Redacted

I Don't Know

I'm not late for an update for once lol. On time! Whoot! Whoot! Anyways, thanks to TidalKiller, Mantic64, AQY, DisobeyedBowl6, and Lazypersons for the review!

She woke up with a start, her glowing eyes snapping open before abruptly sitting up, easily throwing the covers off from her chest as she fixated her gaze at the doorway. Immediately, her eyes locked onto glowing green optics, watching the Exo standing at the doorway jerk back as if startled by her waking. Blinking to ensure that she was not seeing things, the child Guardian smiled and waved; although she recognizes the white plating of Knight, she doesn't recognize the one currently behind the gaze, easily reading the softness as of another persona.

No sooner had she lowered her hand from her wave, Hush then saw the Exo tilt their head slightly, their green lights fading into white as if flustered at the notion of being caught, causing the child to lift her hands over her lips and giggle.

"Hush?" The young Titan turned her attention to her side, watching Crystalline's form groggily lift herself from the dresser, "What are you laughing at?"

Pointing her hand at the doorway in response to the female Ghost's question, Hush turned her focus back towards the Exo, only to slowly lower her hand and reel back when the white plated Warlock was missing; although she did hear the familiar hiss of the door sliding open. Curiosity peaking within her chest, Hush threw the covers off of herself, pausing as she heard Ianos let out a grunt, and then slid off the bed when she still heard his even breathing.

"Hush?" Crystalline's muted voice reached her ears, "Hush? Where are you going?"

Opting to ignore the female Ghost's words, Hush walked out of the room, just in time to see the Exo walk out into the hall. Both bewildered and interested, the child Guardian ran out, hearing Crystalline let out a yelp behind her as the silent 'whish' of the door closed behind them.

"Hush, it's late, I'm tired, and – why in the Darkness is Knight up and moving about this late in the night?"

Smiling at her Ghost's words, Hush pressed herself against the wall before tiptoeing after the white clad form of the Exo Warlock, following his even and steady strides as they made their way into the Plaza. Then, seeing Knight turn the corner, Hush scooted closer near the edge and then hesitated, peering over before her eyes lit up; the area was empty, one of the benefits of venturing this late out in the night. Letting out a silent cry of triumph, Hush then turned the corner to follow the Exo, only to let out a noiseless yelp as she felt her face and chest collide into another's, causing to her to take a few steps back as she glanced up with terrified eyes. The terror soon faded however as she locked onto familiar white optics, letting out clap of glee as she bounced on the soles of her feet. This notion wasn't the same with Crystalline.

"Knight, what are you doing this late out in the Plaza?" The female Ghost asked, Hush watching her glide near the Exo Warlock's face, twirling her back fins in irritation, "if you want to leave the room for some fresh air then at least –" She then paused suddenly, the hardened look in her optic fading, "Wait a minute. You're not Knight. You look like him but," The child Guardian then watched her focus her attention onto Day, the white shell Ghost jumping at the sudden shift of focus, "Day, what in the Darkness is going on?"

"Uh, well…"

"If you want an answer, then I may provide." Hush blinked at the Exo, watching Crystalline focus onto him, "I am Exo Phoenix Unit Eleven – Nine. It is a pleasure to make your acquiaintance."

Xxxxx

Knight took in a haggard breath as he awoke, his white optics glancing furiously around his surroundings: where is he now?

Pushing himself into a sitting position, he paused as his gaze fixated onto blank walls and no matter where he looked, only smooth white surfaces greeted him and, and where was Day? This prompted the Exo Warlock to push himself onto his feet, his white optics wide

"Day?" He called out frantically, glancing around the room, "Day, where are you?" Panic settled into his chest; this was the first time he was without the Ghost, "Day, this isn't funny."

"Day isn't with you currently, Knight."

Jumping at the intrusion of the voice, the young Exo snapped his head towards the source, blinking as what appeared to be a glass gleamed under the dim lights; how did he not notice that? Before he can further comprehend his surroundings, the familiar dark clad form of Pluto entered into his field of vision, prompting the Exo Warlock to dash towards the glass, and placing the palms of his hands against the surface, "Pluto, what's going on? Where am I?"

Instead of an immediate response, the white clad Exo reeled back when he saw the Exo Hunter's red optics narrow, "Knight, don't play dumb with me. You know exactly what is going on."

"No?" Knight watched the glare in Pluto's optics fade into one of surprise, "No, I don't. The last thing I remember is Day informing me that Quinn found Hush." He folded his arms against the glass, "I promise you, I am telling you the truth."

Watching the Exo Hunter scan him up and down as if he was meeting him for the first time, the young Exo blinked as Pluto stated, "Then, Day was telling the truth. That you wouldn't remember the Traffickers? Their deaths?"

"Deaths?" Knight took in a breath, "What deaths?" Seeing Pluto shift his gaze over to his bracers, the Exo Warlock followed his gaze only to freeze; there, against the white coloration of the cloth, were the telltale splashes of crimson, crawling up his armor piece and up to his shoulders. Taking several steps back with wide optics, Knight held out his hands as he slowly lowered his gaze to his chest, the familiar splatters of blood patterned against the white robes.

"Pluto." He lowered his hands back to his sides, his arms shaking as he added, "What did I do?"

A sigh emitted from the older Guardian, "You killed three humans. Three 'non-Guardian' humans." Knight froze at his words, "And the Consensus demanded for you to be trialed."

Fixating his white optics into Pluto's red, Knight attempted to search for any glean of lies, anything to tell him that the Exo Hunter's words were false, anything to tell him that he was dreaming; all he can see were a look of concern and bewilderment. This caused the Exo Warlock to let out a strained laugh, the edges of his voice cracking as he stated, "This, this must be some of kind of cruel joke." He started pacing in his holding cell, panic building up his chest as he added, "An unjust twist of fate." Knight let out another laugh, this one mixed in with a sob, "Is this because I blacked out? That those random bouts of obliviousness actually cause me to…" His voice faded, his white optics going wide, "Oh Traveler, those times I would find myself out in the streets. Those reports of a Guardian killing those Traffickers…" Slowly he turned his gaze back towards Pluto, "It's me, isn't it?"

"That's what we're trying to find out." Knight glanced away from the older Exo, "If Day is telling the truth, then their recordings should match up to those 'black outs' that the two of you are claiming about."

The Exo Warlock turned his attention back onto Pluto, "Day? They have them?"

His shoulders sagged in relief as Pluto nodded, "When we arrived at Hush's location, Day easily turned themselves in to make it easier to view their memory core. Although, not many believed them when they started muttering about, 'black outs' but according to you, it seems the two of you are telling the truth."

"But, it has to be more than just bouts of blackouts." Knight watched Pluto raise a brow at his words, "I mean, think about it. How is it possible that even though I am not conscious of my body, that somehow, I am killing these people?" The Exo Warlock pressed himself against the glass once more, "I, I can't help but think that there is something more behind this."

A hum escaped Pluto's lips, prompting Knight to keep his attention onto the thoughtful look in his optics before the Hunter added, "You do bring up a good point. And if it is true, then it will provide you a strong defense during your trial."

"Trial…" Knight's shoulder's slumped as he took several steps away from the glass and lowered his gaze to the floor, "You just had informed me but I had already forgotten."

"We're doing the best we can do ensure that you are cleared," The young Exo fixated his gaze back onto Pluto's, "Or at least, get you off with a light sentence."

"Light sentence?" Knight repeated, feeling a chill run throughout his limbs, "What happens if I am to be found guilty? What kind of sentence will I receive?"

Instead of an immediate response, all the young Exo received was silence, and he saw a flash of worry in Pluto's optics; this did little to ease his concerns, "Pluto…"

"I have lived through many trials," Fear crept up into Knight's chest, "and all I can say is this, all those who were found guilty, never saw the light of day again."

Xxxxx

"Ianos, calm down, you're going to hurt the kids."

Snapping his orange hues towards Akiva, the Awoken Warlock couldn't suppress the snarl that escaped his lips but nonetheless, forced his anger back down into his chest, feeling the sparks of arc light fade from his fingertips. This immediately caused Oraxsis to lose interest, the toddler scrambling away from Ianos' seat towards his sisters, the latter of which were in their own corner of Akiva's apartment, sorting through small blocks and puzzles; Neve insisted to ensure that none of them turn out to be 'hard headed' as 'those Titans'.

"I understand why you are upset." Ianos let out a scoff at the human Titan's words, the latter of which was seated across from him, "but Knight-"

"It was not Knight."

"Then whoever was in control of Knight's body killed those men."

"I say they had it coming."

"Ianos…"

"Trafficking has been a problem in the City ever since the population bloomed." The Awoken Warlock growled, "and we had allowed the FOTC a chance but after what happened to Hush, I say it was about time a Guardian went into streets to make them pay."

"But killing them?" Ianos let out a grunt at the Titan's words, "Knight or whoever that was killed more than just those men that took Hush, he had killed others. 'Many' of them if all the reports align to those blackouts that Day claims he is to be having. If he had killed them heartlessly like those men, then I say the Consensus has every right to be worried about him coming to harm the innocents."

The Awoken Guardian leaned forward in his seat and hissed, "But a trial? The last trial we had was back with Zakai when he lost control of his light. And his sentence was to be imprisoned 'away' from his Ghost until his light died. What's to say that they won't do the same with Knight? And he hasn't done anything wrong!"

Seeing Akiva's golden hues narrow at his words, Ianos watched as the Titan parted his lips, only for his attention to turn towards the entrance of the human Titan's quarters as a single cough permeated through the air. Standing there was Angel and Hush, the latter of which held the familiar black and white form of Faith in her arms, the cat letting out small mews as the pair entered the room.

"Angel? I thought you said that you were taking Hush for a walk." Akiva's question gained a shrug from the human Hunter as a response, saying nothing when the child Guardian waltzed over to Oraxsis and his sister's in the corner, "I was, but to where? Around the Tower? Can't exactly do that when she's already seen most of it. And I highly doubt she wants to take a walk around the City any time soon."

Turning his attention towards Hush in response to Angel's words, Ianos spotted the child Guardian showing off Faith to the toddlers before releasing her hold on the cat in order to work on the puzzles with the children. Watching the black and white feline slink off to who knows where in Akiva's quarters, the sudden reminder of Snowflake, Aleeza's cat now under Akiva's care, gaining some 'weight' came into his mind; although other Guardians have pets to keep their emotions in check, Ianos can't help but think that felines are soon going to boom in popularity.

"She's more comfortable here than anywhere else," The Awoken Warlock turned his focus back onto Angel and Akiva, "we'll just have to include her into our 'conversation' whenever she feels the need."

"You sure that's a good idea?" Ianos watched the human Hunter take a seat near Akiva, "Not only is she a newborn, but she's also a child."

"And a primary witness to Knight's case," The Awoken Warlock pointed out, "If she were to take the stand, then it is important she tunes in on our plans to ensure he is innocent."

"But who's going to believe us?" Angel leaned back in his seat, "That another personality or being took over Knight's body and killed those men?"

In response to the Hunter's question, Akiva shrugged, "Well you have to admit, Quinn did claim that he said he was not 'Knight' and that he was repeating again and again that he was 'not a Guardian'."

Ianos then watched Angel shake his head, "Even if it is true that there is indeed a second personality lingering in Knight's mind, how are we going to prove it? The Consensus are keen towards physical 'proof' than words."

Leaning back in his seat in response to the human Hunter's words, Ianos narrowed his orange eyes behind his visor before folding his hands neatly in his lap and stating, "I can only see one thing that can help Knight get out of this." He focused his gaze onto his teammates, "We have to get this second persona to appear at the stand."

"What?" Akiva straightened out in his seat, "But how? From what we know, this persona comes and goes as they please. Who knows when it will appear again?"

Frowning at the human Titan's words, Ianos couldn't help but mutter silently to himself; there were truth in Akiva's words. When the group went to visit Day during their confinement away from Knight, the Ghost admitted that this second persona had been around for a couple of months, and that he had promised them that they would keep their identity a secret. That was all they could pull out of the Ghost, although Day did state that the second persona is not a threat; at least, that's what the white shell Ghost had claimed.

"Wait, Akiva, you remember that time Echo attacked Knight after his assessment?" Ianos snapped his attention towards Angel, "Excuse me? Why was I not informed of this?"

Seeing the sheepish smile form onto the human Hunter's tan features, Ianos let out a grunt as Akiva responded, "Yes, I remember. What does this have to do with Knight?"

"You do recall him tearing off his helmet, correct?" Ianos shot the pair another glare; if they had noticed or not, they showed no sign of it as Angel continued, "The way he twisted Knight's head, it looked as though he wanted to see 'something', or more specifically, his numbers."

"And?"

"Well this is Echo's first meeting with Knight," The Awoken narrowed his eyes at the human Hunter's words, "How does he know where to look for those codes if that's what he was looking for?"

At first, confused at the younger Guardian's words, Ianos' eyes slow widen as it suddenly clicked, "Unless he was a Phoenix model himself."

"Excuse me?" Ianos felt Akiva's eyes fall towards him, "Echo isn't an Exo."

The Awoken Guardian frowned at this, "You mean we don't know if he is an Exo." He watched Akiva reel back at this, "No one has ever seen Echo's face. Traveler, I wouldn't be surprised if Pluto never seen him without his helmet."

"And this has to do with Knight, how?" Flashing his orange hues back towards Akiva, Ianos opened his mouth to answer the Titan's question, however, Angel beat him to it, "If Echo is indeed a Phoenix model, then he should know about Knight's second persona."

"In other words, he would know how to bring them out." Ianos finished.

Xxxxx

"Echo."

Hearing Reaver call out to him, the Exo Titan let out a grunt as he pushed himself away from his tools, propping the parts of his weapon down as he stood, "What?"

"Sensors indicate three Guardians just entered the floor." The Exo narrowed his white optics, "A Warlock, a Titan, and a Hunter." A hum then permeated from the black shelled Ghost, "It seems that they are looking for you."

Letting out a scoff in response to his Ghost's words, Echo raised a hand and instantly, the familiar form of his hand cannon materialized in his grasp followed by the HUD of his visor flickering to life, "If they are looking for me, they 'will' find me."

"Don't rough them up too much like the last group."

Hearing Reaver's form materialize into his helmet after he was finished speaking, all Echo responded with was a grunt before he headed towards the exit, letting the door slide open before stepping outside, "Where?"

"The hall where they had just entered to your right." Reaver responded, "just turn the corner and you should make contact."

Taking in his Ghost's words, Echo rolled his neck and shook out his arms, as if to warm up before he concentrated his light around him. Immediately, wisps of void light permeated from his form, spilling out onto the floor in a fog as the edges of his vision glowed violet, signifying his defenses were up. Hefting his hand cannon in his grasp, the Exo then dashed forward, sprinting around the corner before aiming his weapon and fired three shots. The familiar sounds of shields shattering rang through the air followed by a yelp of surprise, signaling Echo to rush forward as he condensed his void light into his fist.

Tracing his gaze over the three Guardians, Echo narrowed his optics; two of them were human, it wasn't hard to tell from the absence of their helmet. For the third, the Warlock, it was difficult to tell his features behind the darken visor, but to the Exo Titan, it wouldn't matter. They trespassed in his floor and now they are going to pay. Quickly making his decision to attack the Hunter, Echo quickly closed the distance, collecting void light into his hand as the human Guardian struggled to regain composure. However, before he can collide his fist into the Guardian's face, a single shot rang through the air followed by void light dispersing near his arm, leaving a cloud of smoke permeating between the two. Feeling his arm twist from the collision, Echo followed the motion, skidding around once to regain his footing.

"We're not here to fight." It was the Warlock, the latter of which lowered his sidearm, "We're here to talk, Echo."

Narrowing his optics at the three Guardians, Echo let out a snarl, "Why should I trust the words of organics?" Raising his hand cannon, the Exo Titan easily fired at the three, watching them disperse. Once again aiming his attention at the human Hunter, Echo twisted his aim towards him, his first easily breaking the Guardian's shields followed by a cry as his second shot struck him in the side, causing him to collapse to the floor.

"Angel!" Seeing the Titan rush towards his friend, the Exo Titan aimed his weapon at the human before letting out a scoff at the sight of him spreading out his hands, the familiar form of the Ward of Dawn flashing over their form, "You have to be kidding me?"

Pressing his feet against the floor, Echo focused all his light onto the soles before pushing forward, easily closing the distance before slamming the palm of his free hand onto the surface of the Ward. Then, as if alive, the void light permeating from his forearm latched onto the human's bubble, slipping into the surface and darkening its color. Watching the veins of his light slowly spread, Echo then pushed, feeling his hand easily slip through the surface and allowing the rest of his body access into the Ward. Then without another word, he raised his hand cannon and pressed it between the wide eyes of the human Titan, pulling the trigger without hesitation. Seeing the familiar pattern of crimson splatter on the front of his visor as the Ward instantly died with its caster, Echo quickly shifted his aim towards the Hunter, the latter of which let out a cry for his fallen comrade before the Exo pulled the trigger, silencing him.

"No!" Hearing a roar coming from behind, Echo only had enough time to turn before feeling a palm slam into his chest, mists of void light permeating through his vision as he stumbled back. Multiple shots then echoed through the air followed by a fog as the bullets caused his void shield to disperse, causing Echo to narrow his optics at the Warlock before slowly making his way towards him. Hearing the Guardian curse in response, the Exo Titan took long and steady strides, seeing the Warlock take slow and careful steps back in a vain attempt to close the distance. Feeling his body contort back from each shot, Echo let out a snarl of annoyance before leaping forward, using his light to propel himself before landing in front of the Warlock and snapped his free hand around his neck. Gaining a choke in response, Echo then easily lifted the Guardian from the floor, feeling him swing slightly in his grip. He then pressed his hand cannon to the Warlock's temple, "Any last words before I send you back to the top floor?"

With his past experiences, Echo expected mercy or at least some sort of panic in his gestures, but to his surprise, a strain chuckle was all received. This irked the Exo Titan, "What is so funny?"

Hearing the Warlock take in a rasping breath, it was only then Echo felt the familiar pressure of condensed light forming nearby. He glanced down at the hands of the Guardian, only to see the familiar powering form of a Nova Bomb forming in his palms.

"Can your Void Shield take on a point-blank Nova?" The Warlock croaked out before Echo watched the Nova explode into a brilliant flash of violet and white, causing him to let out a scream as his void light dispersed into fog, and releasing his grasp from the Guardian in a vain attempt to regain his composure.

It was then he felt the familiar presence of a barrel press underneath his chest armor, causing him to freeze and glower at the Warlock, although his anger soon dispersed as he took on his fellow Guardian's visage; it seems he hadn't taken in his own safety when it came to the small Nova. Some parts of his cloth armor were charred, specifically the chest area as it was scorched black, as if a fire had latched onto the leather piece. His helmet seems to have taken the most damage, the visor cracked and broken to reveal glowing orange hues, the latter of which were narrowed in fury and annoyance.

"Ready to talk? Peacefully?" Snarling at the Awoken's words, Echo attempted to raise his hand cannon only to pause as he saw the Warlock's finger press against the trigger, "Drop it."

Scowling at the Awoken, the Exo Titan reluctantly complied, dropping his weapon to the floor.

"I got him," Echo saw the Guardian focus his eyes over his shoulders, "You two alright?"

"Perfect." The Exo Titan narrowed his optics at the response, "Feels just like being in the Crucible."

Seeing the Awoken nod once, Echo gritted his jaw, half expecting the Guardian to pull the trigger in repentance of him taking the lives of his team. However, to the Exo's surprise, the Warlock simply lowered it, letting out a grunt as the familiar star shaped form of a Ghost materialized over his shoulder.

"That was reckless!" The Ghost exclaimed, Echo watching the latter beam their light into the seams of the Warlock's armor, receiving a hiss in response, "Blowing up an incomplete Nova just to break down his shields! Idiotic!"

"You had any other ideas?"

Hearing the Ghost grumble as they continued to grumble, Echo couldn't help but give the Warlock a glare, "You weren't intending to kill me?"

The Awoken reeled back at his question, "I beat you, that's enough. Is it not?"

Anger flashed in the back of his mind and Echo reached out with both hands, clasping down easily over the Warlock's neck as the latter let out a gasp and wrapped his hands around his wrists.

"What are you doing?!"

Ignoring the exasperated cries of the Awoken's Ghost, Echo's white optics flashed red as he tightened his grip, the chokes and gasps of the Warlock ringing in his auditory sensors.

"That kind of mindset will get you killed." Echo snarled out, "Do you think our enemies will have the same thought when they defeat you in battle?! Killing your enemy is the only sure way to stay alive!"

It was then he forced the Awoken's neck back, hearing him let out a short cry as he readied to snap the Warlock's neck. That was before he felt the familiar barrel of a rifle press against the back of his head.

"Shouldn't we kill him?"

Turning his optics towards the unit, he blinked as his fellow Exo tilted their rifle towards a human soldier, the latter of which glared at the pair, "Our orders were to kill all enemies on sight."

Flashing his gaze back and forth between the younger unit and the human, he shrugged, "We beat him in this fight and disarmed him, I say that is a victory."

Seeing a flash of confusion in the younger unit's gaze, he couldn't help but flash a smile at his fellow Exo, "When you grow more aware, you will understand."

The younger Exo tilted their head at his words, but nonetheless nodded, the older unit watching the younger reach up and finger the letters EXO/PHX Unit I – 10 on the side of their head, "Is that how you were able to gain 'sentience'? Growing aware?"

He chuckled at the question, "We are all sentient, brother. We just need time to grow, to learn."

Seeing the Exo tilt their head to the side once more, the older unit optics widen when what resembled a smile formed onto their features, "To learn, huh?"

A proud grin forming onto their face, the older unit jumped as the familiar sound of a rifle going off rang through the air, only for him to let out a scream as the younger unit in front of him, stumbled forward, their weapon dropping from their hands as they reached up to their neck, the exposed and sparking wires signs of the damage. Their optics wide, the older unit watched as the younger unit reached out with a choke, before collapsing onto their knees and then falling onto their side.

Tossing his weapon, the older unit fell onto his knees, his trembling hands hovering over the still form of his fellow Exo before a sob escaped the back of his throat, grief flooding his senses as he searched for any sign of life. That is when he heard a curse permeate through the air.

Instantly, his grief was replaced with rage as his white optics flashed red, turning his gaze towards the human, the latter of which struggled to reload the rifle in his hands; the same human that both he and the younger unit had let live. Letting a snarl form in the back of his throat, the older unit picked up his fallen rifle and marched towards the wounded form of the human, causing the latter to pause and glance up with fearful eyes.

"Wait, I can-" He didn't wait for the human to finish as he hefted his weapon, aimed it between the human's eyes, and pulled the trigger.

A roar escaped his lips as he rose back onto his feet, Echo hearing the Titan let out a curse, "Doesn't he stay down!?"

Turning his red optics towards the three, Echo took long and threatening strides towards them, his void light spilling from his hands.

"Enough!"

Pausing as the familiar black shelled form of Reaver materialized into view, Echo narrowed his optics at his Ghost, "Get out of the way."

"You have been beaten, Echo." The Exo Titan snarled at Reaver's words, "I say stop now, before we destroy not only this floor but the rest of the Tower as well." He paused, "I understand your reasoning for your isolation, Echo. But for now, let's see what they have to say." He then watched his Ghost turn and glare at the three Guardians, "Especially since they put up this much of a fight just to talk."

Letting out a grunt, Echo turned his narrowed optics at the three Guardians, the latter of which tensed their shoulders and raised their hands; they were ready to go on the defensive. This caused the Exo to let out a scoff, "Out with it. And quickly, before I decided to kill you."

Seeing the Hunter gulp at his words, it was the Warlock who stepped forward, "We need your help."

The Exo Titan immediately growled, "What makes you think that I am going to help a bunch of 'organics'. Begone."

"It is about Knight." The Exo Titan glared at the group, "If you are talking about his trial, what makes you think that I care about 'him'?" Echo easily sensed the narrowed glance he received from the Warlock, "He is only a shell of his former self, can't even remember his own model without asking his Ghost to read the numbers for him. Not worth saving an outdated Exo."

"How can you say that about a fellow Exo?" Echo froze at his words, "And don't try to deny it, we already figured out your true face." Giving the team another glare, Echo reached up and pressed the sealant under his chin, letting the hiss of his helmet ring in his auditory sensors before he removed the headgear, letting his red optics gleam dangerously at the team, "So, you think that just because I am an Exo that I can save him? Why not ask that Security Model that the three of you spend so much time with?"

"It is because he is not a Phoenix Model, unlike you," It was the Hunter who spoke this time, Angel, if Echo can recall correctly, "Akiva and I recall the day you attacked him after his assessment. It wasn't hard to put the pieces together that you are the same model."

"An 'older' model, mind you." Echo snarled, "and your 'Knight' friend is a model way beyond my activation. I can care less on what happens to him, especially since he wiped his memory 'clean' of his previous programming."

"Wait, you mean you're not willing to save him just because he gave himself a memory wipe?" The Exo Titan turned and glared at the Hunter, watching him take a step back, "Since you have figured everything out, then I can clearly say this. I care for nothing with the exception of the Exo who are of the Phoenix Models 'and' retain their original functions, their original 'memory'. Without one or the other, they are nothing more than a shell of their formers selves, just junk to be tossed away and be reused."

"How can you say that about Knight?" It was the Titan, Akiva, the latter of which took several steps forward, "Yeah he might have wiped his memory but he is still the same model. Just a different generation and trying to figure out who is he."

"Which is exactly why I cannot be bothered with saving him." Echo scowled, "There is a reason why I am seeking out Phoenix models and that is to gather enough of us to venture out of the City and create our own settlement, 'away' from the Traveler."

No sooner had he finished speaking when silence permeated from the three Guardians, prompting Echo to let out a grunt, "If you are done-"

"We're nowhere close." The Exo Titan let out a snarl at the Warlock, "There has to be a way to change your mind."

Echo scoffed at this, "What makes you think that I am willing to change my mind of a shell of a Phoenix Model."

"Perhaps he is not as 'empty' as you think."

The Exo paused, "What are you saying?"

"There are rumors stating that Knight wasn't the one who killed those men." Echo narrowed his optics, "But a second persona who took control." He watched the Warlock cross his arms, "My comrades and I collected enough evidence to incriminate him however, he had gone to 'sleep', and we are trying to find a way to 'wake him up', if you can understand."

"Oh?" Echo frowned, "And why is that?"

"We may have the evidence but many will just claim that it's a weak defense for Knight's life. My friends and I believe that if we bring out this 'second persona' during the trial, then Knight's innocence is assured."

Taking in the Warlock's words, Echo crossed his own arms, "So you want me to incriminate one of my own? Make them take the consequences of their actions?"

"Either that, Knight will be sentence to isolation, where his light will slowly die alongside with his life." The Exo Titan paused at the Awoken's words, "In other words, this second persona will die alongside with him as well."

Contemplating on the words of the Warlock, Echo glared at the Awoken, "And what makes you say that this 'second persona' is the original program of the unit?"

"We don't." Echo frowned as the Warlock approached and leaned in as he added, "But do you really want to risk that?"

Watching the Warlock turn his attention towards the others of his team, the Awoken simply raised a hand before walking past the Exo Titan, prompting the others to do the same. Hearing their footsteps fade into the halls, Echo let out a grunt before letting his arms fall back to his side and slowly made his way back to his quarters.

"Do you think he is telling the truth?" Echo focused his optics onto his Ghost, the red lights slowly dimming back into the familiar white, "About this 'second personality' within Shining Knight's mind?"

Staying momentarily silent, the Exo Titan waited until they reached his quarters, watching his door slide open and taking a step inside as he responded, "Hard to say, it is not easy to tell if organics are telling the truth or if they are lying between their teeth."

"Then do you think we should help out this Shining Knight?" Echo turned and frowned at Reaver, "It might be a lie but then again, we have waited years to meet another Model like yourself, albeit, a more recent unit." Pausing at his Ghost's words, the Titan walked over to his desk and took a seat as the black shelled Ghost added, "Are we going to risk this chance? That there's this small possibility that this 'Shining Knight' still holds the original memories of the unit?"

Taking in his Ghost's words, the Exo Titan glanced down at the tools on his desk before reaching over and used the back of his arm to slide them to the side, giving him room to prop his arms onto the surface, "For once, Reaver. I don't know." He placed his face in his hands as he repeated, "I don't know."

And there we go! The end of the chapter! :D

Just for clarification, the reason why I kept calling Ianos, Angel, and Akiva as 'Warlock, Hunter, and Titan' respectively is that Echo doesn't know their names. At least, not yet.