Here's part 31 of Into the Hellmouth, guys! As usual, if you like it, give it a bump, and I'll have more ready soon. Here's [url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/207959361?sort=0&page=0]Part 30[/url] if you missed it! Alak-Hul grinned as the Guardians fled before him. He looked to his mate, Verok. “We will take much from these power Guardians,” he said. “Their strength shall allow our master to recover.” Ever since the battle, Crota had been sleeping in his Throne World - the wound had proven much worse than they had realized. He needed to recover his strength. And the only way for that to happen was for the to offer up their defeated foes as tribute. It was fortunate, then, that the Guardians had stumbled into their domain. “We killed many Guardians,” Verok said dispassionately. “Any power they give us will be trifling.” “They were strong enough to make it down here,” Alak-Hul replied. “Perhaps these ones are greater than their companions.” “Perhaps,” Verok replied. “Nonetheless, Crota will be most pleased with us for killing them.” Alak-Hul looked lovingly at his mate. The only other being who could claim a place in his heart like she did was his king. A knight walked up to the couple, and kneeled. “A message for you, sir,” he said. He began to play a hologram for Alak-Hul. The face of his king appeared in the air. The face of Oryx. Alak-Hul and his mate kneeled. “My king,” Alak said. “My father.” “My son,” said Oryx. He looked to Verok. “My Daughter in law.” “My king,” she replied. Oryx looked at them. “Rise, my servants,” he said. They complied. “Alak-Hul,” he said, “I have a new task for you. A civilization in a nearby part of the galaxy - the Argians, they call themselves - has been resisting us. I wish you to lead the charge against them.” Alak nodded. “What of the current commander of our forces in the region?” he asked. Oryx looked at his hands absentmindedly. “He has proven singularly incompetent,” he said. “But he has potential. I . . . unlocked it.” Alak nodded. Oryx had taken the commander, whoever they were. He did not wish to share that fate. “When do we leave, my king?” he asked. “Immediately,” Oryx replied. “And take your forces with you.” Alak blinked. “My king,” he said, “now is . . . inconvenient.” “I did not ask wether it was convenient, my foster son,” Oryx said. “I ordered you to leave.” Alak hesitated. “Six servants of the Light have made it into your son’s throne world,” he said. “Verok and I are fighting them.” Oryx frowned. “You have told me much about your mate,” he said. “From what you have said, I would think that she could handle six servants of the light.” “I am more than capable, my lord,” Verok said. “Then there is no reason for your mate to remain,” Oryx said. “Alak-Hul, Darkblade, I command you to lave the system at once, along with your army.” Alak nodded. “At once, your grace,” he said. The hologram cut out. Alak looked to the knight. “I command you to gather our forces,” he said, “tell them to go to Luna’s surface, and prepare to depart.” The knight bowed. “My lord,” he said. He left. Alak turned to Verok. “May your thrall feast on their essence,” he said. “And may your ax grow ever sharper on the bones of your enemies,” Verok replied. “My heart shall not be whole until we meet once more.” Alak clasped her hand. “Nor will mine,” he said. And then, he let go, and walked away. He paused, and almost looked back at her. But then, he walked away. * * * The Guardians arrived at the edge of a cliff. “Dammit!” Vell said. “It’s a dead end!” Toland looked out to the other side of the cliff, and then looked down at the ground beneath them. “Maybe not,” he said. The Guardians looked down, and saw a platform beneath them - one very similar to the one at the cliff edge earlier. And this one was starting to glow as well. The Guardians looked out over the cliff, and saw another bridge forming - similar to the one that had formed on the surface. And on the opposite side of the chasm before them, light began to shine, as two massive doors slowly slid open. Sai turned around to face the Hive. “Look!” she said. “They’re retreating!” It was true. Most of the acolytes, knights, and wizards were pealing off, retreating into the darkness. Soon, only thrall remained. But the thrall leapt at them with claws raised, and there were so many of them. More than they could keep up with. In the distance, they could see Verok, directing her minions to and fro. Eventually, Eris glanced backwards. The bridge to the other side had formed. “Let’s go!” she said. Just then, the Guardians heard a bellow off in the distance. They turned to face it. In the darkness, a giant, hulking form stumbled into the light. Toland shook his head. “I should’ve known,” he said. “Should’ve known what?” Eriana said. Toland sighed. “When a god's Will is met with force, its Might will be unleashed in the form of those raging beasts we call the ogre—monsters bred of pain, tormented by the Light, nothing but hatred for all who bring its suffering forth,” he said. “And how do you know this?” Eris asked. Toland shrugged. “It was told to me.” Eris frowned. “By the Speaker?” Toland held out his hand, and his ghost transmatted the green orb into it. “By the Darkness itself.” The Guardians grew still. Even Eris seemed somewhat taken aback. “What did you think I was banished for?” Toland asked. “It is as I said, Eris. Understanding is the first step to communing.” He looked around. “If we don’t somehow stop these thrall and ogres from following us, then we’ll have a much more difficult time getting to Crota.” he said. Vell nodded slowly. “I’ll hold them off,” he said. The Guardians turned to look at him. “Go, go, I’ll be fine!” he shouted. He readied his pulse rifle. “Besides. They’re only thrall.” Eriana nodded. “Give us a few minutes, and then fall back,” she said. “That’s an order.” “Yes ma’am,” Vell said, taking aim. Toland almost opened his mouth to speak. He almost told them the terrible truth - that no one Guardian could hope to destroy the numberless army of thrall before them. Or that without the light of their teammates to keep them living, they would surely be crushed by the weight of the darkness. But he did not say these things. He looked hungrily out across the chasm. There lies the knowledge I seek, he thought. He turned towards Vell. “Good luck,” he said. And with that, he ran across the bridge. The rest of the Guardians provided cover fire until they were finally out of range. Vell heard their voices one last time across the comms as they said their goodbyes. “Join us soon, Vell,” Sai said. “You’re not allowed to die down here.” And then they were gone. Taking a deep breath, Vell readied his weapons. “Alright, Ghost,” he said, “you ready for a fight?” “With you?” his ghost said. “Always.” Vell nodded. “Then let’s kill some Hive.” Edit: [url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/208107184]Part 32[/url]