Cayde led Weiss out of the ramen shop and across the Tower's upper walkways, the evening wind tugging at her long sleeves. Spark floated close behind, humming with a mix of curiosity and poorly concealed suspense.
"So… what exactly are you showing me?" Weiss asked.
Cayde glanced over his shoulder, eyes glowing brighter with mischief. "Relax, it's nothing dangerous…probably."
"Probably?" Spark chirped. "Historically speaking, that word precedes catastrophic outcomes."
Cayde stopped at a secluded overlook facing the City, vast, glowing and alive beneath the silent Traveler. Weiss blinked in surprise. She had never seen the Tower from this height.
"This," Cayde said simply, leaning on the railing, "is where I bring new Hunters when I want them to understand something important."
Weiss stepped forward, her breath catching. Lights stretched across the valley like stars scattered across the ground.
"It's beautiful," she whispered.
Cayde nodded. "Every guardian protects this place. But Hunters?" He tilted his head toward her. "We watch from the shadows. We take the risks no one sees; we do the jobs no one thanks us for, we keep the City breathing."
Weiss stood quietly, absorbing his words.
Spark rotated beside her, unusually still. "A noble mandate," he said softly. "And remarkably efficient."
Cayde straightened, placing a hand on Weiss's shoulder with surprising gentleness. "Lesson two: Remember what you're fighting for. When the missions get rough—and they will—this keeps you steady."
Weiss looked up at him. "Do you ever forget?"
"Sometimes," Cayde exhaled. "But then I come back here. Helps me remember who I am."
Weiss turned back to the sprawling city lights, her chest warming with a feeling she couldn't yet name.
Purpose, maybe.
Cayde clapped his hands suddenly. "Alright, emotional moment over. Tomorrow, you're getting your first real Vanguard assignment."
Weiss nodded slowly. "I'll be ready."
Spark chimed in with cheerful menace. "And I will ensure she survives! Mostly intact!"
Cayde snorted. "Good enough for me."
————————
Weiss returned to her room long after the Tower lights dimmed. The walk back had been quiet—comfortably so. Spark floated beside her in a rare lull of commentary, humming faintly like a machine settling into rest.
Inside her small quarters, she took off her armor and under suit before changing into some comfy sleeping clothes, and sat on the edge of her bed.
Spark dimmed his glow. "Your neurological stress levels have lowered significantly. Excellent! Sleep is recommended. I shall remain vigilant, of course. I do not require rest—only entertainment."
"Goodnight, Spark," she murmured as she lay back.
"Goodnight! Try not to die in your sleep. It would be terribly inconvenient."
Despite his wording, his tone was oddly affectionate.
Weiss drifted off quickly, the exhaustion of the day pulling her under like a tide. There were flashes—memories she almost caught. A silhouette, cold metal, and a mechanical voice speaking in a language that seemed familiar. Then all faded into black.
Morning came gently.
Soft sunlight spilled across her blankets, warming her face. Weiss blinked awake, feeling strangely lighter. Spark was already zipping in circles above her desk, poking at her armor commenting on, "adding some blue."
She stretched. "Spark? What's on today's schedule?"
"Fascinating question! And the answer is: yes. If you remember yesterday, Cayde said the Vanguard would be assigning us a mission today. How ever he never gave us the time when…"
Weiss exhaled in relief, though an odd restlessness flickered beneath her ribs. "Then… until they call me maybe I could explore the Tower? Or find Cayde again?"
Before Spark could respond, the room's comm-panel chimed softly.
A calm voice spoke through it: "Guardian Weiss. The Speaker requests your presence in the Hall of Guardians."
Weiss sat upright. "The Speaker? Who is that?"
"Yes!" Spark buzzed with excitement. "The emissary of the Traveler! A political, spiritual, and occasionally cryptic figurehead that many Guardians never speak to directly! Oh, this is terribly important!"
Weiss stood quickly, removing her clothes before slipping into her undersuit and attaching the armor with practiced motions. Even so, her hands shook slightly. Not from fear—more from the weight of the unexpected.
"Do you think I did something wrong?" she asked.
Spark rotated. "Oh, I hope not. That would be awkward. And entertaining."
"Spark."
"…My apologies. I meant: unlikely, highly unlikely."
Armor on, hair brushed, Weiss stepped into the hallway. The Tower's morning air felt fresh and cool as she made her way through the winding paths toward the Speaker's chamber.
Residents and Guardians passed by with quiet nods and waves. Weiss tried to return the gestures, though her heart thudded in her chest.
Spark hovered close. "Remember: composure is key! Do not trip. Falling in front of a political leader is statistically embarrassing."
"Why would you put that idea in my head?"
"Because now you will be more careful!"
She sighed, but a small smile tugged at her lips.
When they reached the Speaker's doors, a Warlock stepped forward, bowing slightly. "He awaits you."
The chamber inside was lit by soft golden lanterns. In the center stood the Speaker, white mask reflecting gentle light, robes flowing like ripples of cloth around him. He turned toward her with a slow, measured grace.
"Guardian Weiss," he said, voice warm and resonant. "Welcome."
Weiss stepped forward, spine straight. "Thank you for summoning me. I… wasn't expecting this."
Spark drifted up proudly. "She is very new, yet highly capable! Also prone to injury, but improving."
The Speaker chuckled softly. "I have heard of your arrival. And of your Ghost's rather… unique history."
Spark spun in delight. "Ah, recognition! How refreshing!"
Weiss kept her gaze on the Speaker. "Why did you call for me?"
He gestured toward the towering window overlooking the Traveler. Its pale sphere hung above the City, serene yet immense.
"Because," he said, "your path ahead will shape more than your own fate. You were resurrected in a time of gathering storms. Old enemies awaken. New ones stir in the shadows. And the Light has chosen you—not by accident, but by purpose."
The Speaker's voice softened. "You carry questions, Guardian. Wounds and memories that flicker just out of reach. In time, some will return. Others will not. But all that you become… begins now."
Her hands tightened at her sides.
"What should I do?" she whispered.
"For today?" the Speaker answered gently. "Walk the Tower, learn and prepare. The Vanguard will soon need you again."
He bowed his head. "And Weiss… trust your Light. It is stronger than you know."
Weiss bowed in return, before leaving the Speaker's chamber.
As she stepped back into the Tower's sunlight, Spark bobbed with eager energy.
"Well! That was surprisingly pleasant. No scolding! No ominous prophecies! Just vague wisdom and motivational philosophy. Quite efficient."
Weiss looked toward the Traveler, its glow reflecting faintly in her eyes.
"I guess," she said softly, "it's time to prepare for my next assignment."
"And I," Spark declared proudly, "shall supervise!"
———————
The summons from the Vanguard a while after Weiss left the Speaker. She was currently speaking with Banshee about what material would be best for combat knives.
A chime sounded in her comms.
"Guardian Weiss. Report to Commander Zavala."
Spark zipped in a delighted loop. "Ah! The first official assignment! Statistical probability of danger: very high. How invigorating!"
Weiss smiled at Banshee and bowed her head. "Thank you for telling me what material I should use. I'll see you later."
Banshee nodded his head and spoke in his usual gravely tone. "Make sure you come back in on piece Guardian."
———————
The Hall of Guardians was bustling when she arrived—messengers running between posts, Warlocks debating over datapads, Hunters lounging on railings, Titans standing like statues in bright armor.
Zavala stood at the central table, massive arms folded behind his back. His presence alone straightened Weiss's posture.
He turned as she approached. "Guardian Weiss."
She bowed her head. "Commander."
Ikora and Cayde were nearby; the latter shot her a lazy salute and a wink, while Ikora simply watched with calm interest.
Zavala tapped a holographic map of Old Russia. A red pulse flickered over the Skywatch region.
"We've received scattered reports," he began, "that Fallen activity has increased around Skywatch. Specifically, signs of a lockdown."
Weiss frowned. "Lockdown? Why would the Fallen fortify an area like that?"
Ikora answered, arms crossed. "Skywatch contains several sealed Golden Age complexes and weapon arrays. If the Fallen are digging in… they're after something."
Cayde leaned on the console. "Or hiding something. Or hiding from something. Or With Fallen, it's usually all three."
Spark bobbed. "Oh! A mystery! How splendidly ominous."
Zavala looked at Weiss directly. "You proved capable in the Cosmodrome. We want you to investigate Skywatch, determine the intent behind the lockdown, and eliminate any immediate threats."
Weiss nodded, feeling a warmth in her chest for being chosen for this mission. "Understood. I'll take care of it."
Cayde gave her a friendly nudge. "No pressure, kid. Just a heavily fortified hotspot full of hostile aliens. Easy day."
Weiss glared lightly. "You're not helping."
"Oh, I absolutely am."
Ikora offered a small nod. "Observe before you strike. Fallen Captains are becoming increasingly aggressive in that region."
Zavala stepped closer. "Your ship will be prepped on the landing pad. Return with anything you find—intel, artifacts, survivors. And Weiss… stay alert."
"I will."
Spark chirped brightly. "We have survived death, explosions, electrocution, disintegration, and at least three falls off precarious structures. This will be simple."
Weiss murmured, "You're not helping either."
"I disagree."
On the landing pad, Weiss boarded her jump ship, now fitted with the new warp drive she'd recovered. The engines hummed as she settled into the pilot's seat, tightening the straps of her armor.
Spark floated into view, spinning with excitement. "Skywatch is historically significant! It was once a major defense installation before the Collapse. Also the site of numerous tragic incidents involving airborne debris and catastrophic orbital failures!"
Weiss raised a brow. "…Is that supposed to motivate me?"
"I am providing context!"
She sighed. "Let's just get there."
The ship lifted, engines roaring as it shot into the sky. Clouds streaked past the cockpit as they angled toward the Cosmodrome.
Spark projected a map. "Skywatch is north-northeast from the last Fallen encampment you cleared. I advise caution. Fallen encryption chatter is… unusually excited."
"That's not encouraging."
"Oh, indeed! Something interesting awaits us."
Weiss adjusted her grip on the controls. "Then let's find out what."
The jump ship descended toward the battered landscape—and whatever the Fallen were hiding, she was about to walk straight into it.