Hello fellow readers this, albeit short, installment of the story is the next part of the legend of Alexander. Enjoy. “No!” Ophelia commanded, turning her piercing gaze to the speaker. “I refuse to be responsible for some plebe thinking he can just waltz into the tower and be a guardian!” “That is why you will train him,” the Speaker said calmly. “No.” “The first thing he will need is armor. Please take him to the Hall of Guardians.” The Speaker turned and walked back up to his loft. Ophelia took one step forward, fuming, and red up to her ears. “You will take him now,” the Speaker said his voice deep and ominous. “Follow me,” Ophelia growled. She marched out of the atrium hitting the wall on the way out. A small flurry of fire scathed the wall. Oliver hovered slightly above Alexander’s right shoulder as Ophelia led them through the tower to the Hall of Guardians. “Ophelia,” Lord Shaxx started. “Reconsider joining the Crucible?” The man was monstrous. Easily six and a half feet tall, he had overbroad shoulders and tree trunks for arms. Muscles bulged from the small soft spots in his armor. “We could supply you,” the Quartermaster followed. The robot was the typical service droid but outfitted in a red and gold paint. “Not on your life,” Ophelia responded still slightly agitated. Both Lord Shaxx and the Quartermaster nodded and continued about their work. The long room ahead of them was decorated with monitors all around the sides of the room. Personnel constantly checked flashing screens and scrolling data. A long table stretched a good length of the room. Only three individuals were situated around it. The only female wore robes and a bright green bond with three mountains holographically projected from it. Ikora had dark skin and black hair. Her space was organized to an extent. The sheer amount of books and navigation equipment made complete neatness impossible. Maps were laid out in front of her of Earth, the Moon, Venus, and Mars. She scanned them over referring to them then going back to her books and flipping pages. Farther up, an Exo stood in a dark cloak. At first glance Cayde – 6 looked busy muddling over some information on a data pad. His space was cluttered and messy. With so few items it was baffling how little organization there actually was. When Ophelia and Alexander passed behind him, Alexander noticed the distinct low noise of a video game. At the very head of the table stood an Awoken man. His light blue skin radiated through his armor. Though not nearly as big as Lord Shaxx, Zavala was still impressive. His station was completely organized. Everything was neat and sharp. Papers were piled in even stacks and books were in alphabetical order. “Commander Zavala,” Ophelia started. “We have a new guardian I was told to introduce you to.” Zavala looked up from his work. His eyes were an intense mix of blue and white. “Oh really,” Zavala said extending a hand. “Welcome to the Vanguard.” “Hello,” Alexander said shaking Zavala’s hand. “I’m Alexander.” “As head of the Vanguard, I, along with my colleagues Ikora and Cayde, oversee missions outside the wall and beyond.” Both Cayde and Ikora looked over to Alexander and nodded. “Cayde…” Ikora started eying the now exposed videogame pad. “My patrol data from Venus…” “Oh…” Cayde started. “This is really important.” “Cayde.” “Fine…” “I need you to take him to the armory. He was not raised and Oliver is was not his ghost.” Ophelia’s words stung. Her voice was stern and she folded her arms over her chest. Zavala’s eyes narrowed. “The Speaker put the plebe with me and I need to make sure he doesn’t die right away.” “I have a name…” Alexander tried to get in. “Based on his size and build, the Pandion armor set would be most beneficial.” “Ok, I’ll put together a set…” Zavala hesitated. “Is the Speaker sure about this?” “He is, but I think it’s a waste of time and a ghost.” “I’ll put it together…” Ophelia turned and walked out purposefully pushing passed Alexander. Oliver floated closer to his ear. “I know I made the right choice regardless.” Alexander nodded, Ophelia’s words still stinging. Pandion armor class, shock tempered and hydrofoam infused. Designed to take punishment. Alexander stood in full clad. The arena of the armory was small, meant for only two or three fighters. Alexander knew what was coming and examined every piece of his armor. The armor fit snuggly over his body but allowed room for maneuverability. The armor was heavy but nothing that he could not handle. A built in backpack was designed into the back of his chest piece and the helmet gave a full three hundred and sixty degree view. Oliver floated around him occasionally scanning the armor. “I approve,” Oliver said finally, hovering in front of Alexander. “It fits I assume,” Ophelia interjected climbing into the arena also clad in armor. “Yes, it does.” “Good,” Ophelia paused only for a moment. She threw the first punch catching Alexander in the gut sending him rearing back. She did not back off. Kicking out, she caught him in the side and knocked him down. Leaping on Alexander, Ophelia grappled him into a chokehold. “Give up yet,” she asked tightening her grip. Alexander was dazed slightly, everything happened so fast. He tried but was barely able to breathe. Ophelia’s voice was muffled and his vision started to blur. “Alexander!” shouted Oliver in a stern voice. Hearing his name brought him back to his senses. Alexander took Ophelia’s arm and wrenched his fingers around the armor. He pulled as hard as he could, loosening her grip just enough to breathe. His legs were locked down so he kicked his head back catching Ophelia’s jaw. This created the opening he needed. The second she was stunned, Alexander took Ophelia’s arm and pulled her over his shoulder. The force of landing flat on her back knocked the wind from her lungs. Alexander stood and jumped back before Ophelia could get up and retaliate. Ophelia shook off the surprise and hopped to her feet. Alexander had put some distance between them and took up a defensive stance. His fists were clenched in front of his face and he bobbed from side to side. Ophelia took a deep breath and eyed Alexander up and down. Seeing no openings, she exhaled and charged once more. They quickly exchanged blows and blocks of each other’s fists. Something felt different this time. Every time she landed a hit it was like punching steel. It was not the armor because she aimed for his gut and kidneys. She only kicked once. The blow landed but sent a shock so painful up her spine she recoiled. Alexander did not chase her, he only stepped back and resumed his defensive position. That’s when it hit her, a dizziness that she could not blink away. “What did… you do…” She tried to get out. The room spun around her and she fell back. Alexander rushed over and caught her before she hit the ground. “All I did was hit the major arteries along your body,” he said. Ophelia only heard muffled sounds. “Hit them enough you disrupt blood flow to the brain and limbs causing a brief moment of disorientation.” Things started to focus again and Ophelia realized she was cradled in Alexander’s arms. Her heart pounded and her face burned. She screamed and threw a punch directly at his face. A dazzling flame engulfed her fist. “I have seen enough!” Lord Shaxx commanded. Ophelia stopped right before her fist connected and Alexander could still feel the heat as the flames faded. “It is clear who won.” “Lord Shaxx!” Ophelia exclaimed. “When did you get here?” “I’ve been here the whole time. I think he passed your test with flying colors.” “But…” “Stop, I am ruling this match officially ended.” Lord Shaxx climbed into the arena and looked down on the pair. His towering stature overshadowed them like a giant. He crossed his tree branch arms and chuckled. “Guardian, for Ophelia's first loss, you are ready for the Forge.”