Redacted

That's Not Me

I apologize for the late update! Life got to me and I barely had the time to work on this chapter! Hopefully it was worth the wait lol.

Anyways, thanks to Lazypersons, Mantic64, jsm1978, DisobeyedBowl6, and TidalKiller for the reviews! Appreciate it!

Lazypersons - Not sure if you got the message so going to post it here: More will be explained on the 'multiple personality' in later chapters. I can't really explain it otherwise there will be spoilers lol. And also saw your guest review. Can't exactly answer that either as once again, spoilers lol. However, if you look in the 'Knight and Day' chapter with Pluto's flashback, you'll see that one of the humans call the Phoenix models 'war machines'. Then if you read through the flashbacks, you read the unit or 'Knight' call the human in those flashbacks his 'handler'. Hopefully these clues will help answer your question without giving away too much lol.

TidalKiller - Thank you! Really appreciate it!

"You have the blueprints?"

Ianos watched as Crystalline rolled her optic and let out a scoff, "What do you take me for? Just because I'm a Ghost who lived out in the Wilds their entire life, doesn't mean I don't know how to take a simple blueprint into my system."

Opting to say nothing to the female Ghost's retort, the Awoken Warlock instead focused on finished strapping in the arm piece, watching the pieces seemingly move and shift on Hush's arms as he finally leaned back, "There, that should keep your light under control."

Seeing the child Guardian gaze at the ACD/0 Feedback Fence with wide eyes, Ianos watched as Hush held out her arms, beaming with pride as she showed off her new armor piece to Crystalline.

"You know, at first, I found your hoarding annoying at times," Ianos turned and gave Ace a blank look, "But, considering that you found the blueprints for that old thing, I take back my words." He then watched the black and orange Ghost twirl their back fins in thought, "But was it really necessary to add in the conductors? I don't see any other need for it besides helping better attune the arm piece to her light but, there really isn't a need."

Crossing his arms as he stayed momentarily silent, Ianos finally responded, "She's still young but yet, I cannot help but feel one day, she will be forced out into the field, with or without the Vanguard's knowledge."

He heard his Ghost let out a click, "What makes you say that?"

That's when Ianos hesitated, his orange hues narrowing behind his visor in thought, "I just, can't shake off the feeling that a threat is coming, a threat that many of us will not be able to fathom."

"That's just your paranoia talking again."

The Exo Warlock turned and gave his Ghost a blank look before he shook his head, quietly admitting to himself of the truth in Ace's words; the years of being a Guardian can affect one's psyche that way, "Well, it gives me comfort to know that if she were to ever enter the field, anything that would try to harm her would instead get a hazardous shock in return."

"H'm, good point," Another click from the black and orange Ghost, "highly doubt that is going to happen anytime soon, especially at her current age."

"Who knows if she will ever 'age'." Ianos heard Ace pause, "You and I both tried to look through the records and any information on 'child Guardians' are practically nonexistent. All we had was that they do indeed exist but any other information about them either have been expunged or has never been recorded." He let out a subtle scoff, "All we know is that every Guardian who has ever been resurrected 'never' age. A few gray hairs perhaps, stress related, but never do they age a year."

Hearing nothing from his Ghost, the Awoken Warlock opted to wait, knowing fully well that the silence permeating between the two just means that his comrade was deep in thought.

"It's true that Guardians do not age once they have been brought back." Ace hummed, "but we also know nothing about child Guardians." It was Ianos' turn to pause at his Ghost's words, "It is just like you said, we do know that they indeed exist, but what makes you think that the same 'laws' are applicable to them? They have been touched by the Traveler but being a pile of dust and bones won't allow them to grow. So why not bring them back? Wait a few years for their body to mature and strengthen instead of leaving them to rot in the earth? And then when they are ready, they will fight against the enemies of the Light."

Ianos took in Ace's words, humming to himself quietly as he leaned back in his seat, watching Hush continue to admire the Feedbacks in her chair as she silently sang to herself, "It makes sense." He then turned his attention back towards the black and orange Ghost, "But we won't know for sure until a few years pass, don't you think?"

Hearing Ace let out a chuckle, the Warlock let a ghost of a smile flash over his pale features before he noticed the small AI pause, "Is something the matter?"

"Frequency. From the Vanguard." The Awoken Guardian narrowed his gaze at the mention of the three, "Apparently, they want us to meet them in the Hall."

"For what reason?" Ianos scowled as Ace shifted their parts up and down; a Ghost equivalent of a shrug, "You know how the Vanguard works. Don't like to add in the details until you meet them face to face."

Letting out a scoff at his Ghost's words, the Awoken Warlock pushed himself onto his feet, easily sensing the curious stare he received from the child Guardian, "Hush?" He saw her perk up from the corner of his vision, "Do you want to come with me?"

The radiant smile that beamed off of her tan features caused the edges of Ianos' lips to twitch upwards, prompting him to hold out his hand and wait until Hush gleefully placed hers in his grip, and gently lead the younger Guardian out of his quarters.

Xxxxx

It was mid-afternoon when the team returned to the Plaza but the young Guardian easily can see the moving forms of fellow Soldiers of Light bustling about; Knight heard that it is hardly empty at such a time. Although this doesn't mean that the landing pad for transmat is filled, the area of landing always seemingly cleared out for any approaching Guardians returning home, as such the case for the Exo Warlock and the others.

Remembering Akiva's words of advice, Knight pressed the switches on his ship into auto-pilot before the foreign sensation of weightlessness overtook his senses. As light filled his vision, the young Guardian squared out his feet, taking in a breath as the active view of the Plaza reappeared in his sights. Although this didn't stop the Exo Warlock from stumbling on his feet, nearly crashing into one of the pillars if he hadn't held out his hands to steady himself.

"They should really add in a cushion here or something." Knight smiled sheepishly as Day materialized over his shoulder, "That way newborns like you won't get a concussed head when using transmat for the first time."

"That's what helmets are for right?"

"Not if you don't have it on."

"Good point." Knight hummed thoughtfully at Day's words, watching the Ghost twirl their back fins in pride before he jumped as a hand suddenly clamped down onto his shoulder, "Great play out there, Knight."

Turning his gaze towards Akiva, the Exo Warlock couldn't help but give the human Titan a bewildered stare, "What do you mean?"

"That last play you did? The one that helped us win the match?" Knight reeled back at Akiva's words, "You do remember leaping into the air to dodge Jamal's Nova Bomb and throwing one back at him, right?"

Narrowing his optics behind his visor in confusion, Knight mentally scrambled to his memories, taking in the bits and pieces he does recall, "No, the last thing I remember is you two being killed by Knoll and Jamal coming at me with – what did you call it? – Nova Bomb."

"What?" It was Angel, the human Hunter removing his helmet as the familiar form of his white and red Ghost taking the armor piece from his hands, "But Akiva and I saw you. Right when Jamal tossed his Nova, you seemingly disappeared before reappearing in the air and throwing a Nova right back him 'and' his teammates. You helped us win the game but you don't remember?"

Knight once again, scrunched his features together, taking in the two older Guardians words as he contemplated once more, "I don't. It was just Jamal coming at me and then the next thing I knew I was back on my ship, heading back to the Tower."

"H'm, that's strange." The Exo Warlock blinked at Angel, "Maybe utilizing your light put a lapse in your memory?"

"Oh, who cares?" Knight jumped as Akiva wrapped an arm around his shoulders, bringing him into a hug as the Titan added, "You used your light and that is passable enough for this assessment." Feeling the human Guardian release him, Knight took steady steps back as Akiva removed his helmet, the armor piece disappearing in his grasp as Lex's form materialized it into the Vaults, "So why not celebrate with a drink?"

Smiling nervously at the thought of celebrating his success, Knight parted his lips to speak before he heard the sound of rushing footsteps approach. Feeling his gut telling him to run, the Exo Warlock instead opted to snap his attention towards the source, only to instantly regret it as he felt an impact ram him into his chest, feeling his legs fly out underneath him as he felt himself being lifted. Before he can even comprehend what had just occurred, Knight then felt his back collide with a hard surface, causing him to let out a gasp as the static in his vision finally cleared; only to freeze when he stared into the darkened visor of Echo.

"Echo! What are you doing!?" It was Akiva's voice, Knight seeing the look of surprise and rage on the pale Guardian's features while the Exo Warlock slowly took in his surroundings, just enough to realize that the Exo Titan had pinned him easily to one of the pillars and that all onlookers have paused to witness the spectacle.

"To find an answer." Was all Knight heard from Echo before one of the Titan's hands clasped down onto the right side of his head and jerked it to the side, causing a small 'crack' to emit from the Exo Warlock's neck; Knight just prayed that the obviously taller and broader Exo hadn't broken anything.

That's when the young Warlock felt Echo's hands go rigid against his plating, causing a sense of bewilderment to permeate in the back of his mind before he finally felt the Exo Titan's hands leave him. Quickly, Knight pressed the back of his hands against the pillars behind him, feeling his knees buckle as the sense of fear lingering in the back of his mind faded; his fellow Exo doesn't want to kill him, at least, not yet.

"Knight, you alright?"

Feeling a gentle hand press against his shoulder, Knight fixated his gaze to his side, letting his shoulders sag in relief when he connected with familiar green hues, "Yes, thank you." He then returned his attention back to Echo, the Titan now having taken steps back, as if to place some distance between himself and the Exo Warlock. Although, as Knight paused on the Titan's darkened visor, he couldn't help but reel back; instead of the rage and anger he had felt during the rounds against him, Knight instead sensed a tinge of confoundment, bewilderment clearly emitting from the Guardian. However, before he can comprehend why, the emotions quickly dissipated, causing Knight to give his fellow Exo a confused look as Echo's black shelled Ghost materialized over his shoulder.

"Reaver, let's go."

Seeing the black Ghost bob once to acknowledge their Guardian's words, Knight watched silently as Echo turned and brushed past the crowd. Then, just as quickly as it started, it ended, the onlookers once more moving about, as if the confrontation hadn't occurred.

"Transmats onto the Plaza, rams into you, and then proceeds to walk away as if he hadn't done anything wrong?" Knight focused his attention onto Day as the Ghost's shell shook in rage, "The nerve!"

"Sadly, not uncommon." The Exo Warlock blinked as Akiva approached the pair as he let out a sigh and rubbed the back of his neck, "There are just some Guardians who don't handle a loss well."

"Doesn't give him a reason to threaten my Guardian's life." Knight heard Day let out a huff, "That's it, we're going back to Ianos' quarters."

"What?" It was Akiva, the human Titan giving Day a wide-eyed look, "But don't you want to celebrate your Guardian's success?"

"And do what? Put himself in more harm's way?" Knight heard Akiva pause, "Oh Traveler no, we're going back to Ianos' apartment where it's safe and sound and less risk of a psycho harming Knight."

"Knight?" The Exo Warlock turned his attention towards Angel, "Do you want to head back to Ianos' room?"

At the thought of immediately returning to the Awoken Warlock's apartment, Knight couldn't help but hesitate; true he may have been roughed up a bit by Echo but in honesty, he doesn't want to rest, at least, not yet. He wants to know of this 'celebration' that Akiva keeps going on about and his curiosity wants him to interact with others, see who else lives here at the Tower. But, there was one thing that repeatedly tugged at the back of his mind. And he knows that he has to be in the privacy of Ianos' quarters to gain answers.

"Yes," Knight immediately sensed the disappointment emitting from Akiva, "But perhaps we can celebrate another time? A day where I know I won't be tossed around like a punching bag?"

He heard Angel let out a chuckle, "Yeah, good luck with that, but we'll keep that in mind." Knight then watched as the human Hunter walked over to Akiva, "Come on, bubble butt, let's have those drinks you like so much."

The disappointment on Akiva's face quickly shifted to one of amusement and laughter, "Didn't I tell you not to call me that?"

As the pair quickly disappeared into the crowd, Knight pushed himself off from the pillar and headed towards the apartment, quietly muttering out apologies as he brushed past the bustling mass. Hearing Day humming contently near his shoulders, the Exo Warlock took the time to let his mind wonder back to Akiva and Angel's words: that somehow, he had retaliated against Echo and his team and won the winning round. But Knight doesn't recall any of it, let alone remember how he had gathered light into his hands and formed a Nova Bomb to toss at the enemy team. With this in mind, the Exo Guardian lifted his hands, lowering his gaze as he flexed his fingers as the pair entered the corridor, "Day?"

"Yes?"

Knight shifted his gaze towards his Ghost, lowering his hands back to his sides, "Did you record the last round of our match?"

Immediately he saw Day reel back, their back fins twirling in bewilderment, "Yes? Why do you ask?"

Turning his white optics down the corridor, Knight momentarily stayed silent before he finally responded, "Shall we take a view of it once we reach Ianos' quarters?"

Xxxxx

As soon as Ianos entered the hall, he felt Hush's hand leave his before hearing her light laughter echoed throughout the room as she dashed towards Cayde and grabbed the edges of his cloak, pulling it over her shoulders as if to mimic the hood worn around the Exo Vanguard's head; the Awoken Warlock recalls Knight's comments on Hush's envy of the Hunter's symbol of their class. It seems she has a keen interest on things that flow and flutter in the wind.

"Good to have you, Ianos." Cayde's greeting permeated through the room, as if the Hunter Vanguard failed to notice Hush's attempt at mimicking his class; although the amusement in his pale optics betrayed this, "Ikora, Zavala, and I have important to show you. It's about Knight."

Immediately, Ianos narrowed his gaze, "If this is about him failing his assessment I am-"

"Oh, no need to worry.' The Awoken Warlock snapped his attention towards Ikora, "It may have taken a while but, Shining Knight passed his assessment. But that is not why you are here."

Suspicion settled into the back of Ianos' mind, "Then why call me here if Knight passed his assessment?"

Seeing Ikora turn her head and nod towards the others, a sense of uneasiness formed in Ianos' chest as Zavala held up a hand and used two of his fingers to wave to the other occupants of the room. Immediately, personnel stopped what they were doing, Ianos staring on with wide eyes as they placed their tablets or their tools onto the crates or floors before calmly walking out of the room; even Guardians who had been standing patiently nearby had earned a narrowed glance from Zavala, signaling to them to exit. Soon, it was just the Vanguard, Hush, and himself; Ianos' uneasiness grew, "What is going on?"

"After much deliberation, we decided it was best to keep this information confidential." Ianos frowned at Zavala's words, "Whatever you see and hear in here today has to be kept in this room, at least, not until we figure out the situation."

"If this is so urgent then stop stalling and actually tell me what is going on." The Awoken Warlock walked over to the table, placing his hands on the surface as he added, "What is so confidential about Knight?"

"Just take a look at this feed." Turning his attention towards Cayde, Ianos saw the Hunter nod his head towards his Ghost, signaling to the shard of the Traveler to glide over to the middle of the table and beam their light into the familiar black projection in the middle. Immediately, a screen flashed onto display, revealing static until it finally blinked to its proper frequency.

Instantly, Ianos recognizes the warehouses of Twilight Gap, causing to take in a breath as unwanted memories resurfaced. However, just as quickly as they appeared, they dispersed when the Awoken Warlock recognized the white clad form of Knight, the latter of which seemed frozen in place as Ianos watched two other Guardians – a Warlock and a Titan – close in on him. Then, he saw the Warlock jump into the air and raise back a hand and Ianos instantly recognized what the Warlock had intended to do: throw a Nova Bomb to end Knight's life.

Gritting his jaw as he continued to watch the feed, Ianos grazed his eyes back over to Knight, only to pause. Instead of the fearful rigidness that he had seen previously, the Awoken Warlock instead saw the Exo Warlocks' shoulders and feet square out, as if preparing himself for impact. Then before Ianos even blink, the Nova Bomb flashed onto where Knight had just been standing however, it seemed the Warlock had missed his target for the next frame showed the white clad Warlock in the air, throwing a Nova bomb at the opposing Warlock and Titan, winning the round. But Ianos caught more than that.

"Rewind that."

Cayde's Ghost complied, rewinding the moment right when the Warlock threw the Nova Bomb before Ianos raised a hand, signaling for them to stop, "Now play it, frame by frame." Seeing the stills slowly move in a crawl, Ianos squinted, keeping his orange hues on Knight's form. As before, he saw the Exo Warlock square out his shoulders and feet, giving him a stable stature as the opposing Warlock's Nova Bomb closed in. However, this time, the stills were slow enough for him to catch what had grazed over his vision: Knight brought up his hands, as if to catch the orb of light and then suddenly, to Ianos' surprise, the light seems to ravel itself around his arms, twisting and curling as if trying to escape. Then slowly, the frame shows Knight leaping into the air, engulfed in Void Light and raised his hand back, preparing himself to toss a Nova Bomb or more specifically, toss it back.

Leaning away from the screen, Ianos' orange hues turned towards the Vanguard, "What in the Traveler …"

"Any information why try to locate comes up with nothing." Zavala spoke, "Even the Cryptarchs cannot find anything in their archives that resembles anything remotely close to what we have just witnessed."

Letting a scowl form behind his visor, Ianos turned his orange hues towards Cayde, "You don't know what's going on?"

"Woah, hey," The Warlock watched as the Hunter Vanguard held up his hands in surrender, "Just because I'm an Exo doesn't mean I know every single model that's been made out there."

"I believe I can help you with that."

Everyone paused as the screen in the middle of the room disappeared, earning a small shout of surprise from Cayde's Ghost before the projection reappeared, the visual replaced with a simple horizontal line across the screen.

"Prime, I thought I told you to help Shaxx with the Crucible exercises."

"I tried, Lady Ikora." The blue line shifted and wavered with every word that permeated through the room, "But according to Shaxx, he doesn't need a 'damn old hard drive' telling him how to do his job."

Ianos heard Cayde let out a whistle, "Friendly as always when it comes to the Crucible, that big lug."

Watching Ikora shake her head at the Crucible Handler's antics, the Awoken Warlock watched as Zavala asked, "You say that you can help us gain answers, what do you mean by that?"

A small 'tsk, tsk, tsk' emitted from the blue screen; it was apparent the Golden Age AI wasn't pleased with the Titan Commander's words, "You do recall me telling you that my previous programming was to insert 'commands' into Exos, correct?" Ianos couldn't help but snort at the silence that permeated through the Hall, "Well, I recall this one's programming quite well or more specifically, the programming for his model."

"There were more like Knight?"

"Of course there were," Ianos heard Prime let out a laugh at Ikora's question, "this one's model, the Phoenix models, are quite rare, thanks to the fact that they are a bit 'unique' when it comes to their structure."

Curiosity peaked in the back of the Awoken Warlock's mind, "What do you mean?"

"If I recall correct, some travelers came back with a rare metal." Prime responded, "Claimed that they just found it on a wandering meteorite on their way back. The ore was considered valuable for the reason that it can take 'any' damage and it will come back unscathed, even when thinned to the point where it can be bent and rounded."

"And let me guess, they decided to use this material for these 'Phoenix' models?"

"Correct."

Pondering on the Golden Age AI's words, Ianos recalls the time when he brought Knight back to the Tower, the lack of scratches and dents in his plating now answered; that would also explain how he was able to counter the Nova Bomb with hardly any damage to himself, "But where does Knight's 'ability' come in?"

"Well, from what I can recall, there were eleven units in total, each with ten individuals numbered one to ten. For his model number, EXO/PHX Unit XI – 9, I can imagine he was part of the eleventh unit, one that I can recall that the scientists called 'the best Phoenix Models' yet."

"You see, the Phoenix models were created during a time of war, back when resources were constantly being usurped from other countries. When the Traveler came, resources were easily accessible with technology but this applies to weapons of war as well. With weapons that can easily destroy each other, opposing sides had to find ways to counter this. Each Phoenix Unit was built for a specific counter."

"For Knight's unit, they were built to 'absorb' energy sources, specifically ones that were built for battle. After taking in the source, they then 'return' the fire, effectively destroying enemy troops and the weapon in question. Add into the high-density ore that had been converted into their plating, and you have effective killing machines."

"Wait hold on a second here." All eyes turned towards Cayde, "So you're saying that thanks to how he was built, Shining Knight has the capability to take any light induced attack and turn it against other Guardians?"

"According to the data I have on his model 'and' the feed that we have currently have now, yes." Ianos reeled back at Prime's words, "Although you Guardians have been 'chosen' by the Light, it is still essentially an energy source. If in close enough proximity 'and' the energy is properly contained, Knight can easily manipulate the light of other Guardians against themselves, especially when in physical contact."

"What about the darkness?" Ianos froze at Ikora's question, "Does Shining Knight have the capability to absorb and control it?"

Expecting an immediate answer, the Awoken Warlock instead was surprised to hear Prime let out a thoughtful hum, the Golden Age AI momentarily opting to say nothing before they finally responded, "We will need confirmation but according to the data we have now, yes, it may be possible for Knight to absorb and manipulate the Darkness. It is, just like the Light, another source of energy that has the capability to be used. Although, Knight being a Soldier of the Light, the repercussions of him absorbing the Darkness can be detrimental."

"So he may be a threat to us all then?"

Ianos snapped his gaze towards Ikora, his oranges hues glaring behind his visor as he parted his lips to let out a retort. He instead, paused as a laughed permeated through the room; it was Prime.

"You organics amuse me so." The Golden Age AI chirped, "Yes, I did say that it was possible for Shining Knight to absorb the Darkness but currently it is all in theory. Indeed, the Darkness is energy but the Unit Eleven Phoenix models do have a limit."

Shoving his anger into the back of his mind, the Awoken Warlock asked, "What do you mean?"

"Did you not think the scientists would have thought about the Phoenix Models rebelling?" The room went silent at Prime's words, "There is a reason why they only made eleven units and not hundreds like the other models made during their time. It is to keep 'order' within the models and they limit their capabilities to ensure that they do not get… 'out of control'. For instance, Shining Knight's model, Exo Phoenix Unit Eleven, are indeed crafted with the same ore of their predecessors however, the humans who made them ensured that they are mixed in with 'cheaper' ore to make the models more... malleable."

"Malleable?" Ianos watched as the flickering blue screen turned to face Cayde, the line slightly wavering as Prime hummed at the Hunter Vanguard's question, "If you crafted a model that was deemed 'defective' but the 'shell' you gave it was sturdier than expected, would you not craft the newer one with less 'density' to make it easier to take it apart?"

At first confused at Prime's words, Ianos shifted his gaze over to the Exo Hunter, only to pause as he saw Cayde's pale optics wide and his hands intertwined tightly, "So, you're saying that the humans who created the Unit Elevens did that to make it easier to take the models apart?"

"Correct." The Awoken Warlock froze at Prime's answer, "And they were not the first. With each following Unit, their plating was slowly condensed with differing ore to make their 'shell' more permeable to damage or, in the humans case, easier to 'dismantle'. The Unit Elevens were considered to have the 'perfect' plating; able to take enough damage to be not deterred from their objective but weak enough where a single high powered shot to the head is enough to take them out, 'and' to limit their capabilities on what they can absorb." Prime turned to the rest of the room, "You saw how Knight took in that Warlock's void light with little effort, correct?" Ianos stiffly nodded at the Golden Age AI's question, "Now the only reason he was able to counter is that the attack came at Knight with a reasonable speed. But what happens if the light moved a tad bit 'faster' and more 'condensed'?"

Taking in Prime's words, Ianos wrung his hands together, his pale azure features scrunching together behind his visor as he responded, "Knight would be unable to absorb it?"

"Correct." Another hum escaped from Prime, "This also applies to the energy of the Darkness as well. Unless it is coming at Knight with a decent amount of power and speed, he will be able to take it in but that is all in theory. As I have stated before, the humans back in the Golden Age know plenty well of the chances of an rebellion amongst the Phoenix ranks. The chances of him being a threat when out in the field is minimal and he is the last thing you organics should be concerned about."

"You are saying to let Knight stay? Unsupervised?" Ianos turned and glared at the female Warlock, "This maybe all in 'theory' but what if it is true? What if he is able to absorb the Darkness? And considering his history, more than likely he will use it against us or more specifically, the 'organics' of this City."

The Awoken Warlock heard Prime let out a sigh, "As I have said many times before, it is all in theory. The chances of Shining Knight being able to absorb the Darkness is as low as 7.2 percent and even then, he has a 1.6 percent chance of survival. Your worry is unprecedented Lady Ikora, you should place it elsewhere."

Seeing the frown on Ikora's dark features, Ianos couldn't help but let a smirk flash behind his visor as Prime turned to Hush, the child Guardian beaming brightly as the Golden Age AI stated, "I see you are playing hide and seek, child Hush, but would you like to play a game of 'tic-tac-toe' with me instead?"

Watching Hush nod furiously before slipping out from beneath Cayde's cloak, Ianos kept an eye on her up until she reached one of the screens attached to the wall, Prime's familiar horizontal line flashing onto the glass before the Awoken Warlock turned his focus towards the Vanguard, "It may be a matter of opinion, but considering Prime is an AI created back during the Golden Age 'and' had created the base programming for majority if not 'all' of Exo, I would say I agree with their words."

"Perhaps." Zavala hummed, bringing his hand to his chin as he added, "However, Prime had hardly been at the Tower for a year; they had not seen the tragedies of Guardians turning 'dark'." Ianos frowned at this, "Nonetheless, we shall trust Prime's words. We shall let Shining Knight stay in the Tower but under careful surveillance until it has been confirmed his 'ability' is not a threat towards the Tower and the City."

"Why not put them under Fireteam Redacted's watch?" With wide eyes, Ianos slowly turned his gaze towards Cayde, the Awoken Warlock easily sensing the blank stares the Exo Hunter received from his fellow comrades, "What? I say it's perfect. Shining Knight is already comfortable with Hunter Angel and Titan Akiva, and let's not forget to mention that he is 'still' bunking in with Ianos here." If Cayde sensed the blank stare he received from Ianos, he showed no sign of it as he continued "With his abilities, I would rather have him with someone who he trusts than a brand-new team where he will immediately shut himself away. We won't make progress like that."

"Cayde does bring up a point," Ianos let another smirk form onto his features at Ikora's frown, hearing Zavala continue, "If we are to quickly learn of Knight's allegiance 'and' his capabilities, Fireteam Redacted is the best solution."

"Perfect," The Awoken Warlock turned his focus back onto Cayde as the Exo Hunter let out a clap, "So, it's official then." The Hunter Vanguard turned his pale optics towards Ianos, "Shining Knight is now part of your Fireteam, Ianos."

Xxxxx

Shining Knight sat in his seat as Sunny Day lowered the screen of the feed, barely noticing the white Ghost turn their white optic towards him, "Great play, huh? You helped win that round thanks to affiliating with your light last minute."

Opting to say nothing to his Ghost, the Exo Warlock instead pushed himself out of the chair and stumbled over to the bed, sensing the bewildered stare from Day as he took a seat, "Knight, you alright?"

Glancing over at his Ghost who still hovered above the table, all the Exo Guardian can manage to force out was, "That was not me."

"What?" Seeing Day twirl their back fins in bewilderment, Knight buried his face into his hands as he added, "That was not me, Day. 'I' didn't do that."

"I-I do not understand." The familiar hum of his Ghost gliding closer rang into the Exo Warlock's auditory sensors, "I recall Angel saying that utilizing your light gave you a lapse of-"

"It was 'not' that, Day." Knight forced his face out of his hands as he locked his optics onto the Ghost's, "I- I can't explain it but looking through that feed, looking back at 'me' doing that it just…" He sighed, placing his hands onto his lap as he turned his gaze downwards, his shoulders slumped, "That's not me, Day. It's not me."

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

The Exo Warlock suddenly perked up, "That voice…"

A hum from Day, "What?"

"I heard a voice." Knight turned to face his Ghost, "Right before I blacked out, I heard a voice ringing in the back of my mind. It sounded like me but…" He paused, "But it wasn't."

Another hum from Day, "What did this voice say?"

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

"That…that doesn't really make any sense."

"I…I know." Another sigh escaped Knight as he turned his gaze back towards the floor, "But I have a feeling that it has to do with that gap in my memory, and maybe perhaps how I was able to utilize my light."

Silence then permeated through the room, the Exo Warlock hearing nothing but the small buzz of Day hovering near his shoulders, "… You don't believe me, do you?"

"Knight." The Exo Guardian's shoulders slumped, "I feel like the stress of the assessment is getting to you. Perhaps you should get some rest, get your mind off of things for a while."

"But…" Knight turned his white optics towards his Ghost, letting the small drone's words sink in, "… perhaps you're right."

He then saw Day bob once in agreement, "Come on, let's get you out of that armor. I highly doubt you'll be able to rest in that."

Xxxxx

The familiar sound of footsteps rapping lightly on the tiled floor slowly forced Day out of their slumber, causing the Ghost to let out a groan as they forced themselves into the air; was it Hush again? The child Guardian had a habit of wondering around in Ianos' quarters at night whenever she snaps awake; even at her age, she has her own silent demons when asleep. However, as the white shell Ghost forced the sleep out of their optic, Day glanced upwards only to pause when the familiar form of Knight entered their vision.

"Knight?" Day glided over to the Exo Warlock, the latter of which stood silently at the doorway of the guest room, the door wide open for the Exo Guardian to peer inside, "What are you doing?"

Gaining no answer as a response, concern lingered into Day's mind before they once again paused, their optic going wide as their gaze hovered over Knight's form; instead of the original white lights that they had grown accustomed to, red lights peeked between the white plates of the young Guardian, his optics blazing with the same color as he kept looking straight ahead. Worry still growing in their core, Day followed Knight's gaze, coming to a stop upon Ianos's and Hush's sleeping form, the latter of which curled close to the older Warlock's chest; the pair must have returned to their quarters when Day and Knight had gone to rest. Glancing back at the Exo Warlock, Day then watched as Knight's gaze shifted towards Hush's form and immediately, they reeled back when the hardness of their Guardian's gaze softens, and the red lights shifted to a shade of light green; the white shell Ghost decided it was a good opportunity to break the still silence, "Knight? You alright?"

No sooner had the question left them when Knight's gaze suddenly snapped onto Day, the Ghost reeling back as the look of surprise flashed over the Exo Warlock's optics before the lights resumed to the familiar shade of white. Then, just before Day can comprehend on what just had occurred, a small smile formed onto Knight's features, "Hello Day, didn't notice you there."

"Didn't notice?" Doubt formed in Day's mind, "How can you not notice me when I was literately hovering in front of your face?"

Knight shifted his shoulders up and down, "Was deep in thought."

"…Right." Day twirled their back fins, narrowing their optic at the Exo Warlock, "What were you doing?"

"Want to get some fresh air." The Ghost reeled back at the sudden change in subject, "Would you like to come?"

"Uh, yes?" The answer came more of a question but this didn't seem to deter Knight as the Exo walked over to the doorway, and pressed the panel to get it open before stepping outside, uncaring if he only wore a black under suit, let alone the absence of shoes. Letting worry continue to hover in their core, Day followed the Exo Guardian outside, coming to a pause near his shoulders as they continued to walk.

"Knight, is everything okay?" Day waited for a response; they received none, "Are you still bothered over the fact that I didn't believe you?" Again, no response, "Shining Knight, you are worrying me."

"I apologize," The Ghost paused at the answer, "I just need fresh air." Day watched as Knight turned and gave him another smile, "If you do not mind."

Suspicion and concern lingering strongly in their mind, Day bobbed once to give the Exo Warlock an answer, continuing to follow the young Guardian in silence as they made it out into the Plaza. As expected, it was empty, the stars in the sky the only thing illuminating the walkway as the pair slowly made their way down the steps and onto the railing. Then, Day watched as Knight placed his hands on the rails and leaned in, his white optics staring deeply at the lights of the City below.

"The people living here." Day blinked, "are they all humans?"

Momentarily silent, the Ghost opted to wait, watching Knight's gaze linger over the lights of the City before they responded, "According to everyone we had spoken to, no. Awoken and Exo also live down there."

"In harmony?"

Day reeled back at the Exo Guardian's words, "According to Ianos, not a hundred percent." The Ghost cautiously edges closer to the rails, peering over the edge to eye the buildings closest to the foot of the Tower, "The citizens living close to the Tower, yes. However," They then glance upwards, slowly trailing the lights furthest away from the home of the Guardians, "The farther you venture from here, the less 'tolerant' the citizens are."

"So, nothing has changed then?"

Day snapped their white optic back towards Knight, "I beg your pardon?"

Instead of an immediate response, the Ghost reeled back as the white lights shifted to red, the anger clear in Knight's optics as the Exo Guardian's grip on the railings tighten, Day hearing the metal bend and scream in response. However, just as quickly as the rage shifted into Knight's gaze when it suddenly dissipated, and the Ghost watched as his grip on the railings relaxed before pushing himself away, "Sunny Day?"

The Ghost's optic slowly trailed over to Knight's, seeing the Exo Warlock give him another small grin, "Is it possible for us to take a trip into the City?"

Letting out a sputter at the Exo's question, Day barely had the time to put together a response before Knight turned and walked up the steps towards the Hangar, prompting the Ghost to follow. As they caught up with their Guardian, Day came to a pause as their gaze stopped upon Knight's face; the life that once filled the white optics were gone. Instead, they were filled with a sense of bareness, the blank look on the Exo Guardian's features giving nothing away. Day gulped at this, opting to hover behind as Knight continued to make his way towards the ships; the Ghost had slowly come to realize that any protest won't stop the Guardian currently in front of them. All doubts that they had of Knight's theory was now completely gone, the suspicion and worry now beating strongly in their mind. The Exo Warlock was right to say the Guardian in the feed was not him, for whoever was walking in front of Day, was not Knight.

Anyone remember Prime? No? Okay, for those who don't know, Prime is a Golden Age AI that appeared in Tormented, and their primary function back then was putting in 'programs' into Exo based on their appearance and classification, and as such, has the basic knowledge of each models basic function. They were brought back to the Tower near the end of Tormented and has been a residence since, just going where they are needed.

Anyways, hopefully this chapter will clear up a bit of things lol