Redacted

I Do Not Know

I'm not late for an update for once lol. On time! Whoot! Whoot! Anyways, thanks to TidalKiller, Mantic64, AQY, DisobeyedBowl6, and Lazypersons for the review!

Edited: 10/30/2022

"Echo."

Hearing his Ghost call out, Echo grunted as he pushed himself away from his tools, propping the parts of his weapon down as he stood.

"What is it?"

"Sensors indicate three Guardians just entered the area." Echo narrowed his optics, "A Warlock, a Titan, and a Hunter." A hum can be heard from the Ghost's black shell, "It seems that they are looking for you."

Releasing a scoff, Echo raised a hand, and it didn't take long for a hand cannon to compile into his grip. His HUD came to life not long after.

"If they are looking for me, then they will find me."

"Do not rough them up too much like the last group."

Feeling Reaver's weight in his mind, Echo simply responded with another grunt before heading to the exit, taking a step outside the instant the door slid open.

"Where?" He demanded.

"They are coming your way to your right." Reaver responded, "Turn the corner and you will make contact."

Rolling his neck and shaking out his arms, Echo then concentrated his light around him. Wisps of void light permeated from his form, spilling onto the floor in a fog as the edges of his vision glowed violet. Hefting his hand cannon in his hands, Echo then dashed forward, sprinting around the corner before he aimed his weapon and fired three shots.

The sound of shields breaking, and yelps of surprise rang in his sensors as he continued to rush forward, condensing his void light into his fists.

Trailing his gaze over the three Guardians, Echo then narrowed his optics as he realized two of them were human; it wasn't difficult to tell from the absence of their helmet. The third of the team – a Warlock – was difficult to ascertain because of his helmet. But that didn't matter. He, like the two humans, is still trespassing.

Targeting the Hunter, Echo quickly closed the distance and aimed his fist.

That is when a single shot rang out and Echo saw void light explode from his arm, leaving a cloud of smoke. He halted, twisting his body to follow the momentum, and skidding around to regain his footing.

"We are not here to fight." It is the Warlock, Echo spotting him lowering his sidearm, "We are here to talk, Echo."

Glaring at the three Guardians, Echo snarled, "Why should I trust the words of organics?"

Raising his hand cannon, Echo fired, and he watched as the three of them dispersed. Once again, he aimed his attention to the Hunter, twisting his aim towards the latter. His first shot easily broke the Guardians shields and his second earned him a cry. The Hunter stumbled and fell to the floor.

"Angel!"

Hearing footsteps rushing towards him, Echo turned and aimed his weapon at the Titan. He scoffed when the latter halted in his charge, coming to a stop just above the Hunter, and snapped his hands outward, the familiar Ward of Dawn flashing over his form.

"You have to be kidding me?"

Pressing his feet against the floor, Echo focused his light into his soles before propelling forward, closing the distance and slamming the palm of his free hand onto the surface of the Ward. Then, he focused, trailing void light up his arm and through his fingers, watching as the wisps latched onto the Ward's surface, darkening its color. He then pushed, feeling his hand easily slip through, allowing the rest of his body access. Then, without another word, he raised his hand cannon and fired it between the wide eyes of the human Titan. Crimson patterned the front of his visor just as the Ward about him died, and Echo quickly shifted his aim towards the Hunter. The latter only had enough time to look up at him before he too collapsed to the floor.

Lowering his weapon, Echo then snapped out a hand, snatching the white and red shell of the Hunter's Ghost out of the air. There is a squeak, then a curse, and Echo turned her in his hand to stare right into her optic. He couldn't help but feel amused at the defiant stare.

"No!"

Hearing a roar from behind, Echo turned only to feel a collision against his chest, the surprise enough making him lose his grip upon the Ghost's shell. Clouds of void light burst into his vision as the layer against his armor broke, Echo stumbling back to gage his distance. Refreshing his shields, Echo then heard multiple shots of a sidearm going off, and he spotted puffs of void light permeate from his chest. Narrowing his optics at the Warlock, Echo dashed towards him. He felt shots pelting his void layer, seeing fog burst into his sight before finally, he snapped out a hand and snatched the Warlock by the neck.

Hearing him choke as he easily lifted him off his feet, Echo then said, "Any last words?"

With his experience, Echo expected words of mercy or at least, a sense of panic. To his surprise, he heard the Warlock release a strained chuckle.

This annoyed him.

"What is so funny?"

Hearing the Warlock take in a rasping breath, Echo then felt the familiar pressure of condensed light. He looked down at the Warlock's hands, only to see a familiar violet orb building in his palms.

"Are you capable of defending against a point-blank Nova?" The Warlock managed to croak out.

His vision then burst with a flash of violet and white.

Echo let out a shout, releasing his hold from the Warlock as he felt his void armor shift, break under the pressure. He stumbled back, blinking past stars as he suddenly felt light, feeling a burn through his armor. That is when he felt a barrel press under his jaw; one of the few places not protected without his void light.

Echo froze and then glared down at the Warlock, only to pause. The condition of the Guardian before him made Echo realize how others do not have the same defenses as him.

Parts of the Warlock's cloth armor were broken, eaten away, singed on the edges, and a crack ran down the front of his helmet.

"Ready to talk?" The Warlock heaved out, Echo hearing him cough and then take in a deep, wheezing, breath, "Peacefully?"

Scowling behind his helmet, Echo attempted to raise his hand cannon, only to freeze once more when he felt a minuet movement under his jaw.

"Drop it."

Gritting his jaw, Echo contemplated on just trying to fire his weapon anyway but, another subtle movement from the Warlock is convincing enough for him to comply. He would prefer avoiding death.

As such, reluctantly, Echo dropped his weapon. He heard the Warlock release a breath of relief.

"I have him." The Warlock announced and Echo heard steps approach, "You two alright?"

"Perfect." It is the Titan, the latter releasing a groan just as his steps came to a pause nearby, "Feels just like being in the Crucible."

Glancing over to see that the Hunter had also been resurrected, Echo then looked back at the Warlock, expecting vengeance, a subtle movement against the trigger of his weapon. However, instead of a gunshot, Echo watched with wide optics as the Warlock lowered his weapon and holstered it. He couldn't help but stare, looking on as a black and orange Ghost compiled over the Warlock's shoulder.

"That was reckless!" The Ghost shouted as they beamed their light over the seams of their Chosen's armor; this earned them a hiss in response, "Blowing up an incomplete Nova bomb just to break down his shields! Idiotic!"

In turn, the Warlock gave his Ghost a blank look. Or, at least Echo thought so, with his helmet still covering his expression.

"You had any other ideas?" The Warlock said.

There is a grumble, but no answer as the Ghost continued to work. And that is when Echo finally took in the Ghost's words.

"You had no intentions to kill me?" He asked.

The look he senses behind the Warlock's visor is filled with bewilderment, confusion.

"I disarmed you." The Warlock said, "I see no reason to take your life."

Once again, Echo stared, optics blank, trying to understand the Warlock's words. Then, anger simmered to the front.

"What are you doing!?"

The Warlock's Ghost let out a shout when Echo wrapped his hands around the Chosen's neck, hearing the latter release a gasp. Then started to choke when Echo tightened his grip. Ignoring the hands scraping along his arms, red glowed around Echo's vision as he snarled.

He should have killed him! He should have! Killing the enemy is the only sure-fire way to live.

"That kind of mercy will get you killed." Echo growled, as he grabbed the back of the Warlock's helmet, feeling his fingers dig into the metal, shifting his other hand to the front of his neck. And prepared to snap it.

There is a shout behind him, a curse from the Titan before he felt the familiar sensation of a barrel aim at the back of his head. Optic wide, Echo felt his Void light slither upwards, but he already heard the click of the trigger.

Echo felt no pain, but he felt the impact, enough for him to stumble forward, barely collecting himself to keep steady. Static flickered in his vision, prompting a gasp from him. That is when Echo felt the Warlock slip from his grip.

He reached out, a low snarl permeating from him throat but, darkness already started gripping the edges of his conscious and, despite himself, Echo felt his knees collapsed under him.

"Echo!"

Reaver's voice rang in his sensors as he planted his palms upon the floor, hoping, praying that his Ghost would be able to fix the damage before he dies.

Death.

He hated it.

The sensation of floating, a tinge of happening, but unable to remember once you awoke, like as though you were jerked from a different life. But the memories. The memories of his former life. That is what Echo hated the most.

He sputtered and gasped, clinging desperately to stay conscious.

"What are you – let go of me! Echo!"

Guessing from the desperation in his Ghost's voice, it seems one of the three Guardians had intervened and as such, Echo released a breath, closed his optics. And fell into death.

Xxxxx

"Shouldn't we kill him?"

Turning his attention towards his fellow Exo, he blinked as the younger unit pointed with their rifle at the human soldier; the latter gave a glare at the pair.

"Our orders were to kill all enemies on sight."

Flashing his optics back and forth between his fellow unit and the human, he then shrugged, "We beat him in this fight and disarmed him, I say that is a victory."

He spotted the flash of bewilderment, of puzzlement in the younger Exo's gaze, prompting him to flash him a smile, "When you grow more aware, you will understand."

The younger Exo tilted his head at his words, obviously confused, but nonetheless nodded, and scratched the side of his head. The tilt of his head allowed him to see the letters on the back of his neck.

EXO/PHNX Unit I – 10. The youngest of their unit.

"Is this part of becoming 'sentient'?"

"We are all sentient, brother." He chuckled, "We just need time to grow, to learn."

The young Exo tilted his head again, his optics wide now and then shift to what he recognizes as a smile, "To learn, huh?"

Unable help to but give the younger unit a broad grin, he then proceeded to lower his firearm, moving to holster it behind his back.

That is when the sound of a rifle shot rang through the air.

And the younger unit collapsed.

Optics wide, he could only watch, spotting the exposed wires, the broken plating in the younger unit's neck, fluids spilling from the injury. Falling onto his hands, the young Exo looked up at him, reaching out a hand before he choked, and then fell to his side.

He dropped his weapon, taking subtle steps forward before collapsing onto his knees, his trembling hands hovering over the still form of his fellow Exo. His brother.

A whimper, a broken cry formed in his throat, his optics scanning, scanning for anything that could resemble life. He found none.

That is when he heard a curse behind him.

Glancing over his shoulder, he saw that the human is still upon the ground, a revolver in his grip, his hands trembling as he attempting to shove bullets into the chamber. The same human that he and the younger Exo had just shown mercy moments before.

His vision went red.

Snarling, the Exo heft his rifle back into his hands, pushing himself back to his feet and aimed his weapon at the wounded human. The latter paused and looked up with wide eyes.

"Wait-"

He didn't wait for the human finish.

Without hesitation, he aimed his weapon between the human's eyes and pulled the trigger.

Xxxxx

A roar burst from his throat as Echo sat up abruptly, feeling the burn of void light settle over his body.

He heard someone curse.

"And here I thought you were the only one who gets violent when resurrected, Ianos."

Turning his optics towards the Titan, Echo went to move, to kill, and he could see the Guardian take a step back, readying himself for a fight.

"Enough!"

The familiar black shell of Reaver glided in front of him, prompting Echo to halt, blink, and then narrow his optics.

"Get out of the way."

"No."

Echo reeled. He had never heard his Ghost say that to him.

"You have been beaten, Echo." He flinched at Reaver's words, "I say stop now, before we not only destroy this place, but the Tower as well." Echo saw his Ghost's white optic glance at the tall building, "Definitely do not want to damage it. Again." Reaver shifted their optic back towards Echo, "I understand why you want to stay isolated, Echo, but these three put up a fight. Let us see what they have to say."

Scowling at his Ghost, Echo stood his ground, glaring. In turn, Reaver glared back. He then sighed; his Ghost could be stubborn, or more so, than him. As if reading his mind, he saw Reaver beam and nod. He rolled his optics and grunted.

Crossing his arms, Echo turned his attention towards the three Guardians; he saw the tension in their shoulders, the Titan even having raised his hands, as if to fistfight.

"Out with it." He said, "and quickly, before I decide to kill you."

This earned him a snarl from the Hunter – one that couldn't be a human vocalization – and Echo couldn't help but raised a brow at him. Nonetheless, before he could question the abnormal behavior, the Warlock – armor still singed from his Void light – stepped forward.

"We need your help."

Echo frowned, "What makes you think that I will help the likes of you?" He waved a hand, "Begone. You wasted both of our time."

"Wait." The Warlock spoke again, "It has to do with Knight."

Echo halted in his turn, turning his head to glower at the three Guardians. Of course, the young Exo that has been taken into their care. He isn't surprised.

"If you are speaking of his trial, what makes you think I will care about him?"

This seemed not to be the response that they had wanted, judging from the way they reeled at his words, even sensing the surprise from the Warlock despite the coverage of his features.

Echo scoffed, "He is only a shell of his former self. Cannot even remember his own origins without asking his Ghost to read the numbers out for him." He narrowed his optics, "Not worth saving an outdated Exo."

The sputtering from the Titan, the shock from the Warlock, and the anger that he felt from the Hunter, Echo would have found that satisfying, if he had truly cared. But his thoughts on his fellow Exo, it is sincere. If he were honest, he truly was happy to know that another like him had been resurrected. But the news of the memory wipe came to the surface. It wasn't worth interacting with someone who had wanted to forget the past.

"How can you say that about a fellow Exo?" The Warlock is the one who spoke, the surprise apparent in his voice.

And it was Echo's turn to be surprised. How did they…?

He heard Reaver clear his throat.

"I told you not to rush in without thinking." His Ghost said. And it was then he understood. His violent interaction with Knight back during that Crucible match. Of course, it wouldn't take much for them to put the pieces together.

Heaving out an annoyed breath, Echo lifted his head back, just slightly, before pressing the sealant underneath, letting the hiss of the air pressure release and lifting his helmet off. He blinked briefly for his optics to adjust the absence of a HUD.

"You believe that just because I am an Exo that I can save him?" He asked, "Why not ask that Security Model that you spend so much time with?"

There is a sound of offense from the Warlock but, Echo cares little. Not that what he is saying is a lie. That Hunter that he always spies them hanging around with is of the same model as those who patrolled outside of the labs. There was knowledge that the scientists back then didn't want loose to the public.

"It is because he is not a Phoenix Exo, like you?"

Now that, that caught Echo's attention.

Where had he learned of their existence?

A brief contemplation, and Echo sighed.

Of course, it leads back to Knight's assessment. The Vanguard would have noticed and considering that he is under the care of the Warlock, they would have informed him as well. He wonders if Prime was involved with giving him the knowledge. He wouldn't doubt it.

"I pray that you will keep that to yourself."

And if he doesn't, Echo will be quick to silence him. He has kept his identity a secret for years. A simple Warlock isn't going to ruin that.

His threat seemed to be understood, as the Warlock nodded. Echo breathed out.

"Then I will not say it again. Leave. And dare not trespass again."

Echo turned.

"Wait."

"Temper." Reaver's hushed words were quick enough that Echo slammed his light down, forcing the void light from his fingers as he took in a deep breath.

"Reaver-"

"You need to socialize." Echo gave his Ghost a blank look, "I have endured your isolation enough. Socialize." He watched as Reaver glanced over at the three Guardians, "You may need allies in the future."

Echo scoffed. He doesn't need allies. Not when he has his Ghost. But, as he went to voice this, he paused as Reaver's optic narrowed at him, his Ghost gesturing with his shell towards the other Guardians. Echo huffed but nonetheless, turned his attention back towards the three.

"You need my help with the trial?" Echo crossed his arms once more when the Warlock nodded, "and for what reason? I am not involved with any 'crime' that he has brought upon himself."

"That is because we need you to lure him out."

Echo raised a brow and then scowled, "Explain."

"You refuse to aid him for the belief that the original individual has been wiped from memory, correct?" The Warlock started, "However, what if he is not as 'gone' as you believe?"

"What are you trying to imply?"

"There is evidence that Knight was not the one who had committed the crime, but another," Echo furrowed his brows at the Warlock's explanation, "One who inhabits his body."

"And you believe that with me there, that I can bring this other individual to the surface?"

"Yes."

Echo narrowed his optics, scrutinizing the three Guardians; he cannot spot any subtle movement to tell if they were lying.

"If what you are saying is true, then what makes you believe that I will still aid you?"

Although the Warlock's face is covered, the way he jerked back, as if hit by his words, is telling enough. And even with his features hidden, the look of offense on the other two Guardian's face gave enough away.

"Pardon?" The Warlock said.

"You ask me for aid but to me, it sounds you want to incriminate the other individual, the original." Echo explained, "You want me to incriminate one of my own?"

The Warlock flinched, and then said, "It is either that or the bond between Knight and his Ghost will be broken and he will probably be executed. Alongside with the other individual." Echo scowled even further, "However, if we prove that there is another who is responsible, one who had done the violence instead, the Consensus cannot sentence an innocent man."

Echo paused, "You are saying that the evidence of a second individual will lighten his sentence?"

"Their sentence." The Warlock corrected, "At least, where they will not be put to death."

Taking in the Warlock's words, Echo couldn't help but huff, shifting his optics to the floor as he contemplated.

He had heard the rumors, tidbits of info during his trips to the Crucible. That a Guardian had taken human lives. An action that Echo knows the Vanguard, the Consensus especially, will not take lightly. Even if he were to intervene and reveal the truth, there is still a chance that the two of them won't get a heavy sentence. But the chance that another like him, another Phoenix Exo who remembers …

"Cannot take the risk." He mumbled before lifting his optics towards the Warlock and his team, "Leave."

It is the Hunter who jumped, "What, but…"

"Leave. Now."

The edges of his vision turned red, and he saw the three take a step back. Then, there is a sharp inhale from the Warlock but nonetheless, Echo watched as he simply nodded, turned, and left. The Hunter, to his credit, glared at Echo and then followed his friend. The Titan flashed him a look, a look that Echo cannot comprehend, before he too left.

"Do you think he is telling the truth?"

Reaver had waited until the three were out of sight, disappearing into the Tower before he spoke. And Echo couldn't help but heave out a breath.

"Hard to say." He admitted, "There are organics who are capable of telling lies without giving themselves away."

"Then should we not help?" Reaver asked, "But, how long has it been since we have last seen a Phoenix Exo?" The Ghost paused, "Or if we have met any at all?" He heard Reaver hum, his shell shifting against his core, "Should we take the chance?"

Silent, Echo turned his attention back towards the ground, eyeing the ruined floor and dust.

"I do not know, Reaver." He said before he rubbed a hand down the front of his face, "I do not know."