Redacted

Rage and Fire

I deeply apologize for the late update guys. After Destiny 2 came out, I was sorely disappointed in it - it felt more like a DLC than an actual sequel and it honestly, made me lose my writing motivation towards this series for a bit - cue in the late updates the past couple of weeks. Luckily though, after hinting at some juicy lore in some Destiny videos I watched, the little tidbits of lore helped me gain my motivation back :D. Although, no promises that it's going to help me update on time lol.

Edited: 02/26/2023

Ace considers that whoever had attempted to assassinate the Speaker lucky, for if they had not taken him away to be questioned, Ianos would have certainly done him serious harm. Not kill him, the Warlock has a vow to keep after all, but that does not mean Ianos won't seriously maim the Hunter. However, for now, it seems that Ianos is content upon hearing that Nine had killed Hush's killer, and now he is currently checking over the child Guardian. With her unique condition, it is always a good idea to check over her after resurrection.

As Ace continued to watch Ianos fussing over Hush -specifically her gauntlets – echoes of a memory surfaced.

Zakai seated upon the edge of the bed as Ianos checked over the Impossible Machines, the former's face flushed, glowing eyes kept to the floor in shame. Ari, the normally cheerful Exo's face contorted in concern as he sat nearby, and Ianos, cursing silently under his breath as he attempted to fix the damage to the Impossible Machines, hissing as arc light bit at his hands.

It was a common scene, one usually after a mission, since Zakai's fragility and clumsiness ends up with his gauntlets damaged in some way, and it is important to keep his light in check. They do not want a repeat of what had happened when he first arrived at the Tower.

And Hush would have been no different if they hadn't found her so quickly after resurrection. They were fortunate that they found a proper armor piece as well.

Continuing to watch as Ianos continued to trail his hands around the cracks and plates of the Feedbacks, Ace then noticed their Guardian's eyes softened, a sign that there were no flaws, no breaks.

"It seems to be in stable condition." Ianos confirmed as the Warlock lifted his eyes to Hush's, "But do be careful next time, who knows how much punishment the Feedbacks are able to take before it breaks."

As Hush nodded at his words, Ianos then turned his attention to Crystalline, the latter of which had been hovering nervously nearby, "Do you have the blueprints in your memory?"

"Of course, I do!" The female Ghost seemed offended at his question, "Did I not say before?" Her shell fluttered against her core, "Just because I am not a Tower Ghost does not mean I do not know the basic functions of one!"

Ace heard their Guardian sigh, "Just ensuring that if the Feedbacks do break, that you have the capacity to repair them." He then stood, keeping his hands upon the child Guardian's, as if afraid to let go, "Hush maybe fine now, but without the Feedbacks, her light will turn erratic, especially when under duress."

"And you know this how?" Crystalline snapped, "Experience? You claim people like Hush are rare. How were you able to meet one such as her?"

That is when Ace saw Ianos frown and his eyes turned to focus solely upon Hush's Ghost, "Just because I say that there are not many out there, does not mean I never met one." Their Guardian then released another breath, hearing him breathing softly, "She maybe the second we have seen but I do not want to take risks. We do not want an incident where she loses control and risks the lives of those around her." Ianos' brows furrowed, jaw tight, "The Consensus will take action, accidental or not."

That is when the room went silent, quiet, and Ace note how wide Crystalline's optic is.

"Did something happen?" Crystalline finally asked, "Did the first one's light get out of control?"

Ianos remained silent.

"How many lives were lost?"

That is when Ace saw Hush look up at Ianos in concern, spotting pain flashing over their Guardian's eyes, and at first, they thought that he wasn't going to respond. He usually doesn't.

"When Zakai…" Ianos' voice faded, hesitant, but Ace heard him take a deep breath and continue, "When Zakai first entered the Tower, he was the first of his kind that we encountered. We didn't know any better. All we saw was a trembling New Light in rags that needed help." Ianos closed his eyes. Ace knew what happens next, "We were ignorant, concerned over his well-being that we did not heed the warning of his Ghost, didn't hear her scream to stay away. Thus, we did not expect the surge of arc light that he released during his confusion and fear." Ace saw Ianos give Hush's hands a gentle squeeze. They saw her do the same back, "Those of us who were gathered around Zakai were caught in the blast, killing us."

"Including you?"

There is a pause at Crystalline's question, Ianos' eyes snapping open in surprise. Ace must give their fellow Ghost kudos. She caught on what happened quickly.

"Yes." Ianos finally answered, "Fortunately I was a bit of ways from Zakai, and alongside those who were with me, our Ghosts remained intact. However, those who were kneeling around him, they weren't so fortunate." Ace's Guardian fixed his eyes upon Hush's, and they spotted the shame, the guilt inside, "So powerful was his light that those who were close to his person were incinerated. Guardian and Ghost." His eyes narrowed, "As you can imagine, many were upset, unhappy. Especially the Consensus. In their eyes, intentional or not, Zakai had taken lives, and the masses wanted retribution."

That is when Ianos turned his attention towards Crystalline and continued, "If it not for Andal Brask and Zakai's status as a New Light, he would have been imprisoned and left to rot."

Ace watched as Crystalline reeled, shell pressing against her core and her yellow optic staring deep into Ianos' eyes.

"That is why you are concerned for Hush." The Ghost realized, "You are worried the same could happen to her?"

"That obvious?" Ace watched as Ianos smiled wryly. Then, just as quickly as it appeared, it is gone, "If it was just the current Vanguard, I would be not so worried, But the Consensus…" He released another breath, "They have not changed."

Unfortunately, considering their short years in comparison to Guardians. To Ace, the Guardians remember. The Consensus do not. And they are quick to judge.

Unable to help but grumble at the thought, Ace then took notice of Crystalline gliding closer, hovering just near Ianos' face.

"You do not have to worry about, Hush." She said, and Ace couldn't help but blink at her words. Then, Crystalline smiled as Ianos mimicked their surprise, "After all, she has plenty of competent Guardians who have her back."

It is a shock, hearing those words from the female Ghost, as Ace knows well of her constant mistrust of Guardians residing in the Tower. And Ianos must have thought the same, for Ace sensed his surprise, his bewilderment. Before it is promptly interrupted when Hush leaned in and wrapped her arms around Ianos' abdomen, pressing her face into his chest.

In turn, Ace watched as Ianos went stiff, shoulders tense. Then, stiffly, he brought a hand upon her head, and brushed his fingers through her hair. Ace heard Hush release a sigh of content in response. That is when they saw tension leave Ianos' shoulders, his body relaxing as a gentle look flashed over Ianos' face. It is a look that Ace had not see in a long while.

Unable to help but smile, Ace found themselves gliding over, hovering close to Crystalline as their Guardians continued to hold each other in their embrace.

Xxxxx

"You sure it is a good idea to leave Echo behind?"

He is currently upset with the Vanguard, Nine's voice rang inside Knight's head, and knowing his history and temper, I highly discourage we even speak with Echo now.

"But you do know that we aren't exactly allowed to leave the Tower alone." Knight murmured as he carefully made his way through the Hangar, his white optics glancing around; everyone's eyes were elsewhere, "We can find one of the others, tell them what we are planning."

We should not get them involved, Knight sighed at Nine's protest, since the one involved with Prime's abduction is a Phoenix Exo.

Knight paused, "You believe what Loras said?"

The Phoenix Exo were not well known back then, Nine explained, But yet Loras spoke as if he easily understood who we are. That is proof enough that the leader of this cult is indeed a Phoenix.

"So." Knight started as he continued to skulk about; he is surprised no one has stopped him yet, "Why can't we ask the others for help?"

We cannot allow Fireteam Redacted to get involved, Nine retorted again, for we do not know what Unit this Phoenix belongs to.

Knight hummed in thought; good point.

"Hacker?" He suggested, "Only way she would have gotten into the Tower Database."

With a Ghost, one can easily hack into the Tower's Database.

Knight blinked, "Wait, is the Tower that vulnerable?"

If they have a Ghost, then yes.

"Terrific." Knight sighed, "So what is she then?"

I don't know, Nine admitted, When I was created, most of the other Units were already decommissioned. And files with the early Units were deleted.

"Fun." Knight commented as he finally spotted their ship – at least, the one that Miss Holiday had given him – and carefully continued to make it his way across the Hangar. He is still surprised at the lack of attention towards him.

Approaching the ship, Knight then spotted the scratches, the worn painting. He couldn't help but wonder what happened to the previous pilot.

"Now that you mention it." Knight said as he pressed a hand against the hull, "It would be a problem if the Phoenix Exo is one from your Unit. Since, you know," He gestured vaguely with his other hand, "You can absorb the light."

Now you understand why I do not want the others involved.

Although still thinking that leaving Echo behind is a bad idea, Knight subtly nodded in agreement before he whispered, "Day."

"On it."

His Ghost's presence quickly left his mind followed by the sensation of weightlessness, light flickering around his vision, and then he found himself falling, seated, into the pilot seat. Knight spotted Day glide just above his shoulder.

"Do you have any idea where the Leader of this cult is hiding?" Knight asked as he leaned over, flipping some switches; Day flipped the ones he had missed, "I don't think Loras revealed her location."

That is when Knight sensed the amusement, Why do you think Echo wanted my help?

Pressing several buttons before reaching down to the stick next to him, Knight then added, "Is there anything you can't do?" He paused contemplating, "Wait, isn't Echo the first of the Phoenix? Why does he need your help in finding the Cult Leader?"

Being the first of the Phoenix Exo is exactly why he needs my help, Nine answered, He is the first of our make, and as such, he does not have all the calibrations that later units would have.

"So," Knight started as he shifted the stick, "He is weaker than you?"

I never said that.

Feeling the ship lift beneath him, Knight glanced down at the screen below him, watching carefully as he backed out of the Hangar; still no one took notice.

"Is Echo stronger then?" He asked.

In terms of his light, yes.

"Is it because…"

I do not know, Nine admitted, however, from what I could gather, Echo had been created to be the 'voice' of the Traveler. Thus, I would not be surprised if that is the case.

Knight hummed. It would make sense, considering how well Echo utilizes Light within the Crucible. He can only imagine what the older Phoenix is capable of out in the field.

I sent the coordinates to Ghost Sunny Day, Nine explained, They will lead you to the location where the last frequency of the hack took place.

Not going to question how Nine quickly found the frequency and how he had quickly found the location, Knight promptly waited until a dot appeared on the screen before finally shifting the stick and started following the coordinates.

Still, no one noticed his leave.

Xxxxx

"You do realize that Nine had left without you?"

Glancing over to Reaver only to see the blank stare, Echo simply stayed silent, focusing on his equipment, flicking through what he would need in his arsenal.

"You, already knew he was going to leave?" Reaver said.

"It is like that Titan said." Echo muttered, "Nine is his own Exo, he is capable of making his own decisions." And he hates how the words came from a human, "I would prefer if he went with me but, it is nothing to fret over." Echo picked out the weapons he would bring with him, "I already know where he is heading."

"Wait, what?" Reaver's shell spun against the back of his core, "How do you…" He briefly paused, "Is this a Phoenix Exo thing?"

Echo paused, contemplating whether to answer, and then said, "Our creators back then were paranoid when it came to us Phoenix going defective." He quickly checked over his armor and then glanced over to other sets; he knows the possibility of his current set breaking is high once he leaves the vicinity of the Tower, "Therefore, after the third Units were created, they instilled a program into my unit and I to track down any rogues, if it ever came to that."

"Did it?"

He took in a deep breath, and released, "Plenty. Plenty of my brothers and sisters who were not pleased with their life as war machines and many attempted escape." Then, Echo scoffed, almost amused, "However, it did not work as well as they intended. Can hardly track them once they reached a certain distance." Despite himself, Echo grinned, "They hadn't thought that they would be able to get that far."

"But you still found them, didn't you?"

Reaver's words wiped the smile off of Echo's face and instead of answering, he clipped the weapons he chose onto his person. He turned to leave.

"How many were decommissioned?"

Echo halted in his movements, taking in a deep breath before he answered, "Too many."

Xxxxx

"Are you certain that you decoded this right? There's no way that this is possibly true."

Angel knew it wasn't courteous to question a Ghost's ability to decipher, but what he had just heard, it sounded impossible. As such, he ignored the blank looks that both Hope and Lex gave him and instead struggled to take in the Ghosts' words.

Both he and Akiva have moved on from the bar and are now in the latter's apartment, seated on the couches designated the living area. The pair had wanted to move to a place where prying ears are less likely, thanks to the information at hand and that the rest of the encryption was difficult for Lex to crack. However, with Hope's help, they were able to decipher its contents. And what he had heard sent Angel into disbelief.

"But it's impossible." He muttered out as he dragged a hand down the front of his face, "No one has ever gotten that close to the Traveler, let alone touch it."

"Well, it was the Golden Age." Akiva murmured, Angel seeing him tap his chin in thought, "Much of humanity back then were willing to do anything to advance." The Titan frowned, "Even if it means desecrating the body of a god."

"But wouldn't have someone notice?" Angel retorted, "No one can just fly up to the Traveler, chip off not just small pieces, but a massive amount of its shell before flying down." He turned his wide eyes to the floor, "It just can't be possible."

"Impossible, if you have not been given proper authority." He heard Akiva say. Angel couldn't help but give him a blank look, "Kid, I was part of the military forces before my resurrection as a Guardian. I knew almost all the rules when it came to the Traveler and anything around its vicinity."

Taking in the Titan's words, Angel found himself furrowing his brows, eyes narrowing, "So, you are saying that someone had approval back then? That someone allowed these scientists to tear pieces off the Traveler, and then convert them into weapons of war?"

That is when Akiva sighed, Angel watching as the Titan closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Resources were scarce back then before the Traveler fixed it, and where the governing continents agreed to share." Akiva lifted his head, opened his eyes, and fixed them upon Angel, "Each governing office wanted to pull ahead of their competitors, even if it means getting down and dirty to do so."

"But the Traveler gave us gifts, blessed us." Angel wrung his hands together, trying to bring his frustration, understand his frustrations, "Was that not enough?"

Another sigh from Akiva, "It is just like what Echo said, humanity is greedy. Even I have to admit that I can't deny that there are some truth in his words."

Some? More like the complete truth. At least, that is what Angel wanted to say but he found his throat go tight, his mouth dry. Instead, he fixed his eyes to his hands; they were locked tight together, "Then what do we do? Do we reveal everything at Nine's behest? Or does Echo actually have a point on why he wants to keep it a secret?"

"You two figured out what Echo was trying so hard to hide?"

Startled at the introduction of a new voice, Angel jumped in his seat as he turned towards the entrance of the apartment, only to spot the familiar dark clad form of Ianos, his face hidden behind his helmet. Blinking, Angel then lowered his gaze until they settled over Hush, her face beaming at him.

"Ianos, what are you doing here?" Akiva asked as the pair entered.

That is when Angel watched Ianos tilt his head, easily sensing the frown behind his visor before he gently released his hold on Hush's hand. This allowed the child Guardian free reign and she practically skipped past the living area and disappeared down a hall. That is when Angel understood.

"The playdate." Akiva is the one who clarified Angel's suspicions, seeing the Titan flash Ianos a wry smile, "Slipped my mind."

"I am going to take a guess being the reason that you finally learned Echo's secret?" Ianos said as he took a seat in a chair between them, "How did you come upon it?"

"With Nine's help." Angel answered, "Before he left with Echo, he gave Akiva a piece of cloth with a code on it. Lex and Hope were able to decode it and, well…"

That is when Angel hesitated, wondering if he had the right to simply 'tell'. He saw Ianos subtly tilt his head at his silence. Then, the Warlock held out a hand.

"May Ace and I take a look?"

Blinking, Angel slowly turned his attention to Akiva, only to see the Titan smiled before he leaned over and handed the piece of cloth to the Warlock. Watching as Ianos delicately took the cloth between Akiva's fingertips, the Warlock then held it up just as Ace compiled next to him. They scanned their light over it.

"This is a little difficult." Ace admitted as they hummed, "But it should not take long."

A beat of silence.

"What?" Hope broke it, "Not take long? It took Lex and I forever to break it, what makes you think that – "

"Done." The sound of offense that Hope made at Ace's declaration made Angel break a smile, "Had to switch a few lines around. I can see why it would be difficult."

"Wuh-how?" Lex sputtered.

"Experience." Ace practically chirped, their shell spinning against the back of their core, "Have been decoding and unlocking doors longer than all of you."

Listening to Hope grumble under her breath, Angel couldn't help but smile sheepishly. Then, he sensed the frown from Ianos.

"Tell me." He started, "To confirm that Ace had indeed decoded this correctly – "

"Hey!"

"A group flew to the Traveler, took parts of its shell to incorporate them into weapons of war, more specifically…"

"The Phoenix Exo." Akiva confirmed; Angel sensed Ianos' gaze harden behind his helmet, "Ace didn't decrypt it wrong. Hope and Lex got the same thing."

Silenced loomed within the room as Ianos leaned back, Angel sensing the scowl as the Warlock rubbed the cloth between his fingers. Only the hums of their Ghosts can be heard.

"I understand now why Echo tried to keep the truth of the Phoenix Exo hidden." Ianos finally broke the silence, "The impact this would have if this were to reach the masses."

Angel blinked and then asked, "Would it be that severe?" He furrowed his brows in thought, "The Phoenix Exo are made from the Traveler, and many see the Traveler as a god. Wouldn't that be beneficial for Echo and Nine?"

"Possibly." Ianos said, "But there maybe others who may see it as a desecration of the Traveler. Echo and Nine would personify this." Angel felt his eyes linger over to him, "They may see it as a blasphemous machination of humanity trying to become gods themselves and they would rather destroy that than live alongside the Phoenix Exo."

A chill ran down Angel's back. Humanity wouldn't resort to that, will they?"

"Then we don't reveal this to the populace then?" Akiva's words pulled Angel out of his thoughts, "But Nine seems adamant about letting this little secret out despite Echo's protests."

"That is between Nine and Echo." Ianos said, "This is not a matter we should get involved in." He then tossed the cloth onto the small table in the middle of the room, and sighed, "It is not our decision."

"But, we know what they are now." Akiva pressed a hand to his chest, "If Echo learns that Nine had given us the encryption and we broke it, he is not going to be happy." He shook his head, "I wouldn't be surprised if he is willing to kill us and our Ghosts to keep the truth hidden."

"Echo wouldn't kill us outright." Angel found himself saying. Then, he paused, "Would he?"

"More than capable." Ianos answered without pause, "He was once a Warlord after all." Another pause from the Warlock, "Or I should say, still a Warlord."

Angel blinked and then wheezed, "Still?"

Ianos shrugged, "The land that the City is built upon was technically Echo's." Angel watched as he tilted his head, "He only agreed upon the condition that he has free reign, has his own settlement, and that any favor he requests be approved without question."

"That sounds too high of a risk." Angel turned to Akiva, spotting the way the Titan's eyes were wide, "Did no one try to kick Echo out?"

"Several." Ianos answered, "But as you recall, Echo is strong, powerful, even the Iron Pups respected his strength." Another shrug, "In the end, an agreement was made and that was how the City was built."

Intrigued, Angel then paused and raised a brow, "And you know this how?" He sensed the blank stare Ianos gave him, "I understand you are old but there is no way that you were in the City when it was just a settlement."

There is a beat of silence, then a sigh, "I am not old, Angel. I'm ancient."

Despite himself, Angel snorted, and he heard Akiva chuckle next to him. Then, he sighed.

"Then, we keep Nine and Echo's secret to ourselves?" Angel asked.

"That is up to Echo and Nine." Ianos said again, "Out of courtesy for Echo and our lives, we shall keep it to ourselves however, now that we know, I would not doubt Nine would use it as a base to convince him to release the truth."

"Then, should we prepare for Echo's wrath, just in case?"

"Yes."

Xxxxx

"Why are you making me walk into Fallen territory?"

Battle experience, If Knight could, he would have given Nine a blank stare, How else would you be able to defend yourself if you do not learn?

"And how am I supposed to tell if they are from the House of Kings?"

Their capes are the color of gold, it will not be difficult to miss.

Knight released a breath, clenching his scout rifle tight in his hands. He took tentative steps forward, "Easy for you to say, Mister Soldier."

As I have said before, this is a chance for you to gain battle experience.

This time, Knight did give Nine a blank stare, staring into space as if the other mind would see his expression. He sighed when he received no response and instead, glanced warily at the entrance of a cave, taking note of steps made from stones descending into the darkness.

Despite sharing a body, Knight still couldn't comprehend how Nine is able to locate the cult leader to the Cosmodrome, quietly instructing the younger mind on how to navigate the rustic landscape. This made Knight quietly think to himself how often Nine left the Tower on his own, back before the days of the trial.

Tuning in onto Day's quiet hum in his head, Knight slowly descended the steps.

"Any idea on what type of Phoenix she is?"

No, Nine answered, and we won't know until we meet her in person.

Knight grounded his jaw together, "So, we're basically going in blind?"

Do not fret, if anything were to go awry, I will take control.

"Thanks for the heads up." Knight sighed, "If I wake up with a headache, I know what happened."

Sensing ripples of amusement from Nine, Knight then looked around, furrowing his brows at the small lanterns lining the stone stairwell.

"If the cult is here, why hasn't anyone found them yet?" He asked, scowling at the air, "Many Guardians clear lost sectors, right?"

You can clear an area many times before hostiles realize that it is no longer a safe area to house themselves, Nine explained, and eventually, they will remain empty.

"And how to Guardians tell if they are abandoned?"

Did you take note of the entrance? Knight raised a brow, Did you notice the mark, an red X, painted just above it?

"Yes?" Knight looked up in thought, narrowing his optics; he recalls a metal plate, most likely from a broken ship, wedged above the entrance. And on it, a red 'X' sprayed hastily. He then blinked, "Wait, that simple?"

Sometimes simplicity is enough.

And simple enough where a cult can hide in plain sight.

"They need to up security." Knight muttered, sensing another wave of amusement as he slowly continued to descend the stairs.

As he expected, the spaces of the lanterns expanded until Knight can spot the darkness of the stairs at the bottom. Taking in a shaky breath, Knight took one step forward. And then paused when he sensed the wariness from Nine, a tinge of fear reverberating through his thoughts.

Right, he keeps forgetting.

As Knight pondered on what to do, to ease the Phoenix Exo's worries, that is when he felt the presence of Day leave his head. And the hall illuminated with light. Glancing over his shoulder, Knight found his optics locking onto Day's singular, and he watched as his Ghost's shell shifted upwards into a smile. He then sensed the gratitude, the relief oozing from Nine, and Knight decided to give Day a nod, to signify their thanks. The Ghost's optic seems to brighten at that.

Now with a clearer view of the stairs, Knight continued the descent, easing his way down as his grip went tight around his scout rifle. He hopes and prays that whoever these cult members are, that they wouldn't react violently to his trespass.

That hope is quickly quashed as the instant Knight made it to the bottom of the stairs and carefully stepped through to another room.

And he heard the click of a weapon echo through the cavern.

Knight rolled forward, feeling the air of the bullet brush past him before he jumped to his feet, turned, aimed down sights, and fired as he caught the head of his target. As he went to fire another round, Knight found his finger coming to a halt as he heard the familiar sound of shields shattering followed by a shout of pain. Optics wide, Knight looked up, only to hear a single shot of a scout rifle fire through the air. And then he felt a sharp impact slam into his side.

Letting out a scream, Knight clasped a hand to the wound. Then, he found himself upon the floor, his optics seeing the shattered fragments of his shields. Static scratching at the edges of his vision, Knight only had enough time to see a knife raised before he raised a hand, grabbing the wrist just as it came down upon him. He grunted as he watched it slowly descend to his visor.

Gritting his jaw, Knight dropped his rifle, allowing the use of his hand as he gathered his light and slammed his palm into his attacker's chest. He heard a stunned gasp, felt their grip fumble, and Knight proceeded to push them away, snatching his rifle back into his hands as he stood. He yelped as pain spiked from his injury.

Falling onto his knees, Knight then felt an impact slam into his jaw, static falling into his vision as he flew back, landing onto his back with a groan.

"Knight!"

Hearing Day call out, Knight found himself sitting up, optics wide at the realization of the danger his Ghost is in, only to scream as Day's illuminated shape is suddenly snatched out of the air.

"No!" He shouted as he scrambled onto his feet, clasping a hand onto his side, the pain a pinprick compared to the panic now settling over his senses.

However, as he reached out a hand, to take a step forward, Knight then spotted his attacker, garbed in Titan gear, hold up a hand cannon. And aimed it at Day's optic. In response, his Ghost ceased to struggle in their grip.

"Drop your weapon."

Taking in a sharp breath, Knight gripped his weapon tight, glancing over to Day, only to see the wide look in their optic, fear evident. He wasn't going to risk his Ghost.

However, as he went to lean down to drop his weapon, Knight jumped as Day suddenly shouted, "Don't do it! Don't do it, Knight! They'll kill you! They'll – "

That is when Day screamed, Knight watching as the Titan's grip slowly enclosed around the Ghost.

"Leave them alone!" Knight found himself shouting, tossing down his scout rifle with little care or concern, practically throwing it to the other side of the cavern. He then raised both his hands, shouting, "I'm unarmed! I'm unarmed!"

He is shaking when Day's screams came to a halt, Knight's optics now upon his Ghost's shivering form as the Titan lifted his Hand Cannon away. Their grip remained tight, however.

"Is that all?" The Titan demanded.

Reaching up to his chest and gradually patting himself down, Knight then recalled the sidearm tucked under his coat, and without thought, promptly pulled the weapon out and tossed it to the rocky floor as well. He then held out his hands, gesturing towards Day's form.

"Please." He begged.

Watching as the Titan glanced back and forth between Knight and Day, relief then flooded his senses when the former took slow and gradually steps forward, carefully holding out his Ghost towards him. However, just as Knight's fingers grazed Day's shell, he spotted a quick flash of movement, the glint of the hand cannon back within his optics.

And he heard the resounding bang echo through the chamber.

Knight then felt broken shards trickle between his fingertips, Day's core slipping past. He watched on with wide optics as the Ghost's optic flickered. And then died.

That is when Knight's mind went blank, his optics watching the trail of his Ghost's broken form fall before he fell to his knees, trying to comprehend just what had happened. In contrast, the Titan before him scoffed, shifting his smoking hand cannon to Knight's head.

"We cannot let you leave now that you know where we are." The Titan's voice sounded far, distance, "We cannot let a thief know where our Blessed Phoenix hides."

So, Nine's tracking is right. They were in the right place, but, at what cost?

Hearing the click of the Titan's weapon being loaded, Knight found the grief that threatened to take hold of his core, turn into rage.

He stood, hands tight, and he ignored the sudden burst of pain that bloomed from his chest as he roared. Vision red, he grasped the Titan by the front of his armor, lifting him off his feet. Screaming now, Knight easily shoved the attacker to the nearest wall, slamming him onto the rocky surface, ignoring the constant tugging, a pull in the back of his mind, a voice too far for him to hear.

Gathering his light, Knight then felt impact hitting his back, burning pain, but he didn't care. This Titan had taken his Ghost from him and if Knight were to die, he wasn't going to die alone. He is going to take the one responsible down with him. Thus, with one final burst, the edges of Knight's vision burned as fire consumed his consciousness.