Redacted
The Assessment
Surprised that I was able to finish this chapter, considering how busy I have been all week lol. Anyway, watched the Destiny 2 stream yesterday and all I have to say that I am excited! Can't wait for it to come out! Although, the sequel to Destiny 2 just made me spawn more sequels to my story. There goes my plan to make this series a trilogy lol. Anyways, I apologize for the lack of original character appearances but the reason for this is currently, there are no areas where I can put them in. But don't worry, the chapter after the next one will have character appearances once more C:
Also, heads up. This chapter will be taking part in Knight's perspective for the entirety of it (I know, surprise right, considering how often I change POV).
Thanks to Wolfy Loveland, Lazzyperson, jsm1978, and DisobeyedBowl6 for the reviews!
Wolf Loveland - Thank you lol. You'll see why that Titan is a bit a *cough* a lot *cough* of a dick, although, it won't be answered until the next chapter :D
Edited: 09/11/2022
"You ready?"
Jumping in his seat, Knight snapped his optics towards Angel, the latter of which tilted his head at him, sensing his concern. Swallowing, he slowly nodded, prompting the Hunter to give a nod back then turn to Akiva.
The three of them were seated outside of a rusted building, Knight spotting large cannons placed inside – more than likely placed there to help keep invaders out when they need it. And he wouldn't be surprised if there were more stationed around, considering the number of buildings and walkways planted all around him.
Twilight Gap.
At least, that is the name he heard in passing from Akiva as the Titan muttered to himself. Judging from the way Pluto and Ianos had went stiff at the name, it is familiar to them but, Knight didn't bother to ask. He is a newborn after all and no doubt he will eventually learn of this place's significance. But now, Knight fidgeted in his seat as the three of them waited for another team.
"No need to be so nervous." He turned his optics towards Akiva, sensing a smile behind the Titan's visor, "You will pass this assessment. Just take a deep breath."
Hesitant, Knight decided to comply, breathing in deep before slowly releasing it. Then, he nodded once at Akiva, "Thanks."
Sensing the smile grow broader from the Titan, he then heard Angel's voice ring out.
"Do you know who we are facing?"
"No." Akiva hummed, "Let me check."
That is when his Ghost – Lex – materialized in his palm and a screen flashed from the Ghost's optic, the familiar colors of the scoreboard and headers clear.
"Let's see." Knight heard Akiva release another hum as he placed a hand under his chin, "Jamal, A Void Walker Warlock, Knoll, Sunbreaker Titan – there goes the chance for Ianos to spectate our match." Knight couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment, "and the final one is…"
Akiva's words suddenly came to a halt, prompting Knight to look on, bewildered.
"It's Echo."
There is a sputter from Angel and Knight – with a mixture of curiosity and confusion – asked, "Echo? Who's Echo?"
"Titan Echo." Akiva muttered, "Also known as 'The Reaper'."
"The Reaper?" Knight repeated.
Akiva nodded, "He's known throughout the Crucible for his capabilities as a natural born Defender, able to wield Void Light offensively just as well as defensively."
"What makes him hard to kill though is how he's able to coat himself in Void Light." Angel explained, "and if that isn't bad enough, melee fights are out of the question since his shields damages anyone who touches them."
"But, why Reaper?"
"Because he's known to wipe out entire teams. Alone." Knight's optics went wide at Akiva's answer, "Damn it, out of anyone to face, it has to be him."
"But it shouldn't matter, right?" Angel said, "The Vanguard said that all Knight must do is show that is able to wield the light. Then, even if we lose, Knight and Day can stay together." Knight felt the Hunter's eyes turn towards him, "We just have to find a way to coax the Light out."
This prompted Knight to gulp, gripping his auto rifle tightly in his hands as he watched Akiva continue to flip through the screen.
"Well, that and they seem clueless that this is an assessment for Knight." Akiva murmured, "their weapons are quite moderate. Two auto-rifles and a hand cannon. One shotgun, one sniper, and one sidearm. All three are using machine guns."
"So, they're just a bunch of Guardians that happen to be doing Elimination together?" Knight asked.
Akiva nodded, "Still, doesn't mean it will be easy." The screen dissipated, disappearing back into his armor, "especially with Echo on the opposing side."
Tapping his finger against his weapon, Knight went to ask, ask more on this Echo individual when text flashed over his visor, causing him to jump when Elimination illuminated over his vision.
"That's our cue."
Looking over to Angel, Knight's optics went wide when the Hunter crouched and then hefted a sniper in his hands, pulling a lever on it with a click.
"Angel is our back up." He turned his attention to Akiva, sensing a broad smile behind the Titan's visor, "his main job is to watch our backs."
"Don't count on me too much though." Angel said, "There are some Guardians who are quick with their snipers that they can literately just lift the scope and –"
A resounding bang echoed through the air followed by Knight seeing Angel jerk back, blood and viscera flying behind him to follow the shot's momentum. Then, there is another bang and this time, Knight felt something slam into the side of his head. Then everything went dark.
"I don't care if you have to pretend." He watched as brown eyes narrowed in concern, "Don't 'ever' do that again." Tears brimmed upon the edges of his eyes, "If you die because of me, because it is a part of your 'program', I will never be able to forgive myself."
Knight took in a rasping breath as life return to his body, collapsing onto his knees as Day hovered nearby.
"He got all three of us." It was Akiva who groaned, "Damn, that sniper is good. Must keep our heads low." That is when Knight felt a hand grab him under the arm, prompting him to use it to leverage himself back onto his feet, "Head to the buildings. There will be cover there."
Feeling Akiva's grip leave him, Knight then shook his head to shake off the worse of his stuttering vision and followed the Titan and Hunter pair. As soon as they stepped into a warehouse, Knight felt confined, squeezed in; perfect conditions to ensure a sniper is unable to fire within. But he knows now that peeking is a risk.
"We will make our stand here." Akiva announced, "That way they will have to come to us."
"Unless they wait until the counter hits zero."
Turning his optics towards Angel, bewildered, Knight barely had the time to part his lips to ask what he means when red highlights flashed onto his radar. He then saw Angel's and Akiva's shoulders tense, seeing their heads flick around towards the entryways around them.
Gulping, Knight couldn't help but jump when a resounding bang echoed in the room, just in time for the words "Akiva kills Jamal" with a symbol of a shotgun. However, as he turned to face the Titan, he instead saw his head jerk back, his body falling backwards. Then, just before he could fully comprehend the Titan's death, Knight heard another sniper shot, prompting him to turn towards Angel. He saw the Hunter lower his weapon. A confirmation kill flashed for the Hunter onto Knight's HUD.
That is when a crack rang around them.
Knight wasn't sure how he didn't see him, the Titan in red, but he had suddenly appeared out of nowhere and slammed into Angel. Knight didn't even hear him scream, release a shout of surprise, when the Hunter disappeared in a flash of blue. His core heated up when the Titan turned towards him and aimed a hand cannon.
Without thinking, Knight raised his auto rifle.
Panic had fully gripped his core by then and as such, he didn't even bother to check where he aimed and fired as soon as his hands allowed. Rapid fire rang in his sensors, hearing them pelt against the energy of shields. Before he heard his crash around him.
Taking in stuttering gasp, Knight kept his finger upon the trigger until he heard another set of shields break. Then, a scream. And silence.
That is when his finger released the trigger upon his weapon, his hands trembling as the text "Shining Knight kills Knoll" flashed onto his HUD. A point flashed for his team.
His feet trembling, Knight barely felt the ach of the hand cannon shots, let alone notice his shields refreshing, not until he felt a hand clamp down onto his shoulder. He jumped.
"Nice play."
Glancing over his shoulder, Knight saw Akiva, feeling the Titan giving him a smile before sliding his hand from his shoulder.
"They maybe a random team jumbled together but, shit." Angel stumbled onto his feet, Knight watching the Hunter flinch as he rolled his shoulders, "They take us out quick."
"We will learn how to read their movements." Akiva said, "And quickly too."
That is when Knight saw him glance over to the stairs. And jerk back.
"Knight! Out of the way!"
He snapped to Akiva's line of sight. Only to spot a familiar glint of a sniper rifle.
"I hate this!" He watched as his handler paced back and forth in their quarters; he had never seen him so upset before, "I hate how they force you all to partake in these tests! In these 'purges'! All because they don't want you to start 'thinking'."
"But our program-"
"Fuck your program!" He reeled at his handler's outburst, seeing the look of rage turn into one of grief, "Don't you want to speak freely? To be able to voice your opinions without being called 'defective'?" He then watched as his handler walk over and placed his hands onto his shoulders, "Don't you want to be free?"
Knight snapped his optics open, finding himself outside as he stumbled onto his feet. From the corner of his optics, he saw Angel and Akiva do the same as well.
"They weren't kidding when they say Echo can take out an entire team himself." He heard Akiva grunt as the Titan rubbed the back of his head, "We need to take him out first if we want a chance."
"On it."
That is when Angel ran over to some steps, the Hunter leaping onto nearby crates, and aimed his sniper at the opposing side. Watching carefully, Knight jumped when he fired the rifle with a bang. It wasn't long when the text "Angel kills Echo" flashed onto his HUD. Then swiftly, two more shots rang from Angel's weapon. His kills tallied quickly.
"Echo is not the only sniper around here."
Smiling sheepishly at Angel's boast, Knight then glanced nervously at the counter on his HUD, "It seems these rounds end quite quickly." He hesitated, shifting back and forth on his feet when he felt Akiva and Angel's eyes upon him, "Do you think there will be time for me to utilize my light?"
"Of course, you will!" Knight jumped at Akiva's sudden exclamation, "This is just a snipers game at the moment. If we can just close the distance – "
The familiar sound of a sniper shot rang through the air before once again, Knight fell into darkness.
"We can't continue being treated liked this!" He watched as his sister stormed around in their unit, barely circling the small space they were given; their group were being transferred to the field and all ten of them barely had enough room to even sit, "I am tired of being treated like an object, like 'property'!"
"Quiet!" One of his brothers hissed out, "Do you want the humans to hear you? Do you not remember what happened to the Unit 5s and 7s? They were all 'terminated' and 'scrapped'. All 'twenty' of them. Do you want to end up the same?"
"What do you want us to do then!?" His sister spat, "Pretend!?"
"Yes." He felt all optics turn to him, "If we want to survive. We must pretend."
"Fuck!"
Knight once again found himself outside and he can sense the frustration oozing from Angel as he shook his head.
"How can he snipe so quickly!?"
"We will worry about that later." Akiva said; he can easily hear the uneasiness in the Titan's voice, "But for now, this is heavy round."
Angel's shoulders tense.
"Hurry!"
Feeling a hand grab him by the arm, Knight decided to clamp his mouth shut and instead, struggled to follow and stay on his feet as they entered one of the buildings and ran up the stairs, coming to a halt as they came to another doorway. Glancing up as he felt the grip on his arm release him, the roar of gunfire rang around Knight, causing him to fall onto his knees, clutching his weapon tightly to his chest.
"Grab the heavy!"
Hearing Akiva yell through the roar of gunfire, Knight barely comprehended Angel's form sliding under the bullets, and looked up in time to see him come to a halt to a violet crate. However, just as his hand touched its surface, Knight saw the Hunter's head snap back followed by blood splashing onto the railing and floor. His body disappeared before it completely hit the ground.
That is when Knight heard Akiva curse and then promptly toss a grenade. Ducking down as it exploded, Knight looked up to see the reason why; two of the opposing team had tried to push. But he also saw them quickly gaining ground.
Hesitating, Knight contemplated on a solution before strapping his auto rifle to his back, lifted himself, and then propelled into a sprint.
"Knight! Knight what the fuck are you doing!?"
Ignoring Akiva's cries, Knight slid onto his side, barely feeling bullets graze against his shields before he leapt forward and pressed a hand onto the heavy ammo crate. The shell disappeared, and three violet cases fell to the floor. Snatching one, Knight turned and tossed it towards Akiva, watching as the Titan jerk back and then fumbled to catch it. As he turned to grab another, Knight then felt pain shoot from his jaw and sent him flying back, feeling himself skid across the floor before slamming into an opposing wall.
Wheezing as static flickered in his vision, Knight saw a shadow loom over his lap. He looked up. Then froze.
His optics spotted familiar gray stripes painted onto white amor, the red mark all too obvious around the Titan's waist. The Titan from the day before. And it seems he wasn't the only one who remembers.
The Titan in question tilted his head, Knight sensing a scowl behind his visor. He pressed his back against the wall when the Titan lifted his sniper, pressing the barrel against his chest.
"It's you." Was all he said before Knight saw him pull the trigger.
EXO/PHX Unite VIII – 5
This was the first time he had met another Phoenix model outside of his unit. However, unlike himself, he can easily see that this one lacks plating, metallic surfaces only covering the face and chest; they were slowly tearing this one apart.
"Here to see what happens to the 'defects'?"
He flinched at the question but nonetheless nodded, hearing his fellow Exo release a small breath. They were leaned against the wall upon a table, unable to move; the first thing they had deactivated was his mobility. He couldn't run away even if he wanted to.
"I am the last of my unit." He paused at his fellow Exo's words, "My brothers and sisters already dismantled." He heard them scoff, "All because one of us asked 'What is our purpose?'. It was a harmless question!"
Reeling at the other's outburst, he saw the unit turn their optic towards him, "You are one from the recent unit, correct? Barely created a while ago?"
He nodded.
"Then I have a piece of advice for you. No matter what happens, no matter what they do to you, no matter how bad it gets. Pretend." He saw a look of defeat in his fellow Exo's gaze, "Otherwise, you won't make it, at least, not if you try to be like 'them'."
Life returned to his body, enabling Knight to stumble back onto his feet in time to hear Angel let out a cheer.
"We won that round! Great play you two!"
"Honestly, I was caught off guard when Knight tossed me that synth that I am actually amazed that I was able to shove it into my rocket launcher."
Knight looked up in time to see Akiva looking his way, sensing a smile behind his visor.
"Let alone firing it and getting all three."
"It worked out in the end." Angel hummed, "Do you think we have a chance to win?"
"Perhaps." Akiva shrugged, "But we may have to engage in close combat if we want Knight to utilize his light."
"Oh, right."
Seeing Akiva turn and then motion with his hand to follow, Knight complied and followed the pair up to some rusted frames. Then, as they made it to the opposing side, he recoiled when the pair jumped; Angel seemingly leaping against in the air to reach the top while as Akiva simply hovered, boosting himself up.
Staring, Knight leaned his head back, suddenly nervously. However, just as he debated to try to gather his light, he saw Akiva lean over the edge, and held out a hand. Taking in a breath, Knight hefted his auto rifle in one hand, take a few steps back, and ran forward. Leaping at the last step, Knight reached out a hand and then felt his body jerk when Akiva's grip kept him aloft.
Feeling himself pulled up, Knight grabbed the edge once it was within arm's reach. Akiva then proceeded to help him pull onto his feet.
"I've forgotten how light you were." Akiva commented as he released his grip, "I was going to say we could take the stairs but..."
Knight blinked, "There were stairs?"
He felt Akiva blink back at him, "Oh, right. Light also includes into jumping."
"And they are supposed to be more experienced than us?"
Hearing Day grumble inside his helmet, Knight couldn't but frown. But, before he could chide his Ghost, Knight caught movement from the corner of his optics and when he turned, he glimpsed a round flame latch onto his chest. Knight realized what it was when a sharp ringing echoed in his sensors.
"Shit!" Akiva managed to shout before Knight is blinded by flames.
"What do you want?"
Seeing anger in his handler's eyes, he stood stone still, keeping his face neutral as possible; this did little to convince the inspector.
"We received reports of you conversing with this machine." The human turned to face the handler, a frown clear upon his face, "and that it responds back."
"Whoever told you such blasphemy are a fucking liar." His handler scoffed as he crossed his arms, "you ordered a cleansing 'and' a tune up a few days ago and my machine undergone the procedure just as you ordered. If you don't believe me, I have friends who can back me up."
"Oh, no need." He saw the Inspector reach into his coat, taking all his willpower not to flinch when he spotted a familiar handle of a handgun being pulled out, "I think we can settle this easily."
"You do know that that little thing won't do anything to it."
It was then he saw a glint in the Inspector's eyes; a wave of unease slithered down his spine.
"Oh, this isn't for me."
That is when the Inspector turned and aimed his weapon at his Handler followed by a resounding bang. His Handler let out a scream, falling to the floor as his hand snapped to his shoulder.
His mind screamed in rage and concern when he spotted crimson spilling between his Handler's fingers, but words rang in the back of his mind.
Pretend.
Must pretend.
It is the only way you will survive.
As such, he stood still, keeping his expression blank as the Inspector looked at him; his handgun is still visible in his hands.
"Are you not going to say anything, bot?"
Feeling his core heat up in his chest, he shoved his panic down and answered, "Observation. Do not understand the request that has been given."
There was a brief pause. And then a scoff.
The Inspector slipped his weapon back into his coat, "I'm done here."
Seeing the human leave the premise and once he was out of sight, he turned his optics towards his Handler, the latter of which gave him a sheepish smile as he staggered to his feet.
"We're in the clear."
"Fucking damn it!"
"Angel! Calm down!"
Hearing a slur of snarls and growls, Knight pushed himself into a seated position, finding himself outside of the buildings once more.
"Sticky grenades are bullshit!"
"Hey, I'm offended by that."
Shaking his head to rid the last blurs around his vision from the fresh resurrection, Knight stumbled onto his feet and looked over in Angel and Akiva's direction. The latter rubbed the back of his neck and sighed as Angel grumbled.
"Keep calm." Knight can practically sense a pout from Angel at Akiva's words, "We won't beat them if we don't have a clear head."
"Wait." Angel said, "I thought winning wasn't important."
A sheepish smile can be sensed behind Akiva's visor, "It's not but, it doesn't hurt ty try and end with a victory, yeah?"
There was a brief pause, and then a snicker from Angel. That is when Knight heard a familiar shot of a sniper ring through the air.
Instinct is what saved him, Knight pivoting on his feet and leaned to the side, feeling the brush of air of the bullet fly past him and then kick up the dirt just behind him. He saw Angel's and Akiva's heads snap towards the source.
"I got this."
Angel announced before Knight watched him rush forward and leap into the air, a blue light snapping around his form. He spotted a crackling blade in Angel's hand just as he disappeared into one of the buildings.
"Come on." Knight felt a tap on his shoulder, prompting him to turn towards Akiva, "Let's give him some back up."
Following Akiva up some stairs and onto grated platforms, he caught movement just as he ducked behind some crates with the Titan. The edge of a flowing coat. A Warlock. In other words, Jamal. He had just rounded a corner, weapon in his hand, and, as Knight pondered if he and Akiva were going to jump him, a flash of blue crackled into his vision.
It was quick, but Knight saw Angel pierce the Warlock's neck with his light induced blade, waves of energy surging through Jamal's body before it disappeared in flecks of blue. He blinked, optics wide in awe. And then quickly ducked when hand cannon fire rang into his sensors.
They were pelting Angel but, the blue light that surrounded him protected the worst of the hits, his shields visibly shimmering as the bullets pelted them. This prompted the Hunter to turn and dash out of view. It wasn't long until the text 'Angel kills Knoll' flashed onto his HUD, confirming his kill. But Knight couldn't help but wonder.
Where is Echo?
An impact to the side of his head jerked Knight out of his thoughts, static flashing in his vision just as he felt hands grab him by the shoulders and lifted him off his feet. He then felt his shoulders collide with the metal grating beneath him, prompting him to let out a cry, mostly out of surprise. Turning onto his side, a hand then grabbed him by the of his robes and forced him to stand. Static still flickered around his vision, but Knight could comprehend enough to see wisps of Void light dance around the figure in front of him. He already knew who it is.
Going taught, Knight took in a sharp breath, watching as Echo pulled a hand back, void light condensing into his fist, and waited for death.
"Don't give up so easily!"
Akiva's voice rang out, causing Knight to snap his optics over in time to see the Titan rush forward, shotgun in his hands. This is enough for Echo to lose focus, Knight seeing him turn his head to Akiva just as the latter aimed and fired.
Despite being Echo who had been shot, Knight felt them both fly sideways, causing him to release a yelp and they both fell onto the grated floor.
"Knight! You alright!?"
Opting to say nothing, Knight simply blinked as he stared back at Echo's visor, his lifeless form fading not too long after. It was only when the last of the Titan's physical shape is gone that he turned onto his back. He saw Day materialize and flashed their light over him. More than likely looking for any injuries.
"I don't know how much my body can take being thrown around like this." Knight said.
"You will get used to it." Knight glanced up at Akiva, sensing an awkward smile, "Come on, this is the last round. Must prove to the Consensus that you can utilize your Light."
That is when Knight's optics grew wide, jumping to his feet and ignored the noise of protest from his Ghost.
"I-I have to do it this round." He stammered, barely noticing Day materializing back into the safety of his mind, "I have to-"
"Hey." He felt a hand settle over his shoulder, "Calm down." Knight fixed his optics back onto Akiva, "You will do fine. Angel and I will help you get through this." As he felt Akiva leave his shoulder, he noticed the Titan pause, snort, and then say, "Well, more like Ianos will kick the Consensus' ass until they give you more time."
Taking in his words, Knight couldn't help but blink and stare, prompting Akiva to rub the back of his neck nervously before the latter nodded his head out towards the field.
"Come on, let's find the opposing team and see if you can-"
"Incoming!"
Knight snapped his optics towards Angel, seeing the Hunter lift his sniper. He cursed after every shot he fired. It was only when a solar laced hammer slammed into Angel's chest, igniting the Guardian into flames that Knight understood why.
As Angel's death flickered onto his HUD, Knight then spotted movement and he saw Echo appear from the horizon. And he could see why Angel couldn't seem to hit his targets.
The Titan had erected a shield, void light flowing from the edges as he ran and his team followed behind him, giving them ample cover to allow Knoll – covered in flames of Sol – to toss a hammer safely through the veil. That is when Knight heard Akiva curse.
Taking steps back, Knight jumped when violet covered his vision, and then promptly jumped again when a hammer slammed onto its surface, breaking into embers of fiery light.
"Get out of here!"
Startled by Akiva's shout, Knight instead turned his optics to the opposing team, only for his optics to grow wide when Knoll's flaming form enter the Ward. That is when he felt pressure upon his shoulder and Knight felt him fly backwards, his back sliding against grass as a sound of a shotgun rang into his sensors followed by Akiva's war cry.
'Akiva kills Knoll' filtered onto his HUD but, this did little to ease the panic, especially when the feed is followed by 'Knoll kills Akiva'. The Titans had traded kills. And now Knight is alone against two Guardians.
Scrambling to his feet, Knight mentally screamed at himself to run, but his legs refused to obey. Fear gripped his core completely. That is when he saw Jamal leap into the air, wisps of void light forming into his palm. Knight can sense the amount of light condensing and he knows that even if he runs now, that somehow, Jamal will hit him with whatever he has. As such, Knight could only watch as Jamal thrusted his hand forward, releasing the void energy in his palm.
Proper sequences inputted. Memories restored. Unlocking hidden mechanisms and coded authorizations dispelled. Proceeding to deploy EXO/PHX Unit XI – 9.
Words rang in his sensors and Knight felt his shoulders go slack, his vision blurring as his mind struggled to stay conscious. Whatever he had heard, that wasn't Day, apparent when he heard his Ghost screaming at him, their words incomprehensible. And it cannot be the others, as he could see their Ghosts hovering nearby, their optics staring on warily.
Thank you, Shining Knight. But I will take over from here.
Then, his mind went blank.