Sign up
Log in
Article
Discussion
Edit
History
Editing
Operation Ahamkara
From Destinypedia, the Destiny wiki
You are not logged in
. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you
log in
or
create an account
, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with
other benefits
.
Anti-spam check. Do
not
fill this in!
{{Battle infobox |prev= [[Hunt for Riven's Clutch]] |conc=[[War against the Witness]] |next= [[Upheaval on Nessus]] |image=[[File:OperationAhamkara.jpg|350px]] |conflict= [[War against the Witness]] |date= |place= [[The Pale Heart]], [[The Traveler]] |result=*The Vanguard is temporarily reunited with Cayde-6 being returned after Riven granted Crow's wish **Crow would become the next Hunter Vanguard *The Guardian breaks the barrier between the [[Light]] and [[Darkness]] and discovers [[Prismatic]] *Zavala's Ghost, Targe, is destroyed by the Witness after learning the way to "unmaking" it from Dissenters in the Witness **Zavala learns how to wield Stasis as a result *The Guardian manages to wound the Witness by destroying Dissenter statues within it using a sword granted to them by the Traveler, but would be forced to retreat with the Vanguard and Mara after the Witness wounds them **The Witness then retreats to the monolith and roots itself into the Traveler to make preparations to enact the Final Shape *A fireteam of six storms the Monolith and uproots the Witness from the Traveler, driving it back **The united forces of the Coalition and the Lucent Brood launch a final attack against the Witness and its forces *The Guardian's Ghost sacrifices himself to channel the Traveler's Light into a beam to unmake the Witness, but Cayde-6 uses his Light to resurrect him, returning him to the Light of the Traveler *The [[Valence]] seeps out of the Traveler after the Witness's defeat **The Coalition enacts a no-fly zone around the Valence *[[Echo (object)|Echo]]es are created from a fusion of the Traveler's Light and Darkness from the Witness and eject outwards from the Traveler **The first Echo is acquired by [[Maya Sundaresh]] after it landed on Nessus **The second Echo is acquired by [[Fikrul, the Fanatic|Fikrul]] **The third Echo lands on the [[Dreadnaught]] ---- '''Parallel Operations:''' *[[Kargen, the Technocrat]] clone killed and [[Freeborn Otzot|Freeborn Otzot's]] attempt to steal Vex data about the [[OXA Machine]] and the [[The Veil|Veil]] thwarted *[[Xivu Arath]]'s attempt to explore the space-time fractures on [[Mars]] thwarted **Xivu Arath manages to regroup and move massive amounts of forces from her brood using the [[Ley Lines]] *[[Sepiks Prime]] copy killed and [[Eramis, Kell of Darkness]]'s attempt to trade weapons in exchange for the Prime Servitor with [[House of Dusk]] thwarted *[[Navôta, Eir Spawn]], either a disguised wizard or her resurrection, killed and Savathun's plans involving the Hive on Earth thwarted *Data about the [[Psion]]s ancient past involving [[Nezarec, Final God of Pain]] and the Witness recovered on the [[The Lunar Pyramid|Lunar Pyramid]] |side1='''Forces of the [[The Coalition|Coalition]]:''' *[[Last City]] **[[Vanguard]] **[[Six Coyotes]] ---- *[[Imperial Cabal]] ---- *[[House of Light]] ---- *[[House of Spider]] ---- *[[Reef]] ---- *[[Neomuna]] **[[Cloud Strider]]s ---- '''Hive:''' *[[Lucent Brood]] {{c|briefly}} |side2='''Forces of [[The Witness|the Witness]]:''' *[[Dread]] *[[Taken]] ---- *[[Scorn]] ---- *[[Xivu Arath's Horde]] *[[Wrathborn]] ---- *[[House of Salvation]] ---- *[[Shadow Legion]] ---- *[[Sol Divisive]] |side3='''Hive:''' *[[Lucent Brood]] ---- '''Cabal:''' *[[Psion Conclave]] *Deserting Shadow Legion ---- '''Fallen:''' *[[House of Dusk]] ---- '''Hive:''' *[[Xivu Arath's Horde]] |commanders1='''Vanguard:''' *Commander [[Zavala]] *[[Ikora Rey]] *[[Cayde-6]] *[[Uldren Sov|The Crow]] *[[Micah-10]] ---- '''Imperial Cabal:''' *[[Empress Caiatl]] ---- '''House of Light:''' *[[Mithrax, Kell of Light]] ---- '''Reef:''' *[[Mara Sov]] ---- '''Lucent Brood:''' *[[Savathûn, the Witch Queen]] {{c|briefly}} *[[Luzaku]] |commanders2='''Forces of [[The Witness|the Witness]]''' *[[The Witness]] **[[Herald of Finality]] **[[Kataxiia, Tormentor of the Ahamkara]] **[[Rhuna, Subjugator of Chasms]] **[[Rhaska, Subjugator of Thresholds]] **[[Vrihn, Subjugator of Gardens]] **[[Lenurae, Subjugator of Fluxion]] **[[Molak'al, Subjugator of the Traveler]] **[[Araaxen, Reverent of the Witness]] **[[Eshkin'tuk, Witness's Blessed]] **[[Kholon, Taken by the Witness]] **[[Voxelos, Taken by the Witness]] **[[Koftiks, Taken by the Witness]] **[[Pillar of Denial]] **[[Dolgith, Blade of Reasoning]] **[[Icon of Finality]] **[[The Unwaking Mind]] **[[Expector Yemiq]] **[[Expector Selin]] ---- *[[Pillar of Devotion]] *[[Lii'liks, Harvester of the Witness]] ---- *[[Pillar of Silence]] ---- *[[Korha, the Hollow]] *[[Pillar of Stillness]] ---- *[[Artillery Commander]] |commanders3='''Lucent Brood:''' *[[Savathûn, the Witch Queen]] **[[Ir Okmarr, Devoted to Savathûn]] **[[Nolakh, Star-Eater]] **[[Mharuk, Sky-Stealer]] ---- '''Psion Conclave and Deserting Shadow Legion:''' *[[Freeborn Otzot]] **[[Kargen, the Technocrat]] {{c|Clone}} ---- '''House of Dusk:''' *[[Sepiks Prime]] {{c|Copy}} ---- '''Xivu Arath's Horde:''' *[[Xivu Arath, God of War]] |forces1=*Thousands of Guardians ---- *Countless Imperial [[Cabal]] troops *Imperial [[Cabal Carrier]]s ---- *Countless House of Light soldiers *Eliksni Ketches ---- *Dozens of [[Corsair]]s *[[The Spider|Spider's]] Crew and Associates ---- *Countless Lucent Brood Hive {{c|briefly}} *Hundreds of Hive Lightbearers {{c|briefly}} |forces2=*Countless Dread units *Countless Taken ---- *Thousands of Scorn ---- *Thousands of Hive ---- *Thousands of House of Salvation Fallen *Eliksni Ketches ---- *Thousands of Shadow Legion Cabal ---- *Thousands of Vex frames |forces3=*Countless Lucent Brood Hive *Hundreds of Hive Lightbearers ---- *Hundreds of Deserter Shadow Legion and Conclave Cabal ---- *Countless House of Dusk Fallen ---- *Countless Hive |casual1=*[[Targe]] *[[The Ghost]] {{c|briefly}} *[[Cayde-6]] *Dozens of Guardians and Ghosts ---- *Hundreds of Imperial Cabal troops ---- *Several House of Light soldiers ---- *Several Corsairs |casual2=*[[The Witness]] *Thousands of Dread units *Thousands of Taken ---- *Hundreds of Scorn ---- *Thousands of Shadow Legion Cabal ---- *Hundreds of Hive ---- *Hundreds of House of Salvation Fallen ---- *Hundreds of Vex platforms |casual3=*Thousands of Lucent Brood Hive *Dozens of Hive Lightbearers ---- *Hundreds of Deserter Shadow Legion and Conclave Cabal ---- *Hundreds of House of Dusk Fallen ---- *Hundreds of Hive }} {{Quote|A final shape is coming.|The Witness}} '''Operation Ahamkara''' was a massive conflict that took place shortly after [[Uldren Sov|Crow's]] entry into [[The Pale Heart|Pale Heart]] of [[The Traveler|the Traveler]]. With the way now open, [[Zavala]], [[Ikora Rey]], and [[The Guardian|the Guardian]] are all separated but ultimately succeed in entering the Pale Heart. Arriving at the Lost City, the Guardian reunites with [[Cayde-6]] before finding Crow, Ikora, and Zavala. As Zavala begin to be tempted by Darkness, he would seek out the Witness who would offer the Vanguard Commander a chance to join them. Ultimately Zavala's Ghost, [[Targe]] heroically sacrifices himself to save his Guardian's life at the cost of his own. However his sacrifice would not be in vain as Zavala discovered that the Witness could be "unmade" thanks to the knowledge given by its dissenting voices. Arriving at its monolith, the Guardian destroys multiple of the dissenting statues before retreating with the aid of [[Mara Sov]], wounding the Witness in the process. With their Coalition allies now within the Pale Heart, the Vanguard begin preparations for an assault against the Witness to uproot its hold over the Traveler. Climbing to the top of its monolith, a Guardian fireteam uproot the Witness from the Traveler and force it to retreat from the monolith. The forces of the Coalition with the assistance of the [[Lucent Brood]] would then launch one final assault against the Witness and its forces. A fireteam of 12 Guardians would confront the wounded Witness and unmake it using the Traveler's Light, avenging the countless civilizations devastated by its conflict with the Traveler. The Guardian's Ghost dies as a result of channeling the Light of the Traveler, however Cayde-6 altruistically uses his Light to resurrect the Ghost, resulting in the former Hunter Vanguard returning to the Light of the Traveler. ==Prelude== {{Main|Hunt for Riven's Clutch}} When the [[Vanguard]] discovered one of Riven's uncorrupted eggs and uncovered the existence of the fifteenth wish on [[Savathûn, the Witch Queen|Savathûn]]'s wings, they would contact [[Mara Sov]] who would begin to assemble her [[Techeun]]s to awaken [[Riven]]'s spirit so she could grant them the wish. However, Riven refused to grant it. He offered a bargain to Mara: she would grant the fifteenth wish if they recovered her remaining uncorrupted eggs, which the Awoken Queen agreed to.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Wish]] - [[Final Wish]]''</ref> And so, [[the Guardian]] would delve into [[Riven's Lair]] to recover the eggs, with the [[Techeun]]s using the [[Ley Lines]] to pull them into the lair after they learned the eggs had been scattered through the Ascendant Plane.<ref name="Lair">'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Wish]] - [[Riven's Lair (activity)|Riven's Lair]]''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Wish]] - [[Wishing All the Best#Step 3|Wishing All the Best: Step 3]]''</ref> Eventually, after facing [[Sol Divisive]] [[Vex]] sent by the Witness to halt their efforts, [[Taken]] left directionless or sworn to [[Xivu Arath, God of War|Xivu Arath]] and [[Scorn]] under the command of [[Fikrul, the Fanatic]],<ref name="Lair"/> as well as uncovering the lair of Riven's former mate, [[Taranis]], who originally scattered the eggs in after granting his own wish to protect them in the [[Black Garden]] after a [[Akardon, Pitiless Mind|Vex Mind]] who stole one of the eggs,<ref>'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Wish]] - [[Starcrossed]]''</ref> the Guardians successfully manage to recover all of the eggs.<ref name="Lair"/> However, they had previously learned from Riven that the fifteenth wish would only allow one person to follow the Witness into the [[The Pale Heart|Pale Heart]].<ref>'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Wish]] - [[Wishing All the Best#Step 38|Wishing All the Best: Step 38]]''</ref> Despite this setback, [[Uldren Sov|Crow]] came up with the solution that he should be the one to enter the Pale Heart and that he and Mara could use their connection to open the way for everyone to enter.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Wish]] - [[Wishing All the Best#Step 43|Wishing All the Best: Step 43]]''</ref> With their bargain complete, Riven grants them the wish, allowing Crow to enter the portal into the Pale Heart.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Wish]] - [[Final Words]]''</ref> Months after this, after the Guardians fought against the Witness's forces across the System,<ref>'''Bungie (2024/4/9)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Into the Light]]''</ref> the Sol Divisve would attempt to prevent Crow entering the Pale Heart by recreating the [[Black Heart]] with the guidance of the Witness to take the place of the Veil in the entanglement. To bring an end to their intervention, the Guardian entered the Black Garden, destroying its Heart once more by defeating its new vessels known as the Temporal Progeny.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Wish]] - [[Closer to the Heart]]''</ref> With the interference halted, Crow entered into the Pale Heart before being bested in a duel by the now resurrected [[Cayde-6]]. However, upon noticing Crow's [[Ghost]], [[Glint]], Cayde lowered his weapon and helped Crow to his feet as they glanced in the distance to see pulses of Light emerging from the Witness's Monolith.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/11/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Wish]] - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9tNrn5AJ6A Into the Pale Heart]''</ref> ==History== ===Crossing the Threshold=== {{Quote|You live without purpose. Anguish. Bliss. A meaningless cycle... of action and reaction. Let us bring an end... to your futile exertions. A final shape is coming. Chaos untangled... made knowable... with immaculate intent. Let us know you... and be reborn into perfection.|The Witness speaking to humanity as it finalizes earth}} As the people of the [[Last City]] were continuing their everyday activities, they would be interrupted by the unnoticeable voice of the Witness. It would pronounce that they lived a purposeless existence of anguish and bliss before finalizing the entirety of [[Earth]] into a frozen stillness. With the finalization complete, the Witness would declare that a final shape was imminent, to see the malicious chaos of the Light made knowable. However, the [[The Traveler|Traveler]] would successfully undo the finalization, the Witness continued torturing it for its resistance. Back at the [[H.E.L.M.]], Mara Sov, looking at her hand in horror, revealed to [[Zavala]] and [[Ikora Rey]] that the Witness was close to enacting the Final Shape. Understanding it was their only chance, Zavala declared they were now initiating Operation Ahamkara to enter the portal into the Pale Heart. Mara warned them that the Traveler could not prevent it for much longer and that the portal was unstable. Still determined, despite the danger, Zavala would enter the portal alongside Ikora and the Guardian. While Zavala and Ikora successfully entered the portal into the Pale Heart, the Guardian would be unable to avoid the hurdles in their way, crashing into the [[The Threshold|Threshold]] between the outside world and Pale Heart.<ref name="Transmigration">'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[Transmigration]]''</ref> With their ship destroyed, the Guardian was forced to traverse the Threshold on foot while Mara used her power to keep the portal open long enough for them to enter. Defeating Taken sent by the Witness, the Guardian discovered a fount of Darkness and interacted with the resonance shell in the middle, manifesting a pathway of possibilities. Using the icon of Light dropped by a [[Will-Crushed Centurion]], the Guardian interacted with the shell again to make the pathway physical, allowing them to traverse closer towards the portal. As they navigated across the platforms, the Guardian encountered [[Weaver]]s, members of the Witness's new army, the [[Dread]]. Along the way, they encountered Taken with shields of Light and Darkness energy, forcing the Guardian to retreat. Despite Mara's strength beginning to diminish, the Guardian successfully crossed the Threshold, entering the portal into the Pale Heart.<ref name="Transmigration"/> Shortly after entering the portal, the Guardian received a vision from the Traveler itself. In this vision, a falcon of Light flies above Earth as the Light from its wings creates the Ghosts, an astronaut on [[Mars]] touching the rain from a storm, before switching to a drop of water falling from a white leaf. It then transitions to a sun being destroyed before showing the falcon being consumed by the Witness's corruption as the Traveler is subsumed in shadow. As the Witness's corruption begins to spread, it changes to show the Astronaut wielding [[Arc]], [[Solar]], [[Void]], [[Stasis]], Strand, and finally an unknown power. The vision then ends with the Traveler sounding out an outburst of Light.<ref name="Transmigration"/> Waking up from their vision, the Guardian found themselves on a platform within an empty place. Spotting a spike of paracausal energy located on a dead tree in the distance, the Guardian traveled towards the spike thanks to further platforms created by drops of Light falling from the sky. Finally, they arrived at the tree as the energy spike dissipates, allowing them to travel further across the branches. The Guardian entered a cave entrance within the tree and eventually crossed the Threshold, exiting the cave to find themselves within the Pale Heart of the Traveler. Unlike the place of nothingness they emerged from after entering the portal, this place was brimming with nature and beauty. As Ghost failed to reach out to Zavala and Ikora, the Guardian journeyed further into the Pale Heart, eventually finding themselves in the Lost City, a place similar to the Last City itself.<ref name="Transmigration"/> Along the way, they slew hordes of enemy forces, including winged Dread called [[Grim]]. Using Icons of Darkness they received from killing [[Harvester of Light|Harvesters of Light]], the Guardian lowered the barrier into a building to discover Light and Dark energy colliding together to form a Wellspring. Using this wellspring, the Guardian briefly Transcended, allowing them to pierce the Bound Taken's shields. Using these wellsprings to their advantage, the Guardian pierced the Harvesters Bound shields to receive the Dark Icons and kill a [[Taken Ogre]] called the [[Icon of Finality]] to lower the barrier into a building resembling the old Vanguard command center before the [[Red War]], where another wellspring of Light and Dark energy reside. As Ghost wondered if it was possible to wield this power, the Guardian stepped forward to the Wellspring and interacted with it. Upon interacting with it, their body overflowed with paracausal energy as they unlocked [[Prismatic]], a fusion of Light and Darkness energy that allowed them to wield both powers in harmony and Transcend. Travelling towards the Vanguard transponder signal to hopefully find Crow, the Guardian found themselves at the Tower's balcony and defeated forces of the Witenss led by [[Vrihn, Subjugator of Gardens]]. Shortly after the Harbinger's defeat, a pulse of Light was emitted from a distant [[Monolith]] as the Traveler was tortured by the Witness, harming Ghost in the process.<ref name="Transmigration"/> As they strangely heard a song playing closely by, the Guardian followed its sound to find [[Cayde-6]] playing "The Man They Called Cayde" with his back turned behind them. Originally believing they were Crow, Cayde quickly recognized they were not the former Awoken Prince and threw his instrument as he turned around and drew his weapon. However, upon recognizing the Guardian, Cayde lowered his weapon and invited them to speak with him as he acknowledged they had questions. Cayde explained that after his death, he and his Ghost, [[Sundance]], were reintegrated into the Light of the Traveler where they existed in a place of peaceful nothingness. However, something pulled him out of that place and transported him to the Pale Heart, where he spotted Crow shortly after.<ref name="Transmigration"/> Getting back to business, Cayde would tell them that Crow went on a patrol after he discovered an anomaly of Darkness.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step ii|The Final Shape: Step ii]]''</ref> Shortly after Cayde departed, Ghost revealed to the Guardian that his scans confirmed that this was truly the former Hunter Vanguard, but that he was astonishingly made of Light just like the Ghosts and the Traveler.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step iii|The Final Shape: Step iii]]''</ref> ===Hunt for Crow=== Because Crow had not returned from his scouting mission, the Guardian traveled to the [[The Landing|Landing]] to search for him. Upon arriving, they encountered [[Shadow Legion]] and Dread forces, including reshapped Psion with the power of Stais known as [[Attendant]]s. After defeating a Tormentor, the Guardian followed the bird they had seen in their vision to discover a cave entrance blocked by a barrier. They then received a transmission from Glint, who revealed that Crow had entered the cave, and he couldn't follow him. Searching for a way to lower the barrier, the Guardian discovered three different conduits maintaining the barrier. Defeating [[Insight Psion]]s to receive Psionic Insight, the Guardian rotated the hand on the conduits to the radiating Light. With the conduits deactivated, Ghost asked Cayde what he thought was the nature of that bird that led them to Glint. Generally, they all concluded that the bird was the Traveler, attempting to aid them.<ref name="Temptation">'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[Temptation]]''</ref> Returning to the cave entrance, the Guardian vanquished the [[Pillar of Denial]] to lower the barrier to the [[The Refraction|Refraction]]. Upon entering, the Guardian defeated further forces of the Witness, an [[Omen of the Witness]]. Entering further into the cave, the Guardian follows the bird into a gateway made of glass to arrive in a cave tunnel. As Ghost remarked that this tunnel felt like a Blight, he would be possessed by the Witness, while the Guardian would be severely harmed, causing them to collapse onto the ground. The Witness would attempt to destroy the Guardian's Ghost to free them from their "enslavement" to the Light, but the Ghost managed to break free of its control and shut it out completely, but not without cracking his shell. However, the Witness would continue to speak to them. As their strength returned, the Guardian would travel into different caverns as the Witness explained it had offered Crow an eternity with his sister, and the Awoken throne, with the promise to erase his Dark past by utilizing dioramas created by the Light and Dark. Eventually, the Guardian would find Crow within a room containing a Veiled Statue. They were then interrupted by Glint, with Crow apologizing and promising not to leave him behind again before departing.<ref name="Temptation"/> Arriving back at camp, Crow told Cayde what he encountered.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step 2|The Final Shape: Step 2]]''</ref> After Crow and Cayde's conversation, the Guardian spoke with Ghost, who reveals that the cave they found within was not merely Darkness, but corruption reshaped by the Witness. Ghost would also reveal that they had spotted a location identical to the Cradle on Io, where they would almost certainly find Ikora.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step 3|The Final Shape: Step 3]]''</ref> As the Guardian tuned the radio, they would receive a weak signal from Mara Sov, who was unable to hear them. Nonetheless, Mara warned that the Dread they encountered were created by the Witness utilizing stolen Light. Due to the Witness intervening with their attempt to cross the portal, Mara revealed that the Coalition was creating a method to allow their entry into the Pale Heart.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step 4|The Final Shape: Step 4]]''</ref> ===Searching for Ikora=== With Crow successfully rescued, the Guardian began their scout mission to search for Ikora's ship, which had crashed at a location resembling the [[The Cradle|Cradle]] on [[Io]]. Entering the Refraction again, the Guardian encountered Hive forces of [[Xivu Arath's Horde]] guarding barriers maintained by founts of Light and Dark. Slaying Hive Knights, the Guardian retrieved Dark Motes and used them to empower the fount of Darkness to dispel the barrier. Upon entering the next room and destroying the branches of Darkness, Ghost scanned the perimeter to discover Ikora's location. Shortly after this discovery, the Guardian would be ambushed by further forces of the Witness, including [[Husk]]s. Using the [[Aegis]] that manifests to their aid, the Guardian kills the Knights to receive Light motes and utilizes them to empower the fount of Light. Upon exiting the cave through a gate they had opened using a Crystallized key, the Guardian utilized the Light and Darkness founts, as well as another key to depart from the Refraction.<ref name="Exegesis">'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[Exegesis]]''</ref> As Ghost realized their utilization of Light and Dark being what brought down the barrier, Crow compared the Awoken and Guardians' similar connections to these paracausal forces. After finally arriving at Ikora's ship, they would uncover a message she had left behind, revealing she was attempting to commune with the Traveler and ordered them to find her in the Cradle. Travelling towards the Cradle, the Guardian engaged with Hive and Dread forces led by the ferocious Ogre, the [[Pillar of Silence]]. Piercing its shield with the Aegis, the Guardian forced the Ogre to retreat into the Refraction. Pursuing and slaying the Ogre within the cave, the Guardian followed a path of Light to arrive at the Cradle.<ref name="Exegesis"/> After defeating forces of the Dread, they find Ikora meditating in an attempt to commune with the Traveler. Awakening from her meditation, Ikora thanked the Guardian and revealed that she could hear the Traveler screaming. Ikora then revealed her hypothesis that the Pale Heart is a manifestation of their memories made physical by the power of the Light. Furthermore, Ikora recognized that the Witness's desire for the Final Shape is to reshape reality into a perfect stillness by weaponizing the Light. However, Ikora realized that if the Light was powerful enough to destroy the universe, it was powerful enough to destroy the Witness.<ref name="Exegesis"/> After the debrief, Ikora and the Guardian met with Cayde-6 at the new camp. Originally, Ikora was angered at Cayde for his irresponsibility during his time as Hunter Vanguard, while she and Zavala shared the burden of the responsibilities. Recognizing his mistakes, Cayde apologizes to Ikora and promises to make it up to her before they embrace. With their mission completed, Ghost orders the Guardian to prepare for their journey to locate Zavala.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step 6|The Final Shape: Step 6]]''</ref> ===Seeking Zavala=== Arriving at the [[The Blooming|Blooming]], the Guardian defeated forces of the [[House of Salvation]] guarding a Veiled Statue blocked by a barrier. Ghost pondered if they truly believed in the Witness's cause, while Ikora concluded that they were carrying out the Witness's orders as it had promised them an end to suffering. Recognizing that Pyramid technology maintained the barrier, the Guardian defeated a [[Resonant Warder]] to reveal Glyphs. Interacting with the correct Glyph, they successfully lower the barrier and send Ghost to scan the statue. Upon scanning it, they briefly hear the statue wailing before going silent. Ghost quickly recognized that they had encountered these statues in their past journeys, including on the Moon, Europa, and the Black Garden.<ref name="Requiem">'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[Requiem]]''</ref> Continuing their journey, the Guardian defeated House Salvation and Dread forces, and lowered the entrance into the [[The Seclusion|Seclusion]] by nullifying a Glyph. As the Guardian entered inside, Cayde asked Ikora if Zavala had anything to say at his funeral, to which the Warlock Vanguard revealed he wouldn't come out of his office. Cayde responded that he understood Zavala's reaction, as grief is an emotion that can seclude you. However, they would be interrupted by the Witness, who stated that he stayed in his office, not out of grief, but shame. Defeating further agents of the Witness within the cave, the Guardian would nullify two more Glyphs and defeat an [[Imprint of Nezarec]] to continue deeper into the cave.<ref name="Requiem"/> Entering into another gateway made of glass, the Witness spoke to the Guardian again, showing them dioramas of Zavala's doubts, those he has lost, and when he prepared to shoot his Ghost, [[Targe]], when he was overwhelmed by grief over the death of his son, [[Hakim]]. When the Witness declared they could generously resurrect Hakim for Zavala, Targe would interrupt, stating that Zavala had refused their offer while also warning Ghost to leave for their safety. Despite Targe's warning, the Guardian pushed forward and exited the cave to discover a memory of Zavala's old home where he lived with [[Safiyah]] and Hakim. Finding the Vanguard Commander at his son's grave, Zavala would order them to assist him in defending his home as the House of Salvation launched their assault. Upon destroying the Brig known as the [[Pillar of Stillness]], they forced the remaining enemy forces to retreat.<ref name="Requiem"/> With the Fallen's assault thwarted, Zavala would thank the Guardian for their assistance before asking them to give him a moment to say goodbye. Entering his old home, Zavala spoke with a diorama of Safiyah that he once thought he would give up anything to bring her back. However, when the Witness offered him an eternity with her and Hakim, he ultimately refused as he realized his friends still needed him. Zavala then promised Safiyah that he would see her once again and placed his hand on the diorama's palm. However, he received a vision, showing the diorama quickly transform between his wife and a Veiled Statue while hearing a voice that appears to be pleading for help. Overwhelmed by fear, Zavala pulled his hand back as the vision ended. Ikora then patted him on his shoulder to bring her friend back to reality, reminding him that the Witness only showed them what it thinks they desire. Zavala asked her what the Traveler had ever shown him. Having no answer to his question, Ikora reminded Zavala that they should prepare to leave before exiting the cottage. Standing up and walking to the front door, Zavala took one last look at Safiyah while Targe stated that he understood his grief as he also dearly loved them. Opening the door, Zavala and Targe left their old family home one last time, leaving the diorama of Safiyah within in shadow.<ref name="Requiem"/> As Cayde and Crow sat together at their newly set-up camp, they would be joined by Zavala and Ikora, who had returned from the cottage. Walking towards Cayde, Zavala embraced his old companion before they sat down at the campfire alongside the Guardian, Crow, and Ikora. While Crow recited the story of Amanda and began to choke on his words, Ikora put her hand on his shoulder and divulged that losing Amanda was like losing Cayde again. She then declared that she was done burying her friends, while Cayde told her that life is not about holding on forever and that you eventually have to let go. After briefly remaining silent, Zavala, Ikora, and Crow got up and walked away.<ref name="Requiem"/> Later, the Guardian spoke to their Ghost, who would tell them that Targe divulged that the Witness forced Zavala to relive his trauma and demonstrated to him what it would be like if they returned.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step 10|The Final Shape: Step 10]]''</ref> The Guardian then listened to the radio to hear Cayde tell Crow how he met Amanda and confined Zavala to give her a job at the Tower. The former Hunter Vanguard would also tell him that Amanda had lived a good life and went out being a hero.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step 11|The Final Shape: Step 11]]''</ref> ===Ascending the Mountain=== Persisting with their journey to the Monolith, the Guardian entered a cave close to Zavala's home, infested with Taken. Meanwhile, Crow and Cayde discussed their concern over Zavala's recent change in behaviour. Later, Ghost discussed Cayde's return and hypothesized that the Traveler brought him back to make their fireteam whole once more. Cayde stated that, although he was happy to see them, he would have preferred that the Traveler had warned him before returning him to life. Crow then told Cayde he had to tell him something and ordered him to meet him ahead. As the Guardian enters the [[The Divide|Divide]], they defeat further Taken forces and use Volatile Darkness to destroy the Blight blocking the entrance.<ref name="Ascent">'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[Ascent]]''</ref> The Guardian then exited the cave to arrive at a mountain frozen around a Cosmodrome wall, following a trail of Light to traverse further up. Meanwhile, another Pulse of Light was sent out as the Witness continued torturing the Traveler, severely harming Ghost in the process. Finally, the Guardian met up with Crow and Cayde at the edge of a mountain. Crow revealed to Cayde that he was responsible for his return due to a wish he made with the Ahamkara, [[Riven]]. Feeling guilty for not telling him earlier, Crow apologized to Cayde, who assured him he did the right thing by keeping this secret between them. On the orders of Cayde, the Guardian navigated further up the mountain, fighting through forces of the Sol Divisive and the Dread. They destroy Resonant Warders to reveal the Glyphs, nullifying them to dispel the Vex illusion blocking the way forward.<ref name="Ascent"/> Arriving at the top, the Guardian destroyed another Taken Blight to delve deep into the mountain and enter a room to confront the [[The Unwaking Mind|Unwaking Mind]]. After destroying the Taken Vex Mind and forcing the enemy forces to retreat, Glint detected a massive spike of Light energy, which the Taken Vex Mind had previously obscured. Following the signal, the Guardian exited the wall to arrive at the [[The Impasse|Impasse]], where they found the well of Light. Harnessing its power to gain new abilities bestowed upon them by the Traveler itself, the Guardian vanquished hordes of Taken attempting to ambush them.<ref name="Ascent"/> Acknowledging Ikora's previous attempts at meditating, Cayde began to form a plan to commune with the Traveler. At the new Campsite, Crow revealed to Zavala and Ikora the new power that the Guardian received from the Traveler. However, Zavala would remain skeptical, believing that the Traveler could give them weapons, but they stood no chance without a plan to use them. Ikora would then speak up, reminding Zavala that the Traveler was assisting them and gave them Cayde. Zavala stated that it was not enough before revealing that a Veiled Statue reached out to him at his homestead and questioned if it was a prisoner of the Witness. As Zavala and Ikora debated whether it was a trap, Crow revealed Cayde's plan to communicate with the Traveler. Although Zavala remains skeptical and believes it will fail, he allowed them to go through with the plan.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step 13|The Final Shape: Step 13]]''</ref> After speaking with Ghost, the Guardian listened to Ikora and Cayde discuss Zavala's loss of faith in the Traveler.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step 15|The Final Shape: Step 15]]''</ref> ===The Message=== {{Quote|What comes from the Light… returns to the Light.|[[Sundance]]}} Beginning their plan to commune with the Traveler by utilizing the fissures of Light, Cayde and Crow would split up to do backtracking, while the Guardian would search for a fissure that Glint sensed. Entering the [[The Broken Deep|Broken Deep]], the Guardian fought through Taken and Dread forces. Upon slaying [[Rhalis, Subjugator of the Light]], they successfully locate the fissure only to discover it was strangled and held back by the Witness. Nonetheless, Glint would then uncover the location of another fissure within the Landing.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Message, Part I]]''</ref> Returning to the Landing, the Guardian enters into the [[The Forgotten Deep|Forgotten Deep]] to astonishingly discover it was infested with Hive from the [[Lucent Brood]]. Destroying the Void crystals in the sector, the Guardian eventually arrived at the main room and defeated [[Ei Räkosh, Banisher of Memory]]. They discovered that the fissure was also held back by the Witness, but Glint had one more telemetric for them to check at the Blooming.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Message, Part II]]''</ref> Delving into the [[The Blooming Deep|Blooming Deep]] in search of this final fissure, the Guardian engaged the Taken converging on the fissure. However, the Guardian would be aided by an unusual ally, a [[Lightbearer Wizard]] who had broken away from her brood named [[Luzaku]]. With her assistance, the Guardian defeated the Taken and their leader [[Azshrūnah ur-Nokru, the Sacrificed]] to find a fissure, uncorrupted by the Witness. Bewildered by the assistance of a Hive, Ghost asked Luzaku how she entered the Pale Heart, to which she revealed she had crossed the Threshold after infiltrating the Black Fleet on the orders of Savathûn. Although Ghost would remain skeptical of Luzaku's trustworthiness, she would assure them that she would not interfere with their attempts to commune with the Traveler.<ref name="Three">'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Message, Part III]]''</ref> Transmatting to the location, Cayde stepped within the fissure of Light and, after briefly ridiculing Crow, successfully received a vision from the Traveler. Within this vision, Cayde heard the voice of a female Ghost who recited the Guardian tenets of devotion, bravery and sacrifice by displaying Crow and Glint's bond, Ikora defending civilians from a Vex Hydra, and Zavala mourning Cayde at his casket. Finally, Cayde would be greeted by who was speaking to him: his Ghost, Sundance. Upon questioning Sundance whether it was truly her, she would merely tell him that she was what he wanted her to be. Cayde expressed his confusion to his Ghost, Sundance assured him she was aware before revealing that what comes from the Light returns to the Light after death. When Cayde told Sundance he desired to stay within the Light with her, she told him that might have been the fate he would choose to make. Turning around, Sundance assured Cayde she would always be with him before revealing that the Guardians, Ghosts, and the Traveler are all connected. However, the Witness intercepted the vision as Cayde found himself and Sundance in the Prison of Elders. As Sundance repeated the Guardian tenets of devotion, bravery, and sacrifice, Cayde attempted to remind her of the final tenet of death. But, she would be destroyed by [[Pirrha, the Rifleman]], ending the vision.<ref name="Three"/> Upon awakening, Cayde transmated away shortly after and revealed to everyone what he had experienced. When Ghost asked Luzaku what she would do, the Hive Lightbearer divulged that she would defend the Blooming Deep in defiance of the [[Sword Logic]]. Remaining skeptical, Crow asked Luzaku about why her brood had attacked them, to which she answered that they were all ultimately their own individual, and she could not control the choices they made.<ref name="Three"/> With their mission complete, Crow ordered the Guardian to return to camp. Once there, they spoke with their Ghost about Cayde's vision and how both Guardians and Ghosts are connected.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step 19|The Final Shape: Step 19]]''</ref> They also listened to a conversation between Zavala and Targe on the radio about his grief, with Targe promising to stay at his side until the end.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step 20|The Final Shape: Step 20]]''</ref> ===A Buried Memory=== {{Quote|Give yourself to Darkness… Only there will you find the answers you seek.|Veiled Statue}} During their scouting missions, Cayde and Crow had discovered multiple potential paths guarded by a Tormentor that led closer to the Monolith. To make the path to the Monolith clear, Zavala sends a Guardian fireteam to eliminate the Tormentor. Arriving at the [[The Abscess|Abscess]], the fireteam pushed forward into a cave while slaying members of the Lucent Brood. Upon entering a cavern filled with sludge, the Guardian discovered an Ahamkara skull and imbued it with Taken Essence retrieved from another skull to drain the sludge and continue further. Although Ikora would warn them to be careful using the Ahamkara skull's power, Zavala would encourage them to use the bones if they once again prove useful, which astounded Ikora. Concerned for the fireteam's safety, Ikora questioned Zavala on why he had ordered the fireteam to take the most dangerous route, causing the Vanguard Commander to angrily respond by reminding her that she once demanded he be willing to take more dangerous risks.<ref name="Liminality">'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[Liminality]]''</ref> As the Guardians entered another cavern, they defeated three Knights to dispel Hive seals blocking the way forward. Ikora would strive to make Zavala realize that his disillusionment with the Traveler had blinded his judgment. Responding bitterly, Zavala proclaimed that the decisions he had made were not a result of his loss of faith in the Traveler, but to deal a blow to the Witness. Eventually, the fireteam reached a Pyramid structure with Ahamkara guts on the walls, where they confronted [[Kataxiia, Tormentor of the Ahamkara]]. Imbuing the Ahamkara skulls with Taken energy once more, the fireteam drained the sludge blocking the entrance and forced Kataxxia to retreat. While the Guardians exited the area and entered another Pyramidal structure, Cayde expressed his concern for Zavala and his actions.<ref name="Liminality"/> Entering a portal, the fireteam arrived at a Precursor town manifested by the Witness's memories and defeated swarms of ambushing Taken. Communing with a Veiled Statue within, it declared to the Guardians that they must give themselves to Darkness to uncover the answers they seek. While Zavala was ecstatic over this revelation, Ikora remained cautious and would once again attempt to make him see the rashness of his actions, but to no avail. Finally, the fireteam confront Kataxxia once more within a large cavern and dispel its immunity by empowering Ahamkara skulls before finally vanquishing the Tormentor.<ref name="Liminality"/> While Zavala would desire to follow the guidance given to them by the Veiled Statue, Ikora wanted to follow the path the Traveler had laid for them, resulting in further tensions between Zavala and the rest of the fireteam. As the fireteam set up camp, the Guardian speaks with Ghost shortly after witnessing an argument between Zavala and Crow.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step 22|The Final Shape: Step 22]]''</ref> Ghost later revealed that Zavala had abandoned the camp to find a way to destroy the Witness by giving himself to Darkness. To locate the commander, the Guardian and Ghost would work alongside Targe to save Zavala before it was too late.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step 23|The Final Shape: Step 23]]''</ref> ===Whispers of Dissent=== {{Quote|What was made can be unmade.|A Dissenter}} Beginning their search for Zavala, Crow revealed that a storm was gathering the closer they got to the Witness's Monolith, with Targe stating that the storm was interfering with his ability to track the commander. Cayde then revealed that he would join the mission, congratulating Crow for standing up to Zavala and telling them Ikora was not joining them on their journey. Exiting the cave and arriving at the [[The Transgression|Transgression]], the Guardian killed Hive forces loyal to Xivu Arath and discovered another Veiled Statue, identical to the one that ordered Zavala to give himself to Darkness. To get the statues to speak, the Guardian summoned Targe to scan the statue. Targe ordered it to tell them where Zavala was, and the Veiled Statue stated that Zavala sought out their Witness, and he would become a part of its collective consciousness if they didn't reach him in time. Furthermore, the statue declared that while those not culled from the Witness's collective would guide Zavala, those bound would guide them to him before it was too late. Following the trail created by the statue, the Guardian kill [[Wrathborn]] blocking the cave entrance and travels into the storm. Due to the statue's warnings, Targe realized that Zavala's hypothesis of the statues being prisoners of the Witness was correct. Entering into a Pyramidal structure, the Guardian defeats the Dread and Scorn forces guarding another Veiled Statue before communing with it. When Targe asked the statue why they chose to reach out to Zavala, the statue responded that, although they are comprised of many individuals, their voices are weak. Furthermore, the statue stated that they must give themselves to Darkness if their voices are to be truly heard.<ref name="Dissent">'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[Dissent]]''</ref> When Ghost questioned whether they could truly trust the statues, he was interrupted by Ikora, who decided to join the mission and asked if they had spotted Zavala. Cayde told Ikora that they hadn't located Zavala yet, while Targe remarked that Zavala's belief that the statues were trying to assist them was correct. Traversing further into the storm, the Guardian entered another Pyramidal structure to uncover another statue. As Targe tried reaching out to Zavala, the Guardian communed with the next statue as Ghost realized that the statues likely still shared a connection with the Witness. Targe responded that an entity composed of billions of people is guaranteed to have dissenters among its collective. A Dissenter speaks through the statue and discloses that the Witness viewed them as shameful, and thus they were cut out by the "first knife" until they could be deemed worthy, or be integrated into the Final Shape. Pushing further into the storm and arriving at another structure, they questioned another dissenter on how to defeat the Witness, which stated that giving themselves to Darkness was the only way to do it. Astonished at this regulation, Ghost questioned why the Witness would imprison its own kind, to which Ikora stated that the Witness imprisoned them due to desiring to control what it can't change. This made Targe realize that the Witness was afraid. Finally, the Guardian entered a large temple, guarded by Scorn. After briefly communing with a dissenter consumed by hopelessness, they continued further into the temple to defeat three [[Devoted Acolyte]]s and their [[Devoted Commander]] to open the trapdoor into the lower temple. Eventually, the Guardian, after traversing across the lower temple, is confronted by the [[Pillar of Devotion]]. Utilizing the Aegis again, the Guardian pierced its shield and slew the Pillar before escaping the temple as it began collapsing around them. Emerging from the temple, the Guardian found Zavala outside as he stood before a pool of Darkness leading into a shrine.<ref name="Dissent"/> As Zavala heard the pleas of a dissenter, he was slowly approached by Ikora, Cayde, Crow, and Targe, who begged him not to enter. Despite their pleas, Zavala entered the pool of Darkness as Ikora screamed his name in fear. Awakening within an endless room, Zavala was greeted by the Witness, who showed him a vision of the Precursors' civilization. The Witness stated that they once sought the Traveler's guidance for purpose, but it only offered them more life devoid of meaning. Zavala was then flashed by a Light from a Precursor holding a piece of glass, which declared that they chose to run from the Traveler's answer. The Witness then stated they sought out the Veil instead, as the vision changed to show the Precursors in a circle with the Veil above them. When the Traveler abandoned the Precursors, the vision changed again, showing them collapsing on the ground as they cull away their doubts and fears to create the Witness. Before all the Precursors collapsed, a dissenter whispered to Zavala that the Witness could be unmade by finding the ritual site where it was created. The Witness then manifested itself and offered Zavala an opportunity to join its collective. However, they were interrupted by Targe, who flew towards the Witness and stated that he realized it was afraid. Angered by Targe's claims, the Witness grasped him and declared that it had culled away any fear it had. However, Targe remains persistent in his beliefs, resulting in the Witness crushing him for his defiance, creating an outburst of Light that sends Zavala back. Zavala's allies then pulled out of the pool of Darkness, saving his life.<ref name="Dissent"/> At their new camp, Zavala was comforted by his allies for the death of Targe, with the Commander remarking that he had thrown away his Light just for a riddle and a memory. However, Ikora and Cayde realized that Targe's death wasn't in vain as the dissenters gave them the knowledge they needed to unmake the Witness at the memory of the ritual site where it was created. Zavala told his companions that he could guide them to the ritual site's location with their assistance.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step 25|The Final Shape: Step 25]]''</ref> Before travelling to the ritual site, the Guardian speaks with Ghost about Targe's sacrifice and how the Traveler still held faith in them.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[The Final Shape (quest)#Step 26|The Final Shape: Step 26]]''</ref> ===Journey to the Ritual Site=== {{Quote|You are unworthy of salvation!|The Witness}} Beginning their journey to the memory of the ritual site, the Guardian fought through Taken and Dread forces. They would also be taunted by the Witness, who proclaimed their efforts against it yielded nothing. While the Guardian engaged with Taken and Dread units, Zavala, Ikora, Cayde, and Crow were ambushed by swarms of Hive. Zavala ordered the Guardian to continue their pursuit and told them that the Witness knew there were dissenting voices within its collective. As the Guardian slew an Imprint of Nezarec to lower the barrier, the Witness would attempt to convince them to renounce their efforts to assist the Traveler. Arriving at the [[The Sacrarium|Sacrarium]], the Guardian traversed across the platforms to eventually arrive in a cave. Contemplating the dissenters' guidance, Ikora realized they could use the power of the Light to destroy the Witness. With the doorway in the cave blocked by a barrier, the Guardian interacted with a resonance shell to gain the ability to pass through resonance barriers. They entered a glass gateway to arrive in a cavern filled with dioramas of Ghosts with red eyes, as the Witness attempted to persuade them to destroy their Ghost. Reaching another cavern, the Guardian interacted with another resonance shell to delve into the room below and slay the two [[Resonant Warder]]s within to reveal Glyphs upstairs. Returning upstairs, they activated the correct ones to summon [[Eshkin'tuk, Witness's Blessed]] and defeated the [[Taken Knight]] to dispel the Blight blocking the entrance. With the Guardian persisting in their efforts, the Witness declared that they merely desire endless challenge through the [[Sword Logic]].<ref name="Iconoclasm">'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[Iconoclasm]]''</ref> Exiting the cave to return outside and setting forth in another glass entrance, the Guardian entered another cavern where the Witness coaxed them to ascend to their potential as an admired hero of the Last City by showing them dioramas. Eventually, the Guardian emerged from this cave and arrived at a large Pyramidal structure leading to the ritual site. The Guardian was then confronted by [[Dolgith, Blade of Reasoning]], who bore an Immunity Shield and summoned Taken forces to its aid. Destroying the Blights, the Guardian entered a portal to take them to a room where two Darkblades reside. Defeating the Darkblades, they enter another portal to return to the entrance and dispel the Glyphs to retrieve the Aegis and pierce Dolgith's shield. Despite its formidable strength, the Guardian succeeded in vanquishing the Taken Ogre. With Dolgith's defeat, the Witness spoke with the Guardian over the Sword Logic's belief that the strongest being in the universe will ascend to become the Final Shape through endless slaughter. The Witness stated that the Hive's Sword Logic was a childish game of violence caused by their obsession with the "first knife", which blinded them to the true nature of the Final Shape. Moreover, the Witness would equate the Guardian's endless battles to the Hive's religious principle, as their victories resulted in them receiving opulent awards, prestigious praise from their acquaintances, and monumental accolades. As the Guardian traveled to the ritual site, they were greeted by Mara, who succeeded in entering the Pale Heart alongside their allies.<ref name="Iconoclasm"/> Traversing up the ritual site, the Guardian entered another glass gateway where the Witness ordered them to take what they were owed. Eventually, they reach a room where dioramas of the Vanguard leaders stand. The Witness offered a Guardian a chance to join them not as part of the Final Shape, but as one of its Disciples. Ghost would interrupt the Witness and tell the entity that Targe's belief that it was afraid was correct, as it feared what the Guardian was capable of. Enraged at this defiance, the Witness ordered them to go where they wished, where it would destroy them itself. Upon arriving at the ritual site, the Guardian was confronted by the Witness, who manifested itself alongside Dread forces led by [[Lenurae, Subjugator of Fluxion|two]] [[Molak'al, Subjugator of the Traveler|Subjugator]]s. However, after defeating one Subjugator at a time, the Traveler granted the Guardian a sword of Light. Heeding the words of the dissenters, the Guardian gave themself to Darkness to penetrate the Witness's consciousness. Within the collective consciousness, they discovered many of the beings calcified into statues by the Witness, with the dissenters ordering the Guardian to destroy them. Obeying their commands, the Guardian destroyed three statues, wounding the Witness in the process. After the third statue's destruction, the Witness, in a fit of rage, cut the Guardian out of its collective and would send its Taken to destroy them. Despite being severely wounded, the Guardian escaped the Witness's grasp as they are transmatted onto the H.E.L.M. by Mara Sov.<ref name="Iconoclasm"/> Meanwhile, at the ritual site, Zavala, Ikora, Cayde, and Crow eliminated all enemy forces standing in their way. The Witness would then manifest itself and express its disappointment with the Vanguard, as three souls are seen disintegrating away. As the Witness spotted the H.E.L.M. in the distance, it would use its power to briefly hold it in place as it declared that the fireteam had chosen entropy. Being entirely subsumed in smoke, the Witness began transforming into another form and chased the fireteam, furiously shouting that they reveled in chaos and were unworthy of salvation. Despite Zavala being injured by a piece of the wall hurled at him by the Witness, all four would manage to escape the Witness and transmit onto the H.E.L.M. Although the Witness won this battle, the Coalition ultimately proved that defeating it was possible, as Mara had succeeded in bringing their allies in the form of her Awoken, the Imperial Cabal, House of Light, and the esteemed Guardian, Micah-10.<ref name="Iconoclasm"/> Returning to the Tower at the Lost City, the Guardian would receive a radio message from Savathûn, who revealed that she had now entered the Pale Heart alongside the Lucent Brood to assist them in defeating the Witness.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[Destined Heroes#Step 1|Destined Heroes: Step 1]]''</ref> ===Game of Queens=== {{Quote|Welcome to the end, Guardian. Show me how you're going to stop it.|Savathûn to the Guardian}} Despite the Lucent Brood's "temporary alliance" with the Coalition, Savathûn would continue her schemes by sending her forces to hone the Guardian's strength by assaulting the Lost City. Upon sensing the assault, Mara Sov would warn the Guardian of the Lucent Hive's attack while remarking that they were too large in numbers to be merely from Luzaku's brood. Spotting War Totems from the old Vanguard command center, the Guardian traveled to the city to confront the Hive invaders. The Guardian overloaded the Hive elemental ruins by reflecting Arc, Solar, and Void projectiles. While travelling towards the ritual site, they are mocked by Savathûn for their inability to understand her motives. After overloading another ritual site, Crow would criticize Savathûn for attempting to sabotage them. The Witch Queen would claim she was assisting them while remarking that she was preparing for the next game after the Witness is defeated. Arriving in the Lost City's Outskirts, the Guardian confronts Savathûn at the final ritual site. The Guardian dispels Savathûn's shield by overloading ruins and briefly engages with her before she chooses to retreat. Ultimately, the Witch Queen remarked that although their strength is impressive, they still do not possess the power to defeat the Witness. As Crow was concerned over the Lucent Hive's presence, Mara would assure her brother that she and the Guardian would uncover Savathûn intentions.<ref>'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[Queens, Part I]]''</ref> ===The Dare=== {{Quote|It's a new cloak. If you're going to be the next Hunter Vanguard, you'll need one.|Cayde-6 to Crow}} Within the Landing, the Witness's forces would conduct experiments utilizing [[Screeb]]s and Dark Ether. Desiring to end the operation, Cayde and Crow would send the Guardian to investigate. At a cliff, they discover packs of Cabal War Beasts and Shanks radiating with Dark Ether. Scanning the area around the Landing, Crow recognizes that the Witness is using Screebs to spread its corruption within the Pale Heart. Eventually, they set up camp close to a waterfall where they placed their Dark Ether canister. After the Guardian slew swarms of Screebs outside camp, Crow detected a concentrated energy signal nearby. Due to spotting War Beasts clashing with Screebs, Cayde remarked that the tainted War Beasts appeared to be going mad from consuming the Dark Ether from the Screebs. Following the energy signal, the Guardian scans deceased Screebs and even Shadow Legion soldiers brutally before being pounded by a pack of War Beasts led by the [[Devourer of Tainted Light]]. Despite its resilience and assistance from Taken and Dread forces, the Guardian slew the Devourer before returning to camp. Upon returning to camp, they encounter tainted Shanks and discover that the Witness's forces had stolen the Dark Ether canister. However, despite this setback, Crow remained confident that he could track the barrel's likely location, while Cayde asked Crow to speak with him at the camp. As the two Hunters arrive at the camp, Cayde disclosed to Crow that part of him always knew that the Traveler had not brought him back due to his lack of importance. Crow assured Cayde of his importance by remarking on his significance to Zavala, Ikora, and the Hunters, but Cayde would remain unconvinced that his allies no longer need him. Crow would reveal to Cayde that he relates to this lack of purpose and advises him to do what he wants with his life.<ref name="WC">'''Bungie (2024/6/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]] - [[Wild Card]]''</ref> After briefly meditating, the Guardian awakened to assist Crow in destroying Taken Blights around the Landing before they return to the camp. Crow remarks on Cayde's importance to the Vanguard and why that was ultimately the reason they hunted down Uldren before ordering them to get rest. Eventually, Crow woke them up as Cayde discovered that the Shanks were responsible for stealing their canister. Traveling towards their coordinates, the Guardian scanned the bodies of dead Fallen killed by Shanks, confirming that Dark Ether could corrupt wiring. From a cliff, the Guardian destroyed hordes of Shanks led by the [[Hoarder of Tainted Light]]. Although they had successfully retrieved a large amount of Dark Ether, the barrel was still missing. Using the Hoarder's data, Crow discovered the coordinates of the barrel's location. As the Guardian returned to camp for the campfire, Crow told Cayde he understood his hatred for him, but that they should ultimately stick together. Astonishingly, Cayde revealed to Crow that he doesn't hate him or Uldren, as they had both lost everything by falling into the enemy's hands. Still consumed by guilt, Crow apologized to Cayde for murdering him as the Awoken Prince, to which Cayde accepted his apology.<ref name="WC"/> Tracking the Dark Ether signature, the Guardian, Cayde and Crow discover that their barrel was located at the Transgression. Delving into a cave to find their barrel, the fireteam would confront the Abomination responsible for leading the operation, [[Lii'liks, Harvester of the Witness]]. Despite its strength and engorged Screebs, the Guardian defeated Lii'liks, halting the Witness's attempts at further