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Running Chapter Two

Summary: Rindel Zivas seems at first to be your run-of-the-mill Hunter- Somewhat aloof, prone to be anywhere but the Last City- But where most Hunters are in it for glimmer or glory, Rindel has been running. Some would say from his duties, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Now, he has returned to the Tower for the first time in a while, both to pay respects to a lost comrade and face the ire of Zavala. But Ikora Rey has called on a debt to be paid, and what seems at first to be the simple oversight of a rookie Warlock may yet determine the fate of humanity.

Warnings: Some language, regret and PTSD.

Genre: Angst, original characters, campaign adaptation.

Author’s note: Chapter two, so soon after the first one? Kinda, yeah. I actually spent a week writing this one, but since both chapters were ready, I figured I should put them up here for your enjoyment. And now, to the story!

———-

Chapter Two: Maneater

Rindel looked out into the city, leaning against a railing. He heard a metallic chuckle behind him and turned.

“You like looking out there too, huh?” The early autumn sun glinted off of Cyclone-7’s gold-colored head as he sat on a bench near the rail. “Shoulda figured. Hunters like to survey their surroundings.”

“If I wanted to do that, I’d climb the tree over near Banshee’s station,” Rindel quipped. “Honestly? I feel like it’s a reminder of why we’re here, you know? We protect all the people down there. Seeing it all from here makes that idea loud and clear.”

Cyclone gave Rindel a sidelong look. “Know the truth of it? We’re here because of that.” Rindel followed his gaze to the Traveler. The moon-like orb hung low over the city, casting its own shadow over a large park. “We’re here because we were chosen by the Traveler to do what it can’t do anymore.” Rindel looked back as one of Cyclone’s gold-colored eyes turned off, as if to affect a wink. “Or so I’ve been told.”

“So what then?” Rindel ran a hand through his bright red hair. “We blindly follow it?”

“Far as I know? It’s that, or we make our own destiny.” Cyclone stood. “C’mon. We’re meeting with the guys. Think your ready for your first off-world Vanguard detail?”

----------

The lift doors opened to the top level of the Vanguard Tower. This was the Guardian’s home.

Or, it was supposed to be. Rindel was more at home these days almost anywhere but here. Surveying the Old Russian Cosmodrome, intercepting Cabal scouts on Mars, messing with the Vex on Venus- it was all more welcoming than being back here. But then, he didn’t exactly have anyone here who was really happy to see him anymore.

Nothing seemed to show this more than the pair of Tower Guards who were waiting just outside the lift. Both were dressed in light armor, holding standard-issue Vanguard auto rifles.

“Guardian Rindel Zivas. We are to escort you to Commander Zavala.” The Guard to Rindel’s left stood stiffly as he spoke. It was apparent that he didn’t order around Guardians too often.

“I appreciate that, but I know where the Commander’s office is. I’ll be over there soon.” He started to move off the lift and was blocked by the Guard to his right.

“Commander Zavala requests your presence immediately, sir.” He looked directly where Rindel’s eyes were behind his helmet’s visor. “I’m afraid you’ll have to come with us.”

Rindel affected a sigh. “What, I don’t even have time for a shower before my debrief?”

Neither man moved a muscle.

Rindel rolled his eyes, glad that the Guards couldn’t see his face. “Alright. If he wants to see me badly enough that he sent you two, we shouldn’t keep him waiting. Lead on.”

The Guards turned and began walking. Rindel followed along. May as well get this over with.

----------

“Forgetting something?”

Rindel only heard Solas’ voice a few feet away from the door leading to Zavala’s office. “What?’

“Don’t you think you’ll be in enough trouble without taking your helmet off in front of the Commander?”

Rindel stopped just before he entered “Yeah, you’re not wrong.” He undid the pressurized seal that connected his helmet to his suit and removed it.

The Guards moved away from him, standing on each side of the large door. Rindel wasn’t sure if it was out of discipline or if it was because of the smell. His red hair was long and matted in a few places, and his skin was now a light blue from lack of exposure to the sun. He reached up and knocked and turned the brass doorknob.

Zavala faced a large plate-glass window that overlooked the City. As the door shut behind Rindel, the Commander turned. “Rindel Zivas,” He began. “Now that you’ve finally decided to grace us with your presence, we have a great deal to discuss. Have a seat.” He stood, still as a stone, waiting.

The Hunter walked through the room and took his seat. Zavala sighed, moving his arms from behind his back. “I’ll skip the pleasantries.” The Commander’s eyes blazed like a blue fire as he sat. “How do you explain your absence from the tower?”

Rindel leaned back slightly. “I’ve been out in the Wilds, meeting our enemies where they live.”

“Indeed,” Zavala crossed his arms, looking briefly at a holographic display just behind Rindel’s seat. “As is the duty of every Guardian who serves the Light. But, I must ask- What are your motives?”

Rindel tilted his head. “I’m sorry, Commander, I’m not sure what you mean. As you said, I’ve been fulfilling my duty-”

“Your duty?” Zavala tuned a monitor on his desk. There were several windows up that showed logs of kill counts, locations, dates-

“You pulled my ship logs.” Rindel slouched a bit in his chair. His lips pursed and he tried to look at the City, at the desk- anywhere but directly at Zavala. Here we go, he thought.

“Yes, I did, and what I have seen is concerning, to say the least.” He pointed to varying logs. “You have spent limited amounts of time here on Earth and her Moon, with more time dedicated to Mars, Venus, and the remains of the Reef. But what really worries me,” he continued, pointing to three logs in particular. “Are these entries.”

Rindel glanced at the screen. A total of three and a half months, spent in a small area around Saturn.

”The Dreadnaught!” Zavala placed both of his hands onto the desk. “What could possibly compel you to spend so much time there?”

Rindel crossed his arms. “I don’t know, I thought you might be happy that around ten thousand Hive are dead and gone.”

“Don’t try to play this game with me!” Zavala shouted. “This behavior speaks to obsession on one hand. But, considering that you are the only one that has been near Saturn in the last six months, it also possibly speaks to having a deathwish.” Zavala leaned in closer.”Have you taken any artifacts from the Dreadnaught? Weapons?”

Rindel bolted upright, standing out of his chair. “What are you trying to say, Zavala?” He gripped the edge of the desk. “You think I’m going to turn to the Dark and be a second coming of Dredgen Yor?” He drew his revolver and slammed it onto the wood. “Take a look for yourself! Does it look like I’ve been carrying a Weapon of Sorrow?”

“No, but this proves a greater point to me,” Zavala sat down, steepling his fingers. “You have been out on your own for far too long.”

Rindel’s face softened. He moved away from the desk and took back his seat.

“You’ve made quite the reputation for yourself over these last few years.. ‘The Iron Wolf,’ I belive they call you?” A slight smirk formed on Zavala’s face. “Are you familiar with Rudyard Kipling?”

Rindel closed his eyes, shaking his head.

Zavala chuckled. “An author from before the Golden Age.” He stood and walked to a large bookcase, pulling out an ancient-looking book. “This is a collection of poems and stories, but a passage here caught my eye.” He opened the book and read the passage out loud;

”Now, this is the law of the jungle, as old and as true as the sky,

The wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the wolf that shall break it must die.

As the creeper that girdles the tree trunk, the law runneth forward and back;

For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.”

Zavala snapped the book shut. “You see, there is a reason why Guardians go out into the Wilds in teams. We’re stronger that way.” He looked directly at Rindel. “You need to find a new fireteam, Rindel. As much as we appreciate your accomplishments and what you have done to keep us safe, we can’t risk losing that, either. So, for that reason, I’m putting you on two month’s leave. Effective immediately.”

Rindel felt as though he lost balance for a moment. “You’re grounding me?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes.” Zavala placed the book back on the shelf. “Considering that you have the run of the city when I should be throwing you in the brig, take it as a sign of appreciation for all you’ve done. Find yourself a new fireteam.” He motioned for Rindel to leave. “And for the Traveler’s sake, take a shower.”

Rindel dragged himself up from the chair. As he internally cursed his situation, Zavala’s voice pierced his thoughts.

“You almost forgot this.” Rindel turned, seeing the commander holding his revolver out to him, grip first. He took it back, turning to leave.

“That revolver- Hawkmoon. You do know who that belonged to initially, don’t you?”

“To Saint-14. I’m well aware.” Rindel looked back. “What’s your point?”

“My point is that Saint was one of the bravest and most powerful Guardians I ever had the pleasure of knowing.” Zavala’s eyes turned downward. “He’s also not been heard from in well over twenty years. He left on a crusade by himself and never returned.” He walked closer, placing a hand on Rindel’s shoulder. “I don’t want you making the same mistake he did.”

----------

Several hours passed, and after cleaning himself off and changing out of his dingy armor into more normal clothes, he decided to do the logical thing- Report to the Hunter Vanguard, Cayde-6. Of course, Cayde’s idea of filing a report was to go out to his favorite Ramen shop, followed by a visit to Cayde’s office to play cards. Amanda Holliday, the Tower’s shipwright and Shiro-4, one of the Vanguard’s scouts, decided to join in, drink, and be merry.

“Know what, I’m out.” Shiro threw his cards towards the mostly standard tower frame that acted as their dealer. “I should actually keep some of my glimmer.”

“What, you too chicken to hang?” Amanda lightly nudged Shiro as she pushed in some of her own glimmer. “Call.”

“Call,” repeated the frame. “Heads up.” The frame drew a card and placed it down on the table with four other cards in community pool before turning to Rindel. “It’s up to you.”

Rindel paused a moment before pushing in a larger pile of glimmer. “Raise. Two thousand.”

He watched as Amanda’s smug look turned to dread. For now, though, he refocused his attention to Cayde. The Exo paused mid-drink and checked his cards. He affected stroking a beard before pushing in more glimmer. “I’ll see you, and raise you another five hundred. How’s that?”

“Raise.’ the frame repeated. “Miss Holliday? It’s up to you.”

“Well, shoot. I’m out too.” Amanda tossed in her cards.

“Fold.” The frame announced. “Rindel. Bet or showdown?”

Rindel looked directly at Cayde, keeping his face neutral. Either this’ll work, or it won’t… But either way, it’ll be over quick.

“Re-raise. All in.”

Cayde processed what was going on for around half a minute. Suddenly, he threw in his cards. “Nope. Nope. I'm noping the eff out while I still can. You win!” He raised his arms in a mock celebration as Rindel discarded and collected his winnings.

“No,” Amanda protested. “No fair! That is such a cop-out!” She stood and grabbed Rindel's cards before anyone could protest. As she compared them to the community cards, her shoulders dropped.

“What?” Now Shrio was standing. “Enough suspense! What’d he have?” Even Cayde was leaning forward, waiting for Amanda to share her revelation.

Amanda turned the cards so the others could see. “Nothin’. He had a crazy hand full of nothin’.”

Cayde slumped in his chair. “You cleaned me out on a bluff? The hell is wrong with me?”

Rindel cracked a grin as Solas transmated his share of the glimmer off of the desk. “It happens to the best of us. No hard feelings.”

“Speaking of hard feelings, I heard about the thing with Zavala.” Shiro patted Rindel's shoulder. “Sorry about that.”

Rindel frowned. “Not your fault, Shiro. You don't have to be sorry.”

“Still. Think of it like a vacation.” Shiro walked to Cayde’s wetbar, pouring himself another drink. “Some time away from the field can be a good thing. Relaxation and all that.”

Rindel nodded, settling back into his chair. Maybe for some people. I still have work to do out there.

“So, let me get this right,” Cayde started, raising his hands near his face. “In addition to being all, ‘I can’t bear the thought of losing you’ and making it sound like killing so many Hive was a bad thing, Zavala quoted The Jungle Book. The Jungle Book?!”

“Really, Cayde?” Shiro raised a section of his face over his right eye, giving the impression of a raised eyebrow. “You’re gonna give Zavala crap for quoting Kipling?”

“Maybe I am,” Cayde continued, downing the neon-blue liquid in his glass. “At least he didn’t quote The White Man’s Burden. What’s your point?”

Rindel raised his glass, using it to point at Cayde. “Read any Stevenson recently?”

The whole group laughed. It was common knowledge among Hunters that Cayde adored Treasure Island. An original copy of the book was displayed on the bookshelf near Cayde’s desk, which was being used now as their poker table.

“Well, if I may, Sir,” Cayde tried to affect an old British accent. “With no intention to take offense, I deny your right to put words into my mouth.” He winked.

“Alright, let's get back to the really important topic!” Amanda had topped her glass off as well, and stood in the corner of the office, addressing the group. “What can we get Rindel into so he doesn't lose his mind in the next two months?”

“What about the Crucible?” Shiro suggested. “You've got the skills to put plenty of Guardians in their place, and I'm sure Shaxx’d be glad to have you.”

“Did you see my match earlier?” Rindel gave Shiro a sidelong look. “I lost, remember?”

“To be fair, that 'lock you lost to has been kicking all kinds of ass in the Crucible these last few months,” Cayde suddenly bolted upright. “Hey! There's an idea! Why not see if she’d be on your fireteam?”

Rindel was about to respond when he heard a knock at the door.

“Okay, who the hell-” Cayde was cut off as another Guardian entered. Ikora Rey. She was far more dressed down than usual- She wore a simple jacket in her usual shade of violet over a white button-up blouse. She surveyed the room before seeing Rindel.

“Excellent. I thought I might find you here. May I speak with you a moment, Rindel?”

Rindel looked around the room. Shiro shrugged. “You may as well see what she wants. I think we’re done here, anyhow.” He stood and made his way for the door. “Thanks for the drinks, Cayde.”

Cayde waved as Shiro left the room. “Well, c’mon in, Ikora. I’m sure Rin would-”

“Actually, I was rather hoping we could speak privately.” She glanced over at Rindel. “There’s a little place I like near the Tower. Meet me at the lift.” She turned and walked away from the door.”

Rindel looked at Solas. “Well? What do you think?”

“As if you have anything better to do,” Solas nudged Rindel’s elbow. “You really shouldn’t keep her waiting.”

“I, I just…” Cayde looked at Rindel while pointing at the door. “Did Ikora just ask you out?”

Rindel’s eyes widened as his face flushed, turning his cheeks a purplish shade. “Wha- No! You heard her, right Amanda? She wants to ask me about something!”

“Namely, if you’re single.” Amanda laughed. “Just be careful. I hear she bites.”

“Guys.” Rindel held up his hands. “It is not a date. If she wants to talk with me, that’s her business, and Solas is right. I shouldn’t keep her waiting.” He grabbed his bomber jacket and started walking before the door. As he was about to exit, Cayde started to sing to a backing track his Ghost played.

“I wouldn't if I were you,

I know what she can do,

She's deadly man, she could really rip your world apart!

Mind over matter,

Ooh, the beauty is there, but a beast is in the heart!”

Rindel held his face in his hands. “Seriously?”

“Oh, here she comes!

Watch out boy she'll chew you up!

Oh, here she comes!

She's a maneater!”

“Okay, okay! Enough! I’m taking off!” Rindel didn’t quite slam the door, but he did hear Amanda join in with Cayde’s song, both laughing at the absurdity of it all.

Solas floated in front of Rindel’s face. “What?”

His Ghost faded off the lower half of his eye while lifting his shell’s upper quadrant, making it look like he raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure that this isn’t a date? It sounds like a date.”

Rindel rolled his eyes and gently pushed Solas away. “It’s not a date.” He continued walking, and Solas made the expression again. Rindel turned. “It just isn’t. More to the point, Hall and Oates? Really?”

#destiny #destiny 2 #my fiction #original character #Rindel Zivas #Music References #You're gonna see a lot more of that.

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