Redacted

Falling Apart

Hey, it's been a while. I apologize for the 'really' late update but life has been taking a lot of my free time lately. In other words, I don't really have the time to write as much as I would prefer. Nonetheless, here's an update 'and' I updated 'Driftless' with a random one-shot, something that I really wanted to write out lol. Anyways, enjoy C:

"You should be restin'."

Shifting his green eyes over his shoulder, Angel clearly sensed the frustration emitting from Hope, prompting him to momentarily hesitate before retorting, "I will, just as soon as I am done checking up on Abraxos."

"Angel."

"Look, I just need to be moving, alright?" Angel paused at his own outburst, but nonetheless continued, "Sitting in that small prison they call a 'room' is putting me on edge, and it doesn't help that the Medics doesn't know the meaning of privacy." Turning his attention back towards his current objective, Angel quickly glanced down at his hands, checking to ensure his form was still cloaked before adding, "And not to mention that room is not fortified."

Seeing the outline of his Ghost flinch at his words, Angel simply took in a shuddering breath as he willed himself forward, weaving between the forms of unaware Guardians as he made his way back to his apartment. His eyes quickly catching the familiar glittering numbers and letters emboldened upon the plating of his door, Angel then reached out, and placed his hand upon the pad. As soon as he done this, the Hunter then willed his light through his fingertips, seeing the familiar flicker of arc light linger momentarily before his door slid open. Without pausing, Angel stepped in, his eyes quickly glancing near the frames to spot the sensors just as the door closed shut behind him and allowing the Hunter to deflate his shoulders in relief.

"Everything up and running?" Angel asked, lowering the cloak in time to see the white and red shell of Hope bob once, "no one acting suspiciously?"

"Just the same old Guardians scramblin' down the halls." Hope confirmed, the Hunter hearing his Ghost hum thoughtfully, "although I put up the barriers just in case."

Nodding his head once to give Hope a silent thanks, Angel took several steps forward, only to halt, hesitate, and turned his attention back towards the doorway.

Not long after he regained his memories of being an Anand, the memories of his studies and knowledge slowly trickled back and soon, the Hunter found the paranoia that had lingered in his mind forced itself to the front. This prompted him to craft simple tech, small samples of security to help him feel safe while staying in his quarters. However, as he examined the simple sensors that would simply send a warning to Hope of an uninvited guest, and the pad that would only allow anyone with Angel's light entry, the Hunter couldn't help but still feel unprotected, naked despite knowing that the door was locked and barred.

"…When we gain some time, how about we give our little security an upgrade?" Angel reeled, blinking rapidly as he turned his attention towards Hope, "it has been a few years since we last implemented it. I say it is time to make some improvements."

Blinking once again as he took in his Ghost's words, Angel couldn't stop the smile that formed onto his face, and simply nodded, feeling Hope's pull of comfort through their bond. This gave the Hunter enough confidence to turn his attention back towards his place of living and headed further inside, barely glancing through the doorway that lead to his bedroom as he brushed past. Instead, he made his way to another room just a couple of rooms down, pausing momentarily when the muffled sound of low coded clicks can be heard behind the door, and prompting Angel to take in a breath before pressing the pad on the side.

"Abraxos?"

No sooner had the name left his lips when the low clicking moans paused, only for them to be repeated back in a high pitched and excited tone. It didn't take long when a familiar orb like form floated into view, the Servitor's eyes blinking alongside with their clicks as they approached. This signaled Angel to hold out his hands, allowing the basketball sized machine to snuggle in and look up at him with their glowing white optic.

"I swear that Inkolas programmed these Seraphim series to act like puppies." Angel smiled as he heard his Ghost mutter, "they are way too 'needy' to be considered Servitor behavior."

"I like them."

The Hunter then smiled innocently at Hope as the latter turned and gave him a flabbergasted look, "That's because they're practically named after you!"

Chuckling at his Ghost's outburst, Angel then turned his attention back towards the Servitor held in his hands, earning a soft hum as he brushed his fingers against its plating.

He remembered the day when Ixrsis first introduced the new model of Servitors, the female Kell beaming as she explained the work of the recently freed Splicer. Inkolas had intentionally made them small, compact, claiming that it would make it easier to hand out Ether with their size. Although, Angel also recalled the Splicer muttering how it was 'smart' to craft a machine that produced life saving ether that was large enough to be an easy target.

This made the Hunter believe that the white plating of the Servitor was made so that they are capable of blending into the snow to keep themselves well-hidden, and even have a camouflage protocol where if their handler is threatened, would shift the coloring of their shell to match their backgrounds. Although helpful, this also made the Seraphim models practically useless in fighting, as all their focus is on processing ether, not battle, and their small size makes them unusable as a shield. He remembers Inkolas struggling to find a compromise in this fault.

Smiling wryly to himself at the thought of the House of Spirits Splicer, Angel's face then fell at the thought of his friends, and he couldn't stop the sad sigh that had built up in the back of his throat. Immediately, he sensed the look of concern from Hope however, she remained silent, a small gesture that Angel is grateful for.

Releasing his hold just enough for Abraxos to linger away from his fingertips, Angel found himself standing silently, his green eyes watching the white Servitor click and beep around the room. After the House of Spirits had left him, abandoned him, Angel had treasured Abraxos and the two other Servitors he had been given; Dumah and Elyon he had called them. But, not long after Ixrsis and the others left, a handful of Guardians spotted the Servitors in their usual place in the Hangar and Angel barely was able to save Abraxos from destruction. There was a reason why the small Servitor was now in his quarters behind meager security.

"There, you checked on Abraxos." Angel blinked rapidly before shifting his attention over to Hope, "now will you rest?"

Feeling a pout form onto his olive features, the young Hunter parted his lips to protest, only to pause as his green eyes lingered over the hardened stare in Hope's optic, and the way her shell shifted stiffly against her core. In other words, she wasn't going to take no for an answer. Letting his shoulders droop in defeat, Angel glanced towards Abraxos one last time to ensure the Servitor was in place before finally making his exit. Hearing the small clicks of the Seraphim model echoing happily as he shut the door, Angel then turned and made his way back down the hall, tracing his footsteps back towards his quarters.

Upon entering, the Hunter's green gaze lingered over the bed in the middle of the room before rolling his eyes, walked over and tugged the sheets and the pillows off of the piece of furniture. Hearing Hope snicker quietly at his actions, Angel then walked over to the corner of the barren room before tossing the sheets onto the floor. Then, he promptly sat down in it, curling and fixing the blankets and pillows until, finally, Angel contently snuggled down into his makeshift nest.

"Still cannot believe they refuse to remove the mattress." He heard Hope let out a huff, "Basic 'necessity'? We don't need it."

"Definitely not." Letting the soft growl of Eliksni slide off his tongue as he nodded his head in agreement, Angel clasped his hands together before settling them onto his stomach, "Should we burn it?"

A soft hum can be heard from Hope, "It is tempting but it's not ours." He watched as she turned her green optic, the light beaming from her lens, "Perhaps later."

Feeling a smile forming onto his tan features, Angel opted to lean back his head and close his eyes, letting himself sink into his nest of blankets and cloths. It wasn't long after when he felt the familiar weight of Hope settling onto his chest.

"Do you think that they will exile Lumir and the others?" Angel flinched at his Ghost's question, "or do you think that they will keep them Tower bound?"

Instead of instantly replying, the young Hunter instead opened his eyes and lifted his right arm. As he turned the appendage to examine it, Angel barely suppressed the sound of disappointment and frustration at the unfamiliar design of human machinations, the even and smooth plating too clean in Angel's eyes, especially so compared to the rustic and uneven patterns of Syliks' work. Quietly, he deliberated with himself if he should head back and visit the Kings to gain a new prothesis.

"I do not know." Angel finally answered Hope, "I honestly do not know."

Feeling his Ghost snuggle against his chest, the Hunter lowered his arm back to his side before taking in a deep breath, feeling his emotions boiling beneath the surface at his admittance. It would be better if Lumir and the Blossoms that had followed under his leadership were exiled, forced to leave the Tower and into the Wilds where they would not press harm against others. But that would mean a chance encounter with them out in the Wilds, out where Angel considers home, and a chance that they would pose a threat towards himself. And the Kings.

Otherwise, Tower bound they would be under the watchful stare of the Vanguard and other Guardians, ensuring their activities are recorded and kept in sight. But would that be enough to keep the threat of Lumir from Angel and the others? What would happen if Fireteam Redacted and the disgraced members of Blossoms of Hope were to meet? Let alone Pluto and the rest of the Galaxy Clan?

Angel shivered at the thought. It wouldn't be pretty.

"Do you want me to contact the others?" He lifted himself just enough to glance down at Hope, seeing the Ghost's green optic glowing softly, "to check up on them?"

Staring silently at the red and white Ghost, Angel laid himself back into his nest as he contemplated. Despite the sincerity he felt behind her words, the Hunter knows it was an attempt to make him feel better, to help lift the emotions, the fear that had been building in his chest since his imprisonment. To check in on them? Angel knows that despite Nine/Knight's years of inexperience, that the team's current of objective of stabilizing Ianos would be successful. After all, they have the oldest and experienced Guardians amongst their number. Despite his concerns, Angels knows the Redacted enough where they do not need to be 'checked up on'.

"At least to say hello."

Lifting his head up once again to look down upon his Ghost, Angel smiled sheepishly as he felt their bond thrum strong between them, a sign that their link was open and thus, his thoughts exposed. At this point, Hope was literately reading him like a book.

Hearing his Ghost snicker at his projection, Angel took the opportunity to properly push himself him, crossing his legs together as he felt Hope slide of his chest followed by a small squeak of protest. Nonetheless, as the female Ghost hovered in the air, shaking her shell to compose herself, he saw no ill will when their gaze locked.

"Just a short message." He clarified as he held out his hand, smiling softly as he saw Hope's optic light up at his words.

Xxxxx

Although on good standing with Saphira, Ianos couldn't help but scowl at the fur lined cape cascading down the female Chosen's shoulders, his eyes burning at the sight of the familiar wolf symbol emblazoned into the cloth.

"Why am I not surprised you kept that cloak?" He heard Saphira chuckle quietly at his words, "I thought you left the Iron Pups."

"Just because I left the Iron Lords does not mean I could not keep any of the items during my time with them." Saphira chirped, "the cloak especially."

Rolling his eyes at her words, Ianos then paused and his face scrunched together, "Wait, why did you stay in these woods after our dissolvement? You could have easily returned to the Iron Pups and gained shelter there."

A soft hum permeated from Saphira, "I tried returning to the Iron Lords after our separation, however." He watched as she turned and gave him a soft smile, "they had not forgiven me for leaving their number to pine after a Warlord."

"By the Light, does the Iron Pups skew their own experiences that badly?" Ianos gave the female Titan a blank stare, "How many times do I have to say it? I was simply staying and helping maintain a Warlord's territory, I had no intention of gaining or stealing land of my own."

"Maintaining or living on a Warlord's territory was considered the same as taking land from the people." Saphira then shrugged, "According to the Iron Lords."

"No one was living on that mountain with the exception of her." Ianos scoffed, "it is not taking of land if there were no settlements there in the first place."

"And the people she had been attacking?"

"Non-Light users who were trying to force her off of her land." Ianos scowled, his orange eyes narrowing towards Saphira, "they came 'years' after she had made that mountain her home and instead of compromising with her, the people tried forcing her out." The Warlock felt his chest burn as he added, "She felt she didn't have much of a choice but to chase intruders away."

"And you believed her?"

"Believed? Of course I –" Ianos felt his throat lock, the burning in his chest growing as a familiar tingling sensation lingered near the edges of his eyes. Feeling a tug of concern through his bond with Ace, Ianos forced himself to turn his gaze towards the hearth and took in a breath, "Of course I believed her." He then lifted his eyes back towards Saphira, "Would you not think the same when you are a newborn wanting a safe place to take shelter?"

That is when Ianos saw a flash course through Saphira's glowing eyes, a wince expressed through her lips before the soft smile was back. But the Warlock was no fool and he has enough years under his belt to easily read the Titan's subtle actions that the same thought of safety indeed had flashed through her mind during her younger years. The Chosen Titan had just expressed the guilt that she had been fortunate enough to find the Lords first; Ianos had already told her years ago that he had not the same luck.

True, he had met a well-equipped Chosen that has saved his life from the Fallen, but it would be many years before Ianos encountered anyone else with the same kindness. The next Chosen he had encountered attempted to tear off his arms. According to his fellow Chosen's blabbering, it was to prevent Ianos from utilizing his light to defend himself. The Awoken had barely escaped that counter with the meager clothes he had on his back. And he encountered many more afterwards.

Ianos reeled when he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder, causing him to blink rapidly back towards Saphira, "You held her in high regard." A stiff smile then formed onto her glowing features, "I apologize for doubting your words and," That is when she hesitated, prompting Ianos to narrow his orange eyes at her, "and, I would like to apologize on behalf of the Iron Lords."

No sooner had Saphira's words left her lips when Ianos felt the edges of his eyes burn once more, however, his sight caught the familiar wisps of sickly green lingering near the visages of his vision. Gritting his teeth, Ianos barely grounded out, "I accept 'your' apology, Saphira. But, the Iron Pups, I want to hear it from those responsible for her death."

"Ianos."

"Saladin is still around, maintaining these 'Iron Banners' to keep his fallen comrades' memories alive." The Warlock scoffed, a scowl clear upon his features, "he knows that I still occupy the Tower, but yet, the best he offers is a blank stare as he stands next to his beloved symbol of the Iron Pups." Ianos crossed his arms, turning his eyes away from Saphira, "and even if he does approach and asks for forgiveness, I will not give it to him so easily."

Half-expecting Saphira to come to the defense of the surviving Iron Lord, Ianos instead heard nothing but stunned silence permeated between themselves. This allowed the Warlock to gather his thoughts as the sound of their footsteps echoed around the trees.

"She must mean a lot to you."

Reeling from the female Titan's words, Ianos found himself glancing back towards Saphira, spotting a curious look lingering in her speckled eyes, "How long did you stay with her on that mountain?"

At first, remaining silent, the Awoken's mind swam with bewilderment before finally answering, "A couple of decades I believe, hard to tell when you have hundred of others under your belt."

A short snicker can be heard from Saphira in response to his words quickly followed by another question, "Did the two of you have 'private' time together?"

"Private- Saphira!" Ianos heard the female Titan in question giggle mischievously, prompting him to force down the chuckle threatening to build up in the back of his throat. He then sighed, "The two of us never saw each other that way."

The curiosity in Saphira's eyes peaked, "Then, what kind of relationship did the two of you have?"

That is when Ianos paused, shifting his gaze forward so that his attention lingered over the shoulders of the others of their group who had taken front, and allowing his mind to sift through his memories.

Her hands were gentle as she held his burned palms, her glowing green eyes brimming with concern as she spoke, "I told you not to gather too much light in your hands."

"I apologize."

The words left his lips before he could fully comprehend them, and he watched as she snapped her attention from his hands and locked her eyes with his.

"Why do you keep apologizing?" She scolded, "how many times do I have to say it? You are still learning to utilize your light." Her eyes then returned to his hands, rubbing a salve onto his tender palms, "errors are to be expected."

Wincing as throbbing pain permeated from his hands and up towards his arms, he then muttered, "And aren't our Ghosts supposed to fix these errors?"

"I discovered that individuals learn more quickly when there are risks of long-term injury." She was quick to respond as she then started to wrap his hands in clean cloth, "as such the reason why I asked our Ghosts to not get themselves involved unless death occurs." He couldn't help but let out a yelp as she tightened the bandages, the action causing fresh waves of pain to permeate through his hands, "In which with my lessons, there should be no need of resurrection."

Feeling tears burning near the edges of his eyes, the younger Risen then slowly pulled his hands away from hers, clutching them close to his chest, "Do you have at least something to ease the pain?"

Watching as her eyes softened at his words, he did not move away as she reached out and tenderly placed her fingers onto his shoulders, feeling a gentle squeeze not long after, "Of course, newborn."

"A close one." Ianos finally answered, earning a bewildered look from Saphira, "That is the best I can explain it."

Seeing the female Chosen nod her head once in understanding, a hum then can be heard from her, "I am curious though, despite hearing the conflict between her and the Iron Lords, I never heard her name being mentioned once." Ianos tensed at her words, "Is her name taboo perhaps?" Saphira pursed her lips together before shaking her head, "No, I have not heard you mention her name either." Her eyes lingered back towards him, "Did you forget?"

"I 'did not' forget." Ianos couldn't help but feel offended at her words, "despite many decades since her death, her face is still clear in my mind."

"Then, why not mention her name?"

That is when Ianos hesitated, feeling his chest tighten as his thoughts went rampant. His mind told him that Saphira was trustworthy, a friend that he could share anything with. However, a small tug in the back told him to keep such information to himself, to keep the small attachment to her a secret.

"Ianos."

Hearing Ace call silently through their bond, Ianos found himself deflating, especially so when he turned and met Saphira's eyes once more, her speckled gaze gleaming patiently for an answer.

"The reason why no one mentions her name was because she was like me."

Seeing the Chosen Titan blink rapidly at his answer, Ianos simply turned his focus forward once more, his orange eyes glancing over the shoulders of Pluto, Marin, and finally Zakai. Narrowing his gaze, Ianos took in a breath as he once again felt the wisps of darkness linger within, and then clarified, "She was like me in the matter that she did not have a name."

Although easily sensing the surprise from Saphira, Ianos opted to keep his gaze forward although, this didn't mean he did not feel Ace's small tugs of concern.

"I am alright." He whispered, keeping his head low to ensure that only his words reach his own ears – and to Ace.

However, despite his best attempt to sound convincing, Ianos easily sensed his Ghost's doubt followed by another pull – grief. As he felt Ace's emotions shift through their bond, Ianos felt his shoulders deflate, and barely contained the sad sigh that had threatened to escape his lips.

The Warlock was not alright.

Turning his eyes forward once more, Ianos felt the anger and frustration return as he spotted the heads of the others; Pluto in the very front, taking quick but careful steps, Marin standing next to the Preceptor, to Zakai as she spoke to him quietly, her head dipped low to keep their conversation private, and finally, Zakai himself, the latter dipping his head towards the younger Titan, nodding subtly as he took in her words.

More than anything, Ianos wanted to feel the relief, the joy of seeing the one he had loved return to him, to know that he had lived through the explosion that had supposedly taken his life. But, just as these thoughts would take to the surface, it would soon be replaced by rage, an anger that caused the insides of his chest to churn and his hands shaking with emotion. Ianos had thought that talking to Saphira would ease his thoughts but the mention of the Iron Lords and her had instead caused his feelings and mind to further intermingle into his frustrations. And it doesn't help that the one he usually releases his worries to had betrayed his trust.

Turning a narrowed glance towards Pluto, Ianos tried to understand why. Why would the one he had called his mentor, the one who had taken him under his wing would keep such information to himself? He had seen the results of his loss, the anguish of losing two of his beloveds to the machinations of the Darkness. But yet, the Hunter had decided to keep it a secret, placing a wedge between himself and the Preceptor. And Ianos cannot understand why.

Grinding his teeth, Ianos saw the edges of his vision blur, his eyes wet, but he kept them in, mainly for the sake of the lack of his visor and the look of concern he spotted upon Saphira's features. Taking in a deep breath, the Warlock forced his emotions down, releasing a shuddering sigh as he felt his chest tighten, but the heavy sensation momentarily lifted. He would soon release that in the training field – or the two who caused his emotional turmoil.

"Ianos." He perked up at Ace's voice, feeling the worry and sadness through their bond. Although, at first, he shrugged it to the side, having anticipated the words of comfort that they would usually spew to ease the emotions within his mind. Usually, he needed time to gather his thoughts, his feelings, to ease himself until he was in appropriate position to speak. However, instead of the silence that he would usually receive, he felt Ace pull at their bond once more followed by a whisper, "I received a frequency from Crystalline. They are in trouble."

Xxxxx

Between the two of them, Knight always thought he was the weaker one, mainly for his inexperience in battle and how long it took him just to release his light. As such, the younger mind couldn't help but be amazed that he was restraining Nine, feeling his older counterpart struggling to gather the light in his palms and his joints straining to move.

"Nine, calm down." It was Day who spoke, the Ghost's shell spinning erratically in both joy and panic, "we're surrounded by friends here, they're not going to-"

"Friends?" The words that left Knight's lips were filled with disgust – and fear, "How can the spawn of empty husks be our allies?"

"Nine, be nice." Crystalline was the next to speak, Knight feeling his optics shift and felt Nine's ire rising in the back, "The Revenants have been working with the Ostracized ever since its inception, and they have been nothing but beneficial." Knight watched as the female Ghost's shell shifted upwards, as if to mimic exasperation, "They're the ones who discovered Harmonization for Darkness sake."

"They cannot be trusted."

Feeling his jaw tighten and his fingers flexing dangerously, Knight forced his head back, shifting his optics upwards just enough to sense Nine's surprise.

Knight, what are you doing?

"Stopping you from making a mistake," Knight strained out as he made his body go taut, ready in case Nine tries to take control, "I know this doesn't look good, but I promise you, Nine, that the Ostracized and their spawn are trustworthy."

Ostracized!?, If Knight had ever questioned if he heard Nine so confused or enraged, all of his doubts dissipated just now, Do you know who they are, Knight? They are Hive! Monstrosities of the Darkness that needs to be cleansed!

Feeling his body tense, Knight gritted his jaw as he strained against the older mind, his arms shaking as he spoke, "Crystalline, say something. Anything, to get Nine to understand."

"What?!" The female Ghost in question gave him a shocked look, "He's not even listening to you!?"

"Just say something!" Knight found himself shouting, forcing his arm back down to his side and forcing the gathering light back, "Before he finds a way to take control!"

Knight!

Breathing out apologies followed by curses, Knight braced himself for the worst, only to blink in surprise when he found the resistance in his arm dissipate, and the light dying from his hands. Surprised, the younger mind kept his body taut, waiting for any sign of Nine forcing his way through. However, instead, he felt nothing, only a dull thrum of where the older mind resided.

"Nine?" Knight called out as he forced himself to relax, flexing his hands to ensure that he really was in control; his fingers moved at his command, "You okay in there?"

At first, the young Exo received nothing but silence, causing concern to grow within his mind before finally, an answer, I would like to apologize for my aggressive behavior. It seems waking up in the dark had disoriented me.

"You think?" Knight blurted out, turning his optics momentarily back towards the others, spotting the wary and surprised looks in their gaze, "You nearly destroyed this room of infants, Nine."

A ping of something gathered to the forefront of Knight's head but, before the younger mind could grasp exactly what, it disappeared and quickly followed by a soft hum of apology, Like I have said beforehand, I apologize, just, explain to me what is exactly going on.

Scrunching his features together in suspicion, Knight pulled through his bond with Day, signaling for the Ghost to search through their thoughts. Waiting momentarily, a soft tug from the white Ghost prompted Knight's shoulders to deflate, a sigh of relief leaving his lips, "Right, let's start off with the Ostracized –"

That is when the familiar pull of being forced into the deeper recesses of his mind permeated throughout Knight. Then, next thing he knew, Knight found himself watching, his hands moving at his own accord as he saw light forming on his fingertips.

Nine! Stop!

Although he could hear himself screaming, shouting at the older mind, Knight saw that his words fell on deaf ears as Nine pulled back his hand and thrusted it forward, his optics clear upon the cribs as his light bore down upon them. Screaming wordlessly in the back, Knight watched as white filled his vision, and the familiar ringing permeated into his sensors. As the light faded from his vision, Knight reached out towards Day, pulling on his Ghost's bonds, and expecting the worse. However, sensing the surprise, the younger mind did not feel any emotions of distress, and instead felt his Ghost pull back, a sign that things were fine. At least, that's what Knight thought, until the light finally cleared enough for him to see.

Instead of broken cribs and burned remains, Knight instead saw a black shield, the edges releasing fogs of darkness as it covered the defenseless spawn behind it. Hearing the squeals and cries of the larvae ringing in his sensors, the younger mind couldn't help but let out a sense of relief, and in return, he sensed Nine's ire. Wanting nothing more than to flush out the older mind's anxiety with ones of comfort, Knight prepared to do so, only for his view to snap to attention when the black shield started to dissipate. That is when the younger mind took in a breath.

When Odoratta mentioned that what they saw was just a visionary to 'blend in', Knight hadn't taken him seriously. True, it was hard to believe that a spawn of a Guardian and a Hive Wizard could occur but, the proof was walking and talking right there in front of him. Hearing it was different than 'seeing' it after all. However, as the last of the barrier disappeared, the young Exo found himself staring down into familiar glowing, sickly, green eyes but, the human-like façade was completely gone. Instead, Knight stared down into the eyes of what resembled a Hive Knight, the latter of which lowered its arms and bared its teeth, a threatening snarl escaping its jaws.

"You dare try to harm my siblings!"

The echoes of rage that resonated from Odoratta's lips caused Knight to jump within the confines of his mind, especially since the once clear vocals of the halflings was now gone. Instead, it was replaced with ragged and screeching tone that resembled more of the females of the Hive than the low and rugged of the males.

If Knight wasn't in fear for his and Nine's life, he would have taken more interest in the changes and differences between a full bred Hive and a hybrid. Currently, he just hopes that both he and Nine survives this encounter, especially so when Odoratta leaped towards him, claws burying themselves into his chest.

Saphira belongs to Diamond002