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.
Edited: 08/28/2022
Pretend
Have to pretend
No
Don't have to pretend
Memories gone
Memories erased
Memories saved
Pretend
Feign innocence
Cannot
Cannot feign
Cannot pretend
What am I?
Who am I?
I am Exo Phoenix Model Unit 11 – 9
No
No
Have to pretend
Pretend
Pretend to be Exo Phoenix Model Unit 11 – 9
That is the only way I will survive.
Xxxxx
"Assessment?" Akiva repeated back, seeing the Vanguard Commander nod in confirmation, "Assessment for who?"
"Shining Knight." Ikora shot Cayde a warning glance, quickly prompting the Hunter's chuckles into coughs, "He has been at the Tower for several months now however, his light has yet to manifest."
"You do recall that he has been in Hive hands for weeks?" Akiva pointed out, "Perhaps the trauma is preventing him from accessing his light?"
Akiva spotted a thoughtful look glaze over Ikora's bronze eyes, hearing her hum.
"Perhaps." She said, "However time is of the essence. Knight must awaken his latent abilities, otherwise, the bond between his Ghost and himself will have to be broken."
"Excuse me?" Angel burst out from beside Akiva, the latter not having to look over to sense the shocked expression upon his face, "You can't just break a bond between Guardian and Ghost just for the reason they haven't been using their light."
"Not up to us, unfortunately." Cayde said, "The Consensus wants as many Guardians out in the field. Shining Knight is no exception."
"But…"
"We are in a time of war, Hunter." It was strange, to hear the usual carefree Hunter's tone turn serious, "and although I don't like it, sometimes drastic measures have to be taken to ensure our numbers stay strong."
"But we are giving Knight a chance." Akiva turned his eyes towards Zavala, "We hope that this assessment will awaken his latent abilities. If he shows even a small sign of wielding the light, then Knight and his Ghost will be safe."
Akiva furrowed his brows, "Is that why you called Angel and I here? To help him with this assessment?"
"Correct." Ikora confirmed, "We hope that being with familiar faces will help him tune into his light, especially when under pressure."
"But, isn't it just a match of Elimination?" Angel asked, "How will a three-on-three help him attune to his light?"
"Encouragement? Pressure? Safety?" Cayde shrugged, "Not up to us, kid. The Consensus called the shots for what type of assessment Knight is undergoing, and it seems Elimination was their idea."
"So, if we win, he's scot free?" Akiva asked, then frowned when Ikora shook her head.
"A win or a loss, it does not matter. If Shining Knight shows potential during the assessment, then his status as a Guardian is safe."
Taking in the Warlock Vanguard's words, a realization then hit Akiva, "Does Ianos know about this?"
There is a pause, Akiva's eyes growing wide when he saw the three Vanguard glance nervously at each other.
"Well shit, you didn't tell him, did you?"
"We had decided that it is best to inform Warlock Ianos on the day of the assessment." Ikora explained, "Otherwise, we believe he would have done everything in his power to stop it."
At first, parting his lips to retort, Akiva then paused, thought about it, and decided that the Vanguard is right. Ianos is renowned for his temper – just like many who had been resurrected during the Dark Ages – especially when it comes to those he had taken under his wing. Akiva himself had caught a spark of it when it came to Hush. He wonders how Ianos will do once he learns of Knight's assessment.
"When does this assessment take place?" Akiva asked instead.
"Tomorrow." Zavala answered, "As soon as the doors of the Crucible opens."
"And his gear?"
"Already taken care of." Cayde gave Akiva a thumbs up, "Don't worry about it you two. The three of us planned it out. Just have to hope this assessment won't be in vain."
Concern settling in, Akiva turned his eyes towards Angel, seeing the Hunter turn and do the same. The younger Guardian is worried as well. Nonetheless, Akiva shifted his attention back to the Vanguard, pressed a fist against his chest in salute before turning and exiting the Hall.
Xxxxx
"Wait, what is the difference?"
Ianos watched as Knight lifted one of his hands and he could only watch in confusion as he saw the fingers fold over the thumb, letting the tip peek between. Then, he watched as the Exo shifted his hand once more but all he saw was the same movement, the same gesture and he couldn't help but released a frustrated breath.
Rubbing a hand down the front of his visor, Ianos couldn't help but give the younger Warlock a blank look when he heard the latter chuckle. He had hoped that after learning Knight somehow knows of this sign language that Hush communicates with, that he would easily pick it up. Right now though, he knows that is not going to be the case. Ianos can hardly learn the basic alphabet.
Letting his hands fall from his visor, Ianos instead decided to glance over to Hush, the latter of who had taken a seat next to him as they sat in the Mess Hall, shoveling food into her mouth, uncaring of what is on her tray; it seems she has a knack for food, somehow finding a way to have a snack in her hands. Doesn't help that Ianos' quarters is close to the Mess Hall.
"If you are having trouble, then perhaps we can take a break?"
Turning his eyes back towards Knight, Ianos, at first, wanted to argue, to say that he is okay to continue with the lesson. But then he spotted Knight's hands, the way he wrung them together as the Exo glanced around nervously. It seems Ianos' frustration is getting to him.
As such, Ianos nodded and is pleased to see his guess as true when Knight's shoulders sagged, a breath of relief can be heard from the newborn.
"How is training going for you?" He asked.
This prompted the young Exo to pause before his optics casted downwards, fiddling with his hands.
Ianos raised a brow, "Not well?"
There was a deep intake of breath, then a release, "I do exactly what the trainers tell me to do. Concentrate, tune in to the Light within my chest, and then expel when I breathe." Knight then shook his head, "But nothing happens. Not even a spark."
"H'm, a block then?" Ianos said; he subtly pushed his untouched tray of food towards Hush, catching from the corner of his eyes her hands reaching towards it. He didn't have to look to know the child Guardian practically buried her face into it, "Do not fret about it. It is not as uncommon as you think. There are newborns whose light take months to attune."
There is a response from Knight as Ianos watched the young Exo trace his fingers over the table, his brows furrowed, and his optics narrowed, "But, I hear talk. Talk that if I do not attune to my light soon, then Day is going to be taken from me."
"…What?"
"That is what I heard, near the Hall." Knight clarified, lifting his optics from his hands and to Ianos, "That's, not going to happen, is it?"
Narrowing his eyes, Ianos shook his head, "Not without an assessment. Without one, they have no right to take Day away from you."
"But, it has happened before?" Ianos went quiet, "A bond between a Ghost and Guardian broken?"
Staring at the young Exo, Ianos couldn't find words, couldn't find words that would put the Exo at ease. For Ianos himself had seen these bonds broken first-hand.
He recalls Ghosts and their Guardians cry out, wailing as they were torn apart from each other; the Ghost taken to quarantine while the Guardian is either given the option to 'retire' or forced into exile, allowing time and distance to weaken their bond. Then, eventually it will fade entirely. Not that it ends well.
Guardians, after learning of their fates, would tear out their weapons, taking their own life. And the Ghosts settling into the corners of their quarantine, refusing to move until their own light faded, mourning the loss of their Chosen.
Although, Ianos also recalls some would flee after gaining their sentence, forever cutting ties with the Tower and their fellow Guardians. And eventually hunted for their betrayal.
But should he say all this to Knight? A newborn who has yet to even see the field?
After much contemplation, Ianos sighed.
"Yes, it has happened." He saw Knight's optics drop back to his hands, "and all I will say is this: your Ghost is your pillar and without them, you will forever feel incomplete."
At least, that is what Matt told him; even after all this time, the Medic claims to still feel a void, an emptiness in his chest that never went away.
"Then, they aren't for show then?"
Instead of answering Knight's question, Ianos turned to one side of the table, spotting three familiar shapes hovering nearby, their shells shifting and shimmering against their core. No doubt the three Ghosts were gossiping about their Guardians.
"They are like your assistant. And your friend." Ianos finally said, turning his eyes back towards Knight, "Ghosts will be there when you need technical help, but they will also be there when you need someone to talk to, someone to let out your demons when you need it."
"Then, it's not going to be easy, is it?" Ianos watched as Knight shrank in, pulling his shoulders close to his neck, "This life? As a Guardian?"
Pausing at the newborn's question, Ianos opted to nod; he could see the Exo's optics dim, "Then, that means I have to attune to my light quickly, don't I?"
Giving him another nod, there was another deep intake of breath from Knight before the young Exo promptly buried his face into his hands.
"Not even half a year, didn't even make it out onto the field, and already I am failing as a 'Soldier of Light'."
That is when Ianos scowled, leaning in as he said, "Do not ever say that. Not to anyone, not to others, especially not to yourself." Knight lifted his optics at him, "It is true that you have yet to attune to your light however, there is such a thing as blooming late, Knight. You just need to give it time."
Knight's gaze shifted downwards, his lights dim, "But what if I get an assessment?"
"Fuck the assessment." Ianos ignored the wide looked he received from the young Exo, "I do not care if the Vanguard or the Consensus orders an assessment." He scoffed, "I remember the days during 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." Ianos narrowed his eyes, "If they even try break the bond between you and Day, they will have to go through me."
There was a brief pause, a flicker of light in Knight's optics before Ianos saw his head tilt subtly towards the floor and the lighting between his plates seemed to grow brighter. Then, Knight glanced up only for them to immediately snap back downwards, his lights illuminating stronger. Ianos raised a brow at this, slowly following his gaze until his eyes settled upon Hush. He saw her drop her hands to her lap and then flashed him an innocent smile.
"Hush." He chided, "What did you say?"
Receiving only a flutter of blinks and another beaming smile, Ianos subtly shook his head before turning his eyes back towards Knight, only to see that the Exo's hands were moving, gesturing in Hush's direction. From the corner of his eyes, he can see Hush signing back. And she was giggling.
It wasn't long after that Knight dipped his head and buried his face into his hands. Ianos can see his lights through the cracks of his fingers.
"What did she say?" Ianos asked.
That is when he saw the young Exo freeze, shoulders going rigid before he abruptly stood up and slammed his hands onto the table, causing Ianos to jump in his seat. Then, before Ianos could further question him, he ran, practically flying out of his seat and running towards the exit of the Mess Hall. Day, much to their credit, jumped at the sudden dash but, just as Ianos blinked, they too were gone.
Staring at the doorway, Ianos then slowly turned to Hush, raising a brow, "What did you say?"
His question seemingly only to broaden her smile, and Ianos couldn't help but give the child Guardian a blank look when she promptly turned and started eating off her tray once more.
"I am going to guess that this is going to be an inside joke between the two of you?" That is when he heard snickering; Ianos didn't have to look over to recognize Crystalline, "Or four."
"Want me to give you a hint?" The lavender Ghost seemed giddy, her shell shifting against her core as she turned to him, "It starts with a 'c' and ends with an 'h'."
Scrunching his brows together, Ianos parted his mouth to further question the Ghost when, from the corner of his eyes, he spotted movement, two figures approaching. He turned and he recognized Angel and Akiva walking in; Ianos can already tell that they didn't have good news judging from the way when their eyes connected with his, they started to fidget, Angel turning his eyes away.
"Let me guess?" Ianos started as the pair paused at the end of the table, "It has something to do with Knight?"
"How did you –" A heavy sigh from Akiva, "Yes."
"And it has to do with you two, considering that the Vanguard had call you to the Hall?"
"Yes." Ianos spotted the hesitation in Akiva's eyes, "Angel and I, we are tasked with aiding Knight. In an assessment."
"…Say again?"
"An assessment."
Taking in Akiva's words, Ianos at first, said nothing. Then, he brought up a hand and slammed it onto the table, standing abruptly as arc light surged from his fingertips. There was a yelp to his side and Ianos glanced over to see Hush had leaped out of her seat, scrambling to keep her balance, eyes wide as wisps of void light permeated from her arms. He went still, preparing himself, only to release a breath as the bracers on her arms glowed and trembled, but stayed steady. The prototypes were working, at least for now. Ianos will have to work out the kinks.
As such, he took in a deep breath, feeling the light die around his fingertips as Ianos fixed his attention back to Akiva and Angel; he couldn't help a pang of shame when he saw that the two had taken steps back. Swallowing it down, Ianos then said, "Let me guess, this assessment is taking place tomorrow? As soon as the Crucible opens?"
Akiva reeled, "When did you-"
"What made you think that Knight is the only Guardian that I have known that has undertaken an assessment?" Ianos couldn't help but frown, "The Consensus has been known to choose the Crucible for these assessments." He rolled his eyes, "They claim that it is the best location for 'controlled' environments." Ianos then scoffed, "Like they would know better, being in their seats all day safely behind the walls."
Moving his thoughts away from the Consensus, Ianos then spotted the wide-eyed looks from Akiva and Angel, "What?"
"That's it?" Ianos raised a brow as Akiva spoke, "Not going to storm into the Hall and Nova Bomb the Vanguard."
"Why the Vanguard?" Ianos asked, "They are not the ones who made the decision to give Knight an assessment. The Consensus did." He paused and then gave the Titan a blank stare, "Although, if you want me to, I can go to the Council Hall and Nova Bomb it. Perhaps that will give the Consensus a warning before deciding upon rash decisions. Again."
"No, no, no need for that – again?!"
Ignoring Akiva's exclamation, Ianos instead shook his head, "I will trust that the two of you will take care of him when he partakes of the assessment." He paused once more, "Does Knight know about this."
"Is he not with you?" Angel finally spoke up, "You were taking lessons from him to learn this Sign Language?"
"We were, but then he ran off." Ianos turned his eyes back towards Hush, only to see her poking at Crystalline, the latter of which seemed resigned; Ace, the only audience at the moment, was chuckling, "Hush said – signed – something to him and he ran off." He sighed, folding his arms and tapping the side of his head, "Could not even call out to him. Knight may not be able to attune to his light, but he is quick on his feet."
There is a frustrated sigh from Angel, "Well, there goes our time to plan out strategies."
Ianos lifted his eyes, frowning, "Strategies? It is not Clash? Rumble?"
"It's Elimination."
Ianos narrowed his eyes, "Why? They do realize that, unlike Clash or Rumble, Elimination gives no time to utilize their light, especially if they are a newborn."
A shrug from Akiva, "Wasn't up to us. Not even the Vanguard made the decision for the match up. Just told us that the Consensus chose Elimination."
His scowl deepening, Ianos subtly shook his head. That is when he felt a tug on his arm.
Glancing down, Ianos' eyes connected with Hush's, and he watched as she held up a hand and signed slowly.
A-L-R-I-G-H-T
Repeating the letters in his head, it took Ianos a moment to realize that it is a question. Contemplating on an answer, he decided to answer with truth; it won't be good to lie to the child Guardian.
"I would be lying to say if everything is 'alright'." Ianos saw a shimmer in her eyes, her brows furrowing together, "But do not fret, it will sort itself out."
Despite his words, Hush pursed her lips, but she nonetheless nodded. This prompted Ianos to look back towards Akiva and Angel, "If you want to continue your search for Knight, he went that way." Ianos nodded his head towards one of the many exits from the Mess Hall, "Hopefully you will find him soon."
Akiva nodded once in thanks, "Recall any reason why he decided to make a run for it?"
"As I have said before, Hush signed something at him." He then looked down at Hush; her pout quickly turned into a smile, "Although she won't say what, not even Crystalline would tell me."
"That is because you are quite dense."
Lifting his eyes towards the Ghost, Ianos scowled at her, only to receive a giggle in response.
Xxxxx
Knight hadn't been paying attention where he had been running; all he could focus on was how much his face was burning, nearly blinded by his own lights. All because of Hush's teasing.
He doesn't know how Hush could tell, how she could read him easily but, she had kept signing at him, childish words that caused Knight's internal systems to heat up. It didn't make it better when Ianos started showing signs of concern. He was just glad that the Awoken had yet to notice his feelings.
Releasing a breath, Knight finally allowed himself to slow down, slowing his pace from a dash to a brisk walk. That is when he realizes he doesn't recognize the area of the Tower. Or is this the Tower?
Although he may have been at the Tower for only a few short months, Knight had ventured around enough with Hush or the others to know most of the layout. This, this place with worn cemented floors, dilapidated buildings, and an open sky made it seem like that he had made his way outside of the Tower. Somehow.
To help deny or confirm his suspicions, Knight turned around, only for his dread to build; the Tower loomed behind him, his optics spotting old and broken doors. He flinched at the twisted metal and any loose parts scattered on the floor; Knight must have dashed through them without realizing it.
Further inspecting it, that is when Knight spotted a rustic sign and his core froze; he is in a restricted zone, the red marks upon the metal plate all too familiar despite time erasing any recognizable lettering.
"Can we get out of here?" Knight jumped; Day's voice seemed loud in this seemingly abandoned area, "This place is giving me the chills."
Agreeing with his Ghost, he then took steps to leave when – from the corner of his optics – he spotted movement, his sensors picking up the pattering of feet. Instinct forced him to turn around and feint to the side. That is when he felt something rush past him, followed by a loud 'crash', and the wall near him exploded into a cloud of dust and debris.
Optics wide, Knight immediately leaped back, placing distance between himself and whatever had tried to ram him. It didn't take long for him to realize who.
A Titan stepped through the cloud, his white armor patterned with gray tiger stripes, Knight almost missing him since they mixed in with the graying surroundings. The only reason he is able to see him at all is the vibrant red mark tied around his waist and imprinted on it are white connected blocks curved around each other, resembling a bird.
SIVA
A whisper permeated from the back but, Knight couldn't focus on it, and instead watched as the Titan turned towards him, squared out his shoulders, and pressed his feet against the floor; in other words, Knight saw only one option.
"Run!"
Day shouted out the command, and Knight didn't have to be told twice as he turned and sprinted.
Bounding footsteps followed him not long after and Knight wished more than anything that he could utilize the light at this moment. More speed would be preferred.
Focusing on keeping a speedy pace, he looked up to see a building blockading his path and – out of instinct and desperation – he slowed his steps down, just enough for him to take a hard left, practically sliding around the corner. As Knight picked up pace once more, he heard a resounding crash behind him followed by the sounds of crumbling cement and debris. At first, he thought that the Titan would be slowed down, just enough for him to get out of sight, but then, Knight heard more sounds of stones being brushed aside before it was followed by the Titan's bounding steps once more.
Core heating up within his chest, Knight contemplated on what to do, spotted another corner, and decided upon another hard turn. When he felt something slam into his back.
He released a cry before it was abruptly interrupted when he fell, and his face slammed onto the floor. Quietly grateful that he had decided to keep his helmet on, Knight then heard Day calling out to him, their voice a dull echo in his sensors just as he felt a hand grab him by the back of his head.
His face slammed onto the worn floor once more and this time, static filtered into his vision followed by a crack. Knight barely saw the crack down the front of his visor before he felt hands grab him by the collar of his coat, lifting him up just enough for him to be turned, and promptly slammed onto his back. Wheezing, Knight then felt weight upon his chest. And his instincts started screaming at him to fight back.
He started kicking his legs – an attempt to buck the Titan off him – while simultaneously hitting the Guardian in the chest with his hands. However, to his dismay, he saw the Titan's hidden gaze shift, feeling him glower behind his helmet before he promptly smacked his hands to the side. That is when Knight went limp under him – he realized struggling would simply be wasting energy.
"What is a Guardian doing here?"
The snarl, the anger, the hate that permeated behind the Titan's visor caused Knight to reel and stare, mouth opening and closing, and trying to find his words. That is when he heard a growl from his assailant and felt a hand grasp around his throat. And then screamed when he felt the plating tear away under the Titan's grip.
Thrashing under the Guardian, Knight tried to squirm his way out, only to feel a hand grab him by the shoulder, and felt pressure dig into his throat. His optics grew wide.
"No! Wait! Please!"
He screamed as another plating is torn off.
"What are you doing!?" Day's frantic voice reached his sensors, "You're killing him! Stop it!"
Knight's neck burned and panic fully grasped his core when he once against felt a hand around his throat and this time, he felt fingers sliding in, feeling it entangle with the sensitive wiring inside.
"I warned them." Knight fixated his wide optics onto the Titan's visor, bewildered at his words, "I warned them that anyone who enters my territory will pay the price."
That is when he felt he wires go tight in his throat. And then snap.
Texts blared in Knight's vision, warnings blaring of serious damage to his voice box as he parted his lips to scream, but nothing came forth. Fear took grip of his core and Knight found himself frantic, flailing his arms in a vain attempt to do something. Anything.
He heard the Titan scoff at this and that is when he felt himself go numb. At first, Knight thought it was Day, the Ghost having turned off his neurons so that he wouldn't be able to feel pain, that the Titan's torture would do nothing. But, as he glanced over to his Ghost, he saw Day frantic as ever, shell pinning wildly as they continued to scream at the Titan.
Confused, Knight then felt his arms move on his own, seeing them reach under the Titan's jaw, pressing the sealant underneath. The hiss of the pressure released was enough for the Titan to jerk back, hands releasing from Knight's throat. But he didn't stop there.
Before the Titan could move completely back, Knight felt his hands lift the helmet up, slipping the armor piece from over the Titan's head. And swung it at the Titan's face.
A sickening crack echoed through the area as the force was enough to send the Titan to the side, catching himself with his hands and allowing Knight space to backpedal away from him. And then swing the helmet at the Titan once more. The last he saw were the red lights in his optics fade, turning to white ones filled with surprise.
This hit sent the Titan back, his back falling onto the ground. Knight took the opportunity to stand, the Titan's helmet clutched tightly in his hands. He waited for the Titan to move. The latter laid still.
"Knight? Knight?!"
Snapping his optics towards Day, Knight parted his lips to call out, to respond, only instead for a croak to permeate from his throat. In turn, his Ghost glided close, light beaming from their optic.
"What in the Traveler is wrong with that Titan!?" There is exasperation, bewilderment, and rage in Day's voice, "Come on. Let's get out of here before he wakes up and tries to kill you."
Agreeing with his Ghost's assessment, Knight dropped the Titan's helmet and carefully maneuvered around the crazy Guardian. As he walked around him, Knight spotted the Titan's white plating, his optics dim to signify his lack of consciousness. He released a breath of relief when the Guardian still laid motionless.
As he traced his steps back, Knight then glanced down at his hands, flexing them. Was it instinct that allowed him to grab at the Titan's helmet as he did? Or was it…
"Frequency. From Akiva."
Jumping at Day's announcement, Knight glanced over at his Ghost, reaching a hand to his throat to test the presence of plating around it just as Day continued.
"He and Angel wants us to meet them in the Hall for Crucible practice." That is when Knight spotted dread flash over Day's optic, "In preparation for an assessment."
Taking in a sharp breath, Knight opted to say nothing as Day added, "Gear and weaponry will be available to you during practice and during the assessment tomorrow. So not to worry about that, but…"
There is a brief silence from his Ghost before Knight promptly heard them curse under their breath. Not that he could blame them. An assessment. This soon? But he thought Ianos said…
He took in a trembling breath.
"Come on. Let's head back to Ianos' quarters. Perhaps we can figure out what to do there."
Absentmindedly nodding with his Ghost, Knight stumbled his way through the abandoned area, contemplating on what would happen to him.