Chapter 12

It was depressingly inevitable how her life had reverted back to what it was before her trip to the Reef Elissa mused. She had changed, but nothing else had. It was selfish to think that the world should shape around her, but she still felt dissatisfaction at her predicament all the same.

Crayta and Xon were doing their best to help- making overt attempts to distract the Warlock with activities. She had fun between the racing and crucible matches and her general mood improved, but her mind still wandered.

"You know what you need?"

Crayta questioned, interrupting Elissa's daydreaming. She met the eyes of the Awoken man and waited for him to elaborate.

"A trip to the City. Let's get away from all these super serious people and their dire needs. Honestly if I hear Eris moan one more time I'm not responsible for what happens next."

"A lie; we all know you're terrified of her." Xon rebuked.

"Oh! My manly pride!" Crayta said, staggering back "How will I recover from such savagery?"

Cracking a smile, Elissa patted the wounded Hunter on the back "I'm sure you'll manage."

Considering his words, Elissa gazed down at the City from their vantage on the Guardian tower. The City was vast and yet appeared so small from here- people streaming up and down like ants as vehicles swarmed overhead. She had been down there only once, which was cut short after her mind was assaulted with memories that she wasn't prepared for. But that was before she put her past life to rest.

Confident she could now deal with such memories, Elissa nodded to Crayta.

"Sounds like an idea. Any thoughts to where we should go?"

Grinning manically, Crayta threw one arm around Elissa and the other around Xon.

"Let's see where the party takes us."

The trio changed into civilian clothing and caught a taxi down to the bustling City below. During the ride Crayta laid out his grand plan.

"We visit as many bars as possible- one drink per place before moving onto the next. The goal is to get as thoroughly inebriated as possible while playing tourist. Sound good?"

"Why am I not surprised?" Xon complained.

The Hunter shrugged "Got bored of the Tower's dive. Also you have no excuse for not joining us big guy. I know you Exo types can get drunk just like the rest of us meatbags."

The night progressed as planned as the three Guardians managed to hit a dozen places. Much to Elissa's surprise Xon had decided to join in after all, and was currently leaning against a bar wall after trying a particularly powerful drink that the bar tender had sworn would knock the Titan flat, only to stare amazed as he tipped the liquor down in one and staggered off.

Crayta appeared to have found some admirers, female and male as they stood in a semi circle around the Awoken man who was gesturing wildly. Not that she could blame any of them. He was an attractive and charismatic man, had they not been squad mates Elissa would have been tempted as well.

As it was though the red head was sitting at the counter nursing a half empty drink. The liquor had loosened some of the worry from her shoulders and Elissa half closed her eyes as she relaxed.

"Hi there beautiful."

The Warlock opened her eyes to see an Awoken woman sitting next to her wearing a smile. She was painfully similar to Mara, with wide expressive eyes and youthful features. The only difference being the dark hair instead of the white.

"Hi." Elissa huffed, attempting to mask how her chest tightened at the sight of the woman.

"So what brings you here? You look pretty down."

Elissa debated telling this complete stranger the truth but decided against it. She didn't much feel like giving her life story.

"Same reason as most; just trying to escape from something."

"I'm sorry I don't think I introduced myself. The name is Maya" The Awoken offered her hand "Pleased to meet you."

Smiling at the formality, Elissa shook her hand "Elissa."

The two talked for what seemed like hours. Maya was the chattier of the two but that was okay, Elissa didn't feel much like talking anyway. She learned that the Awoken woman was a chef at a restaurant around the corner. She loved her job and cooking in general, but didn't always like the frantic pace of the kitchen when orders began raining in. Her grandparents emigrated to the Last City decades ago, and she was born here to parents who met by chance having both fled the Reef as children. When Elissa pressed to the reasons why they left Maya shrugged and simply said "noble problems."

The Warlock could sympathise with that.

Elissa stared at Maya as the latter was talking. Her life was so normal. She had friends, family, work colleagues with an eight hour a day job and a flat that was always messy. It sounded imperfect and wonderful all at the same time. Such an odd thing to be awed by Elissa thought.

"You wanna get out of here?" Maya asked suddenly.

Elissa opened her mouth and shut it straight away, suddenly aware of how much alcohol she had consumed. She felt herself nodding and allowed herself to be dragged away as Maya lead them through the crowd and out the front door. Elissa swivelled her head to try and let Crayta and Xon know but they were already watching her from afar. Crayta grinned and gave a thumbs up before she lost sight of both.

The pair stumbled out of the bar as Maya giggled. Elissa smiled but a small whisper in the back of her mind wondered if this was a betrayal. Refusing to allow the night to be ruined, she banished the thought and continued walking hand in hand with the girl.

Eventually they stopped in front of building as Maya cheerfully declared this was her place. Elissa craned her neck up but she was forced to look down again by firm fingers as Maya leaned in and met the Warlock's lips. Elissa felt herself kissing back as she circled her arms around the smaller woman, pressing them closer together. The little voice in the back of her mind whispered that she tasted differently to Mara.

They parted but Elissa found herself unable to look at Maya and cast her eyes downwards. The raven haired woman rested a hand on Elissa's forearm, but before either could speak, a voice interrupted them.

"Well now, don't stop now. Things were getting interesting."

Elissa eyes shot up to stare at two men standing roughly five paces away. They must have snuck up while they were distracted. Narrowing her eyes at the two men, she recognised them from the bar. At the time they had been loitering, but now it was clear what their game was. They were both a decent height and stocky, although neither appeared to be in excellent shape.

"Leave. Now." Elissa said, injecting as much authority in her voice as she could.

"No need for that." The lead man returned, a grin plastered across his face.

Elissa had heard about this. People who waited at bars waiting for woman to get drunk and their defences to lower before following them home. Her blood burned as she wondered how many woman they had attacked in the past.

The two began advancing on them.

"We just want to enjoy the show. No harm in that."

Elissa shoved Maya behind her as the first man made a grab for her hand. The Warlock pushed the hand away.

"I'm giving you one chance to walk away."

The men laughed "No chance girlie. Me and my friend here are gonna have our fun with or without your permission."

Hot rage boiled through Elissa as she struggled to keep a grip on her powers from flaring. When one man attempted to bypass her to grab Maya, her temper snapped.

Grabbing the man's arm, Elissa stepped in close and head butted him on the bridge of his nose. He fell back with a cry as blood exploded from his face.

Elissa turned just in time to catch a blow across her cheekbone from the second man, who had stepped closer while she was distracted. Cursing the alcohol that had slowed her reactions, Elissa clenched her fist and felt electricity spark around her as anger got the better of her.

The man fell back raising his hands at the display "Woah I didn't know you were a Guardian! I swear it!" He spluttered as began to back pedal.

"Pathetic, you pray on those that cannot defend themselves" Elissa continued advancing as his words only incited her further.

"Wait! I surrend-ugh!"

Elissa swung her fist in an uppercut motion, catching him under the jaw. Enhanced by her abilities, the blow sent the man flying backwards, and he landed several feet backwards, spasming as the electricity danced across his body.

Finally the electricity stopped and the man fell still. Elissa walked over and checked his pulse, noting with satisfaction that he was still alive, although he was more wounded than she intended. Turning to face the man whose nose she had broken, she growled at him to leave. He nodded frantically and ran over to his friend before dragged him away into the night.

"Y-you're a Guardian?"

Elissa sighed as she looked at Maya "Yes."

"Did you have to hurt them so badly? You almost killed that man!"

"What would you have me do Maya?" Elissa said hotly "They would have hurt you."

Maya shook her head "There must have been a better way. It didn't have to end in violence."

The fight leaving her, Elissa ran her hand across her face and winced as her fingers grazed her cheekbone. Seeing her discomfort Maya stepped forward.

"Here, let me-"

"No. I should go" She looked over her shoulder to Maya "Take care of yourself."

The next day was proving to be challenging, and she hadn't even risen from bed yet. Fortunately she had expelled most of the alcohol during her fight so at least there wasn't a headache to contend with. On the flip side Elissa felt the familiar cloud of dejection settle in as she replayed Maya's words over and over again.

Could she have settled it without violence?

Deciding that lying around in bed all day wouldn't help matters; Elissa got up and went through the motions as she prepared for another day.

Walking towards Lord Shaxx to see if he had any decent gear to sell, she couldn't help but overhear some of the whispering of the staff that were leaving the Vanguard chambers.

"Did you hear?"

"I know! Hardly a surprise though."

"I give her a week before she loses the throne..."

The staff trailed off as they wandered out of the building, Elissa staring at them every step of the way. She made her excuses to Shaxx and quickly walked out of the building before finding a secluded corner in the courtyard.

"Bring up everything we know currently happening in the Reef Ghost."

Ghost materialised and began projecting several reports and news articles. Everywhere she looked one word dominated- WAR.

Breathing slowly, Elissa dismissed the articles with a nod to Ghost. It had finally happened; the Zapals were making their move on the throne.

Ignoring the odd looks thrown her way by passersby, Elissa sprinted into the Vanguard chambers before skidding to a halt and straightening as she assessed the wary faces of the three trainers.

"How long have you all known?"

Commander Zavala met the Warlock's gaze steadily and crossed his arms.

"Almost a week."

"And the Vanguard's plans-?"

"Are strictly non-intervention."

Elissa scowled at Zavala's tone that brooked no argument. Gritting her teeth she nodded before leaving. She heard Ikora say her name but the Warlock ignored it, and continued her march out of the building.

She eventually came to a stop in her living quarters and proceeded to dim the windows so no prying eyes could look inside and opened her hand to summon Ghost.

"Ghost... you know my thoughts, so you must know that I'm not going to sit back and do nothing."

Her companion bobbed and floated away from her.

"I do; your mind has been dominated by the idea for weeks."

Wringing her hands, Elissa paused as she considered her words. "We've been given a direct order not to intervene Ghost. Ignoring it will probably get me banished from the order." Elissa laughed bitterly "They already whisper about me. Even if I stayed they would still be suspicious.

Walking over to the window to look across the courtyard, Elissa felt calm as a plan came together.

"I'm flying to the Reef. Tonight." The Guardian turned to Ghost "I will not blame you if you wish to take no part."

"Do you know how long it took to find you?" At Elissa's confused expression Ghost continued "236 years, 7 months and 28 days. Of which I spent every second searching in all the dark corners that humanity ever stepped foot in. When I finally found you- the time it took? It was all worth it. We have accomplished so much together. I'm not leaving you now after everything that's happened."

Elissa smiled in relief.

"Thank you Ghost."

Night came quickly. Elissa waited until it was past midnight and slipped out of her room quietly. The courtyard was deserted, and so she made her way towards the hangar. Coming up to the entrance, she pressed her back against the wall and poked her head slowly around the corner to get a better view. There was a single guard standing at the end of the corridor. Elissa's mind whirred as she considered how to get around him. He had a clear view down the length of the corridor, sneaking past with him stood there would be impossible.

Looking around her surroundings, she snatched up a rock that was lying in one of the flower beds. Hefting the rock, the Warlock lobbed it against the metal wall- the sound reverberating around the courtyard. Wincing at the noise, Elissa retreated into the shadows as the guard mumbled.

Hearing footsteps head towards where the rock had impacted, Elissa held her breath as the guard walked straight past her hiding spot. Sighing in relief as he turned the corner, she tiptoed from where he came and walked softly down the corridor into the hangar. Her ship was now in sight, and she calmed the excitement that thrummed through her veins. There was still one more guard standing in front of her destination.

Fortunately for her there was plenty of cover as she vaulted over the rail and landed behind the nearest ship. Elissa slowly made her way around several before coming to a stop behind the guard. She silently asked for forgiveness before grabbing the man around the neck to muffle his surprised cry as she began to choke him. Eventually he stopped struggling as he fell unconscious, allowing Elissa to drag him into one of the dark corners.

Standing straight, the Warlock walked to her ship as the ramp began to descend, internally thanking Ghost.

"Guardian- stop."

Her blood turned to ice at the voice interrupting her. Elissa was tempted to ignore the person and run to her cockpit and pray she could take off before whoever it was could get onboard. The idea of scuffling in a confined space was not an appealing one though.

Turning to see who it was, her eyes narrowed as Ikora stepped from the darkness.

"Think of what you'll be throwing away if you leave- is it worth it?"

Elissa hesitated as her inner doubt were given voice.

"I don't know, but I'm willing to try at least."

Ikora stepped close "You know how this goes Warlock. I cannot allow you to undermine the Vanguard's authority." Elissa stiffened at the threat in the older woman's voice "I know your frustrations, believe me I do. Once I was an agitator for change from our leaders, but now I see the bigger picture, and so can you if you stop this madness and leave with me."

Elissa felt the uncertainty rising within her, but shook her head.

"I'm sorry, truly, but she needs my help."

"She's poisoned your mind! Can't you see that?" Ikora said, voice uncharacteristically loud. At Elissa's shaking head, the Vanguard trainer voice hardened. "If you won't come peacefully, then it will have to be by force." She took a moment to look regretful "I'm sorry it has come to this."

Ikora flew at her with impossible speed, sweeping away Elissa's legs. The red head fell to the floor but rolled away from the follow up strike that would have ended the fight before it began. Springing to her feet, Elissa thrust an open handed hit at Ikora's throat that was batted away before Elissa was forced to defend herself from a similar attack.

The two grappled before Ikora fell back and flipped Elissa away several feet, the younger woman falling flat on her back. Ikora leapt once again, attempting to elbow the downed Guardian, but was repelled as Elissa bought up both her legs, catching the bald woman in the stomach before launching her back from where she came.

Both jumped to their feet and circled each other, waiting for the moment to strike. Elissa attacked first by attempting to roundhouse kick her opponent across the jaw, but was denied as Ikora blocked with her forearm, and countered, swinging her first in a wide arch that Elissa ducked underneath before the red head kicked her square in the gut, winding the trainer.

Elissa gave her no time to recover as she sprung forward and used her knee to smash the underside of the bald woman's jaw, sending her sprawling to the floor. Elissa breathed heavily as she quickly walked over to the fallen Vanguard. Ikora was on her back, spitting out blood but had enough clarity of mind to summon a ball of arcane energy and fire it at Elissa, who had just enough time for her eyes to widen as it connected with her chest.

The blast sent her flying through the air before the Warlock slammed into the floor. Gasping as the pain wrecked her body, the red head managed to stagger back to her feet as Ikora did the same.

Summoning her own abilities, Elissa fired a bolt of electricity that Ikora caught and dispelled. The two proceeded to alternate between void and electricity as they fired attacks at each other, the hangar lighting up.

Sure enough the escalating fight had drawn attention, and Elissa heard boots pounding down the corridor towards the hanger. Knowing she had to finish this fight now, she poured the remainder of her strength into a ball of void energy, and threw it at Ikora. A lesser Warlock would have been vaporised by the blast, but Elissa had faith the trainer would survive it.

Teleporting above the bald woman, Elissa's confidence was well founded as Ikora successfully absorbed the energy, her shoulders heaving.

Falling towards her opponent, Elissa brought down her elbow on the woman's head, the force eliciting an audible 'crack'. Ikora collapsed in a heap, but Elissa had no time to check if she was still breathing, and ran up her ship's ramp as she heard shouts from the newcomers. Shots bouncing off her shields as the ramp closed.

Leaping into the pilot chair, Elissa fired up the engines, impotent small weapons fire scoring the hull as the spacecraft rose from its mooring.

Blasting out of the hangar faster than usually recommended, she instantly began climbing as she made for orbit. The AA cannons began to light up the sky as Elissa swore, dodging the fire as she circled around the Traveler. Perhaps fearful of damaging the only thing that protected the City, the AA guns stopped firing.

There was no chance for ships to come after her at such short notice, and Elissa allowed herself to sigh in relief as she jumped to FTL heading towards the Reef. Massaging the bruise that was developing on her chest where Ikora had hit her, the red head sent a silent prayer that the woman wasn't badly hurt.

That didn't matter now though- she was finally returning to the Reef. And to Mara.

Allowing the auto-pilot to take over, the Warlock stepped away from the cockpit and began gathering all the ammunition and grenades that she could carry. This was going to be messy.

A/N I'm going away for a month travelling soon so this may be my last chapter for a little while.