"Hmm, quite a complicated pattern, this edge design here is exquisite. The sheath and handle will require some rare alloys. I suppose I have some in stock."

Banshee poured over the blueprints laid in front of him.

His eyes grew wider by the second, Banshee's hands trembled as he traced the sketches with his fingers.

Minutes later, he chuckled, a quiver in his voice, "Where did you get this?"

"Err...it's complicated." Void awkwardly scratched his neck as he tried to avert his eyes.

'I can't exactly explain the system....Sorry' Void cringed as Banshee looked to him with some curiosity.

"How complicated?" Banshee asked, with a resolute gaze.

Void somewhat regretted taking the blueprint to Banshee, yet he didn't know of a better weaponsmith. Using the system was far too costly.

"Well, see...I found it in one of those golden age vaults, you know I explore a lot."

The droid's gaze eased as he somewhat believed it.

Void breathed a sigh of relief, naturally he had bought the weapons blueprint from the system's store. It wasn't yet supposed to exist in the city.

"Couldn't exactly come and show you, far too busy with the hunt. But, I got some ideas so I rushed here."

"I understand. But the blades design is quite important. I hope you didn't mind me asking."

"The city's been looking for designs. We haven't had much success in finding one."

"I know. But I hope you keep this just between us." Void flashed a sly smile, Banshee simply sighed, nodding to the request.

"Don't worry, it's safe with me."

Banshee was a man of his word, so Void wasn't at all suspicious. The only reason he had denied sharing the blueprint was that he couldn't effectively explain its origins.

But that wasn't the exact reason. Void didn't necessarily trust the city. After spending some time at the beck and call of the Vanguard, he knew nothing was truly ever simple.

Banshee was no fool either. Guardians had enemies, and he knew it best. This wasn't the first time he was entrusted with secrets, and it wouldn't be the last. If someone wasn't willing to share a weapon design, he was in no position to request it.

"What material do you plan on using for the blade?"

Void slid over the counter as he walked to the back of the shop ,"I am glad you asked."

He threw down a duffle bag, filled to the brim with Ahamkara bones.

"You ever worked with these?"

Banshee frowned, "Yes, but it will cost you extra."

"As long as you follow that design? Yeah, I will scarf up the glimmer."

Glancing at the bones, he judged their quality, inspecting a few chunks out of the bag.

"Sharp, and dense. But, there's too much in here for one blade." He glanced at Void.

"I need an armor set made."

Banshee thought for a second, and shook his head, "I can't make armor, but the foundries might help you."

Void frowned, it wasn't the answer he was expecting "I heard they're quite stubborn."

"Yes. Don't want their names to be put on anything, unless they really like it. Buying armor is easy, but having it made. Now that's a pain."

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

Void sighed, as he picked up the bag. "Who'd you recommend?"

The droid looked around his shop, seemingly searching for something. He scoured his drawers and chanced upon a wrinkly rolled paper.

"I can't recall all of them, they're down on the fourth floor. Can't get in there without permission but, they'll let you through with this." He tossed the paper to Void.

"Hmm. if you really want the good stuff, try hitting up Tex or Hakke, there is also Daito."

"Got it. Hit me up when the blade's finished." Void set aside a few large bones for Banshee to use as he exited the shop, pacing towards the courtyard.

Just as he did so, a sudden ping alerted him.

"The Vanguard really has some great timing." He looked towards the hall, as a group of disgruntled guardians whispered amongst themselves.

It wasn't odd to see groups clamoring before the Vanguard hall, yet something irked Void.

Instantly, he spotted the insignia stitched on their backs. 'That skull, dead orbit?"

He quickly analyzed the horde, his eyes darting around. Perhaps if it was Void a few days ago, he wouldn't have noticed a difference.

But now? There was something clearly wrong. Then his vision went hazy, the world seemed to dissociate, fragmenting itself into distorted versions. Void caught a glimpse of their true selves.

'The Ahamkara's favor.' He immediately connected the dots.

He could immediately a sense dark pit brewing among the Dead Orbit guardians. Void didn't understand it at first, but it repulsed him. What was this sensation?

Some guardians from the group spotted him, sneaking glances from the corner of their eyes every few seconds.

'Hostility? Towards me?' Void frowned, taking a few steps forward.

His presence now fully revealed to the Dead Orbit faction. Void instantly earned some poisonous glares. Almost if they were ready to pounce on him.

'They're acting like I stole their loot.' Void contemplated if he had really done anything to piss off the factions, but nothing came to mind.

He inched closer, the group now fully alert as they stood their ground, actively taking a stance.

For a fraction of a moment, the air in the courtyard grew dense.

Before either party could react, a boisterous laugh broke the silence.

"Void, my boy. It's been a while." Shaxx roared, sauntering down the steps. His voice seemed to break the tension.

Glancing at Dead Orbit, Shaxx looked confused , "What's this, are you finally getting to know our factions here?"

Void smiled, "Just a coincidence, I was headed to brief the Vanguard on the mission report."

Shaxx slapped his shoulder as he led him up the stairs, "Of course, you can't be late then. Be on your way."

Following his words, the horde gathered in the courtyard seemed to disperse swiftly, as if they'd never showed up. Just as Void began to rush towards the hall.

Shaxx whispered.

"The city's going through a rough patch. You should be careful. Especially with Dead Orbit and New Monarchy." With that, he patted Void on the back and sent him on his way.

Void didn't understand the context, but he took the warning to heart fairly quickly.

He got to the top of the steps and paced into the hall, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Glad you could make it guardian, please come in." The speaker waved.

"Hey kiddo, seems like you did a pretty good job back there." Cayde chimed in.

"Huh? Did the others brief you already?" Void inquired.

"Nah, but at least you didn't fail." He rolled his eyes, earning a sharp glare from Ikorra.

"Ignore his ramblings. Now, please tell us how it went, were you able to neutralize them all?" Ikorra stepped forwards.

Void followed up by a less than faithful recollection of what had transpired on Mars. He didn't exactly want to put all his cards on the table. Besides, he knew that Kabr and Pahanin weren't at all interested in answering these questions.

All in all, he skimmed over the battle, making sure not to mention anything suspicious regarding his growth. Although with the looks the vanguard was giving him, Void knew they already had some idea of his current strength.

He swiftly concluded the report, not delving too deep into the details.

Zavala tapped the table, "I see, thank you for your report Void. The City is grateful for your service."

Void nodded as he turned to leave, there wasn't much to say and he wasn't the least bit comfortable staying in the room with those four. It felt far too eerie with their eyes glued to him.

"Void, might I suggest that you embark on a long mission. Something easy to calm your nerves. I am sure you're itching to stretch your legs and find some peace outside. You have our permission" The speaker beckoned.

He immediately connected the dots, recalling what Shaxx had said, Void looked back and smiled, flashing an understanding look, he nodded and went on his way.

------

"He's grown sharp. I'd reckon he's pretty good" Cayde chuckled.

"His aura felt, unique. Nothing I've ever felt before." Ikorra slowly felt her light circulating in her palms, she tightened her fist and glanced ahead.

Zavala fell silent as he watched Void leave, "The city should be glad to have him. He is perhaps among the most talented. Nevertheless, we should ensure his safety. Tell Tevis to send him off soon."

The Speaker agreed as he went to his chambers, soon followed by Zavala and Cayde leaving the room. Leaving the warlock behind.

The hall fell silent, a dull gloom took over. Ikorra faced the walls, contemplating, ultimately she opened her eyes, irked by the unique aura. As a warlock she felt, cautious of it. Even apprehensive.

Yet Ikorra respected the guardians enough to not pry. Never to pry, as all carried burdens and secrets of their own.

'This is just for his own safety, yes.' She resolved herself, and whispered.

"Eris."

Instantly, the dull air seemed to turn murky, a huntress appeared inching closer to the hall. Nodding to Ikorra's command.

"Tell the hidden to set a trace on Void, be cautious, the target is proficient in stealth." She ordered.