Redacted

My Love

A bit late in the day but it's still a Friday so I'm basically still on time lol. Work really does a damper on free time, I'm actually amazed I was actually was able to update today.

Anyways, thanks to RWBYGAMES for the review!

Edited: 04/24/2023

"To think that there is an escape route this far into the caverns."

Opting to say nothing on Day's comment, Nine instead hefted himself onto the final rock face, making it through the orifice above. It led outside and if it wasn't so high up, he could have easily jumped and used his light to boost himself to the top. However, his glide is limited and even then, there were too many pointed rocks obscuring his way. Hence, the climb. Not that he minded, his memories recalled several occasions during the time of war climbing over hard surfaces. Nine sensed Knight's intrigue as he climbed.

Pulling himself through the hole, Nine brushed off the stray dirt gathered on the front of his robes as he stood, his optics looking out to the horizon. His gaze settled over Dusk's wispy trail. It is still clear.

"Judging from the way you see something, and I see nothing, I am going to take a guess that Dusk is heading in the direction of the City." Although Day hummed, Nine can still hear the worry, "Wonder what she is planning."

Nine took idle steps forward, "She is a Phoenix Exo. We are more than capable of taking on cities alone or with a partner."

A pause.

"What?" Day broke the silence, "Are you saying that she's going to try and attack the City by herself?" Nine nodded, "If it was just a normal city, I would have believed you but, a whole City of Guardians?" The disbelief is clear through their bond, "Even that is a suicide mission for an Exo made from the pieces of the Traveler."

A logical assessment, one that Nine would agree normally.

However.

"Dusk is capable of taking the light." Nine reminded. He heard his Ghost fall silent, "And from what I had witnessed, all she needs is to make physical contact. Then the light of the Guardian is hers. It would not be difficult for her to simply walk in and take the light of anyone who gets in her way."

"And yet, here you are, taking your sweet time."

"She has not wandered far." Nine ignored Day's sass, "Her trail is still growing brightly. If she continues at her current pace, we should be able to catch up to her."

Another hum from his Ghost, "You seem confident that she won't reach the City."

"Dusk has no ship." Nine informed, "and even if she does, I doubt she will have the proper codes to gain clearance when flying within the City's air space."

Another pause.

Then.

"Good point." Day admitted. Then, another thoughtful hum, "Makes me wonder, do you think she ever stayed in the City, even for a little while? Maybe even have a file on her?"

Nine felt Knight's curiosity ring quietly in the back of his head.

"I believe those questions are better for Hunter Angel or…" Nine paused, "Prime…"

That is when he heard his Ghost go briefly silent once more, and then stuttered, "W-With Dusk our main focus, Prime slipped my mind." They paused, "D-do you think they are okay?"

Considering how long it has been, Nine couldn't help but doubt that.

"We shall search for Prime after we solve the problem with Dusk." He decided to say, "Being the one who siphoned their data, it is plausible she knows their current whereabouts."

"If they are still active." Day mumbled.

Feeling Knight's worry linger to the front, Nine found himself asking, "What makes you believe that Dusk would terminate Prime?"

A beat of silence.

"I don't know." Day admitted, "But the way she brought up Prime back there, she spoke in the past tense. As though they aren't active anymore…"

The worry grew from Knight, and Nine found his focus shifting, "We do not know of Prime's fate. There is a possibility that Prime might still be back at the Paragon's base or, if we are fortunate, stored within Ember's core."

He then felt the doubt, not just from Day but from Knight as well, and Nine heard his Ghost murmur, "I hope you're right."

Opting to remain silent, Nine felt their concern linger and to distract himself, fixed his attention back wholly onto Dusk's trail. Only to come to a halt, and stare. This didn't miss his Ghost's notice.

"Something the matter?" He heard Day ask, "Did you lose her trail?"

Scanning the hearth before him again, Nine found himself quiet, silent as he struggled to understand.

Then finally, he answered, "It is gone."

"Gone?" Day repeated, "You mean it faded away?"

Nine shook his head, "No, it simply vanished, like as though she disappeared-"

That is when Nine felt a strong condensation of light appear above him, a mix of experience and instinct prompting him to leap back. Just as a surge of solar light slammed onto where he was just standing, the heat prominent even through his building shields. Stumbling back, Nine looked into the flames and within, he could see the familiar silhouette of Dusk, kneeling within. She lifted her head and their optics locked. He can see embers lingering within.

"I knew that I would be followed." Dusk said as she stood, stepping through the flames; Nine briefly saw her Ghost's fiery shell float behind her shoulder before she disappeared in a flash of light, "I assumed it would have been a thief, not you."

Nine took in a breath, "Despite my belief that the Guardians are proficient, none would have been capable of tracking you this far." He glanced over his shoulder, "Many would either have been too young or lack the function to properly trail your light."

He heard Dusk let out a click; a cluck of the tongue if she had one, "Then, what now? Kill me?" She shook her head subtly. Nine cannot help but feel that he is being scolded, "Those lies that the thieves told you still ring strongly within you brother? Their words corrupting enough that you are even willing to betray your own Phoenix Exo?"

Nine blinked, "Their words did nothing." He placed a hand upon his chest, "I have made the decision myself to aid the Guardians and their City with little to no persuasion."

"I find that hard to believe." Dusk scoffed. Then she took a step forward. Nine took a step back, "How can you, a fellow Phoenix who had suffered the same prejudice and abuse under the hands of man, stand with them? Stand with them to the point where you even turn against your own brethren."

Scrutinizing her words, Nine's optics dimmed when he felt Knight's worry, "The reason why I am siding with the Guardians is that they are not the same humans who had treated us harshly, Dusk."

"How do you know!?" Dusk's shout caused Nine to jump. He saw her optics flash red, "These Guardians were brought back, back from the dead." She jabbed a finger at him, accusing, "What makes you think that none were the self-same humans who treated us as tools, as objects?!"

"Then they have proven themselves that they have changed." Nine flexed his hands when he saw Dusk's optic flicker, her shoulders shaking with rage, "You must remember, Dusk, that unlike us Phoenix Exo, most, if not all who are resurrected have lost most or all their memory of their previous lives. They were not the same person as they were."

"You do not know that!" Dusk shouted, stomping her food. The hearth beneath it collapsed easily under it, "You have been resurrected for how long!? A year!? Two!? You have not been around long enough to see how little organics have changed, brother." She growled, "They are still greedy and filthy as they were back in the Golden Age. They have not learned their lesson!"

That is when Nine saw the red in her optics fade, returning back to their original white color, "Please, brother. Do you not see the thievery of the organics back in that City? How do they not deserve to be chosen by the Traveler?" She once again took steps forward but this time, Nine stood his ground, watching as Dusk approached until she was close enough for her to lean in and take his hand. He did not resist.

"Please, Nine." She said again, "I do not want to do this alone."

He looked into her optics, spotted the desperation, the exhaustion in them, and Nine felt tinges of pity.

"I understand your hate, Dusk. I do." He said, "However, my answer will remain the same." Nine felt her hand go tight around his. He continued, "I will stay by the Guardians' side, and protect them if need be."

Considering her anger earlier, Nine had expected retaliation, for her to lash out. Instead, he saw her lower jaw tremble, grief flashing into her optics.

Her voice cracked, "I thought I had time to save you…"

Nine then felt heat against his hands.

Xxxxx

"Why do you have to be so close?"

Snapping his attention to Echo, Ianos did his best to give the Exo the blest glare he could muster. However, he could not stop the shaking in his hands, forcing him to intertwine his fingers together as he retorted, "What? An arm's length too close for you?"

"Not when you are shaking like a frightened Dreg." Ianos couldn't help but scowl at Echo's words, "For a Guardian that has been around since the Dark Ages, you seem to have an ironic fear of the dark."

Flinching, Ianos wrung his hands together, forcing the echoes of the moon to the side, "If you have not heard, my experience with the dark was not exactly 'pleasant'."

He heard Echo scoff, "Every Guardian had a 'pleasant' experience with the Darkness. It is inevitable." Ianos saw him turn to him, feeling his optics glaring behind his helmet, "So what makes you a special little snowflake, with the exception of the darkness eating away at your light?"

Glowering at Echo, Ianos went to retort, only to jump when he felt Ace brush past his shoulder, their light shaking sporadically within the dark caverns.

"Does that include you?" Ace retorted, "Because if you are, you are showing little respect to someone who holds a similar trauma, don't you think?"

A beat of silence. Then, a scoff from Echo however, there were no words, only the sound of their steps rang in the silence. With this, Ianos took the opportunity to slowly close the distance between himself and the Exo, their arms nearly touching as he glanced nervously around in the darkness.

When Ianos had trailed Echo into the caverns, he was apprehensive, the moon still strong in his memory. However, the need to fulfill his promise to Hush won him over plus, he could not help but be concerned for Nine's safety. He is going after a Guardian that could take light from others after all.

It still did little to ease the anxiety building within his chest and it took all his willpower not to reach over and latch onto Echo's arm. He doubts that the Exo would appreciate the contact. Thus, when Ianos saw light beaming down the tunnel from above, he couldn't help a heavy breath of relief. He then quickened his pace, brushing past Echo, and came to a pause when he stood under the skylight.

"Are you that eager to leave?"

Briefly glancing over his shoulder to give Echo another glare, Ianos then opted to say nothing before he felt Ace's presence settle into his head, and then focused his light beneath his feet. He lifted himself up to the highest point he could reach before latching onto the nearest rock face and planting his feet onto any flat surfaces he could find. As he heard Echo's light flush beneath him, Ianos then concentrated on climbing, gliding upwards when he could, slowly making progress. It didn't take long for him to reach the top and pull himself out of the caverns. He could feel his heart ease at the open space and the warmth of the sun beaming down upon him.

"The rumors of you being stuck on the moon are true then?"

Standing, Ianos brushed off any stray dirt as he turned to face Echo, just in time to see the Titan stand and do the same. He saw his Ghost – Reaver, was it? – disappear into the Exo.

"Nice to you know that you are not a complete hermit." Ianos said and he could help the smirk when he sensed the glare behind Echo's helmet.

However, instead of a retort as he expected, Echo instead walked past him, feeling his optics staring at the hearth. Or, at something that he seemingly could only see.

"Nine is not far from here." Ianos blinked at Echo's words, "He should be nearby-"

An explosion drowned out Echo's voice and prompted Ianos to snap his attention to the horizon, only to recognize wisps of solar light flicker and fade into the air.

"Closer than I anticipated." Echo muttered and before Ianos could make a comment, he was gone, dashing towards the dust cloud.

Spotting wisps of void light around the Titan's shoulders, Ianos ran after him as he concentrated his light to his fingertips. That is when the dust settled and within, he could see two figures.

One he recognizes as Nine, the absence of his helmet makes it easy to recognize the blank expression upon the Phoenix Exo's face. He seemed unfazed and unharmed, but as Ianos closed the distance, he then spotted the singed sleeves of his robes, and the blackened plating around his hands. Waves of worry and unease settled into Ianos' chest as he turned to look at the one that Nine is facing. Only to freeze.

Ianos recognizes a Hunter when he sees one, the hood and leather giving away their class. Next is the solar light emanating from her shoulders.

He could feel it burning through his armor and against his skin, heat that is too painful to bear. But he could not scream, not when he could hear another next to him, contorting and crying out in agony. He must reach him, put him out, help him escape. He had promised him that they would leave here alive. Promised that they would make it back to the Tower. Together.

Promised.

He promised.

"Ianos? Ianos!?"

Hearing Ace's voice echo in his head, Ianos then found himself taking in a deep ragged breath, only for his throat to clench. He choked.

"Steady. Steady." Ace's whispers rang in his ears, "Deep breaths. Focus. Breath in. Breath out."

Attempting to follow his Ghost's directions, Ianos found his lung constrict as his eyes stayed upon the Hunter's fiery form. He could not look away.

"What are you waiting for!?"

A shout prompted Ianos to look at Echo, the Titan having halted in his charge and turned to him. He could easily sense the annoyance behind his helmet.

"I thought you said you promised that child you would help Nine! Why are you standing there like a frightened newborn!?"

Ianos gripped his hands together, finally taking notice of their trembling, and he licked his lips. They were dry and when he went to answer, he found his words lost on his tongue. He could feel Echo grow more annoyed, more frustrated before he heard the Exo huffed and then turned his back to him. Ianos couldn't help the shame as he watched Echo charge towards the Hunter.

The Hunter's focus seemed to be wholly on Nine as she didn't seem to notice Echo charge. Hence, how he is easily able to tackle her, wrapping his arms around her waist as he carried her a considerable distance and slammed her onto the hearth. This released another cloud of dust into the air.

And the solar light died around the Hunter's form.

That is when Ianos shoved down his fears, finally tearing his focus away from the Hunter before turning his attention to Nine. He found his breaths shaky as he ran to his side.

Nine had fallen to his knees, clenching one of his arms in a tight grip, wincing at the pain. The burns must have been severe if this garners this kind of reaction out of him.

"Nine." Calling out to him, Ianos watched as Nine lifted his head, and ignored the surprise that flashed into his optics.

"Ianos." He heard Nine say as he knelt next to him and tenderly took one of his arms into his hands. Ianos hardly felt any resistance, "What are you doing here?"

"Hush had been taken from the Tower." Ianos found himself answering before he could realize, trailing his fingertips over the blackened plating; he felt Nine jerk back at the touch. He pulled his hand back, "Had to come with Echo to find her."

Ianos felt Nine stare at him, "And she is not with you?"

He is judging him. Ianos is unsure whether to feel proud or embarrassed. Proud that that Exo is slowly opening up. Embarrassed because of his words.

"She is safe." He decided to say, ignoring the incredulous look that Nine just gave him, "Hush is with the other Guardians back at the Paragons' base." He felt the Exo's hands relax in his grip, prompting him to release them to allow Nine to cradle them against his chest, "Although I have to say, chasing after a Guardian that is able to take light from others is a foolish idea."

"Better me than other Guardians." Nine's retort is prompt, no hesitation, "She is a Phoenix Exo. So am I. I have a better chance than those who live within the City."

Ianos couldn't help but huff, "Does not mean you face her alone." He subtly shook his head, "You could have at least called Echo."

"I tried." Nine said. He lifted his optics towards Ianos, "But we got into what you organics call 'a fight'."

Ianos' brows raised as he blinked, "Wait, he was telling the truth?"

Nine blinked back at him, "Did he lie?"

Furrowing his brows together, Ianos parted his lips to answer, only for instinct to tell him to duck. The way he saw Nine glance over his shoulder and start leaning down told him to follow. As he ducked down, Ianos saw Echo's form fly past just his and Nine's head, skidding across the hearth before his form disappeared in a cloud of dust. That is when Ianos felt heat against his back. He froze.

"No thieves are capable of killing me."

The Hunter's voice is filled with confidence, with rage, and Ianos, despite his fears, turned to face her. He took a hitched breath when he saw her illuminated with flames.

"What are you doing!?" He tried to tear his arms from the Knight's, only to feel their grip go tighter as he struggled, "Leave him alone!"

The Wizard before him simply laughed, "The two of you gave sustenance to my brood for a good while." Her lips pulled back, revealing her fangs. He realizes that she is smiling, "However, you are of no use to me no more."

That is when she turned and spoke in the ragged tongue of the Hive, Ianos watching on with wide eyes as an Acolyte, carrying a torch lit with green flames, nodded before tossing it within a pit. His stomach twisted as it quickly filled with fire. That is when he noticed them dragging Darian to the edge. The Hunter started screaming. He knew what was happening.

"No!" He shouted, "Stop!"

He watched on helplessly as the younger Guardian tried digging his feet into the hearth, leaving behind a trail as the Knight's dragged him to the edge of the burning pit. And threw him in.

"Stop!"

A yell came from Ianos' throat as he jumped to his feet, slamming into the visage of the Wizard as he felt familiar flames of light come to life, lingering around his shoulders as he wrapped his burning hands around her neck, and slammed her onto the rocky hearth. He saw the look of surprise in her glowing green as Ianos reared back a hand, condensing his light into his palm, and went to slam it into her chest. Only to feel it halt as a clawed hand snatched at his wrist.

"What a pitiful attempt to kill me." He heard her hiss, feeling her grip go taut as she slowly forced it to the side, Ianos straining against it.

That is when something went wrong.

He felt the light leave him, being sapped away from his body and Ianos felt the flames around him flicker and fade away. Before agony suddenly gripped his chest.

Letting out a cry, Ianos pried his hand out from the Wizard's grip, stumbling back as he took in rapid breaths, tears brimming in his eyes. He heard the Wizard cackle as she rose from the ground.

"Leave him alone!"

He saw someone – Darian? – rush towards the Wizard, only to watch as he was simply shoved back to the floor.

"Stay out of this!" The Wizard snapped as she turned her attention back to Ianos.

He stumbled back when she slowly started to approach him. The pain made him cease his movement, causing him to lean over and clasp his chest with a gasp. That is when he felt hands grab his throat.

Ianos choked as he felt himself being lifted, kicking as he felt his feet leave the hearth. Then he screamed as he felt his light leave him.

"S-Stop!" He managed to choke out, only to hear the Wizard laugh at his pleas.

That is when he heard Ace screaming, his Ghost's words incoherent in his ears. Then, moments later, he felt the presence of his Ghost leave his mind which was promptly followed by a shout of surprise from the Wizard. Ianos felt her clawed hands leave his neck, allowing him to collapse onto the dry hearth, coughing.

"Ianos!"

Blinking past tears, Ianos looked up to see Ace, his Ghost's black and orange shell moving erratic as they continued, "Get up! I distracted her so run-"

A claw hand wrapped around Ace's shell, ceasing their words.

No!

Ianos snapped his hand forward, grasping the Wizard by her wrist and clawing at the fingers wrapped around his Ghost. Instead, he let out another scream as pain permeated from his right shoulder. From the corner of his eyes, he could barely make out the Wizard's claws digging in.

"You are not getting away." He heard her snarl.

Then pain spiked throughout his body.

He yelled, cried out, clawing at the Wizard's hand now.

"Have mercy!" Ianos found the words leaving his lips before he could realize, jerking back when he felt her hand pull him close.

"Humans shown us no mercy." He heard her growl, "Why should I?"

"Dusk! I said to stay away from him!"

The edges of his vision blurry with tears and pain, Ianos then felt the claws of the Wizard leave him, the agony fading from his body and replaced with a dull ache. He fell, falling to his side as he rasped and cried. Shivering, he wrapped his arms around himself, curling in.

"Ianos!" Ace's voice rang in his ears, turning soft as he heard them glide closer, "It is okay, you are okay. I am here." Their voice is gentle, almost quiet, "It is okay, you are okay. You are safe." That is when he hears a soft tap, and he took note of Ace pressing against his helmet, pressing up against where his forehead would be.

"Get some rest." They soothed.

As the aches of his body faded, that is when exhaustion set in and Ianos released a breath as his consciousness faded.

Xxxxx

Echo should have known better than to judge a book by its cover. But with his years of Crucible experience, he couldn't help but immediately judge the Cult Leader by her agility and not strength, hence why he tackled her when she was distracted. And hence why he was sent flying.

He felt the hit too, feeling his core cease momentarily in its functions as he landed. It was brief but it was enough to leave Echo gasping, rasping for breath. And then rage settled over his senses.

Snarling, Echo leaped back to his feet, letting his void light form around his body as he looked around. It is then he spotted Nine, the young Phoenix having placed himself into a pushing contest with the Cult Leader, his hands locked with hers. Both of them were illuminated in light, Nine covered in arcs of lightning and the Cult Leader coated in flames. However, despite the use of his light, Echo can see Nine straining, the younger Phoenix forced to lean back as the Cult Leader slowly started to overwhelm the contest.

And she is clearly distracted.

Echo took the opportunity to charge at her.

However, right as he was upon her, Echo's vision filled with flames, the heat prominent even through the protection of the void. Releasing more of his light and 'hardening' it against his person, Echo pushed through the flames. And stared down at the barrel of a Golden Gun.

Surging more of his light to his helmet, Echo then felt the impact, hitting him hard enough to snap his head back and static to flash into his vision. He heard Reaver shout.

Stumbling back to follow through with the momentum of the hit, the static cleared, and he promptly cursed at the molten edges of his helmet. Echo reached to the sealant under his chin, hearing the air pressure release and fully intent on removing the now useless armor piece. Only to see the Cult Leader aim her Golden Gun at him once more.

Leaving the helmet as is, Echo snapped his hands to the side and the Ward of Dawn came to life around him. He smiled as the second shot bounced harmlessly off its surface. His amusement then mixed with frustration. It has been decades since he last used his Ward and this Phoenix Exo before him forced his hand. Growling in thought, Echo finally tore his helmet off, seeing the opportunity as the Hunter stood idle – more than likely thinking of a way to break through his ward – before he raised his hand and focused his light on it. The Ward around him then seemed to be sucked in, condensing around his fist before it solidified.

Bracing his shoulder against it, Echo released a shout, a war cry, as he charged again, leaving behind violet streaks. And he heard the Cult Leader fire her Golden Gun once more. Echo simply curled in, lowering his head behind his shield, and lowering himself to cover his legs. He felt the impacts, feeling his arm jerk as the shots hit his shield but it remained sturdy, strong, unbreaking.

Then, as he finally closed in on her, he swung around, feeling the last shot bounce off his shield before he raised his arm back and slammed the brunt of his weapon into his intended target.

The Cult Leader's head.

There is a sickening crack as it made contact followed by the momentum of the hit sending her flying, Echo watching on with satisfaction as she tumbles and skidded across the duty hearth. No different than what she had done to him moments earlier.

His sense of pride, however, is crushed when Echo saw her slowly rise to her feet, brushing off her shoulders and cloak. Acting as if the hit was merely a push. Echo couldn't help but scowl at that.

Although, once he saw her helmet, he couldn't help the smile again.

The area of his hit is obvious, the shield leaving a heavy indent and the visor cracked to the point where parts were broken, leaving the area of its protection exposed. Echo has gained vengeance for his own broken equipment.

Hearing her mumble out frustration, Echo watched her reach under her chin, the hiss of the sealant obvious as she hooked her fingers under the headpiece and tugged it free.

Her white optics connected with his. And the world slowed down.

The roar of his void light turned into a dull hum, the confused words of Reaver muffled in his sensors as he stared on. Echo recognizes her, knows her as he felt the fiery of his rage die within his chest. He saw her solar light fade from her form as well.

"Unit I-0?"

Familiarity flooded not at the name, but at the voice, prompting Echo to drop his arms, feeling his shield fade from his grip.

"Unit I-1?" He mumbled out.

That is when the Cult Leader's optics lit up, glowing brightly to the point where it illuminated her face and she ran towards him, arms outstretched. Still unable to comprehend what he is seeing, Echo simply let her close the distance and soon, he found arms wrapped under his, feeling her head press against his chest.

"It has been too long." He heard her whisper, feeling her embrace go tight around his form, "I have missed you, my love."