Redacted

The Assessment

Surprised that I was able to finish this chapter, considering how busy I have been all week lol. Anyway, watched the Destiny 2 stream yesterday and all I have to say that I am excited! Can't wait for it to come out! Although, the sequel to Destiny 2 just made me spawn more sequels to my story. There goes my plan to make this series a trilogy lol. Anyways, I apologize for the lack of original character appearances but the reason for this is currently, there are no areas where I can put them in. But don't worry, the chapter after the next one will have character appearances once more C:

Also, heads up. This chapter will be taking part in Knight's perspective for the entirety of it (I know, surprise right, considering how often I change POV).

Thanks to Wolfy Loveland, Lazzyperson, jsm1978, and DisobeyedBowl6 for the reviews!

Wolf Loveland - Thank you lol. You'll see why that Titan is a bit a *cough* a lot *cough* of a dick, although, it won't be answered until the next chapter :D

"You sure it's a good idea to give him that gun?"

Akiva's question rang in Knight's head as his fingers brush the pattern on the side of his auto rifle, the familiar symbol of the Vanguard imprinted on the black surface. He was unsure why the human Titan seemed nervous when Ianos had appeared with the weapon in tow but any questions asked were just either met with silence or a nervous 'we'll tell you later'. All he can understand is that another Guardian, Toland, crafted this piece and that the auto Rifle's name 'Shadow Price', was appropriate from its maker's history.

"You ready?"

Snapping his attention away from his weapon, Knight gave the human Hunter a nervous smile behind his visor before nodding once, signaling to Angel to turn and give a nod of confirmation to Akiva.

The three of them were seated outside of a rusted building, Knight seeing large cannons placed inside to keep any invaders out. They were stationed at a place called 'Twilight Gap', an area that seemed nothing more than a warehouse to the newborn. But when he heard Akiva mention it to Pluto and Ianos before their departure, he can see the look of recognition in their eyes; alongside the horrors that they had seen here. Nonetheless, this was the area where this match of 'Elimination' was going to occur; Knight and the others were just waiting for the other team to make it to the location.

"Don't be so nervous." The Exo Warlock turned his gaze towards Akiva, sensing the smile emitting behind the human Titan's visor, "you'll pass this assessment. Just take a deep breath."

At first hesitant, Knight complied as he breathed in deeply before momentarily holding it in and then slowly letting it out. Then he nodded once towards the Titan, "Thanks."

Sensing the smile grow broader behind the visor, Knight can also easily sense it dissipate as Angel's voice rang out, "Do you know who we are facing?"

"No," Akiva hummed, "Let me check."

As if on cue, the white and yellow form of Lex materialized into view before the male Ghost flashed out a screen of light, the familiar colors of the scoreboard and headers clear on the flashing screen.

"Let's see." Knight heard Akiva let out another hum as he placed his hand under his chin, "Jamal, a Warlock Void Walker. Knoll, a Titan Sunbreaker – there goes the chance for Ianos to spectate our match." The Exo Warlock couldn't help but let a tinge of disappointment build up in his chest, "and the final one is-"

He suddenly stopped, earning a bewildered look from Knight as the Titan slowly lifted his gaze towards Angel, "It's Echo."

Immediately, a sputter can be heard emitting from the human Hunter, prompting Knight to ask, "Echo? Who's Echo?"

"Echo is a Titan." The young Guardian heard Akiva mutter, "and he's known as 'The Reaper'."

"Reaper?" Knight watched as Akiva nodded once before the latter crossed his arms and let out a sign, "He's known throughout the Crucible for his capabilities as a naturalborn Defender, able to wield Void Light offensively just as well as defensively."

"He's also known to coat himself in Void Light constantly to keep his shields high," Knight turned his attention towards Angel, "in turn, this makes him seem like death incarnate."

"And more than appropriate." Another sigh from Akiva, "He's known as the Reaper mainly for the reason he can easily wipe out an entire team singly handedly without dying." Knight optics widen at that, "Damn it, of all the people we have to face, it has to be him."

"But it's alright," The Exo Warlock turned his attention towards Angel, "The Vanguard says that all Knight has to do is to show that he is able to wield his light. Then, even if we lose, Knight still gets to keep Day with him." Knight watched as the human Hunter focused his gaze on him, "We just have to find a way to coax his Light out of him."

The Exo Guardian gulped at this, gripping his weapon tightly in his hands as he watched Akiva flip through the screen.

"It seems they are clueless about this being an assessment for Knight," The Exo in question blinked, "their weapons are quite moderate. Two auto-rifles and a hand cannon. One shotgun, one sniper, and one sidearm. All three using machine guns."

"So they're just a bunch of Guardians that happen to be doing elimination together?" Knight asked, seeing Akiva turn his gaze towards him and nod once, "Still, doesn't make anything easier." Watching Lex's white and yellow form materialize back into the Titan's armor, Knight jumped when text flashed over his screen, the words 'Elimination' processing over his visor.

"That's our cue."

Watching Angel crouch down and remove a weapon from his back, Knight's optics couldn't help but widen when the human Hunter hefted the sniper in his hands before the latter pulled the lever back with a 'click'.

"Angel is going to be our back up." The young Warlock turned his attention towards Akiva, the latter of which he sensed a broad smile emitting behind his visor, "his main job is to watch our backs."

"Don't count on me too much though." Knight focused back on the Hunter, "there are some Guardians who are quick with their snipers that they can literately just lift the scope and-"

A resounding 'bang' echoed through the air followed by Angel suddenly flying back, Knight's jaw hanging open when crimson and shards of metal followed the shots momentum. Then another 'bang' and this time, the young Guardian felt an impact on the side of his head before everything went dark.

"I don't care if you have to 'pretend'." He watched as his brown hues narrowed in concern, "Don't 'ever' do that again." Seeing the edges of his eyes brimming with tears, he couldn't help but reel back when their handler added, "If you die because of me, because it is part of your 'program', I will never forgive myself."

Knight took in a rasping breath as he felt life return to his body, collapsing down onto his knees as Day materialized him back into reality.

"He got all three of us." It was Akiva, Knight hearing the Titan let out a groan, "Damn, that sniper is good."

"Have to keep our heads low." Feeling a hand wrap underneath his arm, Knight complied with the help, using the aid as leverage to stumble back onto his feet, "in other words, head into the building. There will be cover there."

Seeing Angel nod to the side of him, the Exo Warlock felt the hand leave him, seeing Akiva follow the human Hunter inside. Shaking his head to rid the blurriness around the edges of his vision, Knight hefted his weapon in his hands before following suit. No sooner had he entered through the large doors that he felt confined, squeezed in; perfect conditions to ensure a sniper won't be able to fire within. But, although young, Knight knows that would soon change if they ever peek out into the open.

"We'll make our stand here." Akiva announced, the Exo Warlock turned his attention on him, "That way, they will have to come to us."

"Unless they wait until the counter hits zero."

Turning his attention to give Angel a bewildered look, Knight barely had the time to part his lips to ask what he means when red highlights flashed onto his radar and suddenly, the Exo Warlock can see Angel and Akiva's shoulders tense, watching their gaze flit around the entryways in their area; in other words, they were getting ready for conflict.

Gulping at this realization, Knight couldn't help but jump when a resounding 'bang' echoed through the room, just in time for the words 'Akiva kills Jamal' with a symbol of a shotgun following after. However, as soon as he turned his attention towards Akiva, he instead saw the Titan fly back, his head snapping back from the hit to the head as the sniper shot rang through the air. Another sniper shot follow after, and Knight barely saw the body of another Titan being flung back from the steps. Turning his attention towards Angel just in time to see the Hunter lower his weapon, only for a sickening 'crack' to echo through the air when another Titan seemingly appeared out of nowhere and slammed his fist into Angel's side. Flinching as the Guardian let out a scream, it was soon silence as the red clad Titan followed up with another punch, Knight watching with wide optics as the Hunter collapsed in a heap. Fixating his attention onto the Titan, panic settled into the Exo Warlock's chest when said Guardian aimed his hand cannon at him. Quickly lifting his auto rifle in his hands, Knight held the trigger, feeling the kick force his arms against his chest as rapid fire rang in his auditory sensors. Hearing bullets slam against shields, Knight took in a gasp when his shields shattered and then screamed when pain flew up his side. Half expecting a finishing shot, Knight instead was surprised to hear the Titan let out screams of his own before it was quickly silence, the text 'Shining Knight kills Knoll' followed by a symbol of an auto rifle confirming his suspicions.

His wound throbbing from the bullet in his side, Knight couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief when he heard Shaxx gave his team the winning round, giving him ample time for him to limp over to Akiva and Angel's Ghosts respectively.

"Nice play." Feeling a hand press down onto his shoulder, Knight couldn't help but give the Titan a self-conscious smile behind his visor as Day quickly worked on his injury, feeling the dull throbbing quickly being replaced with relief.

"They maybe a random team jumbled together but shit," The Exo Warlock watched as Angel stumbled onto his feet, watching the Hunter flinch as he pressed a hand to his side, "they took us out quick."

"We'll learn how to read their movements." Knight easily sensed concern flitting behind Akiva's visor, "and quickly too."

That's when the Exo Warlock saw the human Titan glance over to the stairs and saw his shoulders tense, "Knight! Out of the way!"

At first, bewildered by the Titan's words, the young Guardian snapped his attention towards said location, only to see the familiar glint of a sniper rifle aimed towards him. Then, darkness.

"I hate this!" Bewilderment built up in the back of his mind as he watched his handler pace back and forth in their quarters; never had he seen him so upset before, "I hate how they force you all to partake in these tests! In these 'purges'! All because they don't want you to start 'thinking'!"

"But our program –"

"Fuck your program!" He reeled back at his handler's outburst, seeing the look of rage turn into one of grief, "Don't you want to be able to speak freely? To be able to voice your opinions without being called 'defective'?" He then watched as his handler walked over and placed his hands onto his shoulders, "Don't you want to be free?"

Knight snapped open his optics, finding himself outside as he stumbled onto his feet, seeing the familiar form of Angel and Akiva do the same as well.

"They weren't kidding when they say Echo can take out an entire team himself." He heard Akiva let out a grunt, watching the Titan rub the back of his head, "We need to take him out first if we want a chance."

"On it." Watching Angel rush over to the steps, he saw the human Hunter leap onto the ledges and crates, aiming his weapon to the opposing side. At first, bewildered at this notion, he quickly understood when the familiar sound of the high-powered rifle rang through the air followed by 'Angel kills Echo' on the screen of his visor. Then just as swiftly, two more shots rang from the human Hunter's weapon, the names of those he had just killed filing up the ranks.

"Echo is not the only sniper around here." Smiling sheepishly at Angel's boast, Knight couldn't help but be on the edge when the counter hit zero, giving the team a win, "It seems these rounds end quite quickly."

He saw the two older Guardians' gaze shift towards him, "Do you think there will be a chance for me to utilize my light?"

"Of course you will!" Knight jumped at Akiva's sudden exclamation, "This is just a sniping game at the moment. If we can just close the distance-"

The familiar sound of a sniper ringing through the air resounded around him before once again, Knight felt an impact slam into his head, reeling himself into the darkness.

"We can't continue being treated like this!" He watched as his 'sister' storm around in their unit, barely circling the small space she was given; they were being 'transferred' to the field and all ten of them barely had enough room to even sit, "I am tired of being treated like 'property', like 'machines'!"

"Quiet" One of his brothers hissed out the warning, "Do you want the humans to hear you? Don't you remember what happened to the Units Five and Seven? They were all 'terminated' and 'scrapped'. All 'twenty' of them. Do you want to end up the same?"

"So what do you want us to do?!" His sister spat, "Pretend!?"

"Yes." He felt all eyes turn to him, "If we want to survive. We have to pretend."

"Fuck!" Shaking his head to turn his attention towards the others, Knight once again found himself outside but this time, he can sense the frustration oozing off from the Hunter, "How can he snipe so quickly?"

"We'll worry about that later." Hearing Akiva speak, he can easily sense the tone of uneasiness emit behind the visor, "But for now, this is heavy round."

No sooner had the words left his lips when Knight saw Angel's shoulders tense, his grip on his weapon tightening as all the human Titan said, "Hurry!"

Then feeling a hand grab him by the arm, the Exo Warlock decided not to question it and instead, struggled to stay on his feet as they entered the building and up the stairs, coming to a halt as they came to another doorway. Feeling the grip on his arm loosen, Knight glanced up to ask what was going on before the roar of gunfire rang around him, causing the young Guardian to fall onto his knees, clutching his weapon tightly onto his chest.

"Grab the heavy!" Barely hearing Akiva yell through the roar of gunfire, Knight barely had the time to comprehend Angel's form sliding underneath returning gunfire and it was only then, the Exo Warlock saw a violet crate materialize into the middle of the room. Watching Angel slide to a stop just near the crate, Knight flinched when the human Hunter's head snapped back, blood splattering against the wall and floor before his body fell behind; it was obvious the sniper was still using his weapon well. Hearing Akiva let out a curse, Knight saw the Titan easily land grenades near the crate, pushing back any members of the opposing team from gaining access to the precious ammo. Momentarily seeing the two Titans and the Warlock gaining ground, Knight hesitated before coming to a decision. Strapping his auto rifle to his back, the Exo Warlock pressed his hands against the ground before lifting himself slightly and then used his legs to push himself forward into a sprint.

"Knight!? Knight what the fuck are you doing!?"

Ignoring Akiva's cries of shock and surprise, Knight slid down onto his side, barely feeling bullets graze against his shields before leaping forward and pressing a hand onto the heavy ammo crate. Instantly, the shell disappeared, letting three violet cases collapse to the floor. Grabbing one, Knight turned and tossed it towards Akiva, watching the Titan fumble to grab it. However, as he turned to grab another, the young Exo instead felt an impact slam against his jaw, sending him flying back and skidding across the metal floors.

Letting out a groan as static flickered in his vision, Knight barely had time to process what had just occurred when he felt pressure build up on his chest, prompting him to glance up; immediately he froze. It one of Titans, his sniper rifle held in his hands and the barrel pressed against the young Warlock's chest but, that's not what caught Knight's attention. It was the familiar white and gray striped patterns of the armor, the familiar red mark seemingly glaring back at him. This was the same Titan he had just killed the day previously.

"Ironic." Was all the Titan said before the he pulled the trigger.

EXO/PHX Unit VIII – 5

This was the first time he had met any other Phoenix model outside of his unit. However, unlike himself, he can easily see that this one lacks plating, the metallic surfaces only covering the face and chest; they were slowly tearing this one apart.

"Here to see what happens to the 'defects'?"

He flinched at the question but nonetheless nodded, hearing his fellow Exo let out a small 'hmph'. The Exo he was speaking to was leaned against the wall on a table, unable to move; the first thing they had deactivated was his mobility, so he wouldn't be able to get away.

"I am the last one left." He paused, "My brothers and sisters already have been taken apart." He heard the unit scoff, "All because one of us asked 'what is our purpose?'. We just asked a question!"

Reeling back at the outburst, he saw the unit turn their optics towards him, "You are one of the most recent units right? Barely created a few months ago?"

He nodded.

"I have a piece of advice for you." He blinked, "No matter what happens, no matter what they do to you, no matter how badly they treat you. Pretend." He can easily see the look of defeat in his fellow Exo's optics, "Otherwise, you won't make it in this world, at least, not if you try to be like 'them'."

Life returned to his body once more, enabling Knight to stumble back onto his feet as he heard Angel cheer, "We won that round! Great play you two!"

"Honestly, I was surprised that Knight tossed me a synth and that I was actually able to shove it into my rocket launcher" The Exo Warlock easily can sense the smile emitting behind the human Titan's visor, "let alone firing it and getting all three of them."

"It worked out in the end." Angel hummed, "Do you think we have a chance to win?"

"Perhaps." It was Akiva's turn to let out a hum, "But we may have to get into close quarters if we want Knight to utilize his light."

"Oh, right."

Seeing Akiva turn and motion with his hand to follow, Knight waited until he watched the pair make their way towards the left, making their way under the rusted frames as he followed. Then as they made it to the opposing side, Knight recoiled when he saw the pair jump forward; Angel seemingly leaping up again in the air to reach the top while as Akiva simply 'boosted' himself to climb up.

"You coming?" It was Akiva who spoke, the Titan crouching down onto one knee and holding out his hand.

Knight hesitated, his optics still spotting the small wisps of light the pair had used to make it to their location, letting doubt bubble in the back of his mind when he realized he couldn't even utilize his to perform a simple action.

"Knight?"

Glancing up to see the human Titan tilt his head in bewilderment, the Exo Warlock let out a sigh before sheathing his weapon and then dashed forward. Then, on his last step, he forced as much power into his jump, reaching out with one hand to clasp his grip around Akiva's. Hearing the Titan grunt as he felt his grasp tighten around his, Knight momentarily felt a moment of weightlessness before pressure built up around his arm and he felt himself being lifted. Using his free hand to pull himself up, the Exo Guardian watched as Akiva easily helped him onto his feet, hearing the latter let out a whistle.

"I was going to say that we could use the steps," He stated, "But almost forgotten how light you were."

Immediately, Knight gave the pair a blank stare, "There were stairs?"

"Uh, let's just say we forgot 'jumping' included your light as well."

"And they were supposed to be more experienced than us?" Hearing Day grumble in his helmet, the Exo Guardian couldn't help but let out a snicker, immediately sensing the look of bewilderment he earned from the older Guardians. However, before he can make a comment on his Ghost's words, he caught movement in the corner of his optics. Then, as he turned to figure out what it was, he instead glimpsed a ball of fire seemingly latch onto his chest, a sharp ringing echoing in his auditory sensors.

"Shit!" Akiva's voice was the last thing he heard before the sound of an explosion overtook his senses.

"What do you want?"

Seeing anger in his handler's eyes, the Exo stood stone still, keeping his features as neutral as possible; although these small little actions did little to convince the inspector.

"We had received reports of you conversing with this machine." The human turned to face the handler, a frown clear upon his features, "and hearing it responding back."

"Whoever told you such blasphemy are a fucking liar." His handler scoffed as he crossed his arms, "you ordered a cleansing and a 'tune up' a few days ago and my machine undergone it just like as you ordered. If you don't believe me, I have comrades who can back me up."

"Oh no, no need." Seeing the Inspector reach into his coat, it took all the Exo's willpower not to flinch when the familiar handle of a hand gun entered his vision, "I think we can settle this easily."

"You do know that that little thing won't do anything to it."

It was then he saw a glint in the inspector's eyes, sending a wave of uneasiness down his spine, "Oh, this isn't for me."

No sooner had the words left the human's lips when the inspector suddenly turned and aimed his weapon at his handler, followed by a resounding bang. Immediately, his handler let out a scream, falling to the floor as his hand reached up to his shoulder.

His mind screamed in rage and concern as the familiar color of crimson bled through his handler's fingers, but the words of advice also rang in the back of his mind.

Pretend.

Have to pretend.

It is the only way you will survive.

As such, he stood stone cold, keeping his expression neutral as the inspector look at him expectantly, his hand gun still visible in his hands, "Are you not going to say anything, bot?"

Panic building up within his chest, it took him only moments for him to suppress his emotions before speaking, "Observation. Do not understand the request that have been given."

A scoff emitted from the human but nonetheless the inspector sheathed his weapon back under his coat, "I'm done here."

Seeing the human leave the premise, he turned his optics towards his handler as soon as the inspector was out of sight, the latter of which gave him a sheepish smile as he staggered onto his feet, "We're in the clear."

"Fucking damn it!"

"Angel! Calm down!"

Hearing a slur of snarls and growls that Knight cannot comprehend, the Exo Warlock pushed himself into a seated position as he found himself outside once again, the familiar building holding the cannons visible in his sight.

"Sticky grenades are bullshit!"

"Hey, I am offended by that."

Shaking his head to rid the blurriness of a fresh resurrection, the Exo Guardian stumbled onto his feet, just in time to hear Angel grumble as Akiva rubbed the back of his neck and sighed.

"Keep calm," Knight watched as Angel lifted his gaze at the human Titan, "We won't beat them if we don't have a clear head."

"Wait, I thought winning wasn't important."

"It's not, but it doesn't hurt to try and gain a victory, eh?"

Hearing the human Hunter let out a snicker, Knight then heard the familiar ring of a sniper rifle and instinct told him to pivot on his feet and lean to the side. No sooner had he done this when the sound of a bullet brushing past him rang in his auditory sensors, prompting the attention of Akiva and Angel.

"I got this." The human Hunter announced before Knight watched him rush forward and leaping into the air. Instantly, blue light seemed to buzz around Angel as he unsheathed his blade and he disappeared in a flash of light.

"Come on," The Exo Warlock felt a simple tap on his shoulders, causing him to turn and blink at Akiva, the latter of which nodded his head towards the Hunter, "Let's give him some back up."

Running up the stairs and onto the platforms, Knight paused, hesitation clear in his optics before he hefted his weapon into his hands and ran after the older Guardian. As he climbed over crates and edged around the ledges, the sound of metal flying through the air caught the Exo's attention. It was Jamal, the Warlock slowly walking back as Knight watched him fire at something out of his sight. Then, as if reading the young Exo's mind, Angel's buzzing figure suddenly came into view, his arc induced blade swinging down into the Warlock's neck before the Hunter tore out the weapon, causing their opponent to disappear in a flash of arc light. It was then Knight saw familiar bullets fired from a hand cannon pelt the human Hunter, his arc light shimmering against him as if in protest. This in turn caused Angel to focus his attention onto his next target, and dashing out of view. Seconds later, the status 'Angel kills Knoll' flashed over the screen of Knight's visor, confirming the Hunter's kill. But where was Echo?

A sudden impact on the side of his head caused static to flash over his vision before he felt hands grab him by the shoulders, and easily lifting him off of his feet. It was then he felt the action of being thrown downwards, Knight feel his shoulders colliding with the hearth with a loud crack. Letting out a cry of surprise, the Exo Warlock turned onto his side only to feel a hand grab him by the front of his robes and force him onto his feet. Although dazed, Knight can comprehend just enough of his surroundings to glimpse the familiar wisps of void light dance around the Titan's free hand, prompting the young Guardian to close his optics and wait for the familiar impact of a punch to collide into his face.

"Don't give up so easily!"

Hearing Akiva's voice ring through the air, Knight snapped open his optics in time to see Akiva rush forward with a shotgun in hand. Seeing Echo turn his attention towards his new adversary, he barely had enough time to comprehend the weapon held in the human Titan's grip before Akiva aimed and fired. Although it was Echo who had been hit, Knight couldn't help but let out a scream as the momentum of the shot not only tossed the Titan sideways, but him as well, and felt his side collide with the thick hearth.

"Knight? You alright?"

Opting to say nothing at first, Knight simply blinked as he stared back at the visor of Echo's lifeless form before it disappeared, more than likely moved to another section of the arena. It was then the Exo Warlock flipped onto his back, seeing Day materialize out of his armor just enough to scan him for any signs of internal injuries, "I don't know how much my body can take being thrown around like this."

"Ah, you'll get used to it." Knight glanced back at Akiva to sense the awkward smile, "Well come on, this is the last round. Have to prove to the Consensus that you can utilize your Light."

The memory of the assessment returning to his mind, the Exo Warlock's optics widen as he jumped to his feet, hearing Day let out a sound of protest before the sound of his Ghost materializing back into his armor rang in his sensors, "I-I have to do it this round, I have to-"

"Hey, calm down." Feeling a hand press against his shoulder, Knight snapped his attention towards the human Titan, feeling the latter give him a comforting squeeze, "You will do fine. Angel and I will get you through this." Feeling Akiva's grip leave his shoulder, the Exo Warlock then heard the older Guardian pause, "Well, more like Ianos will kick the Consensus' ass to give you more time if you can't utilize your light."

Taking in the Titan's words, Knight couldn't help but blink, watching the Titan rub the back of his neck nervously before he nodded his head to the opposing side, more than likely to the enemy team, "Come on, let's find our targets and see if you can-"

"Incoming!"

Hearing Angel's voice ring through the air, Knight snapped his attention towards the Hunter, seeing the latter aim his rifle and curse at every shot he fired. At first, bewildered by this action, it was only when a solar laced hammer seemingly came out of nowhere and slammed into Angel's chest, causing him to disappear in flickers of flames that Knight understood the situation. Not long after Angel's death, the Exo sighted Echo however, reeled back when a violet shield seemingly covered the entirely of the team, wisps of void light emitting off the edges as Knoll tossed another hammer through the veil. Hearing Akiva let out a curse, the young Guardian took steps back however, jumped when violet entered his vision and once again repeated the action when the hammer slammed onto the surface, dispersing into flames.

"Get out of here!" Jumping at the sudden raise in tone emitting from the human Titan, Knight turned his attention back to the opposing team only for his optics to widen when Knoll's form entered the shield. Feeling pressure build up on his shoulder, the Exo Warlock found himself being shoved, feeling his back slide against the grass before the sound of a shotgun rang through the air followed by Akiva's war cry. Seconds later, the kill feed updated to 'Akiva kills Knoll' with the symbol of a fist next to it, but this did little to ease the panic in Knight's chest: he was alone facing two Guardians.

Scrambling onto his feet, Knight attempted to run however froze when Jamal suddenly leaped into the air, wisps of void light forming in his palm. He can sense the amount of light being gathered into the Warlock's grasp and couldn't help but feel like it will track him, the energy seemingly twisting and churning in Jamal's grip as it waited to be released. As such, Knight couldn't help but glue his feet to the hearth as his white optics watched Jamal thrust his hand forward, releasing the void energy in his palm.

Proper sequences inputted. Memories restored. Unlocking hidden mechanisms and coded authorizations dispelled. Proceeding to deploy EXO/PHX Unit XI – 9.

The words ringing in his sensors, Knight felt his shoulders go slack, his vision blurring as his mind struggled to recognize the voice; it wasn't Day's, apparent when the Ghost was screaming at him to move, and it could not have been the others, for he can clearly see their Ghosts as well, their optics staring on warily.

Thank you, Shining Knight. But I will take over from here.

And it was then, his vision went red.

And there you have it, until the next chapter :D