Redacted
Dusk
Once again, late update, but this time, I actually got busy with life lol. Hopefully this week it won't be as busy.
Thanks to DisobeyedBowl6 for the review!
Edited: 03/12/2023
Pain. A sensation that Nine easily shrugs off as he slowly pulled his trembling hands away from the Titan's chest piece and took unsteady steps back. Focusing his light on his injuries to help dull the pain, he then felt the anguish, the anger lingering in the back of his mind.
"Calm yourself, Shining Knight." He said.
Despite his words, he felt the cries resound in his head, "Do not fret, there is a way."
Glancing around in the darkness and ignoring the confused look from the Titan, Nine then spotted the broken shell of Day, dim within the cave. Assessing his balance, Nine then stumbled towards it, once again ignoring the harden stare upon his back. Fortunately, he heard no steps being taken towards him, no hint of an attack.
As he made it to Day, Nine knelt over the Ghost, carefully scooping the core first into his hands before delicately picking up the pieces of their shell. That is when he heard the shuffling of feet overhead, pebbles falling to the cave floor. Reinforcements.
Despite knowing this, Nine took his time, ensuring that he has every piece of Day before cupping his hands together, optics searching. He spotted no movement.
Pondering upon how much light he should gather, Nine then heard the rush of footsteps pause behind him followed by the clicks of a weapon loading. Just like with the Titan, he ignored it, and instead opted to release wisps of light, watching as streams flowed from his fingertips and into the cracks of Day's broken core.
"Come back, Ghost Sunny Day." He murmured.
Watching as the cracks of Day's form glow momentarily before fading, Nine then lifted his head when he felt a barrel press against the back of his head.
"Get up."
The synth of the individual's voice gave their status as an Exo away, much like the Titan, and Nine couldn't help but glance back. Only to see the butt of an Auto Rifle swing his way.
Static filled his vision as his head snapped back from the collision. Nine quickly placed a hand upon the ground to keep himself from falling.
"I said get up!"
Blinking past the static, Nine finally complied, cupping Day's broken form in his hands once more as he unsteadily stood.
"Remove your helmet."
A strange demand but, once again, Nine complied, lifting his head back just enough to reach the sealant under his jaw and release the pressure to dislodge the headpiece. Hooking his fingers under the nook of his helmet, Nine slipped it off and casually toss it to the side. It bounced loud within the darkness of the cavern.
"Now turn. Slowly."
Still feeling the barrel of the auto rifle upon the back of his head, Nine took slow and idle steps until he turned to face his captor – a Hunter, judging from her hood. He watched her nod, as if pleased to know he is unarmed. Then, she subtly shifted her head towards the Titan, not once taking her optics off of Nine.
"Warren, you alright?"
"Gave me a scare, is all."
If Nine had doubts that they were in the wrong place, they were gone now with the confirmation of two Exo. He has a feeling that the Cult Leader do not appreciate the presence of organics amongst her number.
Calculating on what to do next, Nine then noticed the Titan approach, taking his place next to the Hunter. That is when rage swelled within his chest.
"Murderer!"
The word escaped Nine's lips before he could realize and he found his leg taking a step forward towards the Titan, a threat, and he spotted the Hunter's finger twitch against the trigger of her weapon. Nine forced his way through Knight's anger, his grief, feeling his limbs functioning once more as he halted his movements.
"Shining Knight," He said, feeling the confused stares of the Guardian's before him, "Control yourself."
"K-Killer!" Knight forced his way through, Nine feeling himself pulling upon each other's presence, trying to gain dominance, "He killed Day!"
Feeling his arms move on their own, Nine gritted his jaw, pushing against Knight's consciousness and forcing him to the side. He could sense the younger Exo's frustration.
"Killing Titan Warren is not going to absolve the confrontation at hand." Nine warned.
He forced his optics back towards the two Exo, sensing the look of shock behind their visor's, but he is quickly distracted by the heat permeating from his shoulders.
"Knight, stop." Nine said, "We will not survive this encounter in our current state."
"They are going to kill us either way." The younger Exo's words left his lips, a snarl, "Why not take them down with us?"
"Stand down, Knight." Nine warned again.
"Why!?" Nine felt a hand curl into a fist. The one that held Day remained slack, tender in their hold, "Don't you care that Day is gone!?" He felt the heat increase around his form, the Solar Light illuminating the cave, "They stayed down in that pit with you for weeks when they could have easily left and found another Guardian! Kept your identity a secret from the others for months! Why do you not care!?"
Taking in the younger Exo's words, Nine simply released a breath, forcing the tension to leave his hands. Then, he forced his head downwards, settling his optics over Day's broken form.
"Just look, Shining Knight." He said.
Feeling the anger lingering upon the surface of his mind, Nine then felt it fade when subtle movement can be seen from Day's core, light flickering between the cracks followed by a groan.
"K̴n̶-̸K̵n̶i̵g̶h̵t̸?̵"
Their words were broken, hardly audible, but to Nine, it is loud, another miracle he had brought to life. And he felt the relief, the joy bloom within his core.
"Day!"
Feeling the younger Exo force his way to the front, Nine allowed it, slinking to the back as he watched Knight clutch the Ghost close to his chest, his voice cracking, "Thank the Traveler, I thought I lost you."
"̷ I̴-̶I̶ ̸t̸h̴-̷t̶h̸i̵n̶k̸ ̶y̶-̸y̶o̵u̶ ̶d̷-̵d̷i̴d̷." A flicker between the broken glass of Day's optic, "E̶-̸e̶v̸e̶r̷y̸t̴h̵i̷n̷g̵ ̷h̵-̷h̷u̵r̴t̵s̴.̶ ̶C̷-̵c̴a̷n̸'̸t̴ ̵s̶-̶s̷e̵e̴.̶ ̵C̷-̷C̴a̷n̵'̶t̴ ̶m̴-̵m̸o̴v̶e̸."
That is when Nine sensed the concern from Knight.
"Nine…"
My connection to the Traveler only allows me to bring someone back, not to heal. He felt the worry grow from the younger Exo, Do not fret, I believe Echo has the capability to heal the damage done to Ghost Sunny Day.
Although the concern lingers, Nine can also sense the relief, watching through their optics as Knight's hands cupped protectively over Day's broken form. And then his attention lifted towards the Titan and Hunter before them.
They were standing there, tense, the Hunter still aiming her weapon their way. However, Nine can also sense the hesitation, the wariness.
The fear.
"You." The Hunter finally spoke, her grip going taut around the grip of her weapon, "You are a Phoenix Exo?"
That is when Nine sensed Knight go still, wary now, and he tugged upon his mind.
You can do it, He encouraged, and he felt the younger Exo's confidence steadily grow. Nine heard him take in a deep breath.
And answered, "Yes."
In turn, the Hunter's weapon dropped, its fall loud within the caverns as she kneeled, Titan Warren soon following her action.
"Forgive us." She started and Nine sensed the unease from Knight; he now understands Echo's discomfort when interrogating Loras, "We did not know of your true identity, my lord."
"If I had known you were a Blessed Phoenix, I would have not treated you with such disrespect." Warren spoke next, head bowed low, "Nor would I have taken the life of your Ghost." He then lifted his head, Nine feeling his gaze lock with his, "Kill me for my sin, my Lord."
It is strange, to be so highly revered and feared that Nine also couldn't help but feel discomfort and he is grateful that Knight took a step back. The younger Exo also felt uneasy at their worship.
However as Knight tried to gage distance, that is when static flickered around their vision and Nine saw their world spin before suddenly, he felt the younger Exo collapse.
Fortunately, Knight caught himself, using a hand to stop the worse of his fall as he fell onto his knees, the other hand clutching Day protectively against his chest. That is when Nine took the opportunity to navigate his way to the front, gently encouraging Knight back as he took control. And he understood why Knight collapsed.
With the adrenaline and the anger now absent, Nine can feel the pain, the injuries that he had sustained during the encounter. He can feel the bullets embedded into his back and side, his body aching at every shift and move. And with how the way static still flickered into his vision, Nine knows serious damage had been done.
"My Lord!"
The Hunter's shout reverberated within the cavern and Nine felt an arm slip under his.
"Let us treat your wounds." He heard her say, "It is the least we can do for the wrong we have done."
Lifting his optics towards her, Nine wanted to reject her offer, to deny it but, then he heard Day groan in his hand.
Perhaps if he concentrated enough, he could heal the wounds himself but, it would take too long, too inefficient without Day's aid. Not to mention that Day is in no shape to travel, at least not with Nine and Knight the way they are now.
As such, Nine didn't say anything, which signaled to the Hunter to wrap his arm around her shoulder and slowly standing, allowing him time to steadily get onto his feet. As she started leading him deeper into the caverns, Nine found himself looking back, and he saw Titan Warren trailing behind, head bowed low.
But that is not what caught his attention.
He heard voices overhead, whispers resounding in the darkness, followed by more pebbles, small stones being disturbed.
It seems the news of his arrival will quickly spread.
With this in his thoughts, Nine decided to lean against the Hunter, letting her take most of his weight as he gathered his strength.
Xxxxx
"You are telling me to somehow keep this to myself?"
"Yes." A brief pause can be heard from the other side of the frequency, "For now, at least."
Unable to help but frown, Pluto turned his red optics away from Nix's viridian form and over his shoulder, his gaze settling over the young members of Galaxy seated around a table. They were all excitedly throwing dice and drawing cards, playing a board game given to them by Aleeza before the fated mission.
From what Pluto was told, it was a common game during the Golden Age, where you buy spaces on the board and try to get as much (fake) glimmer as possible, kicking out players by making them land on spaces you own and pay 'taxes'. Despite its popularity, Aleeza sheepishly admitted she cannot recall the name but fortunately, she remember 'most' of the rules. It is a game the young Exo enjoy, to the point where even Orion had momentarily slipped out of his depressive slump to join in, a rare laugh permeating from him as Nova landed upon his space, the latter cursing and forced to pay.
Although a game they commonly play, today they were upping the stakes by playing with actual glimmer and the last one standing gets everything. So far, Pluto has been raking in but, decided to let Io, the close second, to take his earnings when Ianos suddenly contacted him, much to the dismay of the others. Io, who had been impossibly ahead, is now beyond their reach.
"This answers many questions." Pluto finally said as he turned his attention back to the frequency at hand, "Especially considering why Echo wanted it so private."
"The three of us came to the same conclusion." A sigh can be heard, "Now we just have to hope that Echo does not kill us over this."
Pluto raised a brow, "Knowing Echo, the feared Warlord who decimated his rivals with nothing more than a glance, it is safe to say that he will 'definitely' kill anyone who learns of the Phoenix Exo's origins." He shook his head, "though, now we know why he was able to kill other Risen with little difficulty."
Pluto had heard of him way before the City was even a settlement. Even Sun had taken precautions to ensure that they avoided Echo's territory, even if it mean their trek took days compared to the hours if they were to risk crossing his borders.
"And he held back when the three of us went to ask him for help." Another heavy release of breath from Ianos, "Otherwise, the three of us wouldn't be standing here now."
"And I believe he still held back when he would encounter Nine in the Crucible." Pluto pointed out; he remembers the stories Akiva relayed to him. Plus, the recordings that he would review, "If they had released their full potential, I would be surprised if there is anything left of the arena."
"Let us hope that Echo and Nine do not fight over this, then." Ianos said, "Since I doubt there will be anyone who is capable of intervening."
"Let us hope then that the two of them speaking with each other is enough, then." Pluto then paused, brows furrowing, "Have you spoken about this with Nine? He is with you correct?"
There is a brief pause, a beat of silence before Ianos answered, "To be honest, I have not seen him in a while."
"Is he with Echo then?" Pluto asked.
"No." He frowned, "I heard that Echo had recently left the Tower, alone." There is another pause, "You do not think he ventured out on his own?"
Pluto pondered, "Perhaps? Nine is sly when he wants to be." He heard Ianos sigh through the frequency, "But then again, why would he not ask one of us to go with him? He should know better."
"Unless he knows something that we don't." Ianos muttered, "He may be trying to get the truth of the Phoenix Exo out, but he still likes to keep to himself."
Pluto hummed. Good point.
"Send him a frequency when you can, then. Knowing him, he will likely answer you."
He then smiled when he heard a brief pause, followed by Ianos saying, "What do you mean?"
"Nothing." Pluto sensed the doubt through the frequency, "Just make sure it's you that call and no one else."
"Right." Ianos said, "I will just cut this frequency off and contact Nine then."
Unable to help a grin, Pluto chuckled as he heard the hum of the connection fade followed by Nix enclosing their shell back around his core.
"Well." The Ghost started as he shifted his shell, "That was an interesting piece of information we just learned about Echo and Nine."
"It makes sense." Pluto said before the smile faded from his face and he sighed, crossing his arms as he frowned, "That would explain how Nine was able to bring Angel back and reconnect the bond between him and Hope."
"To think that we practically had fragments of a god walking amongst us." Nix hummed, "And Nine is the most recent of the Phoenix. Makes me wonder what Echo is capable of." Pluto then sensed a mischievous smile from his Ghost, "Want to ask him?"
In turn, Pluto gave Nix a blank look, "You know as well as I do that he would rather kill me on the spot than answer my question."
"Would not hurt to try."
Shaking his head as he heard his Ghost chuckle, Pluto's scowl deepened, pondering, "Did Nine not say that many of the Phoenix Exo were decommissioned and then dismantled for parts?"
"Yes." Nix confirmed, "but I doubt that they would reuse parts of the Phoenix. I mean." Pluto watched as his Ghost's shell shifted up and down, "they held pieces of the Traveler, I doubt that they would toss them around and installing random bits into other Exo."
"Then Nine maybe mistaken then?" Pluto asked.
"Maybe." Another shrug from his Ghost, "or maybe the humans lied to him?"
"A possibility." Pluto confirmed before he shook his head, sighing. This was a lot to take in.
"What a headache." He murmured as he tapped the side of his head.
"If you're having a headache then jump back in!" Pluto turned his optics towards the table, only to see Cosmos, her orange lights bright against her sky-blue plating as she waved him over, "The others and I miss you! Come back!"
"You just want him to come back to help close the gap." It is Io who spoke, the Hunter casually flipping through his glimmer; Pluto noticed a second pile beside him. It must have been his before the frequency with Ianos, "Although, I doubt it will make a difference. Pluto will win anyway."
"We won't know until we try!" Polaris shouted, Pluto seeing his yellow optics gleaming, confident, "I will turn the tables and I will win!"
"You are vastly behind everyone else." Io stated.
"Just one space! One space will make a difference!"
"Good luck, with how Pluto owns half the spaces."
Blinking, Pluto then chuckled as he watched Polaris lean back and out at Io, the latter of which simply started counting his stash.
Cosmos is right. If this is giving him a headache, he will worry about it later. For now, he should relax. Thus, Pluto approached the table and resumed his seat next to Io, the latter of which pushed his weight of glimmer towards him. It is time for him to win.
Xxxxx
Knowing fully well that members of the cult worship the Phoenix Exo, it still came as a surprise to Nine when, upon seeing him, the other Exo would bow their heads, optics filled with awe and worship as he passed.
They were now fully within the cult's of base of operations, the uneven, rugged space of cavern soon replaced with smooth surfaces, metal scavenged to build walkways, walls to make it more habitable. Lights were even placed, illuminating the darkness to the point where the Ghosts of the Titan and Hunter compiled back into the safety of their Guardians. Judging from the amount of power sources and equipment, the Exo have been here for a while.
"This way, my Lord."
Feeling the Hunter gently led him to another corridor, Nine followed, still clasping Day's broken form against his chest. He could hear the Ghost breathe heavily. He then felt a tug, a small gesture of concern and apology.
"I am fine, Knight." Nine said, ignoring the puzzled stares from Titan Warren and the Hunter, "I have braved through worse injuries than this." He then looked down, allowing the younger Exo to see the flickers of light that peeked between the cracks of Day's broken optic, "and Ghost Sunny Day is still alive."
Although still sensing the worry, Nine felt it ease, feeling Knight slink to the back.
"If you do not mind me intruding, my Lord, but who are you speaking to?"
Lifting his optics away from Day and towards the Titan, Nine, at first, opted to remain silent. This Exo, after all, is the one who shot not at just him, but at his Ghost as well. And Warren must have sensed this, for Nine then saw him wring his hands together, fingers tapping nervously against the back of his hands. Nine must give him credit though, for keeping eye contact despite what he did.
"Earlier, you had witnessed our quarrel." Nine decided to say, "he is family and I expect he receives the same treatment as I when the opportunity arises."
He sensed the Titan's confused stare but, Nine opted to ignore it; he still carries a grudge towards Titan Warren for what he has done. Therefore, silence remained when the three entered a room and from there, Nine can spot a comforter tucked away in the corner, sheets and blankets untouched in a vast empty space.
"I apologize for the lack of necessities, Blessed Phoenix." The Hunter said as she led him towards the sheets, and slowly, she lowered him upon it. Nine didn't realize how exhausted he was until he sat down, and the weight of his own body seem to fall upon him, "However, we did not expect to encounter another Phoenix so soon."
He paused, Nine lifting his optics and fixing them onto the Hunter's, "Another?"
"Yes, another." He sensed her smile behind her helmet and Nine could even sense the awe from Warren, "She formed this faction years ago but, she already has shown us Exo the truth, the reality of the theft of the Guardians taking from the Traveler." Nine then felt her arms leave him and he watched as she subtly bowed. Warren followed her example, "Our Lady told us that there may be a possibility of others such as herself but, it is only speculation, as already rare as you are, it is more so for the Phoenix to be chosen. Thus, why we did not expect your presence so soon." The Hunter then lifted herself, with Warren following suit, "A medic shall tend to you and we shall inform Our Lady of your presence here, so that she may heal your Ghost."
Someone earlier than the Unit V's then, Nine concluded. They carry more of the Traveler than the rest.
"Heal our Ghost?" Nine decided to question and he sensed the bewildered stare behind the Hunter's visor.
"Are you, not able to heal, Blessed Phoenix?" she asked.
For himself, to an extent, but for others…
Nine once again opted not to answer and instead pressed his back against the wall, ignoring the throb of pain as he cupped Day's broken form in his lap; he could see the Ghost's cracked optic looking around, trying to take in their surroundings, despite their blindness.
"No." Nine finally answered, "I can 'reconnect' the Light to those who had recently passed but, nothing more."
Hearing nothing but silence from the two, Nine simply brushed his fingers against Day's shell, feeling the Ghost shiver in his palms and then click.
Finally, the Hunter broke the silence, "We shall take our leave, Blessed Phoenix."
Nine didn't bother looking up and instead, listened, hearing the Titan's and Hunter's step fade before he spoke, "How are you faring, Ghost Sunny Day?"
Waiting, Nine felt his core clench at the lack of an answer, lack of a response, but then felt relief when there is a flicker of light between broken glass.
"T̴h̶-̸T̷h̸e̷ ̵p̷a̷i̶n̸ ̴i̴-̸i̵s̴n̶'̶t̴ ̵a̷-̵a̸s̵ ̷p̸-̶p̴r̵o̴m̴i̴n̶e̶n̵t̵ ̵b̵-̸b̴u̵t̵ ̶e̶-̴e̷v̶e̵n̶ ̵s̷-̶s̸p̷e̸a̵k̴i̶n̵g̸ ̸h̴-̶h̵u̷r̷t̷s̸.̷"
"Then rest." Nine said as he hovered over Day's broken form, "Conserve your energy, until we can heal you."
Feeling the Ghost shift in his palm, Nine then heard them sigh before their flickering optic faded once more. Fortunately, a subtly blink of light signified their rest. That is when he felt the worry, the concern probe in the back of his head.
"Do not fret, Shining Knight." Nine closed his optics, letting – forcing – himself to relax as he added, "If what the Hunter said is true, then the Phoenix statiioned here will be able to heal them."
There is doubt, a tug of incessant distrust, which prompted Nine to slowly open his optics, "You do not believe that she is capable of healing Ghost Sunny Day?" It is faint, but he felt a soft hum of confirmation, "Why? She is a Phoenix such as myself. What makes you think differently of this one?"
There is a brief of nothing, nothing but a soft hum of thought. He sighed and closed his optics when he received no answer. Nine is starting to feel sluggish, tired, especially so with the injuries he sustained. Thus, with a soft tug, Nine settled, leaning his head against the back of the wall, powering down to allow his body to go numb. Then, he slept.
And he dreamed.
Xxxx
"Nine!"
Turning his attention away from the sky, the Exo barely had the time to catch the leaping form of a boy, the latter beaming at him as he held him in his arms, "I thought father said that he was going to pick me up from school!"
"Your father had been called to a meeting." He saw a flash of disappointment in the child's blue eyes, "he sent me here to bring you home, Sir Benjamin."
The boy huffed, "How many times do I have to tell you, Nine? Call me Ben!" The smile returned to his face, "It's easier to say, plus it sounds way better than 'Benjamin'!"
"I do not think your parents will appreciate me calling you 'Ben', Sir Benjamin."
The child pouted, "Why not?"
The Exo paused, staring, seeing the child tilt his head curiously.
"It is because I am an Exo, Sir Benjamin."
The child tilted his head the other way, "Does that matter?"
Saying nothing, the Exo lowered the boy from his arms before he held out a hand. The latter twined his fingers with his and the pair started to walk.
"Mom and dad hired you to look after me." The boy said as he swung their arms, "You were there as long as I can remember." He then huffed, "You were around more often than they were." His eyes lit up, "So I say you get to call me, 'Ben'! It's fair since I call you 'Nine' for short!"
The Exo contemplated, "I would say 'hired' is not the right word for me."
He felt the boy look up at him, "Then, what are you?"
Opting to say nothing, instead he gently squeezed the child's hand, "What would you like to do today, Ben?"
As he expected, the child practically beamed at him, eyes shining as he answered, "Can we head to the lake again? But this time can we go swimming? It's hot today, I bet it would feel nice!"
"As long as I get to stay on the shore."
"Deal!"
That is when he felt his arm suddenly lurch forward, dragging the Exo along as the child whooped and laughed.
Xxxxx
Nine's optics flew open the instant he felt a hand touch his shoulder, reaching out and snatching the offending wrist of the intrusion. He heard a yelp and felt fingers scrambling to pry his grip off.
Blinking away the grogginess and rest, Nine finally remembered where he is and released his hold, lifting his optics in time to see the newcomer stumble back, hands clutching protectively against their chest.
Judging from the long cloak and bond around her right arm, it is easy to distinguish her status as a Warlock and, just like the others, she is an Exo, the absence of her helmet making her black plating and blue optics obvious.
Upon their gaze locking, she scrambled and Nine watched on as she, just like the others, bowed, her voice filled with reverence, "I deeply apologize, Blessed Phoenix. I did not mean to disturb your rest."
Nine found himself blinking, "You are, forgiven." He is uncertain if that is the right thing to say, "You are the medic that they spoke of?"
"Yes, my Lord." The Warlock lifted herself before she slowly approached and kneeled next to him, "I was sent to check upon your injuries before my Lady visits."
Taking in the formalities, Nine opted to say nothing and instead, while cradling Day's form in one hand, started to unbutton the front of his coat. He sensed the panic from the Warlock.
"W-What are you doing!?"
Nine lifted his optics and gave her a blank stare, "You are here to assess my injures, correct?" He watched her nod, "How else are you to gain a proper look?"
"But I am not…" She hesitated, Nine sitting still to allow time for her to assess.
When she continued to fidget, Nine finally decided to say, "There is no need to be formal about this. Treat me as if I were just another patient."
Her head dipped at his words, Nine hearing her take in a deep trembling breath before she lifted her head and locked her optics with his. There was a determined look in her gaze.
"Here, let me help you." She said as she slowly leaned in and Nine allowed it, allowing her to unbutton the front of his coat and, after helping him shift around on top of the comforter, she slipped it off his person. He felt her pause when he turned his back and side to her.
"The bullets penetrated deep." Nine heard her murmur, "Eren, I am going to need your help."
A familiar hum can be heard before a flash of light appeared over the Medic's shoulder, Nine spying the familiar shape of a Ghost before the latter glided over and light glowed from their optic. He felt it sink into his injuries, a warm but slight burning sensation that slipped past his plating and into the metallic innerworkings of his body. He flinched as there is a sharp pain, forcing the tension to leave him as the wound ached. It is quickly washed over with relief when he felt the Medic's hand linger, a gentle warmth dulling the aches.
Nine couldn't help but glance over at the Warlock, "Are you able to heal?"
Her optics snapped towards him, wide, "Me?" She then sheepishly chuckled, nervous and shy, "Oh no, not me. I treat injures, not 'heal' them as you say." The Warlock then cleared her throat, "Speaking of, Elissa said that she fired several shots into you. Let us treat the rest."
Shifting now to allow the Medic to access his back, Nine remained quiet, feeling the sensations of aches and warmth run along his plating.
"Not all punctured your armor." He heard the Medic hum, feeling her hands linger, "and the ones that did barely denting your plating." Nine heard her pause, "Did you lessen the blows with your light?"
Nine shook his head, "The Phoenix were designed to take punishment, to outlast other Exo out in the field." He paused, only to continue when he heard the medic remain quiet, "although, a point-blank shot to the chest by a hand cannon is enough to penetrate it." Nine pressed a hand to his side, feeling the bullet that had managed to slip between his plating, "Or a lucky shot."
"Excuse me?"
Opting to say nothing, Nine simply turned to face her, settling his hands in his lap to allow the Medic full view of his chest. She sputtered, leaning in to tend to his injuries when Nine heard steps, calm and collected, approach and he glanced towards the doorway, alert.
Just like the others he had encountered on his way down, the interloper is an Exo, her helmet absent to reveal her plating and optics colored the sheen of white. Her attire, garbed in the ways of a Hunter, also mimics the color of her plating, down to her cloak which is slung over her shoulder.
Their optics connected, and Nine felt a click, a connection. He didn't have to ask why.
Nine brought a hand to the back of his neck, tracing the numbers upon its base. He watched the Exo before him do the same and then, she subtle tilted her head. It didn't take much to realize why and Nine scanned his optics over the base of her neck.
EXO/PHX Unit I-1
"Hello, brother." Her voice is gentle, soft, filled with relief and grief, and her optics brighten as she fixed her attention back onto him, "If this were to be our previous life, you would have known me as Phoenix Exo Unit I – 1." She then bowed subtly, a hand to her chest, "However, in this life, you may call me Dusk." Nine watched her lift herself, a smile upon her face, "What is yours, brother?"
Welp, here we go, finally meet the leader of cult/faction :D. And we get a bit more insight into Unit Eleven's backstory C: