[b]How's everyone's day been? Good? I hope so. If you missed Chapter 6, here's the link to that: https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/125837360/0/0 And if you missed any other chapters, here's the link to the Chapter Index: https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/128755126/0/0 RandallTheVandal's character is in this one Beelzebub's character is also in this one link to his fanfiction be here: https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/135340623 [/b] [u]Chapter 7: [i]The Iron Kell's Favor[/i] [/u] The Iron Kell wiped sweat off his forehead. Today was a particularly hot day on the red planet, however there was a strong wind. Matthew leaned against his sword and surveyed the nearby dunes. Cabal legionaries and Phalanx lay sprawled across the sand, the Fallen that killed them gloated and pillaged their fat bodies for anything valuable. Matthew whistled sharply, signaling his soldiers to grab their loot and move on. [i]Hurry up now, I don't want to get dust in my mask.[/i] They were scouting a small Cabal outpost just outside the planet wide Exclusion Zone. Word had spread that the occupying Cabal unit was going to leave the Empire, and follow their leader, Bracus Shau'Ug further in the Sol system. Matthew had decided to do the Cabal Empire a favor and take them out himself. Matthew and his small force of Fallen were only through with the Guards though, and soon a reaction force would spill out of the huge blast doors. Once his Fallen were ready, Matthew led them to the doors, which were built into a massive cave that extended further down into Mars. "Put a shock bomb down, right on the door." Matthew told his Demolition Dregs. They heeded his command and bolted down a large spherical canister. Once they were done, everyone stepped back far from the doors. The Dregs then detonated the bomb remotely, resulting in a huge explosion that nearly brought the cave down on their heads. "Alright, boys, let's move in!" Matthew commanded. The Fallen soldiers began to rush through the hole in the doors but were immediately slaughtered as a Colossus burst out. He smacked a row of Vandals into the side of the cave, then began to mow the others down with his Heavy Slug Thrower. "Shit." Matthew immediately went on the defensive. He slammed his powerful sword, the Xiphos, into the ground, sending out a wave of energy that effectively stunned the Colossus. The remaining Vandals and Dregs took this opportunity to lay down focus fire on the beast, bringing it down and killing it. Matthew then charged into the base, sword in hand. He cut down any enemies that stood in his way. His speed became enhanced by the Xiphos, turning him into an unstoppable killing machine. He didn't stop until all of the Cabal were slashed down or decapitated. "Too easy," he said as he kicked a rolling head. His Vandals and Dregs caught up to him, and soon they found themselves standing in a large arena like room. There was a large, circular display in the center, and a holographic image of Venus floated in the center of it. Matthew began questioning the intents of the Cabal unit, but was jarred out of his thoughts when a guttural squeal rang out. Matthew barely had any time to react before a Centurion dropped down from the ceiling behind him, crushing the last of his Fallen soldiers. "Shau'Ug," Matthew muttered. The Centurion rose at the sound of his name, beating his chest and squealing in that strange way that the Cabal do. Matthew inhaled, then sprang into action. He charged the Centurion, sidestepping the hail of rockets that Shau'Ug unleashed while also sending out his own destructive waves of energy. The Centurion was smart though, and read the pattern in which the waves came. Utilizing his jump pack, he thrust himself into the air, landing on the metal floor with a soft thud. He continued to do this until finally, one of Matthew's shockwaves, caught him, knocking him off balance. The Iron Kell seized his moment. Pivoting on his left foot, he leapt into the air, using his Xiphos to boost his height. He raised the sword above his head and brought it down into the belly of the beast, breaking through his Solar shield. The Centurion squealed as the killing blow was delivered, but was soon silent. Kneeling down on the Cabal's lifeless body, Matthew sighed, Bracus Shau'Ug and his deserters were no more, but at a great cost. Looking at the crushed remains of his allies pained him, [i]'they knew what they were getting themselves into...and so did I'[/i]. Soon, Matthew heard the familiar voice of his General and longtime friend, Saliks over the comms. "Matthew, your presence is requested on the Ironship...it is urgent." the voice crackled in his ear. He sighed, "Don't play the pronoun game with me Saliks... I'll be up there shortly, let me just get out of this cave." Matthew then sheathed his sword and began to walk the path back outside the Cabal base The General acknowledged his Kell and teleported Matthew once he returned to the barren surface of Mars. Once back in his Ironship, Tropa-3, Matthew followed Saliks to his Throne Room. Inside, their were two Recon Vandals waiting for their Kell. "What is it?" Matthew asked in their language, concern in his eyes. "It's the War on Venus, Sir," one of them clicked, "we intercepted a distress call from House Ash... it said, 'Need back up on the Ishtar Fronts, losing reinforcements at an unseen rate...Winter is beginning to take back Venus... they' " Matthew held up his hand to stop the Vandal, "Saliks, can you confirm the signal? Is it from the Ash?" "Yes." Matthew shook his head, "Play it back, I need to hear this myself." Saliks then instructed a nearby Vandal to play the message. After a few swipes and presses on the console, the signal began to play. [i]*radio static*...This is Baron Skorsis, Commander of the Assault on the Ishtar Fronts...*static*...we're losing the war. More and more battles are lost, more soldiers dead, more territory taken...*static*...We're low on Ether, not enough Servitors, resulting in an unseen rate of dwindling reinforcements...I will most likely be slain before you receive this but...*Roar of Captains and gunfire*...No time left, Winter has broken through Walkers, No hope...Draksis will retake Venus...Long live the Ash...*Bellowing roar followed by gunshots and static*[/i] Everyone stood in shock, The House of Ash was not known for losing. Matthew was first to speak up, "Saliks, tell the Servitors to start up the Engines and warp-drive. Tell them to relay the message to the rest of the fleet," He sat in his throne and looked out into the black depths of space, "We're going to Venus." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There was a lone Vandal in a dark room. He was kneeling in front of a hologram of a Kell. "The Assault failed, Sir. You have regained control." The Vandal said "Very well, Randor. I suspect you'll need a larger Ether ration for this." The Kell clicked. The Vandal opened his mandibles, "Oh, I think my allegiance to you is worth more than just Ether," he said. "So it is the blue gems you want? Haha, my Ketch nearly bursts with the amount I carry..." The Kell gloated, "You will get your pay, when the job is done, so do it well." Randor cursed silently as he stood up, "I am indebted to you, my liege.." he said with a bow, "...my Kell." [b]Stay tuned for more, Guardians. Chapter 8 is up .[/b] https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/135966758