Redacted

Blessed Phoenix

I apologize for the late update guys. But stuff came up yesterday and as such, couldn't update till today. Seems like something always hits on Friday that throws me off guard lol. Might make it so that updates are Friday/Saturday, if life gives me the time.

Thanks to Zeak106, Lazypersons, and DisobeyedBowl6 for the reviews!

Edited: 02/19/2023

Akiva stared with wide eyes as Nine downed another glass and then delicately placed his cup down onto the counter before turning his optics to the Guardian seated next to him. Unlike the Exo, the human Guardian is struggling to keep steady, a hand gripped tight on the counter as the latter picked up his cup and forced himself to down the contents. Akiva wonders how Echo is going to react if – when – he learns that Nine has not only downed not one, not two, but three Guardians in a fierce drinking competition.

Initially, Akiva had planned to start out small, a few simple drinks to help Nine get started and, if the Exo could handle it, slowly increase the strength of the drinks. But it seems Nine's inexperienced is obvious, as no sooner when the pair took a seat when a Hunter sat next to them, a mischievous grin on their face. It didn't take long for Akiva to realize their true intentions and by then, it was too late, as the strongest drink was placed in front of Nine. And he promptly downed it in one go, leaning back his head to get every drop. The Hunter's excitement caught everyone's attention and before Akiva could say anything, the challenge was exerted and Nine, either out of ignorance or politeness, accepted. The Hunter, of course, was the first to drop, the second a Titan, and now with the third teetering on the edge of collapsing, a group had formed around Nine, whooping and hollering.

Shaking his head as he contemplated on what to do, Akiva watched as the third Guardian, another Titan, collapsed, falling to the floor in a heap. And as if to add insult to injury, Nine plucked the Guardian's unfinished glass and drank that too.

"This isn't going to end well." He said as he took a sip of his own glass, watching as other Guardians dragged the unconscious Titan only for his seat to be occupied by a Warlock, a determined look set in her eyes.

"Hey Akiva, sorry for rejecting your offer but I had to…"

Angel's voice rang familiar through the crowd and Akiva turned, his golden eyes locking onto shocked green just as the young Hunter came to a halt.

"What in the Traveler is going on?" He asked.

Setting his glass onto the counter, Akiva raised one hand as he answered, "Before you jump to any conclusions, this is not my fault."

"And I'm supposed to believe that?"

"I tried to stop him! I really did!" Akiva protested as he glanced towards Nine, watching as the Exo downed another glass. As always, he seems unfazed. His Warlock opponent on the other hand, is already flushed in the face. Whatever they were drinking must be strong, "But the Hunter who challenged him was insistent, wouldn't even take no for an answer, and Nine just accepted." He then paused, squinting at Nine, "Brightside though is that he's not tipsy yet."

"Tipsy?" Angel's jaw dropped, "How many drinks did he have?"

"Uh." Akiva started, glancing back once more just in time to see Nine down another shot, "I haven't kept count." He heard Angel groan, prompting him to look back at the Hunter, "What's wrong with him having a few drinks?"

Akiva doesn't see anything wrong with Nine drinking despite being a New Light. Not to mention from the way he promptly drinks alcohol like water stems his concerns.

"Look." Angel said, "Normally I wouldn't mind if this is another Guardian, but." The Hunter raised a finger, "You have to remember that Echo reacts strongly whenever it involves Nine."

Akiva paused at his words. Right, he should have known better, especially with his recent ventures with Nine and in the Crucible. He still remembers those matches against Echo.

He heard Angel release a breath, "I don't want to know how Echo would react if – when – he learns that Nine drank half the bar."

Akiva reeled, "He did not drink half the bar."

"…Then what are all those empty bottles on the counter?"

"Another one down!"

Angel's statement is almost drowned out by a shout and waves of surprise and awe resonated through the bar. Looking back, Akiva witnessed the Warlock take a few stumbling steps from her seat before she promptly slid to the floor, leaving Nine to calmly down another glass. Then, he turned his optics towards the crowd: a silent challenge. If it wasn't for the fact that the Exo's expression remained passive, Akiva would have thought that he is actually enjoying this.

"Nine! Why in the Traveler are you here!?"

The voice that rang throughout the bar caused Akiva's heart to twist and he slowly turned towards the entrance, just in time to witness the familiar white and gray clad form of Echo marching towards them. His optics glowed bright with rage.

"Are you two responsible for this!?"

"It was me." Akiva pushed himself to his feet, immediately walking over and placing himself between Echo and Angel; he could feel the Hunter's wide eyes on his back, "I brought the idea of bringing Nine here, thought it would be nice to celebrate after a Crucible match."

Seeing Echo glower at him, Akiva then decided to smile sheepishly and add, "Oh come on, don't tell me that you never celebrated with a drink or two?"

The harsh release of breath behind him made Akiva realize his mistake.

Feeling a hand grab him by the front of his armor, Akiva let out a yelp as he felt himself being tugged forward, forcing him to lean as he is brought down to Echo's level and stared straight into his eyes.

"Why do you think I would be a willing participant in taking such a rancid substance into my body?"

Hearing the Titan Exo snarl, his voice obviously tinged with anger, Akiva couldn't help but say nothing and gulp. Then he proceeds to reel his arms and stumbled as Echo pushed him away, forcing him to the side and leaving him a path to Nine. Angel, smartly stepped aside.

"You have been ignoring my frequency."

Echo's words prompted Akiva to let out a wheeze; no one, not even the Vanguard, dares to upset the Exo. To hear Nine casually ignore his calls is a thought that Akiva cannot fathom.

"Observation." Nine started as he casually took another sip from his glass; there is another Guardian seated next to him, ready for the next round, "Ghost Sunny Day sent a frequency back answering that I am currently preoccupied."

Akiva sensed Echo's scowl.

"I never received it."

That is when Nine hummed, the Phoenix Exo finally taking his optics off his glass and turned to face Echo. And his optics glanced over to his own shoulder. That is where Akiva spotted Day, hovering nearby, and it didn't take much to understand why when the Ghost pressed their shell against their core, and they looked away.

Echo released a harsh breath, "Stop drinking that."

Watching as the Titan reached over to Nine's glass, Akiva watched on with wide eyes as the Warlock easily leaned back, stretching out his arm to keep it away. Echo glowered at him.

"Do not take such filth into your body." He hissed.

Another hum from Nine, "I am currently participating in what they call, a contest." Akiva swore he heard a growl emit from Echo, "They are 'betting', saying that I will receive a large amount of glimmer if I win."

There is a beat of silence. Then Echo repeated, "Betting?"

That is when he turned towards Akiva, prompting him to lift both his hands in surrender.

"I tried to stop him, I honestly did." Akiva claimed, "But he's an Exo of his own. Can't stop him if that is what he wanted."

Nervous, Akiva couldn't help but shift nervously on the back of his feet, his shoulders tensed as Echo continued to glower. He only relaxed when the Exo scoffed and turned his attention back to Nine.

"Nine, we have to go."

Akiva watched on as Echo grabbed Nine by the arm and, with their size difference, he expected the Titan to tug the Warlock away with little resistance. He is quickly proven wrong when Nine easily tugged his arm out of his grip.

"I am content where I am now, Echo." Nine said.

Jaw dropping at his words, Akiva glanced at Echo, scanning him to spot any signs of aggression, any signs of anger. He took note of how tense the Exo Titan's shoulders were. Nonetheless, he is relieved when Echo simply sighed and crossed his arms.

"It involves Prime, Nine."

That, that caught Akiva's attention, raising a brow at Echo's statement. Although not having personally been there, he heard enough from the others. Did something happen to the Golden Age AI?

Despite this, Nine seemed unconcerned, Akiva hearing him releasing another soft hum, "Did they try to hide data from you again?"

"…Again?"

Snickering at the bland look that flashed onto Echo's face, Akiva coughed into his fist when the Exo turned and gave him a glare.

"We will talk about that later." Much to Akiva's luck, Echo turned his focus back onto Nine, "However, it is something we have to speak about. Privately."

Then, for the first time, Akiva spotted Nine's optics shift, light dimming momentarily before he said, "Something happened."

It wasn't a question, it was a statement, and Akiva couldn't help the mix of curiosity and concern setting in. If something happened to the Golden Age AI, the AI where both Carina and Aleeza had given up their life for, Akiva wants to know. But easier said than done with an Exo like Echo, especially instead of giving an answer, he remained silent. Despite this, Nine seems to understand, as his blank expression shifted once more. Then, he turned his attention to the crowd.

"My apologies, it seems that something of importance has come to my attention." Groans of disappointment can be heard, "I will have to forfeit this contest."

There are more sounds of discontent, of frustration, but fortunately, much to Akiva's relief, they dispersed, murmuring amongst themselves. Then, he saw Nine's attention turn his way.

"I thank you for helping me experience this bar." Akiva couldn't help but blink at his gratitude, "However, it seems Prime is in a dire situation that needs my immediate attention."

As he watched Nine place an empty glass onto the counter, Akiva waited until the Exo is standing when he spoke, "We can help."

"No." Echo's rejection is immediate, fierce as the Titan turned and glowered at him, "We do not need help from organics."

"Oh god," Akiva heard Angel groan next to him, "Not this again."

He decided to take a breath, "Why not?"

That is when he saw Echo's white optics flash red. Akiva tensed but, nonetheless, stood his ground.

"We may have not known Prime personally like the two of you." He continued, "However, my team were the ones who found them." Akiva kept his eyes forward, keeping them locked onto Echo's furious red, "If anything had happened to Prime, I would think that is fair that my fireteam gets a word of it."

Echo snarled, "The only word that you will be getting is when Nine and I accomplish our mission. Alone."

Then, before Akiva could further protest, Echo stormed off, and he fixed his golden eyes onto the Titan's back. He released a breath he hadn't realized that he had been holding. That could have been worse.

"He is still holding onto the past." Akiva turned his eyes towards Nine, "Unlike me, Echo interacted with the civilians outside of the facilities." The Exo then turned his optics towards Akiva, expression blank, "He remembers the prejudice, the hate, towards our kind. The unneeded violence. The deaths." Nine then turned his optics towards the exit, "He has yet to experience the trust of an organic."

Then, without looking Akiva's way, Nine held out a hand, prompting him to give the Exo a puzzled looking before glancing down. And understood. There, between Nine's fingertips, is a piece of torn cloth. And upon it, he could see words, letters, a code.

Taking the cipher from Nine, Akiva watched on as Nine then left, with Day gliding not too far behind him.

"What did he give you?"

Turning his golden eyes towards Angel, Akiva can easily see the curiosity in his green eyes. Smiling wryly at that, Akiva then turned his attention to the cloth in his hand. Judging from the textile and color, it is a torn hem of Nine's robes, and recent too from the how fresh the tear looks. Upon it, he could see digits, a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols. And unfortunately for him, he is not an expert in decrypting codes. Looking back at Angel, Akiva opted to say nothing and instead held the torn cloth towards the Hunter. A quick glance earned him a puzzled look. It seems he is not the only one clueless deciphering codes.

"Let me take a look."

Feeling the weight of Lex leave his head, Akiva held up the cipher so that it allows his Ghost space to beam his light over it, shifting about as if to scan as much of it as possible. It didn't take long for Lex's light to fade. And he remained still.

Concerned, Akiva asked, "Lex, what is it?"

"It's an encryption for a file." He watched as his Ghost fixed a wide optic onto him, "For the Phoenix Exo. And their connection to the Traveler."

Xxxxx

From what Hush has been told, she is growing. Matt had just told her that she is a few inches taller than what she was last year and, according to him, it is a good sign, a sign that she will mature. A relief to hear from the medic, as from what Hush can gather, Guardians do not age and she couldn't help but worry that she will remain as she is: frail, small, and weak. As such, it is a relief that Matt had informed her otherwise.

Joyful at the prospect that she now would have a chance to join in with her new family's activities, she also couldn't help but notice the worry, the concern in her papa's face. Hush couldn't help but be confused at the sight: Matt had said that she would grow and mature. Why would Papa look sad?

She wanted to ask, ask why, but Hush also knows better. Her Papa likes to keep his feelings to himself, to not let others worry. Hence, once she is alone with her Papa's star, she will ask them. Which is of course an impossible task since they are almost never apart. Proven when her Papa told her to head back to their home alone, needing some time to speak with Medicine-Matt alone.

Normally, Hush would have protested, rejected her Papa's request but Crystalline is with her and she is growing accustomed to the Tower. The Guardians here mostly have their helmets on, strangely putting her at ease. Not seeing who are human lessens her anxiety. As such, Hush practically skipped her way through the Plaza but, instead of heading home, she took the path towards the northern part of the Tower.

As she followed the path, Hush's thoughts then wandered over to her Papa and wonders when he will make good on his promise to help her learn how to control her light. Of course, he had been teaching her the basics, but Hush had taken notice of her gloves, these 'Feedbacks', have been feeling heavy, compressed against her arms, and Papa must have noticed, for he helped her focus, helped her relieve the tension. Currently, it is something she could only do with his aid, but he had said that with practice, Hush will be able to do it on her own. But, she feels like that is still a bit aways, as despite her best efforts, she still cannot release the built up light within her armpieces.

As if to empathize this, Hush spotted wisps of void light lingering between the cracks of the armor piece, prompting her to wring her hands together nervously. Fortunately, she feels no tension, no pressure, so the buildup isn't at its peak yet. Nonetheless, Hush quickened her steps, wanting to visit a friend and then hurry back to her and Papa's home. She doesn't want him to return only to find her missing.

So, when Hush spotted the familiar circular building of the Speaker's office before her, she beamed, and she found herself practically running inside. After her first visit, Hush had always made a point to visit him when she can, especially alone. The thought of befriending someone like the Speaker behind her family's back just sends a spark down the length of Hush's spine. To her, it is fun. Not to mention if her Papa isn't around, the Speaker's presence is enough to stabilize her erratic light. It brings her peace.

Turning into the corner of the Speaker's office, Hush looked up to spot the familiar white clad figure at the top of the stairs, and she smiled broadly before quietly climbing up the steps.

"Why are you bothering him again?" Crystalline's voice hissed in her ear before she felt her star's presence leave her mind and she soon appeared next to her. She matched her slow and quiet pace, "Being the head, this 'Speaker' must have a lot to do, he doesn't have small frivolities such as saying 'hello'."

Turning her yellow eyes to her Ghost, Hush simply held up her hands and signed, You are just saying that being you don't like him.

"More like I don't trust him." Crystalline corrected, grumbling as she turned her yellow optic up the stairs. Hush didn't have to look to know who she is glowering at, "Speaker? For the Traveler." Her star scoffed, "I doubt that there is anyone out there who can actually hear what the Traveler is saying, let alone speak for it."

"I understand your doubts, however, just because you believe the Traveler cannot hear me does not mean I cannot hear you."

The Speaker's words echoed down the stairs and Hush watched as Crystalline's shell pressed against her core, fluttering. She snorted before turning her eyes upwards, the Speaker's back now to his desk and his attention focused upon her.

"Already time for your visit, Guardian Hush?"

Sensing the smile behind his mask, Hush nodded as she signed, I thank you for finding time for me.

"I try to find time for all Guardians, Little One." The Speaker said, his voice gentle, as always, "Although, you are one of few who visits me often."

Hearing this, Hush is unable to help but frown, her yellow eyes narrowed, You are the Speaker. Does no one visit?

She heard him chuckle, "I am not the only one within the Tower preoccupied with our duties, Guardian Hush." Hush blinked; right, she is but a child. The other Guardians on the other hand. "I do not mind the lack of visitors, just as long as they return." She heard him take in a deep breath and release, "Someday."

Sensing the melancholy, the grief, Hush opted to stay quiet and instead, watched as the Speaker promptly turned and resumed his attention over his desk. A sign that their brief conversation is done. Disappointed but understanding, Hush turned to leave, only to come to a pause when her yellow eyes settled over a Hunter's helmet.

The latter seemed surprise at her turn, pausing mid-step up the stairs and locking eyes with Hush. She took note of how stiff he looked, his shoulders too squared for a Guardian within the Tower, and Hush can sense the nervousness, the unease oozing off from him. Something in her gut twisted, warning her, and Hush turned, parting her lips to scream.

That is when she felt a hand grab her by the hair.

A yelp escaped Hush, and she reeled as she felt herself pulled back, hard enough to make her lose her balance but not enough to snap her neck. Her neck still ached. And then pain as she felt something sharp slash across the front of her throat.

"Hush!"

Rasping, Hush attempted to take in a deep breath, only to choke as the air halted, lungs now screaming.

Feeling the hands release her hair, Hush crumbled to the floor, hands reaching to her throat. She felt a familiar warmth slip between her fingers. Spotting movement from the corner of her eyes, Hush looked up in time to witness the Hunter practically leap over her, a war cry screaming from his throat before her vision went dark.

And then proceeded to take in a deep gasp as life is forced back into her lungs, panic settling in as she abruptly pushed herself up from the floor. That is when she heard her star, Crystalline's words soothing but incomprehensible, the noise around her a fog to her ears. Shaking her head to get rid of the ringing, that is when Hush caught the noise of a struggle, and she looked up the stairs. And saw the Hunter from before, a knife in his hand, leaning over the Speaker, the former having forced the latter's back against his desk. Her heart beat hard against her chest when she saw that the Speaker had grabbed the knife hand by the wrist, struggling to push it back. Hush can see it loom dangerously close to his neck. That is when she clumsily stood.

"Hush, I know that look." She heard her star say, "Don't you dare – Hush!"

Hush ran towards the assailant, bearing out her shoulder as she gritted her teeth and gathered her light around the impact point. Pain still permeated from her shoulder as she collided, and she found herself bounding back and landing ass first onto the floor. She is glad that Human-That-Is-Friend-Akiva had taught her how to use her light as armor.

Lifting her eyes, Hush releases a breath of relief when she saw that her attack had worked, the assailant fumbling over the Speaker, his grasp on his knife loose. And that is when Hush spotted the familiar wisps of light forming between the Speaker's fingertips. She knew what is going to happen next.

It is weirdly satisfying to spot the Speaker slam his palm into the Hunter's chest, sending him flying over her head (which she promptly ducked) and tumble down the stairs. It wasn't satisfying when he easily rolled back and landed back onto his feet. Although, she is relieved now that he is a safe distance from the Speaker.

That is, until he reached to a holster around his thigh and raised his hand cannon.

Just as Hush went to push herself back onto her feet, a bubble already forming in her mind, a flash of white appeared behind the Hunter and the next thing Hush knew, he is pinned against the wall, an audible crack permeating through the air.

She recognized Nine's white clad form.

Hush watched as he didn't hesitate to press the barrel of his scout rifle under the Hunter's jaw. And pull the trigger.

Xxxxx

Echo hardly ever witnesses Nine spare any emotion; a few glimpses here and there but it was quick enough where you would blink and thought you were seeing things. That is, until the younger Phoenix Exo received a frequency on their way to the Hangar. It was from the halfling's Ghost – Crystalline, Reaver would tell him later – and before Echo could even ask what it was for, the white glow of Nine's optics was immediately replaced with red. He was already off before Echo could even reach out a hand and stop him.

When Echo finally caught up with Nine, a body of a Hunter lay nearby and in the Warlock's arms is the child that he is so favorable of, soothing words flowing from his lips as he wiped away her tears, and brushed his fingers through her dark strands. It was a sight to behold.

However, as Echo entered, questioning what had happened, Nine's optics snapped towards him, dilated. And just like that he was gone, replaced with the imitation that Echo despises. And this same imitation stands next to him now, staring through a glass window together and at the other side is the Speaker's assassin. The Hunter, although not restrained, is vulnerable as his Ghost is currently in custody, and he is currently seated, hands clasped together upon the table, and head bowed. To Echo, it looked almost like as though he is praying.

The Hunter is an Exo, apparent from the light azure plates and green lights peeking between the cracks. Echo watched as he peeked past his hood, his optics glaring at them.

"Loras-15." Echo heard Ikora read aloud nearby, hearing her come to a pause next to him. He spied the tablet in her hands, "Reported MIA a few months ago after the bodies of his Fireteam were discovered in the Cosmodrome, their Ghosts destroyed with a single gunshot." She lifted her bronze eyes, gaze narrowed, "It has been suspected Loras had betrayed them, but there had been no proof."

"Until now that is." Cayde-6 murmured, the Hunter Vanguard taking the Warlock's side; the usually chipper tune is absent, and Echo can hear the bitterness behind his words, "And not just going rogue but, to try and assassinate the Speaker." He shrugged, "Not sure whether to call him brave or a fool."

"I am more curious as to why he tried to kill the Speaker." It is the imitation – Knight, Echo reminded himself – that spoke, and he watched as the latter turned to the Hunter Vanguard, "Did he say anything?"

"We tried questioning him." Zavala is the next to speak, the Titan Commander taking Echo's free side, "But he would say that he refuses to speak with 'thieves'."

That caught Echo's attention. He turned his head to Zavala and repeated, "Thieves?"

In turn, the Commander shook his head, "He would not say anything else."

His optics narrowing at Zavala, Echo then heard Knight speak, "May I try?"

"Shining Knight." Ikora started before Echo could intervene, "The only reason we allowed your presence here is that Warlock Nine is adamant on being present." She paused, scowling not at Knight, but at Nine. "Despite his 'lack' of a presence."

Hearing her words, Echo opted to say nothing and instead, waited, looking on as Knight remained quiet, sighed, and then murmured, "It's not much of an interrogation if you get nothing out of him."

Despite himself, Echo snickered but ceased when all eyes turned towards him. He glowered back.

"Look." Knight decided to continue, "I know it's just been a couple of hours since the assassination attempt, but who knows if there are others like him who wants the Speaker dead." A point that Echo agrees, "It could be possible that there is a faction out there fully dedicated to killing him. We need to figure out if he's alone in this or not."

If there is one thing that Echo found himself liking about the imitation, is that he, despite his young age, has some common sense. Unlike other Risen that he has met in his life.

"Then, what are your plans on getting him to talk, Shining Knight?"

That is when Knight seemed to pause, optics blinking before he parted his lips, and went quiet. Echo then sighed.

"How about I make the attempt?"

All eyes turned back to him. In turn, Echo gave them a blank look, "Either we make no progress or, we can get something out of him."

At first, Echo thought that, just like with Knight, that the Vanguard is going to deny his request, that his 'methods' were harsh. After all, it wasn't the first time they had depended on Echo to 'gain answers'. Nonetheless, he couldn't help but be a tad bit surprised when it was Cayde who spoke.

"Don't hurt him too much."

Echo scoffed at the Hunter Vanguard's words, "I cannot make a promise I cannot keep."

Then, before any other protest could be heard, Echo walked towards the door, grabbed the knob, and swiftly entered. As he shut the door behind him, Loras' optics were already upon him, narrowed in suspicion. And then quickly replaced with awe.

The look caused Echo to pause and raise a brow. That is a first.

"My prayers have been answered. A Blessed Phoenix has graced me with their presence."

Echo blinked, "What?"

That is when Loras stood up from his seat and, expecting a fight, Echo went into the defensive. Only to continue to stare on in bewilderment when the Hunter placed a hand upon his chest and bowed.

"Oh, Blessed Phoenix, one of the holy ones who truly deserve the gift of the Traveler, I thank you for answering the prayers of such a lowly thief such as myself."

"I…" Echo fumbled, optics wide. His receptors were still trying to process what Loras had said, "What?" He took in a breath, picking out words, "Thief?"

That is when the Hunter looked up and gave him a confused look, as if Echo is the one with all the answers.

"Do you not know, Blessed Phoenix?" Echo couldn't help but cringe at the title, "These Guardians who call themselves protectors, are thieves who stole the light from the Traveler." Loras bowed his head once more, "Only you, the ones who are called 'The Phoenix' are the true wielders of the Light."

Echo gritted his jaw, optics narrowing, "Then what does that make you?"

"A humble servant." Loras replied.

"Servant?" Echo repeated, "Servant to who?"

Once again, the Hunter lifted his optics and this time, Echo saw the clear reverence, "One who is truly blessed by the Traveler."

"Who?"

"I do not know her name." Echo scowled at his answer, "I am undeserving, as one who had unintentionally stole the light, to know." He continued, "But she showed me the truth, the reality of the Guardian's theft. It was then I pledged my loyalty to her."

"And you killed your Fireteam to prove that?"

That is when the reverence shifted to one of anger, of betrayal, and Echo took mental note to check back on it later. It seems there is more to his story. And one that Loras is not willing to share.

"I had to kill Saren and Assur in order for her to accept me into her service." Loras finally answered, "To kill organics that is the cause of our suffering."

If this was under normal circumstances, Echo would have agreed, but the way Loras' optics held worship, held awe, sent waves of unease through him.

"Are there others?" Echo asked instead.

"Of course." Loras practically beamed at him, "I am not the first, there are plenty of other Exo who pledged loyalty to her, and all aiding in the efforts to find others like herself. Like you." Echo remained quiet as the Exo before him bowed his head once more, "If I had known that a Blessed Phoenix was living within the Tower, I would have come here sooner instead of meticulously planning to kill the False Witness."

Echo raised a brow, "False Witness?"

"The ones the thieves call Speaker." Loras lifted his head once more and Echo saw the disgust in his optics, "The one who lies of his gift from the Traveler, claiming that the thieves were chosen when in truth, we stole the light from our blessed god." A look of melancholy flashed over Loras' green optics, "Our Leader entrusted me with the task of killing the false Witness, to help free the Traveler from the greedy grasps of the thieves." He then bowed his head once more, and Echo can sense the shame, the guilt, "But I have failed in my task and as such, I do not deserve to return to her embrace." Then, to Echo's surprise, Loras fell to his knees, forehead pressed to the floor as he then said, "Kill me, Blessed Phoenix, so that my sins may be forgiven.'

Echo couldn't help but stare, optics wide as he contemplated on fulfilling Loras' request. To hear the words that he had been spouting, the hints hidden behind them, Echo didn't want the Vanguard to catch on. Not to mention that this crazy worship made Echo's skin crawl. However, as he glanced towards the window, he can sense the eyes of the Vanguard and the imitation, and he knew that they wouldn't approve of such an action. Especially when they heard every single word.

"I am, disappointed, of your failure." Echo decided to play along, his sentence burning against his tongue, core heating, "However I believe death is not a fitting punishment. I will need time to assess."

"I understand, Blessed Phoenix."

Stomach churning at the title, Echo took slow steps back, unease still within his core as he turned and finally stepped out of the room, shutting it quickly behind him.

"Echo?"

Looking up, Echo's optics settled over Knight's, spotting the look of concern within the imitation's. He opted to ignore it and instead, took in a deep breath, and turned his attention to the Vanguard.

"I am uncomfortable with the fact that someone had turned the Phoenix Exo into a religious icon."

"Not the first cult we faced, and definitely not the last." Echo couldn't help but scowl at Cayde's words, "Although, I have to admit, it made it easier to get answers out of Loras since you are this…" He watched as Cayde gestured vaguely towards him, "Blessed Phoenix."

"Blessed Phoenix." Echo repeated, furrowing his brows, taking in the insinuation behind Loras' words, "Is it really another Phoenix?"

"You have doubts?" It is Ikora who spoke, Echo turning his optics towards her to spot the curious look in her bronze eyes, "From what I can gather, you have been looking for others such as yourself for years." Echo frowned, contemplating on how she knew. Then again, guess he cannot hide everything, especially not from her spies, "What makes you think that the leader of this cult is not a Phoenix Exo."

"Because a Phoenix Exo wouldn't make such a blasphemous ideal." Echo spat before he could stop himself, "I may despise Guardians and more so against organics." He placed a hand against his chest, "But I do not claim that you are thieves who stole the Traveler's light."

The Traveler itself said so.

"Aw, you growing soft on us, pal?"

Cayde's words prompted a rugged sigh from Echo before he turned and glowered at the Hunter Vanguard, "Comment anymore and you will find a bullet between your optics."

"Nope, still a bastard."

Snapping his attention to Knight, Echo watched as the imitation raised both hands in surrender, but he also spotted the roll in his optics, and the way he diverted looking into his gaze.

"Be fortunate that you share a body with Nine." Echo growled out, "Otherwise, I would have killed you long ago."

Satisfied when he saw the young imitation shift back and forth on the back of his feet, Echo then scoffed and waved a hand, "You can find this leader of this cult on your own, I have a task of my own."

"Don't tell me that you are going after the ones who took Prime."

Echo turned to Zavala, "Have you already forgotten what I had said before? Prime is full of data from the Golden Age." He jabbed a finger in the Titan Commander's direction, "It is imperative that we find them as soon as possible before such information falls into whatever hands hacked into the Tower's database."

That is when Zavala scowled back, "I thought you cared little for the City."

"I don't care." Echo claims, "What I do care about is Prime and the data they carry within their memory."

"May I take a guess that it has something to do with the Phoenix Exo and the Traveler?" Echo flinched before he turned and glared at Ikora; he can see a ghost of a smile flash over her face, "You are trying very hard to keep it secret, Echo. There will come a time when you have to reveal it."

If this was back before Nine, Echo would have scoffed at the Warlock Vanguard, sneered at her words but now, he finds himself unable to find it, unable to retort. Instead, he snarled before he turned and left.

His head and core ached at the possibility of the truth being known by all.