Does Cayde-6 Have a Child? Unraveling the Mystery of the Exo’s Past
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Yes, Cayde-6 does have a child. This reveal came in the Destiny 2 expansion, The Witch Queen, and it significantly reshaped our understanding of the beloved Hunter Vanguard. This child is not a biological offspring but rather an android named Ace, designed to look and act like a young boy.
The Story Behind Ace: More Than Just a Machine
The story of Ace is deeply entwined with Cayde-6’s pre-Guardian past, a period largely shrouded in mystery before he was resurrected by the Traveler. Learning about Ace requires delving into lore entries, quest dialogues, and the poignant moments embedded within Destiny 2.
The Colonel and Cayde’s Hidden Heart
Before Ace’s existence was explicitly revealed, players knew of Cayde-6’s fondness for The Colonel, a chicken that resided in the Tower. While seemingly a humorous quirk, The Colonel represented a connection to Cayde’s lost memories and perhaps a surrogate for the family he longed for. This connection hinted at a deeper emotional capacity beneath Cayde’s witty and often reckless exterior.
Ace-1 of Spades: A Legacy Beyond the Gun
The iconic hand cannon Ace of Spades was another crucial piece of the puzzle. While heavily associated with Cayde’s fallen friend, Ace, the gun’s namesake, also bears the name of the android “son.” Lore connected to the weapon revealed fragments of Cayde’s past, including mentions of a debt and a family he was seemingly trying to protect.
Unveiling Ace: The Witch Queen Expansion
It wasn’t until The Witch Queen expansion that the truth about Ace was fully revealed. Through interacting with the Archive in Savathûn’s Throne World, players could uncover encrypted logs that detailed Cayde’s past life as a human named Cade-2. These logs contained information about a debt Cade-2 owed and the lengths he went to protect Ace, the android child he had created or adopted.
The Enigma of Cade-2: A Human Before the Exo
The revelation that Cayde-6 was once a human named Cade-2 adds layers of complexity to his character. It suggests that his motivations and actions as a Guardian were deeply influenced by his experiences and responsibilities from his previous life. The debt, the desire to protect Ace, and the overall mystery of his past remain compelling narrative threads within the Destiny universe.
Ace’s Fate: What Happened to the Android Son?
The ultimate fate of Ace is still largely unknown. The lore reveals that Cayde-6 (as Cade-2) went to great lengths to ensure Ace’s safety, but his whereabouts after Cayde’s transformation into an Exo are unconfirmed. It is possible that Ace remains hidden somewhere in the solar system, perhaps even unaware of his “father’s” existence as a Guardian. This leaves open the possibility for future storylines and content that explore the search for or rediscovery of Ace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cayde-6 and Ace
1. Is Ace Cayde-6’s biological son?
No, Ace is not Cayde-6’s biological son. Ace is an android, presumably designed to look and act like a young boy. Cayde-6 (formerly Cade-2) created or adopted Ace during his human life.
2. How did Cayde-6 create Ace?
The exact origins of Ace are not fully detailed in the lore. It’s unknown if Cade-2 (Cayde-6) built Ace himself or if Ace was already an existing android that Cade-2 took responsibility for.
3. What was the purpose of Ace’s creation?
The lore doesn’t explicitly state Ace’s original purpose. It is implied that Ace was meant to be a companion or possibly a surrogate for a biological child that Cade-2 couldn’t have. The primary purpose was always protecting and caring for Ace.
4. Did Ace know Cayde-6 was once Cade-2?
It is highly unlikely that Ace knew about Cade-2 becoming an Exo named Cayde-6. The transformation process completely wipes the memories of the human from their current Exo frame and, the details behind Cade-2’s transformation into Cayde-6 are still shrouded in mystery.
5. Is Ace still alive in the Destiny universe?
Ace’s current status and whereabouts are unknown. The lore implies that Cade-2 ensured Ace’s safety before becoming an Exo, but his fate remains a mystery. This allows for the possibility of Ace reappearing in future Destiny 2 content.
6. Where can I find information about Ace in Destiny 2?
Information about Ace can be found in various lore entries, particularly those related to the Ace of Spades hand cannon. Also, exploring the Archive in Savathûn’s Throne World during The Witch Queen expansion provides crucial insights into Cayde’s past.
7. What debt was Cade-2 trying to pay off?
The nature of the debt that Cade-2 owed is not explicitly stated in the lore. It’s hinted that the debt was significant and possibly involved dangerous individuals or organizations, further highlighting the risks Cade-2 took to protect Ace.
8. How does The Colonel fit into Cayde-6’s story?
The Colonel, Cayde-6’s chicken companion, represents a subconscious connection to his past life as Cade-2. It is theorized that the chicken is a surrogate connection to family life from his past life. The Colonel is a reminder of the family that he longs to reunite with.
9. Could we see Ace in future Destiny 2 expansions?
It is entirely possible. Bungie has a history of revisiting past characters and plot threads. Given the emotional weight of Cayde-6’s story and the unresolved fate of Ace, his return could provide a compelling narrative arc.
10. Why was Cayde-6 so secretive about his past?
As an Exo, Cayde-6 likely had limited access to his memories. The Exo process often results in memory loss and fragmented recollections of their previous life. The few glimpses he did have were likely painful reminders of what he had lost, leading him to avoid the topic.
11. How does Ace change our perception of Cayde-6?
The existence of Ace reveals a more vulnerable and deeply caring side to Cayde-6. It demonstrates that beneath his humor and bravado, he carried a profound sense of responsibility and a fierce determination to protect those he loved.
12. Are there any in-game missions or quests directly related to finding Ace?
Currently, there are no specific missions or quests dedicated to finding Ace. However, future expansions or seasonal content could potentially explore this storyline.
13. What is the significance of Ace being an android rather than a biological child?
Ace being an android allows for unique narrative possibilities. It raises questions about artificial intelligence, parental bonds, and what truly defines family. It also makes the question of Ace’s potential survival over a long period more plausible, given his synthetic nature.
14. Has Bungie, the developer of Destiny 2, commented on the future of Ace’s storyline?
Bungie has not explicitly confirmed any future plans for Ace’s storyline. However, they are aware of the community’s interest in the character and the unresolved questions surrounding his fate, leaving the door open for potential developments.
15. Is there any fan theory about what happened to Ace?
Yes, several fan theories abound regarding Ace’s fate. Some believe he is hidden in a secure location, waiting to be discovered. Others speculate that he has been repurposed or has had his memories wiped, leading a completely new life. Some even suggest that he is already a character we know, hiding in plain sight. These theories highlight the community’s investment in Ace’s story and their hope for a satisfying resolution.