#zakris

“Blaze! Are you here? Blaze!!”

Rae sped across the snowy landscape of Old Russia, searching for her missing teammate and friend, Blaze. “Maybe she’s with the Umbrialyx?” Ghost suggested, “It would explain why no Guardians have reported her location…”

“…because the Umbrialyx are not Guardians!” Rae finished, “Ghost, you’re a genius!”

“I have my moments.” Ghost replied, pride in his voice. Rae sped her Sparrow towards the valley separating the Forgotten Shore and the Mothyards. She skidded to a halt outside the valley entrance and walked towards the waterfall on foot. There she saw some Umbrialyx rogues packing up items and equipment while Zakris gave out orders, Vakoh scanning boxes that were brought to him and showing were they needed to go. “Hey Zakris! Hi Vakoh!” Rae greeted as she approached the duo. “Ah. Hello, Rae.” Zakris greeted. “Hi, miss Rae.” Vakoh chirped. Vakoh had become a lot less shy around Rae and the rest of Paralight, now knowing them better, “I like your new robes!”

“Aww, thanks!” Rae smiled, “What’s going on here?”

“There’s a storm incoming.” Zakris replied, “Marcia has asked us to move all of our equipment to the Cosmodrome to sit it out.”

“Is she around? I need to ask her something.”

“No, she’s at the Cosmodrome.” Vakoh answered, “She’s clearing it out of any bad guys so we can move our stuff there safely. What did you need to ask her?”

“Blaze was reported MIA a few days ago. I was wondering if anyone here had seen her or if she made a stop here.”

“Hang on.” Zakris turned to the working Umbrialyx, “Hey! Has anyone seen Blaze of Paralight come through here?”

“Which one is she again?” An Umbrialyx yelled out.

“The Awoken Hunter with fire powers.”

“Nope, haven’t seen her! We’ll keep an eye out though!” Another yelled out. “I can try and reach out to Firefly, if you like.” Vakoh offered. “Yes please! Thanks, Vakoh!”

“No problem!” Vakoh made his shell spin around him as he tried to contact Firefly, “This is Vakoh of the Umbrialyx to Firefly and miss Blaze. Are you guys there?”

After a moment of silence, Vakoh sighed and reverted to normal, “No luck. Sorry.”

“It’s alright. Thanks anyway!” Rae smiled, gently patting Vakoh on the head. “We’ll let you know if she shows up here.” Zakris added, “I’ll contact Marcia to keep an eye out in case she’s hiding out in the Cosmodrome.”

“Thanks, guys. Stay safe during the storm.”

“You too. I’d head back to the Tower soon though. The storm is meant to be a big one, so I doubt it’ll be a joy to fly through.”

“Especially with your flying style.” Ghost added. “What’s wrong with my flying style?” Rae asked with a raised eyebrow.

“You always fly too fast!”

“Have you seen how Blaze flies? I fly way slower than her!”

“It’s still too fast.”

“Anyway!” Rae cut off the argument, “We need to keep looking. We’ll see you guys later.”

“And to you.” Zakris nodded before going back to ordering the other rogues as Ghost summoned Rae’s Sparrow and she sped through the valley towards the shore.

 ———————————————————————

 “We’ve checked nearly everywhere.” Ghost piped up, worry in his voice, “And that storm’s getting closer. Maybe we should head back.”

“We have to check everywhere.” Rae replied, “Let’s try the Grottos. That’s the closest place to here.”

Rae slowed her Sparrow down as she approached the Grottos. The Grottos was known to be Hive territory and that was the last thing Rae needed right now. “Ghost, try to see if you can contact Firefly here.” Rae whispered as she got off her Sparrow and crept through the Grottos. Ghost sighed, “Nothing. I can’t get a- WATCH OUT!!!” Rae spun around as a series of shrieks pierced the air. “Thrall ambush!!” Rae exclaimed, whipping out her auto-rifle as a large group of Thralls rounded a corner, “Traveller, that’s a lot of Thralls!” Rae began to shoot down the Thralls, occasionally gliding into the air to avoid their attacks. However, a Thrall managed to claw at her back, sending her flying forwards as she crashed to the ground, her gun landing a few feet away from her. Rae could hear the Thralls rush towards her and got her Scorch ready to try and keep the Thralls off her, preparing for the pain of being dog-piled by the monstrosities.

 *BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG!!!*

 Rae heard a series of gunshots as the screams of the Thralls disappeared. Rae sat up and glanced behind her. There was Cayde, Ace of Spades in hand – which he quickly placed in his holster before rushing over to Rae, helping her to her feet, “You okay?”

“I am now.” Rae replied, breathing a sigh of relief, “Thanks Cayde. I owe ya.”

“Hey, I couldn’t let my favourite Guardian get herself killed. Besides, consider this me owing you for not tellin’ ya about Blaze sooner.”

Rae scratched the back of her neck, a shamed expression on her face as she recalled her exit back at the Tower, “Yeah…sorry I yelled at you, Ikora and Zavala. I was in a panic and I over-reacted. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologise.” Cayde replied, “In fairness, we should’ve told you. Trust me, I wanted to tell you and so did Ikora, but…Ikora noticed that you’ve been a little hard on yourself during your training for Fireteam Vanguard. She felt that if we told you right away, it’d just make it worse. I wanted to go out and look for her, but Zavala wouldn’t let me ‘cause of the storm. I was barely able to convince him to let me go after you.” Cayde put a hand on Rae’s shoulder, “I know you wanna make sure Blaze is okay, but she’s a tough cookie. If she needs to go on her own quest, we gotta trust that she knows what she’s doing. Besides, if she came back and found out we let you go out looking for her in a storm and you crashed out here, she’d have all of our heads. And our Ghosts’ heads if they had them!” The last statement caused Rae to laugh a little before she spoke up, “I guess you’re right. I mean, she brought a Kell to his knees on her own. But I’ll do one more look around before coming back.”

“Alright, but come back in one piece, yeah? Otherwise I’ll never hear the end of it from Zavala. ‘Cayde, I sent you down to retrieve Raegalia. Not to have her be shipped back here in tiny Paragonialan pieces. War, poetry, knitting.’” Rae burst out laughing, “Do you end all of your Zavala impressions with ‘War, poetry, knitting’?”

“You bet’cha, Sunrae!”

The duo shared a laugh before Cayde spoke, a hint of seriousness in his voice, “Rae…I’m with you, you know that, right? Don’t feel like you gotta do things on your own.” Rae was a little surprised at the change in Cayde’s voice, but then gave him a smile, “Thanks, Cayde.” Cayde gave an understanding nod before turning to walk towards his Sparrow, which Rae now noticed was parked nearby. Rae spoke up before he left, “Hey, by the way…why do you call me that? Sunrae, I mean.”

“Ain’t it obvious? You’re a Sunsinger and your name’s Rae!” Cayde shrugged. “Of course.” Rae playfully rolled her eyes, “What was I thinking?”

“But also…” Cayde continued, “You’re like a ray of sunshine, ya know. Even when things suck, you look at the bright side and get through it. That’s an impressive trait to have.” Rae blushed a little at Cayde’s statement, causing the Exo to chuckle a bit as he got on his Sparrow, “See ya at the Tower, Sunrae!” Cayde called before speeding off. Rae shook off her surprised stupor before smiling to herself, until she noticed Ghost looking at her, “What? Is there something on my face?”

“You really are hopeless when it comes to him.”

“Greetings Fireteam Paralight. While sending this message deals a massive blow to my pride, I am requesting your help. Many of my people have been taken captive by the Eliksni. We have sent rescue squads out to retrieve them, but all attempts have met with failure. We’d have concluded that…*sigh*…ok, look. I ain’t good with this humble crap, but I need your help. Badly. My people are being kept hostage in the Cosmodrome by Eliksni forces. We’ve been trying to send rescue parties to save them, but they’ve been captured too. I have eyes on the inside, but it ain’t enough. Our numbers are dwindling and…if I’m being fully honest here, I’m scared. I’m trying to act brave for my people…but with the Eliksni getting bolder and the threat of the Hive looming over us, I fear that we won’t last much longer out here. I’m considering moving the Umbrialyx somewhere safer than the Cosmodrome, maybe down south. There is not a hope in hell I’m going back to the Tower, so don’t even think about it. I hate to ask help from the Guardians, especially a few Kinderguardians, but I will put aside my pride for the sake of my people. Please…help us. I can’t lose anyone else. Queen Marcia of the Umbrialyx, signing off. 

P.S: Tell the Vanguard, and Ghost gets an arrow to the eye.”

“I can’t believe we agreed to this.” Blaze grumbled. Fireteam Paralight arrived at the Steppes outside the Cosmodrome. “Marcia can be a…pain.” Rae began, “But she’s a Lightbearer too. We can’t just sit by and let others get hurt. Now where…” “Psst! Oi! Over here!” A hushed voice called out. Rae looked around for a moment in confusion before spotting a familiar figure hiding amongst the trees, her cloak wrapped around her. The Fireteam approached the rogue Guardian as she emerged from the trees, removing her bandana and goggles. “Huh…you punks actually came.” Marcia began, disbelief in her voice, “I…can’t believe I’m saying this but…thanks. I mean it.” “As the saying goes, ‘The enemy of my enemy is my friend.’” Rae shrugged. “Heh. I guess that’s true.” Marcia chuckled before a serious look took her face, “Alright, I’ll lead the way.” “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Why should you lead?” Blaze interrupted. “Just follow me, I know the area.” Marcia gave a frustrated sigh, “I’ve been keeping an eye on this place ever since the Eliksni started taking my people. I know where they’re being held captive.” “Lead the way then.” Rae nodded while Blaze just huffed, really not wanting to take orders from a rogue. “So, what should we expect from this?” Ghost asked. “The basics.” Nox, Marcia’s Ghost, replied, “Couple of Shanks, Dregs, Vandals…maybe a Captain or two. Haven’t seen any Servitors, so that’s good news…never liked those things. Creepy buggers.” “So what’s the plan?” Stormbringer spoke up. “I know my rogues are being held somewhere around Dock 13. Dunno where exactly though.” Marcia responded, “Once we’re in, we split up into two groups. Hothead and Titan on one, myself and Rae on the other.” “Why do you call Rae by her name and us by dumb names?!” Blaze growled in a hushed whisper. “I respect Rae. You I don’t. I kinda respect the Titan.” Blaze just sighed in defeat as Marcia continued, “There’re Dregs guarding the entrance. I have a spot where Rae and I can snipe ‘em and take ‘em out easily. Once their down, you two head in and we’ll be right behind ya. Once we’re in, split up and scout the area. Have your Ghosts contact me if you find my people. Do not, I repeat, do NOT engage until we group up with you and vice-versa. All good.” “Right.” “Sure…” Adam gave a thumbs up. “Alright. Move out. See you on the inside.”

———————————————————————

The two Paragonialans crept through the darkened halls of the Cosmodrome, their Ghosts lighting the way. “Hey, Nox?” Ghost began. “Yes?” Nox responded, still keeping his focus on the hall ahead. “Forgive me if this sounds rude…but why is your eye pink? Was it a modification like Firefly’s or…?” “…I don’t wish to discuss this topic.” “Oh…um, alright then…just trying to make conversation…” Rae turned to Marcia, “Was Nox’s eye pink when you met him?” “Nox always respects my wishes when I don’t wanna talk about somethin’.” Marcia replied, “It’s only fair I do the same.” “Ah. I can respect that. I try to respect Ghost’s wishes most of the time too. Right, Little Light?” “Oh, haha. Very funny.” Marcia chuckled before shaking her head, “Alright, let’s focus. My rogues have to be here somewhere.” “Anyone else find it weird that we haven’t seen a single Eliksni since the entrance?” Ghost piped up. “You’re right…either they’re all busy guarding the prisoners…” Nox began, “…or we’re walking straight into an ambush.” Ghost glanced behind him and exclaimed, “Watch out!” A tall Captain stood looming over the two Lightbearers and their Ghosts, a shock blade in one hand and a shrapnel launcher in another. Rae went for her auto-rifle, but was stopped by Marcia, “Hey, it’s cool.” Marcia looked up at the Captain, “Took ya long enough, Zakris.” “Would’ve been easier if there was any privacy in this blasted place.” The captain, who Rae assumed was Zakris, replied, “The House of Devils have increased their numbers here ever since the Hive arrived. Don’t blame ‘em. Little buggers are creepy as all hell. ‘Specially the Thralls.”

“Hold up, I’m super lost here!” Rae interrupted, glancing between Marcia and Zakris, “You know this guy?” “Ah…right, I forgot to mention it, didn’t I?” Marcia scratched her head sheepishly, “Rae, this is Zakris the Reborn. The very first Eliksni Lightbearer.” “Wait, you’re a…” Rae trailed off as a small grey and red Ghost popped up beside Zakris and spoke in a timid, child-like voice, “H-hello…I’m Vakoh…” “I…didn’t know Eliksni could become Guardians…” Ghost was at a near loss for words. “N’or did I…and yet the Great Machine, or the Traveller as you name it, saw me worthy. It is a gift I will not waste.” “Zakris was revived here on Earth but felt he wouldn’t be welcomed at the Last City.” Marcia explained, “So when we came across him, we took him in as an Umbrialyx. He’s the best rogue in the kingdom.” “Besides you.” Zakris added, before facing Rae, who still seemed to be in shock, “You are the one they call Rae, yes? My former house call you ‘Taker of Great Ships’. Queen Marcia calls you a strong warrior. Therefore, I call you my ally.” Rae broke out of her shocked stupor and gave Zakris a friendly smile, “Pleasure to meet you, Zakris.” Zakris nodded in response before addressing Marcia, “Come. I have located the prisoners. And the sooner I leave this place, the better.” “I’m a little surprised they haven’t recognised you…I mean, they are your old house…” Vakoh piped up. “I was just another Captain out of many.” Zakris replied, “They would not tell the difference if I was replaced with another. They aren’t very…intelligent. The Dregs specifically. The other day, I caught one of them trying to attack their own shadow.” 

“You sure that wasn’t Blaze?” Marcia smirked. “Speaking of Blaze, I should probably contact her and Adam.” Ghost spoke up, “Let them know about-”