Training ended promptly at 09 40 giving us all five minutes to race to the Northern Jungle. Being used to running myself I was first in the pack and since the run would last about four minutes, thirty seconds it gave me time for a quick breather which is plenty, by Titan standards anyway. As I arrived I saw groups of Hunters and Warlocks gathered around each other, chatting away and watching the Herd stampeding towards them. I ended up on the far side of the vast expansion of Guardians away from everyone else. I looked around to see many shapes and sizes, races and cultures, carbon based and carbon fiber based life forms. "Quite a diverse group I must say." Said Charles as he blinked into view. "I'm sure someone here is as... eccentric as you are." I simply grunted and continued to look around. "Welcome new Guardians!" A loud booming voice silenced the crowd. Standing on a platform in front of us was a standard sized Titan (About 6 foot 1). He wore red and white plated armor riddled with nicks, scratches, and a big #18 painted onto his armor. His helmet was resting between his arm and side to show off his scarred but rather cheerful face. His dark brown eyes scanned the crowd as he spoke. "My name is Kyle Busch, a representative of the Crucible and Lord Shanxx. I am pleased to be over seeing this testing period on behalf of the Factions." Many Titans and Hunters gave a loud cheer and roar at the mention of the Crucible. Kyle held up his hand and the crowd died down. "Do not celebrate my appearance yet. I'm here to make sure you are ready for combat." He paused and glanced at the group that yelled the loudest. "By any means necessary." He gave a wicked smile that contourted his face so he appeared very menaching. "Charming fellow... Can we pick him for a member?" Charles said to lighten the mood. He felt the weight of my hand shortly after. "But before that I need you to get into a Fireteam for starts." Kyles face was suddenly back to its cheery self. "This team will be your family for the duration of the test and possibly past that. Then later I will stick two random teams together to create a Raid team. While this may not stick, it's always good to have connections. So you have 15 minutes to search, any leftovers will be in my hands so choose quickly and wisely. A single class of Guardian is permitted... But NOT in your best interest." He waved his hand and the hunt began. Many Guardians scrambled to find their perfect matches. I stood still and watched the Chaos ensue. Charles floated around for a second. "Aaaaaaaannnnnnnddddd Go!..... Go!.... Gooo.... Um Josiah? Cadet No Name? Go means move. Vamos... Shoo... Go find friends already!" His shell expanded to emphasis his point. I simply ignored him. I just wanted to see the Guardians that I was up against. Many Titans were in groups by themselves or with a single Warlock. Hunters were the same except one or two had Titans and Warlocks were as diverse as anything. A noticeable combination was Rex-5742 (Exo Hunter - Top of his class in marksmanship), Amelia Vegabond, (Awoken Titan- Best Striker by far) and Sri Lavashki (Human Warlock - Deadly, pretty, and overly pompous attitude) would be trouble. As I took notice of other deadly forces I noticed a girl standing alone, a very very out of place girl. She was a short character (5 ft 6) with long flowing blonde hair, brown eyes that watched only her feet, and a dress. (You heard me correct, as in ankle long, proper dress meant only for show not combat. It was a bright sky blue with white lace. It matched her fair skin very well but thats beside the point.) I stared at this girl for a bit, then decided to walk over. "No no! Get your head out of her clothes and find a partner!" Cried Charles as he followed behind me. "Excuse me miss... You lost or something?" I asked, standing in front of her. She jumped a bit and looked up at me. Her eyes searched mine in confusion. "N.. No... I'm supposed to be hear, good sir." Her voice flowed like silk and she had a slight French accent which added to her out of place-ness. "My name is Angelica Don a Verte." I blinked. "Um.... Ok?.... Are you a..." "Warlock, I am a Warlock yes..." "Oh... Warlocks dress in trench coats though." Charles floated beside me. "You realize how dumb you sound right now?..." Her eyes glanced at Charles. "Oh you have a Ghost too!" She looked at her shoulder. "Greet these fine gentlemen, Elizabeth." A Ghost appeared beside her but it was looked 200 year old plus. The entire shell looked removed and it was comprised of brass gears that clicked and whirled after every movement it made. It's eye blinked as it made a slight bow. "Greetings, young masters. I am Elizabeth." Me and Charles stared at the Ghost for several moments before Charles blurted out. "So that's what a Ghost looks like with no top on? Does this imply se..." I smacked him before his sentance could finish. "Very sorry about him. No filter where his mouth should be." I was blushing furiously. Angelica giggled, obviously unaware of his next statement, Elizabeth wasn't as amused. The Ghosts gears whirled as to make a loud "Hmph" and turned from us. Charles slowly corrected himself as his gyro scope reset. "I was only making a statement." "A very poor one I might add." I barked at him. Angelica giggled again and smiled. "I like you and your Ghost, you must have lots of good times together." I grunted and rolled my eyes. "If you only knew the half of it." "Oh I'm sure it be a good laugh. By the way, what's your name sir?" "Josiah Robinsun." "A pleasure indeed." She curtsied and bowed slightly. I simply nodded in return. "How charming of you..." Charles huffed. Sergeant walked over with a holographic clipboard and barked at me. "Cadet No Name! This your teammate!" "Ah... well ah..." "Yes she is!" Charles butted in. " a nice match don't you think?" Sergeant looked at me and Angelica. "Quite." He scribbled our names down and walked off. I sighed and rubbed my head. Great... another day screwed over thanks to my Ghost. Angelica smiled. "Guess we are now a family then!" I looked at her. She looked very innocent and naive so I just nodded. "Sure thing." She beamed and clapped. "Now we need another partner!" Charles leaned in beside me and whispered. "Makes sure it isn't a weirdo this time." He disappeared before I could break him in two. Sorry this was a bit long. https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/127012075/0/0 link to second chapter https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/128462694/0/0 link to fourth chapter