Tormented

Sun-7

Edited: 2/20/2019

This took a lot longer than I anticipated as this chapter was already long as it is (8k words) and after fixing it, I got a whopping 10k words. Anyway, changed a lot of perspective problems and fixed anything that didn't match later chapters

Recording 10-6-9.23

Source: Ghost of Guardian Pluto-99

Alias: Nix

Initiating Data…

(Static fills the screen before it slowly cleared, revealing a dark azure Exo clad in blue and black and a black Exo clad in black and grey seated next to each other. Their gaze is fixated onto the horizon, watching the Traveler lay dormant above the City.)

P: Neptune?

N: Yes?

P: Have you ever wondered, where we came from? Who, 'created' us?

N: Honestly, on occasion. I mean, what Exo never thought of it?

P: (Snorts) Good point.

N: … Something on your mind?

P: … You remember the day when Mercury, Jupiter, and I returned? Alone?

N: Of course. How can I forget? It was the day when four of you left and only three came back.

P: Well, there is more to the story than what we had…

N: Yes?

P: … N-Never mind, I will tell you later.

N: (Laughs) If you say so dearheart. But, remember, I am here whenever you need me.

P: Of course.

End of Documentation …

_File between Neptune-88 and Pluto-99_

Xxxxx

"For the last time, you two stay here." Angel firmly stated, earning a low rumble from the two Eliksni, the younger slouching in disappointment, "The four of us will return shortly, it won't take us long. I promise."

"Why do we have to stay here?" Angel couldn't help but sigh at Oraxsis' persistence, "Axtris and I –"

"From what I had discern from Pluto's information, this friend of his aren't too friendly with Eliksni." The Hunter heard the Baron go silent, followed by Angel releasing a soft rumble, "I appreciate that you are worried of my safety but, if what Pluto says is true, it is safer for both you and Axtris to stay here."

"Then what do we do here? Wait?" Angel heard Axtris grumble, her four eyes narrowing as the Hunter gave her a nod, "But are you sure that we are safer here than out there? Many of the Lights here are not comfortable with our presence."

"Which is why two of my pack are going to stay here." He nodded his head towards the twins, easily spotting them seated on nearby crates, watching Akiva give him a small wave before resuming his conversation with Aleeza.

Immediately he sensed displeasure from Oraxsis, "We do not need bodyguards."

Angel couldn't help but give the Eliksni pair a blank stare, "Who says that they are bodyguards?" This immediately earned him wide eyed looks from the two, "True, I asked them to stay around to ensure that other Guardians do not intentional harm you, but Akiva and Aleeza also want to get to know the two of you as well."

"Aaaakiiiiiivaaaaaa aaaaaand Aaaaaleeeeeezaaaa?" Axtris sounded out, prompting Angel to give her a nod, "Can I call them something easier? Like Pale One and Glowing One?"

The Hunter couldn't help but choke back a laugh at her words, seeing her eyes curve just a bit to show that she was smiling; Angel coughed to regain his composure, "Call them whatever you like but, I think they prefer their real names than the ones you just had mentioned, Axtris."

This caused the Vandal to release a huff, but Angel saw her give him a reluctant nod, signaling him to turn his green eyes back towards Oraxsis, "And be careful, customs amongst Guardians are not the same as Eliksni customs." He paused momentarily when he saw the Baron tilt his head curiously; the Hunter decided it was best to clarify, "In other words, don't be intimidating." Now that gave him the response he was expecting, Angel seeing the Oraxsis reeling back, his eyes wide in obvious shock. In response, he shrugged, "Well, I would say it as an option, but I think it is best to act more." Angel pursed his lips, motioning his hands towards himself as he contemplated, "Friendly if you want to avoid getting shot."

At first, a grunt was all he received from the Baron, causing worry to simmer to the front of Angel's mind. However, moments later, a nod came from Oraxsis, causing the Hunter's eyes to soften and to release the intensity in his shoulders. Waiting momentarily as both the Baron and the Vandal bowed their heads, Angel repeated the gesture, only standing upright when the Eliksni pair turned and headed off towards a more isolated area of the Hangar. This gave Angel the opportunity to shift his attention towards the twins, speaking as he approached, "I told Hope to send the data on the Eliksni language to Lex and Lena so they can properly translate between you and Oraxsis and Axtris. I do have to warn you, Eliksni can be a bit, sensitive, even on a joke."

"Noted." Letting out a breath of relief as Aleeza gave him a smile, Angel then rubbed the back of his neck, rolling his head around before turning his eyes towards the other end of the Hangar, immediately spotting Pluto, Ianos, and Carina chatting between themselves; most likely planning on what to do next when they reach their destination. He then paused, taking in the sight of Carina's violet optics flashing with annoyance and disapproval easily emanating from Ianos, followed by the look of resignation on Pluto's features. Or perhaps not.

Musing on this, Angel then let the question bothering him hover to the front: Who is this friend that Pluto spoke of?

It was apparent that their identity was of great importance, from the way Pluto kept shaking his head, waving his hand back and forth as Carina continued to protest, most likely attempting the Exo Hunter to reveal this information.

"Curious on who this 'friend' of Pluto's is?"

Startled, Angel fixed his gaze back onto Akiva, seeing a broad smile on the human Guardian's face, "I'm curious as well, so when you figure it out, don't be scared to come and tells us, alright?"

Angel couldn't help but blink rapidly at Akiva's statement, "Wait, you have known Pluto for 'how long' and you don't even know?"

A shrug was his response, "I maybe 'old' compared to other Guardians but, like I have stated before, Pluto and Ianos are 'ancient', and possibly even older than the Vanguard themselves." Angel found his jaw going slack at that, "In other words, the two of them have secrets that I bet that they even kept from 'each other'." Akiva then snorted as he added, "Darkness, I even asked Ianos earlier and even he was clueless on who Pluto's mysterious friend is."

"That's, not comforting. At all." Unable to stop himself from shifting nervously on the back of his feet, Angel ignored Aleeza's chortle only to jump as he felt soft and gentle hands brush against his shoulder.

"Don't worry about it." It was Aleeza, "Majority of Pluto's allies are laid back as the old Exo and I am willing to bet that they are more than willing to help out on finding your Eliksni friend."

Finding a sheepish smile forming onto his olive features, doubt then lingered to the front of Angel's mind, causing his smile to fade and a sigh to escape his lips, "I just hope that we're not too late."

"Angel! You ready!?"

Snapping his attention back toward the others, Angel jumped to attention when he spotted Carina waving him over; a sign that she and the elders of the group were ready to go. Taking long strides towards his ship, the Hunter then paused, hesitating before turning his concerned gaze back towards the twins, "Promise me that you two will keep Oraxsis and Axtris safe?"

Immediately, Akiva gave him a thumbs up, "Don't worry, any Guardian that looks even the tiniest bit suspicious will have a bullet through their brain before they even know it."

"If, of course they don't back off." Aleeza laughed, causing Angel to give the twins a blank look just as she waved him off, "Now go on, don't want to keep the others waiting."

Although doubt pulled at the back of his mind, Angel gave the twins a nod before pressing on the collar of his armor, signaling to Hope to materialize his helmet over his head, then turned and dashed towards his ship.

Xxxxx

The cold winds of the Cosmodrome immediately sent Carina's armored suit into action, the Exo already feeling its functions warming her up as she slammed onto the dry hearth. Brushing off the dust off of her armor as the last of the arc light died around her form, Carina glanced to her sides as she watched the others land around her, and almost immediately, she could sense the glower from the older Exo.

"Every single time, why do you transmat halfway through the air and Fist of Havoc the ground?"

Grinning behind her helmet at the Hunter's question, Carina innocently chirped, "It's fun."

A sigh can be heard from Pluto followed by a shake of the head; the Titan just beamed at him in response.

"Our destination is the Forgotten Shores." Carina stifled a laugh at Pluto's murmur, the Exo in question holding out his hand to allow his Ghost's form to appear, "Sparrows ready everyone."

Nodding in confirmation, Carina also held out her hand, letting Spears' form momentarily flash into her vision followed by the digital frame of her Sparrow materializing before her. Beaming as her violet S-20 Cavalier finished transmatting from her Vault, the female Exo then jumped onto the vehicle, shifting herself comfortably onto her seat before turning her attention towards the others, only for her to pause as her optics landed upon Ianos', "You have to be kidding me."

Judging from the way the Awoken snapped his attention towards her, a frown emitting behind his visor, it was apparent her words weren't missed, "What?"

"How in the hell did you get that Sparrow!?" Carina couldn't help but yell, her violet optics wide as her gaze continued to trail alongside the Warlock's vehicle, eyeing the S-35 Aeon Glow enviously as the lights continued to flash alongside its sides, "I thought you only like function, not aesthetics!"

"I do!" Carina couldn't help but pout at Ianos' retort, "It just so happens that Tess' 'gift' happens to have a Sparrow when I needed one. It was luck, not want."

Unable to stop the frown that flashed onto her silver features, the Exo Titan parted her mouth to argue when Pluto's voice popped in, "Come on you two, we can talk about Sparrows later." She turned in time to see the Hunter jump onto a long sleek Sparrow lined with blue, the black surface glinting under the sun, as if to further mock the younger Exo, "Right now, we have to reach the Forgotten Shores before it gets dark."

"Your friend doesn't like nightly visits?" It was Angel who asked as he mounted his Sparrow, a white S-21 Seeker, the surface somehow clean of any dust or dirt; at least Carina wasn't alone on lacking a fancy Sparrow.

"Something like that." Raising a brow at Pluto's answer, Carina barely had to time to question the Hunter when the older Guardian suddenly sped off, causing the Titan to scramble before placing her hands onto the handle of her vehicle and pressed her feet against the pedals, allowing her to follow after her fellow Exo, "It is preferable if we get there with some daylight, gives us a better chance to get into the place alive."

"…What?" Angel's voice echoed through the coms, voicing everyone's surprise, "Alive? Where the hell does your 'friend' live?"

"Ever heard of the Warmind, Rasputin?" Carina couldn't help but cough at Pluto's question; the young Titan has 'definitely' heard of the Warmind, back in her younger years before she had even met Angel. It was from a fellow Exo where she had learned of his name, a sentient AI created by the family Bray as one of the main defenses of Earth. But, she was told that he was lost to age, when was he rediscovered?

"Wait, we're heading over to a Warmind's bunker?" The female Exo could easily imagine Angel with his eyes wide, his mouth hanging open, "and your friend lives there? In a living death trap that is said that only the Bray's can control?"

"Yes." Carina gave Pluto's back the best scalding look she could give, "Let us just say that the two of them share a, 'special' bond."

Hearing this, mischievousness immediately settled into the Titan's mind, and she couldn't suppress the grin that formed onto her metallic features, "What? They lovers?" Carina meant it as a joke, she really did, but as the lingering silence between them extended, the smile on the Exo's face faded, "…are you serious?"

"I am not sure if it is exactly 'love' that the two of them feel towards each other," Carina's jaw dropped at Pluto's words, "but that sums it up."

"How about mutual respect?"

"Likely." Pluto responded to Angel's question, "But I have not seen them in years to actually ask."

"Pluto." It was Ianos, "How many years has it been since you have last seen this friend of yours?"

"Honestly. I do not know."

A long silence, "What?"

"It has been that long, Little Light." The Exo Hunter admitted, "I cannot remember the last time I visited, but I do recall the promise I made to them."

"And that is?"

"I never set a foot back in Rasputin's bunker."

Immediately, Angel's startled choke echoed through the coms, "And we're going there!?"

"You want to find your friend or not?" Carina heard Pluto snap, hearing her human friend go silent immediately afterwards, "Just hope that once we make it to our location, that they do not kill us."

"That, that is not comforting. At all."

Finding herself mentally agreeing to Ianos' words, Carina opted to remain quiet and steadily guided her Sparrow to follow Pluto's.

Xxxxx

…SCANNING: FOUR LIFE FORMS DETECTED. LIGHTS. SCANNING: GUARDIANS…

… That is the third group this month…

… TERMINATE?...

… No. I recognize one of those lights …

… ALLY?...

… He promised he would not come back here …

… TERMINATE?...

… No. Let them come in. It has been a while since I have last spoken to an old friend …

Xxxxx

"So." Ianos heard Angel start, the latter swinging off his Sparrow as he hefted his hand cannon into his hands, "This is the entrance to Rasputin's bunker?"

The young Hunter's question nearly made Ianos roll his eyes, however, the Warlock kept it to himself as he took a closer look at the bunker's doors. In honesty, Ianos had expected the doors to be corroded, rusted and broken by time. However, instead he was met with almost pristine triangular shapes, interconnected together to keep a sturdier lock against trespassers. If it wasn't for the fact that Pluto had led them here, Ianos would have highly doubted that the bunker was abandoned as he had claimed.

The Hunter in question nodded at Angel's question before taking a step forward towards a nearby console, holding out his hand to give Nix a makeshift stand. However, just as Ianos saw the beginning flashes of Pluto's Ghost making an appearance, the doors suddenly shifted, sliding open and disappearing into the frames. Immediately, Ianos aimed his pulse rifle, his glowing eyes staring suspiciously down the exposed corridor, "Does that usually happen?"

"No." Ianos can easily sense the frown behind Pluto's visor, lowering his hand steadily to hallow the equally puzzled Nix to hover in the air, "Rasputin usually is not fond of visitors."

"A trap then?" Carina piped in worriedly, the female Titan hoisting her auto rifle in her hands, "What else could it be?"

"An invitation in?" Angel's voice echoed hopefully from the rear, "perhaps Rasputin knows of our intentions and that we need his help?"

"Perhaps." Watching the blind Exo stand idly near the entrance, Ianos couldn't suppress the sigh that permeated from his lips as Pluto strode in, barely comprehending Angel's squeak of opposition before sheathing his rifle and following the Hunter in.

The corridor, just as the outside, was cleaned and repaired, Ianos raising a brow as he stared at the pristine walls.

"It's so clean in here." It was Carina, Ianos glancing back in time to see the female Titan striding in, her hand clasped tightly around Angel's; most likely pulling him in against his will, although, Ianos raised a brow at the presence of their weapons in their hands. Perhaps he should follow their example, "does he have a cleaning crew in here to keep this place tidy?"

"They are the only occupants of Rasputin's bunker, all of this was their work," Pluto corrected, Ianos giving his Hunter mentor a narrowed look, "When my clan mates and I found this place, it was falling apart." He then watched the Hunter nod his head towards the walls and then towards the floor, "Back then, we had to tread each hall carefully, one by one. Otherwise, this will fall beneath us." Pluto then quickly tapped the floor with the toe of his boot before letting out a snort, "Each of us had to be resurrected several times just to see if the floors were safe to walk upon."

"But they fixed all this by themselves?" Angel's voice was laced with doubt, "how?"

"They had time, years, to renovate this place." Pluto then shrugged, "and perhaps a little help from Rasputin." He then glanced over his shoulder, "By the way, what you see today, keep it to yourselves."

Ianos raised a brow at Pluto's words, "The Vanguard already knows about this place. There is no need to keep it a secret."

"Yes, but they do not know that my friend resides here." A sigh then can be heard from the Hunter, Ianos watched as Pluto subtly shook his head, "Better yet, they do not need to know 'who' as well."

Immediately, suspicion settled into the Warlock's mind, a frown forming onto the Awoken's features, "Is it someone of importance?"

No sooner had his question left his lips when Ianos sense hesitation, silence lingering over the group as they walked. His scowl deepening at this, the Warlock glanced around, his orange eyes scanning his surroundings as he dug into his memories. Ianos does recall Pluto talking about finding a bunker, especially so around Neptune, the Awoken easily catching the Hunter's hushed whispers. Although, Ianos also recalls a great sense of sadness, a great sense of loss as he caught word that one of their own had died during the expedition…

Slowly, Ianos' eyes grew wide behind his visor, "Traveler fucking shit." The Awoken ignored the startled looks he received from the two younger Guardians, "Sun. It is Sun, isn't it?" The lack of an answer was answer enough. Ianos silently cursed to himself, "I knew it! Knew it when the three of you returned and claimed that Sun had been killed by Fallen was all bullshit!" The Awoken bared his teeth, anger building up in his chest as his fingers tighten around his weapon, "Sun, the almighty Titan, founder and leader of the infamous clan, Galaxy, and a once proud member of the Sunbreakers, killed by a simple Fallen ambush?" He then scoffed, "I did not believe it for a second."

Just as his words left his lips, Ianos jumped as Pluto abruptly halted and turned around, feeling a glare permeated behind the Hunter's visor, "There is a reason why Mercury, Jupiter, and I had to lie about Sun's death." Wincing at the harden tone in the Exo's voice, Ianos held his ground, even when he felt the two young Guardians press into his back. It didn't take long for Pluto's harden stare to soften followed by a shake of the head and a sigh before the Hunter turned around and started trailing after his Ghost.

"The only reason we found Rasputin's bunker was that Sun 'heard' him calling." Pluto explained as Ianos resumed pace, "They claimed that the closer we got to the core, the louder his voice became, up until Sun went up to the controls."

"And?" The curiosity lined Angel's voice, Ianos glancing over to momentarily catch the younger Hunter motioning for Pluto to continue.

"That is when their 'connection' was made." Pluto muttered, "and when Sun's memories returned."

Ianos nearly came to a sudden halt at the Hunter's words, his eyes growing wide, "They remembered?"

"Not necessarily." Ianos gave Pluto a puzzled look, "Rasputin transferred recordings, data banks during the time when Sun was known as EXO-COM/AP or, as many of the scientists liked to call them, 'Subject Alpha'."

"Subject Alpha?" Carina repeated, "That's not much of a name…" Hearing her voice fade, Ianos couldn't help but glance back when he sensed anger permeating from the Titan, and couldn't surpass his surprise when hate lined the edges of her voice, "The scientists, they saw them nothing more than an experiment, didn't they?"

That caused Ianos to frown behind his visor once more. He had heard of discrimination against Exo, witnessed it as well, and it wasn't pretty. Verbal abuse was just one of many forms of attacks against them, and Ianos knew many who was physically attacked. There was a reason why many Guardians wore their helmets while out in the City. Made it difficult for the civilians to discern what race they were. Helpful when one just wants a moment of peace.

"I had watched several of the recordings during our stay in the bunker here." If Pluto had heard Carina's word, he showed no sign of it as he continued, "and that is where we found the connection between my clan and the reasoning of why we cannot recall our original names."

This immediately caught Ianos' attention, the Awoken's curiosity peaked at his Hunter mentor's words. He had always wondered why the clan, Galaxy, cannot seem to remember their names despite the fact that they were Exo. Other Exo Guardians remembered their names with clarity wit the exception of the clan; one of the many reasons the Galaxy became infamous.

As he pondered upon this, it finally clicked for the Awoken as his mind wandered back to the leader of the clan, and his eyes widen as he finally placed it together.

"All of you worked here?" It was Angel who beat him to the question, although, for Ianos, 'worked' wasn't exactly the word that the Awoken would have used.

"We were not just 'employees' here." Ianos sensed Angel give Pluto a bewildered look only for it to quickly shift to shock as the Exo added, "We were created here."

A small crack permeated from Ianos' side, prompting the Warlock to glance over towards Carina, spotting her fingers digging deeply into the side of her auto rifle. Frowning at this, Ianos opted to say nothing as Pluto continued, "And the reason why my clan and I cannot remember our names? It is because we never had one to begin with."

"Wait, they just gave you numbers and designations?" It was Angel again, the shock heard clearly in his voice, "But why?"

"Angel." The barely restrained anger in Carina's voice caused the Hunter in question to reel, "You clearly don't know the history of the Exo, do you?"

"…What?"

Ianos decided it was best for him to interject, "Let me guess, you kept this a secret from the rest of the Clan?"

The Warlock knew his question would gain a reaction from the Hunter, although, he wasn't expecting Pluto to come to a halt, turn around and snarl, "And tell them what?" Even though Pluto took a threatening step forward, Ianos stood his ground, gritting his jaw tightly as the Exo continued, "That the humans who created us saw us nothing more than machines? As tools? Tools to the point where they did not even bother to give us names, only numbers to differentiate us?" The Exo Hunter then took a step back, a scoff permeating behind his visor, "Fuck, no." He then turned and continued in his steps, prompting Ianos and the others to follow, "The four of us, Mercury, Jupiter, Sun, and I, decided that it was best to keep it secret from the rest of the clan. By the Light, if it was not for the vow we took when we created the clan to never have a memory wipe, we would have erased it from our memories to ensure its secrecy."

"Not even Neptune knew?"

Ianos barely had the time to comprehend the question coming forth form his own lips, the Awoken quietly cursing himself as he stared at the back of Pluto's head; he needs to reel in his own curiosity. Luckily, it seemed that Pluto didn't take offense, as the Hunter simply continued walking. But, judging from the way his shoulders square out, his hands slowly curling into fists, Ianos already knew the answer to his question.

"Is it really that big of a deal?" Ianos barely held himself back from slapping the back of Angel's head and instead, glanced back and gave the young Hunter a dark glare. In turn he received a puzzled look from Angel, although, this quickly turned to one of surprise when Carina snapped, "Of course it is! Some do not see Exo as sentient!" She threw her arms into the air, "Machines!? Robots!? We have feelings! We have emotions! We know the difference between right and wrong! An Exo with no name!? Just a number!?" Carina then pointed an accusing finger at Angel, "To you it may not be a 'big deal' but for an Exo it means that you are degraded to be an object! A tool! We are much more than that!"

"Carina." Pluto's voice intercepted the young Exo's, "I understand your frustrations but yelling? Here?" A glower can be sensed behind his visor, "Rasputin may have let us in, but that does not mean he will not kill us as he sees fit."

That sent a chill down Ianos' back, the Awoken barely suppressing a shiver. Like many Guardians of old, he had heard what Rasputin was capable of and he couldn't help but mentally reprimand himself for forgetting that he and the others tread in the Warmind's territory. And judging from the way Carina came to a sudden halt, her shoulders clearly trembling, the same thought must have lingered into her mind.

In turn, Pluto let out pleased nod before turning around and taking lead once more. As he trailed after the Exo Hunter, Ianos then allowed himself to muse over Carina's outburst. Although the loudest, the young Titan's was not the first where one ranted about the discrimination against the Exo, and in retrospect, Ianos completely understands. After all, there are those who still view the Awoken as traitors and cowards for fleeing and abandoning the rest of humanity to the Darkness. There was a reason why he wasn't annoyed at her words.

"If you don't mind me asking, what was your designation back when you worked here?"

This time, Ianos reached out and swatted the back of the young Hunter's head, earning a yelp and a glare. Although, this was quickly replaced with fright as Carina snarled at Angel, causing the Hunter to shrink back.

"Ianos. Carina." Hearing the older Exo's warning, Ianos took a step to the side, leaving space between himself and Angel, listening in to Carina's grumbling. A sigh then can be heard from Pluto, "To answer your question, my designation was EXO-COM/SEC-99 or Security No.99."

"So, you are the ninety-ninth Security Exo?"

Ianos really wanted to know who educated Angel during his first year at the Tower as Pluto shook his head and answered, "The number represents the number of wipes to my memory. Do not ask why."

Hearing the familiar clack of teeth quickly shutting, Ianos couldn't help but snicker quietly to himself as a pout can be sensed behind Angel's visor, but nonetheless, the younger Hunter then asked, "Then, your function was a security guard, I take it?"

Glancing over his shoulder to give the young Hunter a blank look, Ianos parted his lips to state why else would there be 'Security' in Pluto's previous 'name' when a dry chuckled echoed through the room. Bewildered, Ianos turned his attention to the older Hunter in front, slowly realizing that the bitterness was clearly emanating from Pluto, "How did you think I got good with a sniper rifle?"

Blinking at the Exo's words, Ianos' eyes then widen as he slowly pieced it together, and immediately, the Awoken wanted to know more, the learn of his old mentor's past. Just how many lives did he take while under the management of the humans working in this bunker? However, as questions formed on the tip of his tongue, Ianos then saw Pluto's shoulders deflate, barely catching a silent breath escaping from the Exo's mouth. This quickly prompted the Warlock to change his mind.

"A-and what was Sun's function?"

Mentally making a note to himself to help cull Angel's amount of questions, Ianos then turned his focus onto Pluto, spotting the Hunter square out his shoulders and remaining silent, his footsteps and Nix's humming quietly echoing through the corridor as he continued to lead the way.

"You were told that humans were the ones who were in charge of Rasputin, correct?" Ianos gave Pluto a surprised look for his question, "well, that was half the truth. Sun was the one who actually watched over the Warmind." A short pause followed by hesitation, "At least, momentarily."

"…What?"

Hearing Angel barely wheeze out his question, Ianos himself had to take a moment, his eyes remaining wide as he fully comprehended what Pluto had just said. Sun, infamous Galaxy Leader and a Titan once part of the Sunbreaker order, taking charge of Rasputin? What else had the Exo Titan had accomplished?

"When Rasputin was turned on for the first time, he refused to work with humans." Ianos shifted his attention back onto Pluto as the latter continued, "As such, the scientists here decided to create 'Alpha', to help gain the connection they needed to gain control of Rasputin."

"Judging from the way Sun regained their memories easily, I am going to take a guess and that it worked?" Ianos paused as Pluto nodded, "But let me guess, there is a catch?"

Another bitter laugh can be heard from the Exo Hunter, "According to the databanks, Sun performed better than what the humans had anticipated and as such, gained what they had wanted sooner than expected." Pluto's shoulders squared out once more and this time, Ianos spotted him quivering, "And all 'tools' uses must come to an end."

No sooner had Pluto finished speaking when dread filtered into Ianos' stomach and it didn't take much for the Awoken to understand the Exo Hunter's words. The same couldn't be same for the younger Guardians, as Ianos easily sensed the puzzlement, the confusion clearly emanating from Angel and Carina.

However, any questions they had were quickly halted as Pluto came to a sudden stop, and Ianos easily sensed surprise emanating from the Hunter.

"Gaia?"

Familiarity immediately sinking it, Ianos didn't hesitate to glance over Pluto's shoulders, and warmth settled into his chest as his eyes hovered over a familiar shell.

At the call of their name, a Ghost shifted their attention away from a console, their yellow optic going wide, "Pluto? What are you doing here?" They glided over, allowing Ianos to spot the familiar flashes of gold lined with fiery crimson, "I thought you promised Sun that would not come back here."

The Ghost received a snort from Pluto, "I kept that promise for couple hundred years, did I not? And not to mention, I do not think Sun would mind if I stop by every century or two."

A chuckle then can be heard from Gaia, Ianos watching as their shell shift upwards into a Ghost equivalent of a smile before it quickly faded, "Your optics…" Their attention then shifted over to Nix, the viridian Ghost hover idly near Pluto's shoulders, "What happened?"

The warmth that was previously permeating from the Hunter quickly faded, "Long story. We will talk about it later." Pluto then let out a sigh, "If you do not mind, could you lead us to Sun? We have a request."

"Request?" Gaia's shell dropped downwards into a frown, their yellow optic boring into their visors, "What request?"

"…Just lead us to Sun."

Seeing the Ghost's scowl deepen, Ianos thought, at first, that Pluto had overstepped a boundary. However, moments later, Gaia's optic softens, and the gold and crimson Ghost bobbed once, "Follow me."

Xxxxx

"Little Light, how are you?"

Snapping his head up at the unfamiliar nickname, Angel couldn't suppress the snicker at Ianos' expense, although, he quickly quieted as the Awoken turned and gave him a glower.

"Stable." He heard Ianos answer Gaia's question, the Ghost letting out a hum in response before the latter asked, "And the two Guardian's behind you?"

"Just newest additions to my Fireteam."

Giving Ianos a surprised look for his answer, Angel then focused his attention back onto Gaia as the Ghost let out another hum before they shifted, slowly their pace just enough so that they were equivalent of his and Carina's pace.

"…One of them is not an Exo." The sound of disgust immediately threw Angel off guard, the Hunter reeling at the Ghost's words before the latter shifted their attention onto Carina. Unlike the words directed at him, the ones that they gave to the female Exo was soft and gentle, "What is your name, young light?"

Immediately, Angel can see Carina was just as confused at the sudden shift in attitude, and the Hunter heard his friend stutter out, "C-Carina-23."

"Carina, a constellation of the sky that represents the keel of a ship." Blinking at Gaia's breakdown of the female Exo's name, Angel then watched as the Ghost sped up their pace once more until they were equal to Pluto's, "But I take it that she is not part of Galaxy?"

"A lot has happened." Angel gave Pluto a curious look, "I will explain once we meet with Sun."

Seeing Gaia give the blind Exo a scrutinizing look, the Ghost then let out a nod before speeding up once again, even speeding past Nix as they continued to lead them down the corridor. Although, it didn't take long before the Ghost took a sharp turn and disappeared into a room.

"Sun? Sun, we have guests."

With the prospect of meeting Pluto's friend and apparently, previous leader of Galaxy and a Titan that was part of the apparent infamous Sunbreaker order, Angel couldn't stop the nervousness building up within his chest. From what he can gather, even though Pluto and Ianos were old, this Sun seems to be ancient compared to the two and seems to have gained enough accomplishments under their belts to be well renowned, although, Angel personally had never heard of them until now. To meet such an individual in person just sent the Hunter's emotions into overdrive. With this in his thoughts, Angel barely comprehended the fact that he had followed the others into the room, only for his jaw to drop as his mind finally settled back into his surroundings.

In the middle of the room they had just entered was filled to the brim with screens, computers that seemed more advanced than the ones in use at the Tower, and all active with constant surge of number and letters streaming by.

Golden Age.

With this lingering in his thoughts, Angel couldn't help but break away from the others, his eyes wide behind his visor as leaned over a screen. Immediately, familiarity settled into the back of his mind, his gaze easily recognizing the meaning of many of the words and numbers.

"Angel, pay attention."

Snapping out of his thoughts at Hope's warning, Angel turned around in time to see that the others were gathered near the middle of the room, prompting the Hunter to quickly break away from one of the screens and rejoin them. Although something in the back of his mind begged him to turn around and take a look at the computers once more.

"Pluto. Nix. Is that you?"

Jumping as a new voice entered the room, Angel snapped his attention towards another entryway, only to pause as his eyes settled over a slim figure, the glowing yellow optics of an Exo recognizable under his gaze.

"Sun." Angel watched as Pluto gave a single nod in greeting, "Comfortable without your armor for once?"

A chuckle can be heard from the Exo, "As comfortable as you are without your cloak." Angel then blinked as Sun then laughed as Pluto had reached up and grabbed his hood by the corners, "I am teasing, no need to be so serious, Lovebird."

Choking back a laugh at Pluto's nickname, Angel was able to smother it with a cough as the Exo in question then grumbled, "Why does everyone keep calling me that?"

"Well, Lovebirds sing to their lovers, and you were no different back when-"

"Oh, shut it."

Blinking again as the former leader of Galaxy started laughing, Angel couldn't help but give the Exo in question a doubtful look. Gathering from what he knows of the Clan leader, the young Hunter couldn't help but think the individual standing before him was a bit lackluster. They were slim, and their height was no taller than Ianos, with their features neutral to the point where Angel cannot discern their gender. Finally, they wore nothing but a black body suit, the article of clothing clinging onto their metal plating, making their orange color stick out against the dark coloring. In other words, not very impressive.

"Is Neptune not with you?" Angel snapped out of his thoughts at Sun's question, the young Hunter giving Pluto a worried look as the Exo continued, "After the day you serenaded him, the two of you were inseparable." Sun then flashed a teasing smile, "Did you two have a fight?"

Gawking at the infamous clan leader, the young Hunter wondered just how many years Sun had been staying in the bunker when the smile dropped from said Exo's face, "…Was it a bad one?"

"It is, a long story, old friend."

That is when Sun's gaze finally settled onto Angel's, and instantly, the young Hunter took a step back when he saw the Exo give him a withering look.

"A human?" Venom can be heard in Sun's voice, "why is he here?" That is when Angel watched their gaze linger over the others, "None of them are… Pluto, where are the others?"

Instead of receiving an immediate answer, silence loomed around the group, and the young Hunter saw Sun's optics flicker in agitation, "Pluto…"

"The others, the clan, they are gone." Angel flinched at the Exo Hunter's words, "The attempt to retake the Moon. It failed, just as you said it would."

That was when Sun's optics dimmed, the Exo's shoulders deflating as they took several steps back. Their Ghost loomed closer, "Sun?"

"…All of them?" Sun opted to ignore Gaia, "every single one of our brothers and sisters?"

"Most. Six of us including myself survived." Angel couldn't help but shift nervously under Pluto's words, "However, an escapade into the Wilds went awry. I was…" The Hunter took in a breath, "I was the only one to survive it."

"Neptune as well?"

Angel could tell the question was enough for Pluto's walls to break down, especially telling when the Hunter's hidden gaze lowered to the floor, his hands trembling near his sides. Moments later, the younger Guardian then spotted Nix hover closer, a soft hum permeating from his core as he pressed against the Exo Hunter's neck.

Sun visibly winced before they too lowered their optics, "Then that means it is just you and I then."

"I am working on finding recruits but, yes, you and I are the last." Pluto lifted his gaze and Angel saw him glance over his shoulder, and he could sense his hidden optics linger over Ianos, "however, Little Light is my priority."

Angel saw Sun perk up at that, the Exo's yellow optics wide, "Little Light is here?"

Seeing Pluto nod, Angel then found himself being nervous for Ianos as the latter took a step forward, bobbing his head once in greeting, "It has been a great while, Sun." The Hunter blinked in surprise at the soft edges in his voice, although, Angel then quickly sensed the Awoken's softness harden as he then added, "Although, I did not appreciate the fact that you kept your life hidden from the others and I."

In return, Sun bowed their head in apology, "You know as well as I do, Little Light –"

"Ianos."

"Ianos, you know as well as I do that anyone who attempts to leave are branded as traitors." A flash of guilt can be seen in the Exo's optics, "and I had to stay with Rasputin."

A scoff then can be heard from the Awoken although, he said nothing. But, as Angel watched Ianos cross his arms, he spotted the Warlock's fingers dig into his arm and his shoulders trembling with rage. This made the Hunter wonder: What kind of relationship did the two have in order for Ianos to react like this?

"Little Light-"

"Sun." Pluto intercepted, the aforementioned Exo turning their optics towards the Hunter, "We can speak about this later however, I am afraid we are short on time."

"Short on time?" Angel heard Sun repeat back, their orange optics narrowing in both concern and bewilderment. Then, the Exo Titan's gaze lingered over the others, their features scrunching together before adding, "Does this have to do with the fact that you are working with a human?"

Making a mental to talk to Hope 'why' this Exo seems to hate him so much, Angel opted to remain silent as Pluto nodded, "It is a long story, you may want to sit down for this."

Seeing the scowl still clear upon the orange Exo's features, the young Hunter released a breath as the former nodded, prompting Angel to softly reach out towards Hope in the back of his mind. They made it into a territorial Warmind's Bunker, met and convinced a human hating but infamous Exo to sit down and talk, and they're alive. Progress.

Xxxxx

Nix remembers the day when he first resurrected Pluto, remembers when his Guardian had no name, remembers back when Exo Guardians were treated differently compared to today. Of course, majority of their Guardian brethren did not treat their Exo comrades with such scorn. They sympathize with each other's predicaments: Resurrected with no memory of their past life, told that they were to fight a war against the Darkness the second they were reborn, and living a life constantly on guard.

However, the civilians, the 'non-light users', would not accept that Exo were sentient, that they were capable of 'emotions', and as such, Nix remembers Exo finding themselves constantly living outside of nearby settlements and kept to themselves to avoid the prejudice against them. And those without names, got the worst of it.

With no claims of an 'identity', many of humanity used it as proof that the Exo were nothing more than machines, tools to be used and then tossed aside wore down. But then, Sun came along, aided those without names to find an identity, a purpose, and formed the Clan to keep the Exo Guardians together.

Nix will always be grateful for Sun thanks to that.

As such, being the leader consisting of many Exo who were reborn with no memory of their name, Nix had always seen Sun with a confident outlook, their stance sturdy and seemingly invisible. As such, the Ghost couldn't help but be surprised when he sent out scans only to find Sun burying their face into their hands where they sat, taking note of the shivering emanating from their shoulders. Although taken off guard from this 'vulnerable' state that their once powerful leader is currently in, Nix couldn't help but be relieved that they were now seated. The viridian Ghost can only imagine how they would have reacted if they were standing when Pluto released the news of the Galaxy Clan's demise. However, this didn't seem to ease the others worries, Nix easily sensing the nervousness from the younger of the Guardians as they seated nearby, the table the only thing between them and Sun. Perhaps they shouldn't have told the young lights all of Sun's accomplishments.

"All those years of work only to crumble because of the Darkness," Nix heard Sun heave out a sigh, before hearing movement from the Exo Titan, "You are the Leader of the Clan now?"

Pluto must have nodded, for not long after, Nix heard Sun let out another sigh followed by a question, "Any potential members?"

"You know as well as I do, Sun, that is going to be near impossible."

Nix couldn't help but flinch at Pluto's words; although infamous for their numbers consisting of only Exo, the clan was also notorious for just how 'few' they were compared to the others. While most had hundreds, even thousands, the Galaxy had less than a hundred, and as such, are encountered rarely whenever when it comes to the field or in the Crucible. Perhaps that's why many Guardians today consider the Exo clan an enigma.

"There were more than thirty of us, Pluto. There should be more out there."

"But yet, how many of them are to be found and resurrected by Ghosts." Although wanting nothing more to believe in Sun's words, Nix couldn't help but side with his Guardian, "I promise I will try and keep the clan running but, I will not deny that I may be the sole member for years to come. Or, perhaps the 'only' member for the remainders of the clan's existence."

Hearing Sun sigh at the Hunter's words, Nix heard the Exo Titan shift one more, prompting the viridian Ghost to send out a scan in time to see that they had leaned back in their seat, their legs crossed, "If it was not for the fact that I am 'dead', I would have reclaimed leadership and helped rebuild." A short chuckle permeated from Sun, "If, of course you are willing to relinquish it."

"Always."

Sensing a smile from the older Exo, perhaps 'the' oldest, Nix then heard Sun say, "It was nice of you to come all this way and inform me of the clan's fate, Pluto. I appreciate the gesture."

"That is not why we are here."

Nix immediately gulped at Pluto's words; this is where he knew things are going to get ugly.

Just as the viridian Ghost expected, the smile that he had sensed earlier dissipated, any sensation of emotion now absent, "Oh? I guess I should have expected that when you brought the younger lights here." Nix didn't have to see to know that Sun had gestured towards Carina and Angel; he had heard the pair shift nervously in their seats, "What brings you here then? Despite your 'promise' on never returning?" The complete lack of emotion in the Exo Titan's voice prompted Nix to fix himself behind Pluto's shoulders, his shell stiff against his core as Sun added, "I honestly thought you were here to visit an 'old friend'."

Feeling Pluto tense underneath him, Nix forced himself to remain calm as the Hunter spoke, "We are here to ask for help."

"Help?" The cold tone in Sun's voice sent a shiver throughout the Ghost's core, "You do know what happened to the last batch of Guardians who had asked for 'help'?"

A stunned silence permeated through the group followed by Nix hearing Pluto's jaws grinding together, "Pieces of them were found all over the Cosmodrome. Took the Tower weeks to put them back together." A momentary pause, "Do not tell me that was you."

"You mean tearing them apart? No, that was Rasputin." Nix then heard Sun shift in their seat once more, prompting the Ghost to sent out another flash of light, allowing him to see the Exo Titan seated with their hands clasped together on the table, their expression completely blank, "Spreading of their bodies however, yes, that was me."

Nix heard Pluto gulp, "The reason?"

"To send a message." A scoff can be heard from Sun, "Rasputin is not just a tool to be used at leisure. He is more than a simple 'AI'. He is sentient, just like everyone else. Rasputin deserves to be asked, not 'demanded'."

Feeling Pluto lean back just slightly, Nix followed the movement of his Guardian, repeatedly sending out scans now that he can see a potential threat, "Then how about you help us and we will owe you a favor?"

No sooner had the Exo Hunter's question left his lips when a voice resounded the room, permeating throughout the entirety of the quarters. This caused not only Nix but everyone else present to jump – with the exception of Sun.

"Calm your lights down," Sun warned, Nix easily sensing the glare the Exo Titan sent their way, "That is just Rasputin."

"That was Rasputin?"

Barely catching Angel's squeak, the viridian Ghost easily understood the tinge of fear he heard in the young Hunter's voice. Although, if Sun showed any sign of hearing the young light's terror, they barely acknowledged it as they continued, "He was asking 'What can the Guardians give me in return when I have everything I need here?"

That is when Nix felt a 'ping' of accomplishment from Pluto, a feeling that he viridian Ghost understands that the blind Exo found an opportunity, "Back up. Whenever you need aid, we will be there. Just give us the call."

Shifting their broken optic towards the orange Exo's way, Nix couldn't help but shift his shell nervously against his core at Sun's silence; he heard Pluto continue, "You know as well as I do that Rasputin's bunker is a large area. He has his defenses but there will be a day when something or 'someone' will slip in unnoticed. You maybe a former Guardian but even you have your limits after all." Nix heard Pluto take in a nervous breath, "A single Guardian can only do so much."

Lowering himself just enough so that the bottom of his shell touched Pluto's shoulder – at least, he hoped it was his shoulder – Nix took in a breath when all he heard was silence, the only sound currently at noise was the hum of the Ghosts and the surrounding consoles. Finally, after what seemed like hours, a sigh can be heard from Sun, "We have been getting an influx of Fallen lately."

The voice from earlier echoed throughout the room, speaking in a language that Nix finally understands as Russian as it once more startled the occupants with, once again, Sun being the exception.

"Now, now, Rasputin." Nix heard Sun tut, "you know it is true. We are strong when we are able to keep intruders out, but we are weak when they get in." The sound of chair legs grinding against the floors can momentarily be heard, "You did after all call in Guardians for aid with the Hive breach, remember? It would be nice to have someone to call instead of sending out a distress signal in hopes of getting help eventually."

Once again, Rasputin's voice can be heard however, it was faint, and to Nix, resembled mumbling. Not long after, Sun chuckled.

"Is Rasputin pouting?" Pluto asked.

"Consider yourself lucky, he is hardly this 'emotional'." Nix easily heard the brightness in Sun's voice, the friendliness returning to their tone, "So, we have a deal then. I will help with whatever task you need and in return, you will be our assistance when we need it." Then, just as quickly as it dissipated, the hardness and blandness of their voice returned, "You better keep your end of the bargain."

A shuddering breath can be heard from Pluto, "I knew you long enough Sun. it is a very 'bad' idea to break a deal with you." A quick chuckle then can be heard from the blind Exo, "anyone who does must have a death wish."

"You got that right." The brightness of Sun's resumed, "Now then, tell me what your task is, and I will see if Rasputin is able to accomplish it."

That is when a nervous silence permeated over the Fireteam, prompting the viridian Ghost to quickly glide into the hood of Pluto's cloak; he had forgotten about the contents of the 'request'.

"What?" The bewildered tone can easily be heard in Sun's voice, "Is something the matter?"

"Please do not be upset with me." Pluto immediately blurted, Nix easily sensing the puzzled look the blind Exo received from the former clan leader, "I know you dislike the Fallen and, well…"

Hearing his Guardian's voice fade, Nix proceed to bury himself further into the crook of Pluto's neck, waiting tensely for Sun's response.

"…Tell me, are you finding this Fallen for the reason that is a threat to the Tower, or, is it to save it?"

"…The latter."

"You are serious!?" Sun's shout caused Nix to jump, "Of all the little – why a Fallen?! They are pests! They give Rasputin and I trouble more often than you think!"

"That is my friend you are talking about." Nix's optic widens at the sound of Angel's voice, "not all the Eliksni are the same!"

"F-friend?" Nix didn't have to scan Sun's features to know that the Exo Titan was clearly bewildered, "You are friends with a Fallen?"

"Eliksni." Angel corrected, "and she is not just a friend. She is one of my closest friends."

Hearing nothing but stunned silence emanating from Sun, Nix then felt Pluto's shoulders shift up and down, more likely a shrug to answer the orange Titan's stare. Then finally, the orange Exo spoke, "Things change when you 'disappear' for several decades, I imagine?"

Pluto let out a snort, "You think? I was gone for just a couple of decades and I returned to the Tower to find Sunbreaker marks amongst the Titans."

"You are joking."

"Why would I be joking about the infamous 'Sunbreakers'?"

A sigh then can be heard from Sun, "Finding your, 'Eliksni' friend should not be too difficult if they are near Rasputin's sensors"

Nix then heard the familiar sound of Sun's footsteps turning and walking away. This prompted Pluto and the others to follow.

"Rasputin has access to nearly any location with active technology." Sun continued to explain, "If of course they are still functional." Not long after the Exo Titan finished speaking when the familiar hum of computers rang into Nix's sensors followed by the sensation of Pluto coming to a pause. The sound of fingers tapping a screen then can be heard, "These are the active towers and if I press this." A stronger thrum can be overheard, "This shows the area around them."

"Wow, do you look through these often?"

"Only if there are nearby annoyances."

Hearing the sound of awe coming from Carina, Nix couldn't help their own curiosity and as such, sent out flashes of light. Soon after, he can see the forms of Sun and the others surrounding a screen, the former of which still slid their fingers across the surface, more than likely moving information around. Sadly, Nix's scans cannot give him exactly 'what kind 'of information Sun was currently giving.

"Alright, you, human. I am going to show you a feed from different locations and I want you to point out which one has your friend."

"But," Nix heard Angel hesitate, "But there's so many. We don't have the time to look through them all."

A heavy sigh then can be heard from the orange Exo, "Fine then, hold out your Ghost."

"What?"

"Hold out your Ghost."

Hearing Sun repeat their request, Nix couldn't help but narrow his broken optic, hopeful that Angel would be cautious on Hope's wellbeing – especially when it comes to the former Clan Leader. After all, a Guardian's life is literately depended upon their Ghost, one does not simply hand it over, even to someone that is seemingly trustworthy.

"You sure that is a good idea." Gaia seems to share the same thought, "He is after all a human–"

"He will be fine." The sound of Angel's startled yelp soon followed by Sun's words and then the sounds of stumbling footsteps. A quick scan by Nix showed that the orange Exo had taken the young Hunter by the wrist and had dragged them over to another console, one that was slightly larger and the screen more jagged in design from what the viridian can understand.

"Maybe. If not, his Ghost can easily resurrect him." Nix's core twisted at Sun's words, "Perhaps, if his Ghost survives."

Nix didn't have to look at Angel's face to sense the shock from the younger Guardian, "Wait, what?"

"Rasputin."

No sooner had the Warmind's name left Sun when Nix sensed a strong crack of energy permeate throughout the room, prompting the viridian Ghost to reel, and felt his shell twitch from the success excess of power. Although the surprise quickly faded when Hope let out a pained squeal. Followed by Angel's screams.

"Sun! What the fuck are you doing to him!?"

Pluto's rage was understandable as Nix continued to hear the younger Guardian continue to scream, feeling the back of his shell press against Pluto's hood as the latter strode forward and a snarl escaped the Exo Hunter's lips, "Sun! I mean it!"

"Angel!"

Carina's voice drowned out any excuses that Sun had attempted to give, the thundering steps of the female Exo brushing past them; more than likely to give her friend aid.

"Sun."

Hearing the Exo Titan let out a sigh in response to Pluto's warning, Nix then heard the simply shuffle of feet followed by the hum of energy fading. Not long after, Angel's screams ceased.

"Angel? Angel! You alive!?"

Although loud, Carina's voice was laced with concern and then relief as Nix then heard her say, "Thank the Traveler!"

The sound of Angel wheezing followed soon after.

"Carina! Let go, you are killing him!"

A loud gasp then can be heard before the familiar slump of a body can be heard collapsing onto the floor, prompting Nix to let out a soft snicker as he heard Ianos murmur, "Klutz."

"What. Was. That?" The viridian Ghost allowed himself to relax at the sound of Hope's voice, "That hurt."

Half-expecting an immediate response, Nix couldn't help but stare blandly forward when the group only received silence, prompting a frustrated breath from Pluto, "Sun."

"Fine." Sun muttered, "I let Rasputin scan his memories. Satisfied?"

Nix couldn't help but let out a choke at that; scanning Exo memories were deemed acceptable and non-lethal, mainly for the reason that their 'brains' were already naturally attuned for skimming through memories when necessary. Organics on the other hand, it was deemed too risky as they had to start from the beginning of one's memories and then 'fast forward' in order to find the proper memory. The brain cannot handle such duress. And judging from Pluto's sputtering, the Exo Hunter clearly recalls this information, "Scan his memories?! You know how dangerous that is! It could have killed him!"

"It could have what!?"

"He is still alive." Despite their tone being even and subtler than the younger Guardian, Sun's words easily drowned out Angel's. Nix then heard the familiar sound of fingers once again tapping against a glass surface, "And now we have the coordinates to your friend. Was not too difficult to find her. Not many Fallen have scars like hers."

"Eliksni."

"I have sent the coordinates to Gaia," Sun once more ignored Angel's words, "They will transfer the data to your Ghosts momentarily. And I would highly appreciate it you leave once you gain it."

"What?" It was Carina who spoke, "Why?"

A scowl can easily be sensed from Sun, "Although I appreciate visitors from time to time, you are 'Guardians' on a mission, and I have made a promise to myself that I would not be involved with your kind years ago."

"But…" Bewildered can be heard in Carina's voice, "You're a Guardian yourself. Why would…" Nix silently cursed as the female Exo paused, more than likely finally putting it together, "You're a Rogue."

"And that, is why I did not want the Vanguard to know that Sun is still alive." Pluto muttered, Nix feeling his Guardian shift underneath him, "If they learn that Sun went rogue, they would have sent other Guardians to retrieve them and if they resist…" The Exo Hunter's voice faded, Nix sensing the hesitation through their bond before he felt the Hunter shake their head, "Enough, the three of you, outside. I need to speak to Sun. Privately."

"But – "

"Come on."

Hearing the female Exo let out a yelp, Nix wouldn't be surprised if Ianos had grabbed the younger Exo by the neck and started dragging her out. This thought was strengthened when he heard Carina cursing and the sound of feet attempting resistance against metal floors, only for the familiar sound of the bunker's doors closing and then finally, silence.

Hearing Pluto wait momentarily, Nix then felt him turn, "What in the Darkness was that?"

"What?" Nix let out a groan; he hated when Sun decided to play all innocent.

"Angel," Pluto hissed out, "What the fuck were you thinking about scanning his mind like that?"

A sigh can be heard from the orange Exo, "You have to understand, Pluto. In order for Rasputin to find this human's 'friend', we had to find a distinguishable mark."

"And you could not simply ask him?"

"And let a 'human' describe a Fallen?" Sun scoffed, "I prefer to rely on Rasputin's sensors than listen to 'him' talk about a Scavenger, let alone let him have a chance to 'lie'."

"Angel is not like the rest of humanity." Nix heard the orange Exo let out another scoff, "Sun, listen to me."

"I 'am' listening." The sound of footsteps signaled the former clan leader's approach, "and all I hear are the same damn excuses that both bystanders 'and' humanity themselves use in order to hide behind their own prejudices. And I will 'not' stand for it."

"Sun-"

"What is the harm of 'one' human 'dying' over a simple scan!?" Nix felt his Guardian take a step back, "Do you know how many of us they used to 'perfect' their precious technology!? How many of us they used to test out weapons of war and then tossing us to the side when our use is no longer needed!? Or how they simply laughed as we begged for mercy as they killed us after they got what they had wanted!?" A growl can be heard from Sun, "And hundreds of years later, even after being resurrected and saving their worthless lives, nothing has changed! Humanity has not changed! They still see us as tools, machines to be used and tossed aside!" Nix then felt the looming presence of Sun, his scans letting him see that the orange Exo was practically face to face with the Exo Hunter, "Until the day humanity can learn how to be 'tolerant', I will stay here help Rasputin protect the last traces of their kin, where I do not have to be reminded of their hypocrisy."

Then, without another word, Nix heard Sun's footsteps fade away. Not long after, the sound of fingertips tapping against screens resonated in the Ghost's sensors, signaling to Nix that the orange Exo was done talking.

"…Everyone deserves second chances Sun. Even humanity."

Blinking at the words of his Guardian, Nix then felt Pluto turn and move, hearing the familiar sounds of the doors sliding open to allow them exit. This doesn't mean that the viridian Ghost had failed to hear sudden silence as they left.