Kellis was still registering the implications of that order when Shaxx charged him. There was no time to block as the Striker drove a lightning-wreathed fist into his stomach and sent the Defender sprawling. “GET UP!” Shaxx strode forward, righteous fury plain in his stride. Kellis shook off his confusion and heaved himself to his feet. [i]‘So that’s how it’s going to be.’[/i] He turned to face Shaxx, bold defiance plain in his stance. Glint transmatted back into Kellis’ armor system. [i]“Will you say you’re sorry[/i] now[i]?”[/i] Kellis clenched his fists. [i]“You’re joking, right? Did you hear what he just said?”[/i] [i]“Yes. All the more reason to just accept that you were wrong.”[/i] Kellis blocked as Shaxx lashed out again. “Alright, Shaxx, I’m up. Now what?” “Now you defend yourself, Guardian.” Shaxx performed a flawless spin-kick that sent Kellis skidding through the dirt. “If you think you can.” [i]“You can’t.”[/i] Glint warned. [i]“He’s going to kill you.”[/i] [i]“That’s why I’ve got you, isn’t it?”[/i] Kellis picked himself up again, ignoring the new pain in his side. [i]“That’s not the point.”[/i] “He’s right, Guardian.” Shaxx raised his hands and adopted an improvised combat stance. “The others thought that their Ghosts could save them, too. I’ll show you why you’re wrong.” “Hmph. You’ve locked yourself up in the Tower since Twilight Gap, Shaxx.” Kellis scoffed at the old warrior. “When’s the last time you saw combat? You think-” Kellis paused when he saw Shaxx’s posture stiffen. He must have hit a nerve. The handler’s voice was hushed, a quiet tone tone that did little to veil his rage. “You speak of the Battle as though you were there. But you weren’t. I know the name of every Guardian we lost, and every survivor. There is even one among us who can claim to be both. But you are neither. And you have the nerve to speak to me of experience?” Shaxx dropped his combat posture and squared his shoulders. He jabbed an accusatory finger at Kellis. “[i]You[/i] cheated! You cheated the [i]Crucible[/i]. You cheated [i]me[/i]. You cheated your fellow Guardians. By extension, you have cheated the Light and the Traveler, even your own Ghost! If that isn’t a step toward the Darkness, may the Light take me!” There was pain in Shaxx's words. Kellis could hear it, mingled with the veteran's anger. Shaxx retook his combat stance. “I’ve had enough of trying to convince you with words. You won’t listen. The young and untried never do. So I will show you what it means to be forged in Light.” All at once the veteran leapt forward, Arc Light writhing over his arms. Kellis channeled his own power into his armor and took Shaxx’s first punch on the breastplate. The second came for his head, but he already had a Void-cased forearm up to defend. The Defender lashed out with his own fist, but Shaxx raised a palm and caught the blow. The Striker followed up with a knee to Kellis’ side, then a finger jab to his throat. The Defender collapsed to his knees, wheezing. ~~~~ [b]I know it's short, but it helped get the words flowing, and while I hope to continue this, I'm still struggling with a little bit of writer's block. So don't expect too much from me just yet. As a side note, I'll be working on a short master post for everything I write so I have a place for all my stories as I add them. I also plan on coming back later to add a link for part one.[/b]