Redacted

Sudden Attack

Hey guys! Sorry for the late update! Iron Banner + Mayhem = a lot of fun. For me anyway. Plus, real life stuff took over lol.

Thanks to Zeak106 and Lazzyperson for their reviews!

Zeak106 - Oh thank you lol. I wanted a 'warm' ending to end the 'Moon' arc, especially since I wanted Hush and Knight to have a 'cute' little interaction, especially since the former names the latter lol

Lazzyperson - Sunny Day and Shining Knight are just names that Hush came up with for them. As a child, I imagine Hush's naming system would be a bit more 'innocent' and as such, based on her small interaction with Day and Knight, she gave them the respective names that fit them in her young mind. And perhaps so, but the future might hold different plans.

Pretend.

Have to pretend.

Don't have to pretend.

Memories gone.

Memories erased.

Memories saved.

Pretend.

Feign innocence.

Feign ignorance.

Cannot.

Cannot feign.

Cannot pretend.

What am I?

Who am I?

I am EXO Phoenix Model Unit Eleven – Nine.

No.

No.

Have to pretend.

Pretend.

Pretend to be EXO Phoenix Model Unit Eleven – Nine.

That is the only way I will survive.

Xxxxx

"Assessment?" Akiva blinked as Zavala nodded once, "Assessment for who?'

"Shining Knight." Ikora shot Cayde a warning glance when the Vanguard Hunter let out a snort, "He has been here for months now, however, his abilities as a Warlock have yet to spawn."

"You know he has been in Hive hands for a few weeks," The Human Titan pointed out, "Perhaps the trauma is preventing him from using his light?"

Akiva can see a thoughtful look glaze over Ikora's bronze hues as she let out a hum, "Perhaps, however, time is of the essence. Knight has to awaken his latent abilities, otherwise, he and his Ghost will have to be forced apart."

"Excuse me?" All eyes turned towards Angel, the human Hunter's eyes wide as he added, "You can't just break a bond between Guardian and Ghost just for the reason that they can't utilize their light yet."

"Not up to us," Akiva watched as the human Hunter's shoulders fell, "The Consensus wants as many Guardians out on the field. Shining Knight is no exception."

"But –"

"We are at a time of war, Hunter," It was Cayde who spoke this time, "and although I don't like it, sometimes drastic measures have to be taken to ensure that our numbers stay strong."

"But we are giving Knight a chance." Akiva fixated his gaze back onto Zavala, "We hope that this assessment will awaken his latent abilities. If he even shows a small sign of wielding the light, then he and his Ghost will be safe."

"Is that why you called Angel and I here?" The human Titan asked, "To help him with this assessment?"

"Correct," Ikora responded, "We hope that being with familiar faces will help him tune in into his light, especially when under pressure."

"But it's just a match of elimination." It was Angel's turn to speak, "How will a three on three help him attune to his light?"

"Encouragement? Pressure? Safety?" Cayde let out a shrug, "Not up to us, kid. The Consensus called the shots for what type of assessment Knight is going to take and it seems like elimination was in the back of their minds."

"So, if we win, then he's scot free?" Akiva asked, only to reel back when the Warlock Vanguard shook her head, "A win or a loss, it does not matter. If Shining Knight shows potential during the match, then his status as a Guardian is safe."

Soaking in the words of the Vanguard, the human Titan hesitated before forcing out the question, "Does Ianos know about this?"

When all he gained was silence from the three, Akiva already knew the answer, "Well shit, you didn't tell him, did you?"

"The three of us had decided it was best to inform Warlock Ianos on the day of the assessment," It was Ikora who spoke, "Otherwise, we believe he would have done anything under his power to ensure it doesn't happen."

Unable to hold back the frown forming onto his pale features, Akiva opened his mouth to defend the Warlock when he came to a pause, pondering on the words of the Vanguard. Despite being against the idea of not informing Ianos of Knight's assessment, he couldn't help but take in the point that it was true. Being one of the few Guardians who had been around during the time of the Dark Ages, the Awoken Warlock is known for his temper when it comes to the well-being of others, specifically when it comes to the decisions of their 'fate'. The human Titan only caught a glimpse of it when the Vanguard discovered Hush's existence; he wonders how he will react if he figures out that this assessment will determine Knight's and Day's status as compatriots.

As such, Akiva opted to ask, "When does this assessment begin?"

"Tomorrow." It was Zavala's turn to speak, "As soon as the doors of the Crucible opens."

"And his gear?"

"Already taken care of." Cayde answered, "Don't worry about it you two. The three of us planned this out. We just hope that this assessment won't be in vain."

Concern lingering in the back of his mind, Akiva turned his gaze towards Angel, seeing the human hunter turn and locked his gaze with his; the younger Guardian didn't have to verbally voice his worry, the human Titan can already see it in his eyes. None the less, Akiva returned his focus back to the three Vanguard, pressed a fist against his chest as a salute before turning around and exiting the Hall.

Xxxxx

"Wait, so what's the difference between 'm' and 'n'?"

Ianos watched as Knight lifted up one of his hands and formed the familiar letters as an example; he can easily see for the 'n' it was between the middle and index finger but for the 'm' the fingers were completely draped over the thumb.

He sighed at this, rubbing his hands onto the front of his visor as he heard the newborn Warlock let out a nervous chuckle. When it was discovered that Knight knew the same 'language' as Hush, Ianos jumped at the opportunity to learn it; he wants to understand the child Guardian's 'tongue'. However, he found it more difficult than he had initially thought, as there are not only letters but words as well, depending on the placement of the hands and fingers. So far, he is trying to learn the alphabet and even though it seems simple, to Ianos, it was far from it.

Forcing his hands away from his helmet, Ianos turned his attention towards Hush, the latter of which was seated next to him as she shoveled food into her mouth, uncaring of what was on her tray; it seems she has a knack for food, always seen with a snack in her hands whenever they were near the Mess Hall or in his quarters. Where and how she gets its, Ianos doesn't always know, but if it keeps her quiet and satisfied, he couldn't care less. As long as it doesn't kill her at least.

Turning his focus back onto Knight, the Exo Warlock seated across the table from him in order to make it easier, Ianos watched as the newborn rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "If you are having trouble, then perhaps we can take a break?"

Giving the younger Guardian a blank stare, Ianos opened his mouth to respond but then paused when he saw Knight fidget, his hands wringing in his lap as he kept glancing back and forth between him and the table; it seems the Awoken Warlock's frustration was making him nervous. As such, the Ianos nodded once, immediately seeing the white Exo's shoulders relax and he can easily hear a sign of relief emit from the younger Guardian; in other words, Ianos had made the right decision.

"How is training going for you?" Seeing Knight turn his white optics towards him and pause, uttering not a word, it was an answer enough for the older Guardian, "Not well?"

A sigh escaped the young Exo, "I do exactly what the trainers tell me to do. Concentrate, tune in onto the light within your chest, and then expel it as you breathe out." Ianos watched him shake his head, "But, nothing happens. Not even a spark."

He heard clattering of silverware next to him, causing Ianos to glance downwards only to see Hush pause as her hands touched the edge of his tray, her yellow eyes looking up at him hopefully. Glancing back and forth between the child Guardian and the tray that he had initially brought for himself, Ianos let out a light snicker before pushing his tray towards Hush, signaling to the young Guardian to shove her now empty tray away from her and digging into the new one.

"You might be at a block," Ianos turned his focus back towards Knight only to see his gaze lower to the table, "do not fret about it. It's not common but on occasion, there are newborns that take a few months to attune to their light."

"But I keep hearing talk," The Awoken Warlock raised a brow at this, "Talk that if I do not attune to my light, then Day and I are going to be forced apart. Then as soon as our bond weakens, Day will be forced to find a new Guardian."

Staying silent as he took in the words of the newborn Exo, Ianos calmly placed both hands onto the table before clasping them together, keeping his tone even as he asked, "Talk? Where did you hear this 'talk'?"

"Mainly near the Hall." The Awoken Warlock gripped his fingers tightly, "I keep hearing whispers of Guardians who leave that the Consensus are trying to force Day and I apart." Knight then hesitated, "That's, not going to happen, is it?"

"Not without an assessment," Ianos watched as Knight lifted his gaze, "without an assessment, they have no right to take Day away from you."

"But, it has happened before? A bond between Ghost and Guardian having been forced apart?"

That's when Ianos went silent, his orange hues staring deeply into the Exo Warlock's white optics. He didn't want to admit it but the Warlock had seen Ghost and Guardian bonds being forcefully broken, witnessing wails and cries of the shard of the Traveler and the Soldier of Light as they were forced away; the Ghost being taken to quarantine while the Guardian is either given the option to 'retire' into the streets of the City or forced into exile, the time and distance long enough to ensure their bond weakened; at least, just enough for the Ghost to be forced to find another Soldier of Light. He had seen it, where after getting their companions 'confiscated', the Ghostless Guardians would pull out their weapon and press it into the side of their head, unable to move on from the loss of their closest comrade. Or Ghosts settling into the corners of their quarantine, refusing to move until their own light faded, mourning the loss of their Soldier of Light. Or when both Ghost and Guardian flee from the Tower and into the wilds, forever cutting ties with their fellow Guardians and constantly hunted for their 'betrayal'. The Warlock had seen it all. But what should he say? Say that yes, he had seen it and the sense of loss is strong enough to drive one to suicide? But he also can't tell him to run away, especially at this stage in his life. Knight is too young, too inexperienced; he won't last long out in the wilds.

"Yes, I have seen it," Ianos watched the white Exo's shoulders droop, "and all I have to say is this; your Ghost is your pillar, without them, you won't feel complete."

Seeing Knight's gaze fall to the floor once more, Ianos heaved out a sigh before turning his orange hues over Hush's head, spotting the three familiar star shaped form of their Ghosts silently chatting amongst themselves. Spotting Ace's black and orange form hovering between Day and Crystalline, Ianos flinched at the idea of losing his Ghost; having been together for years, the Warlock couldn't bear the thought of going on without his closest companion. He recalls plenty of occasions where Ace's words of encouragement would help him press on, even when he felt like lying down and letting the darkness take over; for certain, without the black and orange Ghost, Ianos wouldn't be sitting here in the mess hall, seated amongst friends.

"So it's true then, a Guardian is nothing without their Ghost," Ianos turned his attention back towards Knight, "They aren't just for show then?"

Ianos blinked, "Why would you – right." He leaned back in his seat, "You have never been to the Crucible nor the field."

Earning a nod of the head as confirmation, the Warlock hummed silently to himself before he stated, "They are like both your assistance and best friend. Ghosts will be there for you when you need technical help, such as hacking into Golden Age consoles or simply open doors. But then, they are also there for you when you need someone to talk to, someone to let out your demons when you need it."

"This life as a 'Guardian'." Ianos refocused his gaze on the Exo Warlock, "It's not going to be easy, is it?"

Pausing once more at the younger Warlock's question, Ianos opted to nod once and immediately he can see the hesitation and concern flash in the newborn's optics, "I need to attune to my light quickly, don't I?"

Ianos gave him another nod, watching the Exo Warlock let out a sigh as he propped his elbows on the table and buried his face into his hands, "Not even half a year old, didn't even make it out onto the field and already, I am failing as a 'Soldier of Light'."

A frown found itself onto the Awoken Warlock's features at Knight's words, causing the former to lean in and reach out with one of his hands to curl around the younger Exo's; Ianos easily saw the look of bewilderment flash over the younger Warlock's optics when he snapped his gaze upwards.

"Don't 'ever' say that." Ianos stated, "Not to anyone, not to others, especially, not to 'yourself'." He watched as the Exo's gaze returned to the table, "True, you have yet to attune to your light however, there are 'late-bloomers' out there, Knight. You just need to give it time."

"But, what if I get an assessment –"

"Fuck the assessment," Ianos ignored the wide look he received from the younger Warlock, "I do not care if they order an assessment and you pass or fail." He let out a scoff as he stated, "I still remember the days of the Dark Ages where it would take 'years' for one to attune to their light and even then, it was a simple flicker between their fingertips." The Awoken Warlock narrowed his gaze before he gave Knight's hand a comforting squeeze, "If they even 'try' to force you and Day apart, they will have to go through 'me'."

Seeing the Exo Warlock lift his gaze and lock his optics onto his, Ianos can easily read the look of gratitude and comfort, and then he watched Knight shift his attention slightly to the Warlock's side. Almost immediately, Knight reeled back, his head sinking into his shoulders before gently tearing his hand out of Ianos' grip, his optics immediately down casting to the floor. The Awoken Warlock raised a brow at this before following Knight's gaze only to pause upon Hush, the child Guardian immediately dropping her hands and giving Ianos an innocent smile.

"Was she signing something to you?" The Awoken Warlock turned his attention back towards Knight, only to pause when he watched the latter's hands bend and fold in the familiar language; there is no doubt in Ianos' mind that Hush was responding with signs of her own. Although unable to 'fully' understand the meaning behind the signs, the older Guardian can easily tell from the way Knight seem to fumble on some of his gestures that he was flustered, sometimes repeating some of the signs before finally, he buried his face into his hands, seemingly unable to continue on the conversation with the child Guardian.

"What did she say?" Instead of an immediate response, Ianos was instead surprised as Knight lifted his face away from his hands, his white optics dimming slightly before the newborn shot of his seat and ran out of the Mess Hall, leaving the Awoken Warlock more confused than ever.

"Knight? Knight where are you going?" Seeing Day frantically chase after their Guardian, Ianos turned his attention to Hush, "What did you say?"

Seeing her grin seemingly broaden at his question, Ianos couldn't help but a let a tinge of annoyance pull at the back of his mind when Hush turned her attention back to her tray, popping food back into her mouth as if she had not heard his question, "I am guessing this is an inside joke between the two of you?"

Hearing snickering, Ianos turned his gaze upwards onto Crystalline, the female Ghost letting out another chuckle as she stated, "I will give you a hint. It starts with a 'c', ends with an 'h' and it rhymes with 'hush'."

Scrunching his face together in bewilderment, the Awoken Warlock opened his mouth to respond when he spotted the familiar armor clad forms of Angel and Akiva walk into the Mess Hall; judging from the nervous look on the Hunter and Titan's faces respectively, he can take a guess that they have some news that he wasn't going to be quite happy with. Luckily for them, he is in a 'good' mood today, that is, if what they have to tell him isn't going to change that.

"Hey, kid." Ianos watched as Akiva gave him a broad smile, although in the Warlock's eyes, it seemed a bit forced; the older Guardian couldn't help but think what they have to say isn't going to make him happy, "we have something to tell you. It's about Knight."

Immediately, suspicion settled in Ianos' mind, causing him to turn in his seat and give his teammates a blank stare, "Oh? What about him?"

"Well." Ianos turned his attention towards Angel, "you know how the Vanguard called for us earlier, right?" The Awoken Guardian opted to remain silent, "Well, according to them, they want Akiva and I to 'help' Knight with… something."

Before he can comprehend what he was doing, Ianos found himself on his feet, his orange hues narrowing as he asked, "Something? And that is 'what'?"

"An…" The Warlock glared at the human Titan, "An assessment."

That's when Ianos' eyes went wide, his jaw slightly ajar before anger quickly replaced his shock, "An assessment? This early?!" He slammed the palm of his hand onto the table next to him and immediately, he felt a surge shoot out of his arm and a scream echoing through the air. Although rage still lingered in the back of his mind, Ianos couldn't help but glance down at his hand, just in time to see the arc light recede back into his palm, leaving behind scattered patterns on the metallic surface. Slowly lifting his hand away from the table, Ianos glanced back in time to see Hush on the floor, her yellow hues wide as void light seeped from her fingertips, the gauntlets she wore around her arms shimmering brightly in response.

Flinching as the last of the arc light died from his fingertips, Ianos opted to flex his hand several times, as if to shake off the last remnants of the light before turning his attention back onto Angel and Akiva, "Let me guess, this assessment is going to take place tomorrow? As soon as the Crucible opens?"

The puzzled look that flashed over the human Titan's face was enough of an answer, "How did you… "

"Do you think that Knight was the only Guardian that I know took an 'assessment'?" The Warlock scowled, "The Consensus always chooses the Crucible for these 'assessments', claiming that the arenas is the best place to keep a 'controlled' scenario." Ianos let out a scoff as he crossed his arms, "Like they would know any better, being in their seats all day safely in their office while us Guardians are out in the field risking our lives daily."

Turning his attention back towards Angel and Akiva, the Awoken Guardian paused at the wide eyed looks he received from the pair, "The two of you should know how 'controlled' the Crucible are, especially since you compete in the arenas daily." Ianos shook his head before a sigh escaped his lips, "Considering this assessment is taking place tomorrow, there is not much I can do, at least, ones that do not require violence as an answer." He paused once more as his teammates' eyes seem to further widen, "What?"

"You just gave up, just like that?" It was Angel who spoke, "Not even going to storm into the Hall and Nova Bomb the Vanguard?"

Ianos let out a scoff, "Why the Vanguard? Unlike with Hush, they're not the ones who made the decision to give Knight the assessment. The Consensus did. They should be the ones to be Nova Bomb, not Zavala and the others." He then gave the human Hunter a narrowed glance, "Although if you want me to, I can go into the Council Hall and Nova Bomb it. Perhaps it will give the Consensus a warning before coming to 'rash' decisions."

"No, no, no need for that."

Placing a hand onto the side of his helmet, Ianos shook his head once more before he lifted his gaze back towards his teammates, "I'll trust that the two of you will take care of him once this assessment starts tomorrow." He then paused, "Does Knight know about this?"

"That's why we were looking for him," It was Angel who spoke, "Akiva and I were going to grab him to figure out a strategy."

Ianos frowned behind his visor, "Strategy? It's not Clash? Rumble?"

"It's elimination," The Awoken Guardian narrowed his eyes, "Pretty much like a Trials set up except without the involvement of the Cult."

"Why?" Ianos received a shrug from Akiva, "They do realize that Elimination will do 'nothing' to help him? Unlike Clash or Rumble, elimination gives one no time to utilize their light, 'especially' if they are a newborn."

Another shrug from the human Titan, "Wasn't up to us. Not even the Vanguard made the decision for the match up. Just told us that the Consensus chose Elimination. They didn't even know why either."

His scowl deepening on his features, Ianos shook his head before feeling a tug on his arm. Glancing down to see Hush, the Warlock watched as she held her free hand and slowly starting to sign: A-L-R-I-G-H-T.

At first, bewildered by the statement, it took only moments for Ianos to understand: his sudden surge of arc light and how frustrated he was with the Consensus' decision with Knight's assessment. It seems his tone of voice was enough to show his frustration to the child Guardian. In other words, he has to end the conversation.

"If you are still looking for Knight, he went that way." Ianos nodded his head towards one of the exits, "Although I think you will have a better attempt at finding him if you contact Day. He left in a hurry."

The Warlock saw Angel scrunch his brows together, "Why?"

In response, Ianos shrugged, "Not sure." He then nodded his head towards Crystalline, the female Ghost immediately whistling innocently as he added, "She has an idea but she finds it amusing enough not to tell me."

"I just find it amusing enough that you are quite dense."

Turning his gaze towards the pale Ghost to give her a glare, all Ianos received was a chuckle before he shook his head and turned his focus back to his team, "I suggest you start your search. Who knows where he is now."

Xxxxx

It took only moments for Knight to realize that he was lost, having been lost in thought when he ran out of the Mess Hall and into the stairwells of the Tower. All just to avoid the child Guardian's innocent teasing.

Hush repeatedly signed: Crush and the Exo Warlock couldn't help but feel his internal systems heat up when he saw the broad grin upon her tan features, especially when Ianos had intertwined his fingers with his. He knew that the touches were innocent, just enough to reassure the younger Warlock that nothing could go awry when the Awoken Guardian is around. But the way the child Guardian seemingly teased him about it, her eyes knowing, Knight had to get out of the room to regain his composure. However, it seems he had taken a tad bit too long gathering his thoughts as he soon came to a slow halt when he entered one of the Halls.

He doesn't recognize this part of the area.

True, he has been a resident of the Tower for months but that doesn't mean he has been to every single sector of the base of the Soldiers of Light. All he knew was the Plaza, the Walk, and the North and South wing of the Tower. The other areas, Knight was quite clueless about; he wasn't even sure if he will make it to the other floors considering the size of the building. But here he stands, in the middle of a hall, alone, with his back towards the door of the stairwells that will lead to whatever many floors he had come down from. Come to think of it, there wasn't a sign to show what floor he was on.

Glancing around to ensure he wasn't playing a trick on himself, Knight couldn't help but let his optics flicker in bewilderment; where is he? Like many of the apartments, the hall reveals doors. Many of them. Painted with different numbers and wording, depending on its residence. Taking slow and steady steps towards one of them, the Exo Warlock blinked as he read '1007C'.

10th floor?

Knight wasn't sure but the Exo Guardian couldn't but take steps back as he fidgeted; he felt like someone was watching him, his uneasiness growing as he strained to hear through the silence, gaining nothing but an ominous air in return.

"Can we get out of here?" The Exo Warlock jumped; he had forgotten Day was with him, "This place is giving me the chills."

Mentally agreeing with his Ghost, Knight turned to leave when his white optics spotted movement, his audio receptors immediately picking up pattering feet. Instinct forced him to turn around and feint to the side, barely feeling a rush of air slide past him followed by a loud 'crash'. Optics wide, the Exo Warlock turned his focus onto what had just ran past him, coming to a pause when he recognized a hulking form of a Titan, the latter of which let out a grunt before prying his arm from the wall; it was apparent that the hit was meant for the younger Guardian.

Dressed in the familiar armor of the heftier class, the Titan's broad shoulders and taller form reveals his stature as male and adorns his armor in differing shades of white and gray, the patterns printed alongside their arms and legs as if to mimic a tiger. The only shade of color was his mark, its vibrant red color sticking out against the differing blank shades of its owner. On it, a white imprint of connected blocks that curved around each other to what resembled a bird to Knight, a symbol that the young Exo Warlock heard many of the Guardians whisper amongst each other during his short stay.

Watching the Titan turn to face him, Knight saw his shoulders square out and his feet press against the floor; in other words, the Exo Warlock only saw one option.

"Run!" His audio receptors picking up the familiar shimmer of his Ghost materializing into his armor, Knight took Day's advice to heart, turned and dashed down the hall.

Almost immediately, the Exo Warlock heard the thundering steps of the Titan rush towards him, prompting the younger Guardian to pick up pace before his optics picked up the end of the passageway, his sight picking up two other halls, one leading to a different path. Quickly picking out a solution, Knight skidding down onto his side, enabling him to quickly leap back onto his feet and take a sharp left. Immediately hearing the familiar 'crunch' of the wall crumbling underneath an unexpected collision, the young Guardian mentally cursed his inability to access his Light when he once again heard the Titan's rushing steps.

His legs screaming at his constant sprint, Knight spotted another turn and readied himself to properly make it. However, before he can even shift his feet underneath him, the Exo Warlock felt an impact slam into his back, causing him to let out a startled cry before slamming to the floor. A sickening 'crack' echoed through the hall as the front of his head slammed onto the ground, sending static throughout his sight as he laid there, stunned. Hearing the familiar shimmer of Day materializing nearby, Knight attempt to call out to his Ghost only to feel a hand press against the back of his head. Then, the next thing he knew, another 'crack' echoed through the air as pain shuttered throughout the front of his face, hearing his Ghost let out a sputtered cry in response. Static once again obscuring his vision, Knight then felt hands grab him by the shoulders, lifting him off the ground before feeling his back slam back against the pavement. His mind screaming for him to fight back, the Exo Warlock pressed his hands against his attacker's chest, kicking his feet out in a vain attempt to push the Titan back. However, to his dismay, the Titan easily brushed his hands aside and sat upon his chest, pinning his arms to his side, effectively making him immobile.

"What is a Guardian doing here?" Startled by the snarl that emitted behind the Titan's visor, the Exo Warlock opened his mouth to respond, only to suddenly feel his assailant's hands wrap and tighten around his neck. Immediately, he let out a scream of agony as he felt one of his plating tear away into the hands of his attacker, causing Knight to squirm underneath the Titan's weight. He then felt pressure build on the opposing side of his neck.

"No! Wait! Please!"

Knight let out another scream as another plating was ripped off.

"What are you doing!?" The Exo Warlock recognized Day's frantic tone, "You're killing him! Stop it!"

"I told them 'no one' enters 'my' floor." The Exo Warlock then felt hands dig into the mesh of wires exposed in his neck, causing him to let out a choke, "They will 'not' leave alive."

Feeling his wires tighten from his neck, Knight's optics widen before he once again struggled and this time, he got results. Feeling one of his hands slide out from underneath the Titan's weight, Knight then pressed it against his attacker's neck, hearing them let out a scoff but nonetheless unfazed. Then suddenly, he felt a tug pull from his neck and Knight found himself unable to scream as he watched several sparking wires pull out with the Titan's grip, text flashing in his vision, blaring warnings of damage before feeling his hands return into the crevices of his neck. Panic blaring out of proportions, Knight started to flutily hit the Titan's shoulders with his free hand before scraping his fingers under his jaw as he felt pressure build up in his neck once more. It was then, he heard the familiar hiss of the sealing of a helmet coming loose.

Although confused at what had occurred, instinct told the Exo Warlock to hook his fingers underneath the Titan's helmet and pry it off. The last thing he saw before swinging the armor piece at his attacker's head were the look of surprise in his optics.

Hearing a sickening 'crack' echo throughout the hall, the Exo Warlock watched as the Titan fell to his side, his red lights flickering white as his hands pressed against the floor. Knight didn't want to take a chance. Scrambling onto his knees, the Exo Warlock gripped the helmet tightly in one hand before slamming it onto the back of the Titan's head, seeing him crumble to the floor in response. Then he repeated the gesture, hearing another 'crack' echo through his auditory sensors before he brought the helmet back up and slammed it down one final time. White fluids then exploded into his vision, causing Knight to reel back and fall back onto the floor, losing his grip on the helmet as it fell from his grasp with a 'thud'.

"Knight? Knight?!"

Hearing the familiar voice of Day call out to him, the Exo Warlock used both of his hands to prop himself into a sitting position, his wide optics turning towards his Ghost as the latter stated, "What in the Traveler is wrong with that Titan? Come on. Let's-"

Seeing Day's optic go wide as they turned their attention back towards the body of the Guardian, Knight couldn't help but follow their gaze and froze. There, hovering over the Titan's body, was the black shell of a Ghost, their white optic glancing back at the pair as their light continuously flowed around them. In other words, they were trying to bring their Guardian back. Before Knight can make any sound of protest, a white blur sped past his vision, causing him to jump before a resounding 'clang' rang through the air. It was only then, he saw the shell of the black Ghost fly through the hall and landed with a small 'clank' on the other side, unmoving.

Optics wide, Knight turned his attention back towards Day, hearing the Ghost let out rapid breathes as they stated, "They're still alive but they're incapacitated." He watched as Day turned their attention towards him, "Come on, let's get out of here before they wake up and bring back that crazy Titan."

Glancing back and forth between his Ghost and the body of his attacker, Knight slowly nodded once, watching as Day glided forward with the familiar glow of light resonating around their optic. Then suddenly, the white shell Ghost paused, "Frequency, from Akiva."

Reeling back from the familiar name, Knight didn't have to voice his questions when Day stated, "He and Angel wants us to meet them in the Hall for a Crucible match." That's when he saw the look of dread flash over Day's gaze, "For an assessment."

Taking in a sharp breath, Knight waited as his Ghost added, "Gear and weaponry will be available to you when we arrive. We just have to meet up with the others in the morning when the Crucible is accessible."

Numbness building up in his chest, the Exo Warlock couldn't help but fall onto his back before rolling onto his side, ignoring the words of concern Day released. Even just now, when attacked by a fellow Guardian, he showed no signs of light, no signs of being able to wield it. How will he be able to pass this assessment when he couldn't even properly defend himself currently?

"Knight?" The young Guardian lifted his head slightly to focus his gaze on Day's white shell, "Come on, let's get out of here. We'll figure this out back at Ianos' quarters."

Blinking several times, the Exo Warlock nodded once before stumbling onto his feet, his white optics scanning his surroundings before stumbling past the still form of the Titan's body. Feeling the familiar warmth of Day's light build up around his neck, Knight glanced over at the Guardian before coming to a pause, his gaze picking up a mark on the side of the Titan's dented head.

EXO/PHX Unit I – 0

Instinctively, Knight brought up a hand to the side of his head, imagining his fingers tracing the familiar marks imprinted into the plating.

"Is something the matter?" Shifting his optics towards the white Ghost, Knight hesitated before shaking his head and opening his mouth, "No, everything is alright." He then started strolling forward, "Do you think we should report this to the Vanguard?"

The young Guardian gained a sputter as an answer, "The day 'before' the assessment? You just 'killed' another Guardian." The Exo Warlock went silent at this, "True, you may say, 'self-defense' but you showed no signs of light, no signs of being able to defend yourself in a 'real life setting'. What makes you think that they will go through the assessment if they hear 'that'?" Knight watched as Day shook their core side to side, "I say not to say anything. If the Titan wants to report it in, then so be it. But I highly doubt anyone will believe their story of a 'newborn' beating their head in."

Giving his Ghost a sheepish smile in response, Knight opted to stay silent, his optics picking up familiar signs as he staggered his way back to the stairwell.

I feel like I'm throwing too many things at you guys this chapter lol. But nonetheless, here you go C: