Paradox: The Dredgen Yor Journals 5

Hi, all! This is another facet of Rezyl Azzir/Dredgen Yor (gamer tag Basket34Ball) Paradox story, told from the perspective of James' rival Dredgen Yor in a series of journal entries. This only complements the series, so you won't get the full experience just reading this. This is a link to the Table of Contents: https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/222610151?page=0&sort=0&showBanned=0&path=0 If you're ambitious, here's the first part to get you started: https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/222438285?page=0&sort=0&showBanned=0&path=0 Hope you enjoy! __________________________________________________________________________________________ [u][b]Entry 56[/b][/u] Dapper? What's that supposed to mean? Oh. Yeah, I guess I do look pretty good. You know, I'm actually surprised it's blacker than my armor. Coat's nice and long, makes me look like a Warlock, though. You sure this is what they wear in the City? Only on special occasions? Then why do Warlocks dress like this? Yeah, probably some superiority thing. Are...are you still sure I should do this? No, not tonight, I mean...talking to Stryker. We don't exactly get along. Couple that with me about to go on a date with his ex...I know Ana said I should do it, but... You know what? Screw it. I don't need to worry. He broke up with her. I can be mature about this. Here, start an entry, I want to record this. Retro-record the last few minutes, too. *ahem* Hey, Str--James. Yeah, bet I'm the last guy you'd be expecting to message you. But being completely honest here...well, it's weird not having you around. I don't have anyone [i]near[/i] your skill level to compete against. Heh. Never thought I'd miss a rival. Sooo...hope your training's going well. Where are you, anyways? Somewhere on Earth? Venus? Oh, just remembered you could see me. Yeah, some getup, huh? That...probably deserves an explanation. Listen, I - I don't know if you're gonna like this or what, but I'm gonna tell you anyway. Just know that I'm [i]not[/i] trying to make bad blood between us. I'm...I'm going out with Ana tonight. ... Look, I know you two were a thing first. I get that. But...okay, I'm gonna be level with you. I [i]did[/i] always have this thing for Ana. I won't lie, I was jealous of you. But you gotta understand: I'd never do anything if Ana wasn't comfortable with it. After your two broke up, she wouldn't stop talking about you, and I knew you meant something to her. Sometimes she was angry, and, well, I was there to comfort her. Whoa, back up, don't want that to come out wrong, like you're not there for her. We both understand what you're doing is important. No question about it. Makes the stuff we do here seem insignificant. It's just...when I'm with her, I feel invincible. I feel happier than I have in my entire life. I feel my Light again, pushing against the Darkness. Yeah, should probably tell you that too. See, there was this mission on the Moon, and I did a stupid thing and took some of their bones for trophies. Now...now I'm worried I'm getting corrupted. ... Listen, I don't know what Osiris has been teaching you, but if you know anything that could help - anything at all - well, you'll have the pleasure of me owing you one. If there's nothing I can do...let me know that, too. I'll stop being with Ana. I really do worry about her safety. Hang on someone's at the door. -Dredgen, come on, we're going to be late!- ANA?! Damn, girl, you look like a pile of Glimmer! -You're looking pretty sharp yourself. Did you comb your hair?- Heh. No more than usual, actually. Just give me a sec, I'm sending a message to James. Hey! You want to add something? -Sure! Hey, James! Hope things are going well, we're doing pretty good here. Actually...um, well, to tell you the truth, Dredgen and I were just--- It's alright, Ana. I already told him. -Please don't think this is something to spite you. We left it off pretty well, I'd say, and I think I'm finally ready to move on. I hope we can still be good friends. Dredgen, are you ready?- Yes, mother... -Oh, knock it off. Fine. I'll wait outside.- Man, I don't know if I deserve her. You'd probably agree with me there. Imagine. I swear by anything you hold dear, I'll treat her right, James. Here, I'll send you a copy of some of my latest journal entries, just in case that helps you see what's...going on with me. Shrimp's been helping me with some therapy sessions...Vanguard sanctioned, of course. If all goes well, maybe we can do this more often. I think I'd rather have you as a friend than lose you as a rival. Alright, Shrimp, that's good enough.