Redacted

A Trip

I apologize for the lack of an update last week. Life caught up to me and as you can see from this late update, I hardly had the time to write this week as well. Sadly, this chapter is also short compared to the other chapters and I apologize.

Anywyas, thanks to DisobeyedBowl6, And-on-and-on, and TidalKiller for the reviews!

And-on-and-on - Oh geezus, yeah lol. When I read his description when you sent in his info, I was like, he seems like an intimidating individual lol. And thanks!

TidalKiller - Thank you! To answer you question, I had an itch to write ever since I started Destiny, the only thing that held me back was the chance of a backlash. However, the temptation to write was stronger and as such, I started to update weekly to keep my writing cravings in check. I hadn't anticipated the story to get as many followers and reviewers as it did and it helped me gain the motivation to work on the sequels that I had planned out when I first wrote Tormented.

"You look great, Ianos."

Shooting a glare at Akiva as the latter stifled a laugh behind his hands, the Awoken Warlock continued to grit his teeth as Ace finished draping the last bits of cloth over his shoulders, the scarf pulled up over his nose to hide the small wisps of darkness escaping his lips, "There, that should do it."

Seeing the black and orange Ghost continue to zoom around his shoulders, Ianos glanced down at his hands, letting out a grunt at the unfamiliar sight of pale azure palms staring back, flexing his fingers before Angel's voice piped in, "So why does the Vanguard want us to venture out into the City again?"

Lifting his orange eyes towards the human Hunter, Ianos watched as Angel shifted on his bed, picking at the unfamiliar cloth over his shoulders; instead of the normal cloak and leather armor recognizable of the Hunter class, Angel was adorned in brown and green colors of civilian wear. The human Guardian clearly uncomfortable in the new look as he continued to pull at the sleeves, "I have heard that Guardians are sent out into the Last City for patrols but why do we have to leave our armor behind?"

"Because this isn't a patrol mission," It was Akiva who spoke, the human Titan letting out a broad grin as he crossed his arms; like Ianos and Angel, his armor was absent and black and brown cloths draped over his body, "this is an undercover mission."

"A what?"

"According to reports, there has been countless disappearances lately in the City." The familiar form of Lex hovered over Akiva's shoulders, "The Forces of the City or simple known as FOTC, have been trying to figure out what is causing them but are stuck at a dead end. All they have is that these 'disappearances' are actually cases of kidnappings, according to eyewitnesses."

"But I thought the FOTC were trained to handle such cases? It's not related to the Fallen outside the walls, right?" Ianos watched as Akiva nodded once at Angel's question, "Then why do they need us?"

"Well according to eyewitnesses, those who managed to escape were saved thanks to the aid of a Guardian," The Awoken paused at the human Titan's words, "The escapees made claims that a Guardian clad in white would appear whenever they were about to be snatched and fight off their attackers. Then just as suddenly as they appeared, they would disappear before they can fully comprehend on what just happened."

"So, this Guardian would venture into the City to help citizens out?" Akiva once again nodded at the Hunter's question, "And that is wrong?"

"Well," Ianos saw a flash of hesitation glaze over the human Titan's golden hues, "The Guardian is the main reason why the FOTC were unable to make any progress on the case."

Immediately, the Awoken Guardian narrowed his gaze, "What do you mean?"

"Well," Another pause from Akiva, "When I say that this Guardian 'saves' the victims, they actually go ahead and kill the attackers." Silence immediately permeated through the room, "Thanks to the death toll, the FOTC were unable to gain any information on the kidnappings and they hope that aid from the Tower would be enough to at least arrest one of the abductors."

"And they want us to handle this 'Guardian' if we happen to bump into them?" Ianos scrunched his face together at the human Titan's nod, "Of course."

"It shouldn't be hard of a job." The Awoken Warlock turned to his Ghost, hearing the latter let out a hum, "Capture a target and bring them to the FOTC for questioning and if we bump into a fellow Guardian, then a few exchanges of words will be enough."

Frowning at this, Ianos crossed his arms as he muttered, "If only things were that simple." He let out a sigh, "If our 'friend' in the City kills off the attackers, then what makes you think that they will be willing to have a 'friendly' conversation with us if we do happen to find them?" Momentarily silent to wait for an answer, Ianos continued when he received none, "There is a reason why the Vanguard is sending 'all' of us out into the City instead of 'one' if it were that 'simple'." A frustrated huff escaped him, "Although I understand them sending Knight with us, I do not understand why the Vanguard was insistent on sending Hush with us as well."

"Perhaps as a little 'taste' of a 'field' mission would be like?" It was Hope, the white and red Ghost adding in, "She has been here for nearly a year but yet, she hasn't even been taught to wield a weapon, let alone even hold one."

Ianos snapped his gaze towards the female Ghost and gave Hope a glare, "Do you not see her age? Her stature? What makes you think that she is 'fit for the field' despite having the body of a child yet to reach maturity?"

Seeing Hope press her parts against her core and her optic narrowing in response, the Awoken let out a scoff before turning his attention towards the door of his guest room, seeing the door slide open in time for Knight to walk in with Hush in hand, the child Guardian practically leaping with joy as she kept her hand wrapped around the Exo's. Like Ianos, Hush was attired in bundles of azure and violet cloths, leaving only her glowing eyes visible from her hood; in other words, making sure the citizens of the City believe that she is purely Awoken. In contrast, Knight was attired in cloths of white, the linen draped over his shoulders just like Akiva and Angel in case of harsh winds or rain.

"What took you guys so long?" It was Lex, the Ghost spinning his back fins as he added, "It shouldn't take that long to transmat clothes onto your Guardian."

Almost immediately, Crystalline turned and narrowed her yellow optic at the male Ghost, "Oh, I'm sorry. Are you the one who has a halfling Guardian that needs to be disguised from the populace to avoid stigma and attention? No? Then shut your mouth."

Seeing Lex scrunch his parts together in response to the female Ghost's words, Ianos let out a snicker before walking over to the Exo and child pair and held out his hand towards the young Guardian. Seeing the look in her eyes beaming up at him, a sense of warmth traveled throughout Ianos' chest as Hush gently released her hand from Knight's and intertwined her fingers with his.

Each individual member was given a role and a partner; Akiva and Knight as a pair of 'friends' venturing out around the City while as Angel would be a lone wonderer, looking for a place to 'stay'. For Ianos and Hush, they were to act out as a 'Father' and 'Child' pair, simply shopping for daily supplies, mainly for the reason that their hoods revealed only their glowing eyes. Otherwise, it would be considered strange for an 'Awoken' child to be around a human or Exo 'parent', depending on the circumstances.

"Are we ready to go?"

Lifting his eyes away from Hush, Ianos' gaze glanced over the inhabitants of his quarters before he nodded once, "Let's get this mission over with."

Xxxxx

Long and heavy strides echoed through the Hall as Echo made his way down the steps and pushing past any Guardian who got in his way, ignoring their cries of protest. Letting the wisps of Void light trail behind him as he enclosed the distance to the Vanguard, the Titan came to a dead halt at the frame of the room as all conversation stopped, the three Guardians turning their heads towards him as he slowly descended the steps.

"Titan Echo." It was Zavala who spoke, "It is a surprise to see you here instead of the Crucible."

Coming to a pause just at the end of the table, Echo then let a frown form behind his visor, "I am simply known as 'Echo'. No formalities. No titles. Nothing. Just 'my name'."

Seeing the look of surprise flash over their faces, the Titan simply crossed his arms and leaned on his leg, narrowing his optics, "I was told you already knew this."

"We were informed." Ikora spoke, "We just hadn't anticipated that you would be so, 'sensitive', about it."

Echo scoffed, "Considering my history, I have every right to be."

"So?" The Titan turned his attention towards Cayde, the latter of which raised his arms, "Not going to give us a hint?" Echo gave the Exo Hunter a glare, "Oh come on, you have been here since the days the City was nothing more than a settlement and yet, we don't even know your face."

"And that matters to you?" Echo asked as he frowned at Cayde; the latter shrugged, "Hey, can't blame a guy for being curious."

In response to the Hunter Vanguard's words, Echo simply shook his head, "Enough of this, I am not here for you." He then turned his attention to the black box installed in the middle of the table as he added, "I am here to speak to Prime."

Once again sensing alarm emitting from the three Vanguard, the Titan once again waited as he saw Cayde nod his head towards the black box, "Help yourself."

"Alone."

"Alone?" He saw a frown form onto Zavala's pale features, "Now why would you need to speak to Prime in private?"

Giving the Titan Commander a glare, Echo responded, "I have a personal question to ask of them."

"What's so important and private that we can't tune in on your conversation?" The Exo Titan heaved out a sigh at the Vanguard Hunter's question, "All three of us have known you since the building of the Wall but yet, you don't trust us. But Prime here hardly have been here past a year and yet, you're going to have a little chit chat with them?"

At first, Echo remained silent, letting the stares of the three Guardians before him to bore into his visor before he uncrossed his arms, placed his palms against the table, and leaned in, "Because unlike Prime, 'everyone' present in this room have or are descended from a race that made my previous life hell, and I have yet to 'completely' forget about the 'past'." Pushing himself away from the table, Echo then snarled, "So, if you do not mind, I would to speak to Prime. 'In private'."

"Why should we uphold your request-"

Frustration swarmed over Echo's sense and immediately void light engulfed his palm as he curled his hand into a fist. Then swiftly, he pulled his arm back and slammed it into the end of the table, his hand easily penetrating through the metallic surface as the screams of the furniture rang through the air. Tearing his hand free from the penetrated table, Echo narrowed his gaze at the three Vanguard as he snarled, "I have been patient since the day I handed my territory to the Iron Lords to build this so called 'Last City' however, you 'Guardians' have really been testing my temper."

Letting the void light die from his hands as he placed his hands onto the intact surface of the table, Echo then added, "All I had asked was a small 'division' to myself 'and' any request I make is immediately authorized as long as it is not a threat towards the Guardians and the City." Letting the familiar violet wisps form back around his arms, Echo growled, "This is my first request since I had handed my territory over and yet you are not going to consent?"

Silence once again loomed over the room, the commotion that Echo had enacted catching the attention of the other inhabitants in the Hall, and the Titan easily feeling the stares bearing into the back of his head. Nonetheless, Echo kept his void light active, feeling it crawl up his arms and body as he added, "What makes you think that I am not capable of retaking what was previously 'mine'?"

Noticing how the three Vanguard's shoulders tense, Echo gritted his jaw as he dug his fingers into the table, feeling the void light easily allowing him to slide his appendages into the surface as he heard his Ghost click worriedly in his helmet.

"I maybe an artificial intelligence but, I would still appreciate it if you actually ask me for my opinion."

Snapping his attention back onto the black box locked into the middle of the table, Echo was instead greeted by the familiar blue screen of Prime, the Golden Age AI adding, "Zavala, Cayde, Ikora, if you do not mind, I would like to speak to Echo. In private."

Sensing the disapproval emit from the three Guardians, Echo couldn't help but let a sense of smugness fill the back of his mind as Zavala let out a reluctant nod, waving his hand for both his fellow Vanguard and the other inhabitants of the room to follow. Keeping his attention onto Prime, the Titan waited patiently as the last of those present left before final hearing the doors slide shut, "When I first heard that you were implemented into the Tower's systems, I had thought that it was all a farce." Pushing himself away from the table as the last bit of void light faded from his fingertips, Echo crossed his arms as he continued, "Imagine my surprise when Reaver checked the systems only to hear that this 'rumor' was actually legitimate."

"And yet, you decided not to visit me until now." A tinge of curiosity and amusement hummed in Prime's voice, "Understandable, since I am a 'relic' of the past. A past that many Exos seemingly want forgotten."

"Can you blame us?" Echo muttered, "Treated as 'property' most of our lives and then our memories 'cleansed' if they caught us even acting out once, I say we have every right to 'forget'."

Hearing a hum emitting from the AI – one he recognized as a soft chuckle - Echo's mind wandered back when he had first met Prime, watching the Golden Age artificial intelligence 'transfer' programs into his fellow Exo; if the scientists back then heard this hint of 'sentience', they wouldn't hesitate to shut Prime down. After all, that's what they had done to the models made after him.

"Although it is nice to chatter and 'catch up', I have a sense to believe that that is not what you are here for." The Titan snapped back into reality as Prime added, "What reason are you here for, EXO/PHX Unit I - 0."

Narrowing his optics at the blue screen before him, the Titan scowled, "My name is 'Echo' now. I am no longer Phoenix Unit I-0. Unless, you would like to be called 'Artificial Intelligence Prime'."

"No thank you."

Letting an amused smirk form onto his features, Echo's gaze hardened as he then asked, 'Do you know anything about the Unit Eleven's?"

"Which model?"

"You know which model."

A soft drone emitting from Prime as the horizontal line on the screen wavered, "I believe you are here to ask about EXO/PHX Unit XI-9."

"Just his unit." Echo heard Prime let out another curious hum, "If you kept a 'record' of my time as an 'active' unit, I was around long enough to witness the activation of the Unit Ten's. "He then let out a scoff, "Although, I am not surprised they made another Unit once I was deactivated. Can't trust the humans to keep a promise, especially if they're greedy."

"Your successful activation made the humans believe they can make more like 'you', just with special talents." Echo let out a scoff at Prime's words, "However, they hadn't accounted for the fact that each individual would gain sentience and act out on a will of their own."

"Considering what our plating is made of, it must have come as a surprise." The Titan sneered, "There is a reason why I 'requested' no more units to be made after my 'retirement'." He then leaned forward, "As such, I am curious as to know what the Unit Eleven's are capable of."

"Nowhere near your capability, if that is what you want to hear." Echo gave Prime a scowl, "Although, they were the most 'successful' out of the other Units that they had created after you."

"So, they created a Unit of indestructible shields?"

"No."

Echo frowned at this, "What can they do then? Turn invisible? Tracking hidden enemies? Walking signals?"

"They have the capability to absorb energy."

That's when Echo froze, his white optics going wide behind his visor as he took in a hitched breath, "They actually went through with it?" A hum of confirmation, "The humans were that greedy? They were willing to put themselves at risk just so they can 'steal' the light from the Traveler?"

"Yes." Anger rose in Echo's chest, the Titan gritting his jaw as Prime added, "luckily, their lack of resources made the Unit Eleven's incapable of taking the Traveler's energy and as such, were reintegrated for war."

Letting his shoulders relax in relief, Echo simply shook his head, "That Unit Eleven, Knight is it? What can you tell me about him specifically?"

"Not much to say." The Titan frowned, "Like many of the Unit Eleven's, they were made near the end of the Resources War, and helped bring the fighting to an end. Except…"

Echo raised a brow, "Except…?"

"Near the end of the war, only Knight was recorded to have been the only one of his unit to make it."

"So, what of it?" The Titan scoffed, "Causalities are not uncommon during times of war. Even those made from –"

"Only one of them were recorded to have been killed during the time of the war."

Echo narrowed his optics, "What?"

"The last Exo, EXO/PHX Unit XI – 10 was unproperly disengaged from her pod and as such, had to be dismantled thanks to severe damage to her systems. The one recorded to have been killed during the war, EXO/PHX Unit XI – 7, was taken out by a high-powered rifle during an attempt to absorb the power source of enemy weaponry."

"Then what happened to the others?'

Silence permeated through the room, the only sound was from the small hum of Prime's screen, "They were dismantled, weren't they?"

"They were all marked as 'defective'." Echo looked away, "Knight was the only Unit to be marked as 'active', according to the files."

Taking in a breath as he took in Prime's words, the Titan simply shook his head before locking his optics back onto large AI, "What happened to him after the war?"

"I am not sure."

"What?"

A hum emitted from the Golden Age AI, "Any files based on Knight was lost after the war. All it says here is that he was marked as 'discharged' and that he was lead out of the base by human soldiers."

"Most likely to his execution." The Titan placed fingers under his chin, narrowing his optics in thought, "But the reports said he was found on the moon, what was he doing there?"

"Perhaps he had escaped and made his way there? Or he was executed, as you say." Echo focused his attention onto Prime, "Perhaps." He then shook his head, "It is a shame that Knight performed that self-memory wipe, otherwise we would have our answers."

"He is not completely gone, Echo."

The Titan blinked, "What do you mean?"

"Do you not sense it?" Echo frowned at Prime's words, "Or at least, have you seen him walking around at night?"

"I spend all my time in either the Crucible or in my own personal quarters. I do not 'wander' around the Tower."

"Hermit?" The Titan glowered at the Golden Age AI, hearing the latter let out a chuckle, "I am not in the position to state clearly what, however, if you pay close attention to 'Knight' when darkness falls, when other Guardians are at rest, then you shall receive your answers."

"Is that all you going to give me?"

"Anymore and I will be calling it spoilers."

Frowning at the teasing tone in Prime's voice, Echo parted his lips when the familiar click of his Ghost rang in his helmet, "You better end your 'conversation'. The Vanguard are getting restless outside."

Letting out a grunt in response to Reaver's words, the Titan returned his attention back onto the Golden Age AI, giving Prime a single nod, "Thank you for your time, Prime."

"Anytime."

Watching the blue screen flicker out of view, Echo took it as a sign to turn and head towards the exit, pressing his hand against a panel on the side to get the doors to slide open. It was then, he saw Cayde stumble back, watching the Hunter attempt to regain his composure and to gain a look of innocence in his optics.

"Echo!" The Titan in question gave the Vanguard Hunter a blank stare, "How did your chat with Prime go?"

"Pleasant." Echo can easily sense the disappointment from the Exo Hunter as the latter's shoulders droop, "Just had to ask a couple of questions."

"And those questions were…?"

Turning his attention towards Ikora, the Titan simply gave the Warlock Vanguard a blank stare, "If you need me, I will be in my quarters."

Sensing the narrowed glance he received from the human Warlock, Echo simply brushed past the three Guardians, ignoring the looks he received from the others as Reaver's voice echoed throughout his helmet, "Don't you think it's time they know the truth?"

Echo tilted his held in mock bewilderment, "Truth?'

"Echo." He can easily hear the sound of disapproval in his Ghost's voice, "You know 'exactly' what I am talking about."

The Titan simply let out a scoff, "Tell them that I am an Exo?"

"That too."

Echo went silent, letting the small hum of his Ghost resound through his helmet, "You know they won't be able to handle the truth."

"You don't know that."

"Why else do you think the humans called for 'my' termination even though I was the most 'successful' of the Phoenix Models? They called us thieves. Fakes. I am not willing to go through that again."

"They aren't like the humans during the time of the Golden Age, Echo. Look at Cayde, he is an Exo and yet he is one of the leading heads of the Tower."

The Titan let out a growl at the mention of the Hunter Vanguard, "He was once a 'human'. I doubt he would have gotten the position otherwise."

"Echo."

"Enough, I am done talking about the topic at hand."

The Titan was met with silence, letting a sense of satisfaction fill the back of his mind as he continued the trek back to his floor.

"You have to forgive eventually, Echo." The Guardian paused, "True, the humans of the Golden Age treated you like a lab rat, but we live in a different age now. Who knows, you might actually make 'organic' allies."

Taking in Reaver's words, all Echo responded with was a scoff, "I'll believe it once the citizens of the City actually can make it through a day tolerating each other."

All he received was a hum from his Ghost.

Xxxxx

She was excited.

This was her first time leaving the Tower of her short year of returning to life; is the City going to be like the Guardians living in the tall building? Do they wear armor or wield guns like the Soldiers of the Light? Or are the beings living in the City different compared to their Guardian counterparts?

Hush couldn't help but jump with glee at the thought, her hand gripping tightly around Ianos' as they walked down the street. Although joyful of spending time with the Awoken Warlock, the child Guardian also couldn't help but let a sense of disappointment fill the back of her mind; the others of the team had already left. 'Shopping' she was told but, Hush easily saw the way Ianos would glance down on her every few minutes plus every time she would shift her fingers in his, he would tighten his grip, as if fearful that she would disappear into the crowd around them. It also didn't help that she could 'hear' Crystalline hum in the bracelet around her wrist, Hush easily sensing the worry emitting from the female Ghost. This was just more than a trip.

"Is there anything that catches your eye, Hush?"

Jumping as she was snapped out of her thoughts, the child Guardian lifted her yellow hues only to lock onto Ianos', the familiar warmth in his gaze as she watched him nod his head down a lane. Giving the older Guardian a puzzled look, Hush followed his gaze only for her eyes to widen as she spotted stalls, the bustling forms of humans, Awoken, and Exo alike rushing back and forth to grab needed supplies.

"Choose your pick."

Beaming at Ianos momentarily, Hush rushed forward, tugging the Awoken Warlock with her as she scrambled to the first stall. Loosening her grip from the Awoken Guardian, Hush was pleased to find his grip relax, letting her place both her hands onto the counter, her curious yellow eyes scanning the contents. Dried leaves and roots of differing shades and sizes, the familiar but yet foreign smell lingering into her nostrils, causing a haze to form in the back of her mind.

"Here, chew on these." Her father's glowing eyes glanced into hers as he placed the leaves in her palm, "If you ever feel 'anxious', take some. It will help calm you."

"Is that the ones you want, Hush?"

Snapping out of her memories, the child Guardian blinked as she saw a handful of roots in her grip, causing her to reel back. Hearing the Warlock barter with the merchant, the child Guardian stared at the root before reaching out with her free hand, snapping off a piece before quickly pulling her scarf down and popping it into her mouth. Just as quickly as she pulled the cloth back over her nose, a sweet but yet spicy sensation ran the length of her tongue, causing her to let out a shiver before Hush held the root to her bracelet, letting Akiva's instructions ring in the back of her mind as the root quickly disappeared from her grasp.

Continuing to chew on it as she waited patiently for Ianos to purchase the item, Hush felt a shiver run down the length of her spine as she felt eyes suddenly fall upon her, causing her to turn to the crowd. Although the bustling forms of the citizens filled her vision, Hush quickly glazed over the figures as her yellow gaze fell upon a man on the opposing street, sensing his bronze gaze falling onto hers; a human.

A chill running down her back, Hush immediately pressed herself against Ianos' side, grabbing his sleeve as she kept her gaze on the man. Seeing him tilt her head at her, Hush further pressed herself against the Awoken as the human suddenly smiled and waved; an attempt at an innocent gesture. But a voice screamed in the back of her mind, that the 'sweet' gesture was all a play for her to get her guard down. As such, Hush turned and frantically grabbed Ianos' sleeve with both hands, tugging on it hard in an attempt to gain his attention.

It was then, she felt her feet leave the ground.

Letting out a scream, her cries were cut short as a hand suddenly clamped over her lips, muffling her cries for help as a roar of outrage suddenly rang through the air; it was Ianos. He had noticed Hush being snatched from his side. Thanks to this, the child Guardian easily sensed the panic settling into her kidnapper's chest, feeling his heart beat widely against her back as her surroundings were nothing more than a blur; a sign of his speed.

Nonetheless, Hush can still easily hear her kidnapper curse, feeling his grip tightly around her waist and jaw causing her to let out a squeal of protest as she wrapped her hands around his; the child Guardian easily can feel her bones bend and scream in protest against the hardened grip, her body letting out waves of pain to signify her kidnapper's harsh handling. Hush just prays that Ianos would catch up to the them soon.

However, just as soon as she was giving up an any signs of relief, she felt her kidnapper's hand leave her lips, enabling the child Guardian to take in a gasp of fresh air. Coughing to regain her breath, Hush glanced up in time to see the cemented walls of an alley, hearing her kidnapper curse before turning around; immediately, the child Titan's yellow eyes beamed with joy at the familiar black and azure garb of Ianos, sensing the rage easily from his orange hues as he snarled, "Release her."

Hearing her kidnapper take in a shaky breath, Hush believed that he was going to comply with the demand; only for her eyes to widen as the human raised his free hand to reveal a revolver. She then let out a scream as he pulled the trigger.

Cliffhanger, I know. But with time, I had to cut the chapter short plus, if I had continued, it would have exceeded my 6k-7k word limit lol.

Anyways, I know I said this in previous chapters but I promise you that Requested Characters will make an appearance in the next chapter.

Enjoy!