A/N: Enjoy the chapter, leave a review!! Leave comments, and give some stones!! Sorry for the slow releases, busy month. But ayy, we never dropping.
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Levi's face scrunched up, his nose flared, a strange sensation spreading on his face, he glanced at Void, his eyes narrowed.
"Something...feels off. You doing alright?" He peered over Void's shoulder.
A faint shiver coursed through his veins, Void clenched the hand behind his back as an ahamkara bone appeared within.
"Think you're just feeling the blues, or maybe its this thing?" he presented the bone and spun it around.
Levi backed up slightly as he gestured with a flat palm, "Yeah probably, I just felt an ick. Don't keep those bones around you too long, think they rub off or something. Just gave off a weird whiff to me."
Void shrugged as he tossed it back into the inventory. Internally, he smirked. 'Monstrous bastard. To think he almost detected the ahamkara's blessing through instinct alone.'
There wasn't much to say, Void was still inexperienced in using his new power. On the other hand, Levi was perhaps the second best in the squad.
A sudden thought crossed his mind, Void raised a brow.
"You ever met the old Hunter vanguard?" He asked, a curious look in his eyes.
"Andal Brask? Maybe... a few times. He was good, freaky good with his staff. I didn't know him much, why the sudden interest?" Levi raised a brow.
"Nothing really. The captain doesn't seem to talk about him much. Just wanted to know who he was."
Levi rubbed his nose, memories flashing by. "Probably shouldn't mention it to him though. Might get sentimental and all. It was a hard loss."
Void nodded, "I will keep it in mind. You finished reporting?"
Levi leapt towards the ceiling beams, his ship roared to life. "Nah, I told Cory to take over. I gotta go deal with some shit near The Steppes. Caves full of hive, or so I heard."
Void's eyes turned gloomy, "Hive?" A sudden urge to caution came, but he suppressed it. 'No, it can't be. It's far too early.'
"Well, that's what the city patrol said. Gotta jet, see you around." Levi waved a swift salute with his finger, disappearing, his ship flared up and shot through to the horizon.
Void's eyes traced the skies, the faint silhouette of the moon lingering behind the Traveler's pale white husk.
His face stiffened, "At least I hope it isn't."
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[A few hours later, Consensus Hall]
Sudden oppressive aura weighed down the room, Ikorra faced the walls, hands behind her back, with an ashen glare.
Cayde stood to the side, nimbly juggling a dagger between his hands.
Zavala's transponder lit up, he immediately accepted. "Old Friend, I hope you bring me good news."
Saladin's rugged voice resounded, "Hmm, we found them. There were three. It's taken care of, I hope that's all the vanguard needs me for."
Zavala flashed a proud smirk, "Thank you. The city won't forget your contributions....Neither will I." He disconnected the line.
Cayde swiped the dagger and flicked, planting it in the wooden table stretching the across the room.
Ikorra faced the two, faint light spilling from her glare. She nodded.
Zavala wasted no time as a red alert notified the consensus representatives. Calling them all to a mandatory hearing.
Within a matter of minutes, the top brass of the city sat across the table. Faction leaders, squad captains, and the elites had all rushed to reach the hall.
The speaker made his presence known as he descended from his study, joining the table. All sat quietly, a suffocating pressure emanated from the Vanguard trio.
Although it was intentional, the rest didn't dare to speak up. They simply endured. As for those who couldn't, they drove their nails into their palms, struggling to stay upright. To faint now, was simply an insult to their legacy as guardians.
Zavala spearheaded the hearing, taking charge as he stood up. "Gentlemen, you're all gathered here for one purpose. You define the city, its people and its culture. Your responsibility is the safety of its people, and the light."
His eyes turned heavy, fist scraping against the table. "But it has come to our attention. That perhaps the power and authority given to you, was misplaced. To compromise the safety of guardians and the city, for your own whims. An unforgivable deed."
The air turned sour, all glanced around, gossip and whispers began to echo.
Ikorra's hand balled into a fist, her aura scattered through the room. "That's enough!"
A stiffening silence took over. None dared to break it.
She didn't mince her words, "I will cut to the chase. What he's trying to say is simple."
"The Vanguard gave you permission. But you turned your backs on the city, filling your own pockets. Did you think we didn't know?" Her eyes glanced over the faction heads.
Jalaal and Hideo, leaders of Dead Orbit and New Monarchy shifted in their chairs. Whereas Lakshmi from Future War Cult remained exceedingly calm, her bionic eyes seemed to twitch ever so slightly as Ikorra's gaze brushed past her.
"Failure is not the end. However, your decision to not call for backup endangered the city by releasing enemies we could not hope to finish off later."
Jalaal and Hideo had bitter faces, they had gambled with their personal squads and failed, earning the ire of the Vanguard.
"As such, the Vanguard has decided to restrict the faction authorities. From now on, for any executive decision. Factions must report to the city."
Ikorra's words caused a stir in the room, a mistake this deadly deserved to be punished. Yet, restricting their authority was not something they could easily swallow.
The words struck a nerve for Jalaal, the Arach had tried his hardest to keep growing for his cause. But step and step again, he felt belittled by the Vanguard.
"This is...unacceptable. I know we made a mistake. But I assure you we, Dead Orbit, could have handled it on our own. I cannot accept this decision. I refuse." He blurted out.
"What?" Ikorra turned towards him, her words laced with fury.
Jalaal gulped, "The Vanguard leads the guardians. But the factions cannot be denied. We work for a cause. A free cause. Our squads thought they could do it alone. The price for this failure shouldn't be to stab us in the back. The city should help us grow, and become better."
Zavala felt irked, "The city, owes you nothing. You owe everything to this place. There are no special favors, for anyone."
His face twitched, Jalaal felt his blood rush to his head. "Is that so? That is not what the Vanguard follows. I for one, refuse to believe that this is all fair. After all, you all have your own specialists, is Dead Orbit just supposed to accept this denial to train our own?"
Jalaal got to his feet, preaching to the room.
Cayde put his feet down from the table as he chimed in, "What pray tell specialists are you on about? Can't point fingers this fast buddy."
"Oh please. Do you think Dead Orbit has no connections? No eyes in the city? The Praxic fire answer only to you, so do all your secret keepers." He gestured to Ikorra.
"But what infuriates me the most is the fact that a new guardian, has been shown such favoritism. You cannot possibly deny this, something under your own command?" Jalaal swiped his wrists.
A holographic image enlarged to show Void's profile. Immediately, Zavala's face turned grim.
"You accuse us of forming private forces and currying favor. But isn't that what you are all doing? How is the Vanguard any different?"
Jalaal's words echoed in the room, drawing eyes.
"This guardian has only been active for a few months at best. Yet he served directly under the Vanguard commander. Not only that, I've heard the Praxic fire recruited him for many private missions."
"Is it not true that his own squad captain holds no authority over him? He joins any fireteam he wishes, even now, he joined an external fireteam. Do you really plan to believe that the Vanguard is not growing their own specialists as we speak?"
His eyes turned towards the other factions and elites, presenting his case.
"I find this all very suspicious."
Zavala couldn't hold his anger any longer, his face turned a light hue of red. He slammed the table with his fist. "That is all restricted information."
"There has been no such training of operatives to serve the Vanguard, never was and never will be. I find your accusations to be preposterous at best."
Surveying the room, Zavala took in a short breath, as all leaned towards his next words.
"The guardian you referred to as favored, has risked his life at every opportunity to serve the city, through his own volition. He was neither urged nor forced."
Void's picture shifted to present his mission logs. Many elites nodded with approval.
"As for his involvement in the Praxic Fire and external teams. It is simply the need for a skilled guardian. One that could move freely. Most of you were all present to witness Kabr and Pahanin invite him on their own accord."
Zavala's voice turned gruff, "To slander a guardian who has served the city so freely. I cannot imagine a worse outcome."
The speaker inched closer to the table, his voice soothing the room. "I understand Dead Orbit's frustration. But the Vanguard is right. Full control in critical situations is necessary. A divided command is of no use to the city."
His eyes shifted towards Jalaal, "As for accusing the Vanguard of favoritism. I assure you, that all these opportunities were provided to your faction too. The only difference is, Void actually succeeded."
Jalaal felt his face burn with shame.
"I hope that clears it all up."
Ikorra stepped forward, building on the speakers momentum. "All those in favor of restriction faction movements." She raised her hand.
The majority followed, another voice chimed. "All those against."
A few elites and faction leaders raised their hands, however the vote was evident.
"So the Consensus has decided." The Speaker concluded the meeting decisively, as all members ushered themselves to the door.
Jalaal had a pensive look on his face, regrouping with his members. He shared the news, as morale fell to an all time low.
"I know we failed, but can't we get another chance? The Vanguard is being too harsh." A guardian spoke up.
Jalaal shook his head, "They don't seem to listen." Instantly, his eyes lit up.
"I have no idea why, but there is one man they favor. Keep an eye out for him." He shared Void's profile, passing it around Dead Orbit.
Unfortunately as it was, Void had attracted some big names towards him through this incident at the consensus. His own choices had somehow affected the consensus, earning him new enemies and allies.
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"Hmm, quite a complicated pattern, this edge design here is exquisite. The sheath and handle will require some rare alloys. I suppose I have some in stock."
Banshee poured over the blueprints laid in front of him.
His eyes grew wider by the second, Banshee's hands trembled as he traced the sketches with his fingers.
Minutes later, he chuckled, a quiver in his voice, "Where did you get this?"
"Err...it's complicated." Void awkwardly scratched his neck as he tried to avert his eyes.
'I can't exactly explain the system....Sorry' Void cringed as Banshee looked to him with some curiosity.
"How complicated?" Banshee asked, with a resolute gaze.
Void somewhat regretted taking the blueprint to Banshee, yet he didn't know of a better weaponsmith. Using the system was far too costly.
"Well, see...I found it in one of those golden age vaults, you know I explore a lot."
The droid's gaze eased as he somewhat believed it.
Void breathed a sigh of relief, naturally he had bought the weapons blueprint from the system's store. It wasn't yet supposed to exist in the city.
"Couldn't exactly come and show you, far too busy with the hunt. But, I got some ideas so I rushed here."
"I understand. But the blades design is quite important. I hope you didn't mind me asking."
"The city's been looking for designs. We haven't had much success in finding one."
"I know. But I hope you keep this just between us." Void flashed a sly smile, Banshee simply sighed, nodding to the request.
"Don't worry, it's safe with me."
Banshee was a man of his word, so Void wasn't at all suspicious. The only reason he had denied sharing the blueprint was that he couldn't effectively explain its origins.
But that wasn't the exact reason. Void didn't necessarily trust the city. After spending some time at the beck and call of the Vanguard, he knew nothing was truly ever simple.
Banshee was no fool either. Guardians had enemies, and he knew it best. This wasn't the first time he was entrusted with secrets, and it wouldn't be the last. If someone wasn't willing to share a weapon design, he was in no position to request it.
"What material do you plan on using for the blade?"
Void slid over the counter as he walked to the back of the shop ,"I am glad you asked."
He threw down a duffle bag, filled to the brim with Ahamkara bones.
"You ever worked with these?"
Banshee frowned, "Yes, but it will cost you extra."
"As long as you follow that design? Yeah, I will scarf up the glimmer."
Glancing at the bones, he judged their quality, inspecting a few chunks out of the bag.
"Sharp, and dense. But, there's too much in here for one blade." He glanced at Void.
"I need an armor set made."
Banshee thought for a second, and shook his head, "I can't make armor, but the foundries might help you."
Void frowned, it wasn't the answer he was expecting "I heard they're quite stubborn."
"Yes. Don't want their names to be put on anything, unless they really like it. Buying armor is easy, but having it made. Now that's a pain."
Void sighed, as he picked up the bag. "Who'd you recommend?"
The droid looked around his shop, seemingly searching for something. He scoured his drawers and chanced upon a wrinkly rolled paper.
"I can't recall all of them, they're down on the fourth floor. Can't get in there without permission but, they'll let you through with this." He tossed the paper to Void.
"Hmm. if you really want the good stuff, try hitting up Tex or Hakke, there is also Daito."
"Got it. Hit me up when the blade's finished." Void set aside a few large bones for Banshee to use as he exited the shop, pacing towards the courtyard.
Just as he did so, a sudden ping alerted him.
"The Vanguard really has some great timing." He looked towards the hall, as a group of disgruntled guardians whispered amongst themselves.
It wasn't odd to see groups clamoring before the Vanguard hall, yet something irked Void.
Instantly, he spotted the insignia stitched on their backs. 'That skull, dead orbit?"
He quickly analyzed the horde, his eyes darting around. Perhaps if it was Void a few days ago, he wouldn't have noticed a difference.
But now? There was something clearly wrong. Then his vision went hazy, the world seemed to dissociate, fragmenting itself into distorted versions. Void caught a glimpse of their true selves.
'The Ahamkara's favor.' He immediately connected the dots.
He could immediately a sense dark pit brewing among the Dead Orbit guardians. Void didn't understand it at first, but it repulsed him. What was this sensation?
Some guardians from the group spotted him, sneaking glances from the corner of their eyes every few seconds.
'Hostility? Towards me?' Void frowned, taking a few steps forward.
His presence now fully revealed to the Dead Orbit faction. Void instantly earned some poisonous glares. Almost if they were ready to pounce on him.
'They're acting like I stole their loot.' Void contemplated if he had really done anything to piss off the factions, but nothing came to mind.
He inched closer, the group now fully alert as they stood their ground, actively taking a stance.
For a fraction of a moment, the air in the courtyard grew dense.
Before either party could react, a boisterous laugh broke the silence.
"Void, my boy. It's been a while." Shaxx roared, sauntering down the steps. His voice seemed to break the tension.
Glancing at Dead Orbit, Shaxx looked confused , "What's this, are you finally getting to know our factions here?"
Void smiled, "Just a coincidence, I was headed to brief the Vanguard on the mission report."
Shaxx slapped his shoulder as he led him up the stairs, "Of course, you can't be late then. Be on your way."
Following his words, the horde gathered in the courtyard seemed to disperse swiftly, as if they'd never showed up. Just as Void began to rush towards the hall.
Shaxx whispered.
"The city's going through a rough patch. You should be careful. Especially with Dead Orbit and New Monarchy." With that, he patted Void on the back and sent him on his way.
Void didn't understand the context, but he took the warning to heart fairly quickly.
He got to the top of the steps and paced into the hall, a familiar voice called out to him.
"Glad you could make it guardian, please come in." The speaker waved.
"Hey kiddo, seems like you did a pretty good job back there." Cayde chimed in.
"Huh? Did the others brief you already?" Void inquired.
"Nah, but at least you didn't fail." He rolled his eyes, earning a sharp glare from Ikorra.
"Ignore his ramblings. Now, please tell us how it went, were you able to neutralize them all?" Ikorra stepped forwards.
Void followed up by a less than faithful recollection of what had transpired on Mars. He didn't exactly want to put all his cards on the table. Besides, he knew that Kabr and Pahanin weren't at all interested in answering these questions.
All in all, he skimmed over the battle, making sure not to mention anything suspicious regarding his growth. Although with the looks the vanguard was giving him, Void knew they already had some idea of his current strength.
He swiftly concluded the report, not delving too deep into the details.
Zavala tapped the table, "I see, thank you for your report Void. The City is grateful for your service."
Void nodded as he turned to leave, there wasn't much to say and he wasn't the least bit comfortable staying in the room with those four. It felt far too eerie with their eyes glued to him.
"Void, might I suggest that you embark on a long mission. Something easy to calm your nerves. I am sure you're itching to stretch your legs and find some peace outside. You have our permission" The speaker beckoned.
He immediately connected the dots, recalling what Shaxx had said, Void looked back and smiled, flashing an understanding look, he nodded and went on his way.
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"He's grown sharp. I'd reckon he's pretty good" Cayde chuckled.
"His aura felt, unique. Nothing I've ever felt before." Ikorra slowly felt her light circulating in her palms, she tightened her fist and glanced ahead.
Zavala fell silent as he watched Void leave, "The city should be glad to have him. He is perhaps among the most talented. Nevertheless, we should ensure his safety. Tell Tevis to send him off soon."
The Speaker agreed as he went to his chambers, soon followed by Zavala and Cayde leaving the room. Leaving the warlock behind.
The hall fell silent, a dull gloom took over. Ikorra faced the walls, contemplating, ultimately she opened her eyes, irked by the unique aura. As a warlock she felt, cautious of it. Even apprehensive.
Yet Ikorra respected the guardians enough to not pry. Never to pry, as all carried burdens and secrets of their own.
'This is just for his own safety, yes.' She resolved herself, and whispered.
"Eris."
Instantly, the dull air seemed to turn murky, a huntress appeared inching closer to the hall. Nodding to Ikorra's command.
"Tell the hidden to set a trace on Void, be cautious, the target is proficient in stealth." She ordered.
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A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter, leave a review!! Leave comments!! Also, I am looking for stuff to read but I really don't have any series. Let me know if you guys have good ones, preferably fanfic with no harem, action/adventure.
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