Redacted

Hack

I apologize for the 'really' late update guys! I got distracted again *cough*Warframe*cough* and as such, I didn't give myself enough time to write out this chapter on time for the deadline! So here it is! In all its glory!

Thanks to TidalKiller, Witefang7, The Great Wolf 117, Flycatcher's Archive, and TheTurtleMan for the review!

Witefang7 - It took me a moment to know what you are talking about but yes, there is a Guardian, Zeno, on Venus who had made prosthetics for himself. Although, they were a guest character made by one of my many readers, that is actually not a bad idea to bring up a small cameo for them lol. Sadly, I'm not really going into detail how Angel got his new arm, just a simple he got a 'new' one to throw the Vanguard off of his Eliksni made prosthesis.

TheTurtleMan - Oooh nice! Yeah I'll definitely add you, just need to write a sticky note to remember. I have a bad memory when it comes to remembering things like that lol. This next arc is mainly going to focus on Echo, Unit Eleven, and the fate of the other Phoenix Models, but, a few points of Angel's arc will be brought back up so who knows? His allegiance maybe brought in question... maybe :D. And yeah, I'm a week late lol. Thanks though!

Edited: 02/12/2023

Was working on this chapter and realized that it jumps perspective too much and a lot of the body didn't fit what was happening, so I split it. Don't worry though, to make up for a lack of update last month, going to update the other half after this one C:

"Can someone please take out that Hunter with the No Land beyond!"

"Which one? Me?"

"No! The Hunter on the other team!"

Ianos couldn't help but be amused at Akiva's frustrations, as he watched through a window the Titan dashing towards a group of enemies, his void light flickering around his wrists as he ran out of sight, his snarling heard through the coms. That is when his HUD flashed with Akiva's kills, killing three in quick succession before once again, the familiar shape of a sniper flashed next to his name, signifying the same aforementioned Hunter had taken him out once more.

"Angel!" Akiva's voice rang through the coms a moment later, "Do something!"

"What do you think I'm trying to do!?" Angel shouted back, "But this guy is garbed in dark colors! You try finding a Hunter in here!"

"I thought you had a good eye!"

"I'm not Pluto! I'm not at that skill level yet!"

Tuning in onto his Fireteam bickering over the coms, Ianos had to admit that there was truth in Angel's words. The Asylum is covered in shrubbery and age, giving the environment perfect cover for hostiles to hide in nooks and crannies. For the Hunter on the opposing team, it is the best arena for him to blend into the shadows perfectly. And all the more annoying when sniping from the darkness. Considering his skill level, Ianos wouldn't be surprised if, at this point, only Pluto would be able to spot the Hunter. Pity that he is busy with the clan.

Fortunately, Ianos is able to stay out of the Hunter's line of sight although, admittingly he maybe avoiding him after the first Guardian who had taken a shot at Ianos' head. He may have taken up a vow to never kill a Guardian (a vow that he knows that he had broken on more than one occasion) that doesn't mean Ianos isn't willing to maim. And the Void makes it simple to cripple an opponent without drawing blood. The unfortunate Guardian was lucky that Akiva happened nearby to grant him mercy otherwise, Ianos would have just left him as is for the rest of the game.

"Fucking hell!"

Angel's voice echoed through the coms, Ianos glancing at his HUD in time to spot a symbol of a sniper flash next to the young Hunter's name.

"Is there a better sniper than you out there, Angel?" Ianos teased as he leaned away from the window and leaned against the crumbling wall, waiting until he heard the Hunter's voice break through the static.

"Is that a challenge?"

Despite not knowing Angel's location, Ianos shrugged, "You are the best sniper of our team but, I am noticing that you are having trouble."

"It's because of my arm!" Despite himself, Ianos broke into a smile at Angel's retort, "I'm not quite used to it yet!"

Ianos hummed, "Even after a year?"

There is a beat of silence and then, "Akiva, you sure that it was a good idea to bring Ianos to the Crucible with us?"

"What?" Akiva's voice piped in, "Ianos may not get kills but you do have to admit, he shoots well enough to support us."

Hearing Angel groan, Ianos's amusement is quickly suppressed when he heard footsteps through his refuge, prompting him to push himself away from the wall of the hall and heft his scout rifle in his hands. Squaring out his shoulders, Ianos aimed, and then promptly relaxed when Nine's form stepped out of the shadows, keeping the same even brisk walk as they locked eyes.

If it had been a year previously, Ianos would have fired at his legs, crippling him before taking his arms to stop him from using his light. But, now, he had redeemed himself by tracking, finding, and bringing Angel back to the Tower. Although, that also left Ianos questioning on who the Phoenix Exo are.

After he had heard everything from Pluto – after they were able to stop him from tossing Void Light in Nine's direction - Ianos thought that they were playing a joke. A New Light resurrecting a Guardian from permanent death?

Ianos had never even heard of such a thing, even back during the Dark Ages. But then he recalled Nine's words, back during the events of the trial.

I am not a Guardian.

At first, he had thought that it is because he sees himself as just simply a Risen, one who is not aligned with the Tower or other faction, and a vague statement of his plans to self-terminate. But Ianos couldn't help but wonder. Is there more to his words?

He knows asking Nine straight is not going the best plan, thanks to Echo's commands, and expecting answers from Knight is out of the question. According to the young Exo had promised Nine not to spill, and not to mention that, although a mind created by the Phoenix Exo, they still share the same body hence, under the same restrictions by Echo. He couldn't answer even if he wanted to.

Nonetheless, Ianos is at least, glad that Nine is capable of making reparations, and glad that Hush is back to herself. She practically threw herself onto Nine when he finally ceased running from her searches. And then proceeded to start dragging him into Ianos' apartment. It took some explaining that, although things have been mended, Nine is still going to stay with Echo. It seems his recent action of resurrecting Angel prompted Echo to decide that it is best for his fellow Phoenix Exo to stay with him.

Nonetheless, Nine still visits daily and Ianos is satisfied enough as long as Hush is smiling.

"Warlock Ianos." A nod from the indifferent Guardian; Ianos has seen passive expressions before, but he had hardly seen Nine even flinch. Well, mostly, "You are holding your ground here?"

"This hall is a nice perch for snipers." Ianos confirmed, "I am staying here to ensure it stays clear." That is when heard he Angel curse through the coms, "although, I believe that doesn't stop them from finding other locations to take cover."

Nine blinked at him before Ianos watched him turned his optics towards a window.

"Hostile spotted." He raised a brow at the Exo's words, "Location: Sector 9, Building 3."

Making his way to the window, Ianos kept his eyes upon Nine until he raised his scout rifle and aimed down sights. There, he spotted subtle movement through a cracked window, a flick of a cloak disappearing up some stairs.

"No idea how you found his location." Ianos commented as he lowered his rifle, turning his attention to Nine, "But, good job."

As if processing his words, Nine tilted his head at him, Ianos sensing his blank stare behind his helmet.

"You are not going to kill him?"

The question slammed into Ianos like a slap to the face and, despite himself, he winced. He took in a deep breath and scowled.

"I do not know if you heard." He said, "But I do not kill other Guardians."

Nine cocked his head to the other side, as if processing his words. Ianos wasn't surprised by his next question.

"Then why participate in the Crucible?" The Exo asked, "Does it not involve killing others such as yourself?"

"Normally, I don't." Ianos admitted. He paused as a ping flashed onto his visor. It is a notification of Akiva once again being killed by the sly Hunter's shots. He then continued, "However, Akiva and Angel tend to beg me to participate." Ianos shrugged, "Finally relented so they would stop pestering me."

"Then, what do you do if you are not actively killing?"

Ianos furrowed his brows, placing a hand onto his hip and leaning on one of his legs, "Incapacitate opponents, support where I can." He paused and shrugged. Not much to do when you aren't actively killing other Guardians. But he wasn't going to voice that.

In turn, Ianos heard Nine hum softly, too low to barely catch. He wonders what the Exo is thinking.

"I fucking got you!"

Akiva's shout prompted Ianos to suddenly go into alert, hefting his scout rifle in his hands just as a Hunter garbed in black ran past him, laughing as he skidded across a corner and disappeared. Not long after, Akiva's brown clad form ran in, arc light streaking behind him as he too skidded around the same corner and vanished from sight.

"Did he get him yet?"

Glancing over, Ianos spotted Angel trudging up the hill and into the hall, his weapon in his hands. He can sense the disappointment and frustration when Ianos shook his head.

"I was hoping that we would get him at least once before the match ends." Angel admitted, "But considering that he's a Hunter like myself, I doubt that Akiva can get him."

"Considering how fast he is going, I disagree." Ianos said.

"Observation." He turned his eyes towards Nine, "According to their speed, Titan Akiva Wahl will gain upon the hostile in approximately one minute and forty-three seconds."

Angel's shoulders slumped at Nine's words and Ianos, after taking a quick peek at the timer, understood while. There is only thirty seconds left in the match.

"Then I guess this is a loss for us." Ianos decided to say.

That is when a loud shot rang through the arena, prompting Ianos to glance at his HUD. Only to see that the Hunter, once again, had killed Akiva once more.

Xxxxx

Even with his memories intact, Nine found it difficult to comprehend the sudden shift of emotions that humans sift through. Like how Akiva's shouting and cursing during the Crucible match turned to one of laughter and bemusement once they were all back at the Tower, opposing team in tow. He even held out a hand to the Hunter, shaking his hand and congratulating him on the win. Nine's confusion grew where the Hunter even took the hand and gave it a firm but jovial shake. It seems there were no hard feelings towards Akiva's rage.

"You confused too?"

Day's voice echoed within his helmet, and Nine simply nodded. This prompted his Ghost to continue.

"I hardly stayed in the City or any nearby settlements." Day said, "So I didn't really socialize, understand how feelings work." Nine heard his Ghost hum, "Even now, after watching the others, I still can't fully comprehend it."

Staying silent, Nine simply stood nearby, standing next to the sides of the Plaza to allow traffic through. He watched as Akiva walked back towards the others, a hopeful gleam in his golden eyes. Whatever the Titan is going to say, it has already been disapproved, judging from the way when Ianos instantly locked on, he cross his arms, a scowl prominent behind his helmet.

"I have been around humanity during the entirety of my activation." Nine finally said, "However, beyond the basics, I can never fully grasp their complexity of emotion." He went quiet, watching as the others continued to converse; it seems whatever Akiva has planned, Angel is also not going to join in. The Titan's shoulders were slumped in disappointment, "Perhaps, for an Exo like me, perhaps I never shall."

"Hey now."

Feeling the presence of his Ghost vanish from his mind, Nine glanced over his shoulder in time to see Day materialize, their single white optic locking onto his.

"It may take a while, but I do believe you will get it eventually." His Ghost glided closer, their shell shifting upwards into a Ghost equivalent of a smile, "Maybe we can watch and learn together? To learn about the complexity of emotion?"

It is a kind thought, but, Nine is uncertain. Does he deserve to learn?

Pondering upon an answer, Nine turned to respond, only to feel an arm wrap around his shoulders, and he felt himself being pulled in. He forced himself not to grab the arm and break it.

"Hey Nine!" Akiva's voice rang in his sensors, and despite himself, Nine felt a bit of relief at his own restraint, "Since Ianos and Angel doesn't want to join, why won't you come with me for a drink?"

Quiet, Nine turned to look at Akiva and stared. The Titan's face is bare, revealing his broad smile.

A brief pause.

"You know." Akiva gestured with his free hand towards Nine, "A drink?"

He then gestured holding a glass and bringing it to his lips, and Nine couldn't help but feel bewildered. Why would the Titan ask him to join him for something so mundane?

"What I can comprehend from the word 'drink' that it is a constant need by organics to take in liquids into their body." Nine paused when he saw Akiva's eyes grow wide, "Was my definition wrong?"

"Yes, well, no but…" Akiva stuttered, and Nine felt his arm leave his shoulders, "Don't tell me that you never been to a bar before."

Nine blinked at him, "I have heard of this 'bar' but, no, I have not personally attended one."

That is when Akiva's jaw dropped, "Then what are we waiting for!?" His shout prompted Nine to take a step back, "You are definitely coming with me to a bar!"

Then, before he could protest or even utter a word, he felt a hand grab him by the arm and Nine found himself being tugged away, fumbling in his steps. He decided to relent; he should take this as a sign that Akiva had let his actions of abandoning Angel behind. As such, listening to Day's hum as he is dragged way, Nine eventually regained his pace and allowed Akiva to lead.