Tormented

by AceArcalas

"Ianos is old. Very old. And with age comes with experience... and scars. He has seen many things, things that you two could never imagine. And don't you dare say that other Guardians of the same age 'recovered' from their experiences. They never do, at least, not completely. Every Veteran Guardian is tormented by an event in their past. Always."

34. Naturally Born (REVAMPED)

Tormented

Naturally Born

I apologize for the late update guys. Work had been hell for me the past week and as such, everything I come home, I just collapse in bed, leaving no time to actually write. So once again I apologize.

Anyway, this chapter was suppose to have more content however after looking at the word count, I decided to move the rest onto the next chapter (like it was at 7k last time I checked). So another week awaits :D

Thanks zantilis for the review! ^_^ I 'love' showing backstories on characters, especially those I had introduced a while back. Sadly, since the story has to continue on, I have to find ways to make a 'huge' backstory in a small part of the story so it won't drag on lol.

Edited: 11/21/2021

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_Transcript [Redacted]_

Source: [Redacted]

Alias: [Redacted]

_Transcript of a conversation between two individuals, a [Redacted] [g.1] and [Redacted] [g.2] and their Ghosts [g.3] [g.4]. Identities Unknown_

_Initiating Transcript_

[g.1]: You were lucky that I found you. The Fallen are merciless out in these parts. What are you doing here anyway?

[g.2]: I… I don't know. I just wanted to find a safe place to rest. Someplace where I can be at ease and not constantly worry about these, 'Fallen' trying to kill me in my sleep.

[g.1]: … You're a newborn

[g.2]: Newborn?

[g.1]: Recently resurrected. Did your Ghost not explain anything to you?

[g.3]: There was no time. It was either we stay in one spot and get killed by the Fallen or runaway as far we can.

[g.4]: Not so different from us then. Ah, the memories. The constant hit and run with the Fallen back when I just had resurrected you.

[g.1]: I recall it not being as nostalgic.

[g.4]: You have to admit, it was fun smacking those scavengers around with an iron bar.

[g.1]: (Clears throat) Anyway, newborn, you have a name?

[g.2]: … No…

[g.1]: No?

[g.3]: Memory loss. Side effect of resurrection. Is it not normal?

[g.1]: To my knowledge, normally yes, but not to the extent of names. Many others like us remember theirs at least.

[g.2]: Is something wrong with me, then?

[g.1]: No, nothing to fret over. You're not the only one who suffers from that type of severe memory loss.

[g.2]: What do you mean?

[g.1]: You think you're the only one that cannot recall their names? There are others like you.

[g.2]: … Like you?

[g.1]: (Laughs) You catch on fast. That is a good trait to have as of now.

[g.2]: You speak like as though I'm much younger than you. How long have you been resurrected?

[g.1]: Hitting ten years at the end of this month although, it is nothing to brag about. Nothing special about age, especially individuals like us.

[g.2]: Ten years? Then that means that there must be plenty of others. Like us.

[g.1]: Yes but, not exactly a good thing.

[g.2]: Not a good thing?

[g.1]: There are others like us, but not all of them will be like me or you. Some will be corrupt, greedy with the power that they are given. More than likely, Newborn, that if they see you, they will not hesitate to kill you.

[g.2]: … (barely audible) Then I am fortunate that you are the first that I have met.

[g.1]: … How long have you been wandering the wilds?

[g.2]: Almost thirty days now

[g.1]: And yet you have not bumped into anyone else like us?

[g.3]: We are pretty good at hiding!... Although I do not know if that is something to boast about.

[g.1]: In the world we currently live in, hiding is possibly the best option for Newborns such as you. So, stay hidden and get stronger.

[g.2]: Well, if you do not mind me asking, are there any nearby settlements?

[g.1]: … Settlements are places where it is very likely that you meet others like us. And most will not be kind.

[g.2]: I just, I am tired of the 'wilds' as you call it. I want a place where I can rest without fear of being killed in my sleep or find sustenance without having to look over my shoulder. I want to feel, safe.

[g.1]: … (Sighs) Alright, I will bring you to the nearest settlement, however, do not expect it to be as simple as walking in. Come.

[g.2]: We are leaving now?

[g.1]: It is dangerous to traverse during the night. Especially since those are the hours the scavengers are more active. Hurry, before it gets too late.

[g.2]: Are you going to stay?

[g.1]: No, I cannot. I have to continue my search.

[g.2]: Search?

[g.1]: To search others like us. (Laugh) We cannot be the only two who cannot recall their names. And when I do find those without names like us, then I shall form a family. A family where we can freely call each other anything. Brother, sister, father, mother, uncle, aunt. Anything.

[g.2]: C-Can I join this family?

[g.1]: (Laughs) Of course, Newborn. Just stay safe and once I find others, I will come and find you. It is a promise

_End Transcript_

Xxxxx

"What do you think Pluto means when he said he was going to visit an 'old friend?"

Tuning in onto Scorpio's voice, Orion responded, "How am I supposed to know? I only knew Pluto for a year. And that's my entire life!"

That is when Gemini's voice chipped in, "You have to know at least something!"

Orion groaned, "Look, I tried prying Pluto for info, but the best I got was that his 'old friend' lives in the Cosmodrome."

"Cosmodrome?" Cordelia's voice popped in through the coms this time, "Who in their right mind would live in the Cosmodrome?"

"Someone who isn't in their right mind."

"By the Light, guys, I am practically a Newborn myself. I know nothing else." Orion found himself pouting, prompting him to turn his focus back onto the controls of his ship, "Let alone know what Pluto is up to."

The chorus of disappointed whines echoed through the coms, causing Orion to heave out another groan. Although only a year, Orion hated the fact that he is the oldest of their clan, and alongside the badgering of questions, he wonders how Pluto does it. Letting out a sigh, Orion snapped out of his thoughts when familiar rumbles and growls settled into his sensors, prompting him to glance over his shoulder to see Trikxas and Olkar conversing.

He scowled as he only caught snatches of their conversation, "What are you guys talking about?"

He saw Trikxas turn her pink optic at him; her shell shifted upwards into a Ghost equivalent of a smile, "What did I say earlier about learning the Eliksni language?"

"Oh, come on." Orion grumbled, "You know as well as I do that the language is nearly impossible to completely learn." Well, that is what he thought. Why else would most of the Cryptarchs, Scholars, and Warlocks are unable to understand the Eliksni tongue?

"I can easily teach you, you know this." Orion pouted at his Ghost as she added, "also it's not very fair that Olkar learned your tongue but yet, you are putting no effort into learning his?"

Guilt building up in his chest, Orion found himself turning his optics towards Olkar, the latter of which returned his gaze.

In the beginning, when he first met Olkar, Orion was met with hostility. The Vandal seemed angry at him, upset, holding a grudge, despite the fact that he was resurrected just a few hours before then. It was Trikxas who told him that she and the Eliksni had been companions for years. She didn't have to say anything else for Orion to understand; Olkar thinks that he had stolen Trikxas away from him. As such, he is trying to be respectful, to be understanding, and although it took a while, Olkar is at least on speaking terms with him. That doesn't mean that Olkar still isn't upset.

Letting out a breath of defeat, Orion then said, "Alright, fine. When we get to the Tower, we can start on some lessons."

A small squeal of glee can be heard from Trikxas, prompting Orion to chuckle quietly as he turned his focus back to navigating his ship. It didn't take long until he saw the Tower rising into his sight. Easing on the controls, Orion waited until they were just mere moments away before leaning over and situating his ship into autopilot. The instant he was done, he then leaned back in his seat and waited, especially when the sight of the Plaza closed in. It didn't take long for the familiar sensation of weightlessness to settle over his senses, his vision going white. This was a signal for him to prepare his balance, feeling his feet suddenly settle over solid ground.

Despite his best attempt, Orion found himself putting a bounce in his step to prevent himself from toppling over, reeling a bit to regain his balance. Grumbling to himself, Orion then scowled when he turned and saw Olkar transmat into view, landing on his feet gracefully. Envious of the Eliksni's agility, Orion ignored the chuckle from Trikxas as he shifted his attention towards the other eight ships that lingered nearby; more than likely the other clan members were waiting for a spot in the Plaza to clear.

The first to land was Nova, the Defender stumbling over his feet as his Ghost, aptly named Star for her yellow shell, followed after, concerned; Orion couldn't help but feel relieved that he wasn't the only one who has trouble landing after a transmat.

Next to appear was Cosmos, the Striker reeling her arms to keep her balance, the blue shell of her Ghost, Constellation – Constell for short – appearing not long after, putting himself underneath her arms as if it would help her regain balance. They both fell to the ground in his attempt.

Chuckling as Cosmos scrambled onto her feet, apologizing to her Ghost as they walked out of the way, the other Defender, Polaris, came into view. And much like Cosmos, he fumbled and fell. The white shell of his Ghost, North, appeared not long after, a sigh permeating from his core, the blue lining of his shell shifting before he glided over to help his Guardian up.

Orion wasn't surprised when he saw both Scorpio and Gemini land together with grace; a trait shared amongst most Hunters and the fact that the two always seem to do and share everything, making them nigh impossible to differentiate. Even their Ghosts, Sirius and Nysa respectively, seem to be identical. Orion remembers Pluto saying that Nysa has more of a blue tint but he can't see it. The only way he could tell both the twins and the Ghosts apart were their voices; Scorpio and Sirius were masculine while as Gemini and Nysa were both feminine. He hopes in the future he will be able to differentiate them better.

Next was Io, and much like the twins, he landed with grace, perhaps even more so. As he dusted himself off and walked to the side, a familiar white shell lined with black trailed after him. Oberon, if Orion can recall, that was the name of Io's Ghost.

Cordelia, in Orion's opinion, is a cheater as when she came out of transmat, hovered momentarily before settling her feet gently onto the Plaza floor. With her being the only Warlock of their team, she gets to know all the tricks from Ianos, much to Orion's envy. As she walked out of the way, humming, Ophelia, her Ghost, followed after her. Much like her Guardian, her shell is bright, pink lined with yellow. Orion is quietly counting the days until both get shot; they were walking targets out there after all.

Finally, Met appeared and, much to her credit, she stumbled but stayed standing. But the fumble was enough for her to hunch her shoulders and quickly walking away, as if that small mistake was enough for her to get a scolding. Thankfully, her Ghost, Comet, quickly followed, his brown shell practically settling onto her shoulder; more than likely he was comforting her over it.

Making a head count to ensure that everyone was present, Orion nodded when he counted eight heads, and then motioned with a hand for everyone to follow. Walking up the stairs, Orion then heard a squeal and glanced back in time to a show of colors, nine Ghosts flying above their heads; judging from Trikxas' laugh, she was the one who instigated the tag, and from frustrated huff of North, they were currently it.

It didn't take long for the Ghosts to disperse, more than likely to avoid being it, with North picking Nysa as their next target. Unable to help a smile, Orion shook his head before continuing to lead the others back to Pluto's apartment. The Clan's apartment.

"So, anyone else wondering why Pluto's 'old friend' lives out in the Cosmodrome?"

Orion had to suppress a sigh; he wasn't surprised it was Cordelia who had asked the question.

"Last I saw there was nothing really important there and it's not really a place where experienced Guardians like Pluto visit often. Doesn't that make you think?"

"Well, obviously yeah." It was Polaris who spoke, who shrugged, "But Pluto is older than us by 'centuries'. Maybe there's something there that we don't know about?"

"But that doesn't stop me from wondering." Cordelia hummed out, "I mean, I know he goes off and hangs out with his Fireteam but, I know there are other times when he just leaves on his own."

"What do you mean?" Scorpio asked.

"Well." Cordelia puffed out her chest, proud, "I decided to investigate so when Pluto claimed he was going to visit Fireteam Redacted, I followed."

Orion heard silence, as if waiting for a punchline. He couldn't help but frown when he heard none.

"Pluto didn't spot you?" He couldn't help but be surprised as Cordelia nodded; he eyed her bright colors suspiciously, "How?"

"That is a Warlock secret." Orion rolled his optics at her answer, "Anyway, instead of heading to the Hall of Guardians like he claimed, he instead went to the Hangar and took off in his ship. Alone."

"Did you follow him?" Nova asked.

That is when Orion sensed a sheepish smile behind Cordelia's visor, "Unfortunately, no." There was a chorus of disappointed groans, "But I did go to Akiva for answers."

Now Orion couldn't help but raise a brow at that; they may not have known Fireteam Redacted as long as Pluto or Ianos, but Orion knows for certain that Akiva isn't really the best known source for information, mainly for the reason that although he can be informative, the Titan is known to be tight lipped with the secrets of others. Then again…

"Why the fuck did you go to Akiva for answers?" Gemini spoke the question aloud.

This earned the Hunter a wink, "I offered him a drink."

Orion nearly paused in his stepped as he let out a groan, shaking his head as he said, "You guys are going to get me in trouble." He heard a chorus of laughter from behind.

"Hey, you know that Akiva get slightly loose lipped when he gets a few drinks in."

In response to Cordelia's words, he glanced over his shoulder and gave her a blank stare, "You do realize that if Pluto figures out what you did, he won't be happy."

"Not if he doesn't figure it out." Orion sighed as Cordelia continued, "Anyway, just because he gets drunk doesn't always mean he's willing to give out 'everything', especially with his Ghost present."

"The curse of having a forever partner."

Everyone laughed at Polaris' comment.

"But I did manage to get Akiva to say one thing despite his Ghost's protests: that there is a living Warmind out in the Cosmodrome."

Now that, that nearly made Orion stumble and fall flat onto his feet, hearing the others choke and squawk in surprise.

"A Warmind? Alive!?"

"Its name is Rasputin from what I managed to get from him. After that, he drawled on how Pluto and three other members of Fireteam Redacted going into its bunker and came back alive."

Alive. Now that is a rare occurrence. Everyone, even ones as young as Orion, have heard about Warminds. And how territorial they can be. After all, he had read about the Iron Lords. And of their demise.

A hum from Cordelia pulled Orion out of his thoughts, "Although, there is one part of the story that didn't make any sense to me."

"Like what?" Cosmos chirped.

"Well." Cordelia started, "From what I could understand from Akiva, he talked like as though they met with someone inside Rasputin's bunker."

Scorpio spoke up, "And that is strange how?"

"Well, from what Akiva said, Rasputin is hostile towards trespassers, which isn't uncommon amongst Warminds. So, someone who was already inside Rasputin's bunker doesn't make sense to me."

"Maybe they were a Guardian who somehow snuck past Rasputin's defenses?" Nova pointed out, "It must happen now and again."

"True." Cordelia assented, "Maybe you're right. Guardians like Pluto and the others are able to bypass Rasputin's defenses every now and again. Maybe there are others who can do the same –"

There was a sharp cry and a thud, prompting Orion to pause in his steps and twirl. All in time to see Cordelia on the floor, rubbing her shoulder as a group of three Guardians, a Titan, Warlock and Hunter – a full group, Pluto would call it – stood nearby. Orion didn't have to see their faces to sense the smirks behind their visors.

"Oh, sorry, didn't see you there." The Titan practically sang. Orion saw Cosmos take a step forward.

"Didn't see? You bumped into her on purpose!"

That, that instantly put Orion on guard, his optics flashing over at the trio. The Warlock of the three crossed their arms, cocking their head to the side.

"On purpose? Now why would we do that? We honestly didn't see you."

Orion gritted his jaw; it didn't take a genius to hear the snarky condescending tone in their voice.

"You're lying!" Gemini spoke up this time, pointing an accusing finger at the three, "'All' of us saw you! You went out of your way to bump her!"

"Oh? Really? If we did, what are you going to do about it?" The Hunter sneered, "Not much a 'handful' of 'newborns' can do against us."

Orion, hearing those words, took steps forward, letting arc light linger around his fingertips; judging from the way Cosmos did the same, she had the same thought lingering in her mind.

Although it was against the rules to fight in the Tower, they were alone in this hall, and from Orion's perspective, he saw no one else making their way in there. If they could maybe make this fight quick, perhaps they could-

"Trying to antagonize a fight?"

Jumping at the intrusion of a new voice, Orion turned his optics down the hall, only for him to spot a familiar white clad figure slowly make their way towards him and the others.

"If you want to fight, I suggest you head towards the Crucible. Shaxx would be more than happy to give you a field to practice on."

A scowl was prominent from the Titan of the group, Orion spotting the way his hands flexed, as if prepping for a fight.

"We were just having casual conversation, Matheson."

Orion would have called out bullshit, if Matt hadn't said, "I don't know if you haven't heard, but I go by 'Matt', 'Newborns'."

Right, although not an active Guardian, Matt is still a Guardian, Orion realize, watching as the trio of antagonizing Guardians flinched at the title. To Orion and the rest of the clan, they have experience but to Matt, they are children.

"I suggest you leave Orion and the others alone. They have just returned from a tiring mission, and I do believe that they would like to return to their quarters. In peace."

The Titan of the group scoffed but nonetheless, Orion saw them give him one last glare before walking away, the other two of his team following after. That is when he decided to let out a breath of relief, turning his optics towards the Medic, "Thanks Matt, if you hadn't arrived when you did, I don't know what I would have done." He glanced back towards the others of the Clan, "What 'we' would have done."

This earned him a few sheepish smiles and coughs, a sign that he had been correct in his thought that if Orion had jumped into a fight, they would have joined in as well.

"You would do 'nothing'."

Orion blinked, once and then twice, before giving Matt a puzzled stare, "What?"

"I know you are confident in your abilities, but there are some fights you cannot pick." Matt started before he sighed, "You cannot start trouble, especially here, at the Tower."

"What do you mean?"

That is when Orion saw hesitation in Matt's brown eyes, seeing the Medic furrow his brows before finally, he answered, "Have you heard of the rumors of your clan, Orion?"

"What?"

Matt let out a breath, one filled with concern, "Do you think that those three antagonized you for no reason? Many were shocked that after so many years, so many centuries, that there are now Exo who have no recollection of their names are now being resurrected and recruited into the Galaxy."

"And?" Orion asked, "What does that have to do with them?"

"Orion." He paused at Matt's call, watching as the look in the Medic's eyes darken, "Many are suspicious at this sudden emergence of recruits. They are saying that Pluto had made a bargain with the Darkness, saying that grief had made him turn to desperate measures in order to bring his clan back."

That, that caused Orion to pause in his thoughts, searching the Medic's face to see if he was joking, if the words he had just spoken were just a cruel prank. He saw no sign of that in Matt's face.

"Lies." Orion found himself blurting out, "Pluto would never do that! We were all resurrected just like the others! We weren't a bargain!"

It was an absurd thought really; Pluto had been open about the history of the previous Galaxy, how each individual Exo had a role in the clan. And his role as the executioner of those who either had gone rogue or corrupted.

Orion knows this a widely known fact, the title that Pluto carries well renown throughout the Tower. So he doesn't understand why they would reach the conclusion that Pluto would make a deal with the very thing he was known to execute.

"Orion."

Hearing his name being called, he focused his attention back onto Matt, easily spotting the worry in his eyes.

"Let's go."

That was all Orion could think of before moving his way around Matt, secretly relieved that the Medic did nothing to stop him or the others as they continued on their trek back towards their quarters.

"Is it true?"

His mind still ringing with disbelief, Orion came to a pause, turning around so that his pink optics locked onto green, Met's gaze filled with worry and distress.

"Is it true that we are a product of a deal that Pluto made with the Darkness?"

At first, Orion wanted to yell, to shout at Met, at how easily she could have been fooled by such a nasty rumor. But, as he saw the innocence, the age in her eyes, Orion reigned himself in; she is the youngest in their group after all, she hasn't bonded or known Pluto as the rest of them did.

However, despite all this, Orion still had doubt lingering in the back, a tug in his mind. It made sense after all, how all of them, each one of them, were resurrected just a couple months apart and somehow made their way to the Tower. Like what Matt said, how, after centuries, Exos like them just suddenly appeared and are now rebuilding the numbers of a clan thought dead for centuries?

"We are 'not' a product of a deal."

Snapping out of his thoughts, Orion turned towards Io, the black Exo's white optics narrowing as he continued, "So what if our resurrection and birth was sudden? The activity of the Hive was thought dead until several years ago when a newborn Guardian discovered an entrance deep in the caverns on the moon. Or the Fallen raids against the city thought to have ended only a year ago." He watched as the Hunter pressed a hand against his chest, "Impossible coincidences happen, how are we any different?"

"I agree!" Cosmos spoke up, her shout resounding through the clan, "Why are we being attacked as 'different' when there are so many other coincidences happening all around us? Is it because we are Guardians? That we are Exo? Or is it because people actually thought that since the Clan was dead, that there was no possible way it can be revived? They just wanted an excuse, a reason why we came from the impossible." She then huffed but, Orion can sense her smile return, "Just like what Io said, we are 'not' a product of a deal."

The doubt still lingered, but now, Orion's confidence returned, and he saw that some of the younger Exo had the same thoughts as he. Their shoulders went lax, breaths of relief can be heard. However, as he continued to lead the others towards their quarters, Orion started feeling the doubt again, his trust wavering.

Pluto wouldn't do something so drastic, would he?

Xxxxx

Sun had never outright admitted that they had a soft spot for Ianos. Not because they didn't want to, because they never 'had' to. To them, their bond with the Warlock had been obvious, especially considering that they had taken up the habit of calling him 'Little Light' back then. Not that they could call him anything else; he had yet to take up a proper name then.

Nonetheless, the name was started by Neptune, the Exo Warlock wanting to give a 'temporary' title so that they something to call the then nameless Warlock by. Of course, considering how endearing the name sounded, it was only used within the Galaxy; anything was free reign when outside of the clan's boundaries, that is, until he was given the name Ianos.

However, despite everyone's best efforts, including Sun themself, the habit stuck and sometimes, Sun would find the old name slip from their tongue without thought. This prompted the doubtful look that they were receiving from Carina.

"If you do not believe me, you do not have to." Sun shrugged, 'But I am telling the truth."

"You claim that you had met Ianos 'before' the two of you even had names?" Carina asked, in which, Sun nodded. They heard the younger Exo scoff, "Sounds ludicrous to me."

Giving her a blank look, Sun simply shook their head before started to speed up into a brisk jog, only to pause as they heard Carina say, "Wait, aren't you going to tell me more?"

Sun sighed, "You just said that you did not believe me on how Ianos and I met. What makes you think I would be willing to tell you more?"

The pout was prominent behind Carina's helmet, "That's because the two of you meeting back when there was no City? Back when Guardian deaths were at its highest because of Warlords and Faction Wars? And somehow the two of you meet 'again' like hundreds of years later? Sorry if I don't buy it."

Sun couldn't help a hum as they pondered upon her words; thinking about it, it does make sense. Anyone at her age would find it hard to believe that two Risen from the Dark Ages would have survived and then met again centuries later.

"I would say ask Ianos." They decided to add, "But I fear that wouldn't help either."

Sun sensed the puzzled look that Carina sent their way, "The reason?"

"He doesn't know that the first Guardian he had met was me." Sun heard the sputter and a choke from Carina, "I thought you said you didn't believe me?"

"I don't!" Carina exclaimed, "It was just a twist that I wasn't expecting!"

Sun couldn't help it. They laughed. This earned them a glare from the younger Guardian.

"Right, so how the fuck did you know that it was Ianos when you met him 'again', but yet he didn't recognize you?"

"Easy." Sun said before pointing at their head, "Helmet."

There was no doubt in Sun's mind that the look right now that they were receiving from Carina was dark, disappointed, full of disbelief, especially considering her next words.

"Don't fucking tell me that the reason why he didn't recognize you is because you kept your helmet on while he took his off?"

In response, Sun snorted, "Did you want me to say that 'both' of us had our helmets off and that he has a bad memory?"

"That's even worse."

"Then I am going to stick to 'my' story then." Sun ignored the glower that Carina gave them, "As I have stated before, I had found Ianos being attacked by Fallen when he was just a Newborn. I helped. It was easy and simple." They then shrugged, "After we had set up camp, he removed his helmet so that he can gain a better sense of his surroundings, hence why I knew what he looked like."

"What happened after?"

"We talked." Sun was amused at Carina's disappointment, "Then, I escorted him to the nearest settlement."

"That's 'boring'." Carina huffed, "I heard stories about you and Ianos, so I expected to two of you to have met like, you know, on epic terms."

Sun blinked, "Excuse me?"

"You know? One of you surrounded by Fallen, clearly outnumber and when hope seemed lost, the other jumps in and saves the day!" She then paused, letting the sound of their footsteps resound through the corridor, "You know what I mean?"

No, they didn't, because to Sun, what she had just described was no different when they had saved Ianos from the Eliksni. Nonetheless, they decided to nod, to pretend to understand, although, this merely earned them a huff from Carina.

"So, say I believe your story?" She said, "You met Ianos back before you had names. That doesn't explain why you treat him like an Exo despite him being you know, an organic?"

That is when Sun faltered, fumbling in their footsteps at her question. The promise filtered to the forefront of their mind, an innocent face looking up at them hopefully, waiting for an answer to his question.

"I do not remember." They blurted out and knew immediately that there was no possible way that Carina was going to believe them. They were correct when they sensed a narrowed look.

"Bullshit."

Sun sighed, "I made a promise. Does that satisfy you?"

"No. That doesn't sound like you. At all." Sun gave Carina a glare, "Maybe it does have to do with a promise, but there is more to it, isn't there?"

They wanted to deny it, that it is really is a promise that they had made when they were both Newborns in a day and age where many Guardians – Risen – died young from others of their own kind, all of whom were filled with greed and envy. But then, Sun remembered the exhausted and hopeless face, brought over by Pluto and Neptune to their camp near the edges of the building City walls. At how familiarity rang in their sensors but noticed the blank look settling over the Awoken's eyes. Despite some of their numbers' words, everyone wanted to help. Sun had wanted to help.

"We just got attached." Sun found themself saying, "I got attached."

Warmth started settling into their core as the memory as the fire in the Awoken's eyes were brought back to life, recalling many days of Ianos, then nameless, would excitedly show them and the others of the research he had found, or would hand gifts from his excursions from other planets.

Sun found themself unable to stop, "You know, he called us his family." They sensed a surprised look from Carina, "And I mean he really did." Sun snorted, "Called some of the clan mates Aunt, Uncles, brothers, sisters." They paused, as another memory lingered to the surface, "Bibi."

Immediately they heard a snort from Carina but, Sun opted to ignore it. It was a silly title, it really is, after all, Sun had thought the same. But then they heard how long it took for Ianos to find a gender-neutral term for 'aunt' or uncle' and Sun appreciated it. True there were those who respected Sun's identity but there were still plenty of days when others wouldn't. To hear that Ianos took the time, warmed their core greatly.

"Or Grandparent, if that helps." Sun decided to say aloud, and this earned them another snort from Carina, but, this one was filled with warmth and empathy.

"What happened?"

Venus and the City happened, is what Sun wanted to say but, they bit their tongue. Even after all these years, the memory still hurts of what had happened, and on how the City had broken the last strand of trust that they and the other members of the Clan had towards it. That is the reason why they left in the first place.

"You alright?"

It took Sun a moment to feel Carina's hand on their shoulder, and to realize that they were swaying slightly on their feet. Staring into her visor, Sun considered telling her; perhaps it would help ease the grief, the burden of their memory. But all that came was an image of a figure clad in yellow, orange lights bright against their plating, echoes of his voice ringing in their mind as they walked alongside another. His gentle chatter was soon replaced with a scream and a cry.

"I wish I can tell you." Sun managed to say, "But, it deeply involves Little Light as well." They looked away, "It wouldn't be right to tell you without him present."

There was a brief pause from Carina, as if she wanted to say something, perhaps another question, knowing her age and curiosity. However, much to Sun's relief, all they heard was a huff and a pout.

"But he doesn't tell me 'anything'."

This prompted a chuckle from Sun, "Patience is a virtue."

"Bah!"

Smiling at Carina's impatience, Rasputin's voice pulled Sun out of their reverie. And what they heard prompted them to let out a curse.

"The Taken have made it to the Core room!"

Without waiting for a response, Sun ran down the corridor, feeling for their auto-rifle as they made their way to the door. Instead of waiting for it to open, Sun gathered their solar light around them, twisted, and let their shoulder connect.

They felt the door easily split, Sun keeping their balance steady as they ignored Rasputin's protests as they ran into the room. And summoned their Hammer.

Agonized cries of the Taken reached Sun's auditory sensors as their thrown Hammers exploded within their proximity, eyeing Rasputin's core to ensure that the flames were at a safe distance away. It didn't take long before quick footsteps entered followed by the sound of gunfire – a sign that Carina had followed them in.

Pleased, Sun then decided to go physical, running towards another Taken – shaped like a Hive Knight – and swinging their hammer right at its head. It only had enough time to let out a screech before Sun swung again, silencing it before it disappeared into the void.

As they readied themself for their next opponent, Sun then felt a tap, and with adrenaline still running through their body, Sun turned, raising their hammer.

"Woah! Traveler! Easy! It's me!"

Recognizing Carina's yelp, Sun came to a sudden halt, their optics locking onto the front of the younger Exo's visor. This pause in movement prompted a breath of relief.

"No need to be so tense." She said, "You practically cleared the room when I got here." Watching her gesture with her head and shoulders towards the room, Sun looked and, true to her words, the room was clear, "I understand that you care for Rasputin but fuck, no need to kill 'everything'."

Letting out a breath of their own, Sun took a step back, letting their hammer dissipate from their fingers, "Habit." They then looked up at the ceiling, "Any sign of corruption?"

Rasputin's voice echoed through the room, and listening to his answer, Sun let out a sigh of relief, "Good, the Taken haven't done any serious damage. Yet." They then turned to Carina, "We have to fortify our positions and be prepared to hold the Taken back."

"Finally." Sun couldn't help but be confused as Carina practically beamed at them, "Now I can finally have a proper challenge." They felt her grin fade behind her visor, especially when she turned her attention towards Rasputin's core, "Although, shouldn't we put protection around that?"

"Rasputin's core is half the size of this room, Young Light." Sun said as they took steps towards the core, eyeing the consoles just around it; fortunately, they weren't leaning against it. They provide just enough space to give both Sun and Carina cover, "There is nothing in this room that will offer Rasputin any protection."

"Then how about a Ward of Dawn? We can manipulate it so that it will be big enough to protect it."

Glancing back and forth between Carina and the Core, Sun then shrugged before motioned with their gun, "Be my guest."

That is when Sun sensed the blank look behind her visor.

"Uh, can't you do it?"

Sun paused, "Can you not summon a Ward of Dawn?"

"Not properly." There was a hint of frustration in her voice, "But 'you' can, right? Especially with your age."

No sooner had Sun let her words sink in when they sputtered, physically take steps back as they said, "What makes you think that I can summon a Ward of Dawn?"

"Wait, what?" They felt the look of surprise behind Carina's visor, "But you have solar light. You should have at least 'one' other type of light, right? Most Guardians at your age at least have two. I mean, Ianos and Pluto do anyway."

Sun shook their head, letting out a breath, "Young Light, I understand where are coming from but I 'cannot' access the Void. I am a Naturalborn."

There was a pause.

"A what?"

Sun could not help but give Carina blank look, "Do not tell me that after all these years that, during my absence, they fail to teach new Guardians about the 'Naturalborn'." They sighed as they gained a confused look. Sun pinched the bridge of their nose, "As you know, every Guardian is supposedly born with the capability of wielding two Lights." They took in a breath and forced themself to look at Carina, "Titans: Arc and Void, Hunters: Solar and Arc, and Warlocks, Solar and Void. Then, there are the Lights of Old, in which only Guardians with centuries of experience are able to obtain. Understand?"

There was a pout from Carina, a frown, but she nodded.

"Now, usually the Lights of Old can 'only' be obtained through experience and trials, however, it is soon discovered that there are Guardians who are naturally resurrected with them, and as such, are able to wield them without the need of experience or these trials."

"But I am going to take a guess that there is a downside?"

Sun nodded, "Naturalborn Guardians, although having the ability to wield the Lights of Old as soon as they are born, have the handicap of attuning to that 'one' light only." They heard a silent 'oh' from Carina.

There was another pause.

"So, that means you can't summon a Ward of Dawn?"

Sun let out a heavy sigh as they smacked a hand onto their face, "No, I cannot."

There was another brief period of silence. And then a snort from Carina.

"Well, I always did like it the old fashion way."

Lifting their optics from their hand, Sun watched as arc light crackled around her shoulders. Right as the familiar Orbs of Darkness started spawning in their vicinity.

Scanning their surroundings, Sun then checked to see if their rifle had a clip before they raised their weapon and aimed at the forming Taken.