A sequel to /u/RewsterSause story The Meaning of The Cloak

“You want me to teach her to be a Hunter?” Viper asked while in the hangar feeding The Colonel as per his usual routine when he visited the tower.

Revenant nods while Luna watches The Colonel eat the seeds Viper holds in his hand. The Exo Hunter looks towards the young girl and smiles, “Hey Luna.” She looks at Viper with curiosity, “You want to feed her?” She nods eagerly. He chuckles and hands her the bag of sesame seeds, “Just put a few in your hand and hold your hand out and stay perfectly still. This is your first lesson as a Hunter.” Her eyes light up with excitement and she eagerly takes the bag and tries to feed the Colonel.

Viper and Revenant look amused at her and V can’t help but notice the change in Rev’s demeanor, “You look different.” The Hunter says openly. Rev looks at V, “I have changed my wardrobe unlike you. You’re overdue for a new look.” Viper chuckles at that sarcasm his friend has been showing a lot more recently, “Shut up. You know what I really mean. You actually look...happy.” Rev looks stunned for a second but actually mulls over the statement honestly. Viper shakes his head and continues, “You don’t have to answer anything Rev. I’ll teach what I know and everything he ever taught me too.” He places one hand on his shoulder touching one of the clasps holding his cloak in place. Rev’s expression softens and he says something that catches the Hunter off guard, “I wouldn’t trust her with anyone else.”

Viper looks down at Luna and smiles as The Colonel eats every seed in her hand, “Well...guess I better live up to those expectations. Come back in five hours. I’ll teach her some basic scouting for now and tell her a few stories. I don’t feel right teaching a kid how to wield a gun.” Rev puts a hand on V’s shoulder, “She wants to be a Bladedancer like...Eris.” V could hear the hesitation in his voice of who he really wanted to say and smiled somberly while placing his own hand on Rev’s shoulder, “I understand. Go do what you need to do Rev.”

Revenant had left in his jumpship shortly after that leaving Viper with Luna and Polaris. He takes a seat on the stairs in the hangar near Cayde’s nook and motions for Luna to come sit beside him. As she does Aria manifests and takes a good look at her, “Hello there.” The young girl says to Aria. Aria bounces, “Well hello to you to Luna and this must be Polaris.” Polaris greets Aria with an exuberant bounce of his own, “It’s a pleasure to meet you Aria and Viper-7.” Viper chuckles at the ghost’s energy, “Call me V. It’s what all my friends call me.”

Viper looks at Luna and asks, “So Rev tells me you want to be a Hunter. How come?” Luna swings her legs and starts gesturing emphatically as she explains herself, “Eris told me about how Hunter’s are all about freedom and how they belong outside out in the wilds. She told me stories about her fireteam, especially Sai Mota and just hearing about her felt so important to me. I want to be strong like Sai and Eris and you.” Viper smiles, “Me? What makes Uncle V so special?”

Luna laughs at the nickname, “Because Revenant said you were one of the greatest Hunter’s the traveler ever blessed.” Viper looks genuinely shocked and turns to Aria who seems to be bouncing happily and says, “Do I know how to pick my Guardian or what?” Viper pats Luna’s head, “I’ll turn you into an equally great Hunter.” She smiles, “Thanks Uncle V.”

Viper features may not have shown it as easily but his face definitely softened at the sight of Luna’s eagerness to learn and he couldn’t help but remember a time when he was in Luna’s shoes with Cayde teaching him everything he knows to this day, “So first lessons. I’m going to teach you a few basics for now. No firearms. You may be a guardian but you’re still a kid.” while Aria chimes in, “And Polaris I’ll be teaching you the importance of your role as being more than just her Ghost.” The two young lights looked eagerly and excited at their elders and Viper couldn’t help but swell with pride thinking.

Was this what it felt like for you Cayde?

Aria and Polaris flew off to Amanda’s station to talk privately while V and Luna started their first lesson together.

“So you want to be a Bladedancer. Well the first thing you need to learn is how to handle a blade itself.” Viper says confidently. He pulls out two throwing knives out of his back pocket and shows them to Luna. Luna looks at the knives with wonder, “Take one by the handle. See how it feels in your hand.” She grabs it by the handle but is surprised at how heavy it is despite its simple design and looks up at him, “It’s heavy.” Viper smiles as best as an Exo can, “Lesson one. Never trust appearances. Hunter’s are all about deception.” Luna looks confused, “Deception?” He continues, “Tricks. We’re the tricky bunch whereas Warlocks like Rev are the smart ones and Titans like Saint are the tough ones.” Luna looks at the knife again feeling she understands a little better now, “So we trick people in ways that make them underestimate us?” Viper pats her head and beams proudly, “Now you're getting it little Hunter-in-training. My teacher Cayde taught me the same thing and always told me I’d never be as strong as a Titan or as smart as a Warlock.”

She pouts at that, “He sounds mean.” Viper laughs at that statement, “He kinda was. But he was right too. No matter how much I trained I could never break through a wall with physical strength alone like a Titan charging into battle and no matter how much I studied I would never be able to bend the light in the ways Warlocks like Rev could. But in Cayde’s own weird sarcastic way he reaffirmed who I was and what I could be. What I could be strong at. No warlock or titan knows their way around a gun or a knife like a Hunter does and Hunter’s are always flexible in being able to adapt to any situation they get thrown into.” She looks at the Exo with starry eyes filled with wonder and awe, “Tell me more about being a Hunter! Are there any other great Hunter’s out there beside you, Eris, and Sai?”

Viper thinks deeply, “I think you would love to meet Lady Efrideet. You should ask about her when Rev comes back he knew her very well and I met her a handful of times.” Luna looked excited, “Lady Efrideet? That’s such a pretty name. What was she like?” Viper starts twirling his knife in his hand instinctively and begins painting a picture of the mighty Iron Lord, “Lady Efrideet was the only Hunter who even came close to a Titan in terms of physical strength. A Bladedancer as well like Sai and Eris. Her skills with Arc energy were so strong she once took Lord Saladin who is this big man of a Titan and bit of a grump between you and me.” He winks and she giggles, “So Lady Efrideet lifted him over her shoulder and true to form as a Hunter who prides themselves on their skills as a marksman she says ‘I. NEVER. MISS’ and threw him head first into Fallen Walker which are these walking robot tanks the Fallen sometimes bring to fight us.” She stares in awe as the Exo mimics the way Lady Efrideet threw Saladin with one arm like he was a human cannonball, “So Lord Saladin having been tossed by this young woman as he plummets twenty miles downwards unleashing the Titan’s Fist of Havoc. Causing everything to explode!” Viper couldn’t help but laugh as he told Luna the story while she looked entranced. Viper continued on, “More recently in the Red War when all Guardians lost their light. She defended the Last City from the Red Legion Cabal with just a Sniper Rifle. She killed 216 of them with 199 Bullets! Guess some Cabal had to share the bullets she fired at them.” Luna gasped in surprise, “She got that many all on her own!? She sounds super strong!” Viper smiles, “She is. She’s one of my heroes and why I love using Sniper Rifles. I’m nowhere near as good as she is but I still aspire to be as good of a shot as her one day.”

Luna gives the knife back to Viper who puts it away in his pocket. She bounces in place before getting up and gesturing grandly to everything she says, “I’m going to be strong like Lady Efrideet and then I’ll be all like BOOM! And KAPOW! And BANG BANG! With my powers and my fireteam will be safe from everything as long as I’m around!” Viper smiles gently, “With that much enthusiasm you’ll probably be as legendary Efrideet in no time.” Viper stands and guides her to their ghosts who just finished talking as well.

“How’d everything go Aria?” Aria looks at her guardian with pride, “Excellent. Polaris is quite the quick learner. I think he’ll take real good care of Luna.” Viper nods approvingly, “Well I think if Luna is aspiring to be a Hunter she needs to practice the most important lesson of Hunter scouting.” Luna looks up excited and answers loudly startling everyone in the hangar with her excitement, “Deception!” Viper laughs and starts to think about a good deception lesson he could give her. He snapped his fingers realizing which of his first lessons he could teach her as her first and felt it was an appropriate choice, “Not just any deception lesson. We’re going to learn to be stealthy and sneaky Luna. You wanna try sneaking up on Commander Zavala?” Luna nods excitedly and bounces up and down, “Alright you and Polaris have to sneak up quietly to Commander Zavala without him noticing you. You have very few little places to hide and have to be quiet the whole way.” Luna nods, “What am I going to do to Commander Zavala?” Viper smirks and looks at Amanda, “Got oily rag I can borrow? Preferably the nastiest one.” Amanda chuckles, “Yes I do cowboy.” She grabs one and holds in front of V. As he reaches for it she quickly pulls it away, “But I demand front row seats to the show.” Viper chuckles, “Deal.” Viper takes the rag and looks at Luna and stands at attention, “Hunter Luna. Your mission today. If you choose to accept it, take this rag and tag Commander Zavala so we can track his movements. The mission will be tough young Hunter and perilous. But, the last city can’t do this without you. Do you accept your mission?” Luna grins widely and salutes Viper, “Yes Sir! Hunter Vanguard Viper-7.” Amanda elbows V who can’t help but smile at how determined the little awoken girl is. He hands the rag to Luna and says, “We’re counting on you Luna. Polaris keep close to your Guardian and keep her safe. Guide her however you can to make the mission easier for her and help her return home safely.” Polaris bounces and says, “I won’t let you down sir!”

The group arrives at the courtyard. Viper quickly asks if she knows who Commander Zavala is to which she nods and points to the Awoken Titan staring off at the Traveler in the distance. Viper nods, “Alright Luna. You got the whole Courtyard to use to your advantage to get in nice and close. Remember, Hunters are tricky. Keep to the shadows and make your way there slowly. You never need to rush. You control the pace of this mission.” Luna nods and starts looking where to go and runs off. Viper watches patiently as she takes cover behind the back walls on the right side hiding in the shadows. Aria chimed in, “Transmission from Lotus. They’ve just returned to the City.” Viper nods, “Tell Rev we’re at the Courtyard and to meet us here.” Aria nods, “Can do.” He chuckles and asks, “What do you think of them?” Aria floats around her Guardian, “I think they got potential. Polaris is deeply protective of her which says a lot. He’s curious by nature and wishes to learn as much as possible.” He smiles, “That makes them practically two peas in a pod. She really has the Hunter’s thirst for adventure and exploration. I think she’ll make a talented scout with that natural curiosity.”

He watches her cross over to behind some of Master Rahool’s items by his stall and peaks over watching Rahool treating him like an enemy scout and waiting for her opportunity to cross over quickly to the opposite end of his stall to the stairs. Aria nods, “Does it bother you how young she is?” V shrugs, “On some levels yes. But I mean you’ve heard the stories of Ghosts bringing children back from the dead. So it's nothing new.” Aria shakes slightly, “But still…” Viper reaches into one of his pockets and pulls out his coin medallion Sai made him so long ago and gently strokes it with his thumb, “Aria. We’re going to make her an incredible Hunter.” Aria notices the coin and floats closer to him, “I know. We’ll protect her till she’s ready to fly on her own.” Viper smiles at her. Amanda chimes in, “She’s on the move again.” The three move forward watching her closely but from enough of a distance to not draw any attention. Luna surveys her options of going up the stairs to where Saladin would normally set up Iron Banner, the right corridor that leads to the Bazaar, or the hallway straight ahead that leads to the lower levels of the courtyard. She summons Polaris and quietly asks which is the safest route.Polaris quickly scans the map of the tower in his databanks and determines the stairs to the lower level is the safest option.

Viper chuckles, “She’s asking Polaris for help. Smart.” Amanda smiles, “She's a tough little cookie ain’t she?” Viper nods, “She’s on the move again.” Luna and polaris quickly descend the stairs and Viper and Amanda move forward yet again to the balcony over the center of the courtyard looking at the bridges down on the lower level. Luna quietly makes her way down the stairs and makes her way to the center bridge on the lower level. Amanda and Viper see her cross the bridge over to the left side of the lower levels, “Where’s she gonna go from there V?” Amanda asks curiously. Viper chuckles, “The unrepaired wall from when the Almighty crashed. Smart girl. The route may be a little longer but she’s making it her own with the right movements.”

Luna summons Polaris again, “You said the wall is still damaged and that would get us closer?” Polaris nodded, “It’ll be a bit of a climb though.” Luna smiles proudly, “Nothing a brave Hunter like me can’t handle. Just watch Uncle V. I’m going to complete this mission.” She slowly makes her way to the damaged wall and starts to climb slowly and make her way up. She saw the guards stationed by the edges and wondered what she should do next, “Polaris I think we’re stuck. How do I get past the guards?” Polaris began to think.

V watched patiently and thought out loud, “Maybe I should’ve asked the guards to take five for Luna.” Aria chimed in, “I could do that right now.” V shakes his head, “No I wouldn’t fail her if the guards notice her. It’s only if Zavala sees her I’d consider the mission a failure.” Amanda elbowed V, “When did you become such a softie for the kiddies?” Viper laughed, “I’m great with kids thank you. Unlike Shaxx or Saladin.” Aria deadpans, “That’s the lowest standard you could aim for.”

Polaris chimes in, “We could Blink.” Aria looks at him curiously, “Blink? What’s that?” Polaris looks excited, “It's a special power you have as a Guardian. It’s like teleporting almost. You just gotta focus on where you want to end up and have the light transport you there.” Luna nods and starts imagining the spot past the guards but just behind Zavala. She focuses her energy and Polaris guides her quietly. She feels a tingling sensation encircling her body.

Aria chimes in, “V I can sense her light being used.” Viper moves forward quietly and motions a finger to the guard to be quiet. He looks down to where Luna is and sees her glowing.

She couldn’t be…

Luna suddenly disappears and Viper goes wide eyed with shock and quickly scans the area to see where she blinked only to find her directly behind one of the guards and waving at V happily. V can’t help but smile intensely at what she just accomplished on her own. Luna steps forward quietly and pulls the rag out making her way to Commander Zavala.

Amanda looks back quickly to see Revenant arrive and motions him to cover over, “Be quiet Rev. Your little girl is just about to complete her first mission.” Revenant looks confused, “Mission? She’s not ready for field ops.” Amanda chuckles and points to Zavala. Revenant looks to see Luna trying to sneak up on Zavala, “What is she doing?” Amanda smiles, “Being a Hunter.”

Luna closes the gap and summons Polaris and both nod having thought up their escape plan earlier. She reaches over and quickly rubs the rag on the back of Zavala’s leg armor and quickly transmats back to the courtyard entrance behind Rev, Amanda, and Viper.

Viper laughs hysterically turning around and sprinting back to Luna. The young awoken girl and he ghost jump for joy over their first blink and successfully completing their ‘Mission’

As Viper approaches he lifts Luna into the air and lets her sit on his shoulder laughing happily as Luna looks down and says proudly with a big toothy grin, “Mission accomplished Uncle V.”

Viper smiles proudly at his little Hunter-In-Training and turns to look at Amanda and Revenant who are both watching the two celebrate, "I'm proud of you Luna."