Redacted
Betrayed
I deeply apologize for the late update guys. Stuff came up and it didn't help that my main PC got a virus so severe that I can't even factory default it to save its life. As such, I had to transfer all my files onto a USB and considering the amount of writing I do, it was a lot. With all the time and effort to save my writing, I had little time to write. Luckily, I have a laptop in case such a thing happens and all I got to say, is that strangely, I find the laptop keys more comfortable than my desktops lol. Anyways, enjoy the chapter!
Edited: 04/09/2023
The assault had been quick, quick to the point that when Ianos took a step out of the interrogation room and outside to the Plaza where it had reportedly begun, it had ended. And many Guardians have been taken off guard by the swift attack. Numerous were injured during the assault and most were sent to the Medical Wing to be looked over. Fortunately, it seems no deaths had occurred. Which signals to Ianos that the attacking party weren't after kills.
That would make Warren's statement true, that these Paragons of Light only wanted prisoners. Thus, his claims that this cult leader's capability of taking light must ring true. Ianos already felt uneasy at this revelation. More so when he returned to his apartment to find it ransacked. And both Hush and her Ghost missing.
Instinct pulled him to the Hangar, scanning the bustling platforms until his eyes spotted who he was looking for; it was easy to spot Echo's white armor amongst the numerous colors.
Making his way through the crowd, Ianos saw Echo snap his head towards him and he sensed the Titan's glower behind his helmet; it is obvious where he is going.
"What do you want?" Echo turned to face him.
"Take me with you."
Ianos blurted out his words before he could fully comprehend it himself, "I know where you are heading, and I want in."
He saw Void Light linger around Echo's shoulders.
"And what makes you think that I am willing to take 'you' with me?"
The wisps of light grew intense with every word and Ianos knew it was an attempt to intimidate, to scare him away. But after facing Echo in a fight, he knows a bluff when he sees one.
"The Paragons are a cult." Ianos started, "and as you know, most cults amass a large following. You think you are capable of handling that many Guardians at once?"
"I am more than capable of handling a few new lights." Echo's comment reminded Ianos of the Titan's age, "I do not need your help in snuffing out some sparks."
As Echo turned away from him, Ianos reached out, snatching the Exo by the shoulder. He ignored the burn against his palm as he forced Echo to turn, "Hush is one of the Guardians taken by these 'Paragons'." Ianos felt his panic threaten to overtake him; he took in a deep breath and forced it down, "If what Warren says is true, her light will be taken."
Echo pulled away from Ianos' grip. He could sense the glare behind the Titan's visor.
"We have seen the effects of a Lightless Guardian." Echo said, "If this child's light indeed gets taken, she will be unaffected." He scoffed, "Is that not what you wanted? For her live a normal life."
Ianos gritted his teeth, glaring at Echo now, "She is more susceptible to harm without her light." And he took in a deep breath, "and it is the only thing keeping her alive."
That is when Echo paused, Ianos sensing him give him another narrowed look.
"The Light keeping her alive?" He said, "What kind of blasphemous talk are you speaking of?"
"She is of mixed blood." The name burned against Ianos' tongue, an insult more than a title to him, "My Ghost scanned her biology and it had been estimated she wouldn't have lived another year without the aid of the light. Her skeletal structure would have been too weak to further support her weight, let alone enable her to make it to adulthood." It is a difficult admittance but, "Despite my want of her living a normal life, her light is what is enabling her to survive. Without it, she is at death's door."
Hearing nothing from Echo, Ianos thought he had won. Until Echo huffed.
"And why should I care for the life of an organic child?" Ianos' hand curled into fists at his words, "Despite your relation to her and the probability of her survival, I care little for her." He then jabbed a finger at Ianos, "In other words, I am not letting you come with me."
Giving the Exo another glare, Ianos felt the urge for a threat, letting his knowledge of the Phoenix Exo come to light. However, as he watched Echo turn and head towards his ship, Ianos resisted the urge, the fear of death by the older Warlord lingering in the back. Plus, he truly does want to improve his relations with Echo – at least, for Nine's and Knight's sake – and he doubts that a threat will help. As such, after a quick deliberation, Ianos came up with an idea.
"You do recall that Nine is close with Hush, correct?" He saw Echo come to a halt; Ianos has him, "Despite your aversion to organics, Nine tolerates them, and I doubt he will appreciate you abandoning them to the Paragons, especially Hush."
Hearing nothing from Echo, Ianos decided to hum playfully, tapping his cheek as he continued, "I wonder, how strong your bonds would be if Nine learns that you had abandoned Hush to her fate? And to leave not just her, but all those captured behind." He then shrugged, "Well, we are Guardians after all, it might take a few centuries. Maybe a hundred."
"I get your point." Echo turned, growling; Ianos couldn't help but feel victorious, "I will save this child but that does not mean I am bringing you with me."
"Despite being grateful on your willingness to save Hush." Ianos sensed Echo's frown, "I won't take no for an answer when it comes to this mission. I will take my own ship if I must." He then pointed a finger at Echo, "I will track you down, even if you try to shake me lose. I. Am. Coming."
Ianos then crossed his arms, squaring out his shoulders to make himself bigger, taller, although it did little against someone like Echo. Nonetheless, when he spotted the void light continue to linger around Echo's shoulders, Ianos decided to release his light, holding out a hand as he allowed his own void light to settle over his fingertips. He heard Ace whisper quiet warnings in his head.
Finally, a sigh can be heard from Echo, "Fine, I will allow it." Ianos blinked; he had expected the Exo to get violent first before agreeing. Echo must have noticed his surprise, for he then added, "The only reason I am allowing you to come is that I may need help if this Leader of this cult is more than I can handle."
Ianos couldn't help a scoff, "I thought you said that you can handle a couple of new lights."
This earned him a glare from Echo, "I am more than capable of handling Guardians such as yourself and this so-called cult." He then paused and Ianos can sense the concern, the hesitation, "However, what I heard from Loras and Warren, I have reason to believe that their 'Lady' is a Phoenix Exo."
Ianos paused and then frowned, "What?"
"Reaver will explain everything on our way to the Paragon's base." Echo waved a hand, "but for now, we best hurry, especially if you want to save those captured."
Despite wanting to question Echo further, Ianos also knows he spoke true and thus, opted to remain quiet and instead, followed the Exo up the ramp of his ship.
Xxxxx
"Keep your head low and stay still."
Taking in her star's words, Hush slowly nodded before she crouched lower to the floor, unable to help but feel glad that the other Guardians, adult Guardians had corralled her to the middle, hiding her from sight. This did little to ease the loud beat of her heart in her ears and the tears brimming in her eyes.
Despite barely being dragged underground and forced into this space, Hush can tell that something big was going to occur. She could see past the taller forms of the Guardians around her and she spotted those who had taken them captive. Their weapons were drawn but they did not fire, did nothing to kill them. This gave her a hint that they brought them here for another reason.
Hush gulped and then jumped when a voice rang throughout the room, her fear muffling the words spoken. However, she looked up, looking past the forms of those protecting her and her eyes settled over a familiar face.
Friend-Nine!
Her eyes beamed at the sight of him, glad that he seemed to be unscathed. But then, she took notice how he stood near the front, upon a platform as if to be easier to spot. And who is that other Exo standing next to him? And are they twins? They looked surprisingly similar.
"There were more of my unit, Little One." A memory rose to the surface, Friend-Nine's voice echoing. Hush had asked him if he and Scary-But-Harmless-Echo were related.
How many? She signed.
Then she remembers a sad look, one filled with regret and guilt flashing over his optics, "Too many."
Hush recognizes that look to understand not to pry, and she had let the topic settle then. But she is still confused as to why he stood near the front. It is obvious he is not a captive.
The Exo next to Friend-Nine then started speaking but, it seems Hush is too small, too far, or a mix of to hear her properly. She could only catch snatches and they were words that she could not understand. Thieves? Thieves of what?
As she stared on, confused, Hush then saw her gesture to one of the Guardians near the edge of the group and she noticed the way Nine's shoulders went rigid, and he said something, something that Hush cannot help but sense disapproval. Nonetheless, the Exo next to him seemed unaffected and instead, she stood by as one of the Not-Friendly-Guardians lowered their weapon just long enough to reach over and grab a huddled Guardian from the mass.
The one who is pulled away from the group is a Warlock, an Awoken thanks to the absence of his helmet, and Hush can tell from his expression that he is none too pleased at being 'selected'. Thus, he jerked his arm back after he was pulled away. In turn, this prompted the Not-Friendly-Guardian to aim their weapon at the Warlock's chest. It seems to be enough to make the Awoken comply, as he begrudgingly stepped around the Not-Friendly-Guardian and made their way to the front.
He is forced to walk up the steps of the platform where Friend-Nine and the Exo were standing and the instant he was within arm's length, the Exo held out a hand. A seemingly innocent gesture. But Hush can tell it was anything but, just from the way her optics gleamed with a light that is nothing but malevolent. The Warlock didn't seem to catch it, as he gave her a confused look but, nonetheless, he slowly held out a hand, and clasped it into hers.
That is when Hush saw a brief flash of light, so quick that it made her see stars, and she blinked to clear up her vision. When she could finally see again, the Warlock is upon his knees, his hand still in hers, and a look of surprise writ upon his face. Which quickly contorted into one of fury.
He pulled upon the Exo's hand, using her as leverage as he released a war cry.
A single shotgun fire rang through the air.
And the Warlock's body collapsed in a heap.
That is when the Exo finally released her hold from his hand, throwing it down as her optics flashed. Then, the Warlock's star appeared above him. And Hush waited, waited to see the familiar flash of light and for the Awoken Warlock to jump back to his feet, ready to resume his charge.
However, a moment passed, and another, and Hush couldn't help but let unease settle into her stomach as she heard the other Guardians murmur around her. They were all tinged with uncertainty. And fear.
"She took his light."
That is when disbelief struck Hush. She took his light away? But how?
Shifting her attention back onto the Warlock's star, that is when she saw it. The star's optic is the default color of white and the trembling from their shell shows their grief. Hush's skepticism faded and is replaced with dread.
"Do not worry, you are in the middle. It will take some time for them to reach you." Hush heard Crystalline whisper. However, that is not what she is worried about.
How long? Hush asked, Will anyone come? Will anyone come and save us?
She waited for an answer. Hush curled in, hugging her knees when all she received was silence. To distract herself, Hush looked back towards the front, just in time to see the Warlock's star glide out of sight. She wouldn't be surprised if it's to find a place to mourn.
"Volunteers?" The Exo's voice is now clear now amongst the silence, "Death is not a consequence. Cooperate with us, and I promise you will leave with your freed Ghost in hand, equipped with the gear to return to your so called 'haven'." Despite the lack of expression, Hush cannot help but see a smile upon the Exo's face, "You just need to return the light?"
"Return?" A voice broke out amongst the mass, "What do you mean return? The light was given to us." There is a brief pause, enough for murmurs to permeate amongst the captives, "You speak like as though we stole it."
"Is that not what thieves do?" There is no pause, no hesitation in the Exo's answer, "Do thieves not take what does not belong to them? Deny their sins when they are caught?" That is when Hush sensed her smile fade and her optics glowed bright, illuminating against her face, "You Guardians, you organics stole the power of the Traveler, leaving its true acolytes to rot while you wielded its power for your selfish acts." She scoffed, "Be glad that I am allowing you to live after taking back what you stole. Unless, you want to be like this cretin." That is when the white of her optics slipped red as she turned her attention to the Awoken's corpse, "No sign of life, and inconsiderate of his Ghost." Then, she kicked the Warlock. Hush winced as a crack could be heard from the body. No doubt the Exo broke a bone or two.
"A shame he is dead." She spat before she turned her attention to one of the Guardians standing guard, her optics resuming their white color. The Exo didn't have to say anything, her stare seemingly enough where the individual walked over and dragged the corpse out of sight. Even from her position, Hush can see the trail of red he left behind.
That is when the Exo took a step forward, "Thus, shall I repeat myself? Volunteers?"
Lowering her head, Hush stared on with wide eyes as none of the captive Guardians stepped forward, volunteered, let alone be a willing participant. All Hush felt was the nervous edge of the Veterans, the anxiety of the younger, and the hushed words that echoed between the masses.
"No one?" The Exo seemed almost disappointed. Almost, if Hush hadn't caught the joy between her words, "Fine then, Titan Nikka-13, grab a thief."
Xxxxx
Although unable to hear Knight, Nine can easily sense the frustrations, the anger that the younger Exo now holds towards Dusk, at how she is able to coldly take the light and life of a Guardian. Nine even saw her smile as the Awoken died at her feet. He felt the anger simmer in his chest, seeing the edges of his vision flickering red.
"Dusk." He called.
She turned towards him. Her smile is frustratingly still on her face. Nine has no doubt that she does not regret her actions.
"Yes, brother?"
Nine can feel his upset bubbling within his chest, "Was there a need to kill him?"
Dusk's smiled faltered, "Did you not like the way he died? Did I kill him too quickly?"
Nine felt Knight's disgust and he can feel his fingers flex involuntarily on their own. He gave a gentle tug through their bond. A warning. Dusk is not someone that Knight could take on his own.
"What I am trying to say, sister, is that your actions of taking a life is unneeded." Nine said instead; he saw the puzzled look settle into Dusk's optics. Thus, he decided to add, "It was uncalled for."
There is a beat of silence, a flicker in Dusk's optics. Then, she spoke.
"Why are you defending an organic?" She is frowning now, "The organics stole the light from the Traveler, took its flesh, crafted us, and then they have the audacity to repurpose our dismantled brothers and sisters into these imitations around us."
Imitations?
Nine glanced at the surrounding Exo. What does she mean?
He took a breath. Nine will have to worry about that later.
"Those were the actions of the humans during the Golden Age." He retorted, "These organics here, these Guardians are not the humans who created us, who enslaved us. They had nothing to do with our mistreatment."
Red flashed into Dusk's optics. He heard her growl low, "Are you not being hypocritical, brother? After all, you killed many innocents before your resurrection."
That is when Nine's head went blank, a mix of shock and confusion permeating from Knight and Day.
"Where did you learn that?" Nine finally said.
Dusk's smile returned, "Why your Golden Age friend. Artificial Intelligence Prime, is it?" Nine's optics grew wide, "Had many files locked within its data, each holding information on each of our brothers and sisters, every single imitation. Including yours, brother."
Her hand reached out to him. Nine did nothing as her fingers traced his lower jaw, keeping his optics onto hers as she continued, "Fought in the Resource War and the only one of your unit to make it back." She scowled, "Alive at least." Guilt settled into Nine's chest. Flashes of broken limbs, mess of bodies returning in bags. Dusk's smile returned, "Then you were placed under 'retirement' and forced into servitude with the Martin family, a family you then killed when their backs were turned. Then, you entered the streets and slaughtered anything in your path." She then leaned in, "You do not have the right to lecture me on taking lives carelessly, when you did the same, brother."
Nine's vision turned red.
His hand snapped forward, grabbing Dusk's wrist. Her optics flickered in surprise.
"There is a reason why I am compliant, sister, and not because of my program." Nine's grip went tight, "I am easily swayed by my emotions, especially anger." He saw Dusk wince. He did not lax his grip, "I was given to a handler,Hwan-Lee, to 'fix' this defect but instead, he gave me a pattern to bring it under control." Nine leaned in, "That day when I killed the Martine family, I lost control." A growl permeated from his throat, "And you, my sister, is making me lose my patience."
That is when Nine felt Dusk's hand pry out of his and he took in a shaking breath. He can feel Knight's and Day's worry. Slowly, he breathed out, letting his anger simmer down. The red on the edges of his optics faded.
"These Guardians have done nothing to us, Dusk." Nine said, "There is no need to keep them here, let alone to take their light."
The confusion, the bewilderment that flashed in Dusk's optics prompted Nine to raise his guard, wary now.
"Are you really siding with these thieves, brother? Are you really siding with these thieves against me, your own sister?"
Nine's optics flickered at her question, and he found himself glancing over at the captive Guardians and the cult members. Everyone's eyes are on him and Dusk, their small altercation seen by all. Brushing past them, Nine found himself scanning the crowd until he spotted familiar yellow eyes.
Hush.
He turned his attention back to Dusk.
And answered.
"Yes."
A flash of hurt settled into Dusk's optics. Which is quickly followed by rage.
"Traitor!"
Nine saw a spark of light from her hands and he raised his arms. He grunted when he skidded back from the blow, burying his feet into the floor to halt the attack. Then, he turned his optics to the crowd. Or more specifically, to Hush.
"Little One!" He called out, "Your Ward of Dawn!"
A puzzled look flashed over Hush's face but, just as quickly as it came, it was gone, and understanding took its place. She stood up, violet lingering in her fingertips, and snapped her hands to the side. And the familiar violet light of the Ward engulfed the captive Guardians.
The sudden presence of light prompted the cult members to fire, a hail of bullets and light lighting up the room as it bounced off the Ward's surface. That is when a wary cry came from the group of Guardians.
Nine watched on with mild amusement and surprise when the outer circle of the captive Guardians leaped out from the safety of Hush's Ward, many tackling their captors, then taking their weapons for their own.
He was distracted by the Guardians self-liberation that he failed to notice the pressure upon his arms vanish. Until a punch to his jaw brought him back.
Static filtered his vision as he stumbled backwards, blinking to get rid of the worst of it as he fixed his attention back onto Dusk. Her red optics showed her obvious fury.
"We were made from the Traveler!" She shouted as she took a swing at him. This time, Nine dodged to the side, "Created from its flesh!" He stepped back to dodge another swing, "We are a part of it, brother! Why would you aid these thieves!?"
Narrowing his optics at her, Nine waited until she swung another punch at him before grabbing her wrist once more, focused, and felt her light vanish into his fingertips. He saw Dusk's optics grow wide.
"For the reason, 'sister'." He said, "That they are not to blame for our past misfortunes."
Nine then threw her arm to the side, condensing the light he had stolen into his hand, and then slammed it into her chest. He felt it collapse under his hand just as Dusk flew back, watching her skid across the floor before eventually coming to a slow stop. It didn't take long for the familiar star shape form to compile above her body.
Ember.
Just like her namesake, her red shell resembles flames, the pattern seemingly moving as she shifted, exposing her core. It is obvious what she is trying to do.
Nine went to move forward. He heard the click of a weapon behind.
This prompted him to duck just as a single shot rang out behind him, feeling the bullet fly past his head. Then, he swiftly turned, closing in before grabbing the muzzle of the hand cannon in the attacking Guardian's hand, pushing it down enough to allow him space to bring back a fist. And slam it into his attacker's face. Watching them stumble back from the blow, Nine wasted no time to swing another, this time infused with his light, and this time, the Guardian went flying, landed not too far away, still.
With the distraction gone, Nine turned back to Ember. Only to find not only the red Ghost absent, but Dusk's body as well.
"They are slippery," Day's voice rang in his head, "and here I thought Ember is nothing more than decoration."
Opting not to comment on his Ghost's words, Nine focused, pushing aside the unfamiliar lights billowing around him. Then, he felt a hand touch his.
Alarmed, Nine went to pull his hand back, only to feel the familiar burn of void light linger against the touch.
He turned his optics downward, "Little One."
In turn, Hush's yellow eyes beamed at him and she clasped her hands around his. Then, she signed, You are going after her?
Nine paused at her question and kept his optics locked with her yellow. His silence seems to be answer enough. He saw her scowl but nonetheless, she signed, Be careful.
Then she stepped away and before Nine could stop her, she disappeared into the battle, her small shape easily disappearing between the tussle of Guardians and light. This is short lived however, as he saw her light bloom amidst the chaos, aWard popping in the middle of the fight. Nine then watched as some of the Guardians took refuge in Hush's ward, clearing the way just enough to spot her amongst the crowd. Her eyes were narrowed, her footing even to keep her Ward of Dawn up.
"She is going to be fine." Day's voice rang in Nine's head, "She's young but, she's growing. Hush will be able to handle her own."
Opting to say nothing on his Ghost's words once again, Nine simply kept his optics on the child Guardian's form, thoughts of abandoning Dusk's trail and keeping Hush safe. He felt a pull from Day.
"Nine, we have to go."
Taking hesitant steps back, Nine's optics lingered over Hush a moment longer before he finally turned, heading deeper into the cult's base.
Xxxxx
Burning anger lingered in her chest as Dusk stumbled through the caverns, the disorienting effects of Ember's resurrection a haze in her senses.
Why? She thought, why would he betray us.
Past the feeling of upset and frustration, her core ached of betrayal, of sorrow.
"I do not understand." She rasped aloud, "The organics, they are greedy, selfish. Why would he side himself with them?"
Dusk remembers them in her previous life clearly. The objectifying looks, the upset whenever she would do something on her own, acting against orders. And the way they would smile whenever she does something correct. They would only ever show 'kindness' whenever she acts of their making. Thus, she cannot understand why.
"He has been with the Tower for too long." Her Ghost's words rang in the darkness, prompting Dusk to look up at Ember. Her Ghost is currently illuminating her path. The only light she had since her resurrection.
"Your brother has grown attached, corrupted by their words." Ember continued, hovering close, "We must free him Dusk. Otherwise, he will never see the truth."
Taking in the Ghost's words, that is when realization slowly settled over Dusk.
"Then that would mean, Unit I-0 – Echo, he would have been corrupted by the words of those at the Tower as well?" Worry and fear took grip of her core, "Is that why he allowed them to stay?"
It would make sense. After all, he had seen firsthand how their creators had treated them. Treated his brothers and sisters. There would be no other way that he would willingly allow organics to take his territory so easily.
"He has been corrupted already." Sadness can be heard from Ember's voice, "But we can still save him. Save them."
"How?" Dusk asked.
"We rid of them of the source." Ember said, "We rid the source of lies, and then, perhaps they will finally see past the cloth that has been covering their eyes." Her Ghost then beamed at her, "That is when you, the three of you, take your rightful place as the Acolytes of the Light."
At first, Dusk kept her optics on her Ghost, taking in her words fully, before looking down, raising a hand, and looking upon her palm.
When she had first discovered her ability to take light, she had originally thought she could take on the thieves on her own, to take back what they had stolen. But then, Dusk noticed their numbers, how numerous they were, and thought it best to wait until others of her unit, when others like her would appear and come to her aid. But it seems the thieves stole them as well.
Her hand curled into a fist.
"Let us destroy the corrupted." She lifted her optics back to Ember; she can see the giddy look in her Ghost's white gaze, "Let us destroy this so called Tower, this so called City." Dusk smiled, "So that we may not only free the Traveler, but also free my brethren from the organics greedy hands."