Through Time and Light [Cayde-6 Fanfiction]

Chapter 4 Into the Abyss

The days following her first mission passed in a blur. Liv spent much of her time in the Tower, either training in the Crucible or running small errands for the Vanguard. She was learning fast, adapting to her new life, but no matter how much she improved, she couldn’t shake the growing sense of dread lurking in the back of her mind.

The memory of that strange darkness—how the Traveler’s light had flickered in the sky—haunted her. And every time she looked at Cayde, that knot in her stomach tightened. She hadn’t told him about what she felt. About what might be coming.

The Vanguard seemed unconcerned, at least on the surface. Zavala and Ikora were their usual composed selves, leading with confidence and purpose. But Cayde… there were moments when Liv caught him staring out over the Last City, his usually lighthearted expression tinged with something darker.

As Liv moved through the Tower, her Ghost floated beside her, occasionally chiming in with bits of advice or encouragement. Today, she was practicing in the hangar, working on her precision shooting with a sniper rifle.

“You’re improving,” her Ghost said softly. “Your reflexes are sharper. I think the Light is beginning to feel more natural for you.”

Liv exhaled, lining up her next shot. The target downrange flickered into view, and she pulled the trigger. The bullet hit dead center, the feedback from the rifle buzzing through her arms. She was getting better, sure, but every shot felt like a small step toward the inevitable.

She couldn’t forget why she was here.

Later, Liv found herself summoned to the Vanguard’s war room. Zavala, Ikora, and Cayde were gathered around a holographic map of the solar system, the glowing orbs casting a cold light over the room. Cayde, as usual, stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall with his trademark casual posture, but Liv could sense something more serious in his demeanor.

“Guardian,” Zavala greeted her as she approached. His voice was firm, but his eyes carried a hint of concern. “We’ve picked up some unusual activity near the Moon.”

Ikora nodded, her sharp gaze focusing on the map. “There have been reports of strange energy signatures. It seems similar to Hive activity, but there’s something… different about it. The Darkness may be involved.”

The mention of the Darkness sent a chill down Liv’s spine. Ever since her encounter at the Cosmodrome, she had felt it looming, just out of reach. And now it seemed it was getting closer.

“You want us to investigate?” Liv asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Ikora and Zavala exchanged a glance. It was Cayde who answered, his voice unusually sober. “We need someone to go out there, check it out. This isn’t a solo mission, though. You’ll be part of a fireteam. I’ll be going with you.”

Liv’s heart skipped. Another mission—this time with Cayde, again. She couldn’t deny the surge of adrenaline that accompanied the thought, but it was quickly tempered by the weight of her mission. This could be it, she thought. The mission where everything changes.

Zavala’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Proceed with caution. We don’t fully understand what we’re dealing with yet. If it’s Hive, we know what to expect. But if it’s something more…”

Ikora’s expression softened as she looked at Liv. “Trust your instincts, Guardian. You’ve proven yourself capable. Don’t underestimate your abilities.”

Cayde grinned, breaking the tension in the room. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep her safe.” He winked at Liv, and despite everything, she felt a small flutter in her chest.