Chapter Text
It was a warm summer day. Ocula was hovering a few paces before me as we made our way to our target. It was the Age of Triumph, and I was a rising star among the Vanguard’s ranks. I knew my job and did it well. This little endeavor was a routine. Some locals not too far outside the City were in need of assistance with the Fallen.
The Fallen, or rather, the Eliksni, were in a bit of an upheaval themselves. Granted, seemed that's all they knew at that point. We were wiping out their Houses left and right. Not even stolen golden age tech gave'em an edge. Still, it wasn't too odd to find some organized groups. Captains leading scrappy contingents of Vandals and Dregs. Always a Servitor on hand too for their precious Ether.
This one-man wrecking crew assignment was supposed to be quick and easy. In and out. Nothing about my lives since Ocula have been easy. That should’ve steered me towards caution but...I prefer fun.
The people, all human, looked up as I walked into the settlement. Many showed signs of wounds and scars, no doubt inflicted by the Fallen that seemed to "run" things. Likewise, as the people noticed me, so did the Eliksni.
I call'em by their true name you see. Never liked reducing them to something less. Might be good for them. Shattered pride and all that but, nah. They have worth just like the rest of us. After all, the Traveler chose them too, once upon a time.
The dregs hissed and clicked at one another, unsure of what to make of me. Ocula was tucked away. She was hovering behind me, beneath my cloak. She moved when I did, seamlessly.
There was a captain sitting in a throne made of scraps. The structure reminded of the seats Kells had on their ketches. And here this haughty thing was, fancied himself beyond his station. He lifted all four eyes to meet mine as I paused before the makeshift throne.
"I've come to take these people to the Last City." I spoke plainly, while the other Eliksni took positions. They knew what I was. Sort of. I don't think many of this lot had much experience with us. Still they had so much...hubris. I used to think it only made fools of men but turns out, it's a trait many a creature can possess.
The Captain lurched forth, standing tall as he rose from his makeshift throne. He had a good foot on me in stature. As I gazed up at him, I smirked. He spat out his Eliksni words. I didn't know the language. Not well enough to converse. So I judged the tone. He was offended it seemed. Made sense. I then heard the whine of a shock rifle.
"Guess we're doing this your way then." I said before the arc energy shot through my skull. Things went black for a moment. Another death had found me. And in another instant, the Light snatched me back. My eyes flickered as I felt Ocula pulse her spark through me. The Captain was seated once more while the Vandal that I assumed took the shot paced warily around me. Dregs went to surround the Captain while other Vandals surrounded me. This was going to be slick.
Finding my moment, I leapt up as high as I could. As I spun, I reached for the void until I could grip it in my hands. I drew back and fired my tether. Hit the Vandal that shot me in the face. Landing, I pulled my Eyasluna from my holster and fired several shots. The Void Achor took care of the rest.
The Captain let out a loud angry hiss as his cohorts vanished into nothing but a flash of purple energy. He leapt up and rushed me, pulling two Shock Blades. I felt the eyes of the people on me as the creature charged. Closing my eyes, I let my Light channel into the cannon in my hand. As I raised it, Solar energy burst through my form. I took aim and fired a single shot just as the Captain closed in on me. His corpse burned into the nothing as it collided with me, leaving my armor and cloak covered in ashes.
The fire faded after a moment and I holstered my cannon. The people gathered behind me and as I faced them, Ocula poked out finally. How she stayed hidden well enough to rez me is a secret she's yet to tell me. Suppose it's better that way. Before I could speak, she chirped.
"We're here to lead you to the safety of the Last City. This is Kayden Black, a Hunter of the Vanguard. No need to fear. He'll keep you safe." She said. I smile warmly as she compliments me. I didn't feel like I deserved the praise. Yet, here I was with all the hope in this dying world staring back at me.
"Gather your things. We should begin our trek back before nightfall." I said after a long pause.
Most Guardians made their names in the Dark and City Ages. But I’ve only had the Light for a couple of years now. This skirmish was where my legend began. A sole Hunter taking on a small clutch of Fallen in an abandoned town. It's all Ocula talked about for weeks. She was so proud and happy. I felt bad for her. Still thought she made a mistake raising me. Then again I didn't know how much she really cared.