> Warframe: Relic Hunters > by UnknownEntity743 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Prologue *Location: Grineer Galleon, Objective: Retrieve Artefact* As the sound of the ship’s haul groaning in protest to the explosions from the outer hull continued and the sound of bullets ringing out from the wall it made contact with, a lone Excalibur ran holding a(Key) for dear life as his other hand held a (Lex Prime) as it opened fire to the small armies of Grineer following. He then spoke. “Hey guys are you out of here yet!?” He shouted as he ran down the endless hall of the ship “Yes but what about you? Do you need any help or…” Said a British voice as another chimed in “I don’t see why you decided to send the 10 tone Rhino in and not the one with cloaking” the other said his words carrying no apathy “Hey! who you calling heavy asshole!?” The other voice responded with anger as a smack rang out from the coms “You, you’re the only one I’m looking at so I must be talking to you” he responded as another thud rang out “ow…” “Would you two quit it, look I’ll meet you guys back at the relay and then you can argue about stealth later!” He shouted in annoyance as the bullets flew past him as he entered his ship “Alright then Calibur just make sure she stays safe until then” The British voice responded in concern before Excalibur shut his com off and detached from the ship as it began to explode into pieces of fiery metal Excalibur then sighed as he set the key down on a desk and began to look out the large window before him and then realized the problem. The Grineer were under siege by the Corpus, and the Corpus were winning as their fleet struck down the Grineer with ease. Excalibur then checked himself and soon uncloaked a red and Black (Dread), two rectangular boxes on his arms (Venka) and lastly a (Prisma Skana) and (Dragon Nikana) “Tech, the bane of everyone” Excalibur said before cloaking his gear and continuing to speak “Ordis set a jump to the nearest relay!” “Acknowledged Operator but won’t it be dangerous? WE’RE GOING TO DIE!- oh sorry about that” Ordis responded as he glitched out as usual “It’s ok Ordis but I rather get out of here before we’re ripped to shreds” Excalibur responded sarcastically as he heard the engines begin to spin and his ship soon began to gain speed as it passed the fleet of corpus It would have been smooth sailing if not for the massive hole now in one of the thrusters sending him along with his ship flying “AHH son of a bitch!” Excalibur cursed as he held on for dear life “Ordis warp us out of here!!!” “But I haven’t calibrated the location!” He shouted back in a panic “For all we know we could end up in the darkest reaches of the system!” “JUST DO IT OR WE’LL DIE!!!” Excalibur shouted as he felt his body slam agenst the wall of his ship as the Corpus Fleet became nothing but distant light as his vision soon faded away “Excalibur!” . . . “Excalibur!” . . . “WAKE UP YOU- Excalibur are you alright?” Ordis asked as Excalibur’s vision came to and what he saw was his ship “Ok-ok I’m up and what in god’s name happened to my ship?” He asked as he saw the carnage from the crash but upside down until his foot slipped and his face smacked into the hard ground There were holes and large slash marks in the ship and wires hung down from the roof, sparking and tangled in a mess. The window was only cracked and faced the now rising sun as the green fields appeared into view as Excalibur got to his feet and walked down into the hull of his ship. He then checked the Golden-white Stasis pod and saw the Warframe that laid within still breathing as her chest slowly rose and fell. Excalibur rested his hand on the glass “You’re gonna be fine Sis” Excalibur thought “Ordis can you tell about this location or where we are?” Excalibur asked as he went back up to the bridge “Yes here are the basic files” Ordis said as a holographic list showed up in his face Location: Earth, Equestria Prime Location: Canterlot Main Inhabitants: Humans Corpus Faction: 0% Grineer Faction: 0% Infestation Faction: 0.2%, Location: Liset Orokin Traces: 0% Date: 5th September 2016, 21st Century Time: 7:30 am “So… another Earth huh?” Excalibur paused before grinning under his helmet “Ordis label this on the star chart and then see how long it would take to repair our ship?” “Here you are Excalibur” Ordis said only seconds after and soon the Hologram changed Estimated Time: 3 Years Location of Ferrite: Unknown Location of Similar Metals: Found Metals: Reinforced Steel and Titanium Similar Energy Source: Uranium or Plutonium Then Excalibur’s heart dropped like a rock as he groaned “Oh come on! I can’t wait that long, let alone gathering the resources without dragging attention to myself!” Excalibur groaned “I mean where the hell can I buy Uranium!?” “Ebay” Ordis said simply “Rhetorical question Ordis” Excalibur answered “Well if I may add you could try something, mind you it’s not efficient but it may help us gain some intel about this world as well as keep a low profile whist you make repairs” Ordis recommended “Oh… What did you have in mind” Excalibur asked “I fucking hate you Ordis” Excalibur mumbled as he stood in front of a large building as people began to walk inside as a bell rung out “*Sigh* ok then let’s go through school one more time” Excalibur wore a white jacket with red strips running up the arms and the sides of the zipper. He also wore black and grey trainers along with black jeans and lastly a red shirt under his jacket. His hair was messy-black but faded into blue tips at the ends and his eyes were a neon blue. Excalibur then sighed once more before beginning to walk towards his destination, unaware of what’s coming… I am a legend, the first to rise and the last to fall Alone agenst hundreds, but the power of thousands I am the master of blade alone. Excalibur > Chapter 1 Zero to Hero > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 1: Zero to Hero Excalibur being a 1000-year-old human had the intelligence of a super computer itself and put little to no effort into his work as he aced it all. But there is one thing he can never escape and that’s a pink blur that constantly pops up out of nowhere. “Bloody hell what is she!” Excalibur shouted as he rounded another corner to escape his pursuer but ended up colliding with someone as he fell to the floor “Ow...” “Daren’t are you alright?” Came a very country like voice as Excalibur noticed he had ran into a girl “Yea sorry I should have paid attention to where I was going” He said as he got up and help the girl to her feet also before realizing what he was doing prior to this “Um excuse me for a sec” Before she could answer Excalibur shoved her and himself into a storage closet as he watched through the blurred window as a shadow slowly passed by. Then he and the girl exited the room “Sorry wasn’t sure if you rad me out” Excalibur said as the girl spoke “Yea well next time tell me when you’re gonna do that” She snapped “Well besides from that I’m Excalibur and who the hell was that?” Excalibur asked as he shook hands with the girl “I’m Applejack and that was Pinkie Being Pinkie, so I’m guessing your new?” She answered as Excalibur nodded “Well sooner or later she’s going to get ya” “Well good to know and speaking of which I’ll seeya later” Excalibur said before running off “Leave me alone you crazy demon!” “Oh hey Applejack you should have told me he went this way” the ecstatic Pinkie said before being halted “Now Pinkie I think it will be better if you don’t scare him off” Applejack said as Pinkie nodded rapidly “Good, now shall we be going?” “Okie-Dokie-Loki!” Later… “I really hope that pink girl gave up by now…” Excalibur thought then he was interrupted by the presence of someone Excalibur then noticed Applejack standing beside him as he turned to face her. “Hey Applejack what’s up?” Excalibur asked casually as he felt eyes on him as he saw 6 other girls in the distance staring at him “Hey Excalibur I was wondering if you would like to come with me and my friends to Sugarcube Corner later?” Applejack asked as Excalibur thought about it for a moment “Do these friends happen to be staring at me right now?” Excalibur asked as he and Applejack glanced at the table and saw the heads of the 6 snap around “I would love to but I’ve got to head home, I’m... I'm waiting to hear about my Sister” “Bloody hell why did I just say that!” “Your sister, why did something happen to her?” Applejack asked as she sat down in front of him as Excalibur looked down “Yea let’s just say that she’s recovering right now and afterwards she’ll be coming here but I just want to be there when she’s better” Excalibur forced out as he clenched his fist “Why, how did she get injured?” Applejack asked with concern in her voice “Well let’s just say if I ever see the person who did what they did I will make them pay” Excalibur said with anger but soon calmed down as he felt something on his fist and noticed Applejack resting her hand on his “Thanks, you don’t want to know what happens when I get angry” “Thanks Applejack” Excalibur responded “My friends call me AJ” She spoke back “Wait you consider me a friend?” Excalibur asked in confusion “Well sure anyone willing to be there for their family is a friend of mine and you weren’t lying neither” Applejack answered as Excalibur smiled “Alright then but I think I can hang out for a short amount of time if that gets your friends eyes off of me” Excalibur said as he gestured his head at them “Oh and you can let my hand go now” Applejack noticed this and recoiled back as she hid her face a bit and then noticed the grins on her friends faces making it worse “Alright then I’ll see later then” Excalibur added “Uhh y-yea” AJ responded before walking away“And they say I’m socially awkward, ha suck it Nekros” *Somewhere in the System* A guy in a pitch black room sat there with a candle, holding a deck of cards as he paused "He's bloody late..." he said then went back to shuffling the deck “So let me get this straight, you are from another dimension which is filled with talking ponies and you are a princess there?” Excalibur asked still in disbelief at Twilight’s dimension story “Hard to believe right?” Dash asked as Excalibur nodded “You know I think you just broke something in my mind” Excalibur responded “Yes well I can show you the portal if you want?” Twilight asked as all 8 of them kept walking down the street towards the main part of town “No-no I think I’ll take your word to save me a mental breakdown” Excalibur said as he waved his hands in protest “Yes well besides that you should really see about getting new clothing, the one’s you wear are so dull darling” Rarity suggested as Excalibur gripped his white jacket “Hey I like my jacket!” He snapped in protest “No one touches my jacket” “Still you sure you can come with us? I mean wouldn’t you want to be with your sister?” Applejack asked as all eyes went from her to Excalibur as he spoke simply “No because if I did skip on this she would say ‘Don’t let me slow you down bro unlike Rhino’ and then proceed to sculled me for it” Excalibur finished “What is your sister like?” Twilight asked as Excalibur thought for a moment and smiled at the thought “Well she’s almost like Pinkie, happy, hyper, nice and even if she’s my little sister she always has my back like she’s the older one” Excalibur said as memories flooded back “I swear if Pinkie and Valkyr looked the same you wouldn’t know who’s who” “Valkyr that’s your sister’s name?” Sunset asked with curiosity “Yea; ’Any of the beautiful maidens who serve Odin and ride over battlefields to claim the dead heroes and take them to Valhalla’ quite the unique name” Excalibur said as he thought about it “Almost like yours being the legendary sword” Applejack responded as Excalibur smiled “Yea I guess-“ *ROOOOAAAAR!!!* “What the hell was that!” Excalibur shouted as the group ran round the corner and saw something strange but to Excalibur it was all too familiar What stood before the ruined street was a red and black (Dragon) that seemed to shed its skin and its skin hovered about it as fire circled around it as it roared “Alright I’m going to call for help you girls stay here and stay down!” Excalibur shouted before running off knowing just how painful this fight is going to be "Ordis deploy Archwing, its time to lock and load..!" 5 Minutes Later… A squad of officers created a barricade as they began to unload every clip into the beast but nothing worked as it slowly made its way forward, preparing to fire another killing blow before the sound of engines roared from the distance and then before anyone could find the source 2 feet connected with the beast’s head sending it flying back. What they saw was even stranger. It was a humanoid (Figure) with weapons holstered on parts of his body and had rectangular plates (Dendra armour) as it then spoke to everyone’s surprise “Officers I need you to get any innocents out of the creature’s way now!” it shouted as an officer spoke up “And why should we listen to you terr- “He paused as the guy pulled out a golden-white pistol and aimed it at the officer “Unless you want the rest of the town to burn do what I say” he said as they all nodded and got to work but the group of girls watched as he upholstered a katana and held it, pointed at the beast “Tenno stand down or I won’t show you mercy” He said as a fire ball rushed passed his face “Ok then-“he paused as he held his hand up to his head “Yea- really?... ok-ok I got it thanks Ordis… alright Lock and Load!” he shouted as he rushed forward and so did the beast as brute force collided with blade as sparks flew “Watch Out!” Dash shouted as a fist connected with Excalibur’s chest sending flying back Then as he struggled to stand another collided with his side sending him into a building next to the girls as he groaned in pain. he then rush in towards the beast and punch it dead in the face as it stumbled backwards only to have Excalibur rapidly throw punches into the beast's chest and followed up with a kick sending it crashing into another building as bricks fell onto the creature's body Then a bunch of gasps were heard as Excalibur turned to see fire in his vision as the fire blast sent him back into the wall he was originally in “Hey are you alright?” Applejack said as her and Applejack helped Excalibur out of the hole he made as he fell to his knees “What are you doing get out of here!” Excalibur said as the beast slowly approached them as his hide reattached making him bigger “Hey you want him you’re going to need to get through us!” Dash shouted as the beast kept coming closer, unfazed by her words as it began to lift its arm up to finish the job Excalibur then brought out his pistol but it was swiftly kick out of his hand as he grunted agenst the force of the kick “Bloody hell are you juicing?” Excalibur asked jokingly Then all of them were surprised by a fist connecting with the beast’s face sending it rolling into the tarmac as its claws dug into the ground to stop it’s tumbling. They all looked at the (Female) humanoid with orange claws made of energy as she walked over and lifted Excalibur off the ground just as her claws disappeared “Hey what took you so long?” Excalibur joked “Oh you know the fact you have an archwing and I don’t” Valkyr said crossing her arms as Excalibur waved his arms in defence “Hey I’m low on resources after paying for that recovery pod” He said defensively “But still we have bigger fish to fry” he then pointed at the beast slowly approaching “Ordis said there’s a thing on the back of his neck and might be the reason behind his rage” Valkyr said as they both looked at each other and nodded “You ready?” “As always… NOW!” Excalibur shouted as he and Valkyr ran straight at the beast as it charged also What it didn’t expect was for Valkyr to use Ripline and for them both to clothesline the beast to the ground. Excalibur then did a 180 and ran towards the beast and jumped on his back and began to pull at the glowing chip in his neck which sent electrical energy up his arm in protest “Ahhh come off you bloody machine!!!” Excalibur yelled as he flung back with the chip in hand silencing the beast as it fell to the ground with a thud Excalibur then grabbed his blade and holstered it then the sound of cheering came from the small crowd of people that formed. But then instantly they all gasped as the beast rose to its feet but held its head in discomfort as it turned to face the two Tenno “You alright buddy?” Excalibur asked as it nodded but soon the three looked at the swat force that pointed guns in their direction as Excalibur slowly walked in front of the two “Freeze Terrorists you are under arrest!” the leader spoke as Excalibur laughed as a bullet bounced off his helmet earning a lot of gasps from people “Right well tell me if that bullet couldn’t hurt me what chance did you have in beating my fiery friend over here” Excalibur pointed to the beast as it huffed “Now it’s been fun so let this be the day that you almost caught us Tenno!” Valkyr shouted as everyone was soon blinded by a light and once it faded the 3 Tenno were gone “Hey you girls alright!” Excalibur shouted as he ran up to the group “Yea but where the heck were you, you missed all the action?!” Dash snapped as Excalibur shrugged “What trying to explain that there’s a dragon in town is kind of… difficult” Excalibur lied as glanced at the carnage and whistled “I hate to be the one who lives there” “They called themselves the Tenno I wonder who they are?” Twilight asked as Dash spoke up “Well whoever they are they have guts to speak to my dad like that” Dash said as Excalibur’s mind raced “Wait you mean that guy was… ohhhh boy…” “Well anyhow I’ve got to get going so seeya tomorrow girls” Excalibur responded as he ran off towards his sadly expensive home “and then there was 2 million” Excalibur mumbled then his mind went back to the message engraved on the chip which still confused him as much as the others "1 down now only an army to go” “*Sigh* I guess I’m back to being a hero again… I just hope it doesn’t end the same way…” Shackled by chains and the voices of profit Now free by the power that hungers The power that yearns for blood Valkyr > Chapter 2 Fired Up > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 2: Fired Up After the events of yesterday the so called ‘Dragon’ was beaten by Canterlot’s new ‘Heroes’. Some call them terrorists, others call them a government experiment, Excalibur calls it a headache as people for the entirety of the day kept talking about him and his Sister. This however was driving Excalibur nuts, not only that but the new Russian friend of theirs being the same Chroma from yesterday. About the only thing keeping Excalibur from loosing it was having his sister back to her 'normal' self, normal being an understatement. “*Sigh* will this torment ever end?” Excalibur groaned in annoyance as him, his sister Valkyr and Chroma sat at their own table in the cafeteria “Well I’m find it very… amusing as they don’t realize the ‘Beast’ is sitting here right now” Chroma stated in a Russian accent as he rested his head on his hands “Well I for one am loving it!, were like superheroes!, well besides Chroma, no offence” Valkyr said sheepishly as she rubbed her arm “None taken” Chroma replied simply “You ok though I mean you did just fight the equivalent of a tank right after your recovery?” Excalibur asked in concern but Valkyr waved him off and smiled innocently “I’m fine Calibur Ordis just said for me to take it easy nothing more, that and who else is going to keep you out of trouble?” Valkyr said with a cocky grin as Excalibur returned it before flicking her on the nose “Yes but who’s going to keep you from doing something reckless?” Excalibur said playfully as Valkyr put a thumb to her chest and made a proud look “Reckless is how I roll after all!” She stated loudly as Excalibur laughed “Yea ok keep telling yourself that!” Excalibur retorted as she frowned "Aww did I hit a nerve?" Excalibur then earned a slap to the face as Valkyr smiled deviously "How's that for a nerve?" She retorted triumphantly “Oh Excalibur there is a girl coming this way” Chroma mumbled to him as they all turned to see AJ walking over “Oh hey AJ, please tell me you’re not coming to talk about that ‘Hero’?” Excalibur asked with a grunt “Oh no I wanted to meet your sister since you told me she was injured and such, which reminds me if she’s only just come out of the hospital then why is she here?” Applejack asked with a curious brow as Valkyr grinned “Ain’t no hospital gunna keep me down, at least not for long!” she said happily as Excalibur gave her a deadpan expression as she smiled innocently “Hehe but I was told not to overexert myself, still its cool to meet ya!” “Yes the names Applejack but my friends just call me AJ” Applejack responded with a smile as they shook hands then she noticed Chroma “Excalibur who’s this?” “That is Chroma and don’t be expecting much he doesn’t talk often unless necessary” Excalibur pointed out as Chroma nodded in acknowledgment “Well still I think this whole ‘Hero’ thing is being taken a bit too to heart, they only showed up once so what?” Applejack said as Excalibur smiled “Finally someone who isn’t obsessed!” Excalibur said loudly “Still talk to you later AJ” she waved goodbye and Excalibur went back to shoving all mentions of the word ‘Hero’ into a box, then proceeded to burry that box in the ocean Then he noticed Valkyr’s smug grin as he raised his brow “What?” Excalibur asked as she rolled her eyes “Oh nothing hehe” Valkyr responded as Excalibur shrugged it off and continued to bury the box… After the torment of listening about himself, his sister and Chroma being thrown around like a ragdoll that hypnotised an entire town the day was over. Chroma, Excalibur, Valkyr and AJ were walking down the streets of Canterlot, casually taking to each other when a small crowd of people around TV’s caught their eye. “What the…” Excalibur wondered as they all walked over and saw the news report “Breaking news a creature covered in what seems to be flames has been seen slowly making its way towards the town as firemen and police forces have failed to slow the creature down and it seems that anything it touches catches fire!” the news reporter said as a camera panned to the road beside a field What they saw can only make Chroma less scary in comparison. They all looked towards the flaming (girl) as she slowly walked towards the crowd of people and thanks to Ordis Excalibur made out what it was saying “You shall burn Tenno” she said in an ashy voice as the gleam of a chip reflected off the light “Hey now that’s near my farm!” Applejack gasped as she almost ran off if Excalibur didn’t stop her “Hey what do you think your doing?!” “If you think you’re going alone your wrong” Excalibur said casually then before she could retort Valkyr chimed in “Yea, look I’ll go with you whist my Bro and Chroma go get help” Valkyr said as she saw the look Excalibur was giving her then she walked up and hugged him “Don’t worry I’ll be fine just get help K?” She then winked “Alright you two go, Chroma you’re with me!” the two groups parted and soon Chroma and Excalibur rounded a corner “You ready?” Chroma finished equipping his armour as he roared with ice “Right then let’s lock and load...!” As Valkyr and AJ got to the location of the broadcast nothing was left as burnt cars and foliage was left in ashes but what was most strange was that the tracks of Ember’s feet were leading off into the woods, so the two girls followed the tracks. As they continued to walk Valkyr stopped as Applejack turned only to see Valkyr’s face showed nothing but dread. “Valkyr, something wrong?” She asked as Valkyr swiftly shoved both herself and AJ to the ground as a fire blast whisked above them and hit a lone tree as it lit the area up and revealed her Ember stood there in front of them, her body covered in flames as she held a (Heat Sword) in her grasp as she slowly raised it above her head as she prepared to attack. But the sound of grunting and cursing stopped her. “You know I really think just tying you to my leg was a bad move” Excalibur groaned as he kicked Chroma off him as he stood up Chroma just grunted as they came into view and saw Ember and Excalibur brought out an ice hammer (Sibear) and held it with two hands as Chroma brought out his (Boar) as they got ready to fight “Wait that thing attacked us yesterday so why’s it working with the Tenno?” Applejack thought then remembered the chip the Tenno ripped out of the beast’s neck “Hey Ex-Tenno guy it’s on her neck like the last one!” Valkyr shouted as they nodded and Applejack gave her a look “What Excalibur told me” “You will burn!” Ember hissed “Really and I thought I was up agenst Frost, oh well” Excalibur said sarcastically earning a fire blast to the face as Chroma breathed ice to stop the next “Ok I might have deserved that one!” Excalibur shouted as he got back to Chroma “Alright if we keep hitting her with ice attacks it should work” Chroma nodded as he fired ice breath continually as Excalibur followed up with swinging his hammer into the ground causing ice spikes to appear. But each attack just melted off of Ember like nothing as she swung her blade and Excalibur barely had time to block it as his body jerked. All of them then noticed the fire orb building around Ember’s arm as Valkyr and Excalibur said simultaneously “Oh son of a-“ Then a massive nova of fire blasted all four of them flying as the two girls hit a tree and Chroma held onto the ground to stop his fall and Excalibur was rolling before getting to his feet. He then dashed forward as the fire blast came hurling at him as he smashed the hammer into Ember’s face but all it did was piss her off as Excalibur winced “I’m sorry” Then he was sent flying into Chroma or at least beside him as Chroma lifted him out of the ground by the foot and sat him down. Chroma then began to fire round after round of ice shells into Ember's body but it did little to dent her shield as Chroma rolled out of the way of a fire blast as he ran and shot rounds into her but as he reloaded to begin his assault again Chroma soon felt the ground beneath him melt as he roared in pain as his roars were cancelled out by the sound of the raging fire as it engulfed as he watched his shields drop to nothing as he kneeled in pain as he felt his body cook within the frame. Chroma and Excalibur glanced at each other as they panted due to the intense heat then Applejack's voice pierced through the roaring flames. “Try hitting her at the same time!” Applejack shouted as Chroma and Excalibur thought about it and soon nodded in unison as they got ready to retaliate Chroma activated ‘Effigy’ and prepared to fire off another round of ice and Excalibur held his hammer high as another blast from Ember shot towards them burning the ground beneath it. Then the skin of Chroma along with Chroma fired a wave of ice as Excalibur channelled all the energy he had into the hammer as he smashed it into the ground. Ember’s attack fought back as the air changed from hot to cold as the elements raged on but soon the fire dwindled as the fires disappeared as Ember began to move through the ice trail but soon her body slowed and she became a Frame-popsicle as Excalibur ran forward and smashed the chip off her frozen body as the ice shattered into shards. Ember's body fell as Excalibur caught her, Ember was now free. “God and I thought you were difficult” Excalibur laughed in pain as Chroma hit him on the back as he slowly set Ember down “Well good thing is she’s alive and she’s just exhausted from using so much energy in those attacks” “What’s the bad news?” Applejack asked with a hint of worry as Excalibur pointed towards the darkness “The fact that a sniper has been shooting my head for the last 20 seconds” Excalibur said plainly as another *ding* sound rattled off his helmet “Well then I think that’s our queue to leave, you two get home save ok?” Excalibur said as they both nodded but just before the two walked away with Ember in Chroma’s arms Excalibur was stopped “Who are you really?” Applejack asked then swiftly Excalibur raised his hand and pointed to the holographic symbol on his armour “We are Humans but people used our gift as a weapon now we fight to prevent the same thing happening again, and for clarification we’re the Relic Hunters and we just gained a new member” He said as the two of them ran off into the darkness as the red and blue lights began to appear One thing that bothered Applejack through was not the mystery of the Tenno but rather did Chroma and Excalibur get into contact with them? If so how…? The myth, the legend From the skies he soars But on the ground he rules Chroma > Character Bio #1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Character Bio’s #1 The other bio's will be every 2 chapters and will show off new characters. this will only happen if there's new characters. Excalibur: Balance Frame (With Dendra Armor) • Messy-Black hair with blue tips at the end • Neon-Blue eyes • White jacket with red strips running up the arms and the sides of the zipper, black and grey trainers, black jeans and a red shirt • Personality: Cocky • Weapons: Dragon Nikana, Prisma Skana, Lex Prime, Dread Valkyr: Berserker frame • Long-Black hair with orange tips at the end • Orange eyes • Wears orange T-shirt with black shorts and black trainers • Personality: Happy • Weapons: Lecta, dual cestra, Vectis Prime Chroma: Elemental frame (Eye and Hair colour can change with energy colour) • Short-Spiky red hair • Black eyes • Wears Crimson hoodie, black cargo pants with charcoal shoes • Personality: Heavy (TF2) • Weapons: Boar, Jac Kittag, gammacor > Chapter 3 MEDIC!!! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 3: MEDIC!!! 1 mouth, 1 whole month had passed since Excalibur had crashed on Earth and had been burned and burned again. His repairs like Ordis said were slow but ever since Ember nothing crazy had happened, that was 2 weeks ago and now the world had decided to play its cards. *Location: Canterlot High, 1:30pm, 1 mouth since crash landing* Valkyr along with her brother have been through training ever since they put on the warframes; but there is one thing that the Orokin never made them do, this torture is beyond cruel, beyond pain, it was- “Who... in their right mind... thought that 25 laps is good,” Valkyr moaned between breaths as she along with the rest of the class either laid on the ground or stands as they cached their breath or collapsed halfway through as birds circled above in the sky “I know right, this is just unbearable,” Sunset groaned as they watched AJ and Dash walk up looking better than the rest “Well if you think that’s bad, Coach Iron Will goes easy on the first day, after that no one will hear you scream,” Dash said simply as Valkyr whimpered in fear “Even I have my limits,” Ember said between breaths as she laid on the ground next to them as she brushed her golden hair out of her face “Hey Valkyr where’s your brother and Chroma at?,” AJ asked as Valkyr thought about it before snickering “Oh those two are on a brief trip to the other side of town for the day,” Valkyr responded before continuing “Let’s just say it’s quite the physical work,” *Location: Relic Hunters Home Base, 10 miles below sea level, Liset* *Hanger* Excalibur was underneath the Liset whist Chroma was on top trying to bolt in the new engine as it wobbled in protest “You could try keeping engine stable,” Chroma said with irritation as Excalibur held the engine up as best he could “Yes well I’m not a tank warframe I’m a bloody balance one, now please hurry my body is telling me to just die already so please hurry,” Excalibur said in a higher pitched voice as the surface beneath him cracked ever so slightly “Patience comrade this takes time to set right,” Chroma responded as he carefully bolted another piece in place "And if you don't mind 'balance' engine for me," “Why didn’t the fucking dragon do this job, I’m gunna break faster than a toothpick,” Excalibur thought as he wished he was in school “Hey I’m gunna get us a drink from the vending machine if you guys want something?,” Valkyr asked as all their expressions were her answer “Alright be right back!,” As she began to grab the drinks Valkyr felt something odd when she looked back. The sense was odd as she’s only felt it when something bad or good would happen but nothing did. “I swear I think Calibur’s paranoia is rubbing off on me, or Nekros’s perception training,” Valkyr thought as that name brought a smile to her as she the saw a shadow pass over her before it stopped in the middle of the field Valkyr gasped as she saw the strange looking (Girl) standing with an (Orthos) in hand as she looked around the area before beginning to swing wildly as people ran for cover or back inside as Ember almost fired off a fire blast but held it back as she backed up with the others. Trinity then lifted her staff towards then but soon felt something grab her wrist as Valkyr (In her warframe) swung her into the dirt as she back flipped back onto her feet Valkyr then brought out her Dual Cestra and began to unload clips into Trinity as she saw her shield flash blue but something was wrong as Valkyr felt from time to time pain striking her body from nowhere as she scanned the area for other attackers. “But she has no spectres and she’s not attacking, how?,” Valkyr thought as the pain kept growing until she stopped firing as she collapsed to her knees as the pain flared all other her body Valkyr then switched to her Lecta as she wrapped it around Trinity’s leg and began to swing her around, smashing her into the ground as she saw her shield flash but soon Valkyr stopped as she coughed as if someone kicked the wind out of her. Valkyr then realized the problem, she’s using link. “Shit,” Valkyr said as Trinity walked up and slashed Valkyr into the dirt with her Orthos before beginning to walk back towards the others with her Orthos in hand as she glowed with anger and energy. Ember tried to attack but a swift kick from Trinity sent her flying into Sunset as they fell to the ground. Applejack soon got her phone out a dialled a number and soon the caller answered “Oh hey Aj what’s up?,” Excalibur asked as the sound of machinery in the distance was heard “Excalibur there’s another Tenno and she’s beaten the other Tenno down without even lifting a finger! She uses something that makes the attacker take the hits,” AJ quickly explained rapidly as silence greeted her until Excalibur spoke “Alright if I had to guess it’s an ability that makes her almost untouchable to attacks. . . ok I think the best way to beat her is to hit her really hard and really fast,” Excalibur explained as the last part confused Aj before she shouted “Enough with the games Excalibur if you don’t give me an idea me along with the rest are gunna become mince!!!,” Aj yelled as she saw Dash and Ember try to keep the Tenno at bay “I am being serious, look I said she’s ‘Almost’ untouchable that ability must only be able to withstand so many attacks, but faster ones could cause the process to slow making the ability null and void, Got it?,” Excalibur explained more seriously “Ok thank you Excalibur but one more thing,” Aj said as a ‘hmm’ was heard from the other end “How did you contact the Tenno this time if you didn’t know?,” “What you think they follow me or something, you guess, k seeya!,” Excalibur responded before hanging up Aj then tuned and yelled to the Tenno “You have to attack faster! If you do, her ability can’t last!,” Aj shouted as the girl nodded and soon the roar of her Ability made Trinity turn and activate her ‘Link’. Valkyr then roared with such rage and anger that Trinity was stunned but stood her ground as Valkyr ran like and animal as her claws began to slash away at Trinity with such ferocity that it seemed to unnerve some but as Valkyr took some of the hits they began to become few and far between as the effect began to dissipate Trinity then began to attack but Valkyr took the hits like they were nothing as she blocked the staff with her claws before slashing it out of Trinity's hands as she stumbled back from the impact before getting a backhand to the face as Valkyr snickered at the action as she wore a large grin on her face, hidden by the helmet of a berserker. “Comrade why only let Valkyr handle threat?,” Chroma asked in confusion as Excalibur sat back on his chair and smiled “Because Valkyr is my Sister and I know she could take us both out without even trying,” Excalibur said with a grin as Chroma looked at him intently “She maybe a funny, happy girl but deep within her there’s a power that hungers for blood, I call it..,” Trinity laid on the ground with scratches and dirt marks on her armour as Valkyr smashed the chip under her foot and soon her claws disappeared as Excalibur’s words hung in the air as they echoed “Hysteria…” Valkyr then walked over and lifted Trinity into her arms as she began to walk away but as she passed the girls she stopped and faced Applejack before nodding “Thanks, you saved my ass out there,” Valkyr said as Applejack smiled “well it was my friend Excalibur, he told me what to do,” She answered as Valkyr began to walk again “I'll be sure to thank him one day,” Valkyr responded as she smiled under her helmet "Thanks Bro..," I was burned, broken and afraid Then they tipped the scales of fate Now there left in ruin In ashes and pain Ember > Chapter 4 Pun Man > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 4: Pun Man *Location: Canterlot, 1+ mouth since crash landing* Nature can be unpredictable, sometimes it can bring light and warmth into a day, but can also bring darkness and chills. The weather forecasted changed dramatically, which to everyone was a surprise. Excalibur sat on the couch of his home as he wore a bored expression on his face as he flicked through the channels in search of something. Valkyr was in the kitchen with Ember and Chroma and Trinity were down in the base. Oh did I mention the closet in the house led to a massive facility, no, well now you know. And no Harry is not in there, oh yes back to story. Excalibur kept flicking through until the news came on with that ‘Breaking News’ report. “Well better than nothing I guess,” Excalibur moped in defeat as he watched about the crazy Hurricane over the town “-Even though the hurricane is not causing much destruction, what is inside it is as bolts of lighting seem to be striking from within the storm itself!,” *BOOM* “And just there another bolt just struck, we have no idea what’s causing this freak weather but-,“ Excalibur shut the T.V off as he groaned in annoyance as he turned around on the couch “Valkyr get Trinity and Chroma, we have a problem!,” Excalibur shouted as Valkyr came running in “What’s up, did something happen?,” Valkyr asked as Ember walked in also “We have another Tenno and this one has a ‘Wonderful’ sense of humour,” Excalibur said as he air quoted “Let’s just say he has what he calls a ‘Shocking’ personality,” As the wind picked up the storm seemed to grow more and more violent as the rain poured from the heavens and shot agenst Excalibur, Trinity, Valkyr and Chroma (Blue energy) as they stood looking up into the eye of the storm. “Wait isn’t the eye supposed to be calmer part?,” Valkyr asked in confusion “Yes but we have problem in sky, see?,” Chroma responded as he pointed at the (Figure) hovering in the centre as a bolt shot from its hand a and shot Excalibur in the face as his body jolted a bit from the attack as his shields slowly regenerated “Shocking entrance right!!!,” Volt yelled clearly as they all groaned in annoyance at the pun “Wow what a buzz kill” “Ok can we get this over with already, this just turned from terrifying to annoying,” Trinity spoke as even she was fed up already “Alright you all ready!?,” Excalibur asked as they all nodded and soon their archwing roared to life and the shot into the storm “Well this odda be a shock to your dragon friend!,” Volt laughed as 3 bolts of lightning struck from the clouds as Chroma resisted the attacks but noticed them bouncing towards the rest as he flew back down “Comrades I will help clear people away from danger, mission is too dangerous for me,” Chroma responded over the coms as they saw him disappear from sight “Ok Trinity you keep me and Valkyr fighting whist we take out his chip,” Excalibur commanded as she channelled her healing Valkyr and Excalibur charged towards Volt as he bent his head in confusion as he fired off electrical attacks followed by the storm as Valkyr and Excalibur dodged the attacks as they reflected the shots away. Valkyr then fired off some sniper shots but Volt quickly conjured up a shield as he channelled Electricity into it as the result gave way to a wall of bolts as Valkyr backed away from the wall. Excalibur on the other hand was flanking around and began to swing towards... nothing as Volt somehow appeared behind him and few feet away as he fired off a bolt attack without Excalibur knowing as it hurdled towards him. “Excalibur look out!,” Valkyr shouted as she pushed him out of the way as a massive bolt struck her instead as she began to fall into the cloud layer, as she disappeared from view. “No!,” Excalibur yelled as he rushed to catch her but was cut off by a bolt as he turned to face Volt “What? Don’t blame me if she’s not the light of my life,” Volt joked as this pissed Excalibur off as he switched to his arch-blade and waited for Volt to strike which he did Volt began to channel his electrical energy into his (Amphis) as he flew towards him with no archwing. They clashed as (Veritux) clashed with Amphis as the energy surged between strikes of the weapons as Excalibur felt his arms buzz with lightning as Volt swiftly dodged Excalibur’s attacks. Excalibur's shoulder was then caught by the staff at the electricity surged through his systems as he creaked his neck and gave Volt a right hook only to have it blocked by Volt's own as he kicked Excalibur away from him as he laughed. “You’re really slow!,” Volt said simply as he felt his side burn with pain as he saw Excalibur back up “And you’re really annoying,” Excalibur responded with a slight laugh as Volt’s energy changed from blue too yellow as he spoke in a more dangerous voice “Oh is that right huh, well then TRY BLOCKING THIS!!!,” Volt yelled as the storm clouds above his circled around him as the lightning sparked around him as he planned to fire off an overcharge, directly at Excalibur as he held his hand out. Volt then fired off a massive beam of energy towards Excalibur as the lightning coursed through his being as Volt laughed “You really are dumb,” Volt mocked as Excalibur smirked at the pain as he laughed more sinisterly “Then you’re even dumber,” Excalibur chocked out as he explained “What happens when electricity is conducted into a point?,” “Simple it will be surged out of that singularity and-oh, well I’m right fucked aren’t I?,” Volt asked as he realized his mistake “Right in the down under,” Excalibur said as he yelled with all his fury as he pointed his blade towards Volt as the Lightning instantly blasted its way through the storm and straight through Volt as his body convulsed in pain. Then from behind Valkyr came out of nowhere in Hysteria and began to rip the chip out as it sparked in her hand. "Where did you?" Volt tried to ask but felt his neck begin to pull agenst the strain of his chip “Never saw the fake-out coming!” Valkyr joked as Excalibur laughed lightly as he fell along with Volt to the ground as the storm slowly dissipated The sun soon broke through the clouds as Valkyr, Chroma and Trinity looked down at Volt and Excalibur as they laughed. “That was a very shocking twist,” Volt said as Excalibur laughed back “Yea that was fun, but one more pun and I’ll kill you,” Excalibur said as he looked up towards the blue sky as Valkyr and Trinity sighed. “Boys…” “What?” the 3 guys asked in unison “well at least my weekend wasn’t a boring one yay…” Excalibur thought as his body twitched in pain. *Somewhere in Space* A Liset was hurdling through space as it's black-shrouded appearance went unnoticed as it's operator looked over the video of Excalibur fighting Chroma and then another showed their fight with Ember as the black-slender hand tapped it's jet-black chin as his chilling voice filled the silence. "Well this could get...interesting" the voice spoke as he continued to sharpen his (Reaper Prime) slowly in the dark. I’ve seen them rise I’ve seen them fall The lies, the truth Only to end and begin anew Trinity > Character Bio #2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Character Bio’s #2 Ember: The Fire Frame • Golden-yellow-long hair • Yellow eyes • Wears yellow vest top, black skirt with red trimming black shoes with yellow trimming • Personality: Normal • Weapons: Heat sword, Ingis Trinity: The Healer Frame • Long-White hair • Pink eyes • Wears white jumper, cream-jeans with black shoes • Personality: Shy • Weapons: Orthos Volt: The Lightning Frame • Short-Spikey-Blue hair • Blue eyes • Wears blue jacket with dark blue shirt, black shorts with blue shoes • Personality: Energetic • Weapons: Amphis, Soma, Akbolto > Chapter 5 Everything is Equal > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 5: Everything Is Equal *Location: Earth, Sugarcube Corner, +1 mouth after crash* Excalibur along with Valkyr and their new pain in the ass Volt were sitting with the Mane 7 and a new girl called Skyler, she wore near the same as Volt only her colours where more of a sky blue and her jacket faded into darker colours of blue. She was relatively nice and had a better sense of humour than Volt as Excalibur kept pointing out at any time he got. But everytime Excalibur would talk to her he would stutter every now and then but he didn’t know why until. . . “Hey Bro you mind coming over here with me for a sec?,” Valkyr asked before dragging Excalibur by the hood away from the group “Hey what’s wrong you could have waited for me to respond,” Excalibur said with a hint of annoyance “Well… I just have a bad feeling… about well Tenno stuff,” Valkyr said in a more concerned tone as Excalibur raised and eye brow “Is this about them not knowing?” Excalibur asked as she nodded “Well I want to tell them but only when we get these idiots to stop calling us terrorist because I don’t want them to be dragged down with us,” “So when they stop calling us a threat we can tell them?” Valkyr asked as Excalibur did a Pinkie Promise “So can you manage?” “Yea I just needed to make sure this wouldn’t be forever, that and I have a very bad feeling, but this one feels familiar,” Valkyr said as tried to think about it before smiling “Na probably nothing!” “Alright shall we got back?” Excalibur asked as she nodded before bringing Excalibur to her face “As long as you stop flirting,” Valkyr said with a smirk as Excalibur’s face began to turn red “What are you talking about? I’m not!” Excalibur shot back in a whisper “Oh ok It’s probably just me being protective, or is it~” Valkyr sung as she skipped back to her chair as Excalibur sighed as he sat down “So what were you two talking about?” Dash asked as Excalibur stiffened and Valkyr smiled “Oh nothing just that-,“Valkyr was about to talk if Excalibur began shaking her like a rag doll “Don’t you dare finish that sentence!” Excalibur shouted more in embarrassment than anything but what they didn’t know is that their last topic was picked up by a pink demon as her inner thoughts began to work away “Oooooh Excalibur has a crush of Skyler this is so cute!!!” Pinkie thought but soon yelled out load “Everyone look at the T.V!!!” This got all of them to first look at her and then to the screen as it magically switched to the news channel “How did you do that?” Volt asked in confusion as Dash laid a hand on him “It’s Pinkie don’t try to understand it,” Dash said simply as he soon turned to the screen What the news reported was something that made everyone’s including the Tenno’s blood freeze as they looked at (It) with its (Reaper Prime) by its left and a massive black fog that followed it with shadows of ‘Things’ swarming within. “What is Celestia’s name is that?” Sunset asked in fear as even Pinkie was freaked “I-It looks scary,” Fluttershy whispered before everyone jumped in fear as the thing turned to face the camera like it heard them. “I just think it saw the camera man, not like it can hear us,” Volt said in reassurance as he jumped behind his seat as it rose its scythe and shook its head slowly as it turned away and just waited “Alright that’s it I’m leaving I am not sitting here whist this thing toys with us,” Excalibur said as Valkyr followed suit “Hey wait for me I don’t want to left to walk home on my own!” Valkyr wined as she followed “Nope not moving nope!” Volt said in resistance as they shrugged and left the others to sit in fear The Special Forces lit the entire street up with bullets as they hit the Tenno's body but seemed to do noting to faze him as he spoke in a chilling voice but no apathy to them. "If your going to use weapons then know when to pull the trigger, or in this case-" He said as he channelled an attack into his Reaper prime and slashed the air as the soldiers looked at each other before their weapons fell into pieces "-Make sure you kill me in the first hit, now I would like to know whose in charge so I can file a complaint," A familiar girl with sky blue hair stepped forward as she glared at the Tenno with cold blue eyes. "My name is Skyler Cirrus and I'm the one in charge of this squad and if you don't surrender so help I-" She spoke with venom as the Tenno's reaper swiftly cut her off as it laid just under her throat as she gasped slightly "Really now? I was expecting better but then again humanity is so... one-sided," He said before another voice chimed in making everyone turn to their left “Hey dumbass what took you so long!!?” Excalibur yelled as it looked towards him “Meh I was… side tracked,” Nekros said as he shrugged and holstered his scythe “My question is how did you fuck up this bad to crash land on a planet?” “Hey not my fault I had half a bloody Ship left,” Excalibur said defensively as he then noticed the 1 infested and yelled “What in god’s name happened to that guy to make him look like a deformed pancake on feet!?” “Well..,” Nekros began *Somewhere in space, aboard Nekros’s ship* Nekros sat sleeping with a ‘Necromancy’ book on his face as a large thud hit the glass and began to slowly trail itself off the glass as Nekros mumbled “Duh fuck was that?” He asked as he shrugged and went back to sleep “Honestly I didn’t see its mangled, flattened corpse until I landed, or what’s left,” Nekros said as he heard some people gaging “Oh grow a pair,” “So why the smoke?” Excalibur asked as he pointed as the shadows “It makes for a better entrance,” Nekros said simply as he saw Excalibur side step “Oh and incoming,” Excalibur said as Nekros went to speak but felt a fist connect with his face as he turned to see Valkyr and froze as his shadows dissipated “What was with the shadows? You were going to beat him up weren’t you!” Valkyr said in a harsher tone as Nekros stuttered from his calm and bland tone “I um can… explain, I, yes,” Nekros said in defeat as Valkyr pointed in one direction as he began to walk and mumbled “I fucking hate this world already,” “You’ll get used to it, but good to have ya back buddy,” Excalibur said with more happiness “Yea good to be back,” Nekros said as they began to walk home until Excalibur heard the click of a gun as he turned to see Skyler holding a revolver to his face as behind his helmet his eyes were wide "Don't think that I'm just going to let you walk away," she said coldly as Excalibur asked something unexpectedly "Do you think were evil?" Excalibur asked simply as she gave a puzzled look "What?" was all she could say "Do you think we're evil or the one's who were freed but became allies, do you think were evil? Excalibur elaborated as Nekros and Valkyr looked at each other and walked away "I-I don't know... I never really cared I just...," Skyler tried to answer but couldn't find an answer "They did nothing wrong, sure they attacked but never did so afterwards," "You were just told what you were commanded to do right?" Excalibur asked as she nodded before he put his hand on her gun and slowly lowered it "Remember this, you may be told what is right or wrong but never let that cloud your own judgement, only you can decide what is right or wrong in the end," Skyler didn't know what to say, what could she say? he was just trying to help and she almost killed him. then Skyler took her gun and holstered it as a small smile crawled onto her face "Ok then I'll remember that," she said as he nodded before turning away "And thank you," This made him stop as he glanced back and nodded. But even under his helmet she knew he was smiling as he turned away and jogged up to the others as they began to walk away. The Next Day… If the events of yesterday were not crazy enough then today would sum that up nicely as people whispered amongst themselves as Excalibur caught words like ‘Psychopath, demon’ and other such things. As Excalibur approached his table he saw that only Valkyr had her normal smile along with Pinkie as the others looked scared or unnerved. “Ok why is everyone looking like Volt went off on another pun spree,” Excalibur asked as Volt yelled ‘Hey!’ as he sat down and Pinkie pulled Excalibur very close to her face “There’s a scary new person in today and he’s really-super-scary,” Pinkie said as she released him and Excalibur began to count down from 3 “Why are you-, “Skyler was about to ask until the doors to the cafeteria opened revealing him. Everyone went dead silent as they all saw who was standing at the doors as the sound of his black boots echoed. He wore mostly black clothing as his black hood covered his messy hair. But his eyes were covered by round-red shades that seemed to glow and a bandana wrapped around his face with rows of white teeth on it as he made his way towards Excalibur’s group. “Ok I know you like being all creepy and all but really you just had to scare the entire school?” Excalibur asked as Nekros turned and sat down beside Excalibur as he looked at all the others and sighed making them jump “Hey this idiot called Blueblood was nagging at me so I may have ‘Taken’ care of him,” Nekros said dully as he heard the others gulp “So that explains the scream I heard,” Excalibur said in wonder as he smiled “Well good at least something good came out of this,” “Yea that jerk’s been trying to get on my nerves two but a little punch quickly solved that!” Valkyr said happily as the others began to relax “Oh I just might as well introduce you,” Excalibur pointed out before continuing “This here’s Nekros, my friend and murderer,” “Wait you mean that last part as a joke right?” Sunset asked as Nekros butted in “Murder is such as ‘Strong’ word I prefer ‘Guide’ to the afterlife,” Nekros said simply putting everyone back on edge before sighing “It does not mean I’ll harm you in anyway if that’s what you’re thinking,” “Well still it’s good to have you Nekros!” Valkyr said happily as the others couldn’t see it but a small smile was on his face but then Volt butted in “Well he can sure put- “Volt was about to pull a pun until Chroma hit him flying off his chair along with Ember walking right over his back as she sat down “Don’t you ever try a pun now Spark Plug!” Chroma and Ember said in unison as he groaned “Um Excalibur why is the pink one looking like she’s about to turn me into cupcakes?” Nekros asked with slight concern as Pinkie wore an evil grin of her face “Oh she’s just thinking about the party she’ll be throwing you and Skyler since you two are new,” Excalibur explained as Nekros sighed and began to think “Now I wish I let Rhino go instead, this is bloody torture!” Nekros thought in dread “Well I could just kill her?” “Fuck it I’ll just kick Blueblood in the balls again," “Still it’s good to see these two again, maybe now I’ll have a chance…," I strike without warning The storm on the horizon The light that strikes before the sound Volt > Chapter 6 Prank War > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 6: Prank War *Alert: Two Tenno Spotted! * *Location: Earth, Canterlot, 2 mouths since crash* Now with the third original member of the Relic Hunters back in action life had been difficult, Nekros's personality made it difficult as he would normally freak out anyone that was even in his presence and the screams of Volt could be heard down the halls (Puns not necessary). Even with Nekros's fully-working Liset they couldn't go anywhere as all the fuel from Nekros's trip to find them was burned out and now if that wasn't bad enough things were about to get worse. Excalibur along with Ember were walking to school as they talked with each other, even though they were going to be late they didn't really care until Ember gave Excalibur a confused look. "Um Excalibur what happened to your jacket?" She asked as she pointed at his red shirt as Excalibur did a double take and became just as confused "Wait what? but I NEVER leave without it, you saw me leave with it right?" Excalibur asked in concern as she nodded and soon he Pointed at Ember "um... Ember tell me something do you dye your hair?" "No it's my natural hair colour, why?" She asked in response as she got out a mirror and slowly Excalibur plugged his ears At the school all of the Mane 7 and Tenno looked at each other as they tried to figure out what happened to most of their belongings, including the Tenno's weapons and armour. Then they all heard the wraith of Hell unfold. "WHY IS MY HAIR GREEN!!?" "Oh boy looks like she found out," Volt said in a very high pitched voice as the others sighed and Pinkie along with Chroma tried not to laugh, if only Chroma could speak They all then looked to see Excalibur walking up with a very pissed Ember as they felt the temperature rise in the area. "So I guess your all missing something huh?" Excalibur asked as they all nodded and began to tell them two what their missing or gained in Volt's case "Wait where's my sister Valkyr; and Nekros?" Excalibur asked as they all made their way into the building and down the left hall where they saw Valkyr in black cargo pants and Nekros's face behind his locker "Look we'll find your gear just don't blow a fuse on me," Valkyr pleaded as she saw the others "And the rest," Nekros then instantly slammed the door earning gasps from almost everyone as they saw his face. His face was almost as pale as a ghost and a deadpan-frown upon it with Crimson eyes that seemed to make everyone shiver in fear. "Uhh... why is his eyes red, its scary," Fluttershy asked as Trinity nodded behind her "My question is why are you wearing such dirty pants darling?" Rarity asked earning a slight blush from Valkyr as Excalibur blurted out "Oh and they probably got your gear including your 'Stuff'," Excalibur air quoted as Nekros's eye twitched WHAT!!?" Nekros yelled with anger as he crushed the handle to his locker in his fist and soon he said in his monotone voice "Incoming" Everyone except 6 of the Mane 6 were attacked by an onslaught of pies as laughter filled the air and they all soon noticed the two Tenno, one a (Guy) the other a (Girl) standing there as the boy balanced a pie on his finger. "Oops too slow!" He mocked as they wiped their faces before Loki felt a arm agenst his neck as he was pinned to the wall by Nekros as he held a vile in his hand and Loki soon realized his rash vile missing from his belt "Wait you wouldn't?" "Wouldn't I?" Nekros then smashed him deeper into the lockers as he gasped "Nobody touches my scythe," Nekros then fell forward as Loki disappeared and reappeared behind him as he ran off laughing "Sorry but I got too much planned for you all sorry~" He sung as Nekros soon faced what seemed to be Mirage holding Pinkie's party cannon as he sighed "Son of a-," *BOOM* Nekros then fell on top of Excalibur as they groaned in pain as they saw the two Tenno disappear. Skyler and Applejack helped them to their feet as Volt said in his pixy voice "We need to beat them at their own game if we are to free them from this curse" Volt said as Chroma face palmed and got Volt to hold a sign as he wrote upon it. "Alright the girls should go after the girl Tenno whist the boys go after the Boy, and yes my writing is better than my speaking" Chroma wrote in fancy writing as they nodded in agreement "Ok then you know the plan, tag em and bag em, now lets do this!" Excalibur shouted as the other cheered in unison before slitting off Excalibur then turned a corner and was met with a massive red hand to the face as he fell back in pain. Then they all saw the traps set by the two Tenno as Nekros and Valkyr said in unison. "Where's Rhino when you need him?" After dodging a minefield of massive hands, a hallway of pies and a lot of dodgeballs the group of Tenno found themselves with one last hall of traps and all of them said at once. "Tazers why did it have to be tazers?" They all began to think how they could get past all the tazers hanging from the ceiling then they all turned to Volt as his eyebrow raised. "Chroma get him," Excalibur said as Volt was quickly lifted into the air and swiftly duck taped by Nekros as Excalibur held him like a shield. "No let me go! this is not funny!!!" Volt yelled as he whimpered as he saw the others get behind him "You signed up for this when you joined us," Nekros retorted "No I didn't you all said 'Hey you're on are side now' that's it!" Volt countered as he saw the tazers spark "Well you're made for electricity so this should be a walk in the park," Chroma signed as he held it up to Volt "SO ARE YOU!!!" Volt yelled as he felt Excalibur's grip tighten "Trust me this is gunna hurt you a lot more than its gunna hurt us" Excalibur said with a salute as he charged forward letting every tazer pass them as Volt became light of the party as each indication of a tazer was Volt yelling in pain or crying honestly they didn't know. Chroma, Excalibur, Nekros and the now barbecued Volt stared at their target as he spun a dodgeball on his finger and laughed. "I must admit that was really funny! you guys are awesome but too bad I have the urge to kill yas!" Loki said with glee as he disappeared into a locker and appeared in another on the other side "Catch me if you can!" Excalibur slowly approached the locker and opened it only to have Nekros kick him in. Then they all saw Excalibur fly out another locker as his face smacked dead into the floor as he got up and threw a punch into the locker he came out of only to punch Volt directly in the balls. "Ahh son of bitch why me?!" He winced as he felt to his knees again "Well that solves that mystery, everyone pick a locker and hope for the best," Nekros said as Chroma and Excalibur entered another locker as Nekros grabbed Volt and dragged him into the same locker. Nekros then came running out with no Volt as Chroma went sliding out of another with his hands on Excalibur's waist as he held his arms out as they sailed into the next locker. Volt then appeared through another with Loki dragging him as Nekros followed. Nekros then came out with Loki on his back as they ran into the next locker only to have Nekros punch him out of his and straight into Excalibur as he began to throw punches at the trickster as he avoid all the attacks before delivering a shock button to Excalibur's neck as he shot flying into another locker as Loki walked into the next. Nekros and Excalibur then narrowly avoided each other as they ran into each others lockers. Chroma then came running out using Volt as a spear as they tackled Loki to the ground. Then before he could escape Nekros grabbed him by the leg and dragged him into a dark room. "No please, don't do it," Loki pleaded as Nekros kicked him right in the jaw as he turned to face the others as he brought his scythe out from under the table. "I'll be merciful," Nekros said as he slammed the door shut and for the last 10 minutes nothing but screaming could be heard until Nekros came back out with his weapons cloaking slowly on his body "I lied," "So how do you think the girls are doing?" Volt asked as a ear piercing ringing sound echoed down the halls "Something tells me they got Mirage," Excalibur said simply as he clapped his hands together "Well looks like we have some cleaning up to do!" All of them groaned as they all fell to their knees before Excalibur slammed his foot down. "That's an order to hop to it now!!!" Excalibur yelled as they all sprung to life and saluted before running off in different direction until Volt realized where he ran off to before electricity could be heard along with screaming *Girls Team, just after departure* All 11 girls made their way down the very silent hall as not a single trap or sound besides their shoes could he heard. They were all met with two doors that led into the gym. "Pinkie why don't you look first," Twilight suggested as her and the rest moved back "Okie Dokey Loki!" She responded happily as she looked inside *Splat, splat, splat* Pinkie then closed the door and turned with nothing but pies slipping down her body as she licked her face clean before smiling "Yep defiantly in there!" She confirmed as they all stood at either sides of the doors "Ok on 3," Dash said as they all nodded "1" . . . "2" . . . "3!!!" they all ran into the room only to see Mirage standing on top of the support beam as she sung "I'm queen of the castle, I'm queen of the- oh you're here!" Mirage exclaimed happily as she looked at Pinkie and smiled under her helmet "Hey your the one who came in here weren't you!?" "Yep and I must say I like what you did with the pranks, I mean taking all my friends stuff and setting up this prank war, it so amazing!" Pinkie answered happily "Well at least someone gets my art and 'Prank War' sounds like a good title for this huh?" Mirage thought before jumping down "Ok here's a little deal if you and Valkyr and Skyler can get passed me then I'll remove my chip, simple!" "Ok wait a minute how do you know our names?" Valkyr asked as Mirage twiddled her thumbs "Because the author has mentioned them countless times duh!" Mirage said simply before clearing her throat "Anyway do you agree?" "Alright then but what's the catch?" Skyler asked as she narrowed her eyes "Ooh you're so cute when your serious, alright its just 'this'," Mirage said as a floating disco ball appeared, scorching the ground and walls as the lasers made contact "Good luck!" Skyler, Valkyr and Pinkie all looked at each other before nodding as Skyler went first. Skyler suddenly ducked as a laser passed over her head and another passed her left arm as the others gasped. Skyler followed up by front-Flipping to dodge the next and slid under two more as she kept going as the lasers danced around her. Skyler then saw an array of beams hurdle towards her as she leaped between them doing a hand-stand then swiftly followed up by pushing herself in up into the air to avoid more then rolled under the next few in a sequence as the other girls cheered. Skyler then saw the ball dissipate as Mirage conjured up two and created a wall of lasers as they shot towards her and she ran the other direction. Skyler quickly ran up the wall avoid all the lasers as she landed on the other side. she then stood up and faced Mirage as she clapped. "Now that was interesting, who knew you were this acrobatic!" Mirage squealed with delight before clicking her fingers making the orbs circle Skyler "Now lets see you get out of this one," "Well I've got one line for you Tenno," Skyler said with a smirk as Mirage tilted her head in confusion "What's that now?" She asked "K.O," Skyler said simply as a frying pan smashed into her face as she wobbled around and soon fell like a rock as Pinkie came up and easily plucked the chip from her neck as Valkyr spun the frying pan around "Well lights out for her," Valkyr said with a nod as she high-fived Pinkie "Yep, too bad I didn't get a turn," Pinkie said with a slight frown as she shrugged and crushed the chip After Pinkie crushed the chip something projected from the chip and showed nothing but a chilling voice came out of the hologram. "You Tenno are so weak, no sense, no remorse, just murderers, killers, you can continue to free yourselves from the chains of war but I'll be there, haunting your dreams, your lives," then the voice cut out as the chip sparked and soon died with the voice leaving the room in silence. Suddenly the doors swung open startling everyone as Excalibur and Nekros wearing their missing clothing came walking in as they looked at them all in confusion. "What?" they both asked as Valkyr spoke up "The ch-chip gave out a message," Valkyr stuttered in fear as Excalibur's face turned from confusion to serious "What did it say?" He asked in a low voice "You Tenno are so weak, no sense, no remorse, just murderers, killers, you can continue to free yourselves from the chains of war but I'll be there, haunting your dreams, your lives," Skyler repeated as Excalibur stood their clenching his fist before sighing "Wait why was he so tense about it?," Skyler thought before Dash cut in "So I'm guessing you beat that punk?" She asked as Excalibur looked at Nekros as he raised his hands in defence "Hey nobody touches my stuff," Nekros said in defence as Excalibur face-palmed "Wait where's Volt and Chroma?" Trinity asked as Nekros and Excalibur glanced t each other "His fuse was cut short so to speak," Excalibur responded as his mind went back to Chroma dragging Volt and Loki away "Yea very short fuse," Later that day... *Location Special Forces HQ* "Um sir we have an unknown message coming through," said one of the men at a computer as a familiar man spoke "What did it say?" Blitz asked with a raised brow The man then pointed at his screen as Blitz looked at the screen and saw a picture of Nekros on it with the subject below stating. "So about that complaint" It doesn't matter if you're the happiest person Or an unfortunate weeper A powerful beast Or a terrifying creature We're all equal in the eyes of the reaper Nekros > Character Bio #3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Bio #3 Nekros: The Reaper Frame • He has long-messy-black hair, Crimson eyes • He wears a black jacket with a grey shirt, grey jeans with black trainers • He also wears a black bandana over his mouth with a skeleton mouth on the cloth and circular glasses that glow red • Personality: Apathy • Weapons: Reaper prime, Dual Lex, Braton Loki: The Trickster Frame • Golden eyes and long-silver hair • Wears Silver shirt with dark grey shorts and grey trainers with yellow stripes • Personality: Pinkie Happy • Weapons: Akbolto, Bo Mirage: The Illusion Frame • Pink eyes and long white hair with pink strands • Wears: Blue shirt with pink stripes, white skirt and black trainers • Personality: Odd • Weapons: Quanta, Synoid Gammacor, Phage Skyler: Captain of Orokin Squad 1 • Cyan eyes and short-light-blue hair • she wore a sky blue jacket that faded into darker colours of blue with a blue vest top • black chinos with black boots to match • Personality: nice • Weapons: Dual 44 Magnum Desert Eagle, 2 tactical fighting knives > Chapter 7 Heisting the Heister > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 7 Heisting the Heister *Location: Earth, Super-Mall, +2 months since crash* Excalibur along with Skyler were casually walking through the Mall for a unique store, apparently Skyler and Excalibur had brought up the topic of weaponry and Skyler had asked Excalibur if he would we willing to help Skyler look at some new weaponry. He asked why but she said she would tell him afterwards which still confused him why, but never the less he accepted. “So how did it go explaining this to your sister?” Skyler asked with a smirk as he sighed “Her along with Nekros wouldn’t leave me alone until I made them shut up for good,” Excalibur said with a hint of annoyance “What did you say?” Skyler asked before Excalibur whispered it in her ear and slowly her face lit up as Excalibur laughed as she punched him in the arm “You’re so cruel,” “Well it worked didn’t it? And besides I could have said that- “Excalibur then got a hand over his mouth as Skyler quickly silenced him “Please just don’t and not just more my sake,” She pleaded as he grinned before pointing towards the store called very specifically *Guns and Glory* “And I thought Volt’s puns were terrible,” Excalibur stated bluntly *Back at Relic Hunters Home Base* Volt was busy watching ‘Stuff’ on YouTube before he paused and looked around the area as he felt a disturbance in the force. As Skyler and Excalibur looked around the almost endless supply of guns a red and black crossbow caught Excalibur’s attention as he felt a bad memories resurface as he reached for it and held it upright. “I didn’t think you liked something like that?” Skyler said as she came as he inspected the weapon and then looked at its name (Modern Recurve Crossbow) “Meh I like the pull-back bows better,” Excalibur said simply as he laid it down carefully “Any who did you find anything of interest?” She nodded as Excalibur followed her to the firing range as she flipped her jack back to reveal a (Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum) as she un-holstered it. “A Smith & Wesson 500, nice,” Excalibur said with a whistle as she smirked and soon directed her aim towards the target down the firing range *Bang, Bang, Bang* As she blew the smoke away, the target came closer and show 1 hole directly in the middle of the target as Excalibur clapped as she smiled. “So… can I try?” Excalibur asked with a hint of glee as Skyler looked at his arms “Well I have the feeling you’re going to be knocked off your feet by the recoil but go ahead,” she said as she passed the gun to him as he restarted the target As soon as the target stopped Excalibur stood in a very unique stance, almost like he was holding a blade instead as Skyler’s eyebrow raised “Why is he standing like that? But he looks composed…” Skyler thought as Excalibur inhaled and slowly exhaled and then in flash *Bang, Bang, Bang* Excalibur shot the bullets at a lightning fast speed as the target moved forward and soon they both saw 1 perfect hole in the page. Excalibur was happy whist Skyler still tried to get her jaw to shut. “But how!!? He didn’t even flinch let alone miss!!” Skyler thought in bewilderment as Excalibur’s clicking finally got her attention “So you came back to the world of the living?” Excalibur asked in simply tone as he handed the weapon back “So you getting it or what?” “Well no I was considering it but the price is still above $500 for me so I’ll just have to wait,” Skyler said with a shrug as they walked back into the store before Excalibur added “I can pay for the rest,” Excalibur said casually as he put his arms behind his neck and Skyler looked at him in confusion “I may not look it but I’m loaded,” “No, I couldn’t just let you spend your own money on it let along make you work to get it back,” Skyler said in a slightly apologetic voice but Excalibur just continued “Hey I had my experience with firearms and I still do but for some reason I seem to know when someone really likes a weapon of sorts let it be old or new so why not?” “That and consider that being an act of generosity in my part,” Excalibur explained as Skyler smiled more as she nodded with sigh “Fine if you’re that sure,” She responded as they went to pay for very deadly weapon “So I just wanted to get back on that topic and ask now, why did you ask me to come along exactly?” Excalibur asked as they sat on bench as Skyler froze a bit before her smile was replaced with a frown as she sighed “Well you see… I just think you should know considering I trust you,” Skyler began but quickly added “But it’s not like I don’t trust the others is just that well the reason I’m this knowledged about guns is because…” She trailed off as she thought about her decision before adding. “You know those Special Ops that show up when the Tenno appear?” Excalibur nodded “Well I… I’m the… I’m the commander of that squad,” Excalibur just looked at her with a serious expression as she continued. “I never told anyone because they told me to keep it classified and at one point they said I was just a weapon for them to use agenst the Tenno,” She finished as she looked at her hands that shook slightly “I would have said something but they were right, I’ve just followed their orders blindly, unaware that the Tenno help, sure the ones that attack can be a danger but then soon enough they’re on the Relic Hunters’ side. . . I just don’t know why the others can’t see that?” Skyler said as she clenched her fist in anger Excalibur sat there as he thought about everything she said, all that she risked and knew he heard that ‘line’ before. He did the only thing he could do and that was grasp her hands in his as she looked at him smirking. “You know just because you’re some Special Operative doesn’t mean you’re their weapon, weapons are only extensions of ourselves, it’s the choices we make that define us form them,” Excalibur said as Skyler smiled brightly at him “Thanks… but can you keep this a secret until I can tell the rest?” Skyler asked as Excalibur nodded but soon after their attention was brought to the sound of alarms as they looked towards as jewellery store What they saw as a (Tenno) holding a (Akmagnus) in his hand as he fired into the store. Skyler then got up but was grabbed by Excalibur as he looked at he with uncertainty. “You’re right about one thing I can make my own choices and right now I need to make that choice!” Skyler said as she tore free from his grip as she ran off reviling her two Knives as she cornered the Tenno as he spoke “Such a gentle flower, twisted by vines of lies, blinded by the evils true meaning,” Ash spoke in an Ashy (Obviously) voice, but also in Haiku “Well this flower’s got a thorn to pick with you!” Skyler retorted as she held her two blades, ready to fight as Ash set the bag down and holstered his gun and brought out (Fangs) as he did the same stance. Skyler and Ash soon ran forward as they began to try and take the other down as Ash’s hits either missed or were blocked by Skyler’s own blades as their blades rung out in the halls or the mall. Ash then disappeared as Skyler waited for him to show but soon duck and rolled out of the way as Ash’s blades came down from above. Skyler rubbed her cheek as two small gashes dripped with blood as Ash got up and spun his blades around as they stared at each other. “You are clouded by lies that you cannot see,” Ash spoke as Skyler grit her teeth in pain as Ash pointed at the chip in his neck “He freed our true selves form their grasp and now I will free you, awaken you to the truth,” “Who’s behind those chips!? Who are the Tenno!!” Skyler yelled in frustration as Ash stopped as he looked up to the roof. “I almost said too much, time to cut your life short little flower,” Ash said as he ran forward and brought his Fangs upwards as Skyler avoided them but was unprepared for him disappearing again as she felt the two blades cut her back slightly as one of her knives skidded off to the side as she fell. Ash then leaped on top of her as Skyler fought to keep his dagger from impaling her throat but it inched closer and closer *Bang* Soon Ash stumbled back as he noticed Excalibur holding the Magnum in his hand as he set it down and grabbed the knife as he walked over and helped Skyler up as she looked pissed. “What are you doing you could get yourself killed!!” She snapped as Excalibur smiled “I can make my own choices and besides two heads are better than one, no?” Excalibur answered as Skyler rolled her eyes as they both turned to face Ash “Such a confusing life for someone so deep in the blood of his enemies,” Ash said as Excalibur tensed up “The Hero or Reaper, the savour or murderer,” “Don’t you dare bring say that shit to me!” Excalibur snapped as his voice seemed to change slightly before he felt Skyler nudge him as he saw her worried look “Sorry now then,” “Lock and Load!” Skyler said as Excalibur raised a brow but still followed suit as they charged at Ash Ash prepared for their frontal assault but was caught off guard by them sliding to his sides as they took his feet right up from under him. Ash quickly did a handstand and leaped into the air, throwing his Fangs at them as they narrowly dodged. They soon disappeared with their owner as he reappeared behind Excalibur as he quickly ducked and rolled as he turned and connected blades with Ash as he saw his other Fang coming up and swiftly blocked it with his foot and gave Ash a left hook as he stubbeled back. Ash however didn’t see Skyler drop-kicking him forward as Excalibur upper-cutted him with his knife as he barrel-rolled in the air and landed on his feet. Skyler and Excalibur then stood side-by-side and grinned as they yelled and ran forward towards Ash as he prepared to cut them down. What he didn’t see coming was Excalibur passing his knife to Skyler as she jumped over Ash’s slashes. Excalibur then ran up and grabbed the blades in his bare hands as he grunted agenst their blade’s piercing his palms as he swiftly let go and splashed the blood in Ash’s helmet as he dropped his Fangs to try and wipe it off. Skyler then took this moment to use her knives like screws and began to pry the chip free as Excalibur helped as they pulled the sparking chip out as Ash moved forward slightly before dropping to his knees and soon collapsed in defeat. As police, along with paramedics helped any injured including Skyler and Excalibur as they sat on a bench as they saw Loki and Ember show as they helped Ash to his feet. Skyler had told the officers to stand down as Ash approached them. “I- I see what clouded my mind but I could not act, without you two I may have been shrouded in shadows forever, and I wish to tell you that this isn't over, something is coming, sadly he chose a very new assassin to do the job and thank you,” Ash thanked as he bowed before following Ember and Loki back to base Excalibur shivered at the message as he knew that wouldn't get any easier, but then his train of thought was halted as he received a smack on the back of the head “Heh what was that for!?” He asked Skyler as he rubbed his head “Are you really that stupid!? You could have gotten yourself killed with that dumb plan of yours!” Skyler snapped as Excalibur looked at his hands, all bandaged up “Well It worked, didn’t it?” He retorted as Skyler resisted the urge to hit him again “Look I’m sorry, I had no other way of distracting him so it was the best I could think of,” Excalibur explained “Just… promise me you won’t do something like that again?” Skyler said more calmly as Excalibur did a pinkie promise as she smiled “Thanks,” “No problem!” She said happily before handing Skyler her knife back “Oh and I think you’ll be wanting this back,” She then took it and stared at it for a while before handing it back to him before saying. “Keep it, as an act of generosity in my part,” Skyler said with a wink as Excalibur laughed lightly “Fine then I guess we’re even,” Excalibur said as he put the knife in his back pocket before getting up “Well this was quite the Saturday, you know we should do this again sometime, I quite fun hanging out with you,” This made Skyler redden slightly as Excalibur rubbed the back of his head as he turned and waved goodbye. “Wait Excalibur,” Skyler called out as he stopped and turned As he did he was met with her hugging him as his own face lit up slightly from this. She then let go as she smiled back with a tint of red. “Thanks, for everything today,” She said happily as he smiled and waved goodbye “Seeya!” “Same here!” Excalibur called back as he walked away a lot happier than before “Maybe, just maybe..." Skyler thought as she saw him walk out of sight We are 1000-year-old space ninjas With the power of a bloody dimension flowing through us Your argument is invalid Loki and Mirage > Chapter 8 It's the Sign of Progress > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 8 It’s the Sign of Progress *Location: Earth, Relic Hunters’ Base, +2 mouths since crash* Volt and Nekros sat in the main office of the Relic Hunters’ base as they waited for Excalibur to finish up what he was doing on his holographic computer before turning to the others. “Right so we need parts for extensions’ to the base and right now I have some intel from Lotus coming through that sadly I need to sort through,” Excalibur explained “But why does that require both of us?” Nekros asked as he crossed his arms as Volt swung back on his chair “Yea it’s not like I couldn’t do it in a flash,” Volt added as Excalibur rubbed his temples “Look not only are the parts heavy and require more arms but you two or Volt for that matter don’t see eye-to-eye so to speak,” Excalibur explained as he sighed “So that’s why I’m paring you two up for the job,” Volt’s eyes soon when as wide as dinner plates as he fell back and Nekros just rolled his eyes as Volt scrambled to his feet. “But-but-but Excalibur not to be a jerk but I don’t want to have my soul ripped out whist I’m not looking!” Volt said in a panic as Nekros glanced at him from behind his shades “I know that so that’s why I’m sending my sister with you,” Excalibur said as Volt got a slap to his back almost making him faint as Valkyr stood their smiling “Don’t worry I’ll make sure Neky don’t rip you soul out… yet,” Valkyr said with an innocent smile as Volt whimpered “Excalibur please don’t let my spark die this early,” Volt begged as Excalibur rolled his eyes at the pun before giving him a very serious face “I may be your friend but I’m still your commander so you will do as I asked got it!!!” Excalibur yelled as he instantly saluted “Same goes for you two,” They too saluted before dragging Volt (Literally) out of Excalibur’s office as he smiled and went back to work. “Note to self, thank Twilight for this ‘Friendship’ idea,” Valkyr, along with Nekros and Volt were busy shopping for new parts for the Base as they scanned through which items matched their highly updated technology. Nekros however was waiting for them to finish up as he just stared into the night through the glass as he frowned beneath his mask. His train of thought was then cut off as 2 arms wrapped around his neck as he turned slightly to see Valkyr smiling at him. “Sooo… whatchya doing?” Valkyr asked happily as he pointed out into the night towards the construction sight “There’s something out there,” Nekros said as Volt joined them, carrying the items “Hey I hate to burst your bubble Nekros but nothing is out there, you sure he’s not crazy?” Volt said before whispering the last part to Valkyr as she glared back “Yea because you’re so much better at stealth then all of us? Or better yet who is the serious one out of all of us hmm? Or better yet whose better than you?” Nekros said sarcastically as Nekros named down almost every flaw with Volt as he seemed to snap at this “Ok then Apathetic asshole tell me who has a sense of humour me or you?!” Volt snapped as Valkyr just looked wide-eyed at Volt as Nekros tuned his head before continuing “Well looks like you finally have some good material keep it and duck,” Nekros responded before pulling Valkyr over as the glass shattered into pieces as Volt hit the deck “Ok, ok, ok you’re not crazy ok!!!” Volt yelled as the attack subsided “Jesus could have warned us any later?” "Now where's the fun in that?" Nekros asked with a shrug Nekros sat below the counter as he waited for the figure to hide himself before sighing and then noticed Valkyr staring at him upside-down. “Ow you could have warned me you were going to do that Neky?” Valkyr moaned as she flipped herself upright “Sorry,” Nekros apologised as he got up and quickly made his way to the door “Let’s get going,” Volt decided to ditch the bags and followed them out the door as he jogged up to Valkyr and poked her to get her attention. “Hey you mind telling me why Nekros never takes me seriously or the fact he never shows anyone gratitude because I feel like blasting him to knock some sense into him!” Volt asked with anger as he then noticed Valkyr’s expression as she stopped “Hey Nekros will catch up you go on ahead!” Valkyr said as he nodded and ran on, Valkyr then turned around with a frown on her face as she sighed “He wasn’t always like this, before he met me and my brother he did emit emotions like any other person, but after what Alad V did to him he physically can’t emit emotions, or at least weak ones,” Valkyr said as he sighed a bit as she shook slightly “He was meant to be a slave that would senselessly slaughter his enemies without any remorse or regret, but after he broke out he could have done just that,” “I was still chained to my table as he stood over me with a Reaper, then and there he could have killed me, he could have ended my life…” “But he didn’t, he-he saved you…” Volt finished in surprise as Valkyr nodded, Volt thought for a moment about everything Nekros has done and yet not once did he show any emotion, not even during their ‘Crash time’ he then sighed “I’m- I’m sorry for everything… I didn’t know he went through all that and I just…” “Now you know why I’m like this,” Nekros said from behind Volt as he jumped in alarm “I may not smile, laugh or cry but trust me I do like you and your jokes, just try to take my advice seriously, none of us got here being reckless,” “Yea ok then and… sorry for snapping at you,” Volt said as he rubbed the back of his neck as Nekros nodded as he held a fist out to him as Volt bumped his fist agenst his. “So you boys all ready?” Valkyr said as she wore her armour and soon the two equipped theirs as they nodded “So tell me what Tenno is it?” Nekros shrugged as he pointed at the police line. “Oh,” Valkyr and Volt said in unison as they ran forward and jumped right over them as they yelled “Wait!” Nekros said abruptly as they looked around the area, Nekros then holstered his Lex as he turned “You really suck at hiding,” Volt and Valkyr soon turned and faced the 2nd floor of the building as a bubble of energy dissipated and soon (He) stood there as he leaned agenst a steel beam as he twirled a (Fragor) in his grasp as a (Dark Sword) hung on his back with a (Paris). Nekros and Limbo both just stared at each other as the wind silently blew around them before they both yelled in joy. “NEKROS!!!” Limbo yelled in a British accent as his arms flung out to his sides “LIMBO!!!” Nekros said with actual joy as he did the same before they both ran towards each other They both then swung a fist at each other’s faces as their fists collided, sending them flying into the air and into the dirt. Volt and Valkyr just watched in awe at the sight before Valkyr got an new message for Nekros. Nekros then got up as he waved towards Limbo as he came back with a Steel support beam in hand as he threw it forward hitting Nekros in the chest as it imbedded him into the concreate wall. “Finally someone who is of equal intelligence!” Nekros croaked out as he shifted out of the wall as he walked over to a steamroller He then proceeded to grab a wheel and slowly swung the massive vehicle around as he slung it towards Limbo as he activated his rift ability, as he side-stepped the steamroller as it slowed in the rift. “Come now surly you have something better up your sleeve old friend?” Limbo asked in disappointment as Nekros brought out his Braton and began unleashing a hail storm As Limbo watched the bullets pass him he quickly ran out of the rift and leaped in the air and brought out his Fragor as he hurled it at Nekros as it knocked him out of balance as Limbo brought it up towards his head. “Imma plant me a dumbass tree!” Limbo said before bringing the hammer down on Nekros’s head with a resounding crack of the earth When the dust cleared Limbo saw Nekros with his head in the ground as he glanced over at the odd machine that Volt and Valkyr held as he saw the orange glow of her energy radiate off her body. “Answer me this, is my acting good?” Nekros asked as Limbo turned back and plucked him from the ground by the leg “Pardon?” Limbo asked “I said is my acting good?” Nekros repeated as the rubble rolled off his frame “Yeeess…?” Limbo answered in confusion “Something’s up here but what?” Limbo shrugged as he kicked Nekros flying into the building as his head landed right neck to rebar as he sighed in relief as he watched Limbo approach with his Dark Sword in hand. Nekros then glanced down at his battered armour as he smiled in his helmet before quickly rolling forward with his Duel Lex and began to unload both clips into Limbo as he stopped in his tracks before collapsing to one knee. “Hey Valkyr let er rip,” Nekros said as she nodded clicking the gun her and Volt were holding and soon Limbo gasped in realization “You wouldn’t?” Limbo asked in fear as Nekros cocked his head to the side “Just ask Loki and I think this would be what you call a ‘Shocking’ revelation?” Nekros said as Volt laughed “Did you just- “ *SPLASH* Soon Limbo’s entire body was assaulted by lemon juice as Limbo rived in pain as his slash marks filled with lemon juice as Nekros got to his feet and walked away from his now crippled friend. “See told you It would work,” Nekros said as Volt threw the weapon back to him as he Digistruct it Volt then saw Valkyr crossing her arms as she tapped her foot rapidly as she hummed slightly. “Umm Valkyr why are you doing that?” Volt asked in concern “Oh don’t you remember what he said during their fight?” She said in a calm but dangerous voice as Volt’s inner light bulb turned on as he crossed his arms “Ohhhh yea, so… meet you back at base?” Volt asked as she gave him the thumbs up before walking over to Nekros “So you think I’m unintelligent huh?” Valkyr said in a sarcastic voice as Nekros froze “Well you see I can… explain...,” Nekros trailed off as he could already feel the heat growing as he soon did a 180 and ran for it, but then Ripline wrapped around his arms and torso “Oh don’t worry if you think what you did to Loki was bad, well then you’re surely mistaken,” Valkyr said in a very deadly voice that made Nekros struggle even more “If I remember correctly you hate having people misplace your stuff, right?” Valkyr asked with a grin behind her mask as Nekros thrashed even more “No, please you vile woman let me go! Please I’ll bloody smash my face into rebar, just don’t touch my stuff!” Nekros cried in pain as she hummed whist dragging him away into the darkness “Will we be alright?” Limbo asked as Volt helped him to his feet “Well if there’s one thing I know, nothing is going to save him,” Volt answered with a nod as they proceeded to follow the two into the night "That and I do believe you know the answer to this ending yes?" Limbo nodded as he shivered in fear of what he has now gotten himself into. Her voice so calm Like a gentle breeze But unheard by the roaring thunder That suppresses the masses Ash > Character Bio #4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Bio #4 Limbo: The Intelligent Frame • Brown eyes with short-brown hair • Brown (Steampunk Clothing) • Weapons: Fragor, Dark Sword, Paris • Personality: British Ash: The Stealth Frame • Long-Grey hair • Navy-Blue eyes • Black-leather jacket, grey shirt, black-leather jeans and black boots • Weapons: Akmagnus, Fangs • Personality: Zero (Borderlands 2) > Chapter 9 Ground Zero > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 9 Ground Zero *Location: Earth, Ground Zero, +3 months after crash* “Squad B is checking in and Sir I don’t think anything is still alive down here,” O-1 said over the coms as him along with 3 other kept looking through the broken ship “Just remember your objective and secure any documents they have on board and if you do find anyone bring them in,” A voice over the radio ordered as they all acknowledged *Scrape* “Wait what was that?” O-4 called out as they all held their weapons high and looked around the broken deck *Thud, thud, thud, thud* The sound of something on metal got louder and louder as O-4 turned only the scream in pain as the others quickly turned to see his body disappear into the darkness. “Shit! Command we lost O-4 we request extraction!” 0-1 called out as he heard another scream as something fleshy pulled O-2 away out of sight “Command come in!” He yelled as he along with O-3 stood back-to-back and waited for the attacker to show itself “Sir what are we going to do!?” O-3 asked as they saw silhouettes dance in the darkness “I don’t know but let’s show these fucks what happens when they kill our squad!” He shouted as 0-3 nodded but soon gasped as he shoved O-1 out of the way “No! what are you doing!” He yelled back as he saw a (Whip) (Atterax) wrap around O-3’s waist as he began to slide forward before O-1 grabbed his arm “Burn this place if you have to Sir,” He said calmly before letting go and firing into the darkness as he yelled “Come get me you fuckers!!!” “Shit. . .” O-1 whispered as he soon took to his feet and ran deeper into the ship *Location: Ground Zero, 2 hours after Squad B lost contact* Excalibur soon landed by the site as his Archwing detached and flew off into the sky. He then faced the massive (Ship) buried halfway into the ground as he began to look around for an entrance. “So Ordis how long had this thing been here?” Excalibur asked as he looked around the outside of the ship “My scanners show for more than a month, but there seems to me lifeforms on board,” Ordis explained as Excalibur nodded “Ok any Grineer?” He asked as he decided to look around the other side “No but there seems to be signs of Orokin,” Ordis said with concern as Excalibur halted and then continued “Alright Ordis just make sure no one knows I’m here alright?” Excalibur ordered “Yes, Operator,” Ordis replied as he went offline as Excalibur turned the corner “AHH!!!” Excalibur yelled “AHH!!!” Skyler yelled They both then drawled their weapons before realizing who it was and slowly lowered their weapons. “God Damnit I almost shot you!” Skyler said in annoyance as Excalibur holstered his Lex “Well that wouldn’t have done much,” Excalibur responded as Skyler frowned in annoyance before narrowing her eyes “Why are you here anyways?” She asked as she approached him slowly “Oh yes I came here to check out the lovely wildlife, so peaceful,” Excalibur said sarcastically as he pointed to the massive ship as Skyler sighed “Well I’m here to find a missing squad that went missing 2 hours ago,” Skyler said simply as an idea dawned on her but it was a long shot “Hey Tenno you think that maybe you could… help… me?” Skyler asked nervously as she played with her thumbs as Excalibur thought about it before answering “Sure I could help,” Excalibur responded simply as she smiled “But only if you don’t plan bringing the 3 spies with you,” Excalibur then drawled his Lex and shot a barrel revealing Dash, Pinkie and Twilight as they sat there with sheepish grins. “Wait what are you 3 doing here!?” Skyler asked in fear as they walked towards them before Dash spoke up “No, no what are ‘You’ doing here with ‘Him’ dressed like someone from a spy movie!?” Dash accused “That I think she could explained later but for now you 3 need to go,” Excalibur stepped in, to Skyler’s surprise “And why should we believe someone like you? For all we know you could just be a- “Dash stopped instantly as the barrel of the Lex pointed at her head “Don’t you ‘Dare’ finish that sentence,” Excalibur said in a low voice “I have fought for more than 1000 years and I am sick and tired of being treated like a threat, got it?” Dash nodded as he holstered his Lex and proceeded to smash a hole through the ship as they saw a dark hallway fill with light. “Look, we know we may not be the most secured people but you’ll have a better chance of finding these missing people if we work together,” Twilight said as Excalibur sighed and turned to Skyler “Well?” “They could help but only if they listen to our orders,” Skyler responded as the others nodded in agreement “Besides from ‘kill joy’ over here this like an alien space ship that could have actual aliens inside!” Dash suggested happily as Pinkie darted ahead and peered inside “Well then sillies let’s get going!” Pinkie said as she brought out a torch and leaded the group inside along with Excalibur As they explored the endless halls of the Galleon Pinkie starting acting weird as she gasped. “Something’s coming!” She said as Excalibur brought his Dread out and pointed it down the hall as he waited “Over to the left!” They all turned to face the left corner as Excalibur could pick up a low scraping sound as he heard what sounded like a groaning sound he had heard before. All of them screamed in horror at the grotesque (Creature) as it shuffled towards them and Excalibur lowered his Bow to the others surprise. Skyler then drew her Magnum as Excalibur quickly pointed her hand upwards as she shot the roof. “Jesus you almost shot Squiggly!” Excalibur shouted as she wrenched her arm free “Who the hell is Squiggly!?” Twilight asked in confusion as the Ancient honked at the sound of its name “That’s Squiggly!” Pinkie shouted as she joined Excalibur’s side as the rest raised a confused eyebrow “Remember the creature that was with the scary Tenno?” “Oh yes that creep was talking to it,” Dash responded as Squiggly honked again “Yes well ‘it’ can understand you clearly,” Excalibur chimed in as he turned to face Squiggly “So where is he anyways?” After an odd conversation between Infested and Tenno they agreed to stick together until they left the ship. “Hey Excalibur over here, I think this is the research facility,” Squiggly said in honks but I sounded like perfect English to Excalibur “Alright everyone inside,” Excalibur ordered as they entered the facility and closed the door “Oh shit…” Excalibur trailed off as they saw a blood trail lead up to Squad Member O-1 as small bullet holes littered his body but somehow he moved Skyler then ran up in fear as she tried to keep him awake as he smiled weakly, his helmet laying shattered beside him. “Hey Sky… to-took you long… enough,” He said weakly as she fought back tears "What the hell happened? where are the rest?" Skyler asked as she tried to stop the bleeding "Dead... all of them," He responded weakly before pointing at Squiggly "He he-helped me hide," The Infested gave a series of honks as he laughed weakly. "He's quite something hehehe," “Shut up and hold still, you’re bleeding a lot- “Skyler was silenced as he put a finger to her lips “I’ve planted a bomb and would detonated in 3 hours… get out before she gets you all too,” he warned as he coughed up blood “Who- who did this?” Skyler asked in almost a whisper as he slowly turned his head towards Excalibur “The ch-chip Tenno, you need to re-remove it,” He stuttered as Excalibur walked up and grasped O-1’s hand "I will, for all of your fallen," Excalibur said firmly as O-1 turned back to Skyler “I’m sorry Sky, I’m sorry I couldn’t be a better friend,” he said as he breathed slowly as tears fell onto his lap “No don’t say that, we’re going to get you out of here…” She said in denial as he smiled as soon his last breath left his body as his eyes shut and Skyler broke down whist Excalibur looked down at his palm. Everyone in the room was dead silent as Excalibur did the only thing he could think of. He shuffled over and put his arm around Skyler as he tensed up before relaxing and then turned to cry into his chest. Beneath his helmet Excalibur kept replaying the words that were written on the bloody scrap of paper that was given to him by the solider. “Keep her safe” Excalibur nodded to himself as they all sat in silence for 5 minutes as Squiggly roared loudly grabbing everyone’s attention. “Get down!!!” Excalibur yelled as he pinned Skyler under himself as bullets came raining into the room from the observation windows as Twilight and Dash got a good look at (Her) as she jumped back into the test ground. “I think she found us,” Dash stated as the other gave her a glare “What?” “Hey Tenno are you-“ Skyler asked before gasping as he fell to the floor beside her as his back and legs bled out as the other ran to his aid “No, no, no, no, no, you’re not going to die,” Skyler said in a panicked voice as Twilight grabbed her attention “You and Squiggly go and take care of her, me and the others will stay and help him,” Twilight ordered with determination as she hesitated and soon nodded “You ready?” Skyler asked as Squiggly nodded as they jumped down into the facility unaware of what dark forces were growing "You're going to pay for what you've done bitch," Skyler thought As Squiggly and Skyler looked around the area they saw Mesa jump down from the ceiling as she spun her (2 Vasto Primes) in her fingers as she pointed them forwards at the two before speaking. “Locked and Primed” Mesa said before pulling the triggers like wildfire as Squiggly and Skyler ducked behind some wreckage as Skyler fired back with her Desert Eagles. Squiggly managed to latch onto Mesa as she stopped firing with one hand and pointed at Squiggly as he took the hits but soon let go as he ducked for cover. “What the hell can we do, we’re bloody pinned!” Skyler thought as the hail storm continued *SHATTER* All of them stopped and turned towards the broken window in the observation deck as Excalibur landed on the floor as he slowly rose to his feet. Skyler smiled but soon stopped as she felt and saw that something was wrong. Excalibur looked the same only his energy pads had changed from blue to pure black as his Prisma Skana glowed black as he tilted forward before sprinting towards Mesa as she began to fire directly at Excalibur as he ducked and rolled out of the hail storm. Some shot landed in his body but that did nothing to faze him as he rammed Mesa with his left arm as she flew back into the wall. Mesa then brought her weapons to bare but they were shoved away from Excalibur as he elbowed Mesa’s right arm which gave a resounding crack. She dropped the gun and swiftly smacked Excalibur with the barrel as he stumbled back as she ran forward and began to repeatedly smash the Vasto into his back as he fell to the ground. She then unloaded the entire clip into his body and even his neck as Skyler gasped in horror. Mesa slowly stood back as she attempted to reload with 1 hand but soon noticed Excalibur’s body rising back up. She went to hit him but he grabbed her arm as he held his Skana in his left. Excalibur proceeded to shove her back and spun in the air and gave her a Skana-roundhouse-kick to the back as she fell forward. He then pinned her body with his foot as he raised his Skana and aligned it with her head before swinging down. He Stopped. He stopped just as the blade nearly decapitated her as he reached down a easily plucked the chip from her neck as she went limp. He then holstered his Skana as his energy reverted to blue as he sighed and began panting as if he ran a mile. “Tenno…” Skyler asked as she slowly walked up to him and he glanced up at her “I’m-I’m fine, just tired,” He said as he rose to his feet and looked up “You guys alright!” Twilight looked down before sighing in relief as she nodded. Excalibur then looked around before he froze. “Wait your friend said he set a bomb in this place to blow in 3 hours, right?” Excalibur asked as Skyler nodded before her eyes widened in realisation “He must have planted that only 20 minutes after they went offline so then…” Skyler trailed off and looked down at her watch on her black armour *5:58pm* “Squiggly grab Mesa we’re leaving stat!!!” Excalibur yelled as Squiggly wrapped an arm around her and lifted her up “Skyler lets move!!!” She nodded as Excalibur grabbed Skyler and jumped back up to the observation deck along with Squiggly as the other looked at him with concern. “Run if you want to live!!!” Excalibur yelled as he ran out the door as Skyler stopped “Bomb, less than 2 minutes, run!!!” She yelled quickly as they all gasped and soon everyone was in full sprint as they followed Excalibur around every corner Excalibur then saw that their way in had collapsed as he didn’t think and soon all of them saw him create a blade of pure energy in his hands as he swung it with all his might at the hole as the wreckage turned to scrap as he charged right through the rest. The others came running out as they ran for cover and soon as Skyler jumped into the ditch the top-half of the ship exploded into fire as scrap flew right over them. Once it was clear they all got up and looked over at the literal pit of fire that had formed where the ship once was as the flames roared and metal groaned as it fell into the pit, feeding the fires. “Well that was intense,” Excalibur said as he sat down on the dirt along with the others “You know what I think we’ll leave the Alien investigations to you,” Dash pointed out as the other nodded in agreement “Well we all better get going unless you want to be arrested for destroying a government operation,” Skyler said as the others soon got up and said their goodbyes as they headed back into the forest Excalibur then got up as he saw his Archwing hover down towards him as he clipped it onto his suit before Skyler called out “Wait Tenno,” Excalibur stopped as he turned to face her as he was met with her hugging him for a minute before letting go “What’s that for?” He asked as she smiled back at him making him smile “For everything you’ve done and for… today,” She finished as she glanced back at the fire before Excalibur decided to return the hug “If you ever feel like talking about it next time we meet ask,” Excalibur suggested as she nodded as he let go “Thanks and seeya later,” She said as he saluted and flew off into the night as Skyler saw helicopters approaching in the distance before frowning “I just hope it won’t be for long,” *Location: Storage sector, 3 hours earlier* O-3’s head darted around the room as he heard the footsteps all around him as his head bled out slightly making it difficult to pinpoint. “Who are you?” He asked as he heard the footsteps stop “I am the peacekeeper,” He chilling voice spoke simply “Then why murder all my friends, they were innocent, they did nothing wrong!” O-3 snapped back as the footsteps continued “No, you may all think you are the peacekeepers, the Orokin, but you’re all pretenders but I am not,” He responded as calm as ever “Who are you?” O-3 asked as he looked in front of him expecting to find his attacker what he didn’t see was the silhouette of a man standing behind him “Your Reckoning,” He said as O-3 froze “Son of a- “ *Shing-Splat* What’s infinity Divided by infinity In-fucking-finity Limbo > Chapter 10 Mind Over Matter Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 10 Mind Over Matter Part 1 *Warning Alert: Two Tenno Spotted* *Location: Earth, CHS, +3 mouths since crash* Nekros stood in the hall surrounded by zombified students as Loki, Fluttershy, Skyler and Mesa watched from above in fear as Nekros held his Reaper at the ready for the next attack. *BANG* Nekros along with everyone else was blinded by a bright light as Nekros dropped his Reaper in attempt to clear his vison. As his vison came back he saw his Reaper was gone. “Oh hell no he did not just touch my scythe! i'ma stab a bitch!” Nekros cursed as he then felt something lift him as he saw Excalibur holding his Reaper as he lifted Nekros with the other as he pinned him agenst a wall “Crawl your way out of this,” A more sinister Excalibur said as he lifted the Reaper and soon brought it down as the others screamed *2 Hours Before* “Soooo boooored,” Valkyr wined in annoyance as Excalibur rolled his eyes as the others did the same “Well don’t worry only 2 more hours of nothing and we’re done,” Nekros said flatly as Mesa just twirled a pen around in her fingers “Well could be worse,” She said simply as Skyler just sat glaring at Nekros as she rapidly tapped her desk “Scratch that with her on the verge of snapping I doubt we’ll make it,” “Which reminds me how did you get a lunch detention with us Skyler?” Valkyr asked as Skyler stopped and pointed at Nekros as he shrugged his shoulders “Well ‘That’ idiot decided to try pick locking Volt’s locker but I tried to stop him but ended up getting dragged down with him,” She explained as she looked down "Along with the lockers..." “Hey he tried to steal something from me so I decided to return the favour,” Nekros chimed in as he held out a small box “Confetti bomb, Pinkie hooked me up,” “So that explains the massive bag of gold she had,” Excalibur said as it dawned on him as the other face palmed before a group of students barged through the door and locked it It was Fluttershy, Chroma, Dash, Loki, Applejack and Pinkie and when they turned they all yelled before stopping and sighing for some reason. “Um guys what’s going on?” Excalibur asked as they tried to calm down and then Loki spoke up “Well me, Dash, Mirage and Pinkie were preparing a prank for Volt and Ember but then noticed some students approach us in a weird way,” Loki explained as he thought before continuing “When Mirage went to see what’s wrong the grabbed her and soon something affected her and she tried to do the same!” “They were like freaky-zombie-things!” Pinkie said in a nutshell as Skyler looked outside the door and saw what they were talking about as she saw Mirage, Ember and Volt amongst the crowd “Yep definitely something,” She confirmed as the others freaked out before Excalibur looked away with a very pissed off face as he clenched his fist before sighing and quickly jumped into action “Right then Nekros, you, me and Mesa are going to get help, the rest of you try to avoid contact with them until help arrives,” Excalibur ordered as some nodded whist some refused “No I’m coming too and you can’t stop me!” Skyler snapped as Excalibur knew what she meant but sighed “No I need you here because you have experience in the field unlike most so you’re their best shot at surviving this until we’re back ok?” Excalibur explained as she frowned but nodded “Ok we’ll be back!” Excalibur said as he along with Mesa and Nekros jumped out the window as they ran off and Skyler clapped her hands “Ok we need to get anything that can protect us from contact, then after, we’ll go find anyone else whose still among the living so to speak,” Skyler explained as Valkyr poked her “I think its mind control,” She said as Valkyr pointed at their heads that seemed to have a small turquoise field around it as Chroma pulled them back as a hand smashed through the glass startling them “Be more careful,” He said as they nodded and Chroma quickly lifted a table and placed it agenst the glass “So how do you think we get out of here?” Loki asked as he looked around for something to protect himself with as the others began to look around also After they found some things to protect most of their body they waited until they all heard something smash into the wall beside the wind as Mesa and Excalibur flew in with Nekros by the leg as they dropped him. “Who put that wall there?” He moaned as he got back up and brought out his Reaper “So what seems to be the problem?” Excalibur asked as Skyler smiled and the others stared in awe (Not the other Tenno) “Well there seems to be some freaky mind control zombies that if touched will turn you into zombies as well!” Pinkie responded rapidly as everyone just blinked “That actually makes a lot of sense,” Nekros said as he looked out the door as he batted a zombie on the head “One,” "Really, what part of no casualties is hard for you to understand?" Excalibur asked in annoyance "Well you said an non-hostiles, that was definitely not innocent," He retorted as he soul punch a group into a wall "Six," “Alright so lets see, we have an entire school turned zombie,” Skyler started “And the fact that there may be survivors,” Nekros added “And we know that only two Warframes are capable of mind control and magnetic abilities,” Excalibur finished as he remembered what (Nyx) and (Mag) could do and agenst others it was a deadly combo, then Valkyr piped up breaking his train of thought “That’s it! If we all split into 3 groups we could cover more ground and fix this problem faster!” She said as she crossed her arms in amusement as Excalibur hit his fist into his palm “Ok then 1 team will go after the two hive-mind Tenno, another team will go after an survivors as not to add to the numbers and the other will make sure that none of these zombies get out of this school,” Excalibur explained as Pinkie zipped around everyone before stopping Excalibur, Chroma, Dash and Pinkie all wore a blue fabric around their upper arm. Nekros, Applejack and Skyler all had red and Valkyr, Mesa and Fluttershy wore yellow. “So what’s this pinks?” Dash asked as she looked at the fabric “It’s how we know which teams we’re in silly, The Commander (Excalibur) oversees finding the two nasty Tennos in charge of this mess!” She explained before pointing at Nekros “Scary-reaper-man oversees rescue and Valky oversees stopping any from escaping, see!?” She finished as Excalibur laughed “I swear if I wasn’t a low life Tenno I’d hire you!” Excalibur joked as Nekros shrugged “We’re going to die, aren’t we?” he asked bluntly as everyone then looked around in silence as Excalibur walked up to the door and turned to face them all “look I know this is a lot to ask of you, especially since some of you aren’t even solders, but right now this school, your friends need your help!” Excalibur spoke as they all listen intently “Now let me tell you something that my old teacher used to tell me. Strength and toughness are two different things,” “Strength is the power that someone wields, but toughness is the power to keep going, and to keep pushing yourself past your limit, being tuff means to keep fighting for what you believe in,” Excalibur finished They all just stared at him, unable to decide. Applejack walked up first and stood beside him with a smile. “Am with ya on this, anything to save ma friends,” She responded as Nekros just shrugged and walked up as well with Valkyr and Mesa “Fuck it, ive followed you for this long,” Nekros said plainly as the others soon joined as Excalibur smiled under his helmet and Mesa pointed her Vasto at him "So what's the bet this time eh?" She asked as Excalibur looked at her "Most incapacitates wins," He said simply as Mesa loaded in stun rounds before holding them to the sides of her face "You're on!" She challenged “Ok then,” Excalibur said as he smashed the door open and they entered the hall with a handful of students “Let’s do this!” Dash shouted as the other yelled in unison as they all stood together, but the battle for their school had only just begun To Be Continued... > Chapter 10 Mind Over Matter Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 10 Mind Over Matter Part 2 *Team 2: Nekros, Loki, Applejack and Skyler* As Nekros pulled down a row of lockers he moved them in front of the group as they used them as cover from the horde of zombie like students as a group of students sat in the corner behind them in fear as Skyler stunned another on with her baton as it fell limp. “Tenno we’re running out of options here what do we do?!” Skyler shouted as Nekros sent another soul punch forward as a group flew with the energy Squiggly grabbed a nearby bin and lobbed it into the crowd knocking down a group. “Well we might not need to worry about that in a minute,” Nekros responded as he pointed down the hall and there she was. Mag “Shit, now this is what you call a rock and a hard place!” Loki shouted as they all watched the crowd of zombies disperse and leaving only them and Mag Nekros then switched to his Braton and began to open fire. The bullets didn’t even hit their target as they hovered in the air as Mag crushed them into dust. Mag then brought out her (Burston) and began to open fire as Nekros switched to his Reaper and began to deflect the attacks. Some did manage to hit him but he stood his ground. “Skyler get out of here and find the others,” Nekros ordered as Mag kept walking “What are you serious!? I can’t leave you or anyone else behind! No I’m staying!” She protested as Nekros stopped blocking and looked at her with his Reaper pointed at her “Go. Now, or else no one will survive,” He said more dangerously but still Apathic as ever “O-Ok I’ll go but don’t die,” She responded strictly as he shrugged “Not going to happen,” He said as he turned to see Mag grab him and throw him through a wall “GO!” And with that Skyler ran off down another hall as Mag turned but was stopped as Loki elbowed her in the face and he sat with a cocky smile. “So I’m guessing its too late to apologise?” He asked as she used her magnetic ability to lift him up and slammed him agenst a wall “Your wits are at an end,” she said coldly as he waited for the end *Team 3: Valkyr, Fluttershy, Mesa* Valkyr sat upon her throne of junk as the mindless zombies below tried effortlessly to grab one of them as they sat upon the wall they created. “I’m queen of the castle! I’m queen of the castle! I’m queen of the castle!” Valkyr sung as Fluttershy stayed away in fear as Mesa sat of a pole as her arms dangled and shot any zombies with stun rounds “Hey, uh Valkyr, what if one of those mean Tenno show up? Then what?” Fluttershy asked as Valkyr stopped humming and looked at her “Don’t worry Flutters if one of them show up we can take em!” Valkyr said as she punched her palm and saw Fluttershy’s worried look “Look if any one of them show up they won’t harm up, I promise,” Valkyr offered a smile as she smiled back “Ok then,” Fluttershy responded with a nod “Well looks like you’ll have to make good on that promise, look!” Mesa shouted as they saw Nyx running towards them with her (Furax) equipped “Fluttershy stay back!” Valkyr warned as Nyx jumped into the air and aimed right for Valkyr Valkyr back flipped as her Furax smashed into the ground making an indent. Valkyr and Nyx then began to trade blows as one good hit from Nyx sent Valkyr flying into their make-shift wall causing it to shake Mesa then unleashed a load of stun bullets but Nyx quickly activated her Absorb ability as the bullets were absorbed and then a massive wave of energy was dispersed. Mesa rolled backwards as her body flared with pain as the defences began to fall. Fluttershy came running to her side as she was lifted up by the arm. “Yo-you need to get out of here,” Mesa groaned as Fluttershy shook her head as Valkyr continued to fight Nyx in a losing battle “No I made a promise so I’m going to keep it too,” Fluttershy said with assertiveness as they saw the zombies flood in then Mesa was shoved away as one grabbed her “No!” Mesa screamed as she shot every round at the one’s coming their direction but it was too late “MESA GET OUT OF HERE!!!” Valkyr yelled as she locked hands with Nyx trying to gain the upper hand “No, we’re going to get out of this together!” She yelled back as she shot more zombies down but then Valkyr kicked Nyx off of her as she ran to Mesa *SMACK* Mesa felt even through her armour the slap from Valkyr as she looked at her like a murderer. “I’m giving you an order, now go!” She shouted and Mesa complied and began to make her way to the ventilation and saw Valkyr activate her Hysteria as she was soon out of sight *Team 1: Excalibur, Pinkie, Chroma, Dash* “So you mind telling me what you are?” Dash asked Excalibur as he sighed “If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me,” Excalibur responded “Try us,” Pinkie said surprisingly as Chroma glanced at Excalibur before shrugged “We are human underneath, but a place called the Void changed us, we became freaks, our bodies have a power unlike any other human being,” Excalibur explained as he looked at his hands “The Orokin, they used our powers as a weapon, nothing but their puppets until…” Excalibur paused as Chroma mumbled to himself “What, what happened?” Dash asked as the company that her dad works at is the same name “We killed them all.” Was all Excalibur said as the corridor fell silent as Excalibur continued “For almost 1000 years they tortured us, turned us into killers, so we took back our freedom before we were locked into stasis and now we’re here,” “So you’re like epic-killer-space-ninjas!” Pinkie said excitedly as Chroma joined in “It does not sound like the finest work,” Chroma added as Excalibur looked at his hands “No, but I know that some are still out there, waiting, Alad V is one of them, but that’s another story for now we have a job to do,” Excalibur said with determination as they pressed on “Hey Tenno?” Dash began as Excalibur looked back “I’m sorry for misjudging you, it was uncool of me and well… sorry,” Excalibur held his fist out to her “Sure, no hard feelings,” He responded as she bumped fists with him "After all you are one of the first to forgive me and not shoot me afterwards," “Yay group hug!” Pinkie shouted but Excalibur brushed it off “Maybe once we’ve fixed this mess,” Excalibur suggested as they entered the gym and found the place to be empty “This is very sketchy,” They looked around until one they heard the door they came in open as they turned to see. “You’re alive! I mean oh you’re alive,” Excalibur cheered sarcastically as Nekros came in through the door “Ha. Ha. Ha,” He responded before flipping him off then the vent grate above him fell and landed on his head as Mesa and Skyler came falling out and on top of him “I hate everyone,” “Hey you all alright?” Dash asked as he helped them up “Yea just tired and wait you got out!?” Skyler asked Nekros in surprise “Yes remember she put me through a wall so I had time to escape,” Nekros explained as they all told the others of how they ended up being the last one’s still free from mind control “So you’re saying they got all the other team members,” Excalibur asked in a low voice “Yea, Valkyr told to get going whist she held them off but I doubt that she made-“ Mesa was cut off from Excalibur smashing the wall beside him “You shouldn’t have said that,” Nekros suggested to her as Excalibur upholstered his Skana and walked out the door “Wait here I’ll go see if the Tenno are nearby,” Excalibur responded as he shut the door “Should we go after him? He could get turned,” Mesa asked as Nekros shook his head “Trust me he’ll come back,” Nekros reassured them as they all waited for him to return 20 minutes later… “Ok that’s it I’m going after him,” Skyler barked in annoyance “I wouldn’t go agenst his word, he hates that, I should know,” Nekros suggested as she walked towards the doors but saw them burst open as Applejack came running in with a very fearful expression “AJ! Wait what’s wrong?” Dash asked as her friend shook with fear “He need to get up higher now!” She shouted as Skyler looked out the doors and saw a mass of shadows approaching and her eyes widened “She right, everyone get up on the balcony!” She ordered as they all climbed up to safety and saw at least 50 zombified students walk in as they waited in around the edges “Well go thing is they can’t climb, unless they have a straight path,” Mesa said breaking the silence as Nekros looked down and saw that they left the door unguarded “I believe they are gathering for the two Tenno,” He pointed out as they heard heavy footsteps approaching the doors as the air fell silent leaving only the foot steps Soon the doors swung off their hinges as the two battered bodies of the Tenno flew into the room, their chips removed “Wait you don’t think your commander did that?” Skyler asked as Nekros pointed again and soon everyone gasped Excalibur stood with the chip in his hand as he walked in with his Skana in his right hand. His corpus armour plates glowing black. He then crushed the chips and soon the Zombified students went limp. “It’s been a while since I was like this,” Excalibur spoke coldly as he looked up “They tried to jack my mind but ended up broken and beaten in the process, such weakness didn’t deserve a fight,” Nekros then jumped down and brought his scythe out as Excalibur cocked his head to the side before sighing heavily. “You really shouldn’t have done that, now you’ve doom them all,” Excalibur spoke as he ran forward and connected blades with Nekros as he struggled to hold him back “I am your reckoning,” "What the hell," Nekros asked as he jumped back "Ok what's with the team killing, that's Caboose's job?" "What's wrong? afraid that I might be stronger than you?" Excalibur asked but it was not the Excalibur Nekros knew as Excalibur rushed forward again but took the scythe to the arm as he head-butted Nekros and then followed up by slashing his chest "Ok now that's messed up!" Mesa shouted in alarm as the others watched in fear "That's exactly what he became when he beat me," "So you remember?" Skyler asked as she nodded "It felt as if all that he cared about was cutting me down, limb from limb without remorse," Mesa answered as they went back to the fight Nekros charged towards Excalibur as he dodged the attack and brought his Skana down but missed as Nekros kicked him back and began to fire multiple Soul Punches into his chest as the waves of energy passed through him. Excalibur then fell to his knees as he coughed. "What the, There's no chip?" Nekros said in some surprise as he felt pain erupt up his chest as Excalibur upper cutted him with his Skana "If you think I'm a puppet, I'm not, I'm the real deal," Excalibur said as he scraped his blade in the wood and grabbed Nekros by the neck "I am all of me," *BANG* Excalibur dropped Nekros as he stumbled back as he gripped the hole in his chest and saw the blood soaking his hand as he turned to see Mesa pointing her Vasto at him. Excalibur then ducked as Nekros's reaper came flying over him and so he used his free hand and casted Radial Blind. Nekros along with everyone else was blinded by a bright light as Nekros dropped his Reaper in attempt to clear his vison. As his vison came back he saw his Reaper was gone. “Oh hell no he did not just touch my scythe! I'ma kill him!” Nekros cursed as he then felt something lift him as he saw Excalibur holding his Reaper as he lifted Nekros with the other as he pinned him agenst a wall “Crawl your way out of this,” A more sinister Excalibur said as he lifted the Reaper and soon brought it down as the others screamed as Excalibur plunged the Reaper into Nekros's left arm as he gasped slightly "Stick around," Excalibur then turned around and brought out his Lex and quickly shot the support beam sending the platform along with the rest crashing to the floor. Pinkie landed closer to Excalibur. He picked her up by the neck as the others watched in horror as he raised his Skana. "You were always so... bothersome," Excalibur said coldly as he raised his Skana up high as Pinkie closed her eyes and waited for her death *BANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG* Excalibur once again dropped her and turned to see Mag holding her Burston as she fell to the ground and he just looked at the holes in his body as he felt them slowly seal up as he began to walk towards her. "Not going anywhere for a while?" Nekros said from behind Excalibur as he turned only to have his Skana flung to the side as Nekros held his palm up to Excalibur's head "Grab a snickers," "Oh shit," was all Excalibur could say as a soul punch smashed through his skull as he wobbled around, his energy colour turning blue again as he soon fell limp Nekros then dropped his Reaper as he held his left shoulder as the other approached him. "We really need to carry heal pads with us," Mesa said jokingly as Nekros huffed "Well at least we're alive," He pointed out as the other collapsed to their knees "Hey are you alright though? I mean you did get pinned to a wall?" Dash asked Nekros as he waved her off "I've been following that idiot for a long time, I think I'll live," Nekros answered as some students began to come to "Anyways I do believe we need to get out of here before your company shows up," Skyler turned to face him as she frowned. "Yea, I'll tell them what happened and sorry in advance if they try to target you more because of this," Skyler responded as Mesa go up and helped Nekros to his feet "Well we've survived this long! what's gunna stop us now huh!?" She boasted as they went to go help out Mag, Nyx and Excalibur "You really need better job," Chroma chimed in as he helped unblock the door from the balcony wreckage "Honestly I don't think I could ever give this one up," Nekros answered as his mind worked to figure out what had happened as his mind's emotion raced "You have got to be kidding, he has a bloody broken side too! *Sigh* just my luck," The doors are locked I surrounded, no escape in sight But I'm not locked in this room with you you are all locked in here with me Mesa > Chapter 11 Everfree's Guardian > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 11 Everfree’s Guardian *Location, Earth, +3 months since crash* Breaking News! News reports from all over Canternlot of people falling ill of an unknown pathogen infecting all who drink water from, well anywhere! People who are sick are to be reported to nearby hospitals or any medical facility of any kind immediately! Any people who are not infected are urged to not drink from any outlets except from bottled containers. The Special Forces are currently testing for any terminal effects and are working to try and find a cure as quickly as possible. *Location, Relic Hunters’ headquarters, medical wing* Almost all the Tenno laid in medical beds as Trinity ran around with Excalibur, Ember, Volt, Mirage and Ash ran around trying to control the symptoms that their entire team had. Their temperatures were enough to almost match Ember. Rashes broke out in parts of their bodies as their breathing was ragged and uneasy. “Excalibur we need to find the cause of this outbreak or else none of them will get better,” Trinity said calmly as Excalibur shook his head and sighed “I know but until Ordis finishes the scan we can’t do much else,” Excalibur responded as Nekros came on the mic “Found the problem,” He started as he brought up a map in their room as a red light blinked in a massive forest “It’s coming from the Everfree and surprise, surprise it’s a Warframe signature,” “(Saryn)…” Ember spoke calmly as we all turned to her “She’s got control over toxicans so it must be her doing as she can infect water supplies,” “But also cure them as shown on out Earth,” Volt added as everyone turned to look at him “What?!” He asked angrily “Right then, Trinity, Ash, Mirage and Volt you 4 go and tag her, me and the non-infected will try to keep their symptoms down,” Excalibur ordered as the others prepared to leave but Trinity asked “But won’t I be needed here? I mean I’m no fighter, I’m a healer, the medic, nothing more,” She spoke in a rather sad tone as Ember placed a hand on her shoulder and smirked “Yea but you’re caring and calm unlike some I know, so you have the best shot of bringing Saryn out of this,” Ember explained as Trinity smiled brightly and nodded as she saw Excalibur’s smirk *BLAST* “AAHH FUCK MY EYES!!!” Excalibur screamed as Ember blew the flame off her finger as Excalibur dunked his head in water “Asshole,” Ember bluntly stated *Location, Everfree Forest, Entrance* Ash, Volt and Mirage all followed Trinity as they began to traverse the almost jungle like forest as the sounds of animals was all but none, mostly likely the poison from the water “It’s so dead, not even the leaves are blowing in the wind, nothing…” Trinity spoke softly as Ash said calmly as he placed a hand on a tree “The winds howl in rage, but not a sound it makes, a whisper to life,” Ash spoke as he looked around and finally heard what sounded like a stream “Hey, Ashy whatchya find?” Mirage asked as she spun her (Phage) in her hand He pointed off into the forest as the others gathered and soon heard the water as they followed Ash through the dense forest. After only 5 minutes of walking they came up to a massive clearing as the light shined through. The only downside was. “Such life, unaware of its loss, but remains still,” Ash spoke as he and the rest looked around the dead grass as it looked like a grave The water was a murky-green as the poison ran down the river and into the dense forest ahead. “The dam is about a mile down so that explains how it got through, quite a shock really,” Volt said as he felt them all glare at him as he raised his hands in defence “Sorry, force of habit,” “Anyways we should try to look for any traces of Saryn or else no one gets new organs for the next chapter!” Mirage said in a very childish-serious voice “Wait what?” Ash questioned as she looked towards the sky “They know, hush now, we will find the toxy-frame,” Mirage spoke quietly as the others looked at each other before shrugging As they looked around for any signs of the Tenno, Volt checked the pool of toxic water before groaning and turning around with his arms behind his neck. “Look she’s not here! Don’t you all think she would be further upstream?” Volt asked as they all looked at him and brought out their weapons “What?” “Vo-Volt you may want to move,” Trinity said as she backed up slowly “Yes, best use your quick legs and move,” Ash warned as he pointed with a Fang as Volt turned slowly until he was face to face with Saryn He laughed worryingly as he saw her point a (Cernos Mutalist) in his face and she shot him flying into a tree as his head spun in circles. “Ok let’s show her what we got!” Mirage shouted happily as she fired her Cernos at them as they dispersed Mirage ducked behind a log as she grabbed her (Quanta) and began to fire a cascade of electric charges at Saryn as she quickly jumped to avoid them and fired back with precision to knock a tree down behind Mirage as it fell on top of her. Trinity quickly ran over to try and help as more arrows shot towards them as Ash began to deflect the arrows with his Fangs. “Ash, this isn’t good, the arrows are poisonous and they’ve already effected Mirage!” Trinity shouted in fear as Mirage laughed as she spun her finger around in the air “Such deadly force, but no calmness in her actions, only rage,” Ash thought as he saw Volt sneak around amongst the tree line as he pointed at the river “But calmness can only lead one to a crippling defeat,” Ash kept defecting the arrows as he felt his limbs stiffening as he saw Saryn stop firing as she waited. “It seems the clock ticks, but not a sound has dawned,” Ash thought as he tried to think of a way out of this mess as a memory replayed in his head *Location, Relic Hunters’ Headquarters, Training Room* Ash fell backwards as his body tumbled across the floor as he slowly got back to his feet to face Valkyr as she closed her Venka and bent down to grab Ash’s Fangs. “No matter the strikes, no matter the skill, I cannot pass you,” Ash said between breaths as Valkyr unequipped her Warframe as Ash did the same “Sometimes fighting head on isn’t the answer, I should know as I can’t always rely on my skills,” Valkyr said calmly as she handed the Fangs back to Ash with a smile “Sometimes the best way to win a fight is to give your friends the advantage instead of yourself,” “Offering oneself to others benefits?” Ash answered with a steely gaze as Valkyr put a finger to her chin “Yea I guess that’s one way to put it,” She concluded…. “Give your friends the advantage,” Ash mumbled slightly as he looked back at Trinity and then towards Volt and then back a Saryn as she held her bow to his head as he kneeled “I am a ghost amidst the combat, ready to strike,” Ash said as he looked up at Saryn as he felt the poison taking effect before leaping to his feet “BLADE STORM!!!” Saryn fired her bow but hit nothing but the dirt as Ash disappeared and soon reappeared behind Saryn as he cross-slashed her back causing her to fall forward into Trinity’s Orthos as the blade connected with her chin sending her flying backwards. Ash then reappeared and drop-kicked her back into the river as she tried to climb back out but noticed Volt standing by the edge. “This will be a SHOCK!” he yelled happily as he fired an electrical beam into the water making Saryn’s body convulse with pain as the chip exploded into dust “game!” Volt started “Set!” Trinity added “Match!” Ash finished “Yay…” Mirage mumbled as they all laughed and noticed Saryn beginning to move as they all drew their weapons but saw her holster her bow “That was very painful,” She moaned as she rubbed her back “Sorry, I had no choice,” Ash apologized as she waved a hand “Na you did what was necessary so no harm, no foul,” she responded before facing the river and sighed “This is all my fault, maybe if I didn’t work alone this won’t have happened,” Ash walked up as he felt the poison ware off and rested a hand on Saryn’s shoulder as she froze slightly. “You had no power, no will, no control, you are not at fault,” Ash spoke determinedly as she nodded and kneeled and began to feed her void power into the river After only seconds the river began to shine a clear blue as the land around it soon turned back into its natural green, Saryn then turned around to face the rest. “Everyone who was effected will soon feel better it will just take a while longer for people infected the earliest,” Saryn explained as she rubbed the back of her neck “Also I was wondering if I could… come with you guys, I don’t have anywhere else to go,” “Sure we won’t mind, right guys?” Volt piped up as the others nodded “She would be a valiant member, it would be wrong to leave her here,” Ash added as she smiled beneath her helmet “I would like to know what kind of medicines she has that could be helpful,” Trinity added happily “I could use another target Hehehe…” Mirage spoke menacingly “What do you say, are you in?” Volt asked as Ash held out a Relic Hunter Emblem and she slowly reached over and grabbed it She then unequipped her armour, her eyes were a lime green and her hair was the same as it hung in a ponytail in different shades as she smiled happily. “Yea, I’m in and thank you,” She spoke feeling happier than ever as Ash deactivated his own and gave her a small smile “Good to have another ally,” He said holding out his hand as she shook it feeling even happier for some reason before something dawned on her “Oh yea I almost forgot,” She spoke in surprise before walking up to Volt and kicking him in between the legs as he fell to the ground in pain “I hope you don’t try to shock me again, ok?!” She spoke innocently as he nodded rapidly “Thanks, right now let’s move out!” “You heard the lady lets return and report in,” Ash spoke sharply as they all nodded as he began to drag Volt behind him but his steely gaze returned as he remembered seeing something in the shadows “I hope you enjoyed the show, because you can’t hide from me,” Ash thought as he glanced around the forest, waiting for the spectator to return… To Be Continued… The hardest prison to escape Is your own mind That can crush your faith Mag/Nyx > Character Bio #5 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Character Bio #5 Mesa: The Marksmen Frame • Yellow eyes and Short-yellow hair with a blue streak through it • Cyan vest top, black bracelets, navy-blue shorts with black trainers • Weapons: Dual Vasto Prime • Personality: Cocky Nyx: The Mind Frame • Mint green eyes and long purple hair with a magenta glow • Grey hoodie with purple décor, grey jeans and black shoes with purple highlights • Weapons: Bo, Boar • Personality: Shy Mag: The Magnetic Frame • Silver eyes, Short-Silver-blue hair • Silver shirt, black leggings, silver-blue boots and Silver-blue crop top • Weapons: Burston, Aklato, Helicor • Personality: Kind Saryn: The Elemental Frame • Lime-green eyes, Green hair in a ponytail • Black chinos, black trainers, Green-striped shirt • Weapons: Cernos Mutalist, Dual toxocyst, Lesion • Personality: Passive/Aggressive > Chapter 12 Shadows Casted Out By Light > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 12 Shadows Casted Out By Light *Location, Earth, +4 months since crash* Another day had begun as the surprisingly peaceful day began, after the arrival of the Tenno or Relic Hunters that was all anyone talked about. But for today it was normal. Skyler and Excalibur were making their way to school as they talked like normal without a care in the world until Skyler noticed Excalibur's eyes narrowing. "Excalibur? what's wrong?" She asked as he pointed to the alley ahead as She grasped a hidden knife behind her back until he came into view He was at least a year younger than them, his hair was white and spiked upwards, matching his eyes. He wore a white jacket with black decal to add flare, the same went for his jeans and shoes. His face however was of sadness and panic as his eyes fell on Skyler and Excalibur, mostly Skyler. "Please help me," He croaked out as he fell to his knees as Excalibur rushed over and held him up "He exhausted," Excalibur told Skyler as she kneeled down in front of him "Hey, came you tell me your name or why you're almost at the point of collapse?" Skyler asked calmly as he looked up with a frown "My name... is Lumos and my sister, she-she's in trouble, 'He' made her do things, bad things and... she helped me escape before i could do the same," He said as he began to tear up and Skyler hugged him as Excalibur looked back down the alley and saw nothing "Hey, who attacked your sister Lumos, who was it?" Excalibur asked as he looked up as his eyes dilated in pure terror "He, he was black and red and he said we needed to pay for what we did to 'Them', i didn't understand but then he attacked us before attaching something to us," He explained as he stopped for a moment as Excalibur's hands shook slightly "My sister said i needed to keep going and to get help from the others here," "Others?" Skyler asked as her brow rose "Who did your sister refer to?" "The other Tenno, like us," He said calmly as Skyler and Excalibur's eyes went wide in shock at how simply he put it "You, you're a Tenno?!" Skyler asked in surprise as he nodded, looking down "I know that we were sworn not to tell anyone but i didn't care, my sister needed help and i didn't care if i was harmed, i just want to see her again," Lumos replied as he teared up again "I'm tired of all this secrecy, the lies and betrail, i'm sick of it!!!" Excalibur and Skyler just looked at each other as Excalibur sighed and brought out his phone, Lumos was right enough was enough. "Calibur, what is problem?" Chroma asked from the other side of the phone as Excalibur sighed before speaking "Get a team together, we have a Tenno problem on our hands," Excalibur said as Skyler just looked at him in confusion as he continued to lay down orders "Why is getting the others to help? why? why is he doing all this for a... Tenno?" She asked herself as Excalibur snapped her out of her trance "Hey Skyler i need your help getting Lumos here to Sugarcube Corner, its better than laying out here," Excalibur asked as she nodded "Hey Lumos, we're going to take you somewhere safe, come on," Skyler said calmly as he slowly got to his feet "You-you're not going to turn me in? why?" He asked as Skyler gave him a smile "Because my company may chew me out for not arresting you, but your sister is in danger and i personally side with the Tenno," She said with a wink as he smiled slightly "Ok then, lets go," Lumos said with more confidence as the 3 of them made their way to Sugarcube Corner "How, how can he be alive!? i saw him fall TWICE, how!!?" Excalibur mentally asked as questions just kept flowing in until Skyler's poking got his attention "What's up Skyler?" "Why are you going out of your way to help him? Not that i'm complaining it's just that ive never seen you act like this before," Skyler asked with a hint of worry as Excalibur carefully chose his next words carefully and he actually reddened slightly "Well you see, you know how i was going to ask you something earlier?" Excalibur reminded as she nodded "Well this sort of ties in, see i was wondering, Once this was over if you would... like to hang out afterwards..?" Now it was Skyler's turn to blush as Lumos just watched in confusion. "Well su-sure i can hang out later, but how does 'that' tie into this?" She asked as Excalibur just smiled "You'll just have to wait and see~" He sung as Skyler pouted "Not cool..." *Location, Sugarcube Corner* Excalibur, Skyler and Lumos soon reached Sugarcube Corner where Chroma, Limbo, Mag, Nyx and Ember all waited. After giving them the rundown of what Lumos explained before their plan was simple. One team would detract the Orokin Special Ops due to the fact they would be there. The other will take down Lumos's Sister Nox. The 1st team consisted of Chroma, Nyx, Mag and Limbo and the other Excalibur, Skyler, Lumos and Ember. They were all getting ready to move out but Skyler was off to the side as she spoke into a phone. "-Yea, as far as i know none of the Tenno have gone to engage the other one who is female," Skyler finished explaining as another voice came through "Good work Skyler, now what of the Relic Hunters' leader? any news on his whereabouts?" Commander Blitz asked as Skyler looked around before continuing "I don't know, after the events of what happened at the school none of my team have seen him," Skyler responded "Hmm... ok then, keep up the work Skyler, Blitz out," He finished as she put her phone away "You're commander really doesn't like the Relic Hunters' Commander does he?" Excalibur asked making Skyler jump as she turned "No, i don't know why but he's planning something and i don't even think he could handle it," Skyler said with a concerned expression "Why's that?" Excalibur asked as Skyler sat down "I don't know why, but every time the Commander has a special target he gets what he wants, no matter the cost," Skyler warned which even made Excalibur's spine crawl "But still is everyone ready? If some want to back out that's fine, i didn't ask for any of them to help," "Hey don't worry, out of all of us, you, me, Lumos and Ember have the most painful job," Excalibur joked as he saw Skyler was still unsure so he held his hand out to her "Come on Sky, we got this, don't we?" This made Skyler smile as she grabbed his hand as he pulled her up to her feet as Chroma clapped his hands together. "Right, we make hast now!" He declared as the rest agreed as they made their way out the door as Excalibur pulled Skyler along with a smile "Come on Sky let's get going!" He cheered as she soon jogged ahead "Alright then Cal, i'm with ya!" She responded as they all began to make their way to battle with smiles on their faces *Team 1: Chroma, Mag, Nyx, Limbo* After making their way to the location of Nox, they found the Orokin already patrolling the area in search of her as they busted into buildings and looked down every alley. "Ok chaps, you know the drill," Limbo called out to Nyx and Mag as they gave him and Chroma the thumbs up "Chroma you ready?" "I was always," He replied simply as Limbo gave the two girls the all clear as Nyx pretended to be injured as Mag helped her out onto the street as some of the Special Ops noticed them "Please help us! a scary Tenno thing attacked my friend and she hurt really bad!" Mag called out in alarm "Thank god we were training before," "Sure thing madam, O-13 get a medical team here now! Squad 2 and 3 follow me! lets go hunting!" The man called out a 8 other soldiers followed him down the dark alley The only one's left were 3 from a medical team as they assisted Nyx. which she needed anyway. "Are you ok miss? do you need any assistance?" One asked as she walked up to him with a saddened expression "Well there is one thing..." Mag trailed off as Nyx used a stun baton on the two beside her as the solider did a double-take before looking at Mag with a fist pulled back "Sorry about this," She said sweetly as she knocked the man out cold, just then they saw Limbo walking out as he dusted his coat off as Chroma came out with a gun bent in the shape of a man's head "I guess that takes care of them," Nyx said simply as Mag high-fived her "Well i guess now we wait to here from Excalibur, anyone up for going to Sugarcube Corner?" Mag asked as Chroma nodded Nyx cheered in glee and Limbo just gestured his hand for her to lead the way *Team 2: Excalibur, Skyler, Lumos, Ember* Just on the opposite of side of town Ember went flying through a glass window as the (Night) frame kicked her through another window as Skyler began to make her move on Nox as she held her (Dual Ether) as Skyler drew her Combat Knife as they squared off. Nox made the first move as she came spinning at Skyler as she kept on the deference and jumped back and rolled. Nox then stopped as she turned and slashed forwards as Skyler slid and brought her foot up, knocking the Ether to the ground. Skyler quickly tried to take Nox off her feet but she back flipped and dashed forward as Skyler's knife connected with the Ether as sparks flew. "Nox what are you doing? don't you see that your brother is worried about you?" Skyler grunted as Nox's strength faltered as she glanced towards Excalibur and Lumos as he frowned. "Please sis, fight this! don't let him control you! You're better than this!" Lumos shouted as Nox got one swift uppercut as she tumbled back she slowly rose to her feet as she shook her head but remained the same as she gabbed the other Ether and holstered them. She then brought out her (Ballistica) and then activated one of her abilities. Skyler slowly dropped to her knees as she dropped her knife and felt herself getting weaker. "No, what is this, i-i can't move, my body feels tired," She thought as she saw the crossbow getting narrower as she tried to move her arms *Splat* Skyler felt her body jerk to the left as she tumbled off to the side before hitting a wall. She slowly opened her eyes as she felt her body begin to work and saw the damage. Excalibur laid on top of her as his arm bled out as his breathing quickened. "Ex-Excalibur!? No-no-no-no, are you alright!?" She asked as she rested his head on her lap as he laughed "Hehehe i really need to stop jumping into the line of fire," He joked as Skyler smiled before ripping a piece of fabric off her jacket as she tightened it around his arm "Ow," "Oh don't be such a woos," she retorted as he frowned before pointing towards Nox "Looks like the most dangerous cat fight is about to go down," Excalibur pointed out as Ember stood in front of Nox as her faced just read 'Im'ma stab a bitch' "Ok you bitch, if you can't see that my friends along with your brother are trying to save your ass then there's no point holding back!" Ember snapped as she cracked her knuckles as Nox just reloaded her crossbow as Ember grinned "Bring it you bitch," Nox lined up her sights as she fired off another bolt, but even she didn't expect Ember to catch the bolt in her hand as she smiled and snapped it. Ember then ran forwards as Nox tried to reload but was tackled to the ground as she tried to defend her face from the fists being pummeled into her armour. Nox managed to kick Ember off of her as she jumped to her feet. She pinned Ember's head down as she brought out her Ether but something had grabbed her arm. She turned to see Lumos pinning her arm as Skyler rushed up and grabbed the other. Excalibur then wrapped his good arm around her neck as he began to pull at the chip as he grit his teeth in pain. After a good few seconds he flew back with the chip in hand as he cursed to the heavens. "AHH SON OF A WHORE THAT HURT!!!" He yelled as he smashed the chip in anger as the others let Nox fall into Lumos's arms as he powered her armour down, which surprised everyone how he did that her hair was longer than Lumos's and was black, her clothing was almost identical to his only the colors were completely swapped as Lumos looked up with a smile as tears came down his face. "Thank you, all of you," He said as they all smiled back in victory as Excalibur just looked at the chip in his hand "I don't know if you're watching but i'll be ready for you," Excalibur thought before Skyler waved a hand in front of him "-Hello, earth to Excalibur," She spoke in annoyance as he shook his head "Oh sorry, just caught up in my own thought," He responded before going silent for a moment "So... what are you going to do?" "Well, I've decided to bit my tongue on this one, but only this one, that and Lumos was really risking everything to get his sister back and i kind of get that," Skyler explained as Excalibur raise a brow in confusion "What do you mean?" He asked "Well if you're willing to risk your own life just for the sake of helping you friends or family, then to turn your back on them would make you even worse than the people your're agenst," Skyler responded which to Excalibur it made sense, he would do the same for Valkyr, which to be honest he did "Well then i think i could go for a looooong break, don't ya think?" Excalibur asked as Ember pulled Excalibur to his feet "Yea i mean catching that bolt hurt like hell and even trying to punch her felt like hitting concrete," Ember said as she rubbed her knuckles "Try taking one to the arm," Excalibur pointed out as the others laughed "Touche," Ember responded as she walked over to Lumos to help him out but even though things seemed to be getting better for them, one thing bothered Excalibur more than this or even the events to take place tomorrow, one thing lingered in his mind as he looked around the mid-day sky "I'll waiting for our rematch, and don't worry i saved the best arrows for my Dread just for you, Stalker..." To Be Continued.... I'm the cure To this dying world I was made for war But i became the cure Saryn > Chapter 13 Night of Truths > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 13 Night of Truths *Location, Earth, Relic Hunters’ HQ, +3 Months since crash* Nothing but the sound of mumbling and footsteps could be heard from the other side of Excalibur’s door as his mind raced with scenarios. Valkyr just sat on his bed as she sighed. “Are you done?” She asked in a bored state as he stopped and turned “Don’t you dare start,” “Well what do you expect? I’ve never been on a date before!” He cursed as he began his walking back and forth “You fought in a war agenst the Sentients and Orokin, dared to mock Rhino, but on little date has gotten you running for the hills? Wow sometimes I wonder if I’m the older one,” Valkyr complained as he stopped for a second then began again “It’s not just that, I’m the one who has to do ‘IT’ and I quite frankly am regretting my decision!” Excalibur said in a panic as he was soon stopped as Valkyr held him by his shoulders as he looked at her “Look, I know this won’t be easy, I get that, but if you want to make this easier on not only you but all of us, then you have to go through with this,” She said with a smile as Excalibur slowly released a breath “Ok, you win, I got this, I just need to suck in my pride,” He said with determination and Valkyr’s smile turned into a grin “What?” “Oh nothing, just realized why she likes you,” She winked as Excalibur’s then began to turn colour as Valkyr laughed “I hate you,” He said bitterly as Valkyr hugged him “Love you too!” She mocked as Excalibur knew this would only end two ways, so now he had to choose. *Location, Canternlot, Evening* Skyler watched as the light in the sky turned an array of reds and oranges as the day began to come to a close. A lot had occurred these last few months. She met a whole group of new friends and had began to dig herself in a massive investigation on the strange heroes/villains of their world. The Tenno. *Ding* She jumped slightly as she looked at her phone and saw it was a text from Excalibur as she smiled and looked at the message. “So, you all ready?” “Sure, I’m on my balcony, so what do you have planned?” “Oh, don’t worry, I plan to put my expectations High!” “All right then, how much longer you gunna be?” “Be there in about 1 to 2 minutes, seeya!” She was a little curious about that last message but paid no attention as she put her phone away and waited. But one thing was putting her on edge as she glanced around. “What is that noi-AHHHHHHHHH!!!” she began before she was lifted into the air and taken ‘really’ high up and saw “You! Put me down!” She yelled as she gripped his arms in fear “Somehow, I doubt you can fly,” He said calmly as she gave him a glare before he sighed and pressed a button on his arm as his armour began to close itself and then her eyes were wider than thought possible as she stuttered the words “Ex-Excalibur!!? What the, you-you’re the Tenno!!?” She gasped in shock as the pieces in her head began to click together as his smile grew “Bu-but how- “ “Not now, for now enjoy the view!” He suggested as she looked forward as she continued to stare in awe She and Excalibur looked off towards the setting sun as the colours of the light shone brighter than ever, even more than just standing on the ground. Below the town came to life with lights dotting the streets as they added to the spectacle. It was unbelievable, no sight would be possible, even in an aircraft. “It’s so beautiful…” She muttered “I know,” Excalibur said as she looked up to see him staring back with a smile as she reddened slightly as he began to descend to a hilltop They landed as Excalibur’s archwing disappeared into the clouds as he turned to face Skyler. But what he got back was a smile, that was good. “So… better than a cliche date?” He asked as she stood there for a moment before laughing as he raised an eyebrow “You, just grabbed me, took me thousands of feet into the air, without any safety and most of all you were smiling about it!” She laughed as he just rubbed the back of his neck before he was caught off guard by her hugging him “It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen…” She whispered as he returned it, they stayed like that for a few minutes as they just listened to their surroundings before deciding to sit down, shoulder to shoulder “Well, anyways, what I was going to say was, well, all of this,” Excalibur started “All the Tenno, Valkyr, Nekros, Ember, Ash, all of us,” “To be honest, after Lumos and Nox, I felt like more of our friends were Tenno, but not you, well until now,” Skyler answered as she looked off towards the town “Yea, but I promise you, we are not the enemy, the person tagging my comrads, my friends, he’s the enemy,” Excalibur said as Skyler noticed his fist tighten as she gave him a slight hug as he calmed down “Who is ‘he’?” She asked as a long silence met her before he sighed “He was, my old friend, no one, not even my sister knows that, he didn’t just become evil, he lost it, he used his Tenno powers to follow the Orokin and after what we did, he killed…” Excalibur stopped as he began to shake “he-he-“He couldn’t say the words, not one word as he shook with fear and sadness “He killed him, I was too weak and I watched the only thing close to family besides Valkyr die in front of me because I was too weak to save him,” At this point the memories wouldn’t stop flowing and the tears wouldn’t either as Skyler got the bigger picture now. “I have fought for more than 1000 years and I am sick and tired of being treated like a threat, got it?!” “Pain,” "I will, for all of your fallen," “Despair,” "What's wrong? afraid that I might be stronger than you?" “Anger,” “-I was too weak to save him,” “Loss,” It all made sense, he and all the others had been fighting for so long, all these emotions were building up inside, no one should be put through this, not even him. Skyler looked over at the now broken friend, a person who dived into combat and smiled at any given moment and yet here he was, broken. Excalibur sat as he tried not to break as he felt all the memories clouding his mind, that he didn’t notice Skyler turning his head as he looked at her. She was smiling as he felt himself becoming calmer but what happened next cased his mind to stop filling itself with pain and suffering, They closed the gap between them and kissed. For a moment, they didn’t move until they needed air as both their faces were lit up brighter than the sun that had now fully set as they caught a glimpse of a green flash as they smiled. They sat together for a sort moment, enjoying each other’s company as they just though about what had transpired before Skyler spoke up. “Hey, Cal?” Skyler asked as Excalibur looked at her “What’s up Sky?” He asked as she looked back towards the city before frowning “I think it’s time you see the real reason why I’m part of that company,” *Location, Canternlot Hospital, Night-time* As they entered the large complex they walked to the front desk as the woman smiled. “Oh, hello Miss Locks, are you here for a midnight visit?” She asked as Skyler smiled “Yea, thought I bring another visitor if that’s alright?” She asked as Excalibur waved slightly as she nodded “Sure, thing sweetie, just let a nurse know if you need anything,” Answered as Skyler thanked her and directed Excalibur through the hospital Eventually they reached the second floor and came to a room labled *Room: 214, Cora Locks*. Skyler kept her hand on the door as she breathed silently before looking back at a frowning Excalibur “I didn’t know your second name or that you had a relative, but I’m fine if you want to be alone,” He said simply as she shook her head and proceeded in as he followed In the moonlight and a small lamp, a heart monitor with some other machines where all hooked up to a small girl with midnight blue hair as her chest slowly rose and fell and Skyler took a seat to her left and Excalibur joined her. “This is my sister, Cora, a while ago, a month before you all showed up there was a fire that broke loose in a small complex that killed 5 people and injured 9,” “Me and my sister were among the injured as the fires broke out at every turn as no escape could be found. Eventually we found a way out, we made out into the open-air as we coughed but my sister wasn’t so lucky,” Skyler began to tremble “She collapsed as the paramedics rushed over and helped me take her hospital, when we got there I waited and waited and waited. Then when the doctor gave me the news I…. broke,” “I rushed in as I saw what you’re seeing now, machines connected to her, her breathing shallow but there, due to the toxic smoke and the injury to the head she had gotten it soon put her into a coma, along with damaged lungs,” “They said that if I couldn’t pay for the equipment use they would have to cut the only thing keeping her alive, can you believe that? I little girl, who is suffering and they wanted to kill her,” Skyler said as she bit back tears “Eventually I just gave up, I couldn’t get that amount anywhere, I had nothing to help me, no one to turn to until, My commander, Blitz heard about my predicament and offered me something,” “If I work for his company, he would not only give me the strength to save lives but the funds to keep my sister alive, so I accepted,” Skyler finished as she knew Excalibur could fill in the rest as he hugged her “Don’t worry I have a plan,” He said sincerely as she looked up at his smile “But I need your trust on this one,” “. . . I trust you, no matter what,” Skyler said as he quickly kissed her forehead before getting up and pressing a button on his arm as his entire right arm was armored as he raised it above Cora’s body “Only me and 3 others have the upgrades necessary, and don’t worry if her heart rate increases, that’s just part of the process,” Excalibur reassured Skyler as his hand began to Amit pulses of green light as Cora’s monitor spiked slightly before calming down He slowly stopped the flow as he unequipped his armour and waited. . . . . . . Then she moved, then her eye began to stir as Skyler gasped as she looked over the railing. Then her eyes opened up, they were a brilliant purple as she yawned before slowly shifting upwards. She looked confused as she looked around the room before her eyes rested on Skyler as tears flowed freely, Cora just looked at her before her mouth moved. “Si…sis?” She asked as Skyler smiled brighter than ever as Cora’s eyes widened as she trembled “Is it really you?” “Yea Cora, it’s me,” Skyler said happily as they both embraced as Cora began to cry and Excalibur smiled in success “I miss you so much!” Skyler croaked as Cora just held on for dear life as they stayed like that for a few moments before the sound of collapse got their attention as Excalibur leaned back agenst the wall as he breathed heavily and began to sweat “Excalibur! Are you all right!?” Skyler asked in worry as she ran over to pull him over to a chair as he breathed heavily “What’s wrong?” “I was told not to use that again but I really don’t pay attention,” He said between breaths as he slowly calmed down “That’s the trade off when using my own void energy healing as a healing pulse,” “Are you serious!? You could have died but you did it anyway?” Skyler snapped as he just laughed as she began to rant until Cora got their attention “Um, Sis who’s that?” She asked as she let go of his collar before rubbing the back of her neck as Excalibur grinned and grabbed her side as kissed her on the cheek as Cora became dumbfounded “Ok I must be dead, no way do you have a boyfriend?” She spouted as Skyler deadpanned and Excalibur muffled a laugh “I forgot to mention my sister really doubts me having a boyfriend or being in any sort of relationship,” Skyler sighed in annoyance “Why’s that?” Excalibur asked as Cora smiled “Because she’s really bossy,” She said plainly as Skyler groaned in annoyance “That is quite true, no wonder you have your own team,” Excalibur said as he felt a hand swipe across his face as Skyler crossed her arms “Ow, god Damnit!” He cursed “Oh yea, at least I don’t kidnap people into the air like a lunatic!” She retorted as Excalibur began to argue back as Cora just laughed making them both stop as they smiled “Well, anyways are you feeling ok?” Skyler asked as Cora nodded “Yea, a bit tired and weak but then again I was out for like, a long time,” She said as Skyler nodded “Well still I’ll get a doctor, Excalibur can you wait here with her until I’m back?” Skyler asked as he nodded “Talk about an eventful night?” Excalibur added as Skyler rolled her eyes “You have no idea,” She giggled as she thought of something before leaving "Hey Excalibur?" He looked over at her as he waited for an answer. "Thanks, not just for tonight, but, everything," Skyler answered as he gave her thumbs up "Just in my nature!" He stated in glee as she then left the room as all was silent “So, what other embarrassing things do you know?” Excalibur asked with a evil grin as Cora copied his “Oh, I do believe you will be a perfect fit for her, now let’s the endless suffering begin,” She said rubbing her hand menacingly, this was going to be a long night To Be Continued… It’s easy to just shine in the sun But to glow in the dark That takes mastery Nox/Lumos Equinox > Chapter 14 The Living Joke > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 14 The Living Joke *Location: Earth, +4 Months After Crash, Relic Hunters’ HQ* Squiggly was sitting on the floor as he watched a wooden duck bend down as its head drank the water and floated back up, he was fixated on it. Nekros sat with his feet up on a desk, with his eyes closed as he just sat in the silence around him, without a care in the world as he replayed the last conversation in his head. “Right, so you’re in charge Nekros, just make sure nothing blows up and such, I don’t want to come back and find a corpse or something,” Excalibur complained as he got to the door “Don’t worry about it and go enjoy your date, but remember, you ow me,” Nekros reminded Excalibur as he nodded and left Nekros to his own devices “I swear, not a single bit of trust,” Nekros thought as he just sighed and continued to do nothing, for 5 seconds *BEEP, BEEP, BEEP* *Sigh* Nekros got up and looked at the monitor as the Tenno alert system went off, Nekros sighed as he pulled a mic over and held the button down. “Alright, we have a Tenno sighting, first 4 in here get to go,” Nekros said plainly as he waited, then the door swung open as a pile of Tenno landed on top each other “Natural selection it is,” Nekros confirmed as he began to point them out “Saryn, Ash, Mag, Equinox, you 4 get moving,” “Wait, that’s 5 not 4!” Mirage complained as some of the others agreed “They may have two bodies, but together they make 2 so shut up and wait here for orders,” Nekros responded firmly as he turned to the 5 Tenno “5 minutes, go.” And they were off. *Location: Canternlot, downtown* As the whirling engines ceased, Nekros along with the other 4 (Equinox in normal mode) they all approached the wreckage of cars as they looked for any signs of injured personal, what they got was laughing. When they looked forward, they saw the most, badass, and totally (Awesome) warframe. He sat on a throne of cars as he held his (Rakta Dark Dagger) in his hand. “Oh. Looks like more pests who dare challenge me?” Oberon gloated as the other tried to hold back laugher, except for Saryn and Ash who didn’t care “We, do believe this is the funniest thing We have heard,” Equinox sputtered as they tried to hold back from laughing “It’s sad to say that he beats Dash in cockiness,” Mag added making it even harder for them to hold back as Nekros just stared at him “You dare doubt my power!” Oberon roared as he fired a swirling energy at them as Mag threw a rock in the way but it phased through and hit Nekros He fell back as he impacted a car as he slowly got back up only to have his head imbedded into the car by Oberon’s foot, as he mocked him. “Know your play, or I’ll make him an example,” He warned as they all backed off as he used his other hand to pull out a (Paracyst) and held it to Nekros’s chest “Now bow,” He said firmly as they didn’t listen then he fired a shot as Nekros’s body jerked in pain as a small hole began to bleed out “Think I’m still bluffing?” Equinox was the first to react as they pulled out their Ballistica and aimed for him but he put another shot through Nekros’s leg as they stopped. “Now, be a good little freak and drop the crossbow,” Oberon teased as they slowly complied and dropped it, then Oberon felt movement “Aww, come now, this is all part of the process, if you play nicely i-“ *Blam* Oberon jerked back as he dropped his sidearm and saw Nekros rising to his feet as his right hand stopped glowing with energy as he grunted in anger. “Ok, if it’s a fight you want, you’l-“ “You ruined my day off,” Nekros said simply as he upholstered his Reaper and began to walk towards the now nervous Oberon as he began to cast radiation bolts Each one passed through a part of Nekros but only earning the slightest jerk motion as he continued his path, a dark cloud of shadows followed him as the silhouettes hovered in the darkness “No sense, no technique, just a fool playing king, I think we’ll let our commander take this one,” Ash spoke as Saryn took a seat as patted the spot next to her as Ash complied “So, how do you think this is gunna end?” Saryn asked as Mag joined them as she giggled “Well if I had to guess…” Mag added as she thought about it and soon Equinox joined them as they sniggered “Well if it doesn’t involve a sledgehammer on fire, then I don’t know?” they added with a shrug as they all watched the show Nekros was almost face to face with him as he began to swing wildly at him only for Nekros to simply dodge the predictable attacks as he swiftly knocked the dagger from his hand as it clattered to the ground. “Squiggly, end this,” Nekros asked as Oberon felt something tighten around his waist and turned to see Squiggly as he pulled back Oberon was then casted around like a wild bull as he smashed into cars and the concrete below as he felt his armour and heard his armour cracking. Then the infested flung him into the air as it honked. “Now, Neky!” He honked to Nekros as he nodded and equipped his archwing and flew above the foolish Tenno as he threw his Reaper into the sky He then sent his thrusters downwards as his feet connected with Oberon’s chest as they broke the sound barrier over 24 times at once. *CRASH* When the smoke cleared everyone from people to Tenno gazed as the massive Oberon shaped hole as Nekros jumped out of it. He then held his left arm out and the Reaper popped back in from the sky as he holstered the weapon. “I call that, Grave Digger,” Nekros said breaking the silence as people clapped and cheered as Oberon laid in his grave, unconscious as he felt a buzzing noise enter his coms “Ok, what did you do?” A very pissed sounding Excalibur spoke “Do you promise not to yell?” Nekros asked “What did you do?” Excalibur asked in a more calm tone “Ok, I was minding my own business-“ “Bullshit!” Excalibur interrupted as Nekros jumped back as Excalibur sighed “Ok you know what, just handle the damage reports and I’ll let it slide ok?” “Sure,” He said in his normal fashion as he heard Skyler on the other side of the com “Oh, and Skyler said if you have done 'Serious' damage you're in for it,” Excalibur said innocently as Nekros froze “What?” “Bye!” Excalibur said cheerfully as he ended the call and Nekros sighed “I hate you, I hate me, I hate everything,” Nekros moaned as he felt the little freedom he had left disappear To be Continued… Radiation is dangerous and powerful And I project them both Oberon > Character Bio #6 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Character BIO #6 Equinox: The Balance Frame Lumos (Day) Nox (Night) • White-spiked-upwards hair, white eyes white jacket with black decal to add flare, same for jeans and shoes (All colours in reverse for Girl) • Personality: Kind (Girl) Shy (Boy) • Weapons: Dual Ether, Ballistica Oberon: The Radiation Frame • Silver-lime green combed hair, lime-green eyes, most clothes covered by grey cloak, black boots • Personality: Full of themselves • Weapons: Rakta Dark Dagger, Paracyst Cora Locks: Skyler’s Sister • midnight blue hair, Purple eyes, Black skirt with a dark blue shirt and hoodie to match, black trainers • Personality: mischief > Chapter 15 A Man Of Few Words Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 15 A Man of Few Words Part 1 *Location: Earth, +5 Months Since Crash, Unknown* “Wha-where am I?” Valkyr groaned as she woke to see nothing but a shiny surface surrounding her and 2 other forms, one of them was Mag “Hey! Mag, Mag, are you alright!” Valkyr asked as she slowly began to wake up "Dammit! we just had to stay out late, didn't we?" Valkyr mentally cursed as Mag began to stir Valkyr looked around the area until she found a blue energy shield, most likely the door, in front of them as she saw (guards) walking back and forth, not sparing her a glance. Then she saw the shadow in the dark corner of the room move. “Wait, who else is here? Show yourself!” She demanded as the shadow moved and then spoke one line before Mag fully awoke “Clem.” *Location: Relic Hunters’ HQ* “-The military have stated that no harm will be brought to anyone by the strange, floating (Ship). People have reported seeing what seems to be (Robots) leaving and guarding the entrance to the ship,” “Nothing has been reported as of late, but people are urged to stay inside until further notice-“ “I’LL FUCKING KILL THAT WALKING, PROFIT STEALING PRICK!!!” Excalibur yelled furiously as he smashed another fist into a wall as most of the team watched “You’re not you when your hungry-“Mirage began to speak before a bullet pasted her face as Excalibur pointed his Lex at her “Finish that sentence and I’ll gut you,” He said darkly as the rest backed up “Anyone else?” “Look, we need a plan here if we want to save Mag and your sister, so please calm down!” Skyler said trying to calm Excalibur down as he sat down on a seat “Right, so what’s the plan?” Nox asked as everyone stayed silent until Nekros knocked on the table, grabbing their attention “I do have one idea,” Nekros stated as everyone waited “I have someone who can help us get into that stronghold,” “And who’s that ‘All-powerful-jackass’?” Volt quipped as everyone glared at him “What? Just trying to lighten the mood,” “Give me a moment,” Nekros said as he began to type into the console until a monitor popped up and soon a picture of (Darvo) appeared “Ah, Tenno, I wondered when you would be calling, what can I help you with?” Darvo asked as Nekros began to explain the situation as Darvo looked even more pissed “So… that explains why he hasn’t come back yet,” Darvo added as everyone looked at him with confusion “Oh, yes, my friend had been gathering intel of Corpus tech and ended up getting caught,” “So, he is most likely with your friends, Look I can get you in, but only a small team can go, too many and I won’t be much help,” “Well, what happens if the team gets caught?” Trinity asked as Darvo brought up a vague profile “I already have a man on the inside waiting for you, he will meet up with you when your inside,” Darvo explained as most of the Tenno stared at the kill count *496,150 Kills Total* “Alright, who’s going?” Excalibur asked as most stayed silent until hands rose into the air “Alright then, Me, Nekros, Skyler and Volt are going, everyone else is to remain here until further notice,” Whist everyone prepared for their daring rescue, Excalibur walked over to Skyler, who was checking her weapons. “You don’t need to say it, but I’m going!” Skyler began as Excalibur just looked at her “You’ve all done so much for me, that I want to help repay you all, not just that, Valkyr is a very good friend to me so I want to help her,” “I know and I knew that no matter what I say, you would come anyways,” Excalibur explained as he looked back at the monitor and then back “But just promise me something. . . if things get tough. . . don’t get involved,” Skyler then brought Excalibur into a hug as she smiled. “I promise,” She whispered as he returned the jester “Good, because I don’t want you to see what I’ll do to Alad V when I get him,” *Location: Corpus Command Ship, Air ducts* “Are you sure going through the vents is a good idea?” Volt asked as he kept hitting his head on the ceiling “Well we could have smashed through a window, but I think Nekros would get bored hitting you with every pane we come across,” Excalibur explain as he gulped “Ok, we’re here,” Nekros called out as he smashed the grate off the vent and they dropped down to the floor “Ok, Tenno, here we go, just keep out of sight and you should be fine,” Darvo said over the coms as they all nodded and began to traverse the ship As they carefully travelled through the ship’s hull they dodged and stealth killed any nearby corpus and proceeded through the halls, then they came to a massive, locked door. “Skyler, you’re up!” Excalibur called out as she approached the terminal and began to work the controls but failed as it buzzed “Dammit!” She cursed as she went for another hack but was stopped by Excalibur raising his hand as she backed up and drew her magnums “Volt who is it?” Excalibur asked as he tried to use his minimap but only static greeted him Volt was about to speak but the sound of gunfire could be heard on the other side as 5 bullet holes passed through the door as they watched them hit the wall behind them. The door then swung open as they all raised their guns to an injured corpus stumbled into the room and tried to run but they all watched as it’s body was lifted into the air as it’s body hung from the massive blade impaling it. The sword dropped as the body slid off and revealed a very menacing looking (Frame). His armour was black and jagged, he holstered the massive (Sword) and brought out a (Shotgun) and held it by one hand. Then he spoke. “Oi! You cheeky bastards! You bloody left me behind!” Rhino cursed as he ran forward and smashed his body into Nekros and Excalibur as they flew back “looks like team Relic Hunters’ is blasting off again!!!” They both yelled as they collided with the wall as the others went to help them “You bloody deserved that,” Rhino stated loudly as Nekros jumped back up “I’m A.O.K!” He said before Rhino’s elbow came round and smashed into his jaw as he felt it shatter into pieces as he flew backwards “Now I’m K.O,” Rhino then turned to see Skyler and Volt pointing their guns at him as he laughed. “You think those toothpicks can hurt me?!” He mocked as they glared at him but he didn’t care Rhino then went over and help Excalibur to his feet as they shook hands. “Took you long enough to get here,” Excalibur said happily “Well if ‘Someone’ didn’t run off maybe I would have been here,” Rhino added as Skyler sighed and shook her head “Jesus, why does everyone want to kill you?” She sighed in defeat as Excalibur just rested his hand on her shoulder “Welcome to my world,” He added as he cleared his throat “Ok then, now that we got Rhino here we can move on with our rescue mission,” “Tenno, they know you’re here, get ready for heavy reinforcements,” Darvo chimed in as they all looked towards the hall and saw the shadows coming down the hall “Let me and Alice handle this,” Rhino said as a (Kubrow) came around the corner barking as Rhino brought his Tigris round and walked calmly into the hall “Hey Rhino, try to go easy on them!” Nekros called out as he just laughed “Oh, yes let them bow before their God,” He mocked as they all stopped and pointed their weapons at Rhino as he just waited “Right so what happens when you cross a gun with a Badass?” Rhino asked as the corpus all looked at each other as they heard a gun click and saw Rhino pointing his shotgun at them “A God Killer.” He said simply before pulling the trigger The hallway went from a standoff to a bloodbath as pieces of limbs and parts flew backwards into a mess as Rhino just hummed to himself as he strolled down the hall. “Skyler, Volt? Meet the tank of the original Relic Hunters,” Excalibur said as he followed after him and soon the followed suit *Location: Main Research Lab* Valkyr, Mag and their newly made friend Clem were linked up to lazer mining tables as the head of robotics, Alad V finished talking with business partners as he walked over to Valkyr. Valkyr looked exhausted, mostly due to fighting her electrical restraints. Now she had no strength left. “Ahh, it’s so good to have my prized experiment back in my hands once again, I have missed you,” Alad mocked as he ran his hand across her face (Helmet is off) Her face showed no emotion as Mag tried to break free of the restraints along with Clem but got a massive shock and soon stopped. “Clem, Grakata!” Clem cursed as Alad pressed a button, sending a shock to his restraints “Clem…” “I swear when Excalibur and the others come for us you’ll be sorry!” Mag shouted as Alad just smiled as he rubbed his hands together “Now, now there’s no need to fight, you will all contribute to my project very soon,” Then he looked back to Valkyr as he looked into her cold eyes “But you will make a fine pet for ‘Him’,” He said as she glanced at him and then back to the ground “But then again, I don’t think your little friend would like that,” She then looked up and saw him smiling. “Yes that ‘Reaper’, he will make a fine addition to my project,” Alad said menacingly as Valkyr just glared back as he sent a shock of electricity to her restraints as she gasped Alad V then walked off and then heard commotion outside the door as he smirked “Now let the tests begin,” “Clem!” Clem shouted as Alad just spat in disgust “You, will be dealt with later!” He snapped as a bolt of lightning shot passed them all and then he smiled “I’m glad you could all make it,” Nekros was the first to react as he looked over at the others and brought out his Scythe. “I’m going to use your intestines as a condom and fuck you in the eye!” He shouted, this made Alad take a step back before laughing it off "Of course that 'reject' of a Corpus has sent his new peasants to disrupt my business," he mocked as they all readied their weapons to attack "When i get my hands on you, i'll make you with you died with them all those years ago!" Excalibur shouted as Rhino looked at him with an uneasy expression “Please then, come closer, let me introduce my new line of robotics, hybridised with warframe components,” Alad said as his disk around his neck activated and soon something came out of the darkness, something that sent chills up their spines As it moved in the shadows it walked on all fours and seemed to have a blue and black colour to it's hide as it walked up. “(Zanuka), KILL!!!” as he finished the sentence the monster pounced towards them, now it was a fight for their lives, but all unaware to the shadows drawing near > Chapter 15 A Man Of Few Words Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 15 A Man Of Few Words Part 2 *Location: Corpus Command Ship, Research Lab* *Team: Excalibur, Rhino, Nekros, Skyler, Volt* “-let me introduce my new line of robotics, hybridised with warframe components,” Alad said as the disk around his neck activated and soon something came out of the darkness As it moved in the shadows it walked on all fours and seemed to have a blue colour to it as it walked up. “(Zanuka), KILL!!!” then they all saw the creature, the abomination that Alad V had created As Zanuka landed it instantly fired 2 sonic attacks as the team flew back from the shockwave. Zanuka then pounced on Volt and roared in his face as he tried to shake it off. Skyler then fired a volley of shots as it jumped back and did a backflip as Rhino began to fire his shotgun at the monster, but it jumped back and leaped onto a pillar, dodging all their shots with ease. It then did a corkscrew jump and ground-slammed the floor, causing the two to fly back. Volt then fired a electrical bolt with Nekros’s soul punch as it collided with the creature, but it did nothing to faze it as it began to fire off a volley of bullets. Rhino and Volt then attacked as Rhino roared and Volt put up an energy shield to block the creature’s attacks. It was fruitless as it sent a wave of energy and cancelled their powers out, as they fell to their knees. “Bloody bugger drained my energy!” Rhino cursed as Alad just laughed Volt however decided to sneak around as he approached Mag’s locks as he tried to find some way of detaching them as she looked at him with concern. “Just deal with that ‘Thing’ first, get us after this,” Mag whispered to him as he shook his head “And leave you three to suffer? Not thank you,” He said as he tried to use the control panel but ended up getting shocked, but it didn’t faze him “I'm serious, only Alad V knows how to remove these,” Mag added as he then tried to pull at the glowing restraints as they began to shock him, a lot more than what he was use to “VOLT LOOK OUT!!!” Mag screamed as Zanuka jumped from behind and began to beat him into the ground as Nekros shot Zanuka off him “Whoops… forgot to check my six again…” He said as he coughed, this however tipped someone over the edge as Alad began to laugh “You think this is funny?” Excalibur asked as he laid on his hands and knees “Well, do you?” “It is amusing, that Corpus rat sent you here to come for ‘this’ rotten clone,” Alad said as he looked at Clem “But don’t worry, when I turn you into true killers, you will all be together in the end,” “And my sister...?” Excalibur trailed off as Zanuka kicked Nekros into a pillar as the rest kept trying to fight it “Will make a fine profit,” Alad finished as Excalibur snapped Skyler once again got knocked onto her back as Zanuka approached her with deadly intent as she tried to fire, but she was out. "Shit!" She cursed as she slowly back away from the approaching creature but it stopped and looked to its left “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”came an inhuman roar as Zanuka was tackled by Excalibur as they both collided with another pillar “You will die by my hands!” Excalibur hissed as his armour plates glowed black and he was unarmed Zanuka complied as ran towards the Tenno as he ran to and they collided in the middle. Zanuka swiped at Excalibur as he cut into his armour, that did nothing to faze him as he threw his own punches at the creature. Excalibur then tried to shoot the creature but it leaped onto the side of a pillar as it fired down on him, But Excalibur then leaped up and grabbed it’s foot as he trailed it down and smashed it into a pile of crates. Excalibur then brought a foot around as Zanuka dodged. It didn’t however see his fist that grabbed it's leg as it was swung into the ground and objects like a ragdoll. Zanuka then spun round and blasted Excalibur in the face as he flew back and Zanuka followed up by pouncing on him as it tried to rip his warframe apart. *Shink-Shink* Zanuka wailed in pain as two Venka stuck into its abdomen as it was lifted like a corpse and thrown into a pile of containers as one exploded, sending off a chain reaction. Excalibur turned around as he faced Alad V who was now shaking with fear as he began to walk. He didn’t get far as Zanuka came flying out of the fire (On fire) and pinned Excalibur down as it began to rip away at his back. Nekros however took this opportunity to bring his Aklex out and shoot Alad’s collar as he fell to his knees as the dick fell off his neck. This however caused Zanuka to stumble off Excalibur as the rest took this opportunity. Volt quickly began to charge his electrical output until he exploded in a nova of electricity as it caused not only Zanuka to freeze up, but the restraints holding the 3 captives to release. Clem and Mag quickly recovered as Clem went over to help Valkyr as Mag ran over to the injured Volt as blood could be seen. “You’re such an idiot,” Mag scalded Volt as he just laughed quietly “Well it got someone pretty to help me out, so I can’t complain,” He said as his head spun slightly but didn’t notice Mag reddening slightly as she tried to patch him up Excalibur however took this opportunity to grab Zanuka and dig his Venka into its hide as he lifted it into the air and soon Zanuka flew to either side of the room in two. “I hate cheap knock offs,” He groaned as Alad got back to his feet and he was pissed “You savages, by my hand the Void will devour you!!!” He cursed as he then saw Rhino charge straight at him as he colided with the glass, sending cracks to rest of the pane. As Alad tired to recover he then saw Nekros charge at him as Alad along with Nekros plummeted to the street below. Excalibur slowly made his way to the broken window before turning back. “Take care of the others,” he said, still in his cold voice “Don’t worry Tenno, I have all systems being monitored, you go and take care of this scum,” Darvo responded as Excalibur jumped out the window two Alad was slowly getting up from his fall as people and soldiers looked at him with fear and hate as he looked back and saw Excalibur standing there as he stumbled back. Nekros however was on his knees as he mumbled to himself “You-you have ruined everything! You should have stayed loyal to us, only the Orokin, not that ‘Lotus’!” Alad shouted as Excalibur just began to walk slowly “You take my friends, you turn some of them into a monster, you ‘DARE’ to harm my sister after she finally escaped you!” Excalibur listed off as he was right in Alad’s face “And you call us monsters, misshapen children of the Void, you will pay,” Excalibur finished as Alad shook with fear as he tried to look for an escape “Please, have mercy,” Alad spoke in fear as Excalibur slowly rested his hand on his shoulder as Alad began to grin but that grin soon faded *SHINK-SPLAT* Alad stood in front of Excalibur as his Nikana stuck through the other side of his back. “Mercy? Never heard of it,” Excalibur added as he quickly took his sword out of his chest as Alad slowly fell backwards and soon laid still on the ground, as Excalibur’s energy turned back to blue For a while everyone just looked at him in silence as no one dared to speak, that is until Clem jumped out of the ship, his (Twin Grakatas) in toe. “CLEM!” He shouted as some people backed up in fear “Jesus, Clem, next time wait until everyone is gone before scaring them?” Excalibur complained as he holstered his guns “Clem, Clem?!” He said as Excalibur sighed “Darvo sent us to go get you and our friends, so please don’t make the situation worse,” Excalibur asked as Clem just shrugged as Darvo came on the coms “Hey Tenno, your friends have left the Corpus ship and no one was harmed, as for helping me I will be sending you something that was given to me by an old friend, I think you’ll find it to be a nice Relic,” Darvo explained “Wait how is Clem getting off this planet?” Excalibur asked as Clem pointed to the Corpus ship “Nevermind,” “Still it was fun working with you again Tenno, till we meet again!” Darvo said happily (Mostly for profit) as the coms went dead *Location: Relic Hunters’ HQ* “So, are you sure you’re ok?” Excalibur asked Valkyr as she sat in a hospital bed like nothing happened “Yea, just… ever since I escaped that place, I thought I wouldn’t have to see it again, but…” She trailed off as Excalibur leaned over and hugged her as she slowly accepted his embrace “I promise you, you will never have to see that place again, just… be yourself, my funny, quirky sis, ok?” Excalibur said softly as Valkyr smiled back “Yea, ok I will,” she whispered before calming down and pulling away “So, what did Darvo give you anyways?” Valkyr asked as it dawned on Excalibur “Oh yes, here-“ He then reached down and picked up a small crate “-I was going to open it later, but I guess I can do it now,” As he pressed a few buttons on the side of the silver container it hissed as it opened, then two small cubes floated out as they circled Excalibur before his armour activated on its own. “Woah, now that’s weird,” They both said as the cubes entered his helmet and upper-back Then on his back the box turned into a small (compartment), then a long-blue beam of energy began to pour out of it before ending in a point, it lightly blew in the air as they both noticed Excalibur’s helmet glowing. His helmet completely changed as the horn got longer and the design became more angular in the end. Then it dawned on Excalibur what they were as he de-equipped his armour. “These were EP’s (Arturius) and (Asa Syandana), but why did he leave me them?” Excalibur questioned as Valkyr pulled out another cube before it began to glow and a voice could be heard “Hey, Excalibur, if you’re hearing this than Darvo had finally gave you the crate with my personal belongings, that also means . . . I’m dead.” The voice of EP stopped and sighed before continuing “Well then Excalibur, I guess it’s up to you to finish what I started so long ago, I know that when you all wake up from your cyrostasis that you might not remember much about what I ask of you, but in time I’m sure you will,” "I know that i can't change what they did to you or that i can't make this up to you, but you know what? I trust you'll understand this time," “You’ll probably wonder if you ever made me proud, but to be honest kiddo. . . You already did,” The message then ended At first the two of them didn’t speak, then the sound of quiet sobbing could be heard as Valkyr saw Excalibur crying as he just stared at the cube. he grit his teeth in anger as he tired to to break but after everything, this was all he had left of him, Valkyr then slowly leaned over and brought Excalibur into a hug. “It’s fine Cal, I know you miss him, but don’t worry…” Valkyr whispered gently into his ear as he kept crying “I’ll protect you, after all I am you sister,” “So, that’s it then, you are the last of the original Relic Hunters?” Skyler along with Ash and Ember asked Rhino as he sat on a chair with his arms behind his head His hair was a messy black and his brown eyes just looked at them as he smirked. “Yes. And you are in the presence of a God, so please continue to stare,” He said in a very boasting way “Somehow, I doubt that,” Skyler said with a snarky tone as Rhino’s eyebrow raised “Really? Now would you like to test that?” He asked as his hand rested upon his shotgun and she gulped “Don’t worry, he’s just got a God Complex the size of a God,” Nekros said as he passed them whist he read a book, the same expressionless face plastered on his face, Rhino then got up and walked up to him “Don’t make me put you in the ‘Box’,” Rhino warned as Nekros just gave him the bird and walked off “Such power and strength, but faulty and breaks, if lost its way,” Ash said to the two as they nodded “So a leader with a major split personality problem, a fun-loving berserker, An Apathetic Asshole and now a tank with the power of Gods,” Ember listed off before patting Skyler on the back “Welcome to the Relic Hunters, Sky!” She finished as she walked off, but something was bothering Skyler, ever since the fight with Zanuka “That was not a split personality, that was something else,” She thought as she planned to ask him about it later, the reason why, because the battle between a God and a Reaper is about to begin, but for once she finally felt at home *Location: Unknown* *Translation Added* “What lies beneath that Warframe? What secretes does it hold?” The cold voice said as the scrapping of something heavy agenst metal run out in the construction sight as rain poured down “Beneath those suits exist flesh. Flesh bleeds. You all bleed,” it continued as it stopped at a bunch of computer terminals and saw images of the Relic Hunters (Before Crash). “I have seen and conquered many clans. Relic Hunters will be next!” it roared as it brought a massive hammer down on one of the monitors, ice freezing over the shattered metal To Be Continued… I’m an unstoppable force An immovable object They couldn’t stop me So neither can you Rhino > Chapter 16 Christmas Havoc > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 16 Christmas Havoc *ALERT: TWO TENNO SPOTTED* *Location: Earth, +5 months since crash, Relic Hunters’ HQ* “Just don’t break it, that things’ expensive,” Rhino pointed out as he held a ‘very’ shaky ladder as Mirage tried to balance a star on top of a massive tree “Oh please, I got this, I’m just concerned for volty over there,” She said, pointing towards Volt as he was mummified in lights as he tried to untangle them “You are an idiot, you know that, right?” Rhino quipped as muffled sarcastic laughter could be heard “I don’t see you wrapped up in every person’s worst nightmare!” Volt barked as the lights turned on and then shocked him “Ow,” "Now, see, that's what i meant by Idiot, or would you rather be called something else?" Rhino joked as Volt tried to free himself, but failed “That does remind me, how’s my sis and the rest doing?” Cora asked as she attempted to carry a lot of boxes, Oberon was however watching the news as it showed the Tenno in a heated battle with a (Monkey) throwing bananas “Fine, I see how they’re favouring,” Oberon moaned as he dialled something on the phone and then a voice came through the speaker “Oberon! What’s up! Kind of in a middle of something!” Skyler shouted as the sound of splatting could be heard over gunfire “Oh, God! How is finding this many bananas!!!” Excalibur yelled in the background as Neckros could also be heard beside Skyler “I honestly don’t know- oh god he’s got the truck,” He said as the sound of exploding could be heard “Oh, nothing, just seeing if you needed any assistance from a master, such as myself,” Oberon said proudly as most of the people in the room laughed, Cora just managing to silence herself “No, unless you have some very good bananas, were out of luck!” Valkyr shouted as they heard her roar and Skyler sighed “Look, we’ll have this wrapped up in no time, it’s just proving to be difficult,” She said before ending the call ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile on the street… Excalibur, along with Valkyr, Neckros and Skyler were pinned behind piles of snow and cars as yellow objects flew over their heads as they tried to land a hit on the acrobatic target but failed as he just simply used his (Bo) to swing away. “Ok, this is starting to get on my nerves, I swear I just wanted a simple shopping spree and that’s it! But noooo, this degenerate fuck just had to show up!” Excalibur hissed as he fired his Lex back at it, he then sighed and slid back down “Right then, how about I use my Hysteria to distract him, Neckros, you follow up with your shadows to surround him, I’ll then swoop in and stop his movements and then Skyler, you will take the chip out with your weapons, got it?” Excalibur explained as Skyler shook slightly “Uh, yea, I can do that,” She responded but something was wrong, Excalibur gave the other two a sign to keep laying down a supressing barrage “Skyler, what’s wrong? You seem… out of it,” Excalibur asked as she looked at him as she smiled slightly “I’m fine, just, thinking about things,” She responded as Excalibur then rested his hands on her shoulders and looked right at her “You are a very terrible liar,” he said firmly as Skyler just frowned and looked down, Excalibur then looked around before continuing “It’s about the Orokin, isn’t it?” “I just don’t know how much longer I can keep this up, from me helping you guys out, and trying to explain my reasons is proving to be more and more frustrating each day,” Skyler explained as she punched the snow beneath her “I just don’t know what to do anymore, if I quit, I can’t cover all the debt I’m in or myself and my sis for that matter,” Skyler finished as she closed her eyes and let out a breath she was holding She then felt a nudge from Excalibur as she looked up to see him holding out a small-blue-holographic (Symbol) in his hand. It was a circle with lines poking in different directions, and if looked at closely, they formed and ‘R’ and a ‘H’. “I was gunna wait until this was over to give you this, but I think you need it now more than anything,” Excalibur said, his armour off as the blue scarf he wore covered his face as it blew in the wind, then he turned “You guys have fun if you want!” Neckros and Valkyr both nodded as Nekros summoned a bunch of Corpus shadows before they leaped over to attack Wukong. Excalibur then turned back to face Skyler, her eyes as wide as plates. “So, wanna join Relic Hunters?” Excalibur asked as he winked, as she just stared he decided to continue “You see, I may seem like the worst leader to exist, I’m dumb, cocky and a horrible planner, but what I lack in leadership I make up for in finding new members,” “I look for strength, not in weapons, but in willpower, teamwork is another big factor in my criteria,” Excalibur explained as he lifted Skyler’s chin up to face him “I also look for people who will sacrifice their own desires to help others, no matter the cost,” “So, what do you say?” Excalibur asked as he put his hand out for Skyler to shake “Why me though? I don’t have any super strength, no speed, no powers, so why someone as normal as me?” She asked as Excalibur reached over and attached the symbol to Skyler’s left shoulder “Because, anyone can fight, but the people who choose to fight others’ battles is a true friend,” Excalibur said simply as he rubbed the back of his neck “It took me forever to figure out what it meant, but whatever,” Suddenly Excalibur was pulled in a hug from Skyler as her cried with happiness as he returned the jester. “Oh, and I also may have cleared your debt and such today, so you know, no worries,” He said with a laugh as she looked at him with astonishment “Your such an idiot,” She smiled as he did also “Would you have it any other way?” He asked as she kissed him on his cheek as she blushed slightly “Nope.” She replied, then they saw Nekros come flying over the bank as his armour was half covered in yellow and white “Don’t you dare say a word,” He replied as Valkyr came flying over and landed on top of him “Ow,” “Oops, sorry Neky, but on the bright side-“Valkyr then lifted her hand and revealed a chip “-Got it!” “Well at least someone’s happy,” Nekros groaned as Valkyr noticed and jumped off “Sorry,” She apologized then it dawned on her “Wait, why does Skyler have our symbol on her shoulder?” Nekros also turned to see as Excalibur re-equipped his armour before grabbing his Prisma Skana. “See’s now our newest member, but right now we have bigger problems!” He shouted as they saw a massive street with yellow and Wukong everywhere, then they saw Ember, Ash, Chroma (White) and Limbo running down the street Ember and Chroma fired off another blast of fire as it the bubble continued to block their attacks, then a massive (Sibear) smash down as it fired off a wave of ice crystals. “I must say, Excalibur could you give us some assistance!? He’s proving to be stronger than he looks!” Limbo shouted as he rolled out of the saw of an ice blast Excalibur looked at the rest and saw that Valkyr and Nekros were spent from fighting Wukong, Ember’s group was already exhausted. That only left Two. “Skyler… you ready?” Excalibur asked as she looked at him and smirked “Let’s show him our hospitality,” Skyler responded as they both jumped over the snow mound and ran for (Frost), but the air seemed to get colder as they approached the Warframe Frost noticed them and turned to blast Excalibur with another ice blast but missed him by mere inches as part of his arm froze. Excalibur however ran forward and began to swing at Frost as he used his arms to deflect the blows. Frost then swung his Sibear towards Excalibur as he back flipped to avoid the hammer, Frost kept swinging, forcing Excalibur into defence as he dodged the blows. Excalibur slid on the ice as he spun and slashed Frost's ankles as he fell forward but managed to freeze Excalibur's legs to the ground. "Dammit!" Excalibur cursed as he tried to pry his legs free *SMASH-CRACK* Excalibur fell back as his body twisted from the blow of the hammer, his body laid motionless as Frost approached his body. *BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG* Frost then turned to face Skyler as she shot Frost in the chest, but that did little to effect him as he walked towards her and lifted her by her throat. Skyler then twisted her body and kicked Frost in the face as he stumbled back. Skyler then ran forward and brought a fist to his jaw with a resounding crack. Skyler however held her hand as it flared with pain. "I'll bury you all!" Frost hissed as ice and snow began to form around his arm, the air became cold as the ocean and the winds blew faster as Frost prepared to bury them all in ice Frost however was intercepted by Excalibur as he leaped onto his back, causing him to drop his ability. He tried grabbing Excalibur but failed as he held onto the Warframe for dear life. His helmet however was cracked and had multiple chips missing. "EMBER BURN HIM NOW!!!" Excalibur roared as she hesitated before complying and used her 'World On Fire' and soon the two Tenno lit up into flames, Frost managed to turn his head to see Excalibur, his energy black as he held on. "Burn in the fires!" Excalibur choked up as he shoved himself off him When the fires settled Frost leaned forward before collapsing to the ground as his chip blew away in the wind. Everyone then ran towards Excalibur who was lying in a heap of snow, smoke rising from his armour. Valkyr quickly grabbed him as she shook him. "Excalibur, Excalibur, are you ok!?" She asked as light breathing could be heard, followed by coughing "There are no words to describe my pain right now," He said as they all laughed, Valkyr and Skyler helping Excalibur to his feet as they began to walk away, that is until more than 2 dozen guns pointed at them "I must admit, you efforts to beat that Tenno was impressive," Came a familiar voice as they all looked to see Blitz, his navy-blue-spiked hair blew in the cold wind, his yellow eyes gave off no emotion as he smirked "Now, i rather not ruin this victory for you terrorists, but sadly i'm here for those two new one's your carrying, please hand them over and we'll leave you in peace to leave this world," He spoke, getting right to the point "What? Like we'd give them to you! there are allies, our friends, not your property!" Valkyr snapped as his smirk remained "And why should we leave? all we've done is help fix this problem and keep your planet safe fro-" Ember began but Excalibur's hand stopped her as he steadied himself to look at him "Explain." Excalibur asked, his voice more serious than before "Well you see, you have all overstayed your welcome and we rather avoid any unnecessary conflicts, as such you have a choice, leave and never come back, or stay and we'll become more... difficult then sending spies to deal with you," He explained as he pointed at Skyler, her eyes grew wide as he smiled, Excalibur however stayed the same "Yea, i knew," He said simply as Blitz's smiled faltered slightly "I'm not that big of an idiot you know, ever since she teamed up with us i knew she would be beaming info to you, you gave her a code to shut up and say nothing but sadly, my good friend, Ordis, took care of that," Excalibur explained as the A.I came the coms "Yes, it was easy to perform, now then~CUT THEM ALL DOWN~negotiate kindly with them so we can leave," Ordis finished as Excalibur looked strait at the Commander, as guns clicked and pointed at Excalibur "You can send an army, but if you hurt my friends, my family, i'll make you pay," Excalibur said coldly as he walked back to the group and held his skana, pointing at the Commander "As for the two Tenno, they're coming with us!" Blitz stood silent for a moment before clapping, then the guards lowered their weapons. "You really are something Tenno Leader, you can keep them, for now, we'll leave you alone for now, but mark my words, the next time won't be so lucky," He warned as then gestured his hand towards Skyler as she hesitantly moved but was stopped by Excalibur's arm, she looked at him in surprise before looking at he shoulder "I'm one of them now, they've shown me such kindness and friendship, almost like a family, Even Twilight's friends accepted my life," Skyler thought before clenching her fist and stomped her foot "As of today i quit!" Skyler shouted, this made the Commander actually frown, then it became rage as he pointed his own weapon at her "You dare side with the Terrorists? you know that could make you a criminal, you will be branded a trader to your country and people," Blitz said firmly as Skyler's steely gaze didn't falter as the Tenno around her stood around her "I don't care, these people have shown me more happiness than anyone I've ever met, they care about me, they accept me for who i am," Skyler stated before finishing with the 'Bird' "Oh and Commander? go fuck yourself!" This made most of the Tenno laugh as they patted her on the back for that. Then they turned and began to walk away. Excalibur remained as he gave the Commander once last look before parting. One guard came up to Blitz and saluted. "Sir, should we attempt to capture the Tenno?" He asked as Blitz grabbed a cigarette and lit it, took a draw and exhaled "No. We have plans to procure us a test subject, for now keep monitoring them, do not intercept unless you here from me," Blitz ordered as they all began to pack up and move out, one thing however brought a smile to the commander's face, which one of them noticed "Commander? what's so funny?" She asked as he looked at her before closing his eyes "Oh nothing much, just that fool's weakness, that i will take much to heart to exploit," He responded before thinking to himself "Your compassion will be your downfall Relic Hunter..." To Be Continued... Heart as cold as ice Eyes as deep as the ocean A mind as bright as the sun Frost > Chapter 17 Practical Problems > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 17 Practical Problems *Location: Earth, +5 months since crash, Relic Hunters’ HQ* “-So I said I was just out on a job for my boss again, Applejack’s becoming increasingly more curious and I have my doubts that I’m going to keep this a secret for long,” Skyler explained to Nekros as they walked down the halls of HQ It had been nearly half a year since this all started and things with the others at school had become increasingly dangerous as they either tried prying them for info or followed them home. Skyler was more directed as she had closely worked with them before and was the best suspect, and now that she’s been labelled a traitor and a Relic Hunter, things just kept getting more hectic. “Well if I was in your position I would just give them the vaguest answer you could think of, if that girl really is a lie detector, that should bypass it,” Nekros explained as they got closer to the breakroom they heard what sounded like fighting “What is that?” Skyler asked as they both saw Volt and Wukong pass by “Hey, Volt, what’s happening?” “Rhino’s lost it, you gotta see this!” He called out as they both followed suit As they approached they saw that Ash, Valkyr, Ember, Mag, Nyx and Frost stood in a line as they watched Rhino as he dragged Excalibur towards the dojo. “-I told you for the last time, get in The Box!” Rhino ordered as the scraping of metallic nails rung out “No.” Excalibur said childishly “Get in the box Cal!” He ordered again “No!” He snapped back as he kept pulling him closer and closer to the door “Umm, Cal, what are you doing?” Skyler asked as he looked up and lost his grip, sending him and Rhino flying into a wall “Trying to escape this psychopath! What else!?” He answered as he quickly hid behind Skyler in fear “Come now, if you just step into the Box I’ll make it quick, just. stay. Still!” Rhino said in a strained voice as he began to walk over to Excalibur again Rhino was about to grab Excalibur again, but Ordis came onto the speaker system. “Operator, I would like to inform you that he has finally arrived,” Ordis spoke, making them all stop “Where is he now, Ordis?” Excalibur asked as huffed and walked away, trailing his massive sword on the ground “He is waiting~ TO MURDER ALL OF~ in the Orokin research facility,” Ordis explained as Excalibur dusted himself off and began to walk before stopping “Oh yea, Skyler, Valkyr I’m gunna need you two for a moment,” Excalibur said as they both looked at each other before following ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ After a good few minutes of walking they stopped in front of the door as the sound of mumbling could be heard on the other side. “Before we enter, I just wanted to tell you that his guy can be… erratic,” Excalibur said calmly as he opened the door to a mess of papers and parts They were about to speak before a massive Fragor came flying their way, on fire as it dug into the side of the door, the metal hissing from the heat as they looked back at the lab. The place looked like a storm of chaos and science swept through the place. Limbo sat by a desk as he drew out plans on a computer. The other figure was busy humming to himself. (He) was almost as tall as Rhino, buff wise as well, his gear which consisted of a (Hek), a massive (Hammer) and two (Pistols). He then noticed the 3 standing at the door, looking at him in concern. “Ahh, finally you came! Good-good-good, come now, you wanted me for my expertise in designing enhancements, so come on!” Vauban insistent as he waved them over, as they passed Valkyr called over to Limbo “Limbo, is he… sane?” Valkyr asked as they passed him “He’s a few screws loose, but a fine craftsman none the less, that and he’s obsessed with lighting Fragors on fire,” Limbo explain as he pointed to the door and they shivered “So, Vauban, can you help me out with this favour?” Excalibur asked as he finished taking his armour off, Vauban had stopped what he was doing to face him now “Well… I need the test subject if I want to make any progress,” Vauban explained as he glanced at the two girls before turning back “I’m guess this won’t be easy,” “Excalibur, why did you bring us here?” Valkyr asked as she narrowed her eyes “Well you see if Skyler is to help us out in the future I was going to see if Vauban here could manufacture her warframe armour, but something similar to what she usually wears, after all with that jackass of a commander, he'll be after you when you least expect it, Skyler,” Excalibur explained "Oh-oh i know! we'll break his legs!" Vauban exclaimed happily as everyone just stared at him "What? i really would," “So, the reason you brought Valkyr here was because you wanted to leave me in the hands of a nut case?” Skyler asked as she pointed to Vauban as he messed around with a saw and explosive device “Look if i had a better idea i would have gone for it but this guy is our best bet,” Excalibur said calmly as she sighed “I gunna die,” She whined as Excalibur patted her on the head “You’ll be fine, Valkyr if you need me, I’ll be getting my ass handed to me by Rhino,” Excalibur pointed out as he disappeared around the door “Now then, let’s get this shit show on the move, shall we?” Vauban said in glee before spinning to his right “I know that! If you had a better idea, I’m all ears!” Vauban then spun around the other way and pointed one of his pistols at nothing. "Shut-shut-shut, shut the fuck up!!!" He yelled Both Valkyr and Skyler just looked at each other as they watched the one-sided conversation play out in front of them. One thought went through their minds “This is gunna be a long day,” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “So, you decided to take your fate like a man?” Rhino mocked as Excalibur entered the arena “Yes, well someone must teach you how to grow up,” Excalibur quipped as Ember made a hissing sound, but Rhino just laughed “Oh, I’m gunna enjoy making you beg for mercy,” He spoke as he slammed his blade into the metal floor, making the ground shake “I didn’t know you show mercy?” Excalibur said sarcastically as the timer above began to count down “You're right.” Rhino responded as they waited for the clock to end *DING* Rhino then brought his colossal blade around as Excalibur brought out his Nikana and then they charged almost instantly. They collided sending a shockwave of air flying as they fought for ground, the ground laterally bending downwards by the sheer force, causing them to break apart. Excalibur began to run around Rhino as he waited. Excalibur then dashed towards Rhino as he cut into his side but he just turned and brought his blade down on Excalibur as he struggled to keep Rhino from crushing his body. Rhino then took the opportunity to grab Excalibur by the leg and toss him into the air where he landed a massive punch to his chest, making him gasp and tumble to the ground. Excalibur’s vision blurred as his head spun in pain, his senses dimmed as he slowly looked around, his surroundings becoming black and grey. His pain fading. Quickly, he rolled away from Rhino smashing his Galantine in the ground as he grabbed his Nikana and ran for him. Rhino tried to pull his sword out by he was met with a resounding elbow to the face as he stumbled back and was kicked to the ground. Excalibur landed on top of him as he repeatedly punched him in the face, each hit getting more violent. “If you wanted to die, all you needed to do was ask,” Excalibur said coldly as Rhino glanced towards the rest as they watched and made eye contact with Valkyr as he nodded “Sorry mate, but this is gunna hurt me a lot more than its gunna hurt you,” Rhino responded as he kicked Excalibur off of him Before Excalibur could react, a hand gripped his throat and began to squeeze as he fought for breath. Rhino then proceeded to rhino charge into the nearest pillar and smashed Excalibur into it. He did it to the other 3 pillars before letting go, then it was over. Excalibur just groaned as he slowly got up. “Ow, why is everything is moving?” He winced as another punch collided with his jaw “OW!!!” “That’s for making everyone see ‘You’ again,” He said before grabbing his sword and walking away "Oh, and i won, Ha!" “What?” was all Excalibur could say as Valkyr along with Trinity and Volt approached him “Jesus, talk about a shocking turn of events, you sure you’re alright in the head? and not just because he planted it in four pillars” Volt asked as Trinity began to heal Excalibur's wounds “Wait, you mean I slipped up? again?” He asked in concern as they looked at each other before Excalibur smashed his fist into the pillar “Not again,” “What, was that exactly?” Volt asked as Excalibur remained silent before Valkyr answered “It’s what the Orokin left behind,” Valkyr said as calmly as she could “They did that to him,” “Like a split personality?” Trinity asked as she glanced back at Excalibur who just stared at the ground “No, something else entirely, I don’t know what it is, but it’s there,” Valkyr answered as Excalibur began to move to his feet “I would appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone about this, including Skyler,” Excalibur ordered as Volt went to interject “No! last thing I need is more shit piled onto my list,” Before anyone could say a word Ordis came on the coms but sounding. Scared. “Operator, incoming transmission from…” Ordis stopped as he glitched slightly “Who is it Ordis?” Excalibur asked as he stopped gliching and stayed silent for a moment “LT. Lech Kril.” He answered as they all froze in place, then the message played out “I’m coming for you Relic Hunters, you will feel my hammer shatter your Warframes and expose the flesh beneath!” Kril spoke as they all just listened “Excalibur, failure to comply will result in the death of innocent blood, you have 1 hour,” Then the message ended “No, why now?” Excalibur whispered as he saw Ordis bring up a monitor, displaying the school with a crowd of people looking at 7 Grineer holding hostages (One) of them was taller, and looked more machine than flesh. The ground around it froze with its presence as it stared at the camera facing it. “I am Lech Kril. My hammer awaits your skull.” He spoke as the (Lancers) waited for orders “Excalibur, what do we do now?” Volt asked in worry as they all watched the screen, no doubt that the rest could see this too Excalibur slowly walked over to his Nikana, slowly he lifted it from the ground and placed it back in its holster. “We fight.” To Be Continued… There's a fine line between art and Anarchy I somewhere in between that line Burning it to ashes Vauban > Chapter 18 Ice Shattering Force > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 18 Ice Shattering Force *Location: Earth, +5 months since crash, High School* *Translation: Activated* It had been nearly an hour since the message, since LT. Lech Kril, Commander of a massive Grineer colony on Ceres. With his enhancements in cryo weaponry makes him a dangerous advisory. He stood waiting, in anticipation, his hostages just tools, nothing more, all he wanted was, Excalibur. “Sir, what if the Tenno doesn’t show? What then?” One Grinner asked as he moved away from his hostage (Pinkie) “Kill, take prisoners if necessary, and shut that pink one up already!” Kril snapped as he quickly turned and kicked Pinkie, knocking her to the ground as some gasped for cursed the soldier “Now I don’t know about you, but somehow seeing you do that makes me want to throw this even more!” A voice called out as the all turned and saw Vauban holding a flaming Fragor “Tenno!” One Grinner hissed as he was about to fire but Kril stopped him “No! if you do, we’ll lose out foothold,” He snapped as the Grinner stood down “Where is Excalibur!?” “He’ll be here, can’t you just wait, you big meanie!?” Mirage spoke as she appeared from the crowd “Now, hold up your end and let them go,” Neckros said calmly as he held his reaper out “Or things get… messy,” Kril stood still for a moment before gesturing with his hand for the Grinner to let them go and they did without hesitation. The hostages then ran to their families or friends as Pinkie ran back over to the other Mane 7. “Now then, Excalibur, where is he!?” Kril demanded as they just waited before the sound of engines whirled in the air and soon Excalibur came flying down with Skyler holding on She wore black combat armour with blue highlights and a visor covering her face but letting her hair trail out from the back, her blue optic eyes then scanned the area. “All hostages freed, but… are you sure about this?” She asked in concern as he just nodded, not taking his eyes off Kril “Just be careful,” “Got it, just make sure our friends are ok,” Excalibur said calmly as he walked out into the courtyard “So, your LT. Lech Kril?" “Yes, and you have made quite the name after the stunt you pulled with the Corpus scum, i must admit you are quite the bug in our operations back on Ceres, but no more talk, I’ve wasted enough time on this planet! Time for you to freeze!” Kril shouted as he grabbed his hammer, ice trailing off it He then raised it just as Excalibur held his Prisma Skana high, Kril brought (Literally) the hammer down, causing a burst of ice crystals to trail in the ground as Excalibur rolled away from the attack. Excalibur then circled round and slid to avoid the hammer as he grazed Kril’s calves as he shrugged it off and turned ‘A lot’ faster than he should for his size and managed to catch Excalibur’s arm as he quickly stopped and broke the ice off. “What!? He’s never that fast!” He internally exclaimed as he ducked to avoid it repeatedly as Kril kept him on the ropes Everyone watched as Kril continued to throw Excalibur around like a rag doll, Excalibur not even given a chance to attack and only managing to land small blows. But Kril was tougher. “Please Excalibur, you promised,” Skyler thought as she watched with the rest “Don’t use it,” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 30 minutes ago… Excalibur just watched the screens in front of him flash as it processed all data about Kril, Excalibur was so fixed that he didn’t even hear his door open as Skyler approached him, her new armour reflecting the light of the screen. “-Ordis! Just-just run through everything, he must have another weak point, anywhere!” Excalibur asked Ordis as he sighed and punched his desk “This is pointless,” “What is?” Skyler spoke up as he turned and smiled hesitantly “I just can’t find anything, there’s only one weak point of Kril and I just can’t make that accurate of an attack, I’ve never been that good,” Excalibur explained as he sat down and frowned Skyler just stayed silent as she sat down beside him before giving him a side-hug. “You fought a ship filled with enemies, took down an even more agile opponent, took over a thousand bolts of lightning to the face and survived up till this point, and not once did you give up,” Skyler spoke as she smiled “You even helped me, my sister, even though the risks were high, you still helped and I know you’ll continue to do so because…” “Because?” Excalibur echoed as Skyler kissed him before continuing “Because you are a good person, your past never defines what you do at this point, only what you choose to change now,” Skyler finished before getting up, then she stopped “Promise me you won’t resort to that ‘Phase’ of yours, please,” Skyler asked as the room fell silent before Excalibur smiled and nodded “Sure, I promise,” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Present Time… Excalibur managed to throw Kril off balance as he swooped around and cracked Kril in the jaw as he flew backwards and into the ground with a smash. Kril didn’t even grunt as he slowly made his way to his feet before lifting his arm up and then ice began to form around it as Excalibur didn’t see it coming before his vision clouded over with white. “AHH, dammit!” He cursed but didn’t have time to think as it head shook like an earthquake, his motor functions spazing as he flew to the ground himself, cracks and crunches echoed out as he laid head first in the pavement When he got to his knees to rise most people, even some Tenno gasped as cracks webbed across his helmet, and a massive hole, revealing his left eye and parts of his hair showed. Nothing but fear could be seen as he wobbled to his feet. Using his blade as a crutch. Excalibur breathed heavily as he turned to face Kril, his hammer waiting. Excalibur’s eye then turned from fear into pure anger as he then holstered his Skana and smashed his palms together. “I’VE HAD IT WITH YOU, YOU OROKIN-REJECTED-DEGENERATE FUCK!!!” Excalibur yelled as he slowly pulled his hands apart As he finished what rested in his right palm was a glowing-neon-blue sword, wisps and sparks flashed and moved off every part of the weapon as Excalibur spun the blade without holding it before glaring at Kril. Kril took that as his sign to attack as he then charged towards Excalibur as he did the same. They then collided as the hammer steadily fell back from Excalibur pushing back and then kicking Kril as he jumped back. Kril then threw two waves of ice at Excalibur as he swung his sword, sending shockwaves of energy towards the ice as the shattered-on impact. Excalibur then quickly threw in rapid succession 5 more shockwaves as they hurdled their way at Kril. Kril quickly threw his arm out as a bubble of ice formed around him, blocking 3 of the attacks, the others though broke through as Kril took the hits but stayed strong. But was unaware of the pipes hissing madly behind him. Kril then charged his hammer with ice as Excalibur noticed and ran away as he charged for the wall of the school, then the wave of ice followed him as he ran up the wall, the path behind him turning to ice as he leaped from the wall and landed behind Kril and threw another slash into the pack on his back. Excalibur quickly leaped away as Kril burst into flames, his shields flashing as he cleared the flames away and he quickly charged at Excalibur, throwing his hammer towards him. He was faster now as he left a large gash on Kril’s side as he stumbled and then felt a strong kick send him flying into a nearby wall. Excalibur then threw another flurry of shockwaves as Kril rose and cut them away, but one caught him off guard as it broke him hammer in two. He then threw the two pieces aside as he smashed his fists together and made his way towards Excalibur. Excalibur tried to attack but was forced to blow the fists that tried to assault him. He grunted against every blow as he tried to find an opening. Kril then knocked the defence away as he threw a punch into Excalibur’s chest as he hit the wall he had backed into, Kril then threw punch after punch into his chest, cracks began to appear as he continued his brutal assault. *SHINK-BANG* Kril soon tumbled backwards as the flash and slash combo knocked him off of Excalibur as he fell to his knees in pain. Excalibur’s energy weapon then faded as he panted in pain. His energy was spent. As Excalibur tried to get to his feet, he felt something tighten around his throat as he choked, Kril had lifted him off his feet and held one arm around his throat, the other holding a basic Grineer machete. “Wait-wait-wait, before you kill me, I just got one thing left to say, please?” Excalibur begged as he coughed but he didn’t give Kril the chance *Schklikt, klikt* Kril then had a Tigris pinned against his neck as he tried to speak but was cut off. “Keep a chin up!” Excalibur hissed as he pulled the trigger back *BANG-SPLAT* Kril’s body when limp as he dropped Excalibur as he coughed, nothing of Kril’s head remained as his body laid still, the other Grineer noticed this as they ranted before running off back to their ship. Excalibur slowly got to his feet as he dropped the gun and panted, people cheered as he looked around for any other threats before his eye rested of a sad-happy Skyler, tears already rolling down her face. “See? I keep my promises-“Excalibur said but he then twitched forward as he felt nothing *SHINK-SPLAT* Excalibur’s abdomen suddenly had a large red and black scythe piecing through it as people screamed of gasped and yelled ‘NO’. Excalibur felt massive amounts of pain surge through his core as he coughed up blood in his helmet as he just stared down at his body, then his swiftly pulled out as he wobbled forward. Then a figure of red and black came into view, he looked like Excalibur but different as he held a massive crooked scythe, covered in blood as it dripped to the floor. He then looked at Excalibur as he raised his weapon again. “I warned you, time for me to keep my promise,” Stalker spoke as he brought the scythe down, making a large gash in Excalibur’s chest as he slowly fell back His breathing became ragged, his body numb as the blood poured slightly from the new hole in his body. By then the Tenno acted. Nekros and Vauban charged as they raised their weapons. Stalker however grabbed the reaper and threw Nekros along as he smashed the hilt into his face and kicked him back. Vauban’s hammer was easily caught in Stalker’s grasp as he spun the weapon and pushed Vauban back and grabbed the handle and smashed the flaming hammer into Vauban’s face as he flew back with the Fragor. “Now is not the time for violence, but mark my words-“ He then pointed into the crowd “-I know you hide among them, your crimes will never fade, and when you stare into the shadows, I’ll be staring back,” “For I am your reckoning,” Stalker finished before holstering his scythe and slowly walked away into the shadows again “No-no-no-no-no,” Skyler mumbled worryingly as she ran up to Excalibur his eye nearly closing “Hey! Don’t you dare close your eyes, you got that!” Excalibur then took notice at the Tenno standing around him and Skyler also, her visor still down. “Dammit," He managed to say before his world became dark and the voices around him became a distant echo I know what you've done What you called a 'Revolution' But who really is the bad guy? Me or you? Stalker > Chapter 19 Bad Luck Charm > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 19 Bad Luck Charm *Location: Earth, +5 months since crash, Relic Hunters’ HQ* *BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP* That’s all that echoed inside the cold walls of the fortress as Valkyr just stared at the motionless body of Excalibur, his chest slowly rising and falling as she looked over all the injuries he had. A mummy would be an understatement for the amount that covered him. It had been 3 days and nothing had happened, the hours went by without trouble, without death. But yet Valkyr, waited for him to say something, anything. Then the sound of the door behind her opening caught her attention. “You know what he’ll say if you don’t get rest, you know?” Trinity said as she came into the room, a small smile on her face as Skyler followed in after “Yea, I know, but still I feel like something will happen if I leave him again,” She admitted as memories flooded back but she shook her head “Why are you stressing out so much? I’m worried sick about him but you’ve been… out of it,” Skyler asked as she sat down, whilst Trinity checked his condition A long pause rung out until Valkyr pushed a lock of her hair out of the way before sighing and looking at Skyler. “This sort of thing happened before, multiple times, but not as bad,” Valkyr started as she felt her chest tighten “But the one time I do remember was just like this, only… it was me,” This made Trinity and Skyler’s eyes widen as they both listened for anything else as Valkyr looked to Excalibur, then back at them with a smile. “It’s also how I met Nekros,” She began ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Location, Jupiter Bio-mechanical Research Facility, 1 Year Ago* She wailed in agonizing pain once more as the corpus scientists ripped and enhanced her armour, her body also. Ripples of pain surged through her body as they just ignored her fits of pain and anger as they worked. Nothing was causing the alarms to sound, no one was cutting them all down, piece by piece, no one was coming to save her. She would die here if It weren’t for them. She’d kill them if given the chance, murder every soul until they beg for mercy, beg for relief from the pain they caused her for so long. She wanted to be free of this pain, this suffering, this war. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lockdown for the night was the only piece she got, the only time she got to think on how to survive the next day in her cell, her hell. But something was different, this time a new arrival was coming, into her cell of all places. She didn’t care, or at least tried not to. Then she saw the door open as the wardens shoved a new toy for the corpus to mess with into her cell. He was mostly black, grey dotted here and there. His body was slim, and bony. And he instantly ran back to the door as he began to bang on it in rage. “You better let me out! I’ll kill you all for what you did! So, let me OUT!!!” He yelled before his shock collar activated, sending him to the floor for a bit Then she crawled over to him slowly on her hands and knees, he did take notice and jolted back in surprise as she sat down in front of him. “Sorry, didn’t mean to-to scare you, I ju-just never get anyone to talk to,” She said as he relaxed against the wall “I guess you’ve been here longer, huh?” He asked as she nodded as he sighed “Sorry, introductions slip my mind, I’m Nekros, and you are...?” “Valkyr,” She answered as he nodded “Well nice to meet you, I guess until we die,” Nekros said coldly as Valkyr shook her head “No, they might use you for one of their experiments, like me,” Valkyr said as she trailed off, looking down at the floor as she brought a shaking hand to her scarred mask “They did ‘that’ to you?” He asked in shock, his voice a little more pissed as Valkyr nodded, very muffled crying could be heard as she tried to hold it back, all the pain they caused her Then she felt something touch her as she froze in fear, but then looked up to see Nekros holding he as he just looked towards the wall behind her. She didn’t know why, but she cried, for the first time she cried after being captured and tormented day after day. But it felt nice. “Th-thanks, Ne-Neky,” She managed to say, not even getting his name right but he laughed slightly at it “No problem, after all a friend once told me that to really be strong, you first must be able to be strong for others,” Nekros explained as the words sunk into her head as they just sat there in the dim light of the room ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Another day and more pain and agony greeted Valkyr as they kept working on their experiments, never stopping, never quitting. She couldn’t even think as her mind raced with pain and warnings as she yelled out for relief. After a short while they moved her to a more multipurpose lab as she saw sections cut off my walls. Then she felt something familiar enter the room as Nekros was strapped to a table with energy chains holding him down. “Ne-Nekros?” Valkyr managed to say as he glanced in her direction “Hehe, fancy seeing you again, I guess you were right,” He stopped as he held his breath before breathing again “These bastards just don’t let up, huh?” “What did they…” Valkyr trailed off as Nekros just yelped in pain his head thrashing in his bonds as his clawed hand dug into the table “Well, on-on the bright si-side I don’t really feel all that sad, just blank,” He managed to say as Valkyr tried to understand what they did to him, what they were going to do Then 3 Corpus came into the room, they were the ones working on her, but another followed, he was slightly taller, his suit was (Slightly Gold), his helmet had orange lines across it and he spoke English, due to a modifier. “Sargent, she is the one that we captured for Alad V, she’s been given massive boosts to her armour, making her almost unstoppable, even her abilities make her more powerful than any Tenno that could exist,” One explained as he looked Valkyr over “And what of the Tenno beneath? Is her mental state intact?” He asked as the Proxy nodded “Well, we’ll just have to fix that, won’t we? Remove her helmet!” This made Valkyr’s eyes widen as they began to remove it, she felt the cold air hit her face, her long hair falling out as the tips of orange laid in a mess. Her orange eyes just glared at them, but it did nothing to phase them as the Sargent grabbed a shock baton as he activated it. “Anything you would like to say? I’ll let you have that,” He said bitterly as she glanced to Nekros, who couldn’t look away, but he tried, then she looked back “Need an invitation? Fucking do it already,” She hissed at him as he took her acknowledgment and proceeded ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It had been days since she’d had seen Nekros, her once friend, she was put through the same routine as they constantly tested her endurance and abilities. The Sargent just watched it all, occasionally providing ‘Assistance’. This day however would be her last, she was to be tested in front of many as she was to be the Corpus’s next weapon against the Tenno, her friends, her brother. She watched as they prepared the training ground for her, she couldn’t help but feel weak, useless to fight her captures, she just waited but then saw another figure walk into sight. Nekros. His helmet was off, his black hair hung down as he walked beside The Sargent. His face was not like the caring person she met, his eyes were devoid of any emotion, a frown stuck to his face like glue as he walked. A massive Reaper on his back. “Now then Tenno, you are to fight this one here,” He then pointed to Valkyr “And you are to lose to her, but Do. Not. Kill her, she is too valuable to us, so be careful,” He ordered as he nodded silently But before The Sargent could continue his orders a small laugh echoed around the complex, The Sargent turned and saw Nekros holding his Reaper out, but a frown still on his face. “Looks like they found you,” He said apathetically as the sirens began to sound and most of the Corpus left them to investigate “What did you d-“The Sargent was then cut off as he looked down to see the Reaper sticking through his chest “What’s that saying again? Don’t pick a fight with a man with nothing left to lose, well you just did,” Nekros said coldly as he retracted the blade, The Sargent falling to the ground in a heap Nekros then turned to Valkyr, she just watched in fear as Nekros raised the scythe high, his face still a lifeless as ever as she tried to think of a way out, but none could be found. She would die here, just when she felt freedom coming for her, she would die to the only person that she cared about in this hell. *SHINK-SHINK-SHINK-SHINK* Then Valkyr felt light as she hit something hard, she then opened her eyes and saw that she was hovering above the ground, then she felt something grab her and lift her up. She saw Nekros helping her weakened body into his arms as he began to jog. “Ne-Nekros?” She asked weakly as he just ignored her and ran for a supply closet as he quickly jumped in and laid her down beside him Nekros did nothing but stare at the door as he waited with his Reaper gripped in his hand for someone to enter, anyone who would dare hurt them. But all that he could hear was sobbing as he turned to look at Valkyr as she buried her face in his armour (Helmet off). “Why? Why do they do this? I never wanted any of this, I just wanted to live, but now I’m a monster, nothing but an ‘Experiment’ a ‘Freak’,” Valkyr sobbed as she just couldn’t fell anything, nothing but a mixture of pain, anger, sadness, everything She then felt something push her head up as she saw Nekros giving her a small smile as his eyes seemed to show colour in them once more. “Never let this stop you, if you let this or anything else stop you, then what’s the point in living? Keep fighting, keep being the nice girl I met after my world turned to shit,” Nekros said calmly as Valkyr just smiled as she kept crying “O-ok, I will.” She said as he nodded as he heard something behind the door and his face returned to normal “I’m too weak to fight, I just about got us here without collapsing, let alone panting Then before Valkyr could suggest Nekros flung his Reaper around but it was kicked away as a bloody hand gripped his throat as he tried to breath. Sargent then threw him against a wall as he repeatedly kicked him in the chest. “You-you had a tracker on you! All this time you risked your own emotions for this girl!? This fucking pest!!?” He roared as Nekros grabbed his foot but could do much as another kick smashed into his face “I’ll kill you, then that bitch, fuck Alad V, fuck profit, I just want you two de-” *SHINK-SPLAT* “What’s that saying? Don’t pick a fight with a man with nothing left to lose? Well guess what?” Came a new voice as it’s hand stuck through Sargent’s chest, making the scythe wound wider “I’m your fucking Reaper,” Said the person as he threw the lifeless body away, revealing an Excalibur warframe with black energy pulsing on its armour as it slowly turned blue “Hey, Rhino! Get in here, I found them!” He shouted as Nekros’s vison blurred but still conscious as he felt something big grab him as he glanced to see Excalibur grabbing Valkyr as she smiled weakly ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- They ran as the alarms kept buzzing and the gun fire kept going. They were nearing the pickup point as the opened another door but the sound of guns clicking caused them to stop. “Shit,” Both Rhino and Excalibur said as they carefully sat their captives down They tried to find an escape but none could be found as they watched the corpus slowly pour in closer. “Rhino, any ideas?” Excalibur asked as he shrugged “Well we might survive, but the others…” Rhino trailed off “Yea, but we can’t let them just capture them again either,” Excalibur responded as Rhino was about to speak but the sound of painful laughter filled the area “You all made Valkyr into a monster, you turned me into a killer and caused my contractor to feel nothing but pain for weeks!” Nekros said as he walked up, his helmet attached as he dropped his Reaper “Now, you might want to start praying to your pathetic God, but spoilers, I won’t be listening,” He finished before running forwards Before the corpus could react Nekros plunged his clawed hand into the throats of two corpus as fluid spilled out from the wounds as they dropped. As the corpus began to fire Nekros dodged at blinding speeds as he leaped from one wall or pillar to the next as they tried to catch him. He then backflipped as he landed on top of one, crushing them completely. Two others managed to land hits but he just slowly turned around as he raggedly ran towards them. He slid as he grabbed their legs and pulled them down, then he stood on one of their heads as he laughed like a maniac in pain. *CRUNCH-SPLAT* Nekros then rose to his feet as the last corpus threw a shock baton into Nekros’s face as he fell back. He then did it again as Nekros tried to fight back but was caught off at every turn. Nekros then grabbed the baton by the stick as is arm convulsed in pain but he just laughed as he swiftly connected his face into the corpus’s own. He then drew his head back again and smashed the mask of the corpus’s over and over, dent after dent as the body went limp but he continued. Unrelenting rage and anger was screamed as he dropped the body and brought his hand down to his side. “GET OUT OF MY HEAD YOU BLOODY WORM!!!” Nekros roared as he plunged his hand through his helmet and through his head as he began to twist and pull, much to the spectators’ displeasure Then in the blink of an eye he wrenched a blue and silver centipede as is wriggled to break free, Nekros however gave it a look before crunching it in his hand. He panted heavily as he just looked at the chaos and death around him, but no sadness, no anger, nothing, just an empty person stood as he looked around. Then he felt his world turn and his vison entering the void. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Present Day… “-And after that he woke up in the ward, same as me, after all that he’s been with us since,” Valkyr concluded as Skyler and Trinity just stared in surprise and remorse as they pieced the entire puzzle together “So… they’re the reason he’s like this?” Trinity asked as Valkyr nodded in silence before releasing a shaky breath “It’s all my fault, if I didn’t get myself captured, maybe…” She stopped as she held her hands together “Maybe he would still be himself,” “It’s not your fault, he knew the stakes and decided to help anyways, it’s not your fault and I don’t think he would like you blaming yourself,” Skyler added as she put her hand on Valkyr’s “I feel like I’m the only one who can see that,” Nekros said as they all jumped and looked at the doorway to see him with his frown still “Pain is your friend, your ally, pain tells you your wounded, but the best part, iy tells you your alive,” Nekros spoke calmly as he slowly turned but stopped “Also, remember what I said,” Then he walked away Valkyr then remembered the words he spoke before they departed, what stuck to her no matter what happened. ‘A friend once told me that to really be strong, you first must be able to be strong for others’. So she smiled, her guilt slowly fading as she smiled at her friends. “I guess that bit of therapy was needed after all,” Trinity said happily as Skyler nodded before glancing to her right and her eyes widened slightly Valkyr was about to ask Skyler what was wrong before something covered her eyes and pulled her back. “Hey! What the hell?” She asked in annoyance as the hand pulled back and revealed one eye grinning back at her as Excalibur smiled “You worry too much, I might just consider you worse off than me,” Excalibur joked as Valkyr quickly spun around and hugged him as he winced “Ow…...” “Oops, sorry!” He quickly jumped back as he rubbed his neck, just above the massive set of bandages “No worries, just tender is all,” He reassured as he glanced at Skyler as she looked at him with anger and sadness as he prepared for an onslaught of scalding “You are the biggest idiot I’ve ever known,” She said with a smile as he just smiled sheepishly “Pretty sure someone else already took that title,” He joked as they laughed after what felt like ages, though things were ruff, there was always something great to look forward to in the end Some things however don’t stay forgotten. As one thing plagued Excalibur’s mind, the one thing that kept him aware through his coma. “Just what are you up to, Stalker?” Excalibur thought as he continued to think upon this statement ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Somewhere is Relic Hunters’ HQ “happiness is but a fairy tale,” “sadness gives way to strength,” “fear is what all beings run from,” “anger is the demon of humanity,” “surprise can only be found in times of glee,” “and disgust is what remains to be seen,” Nekros calmly spoke in the darkness that cloaked him, his hand slowly scraping across his Reaper as it sparked from the friction. His mind however focused on the screens that dotted in front of him. Most were blank but one zoomed into a shady area amongst the crowd as they watched the Stalker talk. Once he was done the shade moved and disappeared. This got Nekros to stop and look his glare intensifying. “Of all the scum to live…” he hissed as he threw his scythe into the monitor before glancing at the picture beside the screen It was of him, Excalibur, Rhino and Valkyr. Rhino was busy joking Excalibur in a vice like grip as his face turned purple. Nekros stood with his bored eyes but Valkyr smiling from behind his shoulder as her fingers pulled his cheeks up to make him smile. It was taken just 2 weeks after they escaped the hell of a research facility, but yet not a single one of them looked disheartened about it, like it never happened at all. This made Nekros smirk ever so slightly. To Be Continued… > Chapter 20 Lost In The Echo > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 20 Lost In The Echo *Location: Earth, Everfree Forest~~ ### Error, connection lost* “Lost, but know the trail, one must first walk,” Ash said calmly as he, Valkyr, Vauban followed Nekros through the Everfree “I’m with Quote boy, where are you taking us?” Vauban asked as Nekros just kept walking “The Grove,” He said simply as Vauban groaned “And~? What is ‘The Grove’?” Vauban air quoted in annoyance as Nekros just kept walking “I don’t know, but it’s close,” He said as Vauban stopped “You mean you don’t even know where we’re going!?” Vauban exclaimed as he shuffled next to Valkyr “Are you sure he’s right in the head?” “Sometimes I don’t know why he does certain things, but normally when he’s like this, it ends with him finding something beneficial,” Valkyr explained as they saw him looking over a cliff “Here we are,” Nekros said before punching the ground “But ‘They’ beat us to it,” They all joined him as they saw men in bio-hazard suits prepping gear for entering a small crack in the side of the valley. All of them had the letter ‘O’ imprinted on their gear and clothing. “Orokin.” Ash spat as they all nodded “What’s you next move in this game?” “Kill them before they enter The Grove,” Nekros explained as Vauban clapped happily but Valkyr interjected “First of all, what is this ‘Grove’? why is it so important?” Valkyr asked with a stern tone “Now not the time to explain, if you haven’t noticed,” Nekros responded, trying to avoid the question but a vice grip on his arm made him turn “Nekros, what is it?” She asked as Nekros could feel her glare on him as he sighed “The Silver Grove, the place where it all began, or at least where part of the Tenno ended,” He said calmly as they all froze “What?” Ash asked in surprise “Does Excalibur know?” “Probably as he was close to EP at the time, who knew Margulis,” Nekros began as he recalled his dream ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Please…help me….” Came the voice of a girl from the void “Who is this?” Nekros asked “I…I don’t know, my memoires are all… scattered,” She responded, as if lost “What do you remember?” Nekros asked again as he waited for a response “I can see… flowers and… trees, the sound of water calmly flowing amidst the sounds of the world around it, The Silver Grove,” She explained and sound weaker “Please. I’m afraid,” “I’ll find this ‘Grove’ just tell me where I can start,” Nekros asked as he waited “Within a cave, amongst the forest, the… Everfree…” She finished before her voice faded away ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “-So, that’s why I’m here, but you all came at your own free will,” Nekros finished as they all turned to hear someone speak up “Alright! We have direct orders from the Commander to take all data from the Grove and burn all that remains, once we connect a GPS to this location the Commander can then send a Sweeper team to destroy this place, Got it!” he said as they all nodded “Good, then move in!” “Follow me,” Ash said as he moved around the cliff and the rest followed ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- They made their way through a river leading into the cave, it was amazing, the light from the sky shined into the beautiful cave as the sound of life echoed through-out the walls. There were two natural pathways leading up to the waterfall’s end with rocks in the water, they then lead up to a pile of rocks stacked up. What was strange was it all looked un-touched by the world around it. And small blue butterflies flew around the top near the pedestal as one flew up to Valkyr as it landed on her finger. “This is beautiful,” She spoke softly as the butterfly flew away "How can such a place exist?" “I must admit it’s pretty cool,” Vauban admitted with a nod as Ash looked around at the plants “The wind is blowing, the leaves rustle in rhythm, to nature’s heartbeat,” Ash spoke as he brushed his hand on a leaf Valkyr then saw Nekros looking at the flowers that dotted the ground, all of them were different in colour and shape, but one he kept his gaze on. It was a light-blue flower with white in the center of the petals. “Neky?” Valkyr asked as he just looked at it his hand shaking ever so slightly “She liked these ones the most, they reminded her of home before the Void jump, before all this bloody chaos, such blood I can never wipe away,” Nekros said as he felt something grab his hand “We all face that truth, but the ones who can see the beauty in such chaos are the ones who can walk free of the horrors and never look back,” Valkyr said as she held his hand as he looked down then back up as he began to speak only for the sound of footsteps to catch their attention “Let’s go.” Nekros said as he along with the rest jumped down to the edge of the small plunge pool As they readied their weapons a dozen more pointed back as one of them (Most likely the leader) spoke up. “Ahh, so the Commander was right about you Tenno interfering, look we don’t want to cause a fuss, just leave and we’ll be on our way,” He said calmly as Valkyr roared as her claws glowed orange “Just to go and destroy such a beautiful place!? Fat chance!” She snapped as the others kept their ground “*Sigh* I knew this would be difficult, kill them,” He said as he clicked his fingers and they opened fire on the Tenno *CLICK-CLICK-CLICK* “Wait! Why aren’t our guns firing!?” One yelled “They’re busted!” Another shouted as 3 screamed as they lifted into the air and soon found themselves smashing into a nearby wall What stood before all of them was a (Female) Warframe, she hovered just above the ground, she held two (Lato Primes) as she stared at the leader. “You dare to harm my mother's home!? You will leave or die by my hand!” She spoke with anger as she floated in front of the Tenno “Leave.” “I’m sorry miss, but I have a job to do, Kill them!” He ordered as they switched to melee combat and ran towards the group As they ran towards Titania, she quickly rolled away as she sent a swarm of razor butterflies at one of the soldiers as some stopped and turned towards him, once they got close all 4 exploded as they flew into the dirt. Another 2 ran behind her as Valkyr quickly swooped in and diced their weapons to pieces before doing the same to their armour and kicking them both into each other. As one soldier with a firearm tried to aim his sights on one he felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see a flaming hammer uppercut him as he did a backflip and fell unconscious. Vauban then threw a ball towards a group as they instantly flew backwards and where crushed down into paste. Ash quickly swooped in a kicked one against the wall as she slid down, just then one solider came from behind and stabbed Ash, only for the blade to break as he turned and punched the man in the face as he quickly dropped to his hands and swiped the feet out from under another and landed on top of them as Ash knocked him out. "Fools who dare to dance," Ash mocked as he stood up and taunted more to attack. The leader then looked at his men, who were dropping fast as he quickly turned and ran. When he did get outside he already saw 20 men aiming at the entrance as they heard the gunfire stop. They waited as they listened to the footsteps approaching as they saw what looked like black smoke emanating from the cave as they waited impatiently for the attacker. Then they saw Nekros slowly walk out, his scythe in hand. What followed was an army of black soldiers as they walked out of the walls of the valley. They stood, weapons ready as some soldiers lowered their guards at the sight. “Leave. Now, and if you dare come back, you deal with the Reaper,” Nekros warned as 4 took his advice instantly and ran the others however open fired The Leader smiled as he watched the shadows slowly fall, one by one as Nekros walked through the ranks and moved ever so closer to the leader. Then the scream of a solider caught both Nekros and the leader’s attention as they saw blood fly and a body drop as another followed after him. “What!? What’s happening!?” He yelled as one of them turned “We don’t know! We can’t see it!” He yelled as he soon dropped also Then all that remained was Nekros and the commander as he called the shadows off. The Leader quickly pulled out a gun, similar to a Bolto as he smiled wickedly as Nekros. “This gun can bust through that tin suit of yours, so don’t even think about moving!” He ordered as Nekros stood still “I’m not the one you should be pointing that at,” he said as he pointed to the small object flying towards the Leader as he tried to run but it was too late as the figure enlarged and a twisteing (Sword) impaled him as he gasped from the impact “I told you to leave,” Titania spoke, sounding more afraid as she slowly pulled the blade out, the air falling silent as the man's dying breath echoed, then quiet sobbing filled the air “N-not again…” Titania then dropped the sword as she fell to her knees, the others slowly appearing from the cave. They all saw as her armour slowly deactivated. Then they all stared in surprise. I was just a little girl. No more than 8 years old sat on the floor sobbing. “I-I don’t- I- “She couldn’t speak as she heard footsteps behind her and quickly fell forward as she backed away “Please, stay back! Don’t hurt me,” Nekros slowly approached her as she backed up against a vehicle. Her long brown hair covered one of her eyes as she closed them in fear. What she didn’t expect was for him to kneel in front of her. “Who are you?” He asked as she looked up at him “Ti-Titania,” She responded before her eyes looked around in fear “Wait, where's my mommy? She said she’d be back soon, I-I don’t really like being alone when she leaves,” This made everyone look at each other in sadness as they all looked back at the girl. "Shit..." Vauban whispered as Ash looked at Valkyr for help as she gulped “She… she’s not-“Even Valkyr couldn’t tell her as she looked away “What? What's wrong with mommy!?” She pleaded but then felt Nekros embrace her as she tensed up before relaxing “Your mother, isn’t coming back, ever,” He said calmly as Titania gasped sharply as she then slowly began to cry into Nekros’s shoulder as Nekros tightened his grip on her slightly "No! no-no-no-no, you're lying! please... please tell me your lying!?" She pleaded as Nekros just sat still as she continued to cry They sat there for about 15 minutes as Titania cried the whole 1000 years out, after everything the Orokin did, why a child? Of all the things to ruin in this world, why did they drag her into this? Nekros then looked down at Titania as she sniveled in his chest, he then spoke as silently as he could. “I’ll protect you, if you want?” He said, this made Titania look put at him with brown eyes as she continued to cry “I know what it’s like to have everything taken from you, your life, your family, yourself,” “But an old friend of mine said once, that even if shadows is all you see and not a soul in sight can reach out, if you hold on to even the smallest glimmer of hope, then that hand will show, no matter how long, no matter how painful,” Titania then embraced Nekros even harder than he did as she cried out again. “Yes, please, I don’t want to be alone again, don’t leave me alone!” She begged as he patted her head “As long as you stop crushing my lower spine,” Nekros said as she shook her head “No… please, just a little longer,” That made Nekros sigh as he lifted her up into his arms as he turned to face the others “Right, where done here, let’s go,” He ordered as he began to walk, then slowly the others followed, all of them with questions on their minds "I don't know why, but i really wish i left an Orokin alive, just so i could slowly murder them for this," Vauban said as he swung his hammer lazily "Is such pain that gives way to violence, something irrelevant," Ash added "What?" Vauban asked in confusion as Ash sighed "This pain will only lead to more violence, something i think we can avoid for now," Ash said more normally as he shook his head in disappointment “Nekros?” Valkyr asked, her armour now deactivated as she walked beside him “Hmm?” He answered “Why did you say that to her?” She asked as he glanced and saw Titania asleep as he looked back to face Valkyr “Because my Master, my friend lost something dear to her in the past, she said to never take something so happy for granted, ever,” Nekros vaguely explained as Valkyr smiled warmly “I guess that makes you her dad now huh?” She quickly added as he raised a brow in confusion, in his head however “Dammit! Why didn’t we realize that!” “I don’t know! But I guess there’s no turning back now!” “*Sigh* fine, we’ll roll with it, but I swear if Valkyr brings up-“ “I wonder who the mom might be?” She said teasingly “Fucking bitch, she pulled the pin and threw it in our face!” “I really hate it when she does that, I guess being apathetic has it’s uses,” Then Nekros thought for a moment before answering. “I guess that wouldn’t be such a bad idea,” He answered as glanced to see Titania smiling as he sighed and focused on the long road ahead To Be Continued… ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tears are how our heart speaks When your lips can’t describe How much we’ve been hurt Titania > Chapter 21 An Orokin Secret Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 21 Part 1 An Orokin Secret *Location: Earth, Relic Hunters’ HQ, Coms Room* Excalibur, Valkyr, Rhino and Neckros all sat as they watched the screen buzz to life and an image of the Lotus appeared. “Tenno, I’m glad to hear you are all alright, especially after the Stalker… i'm sorry that i could not warn you,” She said sadly as Excalibur moved awkwardly “Past is the past, still what’s up? You seem concerned,” Excalibur asked as she quickly went back on topic “Yes, you see I have detected Orokin technology on this planet,” this got everyone’s attention “And I have discovered that it had recently activated, you mission is to retrieve any Relics from the vault and keep them secured, understood?” “Yea, yea, we got this-“Rhino began as Lotus interrupted “You are required to bring 5 Tenno with you, 2 will be waiting on the site for your arrival, good luck,” Lotus finished as the coms went dead “Is she always cryptic?” Valkyr asked as Neckros sighed and grabbed his scythe and left “Well no use thinking about it, let’s get ready!” Excalibur ordered as they all moved ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Location: Unknown, plains, Orokin Anomaly* When they arrived at the location it was an abandoned quarry as rusted excavators laid dormant, but just up ahead a few lights shined into the quarry as the team approached. But then Excalibur halted them as they went on alert. “I sense something… familiar,” Excalibur said as he walked slowly but didn’t have time to react to the stealthy attack as his airways closed in pain Everyone raised their weapons but stopped in confusion when they saw Excalibur fighting to catch his breath, the one that was currently crushing his spine and chest in a bear hug was a female warframe that resembled as (Hunter) of sorts. “Please- Ivara, can’t. breath,” Excalibur pleaded as she sighed and dropped him “Aww, but I just missed you soooo much!” She pouted as she ran over to Valkyr and hugged her quickly “Still, I can’t believe it’s you two!” “It’s great to see you too, Ivara,” Valkyr said as she helped Excalibur to his feet “So, when the Lotus meant 2 more…” Skyler trailed off as he saw the massive (Stone) warframe looming over Rhino “Oh yea, this is my other best partner in crime, Atlas!” Ivara introduced as he waved “He doesn’t talk much, but is the strongest I know!” “The strongest, hehe well sorry bud but I’m the God-killer here,” Rhino pointed out as Atlas raised his fist and punch Rhino so hard he flew through a digger “Still need work on stance,” Atlas replied as Ivara shook her head “Not again…” She mumbled before getting back on topic “So, it’s just you 6?” “6? What do you mean by-“ Excalibur paused as he turned and walked over to a nearby machine and threw it aside and saw the blue and red pixie frame looking back up as she waved “Titania…?” Excalibur said in a low voice as she flew away and hid behind Valkyr “Neckros!” Neckros then grabbed Titania and pulled her towards him as she reverted to her normal size. “Sorry… I just wanted to help, that’s all,” She said quietly as Neckros pulled her close “You made Excalibur annoyed at me, good work,” he said as she giggled “But for the time being stay close, I don’t need another lecture from Valkyr,” “What was that!?” She called as he waved his hands in defence “Anyways! We should check out this Orokin artefact,” Excalibur cut in as Ivara whistled for his attention “What is it?” “It’s… slightly bigger than you thought,” She said as she dragged the sentence out and soon all of them knew why Just above the surface of the quarry was a white spire of a tower with gold trimming, marking out a landing pad of sorts, a door, most likely a elevator sat open slightly as Ivara patted Excalibur’s back. “Just like old times, eh?” She asked as he nodded and then pushed her off the ridge “AHH, YOU ASS!” Excalibur just laughed as he jumped down afterwards as Valkyr saw Skyler mumbling to herself “What’s up Sky?” She asked as Skyler jumped “Wha-what-oh, nothing, just thinking,” She said as they followed the rest down the quarry “You think that Cal’s more interested in Ivara, no?” Valkyr summed up as Skyler looked at her, her visor glowing slightly "Honestly I can see these things to you know," “N-no! . . . yes, but why? Did they used to…” She trailed off as Valkyr giggled “What them? Na, not even close, back before… everything, she was in the same squad as me and Cal and she was a really good friend, but not anything more,” Valkyr explained “Why’s that?” Skyler asked as she felt something standing behind her “Because I’m Gay, duh!” Ivara said as they both jumped “Sorry ‘bout that,” “Oh, well sorry for well… that,” Skyler apologised as Ivara waved her off “Na, happened a lot back in the day, the amount of credits I would have for the amount of time people thought we were a thing,” Ivara said happily before snapping her fingers “I know, I’ll show you why they thought I liked some people!” “How, exactly?” Skyler asked as Valkyr backed away slightly as Ivara managed to turn Skyler’s visor off as she looked at her in surprise “How did you- “ Before Skyler could finish however, her face lit up like a lightbulb as her eyes opened wide to see a girl with long-orange hair kissing her. After a few seconds Ivara parted, leaving Skyler in a state of shock as she giggled. “Told ya!” She said as he blue eyes scanned to see the rest watching “What? Come on then, let’s keep er goin!” “I just-she-i-um,” Skyler couldn’t think as Valkyr helped her walk “Trust me, you did better than me,” She grimaced “Hmm?” Skyler answered as she rubbed her neck “She fainted, took her atleast an hour to wake up,” Ivara commented as Skyler smirked slightly “Ivara!” Valkyr screamed as she ran after the laughing girl, meanwhile Excalibur glanced at Atlas “She get you?” He asked as Atlas tilted his head “I ran out of walls to punch,” he said vaguely as Neckros just jogged slightly faster “Umm Daddy, why did Ivara kiss Skyler?” Titania asked as she walked beside him as he shook his head “Trust me, don’t ask, don’t tell,” Neckros answered as they pressed on ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Location: Orokin Vault, Floor 3 of ???* “Man, I thought that after that laser field we were done, but BAM! Out comes an army of rollers,” Valkyr commented as both Titania, Excalibur and Rhino looked physically and mentally tired “No… more… rollers…” Rhino managed to say as they lagged behind “Why would someone make something so cute, so evil!?” Titania whined as Excalibur hugged her “I know, I know, they can’t hurt us anymore,” He cried also as they entered the next elevator Once out the entire scenery changed. The room was dimly lit as broken light flickered and some stayed bright. The walls looked broken and torn, like a wild animal rip them to shreds. But what caught their attention was a broken cyropod sitting slanted by the far wall. “What the hell happened here?” Skyler asked out loud as they all investigated “Umm, Excalibur, this pod isn’t right?” Ivara pointed out as he jogged up, when he looked a massive hole was broken, as the glass was mostly on the floor “Yea, your right, it looks like someone broke in,” He added but Ivara gulped as she added “Or broke out…” She managed to say as they turned to look at the rest who were busy investigating Then both of them yelled as they saw something move in the shadows. “Atlas! Look out!” But it was too late as he turned and before he knew it, infected spores pinned him to the nearby wall as he tried to break free “Ivara!” Excalibur called as she ran off to go help him, the rest soon stood near Excalibur as they faced the direction the spores came from “It’s something infested, only it could do something li-“ “Holy Shit,” Valkyr breathed as they all looked at the ‘Thing’ that approached them It was a pale white with a purple-pink hide in some parts. It slowly walked towards them, it’s claw like fingers twitching. It was an (Infested) warframe. It scanned them as they all waited with their weapons ready. Then It ran at them. The creature ran at them as it fired another wave of infested spores as the group dodged and opened fire on it, but it was agile as it quickly jumped back into the darkness as it fired infested spores from the shadows. It then pounced at Nekros as he brought his scythe up to block as it hung onto the scythe and swung with its free hand. Valkyr then tried to use her Venka to cut it down but ended up locking blades with Nekros as the creature jumped and grabbed both their heads as it swung them flying. Rhino then roared as the creature focused on him and ran for the warframe. They locked hands as they fought for the upper hand, Rhino however was stronger as he shoved it to the ground and stood on its chest. He then brought his massive sword to arms. “I wonder, if this can kill a god…” He then slowly grazed the creature’s face “Then what will happen to you?” Rhino didn’t get the chance as It looked at Rhino in… surprise, then it swept his feet out from under him as the creature fired another ball of infested that latched to his warframe as it pinned him to a wall. Excalibur then brought his Nikana down on the creature’s arms as it blocked it in an ‘X’ pattern, the sparks flew from the contact. “Just what are you? A warframe? A infested? Or just another failed subject?” Excalibur asked as the creature to that comment as an insult as it grabbed Excalibur by the wrist and flipped him with such strength. Excalibur quickly jumped back as it fired more spores at him. Then it smashed its foot into the ground as a wall of spores and plants cornered the Tenno off, (Maggots) jumped in between the plant life as the only one within the circle who was left was. Titania, as she pointed her dual Lato primes at it. It then slowly moved towards her, its stance low to the ground as it seemed to growl. But for some reason, Titania froze. “What?! Why can’t I just fire? It hurt my friends, so why can’t I shoot it,” She thought as she just stood in silence as a thought crossed her mind, a crazy idea formed in her mind *CLANK-CLANK* This made the creature stop as it tilted its head in confusion, Titania had dropped her pistols as she stood with her guard down. Then it continued to move. “Titania! What are you doing!?” Valkyr yelled as she ignored her for the moment “I get it,” She began softly “You’ve been stuck down here for so long, no one to talk to, alone, just like me. . . just as afraid of those you meet,” The creature had almost thrown it’s claws at her, if not for them to just graze the flesh of a girl’s face, her eyes filled with sadness and kindness. The creature just froze at her sight as it slowly backed up a few inches. “Um Titania, we've discussed this, dresses can't stop cancer!” Nekros shouted but still she ignored “It’s ok, I know you’re afraid, but we didn’t come here to fight, we just wanted to find out why the Orokin hid this from the world above, I’m sorry for scaring you,” Titania said kindly as she smiled softly as it hunched down, its head low as it glanced around, then it slowly reached its hand to her, as if asking for help *BANG* Titania’s eyes widened as the creature stumbled forward and soon, it fell to the cold floor in a heap, it’s body still. Then Titania glanced up to see the smoke leaving Excalibur’s Lex. “You just-just, killed him,” She shakily said, her eyes turning from fear to anger and pain “You killed him!” “So, what? It was a parasite, it had no mind,” Excalibur said coldly as Titania looked down at the still form of the Warframe, it was just afraid, it had no one and when it felt like it had someone to help it escape, he killed him “I HATE YOU!!!” Titania screamed as she lifted her Latos and pointed them at Excalibur as some of the group gasped, Titania felt tears forming as she glared at Excalibur “Titania don’t-“Valkyr tried to say but Excalibur’s helmet already tilted as the bullet passed him with ease “TITANIA!?” “You want to run that by me again?” Excalibur said in a completely different voice as Titania dropped her guns at what she did “I’ll say this once, pull that again and trust me, you won’t be standing anymore,” He answered coldly as she ignored him and just looked back down at the creature “Titania…” Skyler said softly as she held Titania by her shoulders “I’m sorry, but we couldn’t risk you getting hurt,” But before she could respond the room shook slightly, as the sound of stone cracking echoed through-out the halls. Then the cracks appeared on the floor as the rest all looked at each other, then they tried to react but failed as the floor caved in. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Titania awoke quickly as she tried to equip her armour but it didn’t work as her focus fell upon the foul smell of rotten flesh and acid filled her nostrils. She then saw Skyler laying on the ground as her suit sparked and she groaned. Titania also saw that the other weren’t down here, only her, Skyler and the creature’s body sat in the ruined chamber. Then the sound of voices caught her attention. “Titania! Skyler! Get out of there!” Ivara yelled as they all waved from behind some fleshy net as it blocked their pathway in Then the sound of massive footsteps shook the room and its inhabitants as Skyler woke up and looked around before seeing the petrified look on Titania’s face, she followed her gaze and then her eyes widened. At this point no warframe would help. The heavy footsteps stopped as out of the shadows, a massive-fleshy scythe cut through the darkness. *ROAR-ROAR-ROAR* To Be Continued… > Chapter 21 An Orokin Secret Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 21 part 2 An Orokin Secret *Location: ???, First Person Perspective* All I saw was white and gold, chained to this capsule they called my ‘Cyropod’ but to me it was a prison, one which I could never escape. Pain I felt, truth I did not know. But now I see someone, I know her, but why is she here? When she got close, her brown eyes showed nothing but kindness and pity, then she spoke to… me. “Hey, I’m about to leave, but-but I wanted to say goodbye first,” She spoke warmly to me as I just looked back at her “You, you are the one who, who was kind, to me?” I said in an almost exhausted voice, but todays methods were just a bit too much for my void energy “Yes, that I was, but I wish I could bring you with me, but I can’t take two people with me without over using the Warframe,” She said sadly, I hated when she was sad “You called me a ‘person’, why?” I always wondered why she treated me like one of her own, and not a… monster “Why wouldn’t I? your my friend afterall!” She said happily, but what is a friend? Am I considered one? “Oh yea, I never told you,” “A friend is someone you can trust, who you can rely on when your either happy or sad, a friend is also someone who you treasure the memories you had together,” She explained, and for some reason I felt content with that “What about the little one? She kept calling me… a guardian?” I asked, she always brought a kid with her, I didn’t know what her curiosity was with me, but it was… nice “Hehehe, yea she’s fine, she actually asked if I was going to bring you but…” She trailed off as I slowly tapped the glass with my claw “It’s fine… I can endure,” I responded as she seemed to perk up a bit, but then alarms started to sound, and she quickly stood up and the armour enclosed around her, leaving her head exposed as she looked back at me “Goodbye- “ “No, don’t say goodbye, I hate… goodbyes,” I always did, I had no idea why, but I did, but she nodded at me before her helmet came online “Then, later, Nidus!” She said before running off, and once again, I was alone ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Present Day… The massive, three-headed (Infested) made its way towards Skyler and Titania as they just stared up in fear. Excalibur and the rest were trying franticly to break through the infested wall that blocked their path. Neckros was busy saying something about ‘dad’ over the noise but then the beast roared again. “Titania! Move!” Skyler ordered as she tried to but couldn’t as the beast lifted its massive scythe as it roared at her, its mouth split into 3 as the pink flesh was exposed Then it swung the Scythe towards Titania and Skyler as they both closed their eyes as they waited for the end, but what they heard instead was the sound of something heavy falling. When they looked, they saw the massive creature getting back up from the ground as it seemed to glare at their defender, to which both were surprised by. It was the infested frame from before, its wounds gone and now it stood up, staring at the creature, then I let out a high-pitched screech as they all stared in shock at the truth. It’s body armour now split and hung out from the body, giving it a more broken design, but what made them all more freaked out was the fact that it was hollow. No Tenno was inside and no controls could be seen, “Holy hell,” Excalibur said as the rest just stared in disbelief “Bro, did they make anything like that?” Valkyr asked but he shook his head “This just got interesting,” Rhino added as they watched it run for the massive creature Nidus ducked under the scythe as he used his claws to latch onto the creature’s body as he began to climb. Once he was in reach of the Orokin head he leaped and sunk his claws into its head as it screeched. Then Nidus flipped himself to come face-to-face with the creature as it roared but Nidus didn’t flinch as he grabbed it upper jaw and began to pull up, he then jumped onto its lower jaw as he kept pushing and pushing, inch by inch its maw opened wider and wider, until… *SNAP-CRUNCH-SPLAT* Then Nidus leaped from the lower jaw and into the path of the Corpus head as it headbutted Nidus into a wall as it took the opportunity to fire acidic spit at Nidus as he quickly fired an infested ball of his own as it collided with the acid. Then the spore exploded into a mass of tentacles. The tentacles then latched onto the corpus head as it roared in frustration, the grinner head began to pull away, leaving the other to the mercy of Nidus, then Nidus leaped from the hole he made and began to rip and tear at the flesh of the corpus head, until it stopped moving. Then only one remained. *SLASH-THUNK* Nidus flew towards Skyler and Titania as he stared at the massive gash in his armour, he grunted as he slowly got to his feet, the Grinner head then roared as it raised its scythe in intimidation. Nidus however lifted his hand slowly and then. . . taunted the creature forward. The beast replied as it swung the scythe towards the three. Only for Nidus to stop it dead in its tracks. The beast looked at him with anger as Nidus pulled and twisted the scythe until a shard snapped off from the flesh, the sudden loss of balance threw Lephantis back. Nidus then used his infestation to warp and corrupt the broken metal, then Nidus held a scythe with (Two) blades as he glared at the monster above him and then… "ROOOOOOOAAAAAAAAARRRRR!!!” Nidus roared as some covered their ears as the sound echoed and shook the fortress, then Nidus ran towards Lephantis as the clashed scythes Both held their own, but Nidus was running out of stamina from the last two heads he… eliminated. Then he saw the pink flesh inside the grinner head as he thought of a plan, then a voice entered everyone’s head, it was broken and distorted as they listened. “You betray your own flesh for these… creatures? Join us, become our flesh again!” It groaned as Nidus silenced the voice by throwing another tentacle ball behind Lephantis The ball then lashed out as it strangled the infested creature as it began to cut away at the bonds. Nidus wasn’t going to let it escape, he then ran towards the creature again as it roared and swung the scythe down, Nidus however leaped at the last second. He then caught the infested off-guard as he ran along the scythe as Nidus leaped into the jaws of the beast as it tried to crunch him into paste. Nidus however used his scythe to pierce through the top jaw as Lephantis roared in agony. Nidus then used his hand and blasted some infested spores into the throat of the creature as he saw the Maggots run rampant in its throat, gross, but effective as Lephantis swung its neck, freeing Nidus, and his scythe as he landed on his feet, the Scythe bent around him an arch. He then swung it forwards as the two heads of the scythe flung from the staff as they spun towards the creature, spilling acid everywhere as it began to hack its way through the creature’s neck. *SHINK-SPLAT-BOOM* The head then exploded as the massive body went limp and fell to the floor with a massive thud, then the room when silent as the infested net slowly rotted away, letting the others through. Nidus then hunched back as he glared at Excalibur. “Round two then,” Excalibur agreed as he drew his Lex but then Titania blocked his path “If you touch him I’ll kill you,” She said in an apathetic voice as Neckros fist-pumped in the background, this got Excalibur to shake his head and lower his gun “Are you-“ She then saw Nidus, his scythe on his back, walking over to the pod as he ran his claws along it’s golden shell, then he broke the side of it off as he fished around for something. Then he got back up and slowly made his way to Titania as some of them rested their hands of their weapons as he lifted Titania’s arm up quickly and began to fiddle with the pieces he had, then he jumped back as it looked like a bracelet. “What is this?” She asked in confusion as he pointed to his head “My armour?” He nodded as she tried to use transference, then, she felt the connection appear again, but before she activated it, she heard a strange person mumbling to himself. “-Shoot me? Bloody void dweller…” She then looked at Nidus as he kicked the dirt around as her eyes widened “Is… is that you?” She asked as he turned and the others all watched in confusion “Yes… it is… nice… to see you again, girl,” He said as Titan tilted her head in confusion as he sighed “You have memory loss… cryo-stasis can do that,” “I knew you?” Titania asked in amazement as he nodded and she smiled and tried not to laugh “Sorry, I’m still trying to regain my memories! But… what are you, if you don’t mind me asking?” “I am a Warframe/Infested hybrid, I do not know of my… creation, other than those annoying golden men… always pain… always afraid, you… you called me a ‘Guardian’, she… she called me a… ‘Friend’,” Nidus responded as Titania’s eyes widened as she jogged closer to him as he backed up “You knew my Mommy!?” She asked as he looked at her before nodding as she smiled “Sadly… she left me and never returned… good. This place is nothing like a… home… she took you with her… gave you her warframe… and now… here we are,” Nidus explained before the sound of whistling caught their attention “Sorry to interrupt your one-sided conversation, but what is it?” Nekros asked as Nidus hissed at him “Touched a nerve,” “’He’ has a name Daddy! What was it?” She asked as she waited then turned back “Ni-Nidus, that his name,” “Nidus, huh?” Skyler said outload as Ivara kept patching her side up “Well for what it’s worth, thank you for the rescue,” Titania then looked back again. “He says no problem, that and sorry for the attack, he thought we were here to take him back to the Orokin,” Titania explained as he hissed at the name, then pointed at Excalibur as his arm broke into pieces for a short time “Oh um… he also said that if you try to shoot him in the head again, he’ll- “Nidus!” Titania barked as he waved her off “Just don’t do it again, please?” Excalibur sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck before answering. “Fine, sorry for pulling the trigger on you, I just hate the infested and well… sorry for confusing you with one,” Excalibur apologised as Nidus nodded “So, what now? I mean if he’s what was down here, then our mission is cleared,” “I guess, but we can’t lock him up, he’s alive and the most reliable Tenno we met!” Ivara added as the nodded “A Tenno is a person like them, not me, I’m a biological monster,” Nidus grumbled as Titania grabbed his hand as he tried to back away again, but met her eyes “You are not a monster, you're my friend, we all might have started off bad, but if you were a monster, then you wouldn’t have saved my friends,” Titania explained as he looked at her with the same look he gave his old friend all those years ago “You-you really see me as a… friend?” He asked again as she nodded and even Ivara joined his side with a pat on the back “Hey, even if Titania is the only one that can hear you, consider me a friend, you seem badass enough to tackle a monster like that!? Then your cool in my books!” Ivara said happily as he nodded “He said thank you,” Titania said before looking at him before pointing out “Oh and she’s Ivara, that’s Excalibur, Atlas, Skyler, Valkyr, my Dad, Nekros and Rhino,” They all either waved or asked him questions as Titania translated before they decided to move after nearly 2 hours. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Location: Orokin Tower, top floor, entrance* After Atlas and Rhino pried the doors open, sunlight entered the old building as they all clapped for their freedom, Titania was still walking before seeing Nidus just staring at the sun as he stood still. “Nidus?” She asked “What is that? It looks… nice… bright… but nice,” He said as she smiled and grabbed his hand “It’s called the sun, it’s what shines down on the world at day,” She explained as Nidus still stood still as she looked up at him “I promise, you’ll not have to be alone anymore, none of us are now,” “But what if I’m seen for the monster I am? Just like they said all those years ago,” Nidus said in a low voice as Titania began to pull his arm towards the door as he followed “Then I’ll still stand by you! After all that’s what friends are for!” She said as she smiled, Nidus didn’t know why, but he felt something lift off of him, something made him want to go towards the light more Then he ran passed Titania as she saw him run ahead, she smiled warmly as she ran neck and neck with him. “Nope, I’m not being beaten by you!” She challenged as he leaped ahead “hey! That’s cheating!” “You didn’t say I couldn’t,” he Countered as she grinned and ran after him, to her, she had a new friend To Nidus, he was free. To Be Continued… Never say Goodbye If you never do It means that you’re never gone Nidus > Chapter 22 2 Sides of the Coin > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 22 2 Sides Of The Coin *Location: Earth, Canternlot Park, Day 1 of festival* Every year the Festival of Life is celebrated with a lot of anticipation. It's a holiday associated with remembering those who had fallen to protect peace in the world, random acts of kindness and helping strangers. It is officially celebrated over five days, but preparations normally start weeks before. Right now, as many people laughed and talked, many played the variety of games and stands available, two people moved through the crowd. Valkyr was wearing a black skirt with a black jacket, underneath she wore an orange shirt and had orange and black shoes. Nekros walked beside her, his usual black and grey attire clothing him in almost every shadow as his frown hid behind a black cloth around his mouth. “So… what shall we do first!?” Valkyr asked as they stopped and Nekros glanced around, his mind still on the conversation a while ago ------------------------------------------------------------- Before… “So, you sure you got this? I mean, we can’t really back out now,” A voice in Nekros’s head said with concern “Well, what are we supposed to do? Just cut her down like a corpus scum!?” Another yelled as they all glanced at Valkyr as she waited for an answer, her face red as an apple “Fuck it! Just-just say yes! It’s not like you don’t li-“The voice was silenced as something knocked it out “Just say yes,” another responded as the sound of muffled screams could be heard ------------------------------------------------------------- “I think we should try the shooting range, either that or continue to browse the stalls,” Nekros suggested as Valkyr nodded as they walked over, but just out of the corner of Nekros’s eye he could see the shadows following him “Well, you haven’t fucked up yet, so that’s a start,” The voice of Excalibur said through the earpiece as the sound of two others fighting came onto the mic “Hey! Stop pushing! It’s not a movie, you know!?” Snapped Nox as two slaps echoed out and both him and the voice of Volt groaned “Will you two stop bickering? I doubt Nekros likes this,” Frost responded as the two stopped arguing “How are things going?” “Smooth-ish,” Nekros whispered as Valkyr pulled at his jacket “What’s up…” Nekros trailed off as he saw the score had beaten the high score of everyone else, many looked stunned as she grinned, her eyes half-lidded “Try beat that, reaper?” She dared as Nekros just huffed and grabbed the gun waiting on the desk as the game came to life, it was a simple point and shoot, so not anything he couldn’t handle Nekros waited as his eyes narrowed and his gripped tightened and then the gun shot sounded and the target began to move, he quickly gunned them down at blinding speeds, but not too fast to raise suspicion, as his eyes acted like homing beacons and he turned like clockwork as they got faster and faster. Then he saw a golden figure dashing across the top, then disappeared into a tunnel and out the middle, so he waited for it, many watched as it vanished and appeared at the bottom, it neared the final tunnel. *BANG* *WINNER* He had beaten the most difficult target to hit, many didn’t even breath as the owner just looked impressed as he walked over. “So, what will it be!?” he asked calmly as Nekros glanced around and saw a mini grim reaper and pointed, the man nodded and gave it to him as he turned to see Valkyr, she mouth agape as Nekros walked passed and pushed her jaw back up “Don’t choke on a fly,” Then he continued to walk as Valkyr slowly turned to follow, then her ear buzzed in annoyance “What was that!? Come on, Valkyr! Anty up!” Ember roared at her as she sighed “I mean, you can’t show weakness, you need to act like you weren’t impressed, otherwise he’ll see right through you!” “Sorry…” She mumbled as Mag came on the coms “That was rather impressive though, I mean, they just fell like dominos,” She added with a whistle “Remind me not to challenge him to a marksman game, ever.” Mesa chimed in as giggling could be heard “Never mess with my, daddy!” Titania said with glee as Valkyr smiled and both continued onwards ------------------------------------------------------------- Later… “This seems fun,” Nekros said as he stopped and looked at the two people currently fighting in a ring as many watched, then Nekros side-stepped as the man flew passed him “Well, that’s that! Who dares to enter the ring next to test their strength!?” The announcer spoke as many mumbled to themselves “What a waste of carbon, maybe i-“ Nekros began as his ear rung “She’s already gone, Nekros,” Frost said as he looked and saw her approaching he ring, so he shrugged and sat down “You really wanted to fight, didn’t you?” “No fair.” Nekros sighed as he waited “Hey buster! I want in!” Valkyr shouted as she jumped into the ring “Are you sure about this miss? I mean, look at the guy!” The announcer asked as she looked at the near athlete in front of her “Na, I’ll be fine,” She said as Valkyr walked up to her spot “Ok everyone! The undefeated champion vs.-“ “Berserker,” Valkyr added happily “The Berserker! Let the round commence!” He yelled as the two squared off The man ran faster than Valkyr expected as she dodged the man’s swings as he kept her on the defensive. Valkyr was now already against the ropes as she felt an arm grab hers as she gasped from the punch to her stomach. The man left no room to react as Valkyr was thrown across the arena as she rolled, the man turned only to see the girl back up and grinning, the crowd was now going wild as she taunted him. “My turn to light things up,” She spoke as she ran head first The man went to grab her but Valkyr slid underneath his legs as she backflipped onto his back and began to throw punch after punch into him. She then leaped off as he turned but Valkyr threw fists into his chest as he stumbled back, then Valkyr cartwheeled as her foot connected with the man’s jaw and sent him crashing. He soon got up, his face contorted with rage as he spat a tooth out and Valkyr looked just fine. “I don’t normally hit girls, by the way!” She mocked as this tipped the edge as he ran at her, full force Valkyr waited as he got near inches from her as she pushed on his stomach and grabbed his shirt as she, to everyone’s surprise, lifted the man off his feet and brought his face clean into the floor with a massive thud. The crowd went wild as they saw the body of the man lying still as the announcer ran over with glee and lifted her arm into the air as Valkyr smiled brightly. “The Berserker has beaten the Champion!!!” He yelled as Valkyr glanced down to see Nekros clapping as she laughed Nearby however a group of girls were smiling as they watched the show, and just behind the same wall a group of boys were handing their money over to Excalibur as he grinned from ear-to-ear. “Told ya she’d win!” Both Ember and Excalibur said as everyone’s eyes widened as they jumped out and yelled “What are you doing here!?” “Me! I’m here doing important Relic Hunter, stuff!” Excalibur made up as Ember rolled her eyes “What are you doing here!?” “Umm guys?” Mesa tried to call but none of them listened as they continued “Guys!” Once again they ignored her as Mesa groaned and turned to Valkyr and Nekros who were watching the scene, Valkyr’s face was pure red and Nekros just face palmed. “Just go,” Mesa whispered as she pointed to the tree line before smiling “Nice performance, by the way!” ------------------------------------------------------------- Somewhere else . . . Nekros and Valkyr had found themselves hidden behind some trees after bailing on the gang arguing with each other, both of them looked at each other before Valkyr began to laugh and Nekros smiled. “That was really awkward!” Valkyr giggled as Nekros nodded and sat down against a tree “Let’s both agree that we suck at asking people out, agreed?” Nekros asked as Valkyr sat down beside him “Yep. Totally. suck!” She added with a laugh They both then sat in silence as they stared up at the night sky, then Valkyr sighed, which prompted Nekros to turn, she looked nervous, but he didn’t know why. “Nekros?” She asked as titled his head “I-I have something to ask you, if that alright?” She then began to blush “Sure.” He said simply, still no emotion in his voice “Do-do you… you... um...” She stuttered as she gulped “Like… me?” “Depends, is it the same to you?” He asked as she looked at him, as he still looked as calm as ever as she slowly nodded “No, I just got a centipede shoved into my skull for shits and giggles. . . I’m joking,” Nekros then bluntly added as Valkyr looked at him in surprise “I’m not that oblivious, besides I suck at showing feelings, as you know, so it was more on the lines on waiting on you,” Valkyr then put her head between her legs as she sighed. “All this time, you knew?” She asked but knew he nodded “This is so degrading!” Nekros then silently sighed as he lifted her head up from her legs as he gave her a peck on the cheek, this made her freeze as her face grew even redder. Nekros then got up and held his hand out to Valkyr. “Small steps, and besides, it’s cute when you tried to hide it,” He said with a smirk as she smiled and took his hand Then they began to walk back to the fairgrounds as Valkyr hugged him closer. “Thank you, so much,” She whispered “Just doing what I can,” Nekros responded, on the other hand he was busy screaming in his head as many smaller versions of him ran around in a panic, one however shrugged “Still a better love story than Twilight,” To Be Continued . . . > Chapter 23 Dangling On Strings > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 23 Dangling On Strings part 1 *Location: Earth, Fairgrounds, Night 2* Excalibur was walking through the streets with Skyler and her little sister as they made their way to the fairgrounds. After last night’s incident, the group promised to never speak of it again, which was difficult when Skyler questioned him, a lot. “Is it really that bad?” Cora asked as Excalibur whimpered as Skyler just glared at him “I can’t use my Warframe, unless I tell her,” Excalibur explained “What’s so bad about that? Just tell her, my sis can be a bit… stubborn,” Cora responded as Skyler smacked her on the back of the head “Ow! My point made,” Excalibur then leaned in close as and whispered it to her as Cora’s eyes widened before whistling. “You’re dead.” She added bluntly as he nodded, then his phone buzzed “This better not be Volt, or I swear,” Excalibur groaned as he answered the phone “Hello-“ Skyler and Cora kept walking as they then noticed Excalibur still standing still, they both turned back as Skyler looked at him with irritation. “What could it be now?” She asked but then saw the scared look on his face, nothing but anger and terror as Skyler’s expression changed to one of fear “Cal? What is it?” He slowly hung up the phone as he clicked his figners and his armour consumed him, he then brought his Skana out as Skyler looked right at his visor. “Excalibur! What’s wrong!?” She asked with worry “Equip your armour, now.” He said hollowly as she raised a brow “Why?” She asked back as Cora just looked around to make sure no one was around “They have one of our teammates,” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Somewhere in Canternlot. . . When Excalibur arrived with Skyler, he brought Nekros, Valkyr and Rhino with him as they landed on the road. Many people had come to view the commotion and before them all was the Tenno. And the commander. “Good to see you again, Tenno leader!” Blitz welcomed as Excalibur walked forward but guns clicked and he stopped “Sorry, can’t risk our little deal ending in blood,” “Give our friend back!” Excalibur snapped as he clicked his fingers, not taking his eyes off the Tenno When the men approached, the Tenno gasped, she was covered in blood from her wounds, her helmet was broken and revealed her face, nothing but fear was written all over it. “Tri-Trinity? It’s gunna be ok, just hold on,” Excalibur reassured as she looked but a gave a small nod and smile “Now, for your end of the bargain, one piece of your fine equipment! Nothing much for a little soul,” Blitz said casually as Excalibur looked back and saw Nekros clenching his fist Valkyr’s finger twitched and Rhino held his shotgun tight, Excalibur then sighed as he threw his Lex over to him, it skidded to a halt at Blitz’s feet as he picked it up and inspected it. “A fine gun, should help for the cause,” He said happily “Now. Give. Her. Back.” Excalibur said sternly as he shrugged “Ok, ok, I get your angry, so let her go!” He ordered as the men shoved her forward as Trinity got to her feet and slowly made her way over “One small problem,” *BANG* "NO!!!" Many screamed out as they saw the smoke trail from the Lex “You didn’t say alive,” He spoke coldly as they all stared in shock and even some spectators gasped at the sight, Trinity slowly reached her hand out but then went limp as Excalibur slid forward and grabbed her “No! dammit, No!” He yelled as he tried to hold the wound shut, his armour now staining with blood “Trinity! Trinity!!” Excalibur then saw her rest her hand on the side of his mask, a smile still on her face. “I’m sorry,” She whispered as Excalibur felt something sting in his chest “Goodbye…” Then her arm fell onto her lap, and the air was silent, no one dared speak as Valkyr and Skyler sobbed quietly. Then they all looked up to the sound of laughing. “You see! these freaks aren’t so tuff! We bloody ripped through her armour after about 30 minutes, but I guess she’s just another waste of life, a shame, real shame,” Blitz commented as he clicked his fingers Behind Skyler and man appeared and pinned her to the ground as he held a gun to her head. The other didn’t dare move as guns pointed at them. “I guess you’ll all have to make do,” Blitz grinned as he saw Trinity’s body rest on the ground and Excalibur standing up “So, you treat life like an object? You dare to spit on life’s great gift like your own prize,” He said hollowly as he dashed towards the man holding Skyler down and shoved his fist right through the man’s chest as he gasped “You will all die here,” Excalibur finished as he clapped his hands together and formed his energy sword, pure black, just like the night Excalibur then dashed towards another as he tried to aim but found his arm to be missing as he screamed, then his other arm was sliced clean off as blood flew, then he froze as Excalibur sliced his torso from his waist as it slid slightly but Excalibur kicked the top half flying towards the pavement. Many either ran or screamed as they watched Excalibur hack and slash at the soldiers as they fell, one-by-one. Excalibur then finished one off by grabbing the sides of his head and crushing his skull as the sound of flesh and bone tore and cracked. Then only Blitz remained as Excalibur turned to face him, raising his sword in his direction. “Your next, you are just like the Orokin, murders, torturers, thinking they are pure and we are the dirt, not anymore,” Excalibur spoke, his words cold as ice as they pierced into the soul of Blitz but he raised the Lex and fired Nothing. As Excalibur kept moving, Blitz then unloaded all the shots into Excalibur as they tore right through his armour, but all they did was make him walk faster. Excalibur was then face to face with Blitz as he grabbed his wrist and broke it. “Pathetic,” Excalibur spat as Blitz grabbed his knife and threw it into Excalibur’s neck, his did nothing He watched in horror as Excalibur slowly twisted and pulled the knife out of his neck and threw it. He then leaned down and grabbed his Lex, before cutting the armour right off Blitz’s chest as he fell back from the shock. Excalibur then kicked back a few feet and into a wall. His sword then disappeared as he reloaded the Lex, Blitz then felt unimaginable pain course through his leg as he felt the bullet pass through. Then another strike of pain in his other leg as he grit his teeth. Excalibur then lined it up before something grabbed him from behind. It tightened around his armour as he was about to attack but heard sobbing. “Just stop, please stop, no more killing,” Skyler begged as Excalibur looked back and saw the others just staring at him and through their helmets he knew they all looked terrified, of him Excalibur hand shook as he fought against all the rage that had built up. “He will pay!” “In prison, but killing him, won’t make the pain stop, please,” Skyler begged as she buried her face in his armour Excalibur then looked at his armour, coated in so much blood, just like before and here he stood once more, he was a monster, a freak with no sense, for now atleast. He fired his Lex. Then all turned to the massive hole in the wall beside Blitz as he froze from the attack then his gaze hardened. “Come on! Finish me off! You know you-“ “NO!!!” Excalibur snapped, as he looked around and only they remained, the streets were clear and the sound of sirens could be heard, then his helmet and armour deactivated “Enough blood has been spilt, and you will die for them all,” Excalibur then held Skyler close as he felt tears fall down his face. Rhino held onto Trinity’s body tightly as Valkyr ran up and held Excalibur close as he slowly and shakily walked away. “Neckros. . . Sick him!” Excalibur ordered as he clicked his finger and the remaining bodies of the soldiers glowed with shadows as they slowly crawled over towards the Commander as he watched in fear “Chow Time!” Nekros spoke coldly as he walked away ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “When the police and reinforcements arrived, only bloody stains could be found, no evidence of bodies were recovered and the military organization ‘Orokin’ was shut down.” “Many say the Tenno were responsible, but that one of their own members was murdered after trying to gain her back.” “All we can do now is honour the deaths of the military and even the Tenno’s ally and may they all rest in peace,” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “Aww come on! There’s no way I could have won!” Said a male voice from the distance void as he huffed and another voice laughed “You lost, so that means you own me dinner tonight!” Came a cheery female voice as the other groaned “Why can’t you just go with Valkyr!?” The boy snapped in annoyance “Because its way more fun to see you try! Besides I already did that with Stalky, so it’s your turn!” She responded, this made him cry out in fear even more > Chapter 24 Bets We Make > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 24 Bets We Make *Location; ???, 1 year since Void Jump Escape* Just on the edge of a grassy cliff. Above a golden city that shined like the heavens. A willow tree stood as old as the land itself as it shook from the impact of an object. *THUD* *THUD* *THUD* “Are you done?” Came a dull voice as the thudding stopped and the tree stopped shaking “Leave me alone Stalker, ive got frustration to vent out,” a younger Excalibur responded as he turned to face a younger Stalker “Or you’re trying to think of something, but I doubt that’s what you’re up to,” Stalker added as Excalibur rolled his eyes and sat down “No, it’s about the bet, if that’s what you’re wondering,” Excalibur sighed as Stalker sat down too as he blew his red hair out of his face “It’s about the Void Jump, isn’t it?” He asked as Excalibur nodded “Almost an entire year since that day, not a moment goes by where we all don’t think about it,” “But why does it feel so ‘wrong’, we still haven’t figured out why someone did this to us, why we survived and no one else did, I’m such an idiot!” Excalibur yelled as he punched the dirt and Stalker just looked at him “What do you mean by ‘I’m such an idiot’? not that you aren’t,” Stalker asked as he earned a light punch for the insult “You know how all the children were chosen due to their more ‘Special abilities’?” Excalibur asked as Stalker thought about it “Yes, they had categories, strength, speed, intelligence, etc., what about them?” He asked back as Excalibur faced the ground at his feet “I’m not any of them,” He spoke hollowly as Stalker’s eyebrow raised in confusion “You mean you all snuck in?” He asked as Excalibur got to his feet and looked over at the horizon, his feet only inches from the cliff edge “We had nothing, no home, no money, nothing but each other, so when we found out about the transport taking kids like us with ‘special abilities’ and their families out of the warzone, we jumped at the chance,” Excalibur explain as he looked down at his hands “And we paid the price, now we’re all freaks of nature, and I’m just the reject rat who joined the party,” Excalibur hissed as he looked at the golden city below “You know it’s not your fault, your family couldn’t have known about The Jump, none of us did,” Stalker answered as he tried to reassure Excalibur as he yelled “STOP SAYING THAT!!!” He barked as Stalker kept his steely glare “’I’ told my family about the ship! ‘I’ convinced my own sister to come with me! And in the end, ‘I’ killed my parents when they all went insane! With the fucking powers the void gave us!” Excalibur yelled as he fell to his knees “Every day, as the year came full circle, I never forget what I did, I’ll never remove the blood from my hands, I’m nothing but a rat,” Excalibur finished as he looked back at the horizon again “You’re wrong,” A new voice came from behind him as Excalibur felt something grab his jacket and thrown him backwards as he skidded to a halt He looked to see Stalker hanging from the tree as he watched the girl approach. Her hair was long and orange, her blue eyes however glared at Excalibur as she stomped over and grabbed his shirt and pulled him up to his feet. She then pinned him to the tree as he just stared at the girl with fear. “You think we all haven’t suffered? Well you’re wrong!” She barked as Stalker poked her “Ivara, now isn’t the time,” Stalker tried to stop her but she kept going “I know you lost your parents, most of us did, but I lost my brother and sister to the void, I know that It hurts, and I know it feels so empty inside, but if I keep doubting myself, it would never bring them back,” Ivara explain as tears built up in the corners of her eyes “We have a home now, friends that we can count on, so please, don’t let this haunt you,” She finished as she rested her head on Excalibur’s chest as he frowned and rested his head up agenst the tree as he stared at the leaves “She’s right, we’re all here for you, never forget that,” Stalker said with a smirk as he looked back before falling from the tree as the others looked “That was quite the speech, Ivara,” Said a man in a (Golden Warframe) Warframe, his Syandana blowing in the light breeze as they looked at him in surprise “EP, what are you doing here!? I thought you were out on another mission?” Excalibur asked as he helped Stalker to his feet “You’re right, but we just returned and I rather see what 4 of my most trouble making Tenno are up to on this fine day?” EP responded as they all looked at each other before Ivara spoke up “Umm… nothing really, just, well, chatting, yes! Chatting!” She answered hesitantly as EP’s helmet deactivated and they all saw his brown eyes looking at them skeptically “I heard everything.” He spoke simply as they frowned and Excalibur just kept his gaze down “E5- I mean, Cal, I do believe you should take their words to heart,” “I have… I just don’t know how long it’s going to take to sink in,” He replied as he looked up with confusion “I just… wished I could fix things, make them better,” “We all do, but we can’t change the past, but the future is never set, not as long as you can see your path,” EP explained as his helmet covered his face again, his brown hair disappearing also “But, if you’re all done moping, there is a party to celebrate this day, for all we lost and for what we gained. Feel free to join us when you have the time,” EP offered as he began to walk away “Isn’t the party you’re heading to only for Primes though?” Stalker asked as EP looked back as he laughed “Who said I couldn’t invite some guests?” He asked as they all smiled brightly and decided to follow him towards the city “Excalibur?” Ivara asked as she pulled him back “What’s up?” He asked as she hugged him, much to his surprise “We’re here for you, got it?” She asked as he smiled and returned the gestor “Got it.” Excalibur answered as they heard a whistle “Hey, Romeo! Hurry it up already!” Stalker called as they both laughed and ran to catch up ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Location; Research Hub, Bio Lab* “Mam! All preparations for the experiment are in place, but, we need to move ahead of schedule, but we have no test subjects ready yet,” One scientist explain as a woman walked up with a bored look on her face “Then just use one of the testing squads for next week, I should be simple, cause an accident, leak info to the enemies, anything! Just make. It. Happen.” She ordered as she glared at the man “But, what about the others finding out?” He asked as she smiled wickedly “They don’t need to know, they haven’t found out about the ‘Nidus’ project, so this should be a walk in the park. But still keep an eye on that ‘Girl’, she’s been seeing that ‘Thing’ lately and I rather not risk an outbreak,” She ordered with slight disgust “What Warframe Squad should be test? The outcome from any of them could be random,” Another asked as she thought about it before clicking her fingers “I say… Excalibur’s team, that should be an… interesting result,” She hissed as the others looked at each other before continuing with their work “So… what should be the cause of the accident, mam?” Another asked as the woman walked up and looked at the monitor before focusing on one screen that showed a red (Symbol) with a 'WARNING' tag below it The others looked at the location her eyes fell on and they gasped. “Mam! You-you can’t be serious!? That’s going too far, even for-“ *BANG* The man dropped like a rock as the blood covered the white-marble floor quickly as some screamed and she sighed as she holstered her Lato Prime. “Someone clean this up?” She groaned as she approached a holding cell as it looked pitch black, the blue energy buzzing in front of her “For now though, ready the bio hazard, I want this plan in action by the end of the week, any objections, then take a good look at the corpse on the floor,” The sound of typing and mumbling made her smiled as she pressed her hand on a hand=pad and the door opened. When she entered the dark room, she stopped in front of a cryo-pod as she smiled. “Time to put you to work, but don’t worry,” She spoke with venom as she touched the pod “You’ll be going somewhere, were they’ll never find you,” Inside the pod, a creature sat in silence as it watched the woman laugh. “Shut up… you witch,” the creature spoke as she turned to face it with surprise “You… you can, speak!?” She sounded startled as the creature’s low, broken laugh made her blood boil “Some scientist you are, try to figure it out,” he snarled as she regained her focus “I see, you’re using the communicator in the pod, smart, for a parasite, but none the less, you will help us, and the death of Excalibur and those mutated freaks of the void will be on your hands,” She spat as she walked away “Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.” The creature sung as the cell closed once more, encasing him in darkness once more, a darkness which he loved To Be Continued… > Chapter 25 No Safe Haven part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 25 part 1 No Safe Haven *Location: Earth, Abandoned Reactor Plant, Night* The old, rusted building sat still in the moonlight as it casted a gloom glow upon the old Reactor as the calm wind blew through the massive holes in the facility. The shadows danced to the moonlight as one moved like the wind as it cleared area after area, in a fell swoop. It then stopped as it stepped out of the shadows and looked around the cleared area around him, his black helmet clicked as he felt the radiation spike slightly as he sighed and looked around the dirt. “Hmm… something is wrong, why isn’t the reactor here?” Nekros thought as he looked at his mini map and checked again. “Did I miss it?” Then before he could think more clearly, he heard something, just audible sound out. He spun around and pointed his Lex in that direction. “Come out. Now.” He ordered as he saw a silvery-grey (Grineer) manifest from the shadows, it’s massive rocket launcher pointed at Nekros *Translation Engaged* “Tenno, stand down,” It ordered as Nekros went to speak but stopped as he sighed “Surrounded, huh?” he spoke up as he saw many more Bombards emerge from the shadows, their weapons raised high One however had an (Aura) pulsing on its armour as Nekros felt weakened by its gaze as he fell to his knee. It was a highly advance Grineer, an Eximus. Nekros felt his energy drain from his body as he heard their weapons click. *BANG* *FWOOSH- FWOOSH- FWOOSH- FWOOSH- FWOOSH- FWOOSH- FWOOSH- FWOOSH* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Location: Relic Hunters’ HQ, hours after ambush, Coms Room* All the Tenno waited in silence as Excalibur walked back and forth, his face showing more fear than most. They all watched the monitors as the news kept round-the-clock footage of the mysterious Fortress made of Grineer ships hover over the city. it stuck out at odd angles and a massive tower protruded from the center. Then all the screens, all across the globe turned to static as they buzzed to life, and the image of a grotesque (Grineer) appeared on the screen, her face showed no remorse, only malice and spite. “Attention mu beautiful audience! This is the Kala De Thaym, your host for my games!” She declared as the sounds of cheering filled the background “Now, now, I’m not here to conquer your pitiful world, I’m just here to provide my entertainment to all! You see, I wish to make a bet with your ‘Tenno’ pets, nothing more!” “It rather simple, all I require is for ‘Some’ of the Tenno to enter my complex, once inside you may you any means to find your lost teammate, and hostages that I had… gathered, to spice things up!” her voice made Excalibur’s skin crawl as the all stared “And don’t worry, to all that wish to see how my amazing performance, I will be offering you all a view of what my Executioners are made of shortly,” “Oh, and before I forget, you better choose wisely ‘Tenno’ for it will be the last decision you’ll ever make!” she then sighed off as the screens viewed a massive area as Excalibur smashed the screen “I’ll kill her! I bloody kill her!” He swore as he turned and faced his friends as they all awaited his orders, most looked heartbroken and others determined “I won’t force anyone to risk their life, but I do require someone to help me, I want to rescue those captives and Nekros as quick as I can, any who stand in our way will get no mercy,” Excalibur explained as Vauban walked up “Well, you’ll need someone to give you the most direct path, if you wish to succeed, so I’ll provide support from here,” Vauban said happily as Excalibur nodded and he got to work Then he saw 4 hands raise. Mag, Volt, Valkyr and Rhino, he nodded as they all prepared for the assault. The rest decided to watch the coverage to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. Then after going through the plan one more time, the headed out. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Later… “And another point to the Tenno! That makes over 1000 Grineer soldiers down, but how much longer can they keep this up!? Only time will tell!” Kala’s voice boomed as they continued on their war path "Will you just shut the hell up already!!?" Valkyr yelled in frustration as she ran "I wonder how she'll feel after i give her a welcoming with my 'Beautiful' shotgun?" Rhino wondered as she reloaded the weapon They all stopped at a crossroads as two more Grineer appeared but were too slow as Rhino grabbed the two by their throats and threw them into the air. Volt, then fired an electrical attack as they fell to the floor. “Now, where do we go?” Rhino asked as they all looked around “Ok, Mag and Volt, go left, Rhino, go right, Valkyr, you’re with me!” Excalibur ordered as they all nodded and parted ways ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Volt and Mag* “This just keeps going! How big is this place!?” Volt groaned as they approached another door “I don’t know, but this is the last door, after this, we’ll have to turn back,” Mag reminded Volt as Mag worked away at the console They both waited in silence as Mag worked away at the terminal. Volt just stared at his feet as he chirped up. “Hey, Mag?” He asked in a calm voice as she kept her gaze on the terminal “Yes?” She responded “I just wanted to tell you… sorry,” He finished as she stopped with the terminal and faced Volt “Why? What are you apologising for?” She asked as he looked up at the ceiling “For all the crap, I do, you know, bad puns, annoying you and everyone else, and to be honest, I’m as about as useful as a Oberon when it comes to fighting… so… sorry,” He said sadly as he looked down at his gun Volt knew he wasn’t as strong as the others, heck after Excalibur freed him, he expected him to boot him off planet, but why Excalibur said ‘You’re a good ally to have’ still bothered him. Then Volt looked up at Mag hugging him as he froze, then she let go as she kept her hands behind her back. “You’re not useless, you’ve helped us before, and plus, your puns maybe annoying… but it’s cute whenever you keep doing it, even if everyone else beats you down about it. That’s what makes you, you,” Mag explained as Volt laughed “Hehe, thanks,” He thanked as she giggled Then they both saw the door behind them fly open, and a more massive room, most likely the storage room, opened as they shrugged and ran inside. Both were confused as to why nothing was in the room, but then the speakers came to life. “Welcome to the storage level! As you can see, this place is rather vacent, but don’t worry, I plan to make it extra packed!” Kala hissed as the heard the door close behind them as it glowed orange “Dammit! We’re locked in!” Mag yelped as Volt cursed as she turned and saw all the (Grunt) Grineer approaching as (Gunners) stood on the upper floors “You see, only one of the ways in the crossroad leads to your friend, the others were all traps! Sadly that bulky one escaped, along with the hostages, but I wonder how long you’ll last!? Goodbye!” Kala then went dark Volt and mag raised their guns as they open fired at the Grineer as the gunfire rang out, turning the place into a blood bath. “Mag! Get the door! I’ll handle this!” Volt called out as she ran back and began to hack the console Every attempt Mag made, failed as she tried desperately to hack the door. Mag then looked back as her eyes widened and she froze. Volt was holding an energy shield up as it blocked the bullets, but some had already caused damage to him. Blood leaked from wounds as he breath rapidly. “Volt!” Mag breathed as he grunted against the pain “Just get the door open,” He managed to say as a bullet punctured his leg and he fell, the shield deactivating “Volt, I can’t, we’ll find another way, please!” He begged but then saw the chip that landed by her feet “Use it now!!!” He yelled as she felt her body jolt, her hair stood up and the lights dimmed as Volt raised his arms as he yelled, then a massive wave of electricity flattened most of the Grineer as Volt fell over A Grineer grunt then tried to ambush Mag as she dodged and swung her Burston around and nailed the Grineer as it toppled over, Volt shot another 4 as he looked at the hole in his leg and hissed. Mag quickly grabbed the chip and plugged it into the console as the door flashed green and opened. Much to Mag’s relief as she ran over to Volt and helped him to his feet. “Hey… I knew you could do it,” He joked as Mag sniffled and just kept walking, but her heart sank as she saw the door begin to close once more But before she could react, her body fell through the door as she tumbled and quickly looked back. Volt’s helmet revealed part of his face as an electric blue eye winked back. “VOLT! NO!” She screamed but the door slammed shut Mag scrambled to her feet as she channeled her abilities and began to rip the door off its frame, but it didn’t budge, not even an inch as she punched the door trying to pry it open, she felt tears rolling down her face as she continued to do so. Then she heard a raspy voice pop onto the coms as she gasped as she heard the gunfire and the coughing. “Sorry for-for that, Mag, no other choice,” Volt forced himself to say as Mag tried to stay strong “Please, open the door! Don’t leave!” She begged as she heard a very faint thump on the door “Hear that? I’m… still here… just got some jokers to deal with…” Volt trailed off as Mag heard the gun click and then she heard the gunfire “Come on you assholes! This outta be a shock!!!” Volt yelled as he kept firing Then Mag heard the bullets hit the door as the gunfire behind the door stopped. Then she broke down. “Volt! Please, Volt! Answer me!?” She screamed as she could just make out the shallow breathing from the coms “Thanks, for giving me strength…” then the coms went dead. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Somewhere else… “So… just all of you… verses all of me? Interesting,” Nekros spoke calmly as the Executioners approached the Tenno with caution “Let the games, begin!!!” Kala cheered as Nekros felt his power surge as the shadows encased his body, his reaper gripped in his hand as he laughed softly, prompting the Executioners to look at him with confusion “Don't Blink,” Nekros spoke coldly as the lights flickered and died And the screams echoed for all to hear. To Be Continued… > Chapter 25 No Safe Haven part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 25 No Safe Haven part 2 The shadows, like a call to the hunter, preying amongst the hoard. *SHINK-SLASH-CRUNCH-SPLAT* They call to the masses, like dogs, wild beasts of legend. *CRACK-CRUNCH-SPLAT* They toy with the minds of many, believing in a thrill of the hunt. *BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM* So, you will show them a game, a true creature’s hunt. *SHINK-SHINK-SHINK-SPLAT* Be our reaper, our hunter. Nekros… ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Nekros ran at the last enemy in his sights, his body littered with holes and cuts from pervious battles. His breathing was ragged and torn as he kept his gaze on the executioner, the Grineer’s mind paralyzed with fear. Nekros then dropped the corpse he held by its eye sockets as he ran up and grabbed the Grineer by its armour’s collar. The hole in his helmet showing a soulless eye, glaring down. “I’m going to put my pain into your soul!!!” Nekros yelled as the Grineer shook with fear and dropped dead from shock Nekros then sighed as he fell up against a pillar as he panted, the blood still leaking from his wounds as he glanced up at the observation window as he could see two blurry shadows moving. Then his view changed to the door as it buzzed open, then Nekros smirked as he saw Valkyr rush in, her face showing only relief and sadness as she ran as fast as she could. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Excalibur’s View* Excalibur laid on his knees as he just stared blankly at the monitor, he would be trying to fight Kala, who stood in front of him, smiling, but his body wouldn’t move, as he stared at the picture that shook his being. He watched as Mag, cried her eyes out behind a door, in her arms, was Volt, his body was littered with holes and blood trailed from his lifeless body, but on his face, was his final goodbye. He was smiling. “How? How could you?” Excalibur croaked as he turned to look at Kala. “How can all of you be so heartless!!?” “You’re saying it like we’re all human, we’re not,” Kala spoke smugly as she grabbed Excalibur and threw him against the window with a crack. “Besides, the main event is about to begin!” Excalibur slowly got to his feet as he shakily looked out the window, then his breath snagged in his throat as his heart stopped, then on reflex, he banged against the window as hard as he could. Tears flowing down his face and into his armour. “NO! LOOK OUT!!!” He screamed as he watched the sight unfold fight before him ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Valkyr’s View* Valkyr ran as fast as she could, she couldn’t think or breath as she kept running. Nekros however saw something move behind her as his adrenaline kicked in. He leaped to his feet and shoved Valkyr aside as she looked behind her. *BANG-BANG* She watched as a Grineer froze in space as its body crumbled to the floor in a heap. She smiled as she saw Nekros, holding his Lex as the smoke evaporated. Then Nekros coughed as blood spat from his mouth. Valkyr then gasped as she muttered ‘no’ to herself, Nekros stood with a clean hole through his chest as he shakily looked down, then he fell backwards, and onto his back. “No, Nekros! No!” Valkyr screamed as she slid over and caught him in her arms. “Please, it can’t be! You can’t…” He just stared up at her with a small, crooked smile on his face as he felt his eyelids becoming harder to keep open. Valkyr just stared at him, with her own helmet not off as her black hair near covered her crying eyes. “Heh, sorry, I-I was too… slow,” Nekros managed to say as got closer and whispered his final ‘3’ words as Valkyr’s eyes widened. Then his head dropped to the ground, his eyes slowly being consumed by the shadows that have followed him for so long. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Relic Hunter HQ* Many of the Tenno looked away, many held back the emotions that clawed at them as they stood their ground. However, one cried out as Ivara held the now broken Titania in her arms as she cried her eyes out. “He, never deserved that, no one deserves death when they have so much more to care for,” Nidus spoke quietly as Titania only just got a glance as she saw Nidus bowing his head in remorse as he shook with anger Everyone then turned to the raging Nidus as his armour jutted out from his body. Then Titania looked in the direction of the monitor as he still held onto Ivara, her gaze hardened. “That’s right, Excalibur, will kill her!” She spoke with venom as they all turned to watch the scene unfold ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Excalibur’s View* Excalibur was no longer staring out the window, as it was smashed to shards. The room had been torn to pieces, like a shrapnel bomb had went off. Blood stained the walls as the doors were broken off the hinges. Excalibur’s entire body was covered in blood, his Skana painted a new shade of red as he panted, his energy glowed a menacing black as he turned on his coms. “Listen up, leave this fortress in less than 2 minutes, and to any Grineer still aboard,” Excalibur then paused as he shut the light’s main power off, coating the world in shadows. “I’ll slaughter you all,” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Rhino, Valkyr, Mag, View* Many eye witnesses recorded and watched from a distance as three Tenno stood around two others, who were dead, Valkyr and Mag both sobbed quietly as Rhino looked away before swearing. “Holy shit!” He gasped as the others turned and froze They watched as a mangled and near the brink of death, Kala, beg as she saw dragged by Excalibur, his free hand gripped a golden scythe, coated in crimson as he threw her aside. “Please! Have mercy! I’m sorry!” She begged, to the point where she was backing away from Excalibur “Mercy?” He asked as he looked around as he slowly swung the scythe around, but when it fully circled he stopped *SHINK-SPALT* All viewers looked away in horror as Excalibur stuck the scythe right through her skull, splitting it in two as she fell limp. But he didn’t stop, Excalibur kept hacking and slashing away at her corpse, his thrusts chipping more off her body. “Excalibur! That’s enough!” Rhino yelled as he grabbed his arm, but Excalibur grabbed it and threw Rhino away “Stay outta my way!” He roared as he went right back at it “Mercy, won’t bring them back!” “Mercy, won’t stop the screams!” *SHINK-SHINK* “I’ll kill your Queens, your men, until NOTHING REMAINS!!!” He screamed as he stopped after one final blow, pulling the scythe from her flesh Excalibur then turned to see some Grineer ships leaving the fortress. He dropped the scythe and slowly pulled out a remote, as he held it high. “No, survivors,” He whispered as he clicked the red button The sky lit up in a golden hue as the fortress disintegrated in the air, consuming all that remined of the fortress as pieces fell to the earth in burnt shards of unrecognisable chunks. Excalibur’s armour then turned blue slowly as he looked up at the sky, his breathing now clam and still. Then he fell to the ground. As Rhino rushed over to help him. “Mavis, I’ll… kill… you…” Then his own vison was comsumed by the void ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Later* Pain, pain was all that Excalibur felt as his eyes stung in the light that brought him back from the shadows. He slowly sat up in the medical ward as he saw Rhino and Mag being healed, both staring at Excalibur with fear and sorrow. Excalibur then sighed as he looked at his near mummified body. Then he saw the person resting their head against the bed. Skyler, slowly sat up as she looked at Excalibur with tears in her eyes as Excalibur felt his own. “I’m sorry,” He spoke quietly as his hands shook. “I… lost it…” He saw stopped by Skyler pulling him into a hug as she held him close, then Excalibur closed his eyes as he shook with regret. He failed to save Nekros, Volt also, he even lost control of his emotions. How could he be a Tenno, if all he could do was cause pain to those around him. “It’s ok, I don’t blame you,” Skyler said warmly as she frowned. “We all lost people today, you had nothing to do with their deaths, it wasn’t your fault,” “But I… could have saved them, I could have tried,” Excalibur croaked as Skyler held him closer “Don’t let this haunt you, just like how I lost someone close to me two.” She responded as they kept each other close “Where’s my sister? Is she...?” Excalibur asked as Skyler shook her head “Titania needs someone to comfort her right now, just give them both time, afterall she’s your sister,” Skyler explained. “For now, just rest, we all need it,” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Unknown Location* Hidden in the shadows, a person watched the tournament unfold through the monitors. He kept silent as he watched the Grineer fall to the hands of an Excalibur with a reaper in his hand. Then a small, crimson, flash hummed in a metal frame as it seemed to move with the voice that spoke, its voice cold and deep. “We mustn’t hurry ‘Shadow’, your time to cleanse this filth will come, only patience will tell,” It spoke calmly as the man moved towards the light and grabbed the frame it was in “Time… something he will lose,” The ghostly voice responded as he vanished into the shadows that feared him so much more > Chapter 26 Dread > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 26 Dread *Location: CHS, 1 month later* The day was plastered in gloom, the sky never showing the light of day, but with what had transpired, it was no wonder. The Mane 7 all watched Excalibur, as he just sat on his lonesome. “I feel bad for the guy, he’s been out of it for a while,” Applejack spoke as the rest nodded, even Pinkie avoided him “Can you blame him? Him, Valkyr, and the rest have been rather down lately after they lost two of their friends,” Twilight responded with a frown “Losing both of them to ‘Those’ creeps, I swear, if I could I would-“ Dash began but was cut off by someone sitting down beside her, it was Valkyr “I know, but right now… its best we leave him alone,” Valkyr said calmly as the others just looked at her with concern “Are you sure, darling? I mean, can’t we do something to help?” Rarity asked as Valkyr shook her head “He is lost, drowning in emotions, like a flood that sweeps all,” Ash spoke up as the rest jumped “I know, but still, if the bo-Excalibur keeps this up, he’ll be worse off in the end!” Ember snapped as the others glared at her, but she shrugged. “Meh, I’m right,” “So, you’re just gonna brush this off! Some friend you were to Nekros and Volt!” Valkyr snapped as she glared at Ember “Valkyr, calm down,” Twilight tried to ease her but Valkyr just got up and left, but they could see the tears that had formed before her turned. “Happy?” “No! I miss them, but if we kept mourning them, then we’ll never move on for them,” Ember explained as Ash agreed “Such paths are unclear, much like the shadows, the dread that follows,” Ash replied before pointing ahead as they all looked. “As is one, right now,” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Top of CHS* The sky still dimmed the world, as Valkyr sat on the edge of the cold roof, her silent tears still falling, like the rain that had yet to fall. “Sis?” Excalibur called out as he approached her, his frown still present as she turned to face him They both stared at each other for what felt like years, before Valkyr got up and quickly embraced him as she cried, Excalibur held her close as he whispered in her ear. “I know it hurts, I know that we’ve lost so much, but just remember the reason we’ve held on for this long,” Excalibur spoke as Valkyr buried herself in his shoulder as she nodded “Promise me you’ll end this… this stupid war…I just want the pain to stop,” Valkyr croaked as Excalibur finally smiled, but then his eyes opened wide “Get Back!” Excalibur yelled as he shoved Valkyr aside, before she could ask her heart stopped as she looked at the other presence Excalibur’s hands shook, as he felt his heart sink into his stomach. Before them, armed with a massive (Greatsword) and cloaked in black and red fabric and armour. Was Stalker. “I told you, you couldn’t hide from me,” Stalker spoke as he gripped his blade, then he swung “Oh, shit,” Excalibur cursed ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sound of rubble and blasts was not ignored, many flooded outside to see what had caused the sound. But they all stayed a fair distance away from the scene. “Isn’t that the Tenno, that attacked the Relic Leader before?” Twilight asked in confusion as she saw the new gear it wore, the other had a gash on his shoulder as he ignored it “Who cares? That ‘Relic’ freak killed my dad!” Dash spat as she glared at Excalibur. “I hope he dies,” “Rainbow Dash!?” Fluttershy snapped, but it did nothing to phase her friend as she frowned Then they all saw 3 other running up, Rhino, Atlas, and Skyler (In combat armour). They all stopped as they saw Excalibur’s hand raise. “Stay out of this!” He called out as Skyler went to interject. “That’s a request, please?” This took them back, he never says that unless he was serious about a scenario, which in this case, it was. “So, you’ve joined with the one thing that destroyed are home?” Excalibur asked disappointingly “All for a good cause, starting with you,” Stalker answered as he pointed ‘War’ at Excalibur “Remember what we’re here for ‘Shadow’, do not forget your despair,” the voice warned as Stalker focused on Excalibur again “I’m guess you’re, Hunhow, Sentient Destroyer of Worlds,” Excalibur asked bluntly “And you are the weakling from Prime, you should be easy,” Hunhow answered back as Excalibur quickly pulled his Nikana out “So, I guess are paths end here?” Excalibur asked as Stalker gripped his sword tight "That they will,” he answered as they waited for the right time to strike Stalker reacted first as he swung his blade around, 3 whips of energy shot towards Excalibur as he blocked the first, but he grit his feet. The attack was far stronger now. Then next however knocked his defence up, and the other followed closely as it cut right through his armour as he yelled in pain. Stalker however ran for Excalibur in that same instance. Excalibur, quickly drew his Lex as he fired rounds into Stalker, this did puncture his armour as he fell back. But he watched at an aura emanated from his body. *BLAM-BLAM-BLAM* The next 3 shots did nothing as they bounced off his armour. Excalibur dodged a swing of Stalker’s sword as it dug itself into a wall. Excalibur quickly leaped up to avoid another attack. But Stalker threw a glowing ball as it ignited, sending Excalibur flying. He fell to the earth with a crash as he coughed. Excalibur slowly got to his feet as he saw Stalker, approaching him, his blade held high. “You told me once, that i shouldn’t blame myself for the deaths of my family,” Excalibur said calmly as he stopped in his tracks. “You’re right, I should never blame myself,” *SHINK-CLASH* Stalker was caught off guard by the blade connecting with his own, but be held strong as they both glared through their helmets at each other. “So, I would have any regrets, for killing you!!” Excalibur yelled as he swept Stalker off his feet Excalibur, then swiftly lashed out at Stalker, his armour being tainted with his own blood, but he quickly vanished as Excalibur fell forwards from the lack of support. *SHINK* “AHHH!!!” Excalibur screamed as he felt the bone in his leg snap from the force of the kick, he then fell to the ground in pain Stalker, however wasn’t done, he grabbed Excalibur’s horn and kicked him directly in the head as his vison split from the trauma. His helmet now chipped. Stalker then grabbed Excalibur and pulled him to his feet as he punched him repeatedly in the chest as he gasped silently. His ribs bending from the force. But one laceration set him down to his knees as his body fell limp. Excalibur couldn’t move, his body was too weak, Stalker, was far beyond a normal Tenno, he was nothing but a monster, now cloaked in despair. And Excalibur had no power to stop him. The crowd watched as Stalker walked up to Excalibur’s limp body as he poked him with the tip of his blade, tilting his body. “No sense, no self, no death, just a blind puppet, dangling on Orokin strings,” Hunhow spoke as Stalker looked at Valkyr, her eyes then widened in terror. “Only the Tenno’s death, will end your despair,” “NO!” Valkyr screamed as Stalker grabbed his blade and impaled Excalibur to the ground, the blood leaking from the blade as Stalker left it behind He quickly walked up to Valkyr, grabbed her as she began to choke, Hunhow, did however continue. “All your dread long life, you’ve waited for this moment,” Hunhow kept going. “But you’re asking yourself, ‘was I one of these foolish things?’” “You know the answer, you still hate them, you still hate yourself,” Hunhow finished but not before something caught everyone attention Excalibur’s body moved as his shakily grabbed the blade, where Hunhow’s voice emanated from, this caught Stalker’s attention as he dropped Valkyr and walked over to the sight. “What is this?” Stalker asked as he grabbed the hilt of the blade “Your reckoning.” Excalibur hissed as he pulled harder, snapping part of the blade This caused Stalker to freeze in place, his body couldn’t move as much as he tired. But Excalibur kept pulling. “Shadow, protect… me…” Hunhow asked, his voice distorting as Excalibur yelled out and broke the blade in two Stalker then felt the energy begin to collapse in his Warframe, but not before Excalibur grabbed him by the throat and held him tight, both face-to-face. “No…not…. yet…” Stalker groaned as Excalibur glanced back at Valkyr before nodding “No…” Valkyr chocked up, but not before a blast of white light consumed the battle field entirely When the dust did clear, no sight of the blade remained, bar the broken piece, both Tenno were gone and nowhere in sight. Then Valkyr felt her body, mind, and soul break into pieces. “Not you two…” She thought as she just stared at the barren world around her, knowing it was all over To Be Continued… > Chapter 27 Armed and Ready > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 27 Armed and Ready *Location: ???* “Dream…” “Not of what you are…” “But of what you want to be…” I feel… wrong, like I’m awake, but it feels… different. I can only see the very fabric of the void that cloaked my vison, but that voice. Was it ‘Her’? ---------- Excalibur, awoke from the Void, when he looked around, the outside was gone, only white and gold displayed itself, the room was long, like a hallway, but it wasn’t the school or HQ. He then looked down at his body, all remnants of his battle were gone, including his armour and weapons. The only thing he had with him, was 2 capsules. One contained the helmet and Syandana. The other was his armour plates. “What?” Excalibur whispered as he stared at the room, then he heard footsteps “Do not worry my child, you are safe,” Came a motherly voice as Excalibur got up, but let his guard down when he saw who it was “Lotus? But why are you… here? Where is here, more like?” Excalibur asked as he looked around at the many cyropods as Lotus stood, with a calm demeaner “The Chambers, or in this case, where all the Tenno Leaders laid to rest,” Lotus said, saddened slightly as Excalibur looked at her with shock as he ran around the room “Where is it? Where is it!?” Excalibur spoke hastily and then he stopped dead in his tracks. “No way.” He stared at the pod, with the name-plate above reading ‘Excalibur Prime’. He slowly hit the command on the side to open it. But as he feared, nothing was inside, except his warframe, Lato Prime and Skana Prime. “They never could recover the body, only the warframe that was left behind, I am sorry, Tenno,” Lotus apologised as Excalibur waved her off “Its… fine, I just… wish he got a proper burial,” Excalibur responded before shaking his head. “Still, why am I here!? I know you did something?” "I did nothing, whatever happened when you disconnected Hunhow's connection, it must have caused a void shift, sending you here," Lotus explained as she continued. “But, you are right, I did ‘Do’ something, but it is up to you to make the choice,” “And that is?” Excalibur asked in annoyance “When a Prime dies, they would choose a descendant, or they would if they made this far, but one of them had already chosen a successor, from the beginning he knew they would be even greater than he could ever be,” Lotus explained as Excalibur listened “You.” She finished, catching Excalibur off guard “M-me? No-no-no, not me?” Excalibur denied as Lotus just shook her head “Excalibur chose ‘you’, right from the beginning, he knew that if he ever told you, you would refuse to accept it, but he once said ‘that every choice we make is never the easiest, but if you believe it’s right, then you can truly lead’,” Lotus finished as Excalibur just stayed silent the guilt stinging his soul “All this time, and all I did was take one of your most important lessons and ruined it, I killed my team, Nekros, Volt, Trinity, my family, Stalker, all of them…” Excalibur spoke out as he felt his voice croak, but no tears fell Excalibur clenched his fist as he rubbed his eyes. He then looked at the armour in the pod, its golden sheen, as bright as the day it was made, the very first warframe. "Excalibur, was the first," Excalibur spoke as he grabbed the helmet in both his hands. "So, i'll be the last," ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Excalibur stepped away from the pod as his armour slowly enveloped his body, he felt his body surge with new void energy, something far more powerful, as his Syandana glowed a golden sheen, his armour plates did also, but he kept his old helmet instead, feeling more comfortable in it as it matched the armour. “Ok then, I’m done crying, if I need to fight to end this war, then I’ll make up for the people ive lost, and for the people I can still save,” Excalibur spoke sternly as Lotus smiled. “Wait! How the hell am I getting back, exactly?” “I can feel your power, its stronger than before… try to focus it,” Lotus suggested as Excalibur thought about it and held his hand out “Focus huh?” He mumbled as he thought about all that have fallen to bring him this far, he wouldn’t fail again *WHOOSH-BOOM* “Holy skag-sac!!!” Excalibur cursed as he laughed, he had just blasted a beam of void energy from his hand, how he did that was beyond him. “Did you just see that!?” “Concentrate.” Lotus responded as Excalibur stopped laughing and nodded. “You need to focus your mind and travel back to your friends, quickly,” “Wait why?” Excalibur asked as he saw the grim look on Lotus’s face “Your battle is far from over, the Stalker is still alive,” Lotus answered as Excalibur hummed “Not surprising, but this time, I’ll win,” Excalibur responded, feeling better than ever before, he felt like weight had been lifted from him, after all this time “Do you know how you will get back?” Lotus asked as Excalibur looked at his hands before surging his energy through every fiber of his being “Like the old saying, ‘when one door closes, choose a nearby wall and smash it in with brute force’,” Excalibur quoted as he channeled his energy and focused on his friends, he could feel something, like dipping his hand into the ocean Then he felt his surroundings begin to fade, he took one last look at Lotus as she watched with amusement. “Lotus?” Excalibur asked as she stared. “Thank you,” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Location: CHS, 1 Hour since Excalibur’s jump* Everyone backed away in fear as they watched a Tenno (Rhino) fall to the ground from his wounds, his iron skin fading to nothing as he reached for his shotgun, but a black foot stomped on it before he could grab it. “Shit.” Rhino groaned as Stalker stared down at him, his Scythe raised He had lost his new equipment after the sword was shattered, the blast had temporarily knocked him out, but once he regained unconscious, he went on a rampage. Now he had defeated, Rhino and Atlas. “You all keep fighting for reasons you couldn’t possibly understand, causes that aren’t your own, so I shall punish you for your blind actions,” Stalker spoke as he held his scythe up “Suck. My. Nuts.” Rhino hissed as it did nothing to phase Stalker *SHINK* Stalker grunted as he fell back a few feet. The one who struck him was Skyler, she held the Broken War in her hands as she faced Stalker, the visor covering her hate and sadness. “You are not my target, weakling,” Stalker spoke like nothing had happened “I kill you! All he wanted was for this war to end and you killed him!” Skyler screamed as he just stared back. “And you betrayed him, for monsters who owned you like animals!!!” This got Stalker to raise his Scythe into a stance as he cracked his neck. “Then you will die for his lies all the same,” Stalker spoke coldly as Skyler held her stance firm “His lies!? you think you're better than him, but you're not! you’ll never be better than him, you’ll always be weaker!” Skyler spat, then she felt a massive force push against her end of the blade as he feet dug into the pathway “YOU'LL DIE!!!” Stalker yelled in fury as Skyler kicked him back as he smashed the end of the scythe into the ground as he trailed it through “Then come and get me!” Skyler dared as the wind died down to a dull whisper To Be Continued… > Chapter 28 It Has To Be This Way > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 28 It Has To Be This Way *Location: Earth, CHS Entrance* Skyler flew backwards as Stalker kicked her into the steps of the building, she quickly rolled away as the scythe buried itself into the concrete. Skyler lifted the Broken War as she clashed with the scythe’s edge, the Stalker kept his versatile attacks, putting Skyler on the defence. Skyler ducked and back-flipped over the scythe as she swung the blade into Stalker’s side, his grunted as he vanished into smoke and appeared a few feet back. Skyler’s armour was beaten and broken, the Stalker was less so, and he knew that. “You just don’t die, do you?” Stalker spoke as Skyler coughed, blood leaking from holes in her helmet “And you just won’t shut up!” Skyler retorted as she balanced herself out Stalker ran towards her as he swung his scythe into her blade, their blades both unwavering as tried to overpower the other. Skyler however, swept her foot under Stalker’s as he fell forwards, giving her an opening. Skyler kicked the scythe away as it dug into the ground, she then quickly grabbed Stalker by the face and smashed his body into the earth, then she stomped on his windpipe as he coughed. Skyler panted as she lifted her blade towards his chest. But only Skyler’s screams echoed as Stalker imbedded a throwing Knife into her leg, as she fell back, gripping her leg as she bit her tongue in pain. Skyler tried to react but the Stalker was fast, he grabbed her by the neck and head butted her, then he set her up on her feet as he grabbed her cracked helmet and pulled it apart, revealing her face, much to everyone’s surprise as she was kicked in the abdomen. “No way, Skyler!?” Twilight gasped as the other just stared in shock “All this time…” Sunset added as they continued to watch the fight “So, Skyler, a name to the face that will forever display fear,” Stalker spoke calmly as he rubbed his throat He then rested a foot on Skyler’s stomach as she squirmed, but to no avail. She then grabbed his foot as her piercing glare did nothing to faze him. “Well? Go on, kill me! That’s all you seem to care about, so do it!” Skyler hissed as he grabbed a throwing knife as held it tight “You simply don’t understand, they have all lied to you, they call themselves ‘Savours’, but all they brought was war and death,” Stalker explained as they all listened intently “I had a friend who was like you, he believed that killing the Orokin would set us free from the bonds they shackled us with, but he was wrong!” Stalker spat. “They gave us, freaks of the Void, a purpose, a life and family that was stolen from us, and they slaughtered them all,” Skyler just closed her eyes as she felt her blood boil. All they’ve done, was for freedom, they’ve killed for their freedom, and for the freedom of others, the only killer, was him. “You’re wrong…” Skyler whispered as Stalker looked down at her, then he felt something, something familiar. Skyler’s glare had intensified, tears did roll down her face, but they felt just as menacing as her stare. “They scarified everything to see an end to this war! Every kill, sure they had to live with, but atleast they could be one step closer to their freedom! Unlike you!” She yelled. “You’re nothing but a deranged, maniac who is so blind to the truth, that you’ve killed just to make an excuse! You. Are. A. Monster!!!” This made him pause for a moment, his grip on the knife faltered as it dropped from his hand. The sound of the clattering object echoed volumes of what he’s done to countless beings. “If… I’m a monster…” He began, his scythe then swung from the ground, landing in his hand as he gripped it with anger. “Then you are even more foolish than I thought!” This made everyone look away as he swung the scythe towards Skyler, the sound of flesh being torn sounded as some even dared to look. What they saw was even more horrifying. They saw the Stalker holding his now stump of an arm in pain as the blood poured from the hole, as his scythe laid in two on the ground. Skyler just stared up at her saviour with surprise and sadness as he held a Skana Prime in his hand. “You! How are you still alive!?” Stalker shouted in actual surprise as Excalibur Prime stood in front of Skyler who was confused. “I killed you back on that bridge, so explain, how are you alive!?” “Because…” EP started as he lowered his guard and his armour vanished, making everyone gasp, even Skyler. “I’m giving you a second chance,” “Excalibur! Of course, you’re alive,” Stalker groaned as Excalibur kept his calm look “Leave, and never return, I don’t want to fight you, so please, just leave,” Excalibur asked as Stalker held his scythe close “Never, you took the only family ‘WE’ had, ‘YOU’ killed Prime, not me, so I’ll avenge them all, by killing you!” Stalker spoke, his words almost uncoherent Excalibur then sighed as he turned and knelt down to Skyler as she smiled warily. “Just give me a moment, this’ll be quick,” Excalibur said with a smile as she nodded, he then turned and faced Stalker His armour then appeared again as he held his blade to his side. “Then it ends here,” Excalibur spoke coldly as Stalker nodded and holstered his scythe and brought out his own black and red Skana “Ok then…” He added as they both spoke simultaneously “Lock and Load!” Both Stalker and Excalibur moved faster than any known Tenno as their blades rung out, each fought with such ferocity and hate, their blade’s rung with the feeling of bloodlust and vengeance as they kept at it. Excalibur swung downwards as Stalker side-stepped and swung, just nipping Excalibur chin as he flipped back, only to have a swift left strike to his right arm, this disarmed him as it landed a few feet away. Stalker took this moment to catch Excalibur off guard as he left an ‘X’ in his chest, but only scratching the surface as he swung downwards, but Excalibur caught the blade in his palms as he felt the sparks heat his hands to near molten levels as he threw it aside. Excalibur tried to punch Stalker but he swung Excalibur’s hand away just in time. Excalibur then simply walked back, his gaze still locked with Stalker as he lifted his blade from the dirt, but he quickly ducked from the swing as he kicked Stalker back. Then both held their weapons tight as they sped towards each other and collided, causing a concussive blast of pure sound, each strike cracking the earth beneath them, even the air seemed to form a dome around them as they did. But one final strike shattered Stalker’s Skana as Excalibur went for the finishing blow, only to be blinded in the process. This left him to experience pain as his eyes cleared to just narrowly avoid decapitation as the sparking, red energy blade swung around Stalker’s remaining hand. Excalibur was only left with seconds to think as Stalker swung the energy blade towards him, leaving a trail of red, imbedded in the ground as it swung like a buzz saw. Everyone was stunned as Excalibur pulled out a (Nikana Prime) form nowhere as he hooked it into the energy blade, like a hook. He then let out a war cry as he swung the Nikana around, the red energy following the blade, like lightning rod as Excalibur ran towards Stalker, who was left with nothing to defend himself. Excalibur swung the energised blade down, the blade now drilling into the armour of Stalker as he tried to push back, but with one final cry the Nikana struck the shadow through the chest. The air finally calming to a dull breeze. “Game over, Stalker,” Excalibur whispered as he went to pull the blade out, only for a hand to keep it from moving “No… not over…” Stalker spoke hollowly as Excalibur looked up at him, the blade sinking deeper into the wound. “My acolytes… will carry my hate, my despair, my dread…. Until the day you die,” “And my friends will continue to fight, bet on that,” Excalibur responded as Stalker sighed one last time as Excalibur pulled the blade free, the Stalker falling onto his back “No matter what, we’re kindred spirits, you... and I…” Stalker quoted as his final breath vanished, he was dead Excalibur holstered his blades as he felt his armour vanish and his body collapse to the ground in fatigue. But as he sat on the ground, Skyler assaulted him as she gripped him in a tight hug, fresh tears rolling down her face as Excalibur smiled. “You’re… alive… I thought…” Skyler tried to say but Excalibur just held her close “This time, I kept my promise, and I won’t ever let it go,” Excalibur swore as she smiled at him, before her face turned red from him kissing her, but she soon melted into the gestor “Are we interrupting or…?” Rhino began as they broke apart, but still smiling “Na, just finally feeling happy for once,” Excalibur joked as Rhino helped him to his feet, only for another set of arms to lock him in place “You stupid, bloody, idiot!” Valkyr cried as she held Excalibur close as he returned the hug, his shirt beginning to feel very wet from all the tears. “Don’t you ‘ever’ leave me again…” “I won’t, I promise, Sis,” Excalibur whispered as he held her close for a minute, then Rhino cut in “So, how’s it feel to be back in the presence of a God, Prime? No-no, I’ll let you think,” Rhino boasted as they laughed “Fine your ‘Holiness’, just call me Excalibur, still getting use to the title,” Excalibur commented as he looked at their injuries. “You guys alright though? He seemed to kick you all to the curb,” “He was… difficult,” Atlas responded as he popped a joint in his arm, then he saw the mane 7 approaching. “I hope you can handle this,” Excalibur looked at their faces, all confused, worried and… happy? “So… you’re really ‘him’, Excalibur?” Applejack asked as he rubbed the back of his neck “Yea, sorry… for lying to you all,” Excalibur apologised as Twilight started “Why did you keep this from us?” She asked as he sighed, a frown on his face “I was afraid that if I involved any of you, you might get hurt or used to threaten me, I couldn’t allow that to happen, so I’m sorry for deceiving you all, I know that now,” Excalibur explained as he bowed his head and they smiled, for a few seconds “Rainbow Dash, please calm down!” Fluttershy begged as she held Dash back, her face filled with anger as she tried to grab Excalibur, not like he cared “You! You fucking killed my dad! Let me go, Fluttershy! I’m going to kick his ass!” She yelled as Excalibur’s face became a steely glare “I didn’t kill him, I only left him to his own demise by Nekros,” Excalibur explain, this only made her direct her anger towards the non-existent Tenno “Then I’ll kill him, that bast-“ She was cut off from Valkyr grabbing her by her shirt, Valkyr’s glare intensified “You can’t! because he… died to that bloody Grineer! And if you dare blame him for your father’s death, I’ll kill you!” Valkyr hissed in rage. “My brother tried to help him, but he was deranged, he killed, Trinity! So, don’t you ‘DARE’ put this on my brother either!” Valkyr let Dash go as she hung her head in guilt, Valkyr then felt a hand on her shoulder as Excalibur pulled her back as she sighed. “Look, I understand, you all want answers, to why we do what we do, to how we became who we are… well, I can give you all the answers,” Excalibur started as he looked up at the black sky “It’s a long story,” To Be Continued… > Chapter 29 Awakening > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 29 Awakening *Location: Relic Hunters’ HQ, Coms Room* The entire room was silent, the only sound was the buzzing of the monitor behind Excalibur as he sat on a chair, wires funnelling from his head as he waited for the calibrations to be precise. “Ordis, is about to replay my memories from as far back as it can allow, to the point that the Void had begun to make an effect on my body and mind,” Excalibur explained as every Tenno and the mane 7 waited for the screen to play “Now, if anyone wishes not to see this, I won’t blame you, my memories are… unpleasant,” Excalibur spoke with a sigh as Rhino spoke up “We know, but that’s why we want to know, so we can help you,” Rhino responded as they all nodded, bringing some reassurance to Excalibur as Ordis piped up “The memory unit is ready Operator ~THIS WILL BE BLOODY~ oh, sorry about that,” Ordis apologised as he nodded and the screen came to life “Here we go again,” Excalibur thought as they watched the scene unfold -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Location: Zarimen Ten Zero* As the doors finally sealed shut, the voices mumbled and cried through-out the halls which had a new red paint job, their golden and white coat, now tainted with what was once filled with the war cries of children and adults. some moved away from the doors, still hearing the sounds of hollow thudding as some of the deranged tried to break through, but failed to even make a sound. However, a much younger Excalibur, sat with a girl with long orange hair as she cried into his chest, his shirt becoming mildly damp, Excalibur, however fought back the tears as he tried to stay strong, but what plagued his mind most, was how he was going to tell Valkyr. “Why!? Why did they have to…” the girl tried to ask but couldn’t as Excalibur held her close “It’s ok, Ivara, I promise, it will be ok,” Excalibur said softly as he sighed feeling the guilt slowly tear him apart from the inside. “I didn’t… want to… but we had no choice, none of us did,” Excalibur looked around at the others as they comfort each other, knowing that they only had each other now, so Excalibur grabbed Ivara in his arms as he carried her away from the war zone. but as he walked, many gave him looks of fear, surprise and disgust as he kept his gaze ahead. As he slowly walked down the halls, Ivara cries were nothing more than a mumble as he slowly walked to the sleeping quarters, then he heard footsteps from behind. When he turned, he saw a boy, no older than 18 catching up, his hair was blonde and combed as his blue eyes looked at to pair with despair. “How are you? Both of you?” He asked as Excalibur glanced at his scarred friend before beckoning him to follow “Honestly? i feel empty inside, not just about what we did, but about how I’m going to tell my sister, how can i!? I just… killed my parents, all of us did,” Excalibur chocked up as the teen sighed Excalibur then looked at his hands that carried Ivara as he felt something inside him move, almost like an invisible force he couldn't see. "I still don't understand, what was that? how did i do that?" Excalibur asked as the teen just thought for a moment "I don't know, this 'Void', it's changing us, and at this rate, it might not be long before the rest can do something similar," He thought as his mind kept jumping back to his decision. This made his stomach turn and Excalibur could see it "We... didn't have a choice," Ivara spoke softly as they both looked at her. she wiped her face as she looked at them. "...None of us did," “I didn’t want to either, but if didn’t, than we would have died, making these last 2 months pointless, I didn’t want to make the call, but someone had to, and I’ll carry that burden, so you don’t have to,” He explained as he sighed in defeat “EP, I… I’m sorry… you shouldn’t have needed to do that,” Excalibur apologised as he shook his head “It’s ok, for now though, take care of her, and your sister,” EP asked as Excalibur nodded and they parted ways "Do you think we'll become them?" Ivara asked quietly as Excalibur looked to the side. "Animals..." "No... atleast, i hope not, for now though, i just want this nightmare to fuck off," Excalibur cursed as Ivara just closed her eyes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Who was that?” Twilight asked as Excalibur stopped for a moment “Excalibur Prime, he, like the others, were the oldest, so naturally, they took charge after that whole incident, but to me, he was like an older brother, to me and Valkyr,” Excalibur explained with a smile as Valkyr nodded “Still… to kill your own parents, I’m so sorry Excalibur,” Rarity commented as she wiped her own tears away, much like the others “You haven’t seen anything yet,” Excalibur said coldly as the watched the screen flash again -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As Excalibur set Ivara down on his bed, he turned to face a small girl with black hair and orange highlights looking at him with fear, his clothes still had dried blood on it, not surprising honestly. “Valkyr… I…” Excalibur tried to say, but he felt the words snag in his throat, his hands started to shake as he just stared at Valkyr, who looked at him with worry “Bro, what… happened!? Why are you covered in bl-blood?” She asked with fear as he felt his armour breaking, he couldn’t, how could he tell his only family that he just killed their mom and dad!? That’s when he felt his armour break, he fell to his knees as his hands rested on the carpet, tears began to fall as he couldn’t bear to look at his sister. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I couldn’t let them harm anyone, I couldn’t…” Excalibur cried as he shook with fear, not knowing that Ivara silently listened to his part of the fight “I tried to stop them, from hurting the others… but I… I had to… I murdered them… mom and dad are gone… I’m sorry!” Excalibur choked out as he felt his face damped from his tears As his tears fell, he waited to hear Valkyr to shout at him, to call him a monster, a murderer, but what he got instead was a silent embrace as he felt Valkyr wrap her arms around him, she didn’t mutter a word, only held him like her life depended on it. But what he did see, was the one tear falling off to the side. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Excalibur’s memory faded as he looked to see some looking away, crying, or hanging their heads in shame, knowing what they did, many trying to forget what bloody still rested on their hands. “To this day, I can remember using the ‘Void Blast’ on them, killing them, that will never fade from my memory, and I know that if I didn’t, many more could have died,” Excalibur said coldly as he hung his head “I never blamed you,” Valkyr spoke out as everyone looked at her sad smile. “that’s why I didn’t speak, because I didn’t blame you, it hurt, a lot, but I know you wouldn’t hurt them, you love them as much as I did,” Excalibur smiled at that as he drew a shaky breath, knowing the worst was yet to come. The screen buzzed once more, this time displaying a hall, filled with claw marks that were a bright orange. "Now its time to show you all, why i didn't trust the Orokin from the get-go," Excalibur spoke with venom To Be Continued… They lost their minds to the Void, I had no choice, I couldn’t let them hurt anyone > Chapter 30 Behind the Scenes > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 30 Behind The Scenes *Location: Zarimen Ten Zero* As Excalibur ran down the halls, many other kids followed, the sound of screams of an unholy beast echoed through the halls as some ran the opposite way, begging the others to turn away. But as the next broken door sparked open, its hinges damaged from something forcing it open, they saw what caused such an uproar. Below the balconies, where most stood guard and watched, was 4 boys, mostly aged between 18-19, they all kept their distance as the creature continued to lash out at them, but kept its distance. Then Excalibur felt his body paralyze with fear as he stared down, muttering only one word. “Sis…?” he asked as many looked at him with fear and remorse as he continued to watch in fear of what might happen Her orange highlights in her hair were glowing, same with her eyes as tears kept falling from them, most likely from the berserk like state. But what kept most away was her 5 inch claws, they extended from her fingers like knives as she swung, keeping the rest at bay. Valkyr, continued to hold herself back as her claws seemed to move without her control. Making her moves unpredictable, as some of the guys had scratches on their arms from trying to approach her. Excalibur just tightened his grip on the railing as he watched with guilt. “God dammit! Why can’t I move!?” He thought in anger as his hands shook with fear. “Why? Why am I shaking!? For fuck sake, if I don’t move, she’s going to do a whole lot more that simple collateral damage!” “SO, MOVE!!!” He screamed in his thoughts as he felt his grip finally stop shaking, sighing in relief, then his grip tightened again. “Lock and load,” Then without warning, he threw himself over the railing and out in front of Valkyr as she turned to face him, much to her fear. And to the unwavering attention of many. “No! don’t-don’t come closer! Please, I can’t…control these!” Valkyr screamed as she felt her energy drain even more, but it didn’t stop her “Kid! Get away from it!” One of them above yelled as Excalibur just processed that, they others all agreeing as Excalibur felt his blood boil “HOW ABOUT YOU ALL SHUT THE FUCK UP BEFORE I SEND YOU TO THE VOID MYSELF!!!” Excalibur roared as his own unique energy let out a pulse, making the room dead quiet Excalibur then smiled at Valkyr as he slowly approached her. His arms to his sides as he slowly made his way towards her, each step he made carefully, knowing one wrong move could be his last. “Please, stop!” Valkyr begged as she felt her claws pull her forward. “I don’t want to lose you too,” “I promise, you won’t, besides, if I leave, who’s going to keep annoying you on a daily basis?” Excalibur asked with a calm look, this seemed to work as he claws shimmered slightly “Now, come on, let’s just talk about this, ok? Tell me what happened?” Excalibur continued, his steps slow and steady “I-I don’t know, I was only walking, when my body felt… ‘wrong’ and my hands felt warm, almost on fire, then I felt bad memories pop into my head, I HATED IT!!!” Valkyr screamed near the end as her claws nearly lashed out, but Excalibur stopped dead in his tracks “Ok-ok, it’s fine, it happened to me too, it felt wrong and sickening, is that when your powers surfaced?” Excalibur asked as he continued to walk as Valkyr nodded, shaking her tears away “I didn’t mean to hurt anyone, I just… I couldn’t control it, I felt like I was a puppet… or something,” Valkyr responded, her claws twitching as Excalibur moved closer, then they lashed out. “NO!!!” Most gasped as they saw the strands of hair fall to the floor, Excalibur had moved his head back in a near millisecond, as many sighed in relief. Excalibur however took this moment to grab Valkyr, then he pulled her into a hug. *SHINK-SHINK* As Excalibur grabbed Valkyr, he felt his back flare with pain, as the claws grabbed his back, cutting through his shirt. “No! let go, please let go!” Valkyr begged as Excalibur shook his head and held her tighter “Not happening, I’m the eldest, so I’m going to protect you, even if I have to get an early tattoo,” Excalibur joked as he hissed in pain. “Come on now, just breath…breath…and control it,” “But I-“ Valkyr began as Excalibur just held her tight, that and the pain was beginning it hurt, a lot. As Valkyr focused, she felt the energy still pulling towards her claws, this got her thinking, if she could feel the energy, maybe she could control it, like breathing, except one keeps you alive and the other makes claws of pure energy. So, she slowly inhaled and exhaled as she felt the power beginning to course through her body as the claws slowly flickered and shortened. This got her to focus as Excalibur felt the burning claws vanish from his back, much to his satisfaction. Just as the claws vanished, Valkyr looked up at Excalibur who smiled weakly at her, then the crowd burst into cheers at Excalibur’s rather questionable actions. Excalibur then saw that Valkyr’s face was completely red, making him laugh. “What? Can’t handle the glory?” He joked as she shook her head and buried her face in his shirt. “Hey? Valkyr?” He then saw that her had fallen asleep in his arms, most likely from the energy consumption. “geez, just had to this to me, huh?” Excalibur said in defeat as he slowly sat down -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Present day* Excalibur looked at the now happy faces as he felt his face redden with embarrassment, even Valkyr was red as Rhino cleared his throat. “Now I remember! That was you, and here to think, I watched you jump down in front of me! Ha!” Rhino laughed as Excalibur rolled his eyes “What are these ‘powers’ that keep surfacing? Is it something to do with your exposure to the interdimensional travel? Or was it like a case or radiation exposure?” Twilight asked as Dash called out “Nerrrrrd!!!” This earned her a glare as Excalibur thought about it “It’s most likely exposure, the Void is a mysterious place, not even I know what it is, other than being a collection of energy, maybe from the big bang, or a tear in time-space, I honestly don’t know,” Excalibur explained as Twilight wrote it down “But, before we continue, this next memory is going to tell ‘all’ of you, just how we ended up in that mess,” Excalibur said with a glare, feeling his blood boil. “Play it,” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Medical bay* “Ow…” Excalibur moaned as the girl applied more stiches to his back, much to his fear of needles “Oh, quit your whining! You’re lucky it was only a small incision, otherwise, you’d be dead,” She warned as Excalibur gulped “Noted,” Excalibur responded as the door opened again, this time he saw EP walk in, along with a unique boy, but once again his concetration broke. "Ow." Unlike most, he gave himself a name, instead of the one that replaced our old one, Stalker. Which fitted perfectly, his hair was black and red, mostly messy, his eyes were a deep crimson, his attire was all black with very little red on it. Every kid fear him, as he was very unsociable, but only 4 he allowed to talk to him, the first was Ivara, if it wasn’t surprising, Then EP, Valkyr and Excalibur. He was odd, but cool. “So, you’re still alive, great,” Stalker spoke as Excalibur felt his heart stop in heartbreak “You do care!” Excalibur called out in sarcasm as he rolled his eyes with a smirk “Just die already,” Stalker huffed as EP glanced at Valkyr, still fast asleep “How is she?” EP asked as Excalibur smiled “Fine, she just drained a lot of her energy, much like the others,” Excalibur explained as the girl finished stitching Excalibur’s back “Right, now you’re going to need to keep those in for a few weeks, no strenuous activities until then, if so, I’ll send you to a morgue,” She warned as Excalibur rubbed the back of his head in fear “As much as I would love to waste my time with you two, we have some… news,” Stalker added as Excalibur and EP looked at him. “Vauban found something, and it’s not good,” “What is it?” Excalibur asked as Stalker looked at him with his cold expression “I know how we got here,” Stalker answered -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Woah-woah-woah, I thought you said you were using this Void to teleport? So it’s pointless!” Dash spoke out as Excalibur looked at her and shook his head “Sure! We can use it as an instant-travel-system, but the Void is a place far beyond my own twisted genius! Even Black and grey platformer over there can’t crack it!” Vauban jumped in as he pointed at Limbo which he nodded “To put it in your terms, it’s a load of horseshit,” Limbo abridged as the screen flickered to a new room, but then Skyler butted in “And how come you’re ‘Friends’ with Stalker!?” She asked in shock, which then got everyone’s attention on Excalibur, Valkyr and Ivara “Ivara wouldn’t leave him alone,” Excalibur answered as Ivara huffed “I was just trying to get him to socialize!” Ivara fired back “Even after he tried to kill you with a spork?” Valkyr giggled as Ivara pouted “I still would have kicked his ass…” She mumbled as everyone laughed and then the screen played -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Central Control Hub* Inside, many monitors and machines hummed as they gave off a warm atmosphere, Vauban was ahead, mostly wearing the jumpsuit we were all given, only his brown-slightly moist hair showing as he continued to type into the computer. “So, what did you find, Vauban?” EP asked as he continued to look at the monitor and brought up a file “After weeks of decoding and hacking, I finally got access to the main system storage, as it turns out, everything we thought we knew, was a lie,” Vauban explained as he clicked on a file called *Project: Lucid Dream* “I even ran through our travel coordinates, and found them tampered with, the communications were cut, and even some of the ventilation ports were shot!” Vauban growled as he scratched his head in frustration “Turns out whoever made this project, intended on trapping us here!” Stalker spat as he displayed the coordinates. “They sent us to the most unstable region of the Void, we’re mutating because of someone’s sick experiment!” This even made EP angry as he looked at the entry, then he sighed. “Men!” He ordered as Excalibur, Stalker and Vauban looked at him. “This is between us, and the other leaders, no one is to know about this, if they did, panic and chaos could break out, is that understood?” They all nodded as he did also and then sit down on a chair, resting his head in his palms. Stalker just looked at Excalibur as he left the room, and he followed. Excalibur looked at the wall in front of him as he punched it with all his might, it hurt like hell, but he actually made a dent in the highly-reinforced metal, much to his surprise. “Try a storage room, I heard the walls are soundproof,” Stalker spoke up as Excalibur gave him the bird. “So… all of this was a game… I don’t know about you, but I really want to kill somebody right now,” “You and me both,” Excalibur groaned as he slammed his head on the wall in defeat. “Why were we chosen? Of all the other more brilliant people out there, why us?” “I don’t know, but I have a feeling that someone is watching us, and not just the ‘I have spooks kind’, ive been finding cameras hidden in very strange locations, places people wouldn’t normally set unless they were wanting to stay hidden,” Stalker explained as Excalibur looked at him “I guess were not out of the woods yet, huh?” Excalibur asked as Stalker shook his head “Not by a long shot,” To Be Continued… Their eyes watched us, as if we were a game, to which we had no control > Chapter 31 Flesh Is The Flaw > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 31 Flesh Is The Flaw *Present Day* No one dared to speak, not a single soul cried out as the news sunk in, it hurt, more than any bullet or bite. To think, all this time, and someone planned their end, their slavery. And all fingers pointed to ‘them’. Ember roared out in anger as they watched her body ignite, her rage boiling to the point that the wall she went over to hit, had already begun to smoulder. “THOSE BASTARDS!!!” she roared as Frost and Atlas grabbed her and helped her calm down, many just stared at the floor, then back at Excalibur “You knew this? All along, and you never told anyone?” Mag asked quietly as Excalibur sighed “I made a promise, and I don’t make promises I can’t keep,” Excalibur spoke sadly, his head hung in shame “Screw this! I’m getting some air!” Ember spat as she stormed out “One carries joy, for all nature to bear, and one carries the thorns, the darkness and despair,” Ash rhymed as the others could understand “Operator, shall I continue?” Ordis asked in concern as Excalibur nodded. “Please be advised, this next clip is… disturbing,” Excalibur sat frozen for a moment, his heart beating faster as he knew the memory, he drew a shaky breath as his mind flashed with images. So much death. His armour then tinted into a near black as he felt his blood boil. Then Skyler grabbed his hands as he looked back up and into her innocent eyes, his armour slowly fading back to blue. “You don’t need to do this, we won’t force you,” Skyler spoke calmly as Excalibur smiled but shook his head “No, its fine, I rather let everyone understand just what they did to us,” Excalibur explained as he frowned. “Play it!” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Location: Orokin Derelict* *Operation: Retrieve Bio-Research Data* *Tenno: 8* As the ship docked, the 8 Tenno marched out and quickly took point, 2 in gold, black and white armour (Excalibur and Nekros Prime) took charge as they divided their men. The others stared at the ruined hub, its lights flickered and sparked as wires hung from the ceiling, chairs and wall tiles scattered the place, revealing more internal wiring. The place looked like the start of a zombie outbreak. “Ok, so you take your men and search the ship for any survivors, and if you find anything, contact me,” EP ordered as NP nodded “If anything, that is hostile moves, I’ll take em down, right?” NP, a female asked as EP nodded. “Ok then, let’s move out, Tenno!” After they left, EP looked at his Tenno, it was him, Excalibur, Ivara and a Vauban. “Ok, our mission is to locate the Bio-Labs and find the research that was lost, same rule applies, no going solo, and contact me if you find anything, got it?” EP asked as they all nodded. “Then let’s move out!” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After a good 30 minutes, Excalibur Prime’s squad found the lab, but just like the rest of the ship, it was empty, not a single soul was present. As the entered they searched all the data banks for any source of the Data. Many plants and biological equipment littered the area, test tubes were smashed on the floor, some even burning the floor with a hiss, releasing a putrid smell. They couldn’t see into the other rooms, due to the lockdown shutters, making things more complicated. “Hey, Cal, give me hand, will ya?” Ivara asked as Excalibur walked over. “This door won’t budge!” “Here,” He began as he put his fingers between the doors, as Ivara did also. “On three.” “One…” “Two…” “Three!” With a mighty pull, the doors were slowly pried open, their hinges hissing in protest, once open they froze in surprise. Blood… lots of blood. It painted the white walls a sickening red, as chunks of flesh was dotted around the room. “Oh, my god…” Ivara gasped as Excalibur shakily turned “EP! Get over here!” Excalibur yelled, but then they both heard the sound of something sloppy smacking the ground They turned slowly, their weapons held shakily in their arms as their hearts stopped beating for an instant. They… they couldn’t comprehend it… it looked human, but not anymore, it was twisted and broke, its arms were fused into it hide like a sick carcase. It then growled a sickening tone as it slowly approached them, its arms twitching in protest. But then Excalibur pulled his gun up, his sighting on the creature. “You are one ugly mother fuck!” Excalibur spoke as he didn’t give the creature time to react as his Braton chewed in its hide, its body thumping to the floor in a massive heap “Excalibur? What’s-… what the fuck?” EP asked as he saw the mangled corpse on the floor “We… we don’t know what it is, sir,” Ivara choked out as she turned away *CLICK* She watched as EP pulled Excalibur back, his gun trained on the room, more moans echoed out, more warped, gnarled ‘Things’ approached them, some were even down on all fours. “Run, RUN!!!” Excalibur yelled as EP and Ivara follow, this sent the creatures off as they growled and ran after them. “Shit, their following!” The three shot out of the room as Vauban came running towards them, but before he could react, he saw the abominations following the group and made a 180 and ran. But then something wrapped around his leg as he called out. “Hey! Help! Somethings’ got me!” Vauban yelled as Excalibur stopped and grabbed his hand, trying to pull him back But something must have hit Excalibur because he flew back and watched in horror as Vauban was dragged into the horde, and soon, only screams of agony rang out as he watched the blood leak from the pack, the sound of bones cracking and flesh being torn stained his mind. “-alibur! Excalibur!” Ivara screamed as he came back to his senses and saw EP and Ivara dragging him to his feet. “Come on! Run!” He complied and ran, not daring to look back as the screams died out. EP then tried his communicator, the sound of gunshots ringing out. “Nekros, are you there!? Come in!” EP called, but only heard gunfire and screams of the creatures, then a ragged voice came on “Excalibur?” NP asked in a worried tone. “Oh, thank god! What the hell are these things!?” “We-we don’t know, all that we know is that something must have broken loose and killed the men on board,” EP explained as Excalibur and Ivara fired back down the hall at the creatures “Look, we need to evac! I’ll meet you at the ship, get back alive, you hear!?” NP warned as more gunshots blocked out the sound “Shit…” EP muttered as he laid down his own cover fire. “Ok, get back to the ship, we’re leaving!” Excalibur turned his head and saw the vast mob approaching, his eyes widening in fear as the chased them down like dogs. They couldn’t ask what they were, as they could only focus on leaving, and blowing the ship to hell. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After rounding another corner, they were greeted by Nekros Prime and one other Nekros firing towards the horde, their bodies slowly piling up as they kept swarming. As they approached, Ivara brought out her Artemis Bow and reduced the creatures to corpses as she ran towards the ship. EP ran up to NP, and saw her blood stained armour. He glanced at the other Nekros and saw him cleaning his Either Reaper of the blood, his armour stained red. “They’re gone… I… eased their pain…” She slowly spoke as he nodded and the door to the ship opened “Let’s go,” EP spoke sadly as they all quickly entered the ship, the last to enter were Ivara and Excalibur “Look out!” Excalibur yelled as he shoved Ivara aside, as a creature latched onto his arm and began to make quick work of his arm as he screamed in agony, the pain rocketing to his core as his cries turned to anger “GET OFF ME YOU INFECTED RAT!!!” He screeched as he ripped the creature off his arm and pinned it to the ground Then his working arm shot a pair of Venka forth, his arm impaling the creatures neck as he repeatedly lacerated its body, blood staining his armour as he tore it to shreds. Before he could continue to turn the hollow creature into paste, two arms pulled him off as he felt his rage boil, he needed to kill it, he wanted to make it suffer, they wanted it to burn like all the rest. “Excalibur! Snap out of it!” Ivara screamed as she pulled Excalibur through the door, it quickly shutting behind them with a hiss Excalibur was then thrown to the floor as he slowly came back, the pain flooding his nerves as he looked at his left arm. It was torn and broken, the creature had stripped his armour down to scrap as his arm was covered with gashes and blood. Then Excalibur’s world slowly spun, his stomach feeling queasy as he looked up at the remaining Tenno, who rushed to help him. “Dammit…” Was all he got to say as his body shut down and his head hit the floor, his vision fading away --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Ugh…” Excalibur groaned as he felt his vision slowly escape the grasp of the void, his head rushed with a new sense of pain as he held it in his grasp He then looked around, he still wore his armour, but it was fixed, judging by the left arm not having a single scratch. Then he saw the massive white room he sat in, alone. “What the… hey! Hello!” Excalibur called out but felt the headache return and clenched his fist in rage. “Dammit!” He then saw the windows, or lack of vison they provided. He saw the black glass and the black smudges behind them, indicating at people looking at him. So, he got up and walked over to them. Just as he approached the glass, he heard the sound of a speaker system tuning as a feminine voice came through. And if ice had a voice, her’s would be it. “So… our little ‘Hero’ is awake? You slept for 3 days like a Deadman, and now you decide to wake!” The woman laughed as Excalibur looked up at the camera “Where-where am I?” Excalibur asked as she gave a huff in response “Your new home… for now, you aren’t permitted to leave, and for the remainder of your time will be spent through mental stability and other ‘interesting’ experiments,” She announced as Excalibur glared from under helmet “What the fuck!? Like hell you wi-” Excalibur began but felt his head jolt with the force of a thousand volts as he yelped, falling to his knees in pain “You ‘will’ obey my commands! You are under ‘my’ control! And as such, I expect you to behave!” She snapped as the volts stopped “Go… fuck… yourself,” Excalibur wheezed out, then another voltage stuck his brain like a freight train “Hahahaha! Keep that up! I want to see just how much of a fighter you really are, Excalibur… maybe if you bore me… your sister might be a better suited subject, or how about that bitch of an archer!?” The female taunted as Excalibur looked up at her with pure hatred “I always do like to hear the sound of screams…” She sighed in glee, this caused Excalibur to yell back “I’LL KILL YOU!!! I’LL GUT YOU!!! YOU HEAR ME!!!” Excalibur roared as the pain intensified and she laughed “Then come and get me!” She dared and the lights in the room turned off, enclosing Excalibur in the dark, alone and in agony. “Until then, goodbye,” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Present Day* Everyone just stared at Excalibur with shock and sadness, they now realized how much he had suffered and knew it could only get worse from there. Had they only known… “Excalibur…” Skyler started as he held his helmet in his grasp, not looking at any of them “What… what were those th-things…?” Fluttershy asked, still hiding behind the group, then she heard what sounded like a growl as they looked up and yelped Nidus dropped from the ceiling as he faced the group, the mane 7 terrified of his presence. Then they saw Titania walk up to him as he looked down at her. “What is that thing!?” Dash gasped as they heard Nidus snarl in response and Titania shook her head “His name is Nidus, and to answer your question, they came from him, and the name of those ‘Creatures’ is the Infestation,” Titania answered as they looked at Nidus in bafflement, then he made a series of grunts “He also said he would show you why, but he feared he already scared you enough,” Titania said hesitantly as Nidus looked at his arm and shrugged and walked away “You-you can understand It-” Twilight began but a roar cut her off as she saw Nidus smash the door at the mention of 'It' "Stupid-quadruple-flying-nerd!" Nidus spat as he walked away, even if only one of them could understand him “Nidus.” Excalibur spoke, making them all turn to face him, then he looked at them with an angered expression. “His name is, Nidus,” “Excalibur, are you alright?” Sunset asked as he shook his head “No. I’m not, not even close,” He answered as he quickly continued. “The fact I’m even still sane is beyond me, if I were still human… I… would have ended my life long ago,” “Don’t say that! You’ve saved a lot of lives, sure it wasn’t pretty, but you did!” Nox snapped back as her brother joined in “She’s right! Not only did you save people here, but you saved all of us!” Lumos added as the rest nodded and a small smile appeared on his face, but it faded quickly “Even so… once you see my biggest mistake, you’ll understand why…” Excalibur retorted as he set the helmet down. “Let’s get this party started…” To Be Continued… A single word can have a wave of events, a single action can have a world of blood. > Chapter 32 Fear To Tread > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 32 Fear To Tread *Location: Orokin Medical Research, Section 13* “So, are you sure he’s down here? I mean… if he is?” Nekros Prime asked as she along with Excalibur and Ash Prime, and Valkyr, descended into the complex “I know he’s here! I saw his transmission turn on for a split second! I know my brother’s alive!” Valkyr said hopefully as EP rested a hand on her shoulder “And that’s why we’re going to bring him home,” EP stated as AP scoffed “With the way, the balance has tipped in their favour? Not for long. When are we going to mobilise on this ‘plan’, Excalibur?” AP asked in curiosity as EP faced him “In time, but I want to make sure everyone is ready, this might not be easy for all accept,” EP explained vaguely as they saw the doors of the lab finally open “There! We’re in,” NP cheered as she turned and froze like the rest, to what they saw changed their plan completely The near black halls echoed with an eerily hum of broken machines, lights sparked from torn cables, and floors etched with the makings of a primal beast. But what stood out the most was the corpses. The bodies of mangled scientists, and shredded limbs of guards littered the graveyard. Some were even hanging from the ceiling, to which they all tried to ignore, but the sound of blood puddles rang down the halls from their footsteps. “Excalibur… please be ok,” Valkyr whispered in fear as Ash Prime checked for any signs of life, but sighed in defeat “Nothing. Only death and terror,” Ash Prime stated in his own chilling voice. “Something didn’t just kill them… it tortured them,” “But what? Even my own respect their enemies in death, but this… this is wrong,” Nekros Prime spoke hollowly as they heard a scream, and instantly turned “Down here!” Excalibur Prime called out as they followed him closely Once down the hall, the screams got more pleading as they could hear the sobs of a girl, to which she screamed again. Once the found the location, they saw the door, torn, and warped out of place by something within. Once they entered the large circular room, it too was coated with blood, but only so little, but they saw the lights still illuminated the room completely, to which they wished it was the trick of the light entirely. Standing, covered in blood, and holding an arm with a Venka claw raised high, was… “Excalibur!?” Valkyr gasped in absolute terror and sadness as he held the girl up in his left hand She was covered in gashes, blood slowly oozing from the wounds as she shook with a nightmarish fear plastered across her face. “I’ll ask again, where is your boss? Where is Cinder!?” Excalibur demanded in a voice that was not his own, his armour glowing with a voidless black “She’s gone! She’s gone! She’s-” the woman kept repeating in sobs, but was cut short by the three blades impaling her skull, her body slumping, until it slid off the blades “Oh, my God…” Nekros Prime gaped in fear as she shakily readied her Reaper Prime, but Excalibur Prime held his hand up to stop her “Excalibur!? what are you doing!? What happened here!?” EP asked as his friend turned to face them all, to which he looked around in what seemed to be embarrassment “Oh! I’m sorry, if I knew you were coming, I would have tried to clean up sooner, sadly you were all early, but that’s fine. We can start without any hesitation,” Excalibur spoke coldly as EP felt a chill run along his spine “What do you mean?” EP asked as Excalibur gestured to the carnage “THIS! All our pain can finally end, no more Orokin, no more Tenno, no. more. Lies.” Excalibur spoke hollowly as he approached the group, to which Ash Prime readied his Fangs Prime Excalibur pulled his Skana Prime out slowly as Valkyr watched from afar, now wanting to wake up from the nightmare she was in, tears dampening her face in her helmet. Excalibur sighed as he lowered his guard, slowly scraping his foot off the floor. “You really shouldn’t have done that…” Excalibur whispered, then he pounced at EP Venka colliding with Skana as they held firm. “Now I’ll be your War Incarnate!” Excalibur then sent EP flying back as he threw his Venka down, then he slowly walked towards him, only to raise his Venka to block AP’s attack, his fangs stuck between the Venka blades. “Get out of my way you ninja rip-off!" Excalibur spat as he pulled his Venka back and then became a rotating blender as AP quickly blocked blow after vigorous blow, the attacks getting fast and faster as he slowly backed away. Excalibur then grabbed AP’s open wrists as he was pulled forward, then swiftly kicked in a abdomen, sending him to his side. Excalibur wasted no time as he held AP down and lifted his Venka up, then his claws just scratched the surface of AP’s mask as he vanished. “Hmm?” Excalibur hummed his surprise, but bent his arm backwards as he blocked a blow from NP’s scythe, slowly turning to face her. “Like I haven’t faced death before,” Excalibur mocked plainly as he shoved the Scythe back and dashed towards her NP quickly reacted as she swung her scythe around, only for Excalibur to jump at the last minute, she turned and swung again, but he quickly blocked it with a hand, throwing it away from him. NP stepped back as she raised her right arm, bringing forth five shadow Grineer troops, their machetes glowing with a purple aura. “How I enjoy their screams the most.” Excalibur mused as they ran for him, but he quickly ducked under one, lacerating its stomach The others swung down, but missed as Excalibur spun upwards, decapitating two of them. The next was disarmed by Excalibur as he grabbed the machete and impaled the shadow’s arm, then he removed it completely, then turned its body to ribbons within seconds. The last was pinned under Excalibur as he swung franticly into its now vanishing body, his claws hitting the metal surface. Excalibur then held his arm up as he blinded all in the room. NP then felt something kick her face, then something nearly tearing through her chest as she was flung to the floor also. When her vision cleared, she saw Excalibur hold her own scythe above her, much to her surprise. “-But you don’t have enough shields in the world to protect you,” Excalibur finished hollowly as Ash and Excalibur Prime watched in fear “Valkyr?” Ash Prime spoke as Valkyr looked at him, his left hand holding a Spira blade. “Forgive me.” Excalibur then felt his body stop, his attention to his now skewered leg, to which he fell over and onto his knees, which then followed up with the scythe dropping from his hand, due to a Spira blade locking him to the floor. “Thanks for the save, Ash,” Nekros Prime said in relief as they heard Excalibur begin to laugh like a maniac, to which Ash Prime approached him, kneeling in his presence Ash Prime was cut short as Excalibur’s left-impaled hand tore itself free from the blade, leaving a lot of blood and flesh behind. It then latched itself on his helmet, to which he couldn’t see. “The fact you think I’m still human!” Excalibur gargled as he pulled AP’s face to the floor with a crack, then repeatedly, his head leaving an indent on the floor After he felt Ash Prime’s body slump, he threw him to his side, then he turned and pried the blade from his leg, slowly standing up, and slumping to the side. Excalibur, slowly shambled towards EP, his Skana ready to strike. Excalibur Prime didn’t want to hurt his closest friend, after all they’ve been through, he couldn’t. But he couldn’t endanger the lives of his other friends. So, he sucked in his guilt and made I silent prayer. Excalibur then held his left hand up, then he gazed at Excalibur through the hole in his hand, the hole slowly sealing itself. “I seeeeee yoooooou…” He sung in glee as Excalibur Prime gave no response “What’s the matter? The most powerful Tenno has cold feet?” Excalibur mocked as he slowly closed the gap between them both “EXCALIBUR!!!” came a familiar voice to him, making him halt entirely, Excalibur slowly turned to face her, his sister “V-Valkyr?” Excalibur spoke in his normal tone, but his actions still betrayed his voice as he slowly moved towards his sister. “To think you would stand against a monster,” “No… my brother is not! You are!” Valkyr snapped, her weapons dropping to the floor. “I won’t hurt you…” “Then I will.” Excalibur retorted as he approached Valkyr, his motions never changing “I won’t blame you for what you’ve done, I never have.” Valkyr spoke in whisper, making Excalibur stopped in surprise as his thoughts rang out in his head, both sides fighting for a decision they couldn’t make Excalibur looked back at Valkyr’s face, her ‘real’ face, showing no fear, no anger, only happiness, to which Excalibur froze in fear. Why was it bothering him so much? Why!? Excalibur then shook his head, and he instantly closed the gap between them both, his claws mere millimetres from her face. But she could now see his shaking limb, to which she smiled innocently at him. “I know you won’t hurt me, because I trust you, and love you,” Valkyr spoke kindly as he felt his arm slowly fall to his side, his body trembling “Valkyr? Why? Why did-” Excalibur spoke but was stopped when Valkyr gripped him in a vice like hug, but even in his cold armour, he felt the warmth sink through, then he dropped to his knees “Don’t worry, it’s over…” Valkyr whispered as he sunk into her embrace, then she looked at the Tenno giving her all looks of bewilderment and surprise, to which she narrowed her gaze “This is the final straw, they have taken are freedom, are lives, and even our own families away from us… it’s time we took back our lives!” Valkyr shouted, her heart filling with determination as Excalibur slowly nodded “We’ll kill them all…” He managed to say, even in a weakened state “Until we can live our lives free once more,” Ash ended -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Present Day* Not a single person spoke, instead they all stared at Excalibur and Valkyr in shock and fear, mostly at Excalibur. “Now you all know how we rallied the troops, because I was tortured until death, or until the ‘other’ half got bored,” Excalibur spoke aphetically “So, that violent nature…?” Sky began in worry as he nodded “Is the result of those fucks, dubbed, ‘War Incarnate’,” Excalibur answered in a bored tone. “Actually, the only reason you saw that fight, was because he took over for a few moments,” “So that’s what I saw… note-to-self, don’t piss you off,” Saryn added in a joking matter but saw his eyes turn black "Boo!" War Incarnate shouted, making almost all of them jump right out of their skins, then they glared at him as his eyes turned back to blue “But don’t worry, over the years, ive… contained him, only if I completely loose it or allow it, does he show his ugly mug,” Excalibur spat in disgust “Well if that memory is done, does that mean it only leaves the fall of the Orokin?” Twilight asked as Excalibur shook his head “No, the first is the Orokin’s end, yes.” Excalibur confirmed, then he was silent for a moment. “Then, you’ll only have one more memory I shave left to show,” “And what might that be?” Ash asked in interested voice as Excalibur looked at his Skana Prime “How I truly earned the right to be hunted,” Excalibur answered vaguely, his heart and soul slowly feeling empty To Be Continued… There is no right or wrong, only that your actions end with good intentions. > Chapter 33 My Reckoning > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 33 My Reckoning *Location: Relic Hunters’ HQ, Present Day* “So, wait, you’re not going to play the next memory? Why? I want to see these jerks pay for what they did!” Dash complained as Excalibur kept his steady gaze “As much as I would like to watch that myself, the others already know what happens, if you haven’t already guessed?” Excalibur pointed out as Dash rubbed her arm sheepishly “But also, I don’t want to scar you with my most… graphic memory,” Excalibur spoke hesitantly as he read the mane 7’s faces. “Yeah, something more graphic than what you saw just now,” “So, that only leaves…” Rhino started as Mesa sighed “The most painful memory of all, am I right?” Mesa asked as Excalibur nodded “You’ve seen my anger, my despair, my faults… now the only thing left for the war to take from me… was my family,” Excalibur spoke coldly as he glanced at Valkyr who looked like she would break down at any moment, but he knew she wanted him to continue, even if it hurts -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Location: Orokin Outskirts of City, End Of Orokin Era* Among the growing chorus of cheers and celebrations, the night grew darker, making the world feel more alive than ever, with the lights of the city shining brighter than ever before. This is what the Orokin should have looked like, instead, only death and slavery. Until now. Meanwhile, on a small bridge near the borderline of the city, was a Tenno, his body glowed with dread, despair, hate. They did this, they took his only chance of a better life than a creature, forced in a metal suit. He just watched as they continued to celebrate the deaths of those who gave them a life, who gave them a second chance. It disgusted him so much, he wanted to die. “I know you’re there, Prime,” He spoke, his red and black armour glowing faintly now, then Excalibur Prime appeared, behind him was Excalibur. “And you,” “Nice to see you too, Stalker,” Excalibur spoke sarcastically as he sat on the edge of the bridge. “So, why are you here? We kind of just took down the pricks who enslaved us for decades, you know?” “You call ‘that’, freedom!?” Stalker snapped as he smashed his fist on the bridge’s wall “Stalker, why are you out here?” Prime asked as he turned to face him, his armour glowing more sickly “Because I wasn’t quick enough… to save the Orokin…” Stalker spoke through what sounded like grit teeth, then he pointed at Prime. “You murdered them!!!” “They had enslaved us since Margulis, and you wanted to save them? Why?” Prime asked as Stalker lifted his scythe “Because, ‘they’ gave us a home! ‘They’ gave us a purpose to live! ‘They’ were the only family we had left and you slaughtered them like cattle!” Stalker snapped, his scythe shaking in his grasp “You’re insane! They fucking tortured me! What do you call that!?” Excalibur retorted as he stood up, his eyes narrowing. “I almost killed 3 primes with ease! And my own sister!” “An honest sacrifice.” Stalker answered bluntly as Excalibur felt his rage boil, then he pulled his Skana out “You little-” War spoke, but Prime stopped him from attacking, then Prime pulled his own Skana Prime out “I won’t kill you Stalker, because you’re my friend, but I will exile you,” Prime stated firmly as Stalker looked at him and then, for once in his life, he laughed “You think I’m afraid of your little threat!? I’ll go… but everytime you look to the shadows, when you kill without mercy, I’ll be there to end it all,” Stalker warned, his voice hollow and cold as ice, then he vanished into shadows “Excalibur, get back to Nekros Prime, warn her to keep on a lookout for any signs of, Stalker,” Prime ordered as Excalibur looked at his friend with an odd look “What are you going to do?” Excalibur asked as Prime turned to look at him “I’m going to go after, Stalker,” Prime answered simply *SHINK-SPLAT* For Excalibur, time moved slowly, but only to capture every detail of red that painted the ground and his body. The large blade puncturing Prime’s chest like a hot knife through butter, the blood spilling to the floor. Then, time resumed as the blade was quickly relinquish from Prime’s chest, the Stalker standing over them both as Prime fell to the floor. Then Excalibur panicked, his heart racing with emotions. “Prime! Prime! No-no-no!” Excalibur cried out as he felt the world become ever so colder, he rested Prime on the stone path as the blood slowly oozed from the wound. “Prime!?” Then he felt something grab his arm as he looked right at the helmet, knowing Prime was staring him dead in the eyes, like if you just pissed him off. But all that Excalibur felt was sorrow. But his ears managed to catch something, which it stung more than any bullet or blade. “Never… let your past… define you…” Prime said in a whisper as Excalibur felt his hand drop, to which he tried to move him “No! dammit don’t you die! Please! I-I…” Excalibur couldn’t though, he tried, but he knew it was fruitless, to which he sat there, staring at Prime for the longest time, not even caring about the blade that looped around his neck “His compassion made him foolish, for that was his downfall,” Stalker spoke, not fazed by the death of one of his only friends “Stalker?” Excalibur asked quietly as he stopped to wait for Excalibur answer, which came as a painful reminded of reality *POW-POW-POW* Three shots from the Lex Prime Excalibur held, made easy work of Stalker’s stomach and leg as he fell back on the wall of the bridge, his bow fall from his back as he did so. The blood easily made its way to the ground as he felt himself wobble between the banister. Then he stared at Excalibur his eyes as black as the void itself, he tried to turn his scythe in his direction, but Excalibur quickly roundhouse kicked him in the chest, sending him crashing through the supports as he plummeted to his demise. “Fall…” Excalibur finished as he felt his head spin from the rush of adrenaline. He turned and saw the shadows that were running towards him, mostly likely about the gunshots Then Excalibur took one last glance at Excalibur Prime, then he collapsed to his knees, and waited in complete hopelessness. They won the war, but was it really worth the loss of his closest friend? “Bro? goodbye…” Excalibur muttered, his gaze turning to darkness as his eyes closed in defeat -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The memory faded. It was short, but the impact was more than sufficient. Excalibur felt something trail down his face as he wiped the tears from his eyes. “Excalibur, are you…” Skyler began but he already unhooked the machine and left swiftly, but he stopped at the doorway, but didn’t face his friends “Never let this define you… only me…” Excalibur quoted as he left the room, to which Rhino spoke up “That was… I don’t even have the words,” Rhino spoke true fully as Limbo added “In all my years, I have never had to watch my own friends die in such a manner, even to go as far as to kill another,” Limbo responded as he felt his stomach turn “That’s the Orokin in a nutshell, more monstrous than me,” Nidus growled as Titania looked at Nidus with pity, then Nox final answered what everyone was thinking in some way “He’s been through more pain than any of us, we can’t fault him for that, but I can also see why he blames himself,” She answered as the rest nodded, then Mirage perked up “Wait, I have an idea!” She jumped with slightly glee, making everyone slightly better. “Right… I know we’ve all been through loss, so… why not throw a celebration for all the ones we lost!?” “How will that…” Twilight tried to ask but Pinkie perked up “Oh-oh, like a Memorial Day! Only super-super fun!” Pinkie answered as Vauban chuckled “It does seem like the best approach, I mean, killing things can’t always be fun? besides are fallen deserve a good sendoff,” Vauban backed up as the rest seemed to agree, but Valkyr quickly left, dragging Skyler with her “Hey, can I ask you something?” Valkyr asked as Skyler nodded “What is it?” Skyler asked as they heard something go ‘bang’ in the room “I need you to talk to my brother, I would do it myself, but… I’m no Excalibur Prime,” Valkyr begged with a slight hint of worry “Why me? Wouldn’t be better if you helped him? You’re his only family after all,” Skyler suggested but Valkyr smiled warmly “’We’ both are, and he’ll listen to you, I know he will,” Valkyr answered, catching Skyler off guard “M-me!?” Skyler stammered as Valkyr hugged her “I can trust you, right?” Valkyr asked as Skyler thought about it for a moment, but happily returned the embrace “Sure.” Skyler answered as Valkyr let go of her, giving her a warm smile “Thank you, Sky,” Valkyr said as she was about to skip away, but stopped as she remembered something important. “Sky, wait!” Skyler turned to face Valkyr again, then noticing her embarrassed face as she brought Skyler’s ear close to her mouth as she whispered 2 words into her ear. To which Skyler’s eyes widened in shock, he heart missing a beat in the process “Y-you!?” Skyler tried to ask but Valkyr giggled and hushed her “Now-now, In time, just thought I let you know first!” Valkyr said with a wink as she skipped away, leaving Skyler to process the new information “Ordis?” Skyler called out as she waited “Yes, Miss, Locks?” Ordis replied as she smiled to herself “Can you tell me where Excalibur is?” Skyler asked as she felt her heart tighten. “We need to talk,” To Be Continued… Those who justify their actions through violence are the most sinful of all. > Chapter 34 Feelings To Save > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 34 Feelings To Save *Location: Relic Hunter HQ, Household, Nightfall* The light of day faded before Excalibur’s eyes, the weight of the sun falling beating down on him till the last ray. He leaned on the fence on the balcony as he gazed at the sun once more, memories still vivid and haunting as he could remember. He felt a chill run up his bare arm as he crossed his arms to give him any kind of comfort, but it did nothing to hide his pain, the gut wrenching pain that lingered in his mind and soul. It was putrid, making him feel sick. How many? How many have fallen because of his arrogance? His dumb luck? “It’s all my fault… I’m no Prime, nothing more than a bad luck charm,” Excalibur spoke softly, his head filling with the images of all those he had killed, all because he was too weak, or too slow to prevent it Then his memories flooded with the deaths of his closest friends. “Trinity…” “Volt…” “N-Nekros…” Excalibur spoke hesitantly as he felt one memory resurface, to which he tried not to dwell on It kept clouding his mind, worse than any of his memories as he put a hand over his face as he gritted his teeth in frustration. The images of death and despair rang in his head like an endless swarm, eating away at his mind. “How many more need to die until you’re satisfied with my failures?” Excalibur mumbled as he looked to the moon that slowly rose into the night, casting a blue glow from its surface “A blue moon… never thought I would ever see one,” Came a voice from beside Excalibur, he turned and saw Skyler leaning over the railing with him “Yeah… even over all the years ive lived, I’ve never seen one so… beautiful,” Excalibur added as he stared at its captivating glow with a small smile “So why, why do you keep blaming yourself?” Skyler asked suddenly as Excalibur looked at her, and saw the sad look she wore, nothing but pity and remorse displayed itself to him “Because it is my fault-” Excalibur began but was cut off by Skyler punching the railing “No. Its. Not.” She said firmly as she quickly continued. “We all saw what happened, and none of us blame you, we directed all are anger at the Orokin and Stalker, not you,” “I killed them!!!” Excalibur yelled in anger, his eyes showing glaring daggers at Skyler as she stared at him with surprise. “I killed Prime, because of my arrogance, I let Stalker murder him!” “Trinity, died because I was too slow!” “Volt, died because I was too stubborn to stick with them!” “Nekros… he died and I watched him, I could have saved him…” Excalibur chocked up but still looked furious with himself “I could have saved them all!!!” Excalibur yelled as he smashed the wooden post in anger as he felt his body drain of anger, only sadness and sorrow remaining. “I let them down…” “Excalibur… think about all that you ‘have’ done, you saved all of these Tenno, they trust you so much, they care about you,” Skyler began as she turned him to face her “You didn’t turn your back on any of them, no matter how much guilt and pain you carried, you kept pushing forward, you saved countless people from the Grineer, the Corpus, the Stalker, and not once did you leave any of them behind.” Skyler pointed out with a smile “I know you made mistakes, but you can’t let that fear control you, not even one of us would want you to die… they wouldn’t…. Valkyr wouldn’t…. I wouldn’t…” Skyler finished as Excalibur stared right at her crystal blue eyes He knew it would never end, the pain of all those he failed, those he could have saved. But… he wasn’t going to stop trying to do better… nothing could make up for the blood on his hands… but if could die, knowing he brought some good into this world… then it would be enough for him. “Sky… I will never stop doubting myself… I can’t, because if I did, it would only tarnish those I failed before.” Excalibur answered but smiled warmly as he continued. “But I will not let it stop me from doing what’s right, that I can make up for,” I promise, I will not stop trying, through the pain, and the heartache, because I’ll always remember why I kept going…” Excalibur spoke strongly as Skyler looked at him with confusion “What-” she tried to ask, but her words became an unimaginable mess as her mind slowed, to which all she could do was close her eyes as Excalibur and Skyler deepened their kiss, holding each other under the blue light that illuminated the world around them After nearly a minute, they parted, both red in the face as they both smiled at each other. Then Skyler laughed. “Now that’s one of the reason I love you so much,” Skyler joked as Excalibur smirked in pride “And the other?” he asked as he saw the seductive look on her face, she face still burning bright “Oh, well…I guess you’ll have to find out!” She teased as she looked at the small metal podium. “Hey, Ordis?” Next, a small holographic appea(Cube)red, hovering on the tripod. “Yes, Miss Locks?” Ordis asked as she smirked “When did I install that?” Excalibur asked but they ignored him “What’s the likelihood of anyone coming up here, just wondering?” Skyler asked, Excalibur still not following as he stared blankly at the two “Seriously! When did I install that!?” Excalibur shouted but the two still ignored him “Chances are extremely low, as they are trying to figure out where they got a shark eating a cheeseburger from- ITS LEAVING A GORY MESS-,” Ordis explained as she smiled “Good to know!” Then she turned to look at Excalibur one more time. “Down the hall, to the left, I’ll be waiting~” She sung as she walked away “Wait, what does…oh. Ooooooh,” Excalibur tried to ask Ordis but then his mind just… stopped making words work, then he shook his head clear before looking at Ordis. “Hey, Ordis?” “Yes, Operator?” Ordis asked but Excalibur smiled “Just call me by my name, Ordis, I’m fine with it,” Excalibur added “Oh, ok, what might you require, Excalibur?” He asked as Excalibur smiled “Send a message to, Lotus, tell her to call me tomorrow. I want to discuss something that might just help us all,” Excalibur answered as Ordis then ‘hummed’ in thought “What might be so important, Excalibur?” Ordis asked as Excalibur slowly walked away “Just tell her, I’m done chasing shadows. She’ll know.” Excalibur answered as he walked away, feeling content with himself, because now, he was finally home. but before he left he glared at Ordis "And quit going through my credits like they're going out of style! i'm not a charity!" Excalibur snapped as the Cephalon retorted "Rhino thought that wiring me to the rest of the home would be more... effiecent," Ordis replied as Excalibur sighed and walked away "I am so screwed..." Excalibur moaned, then his mini-self added. "In more ways than one in a moment," "Kill me..." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Be Continued… > Chapter 35 All Bets Are In! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warframe: Relic Hunters Chapter 35 All Bets Are In! *Location: Relic Hunters' HQ, Lounge, 1 Month Later* Excalibur's POV Peace....Funny, I remembered days when that was always a given right, before all the chaos, the experiments, the accident, the death. Tenno, masters of gun and blade, we held hope for those who would follow us, into a world without wars and bloodshed, its something that has many meanings, many Tenno have fallen by those words, others to insanity. Then there's us. My team, we were ones who could fight a heavy battle, and still manage to shed laughter the next day, like it was all just a bad dream....in only.... "Hey? What's wrong?" That's when I came back to reality, as I looked to my left, towards the one girl who not only shared my pain, but showed me that I wasn't a machine "I'm fine....just thinking...." I answered, but then I saw the smirked cross her face "You? Thinking?" She joked, as I gave her a stare "Ha. Ha." and at that she laughed, and to be honest, it was the greatest sound in the world, besides Oberon's pain, now that was a riot. Then I hugged her close to me, letting my worries drop. "Well, I just can't help but think, after everything that's happened, all the people we've lost...." "Cal...?" Skyler frowned, as I felt her hug me in return, resting her head on my shoulder as I sighed. "I know....I don't want to believe they're gone, but, I don't want to see you upset by it...." "Yeah....I guess that's why I love spending time away from my Warframe," It was true, Ive grown used to not having it around me all the time, and I guess two things are responsible for that. "I feel relaxed, my 'Incarnate' side is less of an issue, and you know what tops it all off?" "Wha-" Ha, payback's a bitch! At my action, I felt Skyler melt into the kiss, as I held her for a few, precious seconds before pulling away, only to note her red face as I smirked "Nailed it." I grinned, only to earn a pout from her, that is, until we both heard what sounded like sobbing....oh no, here come the second reason for my lack of Warframe "Brother~" Yep, my sister, in another emotional mood swing, as she hooked her arms around my neck, her head slouching on my head. "I'm bored~" "And that's my problem, how?" I questioned, as I felt the urge to kick Nekros in the balls once I'm in the afterlife for leaving me with this problem-slash-joy. "I can't see a hyperactive girl, with the agility of a cheetah getting bored. And ive talked with Pinkie!" "I don't know....Entertain me!?" She complained, but before either me or Skyler could retort, my lord and savor grabbed the emotional-train-wreck from behind, Ivara. "No! You won't take me alive!" "I wish that were the case, but I'm more afraid about what Cal would do if I did, also, sorry. I've been trying to keep her emotions in check, but...." Ivara sighed, as she dragged my sister away, before shaking her head. "Remind me not to get knocked up by any of these guys?" "Noted." I replied, then I glanced back to Skyler, as she flicked on the monitor, as it settled on the news channel, to which I listened intently, mainly due to Titania and Nidus being on-screen "~So tell me, do you believe that these gang attacks have increased dramatically, ever since the 'Relic Hunter' took up residence here?" The reported asked Titania, as Nidus kept close to her, more because of the fans behind the police barricade As it turns out, since a whole meeting with Lotus and the government, my clan had become a major headline for news reports, fan bases, and even to the Origin System, back home. Titania was one of the more popular ones from our group, due to her innocent charm, and iron resolve in battle, in a way. She inspired alot of people to be like her. "Umm, well...no, alot of them believe we aren't going to take action against small threats like this, but if we didn't, then it wouldn't be right, just because we deal with large threats, doesn't mean we shouldn't care for every person, that's what I believe." Titania answered, as I couldn't help but smile "She really had turned out like Valkyr, with the resolve of Nekros, quite the combo." I commented, as Skyler poked me "Don't forget her over-protective partner." At that, I saw Nidus growl at some of the people behind the line, as they tried to break through, to which Titania replied harshly "Nidus...don't hurt them, they won't hurt me." Titania called, as the Tenno turned to her, obviously telling her something, before she shook her head. "Sorry about that, he means well." "It quite alright, now, if you wouldn't mind, could I ask you some more-" but before she could finish her sentence, the screen seemed to freeze, as static covered the screen, to which I groaned "I swear, if Loki decided to pull another trick, I'll send him to hell myself...." I muttered, that is, until the screen finally reappeared, but my heart froze at the sight before me, as my eyes seemed to widen at the sight before me....I....It can't be! H-How!? "N-No way...." Skyler shared my disbelief, as we heard a bunch of people enter the room "You got to be joking! Not him again!" I heard Rhino bark in shock, as Ember, Frost, Atlas, Loki, and Mag followed after him, but I wasn't listening, as I slowly rose to my feet, my eyes glued to the man, the monster before me. "Excalibur?" "Excalibur....you're judgement is yet to be tested. If you wish to save this world. It people like you claim. Then meet me where we began. If not....then my shadows will undo your peace, and scatter the remains." Stalker spoke coldly, his voice vastly different, like he wasn't himself anymore, but I still trembled at the sight He stood at CHS, atop the broken statue with his red exalted blade, licking the stone's base with a menacing glow, and in the same instance, more shadows appeared, all similar to Stalker, twisted versions of our Warframes. "As you can see, they are what hides in every one of us, the truth of our power, that which you stole." Stalker continued, before pointing his blade at the camera. "Bring only those that dare to resist their nature, or else." And in a flash, the screen had turned to black, leaving us all in a state of shock and despair, and I...I couldn't comprehend it, I saw him die....I killed him with my own hands, and yet....and yet..... At the sound of my angered foot smashing into the metal floor, everyone turned to me, my body seeping with blue, as I held my anger in check, all looking concerned for me, especially Skyler, but I forced a smile onto my face, as I turned to my team, my friends. "Guys...I...don't know what to say, my mind can't comprehend any of this, I don't want to believe that this is real, and that everything we've done together was pointless." I began, I knew I couldn't convince them, but I'll be dammed if I fail Prime now, I wasn't going to let this beat me! "Since day one, I've gone with the flow, as I pieced my team back together, all that mattered to me was leaving this world, and never looking back....but then, I saw that this world was in ruin, because of us, our war became theirs, and that's when I realized it." I paused at the looks on my team's faces, as more entered the room, all wanting to hear my pathetic rally "Since the first time I met everyone here, they showed me something that we all forgot long ago, something that we lost to the years, peace, happiness. And after everything that's happened, after all the pain! And the heartache! We kept moving forward, we freed each other, we found bonds between us that ignited something we lost decades ago!" I didn't know where I was going with this, and frankly I didn't care, if Prime were here, he would always speak what he knew, despite how crazy his speeches were. "And now? After everything Nekros did for us! What Volt, Trinity, Prime did for us all! I will not let there deaths mean nothing! I don't care if I die here, cause if it means that others can live in a world, free from war and bloodshed, then I'll take every painful strike a thousand times over if it means that this pointless war can end!" At that I paused, focusing on my transference link, and in a quick flash, I dawned my master's armour once more "I'm a Tenno, master of gun and blade! And I'll keep moving towards a tomorrow that is free!" with that, I ignited my own Exalted Blade, the white and blue energy crackling in the room around us, and to my clan, as I saw Frost walk up to me, his Warframe's head nodding "I'll follow you to the end, my friend." He bowed, as he pulled out a Sibear He was then followed by Loki, his akbolto at the ready. "You've been a blast to hang with! Like i'll let you take all the fun this time!" Next was Mesa, as she twirled her akvasto prime around. "I'm armed and ready, mate!" "I swear, you're way of thinking has always baffled me." I heard Limbo speak up, as he held his Destreza like a true master. "But I believe that Nekros once said it was what made you 'interesting'." At first, I didn't think that anyone would take Nekros' place, he was someone else entirely, but to my surprise, and everyone else's, I stared at the Reaper Prime, gripped in my sister's clawed hand. "Valkyr, I-" But she held her hand out, her mask looking at me evenly "I know, I shouldn't be fighting, but....I don't want to watch the last of my family die in front of me, not again...." At that, I saw her hand tremble, but I gently grabbed it, as she looked up at me "And you won't....You always were stronger than us both, just...be careful." I answered softly, as she nodded, holding the scythe tightly in her hand, then the last to approach, the one that would fight the shadow Valkyr, was the one person who changed my life "If you think i'll let you die on me again, then you're wrong!" Sky snapped at me with the same glare she used on the day with confronted each other, to which, it was completely erased by her smirking. "I was the leader of my own squad after all." "Hence why I won't question your decision," At that, she nodded, but I pulled her back to face me, as I pulled her into a hug, I felt my heart race at the grim thoughts that plagued my mind, but I knew that only one of us had to die today, so I handed her my Skana Prime, as she looked at me with surprise. "Just keep your blade sharp." "Roger that." She nodded, as I looked to everyone, as I gave my final line, and I hope to god it won't be their last either "Alright...On this day, in the name of freedom, we'll take the fight to them! To all that stand against us! We're going to show everyone who we are, and why were here!!!" I yelled for all of them to hear, to which, I was given one last response, one that erased all doubt in my fractured mind "YEAH!!!" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At first, I had my doubts about this entire ordeal, I still do to some extent, I watched as someone close to me died, someone I trusted in the past bleed out, the world saw him fall. So why is he here? These thoughts plagued my mind as my team approached the high school, to think, it all started here... But my time to reminiscence on the past was cut short, as we stood before the acolytes of Stalker, all holding twisted versions of Tenno weaponry, I couldn't even recognize them. That's when my eyes moved from the distant crowd among the streets, and to the monster himself, his flickering blade still lit, how? I don't know. "I'm surprised you came, after what transpired the last time?" He questioned, as I kept my gaze to him, that's when the acolytes moved in, blocking our path to their leader. "Your acceptance is noted, you didn't really think it would be so simple, did you?" "If it was, I would have come alone." I answered, my glare behind my helmet never faulting from his own, then Valkyr spoke up "What are you even hoping to get from this? Needless violence was never your style, before and after what you did!" That was something we both agreed on, then I heard the Shadow Nekros chuckle "Coming from the brat that loved a apathetic sociopath? That's rich!" He chuckled darkly, as I held Valkyr's shoulder, before she could lose it completely, which was 'very' difficult "I'll tear your tongue out for that!" She hissed, almost releasing Hysteria off that bat, then Stalker spoke up "Get through your sins, then you'll fight me, and if you lose..." He trailed off, as he swung his crimson blade into the side of CHS, the void energy making quick work of the corner-roof. "I'll tear this town apart, hunting down you Tenno one-by-one." "Quick! We must get Excalibur through!" Frost declared, as the others nodded, but before I could even make a step, I saw the raised scythe above my head, to which my legs froze from the trauma "Got you now, worm!" Shadow Nekros screamed, only for his body to phase right through my own, as I felt a familiar energy pass through my body, to which I looked to Limbo "I suggest this would be the time to run!" He called, trying to hold the rift around the acolyte swung madly to break free, but I wasted no time, as I broke into a sprint towards Stalker My momentum was nearly diced, as I slid beneath the claws of the enraged Shadow Valkyr, as she swung her claws frantically, but a familiar skana blocked her assault, as Skyler quickly elbowed her in the face, her bladed arm scraping the helmet. I quickly noticed Frost, as I ran towards him, to which he quickly reacted by swing his Sibear in an arc, as it collided with the teleporting Shadow Loki's chest, sending him flying. He then held his hand out for me, as I grabbed it, to which he swung me in one fell swoop into the air. My next target, was the Shadow Limbo and Mesa, but I swiftly lifted my hand into the sky above, blinding them both in flash of void light, to which I roundhouse kicked Limbo, followed by swinging my Lex Prime out, and blasting Mesa with the force of an anti-tank rifle. As my body flew past them, I saw Mesa jump towards me, as she flipped upside-down midair, as my feet connected with her, as she flung me forwards to increase my momentum. My next distraction, was the massive wall of black ice that formed before me, but I carefully braced myself, as I saw Valkyr's shred the frozen wall into fragments, as she grabbed my arm, and flung me towards Stalker, my fist now raised. "Bite this!" I snapped, as my fist made contact with his helmet, sending him creaming into the slabs ahead, as my feet screeched to a halt on the tile, leaving behind smoke from the friction, and now....It was between us "So...you still manage to exceed my expectations, impressive." Stalker spoke with a grunt, as he calmly lifted himself off the ground, as he grabbed his Exalted blade from the concrete. "But I believe we've talked long-" "Cut the crap, I know Stalker....and whoever you are, you better give me a reason for all of this." I answered sternly, as he seemed to not even be phased by my remark....to which it dawned on me, I knew him. "Why are you here, Hunhow?" "Isn't that obvious? The primes had past on, their legacy was meant to be snuffed out, and then....you returned, dawning gold and white like a god among your own, providing something that the Tenno lost eons ago. Hope." He answered, as I held my ground to his movements, not wanting to be taken by surprised again "And so....you used Stalker's legacy as a catalyst, driving those who had long forgotten what it means to be a Tenno, into your plan. Is that about right?" I asked him calmly, as he nodded once "My Shadow hesitated, despite his lust to cleanse his despair, but you, above all the hate and despair for those you lost, you held your own humanity for so long. I only want a chance to make it end, for the system, and the children." Hunhow answered, as I read his words carefully, to which he held his blade down, looking right at me. "Will you deny those who drown in the void of loss, a chance at peace?" . . . . Peace . . . . "Your right," I answered after a moment, as I saw his head look towards me again, only for me to hold my arm high, as I felt the rust of void flow like a river through my hand, as it glowed as bright as a nova, to which my blade, my soul formed. "But if i'll be the one who will take their pain, their sins, and bare them myself for their peace!" ". . . . Then all I have to say is . . . . goodbye..." Hunhow spoke coldly, his voice distorting with an evil intent, as I felt voices reach out to me for one final time "You got this, Bro!" Valkyr "Let 'er rip." Nekros "Show him a God!" Rhino "Never let your past define you." Prime (FINAL SHOWDOWN MUSIC) In a flash, we clashed in a massive blast of blue and red, the resulting impact igniting the ground around us in purple flames of energy, as we threw every unrelenting hit towards each other, our blades sending shockwaves to shatter glass through the air, each hit missing us both my inches. "I'm giving you freedom!" Hunhow screamed, as I felt my side flare with the raw emotion of rage, as I rolled across the floor, avoiding his massive arcs, as the sent a wave of crimson through the ground like an earthquake, but I rose to my feet, as I swung my blade around, clashing with his again, but I used by left hand, and fired a pulse of pure energy into his chest, sending the Sentient flying "You're nothing but a killer!" I countered, as my eyes nearly ran from their sockets, as I ducked from the blade behind me, as I saw Hunhow circle around me as a bolt of red lightning, as I continued to follow his movements carefully, as he swung down from my left, as I back flipped with one hand, avoiding his strike He was quick to act, as I saw his body flash to my left, as he kicked me in my side, then he rushed above me, axe-kicking me into the stone, but I turned to deliver an uppercut to his jaw, sending him into the grass, which proceeded to burn with crimson flames, as blue danced around me. "Come and get me." I taunted, as he responded by doing something unthinkable, multiple copies of Exalted blade appeared before me, all pointed towards me as I rolled to the left, as one embedded itself in the concrete, followed by another to my right, which I ducked backwards, one did snag my shin, but I cartwheeled from two more Then my face met the dirt, as he plunged my head into the soil with his right hand, and he didn't stop there, as he pulled me up the wall of the building, before trailing me along like meat on a chopping block, as sparks flew in my vision, as I felt the metal rise in heat. But I instinctively latched my legs around the back of his head, before smashing into own face into the brick. He tried to move free, but I jumped from the wall, my legs pulling him head first with me, as I smashed his torso into the dirt, to which I grabbed his neck, throwing him into the air as I left behind a nice 'X' on his back, the scorches leaving a blue trail behind. But I narrowly avoided his own blade leaving a nasty mark on my left arm, as it burned through my armour. I reacted by swinging my blade in an arc, sending a crescent of energy towards him, only for Hunhow to mimic me as our two resulting forces erupted at the center, sending us both flying. I landed on the wall of CHS, as I rolled across the wall, avoiding three rapid spins from Hunhow, as I kicked his arm up, before lashing into his exposed chest, leaving a mark of blue as he retreated, landing atop the roof. "Weak...very weak..." Hunhow spoke, but I wasn't going to have any of it So I blasted towards him, before charging more energy into my blade, to the point of complete white, as I struck down on his open chest, the combination ended with a sonic boom that shattered every window in the area, as car alarms rang out from the explosion of pure force. But my eyes could only stare in shock, as my blade shattered before me, the feedback was unbearable, as I yelled in agony, both my arms shattered, the armour nearly flying off, as I held them close to my chest, thankfully not broken, but the pain was down right monumental. "I won't stand for your insolence." Hunhow added, as he grabbed me by my face, cracking the helmet in his grasp, which glowed red with power, as it burned my vision, then the world around me froze, all I could do, was stare down at my stomach, at the crimson blade that pierced its golden armour like a hot knife I felt no pain, only a hollow emptiness consume that part of my body, no words could comprehend the feeling of voidless pain. But I looked right at Hunhow, as I gritted my teeth in resistance, ignoring my body's screams to end it. That's when I grabbed his face, pushing back with all the force I could muster. "Not yet..." I groaned, before he grabbed my hand, twisting it away from his face, then he grabbed his blade, and kicked me towards the ground below with a simple heave of his foot. To which my back sent an electrified pulse to my nerves, as I chocked on my scream At this point, my body gave in, as I laid on my back in defeat, as I tried to move my arms, but the pressure of Hunhow landing on top of me cut my action off, as he balled his hands up, to which he began to dig his fists into my fractured face. "You are not worthy of that armour!" He snapped, as I felt something rise in my mind as he said that, a rage of war and blood lust, as he repetitively struck my face, that's when my actions awoke My right arm latched onto his face, halting his movements, as he grabbed my own face, as I pushed in off my body, steadily rising to my feet, as I watched the blood leak from my wounds. "I won't stand for it..." I muttered, as he kicked me in the stomach, then he did it again with his fist as I fell back, but I stood my ground, grabbing his arm and pulling him forward, before smashing my fist into his twisted mask, which sent him back a few feet As he stumbled, he faced me again, before charging with is fist again, letting out a battle cry, but I held my own fist out, as we clashed, but my arm never broke, as he pulled his own arm back from the contact, it actually hurt him. "N-No...!" He stuttered, as I approached him, blue energy beginning to leak from my body "There is always someone like you, who want's to destroy the world!" I snapped at him, before giving him a left hook, which sent him flying. "Always forcing you're ideals on everyone else! Like pawns!" He tried to stand, but his own legs gave up from under him, as he stared back at me in what I could only describe as utter shock....and fear. "H-How are you s-so powerful?" He asked me, as I gave him his answer, as another uppercut caused his body to roll back in shock, and imbalance "Because I'm pissed off!" I spat at him, as he grunted, moving to his feet, his knees bent to support his shaking body "I-I am you-your master!" He roared, as I watched his body rise with power, as he held his fist close to his side, before he finally charged at me again, before his fist smashed into my chest, as the force of a shotgun shot through my being, but I held firm, as I grabbed his arm, twisting it before I snapped in two "That's why...." I began as he held his arm in pain, the joint completely shattered, as I threw another punch at him. "I have no masters!" My fist made contact with his chest, as I swore his eyes widened from within, as I held him up on my fist, as I yelled in his face, my left arm balled up. "Nor will I be the master of others!" And in that instance, I punched him back onto his feet, his balance slipping, as he tried to focus, but my fist glowed bright, as I my mind brought forth everyone to my eyes, as I sighed. "But....above all else..." "I will never...forgive you..for make my friends suffer!!!" I screamed, as I smashed my left fist into his chest, shattering the armour into shards, as they fell from their resting place, as Hunhow flew towards the statue again, smashing on the other side of its base After the massive blow, I walked towards the street, as I saw my team watching in both shock and hope, as I approach Hunhow, now standing in a wobbling state, obviously defeated now. "This is not how it was suppose to be...." He gasped, but I didn't care, I had a chance to end this, I was going to take it, so I took every ounce of my energy, as I built its epicenter into my arm, as the blue light glowed through the cracks in my shattered arm, then I glared daggers at Hunhow "This is your end! To stupid, destroyer wannabe!" and with that, I ran towards the now defeated destroyer, fully confident I could end this here and now "Wait!" That voice! I stopped dead in my tracks, as I looked back at the blue-haired girl, Skyler, her eyes filled with terror and sadness that Ive never seen since the last fight between me and Stalker. "If...if you do this, you'll use up the last of your energy....without it....you...." She froze at her own words, as I stared back at her through my helmet. "You can't survive, not with those injuries..." I knew that....and I couldn't help but smile at her, not that she could see my happiness I had for her. To me, she was everything Ive fought for, even before I met her....and I'll do anything to protect her....and besides....I'm can't never keep promises. "But..." and at that, the last of my energy entered my fist, the light in the rest of my armour fading away. "...You will live." And with that, I played my final card. My finale hand. "EXCALIBUR!!!" I let out the biggest war cry I could muster, as my fist smashed into Hunhow's face, as i poured every ounce of energy into his face, every fragment of pain, anger, sadness, regret. All of it, into this final act of resistance against his kind, and the world that rejected me. *POW* And in that final instance, his face broke in two, as he stumbled back in a flash of black and red, as his face burst with energy, before he fell to his knees....and in that motion, his entire body erupted into a blast of red and black, sending his body to the winds one final time. . . . . Silence, that's all I heard, not because everyone was processing the victory to themselves, but because I couldn't hear them. I tried, but I could only watch as my vision turned towards the sky above, rays of gold and blue reached me, as I saw the dots enter my vision. Along with two others. My sister, now trying desperately to call out to me, but I heard nothing but white noise. And Sky....her face contorted with pain and broken emotions I could only describe as, heartbroken, as he seemed to speak 3 final words to me, before my vision, followed after.... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ok....what am I staring at? I was awake, but at the same time, it was an entirely new world, one of pure white, and it almost hurt to look as my eyes adjusted to its setting, but yeah....a white hall, resembling that of my clan hub, only... "My clan hall is clean?" I pondered, as I heard a modest voice chuckle at my words "Well now, who's fault is that?" no! I-it can't be....but there he was....in his armour once more, helmet under his arm, as his hazel eyes stared at me, with a small smile. "Then again, you were quite lazy!" "P-Prime!?" I gasped in utter joy, as I stared blankly at him, then I pointed from him, to the room around us. "Am I dead?" "Well you gave it your best shot, per usual." Another familiar voice added from right behind me, as I jumped back to face his steel eyes, a frown still upon his face "Nekros!" I laughed in sheer bliss, as he looked at himself "Last I checked." He added, to which I calmly sighed, warily smiling at them "I guess I did it, I finally met my maker....some prime I am, huh?" I shrugged, but then I punch to the back of my head snapped my attention away. "Ow! dammit!" "As always, you are an idiot who punches his problems away...." ...no....No! How is 'he' here!? "You!" I glared harshly at the finally arrival, as he stared at me with a bored expression. "Stalker...." "Oh look, he remembers, surprise...." yeah, fuck you two pal... "Ok-Ok, you said I 'gave it my best shot', why? Where are we?" I asked in irritation, ignoring that fact that my worst enemy was standing here, that's when Prime spoke up "I don't have alot of time, so I'll make this quick, we are in the divide between life and death, this something that can only happen in the most random of chances, not rare, but not common either. That's where you come in." Prime spoke, as I looked to Nekros "So, why are you here?" I asked, as he pointed to Stalker "Same reason he is, to help you choose, since you lack that part of your brain." Nekros answered, as I gave him a deadpan stare. "You can't reject the truth." "Anyways, you're decision is simple, you must decide which matters most to you," Stalker began, as I looked to him. "You have done nothing but fight, shedding blood for others, people who can fight beside you, but you instead put yourself at risk of death because of your own goals." "So your choice is simple, you take one last stand against those 'Shadows', your past sins made real, and in the end, free yourself from your pointless suicidal goals..." That, left me to ask in worry "And if I don't?" But I had a feeling I knew the answer, as Nekros spoke up "Or forever wander as a hollow spirit, cursed to watch time go by, drowning in your own self-loathing." Nekros ended, as I noticed that my body slowly glowed, as pieces of me began to fade, but I still wanted answers, many which Ive wanted to know....but then again, I had bigger things than me to worry about, and they knew it So with one final sigh, I looked to Nekros, as he looked to me. "Nekros?" I asked calmly, as he blinked "Wh-AH son of a whore!" he snapped in actual emotion, as my fist met his nose, to which I smirked at him. "I can understand you're upset, but...tell her to hold onto my scythe for me....but I'm guessing that's not why you hit me?" "It's for knocking my sister up! You ass!" I joked, as he couldn't help but smirk for once in his life at me, to which I looked finally to Prime and Stalker. "Stalker? I hope you can understand why I had to kill you....and i'm sorry for never helping you when I could have." "Yes well....I guess....I made mistakes too, but never regret it, otherwise i'll haunt your ass!" His grunted, before walking away and leaving me to gaze at my brother-figure one last time "I'm glad that I got to see you grow one last time, good luck, Prime." He smiled, as I saw his armour had vanished in the blink of an eye, as I took note of my appearance, to which I mutter one line to myself, as my vision filled with white once more "Ante up." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Back on the streets* As the world around the Tenno fell silent, no one dared to speak, not a single soul could. Prime laid on the floor, blood covering most of his limbs, with his armour as cold as the light that faded from it. None of them could stand to believe that he was gone, after everything he's fought, this was his end. "Well, well, well!" At the snarky tone everyone looked to the injured Shadow Nekros, as he chuckled to himself like a maniac. "The little runt finally met his match!" "He was doomed from the start...." Shadow Limbo stated coldly, as Shadow Valkyr joined them "I guess i'll have some run stripping him of his skin later!" She clapped, but a gun shot to her foot silenced her, as they all looked to Valkyr, holding Excalibur's Lex, as the smoke left the barrel "You want him, get through us." Mesa dared, her two gauntlet magnums pointed at them, then Limbo spoke up "Just give us some ideas." Even that was unusual for his rather normal approach, then they saw the Shadow Frost walk up to the front "And do, prey tell, are you going to do about that?" He inquired, as he pointed to Skyler, who's head still rested on Excalibur's chest. "Your a man short, well...two now." "Never underestimated us!" A new voice chimed in from above the group, as Titania flew in, holding her twin archwing guns high. "And besides, one of us would love to kick your asses!" At that, they watched as something walked from the alleyway, holding a mangled body of Shadow Loki, as he unceremoniously dropped his corpse to the road. To which Shadow Limbo retorted. "Even so, you wi-" *WHOOSH-SHING* What came as a surprised from everyone, was the impact two black and red arrows had with Shadow Limbo's chest and head, as his body shook slightly, before dropping in a heap. All the Tenno and spectator nearly all gasped in utter shock as the a bow filled with dread was lowered. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Play this for a more epic fight!) I sat upright from the stone, Skyler now looking up at my with tears in her eyes, as I dropped my bow to the ground, the remaining Acolytes, all now staring in anger at my sudden rise from the dead, Skyler was the first to actually speak everyone's mind. "Y-You're alive...!" She couldn't help but smile tearfully as I patted her head softly, as I rose to my feet, my armour rekindling the energy I had lost, as my armour surged once more with the void I defied long ago, but now....after everything I've done, the people ive seen and killed, I fully embraced its light. Something I never did before now. I didn't waste time, as I summoned my Exalted blade once more, its embers growing with the crowds cheers of utter joy, as I ran faster than even Loki could muster, as I impaled Shadow Valkyr directly, but she had already activated her claws, as she swung frantically at my face. But I quickly pulled my blade out, kicking her to the tarmac as she spun around. I then ducked from the rapier that swung over my head, as Shadow Frost struck with such accuracy, that even I was on edge. But I spun to the floor, knocking his feet out from under him, as I elbowed him in the jaw, before grabbing his leg, and using him as a bat to swat, Shadow Valkyr away, both flying towards the statue again. I then rolled backwards, as Shadow Nekros swung his scythe in my direction, but all his swoops were slow and desperate, as he let out a battle cry, and lunged at me. That's when I flanked his left, grabbing his bottom jaw with my right hand, before I swiftly smashed his head into the ground, which followed with his entire head igniting into a beam of pure void light, as he was fired through about 6 inches of concrete. I then felt something cut the side of my leg, as I watched Shadow Frost's rapier strike me, then my side, chest and face. I could only stumble back, towards Shadow Valkyr as she waited, but I decided to end this. I've had enough! At my yell, I kicked the rapier from his grasp, before I grasped my exalted blade in two hands, before pulling it into two, separating it's power into two identical blades. And as Shadow Frost tried to recover, I swung both into his body in an motion that I remembered mastering from Prime a long time ago The first hit is was a horizontal swing from left to right with the right sword, I immediately followed by an uppercut with the left sword. I then then jumped up and slashed him with both swords from left to right while spinning, twice. I quickly landed, facing him as I slashed an 'X' from top to bottom, before inversely slashing the X again from bottom to top. I then leapt at the target, making two diagonal slashes from the same starting point, with the left sword heading from top to bottom to the left, while the right sword heads from bottom to top toward the right. In those swift actions, I watched in slow motion, as his body crumbled to the tarmac, his body bleeding profusely, that's when I turned to Shadow Valkyr, now lunging into my torso, but I raised my swords again, holding the same action for what I did two Shadow Frost. I reversed my grip on the two swords, before slashing another X with both swords from top to bottom into her slight-immortal body. I quickly did a barrel-roll like maneuver while slashing at her form, like a corkscrew. Before her claws could hit me, I then slashed another two X's at her chest, first from top to bottom and then bottom to top. I hastily made a diagonal slash with the right sword, top-right to bottom-left, then I spun left and used this momentum to deal a horizontal, right to left slash with the left sword. I then, at a very high speed, made an uppercut with the right sword; then another with the left sword, a downward slash with the right sword, then a downward diagonal slash towards the right with the left sword, I accurately spun and repeated the previous actions, before thrusting the right-handed sword out. And in a final strike, I forcefully struck downwards in a lunge with the left sword. With those movements, her mangled body was sent flying into a nearby building, blood following like trail after her. And as I sighed, I turned back to the road, facing the crawling Shadow Nekros as he laughed, looking right up at me with a twisted form. "W-What kind of Prime....k-kills those wh-who were his allies!?" He gargled, as I finally spoke, my words carrying no core to their meaning for others, only to myself "I'm no prime." And in those few words I forcefully thrusted both my swords into his chest, as I left them fade with this monster's life....and just like that....the world was silent again....and I finally sunk to my knees, which I guess was a bad move, since I was nearly tackled to the ground my Skyler and my sister "Excalibur!" Ow, yes that's my name, I'm pretty sure I got to keep that part of my memory in Limbo "Yes?" I asked casually, as I knew what came next "You idiot! Of all the stupid things you've done, why? Why did you have to....I...." Valkyr tried to mutter to me, but all I did was hug her close, before whispering to her "He told me....if you could look after his scythe for him..." I didn't quite understand why he said that, I doubt I will, but something in her snapped, as she broke down in my lap, as I saw her tears leak from her helmet, but I just looked around my small team, as they all either nodded, or gave me a thumbs up, then my gaze landed on Sky She looked torn between anger and pure happiness, as I continued to stare at her, and I guess, in that one instant, nothing else mattered to me. So I grabbed the sides of my helmet, my black hair glowing with blue embers as I could already hear the crowd gasp, if only they knew. But then my gaze fell back to her cyan eyes again, funny how they used to hate me long ago, but now....I only felt joy when seeing them, and so, before she could get a word out, I rested my head on hers, as I spoke softly to avoid anyone else's ears. "I held onto my promise, just like I said I would...." I spoke, as all I could see was her trembling eyes, as she ensnared me in her arms once again, as I did the same, and for some reason, the world felt a whole lot brighter "I know....and I love you for that...." She spoke through her soft crying, and then, my mind drifted once more Our world, whether fictional or real, can never be explained nor controlled. It will constantly throw you through life, and nothing can prepare you for the things you face, the people you'll encounter along your journey, and the costs you must make, no matter how hard they may be. Your life is something that can, however, be the most amazing thing in the world, and in the end, you always be left with one place that makes you smile, laugh, cry....and in that moment, you look back at all the steps you took. And for me, the last thing I said to her, as we sat in each others embrace, ignoring the world around us. "I'm home again...." The End