Kingdom of a Lazy Seal

Alika was resting in her bed. She was holding a stripe in her hand. Paint was almost erased, but it was still readable: "РФБА". The only thing, that was a legacy of her past life. Her space suit was well enought through the ages, but when she was resurrected by a Ghost, there was no documents, no personal stuff. Only nameless stripe on the shoulder. Scientist? Regular colonist, dreaming about new life among unknown stars? Or just a soldier? - Why me? - she asken thoughtfully. Her Ghost was flying around the room and scanning stuff. He always scan when he gets bored. - I just felt that you are mine and the only. Even me dont understand how this is happening. But you already know that....- he just got rwady to pronounce three words, but Alika made it first. - Devotion, Self sacrifice, Death. Yes, yes, yes. I've heard that thousands times. Just curious, what i have done to deserve second chance. - I just can tell that i have found you, laying and covering a child. Maybe you was trying to save him! Here you got a reason. - Hey, why you'd never told me that!? - she exclaimed and throwed a stripe to Ghost. - You've never asked.- Ghost retorted. - And stop throwing thinghs in me!

What is worth fighting for? For home, for family and friends, for yourself. Fighting to live. Remember that, when your path will lead you to places, where Light starts fading. Keep it in mind, what you're fighting for, at the moments of doubts and desperation. Protect that sliver of hope. Dawn comes after night.

Ash and Amanda were together in the hangar. Ash has just returned from the strike and his ship needed an urgent repair. Peaceful silence was broken by loud noice of engine. Alika broke into hangar on full speed and slowed down in front of her friends. - Hey, Ash, Amanda! Look what an awesome sparrow i gained! This is a beast! - Whoooa, really! - Ash laughed loudly. - Where did you get that!? - Better ask her from who. - Amanda grinned. - Holy Vex, nevermind! Look at that gorgeous machine! Besides, i got it with a fair way. One titan lost his bet. New trophy made Alika so happy and proud. - Ah, i see. And what was the bet? - Who will be faster to find the way to Cabal base and steal their fuel cell. Devrim asked. Poor got stucked in the air shaft. I had to get him out of it after the mission! - Cayde-6 will definetly like this story!

SIVA

The bullet touched the arm. She felt a burning pain. It was so strong and unusual. Guardians are used to pain. But that was not like it. Weakness overtooked Sam. Her legs stopped listenig her, everything became dark adn she fell on the floor. Burn came stronger and stronger. It moved from her arm to whole body. She has to crawl. Seek for cover. - Guardian, something is wrong, i cant heal you! - Damn! What is that gun!? This is Crucible, others cant be.... - Dead? Big and dark silhouette appeard near her. That was him, the shooter. He was holding a cannon. Sam has never seen anything like that piece. Dark as night. And bone on it, jagged like thorns. - What the hell is that thing!? - Thorn. Beautiful, isnt't it? - You are not playing nice. - I dont think so. - What you've done with the others? - They are dead. - Dead? You cant kill in Crucible - I can. Now, your turn. The stranger turned his cannon on Sam. She aimed to his head in response. - So, rumor is not lie - You get my attention, bravo. And what rumor say? - About a monster, mad guardian, who is killing his brothers and sisters! About ghoulish traitor! - Say my name. - Rezyl Azzir - That man is dead. Am am Dredgen Yor now. - Why you doing this? - I am hungry He pulled the trigger. Sam died. For good and all.

"Funny. The line between Light and Dark is so very thin. Do you know which side you're on.....which side.....side...." *whisper* ......Take.....take it.....you need it....you want it.....it is easy....it is not scary.... *heartbeat* *another whisper* ....Take away....i need it....just pull the trigger.... - Guardian! Guardian! Alika! Wake up, wake up now! Alika opened her eyes. Everything was dark, only a ghost was hysterically flying around her face and scanning her. - W...What? - she mumbled. The dream was going away and she felt that she woked up in cold sweat. Her body was shaking and chest was squeezed so hard, so she could hardly breath. - Where am i? Whats happening? - You are home. Just breath. You saw nightmare? I'm trying to scan you, but i cant see anything. You were whispering...and then you begin shaking...and... - And? - You started screaming. Very, very loud. And not like human. I was scared if somebody will hear that and started to wake up you. I hope nobody heart that. What was a dream? You remember? - Hardly. I remember, i was dreaming about Uldren. That moment, when i was standing there, holding Ace, and his question. And then...darkness. Only little spark of light. It was beckoning me. And a whisper. Then i dont remember, you woked me. - Good it was only a dream. - No, i dont think so. Dont tell anyone about it. I need to investigate that. I need to talk to a Drifter. - What!? Are you out your mind?! I dont trust him, this is the first. Secondary, we dont know his plans! Theres a rumors that he is one of Shadows of Yor. They are completely insane! - I know, but something is wrong with me. After Uldren, after Riven, everything are going wrong! I need to figure out what is happening to me.

While she was gathering flowers, Alika and her Ghost were discussing many things. She loved to get out of city walls here, in peaceful place, which wasn't destroyed by Collaps, Red War or Human. She wanted to be alone, far from places and reminders about this neverending war. - You look sad today. - Ghost said. - Something is bothering you? - No. Nothing. Just...i'm missing Cayde. I remembered, that he wanted to show me some interesting place here...but...that will never happen. He told me then, that i need to have some simple, little joys. For me its to be here, alone with my thoughts. And he was seeking for opportunities to get out from Vanguard and find some adventure on his head. That was his little joy.

- Tell me, how it is, to loose your Light? - Ash asked. Alika and him were sitting near the ramen shop. Ash was a newbie Guardian and Alika was his mentor. He didnt't saw the Red War, that was the reason, why he kept asking many questions about it. - I have never been so scared. Even all of those scrapes we get in don't feel like it. You know, when our Ghosts can't revive us. I was thinking, that its not for real. I was always sure that we can deal with that problems. - Alika slowly mix the noodles at her dish. - But....when i was standig there....when i was feeling with each cell, how the Light was leaving my body. I was terrified. I thought that this is the end. I don't know how, but that was a miracle that i survived that day. - Oh, i remember you told me, you fell from a great height. That was hurt? - Pf! Ash, let me kick you from the height of the mountain without your Ghost, then you tell me. - Alika laughed and hitted the head - Oh no, don't do that! The Tower experience was enough. - I understood many things on that day. Never overestimate yourself. Even with Light we are not immortal.

- Meh, All city in ruins.....And He gets damaged too....- Alika pronounced thoughtfully, while looking at the city down from the wall. The Traveler was hanging over the Last City as usual. - Do you think he will recover himself? - I think yes, Guardian. Still there is nothing we can help him. - Everybody say, that He has been awoken. But look, there is no undamaged places. He is cracked! - Only he knows what is happening to him now. Besides, if the Light has returned to everybody, maybe he is fine...

- What are you reading? - History. - Oh! What suddenly made you to be interested in history? - I don't remember anything about myself. You know that, ghost. And some times it makes me angry. Reading history helps me to understand something about the world, when i was alive. What was the humanity, what was happening.... - Oh, Alika.....you are running for your past again. That doestn't matter now. You have a destiny, you must care about the future! - I know......