t know about Exos and one of the most intelligent people who is incredibly knowledgeable about them is laying here literally waiting for death to find her!” She snapped, the stress of the situation pushing her to her limits. After a few moments of looking back and forth at the screen and incapacitated Exo, she sighed heavily and gritted her teeth, trying to bite back the tears welling in her eyes. “We should go. There is literally nothing we can do right now.” Ana turned and gave one last glance at her friend. “Even if we knew where the crypt was, she really is too fragile to move in this state. We couldn’t protect her and somehow managed to get to the crypt, wherever it is… we’ll keep thinking.” She sighed heavily and left the room. Ikora and Zavala turned to leave with Cronus. ”Wait.” Cronus gasped as he grabbed the door and swung it back open. “Moonie?” He looked over at the table in the center of the room. The Ghost lay there, silent. “Hey, sing-song. Ya gotta wake up buddy.” He reached over and delicately picked up the Ghost. “Moonsong?” The blood drained from his face as he turned around to show the others. Tears ran down his cheeks. “He’s not waking up.”

Ikora stepped forward and placed the Ghost gently on the table, wrapped in his Guardian’s cloak. “His Light is tied to her. Maybe, when she wakes up he will too. Or maybe the other way around. There’s no real way to tell.” She sighed and stroked the side of the Ghost’s shell. “I can still feel their Light, however faint. There’s nothing we can do at the moment.” She turned around and gently guided Cronus towards the door. “Come. We should all get some rest. There’s a lot that needs to be done.” Ana and Cronus left, the quiet mumbling of Ana explaining to Cronus the data she collected echoed down the hall. Ikora stood there for a moment looking at the unresponsive Ghost. She needed to get her head straight. The Guardian was on the hunt for Uldren and she and Zavala had a funeral to prepare. The Vanguard couldn’t spend too many resources trying to help one single Guardian, but she wasn’t just any Guardian. She was Cayde’s.

-|-

PRIM POV

My consciousness wavered in and out as I lay strapped to the gurney. There were times I was fully aware of my own existence; when I could feel the straps around my body and the stagnant air in the medical examination room. There were other times that the Darkness engulfed my mind, ripping my thoughts and soul into tattered pieces. There were mumbles around me, or a hand that gently held my own for a brief moment. I wanted to cry but my voice made no sound, only the echoing mantra of death and despair was left. 

“Please… don’t leave me like this…”

A flicker of light cast across the dark depths of my mind and there I stood, hundreds of years prior…

“Vex?” I asked quietly, taking notes in my journal in front of me. 

“Vex. A cyber-organic species that is as ancient as the Universe itself. These creatures have been present in the Solar System for billions of years. Longer than we have ever known of the Traveler. Their technology is among the most advanced that we have ever encountered. Their technology enables massive feats of material and spacetime engineering and maybe could even be the key to time travel.” Maya said, still focused on the screen in front of her. “My team and I are making massive headway into determining how these Vex operate and the technology they use to teleport dimensionally. It’s truly fascinating.” 

“I see.” I scribbled down notes as I watched her screen. Graphs and waves danced across the monitor. It was mind boggling to think that there was this kind of technology that existed before the Traveler even arrived. “How have we not seen this before?” 

“The Traveler was the source of power and growth humanity needed to push beyond Sol and onwards to other planets. The Vex had been terraforming other regions of our Solar System for eons and we never even knew.” 

“Maya! Get in here!” An angry voice hollered down the long corridor. 

“Ugh, Clovis.” She rolled her eyes. “Make sure the unused or brain dead specimens are loaded up. I’ll be heading back to the Ishtar Collective soon. 

“Understood ‘mam.” I straightened my back and watched as she gracefully flew down the hallway towards the innermost laboratory. The door sealed behind her with hydraulic locks. 

Days and weeks went by in a blur. I made armature after armature, tweaking them slightly as each was processed for testing. I started to notice large shipments of white and black liquid go into the testing area. A vat accidentally spilled some onto the floor around my station. I felt an electric hum through my whole body that burned me from the inside out the brief moment I came into contact with it. I quickly and quietly took a sample of the liquid and tucked it away in my station in a small vacuum sealed canister. I took note of the consistency and defining features of the substance but was told that anything I saw that day was to be forgotten. I nested it in my drawer away from the prying eyes of the guards and Bray employees and family members. The more time I spent there the more I was supposed to forget but Maya just made me want to ask more questions and try to understand the thread between good and bad that this hellhole was walking with its research. Just like how I saw the first human test subjects go in, but never saw any Exos come out…

I gasped as I jolted awake. I looked around, it was pitch black. I hung my head as I struggled against the restraints and whimpered quietly. “Please… someone…” Then slowly… the Darkness consumed me once more.

-|-

A large group of Hunters sat anxiously awaiting for an answer to the suddenly called meeting. A notice was sent out to each GhostGhost to make sure their Guardians appeared for an important announcement. “I know you’re all wondering why I called this meeting. I’m sure everyone will hear about it officially tomorrow but…” Mina, her face pale and gaunt, approached the group. “Cayde.” She stumbled to a chair and sat down. “I… he…” she looked desperately at the confused group. “He’s gone.”

“What do you mean he’s gone?” A voice from the back of the group yelled.

“He’s gone. He’s not coming back.”

“What? He left earlier today with the Guardian. They’ll be back.” Another Hunter groaned.

“Cayde and Sundance. They’re dead.”

The weight of dread in the room was suffocating. A few gasps and murmurs were heard amongst the group but no one moved an inch. 

Mina looked across the faces of her fellow Hunters. No one could say anything. Many looked around awkwardly or mumbled that they would wait to hear it from the Vanguard before believing the emotional lovesick Mina.

Cinder moved his way up to the front of the group and put a hand on Mina’s shoulder.

“Don’t fucking touch me!” She barked, smacking away his hand as her body recoiled from the touch. “You should have just killed her! If not for her… he… he would still be here.” Her legs buckled underneath her and she collapsed into a sobbing mess. 

Minutes passed as many of the Hunters quietly left and soon it was just the two of them. Cinder awkwardly stared down at Mina as she sobbed. He wasn’t sure what to do. 

“Where is she?” Her quiet voice seething with hatred.

“Who?”

“PRIM! That fucking bitch! SHE KILLED HIM!” She tried clamoring to her feet but Cinder held her down. 

“She was on a mission all day and was brought to the med ward. How the hell do you think she killed him?”

“Because of her he was distracted! He wouldn't have died if not for her. It’s her fault he’s dead.”

Heavy footsteps approached the two Hunters from the shadows. “Uldren Sov.” 

“What?” Cinder turned to look at the figure. Their calm demeanor seemed to radiate anger and rage.

“Uldren Sov… the Awoken prince. He killed Cayde.”

“You’re The Guardian, aren’t you? How do you know…?”

“I was there. I was there when Cayde took his last breaths. Don’t blame an innocent Guardian for this. ZYou’re letting your personal feelings cloud your judgement.”

“No. It can’t be. IT'S HER FAULT.” Mina clamored to her feet, a firmly gripped throwing knife pointed at The Guadrian.

The figure grabbed Mina by the front of her armor and lifted her off the ground, bringing her close to their face. 

“Guardian, don’t.” Ghost cried. He flew around to face Mina as she glowered at The Guardian. “This isn’t any Guardian’s fault. Please try to understand Mina…we were too late when…”

Mina dropped to the ground and crumpled into a sobbing mess as The Guardian walked towards the hangar. “Cayde was one of us. He deserves to be treated with respect.” They paused, only briefly, to look back at the two Hunters. “He went down fighting for us, for everyone. It was Uldren Sov, and whatever he’s planning, he’s mine.” 

They transmatted into their ship and the roar of the engine echoed as they flew away.

Chapter Text

Time passed slowly, but in the back of my mind I knew it had been days; maybe even weeks. A few people came in and out to check, but most would sigh and leave shortly afterwards. The silence was deafening. I chanted a mantra I couldn’t hear but knew I wanted to die. I wanted a way out of the Darkness. In my mind’s eye, death was the only option. The feeling and desire consuming my every waking moment, “I’m dead. I should be dead.” There were times I felt like I could wake from the haze but I was pulled back into a sleep-like trance. Like the call of a siren's song, I was entranced and pulled into the depths of my own despair. 

But then, after what felt like months, I heard a small click of a door handle opening, some shuffling, the sounds of metal clanking together and the rough grunt of someone sitting down. The silence resumed but it felt warm, like I finally wasn’t alone. If only I could talk to this person, I thought, but my mind returned to the abyss. Quietly, the silence broke. A soft gravelly sounding voice spoke. 

“The funeral was today.” The voice said.

For a brief moment I registered that thought and turned to see my companion in the small room. Banshee sat there, a pile of tools and weapons littered the metal table in front of him. He had dismantled a hand cannon and was cleaning it. He looked at me, watching my optics flickering slightly. “Too many people. Too noisy.” He grumbled. “He would have hated it. Being all somber and all…” He sighed. “Woulda’ loved the attention though, heh.”

Hours passed and Banshee sat there and worked. When he ran out of projects he would bring the load back upstairs and then come right back down to work again. Most of the time he was silent, but occasionally he would chuckle and say something about what Cayde did, or how he still owed him for a bet, or something stupid he would say. Occasionally he would look at my flickering optics and nod slightly with a quiet ‘hmmm’ or a grunt. Slowly my eyes fixated on his work. How delicately he treated each piece of weaponry in front of him. It didn’t seem to matter who it was for or what kind of item or how valuable it was; he treated them all the same.

He finally decided to call it quits and folded up his things and tucked them away nicely in the corner except for one sidearm he had in his hand. He came and hovered over me for a moment before looking down at the weapon and inspecting it.

“Hmmm.” He grumbled and put it away in his bag. “I’ll bring ya somethin’ better tomorrow. Come on Ghost.”

He gently picked up Moonsong and closed the door quietly on his way out.

-|-

My chant, my mantra of death continued through the night. My heart was heavy, breathing labored, gasping for air, and all I could do was think “I’m not supposed to be here. I should be dead. I should be with him.”

“I can’t leave you for two minutes and you get yourself into trouble.” A chuckling Cayde stood in front of me. He uncrossed his arms and gently stroked my head. “You got shit to do. I’m not going anywhere. So, you’ll know where to find me.” He smiled and touched his horn to mine then kissed my head. 

“I’m supposed to be dead.” I murmured, watching the echo of my former lover pace around the room in front of me. 

“Nah. I’m dead. You just need to get your wiring uncrossed.”

“Please. Let me die. Then I can be with you.”

”Sorry to tell ya, Ara, but you’re gonna have to try a lot harder than this to keep up with me. I mean, my death was kinda epic. This, this isn’t you. Where’s my triple-threat?” 

“Please.”

”No. Besides, weren’t you asked to do something for somebody?” He laughed, “When you get your sensors straightened out, I’ll be waiting.”

His image left just as quickly as it came. For once in a long while, I felt something, grief. I sobbed until I passed out again.

-|-

Banshee returned as he promised the next day carrying Moonsong gently in his hands. It looked like Moonsong had been given a new shell and was polished up. A lot of care was put into cleaning and fine tuning the little Ghost. He placed him on the metal table in front of him and laid a hand cannon, fully loaded, onto my lap. He carefully started to undo the strapping and helped me sit up. My blank eyes stared at him and then down to the gun in my lap.

“Ghost, you better wake up.” He sat back down at his seat and watched me intently as he dismantled a gun. My sensors went black as my fingers curled the gun in my lap.

-|-

“Does that guy always have a stick up his ass?” Cayde chuckled after a particularly lengthy outburst by Clovis. 

“Probably an Exo arm by how pissed off he is today.” I smirked, keeping my focus on the task in front of me. 

“Oh ho! There IS some spice to this girl!” He slapped his knee as he got off the swivel chair and gave me a hearty pat on the shoulder. The realization hit me. 

“Oh crap. No. No. I didn’t say that. I really hope none of those cameras picked that up just now.” I wanted to crawl out of my skin. Clovis was known for his coldness and joking wasn’t any matter of conduct that he allowed within his facilities. 

“Staaaaaap. If they did I’ll just be sure to loop the frames for a few seconds so ya don’t get into trouble.” He winked and smiled as he wandered around my stations. “Hey, I’m hungry and you’ve been going at this for hours now. Why not take a break? I like food… You like food… WE should get food… catchin’ my drift?”

”I don’t have time for food.” I groaned, never breaking concentration on the prototype I had been working on. 

“I can grab you something from upstairs if ya want.” 

“No, I’ll just have noodles down here.” 

“Noodles? No. You’re young and healthy, you need more than that.”

I flipped my thick glasses above my head and rubbed my hands off with a rag from my coveralls. “They’re actually pretty good, you know.” I rolled my chair back to my desk and opened the bottom drawer and pulled out two instant ramen bowls. “Here, try one and see if you like it. If you hate it, I’ll go with you upstairs. Ok?”

”Sounds good! I doubt you’ll get me to like instant ramen though.”

I filled a small electric kettle with water and waited for it to boil. Cayde amused himself by doing his actual job and made rounds, checking all security within the labs and came down just as the noodles were done. 

I pulled apart some chopsticks and stirred the spicy packet into the bowl. “Here. This one's for you.” I passed it over to him and began stirring my own. 

“How do you even hold these things?” He fumbled with the chopsticks in his hand as he began to attempt to eat. 

“Oh my cotton socks! Come here you dork.” I positioned the wooden utensils in his hand and showed him the pinching motion he needed to use in order to pick up the noodles. He got the hang of it quickly. After some fumbling he was finally able to take his first chopstick full of the noodles.

“Ok. You win. This shit is really good. Probably horrible for you but I am really digging this spicy ramen!” He happily slurped up the bowl and finished up the broth shortly after. “Also, ‘cotton socks’?” He laughed as he went to rifle through my desk for another bowl. 

I rolled my eyes and handed him one as I kept eating my food. “Yeah, I don’t know where I got it, but I guess its a phrase that’s kinda stuck.” My cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment. 

“I like it. I might even adopt that one myself… the connoisseur of phrases that I am.”

“Yeah?” I chuckled. “I’m surprised you even know what the word ‘connoisseur’ means.” 

“Hey now!” He gave me a playful shove in the arm. “Rude much?” 

“Only to you Cayde.” I laughed.

-|-

BANG!

Banshee didn’t even flinch as my body collapsed onto the floor, fluids leaking out as my jaw and optics twitched until they dimmed and faded to black. Minutes passed as my body lay there. He never moved from his spot. He only occasionally looked over at my Ghost and tapped his shell a few times and waited another ten minutes before he huffed,picked the unresponsive Ghost up, and placed him next to my head. “That don’t look good.” He knelt down and examined me, rocking my head side to side. The bullet went clean through and had embedded itself into the wall to the side. “Ya gonna leave her dead?” He flicked Moonsong right in the eye and returned to his spot at the table, resuming his work. 

As the Exo fluids drained from me, they creeped across the floor until they pooled around the Ghost. Suddenly, the light in his eye flickered brightly as he sprung back to life. “ARA!” Moonsong rushed to revive me. “Where? How?” He looked around frantically and saw an unamused and uninterested Banshee. “What happened?”

“Hmmm… killed herself. DER.”

“What? How? She was strapped…” Moonsong looked at the gun in my hand and watched in horror as I pulled the trigger. “ARA!”

-|-

“The Vex are pure in their intentions, in their research, their search for perfection, for salvation. They run simulation after simulation after simulation to test their theories and this very well may just be another one of them. The only way that we will ever determine the depths of their knowledge is to live and learn as they do; by traversing time and space, by dimensions, by simulations until we reach a level of understanding that rivals their own. Their lifeblood, Vex Mindfluid as we call it, is a collection of Radiolaria that when collected in nature become large quantities of silica, sentient silica. We have found a structure of hardened Radiolaria, an ever-changing landscape of Vex technology that needs understanding. We have called it “The Vault of Glass”. It in itself is a living, thinking Vex; one without the cyborg components that we have become accustomed to seeing them with. We have harvested the Mindfluid and used its interactions with Darkness found by Clovis to create the Exos. This is where our paths differ… the Ishtar Collective will continue to study and learn from the Vex whereas the Bray family will continue to strive for the material evolution of humanity.”

Maya stopped and turned to look at me. “I know you care for this project, but you are being wasted here as a glorified mechanic. Your skills, your knowledge of the Exo project and the integration of Vex Mindfluid would be beneficial on my team.”

I hadn’t made eye contact with her, choosing to stare at the floor instead. 

“Mam,” I looked up. “My place is here. These Exos need me and I believe that I can make a difference with my efforts in this facility.” I looked around the room, there were a few people who planned on leaving to join the Ishtar Collective in their research. Among them was Cayde. He stood silently by Maya’s side as her new bodyguard. He was to accompany her during in field missions while she further studied the Vex and their endless simulations. We made eye contact and he smiled slightly. I looked back down, feeling defeated. 

“Suit yourself. The offer stands. You know where to find us.” 

“Thank you.”

After the room cleared Cayde came forward. “You should go, kid. I think you would like it better than being in this ice prison.” 

“I can’t. I made a promise and leaving here, being stuck out in the field with no way of being able to leave if needed, would compromise that promise.”

He sighed and rubbed his forehead, “Well, that must have been some promise for you to reject an offer like that.”

I turned back to my monitor and resumed my work. “Yeah. It was.”

”Well, um, yeah… I’ll see ya around Doc.” He walked towards the elevator. “Nice to meet ya!” He hollered and waved just as he walked into the elevator. Once I heard the doors close the tears streamed down my face. 

I sighed and leaned my head back, blinking away the tears as best I could. “It was to you.” I took a shaky breath and exhaled through my clenched teeth. “My promise was to you.”

-|-

BANG! My body collapsed onto the floor again, cold and lifeless.

“Why would you do this?!” He flew and hovered directly in Banshee’s face. “What’s wrong with you?!” 

He looked up from his work and stared at the Ghost. “Let her get it out of her system.” He replied curtly, then quietly resumed dismantling something.

After another revival I sat up and looked at Banshee. “I’m not dead? I should be dead.”

“Nope. Try again.” He shrugged and went back to his work. He didn’t even flinch when the next shot rang through the room. 

-|-

“Move.” Clovis was furious, rather than sorrowful at his son’s death, he raged through the laboratory. “Out of the way.” He headed through the sealed doors and looked at the Exo lying on the table. “MARTIN!”

I hustled over, a holopad in my hands, “Yes Dr. Bray?”

“Martin, I don’t care how many rejections it takes.” 

“Sir?”

”I want her up and ready. NOW.” 

“But sir I thought you said…”

“I don’t pay you for lip service Martin. I can’t have my legacy end because of my wife’s tainted genetics. I’m not losing my granddaughter.” 

“Ok. But what about-?“

“GET. IT. DONE.” 

“I’ll have them wipe it again. But, sir, we are well past the limit you set.” 

“I don’t care. Do it again. Her Exo will make it past rejection no matter how many times.”

”But it’s already been… forty… one.”

-|-

Moonsong hovered right next to banshee and rushed back to revive me. “Please Ara, stop… Banshee! Make her stop!” he hovered overhead watching for a change and my expression. I lifted the hand cannon and pointed it at him. “You’re why I’m not dead. I’m dead. Please.” I said in a monotone voice. My eyes were devoid of expression, just like an empty robot living with no soul.

“Ghost, move or neither of you will live.” Banshee said, his shaky hands pushed Moonsong aside.

-|-

“Mom. You got us seats for a colony ship?” 

I handed the holopad over and pointed to the bottom. “You and Natalia need to accept the transfer of ownership of the tickets. I will have my own spot on the ship as a researcher.” 

“This is too much.” 

“I want my family safe. I’ve paid for you and the family to stay within range of the alert system for the ship. If this ‘Darkness’ comes like they say it will, I want you to be close.” I watched him sign the bottom of the pad and hand it back to me. From out of the corner of my eye I saw two little girls running. 

“GRANDMA!” They squealed as they hugged my legs.

”Hi girls! How are you two doing?”

“Good! But daddy is being boring and making us and mommy wait.”

”Yeah. And we didn’t get hugs from you yet.”

I knelt down and hugged the children as tightly as I could. 

“STOOOP! You’re squishing us!” They giggled. 

“Oh but Grandma hugs are the bestest kind!” I laughed as I kissed their cheeks. “Go by your mommy and your daddy and I will be over there soon.”

The two small girls ran over to a woman sitting on a bench. She looked up and waved at me from a distance. 

“They’re going to miss you.” 

“And I will miss you.”

“Any word from him?”

I shook my head and frowned. “I don’t think he even remembers me anymore.”

“Mom, I’m-“

”It’s ok.” I cupped his cheek and hugged him tightly. “I have you and the girls. That’s more than enough.” 

-|-

BANG!

Banshee had grabbed the gun and pointed it upwards. “You wasted a bullet. I’ll have to charge you for that one.” He pushed the gun back into my lap and pulled Moonsong to his side, shielding him from my sight.

He sat there with Moonsong resting next to him, through every revive and every suicide, seemly unphased by the morbid display next to him. Eventually, the distinct ‘click, click, click’ of an empty gun triggered something in him. He reached in his bag and pulled out more ammo and placed it gently on the floor.

“Why? Why can’t I die?” My blank eyes looked up at him. 

“Someone wants ya alive.” He shrugged and stood up, looking over me. 

“What is this for?” I picked the box up off the floor.

“Cause you're gonna need more if you wanna keep going.” He grumbled, taking the gun from my hands and loading it with a new clip. He handed it back to me. “Try again.”

I stared at him for a few moments and then looked at the gun in my hands. “Why am I not dead?”

“Because you didn’t die.”

In a moment it felt like strings were snapping in my brain and shackles were removed from my body. A bright light shattered the Darkness that enclosed me and I was finally waking up from the horrible nightmare I had been trapped in for so long.

“He died.”

“Yeah.”

“Cayde… died. I didn’t get to say goodbye.” Slowly I could feel my consciousness return to my body. I started to feel my limbs again and watched as I articulated my fingers. 

“There’s a memorial they put for him. You can say goodbye there.” He pulled a long piece of fabric from his bag and handed it to me on the floor. It was a Hunter cloak, dark gray with bands of light gray with a white spade. I grabbed it in my hands and held it to my face and quietly sobbed. Banshee looked down at me and picked up the hand cannon and ammo.

I followed the movement with my eyes, the desire to grab the gun and pull the trigger again clawed at me desperately but my will to be in the moment kept me going. 

I pushed myself to my feet, my legs weak. Banshee helped pull me up to sit on a chair by the table. For a while I sat there motionless, trying to piece things back together. Slowly reaffirming all the events that led up to my rejection. Unknowingly I had fixed my gaze on Banshee’s hands, watching quietly as he worked. He was meticulous despite a subtle, intrusive condition. 

“Your hands shake.” I said meekly. 

“Yep. Don’t hurt or nothin’.” Banshee looked over at Moonsong with a blank stare. The Ghost only watched silently to see how the new development played out.

“Can I see?” I placed my hand on the table, patiently waiting for an invitation. He put down his tools and showed me his hands. They shook, not just the hands themselves but his arms did too slightly. I gently placed them down on the table. “Would you mind if I-“ he shook his head and left his hands in place. 

I reached over and started rifling through his tools. After finding what I was looking for I carefully took off the plating off the tops of his hands. The wiring underneath was dirty and jumbled; like someone had just tried to force the wiring in. I slowly pulled on the tangled mess, occasionally glancing up at Banshee to see if his expression changed. He was only transfixed on the project I had started. I cleaned the plating, wiring and internal cavities of his hands. I even sanded down a few tight edges and opened up some holes for the wiring to fit through easier. 

He was the perfect patient. Attentive and only reacted when I severed the nerves for a moment to readjust the positioning. The silence between us was comfortable. Neither of us felt pressured to say anything although I highly doubted that Banshee would try to start small talk. He didn’t seem the type to talk much at all.

I carefully reattached each plate of the top of his hands and listened for the small ‘click’ as each one set into place. I leaned back and grabbed his hand once more to inspect them. 

“I can see why he loves you.” 

“Loved,” I said while still looking over my work.

“Semantics.” He shrugged.

“How is that semantics?” I snapped at him, gripping his hands tightly.

“If anyone could do anything about him being gone, it would be you.” He stared blankly.

I turned to look at him completely flabbergasted.

“Just sayin’” he softly replied. 

“Bring him back… when the time comes.” I whispered as I looked over at the cloak to my left. I closed up the final plate on his hands. I ran my fingers over the spade embroiled into the material paying attention to the delicate stitching. “Someone asked me to do something…” I stood up and unclipped my cloak. “Hey Moonie. I’m sorry I scared you.”

The Ghost hovered over with a somber look on his shell. “Are you back? Are you ok? I was so worried.” He came close and nuzzled my face. “Please, don’t leave me like that again… I, my Light left without you.”

”I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” I turned to Banshee with a sad look on my face. “How? How did you know how to break me out of it? It’s never been done without the crypt…”

“Dunno. Just figured at some time you’d be done wanting to kill yourself since you put almost 13 rounds in. Maybe it would fix that desire or need or whatever. Scratch that itch kinda thing.” He shrugged his shoulders. “‘Sides, Exos didn’t have Ghosts to revive them when we were first made.”

”The Light. Almost like a defibrillator… Each time I was rezzed it was like an electronic pulse that reached out to my Light. That- that’s amazing. I… Banshee…”

I got up, stretched my arms out and waited for a signal. Banshee was a private person and I would hate to piss him off after all he had done for me. He got up from his chair and nodded. I embraced him in a tight hug. “Thank you.” I quietly cried. 

“Yeah, well, I ain’t doin’ it again.” He huffed “Although I do like this hiding away from people thing.” He chucked slightly. As I pulled away he inspected his hands. “Finally work in peace.” 

I put on the new cloak and checked my belongings that were stored with me. “Let’s go Moonie. We have a lot of people worried about us. Banshee, are you coming?

“Eh. Maybe later.” He swiveled in his chair to look at me, holding the gun and ammo in his hands. “You done with this?” He quietly said, placing them on the table.

“Yeah, I have a hand cannon to pick up.” 

He nodded with a small ‘hmmm’. “Fight the good fight out there Guardian.”

I closed the door leaving Banshee alone to resume his work. He grumbled as he grabbed some polish and worked it into his hands, smiling at the craftsmanship and care of the repairs I had made.

“Just make sure to come back with a good story.”

Chapter Text

I raced down the streets, my new cloak billowing behind me. I needed to tell people that I was alive and that I recovered from D.E.R.. The first people I needed to tell were my Fireteam.

I wasn’t sure what time it was when I banged on the door, but Cronus was holding a cup of coffee in his hand when he answered. It shattered on the floor as soon as he saw me.

”Nix?” The large Titan hollered behind him. “Nix!” He stared directly into my eyes as I stood there awkwardly. “NIX GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE!” He finally broke eye contact to turn and look at his lover, who was quietly shuffling in a robe towards the door.

Nix looked haggard. Exos didn’t develop the same signs of fatigue as humans: dark circles, sunken eyes, etc., but from his gait and posture, I could tell he hadn’t had rest in some time. 

“Why are you yelling? Also, this better not be my favorite cup you dropped.” He picked up the large pieces off the floor. And turned to go get a towel.

“Nix. Nix, come here.” Cronus said quietly. Nix turned and shuffled closer as Cronus took the broken coffee mug pieces from him with shaky hands. “Hey. I need that…” Cronus stepped out of the doorway so Nix could get a view of why he dropped the ceramic glass. 

“P-prim?” He stammered, and his optics flickered back to life from the dim circles they once were. “I-is that you?” Nix reached forward and put a hand to my face. I cupped it gently and smiled softly.

”Yeah. It’s me.” 

He grabbed my face with both hands and drew me into a tight hug. His legs buckled beneath us, and we both ended up on our knees, rocking slightly back and forth in a warm embrace. 

“Fuck, girl, yo-you know how to scare a guy…” He chuckled slightly, his vocals frying in the back of his throat. “Traveler, how the hell did you… nevermind, I don’t care.” He grabbed me by the shoulders and shoved me back. “DON’T YOU EVER FUCKING DO THAT AGAIN! FOR FUCK’S SAKE D.E.R. PRIM?” He pulled me back into another hug; a soft whimper escaped his voice box. “I was so scared…” A few moments passed between the two of us as we took some deep breaths and got our racing hearts to calm down.

Cronus gently approached us and helped us to our feet. “Mel, can you get the coffee I spilled? Maybe get another two mugs? I think it’s time for a well deserved catchup session with our favorite pain in the ass.” Mel appeared and nodded quietly, unlike her usual sassy self. She headed to the kitchen area to grab the mentioned mugs and coffee. Cronus led us to a small sitting area where the three of us sat down in the most uncomfortable silence I had ever felt. The weight of my absence and D.E.R. weighed heavily on my mind as I stared at the floor. 

“Well,” Cronus gestured, “welcome back. But prim… WHAT THE ACTAL FUCK!?” He gripped the arms of the chair he was sitting in to the point where it looked like he could crush them. His purplish skin was turning white from the sheer force and pressure of his grip.

“SERIOUSLY PRIM!” Mel hovered close to my face, her rage radiating from her small body. “For the love of the Traveler…” She placed a small mug in my hands. I looked at the brown liquid sloshing in the cup while I struggled to find words. It felt like an eternity had passed before any words left my lips.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled quietly. I described what had happened and how Banshee eventually broke me free of the D.E.R. cycle. The reality of how dire the situation was loomed over me as I continued to stare blankly into the mug. I couldn’t bear to face them. I mean, how could anyone face their friends and teammates after just explaining that they had attempted suicide multiple times? I could feel the sins of D.E.R. controlling my mind as every nerve in my body was stinging and on edge.

The two nodded patiently as they listened. They then took their turns and explained what had happened while I was gone. A man named “Gambit” had taken refuge in the city and was hosting games; that they had been helping The Guardian with their mission of vengeance; and that Uldren Sov was dead. They had found the Black Armory and gained access to its resources. 

I was awestruck. I had missed so much in such a short amount of time. I felt jealous of the two but tried to control my jealousy by taking a few deep breaths. D.E.R. was no laughing matter, and I was just beginning to process what had exactly happened, myself. My limbs started to feel heavy, and my mind was racing with thoughts. What had I done? I would have been dead or strapped to that infernal gurney for who knows how long unless Banshee and Moonie hadn’t done anything. I felt pathetic and weak, but my resolve resounded within me as I lifted my head to speak again. 

“So what is it?” Nix responded, somewhat back to his straightforward and snarky self. “You’re here to join the team again?”

I fumbled with the mug in my hands and paused for a moment. I knew what I wanted to do, but could I do it? Could my Fireteam help me? Would they help me?  

“Yes. I want to come back, if you’ll let me. But, I also want to do something that sounds completely insane.” I paused again to look at their expressions. Cronus had an eyebrow raised, and Nix crossed his arms and tilted his head slightly. After the amount of time that they have known me, was it too obvious for me to come up with some sort of ridiculous plan?

“Ok…” Nix egged me to continue. He watched my eyes flicker as I pondered if my task was truly possible and if I could even have the resources to do it. Cronus took a slow sip of his coffee and waited with bated breath. 

“I want to revive Cayde.” Cronus immediately spat his coffee out and laughed hysterically. He wiped his mouth on his sleeve, coughing as he attempted to catch his breath. 

“CRONUS! That was disgusting.” Mel snapped and glared at the Awoken. Nix followed suit, glowering at his partner. 

“OH come ON!” Cronus’s hands flailed, “We all knew it was gonna be something completely bonkers. And besides, I always wanted to try a spit-take.” He put his coffee down and crossed his arms sassily. “And I must say it was quite fun!”

”Oh my Light, I missed you guys!” I laughed, covering my face as I started to whimper. I felt so guilty for all that I had done to my teammates, and how patient they were. 

Cronus beamed. “I don’t know what you have planned, but there’s gonna be a few bumps with whatever your plan is.” He chuckled as he sat back and sipped his coffee.

Moonsong hovered overhead and shook side to side in a ‘no’ motion. “Ara, I love you, and as your Ghost, I have to tell you how asinine and insane this is. Cayde is gone. He’s not coming back.”

“Seconded,” Nix followed up. 

“Yes, but he was an Exo.” I stared into Nix’s eyes. I knew that Nix could understand the history of our kind and that maybe there was an opportunity.

Nix leaned forward, his interest piqued. “So?”

”Exos from the Golden Age were mapped from human memory data that was downloaded before the brain ceased to function. There’s a database that should have a copy of him stored on a server. And knowing Clovis, that information was tightly sealed and protected. After all, no one would want their assets taken from them when they sacrificed everything to make them.” 

“Are you serious?” Nix bawked. “That could mean that I am down there…” Nix bolted upright, his coffee sloshing in the mug. 

“Wait, wait, wait.” Cronus waved his hands. “I need you two gearheads to slow it down for me. There’s a what in a what ?” Cronus finished the last of his coffee and stood up. “I’m gonna need a new cup for this…” He walked to the kitchen and poured himself another mug, and gracefully sat back down in his chair before taking a nice, long, slow sip. “Ok, repeat that. But slowly.” He leaned back in the chair, eager to listen.”

“There’s a copy of Cayde’s memories locked on Europa. If I can get that, there’s a chance we could revive Cayde.”

“But wouldn’t that be Golden Age Cayde? Not Vanguard Cayde?” Cronus asked inquisitively.

“Correct. However, I have a theory that the Light has access to memories and can store data much like Clovis did. If we can return his Light to him, he may just come back. Kind of like how Cayde’s and my memories came back to us over time and exposure to one another.”

“That means we would need to”

“Also revive Sundance.” I pointed out. I stared at Nix, still not breaking eye contact. As a fellow Exo, I needed him to be on board with my plan. No one else could understand the gravity of Exo transformation. 

“Are you nuts? How could that even be possible?!” Cronus waved his arms wildly. “I get that you love the guy, but this is insane. It’s never been done, and no one knows how.”

“I know how to fix and build Exos. That was my job when I was a human, after all.” I turned my head to look for a clock. “I forgot to ask, what time is it?” I looked over at Cronus, who, after looking over his frame, seemed exhausted. 

“2 AM,” Mel said blankly. “They don’t really sleep, well, I should say, they HAVEN’T really slept since you went dark a few months back.” She floated over to the group of us and stayed by Cronus’ side.

”That’s not the point. We’re awake. Now, tell me again what you were saying?” Cronus stirred his coffee while keeping his focus on me.

”It wouldn’t be the same Cayde we know and love, but a version of Cayde nonetheless. Now, if we had Sundance, she could…”

“She’s gone, Prim,” Nix said, staring into his mug. ”She was shot, that’s why she couldn’t bring Cayde back.”

“I think I have a solution for that,” I smirked. “Did anyone recover her shell or core?”

“Not that I’m aware of, no,” Nix replied. His eyes flickered inquisitively.

“Well, I guess that’s where we start then.” I leaned forward. “If she can return his Light to him, I have a feeling that the Traveler has the last bits of his consciousness that we would need to bring him back to the person we all knew him as.” 

“That’s fine and dandy, but we would need to bring a Ghost back to life.” Nix looked at his own Ghost, who shook their head. 

”Yeah, but just because it hasn’t been done doesn’t mean it can’t be.” Cronus chuckled. “I mean, Triple-threat over here is the pure definition of ' defying the odds’. So, how do you propose to revive a Ghost? It’s not like another Ghost can do it.” 

“I have a theory, but we will need a shard of the Traveler and Sundance’s complete body.” 

Nix drank from his cup and rolled his eyes dramatically.  “And next you’re going to tell me that we need to get into the sealed-off, completely locked-down prison to do so…” Nix chuckled. His laughter fell silent when he looked at his teammates. “Are you fuc- We’re breaking INTO space prison?” 

“Any better ideas?” I looked back and forth at the two. Cronus was chewing over something in his mind. 

“We could ask ?” He shrugged.

”Who?”

“Petra.” 

“Cayde mentioned her before...” I pondered what kind of person she could be who was there on the day Cayde died.

“Yeah, those two go waaaaaaaaayyyyyy…” Cronus saw the growing jealousy on my face. I knew it wasn’t warranted, but I couldn’t help but be envious of those who knew Cayde long before I did. ‘Back.” Cronus whispered the last word, looking slightly uncomfortable. 

“It’s fine. He told me about her. Not like there was anything there.”

“No, he was far too much of a goofball for her.” Nix chimed in. “But in all seriousness, Space Prison? You’re killing me here…” 

”Alright then, we reach out to Petra and collect Sundance. I think this will be mostly Ghosts looking for her. If that’s alright, Moonsong?”

“Yes. I think the three of us can. You’ll just need to move debris out of the way.”

”OK. Ok… good,” I stammered. I couldn’t believe that my crazy-ass idea was accepted so easily by my fireteam. I let out a sigh of relief and relaxed for a moment. 

“If we are doing this bat-shit-crazy plan of yours, I know a place where we can get the shard of the Traveler,” Nix said pointedly. “We traveled with The Guardian while you were out of commission.”

“Yeah, basically to keep Nix’s sanity. He was going stir crazy about you,” Cronus looked over to see Nix glaring in his direction.

”Ahem. Aldren used a shard of the Traveler found in the EDZ to the Tangled Shore, which opened a path to The Dreaming City. I figure if we need a shard of the Traveler, there’s at least some left in the EDZ. But I think you should really see Mara Sov and Petra. She might have more answers.” Nix chimed in.

I leaned forward. The Awoken Queen had died, or so it had seemed to all but a few. “How is she still alive? I thought… I remember hearing stories of her sacrifice during the attacks by Oryx.”

“It’s a long story; one that few would really understand, but let’s go. We’re taking your ship, Sleeping Beauty. Cronus and I will be sleeping during the ride there.”

-|-

We had traveled across the solar system to see Petra at something called “The Oracle”. There, Petra was able to communicate with Mara Sov, the Awoken Queen. 

“So, you are the one the Exo Vanguard was so fond of.” Petra scoffed, her arms folded over her chest. She seemed standoffish, but felt like she, too, was mourning a friend. “I don’t see why you should even be allowed to have an audience with the Queen.”

“Petra,” Nix begged, “We did you a solid with The Guardian in reaching this place and opening up the Dreaming City.” He sighed heavily, still grumpy from his lack of sleep and frustration with the situation. 

“I can speak for myself. Thank you, my Wrath.” Mara’s voice echoed in the chamber. “Child of the Light, I have heard much of you and your gifts. Though you may not know how truly valued you are, the Awoken appreciate your assistance.” 

“I’m not sure I follow what you mean, Your Highness…”

”Not now, but you will. Your Traveler is quite fond of you and has gifted you an abundance of its Light. Enough for three of its children.”

Cronus chimed in, “That’s why we call her out ‘Triple Threat’!”

Mara chuckled lightly at the comment before redirecting her attention to me. “You are in need of a shard of the Traveler, are you not?” 

“I am your Grace.” I bowed before the apparatus, the only way to show respect I knew how to show since I wasn’t familiar with Awoken customs. “I need it to revive a Ghost, Cayde’s Ghost, Sundance.”

“You already have the power within your grasp, but if you deem it necessary to revive the shell independently, then follow the coordinates to the EDZ. Petra will show you into the prison when you need access.” 

“Thank you, your Highness-“ 

“Know this, Child of Light, nothing comes for free, I will need your assistance in the future. For now, leave. Riven’s last wish has cast a large swell of darkness over this system. Follow the Hive, that is all I can give you.”

All three of us looked at each other in confusion, “I guess it’s back to Earth to recover that shard…” With that, I walked back to the ship, already punching in coordinates to where Petra had mentioned the shard could be. 

-|-

Nix and Cronus led the way onto the ship while I slowly followed behind.  “Ok, since you were sleeping on the way here, I didn’t get a chance to understand. Were we talking to a ghost? Is Mara actually alive?”

Nix stretched and then plopped down into the seat across from mine in the ship. “Look, it’s not like I really quite understand Awoken magic, but Mara is essentially a God. Ok?” He paused and looked over at me, eagerly awaiting his explanation. 

He could hear the excitement whirring inside my head as I was trying to figure out what had happened to the Awoken during the fight with Oryx. I glanced in his direction, waiting for a response. 

“Ugh, fine. I’ll tell you the long version since you’re so gung-ho about the whole thing.” 

I nodded as I grabbed a ration bar and chewed quietly. 

“Before you were reborn, we fought Oryx. There was a large-scale conflict called the Battle of Saturn. The Queen knew that if she died, Oryx would be left exposed for us to have a counter-attack. Mara is no joke, ok? She really is an omnipotent God.”

I sat there still, silently chewing the ration bar, my eyes wide with excitement. “So? She died, and then what?”

”The leaders of the Hive can create these things called Throne Worlds, it's like a reset point that they can escape to when they are badly wounded to regain their strength. Mara copied that by using the Ascendant Plane and created her own world using her wish dragon Riven.”

“But Riven betrayed the queen and is fucking shit up elsewhere, right?” My excitement exploded as I stood up. “How does that even happen?”

“Calm down, yes, but Oryx took Riven, and that’s where we are now. Riven was the one behind all of the visions Aldren supposedly had of Mara. Riven set Aldren on the course to self-destruction and ultimately killed Cayde.”

“Riven did? And all this time, I was asleep, dealing with D.E.R. And you all had to deal with this!?” I clenched my fists and slammed them on the table in front of me. “WHERE IS SHE? I’LL KILL HER MYSELF!”

“Prim. Riven is dead. The Guardian and we killed her. Listen, there’s something I have to give you…”

I was about to protest once again, but suddenly sirens and screens flashed before each of us. Nix took a closer look at the alert that was sent out. “Seismic activity caused by massive amounts of Hive?” Nix pondered. “How the hell does that even happen?”

“Where?” I inquired as I ran to the control console. 

“Listen, Prim, before all of this, I need to give you something.” 

“Can it wait? We need to get going.”

“NO. TRAVELER HELP ME! PRIM OPEN THIS DAMN BOX!”

I paused and turned quietly from my position at the control panel and walked over to Nix and the medium-sized box he held in his hands.”

”What is this?”

“Just open it.” Cronus said, grabbing my shoulders and gently forcing me to sit down. “We need you to have this. The Guardian wanted you to have this…”

I slid open the wooden box that revealed the Ace of Spades lying there, carefully wrapped. Tears streamed down my face as I picked the gun up and cradled it against my chest. “Where did you get this? He didn’t have it on him…”

”Aldren had it. The Guardian made sure its last kill was Aldren. We all thought you should have it.”

The gun swirled with flicks of Solar energy leftover from its previous owner. It felt moulded in my hands. I knew my hands were nowhere as large as Cayde’s, so a part of me felt like the gun had accepted me as its new owner. I glanced over the carefully carved spade in the handle of the gun. Though it was clearly cared for, it showed signs of wear and tear, where it had been grazed by bullets or scorched by Solar flames from a Golden Gun. It was beautiful. 

“...Thank you.” I smiled up at my teammates, got up, and hugged each one. “I’ll use it well.” 

“You better!” Cronus cheered.

“The Solar energy traveled up my arm and wrapped itself around my heart, it was a comforting, familiar, loving embrace. 

“Where do we need to go, Nix?” I quietly said, still glossing over the weapon in my hands.

”The moon. Prim, this could probably wait if you really want to get that shard…”

“Already changing course, I’ll fucking destroy those pieces of shit Hive.” I took a deep breath and exhaled hard; my determination was renewed, and I was ready to take my anger out on something, anything. The Hive seemed like a great start.

“Is this gonna be another ass-kicking mission?” Cronus said. “Cause the whole team is back together?!” He kicked his feet excitedly like a child. 

I felt the Solar energy swell up within me. “I’m coming, Cayde. Just wait a little longer.”

-|-

Ikora couldn't sleep. All the tea in the world couldn’t calm her mind. She felt haunted by none other than Cayde. Her eyes would open briefly after what seemed like hours of fruitless tossing and turning. She blinked a few times before she saw Cayde. 

“You know, I really am impressed….” The shadow spoke in an arrogant tone. “I thought at least you would be able to keep your promise. You’re just all talk.” He walked past her, letting his shadowy figure disperse like smoke as he passed through her. “How… disappointing.” 

“Please, wait!” Ikora stretched her arm out to grab the cloak of the figure before the smoke completely dissipated. With a shaky breath, she sighed and went to put her gear on. Her dreams were always vivid, but never like this.

Suddenly, alarms were going off. Ikora pulled up a holopad and looked over the screen. 

“The moon. There’s massive seismic activity...”

The cracking of a weak signal communication connection was picked up by her ghost. It crackled loudly in her comm.

 “Eris? Eris, is that you?”

”Ikora, the Darkness, it's reaching out.”

“What do you mean ‘it’s reaching out’?” She shivered at the thought.

“Maybe it is best if you were to see this in person.” A pause broke through the comm, and static arose. “I must go. The Shadows are… Come, quickly.”