So... the little text which I wrote about Shaxx and the Vanguard having a laugh at our expense has got much, much popular than I expected. I am very happy that you guys liked it, and I thank you all for your support, appreciation and suggestions. Funny thing (and as I told some of you) that story was meant to be a [i]serious[/i] piece when I conceived it, not a satire. I actually do believe that my matches at the Crucible have made me better at playing Destiny altogether, and that not only shows in the Crucible itself (where I started off as a scrub, as I´ve always played shooters using a mouse, and now I usually earn 3rd place at least) but also in Strikes and other instances. Some people have encouraged me to write serious pieces, so I thought... why not show them the [b]original[/b] idea? So here you go, guys. Although it´s not as inspired as the parody piece, I´m still hoping that you enjoy it. There are some personal experiences here. In fact, in this little story... when you get to the part of a Titan fending off a Hive attack? That actually happened to me in a Heroic Storymode mission. Some parts may seem sloppy but English is not my first language, so be patient on me. Oh, and watch for the easter egg! Ok, here we go... ----------------------- - [i]Forgive my interruption, Lord Shaxx… But I see no point in the Crucible.[/i] Lord Shaxx turned away from the several monitors he was observing, where several Guardians were shown fighting each other in repeated matches, to look at the Exo who had just spoken: a newly reborn Guardian who had chosen the path of the Hunter. Slowly, Shaxx removed his helmet, something that he rarely did openly at the Tower. Indeed, his face was not a sight that most could stand with ease: his skin was crossed by scars all over; his scalp, completely shaved, to disguise the portion of his head that would never grow hair again due to severe burns; one of his eyes, only functional due to the wonders of cybernetics. Taller than most Guardians, and even standing out among the hulking machines that are Titans, Shaxx was indeed an intimidating presence. But instead of showing bitterness to the visitor because of his comment, he offered a kind smile. - [i]What is your name, Exo?[/i] - [i]Valjean-J, Sir[/i]- said the Exo, with a firm nod of respect. - [i]And you have brought back to the Light short ago, yes? Perhaps you have entered the Crucible just recently?[/i] - [i]Correct, Sir. And I can´t see the benefit in pitting us against each others, wasting time and resources, when we should be out there, facing the enemy. It does not seem logical.[/i] Lord Shaxx walked up to a bookshelf near the monitors, and picked up and old book. - [i]Valjean, since you carry the name of a hero from the antique French literature, I think that this may be a good time to read something to you. We may have vast amounts of information coded, but every now and then, a small tome of human history finds its way to us. And, as you can Imagine, I have a special interest in books regarding human military history. Listen closely:[/i] [spoiler] “After the sudden death of his father, a young Prince had risen to power. He soon admitted his lack of experience as a ruler, and summoned three of his most powerful servants: the Prime Minister, the Bishop, and the General. The Prince said, - My friends, I may now be your King, but I know that I lack vision and perspective. If I must become a good and strong King, I must know how to properly seize and maintain power. In your opinion, what are the greatest sources of power for a monarch? How can I keep my kingdom strong and safe? - You must controlyour land, my King! If you have a deep knowledge of the course of the rivers, and the quickest ways from towns to city, no enemy will be able to out-maneuver you in the field! - No, my King! You must know the minds of men! You must know what drives your allies forward and what seeds doubt into the heart of your foes, and use that knowledge in your favor! In that moment, the General, who had become visibly irritated, drew out his claymore, and decapitated the other two men in one crushing blow. As blood covered the ground, and while the young King stared horrified, the General said, - Forgive me, your grace, but these two would not be quiet. Now, tell me, what is it that you want to know about true power?- said the General with a vicious smile, staring into the eyes of the terrified young King”. [/spoiler] Lord Shaxx put the book back in its place on the shelf with a satisfied look, since his duties as the Crucible director didn´t leave him much time for small but enriching pleasures such as reading. Then, turning to the Exo and offering a smile like the one a father would give to a son, he said: - [i]Now, Valjean… Although you are an Exo, you probably know that, in human tradition, these stories or fables were used to send a message, or teach a lesson. What would be the morale behind this passage?[/i] Valjean looked to the ground, with his robotic face reflecting an expression of confusion. - [i]That… in struggle or battle, raw force is the best source of power. But that lesson seems too simple.[/i] - [i]Indeed, my friend. A fighter that relies only on brutality is like a wild beast: there´s only so much damage that he can do before he falls, exhausted from wasting stamina and breath and with many wounds that could have been avoided. But the same could be said about other kinds of fighters. A strategist who knows the terrain he´s fighting in can easily be outsmarted by someone with a great capacity of improvisation, whereas a master tactician will only be someone with good ideas, if he lacks the strength to use them. [/i] Shaxx then returned to his monitors, but then took a step aside.-[i]Valjean[/i]- he said, -[i]please join me for a moment[/i]-. The Exo walked slowly towards the monitors, honored by the invitation but unsure of its purpose. - [i]You asked why I encourage fellow Guardians to fight each other in the Crucible, when we could be sending you away to baptize yourself in fire against the minions of the Darkness. Yes, we could indeed. It seems that all Guardians that come back to us possess basic notions of tactical combat and the use of firearms already, so why not? Yes… give a man a gun, and he suddenly feels like he can take the world back all on his own. But what will happen to that courage when facing the inconceivable monstrosities of the Hive, the brutal military units of the Cabal, or the cold and silent efficiency of the Vex? That courage, Guardian, will be worth nothing, and only the knowledge of battle will determine victory or death.[/i] Shaxx pointed at a monitor at his left, where a Titan jumped several feet in the air to avoid the blast of a grenade. - [i]Look at that fighter. Just yesterday, his Ghost sent me footage of his incursion into the Hellmouth. While fending off several Thralls, a Knight charged at him from a corridor, wielding a huge blade. An inexperienced soldier would have emptied a clip on the beast hoping to slow it down. But this Titan… He jumped backwards, safely dodging the slash, and then threw a grenade at the monster´s head.[/i] Shaxx then drew the Exo´s attention to another monitor at the far right. - [i]And look at that Warlock. In his first days, he ran ahead of everyone believing himself to be unbreakable… and fell into many traps. But watch now, as he marches at a safe distance from his brother in arms, covering the left flank knowing that his partner will cover him in return.[/i] Turning to the Exo and placing a hand on his shoulder –which felt to the Guardian as if someone had placed an ox´s leg on him-, Shaxx looked right into his eyes and continued: - [i]These fighters didn´t learn advanced tactical combat fighting the likes of the Fallen, Valjean. They didn´t learn how to strike with that speed, determination and calculation in the Moon. These fighters became what they are now after baptizing themselves in the blood and fire of the Crucible. At first they were thrown against Guardians better than themselves. And, just like you, they suffered one crushing defeat after another, both in the battle and in their spirit. But they persevered. They stood their ground, learnt from the tactics used by them, they learnt how to fight as a team, and they improved beyond their own expectations. After enduring the Crucible, these Guardians will be better than any minion that the Darkness can birth, and even when facing the very worst that our enemy will have to offer… [/i] -Shaxx clenched his gloved left hand, almost as big as a human skull-. [i]Just like five fingers become a fist, a united team of skilled Guardians will become [b]unstoppable[/b] [/i]. After a moment of silence, Valjean took a step back, his eyes gazing at the ground. But then, he looked back at Lord Shaxx- and although the mechanisms of his facial features were limited, he showed an expression of understanding and inspiration. - [i]I … I understand now. Thank you for your time, Lord Shaxx. I will try harder.[/i] Valjean-J then left the corridor heading for the docking bay, while Shaxx crossed his arms- with a slight but noticeable touch of pride in his eyes, as he watched the Guardian leave. - - - - - [i]Good evening, Lord Shaxx. Uhm... That new soldier looked confused. Why did he come to you?[/i] said Commander Zavala. ------------- That´s all folks! Hope you enjoyed this little piece of storytelling.