Tormented

On Our Way

Eeeeh I really can't think up of any good titles lol. I was on a block for the title of this chapter before I was like 'fuck it, I have to publish this. I'm actually on time for once, can't be late because I couldn't think up of a chapter title' so here it is lol. I'm actually surprised that I made the deadline despite the fact Rise of Iron came out, which I have to say, I am having so much fun on it! Loving the lore! Loving the strikes! And the raid (If my team would actually cooperate for once!), only downside is if I can't get past 350 light, been having a lot of trouble with that lol.

Thanks to The Ashen Titan and Rainbowoverload for the review!

The Ashen Titan - Well ...*cough* you'll see! :D

Rainbowoverload - Aww thank you very much! ^_^. Yeah, some of the fanfictions I have read haven't updated in a 'long' time too (like in three to four years) and as such, I don't want people reading my story to go through that ^^;;;. So I try to update regularly as I can which seems to be working so far. Anyway, Rise of Iron will take place in the sequel of this story, so it might be some time before we actually hit it.

Edited: 10/31/2021

Angel had wanted to react, to aim his hand cannon as the familiar shape of Sun stepped out of the shadows and fired their shotgun into Akiva's head. But Gaia had materialized out of his armor, placed themself between them and their line of fire. As such, Angel found himself frozen, unable to move as a second shot was fired at Akiva.

Chunks of flesh and bone scattered, leaving a pattern on the floor. And on the team.

Angel heard Aleeza scream, a scream of rage as he stumbled back, reaching up a hand to his visor to touch the blood there. His thoughts if this was a dream was broken when he held his hand out, spotting the familiar red on his fingertips.

Another war cry prompted Angel to look up, and he couldn't help but reach out as he saw both Aleeza and Carina charge towards Sun.

"Aleeza! Carina! Wait!"

Much to his horror, his words fell upon deaf ears, and he could only watch as Sun simply held up a hand. And an inferno materialized in their grip.

Angel had to look away, the light of the flames hurting his eyes and stumbled back as he felt the heat through his armor. He squeezed his eyes shut as he heard Aleeza's and Carina's cries of agony.

As he felt the flames die, Angel dared himself to look, only for his heart to leap into his throat as he spotted a scorched floor, marks where Aleeza and Carina once were. Only their Ghosts remained.

Fear quickly took hold of his heart.

Spotting Sun take a step forward, Angel couldn't help but take a step back, pressing himself against the closed door behind him.

"Wait! Let us explain!"

There still were flames flickering around Sun's form and Angel couldn't help but wonder if they remember him at all. Not likely, as the Solar Light seemed to flare at his words, and they continued their slow approach.

"That is what 'every' intruder says when I catch them here." Sun snarled; from that expression, they definitely do not recognize Angel, "that is until they try to steal what is not theirs." Their yellow optics seemed to burn as they finished, "I am not going to let another make a fool out of me." That is when Angel saw Sun snap their hand to the side, and a flaming hammer materialized in their grasp.

Knowing fully well he cannot take on an experienced Guardian like Sun by himself, Angel frantically glanced over at the Ghosts of his team, calculating his chances of maneuvering around the Exo to get to them.

It didn't look very high.

Nonetheless, Angel fumbled with his belt, frantically pulling his knife from his belt. He positioned himself so he could be ready to move if he needs to, 'when' he needs to.

"I don't want to fight!" He shouted, "Let us talk! We can-"

Angel couldn't finish his sentence as he rolled forward, feeling the heat of a thrown hammer fly above his back, and then stumbled as he rolled onto his feet. He only had enough time to spot the molten mess of where he just stood before ducking down to dodge a Solar enforced punch.

Taking the opportunity, Angel rolled around Sun, pushed himself back onto his feet and made a made dash towards the closest Ghost he could see.

"Angel! Behind!"

Glancing back, Angel momentarily gawked at how swiftly Sun moved before pivoting, narrowing dodging a swung hammer as it narrowly missed his face by mere inches. Shaking off the heat, Angel saw another swing aiming his way and out of instinct, held up his knife to block.

It wasn't his smartest ideas, Angel admits, but he had found his muscles moving, shifting his arms so that he was prepped to guard against the blow. He blocked it, but what he hadn't expected was the explosion.

Searing pain permeated throughout his arms and then the upper part of his body, screaming as his vision went white and then, quickly followed by darkness. He hadn't realized he had fallen, not until, he went to press his hands against his visor only to feel a gap, and the pain made him contort, making him curl in and feel the floor beneath him.

"Hope!" He cried out, "Hope! Help! Help me! Please!"

The burns hurt, torturous as each second passed, and he couldn't help but scream. Angel then felt Hope pull through their bond, waves of comfort and worry pulsing through in an attempt to ease his panic, his fears. And it would have worked, if he hadn't heard footsteps approach.

Knowing fully well it was Sun, Angel panicked and, though his vision was dark, he mustered as much arc light into his hands, fumbling to build a blade in his grip. He screamed as he felt his hand being stomped on, the disruption in his concentration enough for him to feel his light scatter between his fingertips.

Writhing as he felt the foot leave, that is when Angel felt a grip grab by the throat, causing him to choke and rasp as he then was lifted. At first, he tried to kick and flail, but ceased as agony tore through his senses. As such, he went still, and whimpered.

"Any last words, human?" Angel flinched at Sun's voice, contorting away in a vain attempt to place some distance, "No? Good."

Feeling a barrel of a shotgun being pressed under his jaw, Angel took in a deep shuddering breath, squeezing his blinded eyes as he waited for death.

Instead, he felt the familiar weight of Hope's presence in his mind, which was soon quickly followed by a battle cry. There was a sound of impact, metal against metal, and a sound of surprise from Sun. Whatever had happened, it was enough, Angel felt the Exo's grip going lax enough for him to fall.

Pain shot throughout his body as he landed, but nonetheless, he scrambled back, ignoring his burns as he tried to place some distance. That is when he heard Hope's voice ring out.

"Get away from him you sick psycho!" She shouted, "At least hear out what we all have to say!"

Hope had always been a brazen one, considering that she prefers to be 'outside' than being inside the safety of her Guardian's mind. Nonetheless, Angel knows it must have taken some time, some guts and bravery to take on Sun as she is now.

Fortunately, Sun seemed more surprised than offended, judging from the way they said their next words, "Now why would I believe-"

"Sun! Stop it!" Angel let out a breath of relief as he heard Gaia's voice; although he had wished the Ghost had intervened sooner, "They are Pluto's Fireteam!"

Silence.

"What?"

There was a breath of frustration from Gaia, "I understand that you didn't recognize two of them, but you should have recognized Carina and the human."

There was another pause, a sign that Sun was scrutinizing everyone before finally, they said, "You brought 'organics' here, Gaia? I thought I had told you to grab Pluto, not 'meatbags'."

"What? Does Carina not count? I would have brought Pluto myself, but he's busy rebuilding the clan! This is what the best I could do at that moment!"

Angel decided enough was enough and collapsed, turning onto his side and curled in as much as he could. Everything hurt and he found it difficult to move, not because of the burns, but because his melting armor had now cooled, and it was fusing into his ruined body. He trembled and spasmed, wishing for the agony to end. That is when a cooling sensation settled over his form, and he couldn't help to release a breath. Tension left his body as the pain slowly faded and as let Hope work, that is when he heard her hum. A song, a lullaby, one that that soothed his mind.

"Do not worry, I will take care of you." He heard Hope hum, "I will tend to you."

Xxxxx

{"Get ready."}

Carina was ready alright, she had been ready the instant Gaia had ceased Sun's rampage and watched as, after a brief conversation, the gold and crimson Ghost beamed their light into Spears, helping with resurrection.

The instant she landed on her feet, Carina locked onto Sun and with one swift movement, cocked an arm pack and swung a solid punch onto their face, the force strong enough to send the Exo stumbling back.

"That's for killing my team, Asshole!"

{"Carina!"}

There was a squawk from Spears, but Carina ignored him and instead, leveled a glare at Sun, daring them into a fight. Much to her frustration, Sun simply looked at her, a hand on their cheek before they turned and walked away. Letting out a huff, Sun turned in time to see Gaia resurrecting Aleeza, her lover stumbling over her feet before she rushed over to her twin's Ghost. Now knowing that Aleeza and Akiva are safe, Carina then decided to turn her attention to Angel.

And instantly, the sense of helplessness settled over her senses.

She had watched on as Angel was practically being beaten around by Sun, the Hunter squirming and crying as Sun toyed with him, letting him suffer as if they were punishing him for simply trespassing. She should have given them more than just a punch, now that she thought about it.

Nonetheless, she decided to focus on Angel, the latter of which had now sat up, dragging himself to a wall so that he could slump his back against it. His helmet was absent, allowing Carina to see the last of the burns fade around his eyes. Watching him blink rapidly made her realize that he had been blinded. She mentally slapped herself; of course he would be blinded, he had taken a point blank explosive hammer to the face. And his torso, as she watched Hope glide down as Angel slowly and carefully held out his arms. Carina flinched as she saw the mix of leather and armor twisted into his skin.

"How are you doing?"

Once again, Carina mentally slapped herself; not the perfect question to ask after being practically obliterated by an ancient Guardian. Or Chosen, whatever they call them now.

Despite her concerns, she watched as Angel lifted his eyes towards her, watching him blink once, then twice before he flashed her a wry smile.

"Give him a moment." She heard Hope say as she finished his right arm, leaving it expose as she then turned her attention to the left, "The Darkness here is prominent, I had to take some of his light to heal him." Carina grimaced, "He's too exhausted right now to speak, but don't worry, a few minutes of rest will do him good."

Letting relief settled into her senses, Carina nodded before she reached out to pat Angel on the shoulder, paused, and then shifted to give Hope a pat instead. Thankfully, the Hunter seemed to understand, as he gave her a tired nod and a thumbs up. Returning the smile with one of her own, Carina then said to Hope, "Going to check on the others, take good care of him."

Hope snorted, "When do I 'not' take care of him?"

Deciding not to answer, she just chuckled before turning to check on Aleeza and Akiva. Only to pause as she just stopped an arm's lengths away from Sun.

The orange Exo was watching her intensely, their optics narrowed, metallic brows furrowed. She returned the look with a raised brow and a narrowed look of her own.

"What?"

Receiving only silence as an answer, Carina debated punching them in the face again (a tug of Spears put a stop to that) when finally, Sun spoke.

"You are friends? With organics?"

Carina couldn't suppress the sigh that escaped her lips, "Yes? And is that a problem?" Sun gave her a confused look, "Look, I understand your hate for 'meatbags' but, here is what I have to say." She then leaned in, and snarled, "If you 'ever' hurt my team again, I 'will' end you."

Carina knows it's not much of a threat, considering that she is practically an infant in comparison in years and experience. Nonetheless, she still couldn't help but feel irked when Sun seemingly ignored her words and said, "When your team is all healed and rested, we're moving out. Rasputin only can hold the Taken back for so long."

Carina, in response, scoffed, "Well, then next time when back up comes by to help, don't kill them."

This earned a glare from Sun, Carina watching as the Ex-Guardian stalked their way past her and the team and making their way to the other end of the hall. It was then she spotted the crimson and gold shape of Gaia gliding after their Chosen to follow. And that is when she felt Spears' mind leave hers.

She can still feel his bond, his emotions, and Carina couldn't help but quirk a brow when she felt annoyance, frustration, and concern emitted from the small Ghost. Gaia must have sensed this too, for the Ghost paused and locked, not with hers, but with Spears' lone optic. The two Ghost's stared, as if reading each other's core before finally, Gaia broke away and followed after Sun.

"What in the Light was that for?" Carina asked.

That is when her Ghost turned and gave her a bewildered look, {"You did not notice?"}

"Notice what?"

{"Their light."}

Well shit, no wonder, Carina was never good at sensing the light of others. She had tried but she can only really feel it when she's in the mood. And right now, she is not in the mood.

{"You should really pay more attention on the teachings of others."}

"What?" Carina received a blank look from her Ghost, "I can only listen to something for so long before my mind drifts off."

This earned her a sigh from Spears, but nonetheless, her Ghost said, {"That punch that you gave Sun earlier, take a look at it and what do you see?"}

Raising a brow at her Ghost, Carina decided to humor him and turned to look Sun, the latter of which was now conversing with Gaia.

At first, she couldn't see the difference; being in conflict with the Taken, Sun was covered in dust and gunpowder, their body suit torn, and their plating scorched and marked by enemy fire. However, as she took a closer look, she finally noticed where she punched them: a single indent just below their right optic. Carina couldn't help but feel prideful, how proud she had managed to get a punch in on an experienced Guardian. Then she paused and squinted.

"Shouldn't it have healed over already?" Carina asked, then again, paused, "Wait, why hasn't 'any' of their injuries have been healed?"

Admittingly, not the most attentive student, Carina knows enough that thanks to the light, minor injuries can heal at a steady rate. Not fast as fast as a Ghost obviously, but enough where an injury such as a punch to the face should have faded by now.

{"I was curious myself, so I decided to give their light a look."}

Carina's curiosity was quickly quashed at the mention of Sun's light; mention of any light besides being of use is never a good sign.

"And?"

{"Their light is tainted by Darkness."}

"What-"

Carina nearly shouted her surprise, but then saw Spears speed towards her and she wasn't surprised to feel the smaller Ghost impact into the front of her helmet.

"Ow! What was-"

She then clamped her mouth shut as Spears shushed her, slowly turning her purple optics towards Sun and the others; she let out a breath of relief when she saw that everyone's attention was elsewhere.

{"They are just like Ianos, growing weaker as time passes."} Spears continued, {"In other words…"}

"They're dying." Carina finished, turning her optics towards Sun; they were still speaking to Gaia, "But then why aren't they wearing gear like Ianos?" Realization settled into her mind, "Why are they in pain right now?"

{"It is just a theory but, remember how I can turn off your neural sensors when your nerves go off the charts?"} Carina went quiet; she already knows where this was going, {"I believe Gaia had done the same, except of course, more often, or possibly, permanent."}

"Then shouldn't they take the opportunity to head to the Tower for treatment?" Carina knows that being corrupted by Darkness is a taboo, but she had heard what Matt was working on, and she is willing to bet he will be more than overjoyed to have someone else other than Ianos to be a subject of testing for a cure. It would definitely help future corruption in the long run.

There was s shrug from Spears, {"Perhaps, but I believe that it may simply be that they are out of the loop."}

Carina blinked, "What?"

{"Remember how Pluto reported Sun of the Clan Galaxy's demise despite being centuries?"} Carina nodded, {"Perhaps is the same with the treatment for the corruption. Perhaps they do not know that there is treatment, to help slow it down enough to allow Matt to find a cure."} There was a brief pause, a thoughtful looking lingering in Spears' optic, {"Hopefully."}

Contemplating on the words of her Ghost, Carina found herself looking back down the hall, where Sun and Gaia still stood. The two were still conversing, but yet, they were more animated; Gaia's fins shifting and twirling constantly, and Sun gesturing around with their hands. It didn't take much for Carina to understand that the latter was brushing off whatever worries that the former had. She often does it often enough with her own Ghost.

"Carina?"

Hearing her name ring in her sensors, Carina turned and locked her optics onto the darken visor of Aleeza, watching as her lover tilt her head slightly before gesturing towards Akiva and Angel; she can see that the Titan was helping the Hunter to his feet.

"We all are ready to head out, you ready?"

Glancing back and forth between her team and Sun, Carina then finally paused her optics onto Aleeza and nodded.

"Let's go."

As she hefted her shotgun into her arms, Carina paused mid-step before glancing back to her team, "Let's keep our guard up around that psycho, yeah?"

Xxxxx

"Clan Leader Pluto?"

Briefly taking his eyes off of the group of Exo before him, Pluto turned and then flashed a smile as his optics settled onto a violet and black clad form.

"How many times do I have to say it, Met? There are no need for formalities."

Met shifted nervously but nodded, signifying she understood before saying, "Are you sure this is a good idea? Trying to stalk a group of Fallen twice our number?"

She was worried, not that Pluto could blame her. This was her first outing from the City since her resurrection.

"Do not worry," He said as he reached out and gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder, "If anything goes awry, Orion and I here to handle it."

Pluto watched as her hunched shoulders lifted, her nervous edge fading. Flashing her a smile behind his visor, Pluto gave her another pat on the shoulder before pointing with his head towards the others, prompting Met to join them. As she gave him a salute before heading off, then heard Nix materialize just above his shoulders.

"Need to work on her confidence."

Pluto couldn't but agree as he had spotted the young Guardian amongst the group of newborns, all of whom were conversing animatedly. At this time, Pluto had decided to repair his optics, so he can manage the growing number under his care, and as such, he could easily see her awe, her wonder as she joined her peers. And her wariness.

With her tall stature and broad form, she would have been made the perfect Titan, however, her nervousness, her timidness held her back. But he wasn't worried; she was still young, there is time for her to train and grow out of it.

"Any openings, yet?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Pluto glanced over to spot the familiar green and brown form of Orion-56. Followed by the Eliksni, Olkar.

Which made sense – to Pluto at least – since Trikxas had been his companion for a while; Olkar wasn't just going to let her leave his sights so easily. Nonetheless, Orion seems annoyed, as Pluto couldn't help but amused when the Exo sped up his pace in a vain attempt to put some distance between them. Unfortunately for him, Eliksni are well known for their speed.

"Not quite." Pluto answered as Orion came to a pause just short of him and sensed the pout that the younger Guardian sent his way, "This team is quite organized, it might be a while before we can find a break in their formation."

"But that might be 'forever'." The whine that Pluto heard from him made him smile; Orion maybe the oldest of the growing Clan, but he is still a newborn in terms of comparison, "Can we not just slam them? Met, Cosmos, and I gathered enough light ages ago, we can take them out easily."

"And risk a survivor loose and informing the rest of their House on what happened?" Pluto shook his head, "No, lay low and wait until my signal, understand?"

There was a slump of the shoulders, a sound of disappointment, but nonetheless, Orion nodded, and walked away, more than likely to join the rest of the group.

"So impatient." Pluto heard Nix say wistful, "Reminds me of you when you were at that age."

Pluto gave Nix an innocent look, "Weren't we all like that?"

Nix in turn, chuckled, and then, sighed, "How long do you think we can protect them?"

There was a brief pause, Pluto contemplating for an answer as he turns his optics back towards the group. It looked like they were playing a game – one that Ianos had taught them no doubt. He surprisingly had a knack for them – where they all stood in in a circle and kicking around what seemed to be a rock that they had found. At least, Pluto hoped it was a rock. He caught them once playing the same game with a grenade. Fortunately, he had put a stop to it before any deaths could occur.

"Long enough." Pluto finally," At least a few years before they understand the 'true' nature of the word 'Guardian'."

There was a soft hum from Nix, but no comment, which Pluto appreciates. It wasn't easy, after all, to talk about when he was first resurrected, scrambling out of a pile of dead bodies, of dead Exo, in a bunker hidden on Earth. And even then, introductions could not be made, as Eliksni soon discovered his location, and it took the pair 'days' to find proper shelter and outran their pursuers. Fortunately, Pluto was found by Sun not long after, who had taken him under their wing.

Pulling himself out of his memory, Pluto shifted his focus back onto the group, and started making a head count.

Orion-56, the impromptu leader of the group and the most unusual coloring of green plating and pink lights but does little to stop him from taking on the mantle of a Titan. He was headstrong, brash, but compassionate, as he allowed Olkar to stay nearby so that he can stay in close proximity to Trikxas, his Ghost. Nonetheless, he does want space, as Pluto can remember him occasionally trying to give said Eliksni the slip.

Clad in black and blur armor that covered his violet plating and blue lights, Nova-11 was the second of their group to join them and the second Titan, found on Earth like many of the newborn Exo. Unlike Orion, their patience is a god send but has a mischievous side to keep you on your toes. Nonetheless, he is mostly quiet and is serious about his duty when it comes to it.

Next, was Cosmos-79, an Exo with sky-blue plating and orange lights covered by her white and red armor. It was no doubt in Pluto's mind that her sunny disposition is what brought most of the newborn's out of their shell, as her optimism and cheerfulness was contagious. However, just like Orion, she rushes right into situations without thought, and specializes in the Striker affinity as a Titan. As such, Pluto keeps a close eye on her.

Open to everything and likes to crack jokes whenever he gets the chance and the fourth Titan of their group, Polaris-13's green and yellow armor hid the gray plating and yellow lights underneath. Like Cosmos, he sees everything in an optimistic light and tries to live out his best. The difference was that if the situation calls for it, his joking personality disappears, and it is replaced with ruthless determination. Pluto had brought him to a Crucible match once. He decided after a bloody but deserved victory that perhaps it is best to wait before their next.

Scorpio-18 and Gemini-32, the twins as he likes to call them, since they have the same blue plating and light blue lights. Even their armor matched, the black and orange color making it near impossible to tell who was who, even when they simply stood next to each other. Both of them, true to their Hunter instincts, love to traverse outside whenever they get the chance, and everything would turn into a playground for them. Unfortunately, they 'love' to play pranks, pulling them often enough that it gets them into trouble. They literately leave their mark wherever they go.

Fortunately, Io-63, a fellow Hunter, proven by his armor shaded various shades of green and browns to help camouflage when out in the Wilds keep the twins in line. His stoic exterior matches his black plating and white lights, however, Pluto knows that he is gentle, and if he can, prefers the non-violent approach. That doesn't mean he won't pull the trigger when it comes to it. His skill with a sniper assures of that.

Next, Pluto shifted his attention onto the black and yellow clad robes of Cordelia-22. Pluto had wanted her to take off the yellow as, without her helmet, her vibrant pink plates and neon green lights already mark her as an easy target. She is stubborn however, and her short-tempered made it that Pluto found himself relenting to the color. At least she contrasted it with black. Like all Warlocks, she is curious and prone to ranting, which, as being the lone warlock of the team, made it that she tends more often than naught to lull them into sleep. Fortunately, she just wants someone to listen.

Lastly, Meteorite-33's, or simply Met, tall shape made her stick out amongst her group, easily a head taller than everyone else. The final Titan of their number, she is timid and borderline pacifist, which worries Pluto. He wonders if a Guardian's life is for her. That is something that he needs to talk to the Vanguard about.

Releasing a breath at this, Pluto decided to look past the group of newborns and over at the Fallen group that they had been stalking the past couple of days. He paused, his optics spotting the way they were nodding off, shoulders hunched. It was time.

"Send word to Orion and the others," Pluto said, "it is time for an ambush."

Xxxxx

{"Stop glaring at them, things are tense as they already are."}

Instead of acknowledging her Ghost's words, Carina instead kept her optics narrowed, staring down the back of Sun's head as the latter lead her and the rest of the team down the hall. Usually she would follow Spears' advice, but after the brutality she had witnessed against Angel, she wasn't going to let it go, not easily at least.

"If I punch them in the face, will that make things better?"

A sound of disappointment, {"Carina…"}

"I was kidding…mostly."

{"Traveler, help me."}

Unable to help a smile at her Ghost's exasperation, Carina then paused when Sun came to a slow halt, realizing that the group had come to another door. Without a word, Sun leaned over to a panel next to it, placing a hand on the scanner, followed by familiar beeps and clicks, and the door slid open. Waiting until Sun entered the room, Carina followed, with her guard up and a shotgun in her hand.

That was when she found an auto-rifle aimed at her face.

Out of training and instinct, Carina ducked down and took a step forward, pumping her shotgun once before pressing it against her attacker and fired.

Instead of the sound of pellets tearing through flesh, she instead heard the sound of screeching metal, bits of metal tearing through sheets of itself. Reeling, Carina took a step back in time to spot a shredded Frame stumble backwards and then, collapsed in a heap.

The sound of Sun cursing resounded through the room.

"Rasputin, I thought I had asked you to turn off the defenses in this sector."

Carina watched as Sun knelt over the broken robot, the latter of which let out one last flinch before the light in its eye died. There was a sigh, a sound of genuine sadness from Sun before Carina heard them say, "You had a good run, Nartic 55-30."

Standing up with one final shake of the head, Sun then turned their optics Carina and she jumped at the blank stare they gave her.

"That was the last Frame protecting this area." They said, "The others that Rasputin and I were making are not finished."

In honestly, Sun's words caught Carina off guard, to the point where she blinked several times, pondering on what to say. She settled upon, "I'm sorry?"

Another sigh as Carina watched Sun pinch the bridge of their nose, "Please be more careful. Many of the defenses are Golden Age tech. They aren't exactly easy to repair."

She couldn't help but be annoyed.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I will just wait until something 'kills' me before I shoot it. Sound fair?"

This earned her glare from Sun, prompting Carina to flash them an innocent look behind her visor. If they had taken notice, they showed no sign of it as instead, Sun said, "Come, we are almost to our destination."

"If I may ask, what is our destination?"

To Carina's surprise, it was Angel who asked; she had thought that it would take him longer to recover from his experience with the Exo. Nonetheless, it didn't mean he wasn't scared; he jumped behind Akiva when, instead of receiving an immediate answer, Sun glanced over and glared at him. Carina readied herself to sock Sun in the face again.

Fortunately, Sun didn't seem to be in the mood, as instead of physically threatening the Hunter, they answered, "To Rasputin's core. From what we could make out during our scans, the Taken are making their way there."

"And the reason?" Carina asked; she had decided to save Angel from further interaction with the Exo.

"That is where all the information that Rasputin carries is stored, not to mention his mind." Carina watched as Sun hefted their shotgun onto their shoulder, "Imagine this, if they make it to the core and somehow corrupt it."

"Then they have a power of a Warmind on their side." It was Aleeza who finished, which somehow prompting Sun to start clapping.

"Bingo! Give the human a prize." Carina glared at Sun; it was obvious they were being sarcastic, "Which is why we need to hurry. Come."

As Sun turned and pretty much ran down the corridor, Carina let out a rugged beath, a sound of frustration.

"God damn it," She breathed out, "I have never met another Exo as annoying as him."

"Wait," Akiva said, "Sun is a man? I thought she was a woman."

"Same here." Angel peeked out from Akiva, nodding in agreement, "with that tone of voice anyway."

But then they would have 'these', wouldn't they?" Aleeza gestured to her breasts, "then again, they do have some good-looking hips."

Carina huffed, "Male or female! Don't care! All I know is that they are an asshole!"

"And a psycho." Hope popped out behind Angel, "Look at the way they shot at you all without even blinkin'." Her shell narrowed, giving Sun a glare, "and they didn't even show a sign of remorse when they realize their mistake."

"Well, you have to admit, we were trespassing." Lex appeared over Akiva's shoulder but settled in quickly in the crook of his neck; a temporary safe spot for an exposed Ghost, "and considering how long Sun and Rasputin together, alone, in this bunker, it is understandable."

"But to that extreme?" It was Lena's turn to appear, settling into the crook of between her Guardian's neck and shoulder, "Light, even though I would be annoyed if anyone trespasses into my area, that does not mean we kill them."

"They may have their reasons." Akiva said, "But we can figure that out later, let us focus on ensuring the Taken doesn't 'take' Rasputin, agreed?"

With everyone in agreement, Carina watched as all present Ghosts disappeared back into the safety of their Guardian, and followed the others as they ran after Sun.

Despite having come to a pause, Carina was surprised to see Sun waiting for them at the end of the corridor. However, as she and the others came to a slow halt, she can easily hear cursing, yellow optics narrowed in frustration as they stood over a panel.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

"Rasputin just told me that Taken had broken through his defenses at another part of the bunker." Sun's expression darkened, "This one leading to the power cell."

"Oh."

"We have to split the team." Sun muttered, scowling, but nonetheless turned their optics and settled upon them; or more specifically, Carina realized, settling over Akiva, Angel, and Aleeza.

"You three, the organics." Sun said, "I need you to head to the power cell. Gaia." They turned their attention towards their Ghost, "Guide them towards it and once in the clear, return back to me."

There was a sputter as Gaia nodded in understanding, Carina realizing it was Akiva as the Titan spoke, "Wait, wait, wait, you trust the three of us to go ahead and protect Rasputin's power cell?"

Now that Carina thought about it, he had a good point. Considering how Sun had been treating them during the entirety of their stay, it does seem like they would hand a large responsibility to them too easily.

There was a sigh from Sun, "If I had my way, I would have asked my clan to help but, since they are dead and I have only you 'meatbags' to depend on, I have no other choice in the matter." They nodded their head towards Gaia, the latter of which understood the signal and glided down a hall to their left, "Now hurry! Before you lose sight of Gaia."

Watching her team nod, it was Akiva who took the lead then quickly followed by Angel, the latter flashing a worried look before disappearing. Aleeza, unlike the others, simply walked past and as she made it by Carina, she leaned over, and she felt her lover tap the tips of their helmet together; an equivalent oof a kiss for the two of them when they were out in the field. It was only then she went off with a sprint.

"The two of you are lovers?"

Turning her attention towards Sun, Carina saw the surprise, the bewilderment on their face; considering how quickly they had figured that out, she wonders if the helmet bump was a more common gesture than she had originally thought.

"Yes," Carina decided to answer and then raised her guard, challenging Sun, "Something the matter with that?"

She had expected a violent reaction, a shout even. Instead, Sun's brows simply furrowed.

"I understand you less and less the longer you are here."

Surprised at their answer, Carina found herself unable to say anything as Sun turned and continued the run down the corridor. She quickly followed.

Xxxxx

"Mission accomplished!"

Nodding his head at Polaris, Pluto watched as the Titan returned with a nod of his own and walked back to the others. Eyeing the lingering trails of void light his footsteps left behind, Pluto mentally listed to have a lesson on how not to over-use the light. He had learned the hard way when heedless of its use.

Nonetheless, he decided to let the newborns revel in their victory, especially since now they are scavenging whatever supplies and parts they can find amongst the dead. The group had been excited when they took down the Eliskni, especially since a Captain had been amongst their number. The kill had gone to Scorpio with a well-aimed shot of his Golden Gun and as such, per the rules, he gets first dibs on whatever treasures its body carries. Although disappointed, the others were quickly distracted. It seems that the House of Winter had been well equipped.

"What do you mean this is useless? It's an ether tube."

Hearing Orion shout, Pluto turned his attention towards said Titan, only to muse as he spotted Olkar, inspecting the object that Exo had in his hands.

"Yes. But broken." Olkar said, "Not worth anything."

"Bah! What would you know?!"

The two then started bickering as Trikxas scanned a broken Shank, practically oblivious to her Guardian's and friend's antics. Pluto found himself chuckling at the scene, as he heard a mix of broken human and Eliksni tongue permeating from the two of them; Trikxas had made it quite clear that she had wanted the two of them to understand each other in their native's language. This caught the attention of the other newborns, all of them a mix of a cheer, concern, and even encouragement, a shout for a fight.

Debating whether to intervene, Pluto then felt a bump against the side of his helmet, and he glanced over to settle upon Nix.

"I checked your frequency for messages as you asked." His Ghost started, "And well…"

Pausing at Nix's words, Pluto waited and then said, "And well…?"

"Well, just listen."

Seeing Nix disappear and then felt a weight settle into the back of his mind, Pluto waited as static filtered into his coms and then, a click.

"Pluto, this is Akiva." He couldn't help but furrow his brows, "Your friend, Sun, had sent their Ghost in an attempted cry for help." Pluto's core dropped, "They were looking for you really, but since you had turned off your frequency, the others and I have decided to aid them in your stead. As soon as you get this message, aid us as soon as you can. All we know is that the Taken have broken into Rasputin's Bunker. Over and out."

Choking as the frequency ended, Pluto managed to breath out, "Taken? In Rasputin's bunker?"

"Apparently so." Nix's tone was laced with worry, "What should we do?"

Narrowing his optics, Pluto turned his attention back towards the newborns, and hesitated. He wants to help but with his newfound duty as a Clan Leader, it was going to be difficult, especially since more than likely the Vanguard will question his absence.

But Sun and Gaia.

Letting out a frustrated breath, Pluto rubbed the back of his neck, paced, and finally, made a decision.

"Orion!" He saw the Titan pause and look his way, "Take the others and head to the Tower without me!"

This prompted the newborns into silence, Pluto sensing the bewildered and confused stares; it made sense, as this would be the first time they would be without his guidance.

"Where are you going?"

Not a surprising question and as such, Pluto decided to answer honestly, "I am going to visit an old friend."