Hellmouth (4)

A/N: Leave a review! Hope you enjoy this one. Technically 100th release for this series.

--

Void gripped his sword, he could feel Zamyr's presence stirring within. He knew why- The Hive's corrupted souls were a perfect solution to the blade's hunger.

''Ease up, we won't be on the side lines much longer.'' He continued to whisper and the sword relented.

Taking determined steps, Void prowled the frontlines, his thoughts racing in his mind.

"You know if the others saw you talking to your sword, they'd label you crazy." Levi chuckled, his figure flickering beside Void.

"Maybe they'd finally label you a creep for sneaking up on people." Void brushed off his arm and continued walking.

"Can't blame a guy for being good at his job" Levi shrugged.

The two walked along the edge of hellmouth, with the storm still raging on, one couldn't easily step outside the Hive's fortress.

Hence, after securing ground, the guardians had managed to setup several shabby war camps deep into the Hive fortress. Though they weren't much, it was a blessing for fireteams always on the move.

"It's not looking so good." Void stopped and turned to look towards the Hive tunnels leading deep into the earth.

Levi nodded. His eyes traced the scarred ground, mere hours earlier, a massive skirmish had taken place, with the guardians struggling to maintain ground.

"Wars never do."

Void heaved a breath and sighed, "You know what I meant."

"I do." Levi paused, he raised a brow, "so what's the big plan with you loitering around the outskirts? We've got plenty of scouts already." 

Void's eyes narrowed, "I'll transfer to the frontlines, join up with the crucible squads. It'll be better use of me." 

Levi smirked, "Well aren't you the genius to figure that one out. A step too slow though."

Void shot him a questioning glance, Levi continued walking as he kicked a rock forwards.

"Don't give me that look. I knew you'd eventually come up with an excuse to leave." Levi shook his head.

"Lucky for you, I sniffed that out." He smiled, "I told the Captain we didn't need a lousy archer in our setup and In his infinite wisdom, he agreed. Guess you're starting on the front lines tomorrow." 

"Lousy archer?" Void grimaced.

"I'd apologize, but have you seen your aim? Besides, I needed strong words to convince the higher ups. You should be thanking me." Levi waved him off.

"Someone ever tell you that you're bit of a stalker?" Void's face twitched.

"Like I said, good at my job." Levi smiled back.

==

[Vanguard War Camp]

With the war underway, all guardians within the high-brass had gathered in the Vanguard's camp.

The air was stifling and the mood was sour. The reality of war had shown its bleak colours, and the consequences of losing were far more than they could afford. 

With one foot in the war effort, the guardians couldn't afford to withdraw. A retreat would likely trigger a massive chase, exposing the city's weakness to the Hive.

Ikorra, Zavala, Cayde and the Speaker sat quietly across the various squad leaders and elites. A dreadful silence hung in the room.

Naturally, the one to break the mould, was Shaxx. 

The warlord held enough renown to garner respect and fear, and he used it well.

"The Hive that we face now, are not the ones we know of. Their powers are unheard of, almost as if they were a different species altogether."

Shaxx's words echoed, everyone present had no choice but to agree.

They themselves had seen these inexplicable powers. For what the hive were using, was darkness- An ancient and unknown enemy that had somehow returned.

None knew why the Hive were capable of wielding it. Most of all, none knew it had returned.

But the signs were present. The only one to faintly link them, was the Speaker. Yet despite his knowledge, even he would fail to understand how the Hive wielded such ancient power.

Humanity was clueless. 

"What do you suggest?" Zavala leaned towards the table, engrossed in thought.

Shaxx paused, contemplating each word, "Their swords hold extraordinary power. Each cut bleeds light from our veins. That power is dangerous, its not something we can handle."

"Lord Shaxx, if you're suggesting a retreat, it'd be far too foolish. We're in too deep. A retreat now, would just be inviting danger to our doorstep." Lakshmi interrupted.

Though she held a point of her own, her incentives lay in the city utilizing more of her soldiers- An opportunity the Future War Cult was not willing to give up.

"I agree, this isn't a fight we can simply turn away from." Jalaal quipped.

"We also feel the same, we can't be turning our backs now." Hideo chimed in.

The room fell silent. With the Hive on the backfoot many wanted to push further into hellmouth, while some felt it was far too dangerous to fight the hive within their wretched domain.

The war council was divided. 

--

[Lunar Orbit]

A stealth Jumpship zipped through space as it tunnelled towards the Lunar Orbit. Reaching its outer perimeter, the ship's thrusters sputtered out.

Its momentum carried it forwards, the ship glided towards the lunar boundary, eventually coming to a stop.

Toland's keen eyes surveyed through all vanguard channels, collecting all information he could.

"Looks like the first encounter was a tough one." He mused.

Guren skimmed through the combat logs summarizing everything, "They're planning the next move."

"What's the sentiment?" Toland's eyes narrowed.

"Hesitation." Guren floated to his side, "they are not prepared."

Toland nodded, "What's the analytical outcome?"

"Assuming a constant level of aggression from both sides." Guren paused, "they won't last another two days."

"Seems the plan is shaping up nicely." Toland chuckled, his eyes trained on the Hive runes carved within his journal.

"Soon."

==

A/N: Hope you enjoyed, leave a review!! Throw some stones!