Destiny 2 Lore - Zavala's Nightmare, the family he lost. (His Wife & Son)

Destiny 2's Lore and Story tells us about The Nightmare of Zavala, the memory of his wife Safiyah and his son Hakim. This is a nightmare that we explore in this week's Sever Mission, where the season of the haunted shows us exactly what has been haunting the commander for years.
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[@TheDuckOfManyThings]

I was so floored by Lance Reddick's performance as Zavala this week. I knew he was a great actor, but this was just another level. I never took Zavala for an emotional character, and the fact that he was able to change that around with nothing but his voice is remarkable.

[@tuttuti123]

If we somehow can just hit up the radio at any point in the game I would say "Shit just went real for a bit there eris" when zavala freaked tf out. That is so out of character for him, literally a brick shatting moment

[@fifteen8850]

I just got uncomfortable lol. Seeing someone with so much discipline and self control just break down like that made me feel terrible.

[@MrCompenso]

It was amazing! Lance is so freakin good!

[@steelgriffin7716]

I like to think even Asher Mir would have given... well not a hug but at least some kind words and reassurance, that magnificently cantankerous fellow. There's a reason that FOR ONCE, I'm actually trying to remain in lockstep with mission and content release.

[@WobblezTheWeird]

he just sounds so broken i want to give the poor giant smurf a hug

[@Forcer69]

Honestly, I feel bad for Zavala. A lot of people have mentioned this already, but I wanna say it aswell. Zavala is probably the most conflicted with his life right now, both with his leadership and loyalty. The Traveler reviving our enemies over his family probably was a breaking point for him.

[@Lady_Evelyn]

Someone give lance reddick an award because this week’s mission was sad and well done

[@Wastingsometimehere]

Proof that the Traveler selects being based on it's own needs and not morality.

[@maxwellhatkow6209]

@@Wastingsometimehere honestly I think I'm with you on that one I don't think the traveler is "for us" at all.. It's for itself......

[@tuttuti123]

@@maxwellhatkow6209 light blinds the truth, darkness covers the truth. Human morals, that's what we all should fight for. Let the light fall together with darkness, as long as we survive.

[@vgernyc]

It's scary that Zavala through Nightmare Safiyah is tempted to switch to the Witness

[@L33DDL3]

I like having Eris back, but I like it even more that it's therapist Eris. She's known trauma as well as anyone we've helped so far, and it's really beautiful to see her guiding them all through their pain and memories, when she had to do it alone and in the dark.

[@giantenemybird2687]

Whoever they have writing her lines definitely has some psychological knowledge. much of what she says aligns with various cognitive behavioral therapy programs

[@Infinite_voyager]

@@giantenemybird2687 right? I said the same while I was doing the Sever missions, and listening to the way she explained that the nightmares are projections of their own insecurities and such during the activities.

[@stunnell]

She didn't do it alone and in the dark. WE helped her process her grief for all of her dead fireteam members during Shadowkeep. She knows how to help Crow, Zavala, Ikora, etc because we helped her first. It is why we accompany each person in the sever missions.

[@Msilverberg420]

A TherapEris. If you will.

[@BazelJager]

TherapEris

[@Maestro-K1121]

Honestly all of this makes me feel that Zavala, at least in part, became Vanguard to keep an eye on all inbound new Guardians to watch for his wife and son. That really makes him all the more tragic.

[@NinjaDeathSlap]

Jesus... man, I was already feeling my feelings outside of my body. You had to do me like that?

[@VitaminXism]

Brah

[@mcmew3427]

That would probably be even more painful, because they wouldn't recognize or remember him.

[@thrilla72]

WOW!!! I never thought of that!

[@steelgriffin7716]

@@mcmew3427 That would have been so incredibly cruel.

[@studioCAA]

I did not expect this story to be this jarring. I felt legitimate pain hearing safiyas nightmares words. The only thing that pulled me out of my emotions was when I went to "check" on him after the mission. It felt like I needed to stay around to see if everything was okay. Then zavala started spouting his usual tower dialogue and I snapped out of it.

[@nhancao4790]

Should have let Vendor Zavala completely speechless for the entire week.

[@johngancarcik5682]

Omg I was the same way on my hunter and warlock

[@manqobashongwe1301]

Lol. I think it's good that something broke the mood. Games are supposed to be a way to escape grief (or, in this case, help us learn how to process it.) You shouldn't be depressed because of an in-game character's pain.

[@dunethewanderer8944]

With how weirdly in-focus Targe was on the cutscene, I think that's a major hint to who Eris learned Zavala’s story from. And the fact that Targe has to share the story with a third party is a major tell as to how much Zavala has cut himself off from his support network. The only reason the man hasn't died from stress and grief is because he's immortal.

[@stunnell]

I noticed that too. But I wasn't sure what to make of it. Now, I think you are right. There are parts of the story that could have only been witnessed by Targe. I hope Targe is a more compassionate ghost than Saladin's ghost.

[@jazzichan4738]

This season is hitting harder than any other season, especially on a personal level. I lost a friend who I played Destiny with a lot, just over a year ago (last April) and since then I’ve continued to play the game but it’s just left like something is always missing now, the little icon with his name never shines anymore, I can’t see his guardian again (I wish Bungie would add an option to look at offline profiles) and I constantly think of all the fun times I’m having currently that he should be apart of. I miss him loads and this season is reminding me of it, but it also is reminding me that it’s ok to hurt, it’s important to speak out to others in times like this and remember that there are others to comfort you. I hope Zavala can overcome his grief, even though this is fictional it is a visible way to express something that is also a real situation people have to deal with. Xxx

[@KrisPChikin]

I am sorry for your loss. Losing friends and family can feel insurmountable at times but I have always seen the ability to continue to live your life with remembrance as being the best way to honor those that we have lost. I truly hope you can find closure or solace in your time of need.

[@shiverwolfplays]

Your comment brought tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry for your loss, and... Yeah. I feel this really hard. I learned very early that showing emotion was dangerous -- I was bullied a lot as a kid, and the advice back then was that if you ignored them and didn't show that it bothered you, they'd get bored and stop. They didn't, of course, but I learned to hide how I felt so well that eventually I hid it even from myself. Years and it years passed when I almost didn't cry at all. The only things that would make me cry were trivial things, like -- literally -- Hallmark commercials, because I felt like if I cried about anything important or real, I'd never stop. I felt like I'd just cry myself into nothing, like there'd be nothing left of me. I'm only recently starting to learn how to feel things honestly, how to cry and to grieve in a healthy way. I still find it really hard to reach out to friends when I'm feeling sad or scared or alone, but I'm starting to get there. But yeah, who knew that a looter-shooter like D2 would have such an emotional -- and maybe really helpful -- impact on so many people?

[@p0larb3arzer0s]

Eyes up guardian, I think it’s safe to say we’re all here with you. Losing a fireteam mate hurts, my nephew just passed last week and even though we stopped playing destiny together we had tons of great memories with it. Here’s to you and your fallen friend

[@NeoCipher790]

I’m so sorry man. I lost my baby brother this year, and he was the third member of our fireteam. I understand that empty feeling in places where they should be. I said it in another KZbin comment section, but this season has been hitting really close to home for a lot of people. Take care my stranger internet friend. Hope you’re doing alright.

[@kregadeth5562]

Well said guardian. I’m sorry for your loss. I wish I would’ve gotten to play with him

[@d1000nuts]

Not gonna lie, when I heard Zavala say that he’s “a hollow man leading others to die for a silent god”, I stopped myself from taking a sip of water, put the glass down and really had to process what I just heard. In that moment, I felt really sad for Zavala.

[@MrMalawk]

You're so right man totally agree with your statement brother!

[@Beateau]

That line hit the hardest out of a lot of hard hitting lines.

[@elitegamer9310]

Hollow Denial sheds more light on this story. Before, Zavala had killed the Captain and several friends of Kethiks, the Yet-Proven. When Kethiks was promoted to Captain, he was tasked by the leadership of House Devils to repay the blood debt and avenge his former Captain. Kethiks accepted this mission not out of vengeance, but for glory. He wanted to kill a Lightbearer like his father had, drink the Light from Zavala's ghost and be mantled as one of House Devils greatest champions. When Kethiks lead the charge and his forces set fire to the village, Hakim got in Kethiks' way and tried to fight him. Kethiks thrust his spear right through Hakim's chest, then turned to Zavala for a fight. A fight he never got because Zavala blew a hole right through him. It's a rather sad story. Zavala had the life he never knew he wanted, and just like that, it was all taken from him.

[@captainspice1239]

It's morbidly ironic, the fallen that wanted to be glorious and have an epic battle was destroyed almost instantly with no hesitation, no struggle but just a victor. A vengeance-filled lightbearer

[@BrotherShaw]

This was great. As you said, that grief was too accurate. As for the "silent god", the fact that Zavala feels that way is also good character development. Who wouldn't ask those kinds of questions? "Why did my family die while Hive got to live again?"

[@cbandit7715]

Yeah how she wa getting mad at him for not grieving anymore enough after thousands of years.

[@BrotherShaw]

@@cbandit7715 It's not her, it's Zavala's own grief made manifest. "My husband is not a liar, and I am speaking his words."

[@lezionscorner4376]

I'm not going to lie, one of my friends at the start of the season pointed out the Hollow Denial lore for me, and I was fascinated and really wanted to know what all happened, only to get hit by the twist from this week. I love this season, I won't even lie

[@Vorox1027]

Wait, what lore? >reads lore< ...oh

[@Ghost_Toast5000]

I love seeing different perspectives in the lore, how the Fallen were in the dark ages.

[@AwashimaSeriLieutenant]

crows refusal to admit uldren is a part of him to admitting they're the same and moving into the future acknowledging his accomplishments was a very nice development for him

[@combatrhapsody]

Are you sure you’re not going to lie? EDIT sorry that sounded mean, I was just trying to be humorous.

[@lezionscorner4376]

@@combatrhapsody I sometimes ramble in my typing, so I will fully embrace it

[@probablegarbage2265]

Zavala always struck me as a father figure to Holiday. In the Zavala cutscene it seems like he was one of the first people who welcomed Amanda to the tower, and knowing him, he probably tried to make sure she had somewhere to go without her family there. It would be interesting to see that relationship fleshed out

[@ivegonefishing482]

If you want to add insult to injury just read the lore tab of the Hollow Denial trace rifle. It details the fallen raid in which Zavala's son died from the perspective of the Fallen Captain who did the deed. The whole raid was not random but a deliberate attempt on Zavala's (or as the Captain refers to him as the Demon) life by order of the kell of the House of Devils in retaliation for the Eliskni lives he has taken. What's sickening is that not only was this Captain looking for revenge he was also looking for a chance to gain glory and recognition by slaying "the Demon". Zavala's son got in the way and the Captain gleefully toyed with him before finally finishing him off and facing Zavala where it is implied he was dealt a swift death at Zavala's hands.

[@silverthehero1295]

Maybe this is why Zavala has always been so adamant about Guardians not looking into their past. Whether it was their past life or their current one, he felt there was nothing but pain in the past.

[@M0b1us_118]

I really hope The Witness tells us about our past life in either Lightfall or The Final Shape because my biggest complaint about Destiny’s story since the beginning was that we are the arbiter that moves the story forward and yet we don’t know shit about our character.

[@Kall_Me_Koro]

To be honest, this makes a lot more sense how calm he was when Cayde died. Ikora's anger and want to storm the reef with every titan, warlock and hunter. Zavala says that we aren't conquerors, shutting down the idea instantly. I feel like his past feelings of loss and grief and suffering, though not resolved, have taught him almost a tolerance. Idk, just my thoughts

[@captainspice1239]

He didn't want to bury anymore friends, no more family. He didn't want to be the reason he lost them again in his eyes

[@peteraustin9057]

We see in the cutscene that he killed the captain who killed hakim, and he knows first hand that revenge wouldn't bring any closure

[@captainspice1239]

@@peteraustin9057 well yeah, but just, the irony that the fallen captain wanted a glorious fight and in the end was absolutely decimated. Of course zavala never got closure but just was indeed served to that captain

[@CuriousLumenwood]

No other season has made me so anxious and excited to see what happens week by week. I completed a Containment yesterday and got an interaction with Safiyah wherein Caiatl *immediately* came to Zavala’s defence. She didn’t even hesitate. Saladin did the same thing, asking to take Zaval’s place in Eris’ plan so that his friend could be spared, despite Saladin’s own trauma and good lord who knows how many Nightmares he would have to face. None of that mattered, he just desperately wanted to help Zavala in the only way he realistically could. This season is possibly one of the greatest gaming experiences I’ve ever had so far. It’s not grandiose or mind-blowing but it’s so viscerally *real*. Heart strings are being tugged and I’m not gonna lie I teared up listening to Zavala call himself a broken man leading others to die. If the things that are happening in this season resonate with you on a personal level, just know that you’re loved and I know you’re doing your best. Even if you don’t have a Caiatl or a Saladin right now, keep going. Each week is a new start.

[@cbandit7715]

Splicer I really enjoyed that in the year 4 /5 format.

[@taylormiller590]

I think the part that hit hardest for me was the part about making peace with the fallen after what they did to him. I’ve been where Zavala was, had people taken from me, experienced honest to goodness evil. it’s not a good place to be but eventually you just learn to live there. But I could never imagine making peace with the organizations, the people, that hurt me. Even years later I still tense up when I hear the name. I still have nightmares some times, wake up in a cold sweat. My scars still ache when the weather changes. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to “forgive” them, or even be in the same room as them without screaming. I’ll freely admit it’s hatred, real hatred, not the garden variety dislike or ignorance we mostly use the word for. I couldn’t have done what Zavala did, I couldn’t have let the fallen that took from me, that hurt me, into what is effectively my house. That takes a level of self control that says more than I think I ever could. This mission hit way to close to home.

[@reef1017831]

I couldn't relate much to Crow's situation but I was happy he got some closure. Zavala's situation however I could relate to in more ways than I would like to share. What really pushed over the edge for me though was when he said his son's name because that's my name. 😭😭

[@zeraphphalanx2794]

I can only imagine the shock on your face as you heard your own name spoken out of Zavala.

[@reef1017831]

It was shock followed by a lump in my throat about the size of a golf ball. It's like Byf said in the video, this seems like it was written by someone who has gone through that grief. It hit spot on.

[@zeraphphalanx2794]

@@reef1017831 true, either writers themselves or someone close to them.

[@jaidynhalling2162]

I literally cried while listening to his transmission with Holliday last night it wasn't even emotional it was broken

[@jaidynhalling2162]

Like I've always looked at zavala as an unmovable mountain of a being but just these last few seasons have broken that in a good way character wise

[@danny_dinthead8858]

@@jaidynhalling2162 and it really shows Lance Reddick at his finest.

[@KibaInuzuka827]

When Zavala insisted "It doesn't matter how I feel.", I felt that. As someone who doesn't like to put my own troubles onto others when they have their own issues, I know how tough it is to let yourself be open like that and Zavala for sure has been struggling for the longest time. Hope to see him make some progress there.

[@sarus-x1422]

This is the first phantom that uses absence as a form of haunting rather than staying and harassing them with the past. All nightmares up until now were always staying and attached to the people they haunted, but this one willingly left Zavala a couple times. It's a new twist to the behaviors of the nightmares.

[@thefatherinthecave943]

Because there’s no difference in the sharpness between her presence and her absence. Not being there hurts Zavala just as much as the nightmare being there

[@sarus-x1422]

@@thefatherinthecave943-I like how much emotion they put in the story :) They've been doing an amazing job with it

[@ActuallyNTiX]

I'm gonna just say that when Byf said he turned back and checked on Zavala, I remembered that I did something similar. I didn't move from his side for a bit, and then when I moved on, I only walked, and even then, I looked back at him. Dang, they really did knock this out of the park

[@johngancarcik5682]

I did the same thing

[@h0nkey4life06]

I played cowbell in his face.

[@Alassandros]

It was when Zavala sounded shaken by the ambush that I knew he had been disturbed. This is the first time in my 8 years of Destiny and as a Titan main that I actually felt for Zavala. My vanguard mentor is in constant grief and looks at me like his own. I thank him for all he's given.

[@hunterroling4342]

This week broke me personally with losing my mom 3 years ago this month. It's going to be a hard season

[@alanwake8937]

I'm so sorry for your loss! I hope and pray that you find peace. 🙏

[@DragonKnight90001]

It’s definitely is going to be a hard season, especially next Tuesday if that’s when Zavala gets some closure honestly I think I’m going to cry, also sorry for your loss.

[@jamauln1]

The convo between Zevala and Amanda was just so...genuine.

[@c4sualcycl0ps48]

Agreed

[@chadrickmorgan1149]

the line about all of us falling apart when we feel anger or are hurt gave me a mini revelation

[@Awoken_Remmuz]

As someone who invests myself into the lore I knew that there was something under that stoic, duty bound commander, hints of the burdens that lurked under that armor that most folks miss. But oh boy did it not prepare me for this week, loots of heavy sighs and heavy feeling on my chest, even a little tear at the end. While there is absolutely is valid critism about the gameplay for this season, story wise they nailed it.

[@syrune]

The part about Zavala not remembering his sons voice killed me when i ran this. My stepfather who raised me from the age of 3 died so long ago i can't really remember any details of him, like his voice

[@SilverSpectre90]

After all this year's of hating him because of his decisions, specially after what happened to Cayde... This hits so bloody deep No wonder why Saladin sees him as a prodige. I'm not gonna lie, I cried during the confrontations and the cutscenes. Also. So far we have 3 pages of the Lore Book about Safiyah and Zavala and their story is more explained them. I hope you cover this later Byf.

[@dragobane4728]

This story highlights his decisions, as I can totaly see them being made because he experienced this. I dont care if they didnt think of this story until this season or not, its believable enough to fit

[@RaiderGlaceon]

I always looked at him as the funny "indeed" guy who had a funny voice actor and was the most cowardly character despite being the COMMANDER of the Vanguard . . . This season has given me a newfound respect and understanding for him. I genuinely found myself wishing I could lay a hand on his pauldron and help him through the memories.

[@kingjamos2422]

Over the years, Destiny has made me feel many things. The closest it got me to feeling grief was with Cayde, but I mostly felt anger towards the killers. Here we are made to feel what it is like to watch someone consumed by grief, hear his story, and then grieve as well. There is nothing like experiencing the death of a child and poor Zavala had to grieve for his child, his wife, and then Safiyah's descendants. I honestly did cry a little because of how painful that is and the reminder of my own grief. In the past five years I lost my grandpa, one of my uncles, and my grandma. The tears started from Zavala's grief and then quickly became my own. And then my mind wanders to the death's of my cat and my dog this year. I desperately tried everything I could to save them, but there was nothing that I could do other than watch them die. I know that I couldn't do anything yet all that guilt remains. You can't compare a human life to that of animals, but the premise is the same. There is grief and guilt that eats up at you. How relatable this bit of story was... was simply painful. Oddly, in a good way, which is a weird thing to say. A writers and voice actors are clearly doing something right when you can feel that pain.

[@NaruKen25]

This is what I'm going through to this day. I lost my wife, going on 11 years, to cancer. But the marriage wasn't all that sweet she was not very kind through the later years. And when she found out that she had cancer she pretty much just belittled me in all types of ways mostly mentally. And when she died I shouldered so much grief and pain that I was not sure that I was able to forgive myself. Even to this day I still think I should not be forgiven and I am still continuing to work on that. So when I saw this mission and played through it I felt like I was the Zavala himself. Maybe the solutions forgive myself is out there, or maybe not but as long as I know that I can be forgiven even when there's nothing to forgive I can move forward each day.

[@shiverwolfplays]

I'm sending every good thought and prayer for peace and healing your way. I hope you're talking with someone about what happened, and about your feelings. I know a lot of people, especially men, have a really hard time doing that, or in believing that therapy works and that getting it is a sign of strength and not weakness, but it can really help. ♥️

[@juncaf]

What i love and breaks me about this scenes and dialogues, is the re contextualization of Zavala's outburst when hearing the Traveler chose Savathun and the hive, because it meant that the being that he dedicated his dogma to, chose a Hive God and it's murdering kin over his wife, over his son, that must be a truly harrowing feeling, but on the bright side he as one other family member in Amanda, cause the lore has helped show that they are like a surrogate father and daughter for one another.

[@devonhickman3428]

Not long ago when Cayde died we all were frustrated with him not pushing to go out but now we can even see more why he didn't because it's certain he struck down that Fallen and even then the revenge didn't save him his wife or his son so here he is losing his dearest friend and we can finally understand why he is the way he is as a cold and stern man with some deep worries inside him self just like how he straight starts to leave his office to come save you in the end of one of the strikes just cause he can't reach you. Zavala is a man that lost everything and life keep taking and all he could do was see it as his fault so now I truly hope to see a happier more warm and compassionate Zavala in future times but for now he needs family so let's give him support Guardians

[@jadecherry7224]

Never in my life would I have thought that I'd deeply relate to a destiny character, let alone commander Zavala. Everything about him hiding his grief and struggling to reach out to friends and family in order to move on really hit home for me. Goddamnit Bungie, why you gotta write such a touching storyline

[@krazychicken]

I love how Amanda says "that's what family does" at the end, implying that through all the loss, he's got a new family now.

[@daltonyoung2229]

As someone who lost their dad at a young age, this weeks story hit me hard af. Especially when it comes to holidays and zavalas conversation, great writing by bungie and the reality of how deep these things go is intense. Good on them for actually having this conversation with people.

[@statick160]

The writing and voice acting aside, the inkblot style of animation has become my favourite part of these stories. It looks so pleasing and really drives the message they're trying to deliver home that much more

[@spacebumpkin1565]

Amanda’s conversation with Zavala brought me to tears when I was playing the quest. I really wasn’t ready at all.

[@cashusbucks]

Agreed...such a great combo of storytelling and voice acting this week. All tied up with a wonderful narrative bow 🎀 Which brings us to the tale of Banshee vs The Telesto: 17 Days Later. In the comments for Crows successful Sever session last week, I mentioned Telesto was up to its OLD tricks by creating some NEW problems on its first Day in the Tower. That was 17 days ago as of today. And while we aren't entirely sure how, Banshee has managed to stop Telesto's vanishing antics. Plus with millions upon millions of Nightmares absorbed by their Harvesters. Guardians may have passively generated a way to resist Telesto's ability to straight up yeet them from the Tower since less and less are reporting this issue. Plenty of Tower regulars say they had no doubt that Banshee could fix the cursed weapon. And of course Banshee seems to have no idea what a Telesto is even though he is consistently repairing it. For now, all seems back to normal but I can't help but thing that's what Telesto wants us to think 🤔. See you next week with another update!

[@Ash_6614]

this entire seasonal theme of trying to forgive yourself, or forgive others, or just handling trauma in general hits hard right now for me, this mission brought a tear or two

[@grabarcnr]

His outburst in his office during the witch Queen's storyline has become so much more real with this. This has so elegantly explained his motives since Forsaken and it's been such an eye opener. I hope they let us give him a hug. He needs a really long one.

[@Butter_Warrior99]

My friend played destiny 1, his reaction to Zavala lore was honestly priceless.

[@thunderspear2251]

I held my sword guard between Zavala and Safiyah. I love this development for Zavala, but WOW it hurts. The story of a man who became a father, lost his son to the consequences of his past, and then gave up his future to return to that past. Zavala raised a good man, Hakim died a good man, and so Zavala believes himself a terrible father. While it may be true that Zavala training him led to Hakim's death, Hakim chose to stand beside his father in battle. Zavala taught Hakim to be a good man. And Hakim was a good man to the end.

[@wanderwaffledg3570]

I feel this weeks really re contextualizas a lot of Zavala’s decisions, like not wanting to hunt Uldren, he has been so hurt so much and he couldn’t bear the idea of losing anyone else

[@scottfields5715]

Initially, I was disappointed in this season, which thus far has just been a grind. But with Zavala's story, this has been a VERY good background. I'm impressed with the story between Caital and Zavala. She really respects Zavala, and the wording was impressive.

[@scottfields5715]

I LOVED this dialogue. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bobKpYtmpZugnrc

[@mr.heroic6634]

Seeing this Sever mission has made Zavala’s past reasonings understandable. Whether it be Guardians shouldn’t remember about their past (Warmind DLC), not embracing his anger to hunt down Uldren Sov (Forsaken), or the utmost confusion and sudden realization he still has on why the Traveler picked a Hive God to resurrect instead of his past family. He holds them down because he maybe afraid that he’ll make the same mistake he made or something worse. Seeing that cutscene got me sad, ngl. Reminds me of the past grief I once had. Albeit not the same as Zavala’s. But with what will happen next week, we are able to forgive ourselves, with family and friends to help us become more. Love and sharing our burdens who comforts us is the best medicine anyone can ask for. Let us never forget that.

[@FLUFFY788]

Destiny has never been the game to make me tear up. The last time I got emotional due to Destinys story is when Cayde passed. It felt like I lost a friend. This was truly heartbreaking. Hearing Zavala, one of the most stoic individuals crack and break under grief. Broke me. I almost cried. It was a powerful moment. Having these moments before the Darkness of the Witness comes to confront us is massive. This tears a hole in the façade that Zavala is this stoic man. In my own head canon, he has been feeling this way ever since Cayde died all that time ago. All of the stress, and possible threats to humanity have caused him bury his sorrow. Bubbling up and exploding in what we just witnessed this week. Its great storytelling and character building. I am honestly concerned where I will be emotionally when I play next week. I am nervous about it.

[@Defunkttt]

This week really stung for me, brought up some things I’ve been avoiding, but I’m glad it did. Trauma should never be buried and forgotten, because it never can be. Facing our traumas and accepting our mistakes makes us stronger. Well done Bungie, and thank you Byf for covering this.

[@iswordlogici7760]

I won't lie, after the cutscene, after the dialogue between zavala and Amanda, i cried a little bit. The writing is so good

[@DTheWhiteWolfD]

As someone who’s just gone through a terrible break up myself with no family or friends around to support me because I live alone which made her my best friend and my only family now gone. this week was a tear jerker! Have to hand it to the dev team for the beautiful writing

[@Flamme-Sanabi]

You okay, brother? If you need someone to talk to, there are nice people from the internet. I offer myself up, if need be.

[@DTheWhiteWolfD]

@@Flamme-Sanabi not much to really say about it man she cheated and left me in the dust but life goes on, just didn’t expect the story to hit home so much

[@Flamme-Sanabi]

@@DTheWhiteWolfD it's good to hear that you already are going to go on. I wish you best of luck for it!

[@Jukantos]

You know, that stumbling intro sums it up pretty well. I was not ready to be bawling my eyes out at Destiny for the second time since that final Ace of Spades mission. Having finally, *finally* found the love of my life after many decades in loneliness and despair, this story made me imagine, just simply imagine what it would be like to lose that person and that alone just broke me. Whoever wrote this, i want to give you a hug.

[@adambeasley35]

I know what it's like to reflect on grief and let it control you, it's absolutely horrible to feel that way. I'm literally having tears as we speak.

[@mcmew3427]

Caiatl has been incredibly wholesome to him this week. They seem to be becoming friends, and...she's actually turning out to be a good one to him.

[@EnderKiller225]

As a fellow Warlock, I feel that it is my duty to bring up an additional lore entry that continues this story. The third (or at least I’m pretty sure it’s the third) page of the Voices of the Haunted lore book picks up the story pretty much exactly where it left off here, with Amanda going to talk to Zavala. It’s got some extra context, but I will warn you. It hurts to read just as much as the rest of the story hurt to watch.

[@deus_lex]

Maybe 10 days before the reset I was laughing with a friend about how Zavala’s dialogue for Sepiks Prime hadn’t aged well-“send the Fallen screaming back to hell,” for example, is pretty problematic to hear now that Mithrax is in the City… even knowing he was talking specifically about the House of Devils back then, when the strike was new. We joked about cancel culture and tweets dug up from years ago and the idea of Zavala having a PR incident because someone found old mission recordings. And then this mission dropped. And then we weren’t laughing anymore.

[@lumaberrypi]

Knowing what he has been carrying around for years, it's made me go back and think about previous interactions with Zavala a little bit more. One that stands out is the death of Cayde in Forsaken. When he wanted to stay back and be safe rather than pursue Uldren Sov, because he refused to bury another friend. I hope Zavala does find forgiveness, and extraordinary work from Bungie on the writing, this one did pull at some heart strings

[@mattwhitlow8892]

I was truly shocked by how genuinely heartbreaking this story was. I even teared up which is really saying something. Absolutely one of the best cutscene/back stories Destiny has ever done 👏👏

[@Thundah_Dome]

I'll be honest, I'm glad we got more zavala back story. I've never felt much connection to the character.

[@zoarondozell8385]

"I refuse to bury any more friends" Hits a lot harder now

[@ricky_the_b]

There is so much to say about the story this week, I could never put it into a single comment. The difficult emotional masterpiece of it has already been touched on plenty, but one thing that struck me is how Zavala is kind of the anti-Dr. Manhattan. An immortal blue bald guy with god-like power, but who instead clung so hard to the humanity of one terrible moment that he carried it with him over GENERATIONS. A very fresh take on the immortality trope that I don't think we see too often

[@_philthy]

“I mourned! I begged for your forgiveness! What more can I do?” That line hit me so hard. It’s crazy how you can try to do the right thing and it still isn’t enough.

[@furzy1459]

Zavala telling Ikora "I refuse to bury any more friends" in Forsaken hits deeper now.

[@Ootek_Imora]

As a trauma survivor this hits me hard especially with my and my now ex fiances 6 year anniversary coming up in a few weeks (she's not dead but we split because she is scared and doesn't feel ready for a relationship, were still in contact as she's my best friend but the hurts still there)

[@bulletproofwhale5869]

"A hollow man... leading others to die... for a silent God." Oof. I'm not a Titan, but I wanna give this man a hug. Also, Caiatl getter go and help her Blueberry Commander!

[@narutoscuz]

This week hurt me so much. What truly hurt me was when we checked on him after the mission and he says I need to talk about her apparently and he simply says why? That brought me to tears. It hurts when you see someone suffering and you can't do anything about it if they don't want the help. His reaction to that line hit me so hard. 😔

[@itsovertonite]

This story has blown me away recently. Bravo Bungie story team you have done such an amazing job 👏 This story with Zavala has brought me to tears at points. When Zavala was distraught staring at himself in the mirror and he goes to shoot his ghost, all I could say was damn.

[@unluckyirish2763]

In destiny 2, prior to this, I'd been a little underwhelmed by Zavala. Gone was the Titan who sought to defend his home by offense( Whether we wanted it or not, weve stepped into a war with the Cabal on Mars) but instead was a shell of himself, staying focused inward and seemingly shrinking in on himself. (Full disclosure: hadnt read much of the lore tabs so i likely missed a lot of stuff. Then came Caydes end, and here was a chance, I thought for Zavala to redeem himself and personally ruin Uldren Sov. But he said no. He voted to leave the Reef to itself. I thought it was cowardice. Now, I see it for what it was: heartbreak

[@christopherburris9936]

It’s crazy to see how what’s been going on in one’s life even a fictional one can represent it’s self in the real world and in things that you never really thought you’d see these situations in. I know the struggle and I know the pain of grief and loss and blaming oneself and taking on the burden of the world and feeling alone. Bungie really outdid themselves with this weeks lore and story and showed what fantastic writing can bring forth emotionally.

[@markevens]

I love how the storylines the past few seasons have brought forth such a deep element of humanity in them. Thank you to everyone at Bungie who had the courage to put this level of writing in a game that's essentially about shooting aliens. It's powerful stuff.

[@firenzarfrenzy4985]

Despite maintaining a stoic face, that cutscene almost had me in tears with its score and caligraphy. I could feel my heart pounding. The season of the haunted is a unique and interesting way to explore an untouched facet of key figures in the Vanguard while maintaining it's connection to the larger story of light and dark. It is a season of emotional understanding and intelligence. It is beautiful to see the complexity of the human experience fleshed out in a modern setting compared to the classical and modernist works that don't truly get absorbed by newer generations. Emotions can be the greatest challenge for some. For the first time, the unwavering Zavala questions what seemed like a stalwart faith in the traveller.

[@YourMaxii]

I appreciate what they've done with Zavala and Ikora the last few seasons. A lot of people would've gone seeing both die and be replaced by a new set of Vanguard leaders but I feel these past few seasons really expanded on their characters and made them *actually well rounded characters* rather than just quest givers. It's a very nice pivot.

[@thejcwman]

I always thought Zavala had the emotional bandwidth of a brick. Understanding how many generations he's had to live with this pain, guilt, grief. Reminded by the fact how powerful and near immortal the guardians are, he still couldn't save his son. It really makes you ponder the existence of a guardian and how much they stockpile not only in glory but loss as well. Yeah I'm impressed with bungie and Lance's performance. This keeps me coming back to Destiny

[@Vade34K]

I never even had a thought that zavala had a family. I still mourn caydes death to this day.

[@5amu22]

I'm so sad I got this cutscene "spoiled". I clicked on a video of it since it was day one and I had already completed the weekly stuff, and was wondering if I had accidentally skipped it. Bungie has truly done something different with this season. It has the best story by far, and we aren't even halfway finished with this season. Absolutely incredible.

[@tgi_fibber4206]

Either Ikora’s or ours, I have a good idea who the last nightmare will be. I just want to hear his voice again, even once.

[@knightmare9741]

Caital probably since its rage-resolve in the triumphs,if its ikora it would be regret

[@Videogamefangirl]

It'll be Caital vs. Nightmare of Ghaul - we've had it hinted at us in the opening Seasonal Cutscene after the ritual binding Eris to the Crown. It showed a large Cabal looming over Caital's shoulder while she stared at the Leviathan. The Trespasser exotic mentions that Ikora's nightmare is actually Cayde-6. Ikora did not handle it well. Eris actually recommended she return to the Tower because of it. I think it's canon that our Nightmares were confronted and resolved already in Shadowkeep within the Pyramid (Fikrul, Ghaul, Crota). Due to the nature of our Guardian as a "blank slate", it will always keep in mind new players just showing up now. They would've never known or seen the death of Cayde, so him being our Guardian's nightmare would just confuse anyone who didn't play Forsaken. I love and miss him too, but I don't think he's coming back in any form. :(

[@reapereye2122]

Me too man....me too.....

[@meganwalker9148]

Read the Trespasser Lore tab 😭

[@M0b1us_118]

@@VideogamefangirlThis is the one real complaint I have about this season’s story (as well other seasonal stories) is that we never get to know our Guardian, the character we play as. I mean we get so much info about the other characters but the character we play as gets nothing. I mean you could argue that since our Guardian is a “**blank slate**” you just have to use your imagination and put some of your personal experiences into your character. But, I’d honestly would love to see what Bungie could cook up for us. I got an example. In this season, you would also have to cleanse our Guardian’s nightmare in addition to Crow’s, Zavala’s, and Caitial’s nightmares. Our nightmare could be someone from our life before being res’d. Although, that would be a tall order because Bungie would have to implement an almost Mass Effect like system where we could pick our Guardian’s origin based on whether you’re Human, Awoken, or Exo; and that would require a shitload of writing. But, if Bungie didn’t want to do that, it would make more sense if our nightmare was Cayde, and you could give Ikora someone else (could be Osiris if Bungie killed him off, could be a hidden agent she was close with, etc.)

[@tuttuti123]

Imagine holding so much grief, you tracked down and keep tabs on each descendants asking for forgiveness. As if last year's solstice of heroes aren't heartbreaking already, idk how sad it is going to be for this year if it's coming. Spent shell casing, gilded eggshells, lit candles, man. Even freaking saladin had to deal with some sort of grief.

[@choerrycola7666]

Bro, the fact that the story is so deep and impactful that we’re questioning whether the devs actually had personal experiences with something similar, is truly something. Bungie’s storytelling is phenomenal at the moment

[@clearsky4049]

What hit me so hard is the implication from Safiyah's dialouge that Zavala prayed to the Traveler for a long time to resurrect Safiyah and Hakim as Guardians to no avail.

[@jkm1022]

Im really glad the big blue guy has actual story in game. We now get to see him as not a leader nor a guardian but a person just like any of us.

[@Lengaming0]

I felt so bad for how it affected Zavala, he’s doubting everything he did so far, it is a heart breaker

[@elegy8187]

The more I think about it, I think Eris is my favourite character in Destiny. She’s always been incredibly kind to every character, and even though her methods are very different to how other characters solve problems, she always has our best interests at heart.

[@typhir5911]

As Commander of the Vanguard, I would believe that Zavala feels responsible for every single guardian who has died their final death under his leadership. That is already such a heavy burden to bear and I can't imagine the pain that one would feel to lose not only their son, but also part with their wife under these sorts of circumstances before the City was even founded. This was a tremendous performance by Lance Reddick. I felt the raw pain in Zavala's voice when he spoke about being a broken man serving a broken god and nearly every line was delivered with such raw energy of loss. Zavala has tormented himself over his past mistakes and this agony has manifested into the nightmare that we have faced this week. This sort of torment is not something that heals over time and if I'm reading this correctly it has been centuries. He has continued to bear this burden silently and only added to it, perhaps as penance. I really wonder how Targe (his ghost) reacted throughout all of this. Saladin's concern for him over comms during the post Containment public event on the Leviathan is something that I would expect from one's mentor and it once again shows how much Saladin, who always seems to be very distant in personality, really cares about his proteges as he did for Crow last season.

[@GeargusArchfiend]

I love the little detail that with Crow, Eris tells us both to return. But With Zavala, Eris tells us to BRING HIM HOME. It's my personal head Canon that we BODILY hauled Zavala back to our ship and gave him a ride back to the tower. We're your emotional support guardians, Big Blue!

[@sunsingerwarlock7152]

This one actually made me shed tears. It made me understand his decision in forsaken to not pursue war. Even if the political ramifications there were important, I think it was because Zavala is used to having those close to him disappear and him having to live with the burden. You get used to that kind of pain and not in a good way. You become able to numb yourself outwardly to it even if you are kicking and screaming internally. Zavala lost his wife and child, two positions which are the closest to a person’s heart. Losing Cayde, for Zavala, definitely hurt but was just another deep cut that Zavala is used to having. It can turn you into a masochist of sorts by holding onto that pain when carrying that burden becomes as Zavala said “all I have left”. Bravo with this one Bungie, it hurt so good💯

[@crossyfirezx9659]

Zavala: "i refuse to bury anymore friends" For those giving crap about Zavala back then, better understand now. The man has been through enough, and you could here during that Forsaken cutscene.

[@GhostintheMachine25]

This is definitely some very accurate writing. Made me think maybe about talking to a therapist. I also lost someone and the damage has not healed. I didn’t realize I could relate to Zavala so strongly, although not as extreme but very closely associated

[@RespiteofChampions]

Yeah this week's mission hit me so damn hard. This one was absolutely heartbreaking. The writing this season is just a masterpiece. 7:00 During my mission I literally just stood there with Zavala for a good minute. I don't care if he was just standing still, I wanted to just give him some company for a moment after that.. 8:04 "You hoard our memory like a starved animal hoards bones, and call that reverence" Pardon my language but...fucking HELL that hurt. 8:52 "That ABANDONER deserves your duty more than me, more than our SON" Another moment where I just stood there shocked with my jaw on the floor 9:19 "My sons killers should meet" As the Fallen descend on both of us literally made me shiver And then the ICONIC 10:00. "A hollow man leading others to die...for a silent god." THAT ACTUALLY DROVE A STAKE THROUGH MY HEART. I haven't liked Zavala since he was a coward during Forsaken, but god damn. THIS man deserves respect.

[@Elysian-III]

I think we can all agree that this awoke some people's personal issues. This reminded me of what I'm currently going through with... my ex and a lot of my friends who... pretty much got jealous of us and tried everything they could to break us up... which eventually happened. I lost my family that day, I lost what it meant to love. I lost the one thing that I valued the most, her. Were trying to fix things, but people are again getting in our way and... it's hard. But we're trying

[@alanwake8937]

This week's mission is genuinely one of the best I've ever seen in Destiny. Self forgiveness is one of the most difficult and necessary journeys we have to make. And Bungie has portrayed that struggle beautifully.

[@KuragariOokami]

Nearly broke down at Amanda and Zavala's conversation.

[@spartacon5267]

Before lore-wise, it was really only Cayde that seemed to have much going on. I never thought I'd feel emotional over Zavala, but holy shit this week's mission was hard.

[@mudblup9415]

There's a lore entry after the story, I think for the triumph, that tells what happens when Amanda goes to Zavala's office. Also sad but so well written.

[@Folfah]

Going through an incredibly hard time mentally and emotionally right now. This seasons hitting harder than a shoulder spam titan.

[@gUttersthecow]

It’s crazy looking back and seeing how far Destiny’s story has come since the first game. While I enjoyed many of the characters in Destiny 1 they didn’t feel as fleshed out but the recent seasonal story stuff had really made these characters feel like real people. While story beats like this may not be as large scale as the buildup to Lightfall, they are still just as interesting and add a personal, human element you don’t see often in other sci-fi franchises.

[@jyapp4489]

This week's story hit really fucking close to home - its so bizarre how so many of the lessons of the recent FPS Stories tie right back into my life when I need them the most. Whoever is on the writing team at Bungie, if you're seeing this, you guys are some of my heroes for this exact reason. I legitimately damn near cried after completing this week's mission.

[@tobysowers4668]

The story on grief and forgiveness was…real. It was so well told I cried for like five minutes after the whole thing. I think Byf is right on the nail when he said that someone went through this to write this story so…well. It is truly a gift to play this game.

[@ThecyberartistG.Greene]

The complex stories I kind of always knew were coming. When you write one with characters like the Guardians and the light and living as they do. There will be Tragic times. If you have been a long time gamer like me and played many role-played games you can know the effects of playing a character that is immortal. I played one that had a lot of tragic times, and it was over a 3 to 5 year timeline. I know many will say it is just a game it just a character. But if you understand true role-playing you know it something you play and play with your self immersed in that part. Just like the voice actors you're playing a part and even after playing that part you carry parts of it with you after. You become part of the lore and the game for how you play it out. Lance Reddick will feel this and use it adds an actor. His performance for this is just perfect for the player to not just hear but feel Zavala's pain and deep burden he carries. The writing for this game is just EPIC and this season has once again shown why so many people love this game.

[@UberDragon99]

A few minutes after the video has ended, and I am still incredibly choked up after hearing Zavala‘s conversation with Amanda. Destiny continues to be my favorite work of fiction to ever be conceived. Thank you for being able to deliver this story to us with the delightful nuance that you always bring.

[@iamboringvideos6832]

This weeks story mission makes the cutscene in forsaken with zavala, ikora our guardian much more sense, with zavala not wanting to burying more friends

[@ear1yt693]

I‘m speechless, really. You know a story is good if it gets me crying like this one did. All the conversations and feelings in this week‘s mission just felt so _real_ . So I think all I can say to Destiny‘s writers is this: „Brilliant work, bravo!“

[@kmanalpha453]

The "my son's killers should meet" moment was heart wrenching to me. Imagine being in Zavalas shoes, hearing the love of your life say that. Lay blame on you for your kids death and then create the nightmare of the foe that actually killed him