Drake and Lance entered the apartment once more, chuckling as Drake lightly nudged the hair on Lance's head. Wrapping his arm around Lance's shoulders, he pat the younger man on the back, as Nathan and Lillian stood.
"Good heavens." Nathan said. "Where is Caldwell."
Lance's eyes shined brightly, as he opened his mouth to speak, before glancing at Drake, who stepped forward.
"He's currently searching the City for a new place to hang his armor." Drake nodded. "'Cause tomorrow, I'm going to have the Speaker put a restraining order on Caldwell for both you and Lance here. His abusive, neglectful behavior is endangering and unnecessary."
"-And by that, you mean you knocked him out and stashed him in the gutters?" Lillian shook her head, sipping from her tea politely.
"Hey," Drake shrugged, taking his seat beside her again. "You know me too well, Lady."
Nathan sat, albeit a little shaky, as he attempted to sip from his own tea, Lance sitting beside him. Nervously crunching on one of the scones, Nathan placed his cup down on the tray, lifting the kettle.
"Where did I go wrong?" Nathan shook his head. "I gave him everything I could, I taught him everything I could. But instead of using his knowledge and abilities for good, he seeks to use it for self gain and fame."
Drake shook his head, reaching across the table to place a hand on Nathan's shoulder, as the Titan pat his son on the shoulder.
"You didn't do anything wrong. I could see it in Caldwell's eyes, he just isn't Vanguard material, and it bothers him. If what you say is true, he's recklessly charging his way to becoming a Warpath Titan so he can FORCE his place as Vanguard." Drake said, firmly gripping Nathan's shoulders. "That isn't your fault, you told him my story. He became obsessed, made me a hero, and has unhealthily devoted his entire life to becoming me. Believe me when I say he doesn't want that."
Nathan sighed, nodding his head up and down for a second, before lifting the tray and everyone's cups. Lance, however, took the tray from Nathan, walking into the kitchen.
"A good kid, that one." Nathan smiled as Lance left the room. "I still dunno how my kid coul-"
"It wasn't Caldwell." Drake shook his head. "You were there for Lance, after his own father beat the hell out of him, you were there for support. He learned manners and how to be a good person from your actions."
Nathan stood, pulling a rag from his back pocket and coughing into it. Replacing the cloth, he disappeared for a moment, before returning with a smile.
"It's awfully late, and I wouldn't feel right tossing you both onto the street in this cold weather." Nathan said, hands on his hips.
"Why?" Lillian frowned, staring at the floor. "It's only fair."
"Don't talk like that Lillian." Drake said, hugging her.
"Drake- er- Dad's right." Nathan nodded. "I don't blame either of you, which is why I offer my home to you. With Caldwell now out, a room has been freed up for you both. Seeings how you three are in a team together, it will make it easier for you all to come here and rest up. Tomorrow, I'll have the Cryptarchs fashion a set of keys for you."
"That's very generous Nathan, thank you." Drake nodded, standing with Lillian, they walked over.
The three of them hugged momentarily, as Lance reappeared, leading Lillian to her and Drake's new room. Drake hung back with Nathan for a moment, arms crossed.
"Everything she's said tonight... she means it." Drake frowned. "Everything I've said tonight, I mean it."
"I know." Nathan nodded. "I'm just happy that I actually have gotten the chance to meet you guys. Grandpa was a great psuedo father, and Grandma, when I saw her, was sweet and kind, albeit a bit strict. But I still prayed to the Traveler that I would see you both one day, like I said earlier."
"-I'll find a way to make it up to you, Nate." Drake turned, placing a hand on Nathan's shoulder. "You can quote me on that."
"That won't be necessary." Nathan smiled. "Goodnight- Dad."
Drake smiled, as he wrapped his arms around Nathan again.
"Goodnight son."
//////////////////////////
"Supes, you aren't mad, are you?" Lillian turned to her side, the sheets ruffling with her.
"No, Lady, I'm not." Drake stared at the ceiling, a smile on his face as he relished the soft, warmness of the bed beneath him. "In fact, for the first time in a while, I've been happy. After I lost you and Jeremy on the Moon all those years ago, I just fell into this spiral of self loathing and depression. When you first told me about Nathan, I wasn't upset with you, I was with myself. I could've been there for him."
"Now," Drake continued. "Not only do I have you back, but I got to meet my son, my great grandson, and I know what my drive is. The reason why the Traveler brought me back. No, I'm not mad, Lady, I'm ecstatic."
Turning to face her, he gently planted his lips on hers. The two stayed like that for some time, before Drake pushed a lock of hair out of her eyes.
"Tomorrow, after I've dealt with the Caldwell restraining order thing, and Nate gives us our keys. I'll file us as an official Fireteam, and then we need to go out into the Frontier. This is our most opportune moment, we
need to eliminate Kraxsis."
/////////////////////
"
Ah, Mr. Sol, how are you this morning?" the Speaker said, standing from his desk, before turning, placing his arms behind his back.
"Fine. Thank you sir." Drake nodded. "I've come to ask you for a few favors."
"
It wouldn't have anything to do with Guardian Caldwell Stratus, would it?"
"Er- yes." Drake nodded. "He's been known to assault Lance, and he's going to drive the kid into the ground. I confronted him last night, and-"
Quickly, the Speaker rose his right hand in a way to silence Drake, who stopped, placing his own hands behind his back.
"
He has already approached me, and I regrettably must go with his decision. He is, of course, Lance's father. You, when you changed your name, gave up your right to have any say in your family's affairs. Caldwell has requested Lance have a restraining order on you, and immediately positioned onto his Fireteam."
"That bastard-" Drake's right fist trembled as anger surged through his veins. "-I'll-!"
"
-However." the Speaker spoke, again raising his hand. "
It cannot be officially enacted without proper consent from the current head of the family, so our laws propose. With that in mind, Nathaniel Stratus must give consent to Caldwell to enact the restraining order."
"He's going to kill Nate." Drake whispered to himself.
"
I had fear of this, so I requested Commander Zavala himself to escort Nathaniel to the Vanguard headquarters this morning. Luckily, Nathaniel had been visiting with the Cryptarchs, so there was no way Caldwell could have done the deed."
"If you fear him, why don't you ex-communicate him, sir?" Drake asked respectfully. "He's a danger to himself and those around him."
"
In these hard times, we require every pair of Guardian hands we can muster. With Nathaniel in custody, however, the only other way Caldwell could enact the order is to face you, the man he would put the order on, in an Iron Banner regulated duel. If he won, you would be forever forbidden from seeing or interacting with Lance, but if you won, Caldwell would be forever forbidden from seeing or interacting with Nathaniel or his own son."
"How long do I have before I must fight him?"
"
Not much, I'm afraid. If he locates you and challenges you, there is an arena in the Twilight Gap where the Light shines brightest. Once the challenge is given, you must accept immediately, or the order is filed. So, if you want my slightly biased advice, I'd suggest you refrain from returning to the Tower for some time. Perhaps upgrade your armaments from within the Frontier, and avoid telling anyone where you are. There is no time limit on when he must challenge you, in fact, it could loom over your head until you die."
"Thank you, sir." Drake nodded. "My Fireteam and I will leave post haste. But before I leave, I have one other thing I need to request of you. Lillian, Lance, and I would like to formally form a Fireteam, sir."
"
As the order is not in effect, I will allow it. But if for some reason Lance is separated from you, he will no longer be a member, nor shall he ever be again. What would you call yourselves?"
"Fireteam Alpha Omega." Drake nodded.
"
Alpha and Omega; Beginning and End. Poetic, and quite fitting. Yes, from this day forth, you three shall be known to the Vanguard, the Tower, and the City as Fireteam Alpha Omega. Now, before Caldwell returns seeking for you, it would be wise to leave.Nodding respectfully, Drake summoned Arianna, who flashed her pink eye light a few times. Opening up, the small orb of blue void energy that served as her core became exposed, as she opened a comm. channel.
"Lance, Lillian. We need to head to Orbit, I'll explain in team chat when we're there."
///////////////////////////////
"
WHAT?!" Lance growled, his ship swaying more drastically in orbit above Earth. "
I won't let him do this!!"
"
Unfortunately, you don't have a say in the matter." Lillian sighed. "
You're only seventeen, so technically you aren't viewed as an adult yet."
"
But I'm old enough to serve the Light, and fly solo at that!"
"Yeah, it's a load of crap. But it just means that we need to avoid the Tower for a while." Drake shrugged, Arianna floating beside him.
"
It's okay, after Drake royally kicked Caldwell in the rear last night, I was able to tag his armor covertly. Something useful I picked up in seclusion while waiting to revive Drake. Anyways, the tag will warn us of his coordinates, so we can avoid him in the Frontier too."
"Why'd you do that?" Drake asked, turning to face her. "I mean, great work, but why?"
"
Because I had this sneaking suspicion that Caldwell was the kind of weasel to do this. Although my original mindset was that he was going to try to assassinate you one day."
"Well, same difference." Drake grit his teeth. "If Iron Banner is anything like the duels from when I was training Saladin, then it's a no holds barred deathmatch. Even if you can revive me from the dead now, he's going to likely try to prevent me from coming back. Even though I am his childhood hero."
"
Hate to interject, but I've started picking up heavy Fallen activity around the Mothyards in the Cosmodrome, around where you guys destroyed the Walker tank and the Archon. We're the only ones with the coordinates, perhaps we should take a look?"
"Good idea, let's get this done Alpha Omega."
"
What?" Lillian asked.
"Alpha Omega, it's our Fireteam."
"
That's cheesy as hell, man. Beginning and End?"
"In my defense, it's oddly unique. Much less cliche than Fireteam Charlie."
//////////////////////////
Standing on the cliffside high above the Mothyards, Drake, Lance, and Lillian gazed down into the airplane graveyard. Dust filled the air as legions of Fallen troops marched forward, a single, massive entity standing in the very center of them. Drake's right fist clenched with anger as he stared at the Archon Priest below.
"Yep, that's Kraxsis alright. See that burn mark on his neck?" Drake growled. "That's where I shoved my Magnetic Grenade before he got me."
"Why in the hell are they advancing like this?" Lance scoffed, staring through his Auto Rifle's scope.
"
Because, they know we attacked their Ketch. So the only way they know to keep Kraxsis and Fraxsis safe is to eliminate us. An Archon Priest, while a big HVT to us, is not as important as the Kell himself." Arianna appeared over Drake's shoulder. "
I imagine their tactic is to kill any Guardians in the Cosmodrome, and potentially push to the City. It's a longshot, but if you were to kill Kraksis now, it would demoralize the rest of the battalion to the point of fleeing. This could also make taking Fraxsis down a whole lot easier."
"Fraxsis was bold enough to attack the City with an army this size two hundred years ago. Of course, I had an entire battalion of my own to work with, six legions of men and women. Right now, we've got two Titans and a Huntress." Drake sighed.
"Arianna, what would you say our odds are here?" Lillian asked, turning towards the robot.
"
Not good. My math could be off, ironic due to me being a computer. But we're looking at about a 3% chance of survival. It's looking like a 1000 to 3 split, Fallen's favor."
"I'm throwing a heavy hypothetical here." Drake said, his eyes never leaving Kraksis. "If one of us were to die down there, how long would it take before you could revive one of us?"
"
I hate you for asking that, and I hate myself for answering... but there are two ways. Using each other's Lights, you could revive each other within a few seconds. Or I and the other Ghost could run our servos at maximum capacity and have you up in a minute. It's more risky to try to revive each other, as it puts you in more danger, but the reward is good. We, and by we I mean us Ghosts, can instead use our servos to create overshields in the case of you reviving each other."
"Perfect." Drake grinned beneath his helmet.
"
I don't much care for that tone." Arianna said, turning towards Lillian. "
Was he always like this?"
"Yep. I loved him for every second of it too." Lillian chuckled. "You guys be safe, I'll cover you from up here."
"Lance." Drake said, as the Teenager turned to face him. "I want you to solely use your Striker. One of these days I'll have to teach you how to be a Defender, but right now we'll need your area of effect field. I'm going to provide the Ward of Dawn if I can muster it. Keep an eye out for each other, and don't choke under pressure, and we can accomplish the work of a thousand Titans, understood?"
"Got it." Lance nodded.
Jumping to his feet, Drake went to summon his Cavalier, when he remembered that it had been destroyed years back. Lance nodded, summoning his through his own Ghost, as Drake clambered onto the back with the kid.
"When I tell you to hit the handbrake, do it. When you do, be prepared to kick off with your right foot, and be ready to fight." Drake said, pointing his index and middle fingers forward.
Lance activated the boost on the hoverbike, roaring them down the hillside. Drake stood, leaning forward in a crouch like pose to prevent being thrown off of the unbelievably fast machine. Becoming more secure with his position, he sat up slightly, his Scout Rifle ready to fire. Pulling the trigger, a round thrust forward, over Lance's right shoulder, and into the face of an unaware Dreg.
As they drew nearer, the sound of the Sparrow, and the death of a few of their men gathered the attention of the horde of spider like creatures. Turning their attention towards the Sparrow holding the two Titans, the Fallen chittered, preparing their Arc Blasters, Shrapnel Launchers, Shock Pistols, and Shock Blades.
"NOW!" Drake roared, as Lance thrust on the brakes, turning the hoverbike to the right.
Both Titans jumped off with their right feet, launching themselves with the momentum, high above the Fallen forces. Drake placed his Scout Rifle on his back, plucking his Shotgun, and the Hand Cannon off of his hip.
Lance quickly turned to face Drake, who nodded. The two Titans readied their weapons, Drake's Hand Cannon in his right hand cracked, smashing a Vandal square in the forehead. It's head exploded, a puff of Ether billowing into the air.
Lance opened fire with his Auto Rifle, spraying into the masses. Drake landed, boots first onto the chest of a Dreg, smashing the butt of his Hand Cannon into it's face, dispatching the foe. Holstering the Hand Cannon, he turned on his heels, firing a shell from his shotgun into a Captains' chest, bursting it's Arc shield and causing it to reel backwards.
Glaring over towards Kraxsis, Drake pumped a new shell into his shotgun, spreading his arms.
"Remember me asshole?!" Drake roared. "I'm back, and I'm
PISSED!"
Kraxsis roared in it's native tongue, raising the it's top two arms into the air, it's specialized Shrapnel Launcher primed. Pointing it's lower right arm at Drake, the Archon Priest prepared to advance, as a small purple ball of energy landed at it's feet. The Magnetic Grenade exploded, causing Kraxsis to reel backwards, chittering to itself while one of it's arms reached up to it's throat.
"Figured I'd give you a firm reminder!"
"
Itsch your time Ooman!" Kraxsis yelled in a semi understandable English accent.
"My time was two hundred years ago, Spidey! Guardians just make their OWN fate!"
Vaulting over an advancing Vandal with Shock Blades, Drake fired his shotgun mid flip, riddling the back of the Vandal with shot. Landing on his feet, he swung his shotgun like a club, knocking a Dreg aside, snapping it's neck on impact. Pulling the Hand Cannon once more with his left hand, Drake thrust the shotgun out with his right hand, using the shoulder of a Captain to pump his shotgun, before firing a shell point blank into it's face.
Aiming the pistol to his left, the massive revolver bullet struck a Servitor square in the 'eye socket', exploding the massive purple machine immediately. Behind him, Lance fired his Auto Rifle in a circle, electricity surging from his fists, while he unleashed his Arc Punch.
Lance could hear the air behind him slash, as he instinctively ducked a Shock Blade. Lifting his right foot, he smashed it back into the Vandal's chest in a heavy donkey kick. Using the same momentum, he lashed his right foot up and outwards, kicking the Dreg in front of him in the chin, launching the creature a few inches up. Turning to his left, he swung the back end of his rifle in a short, deliberate motion.
Ether spewed from the Shank's hull, as the floating mobile turret fizzed out of life. Cracks filled the air, Lillian's sniper bullets keeping both Drake and Lance safe from surprise attacks from behind. Lance grunted, as the combined fire of the enemies not within punching distance eventually burst his shield, some of the electrical rounds causing his muscles to spasm.
"LANCE!" Drake roared, electricity forming on his shoulder, the Titan shoulder charging through the crowd.
Stomping his feet out, Drake thrust both of arms across, a purple orb of protective energy giving them a moment to breath. Lance coughed, as he tasted copper in his mouth. Checking the reserves in his clip, he growled as he shouldered the rifle, replacing it with his own shotgun.
Drake loaded more shells into his shotgun, his Hand Cannon having long run out of rounds. Pumping the action back, Drake and Lance chuckled as some brave Vandals and Dregs attempted to enter the Ward of Dawn, it's Void energy causing them momentary blindness, thus giving the Titans a chance to kill them easily.
Drake lashed out his right fist, as a purple shield enveloped him. The Ward of Dawn disappated, Lance and Drake walked forward, shotguns blasting, while Lillian's bullets kept any flankers at bay. In the distance, they could see Kraxsis attempting a hasty retreat to an old factory, a small legion of Fallen with him.
"Go." Lance nodded. "I got these guys."
Drake shook his head, thrusting his shotgun's grip into a Captain's head.
"No, you go. I have the Ward. I'll join you shortly."
"No, I have a Sparrow, I can catch up. Just go get your revenge dammit!" Lance growled, shoving Drake back.
Drake paused for only a fraction of a second, before grinning proudly. Lillian's bullets still cracking in the distance. Pulling out his Scout Rifle, Drake fired a few rounds into some of Lance's flankers, before turning tail and chasing after Kraxsis and his ragtag group of survivors.
Preparing another ball of purple energy, Drake threw it with his left hand, the grenade landing perfectly on Kraxsis' back. Adhering to Kraxsis' back, the void grenade exploded once, any Dregs or weaker Vandals evaporated into the Void. Exploding once more, the grenade eradicated anything within the field that hadn't died in the first blast.
Kraxsis himself stumbled forward, using one of his lower arms to nurse the burn wound on hist back. Chittering, Kraxsis turned to face the lone Titan, who charged after him, firing his Scout Rifle into the faces of the lower class enemies defending Kraxsis. Electricity formed on Drake's shoulder again, as he charged into the crowd, thrusting forward with his jetpack just enough to smash into Kraxsis' shins.
"My, you've grown Grandma." Drake chuckled, staring up at the Archon Priest. "Bigger they are, harder they fall eh?"
------------------------------------
Lance jumped forward into the crowd, both fists crackling with Arc energy, a circle of electric energy surged outwards, thinning the ranks further.
"
Guardian Down!" Arianna shrieked into Lance's ear, as the younger Titan's heart dropped.
"
Drake, NOOOOO!!!!" Lillian cried out, Lance turning back to see Kraxsis cheering once more, an orb of blue at his feet, Arianna's form spinning around it. "
Lance, kill the bastard.Lance didn't hesitate, jumping over the slash of a Vandals shock blade, he had his Ghost summon his Sparrow. Turning on a time, he boosted along, the fire from his exhaust incinerated any Dregs or Vandals caught in it.
Standing slightly, he left the boost going, before jumping off of the seat. Arc damage crackled on his fists again, as he smashed the ground at Kraxsis' feet, causing the massive Archon Priest and his guards to back off.
Turning back towards Arianna's exposed core, Lance put his hand into the sphere of blue, part of his Light rushed out momentarily to super charge Arianna's servos. In a flash of blue light, Drake reappeared, shaking slightly.
"Stand up Drake, you aren't done yet." Lance grinned, turning to Kraxsis.
The Archon Priest, however, had other things in mind. Wrapping a hand around Lance's throat, the Priest swung Lance high above it's head, smashing the shielded Titan into the ground, popping his overshield and his normal shield.
Drake stood shakily, as Lance yelped in pain. His eyes snapped awake, and he no longer cared that he had died twice now in his life, he was going to save that boy. Roaring with all of his rage, Drake charged forward, jumping off of Lance's abandoned Sparrow, Kraxsis turning to swing his gun like a club again.
Drake anticipated this, clasping the rifle, while Kraxsis shook it up and down to release the Titan from it. On the way up, Drake released, more electricity exploded from his gloves, as he put both fists forward, using the jets on his boots to launch himself into Kraxsis' face.
The electrically charged Superman punch sent the Archon Priest and the Veteran Titan into the Earth with a giant plume of smoke, Lance rolling out of the way before he could be crushed. On top of Kraxsis, Drake thrust punch after punch into the Priest's hardened face, cracking the carapace further. Plucking his knife from his hip, Drake thrust it into Kraxsis' neck hole, exposing the once open hole in it's throat, Ether spewing out relentlessly.
Kraxsis, however, clout Drake in the back of the head, before standing once more. Drake stood, albeit shakenly, the Priest's Shrapnel Launcher between them. Drake rushed forward, as the Priest stomped along the ground, reaching it's bottom two arms for it.
Drake clasped the weapon, as the Priest did as well. Drake narrowly avoided it's left and right punches, his grip on the weapon secure. Kraxsis attempted to lift the gun and the Titan, while Drake pulled back with all of his might.
His feet held their ground, Drake roaring with every bit of energy he had, pulling the gun as hard as he could. So hard, Kraxsis roared in pain, his bottom two arms ripped out of their sockets and completely unattached, wisps of Ether spewing from them.
With the Launcher now in his possession, but no knowledge on how to use it, Drake used his pure strength to bend the weapon until it was no longer useful. Tossing it aside, Kraxsis sidewinded Drake with a swift kick, knocking him into the concrete wall of an old Russian factory.
Lance stood, on the verge of death or unconsciousness, he wasn't too sure. Rushing towards Kraxsis, Lance jumped, using his boot thrusters to launch himself towards Kraxsis' height. Kraxsis, however, lashed out with it's left arm, catching Lance by the throat, tossing him into the Factory itself.
Lance bounced along the floor, grunting as his shields popped again, more copper taste in his mouth. Standing shakily, Kraxsis stood in the doorway, roaring menacingly, the giant Spider like creature walking towards him confident, but hurt.
Lance backed up, until a bench stopped him, but by that time, Kraxsis was on top of him. Grabbing Lance with his right hand, the Priest slammed Lance onto the table, chittering while he choked the boy out. Lance gasped for air, reaching with his left hand for anything on the table worth using. Gritting his teeth, he felt something in his hand, wrapping his arm around it, he raised the tool up and towards Kraxsis' right eye.
Squeezing the trigger a few times, the nail gun fired one square into Kraxsis' eyes, causing the beast to only tighten it's grasp, attempting to nurse the wound with it's other. Drake pulled the trigger as many times as he could, until Kraxsis finally released the grip, stumbling back. Roaring, Kraxsis used both of it's remaining arms to hold it's face, Lance heard the sound of metal chains clinking, before an old industrial hook sunk into the hole in Kraxsis' throat.
The Archon Priest sputtered, as the sharpened hook dug deep into it's throat, Ether wisps billowing out of every wound. Lance coughed, standing as Drake grunted in the catwalk above, holding a chain, pulling backwards.
"LANCE!" Drake barked. "GRAB THIS FUCKER'S FEET! WE'RE GONNA
QUARTER THIS ASSHOLE!"
Lance did not hesitate, Kraxsis attempting to remove the hook that was lodged in his throat. Grabbing the Priest's feet, Lance pulled backwards, Kraxsis' form being lifted. Drake roared angrily, pulling with all of his might, the chain jingled as it dragged against his makeshift fulcrum point.
Kraxsis' chitters and thrashes became more violent, until finally a tearing sound could be heard. Lance glanced up, the hole that had once been on Kraxsis' neck elongated, the hard carapace cracking along a fissure. Suddenly, the Priest's movements ceased, Lance launching himself back into the bench.
Drake gave the last pull, the Priest's head ripped completely from his shoulders, as it flew above the rafters and at his feet. Grabbing it, Drake hoisted it into the air, roaring to the point that his voice actually stopped.
"HELL YEAHHHHH!!!!" Lance cheered, standing from the bench, clutching his ribs. "But now what?"
"Now?" Drake said, hefting a trio of purple engrams, Arianna trans-matting the Priest's head. "We go back to the Tower. I'm confident that, if I meet your Father again, that I can kick his ass. 'Cause now I have something that gives ME the advantage."
//////////////////////////////
Drake and Lance limped outside of the factory, Drake's arm around Lance's shoulders, while Lillian sat there, arms crossed. Drake stumbled forward, while Lance held back. Opening his arms for a hug, he was instead greeted with a slap across the helmet, followed by a tight hug.
"I thought I'd lost you again." Lillian sobbed beneath her helmet. "You're not Superman, so stop acting like it!"
"Do you think I'd really do something like that? I trusted Lance enough to get the job done, and he did. Trust me, I'm not going anywhere." Drake said, hugging her tighter, his eyes actually widened beneath his helmet.
It had been a close call, the Void was a dark place. He had felt like he was floating, except Arianna was there, her blue light keeping him from being completely consumed by the Darkness. To say the sensation was anything less than terrifying was an understatement and a lie. This sensation had been completely different then when he had first died. He had had a legitimate fear that his Light would be lost, and that he'd be a slave of the darkness.
/////////////////////////////////
Later that Day
"Ah hello!" Master Rahool smiled, as Drake stood before him. "A pleasure again, Drake. What can I help you with today?"
Drake, without speaking, had Arianna produce the three Purple engrams he had acquired earlier. Rahool's jaw dropped, as the three Legendary Engrams floated before him.
"T-that's unbelievable!" Rahool stammered. "Y-you've acquired three Legendary Engrams! These are incredibly rare, and usually VERY High Ranking officers hold them."
"Yeah." Drake shrugged. "We killed Kraxsis, the Archon Priest of the House of Devils."
"WHAT?!" Rahool said, stepping back. "Drake Stratus avenged his own death? Well I'll be the son of a Reef dweller."
"Nah." Drake said, pulling Lance up. "Lance did. I just helped."
Rahool's gaze turned to the younger Titan, as his jaw remained slack. Shaking himself out of it, Rahool grinned, clasping Lance on the shoulder.
"The Tower shall know of this feet, young Guardian. You should be proud, not many new Titans can say they've killed an Archon, let alone an Archon Priest. Not even your Father has accomplished a feat of the sort." Rahool smiled, before pressing a command on a pad, the three purple spheres bursting with light.
Floating in the air before them, an Auto Rifle, a Scout Rifle, and a Hand Cannon glimmered in the evening sunlight.
"This is absolutely incredible!" Rahool grinned from ear to ear at the three weapons.
"It appears the Engrams held schematics to the 'Shadow Price' Auto Rifle; a prototype by the Ishtar Collective. The 'Devil You Know' Hand Cannon; a weapon said to be forged by Deliah Evergreen and distributed to only the most elite of Hunters, and the 'Cryptic Dragon' Scout Rifle; a rare Scout Rifle awarded through the Crucible tournaments to the best of the participants. Forged and distributed by Lord Shaxx." Rahool said, eyeing the weapons, before turning to Drake. "So, how much is your price for them?"
Drake's eyes opened wide, as he shook his head.
"I'm not selling these, sorry Master Rahool. My team needs better armaments, and these are exactly what the Doctor ordered."
"Very well." Rahool said, turning for just a moment. "Oh, and Ms. Holliday wanted to speak with you. She has a few things for you."
Rahool nodded respectfully, as Drake plucked the Scout Rifle for himself, Arianna trashing his old one. Lance took the Shadow Price, while Lillian, obviously, took the 'Devil You Know'. Drake nodded, as Rahool waved them all goodbye. The team moved forward, as any Guardians on the Tower at the time quickly glanced over at them.
"Jeez, did you guys get looked at like this all the time?" Lance asked.
"Pretty much." Drake shrugged. "You'll get used to it."
"But we haven't told anyone!" Lance said.
"I told Zavala while we were en route to the Tower, it's no surprise he boasted that Fireteam Alpha Omega did it with a group of two Titans and a Huntress."
Walking up a small flight of stairs, the trio made their way to the Shipwright. Walking up, Amanda Holliday wiped her greasy hand into a cloth, before using the cleaner side to wipe her face.
"Howdy Drake!" she smiled. "I heard you killed Kraxsis, that's a helluva feat!"
"I didn't." Drake shook his head, patting Lance on the back. "Lance did. I just helped."
Lance glared over towards Drake, who winked.
"So, Rahool said you had something for me?" Drake asked, Amanda nodded, turning back.
When she faced him again, a silver weapon with golden outlines, and the carving of a lion on the front was in her arms. Lance stared at the rocket launcher, as Drake ran his hand along it's surface.
"Gjallarhorn." Drake nodded. "It's been a long time."
"Indeed, and I have the feeling you'll need it. Especially if you guys are going around killing Archon Priests." Amanda smiled. "Besides, I'm no good with fighting, and I know Grandpappy would've wanted you to have it back."
Drake smiled, before accepting his old Exotic tier rocket launcher, holstering it on his back. Lillian smiled, as Lance stared at the item with wonder.
"Much appreciated Ms. Holli- I mean Amanda." Drake grinned.
"But there is also more." Holliday continued. "Your Cavalier is ready for use! I linked your Ghost to it, Drake. Feel free to take her for a whirl! I used some of your extra funds, not only to pay for Lance's new ship, but to invest in an upgrade that allows your Cavalier to be... repaired upon summoning, even if it's exploded."
"Wow, thank you very much." Drake nodded, as Holliday giggled.
"I'm just doing my job, Drake. By the way, your son stopped by this morning. I completely spaced that my old mentor claimed to be your son! I'm so happy he got to meet you guys, when he used to train me a few years back, he'd tell me that he always wanted to meet you."
"Yeah." Drake frowned. "I'm just glad he's taking it so well. This is a lot to take in. Thank you for everything, Amanda, sincerely."
/////////////////////////
"This is probably the greatest week in the History of the Collapse!" Commander Zavala roared with laughter, smacking his hand on the table. "First, Drake Stratus and Lillian Evergreen, two of the old Vanguard are revived, then they train the previously untrainable, and now they've killed an Archon Priest!"
"
Pay up." Ikora Rey, the Warlock Vanguard whispered to Cayde 6, the Exo Hunter Vanguard.
Cayde grumbled to himself, before plucking a small bag of glimmer out of his pocket, passing it over to the female Warlock.
"Needless to say, the Vanguard is in your debt." Zavala continued, collecting himself. "As such, I've made a personal investment for both you and Lance to obtain your own armor. Drake, you will find that the armor I'm bestowing upon you is a slightly less formidable version of your old Vanguard armor. For you Lance, I proudly present you with a full set of Armada-3 armor."
"I also through some glimmer into the pile and got Ms. Evergreen a full set of Dustwalker armor." Cayde-6 piped in.
"Your Ghosts have them readily available for you to put on. Thank you, Fireteam Alpha Omega. Kraxsis was a scourge on this Planet for many, many years. It will take some time before we can face Fraxsis, perhaps in that time, you might consider joining the Iron Banner tournament next week? I also believe Ikora Rey has a special task for you three. Just keep in mind that you have done an astronomical thing today, and may the Light forever guide you."
Drake nodded respectfully, as Arianna changed his old armor into his 'old' armor. Glancing over it, he was surprised with how detailed the armor had been, and he definitely felt more protected with it on. Lance swapped as well, while Lillian held off. Turning, Ikora Rey beckoned the three into another room.
Following the Vanguard into the other room, the door shut behind them. Ikora sat behind a desk of sorts, while the three Guardians stood, arms behind their back.
"Many people in the Tower are still ignorant to your real identities. You are Drake Stratus and Lillian Evergreen, even if the people that don't know your true identity refer to you as Sol and Lola. The reason I have pulled you both, and your third member here, is because I have a contact. Her name is Enis, and she has spent many a time on the Moon."
At the word, Drake's fist clenched until his knuckles popped, Lillian gently placing her hand over his fist.
"She has been scouting, and it is regretful for me to say that the Hive, the creatures you encountered two hundred years ago, grow more powerful with each passing second. Enis fears that the worst may be upon us. She seeks the one who faced the Swordsman and lived. She is due to return to the Tower in two month's time. You will meet with her, and hopefully by that time you will be prepared to face whatever frightens her so."
"What do you think it could be, ma'am?" Lance asked.
"She fears it might be the darkest of the Hive, reawakening-." Ikora said, Drake grit his teeth, both of his fist's knuckles popping.
"
-Crota."
End Chapter
