Redacted

What have you done?

Sorry for the late update, had work this weekend.

Thanks to Guest, The Great Wolf 117, and Diamond002 for the reviews!

Guest - Bring on the tears! and Thanks lol

_Transcript: Death_

_Source: Ghost of Hashimoto, Isamu_

_Alias: Hashimoto, Hajime_

_Transcript of conversation between Revenant Hashimoto, Isamu [H.I], Revenant Hunter Blaise [H.B] and Preceptor of the Revenants [REDACTED] [P.Z]. Topic concerning a place of burial_

[P.Z]: Tell me, where would the two of you like to be buried?

[H.B]: I beg your pardon, Preceptor?

[P.Z]: Where would you like your final resting place to be? When you die?

[H.I]: My apologies Preceptor, but considering our status as Chosen, death is only a second thought. I highly doubt we would need to consider our place of burial?

[P.Z]: (laughs) You are older than me but yet, your mindset resembles that of a newborn.

[H.I]: Preceptor?

[P.Z]: Isamu, you must know more than any of us that despite our status, we are more than capable of dying. We are just harder to kill.

[H.B]: Then, may I bother you why you asked us that question?

[P.Z]: Because we weren't given the choice to be brought to life. The least I can do is to let those under the Revenants choose where they would like to be buried.

[H.B]: … I would like a place with an open sky, where I can see the stars for miles.

[H.I]: Blaise!

[P.Z]: I will keep that in mind. Isamu?

[H.I]: … Somewhere that isn't earth. Someplace new, where I have never been before.

[P.Z]: (Laughs) Well, that means I have to bring you to the outer planets then.

[H.I]: I do hope there would be no need for years to come.

[H.B]: What about you, Preceptor? Where would you like your final resting place to be?

[P.Z]: … The Moon.

[H.B]: The… Moon, Preceptor?

[H.I]: Why the Moon?

[P.Z]: Because that is where my other halves are. They died on that place and neither their Ghosts or their bodies were retrieved, even now. The least I can do, is be there when it is my time, where the three of us can stay together, for eternity.

_End Transcript_

Xxxxx

Akiva was unsure if the Revenants followed the same rituals as the Tower, although, the human Titan felt like there was no other way but to cremate Isamu's body, otherwise, traversing through the woods while he was intact would be painstakingly slow and hazardous. The Fallen looks out for stragglers after all. As such, Akiva held Isamu's remains in a decorated canister, thanks to Ace, the Ghost having been awakened from the gunshot that claimed the Revenant's life.

"When you are as old as Ianos or Pluto, you learn to carry them around," He remembers Ace answering when the human Titan asked about the makeshift urn, "otherwise, how else would you be able to bring back those we had lost out in the field in the midst of battle?"

Akiva decided not to make any further comments after hearing that.

Nonetheless, despite the relief that Isamu was now in peace, Eidr's cries kept a constant reminder to the group that the Revenant had left a child behind. In spite of Scorpio's best attempts to calm the infant down, Eidr continued to sob and wail, as if he knew of the passing of his father. Akiva just hopes that when the infant grows, that the deaths of his parents would fade from memory.

"How much longer until we reach this base of yours?" It was Nine who asked the question, Ace's form now following freely over the Phoenix Exo's shoulders as the latter continued to hold Ianos' form against his chest, "It already has been several hours since we had set out on foot."

"We are almost there," Crystalline's response was immediate, Akiva seeing the wisps of light leaving her form brighten, "Just have to be careful once we enter Revenant territory though."

A sense of unease settled into the human Titan's chest, "And why is that?"

"I did say the Revenants are paranoid right?" Akiva's stomach clenched at the female Ghost's answer, "If your Ghost isn't emanating the right 'balance' of light and darkness, they will attack."

A pause, "Wait, attack?"

"To kill." Akiva gave the female Ghost a blank stare, "Like I said, we're all paranoid and – oh."

"What?"

"I forgot to mention this but, this isn't the first time a Revenant Ghost led Tower Guardians to a base before." The human Titan paused at her words, "and when I mean 'led', I mean against their will."

"Against their will-" Akiva's mouth went dry, "Crystalline, are you stating that since more than likely they are going to recognize you, but don't recognize us, that they will automatically assume that you are our prisoner?"

"In retrospect, yes, especially so since I hadn't contacted them since Hush's resurrection. So, stay back a bit and – too late."

No sooner had Crystalline spoke when Akiva felt something 'heavy' linger over his shoulders, and it was then he heard movement behind the trees. Movement that was not amongst their current number.

"Incoming!"

The female Ghost's warning prompted the Titan to leap back, only for an explosion to reach his ears. White filled Akiva's vision before he felt his feet leave the hearth, followed by Lex's shouts and the familiar sound of his shields shattering. Pain then permeated throughout his body as he then felt himself tumble, the world spinning before it finally came to a slow stop.

"Akiva? Akiva are you alright?" The Titan gave a groan in response to his Ghost's question, "You're alive. I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing."

Letting out another moan, Akiva simply opted to ignore Lex's words before he pushed himself onto his side, and then using his hands to leverage himself off the hearth. Staying on his knees to steady himself, the human Titan then lifted his gaze, only to flinch at the smoldering crater not far from him; it seemed that Akiva only had been clipped by the blast, his instinct to leap back saving him from severe damage. Further his surroundings, the human Titan spotted the twins not too far, Eidr's cries making it too easy to spot the Hunter pair slowly emerging from the trees; credit to Pluto for teaching the young Exo to have faster reflexes than those who are at least almost twenty times older than them. That is when he remembered Nine, and immediately, worry flooded Akiva's senses. Although the Exo Warlock maybe a Phoenix, he was still encumbered with carrying Ianos in his arms, and the Titan found himself stumbling onto his feet in concern. That is when he realized his hands were empty.

Panic then took over his worry as Akiva scrambled about, his golden eyes wide as he searched the dusty hearth; he should have listened to Lex when the Ghost had offered to take Isamu's remains into his vault, but the human Titan felt it didn't feel right. To him, transferring the remains of a Chosen into a digitalized inventory felt 'wrong' and disrespectful to the individual. Now though, Akiva regretted it.

Spotting the familiar ornamented container not too far from him, the human Titan dashed towards it, only to let out a yelp as a bullet ricocheted not too far from the urn, seeing the canister bounce.

"Don't move!"

Snapping his attention towards the source, Akiva then froze when he stared down into a barrel of a sniper, his shoulders rigid as a familiar garb of a Hunter approached from the trees.

"I have one!" The voice was female, synthetic, and in other words an Exo.

Hearing more movement behind the trees, Akiva decided it best to slowly raise his hands, keeping them up in the air even as the Huntress approached and snatched his hand cannon from his side.

"We have the two over here!"

Turning his attention over to where he had last spotted the twins, Akiva spotted the pair back to back, Scorpio clutching Eidr's still crying form as two more Hunters aimed their weapons.

"Have you spotted the last one!?"

"No! Not yet!"

Taking a moment to realize that they were talking about Nine, Akiva's eyes then widen; the Phoenix Exo and Ianos had been directly in the way of the rocket launcher's shot.

"Nine!"

Lowering his hands and attempting to take steps forward towards the smoldering crater, the human Titan halted when he felt a barrel press under his chin, followed by a tut from the Huntress, "I am only going to warn you once, move, and your head comes off."

Gulping at this, Akiva simply turned his gaze back towards where he had last seen Nine and Ianos, scanning the smog for any sign of them.

"Wait, I see movement."

Blinking at the words of the Huntress' comrades, the human Titan took it as a sign to follow the one who had spoken – a male Hunter from what he can grasp – the latter of which was holding up a scout rifle and slowly scooting towards the smoking crater.

"Wait, are you certain?" It was the Huntress who spoke, "Pael's shot was pretty spot on."

"Cole, you know me well enough that I don't make up shit," Akiva watched as the Hunter turned and sense the narrowed glance behind his visor, "I swear upon the Darkness and Light that I saw movement in there." He then watched him turn his attention back to the smoke, "But Pael 'never' misses."

"First time for everything?"

"I heard that!"

Slowly tuning out the bickering between the Hunters, Akiva instead squinted into the smoke, only for his eyes to widen when he found truth in the male Hunter's words; a form easily can be seen through the smog.

"Nine!" He shouted once more, only to further feel the barrel press against his jaw, forcing him to tilt his head back.

"Shut your mouth," Akiva heard the Huntress warn, forcing the human Titan to grit his teeth as his eyes hovered the crater; movement was definitely more prominent within the smoke however, three more Hunters already started converging in, their weapons raised.

"Cole, orders?"

Watching the Huntress shift her attention towards the three Hunters, Akiva's eyes then widen when a command left her, "Kill them, we got all the prisoners we need to find answers."

"Wait! We-"

Impact slammed into the side of the human Titan's face followed by a crack, causing him to stumble and reel his arms as pain resonated through his jaw.

"I gave you your warning."

Feeling the barrel of the Huntress' weapon press against his back, Akiva sucked in a breath as the familiar click of the trigger rang in his ears. That is when he heard a startled cry emanate from behind. Bewildered, the human Titan turned around, only to see a cracked wall of light repair itself.

"What in the-"

A shout of surprise then emitted from the female Revenant as the shield suddenly then slammed into her, pushing her back until her form pinned against one of the many trees.

"Cole!"

Hearing one of the Hunters call out to their leader, one of the three Hunters turned to aid her, only for a scream to emit from him as well as a beam of light slammed into his back, sending him sprawling onto the hearth. This signaled to the others to start firing.

"Wait! Stop!"

Taking steps towards the Hunters, Akiva leaped back as shots were fired near his feet, causing him to snap his attention towards the twins. There, he saw Gemini wrenching her attacker's gun away from them before turning around and firing it into the chest of the Hunter aimed towards her brother. Not even waiting to see if they fell, the human Titan instead started filtering his light through his being before the familiar crackle of arc light rang in his ears. This then prompted Akiva to rush forward with fists raised before slamming in between the spaces of the two Hunters, and immediately, he heard their agonized cries resound through the air followed by the outlines of their being dissipating into energy. He then took the opportunity to step into the fading smoke after seeing their Ghosts pop into view.

"Nine?" Akiva called out, "Nine, I know that was you who protected me, say something."

"…H-Here."

Perking at the voice of the Phoenix Exo, the human Titan took slow and careful steps, up until the smog lowered enough where he spotted familiar white, "Nine!"

Closing the distance between himself and the Warlock, this enabled Akiva to take a better glance at the white Exo. And he couldn't help but flinch.

Although still intact, there was no doubt that the Phoenix Exo had taken the brunt of the explosion; his helmet was missing and the sides of his face and back were charred and broken, sparks of wire revealing the absence of his plating. The whites of his robes were either black or gray from the burns and remains of his right arm can be seen laid about around him, spraying the ground with a morbid glint.

"Nine," Akiva managed to wheeze out before running forward and sliding down onto his knees next to the injured Exo, "are you alright?"

Seeing the Phoenix Exo turn his attention towards him, the human Titan once more blanched as black wires and mesh on the right side of Nine's face, his optic absent from the side.

"I-I am not – as you say - alright," If the Phoenix Exo showed any sign of pain or any hinderance, he did well to hide it, "I don't think, I can heal like this."

"What do you mean you can't heal?" Sensing a blank stare from Nine, Akiva then watched as the Exo simply let out a sigh before fixing his functioning optic back towards the Titan, "I-Ianos. Check on Ianos."

Eyes going wide at the realization of the Awoken being in the radius of the blast, the human Titan then stood abruptly onto his feet, scrambling about until the edges of his vision spotted a small glow nearby. Puzzled, Akiva turned, only to pause as his gaze laid upon Ianos on his back, protected within a white shield.

"G-Good." He turned to see relief flood into Nine's lone optic, "I- I utilized it in time."

Although glad that Ianos was safe, worry then surfaced within Akiva's mind at the Phoenix Exo's condition, especially so when Nine fell forward, stopping himself from hitting the ground with his functioning hand. That's when a thought wandered into his mind.

"Where's Crystalline?" His concern growing when he saw Nine shake his head, Akiva once more started to glance around.

"Crystalline!" He shouted, coughing as dust stuck in his throat, "Crystalline!" The human Titan then pause, licking his lips nervously before he shouted out, "Crystal!"

"For crying out loud! I hear you!"

Snapping his attention to his right, Akiva let out a breath of relief when he saw the familiar lavender form of the female Ghost; scratched up and dusty, but intact.

"How did you-"

"Nine here grabbed me and threw me as far as he could." Akiva watched as Crystalline shook her shell before letting out a groan, "Doesn't mean I didn't get hit by the blast."

"At least you are in better shape than Nine," The human Titan pointed out before turning around and fixing his attention back onto the injured Exo, "Can you stand?"

Seeing the Phoenix Exo lift his head slightly just enough to lock his gaze with his, Akiva deflated as Nine shook his head, "Then, how long will it take to repair yourself?"

Immediately, a scoff emanated from the Exo, causing the human Titan to reel back at the gesture, "Despite the fact that I hold pieces of the Traveler within, it does not mean I am capable of healing myself." Nine then paused, Akiva sensing hesitation emanating from the Phoenix Warlock, "At least, alone."

It took the human Guardian little time to understand his words, "You mean, you need Day?"

Akiva received a nod as an answer, "However, during the battle with the Vex, Day got hit with the Darkness." The human Titan watched as Nine lowered his head, "They are currently too weak to treat me."

Panic and concern forming within the back of his mind, the human Titan then leaned over and held out a hand, watching as Nine lifted his head, gave him a puzzled stare but nonetheless, accepted the gesture. Expecting some weight, Akiva jumped instead when he easily pulled the Phoenix Exo onto his feet before quickly placing himself near Nine's side, allowing the Warlock to use him as leverage.

"This was a nice welcoming party," Akiva turned his attention towards the twins, sensing the frown behind Gemini's visor as they approached, "how in the Traveler are we going to get Ianos help now?"

A cough can be heard from Crystalline, "Any of them conscious?"

The human Titan sensed the frown deepen from Gemini, "You still want them to help even though they tried to kill us? What are you? Crazy?"

"Crazy enough to actually 'talk' to them."

Then before the Huntress can let out a retort, the female Ghost zoomed off, Akiva spotting her lavender form gliding over to the pinned Revenant against the trees; give credit to Nine to still having the energy to keep her subdued despite his condition. Glancing momentarily over to the Exo in question, he caught the gaze of the Phoenix before the latter simply nodded. Later, hearing the hum of the shield of light surrounding Ianos fade, Akiva then turned his attention towards Gemini, sensing the scowl behind the female Exo's visor before the latter heaved out a sigh and then leaning over to haul the Awoken's still form in her arms. That is when the human Titan slowly led Nine towards the pinned Huntress.

As they approached, Akiva couldn't help but be amused at the hateful stare he felt behind the Revenant Huntress's visor; if he had thought her anger was strong before, it was nothing compared to what it was now.

"You and the others must be new," It was Crystalline who spoke, the female Ghost letting out a hum as she glided closer to the Huntress' face, "Otherwise I highly doubt this 'Pael' person would have shot that Rocket Launcher if they knew who I was."

"Oh, we know who you are," The Huntress snarled, "Just another bunch of Tower Guardians and a Ghost searching for a newborn so you can stuff your biased philosophies into their head."

"Wow, geez," Akiva watched as Crystalline spun her back fins, her yellow optic blinking before she turned her attention towards his, "Was I like that when I first met you?"

The human Titan found a sheepish smile forming onto his pale features, "Honestly, sort of. All I can say that it was very uncomfortable listening to you rant about 'Tower Guardian' corruption."

The look of surprise on the lavender Ghost's face was nearly enough to make Akiva laugh, "I owe you all an apology."

"No need, you said so yourself. You never been to the Tower before you met us, so all you have ever known was the Revenants." The human Titan then turned his attention towards the Huntress, "although, I am not sure about you." He paused, "How old are you?'

"And why should I answer that?"

Blinking at the Huntress' response, Akiva then slowly turned to Crystalline, only to see her let out a shrug, "Considering how she's reacting, I say hardly a year or two since she was with the Revenants, mainly for the reason I sense no Darkness within her. Yet."

This earned the female Ghost a look of surprise from the Revenant before it once again darkened, "Are you one of those Ghosts that were trained to track us down?"

Akiva sensed Crystalline give the young Huntress a blank stare, "Not even close."

That is when the human Titan startled to see the female Ghost's darken, the mist-like patterns taking on a more sinister glow, her shell darkening in color, and her optic turning the familiar sickly green. And that was when the Darkness started to seep out of her core before she declared, "I am one of you."

Sensing shock emanate from the young Revenant in response to Crystalline's actions, Akiva then watched the female Ghost's form fade, her original lavender color appearing back onto her shell; he noted the tired look in her optic as he heard her mutter, "It has been a while since I have last done that."

"You are one of us," Akiva shifted his attention back towards the Huntress, feeling her gaze linger over their faces, "You are one of us but, they, they are Tower Guardians." A pause, "What are you doing with Tower Guardians?"

"Long story," Crystalline immediately responded, "But first, would you kindly inform the Preceptor that Crystalline is back? We need his help."

Xxxxx

If Nine could gather up the energy, the Phoenix Exo would have found it amusing that the very people who attacked them was now leading the group towards their base. He was currently leaning against one of the Hunters – Pael if he can recall, the one who had fired the shot at them. Most likely he had volunteered to let the Exo use him as a crutch in penance for severely injuring him with Day currently out of commission.

This enabled Akiva to go back and search for Isamu's remains, and honestly, Nine nearly broke his composure when the Revenants were shocked upon learning that the makeshift urn carried the ashes of one of their own; that is what they get for shooting first and asking questions later. Nonetheless, that doesn't mean Nine couldn't sense the hostility from the group, their wariness and hate still prominent despite their (somewhat) willingness to help. The Phoenix Exo couldn't help but muse what had occurred within the Tower for these Revenants to harbor such a grudge.

"Is this really the time to feed him?"

"Hey, he just lost his dad and he nearly got killed by those that should have been family. I say he needs a relaxing meal."

Turning his lone functioning optic towards the twins, Nine watched as Gemini and Scorpio quietly bickered between themselves while the male Hunter held a bottle to Eidr's lips, the child suckling on it with their lids half closed; it seems that the group would finally gain some silence.

"Are we nearly there?" It was Akiva who asked the question, the latter of which stood behind he head of the group – Cole-3 the Phoenix Exo later learned – and with Isamu's remains latched to his waist; he had to for the reason that Gemini didn't have the stamina to carry Ianos the remainder of the way. He had seen Akiva attempting to hand the Revenant's remains to the young Huntress, but Nine then saw him hesitate, reluctant to hand Isamu over before finally relenting to simply securing him around his waist and then carrying Ianos in his arms. Nine couldn't help but feel that an attachment was formed between the pair.

"Nearly," Cole answered, "just a few more and we'll be at our destination."

"T-This is not an attempt to lull us into a trap, is it?"

"No," It was another one of the Hunters who answered – Lisa from what Nine can gather, "You have shown us proof that Crystalline is one of us, and she has shown confidence that you are trustworthy."

"Although that doesn't mean 'we' trust you." Shifting his attention back towards Cole, Nine simply watched as the female Huntress continued to lead forward, prompting Nine to say, "Y-You believe that we are going to reveal your location to the Tower." He noticed the Revenant Hunter curl her fist, "We promise that we will keep this location to ourselves."

"That's what 'all' the Guardians say," It was another of the Hunters – Azul, "So far, 'none' were shown to be trustworthy."

Nine's optics dimmed at this, "Y-You seem so young, but you speak as if you had years of experience."

"That's because we do," It was Cole again, "All of us here hardly had been with the Revenants for more than five years, but we have been resurrected for decades."

"A-And your reason for such strong distaste towards the Tower?"

"That is 'none' of 'your' concern."

Taking note of the venom in her tone, Nine then opted to remain silent, only to pause as his optic landed upon a familiar sigil, "Y-You are taking refuge in a Lost Sector?"

"Lost Sector?" It was Akiva who asked, the human Titan turning around and giving the Phoenix Exo a puzzled look, "Aren't those usually crawling with hostiles?"

"Usually, if you're incompetent on knowing how to keep them away," Cole answered, "For us though, it is one of the best ways to keep ourselves hidden. After all, who wants to risk going into a Lost Sector in an area known as the 'Dead Zone'?"

"Curious Guardians?" Akiva's answered earned him a scowl, followed by the Huntress stating, "Maybe, but we usually take care of 'unwanted curiosities'."

"I-In other words, killing them?"

Now it was Nine's turn to earn a glare from the head of the Hunters, "Look, out here, where the law of the City doesn't apply, it's either kill or 'be killed'." He sensed her stare darken, "Especially from Guardians like 'you'."

"Look, I understand why you all hate us so much," Gemini muttered, "However, you do realize that there are Guardians like us who had no idea of your guys existence until like – what?" She turned her optics towards her twin, "Yesterday?"

"Not even."

Nine then watch her turn her optics back towards the others while raising her hands towards her twin, "See?"

"We cannot take that risk."

Listening to Gemini grumble at Cole's response, Nine then took it upon himself to ask, "I-If I may ask, but you all have been with the Revenants for no more than five years, correct?"

"Yes."

"T-Then you were resurrected several 'decades' after the treaty between the Tower and the Revenants was finalized," Nine heard the Hunters pause around him, "you should have not heard of the Revenants but yet, here you are, a junior amongst their ranks."

"Shut your mouth!" The group came to a sudden halt as Cole snapped around, her anger now clearly aimed towards the Phoenix Exo, "I have no idea how you get those silly ideas into your head but if you don't shut up, I 'will' make you."

Nine's optics brighten at her words, "T-Then do it, 'shut me up' as you say."

Ripples of surprise then can be felt from the others; even Cole reeled back at his words before the Exo once again felt her glare behind her helmet. Seeing her fists clench near her side, Nine expected Cole to go through with her bluff, but instead, he watched on with mild amusement as the Huntress instead turned and stomped forward, a signal to everyone to follow into the crevice of the Sector.

As their Ghosts materialized into view to help give their Chosen light, Nine then dimmed his lights, reserving his energy as he took in his surroundings; much like with the Paragons a few months back, the entrance was uneven, nature naturally forming the doorway in. However, as they continued deeper, that is when things started to look more artificial, 'manmade' as the rocky terrain then evened out, absence of rock and debris allowing a clear pathway through.

"Our location and what you see here must be kept to yourselves, and 'only' yourselves." It was another of the Hunters – Rail-38 – who spoke, "otherwise, if any harm comes to any of our members or 'anything' in relation to the Revenants, we 'will' find you and 'end' you."

"How friendly."

Once again letting tingles of amusement settle into his chest at Gemini's words, Nine then decided it was best to remain silent, especially so when they entered one of the rooms and all eyes quickly turned their way.

According to what Nine can see, the room that they had just occupied was built for socialization, seeing the numerous furniture and mats placed around for the floor for seating. From there, he can see Guardians – no, Revenants – seated, either enjoying their meal or chatting away enthusiastically with each other. That was until the noise stopped with their presence, and immediately, there was nothing but silence as the group ventured through.

"Okay, I have a question," Once again, it was Gemini, the female Hunter whispering as they finally entered into one of the halls, "You say that there were some Guardians trained to sense the Darkness. Does that mean you all are trained to sense when there is an absence of one?"

"No," It was Cole who answered, "You are just missing our mark."

"…Mark?"

Sensing the confused stare from the young Exo, Nine couldn't help but also mimic her bewilderment, scanning his lone optic over the Revenant Hunters' forms. As he continued to scan them, his confusion grew as Nine cannot seem to find a visible mark on them. Was it hidden underneath their armor? He mused at this thought. The Phoenix Exo would have to ask Crystalline later when they all return back to the Tower. He then eyed the occupants of the room, sensing their weariness and anger emanating towards them. 'If' they are able to return to the Tower.

"You are lucky, although he leads us to these bases, the Preceptor is usually outside collecting samples when we are at this location." Once again, Cole spoke, "however, currently, he is residing in his quarters, more than likely looking over his research."

"What kind of research?"

His curiosity peaked at Gemini's question, Nine then couldn't help but feel disappointment when he saw Cole turn and sensed the glare towards the young Huntress' way.

"Why would we tell the research of the Preceptor to you, 'Tower Guardians?" She hissed out before she resumed her lead, "especially one that is of great importance."

"T-Then you wouldn't tell us that it was of great importance." Nine heard the female Hunter snarl at his words, "for a Chosen that was selected 'decades' ago, you are quite loose lipped."

"That's it! I have enough of you Tower Guardians!"

Reeling back as Cole suddenly twirled around, knife in hand, Nine quickly pushed himself away from Pael before concentrating his light towards his legs, helping keeping himself balance before bringing his hand forward. A flash lingered in his vision as the Huntress' knife collided into his barrier, Nine let out a grunt as he watched her wrap both hands around the handle of her weapon and started to push; he may carry parts of the Traveler but with only one functioning hand and barely able to keep himself balanced, the Phoenix Exo found himself struggling to keep Cole back.

That is when he saw the black and orange clad form of Gemini slamming into Cole's side, Nine watching with wide optics as he saw her knife dig into the Revenant's armor, the steel easily sliding in. The young Huntress earned herself a scream of agony for her action.

"Gemini!"

Akiva's warning came too late as three of the Hunters immediately drew their own knives and rushed the female Exo, Gemini letting out a scream of her own as they all simultaneously stabbed into her back. That is when Nine's vision turned red.

"Enough!"

The Phoenix Exo then released as much light as he could, hearing everyone let out yelps of surprise before numbness spread throughout his body. And then, darkness consumed his thoughts.

Xxxxx

Akiva wasn't sure what to do in their current situation, as he did not simply want to drop Ianos and rush to Gemini's aid without leaving them both exposed. But he couldn't just stand by and watch as the lives of his team were threatened. As such, when Nine's flash of light faded, Akiva lowered Ianos' still form to the floor before rushing over to Gemini's side, the female Exo having fallen onto her knees as the others stood by, stunned.

"Gemini?" Hearing her groan at his call, Akiva then shifted over to her back, only to flinch; the knives were still embedded into her, pinning her cloak to her body as trails of white stained the cloth, "are you alright?"

"Besides the pain, I'm dandy." The human Titan easily sensed the uneasy smile behind her visor but watched as her shoulders jumped as she attempted to straighten out, only to see her place her hands onto the floor for support.

"I got her," It was Scorpio, the male Hunter kneeling on Gemini's opposing side, "check on Nine, he still wasn't a hundred percent when you guys came back from the Vex portal."

At first, bewildered by his words, Akiva then turned his focus towards the Phoenix Exo, only for his eyes to widen as he now saw Nine on his side, his lights blank.

"Nine?" Scrambling onto his feet, the human Titan then slid down to his knees next to Nine's still form, "Nine!" Pressing a hand onto the Exo's shoulder, Akiva then shook it, half-expecting the Phoenix Exo to suddenly snap to, light returning to his functioning optic; he received no response.

"Oh, Traveler," Panic started to settle into his chest, "Come on, Nine. This isn't the time to lie down, at least not now-"

Hearing footsteps approach from behind, Akiva turned around, only for his golden eyes to widen as he once again stared down the barrel of a gun; it was Pael, the human Titan sensing the anger emanating behind the Hunter's visor.

"We shouldn't have brought you here."

Gulping at the Hunter's words, Akiva then took in a breath as he saw Pael's finger place pressure onto the handle, only to jump as a lavender blur slammed into the side of the Hunter's head, earning a startled yelp of surprise as the latter staggered.

"Akiva! Run!"

Recognizing the voice of Crystalline, the Titan stood only to hesitate, his eyes lingering over to incapacitated forms of Ianos and Nine, only for his gaze to stop upon the twins; they were surrounded, three of the Hunters aiming their weapons at the pair while Scorpio had draped himself over his sister's form, sensing defiance from the young Exo. As such, Akiva made a decision, and instead dashed towards the young Guardians.

"Akiva! What are you doing?!"

Ignoring Crystalline's cries, the human Titan then grabbed the shoulder of one of the Hunters and didn't hesitate to swing a punch into their face, sending them to the floor. He then saw the two Hunters turn their attention towards him, followed by the familiar click of a trigger being pulled. Immediately, he heard his shields shatter followed by bullets pelting his armor, cracks forming down the front of his visor before finally, he felt something akin to punch penetrate his neck; one of the few areas not protected by steel. Staggering back, Akiva didn't have to look to see what had hit him; he can already taste the copper filling up the back of his throat. Letting out a cough, the human Titan collapsed onto his knees, clamping his hands around his neck as he saw splashes of crimson pour down the front.

"Akiva!"

It was Scorpio, the young Hunter attempting to push himself onto his feet, only to pause as one of the Revenants aimed their weapon back onto him, forcing him back onto the floor. At least he was safe.

"Akiva? Akiva, stay with me!"

Lifting his head, the human Titan spotted the familiar yellow and white shell of Lex, the golden optic filled with worry. Wondering when his Ghost materialized outside the safety of his being, Akiva attempted to speak, only to find his mouth filled with blood and instead he found himself sputtering. Lex's shell shifted in concern against his core in response.

"Look, it's going to be difficult, but I am going to try and heal this." The human Titan gave his Ghost a doubtful look, "I know but you can't die 'here'." A familiar warmth permeated throughout his neck followed by numbness filtering around the wound, "With their innerworkings of the Darkness, it's impossible to resurrect here, at least, not on your own. So stay with me-"

That is when the familiar sound of a scout rifle rang through the air followed by Lex's form suddenly sent flying, crashing onto the floor with a clatter before letting out a single spark, and then going still.

Eyes wide, Akiva let out a gurgled shout as he attempted to reach out towards his Ghost, only for his vision to swim, black crawling near the edges.

"Finish him off!"

Ignoring the click of a rifle aimed towards him, despair clung onto the human Titan as he reached out with his neural link, calling out to Lex before the world spun, and the next thing he knew, he found himself staring into the floor, his body refusing his commands.

"Leave him be, he's almost gone anyway."

The words an echo now, Akiva struggled to keep his eyes open but he found once again, his body refusing to listen. As such, he felt his consciousness slip, his vision slowly going black as he heard footsteps approach, followed by gasps.

"Preceptor!"

"…What have you all done?"

Unable to pinpoint the voice amongst their number or the Hunters, the last thing Akiva heard before losing consciousness was the unfamiliar person stating, "You just placed danger upon our family."