The Red War: A World Without Light

Introduction

BEFORE THE RED WAR

I am an Exo Hunter Male named Baxter. Nobody calls me that, though. Everyone just calls me the Bartender because of my bar, the Arc Bar. I've got a few friends, but only 2 I trust enough to help me behind the counter, Copper, and Ninja. They're my closest friends. People call me the Bartender because of my bar and how strong I am.

The Bartender. Unless you know who I am, that title probably won't strike too much fear in your heart. Just let me get going with The Bartender's Revolver, Subtle Calamity, and the Leviathan's Breath. I dare you.

Anywho, yeah. Before the whole Red War began, I was making a pretty good life for myself. Never thought I'd have to use The Bartender's Doom again. Oh, maybe I should explain.

The Bartender's Doom. My specific little Super. I may be the only one able to use it, but it's nothing special. I float a few feet off the ground, slam to the ground again, and waves of Arc Energy wash in every direction. NOW how do you feel about The Bartender?

Anyways, when the Red Legion attacked, I was already behind the counter serving up drinks and food for my patrons. Even Zavala and Ikora came by every now and again, to honor Cayde-6 after he died. When he did die, and Copper and Ninja avenged him and told me about it, I made a drink in his honor. Cayde's Concoction, has enough energy in it to power your Super up for an hour straight. Doesn't affect your body, just your energy.

One day, we were having a friendly drink and chat, Copper and Ninja were out on a Nightfall Strike, and Zavala asked me a question.

"Hey, Baxter," he asked. Him, Ikora, and my fire team were the only ones that called me Baxter anymore. "Ever get the feeling something's coming?"

"Every day, friend." I respond, washing out a glass. "I work behind a bar, it's my job to expect things."

Zavala chuckled. "No, I mean, something sinister."

"Hmm..." I set the glass down. "Now that ya mention it, I do sense some sort of...presence, just beyond my ability to tell what it is."

Zavala drank the rest of his Concoction and set the glass upside down to indicate he was done. I scooped up his cup and cleaned it out. "Ever want more help than just the other two Hunter's? Like a Titan, or a Warlock?"

"Nah," I respond quick. "I like these guys, they're helpful."

"Alright, old friend. See you tomorrow. Come on, Ikora. Let's leave the Bartender alone for today."

Ikora smiled and nodded, placing her cup upside down as well. "Very well. Goodbye, Baxter." They both left the bar and went back to their base of operations.

Copper came back at the end of the day, followed suit by his brother Ninja. Both of they looked the same, decked out in Seventh Seraph outfits. I wore an Exotic helmet with a purple glowing visor, a Cloak Of Remembrance, and the torso, legs, and boots of the Seventh Seraph set. They sat down and ordered Cayde Concoctions, and we all drank to the late Exo Hunter.

It was a good day.