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Skolas looks at the shrapnel gun in his hands. Skolas imagines what he would do with it if he could reach Variks, or the brother of the Queen, or the alien Queen. Will it save anything they've lost? The worlds docked from them? No. It cannot change the past. Only the future. Only the chance that his people might one day know themselves as more than pirates and scavengers.
Skolas looks at the shrapnel gun in his hands. Skolas imagines what he would do with it if he could reach Variks, or the brother of the Queen, or the alien Queen. Will it save anything they've lost? The worlds docked from them? No. It cannot change the past. Only the future. Only the chance that his people might one day know themselves as more than pirates and scavengers.


He should never have tried to be Kell of Wolves. He should have tried to be Kell of everything. Everything wants to kill his people, the machines and the militants and the green-eyed Hive. The dead soldiers that hoard the Great Machine and come out crusading to wipe all hope away.
He should never have tried to be Kell of Wolves. He should have tried to be Kell of everything. Everything wants to kill his people, the [[Vex|machines]] and the [[Cabal|militants]] and the green-eyed [[Hive]]. The [[Guardian|dead soldiers]] that hoard the Great Machine and come out crusading to wipe all hope away.


"The ship will be yours," the creature says. It hunches over itself as if burdened by its own shape. "If you speak, you will be heard. I will go now. You are free."
"The ship will be yours," the creature says. It hunches over itself as if burdened by its own shape. "If you speak, you will be heard. I will go now. You are free."
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He reeled back and bam!
He reeled back and bam!


His helm found purchase, breaking through just above the Kell’s eyes. The Ether screamed from his head and together they fell to the ground.
His helm found purchase, breaking through just above the Kell's eyes. The Ether screamed from his head and together they fell to the ground.


The Exo Guardian rose, staggering back. He couldn’t take his eyes off the Kell’s body. He’d never seen any Fallen withstand a skull puncture, but this was no ordinary Fallen. He waited...and waited.
The Exo Guardian rose, staggering back. He couldn't take his eyes off the Kell's body. He'd never seen any Fallen withstand a skull puncture, but this was no ordinary Fallen. He waited...and waited.


“Ghost?” The words barely audible. He heard her flash in, but had a hard time pinning her down. She was buzzing about, surveying the Fallen Kell.
"Ghost?" The words barely audible. He heard her flash in, but had a hard time pinning her down. She was buzzing about, surveying the Fallen Kell.


“He’s dead alright. So that’s it, we are done now?”
"He's dead alright. So that's it, we are done now?"


He removed his helm, tossed it aside, and dropped to his knees.
He removed his helm, tossed it aside, and dropped to his knees.
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The Devils without a Kell. This war was over, at last. They could finally go home.
The Devils without a Kell. This war was over, at last. They could finally go home.


“We are. Get me the [[Speaker]].”
"We are. Get me the [[Speaker]]."


“Opening his channel. Stand by.”
"Opening his channel. Stand by."


“Is that you, my son?” The Speaker’s voice was filled more with anticipation of news than concern.
"Is that you, my son?" The Speaker's voice was filled more with anticipation of news than concern.


“It is, father. The [[House of Devils|Devil]] Kell [[Solkis, Devil Kell|Solkis]]... is dead. This war is over.”
"It is, father. The [[House of Devils|Devil]] Kell [[Solkis, Devil Kell|Solkis]]... is dead. This war is over."


“Such courage and power—the greatest ever to brace these worlds. You bring all of us peace, we will light the final flare, Devil Red. They will all know what you've done.”
"Such courage and power—the greatest ever to brace these worlds. You bring all of us peace, we will light the final flare, Devil Red. They will all know what you've done."


“Father, I don’t think I have the energy to return. I’ll rest here, and come back to be honored when I return.”
"Father, I don't think I have the energy to return. I'll rest here, and come back to be honored when I return."


“Of course, son, but—”
"Of course, son, but—"


“There is something concerning you? More Fallen march on the City?”
"There is something concerning you? More Fallen march on the City?"


“No, not this time. I have word that [[Osiris]] was seen on [[Mercury]]. The [[Caloris Basin]]. He’s turned his mind back to the [[Vex]].”
"No, not this time. I have word that [[Osiris]] was seen on [[Mercury]]. The [[Caloris Basin]]. He's turned his mind back to the [[Vex]]."


“Mercury? Too many channels to know. You activate one, you start to feed its veins. He threatens our peace.”
"Mercury? Too many channels to know. You activate one, you start to feed its veins. He threatens our peace."


“Your duty, my son. You must never forget.”
"Your duty, my son. You must never forget."


“I cannot.”
"I cannot."


The Ghost killed the feed and waited for its Guardian’s words.<br>
The Ghost killed the feed and waited for its Guardian's words.<br>
“Ghost, prepare my Vex arsenal and plot a course for Mercury. That old man is about to wake up hell.”
"Ghost, prepare my Vex arsenal and plot a course for Mercury. That old man is about to wake up hell."
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


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The giant was looked to as one would a God. Maybe it still is.
The giant was looked to as one would a God. Maybe it still is.


Factions grew from the huddled masses. Like minds coming together to provide support, comfort. Over time these loyalties demanded loyalty. Differences that used to inform — viewpoints that when joined granted a larger understanding of the whole — became points of conflict. The sanctuary became divided. The shadow of Light grew darker. This, humanity’s last oasis, slowly fading to a mirage.
Factions grew from the huddled masses. Like minds coming together to provide support, comfort. Over time these loyalties demanded loyalty. Differences that used to inform — viewpoints that when joined granted a larger understanding of the whole — became points of conflict. The sanctuary became divided. The shadow of Light grew darker. This, humanity's last oasis, slowly fading to a mirage.


Great, powerful men and women, The Risen, stood at the Factions’ sides. Protection. Enforcers. Misused possibility.
Great, powerful men and women, The Risen, stood at the Factions' sides. Protection. Enforcers. Misused possibility.


Misery crept into this false paradise. Yet hope lingered.
Misery crept into this false paradise. Yet hope lingered.


Seeing the cracks in this society born beneath the giant’s fractured shell, some among The Risen challenged the dissolution of all that could be. They would no longer serve as instruments of oppression. They would be more.
Seeing the cracks in this society born beneath the giant's fractured shell, some among The Risen challenged the dissolution of all that could be. They would no longer serve as instruments of oppression. They would be more.


Thus began an unnecessary war made necessary by greed, ambition... fear. And, in the chaos of this struggle, came the scavengers — aliens with appetites. A common enemy.
Thus began an unnecessary war made necessary by greed, ambition... fear. And, in the chaos of this struggle, came the scavengers — aliens with appetites. A common enemy.
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In the end, the scavengers were repelled and the Factions fell, their grip broken, though their beliefs remained. This was the earliest days of the Guardians, when might found purpose. Prosperity was in reach.
In the end, the scavengers were repelled and the Factions fell, their grip broken, though their beliefs remained. This was the earliest days of the Guardians, when might found purpose. Prosperity was in reach.


Rezyl had been a champion of these wars. A leader. Against the alien pirates he had been more. If the giant wasn’t a God, then maybe Rezyl was.
Rezyl had been a champion of these wars. A leader. Against the alien pirates he had been more. If the giant wasn't a God, then maybe Rezyl was.


As the first walls formed — built of hard work and sacrifice — Rezyl and the Guardians stood against the alien plunderers time and again. More survivors arrived. More warriors.
As the first walls formed — built of hard work and sacrifice — Rezyl and the Guardians stood against the alien plunderers time and again. More survivors arrived. More warriors.
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Hope blossomed. To Rezyl it was a currency. Hope bought tomorrow. Tomorrow bought the effort needed to survive today.
Hope blossomed. To Rezyl it was a currency. Hope bought tomorrow. Tomorrow bought the effort needed to survive today.


Yet Rezyl grew weary. Stories haunted his nights. Old stories. Those no longer told. Those locked behind tight lips for fear of what they may invoke. Whenever the sun dropped below the horizon and the moon rose high, Rezyl’s thoughts wandered. How safe was safe? How long could they fight with the Darkness still writhing?
Yet Rezyl grew weary. Stories haunted his nights. Old stories. Those no longer told. Those locked behind tight lips for fear of what they may invoke. Whenever the sun dropped below the horizon and the moon rose high, Rezyl's thoughts wandered. How safe was safe? How long could they fight with the Darkness still writhing?


So, every day Rezyl would fight and build and protect. And every day a city grew beneath the giant. And every night he would think about all that was never said and stare intently at the moon above.
So, every day Rezyl would fight and build and protect. And every day a city grew beneath the giant. And every night he would think about all that was never said and stare intently at the moon above.
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''War Without End''
''War Without End''


— [[Eksori]]’s Ambush —
— [[Eksori]]'s Ambush —


His foot pressed hard to the sun-cracked ground. Beneath it the Vandal’s neck gave; a hiss of ether burst free before dissipating.
His foot pressed hard to the sun-cracked ground. Beneath it the Vandal's neck gave; a hiss of ether burst free before dissipating.


Rezyl turned. Three Dregs charged. Their Captain raised his shock blade high, unleashing a battle cry to fuel their courage.
Rezyl turned. Three Dregs charged. Their Captain raised his shock blade high, unleashing a battle cry to fuel their courage.


Focused fire spit from the muzzle of Rezyl’s full-auto. The Dregs fell.
Focused fire spit from the muzzle of Rezyl's full-auto. The Dregs fell.


To the Captain, Rezyl was a trophy that would buy unmatched respect among his Devil brothers.
To the Captain, Rezyl was a trophy that would buy unmatched respect among his Devil brothers.


To Rezyl, the Captain was already an afterthought. As ether leaked from the pirate’s broken body with each blow of Rezyl’s heavy fists, Rezyl’s attention had shifted to the unknown, but inevitable, battles to follow.
To Rezyl, the Captain was already an afterthought. As ether leaked from the pirate's broken body with each blow of Rezyl's heavy fists, Rezyl's attention had shifted to the unknown, but inevitable, battles to follow.


This was the state of things; conflict as common as breath.
This was the state of things; conflict as common as breath.
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— The [[Tescan Valley]] Encounter —
— The [[Tescan Valley]] Encounter —


A [[Ketch]] with unfamiliar markings hung low between two peaks. A rare sight. Fallen flagships weren’t known to linger so close to the surface, preferring constant motion, like sharks on the hunt.
A [[Ketch]] with unfamiliar markings hung low between two peaks. A rare sight. Fallen flagships weren't known to linger so close to the surface, preferring constant motion, like sharks on the hunt.


Skiffs circled below the Ketch as their crews prepared to plunder any treasures the facility held.
Skiffs circled below the Ketch as their crews prepared to plunder any treasures the facility held.
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The third rocket caught a trailing Skiff as the craft turned to engage its attackers.
The third rocket caught a trailing Skiff as the craft turned to engage its attackers.


Rezyl looked back. “Go.”
Rezyl looked back. "Go."


“You can’t take a Ketch alone,” [[Hassa]] laughed.
"You can't take a Ketch alone," [[Hassa]] laughed.


“The ship isn’t my target,” Rezyl had a plan. Hassa hated Rezyl’s plans with equal parts envy and concern.
"The ship isn't my target," Rezyl had a plan. Hassa hated Rezyl's plans with equal parts envy and concern.


“Lead the Skiffs away,” he continued. “We’ll meet— ”
"Lead the Skiffs away," he continued. "We'll meet— "


“Can’t meet if you’re dead,” [[Tover]] shot back.
"Can't meet if you're dead," [[Tover]] shot back.


Rezyl smiled beneath his helm, “Go.”
Rezyl smiled beneath his helm, "Go."


Hassa and Tover throttled their Sparrows and disappeared into the heavy woods. Rezyl watched from cover as the Skiffs gave chase.
Hassa and Tover throttled their Sparrows and disappeared into the heavy woods. Rezyl watched from cover as the Skiffs gave chase.
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The Fallen below had taken defensive positions. The rocket attack caught them off guard but they were ready now, and there were more of them than he had time to count.
The Fallen below had taken defensive positions. The rocket attack caught them off guard but they were ready now, and there were more of them than he had time to count.


Rezyl raced down the slope, weaving between the thick growth of brush and pine, on a direct path for the Fallen clustered at the mountain’s base, his Ghost at his side.
Rezyl raced down the slope, weaving between the thick growth of brush and pine, on a direct path for the Fallen clustered at the mountain's base, his Ghost at his side.


“I need you to hang back.”
"I need you to hang back."


“Uhhh...”
"Uhhh..."


“Trust me.”
"Trust me."


“Always have.”
"Always have."


“How quick can you light my spark?”
"How quick can you light my spark?"


“You expect to die? Can’t say that’s the best— ”
"You expect to die? Can't say that's the best— "


“How quick?”
"How quick?"


“Quick.”
"Quick."


“Be ready.”
"Be ready."


“For?”
"For?"


“You’ll know.”
"You'll know."


Rezyl’s Ghost slowed as the Guardian hit the valley floor.
Rezyl's Ghost slowed as the Guardian hit the valley floor.


The Fallen opened fire.
The Fallen opened fire.
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Rezyl leapt from his Sparrow as it transmatted away, his rifle spraying lead at the entrenched pirates.
Rezyl leapt from his Sparrow as it transmatted away, his rifle spraying lead at the entrenched pirates.


The Fallen’s Arc bolts peppered Rezyl. Eager Dregs rushed and were met with death as Rezyl marched forward.
The Fallen's Arc bolts peppered Rezyl. Eager Dregs rushed and were met with death as Rezyl marched forward.


A massive blast cratered the ground a few feet from the Titan. The Ketch had turned its guns on Rezyl.
A massive blast cratered the ground a few feet from the Titan. The Ketch had turned its guns on Rezyl.


Another blast impacted to Rezyl’s left and he stumbled. A third exploded directly in his path...
Another blast impacted to Rezyl's left and he stumbled. A third exploded directly in his path...


...and Rezyl fell.
...and Rezyl fell.
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From the treeline, his Ghost watched as the Fallen celebrated and a Skiff drifted down from the Ketch above.
From the treeline, his Ghost watched as the Fallen celebrated and a Skiff drifted down from the Ketch above.


The circle around Rezyl’s body parted and the imposing figure of their Kell stepped forward to admire his prize.
The circle around Rezyl's body parted and the imposing figure of their Kell stepped forward to admire his prize.


The chittering excitement quieted to a steady drone as the Kell lifted Rezyl’s limp body by the neck.
The chittering excitement quieted to a steady drone as the Kell lifted Rezyl's limp body by the neck.


A chorus rose among the crew, growing louder as the Kell hefted Rezyl over his head for all to see.
A chorus rose among the crew, growing louder as the Kell hefted Rezyl over his head for all to see.


Rezyl’s Ghost darted low through the crowd. He didn’t like Rezyl’s plan, but now he understood it.
Rezyl's Ghost darted low through the crowd. He didn't like Rezyl's plan, but now he understood it.


Distracted by their Kell’s triumph, the Ghost’s presence went unnoticed until a beam of light swept over Rezyl’s body.
Distracted by their Kell's triumph, the Ghost's presence went unnoticed until a beam of light swept over Rezyl's body.


The mood shifted instantly, cheers turning to ravenous shouts.
The mood shifted instantly, cheers turning to ravenous shouts.


The Kell’s gaze fell to the Ghost as the beam faded.
The Kell's gaze fell to the Ghost as the beam faded.


The circle began to collapse — the Fallen set to pounce.
The circle began to collapse — the Fallen set to pounce.


As the Kell moved to toss Rezyl aside, cold steel met the underside of the alien marauder’s jaw, followed by a red flash as Rezyl pulled his cannon’s trigger.
As the Kell moved to toss Rezyl aside, cold steel met the underside of the alien marauder's jaw, followed by a red flash as Rezyl pulled his cannon's trigger.


Ether spewed in an angry geyser and the Kell’s grip loosened. Rezyl hit the ground and unloaded five more rounds into the Fallen leader’s torso. The monster dropped.
Ether spewed in an angry geyser and the Kell's grip loosened. Rezyl hit the ground and unloaded five more rounds into the Fallen leader's torso. The monster dropped.


Frenzied, the Kell’s crew closed in like a flood.
Frenzied, the Kell's crew closed in like a flood.


Rezyl’s Ghost lifted above the fray, frantic, “Now! Now! Now!”
Rezyl's Ghost lifted above the fray, frantic, "Now! Now! Now!"


In one motion, Rezyl rose from a crouch, his fists clenched and raised high as a storm of Arc Light built within him, his full might raining down on the Kell’s chest. The shockwave of Rezyl’s attack hit like a meteor, shattering
In one motion, Rezyl rose from a crouch, his fists clenched and raised high as a storm of Arc Light built within him, his full might raining down on the Kell's chest. The shockwave of Rezyl's attack hit like a meteor, shattering
the Kell’s body and any Fallen within the Havoc storm’s radius.
the Kell's body and any Fallen within the Havoc storm's radius.


The remaining Fallen staggered, knocked back and dazed.
The remaining Fallen staggered, knocked back and dazed.
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Rezyl triggered his Sparrow.
Rezyl triggered his Sparrow.


His Ghost flew to his side, “We leaving?”
His Ghost flew to his side, "We leaving?"


“Before that Ketch opens up on us.”
"Before that Ketch opens up on us."


Rezyl punched the throttle as the Fallen crew opened fire.
Rezyl punched the throttle as the Fallen crew opened fire.


“Let’s never do that again,” his Ghost pleaded.
"Let's never do that again," his Ghost pleaded.


Rezyl didn’t have to reply. If war was a constant, “never” was just an illusion.
Rezyl didn't have to reply. If war was a constant, "never" was just an illusion.


— In Defense of [[North Channel]] —
— In Defense of [[North Channel]] —
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The mighty Titan took steps forward.
The mighty Titan took steps forward.


“Uhhhh... I’m not sure this is a good idea,” his Ghost’s concern was impossible to mistake.
"Uhhhh... I'm not sure this is a good idea," his Ghost's concern was impossible to mistake.


“Not sure that matters.”
"Not sure that matters."


“We’ve come. We’ve seen. Maybe the best course here is to warn others. Gather an army.”
"We've come. We've seen. Maybe the best course here is to warn others. Gather an army."


“Maybe.”
"Maybe."


“I’m just saying... It’s possible you can’t handle whatever it is we’ve upset here.”
"I'm just saying... It's possible you can't handle whatever it is we've upset here."


“We’ve woken nightmares.” Rezyl’s attention was singular; focused intently on the dark beyond the threshold.
"We've woken nightmares." Rezyl's attention was singular; focused intently on the dark beyond the threshold.


“The [[Hive]] were supposed to be gone.” The Ghost mulled the full consequence of this mistaken belief. “They’ve been silent for—”
"The [[Hive]] were supposed to be gone." The Ghost mulled the full consequence of this mistaken belief. "They've been silent for—"


“They’re not silent anymore.”
"They're not silent anymore."


“That scream? These doors? They’re best left alone.”
"That scream? These doors? They're best left alone."


“I can’t do that.”
"I can't do that."


Rezyl continued forward. Toward the dark. Toward the unknown.
Rezyl continued forward. Toward the dark. Toward the unknown.


“Stay here.”
"Stay here."


“Excuse me?”
"Excuse me?"


“Get distance. We don’t know what this is... what’s coming. Can’t risk you too close to an unknown.”
"Get distance. We don't know what this is... what's coming. Can't risk you too close to an unknown."


“And if you fall where I can’t find you?”
"And if you fall where I can't find you?"


“If I fall... If I don’t return. Run. Tell the others. Warn them all... There are worse things than pirates.”
"If I fall... If I don't return. Run. Tell the others. Warn them all... There are worse things than pirates."


Rezyl steadied his rifle and stepped into the dark, as his Ghost lingered.
Rezyl steadied his rifle and stepped into the dark, as his Ghost lingered.
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Down in the abyss there was no hope.
Down in the abyss there was no hope.


Rezyl’s footfalls echoed; lonely, measured steps with no guarantee of purchase. At any moment the world could fall away and he would be lost – the forgotten hero who foolishly sought nightmares.
Rezyl's footfalls echoed; lonely, measured steps with no guarantee of purchase. At any moment the world could fall away and he would be lost – the forgotten hero who foolishly sought nightmares.


Then, a presence. Sweeping and dream-like.
Then, a presence. Sweeping and dream-like.
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Rezyl opened fire. Short, focused bursts to light the ebony corridor.
Rezyl opened fire. Short, focused bursts to light the ebony corridor.


The demon witch circled just beyond the reach of each burst’s glow.
The demon witch circled just beyond the reach of each burst's glow.


Rezyl kept firing, using the short flickers of light to gain bearing.  
Rezyl kept firing, using the short flickers of light to gain bearing.  
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The Titan kept firing but his movements were restricted. The cloud confined him, caged him.
The Titan kept firing but his movements were restricted. The cloud confined him, caged him.


He could hear her moving just beyond his sight as her laughter rose in pitch, cutting into Rezyl’s mind and soul like a tempered blade.
He could hear her moving just beyond his sight as her laughter rose in pitch, cutting into Rezyl's mind and soul like a tempered blade.


Rezyl flinched as the wicked woman began to speak in a tongue that resembled torture more than language.
Rezyl flinched as the wicked woman began to speak in a tongue that resembled torture more than language.
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The demon woman leaned in close... and whispered, intimately.  
The demon woman leaned in close... and whispered, intimately.  


Rezyl’s ears bled as she spoke.
Rezyl's ears bled as she spoke.


"I am the end of 'morrows. [[Xyor, the Unwed|Xyor, the Blessed]]. Xyor, the Betrothed. I am of the coming storm. These are not my words, but prophesy. Your Light will one day shatter and die. For now it simply offends... And you, dear, sweet, fragile thing, shall be made to suffer for your transgressions upon this holy ground."
"I am the end of 'morrows. [[Xyor, the Unwed|Xyor, the Blessed]]. Xyor, the Betrothed. I am of the coming storm. These are not my words, but prophesy. Your Light will one day shatter and die. For now it simply offends... And you, dear, sweet, fragile thing, shall be made to suffer for your transgressions upon this holy ground."
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''He always survives.''
''He always survives.''


Helmet in one hand and torch in the other, [[Saladin Forge]] marches through the snow. He can sense the wolves emerge around him; only three of them come into view, but this group has followed him on his patrols since the Devils raided the [[Plaguelands]]. He has given up dissuading them. They’re defending their territory, and Saladin can relate to that. But they will not last long.
Helmet in one hand and torch in the other, [[Saladin Forge]] marches through the snow. He can sense the wolves emerge around him; only three of them come into view, but this group has followed him on his patrols since the Devils raided the [[Plaguelands]]. He has given up dissuading them. They're defending their territory, and Saladin can relate to that. But they will not last long.


Nothing does. Not the [[Golden Age]]. Not the colony ships. Not the impenetrable walls of the [[Cosmodrome]].
Nothing does. Not the [[Golden Age]]. Not the colony ships. Not the impenetrable walls of the [[Cosmodrome]].
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He puts his helmet on as an Iron battle axe forms in his hand, the air around him bursting into flame. The first wave of dregs approaches. Saladin breaks into a charge, swinging the axe to bear as he smashes into a storm of steel and weapons fire.
He puts his helmet on as an Iron battle axe forms in his hand, the air around him bursting into flame. The first wave of dregs approaches. Saladin breaks into a charge, swinging the axe to bear as he smashes into a storm of steel and weapons fire.


As his axe bites, again and again, [[Skorri]]’s Iron Song haunts him. He calls upon [[Radegast]]’s strength. [[Perun]]’s sense of purpose. [[Timur]]’s questions. [[Felwinter]]’s cynicism. [[Silimar]]’s persistence. [[Gheleon]]’s reasoning.  
As his axe bites, again and again, [[Skorri]]'s Iron Song haunts him. He calls upon [[Radegast]]'s strength. [[Perun]]'s sense of purpose. [[Timur]]'s questions. [[Felwinter]]'s cynicism. [[Silimar]]'s persistence. [[Gheleon]]'s reasoning.  


[[Jolder]]’s smile.  
[[Jolder]]'s smile.  


He pounds the last Splicer priest like a burning hammer, blasting a crater into the snow and gravel. Frozen dirt rains down on the spent shells and the mounds of Splicer corpses that surround him. The Warlocks of the City have described meditation to him. He imagines it feels like this.
He pounds the last Splicer priest like a burning hammer, blasting a crater into the snow and gravel. Frozen dirt rains down on the spent shells and the mounds of Splicer corpses that surround him. The Warlocks of the City have described meditation to him. He imagines it feels like this.
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''He always survives. When nothing else does.''
''He always survives. When nothing else does.''


“Lord Saladin? What’s your status?” calls [[Shiro-4]] through his audio feed.
"Lord Saladin? What's your status?" calls [[Shiro-4]] through his audio feed.


“Just— Taking a walk,” he says, staring at the fifteen-foot divide he broke in the earth. He had to meet SIVA again. One last time.
"Just— Taking a walk," he says, staring at the fifteen-foot divide he broke in the earth. He had to meet SIVA again. One last time.


“I’ve analyzed the Clovis Bray data.”
"I've analyzed the Clovis Bray data."


''Timur always said that Clovis Bray was the key.''
''Timur always said that Clovis Bray was the key.''


“Can you break the Splicers’ hold over SIVA?”
"Can you break the Splicers' hold over SIVA?"


''How different would things be, had Saladin listened?''
''How different would things be, had Saladin listened?''


“Theoretically. Temporarily.”
"Theoretically. Temporarily."


''Would his friends still live? Would he?''
''Would his friends still live? Would he?''


“It might be enough. Perhaps our Guardian has turned the tide. I’ll be there shortly.”
"It might be enough. Perhaps our Guardian has turned the tide. I'll be there shortly."


He sees the wolves have formed up around him. Eight of them.
He sees the wolves have formed up around him. Eight of them.
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Like the others before.
Like the others before.


The pile of vanquished nightmares—half bone, half dust—grew at Rezyl’s feet.
The pile of vanquished nightmares—half bone, half dust—grew at Rezyl's feet.


There was a calm to him. An ease.
There was a calm to him. An ease.
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They were heavier than their frail frames would suggest.
They were heavier than their frail frames would suggest.


He gave a shrug and shake, turned and hammered the stock hard into the side of one creature’s temple. Its skull splintered and the stock lodged deep in the wet, chalky mass beneath the bone. He made a fleeting effort to break the rifle free, but had to let it fall away as the rush of demons increased.  
He gave a shrug and shake, turned and hammered the stock hard into the side of one creature's temple. Its skull splintered and the stock lodged deep in the wet, chalky mass beneath the bone. He made a fleeting effort to break the rifle free, but had to let it fall away as the rush of demons increased.  


Rezyl kicked the other monster to the floor, stepping on its neck while shifting to backhand a throng of attackers eager to make their killing lunge.
Rezyl kicked the other monster to the floor, stepping on its neck while shifting to backhand a throng of attackers eager to make their killing lunge.
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Waiting?
Waiting?


Rezyl’s cannon was loaded and ready to fire as if an afterthought.
Rezyl's cannon was loaded and ready to fire as if an afterthought.


He let loose another barrage and six more demons slumped, lifeless upon the pile.
He let loose another barrage and six more demons slumped, lifeless upon the pile.
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Thoom.
Thoom.


Rezyl squinted against the dark as he slid new lead into his cannon’s cylinder.  
Rezyl squinted against the dark as he slid new lead into his cannon's cylinder.  


A shape took form, approaching from the deep.  
A shape took form, approaching from the deep.  
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The thought intrigued Rezyl.
The thought intrigued Rezyl.


The fight he had come all this way to find, the enemy he had hoped was nothing but a legend’s lie, seemed eager to greet him.
The fight he had come all this way to find, the enemy he had hoped was nothing but a legend's lie, seemed eager to greet him.


He smiled beneath his helm, then spun his Rose with a confident Hunter’s twirl, before steadying his aim and fanning its hammer one more.
He smiled beneath his helm, then spun his Rose with a confident Hunter's twirl, before steadying his aim and fanning its hammer one more.


The angry bloom lit the dark.
The angry bloom lit the dark.
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Six shots, center mass.
Six shots, center mass.


Rezyl’s lead pinged off a sudden, shimmering wall of black.  
Rezyl's lead pinged off a sudden, shimmering wall of black.  


The knight had conjured a protective barrier as if from nothing.
The knight had conjured a protective barrier as if from nothing.


Unable to comprehend the creature’s arcane methods – dark magic or unimagined tech, or even a joining of the two, Rezyl didn’t care. He reloaded and prepared to face the unknown.
Unable to comprehend the creature's arcane methods – dark magic or unimagined tech, or even a joining of the two, Rezyl didn't care. He reloaded and prepared to face the unknown.


As the ethereal shield faded the beast raised its blade and let loose an aggressive, inhuman roar: Hell’s own battle cry.
As the ethereal shield faded the beast raised its blade and let loose an aggressive, inhuman roar: Hell's own battle cry.


Rezyl accepted the challenge.
Rezyl accepted the challenge.
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His Rose gripped tightly in his vice grip, the Titan charged forward.  
His Rose gripped tightly in his vice grip, the Titan charged forward.  


He would meet the shadow’s rage head-on.
He would meet the shadow's rage head-on.


—-  
—-  
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Of the sea of mindless, chittering death.
Of the sea of mindless, chittering death.


Of the hulking knight and Rezyl’s epic battle.
Of the hulking knight and Rezyl's epic battle.


The Ghost was enthralled and deeply concerned. If the monsters below the moon were active and aware, the City must be warned. Rezyl agreed.
The Ghost was enthralled and deeply concerned. If the monsters below the moon were active and aware, the City must be warned. Rezyl agreed.


As they watched another Earth-rise from the lonely quiet of the lunar surface and planned their long journey home, Rezyl pulled fragmented bone from the pouch that hung on his left hip: a reminder of the evil that lurked beyond the light, and the last remnants of the wicked woman’s betrothed.
As they watched another Earth-rise from the lonely quiet of the lunar surface and planned their long journey home, Rezyl pulled fragmented bone from the pouch that hung on his left hip: a reminder of the evil that lurked beyond the light, and the last remnants of the wicked woman's betrothed.


And while he recounted once more the events of his time in the shadows he took his Rose from its holster and began grafting the bone to its steel frame — just another trophy, from another battle won.
And while he recounted once more the events of his time in the shadows he took his Rose from its holster and began grafting the bone to its steel frame — just another trophy, from another battle won.
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''From the Journal of [[Teben Grey]]''
''From the Journal of [[Teben Grey]]''


They tried to hide the truth, but we’ve followed its winding path— pieced together the fragmented map of events across time and space.
They tried to hide the truth, but we've followed its winding path— pieced together the fragmented map of events across time and space.


Quite literally, mind you.
Quite literally, mind you.


From Traveler’s shadow to the dark corridors beneath the moon and the long, harrowing journey back again.
From Traveler's shadow to the dark corridors beneath the moon and the long, harrowing journey back again.


From the sickness inflicted upon the Crucible to the breaking of Light on the red sands.
From the sickness inflicted upon the Crucible to the breaking of Light on the red sands.
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Finally, then, to [[Dwindler's Ridge]], where Darkness met pure, angry fire.
Finally, then, to [[Dwindler's Ridge]], where Darkness met pure, angry fire.


We’ve traced Yor’s steps from beginning to end and back again.
We've traced Yor's steps from beginning to end and back again.


We’ve studied his reign — the terror he seeded, the violence he wrought as if free of conscience.  
We've studied his reign — the terror he seeded, the violence he wrought as if free of conscience.  


Only to discover a true and terrible thing: he was not simply the monster the legends claim him to be.  
Only to discover a true and terrible thing: he was not simply the monster the legends claim him to be.  


Though, in finding this truth, we’ve come to understand the desire to build an armor of false narrative around all he’d done — all he’d become.
Though, in finding this truth, we've come to understand the desire to build an armor of false narrative around all he'd done — all he'd become.


Yet, that understanding—our understanding of the need to control Yor’s mythology—should not be seen as agreement on the matter. Quite the opposite, actually.
Yet, that understanding—our understanding of the need to control Yor's mythology—should not be seen as agreement on the matter. Quite the opposite, actually.


When viewed as he truly was, not as he is imagined, we challenge the known mythologized depiction of the man who was Dredgen Yor.  
When viewed as he truly was, not as he is imagined, we challenge the known mythologized depiction of the man who was Dredgen Yor.  
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They hide this truth because they fear the consequences of those who would dare follow in his footsteps.
They hide this truth because they fear the consequences of those who would dare follow in his footsteps.


To tempt the Darkness. To allow one’s Light to be tainted.
To tempt the Darkness. To allow one's Light to be tainted.


Few could walk that ledge and not fall completely into despair.
Few could walk that ledge and not fall completely into despair.


And while theories exist to support or contradict the purity of the gift we wield, Yor’s life offers a glimpse into unexplored possibility.
And while theories exist to support or contradict the purity of the gift we wield, Yor's life offers a glimpse into unexplored possibility.


Orsa agrees.
Orsa agrees.


He also believes, as I do, that there is a manner in which we may be able to replicate Yor’s damnation while avoiding the same heavy toll.
He also believes, as I do, that there is a manner in which we may be able to replicate Yor's damnation while avoiding the same heavy toll.


We will surely be judged for what it is we are about to achieve. And there will surely come a time when the lone gunman will want words — or worse.  
We will surely be judged for what it is we are about to achieve. And there will surely come a time when the lone gunman will want words — or worse.  
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==Ghost Fragment: Lord Shaxx==
==Ghost Fragment: Lord Shaxx==
[[File:Grimoire Ghost Fragment Lord Shaxx.jpg|right|150px]]
[[File:Grimoire Ghost Fragment Lord Shaxx.jpg|right|150px]]
“I beat you fair,” [[Cayde-6|Cayde]] said. “Don’t ever—“
"I beat you fair," [[Cayde-6|Cayde]] said. "Don't ever—"


He raised his hand high to wag a finger under [[Shaxx]]’s nose.
He raised his hand high to wag a finger under [[Shaxx]]'s nose.


“—try to outrace my Golden Guns.”
"—try to outrace my Golden Guns."


Two children ran by in a blur, laughing.
Two children ran by in a blur, laughing.


Shaxx shook his head slowly. “It was a tactical error. Won’t happen again.”
Shaxx shook his head slowly. "It was a tactical error. Won't happen again."


“Next time doesn’t matter. You lost today, and today you owe me.”
"Next time doesn't matter. You lost today, and today you owe me."


The Titan stared down at the Hunter, but said nothing, his hands clenched in fists. Cayde ignored the posturing and turned to face a desolate field of dirt and large rocks. A writhing mob of children spread across it, clusters of them barreling into each other as they bellowed and screamed. A much smaller number of elders waded in the chaotic sea of miniature people.
The Titan stared down at the Hunter, but said nothing, his hands clenched in fists. Cayde ignored the posturing and turned to face a desolate field of dirt and large rocks. A writhing mob of children spread across it, clusters of them barreling into each other as they bellowed and screamed. A much smaller number of elders waded in the chaotic sea of miniature people.


“What is this? What’s happening?” Shaxx demanded.
"What is this? What's happening?" Shaxx demanded.


“This City has children. Children who must stay within designated safe zones.” The two Guardians watched as a boy climbed the largest rock on the field, about four feet in the air, and howled at the sky. “Of course they’re gonna go a little stir-crazy. Parents bring them out to this—you’d think it would have a name—this field every month, and they have at it. Better they hit each other than climb the walls.”
"This City has children. Children who must stay within designated safe zones." The two Guardians watched as a boy climbed the largest rock on the field, about four feet in the air, and howled at the sky. "Of course they're gonna go a little stir-crazy. Parents bring them out to this—you'd think it would have a name—this field every month, and they have at it. Better they hit each other than climb the walls."


Shaxx stared at them.
Shaxx stared at them.


“So. You’re going to pick two,” Cayde said.
"So. You're going to pick two," Cayde said.


Shaxx looked down at him. “Pick two what?”
Shaxx looked down at him. "Pick two what?"


“Two of the little brats. You’ll pick a team of two, and you’re going to train them in this... sport they play here. It’s some kind of tournament. You know all about those.”
"Two of the little brats. You'll pick a team of two, and you're going to train them in this... sport they play here. It's some kind of tournament. You know all about those."


Shaxx surveyed the field.
Shaxx surveyed the field.


“This is ridiculous,” he concluded.
"This is ridiculous," he concluded.


“That’s not the last time you’re going to say that today, but you’ve made your bed. Get comfy.”
"That's not the last time you're going to say that today, but you've made your bed. Get comfy."


“I can pay you Glimmer. Two Crucible matches’ worth. Why waste my time on children?”
"I can pay you Glimmer. Two Crucible matches' worth. Why waste my time on children?"


A child sped past and waved at Cayde as Shaxx spoke. Cayde responded with an upward thumb.  
A child sped past and waved at Cayde as Shaxx spoke. Cayde responded with an upward thumb.  


“I like bugging you. Plus, you’d be surprised what goes on out here that only these little miscreants know about.”
"I like bugging you. Plus, you'd be surprised what goes on out here that only these little miscreants know about."


Beneath the helmet, Shaxx stared holes into the Exo’s face.
Beneath the helmet, Shaxx stared holes into the Exo's face.


“They run very fast. Listen, I know you’re going to be you, but try to keep them intact. I make sure a Guardian they know comes to visit them once in a while. You weren’t the kids’ first choice, or even their tenth, but you were the only one I could get leverage on this week.”
"They run very fast. Listen, I know you're going to be you, but try to keep them intact. I make sure a Guardian they know comes to visit them once in a while. You weren't the kids' first choice, or even their tenth, but you were the only one I could get leverage on this week."


Shaxx stood motionless, but his fury engulfed the air like a flame. Cayde turned to leave, his cloak billowing in the wind behind him. “I’m going to make so many Crucible bets while you’re gone.”
Shaxx stood motionless, but his fury engulfed the air like a flame. Cayde turned to leave, his cloak billowing in the wind behind him. "I'm going to make so many Crucible bets while you're gone."


“You wouldn’t dare,” Shaxx began, but Cayde was already lost in a departing crowd of adults.
"You wouldn't dare," Shaxx began, but Cayde was already lost in a departing crowd of adults.


Shaxx let out a breath, then scanned the field again, past child after squirming child. He quickly discerned the two on the field with the best athletic potential. Two human girls, snarling as they swung branches at each other, seemingly impervious to pain. He walked past them, through the crowd, and several elders paused just briefly enough in their youth wrangling to let their jaws hang. Lord Shaxx navigated the unruly sea with grace, and headed toward a lone tree in a corner of the field. An Awoken girl and a human boy sat huddled below it.
Shaxx let out a breath, then scanned the field again, past child after squirming child. He quickly discerned the two on the field with the best athletic potential. Two human girls, snarling as they swung branches at each other, seemingly impervious to pain. He walked past them, through the crowd, and several elders paused just briefly enough in their youth wrangling to let their jaws hang. Lord Shaxx navigated the unruly sea with grace, and headed toward a lone tree in a corner of the field. An Awoken girl and a human boy sat huddled below it.


As Shaxx’s shadow eclipsed them, they looked up at him with the same brightness in their eyes. “What are your names?” he demanded. “[[Runa]],” said the Awoken with some disdain. She returned the blank stare of Shaxx’s faceplate. “My name is [[Lonwabo]],” recited the human, more like a question than a statement.
As Shaxx's shadow eclipsed them, they looked up at him with the same brightness in their eyes. "What are your names?" he demanded. "[[Runa]]," said the Awoken with some disdain. She returned the blank stare of Shaxx's faceplate. "My name is [[Lonwabo]]," recited the human, more like a question than a statement.


“You look bored, Runa,” Shaxx observed. “And you look worried, Lonwabo.” He pointed at the boy, who scooted back, startled.
"You look bored, Runa," Shaxx observed. "And you look worried, Lonwabo." He pointed at the boy, who scooted back, startled.


“As far as I’m concerned that makes both of you more intelligent than all these other dregs,” said the Titan. “You’re with me. I need the rules of engagement.” Shaxx stared at them, and they stared back. “Someone talk to me.”
"As far as I'm concerned that makes both of you more intelligent than all these other dregs," said the Titan. "You're with me. I need the rules of engagement." Shaxx stared at them, and they stared back. "Someone talk to me."


They both spoke at once, and Shaxx listened in silence as they talked over each other to explain the game: Teams of two launch orb projectiles at each other, and players struck are eliminated. If both players on a team are eliminated, the team is out of the tournament, and their chance to play on the field is over.
They both spoke at once, and Shaxx listened in silence as they talked over each other to explain the game: Teams of two launch orb projectiles at each other, and players struck are eliminated. If both players on a team are eliminated, the team is out of the tournament, and their chance to play on the field is over.


“What do you call this drill? Skirmish? Supremacy?” Shaxx demanded.
"What do you call this drill? Skirmish? Supremacy?" Shaxx demanded.


“Dodge ball,” said Runa.
"Dodge ball," said Runa.


“We’ll work on the name. Follow my instructions, and I will lead you to victory.”
"We'll work on the name. Follow my instructions, and I will lead you to victory."


Shaxx waved one of the adults over.
Shaxx waved one of the adults over.


“Lord—Lord Shaxx?” said the Exo male.
"Lord—Lord Shaxx?" said the Exo male.


“Shaxx is fine.” Only Guardians owed him respect. “Find my team a match. Sooner the better.”
"Shaxx is fine." Only Guardians owed him respect. "Find my team a match. Sooner the better."


Shaxx brought Lonwabo and Runa to the field, and kneeled. His hands engulfed their shoulders like a pair of descending moons. “My friends. Should you be killed, others lesser than you will take your place. Don’t fight for yourself. Fight for those poor fools.”
Shaxx brought Lonwabo and Runa to the field, and kneeled. His hands engulfed their shoulders like a pair of descending moons. "My friends. Should you be killed, others lesser than you will take your place. Don't fight for yourself. Fight for those poor fools."


Lonwabo opened his mouth as if to speak, but hiccupped instead.
Lonwabo opened his mouth as if to speak, but hiccupped instead.
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Runa yawned and rubbed her face, trying to clear the sleep from it.
Runa yawned and rubbed her face, trying to clear the sleep from it.


Shaxx whispered to his new charges. “Crush them.”
Shaxx whispered to his new charges. "Crush them."
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


Line 932: Line 932:
When it was over, Lonwabo had tears in his eyes, but he tried his best to stand straight. Runa had a bloody knee, and stared wordlessly at the winning team: the two snarling girls from earlier in the morning. The girls lifted an unrefined mass of plasteel, a makeshift trophy, over their heads, and they roared.
When it was over, Lonwabo had tears in his eyes, but he tried his best to stand straight. Runa had a bloody knee, and stared wordlessly at the winning team: the two snarling girls from earlier in the morning. The girls lifted an unrefined mass of plasteel, a makeshift trophy, over their heads, and they roared.


Shaxx stared up at the Traveler. It sat, buoyed by a mantle of clouds against a blue sky. It didn’t seem to notice him.
Shaxx stared up at the Traveler. It sat, buoyed by a mantle of clouds against a blue sky. It didn't seem to notice him.


“Tell me what you’ve learned,” Shaxx said to Runa and Lonwabo, his faceplate fixed skyward.
"Tell me what you've learned," Shaxx said to Runa and Lonwabo, his faceplate fixed skyward.


They did, and spoke for a continuous three minutes. Shaxx nodded, slowly.
They did, and spoke for a continuous three minutes. Shaxx nodded, slowly.


“So you’re not mad?” asked Lonwabo. His face brightened.
"So you're not mad?" asked Lonwabo. His face brightened.


“You’ve gained more from this than the victors,” he replied. The three of them looked on as the two girls smashed the plasteel cluster into the dirt, and to the horror of all the other children, it shattered. Runa's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a dodgeball gripped in her hands. Shaxx continued: “Victory is key to survival. You need it. Need to fight for it. But it teaches nothing.”
"You've gained more from this than the victors," he replied. The three of them looked on as the two girls smashed the plasteel cluster into the dirt, and to the horror of all the other children, it shattered. Runa's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a dodgeball gripped in her hands. Shaxx continued: "Victory is key to survival. You need it. Need to fight for it. But it teaches nothing."


“Does that mean, in a way, we won?” asked Lonwabo.
"Does that mean, in a way, we won?" asked Lonwabo.


“No,” Shaxx looked down at him. “No, you were annihilated.”
"No," Shaxx looked down at him. "No, you were annihilated."


“Oh,” said Lonwabo.
"Oh," said Lonwabo.


Runa continued to stare at the shattered trophy, and the winning team. She slowly turned the dodgeball in her hand.
Runa continued to stare at the shattered trophy, and the winning team. She slowly turned the dodgeball in her hand.


“Let this loss drive you,” Shaxx said to both of them. “But the game is over. Your focus should be on what’s to come.”
"Let this loss drive you," Shaxx said to both of them. "But the game is over. Your focus should be on what's to come."


Lonwabo stared down at his hands. “I think...I think I'm going to read a book,” he said, surprising himself as he uttered the words.
Lonwabo stared down at his hands. "I think...I think I'm going to read a book," he said, surprising himself as he uttered the words.


“We all make our own choices,” said Shaxx.
"We all make our own choices," said Shaxx.


Runa said nothing as Cayde strode up out of a shadow in the afternoon sun. “Everything good?” the Hunter asked Shaxx.
Runa said nothing as Cayde strode up out of a shadow in the afternoon sun. "Everything good?" the Hunter asked Shaxx.


“Do I look like I care?”
"Do I look like I care?"


“Come on, buddy. The bet’s fulfilled. You don’t have to pout. Just remember not to challenge a Hunter with Golden Guns.”
"Come on, buddy. The bet's fulfilled. You don't have to pout. Just remember not to challenge a Hunter with Golden Guns."


“I can and I will. Rematch. End of day.”
"I can and I will. Rematch. End of day."


“You’re on. I hope you’re ready to babysit ‘til the next Dawning—“
"You're on. I hope you're ready to babysit 'til the next Dawning—"


Runa’s ball struck Cayde in the neck: a stealth attack taught to her earlier in the morning. He yelped, more surprised than hurt.
Runa's ball struck Cayde in the neck: a stealth attack taught to her earlier in the morning. He yelped, more surprised than hurt.


“Who did that? Who did that, and how?” the Hunter demanded loudly, as the ball bounced away. The ball didn’t respond. Runa, Lonwabo, and several other children smiled.
"Who did that? Who did that, and how?" the Hunter demanded loudly, as the ball bounced away. The ball didn't respond. Runa, Lonwabo, and several other children smiled.


“Shaxx. What have you been telling them?”
"Shaxx. What have you been telling them?"


Shaxx stared silently down at the Exo Hunter until Cayde blinked. “I, uh, found my Sparrow,” Cayde said, to deflect. “I can give us a lift back to the Tower.”
Shaxx stared silently down at the Exo Hunter until Cayde blinked. "I, uh, found my Sparrow," Cayde said, to deflect. "I can give us a lift back to the Tower."


As the other children and their elders dispersed, Runa watched Cayde’s Sparrow as it carried the two Guardians off towards the gleaming Tower in the distance.  
As the other children and their elders dispersed, Runa watched Cayde's Sparrow as it carried the two Guardians off towards the gleaming Tower in the distance.  


She gave a Titan’s salute as they disappeared from view.
She gave a Titan's salute as they disappeared from view.
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


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[[File:Grimoire Ghost Fragment Fallen 6.jpg|right|150px]]
[[File:Grimoire Ghost Fragment Fallen 6.jpg|right|150px]]
THETA // NINE // SEVEN // RED // DELTA<br>
THETA // NINE // SEVEN // RED // DELTA<br>
High Priority Message – Commander’s Terminal<br>  
High Priority Message – Commander's Terminal<br>  
EYES ONLY // TWILIGHT PROTOCOL<br>
EYES ONLY // TWILIGHT PROTOCOL<br>
—-
—-
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Full debrief to follow.
Full debrief to follow.
—-
—-
Breaking mission topsheet protocol, Commander. I want you to understand the scope of what we’re looking at here.
Breaking mission topsheet protocol, Commander. I want you to understand the scope of what we're looking at here.


As the fireteams fanned out across the region, the Devils rushed to meet them. Our forces dealt with some post-SIVA pockets of Splicer activity, and every once in a while the Kings popped their heads up and scared the hell out of everyone. In other words: situation absolutely normal.
As the fireteams fanned out across the region, the Devils rushed to meet them. Our forces dealt with some post-SIVA pockets of Splicer activity, and every once in a while the Kings popped their heads up and scared the hell out of everyone. In other words: situation absolutely normal.


That’s a lie. The Fallen are abandoning the Cosmodrome.
That's a lie. The Fallen are abandoning the Cosmodrome.


Hawk fly-overs confirm. The House of Devils forces are simply not there anymore. They’ve been disorganized for the last few years, but there’s never been a shortage of ground troops whenever we staged a significant sortie.  
Hawk fly-overs confirm. The House of Devils forces are simply not there anymore. They've been disorganized for the last few years, but there's never been a shortage of ground troops whenever we staged a significant sortie.  


Intel source GREENRAVEN was right. And, for the moment, it’s worth assuming their report on the House of Exiles, House of Winter, and House of Wolves are also accurate. We’re fact-checking against independent fireteam reports from the field.
Intel source GREENRAVEN was right. And, for the moment, it's worth assuming their report on the House of Exiles, House of Winter, and House of Wolves are also accurate. We're fact-checking against independent fireteam reports from the field.


The kid all the SRL fans talk about — [[Marcus Ren|Marcus]]? He was in one of the fireteams out at the Cosmodrome. He pulled me aside, and said it to me straight: the Fallen Houses are gone. The siege is broken. The stalemate we’ve had with the Eliksni for what, a hundred years? It’s over. We won.
The kid all the SRL fans talk about — [[Marcus Ren|Marcus]]? He was in one of the fireteams out at the Cosmodrome. He pulled me aside, and said it to me straight: the Fallen Houses are gone. The siege is broken. The stalemate we've had with the Eliksni for what, a hundred years? It's over. We won.


Commander, I’m not even sure they’re flying the banners anymore. The teams found huge mounds of burnt cloth and armor, ceremonial piles, in several of the most hardcore Fallen holdouts.  
Commander, I'm not even sure they're flying the banners anymore. The teams found huge mounds of burnt cloth and armor, ceremonial piles, in several of the most hardcore Fallen holdouts.  


What’s changed? Where have the Fallen gone? Why have they burned their banners?
What's changed? Where have the Fallen gone? Why have they burned their banners?


I’m drawing up a plan to coordinate forces from the Queen’s Wrath, Felwinter Peak, the Warlock Orders, and more non-traditional outfits to follow up on these reports.
I'm drawing up a plan to coordinate forces from the Queen's Wrath, Felwinter Peak, the Warlock Orders, and more non-traditional outfits to follow up on these reports.


I believe your wisdom will guide us through the trials ahead.<br>
I believe your wisdom will guide us through the trials ahead.<br>
Line 1,015: Line 1,015:
==Ghost Fragment: Eris Morn==
==Ghost Fragment: Eris Morn==
[[File:Grimoire Ghost Fragment Eris Morn.jpg|right|150px]]
[[File:Grimoire Ghost Fragment Eris Morn.jpg|right|150px]]
The Tower’s med bay was still. Guardians might operate across the system at all hours but even in the heart of the Last City, there is sometimes... quiet.
The Tower's med bay was still. Guardians might operate across the system at all hours but even in the heart of the Last City, there is sometimes... quiet.


The Awoken man lay upon the bed like a broken thing. Machines monitored his every twitch, every aspect of his physical status. The steady, quiet blip of his heartbeat was the dominant sound in the room.  
The Awoken man lay upon the bed like a broken thing. Machines monitored his every twitch, every aspect of his physical status. The steady, quiet blip of his heartbeat was the dominant sound in the room.  
Line 1,025: Line 1,025:
Because, in the stillness, there was another measured source of breathing in the room.  
Because, in the stillness, there was another measured source of breathing in the room.  


[[Eris Morn]] settled back into the chair, allowing the dark wisps of power she’d summoned to effortlessly flow from her back into the night. The green emanations from her shroud were stark against the dimness.
[[Eris Morn]] settled back into the chair, allowing the dark wisps of power she'd summoned to effortlessly flow from her back into the night. The green emanations from her shroud were stark against the dimness.


Almost as an afterthought, the Ghost turned from regarding the window. For a moment, three eyes stared at one, before it turned back to its watch.
Almost as an afterthought, the Ghost turned from regarding the window. For a moment, three eyes stared at one, before it turned back to its watch.
Line 1,033: Line 1,033:
His name was Asher Mir.
His name was Asher Mir.


Irascible. Annoying. Cantankerous. She’d even seen [[Ikora Rey]] become... exasperated in his presence. Her lips quirked, very slightly, upwards. A kindred spirit, if she’d ever had one.
Irascible. Annoying. Cantankerous. She'd even seen [[Ikora Rey]] become... exasperated in his presence. Her lips quirked, very slightly, upwards. A kindred spirit, if she'd ever had one.


Her smile died as her gaze slid to his side. His Warlock garb had been stripped from his body, and she could see his pale blue chest as it rose and fell in the bed. His arm. His arm was gone.
Her smile died as her gaze slid to his side. His Warlock garb had been stripped from his body, and she could see his pale blue chest as it rose and fell in the bed. His arm. His arm was gone.


In its place was a thing. The point where mechanicals knit with flesh was ghastly to behold, but the design was unmistakable to any Guardian who’d been in the field: [[Asher Mir]]’s arm was that of a Vex construct.
In its place was a thing. The point where mechanicals knit with flesh was ghastly to behold, but the design was unmistakable to any Guardian who'd been in the field: [[Asher Mir]]'s arm was that of a Vex construct.


Her eyes flicked to the ghost at the window. It too, was transformed. The unmistakable outline of Vex technology encrusting and penetrating the small warden’s shell. That red, staring eye...
Her eyes flicked to the ghost at the window. It too, was transformed. The unmistakable outline of Vex technology encrusting and penetrating the small warden's shell. That red, staring eye...


She stood, and stepped to the side of the bed.
She stood, and stepped to the side of the bed.
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Her voice was gentle, quiet, but its timbre filled the still air of the room.  
Her voice was gentle, quiet, but its timbre filled the still air of the room.  


“I am leaving, my old friend.”
"I am leaving, my old friend."


The man in the bed did not stir.
The man in the bed did not stir.


“Soon I will take my leave of this”—she put her hands up, to take in the med bay, the City, the Tower, Earth—“lie.”
"Soon I will take my leave of this"—she put her hands up, to take in the med bay, the City, the Tower, Earth—"lie."


She placed a gloved hand on the back of his blue, flesh-and-bone hand. “I wish we could have spoken, you and I, one last time. But my story here is done. I have avenged those I lost. I must find...”
She placed a gloved hand on the back of his blue, flesh-and-bone hand. "I wish we could have spoken, you and I, one last time. But my story here is done. I have avenged those I lost. I must find..."


She stopped, and beneath the gauze on her face all three eyes closed. For a moment she allowed herself to feel the dark tears that flowed, unending, down her face. The eyes reopened, and her strength blazed in the darkness.
She stopped, and beneath the gauze on her face all three eyes closed. For a moment she allowed herself to feel the dark tears that flowed, unending, down her face. The eyes reopened, and her strength blazed in the darkness.


“I must find a new path through the night. The Hive are vast, and ancient. A power from far beyond our realm. If we are ever truly to face them, ever truly to put an end to their hate, I must step beyond the safety of the City.”
"I must find a new path through the night. The Hive are vast, and ancient. A power from far beyond our realm. If we are ever truly to face them, ever truly to put an end to their hate, I must step beyond the safety of the City."


She lifted her head and looked beyond the window to the horizon. To the grand sweep of the Walls, the edge of humanity’s reach.
She lifted her head and looked beyond the window to the horizon. To the grand sweep of the Walls, the edge of humanity's reach.


“Be safe, Gensym Scribe. A storm is coming. And I will not be at your side when it finds its way to our shores.”
"Be safe, Gensym Scribe. A storm is coming. And I will not be at your side when it finds its way to our shores."


With those words, and a gathered locus of power, she was gone.  
With those words, and a gathered locus of power, she was gone.  


The room returned to stillness. The blip of the Awoken man’s heart echoed from the machines. And the Ghost stared into the night, its red eye never blinking.
The room returned to stillness. The blip of the Awoken man's heart echoed from the machines. And the Ghost stared into the night, its red eye never blinking.
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


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They debased him. They abused him. He bit the inside of his cheek until the blood filled his mouth. He struggled not to resist.  
They debased him. They abused him. He bit the inside of his cheek until the blood filled his mouth. He struggled not to resist.  


They needed to believe he was broken. That he wasn’t a threat.  
They needed to believe he was broken. That he wasn't a threat.  


It was the only way they would bring him before their kell.  
It was the only way they would bring him before their kell.  


He’d spent weeks weaving the illusion that led the Fallen to him. He’d left bits of his trail where they couldn’t help but find them. He skulked from planet to planet—Mars, then Venus, then Mercury, then back again—following rumors and whispers. He’d hid from the Guardians, from his own people. He’d let everything they had built fall apart, while those still loyal to him searched every inch of this forsaken system.  
He'd spent weeks weaving the illusion that led the Fallen to him. He'd left bits of his trail where they couldn't help but find them. He skulked from planet to planet—Mars, then Venus, then Mercury, then back again—following rumors and whispers. He'd hid from the Guardians, from his own people. He'd let everything they had built fall apart, while those still loyal to him searched every inch of this forsaken system.  


Now it was time to stop searching and start building.  
Now it was time to stop searching and start building.  
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He would need soldiers who answered to him and no one else. Bodies to shape with will and magic and tech to his needs. These would serve.
He would need soldiers who answered to him and no one else. Bodies to shape with will and magic and tech to his needs. These would serve.


He thought they would take him to a ketch. But they were deep underground. Not near the Cosmodrome, but... it didn’t matter. He’d never been particularly concerned with the geography of this blasted world. It was not his home.  
He thought they would take him to a ketch. But they were deep underground. Not near the Cosmodrome, but... it didn't matter. He'd never been particularly concerned with the geography of this blasted world. It was not his home.  


So he bent his head low, and listened to the guttural string of hisses and clicks issuing from the maw of a would-be king in yellow. A broken ruler of a broken house, and the last of his kind.
So he bent his head low, and listened to the guttural string of hisses and clicks issuing from the maw of a would-be king in yellow. A broken ruler of a broken house, and the last of his kind.
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They were more alike than he cared to admit.
They were more alike than he cared to admit.


When the creature’s anger had burnt itself out, he raised his head to look at it. He did not need to speak.  
When the creature's anger had burnt itself out, he raised his head to look at it. He did not need to speak.  


One kell rises, and another bends its knee.
One kell rises, and another bends its knee.
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