Redacted

Lies

I should stop making promises I couldn't keep lol. Anyways, here's the second update I promised yesterday XD

_Transcript: I'm Sorry_

_Source: Memory banks of EXO/PHX Unit XI-9_

_Transcript of conversation between Benjamin Martin [b.m] and EXO/PHX Unit XI -9 [XI.9]. Topic concerning an apology of Benjamin Martin towards Unit XI-9_

[b.m]: Where's mom and dad?

[XI.9]: … They are busy right now, Ben. They have matters to attend to.

[b.m]: I can hear them downstairs… are they too busy to visit me? Even when I am just a few steps away?

[XI.9]: …

[b.m]: … Can I tell you something, Nine?

[XI.9]: Yes?

[b.m]: You were there… always… even when the other kids tried to boss you around… you always came, always there … on my birthdays… at school to pick me up … you even attend the plays when it was 'parents' only… (rapid coughing)

[XI.9]: Ssssh, you need rest Ben, save your breath until you are well.

[b.m]: The doctors say that I won't last long. Is it true that I won't make it past two weeks?

[XI.9]: …

[b.m]: … Nine?

[XI.9]: The doctors say that you are not the only individual to have a body that adapted against the positive effects of the Traveler, they just need time to find a cure.

[b.m]: That's not going to happen, Nine.

[XI.9]: Do not say that.

[b.m]: I want to say this, Nine… I want to say… that I had thought of you as my true 'guardian', my true 'parent'. I just… never wanted to say… because of what others would say… but now, I'm sorry.

[XI.9]: Stop it, you don't have to –

[b.m]: I'm sorry you had to suffer as a servant, a slave, when all I had to say was for you to be treated as a person… I'm sorry for not doing anything…

[XI.9]: There is no need to apologize, Ben. You are just a child, there is not much you can do.

[b.m]: But I could have started… something… a start… I could have started a time where human and Exo could be seen as the same… a person…

[XI.9]: … It would take much more than hopeful thoughts to change the mind of humans, Ben.

[b.m]: (faint chuckle) You always were honest, Nine. I'm going to miss that.

[Silence]

[b.m]: …Nine?

[XI.9]: Yes, Ben?

[b.m]: … I love you…

[XI.9]: … I love you too, Ben.

[b.m]: …

[XI.9]: Ben?

_End Transcript_

Xxxxx

It was chaos when Ianos and Echo made it into the main entrance, only for the pair to leap out of the way as a body of a Guardian flew between them, landing with a loud 'oomph' moments later. Barely having time to comprehend what had just occurred, another Titan rammed themselves into Echo, causing the Warlock to jump before ducking down to dodge a swipe from a Hunter, Ianos rolling past them in order to gain space.

"Thieves!"

At first, confused with the alliance of the Guardian before him, the doubt quickly dissipated at the title, prompting Ianos to quickly scan his opponent; although a Hunter, the soldier before him was still broad in both height and body. At first spotting no weapons on him, the Awoken Warlock knows from past experiences that there is at least one knife hiding somewhere on their person.

This didn't stop Ianos from rolling his shoulders and holding up his hands, "Let's see if your Ghost chose wisely."

Hearing the Hunter let out a snarl in response to his words, the older Guardian held out on hand and motioned for the younger soldier to attack; the latter's action was immediate. Watching his attacker rush forward, Ianos simply shook his head before taking a step back, letting the young Hunter brush past him. Then, the Awoken Guardian gripped the back of the Hunter's neck and twirled around, bringing the younger Guardian with him before simply pushing him forward, watching the Hunter stumble over his feet.

"Again," Ianos deadpanned, sensing the frustration oozing from the young Hunter's visor as the latter turned to face him, "and this time, actually try to hit me."

Seeing the young Guardian then lift up his hands, the Awoken did the same, keeping his orange hues on the former before the Hunter rushed forward again with a fist raised. Once again, waiting until his attacker was in range, Ianos then took a step forward, side stepping the younger Guardian before sweeping forward with his foot, feeling it hook the Hunter's as he brushed past. If it wasn't for the chaos around him and the dire situation of Hush being in danger, Ianos would have found it comical watching the young Hunter not only stumble, but to also see him crash face first into the hard hearth. However, instead, before the young Guardian can even push himself onto his hands and knees, Ianos took the opportunity to walk over, kneel over his form while grabbing the back of his head, and with one sharp movement, slammed the front of the Guardian's visor onto the floor. A 'crack' resonated from the helmet followed by a gasp from the young Guardian, prompting the Awoken to simply lift the former's head back and slam it ono the hearth once more. Feeling the young soldier go limp underneath him, Ianos then hesitated, slowly taking in his actions as life threatening until he heard the young Guardian let out a groan, signaling to Ianos to release his hold on the Hunter's neck and push himself back onto his feet.

"I never thought that you would be the 'violent' type," The Awoken turned in time to see Echo approach, only to raise a brow as he saw the Exo Titan walk over with his attacker in a head lock, hearing the latter curse repeatedly at the Phoenix Exo while attempting to pry the death grip around his neck, "Especially considering your lackluster performances at the Crucible."

Ianos simply gave the Exo a blank look, "Considering my vow to never take another Guardian's life, I thought you would understand." The Awoken sensed the Exo's glare, "Apparently, I overestimated your intellect."

Hearing Echo let out a low rumble at his words, Ianos then watched as the Titan remove his hand cannon from his holster and pressed the barrel against the head of the hostage under his arms. Flinching as the familiar sound of the trigger going off rang through the air followed by the attacking Titan going limp under Echo's grip, Ianos narrowed his eyes as the Phoenix Titan let the body drop the to the floor. Then, the Awoken took a step back as Echo then aimed his hand cannon towards him and pulled the trigger. Jumping as he felt the air of the bullet brush over his shoulder, Ianos turned around to see the Hunter fly back from the shot, now unmoving on the floor.

"At least I am smart enough to know that we are in 'battle' and showing mercy to 'enemies' is a mistake." Ianos turned and gave Echo another glare as the latter lowered his weapon, "I may not know what had happened to you to know 'why' you took on such a foolish 'vow', but all I can say is this." The Awoken then watched as the Phoenix Exo approached, leaving only an arm's length between them, "if you do not break it, it 'will' get you killed."

"If you do not know the reason why I took up the vow, then I say you have no right to say that I should break it," Ianos retorted, "We maybe allies now, Echo, but I can safely say that we know 'nothing' about each other. Unless you take the effort to know me, I say let's try not to judge each other so quickly. Agreed?"

Hearing Echo let out a scoff, Ianos crossed his arms, standing his ground until he watched the Titan turn towards the chaos, seeing the familiar wisps of void light filter from his shoulders before he charged into the fray.

"Well," The Awoken heard Ace click inside his helmet, "the longer we stay around Echo, the less I like him."

Ianos simply let out a breath, "Just bear with it. We just have to work with him on this mission and then, we're finished."

He heard his Ghost release a snort, "You say that now, but knowing our luck, this isn't going to be the only task that we end up working with Echo."

Letting out a scoff at Ace's words, Ianos simply scanned his surroundings, brushing over how easily the Phoenix Titan knocked aside enemy Guardians as he searched for the familiar form of the child Titan. As his orange eyes traced over differing forms of Soldiers of Light, the Awoken then heard footsteps approaching behind, prompting him to take steps forward before suddenly twisting to the side. The sound of a shotgun firing rang through the caverns as Ianos felt the familiar pellets brush past his back, prompting him to stumble forward in order to gage some distance between himself and his attacker.

"Didn't expect a thief to dodge a point-blank shot from a shotgun so well." Ianos frowned at the words of his attacker, turning around to see a Titan cock the familiar weapon in his hands, "Tell me, did you steal that light long ago, that you had the time to utilize it?"

Soaking in the Titan's works before him, the Awoken couldn't help but let out an amused smirk, "Oh? And I am going to take it that you are young enough to believe such blasphemous lies?"

The older Guardian easily sensed the Titan's mood diminish, Ianos easily sighting his grip harden around the handle of his shotgun, "They were not lies. The Blessed Phoenix showed us the truth, she showed us what the light was truly capable in the hands of its Acolytes, not in the hands of thieves such as ourselves."

"Thieves? What thieves are we when our Ghosts were the ones who chose us? The ones who are a very part of the Traveler themselves?" Ianos retorted, "The one you call 'Blessed Phoenix'. Is she implying that the Ghosts made a mistake? That we were nothing more than a bunch of errors, fodder for the Darkness?"

"The humans found a way to trick the Traveler into thinking that you organics and imitations such as I were worthy of the Light!" The Awoken easily heard the rage in the younger Guardian's voice, seeing their arms tremble with anger, "They had tried for 'years' to find a way to take the Traveler's power! It would make sense that they would have found a way just moments before the Darkness arrives! Retribution for taking what is not rightfully theirs!"

"Then what about Awoken such as I?" Ianos raised a hand to himself, "What about those who fled during the Collapse? Those who stayed between the Light and Darkness in isolated parts of space? Those who were born beyond the reaches of humanity and the Traveler?"

No sooner had his words left Ianos' lips when he sensed bewilderment permeate from the Titan, watching the latter tilt his head slightly to one side in deep thought, "The Reefborn?" The Awoken then noticed the younger Guardian's shoulders square out, his grip tight on his weapon once more, "What are you trying to imply? There is no such thing as Reefborn Guardians."

"And yet, one stands in front of you," Ianos saw the Titan pause, "So tell me, how could have I 'stolen' the Light when I was born eons away from the Traveler?"

The Awoken Warlock heard the Titan sputter, bewilderment oozing off the latter's person, "Lies! You are stating false statements! False words! You are - "

Taking the chance of the younger Guardian's distraction, Ianos sent a signal to Ace and held out his hands as the familiar weight of his shotgun landed in his arms. Then, without another word, the Awoken aimed down his sights and pulled the trigger. No sooner had the sound of his weapon firing rang through the air when the Titan let out a scream, Ianos seeing the pellets of the shotgun easily tearing through the younger Guardian's left knee. Waiting until the Titan collapsed, Ianos took the opportunity to dash forward, bringing back the butt of his weapon, and then swinging it forward. Hearing a 'crack' ring from the young Titan's helmet, Ianos took in a breath when the former collapsed, only to relax when he spotted no sign of the younger Guardian's Ghost.

"This is going to be a long battle, isn't it?"

Although uncertain if Ace can read his expression, Ianos nonetheless gave a blank stare behind his helmet; he heard his Ghost snicker in response. As he parted his lips to let out a retort, Ianos caught movement before him, prompting the Awoken to snap his attention away from his Ghost and back onto the Titan. Seeing the younger Guardian now standing and his shotgun aimed towards him, Ianos barely had the time to shift to the side when he felt an impact slam into his side. Letting out a shout of surprise, Ianos reeled back, feeling his back press against the wall as his hand instinctively went to his side, easily feeling his fingers dig into the entry of the shot; he was just grateful that the very system keeping him alive also dulled the pain.

Taking note of the younger Guardian aiming his shotgun towards him once again, Ianos took in a shuddering breath, expecting the shadows of death to overtake his senses. Instead, a high-pitched shout rang in his ears followed by the familiar wisps of void light flashing in his vision. Reeling back as the hum of the Ward of Dawn shimmered around him, Ianos glanced downwards only to blink, "Hush?"

Seeing the child Guardian glance back momentarily to give him a broad grin, the Awoken Warlock then watched her jump as another shot from a shotgun ricocheted off her Ward, prompting Ianos to fix his attention back onto their attacker. The fury emanating from the young Titan was apparent, with the familiar sparks of arc light permeating from his shoulders. Although, at first concerned at the prospect of the young Titan breaking through Hush's Ward, this quickly dissipated when said Titan was slammed not by one, but two ally Guardians, the pair easily tackling the Paragon Titan to the ground. Blinking as the three tussled on the hearth, Ianos fixed his attention back onto Hush when he felt gentle hands press again his side.

Does it hurt?

Staring into her yellow eyes, Ianos saw concern and worry followed by grief, seeing tears form in her gaze. Although confused as to why the child Guardian's apprehension would lead her to shed tears, the Awoken Warlock shook his head subtly to answer her question, "I have been through worse, Little One. This injury is nothing."

Although Hush still had tears in her eyes, she nodded, relief soon replacing the concern in her gaze, prompting Ianos to lift up one of his hands and curl it around hers, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I will be fine, Little One," Ianos felt the familiar weightlessness in his helmet as Ace materialized into view, the numbness of their light flooding into his wound sending waves of relief throughout his body, "Are you hurt?"

Watching her wipe away the tears with the back of her hand, Ianos saw her shake her head before signing, I am okay. Nine kept me safe.

The Awoken Guardian scrunched his features together, "Nine?"

Seeing Hush let out a nod, Ianos furrowed his brows together before it finally clicked, the echoes of Pluto's recount of the mission involving Angel's resurrection; he remembers the old Exo repeatedly bringing up the name 'Nine', a name that seemingly only Knight constantly called Unit Eleven. It seems that the child Guardian is also aware of Unit Eleven's 'true' name.

"Unit Eleven is here?" Ianos watched her nod once, "Where is he now?"

He went and followed the scary Exo. The Awoken Guardian narrowed his eyes, She took the light from a man and then killed him afterwards. Nine is going after her.

"Alone?"

Silently cursing as Hush once again nodded, Ianos turned his focus towards the chaos of their surroundings and said, "Where's Echo?"

Xxxxx

The Exo Titan easily swatted aside any attacking Paragon, his void armor easily giving him protection against any stray bullet or light coming his way. Instead of focusing on his attackers, Echo instead scanned his surroundings, the Phoenix Titan searching for the familiar white plating of Unit Eleven, only to let out a snarl of frustration when he spotted nothing recognizable. Letting his void light further lash out against those around him, Echo spotted a member of the Paragons, noticing the lack of empathy as the Warlock fired at those who spilled crimson onto the cavern floor.

Taking long strides, Echo easily closed the distance between himself and the attacking Guardian, grabbing them by the front of their robes before lifting them up into the air, the Phoenix Titan's void light spilling around him in a circle as if to give the pair 'privacy'.

"Where is Prime?"

Sensing bewilderment emitting from the Warlock, he then saw the Paragon Guardian straighten out their shoulders, their hands curling into fists; a sign that his question clicked. Narrowing his optics behind his visor, Echo reeled back when he felt an impact slam into his chest, feeling his armor of light spill out into a fog before reforming back around his body; the Exo Titan glowered at the fusion rifle in the Warlock's hand. Without speaking a word, Echo simply gripped the barrel of the rifle before tearing it out of the Paragon Guardian's grip, easily sensing the surprise emanating from the latter's visor as he tossed the weapon aside.

"Where is the Golden Age AI that your so called 'Blessed Phoenix' stole from the City?" Echo snarled out, "Where is she keeping them?"

Gaining nothing but silence from the younger Guardian, Echo then removed his hand cannon from his hip and pressed the barrel under their jaw; he saw the Warlock tense, "What? You think that killing me would stop me for long?"

"I was resurrected during the time of the Risen," The Exo Titan heard the young Paragon pause, "I have survived many battles, survived many deaths. Amongst all that, I have learned to kill others such as myself." Pressing the barrel even further against the young Warlock's jaw, Echo then pressed, "What makes you think that I would stop at just you? Your Ghost is just as vulnerable as any other once you die." Bringing the Warlock closer to his visor, the Phoenix Exo then added, "Give me what I want, and I just 'may' stop at just you."

Hearing the Warlock Paragon take in a shuddering breath, Echo momentarily waited before he slowly started placing pressure on the trigger.

"It won't make much of a difference," The Warlock blurted, causing the Phoenix Titan to pause, "Your precious AI, the AI that forced many Exo into slavery, was terminated as soon as my Blessed Phoenix was done siphoning its data." Echo went stiff, "Now, it is no longer a threat, the Exo are finally freed from –"

The Phoenix Titan didn't let the young Warlock finish, pulling the trigger on his weapon as the shot rang throughout his auditory sensors, the Paragon Guardian's body going limp in his grasp. Dropping the body to the rocky hearth, Echo then aimed his hand cannon at the exposed form of the Warlock's Ghost, firing his weapon the instant the shard of the Traveler materialized into view. Watching its shattered core fall to the floor, the Exo Titan then stood there, taking in the words of the Guardian he had just killed.

"Echo," It was Reaver, the Phoenix Exo hearing his Ghost add, "he could be lying."

The Exo let out a scoff at Reaver's words, "Highly doubt it, no Guardian lies when it comes to the safety of their Ghost, their lifeline." He then glowered at the still body of the Warlock on the rocky hearth, "Especially one as arrogant as a Warlock."

Hearing his Ghost go silent, Echo opted to reconfigure his light back around his form, letting it once again lash out against those who wanders too close, "However, it won't hurt to hear the 'truth' directly from the 'source'."

"… Keep her alive long enough for the answer."

Releasing another scoff at Reaver's words, Echo simply prepared to fight his way through the mass, his white optics brightening as he felt a dull throb pulling him through the battlefield, his gaze spotting an entrance, the caverns dim from the lack of light. However, as he attempted to brush past the battling Guardians, Echo sensed the familiar tinge of darkness mingled with light approaching from behind, causing a scowl to form on his features as he turned to face the Awoken. Parting his lips to voice his annoyance, Echo came to a pause as his gaze settled onto the form of the child Guardian, his narrowed glance causing the young half-Awoken to hide behind Ianos.

"You found her, congrats," Echo grunted, "why are you bothering me when all you have to do now is to head to the City and coddle her?"

Sensing the scowl behind the Awoken's visor, the Phoenix Exo then attempted to turn to leave, "I'm coming with you."

Echo fixed his glare back onto the Warlock, "I have let you come with me to the Paragons location, let you find your 'child', what else do you want from me?"

"Hush told me that Unit Eleven is here," The Phoenix Exo's gaze flashed over to the young Guardian, "and knowing you, you are here to search for him, correct?"

Frowning at Ianos' words, Echo, at first, parted his lips to deny the Awoken's request, when he heard a cough permeate throughout his helmet, causing the Phoenix Exo to narrow his optics as his Ghost whispered, "I am not sure if they know of your original task of finding Prime. However, if Unit Eleven is still indeed here, it would not hurt to have another pair of eyes to look out for him."

Grunting in response to Reaver's words, Echo fixed his attention back onto the Awoken and child pair, "And the child is coming with us?"

That is when the Phoenix Exo sensed hesitation emanate from the Warlock, Echo catching in time to see the child Guardian next to him reach over, intertwined her fingers with the Awoken's, and giving it a gentle squeeze; the Titan can guess the answer.

"She is staying here?" Echo saw Ianos nod, "After all that trouble to find her? Why leave her behind?"

Another glare from the Awoken, "Hush had told me what she had witnessed from this leader of the Paragons. She indeed does have the capability to take Light and I would prefer that she is a safe distance away from such a being." Echo then heard him release a sigh, "More than anything I simply want to return to the Tower, however, Hush convinced me to search for Unit Eleven while she stays behind to give aid to the others."

Echo immediately released a scoff at Ianos' words, "A child? Helping these newborns? What makes you think she won't cause trouble?"

The Exo Titan easily sensed the scowl emitting from the Warlock, "Hush assured me that she is confident in her own abilities to keep not only herself, but these other 'newborns' safe while you and I are absent. As such, I would highly appreciate that you keep your 'compliments' to yourself."

Narrowing his optics at the words of the Awoken, Echo parted his lips to let out a retort when he heard another cough emit from inside his helmet, causing him to pause as Reaver whispered, "Normally I would agree with you; however, we are short on time. This 'Blessed Phoenix' maybe making her escape as we speak. I recommend you just go along with Awoken Ianos' 'plan' so we can quickly find the leader of this cult."

Releasing a scoff at his Ghost's words, the Phoenix Titan gave Ianos one last glare before finally stating, "Just don't slow me down, Warlock."

"Call me by name or otherwise, I am going to call you Unit I-0."

"Don't you dare-"

"Then call me by my proper name, and I will call you by yours."

Letting a growl escape from his throat, Echo simply turned his back towards the Awoken Warlock and followed after the dull pull that lead him deeper into the caverns.

Xxxxx

Despite the darkness within the caves, Unit Eleven can easily see the 'tracks' that Dusk had left behind, seeing the wisps of light emanate from her footsteps as he slowly followed. Although knowing fully well that there was a possibility that Dusk had already escaped with the amount of time she received, the Phoenix Warlock still idly took his time, taking slow and careful steps.

"Are you not worried that you will lose her?" It was Day who asked the question, the Ghost's hum ringing in his auditory sensors, "You are taking your time in trying to 'catch' her."

"As long as her light is strong, I can never lose her," Unit Eleven simply answered, "And since her structure is ninety percent implemented with the shell of the Traveler, it can never fade."

"So, you can constantly keep track of Dusk?" A subtle nod from the Phoenix Exo, "Is that how you tracked her down earlier? By finding her wisps of light?"

"Trails left behind by her followers, enabling me to easily back track to their lair."

"…. So, Loras' trail then?"

"He carries a piece of one of the other Phoenix Units. It was not difficult to discern which trail was his."

"…Wait, what?"

Feeling waves of amusement from Knight filter through from the back of his mind, Unit Eleven clarified, "You do recall how majority of the Phoenix Exo were dismantled and 'recycled'? It seems that some of the Exo who were chosen by the Traveler held pieces of my former brethren." He paused, waiting for a response from Day, only to continue when he received none, "Despite being manufactured from the same piece, each individual Phoenix held their own pattern, their own light. It was not difficult to discern the light within Loras' as one of a Phoenix model."

Hearing his Ghost go quiet, Unit Eleven then turned his attention towards Knight, feeling tinges of empathy emanating from the younger mind followed by small wisps of curiosity. At first confused by this, the Phoenix Exo only understood the younger Exo's interest when Day asked, "The Exo back at the Tower, how many of them holds a piece of a Phoenix Exo?"

"I am not certain," Unit Eleven answered, "constant activity makes it so that constant trails are left behind at the Tower. It is difficult to differentiate which Exo carries a part of a Phoenix."

"Anyone who sticks out?"

A pause, the Phoenix Warlock letting out a soft hum as he contemplated on his Ghost's question, "Although I am not certain, I do believe that Hunter –"

"Traitor!"

Feeling the air condense around him, Unit Eleven then felt the cavern's temperature rise prompting him to turn and duck in time to feel the familiar heat of a Golden Gun fire whiz over his head. Crouching low to the floor, the Phoenix Exo rolled forward, feeling another shot brush past him as he condensed his light into his hands, the familiar wisps of the void lingering in his fingertips.

Dodging to the left to duck another shot, Unit Eleven then leaped forward, brought his hand back, and thrusted the Nova Bomb forward towards his intended target. Seeing his attacker's solar light die around their shoulders, the Exo Warlock then saw them leap back, seeing his Nova slam into the ground where they stood. Landing on his feet, Unit Eleven felt the floor shake beneath him as his void light exploded, seeing his attacker stumble from the action. Taking the opportunity, Unit Eleven leaped towards the Guardian, slamming himself into their back, and tackling them to the floor. Feeling them trying to push themselves up, Unit Eleven then pressed a hand onto the back of their head and slammed it back onto the rocky hearth, forcing them down as he used his free hand to grab one of their arms and forced it against their back. It was then, he recognized the Hunter beneath him.

"Hunter Elissa." He heard her growl beneath him, "Is there a reason you followed me and left the others against the Guardians?"

"You betrayed us," She hissed, "Who else would have the bravery to kill a Phoenix such as yourself?"

Unit Eleven went silent at her words, his white optics flickering, "You, truly believe that the Phoenix models are equivalent to the Traveler, that we are its 'chosen', its Acolytes?"

"My Blessed Phoenix can heal, take light, and you just brought your Ghost back from the dead," Elissa retorted, "what other Chosen is capable of impossible feats?"

Once again silent at her words, Unit Eleven then released his hold on the Huntress, pushing himself away from her despite tugs of warning and shock pulling at the back of his mind.

"Eleven, what in the Traveler are you doing?"

Ignoring the hushed words of his Ghost, the Phoenix Exo took steps back as Elissa immediately jumped onto her feet, twirling around as she tugged her knife from her waist and charged towards him. Hearing the cries of Day ring throughout his head, the Phoenix Warlock did not react as he felt the weapon plunge into his chest, feeling the blade dig in between his plating and sink into the metal equivalent of flesh.

"You have fought other Exo before," Unit Eleven can easily sense the bewilderment emitting behind her helmet, feeling her harden grip lax around the handle of her knife, "and plenty to differentiate the height and build to know where to strike in between the plates of others." He paused, further taking in the situation, "Did you kill Exo in the name of your 'Blessed Phoenix'?"

"Only the blasphemers, the guilty who refuse to admit their sins," Elissa snarled, Unit Eleven taking note of her grip tightening back around the handle of her weapon, "those who refuse to admit that the Phoenix are the rightful Acolytes of the Traveler." He watched as she leaned in, as if to empathize her next words, "And despite your status as a Phoenix, you are a 'traitor'."

Unable to hold back a flinch as he felt her knife tear out from his chest, Unit Eleven then grabbed her wrist as she attempted to thrust forward, placing a tight grip on her hand as he then lifted it up, hearing her let out a curse as he then reached out and gripped her opposing wrist, securing the Huntress, "You have such strong beliefs towards Dusk, is there a reason why for this blind loyalty?"

"She saved Warren's life!" Unit Eleven blinked, "If it were not for Lady Dusk, then Warren would have been left behind to those Scavengers, and Titan Zorel would have been seen as a hero instead of the coward he is!"

"He was a Titan…"

"Not all Titans are the 'brave defenders' as you hear," The Huntress hissed, "When the Fallen came and injured Warren, he opted to leave him behind to give himself time to flee. And he would have succeeded, if it not for Lady Dusk's intervention."

"… And in retaliation you killed Zorel?"

"There is no room for redemption for cowards."

"And yet, despite all that risk to save Warren, she took his light, and banished him from your base of operations," The Phoenix Exo heard her pause, "you still hold loyalty towards her, despite what she had done to your comrade?"

Hearing nothing but silence from the Exo Huntress, Unit Eleven took the opportunity to ask, "Hunter Elissa, you are aware what the Phoenix Exo were created from, correct?" He watched her fix her attention back onto him, "And yet, we are somehow its Acolytes? How are the Phoenix Acolytes of the Traveler when we are truly just a product of the humans' greed and thievery?"

Feeling her arm go lax in his grip, Unit Eleven took the opportunity to release his hold, gently letting Elissa's arms drop back to her side as he added, "Leave this place, Hunter Elissa. Head back into the Wilds and find Titan Warren, for the true thieves, are the Phoenix Exo such as myself."

Taking several steps back to ensure that the female Hunter won't follow him, Unit Eleven then turned and headed deeper into the caverns, leaving Elissa alone with his words.