hallarider | And the Light Shines -- Destiny AU

And the Light Shines -- Destiny AU

[for

pavus_redemit]

The Traveller was always meant to be a safe haven for what pieces of humanity still remained. Though their numbers had actually been increasing over the last several years, there was still darkness that needed to be kept at bay. There was still so much that needed to be reclaimed, so many enemies that continued to beat at the doors and threaten what remained. That was why the Guardians always fought so hard. Whether it was tactical strikes, routine patrols or special assignments, the Traveller was home to all sorts who stood for what was Good. The Guardians swore to protect their home at all costs, venturing planets over with their Ghosts lingering nearby, their direct connection back to the Traveller and to the Speaker.

Bramen was no exception. The Awoken Hunter was always eager to serve, ever since he recalled waking up to the Light. Though he tried to be cautious, a number of routine training exercises proved he was often a bit too over-enthusiastic, the poor man facing a number of embarrassing defeats in the Crucible tournaments. Good thing that something like that could be overlooked, particularly for someone so dedicated to aiding the vanguard. There were plenty of others like Bramen - but there was one person in particular that he found himself more than willing to fight alongside. One person could get him to go right into the bowels of Venus and straight into enemy fire on Mars. There was always one man he could trust to watch his back, one Warlock who just needed to look his way and the Hunter would be ready to go at a moment's notice.

That particular Warlock could often be found down in the tavern beneath the hangar, out near where Dead Orbit would congregate. The Awoken of that faction would often glance every time Bramen walked back, follow his movements - it was unnerving but they always kept a close eye on everyone who would come and go. He'd heard from a reliable source they were seeking out new talent. Bramen couldn't help but wonder if his Warlock friend knew about it.

Bramen made his way down to the tavern, taking the steps two at a time as he looked around the modestly crowded area, his bright yellow-green eyes glowing in the dimmer light. He caught sight of his friend, the man seated on a couch with a drink in hand, drinking and chatting with a very bulky Exo Titan - I-R0 N. Bull if Bramen recalled the man's name. One of the more acclaimed raiders that he knew of, a man who commanded his own unit of men and women, his own raid faction. It was an impressive sight to see when they all went off and recorded their run, bringing back what information the city needed. The Exo knew just about everyone in this city - it was no surprise he was friendly with Bramen's own companion.

"Dorian," the Awoken called out, raising his hand in greeting before moving closer to where the men sat, greeting them both, "I've been looking for you."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Dorian only knew the Hunter Vanguard from listening to him around the table. He seemed like a good AI. He, of course, spent most of his time with the human Warlock who was less talkative but Warlocks didn't have to say anything to say a lot.

"Hmm, are they?" he asked, his eyebrows going up in surprise. Well, not real surprise. He knew all the rumors and news around Dead Orbit. He spent all of his free time here, basically. "I'll have to ask about that if I get the chance."

The idea of Dorian speaking to someone made Bramen's heart start to race a little, his blood pumping a bit faster. He nodded a bit idly to it, the idea of possibly joining in that faction a thrilling thought. He shifted a bit closer to Dorian, finishing his drink off and setting it down on the table. He rubbed at his knees a little, looking over towards the entrance to the bar before turning his attention back to his friend.

He was eager to get to the moon now, knowing it would be a good experience to spend with Dorian. Investigating the colonies could prove fruitful - and Dorian was so interested in the history of it all. Bramen's focus tended to be on what he could do to help - whether it was strikes, patrols, even routine missions. Anything to keep people safe, let people like Dorian research as they wished. The Traveller had a balance of people like that, everyone had a role to play, everyone was happy to play their part in it all.

"Are you finished with your drink?" The Awoken asked, rubbing his knees again, "I could walk with you to meet your fellows, if you'd like."

"You are anxious to get out of here aren't you?" Dorian said, amused with his friend's impatience. The Hunter could be so calm and collected in the field but here he was as anxious as a civilian transport.

He finished his drink slowly and then got to his feet. "Come along, let me have my chat and then we can go."

He was humoring Bramen's impatience a little but he didn't mind getting an early start to their adventuring and exploring. Once he had his chat with Dead Orbit they could be on their way.

Bramen was quick to get on his feet, pausing and straightening out as he cleared his throat. He realised just how awkward his eagerness no doubt was - but all of this was so exciting. To be able to venture out, to assist Dorian and the Cryptarchs, anything to help the people - it felt good. It bolstered his spirits, it made him want to push forward and get right into the heart of it all.

"I can wait near the ships if you'd like some privacy," he said, reaching around to rub at his neck, "Or we could wait a while, whatever is easiest for you."

He didn't want to rush the man in this. He was aware his chat could last a while. "I could even go ahead, meet you at the colonies if you'd rather."

"I'm not sure how private this conversation is. Knowing my friends in Dead Orbit they want my quick opinion on something and that will be it." Dorian patted Bramen on the shoulder and nudged him towards where the leaders of the faction often sat.

Dorian was well liked among Dead Orbit. He sat high among their rankings, comfortably near the top. If he spent less time with the Cryptarchs he would probably have a membership in the group.

"I'd rather you didn't go alone," he said with a gentle smile. "Guardians have made the moon safer but I'd worry about you out there on your own."

Bramen couldn't help but feel touched by the man's concern, a smile forming on his face as he glanced down, hiding a bit of a bashful expression. "It's always safer to travel in numbers," he said, glad that Dorian did mention it first. It felt nice to know someone cared, particularly someone he respected as much as he did the Warlock. The man was held in high esteem by all the clans - the human-oriented New Monarchy, the Exo-preferred Future War Cult and even the Awoken-based Dead Orbit. The Vanguards and the Cryptarchs all welcomed Dorian when he arrived, many high-ranking raiders would nod at him in passing. Bramen hoped to one day carry that kind or respect.

Though in truth, he did. He'd saved countless Guardians in his forays to all the planets, always ready to jump in to rescue anyone who needed help. He was quick to bring back any damaged Ghosts to the Tower, to let the doctors there resurrect the Guardian it was attached to. He was often fast enough to do that himself, even when under fire - knowing how limited and vital the time could be before a Guardian's Ghost would slip offline and go dormant. That happened to far too many. Bramen sought to end that.

The Awoken fumbled a bit at his pack before reaching down into it and pulling out the metal ball that expanded into his Ghost. The shell of his Ghost was red and white, black stripes on the back. It resembled an old animal seen in the ancient archives, a beast called a red hart.The Ghost narrowed its lens on Dorian, beeping and whirring a bit before turning to Bramen, the shutter on the front of the lens opening and closing, as though the robot itself were blinking. It did that for a moment before projecting a screen in the air, Bramen's fingers moving across the words written there - tapping on where Dorian's name was registered and then tapping against his own.

"There. Fireteam secured. Did we want to take the same ship?" he asked with a cant of his head.

It took years for Dorian to cultivate the relationships he had with all the factions. He wanted to be well liked because there was always someone looking for help and thinking of him. He collected engrams from all over the plants and cracked open secrets that would have been kept hidden if he wasn't friendly with the factions.

He imagined many people saw him as altruistic, trying to help everyone. Dorian was not so optimistic. He wanted resources and the best way to get them was to make sure everyone thought of him first.

Dorian's own Ghost was a bit flashier, a shiny metallic purple with serpent like designs. He wore it like grenade on his hip instead of in a pack. He does adore showing off.

"Might as well," he said with a casual wave of his hand. "Your ship is a good one. It will save us time to take the same."

Of course Dorian would show off his Ghost any chance he got. There were few things that defined a Guardian moreso than their Ghosts, after all. Bramen preferred to keep his tucked away safely when inside the Tower, as most Guardians did - though he didn't fault Dorian for keeping his visible. Once the fireteam was sorted out, he put his own Ghost back, the robot speaking inside of his head, confirming his actions. Dorian couldn't hear it but his own no doubt gave him the same information.

"Mine seats two comfortably enough," he said with a nod, knowing his ship would be suitable enough. Not nearly as flashy and impressive as Dorian's own but he'd found the blueprints himself through a stroke of good luck on one of his patrols. Who knew? Perhaps he'd find another today. Patrols, particularly ones near the colonies, always tended to yield interesting results.

"Shall we get going?"

"Let's not delay a second longer." Dorian's ship was as out going as his personality. He liked things that way. People saw the flash and glamour and nothing else.

Bramen was one of the few people he allowed close to him, a true friend. There were only a handful of Guardians he had let get close to him like that.

He stepped close to Bramen so that there was a barely a bit of space between them. It would be easier for the ship's transported to get them if they were like this. He was also quite fascinated by Beyond eyes. Bramen had a lovely pair.

The pair walked together out of the bar and towards Dead Orbit's grounds. Bramen kept enough distance as Dorian stepped over to them, the Awoken allowing the man at least some privacy, out of respect for the faction. Though the ideals of Dead Orbit were a little bleak overall, they were the only faction that was populated mostly by Awoken. That was part of the appeal Bramen felt towards them, to be among his own people. It would be nice to feel that again - but for now, he'd remain on the outskirts. He glanced over to the leader of the faction and Dorian conversing, a piece of him curious about what they were discussing. Another part knew it was none of his business, however. The Warlock had been right though - the chat lasted no more than a minute or two before the man was back at the Hunter's side.

"All finished?" he asked, taking his ghost out again, the robot a little more lively and awake this time. It bounced a little above Bramen's hand, its single lens glowing a faint gold and then turning to a brighter green. The shutter across the front blinked twice before it projected its display, Bramen's fingers moving to touch the options to call for hip ship and to set the coordinates. The Ghosts had so many uses, it certainly made coordinating all of these things easier.

"We'll be transported into orbit in about two minutes, unless there's something else you need?"

The conversation with Dead Orbit was very brief in terms of things. Dorian hands over some scans he took for them and a list of names, recommendations for Dead Orbit's roster. He wasn't the only one giving names but his opinions would help.

He strolled casually towards Bramen when his visit is done and he smiled at him. "Yes, all done and ready to go."

Dorian took out his Ghost to check on ammo synth and to change up a few things when it came to guns. He had purchased Red Death from Xur recently and needed to give the gun some experience. "No, I seem to be very ready to go."

Bramen made a few changes to his own equipment while his Ghost was out, switching up his auto-rifle with a light hum. He had a hand cannon he was rather fond of but the auto-rifle would serve him better on this sort of mission, no one never quite knew what to expect on the moon, after all. One needed to be prepared for anything - Fallen and Hive were rampant there. The Hive were pressing further into the center of the moon, allegedly preparing to summon a god of sorts. Who could really say though? Today's task would be on the surface where the Fallen tended to tread. Whatever Dorian was looking for, whatever knowledge he was seeking, hopefully it would serve them well.

It was only a moment later that they found themselves on Bramen's ship, seated in the cockpit. There was enough for the pair of them, seated close together - Bramen's Ghost floating up to connect to the main controls and power source, powering up the ship in full and lifting them off and into orbit. It was seamless and it was efficient, the pair of men feeling weightless for a moment as they ascended higher and higher. The Ghost clicked and made a whirring sound, compensating for the lack of gravity as they went higher and higher.

Bramen finally breathed in, the Ghost pumping oxygen into the chamber for them, adjusting the temperature and gravity accordingly, the Tower soon but a distant memory.

"What do you think you'll find near the colonies?" he asked, turning his head to Dorian finally, tilting it a little. They had some time to relax and brace themselves for their upcoming assignment, the moon not a far distance - but long enough. Enough for a conversation, at the very least.

"The wonderful thing about the moon is how well it preserves things," Dorian said as he lounged in the chair provided. They would have a quick, easy flight to the Moon that should be enjoyed. "And there's no Cabal to cannibalize it. The Fallen use structures for cover but they don't take the technology. I'm looking for data banks."

He tossed his Ghost in to the little bit of space they had. It flipped around, opened and closed its lenses and then projected a hologram of the data banks he was looking for.

"If moon dust hasn't gotten in and corrupted the circuitry I'm going to go data mining and see what I can find from the Golden Age."

Bramen's eyes moved to the hologram that the Ghost produced, looking at it with intrigue. The Golden Age was still a time full of so much mystery, people had spent ages trying to decode anything from it. "If we find something, I hope it's usable," he said with a nod, still looking up at the hologram. He eased back into his seat, taking a breath in.

"I've thought often of what the Golden Age must have been like," he admitted, cosing his eyes for a moment. "Awoken like me didn't exist then - we weren't formed until the Darkness came. I don't think anyone's really clear on where we came from or how... I wonder if any of the data you find might help shed some light on that."

"If I know anything about humans it's that we regarded your kind with suspicion and distrust even in the Golden Age," Dorian said with a laugh. His Ghost whirred at the sound and the image faded away. It bounced around for a moment and then returned to where it rested on his belt.

"We look back at the Golden Age expecting to see something glorious but the truth is always darker. Our arrogance made us fall." Dorian had no illusions about history. He studied it too closely to be charmed by it. "However, if you're looking for Awoken history perhaps Venus would be better."

"Maybe. It's said we were first discovered near the Reef - but any Awoken you find there regard the ones who live in the Tower with just as much distrust," Bramen said, frowning a little. His bright eyes seemed faded for a moment, looking down at the control panel of his ship. Systems normal, his Ghost was controlling it with ease. He didn't need to touch a thing. He shrugged a bit, pulling his Hunter cape out from behind him, trying not to sit on it and letting it drape over one arm instead.

"Human, Awoken, Exo, we're all after the same thing - we have one goal in the end, why can't we work towards it?" he shook his head, the infighting even in the Tower often got out of hand. Thankfully most clans had taken to settling matters in the Crucible, though that tended to spawn more bad blood. He looked up again, giving Dorian a smile.

"I'm glad you're one of the good ones, Dorian. It makes me pleased to be your friend."

"Humanity, in general, is concerned everyone is secretly trying to wipe it out of existence," Dorian explained, his voice taking on a lecturing quality. It did that went he talked about history. "I've studied ancient stories and so many have to do with us being wiped out in apocalyptic disasters or epidemic diseases. Ancient man was fascinated by their own mortality and something called a zombie which seems to be some sort of inhuman beast that ate human flesh."

He adored talking about history and he adored that Bramen in generally allowed him to talk about history without judgement. Many of his fellow Guardians didn't see the point when they were busy dealing with the present. If it didn't relate to the Traveler, the Darkness or the races out to kill them then there was no point in knowing it.

"There are a few of us who see the benefit in befriending the Awoken and the Exo and don't see it as a world ending problem." He smiled at Bramen. "Some of us have more sense than fear even now."

With Dorian, Bramen was granted a rare opportunity to listen to history of the world, learn more about not only the human race but the Awoken and the Exo. Dorian was a scholar above all else, studying everything he could. Cryptarchs often had their heads so buried in the past, focusing on relics and engrams, it was hard to get straight answers out of them. Master Rahool was one of the worst, eagerly taking whatever engrams he could get his hands on. Dorian was far different from that, the man seemed so intrigued by the why behind everything. It was refreshing to be in his company, to hear his thoughts on the matter.

"More sense than fear," Bramen repeated those words with a grin, he knew that phrase all too well. Normally the Hunter vanguard used it in a negative context with him (though it was often followed up by him requesting Bramen take him along next time, so he could see it for himself - the Hunter vanguard made it no secret how badly he missed being out in the field).

"Something we both have, considering where we're headed. There's no one I'd rather do this with though," he laughed, spirits already feeling bolstered. He was all the more eager and ready now to help the man on his task.

"We should be there shortly - less than twenty minutes at this speed."

The past was not just recordings and engrams and data, some corrupted and broken from time. The Cryptarchs were good people but too lost in the past to understand the present. Dorian, a Guardian and a scholar, did his best to make history relatable to everyone.

"Lovely." Dorian rubbed his palms together. He was quite excited to get to work especially now that they were so close. He loved getting to explore.

"Friendly wager that I kill more Fallen than you?"

Bramen let out a healthy laugh at that one, easing back into his chair. "If everything goes as planned, I'll be getting twice as many as you. My auto rifle has been itching for a good fight, I won't let her leave disappointed," he said as he gave Dorian a bit of a playful wink. If all went as planned, Bramen would be the one holding back any Fallen scouts while Dorian uncovered some old databanks and got his Ghost to process them.

That would be ideal - but when did any of these ventures turn out ideally? A wager wouldn't be out of the question though. It might even be fun.

"But I'll see that wager. How does one-thousand glimmer sound?"

Dorian responded with a snort. "Auto rifles are too wild. Any precision shot is pure luck and no skill." He had used the automatic rifles. It seemed like a waste of ammo to fire so wildly. He much preferred the steady scout rifles or pulse rifles. "Aren't you supposed to be about precision and skill? We Warlocks are the wild ones, tampering with forces beyond our control and so on."

But obvious Dorian and the other Warlocks had a great of control. They knew what they were doing and the strength of their power was undeniable. He tried not to brag however.

"Oh, I was going to bet a night of drinks but if you want to get rich with this, fine."

"Don't pretend if you won a bet like that, you wouldn't drain me at least one-thousand," he laughed, reaching out to touch his friend's arm. He patted it and then allowed his hand to rest there, staying against Dorian's forearm and stroking it slowly. "If you won, you'd have me buy you your fill and then make sure the rest of the bar was well-watered too," he teased, good-natured about it all, even with the man's jabbing about Hunters.

"But, if you'd like - a whole night of drinks at the bar. One-thousand glimmer cap on that." He eased his hand back and straightened up in his chair, crossing one leg over the other and adjusting the straps on his boots, making certain they were tight.

"And auto-rifles might not have a lot of control in the wrong hands, it's true," the Hunter added, smirking a little, "But in a crowd, when the enemy starts to close in on you, precision isn't necessary. The auto rifle is the ultimate guarantee for survival in a case like that, anything to get the enemy to stumble back, get them bleeding - sends both Fallen and Hive into a panic. Cabal and Vex, it serves to confuse them when the bullets hit metal in so many different places, disrupts their senses for a minute - gives the sniper a chance to pick them off one at a time."

Affection was not what Dorian was used to from the Awoken. They seemed to keep to themselves. Like most humans Dorian still enjoyed the company of others. His preference for men was known but aliens? That still carried some stigma. "That sounds perfectly reasonable."

He adjusts his gloves and Warlock Bond for something to do with his hands. A night drinking with that sort of limit was perfect. They could get pleasantly drunk and have a good time.

"When they get close you throw concentrated dark matter at them or grenades before to keep the enemy from getting close." He glanced over to him. "Or with a pulse rifle get them before they have time to think 'Oh, Guardian, I should kill them'!"

Awoken were more affectionate than Dorian might have realised. Amongst themselves, they had little ways of showing it, things that would go pat the average human's eye, little gestures and glances that meant something very different among their people. Interacting with humans, they had to be more overt if they wanted to show their feelings - be it friendship or otherwise. What Bramen felt for Dorian was nothing short of adoration. What that meant, the Awoken couldn't truly be certain - but he wanted to be near Dorian. He wanted to be close to the man, just as he wanted to be close to his Awoken brethren. There was a connection there, a sense of appreciation. He felt good when he was with the man.

Even if they were teasing one and other, betting over who could kill more Fallen.

"Hunter Grenades are better used at a distance and our knives are good for one or two strikes but we don't quite have the same talent with dark matter you Warlocks do," he laughed, half scoffing as he leaned back again, getting comfortable. "Though it does sound like a pretty useful thing to have on your side. Almost a shame I'm mostly versed in my knife."

Though Bramen was certainly a formidable force with that blade. A Bladedancer was never to be underestimated.

"But you stab people so well with it," Dorian said to smooth any ruffled feathers. He didn't want to actually offend his friend. There was always some good natured ribbing between the two. "Neither one of us is exactly meant for a front line assualt but I can always bring myself back from the dead if need be. I can take point if you'd like."

It was quite the skill to have, honestly. He couldn't explain it to anyone but a Warlock, how to drift back from the Void, but he had done it again and again in many situations.

He would have to be more original than that. Gotta stand out.

no subject

no subject

I have been distracted by Bloodbourne now

Waaaay too hard for me. I can't play those games, lol

It takes practice! So far I'm finding it's a bit more forgiving than Dark Souls. Still challenging.

I'm not patient enough for Dark Souls. It's why I play a Titan and fully leveled my shotgun.

I could link you my stream if you ever feel like taking a look at what the gameplay is like

Oh, I know what it's like. I've watched a few YouTubers play because the game is so pretty.

Bloodborne happened again. I still haven't faced the first boss and I'm grinding too much haha

It seems to be how you play video games, lol

Okay i am done getting mad at Bloodborne for tonight lmfao

Meanwhile I was playing Destiny, lol

Always a good thing. I just bought the Mida Multi-Tool from Xur yesterday

I had to choose between Titan arms and Mida. Since I got Red Death last weekend I went with arms.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject