Tormented

Organics

I apologize for the late update, I was trying to figure out how to transfer Rise of Iron to another Gamestop so I can get to the midnight release but figured out it was too much of a hassle. So will have to wait until tomorrow to get mine -w-;;;

Anyway, thanks to Mantic64, Fin the Demigod, zantilis, and Nightshade2559 for the reviews!

Fin the Demigod - Yeah, I already have the sequel in mind although it might take a while before I publish that here lol. Anyways, yes I am having plans to incorporate SIVA into the Sequel although won't have fixed ideas until after I play Rise of Iron. I 'might' incorporate Fireteam Redacted into the final fight of Oryx but it's a 'strong' maybe atm. And Thank you! ^_^

Edited: 10/24/2021

Aleeza had been in plenty of Fireteams, all of whom either disbanded out of disagreements or through death; not uncommon amongst Guardians. However, Fireteam Redacted was the first where she and the others were seen as troublemakers, a team that breaks 'common' rules, whatever that means. Then again, how often do Guardians side with Fallen – Eliksni, Aleeza reminded herself – and turn their guns against fellow Soldiers of Light when prompted. And not to mention, all the secrets that she and the others carry, specifically about the existence of Sun-7, the latter hidden away in Rasputin's bunker, or, in Angel's case, the location of House of Spirits. There was a reason why they called themselves 'Redacted'.

Nonetheless, in order to keep secrets, Aleeza knows you have to keep a neutral expression and let a lie flow from your tongue easily, something that Angel struggles with. Well, lying he has it down, considering that he is able to bluff his way through a game of cards (what Hunter couldn't?) and rake in a mountain of glimmer when he needs it. But strangely, Aleeza noticed that Angel struggles with the Vanguard, and when she learned that Cayde-6 had personally put in a couple of months training him, she can understand why.

As such, she couldn't help but be nervous herself when they entered the Hall and she immediately felt Cayde's sharp gaze settle upon them. Fortunately, it seems Angel was able to keep a casual expression, just as Akiva then asked, "You called?"

Ikora was the one who nodded, and answered, "The Vanguard and I have noticed your Fireteam's lack of activity." Aleeza couldn't help but raise a brow and cross her arms; they were planning something, "Understandable, considering that two of your members are absent."

Akiva shrugged in response, "Kind of difficult to get around when seventy-five percent of your team's strength is absent."

Aleeza couldn't help a snort when Carina turned and flashed him an offended look.

"We're not 'that' weak."

There was a nudge from Angel, "You know it's true, Carina."

Smiling as her lover grumbled under her breath, Aleeza's attention flicked back to the Vanguard as this time, Zavala spoke, "We understand, however, we also came to believe that Fireteam Redacted have remained idle for too long. It is time for you to return to the field."

Dread sank into the pit of Aleeza's stomach and judging from the silence from the others, they were feeling the same.

"I'm sorry?" Aleeza decided to say, "I know what you mean when you say that we haven't been active for a while but-"

"Sorry to say it, but the Crucible doesn't count." Cayde's words reigned Aleeza into silence, "At least, in this circumstance it doesn't."

Aleeza couldn't help narrow her eyes at him, gritting her jaw as the Hunter Vanguard continued, "This mission isn't difficult if that helps. Just sweep the area and see if there are any threats. If you spot anything that you consider a threat towards the City." Cayde mimicked the sound of a gunshot, "Clear it out."

Aleeza's gut twisted, "And where is this mission taking place?"

"Mars." She had to strangle back a choke at Ikora's words, "I believe it is time for Hunter Angel and Titan Carina-23 to actively work outside of Earth's atmosphere."

Holding back a curse, Aleeza tried to think of a solution. Mars, that's definitely outside of their plans to aid Sun and the Vanguard will definitely notice if they fly off course. But convincing them isn't going to be easy as, through Aleeza's experience, the Vanguard is reminiscent of a brick wall.

"Don't we get a choice out of this?" It was Angel who blurted out the question, Aleeza watching as the Vanguard's eyes shifted over to the young Hunter, "I mean, yes, it would be nice to venture to another planet but," Angel hesitated, "Do you think Carina and I can handle it?"

He was getting better at bluffing in front of the Vanguard, Aleeza was sure of that, but still, she wasn't surprised when once again, Ikora answered.

"You have two experienced Guardians standing next to you." She was confident, something that Aleeza would appreciate if it was under different circumstances, "You will have their guidance and if anything goes awry- "

"I must apologies, Lady Ikora, but we have to respectfully decline."

Aleeza sputtered and coughed, turning her crimson eyes towards her twin, and to her surprise, the once sheepish smile was gone, now replaced with a scowl and his golden eyes narrowed. She rarely ever sees Akiva like this and the same seem to apply to the Vanguard, as Cayde was the one to break the stunned silence.

"Excuse me?"

"It is true, Aleeza and I are experienced, especially so when it comes to Mars, and that we are more than capable of keeping an eye on Angel and Carina." Akiva said, "However, I am bothered by the fact that you are not considering their wishes."

That is when Aleeza saw Zavala blink and then narrowed his eyes, "Explain."

Akiva shifted his posture, just enough to show he was in full attention. And to take his words seriously, "It was obvious that Angel is hesitant when it came to Mars, especially since we are short two members of our Fireteam, and yet, you ignored his worries and instead, felt more concerned about our lack of 'activity'."

"Titan Akiva," Zavala was frowning at Aleeza's twin, "I understand your concern, however, it is our duty as Guardians to protect the City and the Galaxy. Or have you forgotten that?"

Aleeza wanted to come to Akiva's defense, to snap back at Zavala, and feeling fully offended that he even insinuated that towards her brother; he had always been loyal to his duty, before and now as his time as a Guardian.

However, her worries and offense quickly changed as Akiva retorted, "Have you forgotten that Angel and Carina are still considered to be 'newborns'?" The stunned look on Zavala's face was telling enough, "We are not tools, Commander, despite what the Consensus say, and I am tired of the fact that we are being treated otherwise." Then, just as quickly as the fierce look in Akiva's eyes appeared, they faded, replaced with an apologetic look, "If you are that worried about our 'performance', we have been planning to patrol the Cosmodrome."

Zavala furrowed his brows, "The Cosmodrome?"

"As a 'warm up'," Akiva clarified, "to help us settle in once we are fully active again. As a team." He then turned and flashed Carina and Angel a smile. And a wink, "What do you two say?"

Angel, always being quick on the take, nodded and said, "I wouldn't mind that."

"Me as well," Carina pipped in, raising her hand, "I wouldn't want to go to Mars without a 'warm up', as you say."

Aleeza sucked in a breath as she saw the look of consideration on the Vanguard's faces, and then let it out in relief as Zavala nodded.

"We apologize for the delay, Fireteam Redacted." He said, "You are dismissed."

Nodding and saluting in confirmation, Aleeza turned to follow the others out of the room. Only to jump as she heard Cayde call out, "Have fun!"

She couldn't help but glance back, just in time to see the Hunter Vanguard give them a subtle wave. And a wink.

Xxxxx

It took the team only a few minutes to decide to meet at Akiva's place, although, for more than the space.

"Ora~ Hello my little Ora~"

Aleeza couldn't help but smile at the sight of her twin fawning over her nephew, the latter of which giggled in his mother's arms before reaching out with chubby limbs. A sign for Akiva to slip his hands under his son's arms and bring him close to his chest.

"It is nice to hear that all of you are heading out on a mission." Aleeza could see the softness in Neve's eyes as she watched Akiva continue to coo over their child, "it is strange to see you stay in one place." She turned her attention towards Angel, smiling at him, "Must not be easy for a Hunter."

Angel flushed at Neve's words, "I wasn't going to go anywhere without my team, despite how much I longed to be out in the Wilds."

That is where Aleeza felt guilty at the team's lack of activity; while Pluto is out and about rebuilding his clan, Angel is here with the others, stuck inside; a prison for Hunters.

Neve seems to agree as she then said, "Take this chance then, take as long as you need, no matter how simple your mission is."

Seeing Angel nod in accordance with her words, Aleeza then noticed Akiva settle next to Neve, cradling their child in his arms.

Although only a mere few months old, baby Oraxsis is already long limbed and babbling, sometimes even pointing at things and saying something incoherent. He was growing fast, proof of his color settling in. He has inherited the fair skin of his mother but has Akiva's golden eyes and dark brown strands. While in his father's arms, he looks just like Aleeza's twin.

"Daddy is going out in the field~ Daddy is not going to see you for a while ~" Akiva pretty much sang, prompting Aleeza to look on with amusement. And envy. "But Daddy will bring you back a present ~ Would like that~ ?"

"Akiva please." Neve snorted as she leaned over and playfully smacked the Titan on the shoulder, "Stop bringing him 'presents', especially items he can't use."

"But that Servitor eye was a good ball, wasn't it?"

Aleeza wheezed and laughed at her brother's words.

"What?" The look in Akiva's eyes was mock offense, "Was it not a good idea?"

"How is home life treating you, Neve?" Aleeza decided to ask, ignoring the pout her twin pointed her way, "Anything 'exciting' happening?"

"Besides raising a child?" Neve gave her a warm smile, "No, but it is a nice change compared to shooting Vex and blasting the Cabal."

"However, no Trials and Iron banner," Ula added, Neve's Ghost twisting her red fins as she added, "Who would have thought that the 'Firestorm' would settle down as a housewife."

"Oh, shush you." Neve attempted to reach out to playfully swat the Ghost, but Aleeza watched as Ula easily glided out of the way, giggling. In turn, she sighed, "I am going to take a gander that you were able to fool the Vanguard?"

"To be honest, I think Zavala and Ikora were fooled." Akiva pouted when Neve gestured her hands towards him, and after a brief moment, he reluctantly handed Oraxsis over, "Cayde however, I am not certain."

Aleeza heard Carina laugh, "Must be a Hunter thing, Pluto can spot a lie halfway across the Tower, and he's blind."

"Guessing that it is common trait amongst Hunters?" Angel asked.

"That and their amazing eyesight." Aleeza decided to add, "there is a reason why most are good with a sniper 'and' can catch the subtle movements of a liar."

"But if that's the case, then why didn't Cayde say anything?" It was Carina who asked the question, "I mean, that is the Vanguard's job, right? To say something once they see something wrong?"

"Usually, unless you're the Vanguard Hunter," Aleeza chuckled at the bewildered stares from the younger Guardians, "Let's just say that if they do not sense any malicious intent, Hunter Vanguards won't interfere." She hummed thoughtfully, thinking back, "I do recall the previous Hunter Vanguard would be in on the shenanigans, if it enables him to leave the Tower, even momentarily."

"So, it's official. Hunters are adrenaline junkies."

A sound of offense can be heard from Angel at Carina's words.

"Oh? And Titan's are any different?"

"We have better armor."

"That doesn't mean you run headlong into a group of enemies with nothing but your fists!"

Before Carina could retort, Neve's chuckle interrupted, "I am grateful that all of you decided to visit before you leave." She gave Aleeza and the others another smile, "It has been too 'peaceful' since I was forced to take maternity leave."

"The offer still stands to have our cats to keep you company." Aleeza decided to chip in; her cat, Snowflake, can be a little monster. In comparison, Angel's cat, Faith, is a saint.

"Two cats and a baby." Neve said thoughtfully, "I don't know…"

"It also 'might' convince Alyx to stick around." Aleeza knows for sure that Alyx will 'definitely' stick around. He always makes excuses to stay whenever she would bring Snowflake with her, "I swear he has a weakness for them."

Neve laughed, "Good point."

That is when a whine echoed through the room, and all eyes shifted towards the bundle in her arms.

"Meal time." Neve announced, smiling sheepishly, "I will see you again when you return from your mission."

As she, she gave Aleeza and the team a slight nod before she stood up and exited the living room, Ula, her ghost, following not too far behind her.

Waiting until Neve's form completely disappeared from her sight, Aleeza turned her eyes towards her twin, only to spot a wistful look in his eyes.

However, just as quickly as it appeared, it faded, and Akiva said, "Everyone ready to go?"

Nodding her head, Aleeza stood up and then froze when Carina chirped out, "So, when are you and Neve going to make more?"

As Carina and Angel laughed at Akiva's flustered face, Aleeza couldn't help but let her grudge and envy grow.

Xxxxx

Sighing to themself, Gaia lowered behind the crates, ensuring that they kept themselves completely hidden; it only had come to mind that, although most of the Guardians maybe too young to know who they are, that does not mean that there aren't others out there who won't recognize their shell. Sun, being the head of the Clan Galaxy, was infamous during their time. Gaia wouldn't be surprised if there are Guardians who still remember.

Although, it didn't prevent Gaia from curiously peering out on occasion, eyeing just how much have changed since they and their Guardian have last been in the Tower.

It was easy to spot the Shipwright – the way she gave orders and how Guardians approached her amiably, it made her stick out amongst the workers. But, she wasn't the same Shipwright that Gaia and Sun had known – obviously, it has been a couple of centuries, no non-Guardian would lived that long. But still, Gaia couldn't help but miss the sight of the dark-haired woman, greeting Sun with bright brown eyes. One of the few humans that Sun and Gaia trusted enough with their ship.

The Concordat was also absent, much to Gaia's surprise. Last Gaia had seen them they were gaining power. Instead, another faction, one called the Future War cult had taken their place. They vaguely remember them; they were just a small faction then, back before the war on the moon. The cult must have taken up power when Gaia and Sun left.

However, the most obvious changed was the size of the Hangar; it had definitely expanded, and Gaia couldn't help but find it strange at the number of ships parked inside it. Back before the Moon, ships were a rare commodity. You were considered fortunate if you own one, to see so many now.

Snapping out of their thoughts, Gaia turned their attention towards the entrance and finally, much to their relief, they spotted the copper clad form of Carina making her way down the steps. With her team following not too far behind her.

Narrowing their optic at this, Gaia flew out of their hiding spot and glided over halfway.

"What took you so long?" they hissed out, "Decided to sit down and have a meal and drink?"

"Oh, calm your metallic fins." Carina snapped, "We're here aren't we? Just send the coordinates to our Ghosts and we'll fly there."

Gaia sputtered at her statement, "No, not your teams' Ghosts, just yours." They ignored the glare that Carina sent their way, "I cannot remember if I have said this before, but I 'do not' trust organics, specifically humans." Gaia curled their fins in disgust, "I only agreed to let them come, I did not agree to giving them coordinates. Only 'your' Ghost will receive them."

Displeasure can easily be felt behind Carina's visor, but nonetheless, she seemed to relent, judging from her next words, "Send Spears the coordinates so my team and I will be able to help."

Bobbing once in satisfaction Gaia waited until Carina held out her hand, waiting for the familiar spiked shape of Spears to appear. They then glided over and beamed their light just as Spears spread out his shell, revealing their core. It took only a few seconds before Gaia felt the information duplicate and drifted over to the smaller Ghost, signaling for them to cease their light and glide back.

Waiting until Spears' shell is comfortable back only his core, Gaia then turned towards Carina, looked over her shoulder, and flashed her team another disgusted look, "I do pray that your team is competent enough to help."

In turn, they received a scoff and another glare from Carina, "Just make sure that your 'Guardian' is ready to witness just how 'competent' they are."

Now it was Gaia's turn to scoff, "The two of us will be waiting 'if' that day ever comes."

With nothing more to say, Gaia glided over to the side, gesturing with their shell for Carina to head to her ship; after all, she was the only Exo of her team at that moment. They were not going to ride with anyone else.

Receiving another glare from the Titan, Gaia waited until she started heading to her ship that they decided to follow, keeping close behind her but far enough where they feel they were not invading their space. It didn't take long for the ramp of her ship to lower and they entered.

Gliding in, Gaia quickly scanned the interior until they found a shelf in a corner, where they more than gladly taken up space to wait. It didn't take long for them to feel the ship shift beneath them and the roar of the engine coming to life.

Settling down, Gaia let out a Ghost equivalent of a breath, letting their exhaustion set in. They decided then, to close their optic to gain a quick rest.

{"May I ask why you are in such a dour mood?"}

Gaia shot out their shell, snapping their optic open as they felt one of their fins clip 'something' with a 'clink'. This was followed by a squeak of surprise and Gaia shook the sleep off enough to recognize the violet and green shell of Carina' Ghost,

"What's happening back there!?"

{"Nothing! Nothing!"}

Watching as Spears shook his shell, shifting their fins back into place before adding, {"Accidentally bumped into something during takeoff."}

"That's why I keep telling you to stay with me until we're in the air!"

{"I can handle myself!"}

There was a sound that resembles a snort from Carina, but she said nothing else; more than likely Spears' lie holds more truth than Gaia recognizes.

{"I am going to take a guess that since you have been with your Guardian since the Dark Ages, that you hitting me in the optic was a reflex out of defense?"}

Taking in their fellow Ghost's question, Gaia then regained enough composure to answer, "Yes, back before the time of the City." They paused, memories of Sun clutching them protectively against their chest, their yellow optics bright during the night as they kept watched, "There were many back then who would 'love' to get their hands on a Ghost."

{"Good point."} There was a hum from Spears, the smaller Ghost gliding around Gaia as if to admire their shell, {"So aren't you going to answer my question?"}

Gaia shifted their shell, "Did I just not answer it?"

{"No, the first one."}

Closing their optic, Gaia took in a deep inhale, "Why do you ask?"

There was a snort from Spears, {"C'mon now, I know Ghosts relate themselves to Exo better since we all are 'metal and wires' but, I have never met one who carries so much hate for 'organics', specifically humans."}

Gaia was unable to help but give the violet and green Ghost a narrowed look, "And here I thought that a fellow Ghost who have an Exo as a Guardian would understand." They settled back onto the shelf, "But I guess I am wrong."

They noticed Spears blinking, and it they saw that all the friendliness, all the curiosity now blank from their gaze.

{"Look, I understand where you are coming from."} He started, {"It is true that Carina is 'young' compared to yours, but my Guardian have experienced her fair share of prejudice, even from other Guardians."}

Gaia couldn't help but shift their shell close to their core; not surprising, considering that Sun and the others of their clan had went through the same. You would think that fellow 'brothers and sisters' would welcome everyone with open arms. Guess being resurrected by the same godlike being doesn't change their discriminatory views.

"Then why bother surrounding yourselves with these organics?" Gaia asked, "These 'humans'?"

{"Because where does all that hate bring us?"} Spears' answer prompted Gaia to recoil, pressing themself against the back of the corner as their fellow Ghost continued, {"We have tried isolating ourselves from other Guardians, attempting to lead on alone after our less than pleasurable interaction with our fellows." He then paused, and Gaia spotted the concern, the worry, {"It didn't help that she retained at least half of her memory, and this further prompted Carina's distaste with humanity. She had decided she wanted nothing to do with them."}

"What changed her mind?"

There was a brief silence at their question, a wistful look settling into Spears' optic, {"She met Angel."}

Gaia couldn't help but feel surprised and doubtful; Angel, the Hunter, the human. He was the one that changed Carina's view on humanity?

"The 'human' Hunter?" They asked dubiously, they scowled at the single bob from Spears, "What is special about 'him' that made her opinion change on organics? On humans?"

{"Because he knows how it feels to be hated."}

Gaia blinked, "What?"

{"You more than likely don't know this, but Angel is renowned for forming the alliance between the Tower and the new formed Fallen – excuse me, Eliksni – House of Spirits."} Spears explained, {"Before that however, Angel was called a 'traitor', a 'scavenger', for the reason that he was very vocal about his views on them back when he was a fresh newborn in the Tower."} A fond look glazed over Spears' optic followed by a chuckle, {"I remember the day when Carina found him seated alone in the cafeteria, speaking to his Ghost in a tongue that she did not recognize. Her curiosity was strong enough to temporarily overwhelm her distaste towards organics."}

"She approached him then. Out of simple curiosity over a foreign language?"

{"Over an Eliksni Language."}

Gaia went quiet at that; if they were to speak truthfully, they too would be a little curious if they learned that there was a non-Fallen individual who spoke the Fallen tongue. Thanks to their centuries war with them, not many found it prudent to learn. It would be enough of an outlier that Gaia is willing to bet that even Sun would be curious enough to approach.

"What happened then?" They settled upon, "After she decided to approach him?"

{"He was confused at first,"} Spears continued, {"And suspicious, as his stay was similar to Carina's but, nonetheless, when she took a seat across from him, he greeted us with kind words."} He shifted his shell up and down, {"A stark contrast to the hostility we expected."}

"And that is what changed her view on humanity?" Gaia couldn't help but narrow their optic, impatience settling into their core as Spears shook side to side, "Then what?"

{"It was during their training exercises."} Their fellow Ghost clarified, {"They had decided to pair together when others took notice and decided to target them for harassment. With our experience, we had expected Angel to leave us, especially when four Guardians, all of which were more experienced in years approach. But he didn't."}Surprised filled Gaia's core, "Instead, Angel stood his ground and he not only defended himself but Carina as well. He made it quite clear he will have little tolerance for those who insult her. Not long after, he ceased on his views with the Eliksni. He did it so that Carina won't be targeted for his views."

Taking in Spears' words, Gaia still felt the doubt linger, "And what? He defended her once and that was enough for her to change?"

This earned them a narrowed look from their fellow Ghost.

{"That one defense was enough to convince Carina that, although there are humans who are filled with prejudice, filled with arrogance for themselves, that there are also those who are filled with good intent, filled with enough selflessness to see past the differences in race."} Gaia, once again, was reigned into silence, {"I truly understand where you are coming from, Gaia, I truly do. But after meeting Angel, after seeing the way he easily accepted Carina as a friend, it made it easier to change our views."}

Letting Spears' words sink in, Gaia couldn't answer and instead, simply stared, prompting their fellow Ghost to sigh.

{"I am not going to force you but, if you may, give the others a chance."} Spears then shrugged, shifting their shell up and down, {"Who knows? Perhaps they will be different from the other 'organics' you have met before."}

Gaia couldn't help a scoff, "And what makes you think that?"

A knowing look settled into Spears' optic, one filled with amusement, {"There's Ianos."}

They sputtered, "H-He doesn't count!"

{"Oh? What makes him so different then?"}

Gaia went to respond but then paused, panic spiraling throughout their core as they struggled to find an answer.

"Hey! Gaia! Is this the place!?"

Taking the interruption as an opportunity, Gaia more than gladly glided over Spears and towards the pilot's seat, peering through cockpit window.

"Yes, this is it."

"Then let's get this party started!" They heard Carina whoop and Gaia couldn't help but let out a yelp as they were suddenly snatched out of the air and felt the Titan shift back in her seat.

As the hum of transmat settled over their senses, Gaia then heard the familiar static of a frequency linking through their core followed by a click.

{"We will finish this later."}

Shifting enough in Carina's grasp to glance around, it didn't take long for Gaia's optic to locked onto Spears' violet, a narrowed look in their gaze.

Although wanting nothing more to avoid the subject, Gaia reluctantly pinned a reminder in their memory just as they transmatted out of Carina's ship.

Xxxxx

There are many benefits when specializing as a Titan, one of which is being able to take more hits than other fellow Guardians, more so if one takes the mantle of Defender. For Akiva, this allows him to take the frontlines, being the living shield of his team as they gave him cover fire. Although he usually doesn't mind this, Akiva couldn't help but feel nervous when Aleeza volunteered him to take the lead just behind Gaia.

"You can take the most hits." She has said, "Plus, you have your bubble."

It made sense, especially since they were encroaching onto unknown territory, but there are also the Taken. Although he doesn't know much, he knows that they are aligned with Oryx, the father of Crota, and that is enough for Akiva to shift uncomfortably.

"Calm yourself." Lex's whisper prompted Akiva to jump in his armor.

"Is everything alright, Akiva?"

Glancing over his shoulder, Akiva flashed a sheepish smile behind his helmet as he answered his twin, "Just a bit nervous I'm afraid."

There was a brief pause from Aleeza before she reached out and patted his back, "If it helps you feel slightly better, I am nervous myself." He sensed her comforting smile behind her visor, "Nearly hitting 70 years and not once I have encountered anything like these Taken."

"That just makes it more fun!" Carina's voice piped in, "New enemies! More challenges!"

Envious of the younger Titan's confidence, Akiva then paused just as Gaia came to a door. At least, what Akiva thought to be a door.

It was diamond shaped, a shape that he had never seen used before as an entrance, and lights flickered around the edges, signifying it still had power.

"This is where the Taken had gained entry." Gaia said as they glanced around before flying over to a console, beaming their light onto it, "how they managed it, we do not know, but Sun and Rasputin were able to contain them to this section."

Akiva blinked, then blinked again, "You are saying that we might rush headlong into a mass of Taken?" He sighed as Gaia nodded, "Figures, just our luck."

"Less whining and more fighting."

Just as Akiva parted his lips to retort, Gaia hovered back just as the door split down the middle and then lifted upwards. The Ghost then turned towards them.

"Keep your Ghosts hidden. Considering the Taken are corrupted with Darkness, who knows what will happen if they were to make physical contact."

Nodding his head to tell that he understood, Akiva then started to take a step in, and then paused, as the seriousness of Gaia's words settled in. He turned towards the Ghost.

"Want to stay in one of our armors?"

There was a brief look of confusion, bewilderment before Gaia's optic went completely blank, and Akiva couldn't help but shift uncomfortably under their gaze.

"I won't force you if that is not what you want-"

"Fine."

Akiva went quiet, staring at Gaia as he heard the others verbally sputtered at the sudden agreement. This earned them another blank look from the Ghost.

"What?"

"Nothing, nothing." Akiva quickly answered, before glancing back at the others and then back towards Gaia, "Who do you wish to stay with?"

There was a brief moment where Gaia glanced over his shoulder, more than likely scrutinizing each individual before finally, they sighed. And then flew over to Angel.

Considering their strong distaste for humanity, Akiva couldn't help but feel surprised at Gaia's choice, the same goes for Angel as the Hunter physically reeled, fumbling with his weapon.

But just as quickly, he regained his composure and Akiva watched as Angel held out a hand; an invitation.

Gaia, although seemingly reluctant, also seemed pleased, judging from the way they bobbed once before settling in and disappearing into particles of light. That is when there was a brief pause and then Hope's voice crackled through the coms.

"I have to say somethin' before we go in there. This is weird as fuck sharin' a helmet with another Ghost."

There was a sound of offense.

"You do not think this is weird for me as well?"

"I'm just sayin'."

"Oh, gods." Angel spoke, "Please keep quiet for a moment, I have to get used to sharing two minds with my own."

That is when Carina took a step forward, oozing curiosity, "How does it feel to have two Ghosts?"

"Weird." Angel answered, prompting a laugh from his friend.

Suppressing a chuckle himself, Akiva gained enough composure to say, "Come on, let's get this show on the road."

With his words spoken, Akiva decided to dash in, hoping that perhaps rushing headlong enough help ease the anxiety building up in his chest. Hearing the others' footsteps following behind him, Akiva couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief as he turned the corner. That is when his vision filled with black and white.

Skidding to a halt, all Akiva had time to see was a brief shift of movement, the sound of energy being gathered. And feeling it being slammed into his chest.

His feet slipping out underneath him, Akiva found himself flying and then wheezed as his back slammed into the wall behind him.

Forcing his feet to keep him steady, Akiva heard a shout, a cry of his name before he saw Carina's smaller shape turn the corner in front of him, a familiar crackling grenade in one of her hands. All it took was one simple throw and a burst of arc light to kill the Cabal that had taken habitancy of the hall. At least, it looked like a Cabal.

"Akiva? You alright?"

Feeling a hand settle onto his shoulder, Akiva turned to his twin's visor, and he flashed her a small smile.

"Advice number 245," He managed out, pressing a hand against the wall to keep himself standing, "When facing an unknown enemy, watch the corners."

This prompted a snort from his twin, giving Akiva long enough to take in deep breaths to regain his composure. And spotting several vortexes of black and white take shape. That is when he decided to hold out a hand and let the Void gather between his fingertips.

"Grenade!"

He then tossed said explosive, the light grenade leaving behind streaks of violet before shifting and attaching itself to one of the forming Taken, a glowing form of a Psion. There was a brief ringing, and then an explosion. There was a cry as the initial blast injured any of the Taken around it. The second finish off any that were so unfortunate enough to be close.

"Gaia says to clear a path and move!" Angel shouted as bullets streaked past Akiva from behind, followed by two more grenades, a void and an arc; Aleeza and Angel had tossed ones of their own, "They say that these Taken will keep coming! It won't matter how many we take out!"

"Should have said something earlier!" Carina growled out before the rest of her comments were drowned out by gunfire, a sign for Akiva to heft his auto-rifle in his hands and follow suit.

Watching the Taken disappear in a flash as they screamed, a chill went down the length of Akiva's spin as they ran past, punching any Taken that had survived the initial hits. As they made it down the end of the hall, a vortex took shape at the end, and the form it took caused Akiva's heart to stop and making him come to a halt.

"Knight!" Aleeza screamed out just as the Taken's gun flared to life, a mist of darkness forming around the barrel before it fired.

Spotting the swirl of black and white coming for them, Akiva forced the fear out, gritting his teeth as he dashed forward and gathered a void shield around him. He didn't bother to dodge as the Taken Knight's fire slammed into him.

It felt cold but burning as he felt it break through his shield of light, skimming across his armor as he summoned a shotgun into his hands. Two more steps and he aimed his weapon right at the Taken Knight's head.

All it took was a single shot, a single press of the trigger for the Taken to disappear in a screaming vortex.

Shaking off the worse of the Taken Knight's hit, a quick affirmation from Lex was enough that the attack was superficial before turning his attention towards the others.

"Move!"

That is when Gaia's shell flashed into view, and it took them only a brief flash of light against a panel for the door to open.

Leaning back to let the others through first, Akiva then followed in last and couldn't help the relief that settled into his senses when he heard the door shut behind him.

"Fuck." He muttered as he stumbled his way back to the front, taking his proper point as lead. Akiva can still feel the ghost of a chill lingering against his skin, "If that is what the Taken are capable of then-"

He heard a click, the familiar sound of a shotgun being aimed, and something told him to pivot, shift to his side and brace himself with his light. It did little to protect a point-blank shot.

Akiva felt pain tearing through his shoulder and head before quickly, his nerves went numb, and his vision went white. It didn't take long for him to hear the others shouting, cursing even, and his vision cleared enough to spot the others aiming their weapons, a look of shock and anger coursing through their faces. He could see Gaia saying something, optic blinking rapidly with their words. It was then Akiva noticed his depth perception was off, pieces of his visor missing to allow him to see clearly into his surroundings and felt the dribbles of blood trickling down the side of his face. Or what was left of it.

Hearing Lex call out his name, Akiva stumbled, struggling to keep his balance as he felt the numbness near his right arm and face fade and replaced with pain, prompting his vision to blur as he turned to face whatever had shot him.

All he had the time to see was a pair of furious yellow optics before he received another shotgun shot to the face.

Yes, Sun-7 despises humans that much. True they didn't show much hostility towards Angel on their first visit to Rasputin's Bunker but that was because both Pluto and Ianos was present. Without those two however, Sun is showing more of their 'violent' side..so...yeah lol

I'll try and get the next chapter up on time next week. I should have no excuse not to write it up this week since I asked for the entire week off lol