Tormented

We Need Your Help

I really need to update earlier than this, it's getting ridiculous lol. Another, heads up, another year has passed in the story, so the team now officially has been together for three to four years. Also, this part of the story will mainly focus on Akiva, Aleeza, Carina and Angel. You'll see why Pluto and Ianos aren't as active on this part.

Thanks to Zantilis, Fin the Demigod, and AAA for the reviews!

Fin the Demigod - I do have plans to incorporate the Taken and SIVA into my story (Mainly the Taken in this book). SIVA however may have to wait and be introduced in the sequel (yes I am planning a sequel) as I had planned out this story 'before' the announcement of Rise of Iron. Also, the characters in this story won't be actively participating in the main storyline - there are too many of those kind of stories already. However, they will kind of be on the 'sidelines' such as interacting with the enemies however not actively partaking in the actual quest on taking down Oryx and all that.

Edited: 10/17/2021

Ducking behind a wall, Sun started reloading their hand cannon, hands steady as they shoved the clip in before snapping it shut. From the corner of their vision, they saw enemy fire, a white beam that slashed at the side of the wall where they were hiding. Taking in a deep breath, Sun waited until the shots ceased, a sign for them to step into view and fire. Thirteen shots rang through the air before their targets exploded, the incendiary rounds doing their work as the enemy let out wails of agony before disappearing into a swirl of black and white.

"Sun! More incoming!"

Cursing under their breath, Sun scrambled back as a black sphere flashed onto where they just stood, expanding until it released a 'pop', and like what they had seen in the other areas, more of the black forms materialized, twitching and screeching.

Quickly counting their numbers and realizing that it was too much for them to handle, Sun decided to turn and run, booking it down a hall as they heard the enemies behind them follow with a battle cry. Taking in several deep breaths, Sun counted their steps before leaping forward, propelling themselves with their lift and then turning around to face their foe. It was then, they snapped their hand back, the familiar hum of Solar light engulfing their body which was followed by a loud 'clang': the sound of the hammer taking shape in their hand. Then, with little thought, they tossed the hammer, right into the mass of the black shapes.

Hearing them scream, Sun wasted no time to toss another hammer into the ones that had survived the initial hit, landing on their feet and backing away, placing more distance between themselves and the dark energies. It was only when they stepped through a doorway that they ceased in their attack and pressed their hand against a panel, the doors sliding shut just mere inches away.

Sun let out a breath of relief.

"There is going to be more where they come from." Gaia glided out of the floor, shifting their parts carefully as they glided over to Sun, "They won't give up so easily after making it this far."

Opting to say nothing, Sun instead took several steps back, feeling the power of the Solar Light fade from their fingertips, their hammer wavering out of sight.

"Rasputin?"

The familiar robotic Russian rang through the hall and Sun couldn't help but curse; judging from his words, things were not boding well.

"Gaia. Fabian Strategy."

Watching as their Ghost bobbed once from the corner of their gaze, Sun raised their hand in time to feel the auto rifle setting into their grip. They then soon felt their hand cannon fade from the other.

"Are you going to be alright?"

Turning their yellow optics towards Gaia, Sun found themselves hesitating, blinking before looking down at their weapon, checking the magazine.

"I will be fine."

They didn't have to look up to see Gaia scrunch their shell together, "You have been fighting these, 'things' for days now, Sun. And your light…"

It's starting to hurt, that is what their Ghost is trying to say, and Sun couldn't help but flinch. Although they know that Gaia can practically feel what they are feeling since they have been bonded for 'centuries', they had still hoped their Ghost wouldn't have noticed.

"I will last long enough to ensure Rasputin's safety." Sun decided to say; fortunately, the pain wasn't debilitating. They can still utilize their light without effort, "If Rasputin falls, then so does Earth, which means the Last City with it."

When they heard nothing from their Ghost, Sun thought that was the end of it. Unfortunately, they were wrong.

"You know as well as I do that you do not have to defend Rasputin alone." Sun went stiff at Gaia's words, "It may have been a couple of years, but the fact is you can still call Pluto and his team for help." There was a brief pause, as if Gaia was waiting for them to say something; Sun remained silent, "Rasputin maybe everything, but every time danger comes to him, you always speak as though it is your last day. With back up, maybe…"

It was already too late for them, death has already marked them, it is just a matter of when. However, listening to their Ghost's voice fade, hearing the worry, the concern, Sun let out a breath of defeat.

"Call Pluto and his team for me." Sun paused when he heard Russian permeate through the hall, "Not you, Rasputin." There was a retort, "Your last signal for help may have worked, but who knows who will come if you send out another." Ignoring the Warmind's protest, Sun then turned their attention towards their Ghost, "I think Gaia can handle this."

There was a sputter, a blink of surprise.

"You sure?" Gaia stuttered, "If we tap frequencies, no doubt the Vanguard will notice. After all, we 'died' years ago."

"Just do anything to get Pluto here." Sun argued, "Darkness, if you are that uncomfortable contacting Nix, just fly to the Tower personally if you want." Sun suppressed a smile at Gaia's shocked expression, "You can figure this out."

Before Gaia can argue further, the familiar 'screaming' behind the door prompted Sun to perk up in attention, only to curse as they spotted the familiar black orb form just in from of it.

"Go! Gaia! Go!" Sun started firing at the orb, hoping to destroy it before anymore of those creatures spawned; they let out a frustrated growl when their twitching forms took shape, "Rasputin and I will last as long as we can!"

From the corner of their optics, Sun can see Gaia hesitate, their shell twitching before they glided upwards, quickly disappearing into one of the vents above. Letting out a breath of relief, Sun started firing at the approaching creatures, hoping that help will arrive soon.

Xxxxx

"Oh! Fuck off!"

Leaning back as if to distance Carina's shout, Akiva then ducked down behind cover, barely feeling the sniper bullet fly above his head.

"Carina?" He started, "Is something the matter?"

"Yes!" There was obvious frustration in her voice, anger as Akiva heard the distant sound of an auto rifle.

This was quickly followed by one loud single shot, silence, and static from Carina's line. Akiva then saw the text "Zahir kills Carina-23' flash into his HUD. Her death.

"You know," He said, "That is the fifth time that Titan killed you."

"You think I don't know that!" Carina was quick to revive, "I tried again, and again, to get him back but he always takes out a damn shotgun right when I break his shields!"

Despite himself, Akiva chuckled at her misfortune, "Want me to get him back for you?"

"If you can," Carina grumbled, "But I highly doubt it. He found a nice 'perch' in this area."

"That's because Exodus Blue has some pretty nice lookouts." Angel's voice echoed through the coms, "It may look crowded, but there are some pretty good spots."

"Says the sniper."

"Hey."

Laughing at the two younger Guardians, Akiva rolled out into the open before leaping onto his feet and firing at an unsuspecting Guardian. Feeling bullets pelt his shields in retaliation, Akiva gritted his teeth as he kept his finger on the trigger before finally, they heard the familiar sound of shields breaking and his bullets pelting thin armor. It didn't take long for their opponent to fall and their Ghost to materialize just above their body.

Heaving out a sigh of relief, Akiva decided it was best to get back into cover, running behind some pipes as he felt his shields regenerate, feeling it hum against his armor. That is when he spotted a lone figure near the water's edge, watching as a Titan slowly load bullets into his shotgun. The name "Zahir" flashed into his HUD.

"Hey Carina, I think I found him." Akiva said as he knelt down, raising the scope of his auto rifle. He then whistled.

This must have caught Angel's attention, "What?"

"If Ianos was here he would be annoyed with that guy." Akiva chuckled, eyeing the New Monarchy chest piece and Mark flashing obviously under the light, "This guy is just screaming 'advertisement'."

He heard Carina giggle in the coms, "Only if Ianos was here, then I would have dragged him over to meet the guy. It's always great whenever someone wearing full Faction gear runs by us. The face he makes." Akiva smiled in agreement, then he heard Carina sigh, "Only if he wasn't busy being 'King' of the Reef."

Akiva couldn't help but agree, keeping his sights on Zahir who had long ago finished reloading and entered a building nearby.

A few months have passed since news of Oryx – Father of Crota, Akiva shivered – had spread throughout the Tower, alongside the news of the Queen and the Prince's disappearance. This led to Ianos having to make do on his promise; he reluctantly took up the crown.

Of course, the Consensus weren't too happy about it, considering Ianos' status as a 'corrupted' Guardian too risky to let him out of their sights. Thankfully, the Vanguard got in the way and Ianos was able to head to the Reef to fulfill his 'duty'.

"He said it was only temporary," Angel's voice broke through the silence which was quickly followed by the sound of his sniper ringing in the background; a tally was added to his score, "It's not like he's gone forever."

There was a snort from Carina, "I will believe that when Pluto actually keeps good on his promise to go on a mission with us."

Akiva heard the jealously, the bitterness in her tone and retrospect, he doesn't blame her. Although he understands that as a Clan Leader, Pluto has an obligation for the newborns that he has taken under his wing, however, Akiva also wishes that he wouldn't make promises he couldn't keep. A good example was a few days ago when Akiva and the others headed to the Hangar for a mission; Pluto had promised that he and possibly two of the newborns would meet them there. In the end, the four of them went alone.

"He will, someday." Akiva opted to say before hearing Angel fire two more shots followed by two more tallies, "Ianos doesn't really have much of a choice as of now, but Pluto cannot abandon us when we finally chose a Fireteam name."

"Especially after it took us 'days' to get an agreement." Akiva can visually see Carina roll her optics, "Took us long enough though."

"Fireteam Redacted." Akiva said and then laughed, "It was the only name that all of us agreed upon, despite the meaning."

"Well it makes sense if you think about it." Angel said, "We are pretty much a freelance group and we-" A loud 'bang' cut off the Hunter's words which static then followed, prompting Akiva to look down at his HUD. Zahir's name flashed next to Angel's death icon.

"He got you too?"

A groan followed Akiva's question, which was answer enough for him, "Well, I am going to find him and avenge both of you."

"You say it like it's easy." Carina snorted.

"It can be, if I find him first."

Akiva then dashed out into the open, sliding into cover as he heard a round of bullets pelt the ground behind him.

"If you need help, I have sights on him." Akiva can't help but be impressed on how just quickly Angel can find a new 'perch' after being killed so quickly, "He's coming your way. Any ideas on how you're going to take him down?"

Humming as he pondered, a smile then crossed Akiva's face as an idea popped into his head. Sheathing his auto rifle, he scanned his surrounding as Angel asked, "Uh, Akiva, what are you doing?"

"Remember that I am attuned to arc light?" Akiva asked; as an example, he let some of the energy flicker around his arms, "There is a reason for that."

"Well, in that case, he's exiting the building to your right."

Following Angel's instructions, Akiva spotted Zahir dash out into the open. A sign for him to get up and charge.

As Arc light rippled around his form as he picked up speed, Akiva then saw Zahir come to a completely stop, his head snapping in his direction; he had been spotted. However, instead of firing his pulse rifle like Akiva had expected, the Titan sheathed his weapon and he too charged towards him, arc light bursting around his form.

As the two closed in on each other, Akiva then heard Angel whisper out two words.

"Oh boy."

Thrusting his body and shoulder forward, Akiva felt his body slam into Zahir's, and his vision went white. Not long after his body went numb, a prickling sensation spreading all the way to his fingertips before finally, the white in his vision faded.

Letting his mind clear, Akiva found himself in the familiar perspective of Lex, his Ghost's yellow and white shell visible. However, no body.

Glancing around, Akiva couldn't help but be confused. True he was attuned to arc light, but he swears that a shoulder charge leaves a body behind at least and it hasn't been that long. Bewildered by this, something told Akiva to look up. And when he did, he couldn't help but howl with laughter.

There, still falling from the sky, was both Akiva and Zahir's bodies, their charges having flung them into the air.

He was still laughing when his body faded while spiraling from the sky and then was resurrected on his team's side.

"By the Traveler." Angels' voice heaved through the coms; judging from the way he was taking in rapid breaths, he had just finished laughing, "I am saving that."

"Send me a copy."

"What? What?" Carina's voice rang through the coms, "I just saw that Akiva and that Zahir guy trade kills, what happened?"

It took Angel a few more rapid breaths to answer, "I'll show you later."

Akiva couldn't help but smile, "I was hoping to kill him first before we rammed into each other." He then laughed, "But it didn't go as planned."

"And it was worth it."

"I want to know what happened!"

Xxxxx

"I thank the Traveler for Ianos finally allowing me to borrow these." Aleeza beamed as she flexed her hands, revealing the feathers and claws traveling up the sides of her arms, admiring the bronze color glinting under her room lights, "Now, just to use them 'without' ruining them."

Look at this life, oh bearer mine.

Aleeza paused, blinking slowly before she turned towards Lena, "What did you say?"

Her Ghost gave her a puzzled look, "What?"

Furrowing her brows at her Ghost, it took Aleeza only a moment to realize that the voice she had heard was not Lena's; feminine but definitely not her voice.

There is so much left to burn…

Without even realizing it, Aleeza tore off the Claws of the Ahamkara, tossing them onto her desk as she recoiled; the bronze feathers seem to bristle at this rough treatment.

"Aleeza?"

Glancing over to her Ghost, Aleeza flashed Lena a sheepish smile, "Now I know what Ianos meant when he said to be careful."

"What?"

Ignoring the questioning look Lena sent her way, Aleeza instead leaned forward and poked the gloves carefully, her fingers easily pressing against the feathers. Followed by the waves of power she felt emitting from them.

Although Aleeza had rumors that the Ahamkara armor pieces are still somewhat 'alive', she honestly hadn't believed them. After all, despite their scarcity, she still sees many Guardians utilize them outside the Tower and in the Crucible. Then again, most Guardians are crazy enough to expose themselves to somewhat sentient body parts.

Despite her gut feeling, curiosity got the best of Aleeza and once more she picked up the gloves, holding one up to slide it back onto her arm.

"Don't do it!"

A voice, one that Aleeza doesn't recognize as either from Lena or the gloves, startled her to the point where she lost her grip, dropping the gloves which fell to the floor of her room. No sooner had they fell when a Ghost, their shell the color of gold and crimson, flew from her window, and transmat them out of sight.

Her eyes growing wide at this, Aleeza then watched as the Ghost turned towards her, and froze.

"Uhm." The Ghost started, "They are dangerous?"

Trying to process what she had just witnessed, Aleeza couldn't find anything else to say but, "Gives those back. They aren't mine."

Xxxxx

"Oh! Come on!"

Unable to help but chuckle as Carina's curses rang through the coms, Akiva held up his auto-rifle for Lex to take into their vault, and then eyed the scores blinking on his visor; they had lost by a mere three points. Disappointing but it happens. Not to mention he had fun.

Feeling himself go light, Akiva waited until he found himself back in the cockpit of his ship, reaching forward and grasping the controls. He can still hear Carina's grumbling.

"Come on, Carina." He said as he started his way back to the Tower, "We weren't that far behind."

"Three more klls, Akiva." He heard her say, "Three more and we would have won the match! But…" A groan can be heard from Carina, "If our other teammates and I hadn't rounded that corner, we could have had avoided that Zahir guys' Fist of Havoc."

"Hey, it happens." Angel's voice rang through the coms, "remember that one time we were only one point behind?"

"Don't. Remind me."

Chuckling at Carina's misfortune, Akiva glanced up in time to see the Tower in his sights. Piloting until they were close to the edge of the Plaza, he released his controls and pressed the autopilot. Ensuring that the ship's destination was the Hangar, Akiva then leaned back before white filled his vision and then followed with the familiar sight of the bustling area of the Plaza.

Landing on his feet, Akiva rolled his shoulders as from the corner of his vision, he saw Angel and Carina land not too far. He then saw Carina cross her arms in a pout.

Akiva chuckled, "Next time, Carina."

Heading up the steps, Akiva then paused as nearby, he saw a Titan materialize into the Plaza. It was Zahir, and he saw him glance around before their eyes met. It was then Zahir raised a hand, as if to catch his attention, and Akiva found himself doing the same. Apparently, this was a sign for the Titan to approach.

"You were in the same round as I, correct?" Akiva nodded at Zahir's question, and then blinked when the Titan held out a hand, "Then you must be this Akiva individual? The one that I traded a shoulder charge with?"

Taking a moment to take in his words, Akiva smiled as he reached out and took his, giving it a firm shake as he said, "Then you must be Zahir."

"Aye." Zahir nodded, releasing their shake; Akiva couldn't help but feel like he was smiling at him behind his helmet, "When I saw that it was the Bull who was charging towards me, I couldn't help but reciprocate." He then laughed, "Now I see why you have earned your title."

Sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck, Akiva shrugged, "Well, it just seemed like a good idea at the time."

"You mean shoulder charging half my team majority of the round?" Once again, he felt a smile behind Zahir's visor, "That my friend, takes practices and stamina."

Smiling back at his fellow Titan, Akiva then saw Zahir's head subtly shift, just to his side, "Oh, you must be Carina-23."

Following Zahir's gaze, Akiva saw that Carina had taken his side, arms crossed, and her posture rigid. It's obvious she was glaring at Zahir and she didn't have to remove her helmet for Akiva to see it.

"You put up a great fight, Carina." If Zahir noticed Carina's obvious displeasure, he showed no sign of it, "Just be more wary of shotgun shells, my friend."

Akiva easily sensed the anger flaring from Carina, but once again, Zahir seemed ignorant of it, especially when he held out a hand in friendship. Before he could stop her, Akiva saw Carina reach out and grasped Zahir's hand. And promptly closed her grip completely.

There was a 'crunch' as Zahir let out a startled yelp and out of reflex, tugged his hand out from Carina's. Fortunately, she let go, but Akiva couldn't help but put a hand onto her shoulder and pulled her back, bodily putting himself between her and Zahir. It was then he heard his fellow Titan curse, and Akiva glanced up to see Zahir cradling his smash fingers.

"Carina?" Akiva huffed out as he turned his eyes back towards the Exo, giving her a look of disapproval, "Really?"

Carina just shrugged at him, prompting Akiva to sigh at her antics, shaking his head before he decided to release her shoulder. This gave him the opportunity to check on Zahir, the latter of which had long shook out his injury and flexing his fingers, moving it around to assess as the familiar shape of his Ghost glided around worriedly.

"I apologize, Zahir." Akiva said, "Carina gets a bit, 'sore', when it comes to a loss."

He sensed a smile being flashed his way.

"All is forgiven, not to mention it is merely a scratch for us Guardians," Zahir then chuckled, "I was the same when I was her age." He then reached out and patted Akiva on the shoulder, "She will grow out of it, like we 'all' did."

Unable to help but feel flustered, Akiva simply nodded as Zahir chuckled in turn.

"Until our next match."

Nodding at Zahir, Akiva then watched as he waved a goodbye, then turned and disappeared into the crowd.

"What does Zahir mean when he said, "We all did'?" Akiva turned to see Angel, the Hunter having removed his helmet and giving him a raised a brow, "Does age matter in the Crucible?"

"Not necessarily." Akiva admitted; he smiled at the bewildered look that Angel gave him, "Most Guardians who participate in the Crucible can often spot the younger ones."

"How?"

"Well." He glanced at Carina, eyeing her before finally, he decided to answer, "the stereotype is that the younger the Guardian, the more of a sore loser they are."

"Hey."

Laughing at Carina's glower, Akiva clarified, "What Zahir meant when he said, 'we all did', is that both he and I were like Carina at her age: bitter about every loss."

"I am 'not' a sore loser."

"Carina," Angel started as he gave her a blank stare, "You crushed Zahir's hand because we lost."

A huff can be heard from Carina, the latter of which crossed her arms once more and pouted; Akiva chuckled.

"Akiva?"

Feeling his Ghost tug in the back of his mind, Akiva responded, "Lex."

"Aleeza just sent a message, she wants us to head to her quarters."

Akiva couldn't help but raise a brow, "Why is that?"

"Well, I asked." Lex admitted, "But all she said was, 'you will see'."

It must be important then, if she refused to say it over a frequency. Furrowing his brows in concern, Akiva just gave Lex a tug of confirmation, a sign to send a message back to his twin, before turning his attention to Carina and Angel.

"Get ready," He said, earning a bewildered look from the two younger Guardians, "I have a feeling that we are going to go an adventure."

Xxxxx

Gaia had felt they had no other choice.

They had tried Pluto's frequency but, all they received was static and a signal that kept blinking 'busy'. And any other attempts was met with the same response.

That is when Gaia decided to take Sun's words; simply make their way to the Tower.

Although not entirely too pleased at the idea, they were desperate; Gaia isn't sure how much longer Sun will last in their current condition.

As such, with fortune smiling upon them, they snuck aboard a nearby Guardian's ship and was able to make their way to the Hangar. Where they found that sneaking around was easier than that they had anticipated.

It had been so long since they were at the Tower, that Gaia had forgotten that a wandering Ghost was normal, and they found themselves easily gliding around rooms, sending out a frequency in hopes of spotting Pluto as they passed numerous Guardians, civilians, and redjacks. All of whom, had took no notice of them.

This was a relief to them, and at first, they thought that finding Pluto wouldn't be too difficult. That is, until they flew to a window, and spotted an idiot Warlock trying on the Claws of Ahamkara.

She was an Awoken, so Gaia couldn't understand why they moved, why they had reacted so quickly and snatched the Claws of Ahamkara from her.

Now they found themself where they are now; trapped in the grasp of the aforementioned Warlock, the latter of which glowered at them.

"Let me go." Gaia found themself saying and the scowl on the Warlock's face deepened.

"Give me back the gloves and I will."

Gaia returned with a glare of their own, "As long as you agree you will not wear it."

There was a sigh, a furrow of the brow but nonetheless, the Warlock reluctantly nodded their head.

Desperate for freedom, Gaia quickly dropped the gloves and in turn, felt the fingers against their shell release their hold. Taking the opportunity, Gaia placed some distance, gliding to the opposite side of the room as the Warlock leaned down to pick up the discarded gloves.

"Thank you." She said gruffly before, much to Gaia's relief, tossed them back onto her desk. They then saw her eyes narrow, "Now, why would you say these gloves are dangerous?"

Gaia paused at her question, blinking rapidly at her and tried to comprehend her question.

"Are you a newborn?" They finally settled upon and a look of offense glaze over the Warlock's face, "Almost every Guardian knows any armor that holds a remain of an Ahamkara are a hazard."

Much to their frustration, the Warlock merely raised a brow, "Those are just stories."

Gaia wonders just how 'young' this Guardian is.

"Stories?" They couldn't help but feel offended, "They are more than just stories and have been proven that auditory hallucinations are just as real as your basic knowledge of armor piece history."

The offended look deepened on the Warlock's face but, instead of lashing out as Gaia expected, she instead said, "Huh, for a wandering ghost you know a lot about armor pieces."

Now it was Gaia's turn to be offended.

"Who said that I am a wandering Ghost!?" They couldn't help but feel appalled and ignored the confused look on the Warlock's face, "Just look at my optic! Is that not proof enough that I am a bonded Ghost?"

In response to this, the Warlock leaned in and squinted, Gaia freezing as she was just mere inches away. Moments later, the Warlock huffed, "Then, where is your Guardian?"

This prompted Gaia to pause, scrunching their parts together; this earned them a scrutinizing look from the Warlock.

"Well," Gaia started, "I…"

They hesitated, unsure of whether to mention Sun or not. True, she maybe been resurrected 'years' after Sun was marked 'dead' but that doesn't mean she hasn't heard of them. There's still a risk.

But Sun also needs help.

The sound of a door sliding opening pulled Gaia out of their thoughts and prompted to turn towards it; their yellow optic widens at the sight of a familiar face, "You! You are Carina-23!"

Gaia watched as the Exo in question blinked, coming to a halt mid-step into the room. Then, familiarity flickered into her gaze.

"Wait, you're Gaia!"

"Gaia?"

It was a voice they recognized, but Gaia couldn't help but scrunch their shell together as a human Hunter – Angel, was it? – stepped into the room, only for him to pause as well as his eyes fell upon the Ghost.

"What in the Light are you doing here?" Gaia huffed at his question, "Aren't you supposed to be back at the bunker with Sun?"

"…Wait." The Warlock started, turning to face the others, her eyes wide, "Gaia? Sun's Ghost?"

Annoyance sinking into their core, Gaia decided to take the opportunity to glide over the Warlock's head and over to Carina.

"Where is Pluto? I need to speak with him."

Watching as Carina's metallic features shift, Gaia felt their impatience grow as the Exo asked, "Why would you need to talk to Pluto?"

"It is an emergency!" Gaia found themselves snapping, ignoring the look of surprise from the others, "I cannot state why, at least no when meat-bags are present. It is only for Pluto's receptors only."

And Carina, they were about to say, but Gaia saw the way her optics narrowed at their words, and as such, decided to brush it off. In turn, Carina huffed.

"If you really want to know, Pluto is on a training outing on Venus."

Gaia couldn't help but blink at her answer, "Training outing? Venus?"

That is when Gaia saw Carina's features shift once more, a conflicted look glossing over her optics.

"Apparently there were a handful of newborns that met the criteria of joining the Galaxy." Gaia went rigid, optic going wide, "Pluto brought them to Venus in order to learn about the Vex. He has his frequency turned off. That way, they won't be interrupted."

"Newborns." Gaia whispered, once again ignoring the puzzled looks send their way.

So long, so long since Sun had tried to replenish their numbers, tried so hard to expand after they had left the City. But it was like as though the Traveler had said they had enough, and for centuries they had not found any Exo who had met their criteria: nameless, lost, and a wariness of humanity.

But Pluto found not one, but 'several' and a sense of giddiness permeated throughout Gaia's core.

"The clan is coming back." Gaia beamed, "That is great news! Wait until Sun-"

The mere mention of their Chosen's name brought Gaia back to reality, and they forced themselves be back in the present, shaking their core, "No! No! No! No time to be distracted!"

Turning their focus back towards Carina, Gaia weighed their options. Pluto is on Venus with his coms cut and who knows how much longer Sun will be able to stand their ground on their own.

As such, they found little choice but to say, "Sun needs your help!"

There was a brief silence at Gaia's statement, the look of shock quite visible on their faces. Gaia couldn't help but feel frustrated, annoyed at their lack of an answer, their lack of action.

"What do you mean they need our help?" It was the Titan, a human, Gaia learned out of disgust, but they spotted a look of concern and confusion in his eyes, "Do they not have Rasputin?"

Once again, Gaia couldn't help but be annoyed, "Normally yes, but the Taken have broken into the bunker." Ignoring the wide-eyed looks, Gaia continued, "That is why I needed Pluto's help, but since he is not here, will you be able to help us, Carina?"

There was a brief pause in her optics, consideration in her gaze before a smirk formed onto her face, "Taken in the bunker?" At first confused by her expression, Gaia then understood when she curled one hand into a fist and punch it into her opposing hand, "Always wanted to face them, just let my team and I get ready and-"

"Wait! Team?" Gaia interrupted, narrowing their single optic at her, "The Awoken I can tolerate but the humans?" They glanced towards the two, "I am not letting you bring 'humans' into Rasputin's bunker."

"Why not?" Carina argued, "They're my Fireteam, my 'family'."

Flinching at the word, Gaia regained composure long enough to say, "But are they trustworthy?" This earned them a glare from Carina, "Are you certain that they won't abandon you the moments things go awry? Or leave you as bait to ensure their own survival?"

"What the fuck are you talking about?" A questioning look lingered on Carina's face, only for Gaia to spot realization snap into her optics, "Wait a minute, don't tell me…"

There was now a knowing look settled in her gaze, and Gaia knows when not to dodge a subject, "There is a reason why Sun only made a clan full of Exo, Young Light, and their experience is not limited to just non-Guardians."

A look of understanding glossed over Carina's face, prompting Gaia to sigh, their anger fading, "You may bring the Awoken." They turned towards the Warlock, "But leave the gloves, I will not risk you getting possessed by a vengeful Ahamkara."

"Pardon me?"

Ignoring the annoyed but curious look in the Warlock's eyes, Gaia turned their focus back towards Carina, "So, what do you say?"

Watching as Carina glanced back and forth between them and her team, Gaia then saw her take in a breath, her violet optics steeling as she answered, "No."

Gaia reeled, "What? But I thought…"

"Not unless my team comes with me." Gaia narrowed their optic at Carina, "I don't care how dire the situation Sun is in, but if my team, my 'family', doesn't come with me, I am 'not' going to help." Carina's optics darken, "Understand?"

Rage curdled within Gaia's core at her words, trembling as they glanced around, eyeing the two humans in particular. They could not comprehend why, why Carina would even consider those 'meat-bags' as family. Darkness, Gaia couldn't even comprehend why even Pluto could stand being around their presence. After all, they had witnessed all the 'misunderstandings' that other Guardians, 'human' Guardians had done to Sun and had watched on as they walked away unscathed, slowly further damaging the trust that Sun had once held towards their organic counterparts.

Gaia even recalled the last straw, when a fellow Guardian, a human, had shot Sun in the leg to give himself more time to run away from a Fallen ambush. If it wasn't for Sun's mastery over the rare affinity of Solar Light, they might have fallen that day. As such, the last thing Gaia wants were organics, the humans, coming to the aid of their Chosen.

Nonetheless, it didn't seem like they have a choice, judging from the stubborn look in Carina's eyes and the longer time spent away from Sun put their life more at risk.

"Fine." Gaia forced out, scrunching their shell against their core in frustration, "you may bring your 'organic' team. Just do not blame me when things go awry, and they abandon you." Then, with a huff, Gaia glided over to the window, "I will be waiting for you in the Hangar." They flashed the group one last glare, "Do 'not' keep me waiting."

Gaia then flew out the window, gliding towards the familiar airstrip.

Xxxxx

"What in the Light is their problem?" It was Lena who spoke, Aleeza's Ghost turning towards the others, as if looking for an answer. All she received were shrugs.

"Well, it's obvious that they don't like organics, humans in general." Akiva watched as Carina flashed the others a sheepish smile, "No offense."

"None taken." Akiva said, "Thank you for coming to our defense."

In response to his words, Carina rolled her optics, "I don't care if their Guardian is a fellow Exo, there is no fucking way I was going to let them get away with disrespecting any of you guys."

"Aw, you care." Aleeza teased as she walked over, cusped both of her hands onto Carina's cheeks, and leaned down to give her a peck on the nose. Akiva saw the lights between her plating light up.

"Should we tell the Vanguard about this?" Carina managed to cough into her fist, brushing away her lover's hands, "They will be curious as to why we're heading to the Cosmodrome 'without' Pluto and Ianos."

Akiva couldn't help but furrow his brows at this; that's right, the team hasn't been active since Pluto with his Clan and when Ianos had been implemented to the throne. Suspicion will definitely arise.

"No." Akiva felt all eyes turn towards him, "The Vanguard, and in turn, the Consensus, will turn suspicious if we suddenly leave." He frowned, "And remember, Sun is supposed to be 'dead, and you know what happens to those who turn rogue."

"They get imprisoned?"

Reeling at the innocent question, Akiva turned his eyes towards Angel, the latter of which blinked and asked, "What?"

"Oh the failure of educating newborns." Akiva heard his twin sigh, Aleeza shaking her head, "They definitely do not teach you enough."

"What?" Angel repeated again; there was obvious confusion in his green eyes, "What happens to Guardians who turn rogue?"

"They are hunted down." Akiva answered; he noticed how not only Angel, but Carina going quiet as well, "If they are willing to return to the Tower, they are simply let go 'without' their Ghosts."

There was a sputter and a scream from Carina, "Excuse me!? I thought they were simply returned to the Tower and put on Trial! I was not told that they take their Ghosts away from them!"

"Why do you think Guardians go rogue in the first place?" Akiva asked; Carina went silent, "It is true most Guardians are dedicated to protecting the Last City however, there are others who no longer wish to partake in the fight and wish to live a normal life."

"Those who verbally express this constantly, however, have their Ghosts 'confiscated'." Akiva watched as his twin flinched at her own words, "and you know as well as I do that many, if not all, Guardians cannot bear the thought of living without their Ghosts."

Although Aleeza didn't say it, Akiva saw the knowing looks on the younger Guardians faces. They already know what happen to the Guardians who had their Ghosts taken away from them.

"Which is why Guardians go rogue." Angel finally said, his eyes wide, "They wish to stop fighting but do not wish for their Ghosts to be taken from them."

"And the Ghosts think the same." Akiva added, "Why do you think the Ghosts don't report them 'missing'? They partake in it as much as their Guardian."

"But if they are found, they are forced to part with their Ghost anyway." There was a heavy sigh from Angel, a conflicted look in the Hunter's face; Carina, to her credit, remained silent, her face scrunched together, her hands curled into tight fists.

"What about those who refuse to willingly head back to the Tower?" Dread lingered in the pit of Akiva's stomach at Angel's question; the Hunter really needs to learn to stop, "What happens to them?"

Akiva took the opportunity to glance over to Aleeza, the latter of which he found to do the same. He saw the same hesitation in her eyes, wondering if it was a good idea to give the younger Guardians an answer or not. Judging from the curiosity and stubbornness in Carina and Angel's eyes, they weren't going to budge.

"A fight usually occurs," Akiva finally decided to answer, "Followed by the execution of the rogue Guardian."

There was a brief pause, shock clear in their eyes before Angel managed to choke out, "What?" He shook his head, "I refuse to believe that Guardians hunt each other. I 'refuse' to believe that."

Akiva couldn't suppress a sigh, "Kid, I know the Vanguard teaches you that 'everything' we do is for the sake of the Light, that there are no 'dark' intentions behind them. But," He hesitated, once again wondering if Angel and Carina are ready to hear the truth, "Just because we claimed to be 'Heroes of Light', doesn't mean we always perform 'heroic deeds'."

That sparked something in Angel, Akiva could see it in his eyes, or more like it 'broke' something as Angel's eyes went dark followed by a strong sense of denial and disappointment. Glancing over at Carina, he could see the thoughtful look in her optics, her gaze narrowed as if processing his words. Akiva decided this was the best time to change the subject.

"We cannot inform the Vanguard of Sun's survival." He reiterated, "Without a doubt once Rasputin is secured, Sun 'will' be hunted down, and their life will be at risk. We can't let that happen."

"Should we call Pluto and Ianos though?" Aleeza asked, "They are privy to Sun's survival?"

A brief thought was all it took for Akiva to nod in agreement and then, he smiled sheepishly, "How much do you want to bet that either Pluto or Ianos will come running once they receive the message?"

"I will debt on the cost of my Sparrow you still owe me." Akiva flinched at his twin's words, "I'll waive it if either Pluto or Ianos come, I'll add interest if they don't."

"Now that is cruel." Akiva argued but nonetheless, held out a hand, "deal."

As Aleeza shook on it, Akiva paused as the crackle of the intercoms permeated throughout the Tower.

"Fireteam Redacted, you are needed at the Hall of Guardians."

Raising a brow as the call ended with a 'click', Akiva turned his eyes towards the others, all of whom looked back.

"What lie are we going to tell the Vanguard this time?" Angel asked.