Redacted

A Dilemma

Edited: 10/23/2022

While editing this chapter realized that the other half didn't match the flow so cut it in half. So here's the first half. Still a decent sized chapter.

She woke up with a start, her glowing eyes rapidly glancing around the room before she sat up, throwing the covers off her chest. She can feel someone watching her.

Turning her attention to the doorway, Hush froze when she spotted glowing green at the doorway, eyes wide when the color swiftly changed to white and stirred.

It was Knight. Or, that is what she thought at first.

However, as she kept her gaze locked onto his, Hush could read the softness, the guilt behind his optics. It is of an entirely different person. And a possible new friend.

She beamed. And waved.

The Exo before her tilted his head, the white lights flickering between white and green. Hush couldn't help but giggle; she sees it as his way of greeting back.

"Hush?" She turned her attention to the bedside, spotting her star groggily lift herself from atop a dresser, "What are you laughing at?"

Pointing at the doorway, Hush saw Crystalline follow the direction of her finger, only to see her optic narrow and her shell press against her core. Furrowing her brows at her star's reaction, Hush turned her eyes back towards the doorway, only to pause. The Exo is gone.

Hearing the familiar hiss of the front door opening, curiosity got the best of her, and Hush threw the last of the covers off. She paused when she heard Ianos release a breath and moved only when confident that he is still asleep; it is a miracle that he didn't wake. From Hush's experience, he's a light sleeper. He must be exhausted.

"Hush?" Crystalline's call is a whisper, "Hush? Where are you going?"

Opting to ignore her star, Hush stepped out of the room and looked down the hall, just in time to see the Exo step out through the front. Interested, Hush followed, hearing Crystalline release a quiet yelp.

"Hush, it's late." She heard her star say as Hush stepped out of the apartment, scanning the hall until she spotted the Exo not far, "I'm tired and – why in the Darkness is Knight up and moving about this late in the night?"

Smiling at her star's surprise, Hush started to follow, keeping at a safe distance and ensuring her steps mimicked his; she had plenty of practice with her clan in her previous life.

Following the Exo out into the Plaza, Hush took note of how empty it was before seeing the Exo turn a corner and disappeared. Picking up pace, Hush turned the corner as well, only to release a noiseless yelp as she found herself suddenly bumping into, something.

Taking steps back as she brought her hands up to her face, touching to see if there were any damage, Hush looked up with terrified eyes. Only for the terror to fade when she locked onto familiar white optics. She bounced on the soles of her feet.

That is when she heard her star glide up from behind.

"Knight, what are you doing out this late?" Crystalline scolded, watching her star glide up to the Exo's face, her shell shifting in irritation, "if you want to leave the room for some fresh air then at least…" That is when her star's voice faded, the hardened look in her optic gone, "Wait. You're not Knight." Her optic narrowed, "Day, what in the Darkness is going on?"

That is when the familiar white shell of Knight's star compiled just over the Exo's shoulder, their shell shifting nervously against their core.

"Uhm, well…"

"Greetings." Hush turned her eyes back towards the Exo, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

She waited but pursed her lips when nothing else came forth. No name? Is he in the same predicament as Knight back then?

"Shall we emplace a bargain?"

Hush looked at him and blinked.

"If I partake in play with you, would you keep this quiet from the others?"

She couldn't help but make a face. Why would he want to keep his nightly outings a secret?

Hush wanted to ask, to ask why but that is when she spotted it. A flash of worry – of fear – in his optics but, just as quickly as it appeared it was gone. But it was enough.

She held out a hand, smiled, and nodded.

Xxxxx

Knight awoke with a start, blinking rapidly to rid the last of the static around his vision. He knows, without a doubt, that he had another of his black outs.

Finding himself on his back, Knight slowly and steadily pushed himself into a seated position, fixing his attention to his surroundings. His optics settled over white blank walls, smooth white surfaces greeting him with nothing more than a bed in a corner and…

Where is Day?

With the last of his sleep – should he call it sleep? – fading form his senses, it was only then he noticed the absence of his Ghost. His chest went tight.

"Day?" Knight called out as he stood unsteadily to his feet, taking a few fumbling steps as he looked around, "Day where are you?" When he received no further response, Knight checked through their bond, tugging upon it. Panic fully set in when he still received no answer, "Day, this isn't funny."

"Day is not with you, Knight. At least, not now."

Jumping at the intrusion, Knight turned his head, and it was only then, he noticed the glass gleaming under dim lights. So distracted he was that he had not taken notice of it. But why was he here?

Before he could even comprehend his surroundings further, that is when he noticed movement from the corner of his optics, and Knight shifted his attention to Pluto, the Hunter having come to a pause just short of the glass.

Despite himself, Knight dashed over, placed his hands upon the glass, and said, "Pluto, what's going on?" He glanced around, "Where am I?"

Shifting his optics back towards the Hunter, Knight paused when he spotted Pluto's gaze narrow, a frown clear upon his features.

"Knight, do not play dumb with me." He reeled at the words; never had he heard Pluto so upset, "You know exactly what is going on."

"No? I don't?" It seems Knight isn't the only one confused, judging from the way Pluto's expression shifted, his harden stare dissipating into one of surprise, "The last I remember is Day informing me that Io found Hush. I didn't even know she disappeared in the first place." Knight folded his arms against the glass until his forehead pressed against it; his head is aching, "I am telling you the truth."

He felt Pluto's eyes scan him, scrutinizing him. As if they are meeting for the first time.

"Then Day was telling the truth? That you wouldn't remember the Traffickers? Their deaths?"

"Deaths?" Knight repeated, lifting his head, and looking at Pluto; the older Exo's expression is unreadable now, "What deaths?"

That is when he saw Pluto's optics shift over to his bracers, and Knight followed his stare. Only to freeze.

Against the whites of his attire, splashes of crimson were apparent, crawling down his arms and to his chest. Taking steps back, Knight held out his hands, staring at the red against the white.

"Pluto." His hands trembled and Knight slowly curled them shut, squeezing as hard as he could; he couldn't cease the subtle shaking, "What did I do?"

There is a beat of silence. Then, he heard Pluto release a breath.

"You killed three humans." Knight felt his core heat up at the words, "Three non-Guardians. And the Consensus demanded for you to be tried."

Lifting his white optics back towards the Exo Hunter, Knight tried to read his expression, to search for any signs of a lie, that what is happening now is nothing more than a horrid joke. He spotted none.

He released a strained laugh and when he spoke, he heard his voice crack, "This, this must be a dream. No, a nightmare." He started to move, pacing in his room – his cell – as the panic, the fear took hold in his chest, "An unjust twist of fate." He laughed again and this time, he couldn't suppress the sob, a soft cry, "Is this because I blacked out? That those random bouts of obliviousness caused me to…" His voice faded, unable to finish his sentence. Knight's optics grew wide, "Oh Traveler, those times I would find myself out in the streets. Those reports of a Guardian killing those Traffickers…" He slowly turned his gaze to Pluto, "It's me, isn't it?"

"That is what we are trying to find out." Pluto said, "If Day is telling the truth, then their memory should match up to those 'black outs' you are claiming about."

Knight took in Pluto's words, "Day? They have them?"

He couldn't help the relief as Pluto nodded.

"When we arrived at Hush's location, Day turned themselves in." The Hunter explained, "Made it easier to access their memory." Pluto then sighed and crossed his arms, his expression scrunching together in thought, "And with your account, it seems they are telling the truth about these blackouts of yours."

"Blackouts…" Knight repeated, "Are they really just blackouts?"

"Pardon?"

Knight ducked his head; he hadn't meant to say that aloud.

"I just…" He hesitated, "There are gaps in my memory. Gaps where I suddenly find myself elsewhere." Knight forced himself to look Pluto in the optics, "Is that normal?"

There is a pause, Knight seeing Pluto's gaze narrow before the Hunter hummed and answered, "I am not certain. But if that is the case, then it will provide a strong defense for your trial."

Knight's shoulders slumped. Trial. He is going to undergo a trial, and he hasn't been alive for that long.

"The others and I are doing the best we can that you are cleared." Pluto said, "Or at least, get you off with a light sentence."

"Light sentence?" Knight felt his core drop, "What happens if I am found guilty? What kind of sentence will I receive?"

He spotted the flash of worry across the older Exo's optics.

"Pluto…"

Knight watched as Pluto shifted back and forth on his feet, subtly shifting his head down. Then, he took in a breath and Knight saw him force himself to look him directly into his gaze.

"All I can say is this." Pluto started, "Any Guardian who were found guilty, are never seen again."

Xxxxx

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

Snapping his orange eyes towards Akiva, Ianos suppressed the snarl that threatened to escape his lips. Instead, he swallowed his anger down, forcing the sparks of arc light to fade from his fingertips, and slowly softened his grip around Oraxsis' waist. In turn, he felt the toddler start to squirm in his lap, signaling Ianos to release his hold completely. Oraxsis then promptly slid off his seat and waddled over to his sisters, the latter of which were sorting through small blocks and puzzles just near Akiva's feet. This earned him a breath from the Titan.

"I understand why you are upset."

Ianos scoffed at Akiva's words; that is an understatement.

"But Knight –"

"It was not Knight."

"Then whoever that was killed those men."

Ianos narrowed his eyes, "I say they had it coming."

"Ianos…"

"Do you know how long trafficking has been a problem within the City?" He snarled, "ever since the walls has been built." Ianos leaned back in his seat, scowling, "The FOTC did their best but, if he had not been there, Hush 'and' Io might have…" He didn't want to say it. He already knows what the citizens of the City are capable of.

"But killing them?" Akiva said, "Knight – or whoever that is – killed more than those men who had kidnapped Hush. He had killed others. 'Many' others if we aligned them with the blackouts Day claims is happening." Ianos watched as Akiva rubbed a hand across his face, "If he had killed them heartlessly like he did to those men, then I say the Consensus has every right to be worried of him possibly harming innocents."

Ianos couldn't help the anger, the way it simmered within his chest. Then he reminded himself of Akiva's age, and the way he would always try to keep out of trouble. The Titan doesn't know how harsh the verdicts can be.

"The last trial we had – the one that did not involve us - the Guardian in question was sentenced to be imprisoned and his Ghost taken away." He saw Akiva's eyes snap towards him, his gaze wide, "What is to say that the same won't happen to Knight? Especially when he himself had not done any wrong?"

Seeing the way Akiva's eyes narrowed, Ianos waited, watching as he parted his lips.

That is when a cough made Ianos look towards the door.

There he saw Angel and Hush, the latter of which had latched onto the Hunter's hand, a look of unease over her face. In her free arm, is the familiar black and white form of a feline, mewling as the pair entered.

"Back from your walk?" Akiva asked, earning him a shrug from Angel as he let Hush go, the child slowly making her way to the other children with Faith, the cat, still in her arms.

"I was." Angel said, "But to where? Around the Tower? Can't exactly do that since everyone loves to gossip." An understatement, "And I doubt she wants to take a walk around the City." His eyes shifted, looking over to where Hush and the other children are, "At least, not now."

Following the Hunter's gaze, Ianos watched as Hush showed off Faith, letting the toddlers stare in awe before setting the cat upon the floor. That is when the feline slowly slinked off, looking back uncertainly until finally, it trotted away. More than likely to find Snowflake, Aleeza's cat, now in Akiva's care. He remembers seeing the feline having become plumper, rounder in its shape. He wouldn't be surprised if soon, more Guardians would have feline companions around the Tower. This is not the first-time cats will be commonplace amongst the Guardians.

"With what is going on, I think it is best she stays here." Ianos said as he turned his attention back towards Angel and Akiva, "Not to mention I think she has every right to hear on what we have to say."

From the corner of his eyes, Ianos saw Hush perk up; he knows they have her full attention now. Not that he minds. Pluto is right about things constantly, and he is right to say that Ianos cannot shelter Hush forever, especially since once her body stabilizes and she reaches maturity, her life as a Guardian will officially begin.

"You sure that's a good idea?" Angel asked as he took a seat near Akiva, "Not only is she a new light, but she's also still a child."

"And a primary witness for Knight's case." Ianos reminded, "Remember, there is a possibility that she may take the stand. It is important for her to be informed so that she may ready herself." He looked back at the child Guardian; she is helping the toddlers build a block tower, "although I prefer if she stays away."

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

"Well, you must admit, Io did claim that whoever that was said they were not 'Knight'," Akiva shrugged, "and repeatedly stated again and again that he was 'not a Guardian'."

"Even if it is true, how are we going to prove it?" Angel pointed out, "The Consensus are keen on being stubborn. On 'everything'."

That, that Ianos can agree on.

Pondering upon Angel's words, Ianos narrowed his eyes behind his helmet before crossing his arms, "I believe that the only way to get the Consensus to believe us is to get another person, another witness for claims on this second persona."

"Besides Hush and Io? And the kidnapped?" Akiva said, "From what I can gather, this persona comes and goes as they please. Who knows, perhaps he even acted as Knight without us realizing. Who else would have known?"

Ianos' brows furrowed at Akiva's words. There is truth in them. When the group had went to visit Day in confinement, the Ghost had said that the second 'individual' had made their presence known after the assessment. And that the Ghost had promised to keep his identity private.

"Wait, Akiva, remember when Echo attacked Knight after his assessment? Maybe he could be of help?"

Ianos snapped his eyes towards Angel, "Excuse me? Why was I not informed of this?"

"Yes, of course I remember." Ianos narrowed his eyes at Akiva's intervention, "What does this have to do with Knight?"

"You do recall him tearing off Knight's helmet, right?"

Ianos made a noise of indignation. In turn, Angel gave him an apologetic smile.

"The way he twisted Knight's head, it looked as though he wanted to see something, or more specifically," Angel then pointed at the back of his own neck, "To see his numbers."

"And?"

"Well, wasn't that the first time Echo had met Knight?" Angel pointed out, "If true, then how did he know where to look?"

It didn't take long for Ianos to piece it together; his eyes grew wide, "Unless he is a Phoenix Exo himself."

"Excuse me!?" Akiva shouted; from the corner of his eyes, Ianos saw the children jump, "Echo is an Exo?!"

"Possibly." Ianos corrected, "No one has ever seen his face."

"But," Akiva hesitated, "What does this have to do with Knight?"

"If Echo is indeed a Phoenix Exo, then he should know about Knight's persona." Angel then paused, "If they were made to be the same of course."

"Wait, then would that mean…?"

"That would mean that Echo would possibly know a way to lure the second persona out." Ianos said.