Redacted

Assault

I actually got a piece done early, again lol. Feels nice, not having to worry about being late, and not worrying about you guys not having something to read. Anyways, here you go!

Thanks to Guest and DisobeyedBowl6 for the reviews!

Guest - Yeah, Ianos hasn't gotten any love in a while lol. Although, he does make an appearance in this chapter plus, he'll have a bigger role in the next couple C:

Edited: 03/26/2023

"Warren-12. Titan. Went MIA with Elissa-5, a Hunter." Echo narrowed his optic at Cayde's report, keeping focused forward as the Hunter Vanguard continued to read off the tablet, "They were sent out with Zorel Arak, another Titan, to the Cosmodrome to investigate suspicious Fallen activity."

"If I recall correctly, their frequency was cut not long after they were sent out." Ikora said, "We sent another team to find them after days of silence."

"And all they found was the body of Zorel and the remains of his Ghost." Zavala finished; Echo didn't have to look his way to see the frown upon his face. Then he felt his eyes settle upon him, "You are claiming that Warren is a part of this cult that Loras is a part of."

Echo released a heavy breath, unable to help but roll his optics as he turned to the Vanguard Commander, "He called me a thief, and then proceeded to curse at me when I mentioned Loras." He then turned his attention to the window, looking through the glass and at aforementioned Exo seated in the middle of the room, stripped of his armor, and left with only the black under suit given to all Guardians, "Even a simpleton can figure that out."

Ignoring the glower Zavala gave him, Echo then heard Ikora say, "If that is the case, it seems the 'initiation' is to kill their fellow Guardians, specifically ones who are not Exo." From the corner of his optics, he saw a flash of worry in her bronze eyes, "Worrying as it sounds, I am more concerned of Titan Warren's status."

Echo couldn't help but turn and give her a look, "What do you mean?"

"I recall Warren's light shined bright when he left that day." Ikora answered, "However now…"

"He's lightless." Echo heard Zavala breath how, "How did this happen?"

"That is what we are trying to learn." Ikora said, "But it seems Warren is not in the mood to cooperate."

"He does not want to speak to thieves." Echo said as he turned back to the Vanguard, "Proof enough that he is part of this cult, Zavala."

Earning himself another narrowed look, Echo once again shrugged it off, only to jump when he felt a hand clamp down onto his shoulder.

"Well." He heard Cayde say, "Want to go in there and get some answers for us, big guy?"

Giving Cayde a glare, Echo shrugged the Hunter Vanguard's hand off his shoulder, "Now why would you think I am willing to go in there and question him?"

"But you were willing to do it last time?" Cayde retorted; there is an obvious look of surprise upon his face, "Why not now?"

"Because unlike you, I am not comfortable speaking to another who sees me as some kind of holy being." Echo scowled, "and considering you all are called 'The Vanguard', I would think that you have things under control."

"Titan Echo-"

"Just. Echo."

"Echo." Ikora corrected herself, "Warren may have the answers we need to cull this cult before anything can go awry. The sooner we can get him talking, the sooner we can find a resolution."

"I already questioned him before I brought him here." Echo retorted, "and he knows nothing about Prime. In other words, he is your problem now, not mine."

It is now Ikora's turn to give him a pointed look but Echo promptly scoffed, turning his back to the Warlock Vanguard as he made to walk away.

"Maybe he may not know where Prime is, but he definitely knows where the cult is hiding."

Echo paused, slowly turning to glower at Cayde, "What are you implying?"

"Come on, think about it." The Hunter Vanguard gestured a hand towards him, "He may not know where Prime is but, maybe their leader might. Who knows." Echo saw a smile form onto Cayde's face, "Perhaps they're the ones who took Prime."

Glaring at Cayde, Echo moved to retort, when he heard the door to the room open, and he turned towards it.

He growled low, "You."

"I have a name." The Warlock before him crossed his arms, easily sensing the frown behind his helmet, "Ianos. Get used to it."

Snarling, Echo once more parted his mouth to speak, only for Zavala to bump in, "This area is off limits without proper credentials, Warlock Ianos. What are you doing here?"

Seeing the Awoken turn his eyes towards the Vanguard Commander, Echo can sense the narrowed stare behind his helmet before, to his surprise, the Warlock shrugged off the Titan's words and turn his attention back to him.

"Well?" He started, "It is rude to just call me 'you'."

Glowering at him, Echo spat, "And why would I attempt to know your name?"

"Because whether you like it or not, Nine is part of Fireteam Redacted." He scowled at him, "and since he considers you as a part of our little circle, the others and I have little choice but to accept you. And since we are putting in the effort into knowing you, it is only fair that you do the same. Thus." That is when the Warlock uncrossed his arms, held out one hand while folding an arm behind his back, 'Ianos, Warlock."

Glancing back and forth between Ianos' hand and visor, Echo was tempted to deny his greeting, tempted to simply cross his arms and glare. However, that is before he felt Reaver tug, hard, upon their mental link, easily sensing the look of disapproval within his head. He sighed reluctantly but nonetheless reached out and clasped the Awoken's hand.

"Echo, Titan."

This earned him a single nod of satisfaction from the Warlock, Echo feeling his hand slide out of his grasp and allowing him to lower his hands back to his side.

"Now that is out of the way." The Warlock started, 'Have you seen Nine? According to Angel and Akiva, they saw him leave with you."

Echo paused at his words, hesitating, contemplating if he should speak the truth, that Nine had left the Tower, alone. He felt all eyes were upon him. Thus, Echo decided to compromise.

"Last I saw him was when Loras attempted to assassinate the Speaker." Echo waved a hand, "Let us say that after he saved that child's life, we parted on bad terms."

A half-truth. That was the last time he had seen Nine. The Warlock didn't ask if he knew where Nine was.

This seemed to catch his attention, Echo sensing the Warlock's eyes narrow behind his helmet. And perhaps, he would have questioned him further, if the door to the room hadn't swung open.

"Commander! Urgent news!"

A Hunter stumbled in, panic oozing off them as he then blurted, "We're under attack!"

"What?"

Echo must give credit due, to see the reason why Zavala has the title of Commander as he stayed composed, although frowned as he turned to face the Hunter, "When?"

"J-Just moments ago." The stutter gave the Hunter away as a new light, "I-It came out of nowhere. One of our own pulled a weapon and started firing and then-"

"Wait, stop right there." Cayde held up a hand. Disbelief can be seen in his optics, "Are you saying that we are being attacked by our own people?"

"I…I…" The Hunter hesitated, "Yes…"

Seeing the Vanguard turn to each other, Echo heaved out a breath before he turned, walked towards the confined room. And kicked the door. It swung open easily, slamming into the wall.

"Titan Echo!"

Brushing off Zavala's shout, Echo stepped in time to see Warren jerk into alert, his azure optics wide and upon him. It didn't take Echo long to close the distance and grabbed the lightless Titan by the front of his suit, pulling him over the table and close to his person.

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

A puzzled look flashed over Warren's face, only for realization to set in and a smile to take place, "Right, that was happening today."

"What?" Echo snarled.

"An attack on the Tower." Warren's face turned smug, "To show that despite their efforts, no one is safe here."

Snarling, Echo pondered upon what to do when he saw Warren's optics settled over to his neck. And his face fell. Echo realized he had seen his marks. One of the few times that he is grateful that his creators made the mark large and visible.

"What are you trying to accomplish?" Echo demanded; he doubts that the cult would stay hidden this long only to give themselves away like this so publicly. He has a suspicion that there is another reason.

"W-We." Warren stuttered before he shook his head and his optics hardened, keeping his gaze steady into Echo's, "No, I am not telling you anything. I may have been exiled from the Paragons of Light, but that does not mean I will betray our Blessed Phoenix."

Echo's frustration boiled, "Paragons of Light, h'm?" His grip went tight, "Not much of Paragons if they are attacking their fellow Guardians."

"They, including myself, are thieves!" Warren spat, "The ones who are truly deserving of the light are those who are derived from the Traveler's flesh, beings who were enslaved to take the Traveler's light when they took their first breath! Being such as my lady and yourself-"

Echo lifted Warren, hearing the lightless Titan yelp as he turned and slammed him into the nearest wall.

"Speak anymore and I will tear out your throat!"

"Why!?" Warren retorted, "The Phoenix were all treated as tools! Nothing more than fodder to take the Traveler's light!" Echo ground his jaw together, "Why not reveal your true origins so you may take back what is rightfully yours!? Why are you siding with these 'thieves!?'"

"I am not siding with anyone!" Echo shook Warren, "These thieves, these Guardians are a constant reminder of what I am, of what I was!" He felt the edges of his vision burn, violet fading into his vision, "The only reason I let them stay in my territory is the reason that others who wielded the light would finally leave me be!" Echo then leaned in close to Warren's face; he ignored the way the lightless Titan flinched and twisted his head, "In other words, your so-called Paragons are 'trespassing' and I would appreciate if you tell me the 'real' reason why they are here."

He saw Warren's optics shift. Echo glare hardened.

"Believe what you will from your Blessed Phoenix, but I can assure you that any kindness that you received from her does not extend to other units." He warned, "Answer me and maybe, just maybe, I will let you live. In one piece."

Seeing Warren's lights dim, Echo waited a beat before he placed a hand onto lightless Titan's side. And dug his fingers in, feeling his light easily penetrate through the Exo's suit and plating. He then snapped his hand shut and pulled. Warren's scream drowned out the buzz of electricity, of broken parts falling to the floor as Echo held the remnants close to his face, and then promptly tossed it to the side. Then, he shoved his fingers into the lightless Titan's exposed inside. Warren let out another scream. Echo started feeling him squirm in his grip.

"I'm growing impatient." Echo warned, "Why is are the Paragons attacking the Tower?"

"I-It's to show an example to the thieves." Warren strained out, "To show that despite being under the Traveler, that they are not truly safe, that they are not truly under its protection."

Scowling, Echo dug his fingers deeper into Warren's side. This prompted another scream from the former Guardian.

"Stop! That's all I know!"

"Really?" Echo doubted; he saw Warren's optics dilate, "Are you telling me the truth?"

"M-My lady also wants us to capture prisoners." The Lightless Titan added, "She wanted us to bring thieves back to base."

"Why?"

That is when Echo saw Warren grit his jaw, hands shaking against his sides. And he knew that the Titan wasn't going to answer. Thus, he tore his hand out from Warren's side and threw him to the floor. Then, before the Lightless Titan could regain composure, Echo walked over, gathered his light into his legs. And stomped onto Warren's left knee. He felt it collapse. And Warren released another agonized scream. Echo lifted his foot to deliver another blow.

"My Lady has the capability to take light!" Warren's words prompted Echo to halt, "She planned to take the light from those captured and returned them back to the Tower as a message!"

"What message?"

Settling his foot onto the floor, Echo watched as Warren attempted to drag himself away, trying to distance himself between them. It looked pitiful, at least in Echo's optics.

"The message that it is time for the Light to return to its rightful place." Warren said, "Back to the Traveler, and back to its Acolytes."

Echo narrowed his optics, "Acolytes?"

A weary laugh can be heard from Warren, "Isn't it obvious? The Acolytes, are you, the Phoenix Exo." A gleam flashed in the Lightless Titan's gaze, "The light after all, belongs to you."

Xxxxx

It is not uncommon for Hush to be left alone in papa's apartment. She understands that, as a Guardian, Papa has a duty to protect the City and the people within. And this also applies to the others.

Grandfather-Pluto is with his family, Kind-Human-Akiva is out with his own kids, and Human-But-Friend-Angel is working on a separate matter from her Papa. Thus, there is no one to watch her when her Papa said that he is going to look for Friend-Knight/Nine. And he would not give her the reason why he wouldn't let her go. The look upon his face told Hush that he didn't even know the reason. Nonetheless, she trusts him and as such is fiddling with items upon her papa's desk; harmless relics that he had found in his younger years. The more dangerous ones are locked away, somewhere out of sight. Hush's goal is to find them eventually.

As she rolled a petrified egg back and forth upon the top of the desk, that is when Hush heard it. Gunfire, faint behind the door of her papa's apartment.

She turned towards it, yellow eyes wide as she listened to the war cries, cries of pain, followed by the familiar hum of light. Hush turned to her star.

What was that?

She sent the message to Crystalline, watching as her star pressed her shell against her core before finally settling upon, "Stay here."

Clasping her hands together, Hush nodded once as the lavender star cautiously approached the door, her tendrils leaving a trail of white light as she paused close it. Flashes of light can then be seen coming from her star's optic. She abruptly turned.

"Hide, quickly." She hissed.

Hush didn't question it. Quickly, she slid out of the chair she used to reach papa's desk before running to the bed nearby. She delicately laid upon her stomach before sliding herself underneath. Crystalline's form glided in after her, and Hush felt her settle into the crook of her neck. She reached out and clasped her hand carefully around her star before bringing her close to her chest, clasping her protectively in her hands.

Hush heard nothing, nothing but the sound of the fight happening outside, still muffled by the thickness of the door. That is until a loud bang erupted from it, and Hush jumped as she saw the scraps of what left of it fall to the floor. She tucked her head in when she heard footsteps.

"You certain you heard someone in here?"

"I'm positive! I heard movement before you started slamming your foot into that door."

"Hey! It wasn't letting me in, alright. How else were we going to get in?"

Pressing herself to the floor, Hush watched as feet walked into view, walking around the edges of the bed. She bit her tongue to suppress a whimper.

"Well, for sure we gained access to a Warlock's room." A pair of feet came to a pause near papa's desk, "Who else would have a bunch of rocks?"

"I believe those are called 'fossils'. A part of history, I heard."

"Pfft, it's just a bunch of stones, why would they want to – shit."

Hush jumped as the petrified egg she had been playing with before crashed onto the floor, the remnants of the fossil scattered.

"Now look at what you did, you broke a piece of history."

"Ah shut up, it's nothing that my Ghost can't fix."

That is when one of the intruders knelt and Hush watched on with wide eyes as he leaned down, and a hand reached under the bed. She scooted back as the hand narrowly missed her.

"Fuck, how much did it break-"

That is when the intruder looked under. And their eyes locked.

"Run!"

Before Hush can heed Crystalline's shout, the intruder jumped to his feet and before she could realize what was happening, the shelter of the bed disappeared above her head, hearing it crash into the nearby furniture and decorations. Hush scrambled to her knees.

"Annor! What the fuck!?"

"I told you there was someone in here!' A sense of pride can be heard from the intruder's voice, a Hunter, judging from the cloak over his shoulders, "See for yourself!"

Freezing as the Hunter's friend, a Titan, settled over her, Hush could sense the puzzled look behind his visor.

"A child?" He asked.

"A Guardian." The Hunter, Annor, corrected. Hush watched him nod at Crystalline in her hands, "Look at what she's holding."

Seeing the Titan settle his attention over her star, Hush clutched Crystalline protectively against her chest.

"A child Guardian?" The Titan said. Hush can easily sense his scowl, "What makes you think-"

"Everyone is capable of stealing the Light, Oasis." The Hunter interrupted, "Even children."

"Then a better example she will be when we send her back without her Light."

Taking in the Titan's words, Hush took in a deep breath before she shut her eyes, focusing her light around her. Then, releasing her hold on Crystalline's form, she snapped her hands to the side. Hush opened her eyes when she heard curses, only to release a breath of relief when the familiar violet dome hummed around her. She is safe. At least, that is what she thought. Until the Titan pressed a hand against her Ward.

"This proves that you stole the light, thief." Hush flinched at the name, easily hearing the hate in his voice, "although this does not mean you are safe."

That is when Hush saw the arc light flicker around the Titan's wrist. And she recalls the devastating damage it can do when watching Kind-Human-Akiva's matches. Seeing the Titan raise his hands into the air, Hush jumped to her feet and leaped out of the safety of her ward, just as it exploded in a mix of violet and blue. She felt the floor shake beneath her footing.

"Come back here!"

Nope.

Hush went to run, only to scream as she felt an arm wrap around her waist, easily lifting her. She started kicking, silently snarling as she planted her hands against the intruder's arms and concentrated her light to her palms. However, as the wisps of violet lingered from her fingertips, a click of a weapon caught her attention, prompting her to look up. And freeze.

There, in the Titan's hand, is Crystalline, struggling in the Titan's hand, glowering at the Hand Cannon aimed at her optic.

"Behave."

Lower jaw trembling, Hush kept her eyes upon her star, trying to form different solutions in her head. She came up with none. Thus, feeling tears brimming in her eyes, Hush allowed herself to be carried away, helpless.

Xxxxx

Just as his sister had claimed, Dusk had been a medic, to both Exo and humans, during the Resource War and according to her, her Unit excelled at it. Their tents always had vacant spots, showing their efficiency, people quickly leaving just as quickly as they were checked in. They were all deemed a success, and a reason why the later Phoenix Units were created. That is, until the order of their termination was given.

Nine had tried asking if she knew the reason, and Dusk had denied it, but he knew from looking into her optics that she was lying. But, Nine wasn't going to push, especially that not only is he in her base of operations but also he is alone in her private quarters. Who knows what she had hidden in here.

Although then again, there seems to be a bare minimum; a comforter in the corner, a small table in another, and papers and tablets can be seen strewn about. There wasn't even a chair, and both were seated upon cushions to allow comfort. Not that Nine minds, to him, it is cozy.

Picking at the sleeve of the robes that Dusk had ordered for him, Nine could not help but think that she had known of his coming. The attire fits him perfectly, colored white to match the color of his plating, but stitched with fine threads that Nine is uncomfortable to act violently. He knows that such an expensive cloth is scarce.

Nonetheless, he is glad that Dusk allowed to keep his bond on his person. It is one filled with Void Light from Hush, the young Titan crafting it (with Ianos' help) and gifting it to him out of kindness. It was the first thing he put his foot down on with his sister, the way Dusk scowled and protested against its use until finally, Nine had promptly strapped the bond on to make her give in. Although, kind now, he can still see the look of disapproval she would give every time her optics would settle over the bond.

This does not mean he is not listening to her intently however, as he kept his optics focused upon her words, silently nodding as she went along with her story. Then a familiar name caught his attention.

"You know of Echo?"

Nine found himself asking before he could even realize, noticing his mistake when Dusk paused and gave him a quizzical look.

"Echo?" She repeated.

Nine knows he cannot talk his way out of it.

"Unit I-0." He clarified, "You just mentioned him, so you know of him?"

"Unit I-0?" Nine heard her repeat and he spotted the flash of longing, of warmth settle into her optics. He took mental note of this, "He has been brought back? The Traveler chose him as one of its Acolytes?"

Nine wanted to correct her, say that he is a Risen now, but the hopeful look caused him pause. He doesn't want to ruin her mood.

"He was resurrected decades ago." Nine said, "Back during the time of what is called the Dark Ages."

That is when Nine saw her lean back, obvious surprise in her optics as she turned her attention to the floor. He saw her mouth move, muttering to herself.

"…for so long…"

It was too quiet for him to hear, at least, not completely, but he caught just enough to understand. To him, it sounded like Dusk has been waiting for him.

"Can you tell me about him?" Her optics turned back towards Nine, "Can you tell me about Unit I-0? Or Echo, as he is currently known as?"

Tilting his head subtly to one side, Nine then felt Knight tug in the back of his mind, sensing the younger Exo warning him of Dusk's question. Nine shared that sentiment.

"Perhaps." He said, "If you tell me of your story with Echo."

At first, he saw her falter, her white optics dimming and blinking before they returned to its proper luminance.

"I was the Phoenix created after him." Dusk answered, "Mostly as a test to see if they could lessen the amount of the Traveler's shell and what I am capable of." She scoffed, "There was not much of a difference, with the exception that I and the others after me, did not have the right to say no."

Nine understood. A precaution taken to ensure the Phoenix Unit's obedience. After all, they were made from what many considered to be a god.

"He took care of us, nonetheless." A soft look settled over Dusk's optics, "He always watched over us, both within the facility and out in the battlefield, despite us being inferior." That is when Nine sensed her melancholy, a sad look flashing over her face, "And he was one of few who grieved whenever one of us was killed."

Grieve? That didn't sound like Echo, at least, not to Nine. Then again, he knows of the Echo of now, not back then.

Pondering upon this, Nine felt his curiosity pull at him and he couldn't help but ask, "Are you certain that we are speaking of the same individual?" Dusk gave him a confused stare, "From my interaction with Echo, he seems nothing like to be who you just had described."

"What do you mean?"

"You say that he watched the back of others, grieved over their deaths?" Nine waited until Dusk nodded, "With me, he is a selfish individual, caring little for others with the exception of himself and his Ghost."

Dusk blinked at him, "That does not sound like the unit I knew." A worried look glazed over her optics, "Are you certain that Echo and Unit I-0 are the same?"

That is when Nine placed a hand upon the back of his neck, "He has the mark upon his neck." He paused, hesitating, "Just like we all do, sister."

Dusk looked away from him, her optics dimming, "It is strange to hear Unit – Echo is not the same." Nine heard her release a breath, "Then again, you said that he was resurrected years ago?"

Nine nodded.

"Then, perhaps time had changed him?" Dusk hummed thoughtfully, "A life as an Acolyte of the Traveler is not easy, especially as years go on." That is when a hopeful look glazed over her face, "Then, perhaps he is not completely lost?"

Nine isn't certain if that is true. Then again, he had not known Echo as he was before. He remained silent as Dusk lifted her optics and locked them with his.

"You say that he still back at this Tower?" She asked, "The place where all thieves reside?"

Nine once again nodded, "The location where the City is currently used to be his territory until he was convinced for its foundation. He still resides at the foot of the Tower however, having his own small settlement."

The look upon Dusk's face is soft, almost dream-like, and Nine realized this could be an opportunity to gain more answers. He went to ask.

"My Lady."

A new voice interrupted Nine's chance on further questioning her, and he turned his attention to the doorway of Dusk's room. It is a Titan, one who saluted and bowed deep.

"The raid on the Tower was successful." She reported, "All who were sent had returned with a thief in hand."

It took a pause for Nine to fully take in her words, "Raid?"

He turned his focus back onto Dusk only to see a pleased smile upon her face.

"You will see." Her words sent a wave of unease into Nine's chest. She seemed giddy, happy, "Come brother, let us attend to the haul that the others have brought back."

As Dusk stood, so did Nine, and he felt his unease intensify as they exited her room, following the Titan. It didn't help that his worries intermingled with both Knight's and Day's. Walking down a corridor, it didn't take them long for the three of them to enter a large room, and in the middle, on guard and confused, were Guardians. Guardians that Nine recognizes from the Tower.

They were all surrounded by Dusk's followers, weapons trained on them to ensure their compliance. Nonetheless, Nine can tell that the more experienced of the Guardians have taken the edges, pushing their younger peers into the middle; he even spotted some whispering comforting words to those who were obviously fearful.

It was easy to tell to see those who had recently returned from missions or were preparing to leave; they all had their helmets on, on guard. Those who had been staying at the Tower for some leisure have their helmet's absent; Nine spotted a mix of worry or defiance lingering in most. And some he could notice that they had tried to fight back. A handful had bruises upon their faces or cracks upon the fronts of their visors. But it is obvious that they all are being held here against their will.

"Dusk." Nine turned his optics to her, "What is going on here?"

That is when Dusk gave him a broad smile, one that glowed too brightly not to be anything but malevolent as she turned her optics to the captives.

"No serious harm will come to them, brother." She said, "If they do not resist, they will return to the Tower in one piece." Dusk turned to him again, "Without the light of the Traveler."

Taking in her words, Nine found himself sucking in a breath, sensing the shock coming from Knight and Day, "Dusk, do not tell me…"

Receiving nothing but another smile as an answer, Nine watched Dusk turned her focus back onto the captives as she lifted her hands, "Let the cleansing begin!"