Editing The Final Shape (quest)

{{Quest infobox
|prev= 
|next= 
|name=The Final Shape
|image=[[File:Final Shape quest.png]]
|game=''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]]''
|giver=[[The Ghost|Ghost]]<br>[[Zavala|Commander Zavala]] {{c|New Light}}
|objective= 
|reward=
|nowalk=false
}}

'''The Final Shape''' is the main quest line for the [[The Final Shape|expansion]] of the same name.

==Steps==
{{Verbatim}}
===New Light===
[[Zavala]] greets you with a grim but hopeful smile, "I'm impressed. You've more than proven yourself worthy of the [[Guardian]] title…. I wish I could tell you it gets easier from here."

He turns and looks out at the [[Last City]] below. "[[Human]]ity needs our help now more than ever, and we need Guardians like you on the front line."

"Right now, that front line lies at the precipice of our very existence: [[the Pale Heart]]."

"We've devised a way inside the [[The Traveler|Traveler]] to break the [[The Witness|Witness]]'s hold on it. We have only to take the next step forward."

He turns back to you, a spark of defiance in his eye, "It's time to face our greatest enemy head on. Join us."

===Step i===
*Cross [[The Threshold|the threshold]] and discover what lies within [[the Traveler]].

;Note
See [[Transmigration#Transcript|Transmigration]] for a transcript of the mission.

===Step ii===
*Speak with an old friend at the campfire.
----
*'''[[Cayde-6]]''': I know I said it already, but it is good to see you. Just wish it were under better circumstances. 

*'''[[The Ghost|Ghost]]''': It's… it's good to see you, too, Cayde. I never thought—

*'''Cayde-6''': Hey, it's all right. I get it, this is a lot. And as much as we both wanna catch up, we ain't got that kinda time yet. We gotta get out there and find [[Uldren Sov|Crow]]. I was expecting him, not you, and that ain't a good sign. 

*'''Ghost''': Yeah… yeah, you're right. We can save the celebrations for later. [[The Guardian|Guardian]], we should — can we talk for a minute first? Just you and me?

*'''Cayde-6''': I'll give you two some privacy. Last I heard from the kid, he was out on [[patrol]]. Called in some sort of [[Darkness]] anomaly. I'll scout ahead. Catch up with me when you're ready.

===Step iii===
*Confer with Ghost at Refuge of [[Speaker (title)|Speakers]].
----
*'''Ghost''': So, Cayde… I looked him over while you were talking. Scan says that's really him. There's a few readings I can't explain. He's made of [[Light]], like me. Like the Traveler. [[Ghost]]s are guides — conduits for the Light. Cayde might not be able to wield his as a weapon, but if he's like me… Maybe he can share the Traveler's Light, like we do. I'm not sure. This is new. But look what else we've gained. I can feel it, the way the Light flows through you… freer. Harmonious with Darkness. A full [[Prismatic|chromatic spectrum]]. I've only experienced something of this magnitude once before… when the Traveler created Ghosts to raise Guardians. When I was born. We're going to need everyone to save it from the Witness. Cayde's got a lead on Crow and [[Glint]]. Let's start there.

===Step 1===
''Cayde relayed to us that Crow had ventured further into the Pale Heart to scout but hasn't reported back. We need to find him. He could be in danger.''
*Begin your trek through the Pale Heart and search for Crow.
**"Temptation" mission completed

;Note
See [[Temptation#Transcript|Temptation]] for a transcript of the mission.

===Step 2===
''Now that we've found Crow, we should see what he has to report.''
*Join Cayde and Crow in Refuge of Repose.
**Regrouped at the campfire
----
*'''The Crow''': It's hard to describe. It's like… these pockets of Darkness are physical manifestations of the Witness' presence here. An infection. Festering. 

*'''Cayde-6''': You said it spoke to you. 

*'''The Crow''': In the Dark, tempting me… The Witness knows what's in our hearts and minds. It promises to make it all real, as part of the final shape. Listen. Whatever the Witness is doing to the Traveler, our Ghosts can feel it, too. And it's spreading… Ikora would know what to do. 

*'''Cayde-6''': Don't worry kid, we'll find her. Even if we have to blast our way through. 

*'''The Crow''': I don't think it's that simple. 

*'''Cayde-6''': Sometimes it can be. Let's just… get our bearings again. Refocus. 

*'''The Crow''': Agreed.

===Step 3===
*Confer with Ghost at Refuge of Repose.
**Ghost consulted
----
*'''Ghost''': What a relief to see Crow and Glint again! That cave we found him in, where the Witness tried to possess me? A malignant place like that inside the Traveler feels… blasphemous. That wasn't just Darkness. It was reshaped by the Witness. Corrupted. No wonder it could project itself there… At least out here, the Traveler's Light still protects us… As much as it can, anyway. My shell… [sighs] Don't worry. It's not as bad as it looks! The Witness barely left a crack. We take hits, and we get back up again. Right, Guardian? Listen, the others spotted a location nearby that resembles the Io Cradle. Sounds like something that would be of interest to a Warlock we know.

''The Witness's presence inside the Traveler has manifested as psychic wounds, spreading physical corruption through its Pale Heart.''

''These concentrations of Darkness are dangerous. Ghost claims that the damage he took while fighting the Witness's possession is superficial, but you recognize when he's lying.''

''Both he and the Traveler are very hurt-and things are only going to get worse if you don't find a way to stop the Witness.''

''The Vanguard Warlock, Ikora, will know what to do. You must find her.''

===Step 4===
*Listen to the radio at Refuge of Repose.
**Broadcast heard
----
*'''Queen Mara Sov''': Guardian. Vanguard Operators. This is Mara Sov. Respond. 

*'''Ghost''': That's the H.E.L.M.'s signal! Mara, we can barely hear you. I'll try to boost the connection.

*'''Queen Mara Sov''': Crow? Does this reach you?

*'''Ghost''': She can't hear us. I'll keep trying to clean up the signal.

*'''Queen Mara Sov''': The portal remains unstable and your enemy has barred the way behind you. The abominations you encountered are of the Witness' making. This is but a fraction of the power it now wields. Using stolen Light, it has created a new army in opposition to the one the Traveler raised. Stewards of the final shape. No matter. The Coalition convenes to devise a method of dispelling the Witness' interference. Caiatl and Misraaks have promising theories. Once this desperate attempt to slow us is left broken, we will rejoin the attack. Let my voice send you now, in flight to strike down the Witness and all its followers. Go, with hope… and with vengeance.

===Step 5===
''Crow and Glint saw Ikora's crashed ship near the part of the Pale Heart that resembles Io—a place that has special meaning to Ikora. Finding that ship should make her trail clear to follow.''
*Search for the wreckage of Ikora's ship.
**Mission "Exegesis" completed

;Note
See [[Exegesis#Transcript|Exegesis]] for a transcript of the mission.

===Step 6===
''The last time Ikora saw Cayde alive he was leaving the Tower to handle the crisis in the Prison of Elders. It's hard to guess how she'll react.''
*Reunite with Ikora and Cayde at Refuge of Silver Wings.
**Regrouped at the campfire
----
*'''Ikora Rey''': So, is there anyone else with you? No Commander Zavala, I assume. This isn't quite up to his standards. 

::Cayde transmats in.

*'''Cayde-6''': Hey. I did my best, all right? Given the circumstances, I think Big Blue will forgive me. Will you?

*'''Ikora Rey''': No… It's too much. It's just… Too! Much! It's one thing for the Witness to look in our hearts and minds — to conjure up our memories, but — this?

*'''Cayde-6''': Ikora, c'mon. Look at me. 

*'''Ikora Rey''': I see you. 

*'''Cayde-6''': I know this is hard. It's tough for me too—

*'''Ikora Rey''': Tough?! What do you know about tough? You were always running off to play renegade, leaving me and Zavala to shoulder all the responsibility when— …When we were supposed to be a team. 

*'''Cayde-6''': I know. I'm gonna make it up to you. 

*'''Ikora Rey''': [sighs] …All right. 

::Ikora and Cayde hug.

*'''Cayde-6''': I knew you liked me. 

*'''Ikora Rey''': Don't get ahead of yourself… You still have a lot to make up. 

*'''Cayde-6''': Well then, we better get started.

===Step 7===
*Confer with Ghost at Refuge of Silver Wings.
**Ghost consulted
----
*'''Ghost''': Ikora has always had a strong connection to the Traveler. I think that's why she's so confident. Why she's never needed the faith Zavala has. She hasn't sought guidance like this for a long time. But this place makes you reassess what faith means to you. Ikora said our memories reshape the landscape — like the Ascendant Plane. But here, it's pure. It's not a recreation, it's… a reimagining. That's why the Witness is here. It wants to weaponize the Traveler and transform the universe into a fixed state based on what it believes she deserve. The Witness thinks "purpose" is a static idea. Its promised salvation is a perfect ending it chooses for us. That sounds more like obsession to me. You can't bottle life. You can't pin its subtleties in place! It's wild... and variable. Imperfect. Like the Light, it shines out in all directions, shadows and all. Commander Zavala would agree. Come on, Guardian. We've got a fireteam to reunite.

''Evidence points to the Witness weaponizing the Traveler's Light to reshape reality, just as the Traveler once terraformed planets and created Ghosts to raise Guardians. What you've seen inside the Pale Heart is only the beginning.''

''It believes itself to be a god of both Light and Darkness. And what are you, if not a god-killer?''

''The only members of your fireteam unaccounted for are Commander Zavala and his Ghost, Targe. Locate them before the Witness does.''

===Step 8===
*Listen to the radio at Refuge of Silver Wings.
**Broadcast heard
----
*'''Ikora Rey''': Scans are conclusive. Your body is a construct of Light, even if you aren't able to wield it as a weapon. 

*'''Cayde-6''': Well, I guess I'd need my Ghost to do that. 

*'''Ikora Rey''': Yes, but still. This is nothing short of a miracle. A miracle that could only be made possible here… in this impossible place. 

*'''Cayde-6''': You sound like Zavala. Next you'll be saying that the Traveler brought me back for a reason.

*'''Ikora Rey''': It did.

*'''Cayde-6''': Ikora…

*'''Ikora Rey''': Give me a better explanation, then.

*'''Cayde-6''': I don't have one. All I got is my Hand Cannon. No Golden Gun… no Ghost. 

*'''Ikora Rey''': Can I ask you something deeply personal.

*'''Cayde-6''': Shoot.

*'''Ikora Rey''': What did you see... when you died your final death?

*'''Cayde-6''': Now that ain't fair.

*'''Ikora Rey''': No, it isn't.

*'''Cayde-6''': Light. So bright it burned me all the way up, but I didn't feel any heat. Not a lick. I didn't feel anything, actually — not with my body, because I left that back there. You thanatonauts might call it "being one with the Traveler", but… I call it "home". No pain. No fear. No Vanguard paperwork. That's heaven. 

*'''Ikora Rey''': And Sundance?

*'''Cayde-6''': Oh, she was shinin' there, too. You wanna know a secret? I miss it. Even more than I missed you.

===Step 9===
''Commander Zavala is still missing, but without a specific fix on his location all there is to do is push forward through the Witness's forces. Head deeper into the Pale Heart in search of him.''
*Press further ahead through the Pale Heart and look for Zavala.
**Mission "Requiem" completed

;Note
See [[Requiem#Transcript|Requiem]] for a transcript of the mission.

===Step 10===
''Cracks are showing in the Vanguard's united front. Ghost has some thoughts.''
*Confer with Ghost at Refuge of Home.
**Ghost consulted
----
*'''Ghost''': Coming together was… hard. For everyone. I thought it would feel right having the Vanguard back together, but… Targe told me that Zavala had forgiven himself for what happened to his family, but the Witness made him relive losing them. And it showed him what it would be like to have them back. It must have taken everything for the commander to refuse that offer. Ikora has concerns about his mental state. She's going to check in with him while the rest of us push closer to the Witness' monolith. Time to do some trailblazing, Guardian.

''Although the Vanguard has been reunited at last, their mood is not as celebratory as Ghost hoped.''

''Ikora believes that Zavala's encounter with the Witness has left him emotionally compromised and requires some time alone with him to assess the situation. She and the Commander will meet your fireteam up ahead.''

''For now, a mountain erected from the memory of Old Russia stands between you and the Witness's monolith. Ascend.''

===Step 11===
*Listen to the radio at Refuge of Home.
**Broadcast heard
----
*'''Cayde-6''': Hey, kid, you out there? Look, you can ignore me if you want. I would, but… you should know I'll hold it against you. Aw, come on, Zavala's supposed to be the strong, silent one. You're supposed to be… I don't know, haven't figured you out yet, now that I think about it.

*'''The Crow''': What do you want, Cayde?

*'''Cayde-6''': I wanna talk about Amanda. Yeah, sure, she was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, but she was also the biggest pain in the ass I'd ever met. Little gremlin of a kid — she tore the engine outta my Sparrow when she was 12. I was furious. Almost got her booted out of the Tower, 'til I noticed she'd disconnected everything clean. She'd been stealing. Tools, manuals, whatever she could get her hands on. She practiced on scrapped jumpships and junk Sparrows. Guess that says something about my ride. Oh boy, she was brilliant. I told Zavala, got her a job in the Hangar, and I watched her grow up. 

*'''The Crow''': I'm sorry.

*'''Cayde-6''': No, don't apologize, dummy. Just listen to what I'm trying to tell you. Amanda lived a damn good life exactly the way she wanted to, and she went out being a hero. We don't all get to do that. Some of us make stupid choices and die stupid deaths. 

*'''The Crow''': Will you at least let me be sorry about that?

*'''Cayde-6''': Shut up! Life ain't about drawing out the living part. It's about making what you do while you're alive matter. So grow a spine and make her proud.

===Step 12===
''A towering, icy wall blocks out way. As with everything in this strange place, it's a reminder of our past, made new—the Cosmodrome wall. Join Cayde and Crow on the climb.''
*Scale the treacherous ice wall with Cayde and Crow.
**"Ascent" mission completed

;Note
See [[Ascent#Transcript|Ascent]] for a transcript of the mission.

===Step 13===
''Ikora and Zavala are at odds on how to proceed. There are too many unknowns and no obvious way forward.''
*Discuss the next move with Ikora, Zavala, and Crow.
**Regrouped at the campfire
----
*'''The Crow''': This is a sign. Something's changed in the Guardian — new power, I can feel it.

*'''Zavala''': The Traveler can give us all the weapons it wants… but without a plan on how to use them? We're as good as dead. Worse. 

*'''Ikora Rey''': But we can't overlook the fact that it is helping us, directly. It gave us Cayde.

*'''Zavala''': And it's not enough. When I was… at my family's homestead, something reached out. A voice — a new voice — calling to me. Trying to get my attention. 

*'''Ikora Rey''': That wasn't your wife. 

*'''Zavala''': I know! It was a statue, draped in a veil. A relic of the Witness. 

*'''Ikora Rey''': What are you suggesting?

*'''Zavala''': You've seen the Witness. You know what it wants to do to us. Maybe it's imprisoned others like that. 

*'''Ikora Rey''': No. It's a trick, Zavala. The Witness is weaponizing your grief and desperation against you.

*'''Zavala''': What do you know about grief and desperation, except how to turn it off?

*'''Ikora Rey''': That's not fair. 

*'''The Crow''': Listen. Commander… Cayde thinks we still might be able to get insight from the Traveler. Commune with it, like Ikora was trying to. The Guardian received a vision before. Maybe they will again. Cayde's out there right now, looking for a way. 

*'''Zavala''': And when that fails?

*'''Ikora Rey''': Then we'll think of something else. 

===Step 14===
*Confer with Ghost at Refuge of Beginnings
**Ghost consulted
----
*'''Ghost''': The Traveler chose you. Chose us. We were led here, shown where we first met… where you rose in the Light. These new powers you've been able to harness since we arrived… they're growing stronger. You have, too. The Traveler is empowering us to be its champion. Zavala may be dead set on striking at the Witness, but I think Ikora is right. We have to commune with the Traveler. We have to have faith. We have to have hope. We can't let the Witness pick us apart. The fireteam needs you to anchor them, like we do for each other. Let's catch up with Cayde and Crow and find a way to make contact.

''Ghost is confident that all signs point to the Traveler playing an active role in your fight against the Witness and its forces. Unlike Zavala, his faith seems unshakable.''

''For the first time in his life as a Guardian, Zavala wishes to look to the Darkness for answers, but both Cayde and Ikora believe that it's worth trying to commune with the Traveler again instead.''

''Regardless of who's right or who's wrong, you must at least try. Find a reliable way to connect with the Traveler.''

===Step 15===
*Listen to the Radio at Refuge of Beginnings
**Broadcast heard
----
*'''Ikora Rey''': Cayde. He's… He's not the same as he was before you—

*'''Cayde-6''': Went out in a blaze of glory? Go ahead, you can say it. Wait… did someone join our call?

*'''Ikora Rey''': Guardian. We were just discussing Zavala's… crisis of faith. I know you feel it too. He's… wandering. 

*'''Cayde-6''': Crisis? The man lives and breathes crisis, Ikora. He's having a hell of a week, but — I mean, he's the commander. 

*'''Ikora Rey''': Our friend is hurting. The Traveler restored our family, while the Witness dangles the family he lost in front of him. He needs something valid, a reason to believe. 

*'''Cayde-6''': Well, I know… about that. Look, there's a good chance this bet doesn't pay out; I'm not looking to get into the false hope business. 

*'''Ikora Rey''': All hope is false if we let it die. Please, Cayde. You have to succeed, for me. For Zavala. 

*'''Cayde-6''': Well, when you put it like that, how can I say no?

===Step 16===
''Venture into the deepest chasms of the Pale Heart with Cayde and Crow and attempt to commune with the Traveler.''
*Attempt to commune with the Traveler in the Broken Deep.
**"The Message, Part I" completed

;Note
See [[The Message, Part I#Transcript|The Message, Part I]] for a transcript of the mission.

===Step 17===
''The Broken Deep yielded no answers.''

''Glint suggests searching the Forgotten Deep next. Perhaps that delve will lead you to answers.''
*Attempt to commune with the Traveler in the Forgotten Deep.
**"The Message, Part II" completed

;Note
See [[The Message, Part II#Transcript|The Message, Part II]] for a transcript of the mission.

===Step 18===
''Strike teo. With one potential candidate left, you descend into the Blooming Deep to commune with the Traveler.''
*Attempt to commune with the Traveler in the Blooming Deep.
**"The Message, Part III" completed

;Note
See [[The Message, Part III#Transcript|The Message, Part III]] for a transcript of the mission.

===Step 19===
''Ghost seems rattled. Talk to him about what's on his mind.''
*Confer with Ghost at Refuge of Beginnings.
**Ghost consulted
----
*'''Ghost''': I don't know what to say. The message Cayde relayed: "Devotion, bravery, sacrifice…" We all know the Guardian creed, and… the last word is "death". I was hoping for more. I know you were too. I've been turning it over in my head, trying to understand what it might mean. Cayde's vision showed him what he needed to see, told him what he needed to hear. What WE needed to hear. If we don't make it out of here, I want you to know that I don't regret any of it. I'm yours, and you're mine. We're all connected. His vision showed Cayde that, too. Nothing has ever felt more true, except knowing you were my purpose when I found your bones. We're in this together, Guardian. Until the end.

===Step 20===
*Listen to the radio at Refuge of Beginnings.
**Broadcast heard
----
*'''Zavala''': Our silent god finally speaks. Demanding faith. Demanding death. 

*'''Targe''': No. If it demanded death, then I wouldn't be here. The Traveler brought us together. That's not nothing. That's not death. I knew the moment I found you that we were made of the same stuff. A part of you called to a part of me. Nothing can break that. I've seen you at your lowest moment. When Hakim died. When you… begged me to bring him back. You wanted to give up the Light. You raised your gun. 

*'''Zavala''': I'm sorry. 

*'''Targe''': I understood. I was grieving, too. If we could get through that, then we can get through anything. Whatever you need to do, I'll be with you. Start to finish. That's what the Traveler wants from us. 

*'''Zavala''': You keep me steady, Targe. When no one else can. 

*'''Targe''': That's what I was made for. And it's what I want to do. Let's go, Commander. You've got a mission to lead. 

===Step 21===
''Cayde's vision leaves us with more questions than answers. Despite the fireteam's uncertainty, the destination remains the same: the Witness's spire. Forge ahead.''
*Clear a path through a blighted pass, and uncover a long-buried past.
**"Liminality" completed

;Note
See [[Liminality#Transcript|Liminality]] for a transcript of the mission.

===Step 22===
''Zavala is set on his course of action, but Crow is equally determined to prevent him from doing something reckless. Years of pain come to a head.''
*Crow is going to try to talk Zavala down. This may not end well.
**Regrouped at the campfire
----
*'''Zavala''': Excellent work. Answers are finally within our reach. "Give yourself to Darkness…" 

*'''The Crow''': Zavala, this is reckless. And that's coming from ME! You're not just gonna let him do this, are you?

*'''Zavala''': No one "lets" me do anything! I am Vanguard Commander, and YOU will follow my orders.

*'''The Crow''': And we're your friends. We can find another way. The Traveler—

*'''Zavala''': The Traveler can't help us! It could never help us. I gave it everything I had… and it keeps taking! 

*'''The Crow''': You have us. You have Cayde back… your fireteam…

*'''Zavala''': That's not enough. 

===Step 23===
*Confer with Ghost at Refuge of Wishes.
**Ghost consulted
----
*'''Ghost''': Bad news. The commander's left camp alone, without his Ghost. Targe needs our help tracking him down. Zavala believes he'll find the Witness' weakness by giving himself to Darkness. We knew what the risks were when we came here — that we might not all make it back out. Zavala better than anyone. I know he's trying to protect us by going alone. It's why he left Targe behind. He pretends he's dismissed Cayde's vision, but we've both seen what's behind his eyes. Zavala is ready to embrace his final death just for a chance to destroy the Witness. He needs us.

''Believing there to be no other options in the fight against the Witness, Commander Zavala has left camp on a mission to give himself to Darkness.''

''What's worse is that he might not be wrong. If the Traveler can't provide you with answers about what to do next, then maybe the entity that reached out to Zavala can.''

''Whatever happens, he shouldn't have to face it without his Ghost. Partner with Targe to prevent Zavala from losing himself to Darkness.''

===Step 24===
''Zavala struck out on his own, and isn't responding to anyone. Target needs our help to track him down. Strike out into the storm and find Zavala.''
*Help Targe find Zavala, before it's too late.
**"Dissent" mission completed

;Note
See [[Dissent#Transcript|Dissent]] for a transcript of the mission.

===Step 25===
''Zavala mourns Targe. You can't understand the depths of his loss, but you can at least be there for him.''
*Support Zavala at Refuge of Endings.
**Regrouped at the campfire
----
*'''Ikora Rey''': This changes nothing, Zavala. You're still our friend. You're still our commander. 

*'''Zavala''': It changes everything. I have no Light. No purpose. No Ghost…

*'''Cayde-6''': Look, I know you wanna blame yourself, but… Targe knew what he was getting into.

*'''Zavala''': Don't! Please… [grunts] I was prepared to pay any cost. I was. Not Targe. He was devoted. He was brave. And part of me resented him for that. Sometimes, I wished he would just… Leave me to rot in peace.

*'''Cayde-6''': Well, he did what Ghosts are supposed to do, right? He recruited you for a war. And chose to sacrifice himself so you could end it. 

*'''Zavala''': End it? How? I threw away my Light… for a riddle and a memory.

*'''Ikora Rey''': A memory that can save us all. Of the Witness becoming what it is. "What was made…"

*'''Cayde-6''': "Can be unmade." Right. Right! Oh, we — we gotta link up with those defector-specters again. 

*'''Zavala''': The place they showed me… it's here. The Witness' memories became manifest too. I can guide us. But… I'll need help. 

*'''Ikora Rey''': We can do that. 

::Ikora and Zavala trasmat out.

*'''Cayde-6''': All righty then. We keep our momentum, and Zavala gets to focus on something that's not… Y'know… we ask a lot of our Ghosts. And they don't get one second chance, much less the million that we do. Just wish I'd thanked my gal Sundance back when… I could. But she knew I appreciated her. Least I hope. 

===Step 26===
*Confer with Ghost at Refuge of Endings.
**Ghost consulted
----
*'''Ghost''': Targe was the kind of Ghost I thought I ought to be. There's no manual on how to do what we do, but Targe always knew the right answer. he was dedicated. Dutiful. And he knew Zavala better than Zavala knows himself. I want to believe that his Light has returned to the Traveler like Sundance's did. Like mine will, someday. Targe is gone, Zavala is mortal — but their sacrifice can't be for nothing. We have to go to the memory of the place where the Witness made itself so we can learn how to unmake it. It's here, in the Pale Heart. I have faith in us. The Traveler has faith in us. And now, thanks to Targe, we have a chance.

''At the cost of his Light and his Ghost, Zavala has made contact with dissenting voices within the Witness-and has discovered that they hold the key to defeating it.''

''You won't allow Targe's sacrifice to amount to nothing. Neither will your Ghost, but the time for mourning will come later.''

''Journey with the Vanguard to the memory of the place where the Witness was created and reconnect with the Dissenters.''

===Step 27===
''Targe's sacrifice and Zavala's vision have illuminated our way forward.''
*Confront the Witness in the place where it was made.
**"Iconoclasm" mission completed

;Note
See [[Iconoclasm#Transcript|Iconoclasm]] for a transcript of the mission.

===Step 28===
*Confer with Ghost in the Lost City.
**Ghost consulted
----
*'''Ghost''': We know how to defeat the Witness. I — I didn't think I'd ever be able to say those words! We can use your affinity with Darkness to navigate it, and seek out the Witness where it's most vulnerable. And we'll channel the Traveler's Light to destroy it from within. But first, we have to loosen the Witness' hold on the Traveler. We aren't strong enough without its full power behind us. Our allies are here now. They'll help us ready ourselves to strike against the Witness and sever its connection to the Traveler. This is it, Guardian. I know I'm in rough shape, but… I'm not afraid. This is what I was made for. Whatever it takes. 

''Even though your last confrontation with the Witness ended in retreat, you were still able to land a devastating blow-proof that your newfound powers are strong enough to defeat it.''

''The Witness was not the only one wounded by the encounter. Ghosts condition has rapidly deteriorated, and it's clear to you that he's only holding himself together so the two of you can finish this.''

''And you'll need the Traveler's full power behind you to do so.''

''Work with allied reinforcements to weaken and sever the Witness's hold on the Traveler. Only then will you be able to use your mastery over both Light and Darkness to unmake humanity's most ancient enemy.''

===Step 29===
*Complete the "Destined Heroes" quest.
**Allies rallied

;Note
See [[Destined Heroes#Transcript|Destined Heroes]] for a transcript.

===Step 30===
*Complete The Hunt Quest
**"Wild Card" mission completed

;Note
See [[Wild Card#Transcript|Wild Card]] for a transcript of the mission.

===Step 31===
*The final shape looms. There isn't much time to prepare. You won't be able to defeat the Witness alone. Recover powerful artifacts across the Pale Heart, rally your allies, and fortify the Traveler's Light. Only through your combined strength will you prevail.
**Prepared for the final shape
**Global preparation efforts: x
**Personal contributions: x
**Lost Ghosts healed: x
**Prismatic unlocked: x/36

===Step 32===
''We've gathered our allies, strengthened our connection to Light and Darkness, at prepared every resource at our disposal.''

''We're as ready as we'll ever be.''

''We must end the Witness, before it ends everything.''
*Confront and unmake the Witness.
**Witness unmade

;Note
See [[Excision#Transcript|Excision]] for a transcript of the mission.
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;Note
The following dialogue is accessible by speaking with Ikora in the Tower after completing Excision:

*'''Ikora Rey''': It feels strange to come back to the Tower. I look over at the ramen counter and half expect to see Cayde. I almost got used to having him back. It's been years since I've felt that pain. But now it's… softer. Nostalgic. We saw so much in the Pale Heart. Things that challenged the way we perceive our enemies, and ourselves. I want to say that things will be different now… but it seems the only constant in our world is conflict. As deeply as I want to embrace this moment of peace, we must be ready for whatever comes our way.The next threat to the Vanguard could take any form, and strike at any time… Listen to me, I sound like Zavala. Time spent with old friends will do that to you. We've faced the worse together, Guardian. When the Vanguard needs you, we know you'll be there. Until then. 

===Step 33===
*Return with Ghost to the Lost City in the Pale Heart.
**Ghost visited

===Step 34===
''Ghost remains quiet throughout the celebrations. Check in and see what he's thinking about.''
*Confer with Ghost in the Lost City.
**Ghost consulted
----
*'''Ghost''': We're all connected. Your Light, mine… Cayde's. He sacrificed his Light so mine could shine again. I can feel him still. Sundance too, I think. Targe. All the Ghosts and Guardians who are a part of the Traveler. The Witness wanted to provide purpose to the universe, but purpose is ours to choose. Our fates are ours to make. Cayde decided his was to reunite us. Now we get to ask the questions the Witness wouldn't allow anyone to. What do you want our future to be?

''The Witness is gone.''

''But so is Cayde-6, who sacrificed his Light to restore your Ghost's. He bet it all on you. Still, Ghost can feel Cayde's presence. It's as though he and every other Ghost and every other Guardian that came before you are connected by the Traveler's Light. The Witness sought to give meaning to the universe, but Cayde has shown you that meaning-like fate-is yours to choose. His last act was to ensure that you and your Ghost will have a future together in a way that he and Sundance could not. What will you do with it?''

;Note
The following dialogue is accessible by interacting with radio next to Ghost in the Lost City, after completing the Final Shape:

*'''Cayde-6''': Guardian? If you're hearing this… ah, look, I hate goodbyes. I never was good at 'em, so… this ain't that. This is me saying thanks. To you, and Ikora, and Zavala… and Crow. Yeah, I'll deal him in here. Kid deserves a seat at the table. But, uh… thank you. For being the best friends a fella could hope for. The best fireteam I didn't want, and… the best bet I ever lost. I know folks'll miss me; I'm sorry. Never wanted to open up more hurt, but I don't think I can just head on back to the Tower. I'm being held together by Light and wishes, and it feels like I'm here for a good time, but not a long time, get me? So while it lasts… I need this life to have a reason. I need it to mean something. And if you're hearing this… it did. I wanna make everybody proud. Nah, even better — I wanna make ME proud. [sighs] I hope I got it right this time. See you around, Guardian.

==Appearance==
*''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Final Shape]]'' {{1st}}

[[Category:Quests]]