Redacted
Are You Able?
First off, I apologize for the 'really' late update. I had thought that even when I finally found a job, that I would at least have the time to write and still update weekly. Oh how wrong I was. It is a struggle to even have time to write and even when I do, I am so tired that I mostly find myself unable to concentrate on writing. And as such, as sad to say, that I won't be able to update weekly, and that updates are going to be a bit sporadic until I can a proper way and time to get the schedule back on hand. Once again, I apologize for the late update and for the inconvenience.
Edited: 05/14/2023
Nine could see the faint trail of smoke and light lingering in the air before following it over to the Tower. He didn't have to guess to know that Dusk was there. Nine promptly directed his ship to fly over the City.
"I think it is safe to say that the best place for Ianos would be to leave him on the ship." Day's voice rang over his shoulder. Nine decided to stay silent. His Ghost must have taken it as a sign to continue, "I will leave the ship on auto-pilot and direct it toward the outskirts of the City." He heard Day click, "He should be safe until things cool down, then I will call it back."
Once again, opting to say nothing, Nine glanced over his shoulder, eyeing the small corridor that lead to the back. Amanda had insisted on placing a bunk there, despite Nine seeing no use for it but, he will voice his gratitude once he gets the chance. Otherwise, finding a spot to place Ianos would have been difficult.
"I scanned the surrounding area. No Fallen, no threats." Day continued, "He will be safe, there is nothing to worry about."
Still remaining quiet, Nine waited until he sensed the hum of agreement from Knight, a silent signal for him to nod once. From the corner of his optic, he saw Day nod back in return. Then, their attention shifted forward.
"We're closing in on the Tower." Day said, "Get ready, who knows how much damage Dusk has done."
Scanning the Tower for any signs of a scuffle, Nine finally decided to speak after a subtle shake of the head, "I am less concerned of the damage upon the Tower, and more so on the Guardians that may have had their Light taken."
His Ghost went quiet.
Xxxxx
Akiva felt his panic quickly turn into rage when Angel fell from the Hunter's Golden Gun and left nothing but falling embers. Thus, when the Hunter aimed her weapon at Hope, Akiva charged her, arc light permeating around him as he swung his shoulder forward, the crack of the charge ringing through the air. To his disappointment and frustration, the Hunter dodged to the left, making Akiva hit air as she rolled back onto her feet. And aimed her Golden Gun at him.
Gathering void light into his hands, Akiva then snapped them to the side, the hum of the Ward of Dawn humming around him which is quickly followed by a burst of a shot from the Golden Gun. He smiled in satisfaction as the solar bullet bounced harmlessly off his Ward. In turn, he heard the Hunter curse and snarl. Akiva took the time to raise his hand, sent a quiet signal to Lex before an auto-rifle fell into his hand, aimed, and fired.
Although he fully acknowledges a Hunter's agility and speed, this did little to stop him from cursing under his breath as the Hunter maneuvered out of the way of his shots, skidding down onto her knees to easily dodge the last of the clip. Growling, Akiva went to reload his weapon when movement caught his eye – a Guardian from the sidelines had joined the fray. A Titan, judging from the armor, and they had released a surge of arc light as they charged towards the Exo Hunter.
Expecting the Hunter to dodge the punch, Akiva reeled in surprise when instead, she raised a hand, braced her feet against the floor, and blocked it. She even had steadied the hand with the other to help lessen the blow and to keep her balance. Her stance hardly shifted. Then, she turned, pulling the Titan along with her before she grasped the front of his armor with a hand. There is a brief flash of light from her touch followed by a gasp from the Titan. Then the Hunter raised her Golden Gun and fired right into his head. That distance easily turned the Titan's body to ash.
As the Titan's Ghost compiled over where he had died, Akiva went to move, ready to defend the Ghost from the Hunter's attack, only to halt when she turned and simply walked away.
Was she that confident?
Akiva then decided to observe, to wait, and he waited for the Titan that had come to his aid to be resurrected, to jump back onto his feet. Instead, he stared at air, looking on as the Ghost parted their shell, exposed their core, only for nothing to happen. The Ghost's mournful cries after was telling enough.
"Stay away from her!" Akiva shouted.
He could already see other Guardians taking notice of the chaos, eager to jump in. And for some, his warning fell onto deaf ears.
Akiva cursed when he saw one Guardian get too close – a Hunter – which allowed the Exo to snatch them by the arm followed by a brief flash of light and then promptly kicking them away. He watched her reach to grab another. Finally, Akiva slipped the magazine into his weapon. He then aimed and fired at the Exo Hunter.
Hearing his fellow Guardians cry out as they moved to avoid his shots, Akiva cared little for their well-being. He cares more on ensuring that the Exo Hunter does not have the opportunity to make physical contact, for at least if Akiva does accidentally kill one of his fellows, they at least can resurrect later.
Thus, he was more than pleased when most of his bullets sprayed onto the Exo Hunter, watching as she reeled, stumbling back from her intended target. He could hear her shields break from his shots. And then Akiva saw her optics flash his way.
He prepared himself, readying to fight at a distance. What Akiva hadn't expected was just how quickly the Hunter recuperated from her stunned state and how quickly she moved.
Before he could even blink, she was already in front of his Ward. Akiva watched on with wide eyes as she placed a hand upon it and he felt the light around him fade, and the Ward flickered out of existence.
"You think that you are safe in that insignificant light you call a shield?" He heard her snarl. Her optics flashed red, "Humans, overconfident as always."
Shoving his surprise to the side, Akiva aimed his rifle only to feel it suddenly torn out of his grip and then a hand grabbed the front of his armor. That is when his senses dulled, his legs buckling under him, and he fell to his knees.
"Get away from him!"
Barely hearing Angel's voice in the fog, Akiva then felt the grip slacken, the only thing keeping him from falling as he groaned. He heard the Hunter before him let out a scream of rage.
Lifting his eyes and trying to look through the haze, Akiva could barely spot Angel's form leap away from the Phoenix Hunter, watching as his knife ripped from the latter's shoulder.
"Akiva!"
From the corner of his eyes, Akiva can see the familiar yellow and white shell of Lex, hearing his Ghost click worriedly as he heard him say, "Come quickly. She didn't take enough of your light to sever but who knows how well it will go if she gets you again." All Akiva could do is grunt. He heard his Ghost continue, "I already sent a frequency to the Vanguard about the Hunter and her light-stealing ability. Hurry!"
Feeling his Ghost bump his head desperately, Akiva forced the grogginess to the side, gathering the strength to his legs as he stumbled onto his feet. The world spun, forcing him to stomp a foot onto the hearth to keep himself steady. That is when he heard a startled shout from Angel, prompting Akiva to look up.
He could see Angel flailing in the Phoenix Exo's hand, kicking the air as he clawed at her arm.
"Any last words, human?" The Phoenix Hunter growled.
That is when, even from where Akiva stood, he saw Angel glare at the Phoenix Exo. And then the tongue of the Eliksni spewed forth from his lips.
Having known Angel for years, Akiva did not find it surprising that he went with the tongue that he has grown most accustomed to and with the little Eliksni he knew, he was throwing in some colorful words in there. And judging from the look upon the Phoenix Hunter's face, she is more surprised at his knowledge of Eliksni, the way her optics blinked, and she stared.
Akiva decided to take the chance.
Gritting his jaw as his body protested, Akiva took a few staggering steps forward, and then charged, gathering arc light into his fist as he reared it back. Then he swung it at the Phoenix Exo.
Akiva had swung blindly and as such, couldn't see if he had struck her. But he felt it. His fists connected and he heard a gasp, a yelp from the Phoenix Hunter, and an 'oomph' from Angel. He stumbled, barely keeping his balance before he looked.
Much to his satisfaction, he could see the Phoenix Hunter laying not too far, stunned, and he could see Angel stagger to his feet.
"Akiva, you okay?" He heard Angel ask and Akiva felt a hand touch his shoulder. He hadn't even noticed him move. Was he that deeply affected by the Phoenix Exo, "Come on, let's get you out of here."
Feeling Angel grab an arm and wrap it around his shoulders, Akiva is grateful for the aid, leaning in just enough to use the young Hunter as a crutch. He could already feel his legs buckling just from taking a few unsteady steps.
Akiva should have known that leaving wouldn't be that simple.
As he felt Angel take a step forward, he also felt him jerk back and Akiva felt heat explode near their feet. He then heard the sounds of rushing steps followed by Angel letting out a curse. Then, Akiva felt himself being shoved, his hands grabbing air before he fell flat onto his stomach. He wheezed, coughing, but Akiva gave himself little time to recover.
Pressing a hand against the concrete, Akiva turned, and saw Angel cloaked in arc light, his arc blade straining against the knife of the Phoenix Hunter before him. She is looming over him, Akiva seeing no effort in her optics as she slowly and gradually started pushing Angel back. Akiva tried to stand, tried to gather as much of his void light into his hands as he could. His hands trembled at the exertion.
And the sound of a high-powered rifle rang through the air.
The Phoenix Hunter's head snapped back followed by the glisten of an Exo's lifeblood spilling into the air, and then her body fell back. Still.
"You two alright?"
Pluto's voice is a relief in Akiva's ears, looking back towards the entrance and then released a breath as he spotted the Exo Hunter approaching from one of the many halls.
"Y-yes, thanks to you." Angel managed to stutter out. Akiva spotted sparks of arc light die around his shoulders, "Always coming in last second to save the day."
Pluto promptly shrugged, "Coincidental. I had decided to make rounds around the Tower to gather my thoughts." Akiva then saw him look over Angel's shoulder. His red optics narrowed. He didn't have to look back to know he is glaring down the Hunter's body, "Was not expecting another attack on the Tower so soon."
"Fortunately, it was quickly suppressed." Akiva said, "Not much damage." He paused, recalling the Guardians from before, "With the exception of-"
He halted his words when he felt heat burst behind him and Akiva turned. His eyes grew wide when the Phoenix Exo stumbled to her feet. Solar light flared angrily within her optics as flames danced around her.
"Run!"
Pluto's shout almost rang deaf in Akiva's ears, and it was only when the Exo fired his rifle that it shook him out of his shock. He watched on as the Phoenix Exo leaned to the side, dodging the shot.
"Run!" Pluto repeated, "I will hold her off!"
Akiva snapped his eyes to him, "But-"
"Go! Now!" Pluto interrupted, "The clan is on their way!"
Before Akiva could further protest, he felt hands hook under his arms, forcing him back onto his feet. Then, as he felt himself being led away, Akiva could not help but look back, worried as the flames lashed out strongly. Pluto's silhouette seemed small in comparison.
He prays that enough backup will help bring the Phoenix Exo down.
Xxxxx
In all his years, Pluto had witnessed plenty of Guardians – Risen – resurrect themselves, even those who do not align themselves as Warlocks. Then again, back during the Dark Ages, class was hardly significant and the Risen had more freedom with their light than Guardians of today. Thus, Pluto kept his composure, kept his cool when he watched the Hunter before him rise to her feet, her Ghost absent from sight.
"Go! Now!" He cried out, "The clan is on their way!"
That was a lie. Pluto knew Angel and Akiva would be stubborn, despite the latter's obvious weakened state, and the two would be determined to stay. He had to get them to leave.
From the corner of his optics, he watched as Angel lead Akiva to safety, and Pluto rolled out his shoulders, shaking out a hand as he prepared for a fight. A rough one.
"You are an imitation." Pluto couldn't help but narrow his optics at her words, "You carry a piece of one of my brethren within you."
Brethren?
Pluto contemplated on her words, processing it before finally, it clicked, "You are a Phoenix Exo."
"So, you know about us?" Despite her words, she didn't seem surprised. To the point where Pluto saw her flash the muzzle of a Golden Gun.
He focused, letting the fog of void light settle over his senses as he dodged. Pluto heard the gun fire, and he felt the heat of the bullet fly through him, leaving him feeling hot as he went tangible and aimed his sniper.
Pluto heard her scoff, "You think that trick will work-"
He didn't give her time to finish.
Pluto felt his shoulder jerk back as his sniper fired, and he watched as the Hunter's face contorted in fury. Although too close for using such a high-powered rifle, Pluto still expected a hit and as such, he couldn't help but be taken aback when the Hunter ducked, dodging the shot. Thus, calling it a lost cause, Pluto held his sniper up for Nix to take before opting for his knife. And he was glad for it, for the Hunter before him lunged.
The familiar glint of a blade caught his attention, Pluto holding up his just moments before he heard the sound of metal clashing against metal and he pressed his weight against his knife. Despite this, he strained, clenching his jaw as he felt his feet slide back, feeling himself leaning. A sense of unease settled when he saw the Phoenix Exo smile. That is when he felt the heat against his blade.
He let out a hiss, Pluto pushed through the flames and shoved her back. He tossed his knife to the side as the Phoenix Exo stumbled, clenching his wrist as he saw his blade smolder and melt. His hand burned with every minuet movement.
That is when he spotted movement, a flash of arc light, and a glint of a blade and another Hunter appeared seemingly out of nowhere, clashing their blade with the Phoenix Exo's
Unlike his blade, it kept steady against her solar light, and Pluto watched on as they 'danced', swinging around the other as they tried to get a hit in.
Close combat not encouraged.
Pluto recalled Lex's warning from earlier, short but vague and Pluto's gut told him that the Bladedancer needs to pull away, to distance himself.
That is when the Phoenix Exo leaned in, snatched the Bladedancer by the throat. And then promptly stabbed her blade into his side, digging in between his ribs. There was a gasp. Then a scream as she started to cut him open.
Pluto found himself moving, reaching out.
But the Phoenix Exo moves quickly.
She ripped him open, allowing fluid and insides to fall to the Plaza floor and then she promptly threw the Bladedancer over the edge. His body quickly disappeared out of sight.
And that is when Pluto realized that he had closed the distance between himself and the Phoenix Exo.
He felt a hand grab him by the front of his armor and Pluto felt himself being pulled in. His optics locked onto the Phoenix Exo's smoldering white.
"I am taking back my brother."
Her words sent Pluto into a spiral of confusion, of bewilderment, only for him to snap back into reality as he felt himself being lifted into the air. And then promptly slammed onto the ground.
Static flashed into his vision, pain vibrating from his back throughout his body as his optics cleared enough for him to see the sky. And then agony spiked from his right hand.
Pluto let out a shout and he went to pull his hand away, to assess the damage. Only to feel it jerk followed by more pain and he reflexively went to close his hand. He felt the tips touch the edge of a blade. That is when he realized that the Phoenix Exo pinned it down with her blade.
Clenching his jaw, Pluto then felt weight press against his abdomen, prompting him to gather his light into his free hand and swung it at the offending party. However, instead of contact, Pluto felt a hand snatch at his wrist and forced it to the Plaza floor. He growled, straining against the Phoenix Exo's grip. It hardly budged.
That is when his optics finally lingered over the Phoenix Exo's face, and he saw her smile. Panic gripped his core.
He kicked out his legs, struggling underneath her in a vain attempt to throw her off. Pluto simply felt her tighten her grip.
Then, as he contemplated what to do next, that is when he felt pressure build over the edges of his right optic followed by agony.
Pluto screamed, thrashing underneath the Phoenix Exo, once again trying to buck her off. It wasn't long after that the right side of his vision went dark and the agony intensified as he heard the tearing of wires, metal scratching together as he felt them leave his socket. And he knew that she just wasn't going to leave it at that.
He tugged hard, against the blade pinning his hand and he ignored the pain, the agony as he felt tear.
But it is free.
Gathering his light into his ruined grip, Pluto slammed the smoke grenades into the Phoenix Hunter's face. The beep of its activation was short as it promptly exploded and the hissing of poison eating away upon her rang in his sensors. He heard her scream and finally, he felt her hand leave his remaining wrist and the weight alleviate from his abdomen. Pluto used the opportunity to finally pull himself out from underneath her and, seeing her hands covering her face, used her vulnerable position to kick at her.
It sent her sprawling back and she writhed, Pluto spotting the fog permeating between her fingertips against her face.
Experience told him to focus, to finish her off, but the ache of the right side of his face prompted him to raise a hand to it. That is when he felt the rigidness of the gaping hole of where his optic used to be, feeling the fluids flow between his fingertips and down his face. Pluto could feel Nix's concerns, his worries, and he wonders if there is enough time to fix the damage when he caught movement from the corner of his functioning optic.
He turned, and Pluto could only watch as the Phoenix Exo stumbled to her feet and in her hand, is the optic that she tore from his face. Tangled wires trailed from her fingertips and white fluid dripped from the stem. Pluto couldn't help but think that if he moved fast enough, perhaps he could take it back.
The glow of light prompted Pluto to look back towards the Phoenix Hunter and he halted when wisps of light lingered around the burns upon her face, seeing the rotting visage fade and replaced with new plating. Practically leaving her looking unscathed.
Pluto released a harsh breath.
Not only does this Phoenix Exo could bring herself back from the dead, but she was able to heal herself without the aid of a Ghost. Pluto wonders what it is going to take that this Phoenix to stay dead.
"Your optics do not belong to you." Pluto snapped out of his thoughts at the Phoenix Exo's words, scowling as she held up his optic, as if to flaunt her prize, "I am taking back what is rightfully the Phoenix Exo's."
That is when he finally understood. Pluto's worries, his concerns over the possibility of the Phoenix Exo spare parts confirmed. He reached to his remaining optic, glaring at the Phoenix Hunter.
"You take back pieces of the Phoenix, then what?" Pluto stumbled to his feet, bringing his injured hand close to his chest. It throbbed at this gesture, and he heard Nix whisper concerns in his head, "Bring them back? How?" He saw her pause, "How will you bring them back when the Traveler remains dormant?"
Pluto waited, watching as the Phoenix Hunter's attention scattered, her optics looking around as if to search. He can see the uncertainty in her gaze.
"Currently dormant, yes." She finally spoke, locking her optics onto Pluto, "But like all things that sleep, it will eventually awaken." Pluto watched as she pocketed his optic behind her – more likely into a pack out of sight, "And when it wakes, it will realize its mistake, realize that selecting man was the wrong decision." She placed a hand upon her chest, "Then it will resurrect my brothers and sisters who were wrongfully terminated and dismantled. And until then, I will wait."
Solar light flared to life around her and Pluto prepared himself, contemplating on taking up his rifle. The ache of his lost optic reminded him to think of a different alternative.
Instead, he gathered his light around his person, readying himself to dodge.
When an explosion of Void Light slammed into the Phoenix Exo, causing her to disappear in wisps of violet.
And it wasn't from Pluto.
Unable to help but blink, Pluto slowly turned. And then blinked again.
"Matt?" He called out.
It had been centuries since he had last seen Matt outside of the Medical Wing, let alone outside of his Doctor's coat, thus, seeing him adorned in violet and red armor of a Warlock almost made Pluto not recognize him. If it were not for the absence of a helmet, he would have mistaken the forced retired Guardian as another Chosen who happened to be nearby.
"I heard the commotion from the Medical Wing." Matt confirmed as he approached; Pluto felt him put a hand onto his right shoulder. His new blind side, "I came to see what was going on only to see, well." He pointed with his head, "This."
"Thanks for the aid." Pluto nodded before he looked at him up and down, "But why in the Traveler are you in your old robes?"
Matt smiled at him sheepishly, "The previous attack on the Tower." He then picked the hem of his robes, pulling it up as if to better present himself, "I wanted to be ready in case it happens again." Pluto watched him release the cloth, letting the coat fall back against legs, "Guess I was right to be prepared."
Once again nodding his head in agreement, Pluto couldn't help a wince as a stabbing pain hit the right side of his face, prompting him to lift a hand to it once more. It is still leaking fluids.
"You shouldn't be here." Pluto warned, "You know as well as I do what would happen if you were to get injured, or worse, die in a fight."
Even with only one optic, Pluto spotted a glean of emotion flash in Matt's brown eyes. Guilt twisted in his gut.
"I know." The Medic breathed out and then, his eyes hardened, "But I could not just hide when I know there are others out here who may need me."
"But you are the only one who cares about those who get sick from darkness." Pluto said, "You are the only one who truly cares enough to find a way to cure corruption. If you die here…"
Matt flashed him a smile, "You think I do not have a backup?" Pluto blinked at him, "I may have lost my Ghost, but I am still a Warlock." He placed a hand on his chest, to gesture at himself, "I plan ahead."
That is when Pluto felt a pat on his right shoulder and finally saw Matt's hand leave his person, "Come, let me help Nix heal you. The threat is – "
Heat flashed against Pluto's back, and instinct made him reach out, grab Matt by the shoulder, and jumped to the side. He heard Matt let out a yelp, feeling the former Warlock reel before he fell back, and Pluto found himself tumbling. That is when, from the corner of his functioning optic, he saw flames shoot past where they once stood, smoldering the floor behind them. Pluto rolled to his feet and looked back. He stared down the Phoenix Exo's flaming optics once more.
But she wasn't looking at him.
"Human."
The hate is apparent in her voice, practically snarling, and Pluto saw her move, raising her arm. He turned to Matt.
"Run!" He shouted.
That is when he saw the realization click in Matt's eyes, watching as the Medic turned, a flash of violet in his hand and he blinked a distance away. He was still in the air when Pluto heard a single shot. And a flaming bullet flew past him.
"Matt!"
The Medic in turn turned to him at the call of his name, only to see his brown eyes widen at the sight of the solar light streaking towards him. Pluto watched on as violet light appeared between his hands as he lifted them. And then Matt screamed as his form burst into flames.
Xxxxx
Echo scowled as he stepped down from his ship, glowering at the sudden burst of activity within the Hangar. It seems they have made it a refuge, the only space open enough where they could tend to the injured but also to be on guard.
"Dusk beat us here."
Opting to say nothing at Reaver's statement, Echo simply raised a hand, signaling for his Ghost to compile his helmet into it, and then he slipped it on. It seems that despite only being here briefly, Dusk has caused enough trouble to send the Guardians scattering.
"Echo? Is that you?"
Suppressing a growl, Echo glanced over his shoulder, spotting the hood of a Hunter. He didn't have to look completely to know who it was.
Thus, he opted to ignore him, and instead headed his way to the Hangar's exit. Then he felt a hand clamp down onto his shoulder
Grinding his jaw, Echo grabbed the intruding hand, twirled around, and pulled his shoulder forward, hearing a shout from the Hunter as he flipped the human onto his back. Despite the noise around him, the way the human landed with a loud bang resounded loudly in his ears. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice.
Throwing the Hunter's arm down, Echo glared at the stunned human below him, saw how wide his green eyes were, and that he was still breathing, decided that to take steps around the young Guardian and continue his aim to the Hangar exit.
"Echo! Wait!" He heard the Hunter behind him shout, hearing his feet shuffle against the metal gratings of the Hangar, "That Exo out there! Is she a Phoenix like you!?"
Echo came to a halt, optics wide as he slowly turned to the Hunter.
"You faced her?" He said, "and lived?"
An offended look flashed onto the Hunter's face, "Now what is that supposed to mean?" He huffed, but then his brows furrowed, "But I would take your answer as confirmation?"
Glaring at the Hunter – Angel, if Echo remembers correctly – he once again opted to ignore his question and instead ask, "Is she still out there?"
Hesitation and distrust immediately set into Angel's eyes, Echo watching the way he trailed over him. Not that he blames the young Hunter, he hasn't been exactly friendly towards him and the rest of his Fireteam.
"I'm not certain." Angel finally answered; Echo glared at him, "But last I've seen her, she was still there, facing Pluto and possibly other Guardians now."
"You are saying that there are Guardians out there battling Dusk?"
"Dusk?" Angel repeated, "Is that her name?" Echo gave him a dirty look, "Woah! Hey! No need to give me that!" The Hunter took a step back, wary now, "Is facing her really that serious? I mean, Lex did send a frequency saying not to engage in close combat with her, but, it's nothing?" The young Guardian paused, "Right?"
Echo took a deep breath. And breathed out. If he knows this much, then there is no point in hiding anything else.
"If you call having the ability to take light from others nothing." He saw Angel's eyes grow wide, "What's that Security Exo that you and others of your Fireteam treasure greatly? Pluto-99?" This earned him a slow nod, "If you want me to intervene in time to save him, then do not distract me, understand?"
This earned him another nod and Echo took this as a sign to finally turn and head to the exit of the Hangar. He kept his pace steady. He doesn't want other Guardians to notice his hurry.
"Judging from how quickly she took the light of those Guardians back in the Paragons' hideout, I doubt we will save those involved even if we move swiftly."
Once again, opting to say nothing at his Ghost's words, Echo couldn't help but lower his optics, glowering at the floor. He heard Reaver continue.
"The Traveler, did it say anything? Anything at all?"
Echo breathed out, "Just whispers. Hardly audible."
"Comprehensible?" Reaver asked.
He briefly paused.
"A plea." Echo finally said, "A plea to save those it has Chosen, to stop Dusk from doing further damage."
"Then, does that mean…?"
Echo did not respond.
"Will you be able to do it?" Reaver asked.
"I…" Echo hesitated, taking in a deep breath, "I don't know." He breathed out, "I don't know."