Redacted

Disillusioned

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

Edited: 04/16/2023

Title changed from 'Lies' to 'Disillusioned'

Ianos has no idea how Echo found the Paragons of Light's operations but, by the time they made it to the entrance, it was chaos. The pair already having to leap out of the way as a body of a Guardian flew between them, landing with a loud oomph. Then, they barely had time to comprehend what had just happened when a Titan rammed into Echo, carrying him away just as Ianos ducked to dodge a swipe of a knife from a Hunter.

"Thief!"

At first, confused with the alliance of the Guardian before him, the doubt quickly dissolved at the call of the name, and Ianos scanned his opponent. Although a Hunter, the Guardian before him is broad in height and body, and despite not seeing a knife, Ianos knows that most, if not all Hunters, carry at least another seven on them.

He rolled his shoulders before raising his hands, "Let's see if your Ghost chose wisely."

The Hunter before him snarled in response and Ianos, unable to help himself, gestured with a hand for the younger Guardian to come at him. The latter rushed forward. And Ianos couldn't help but subtly shake his head and he took a step to the side. Just as the Hunter brushed past him, Ianos clasped a hand around the Hunters neck and twirled, forcing the younger Hunter to lose momentum and stumble over his feet.

Ianos pushed him away, "Again." He can feel the frustration oozing from the young Hunter as the latter turned to face him, "And this time, actually try to hit me."

He can practically see the fumes of anger emitting from the young Hunter and when the latter raised his hands, Ianos then saw a knife being flipped into his grip. Unfazed, Ianos waited and took a step forward when the Hunter charged him once more. And side-stepped right when the Hunter swung his knife forward, hooking his foot against the Hunter's and swept it forward. If it wasn't for the chaos around him and the dire situation, Ianos would have found it comical watching the younger Hunter not only stumble but also crash face first into the hard hearth. If given more time, Ianos would have further toyed with the younger Guardian. But time is of the essence.

Before the Hunter could even brace his hands against the floor, Ianos strolled forward, kneeled over him, grabbed the back of his head, and raised it. And slammed the front of it back onto the floor. A crack can be heard followed by a gasp, prompting Ianos to lift his head back and slam it back onto the hearth once more. He felt the young Guardian fall limp under him. That is when Ianos grew worried, concerned, only to release a quiet breath of relief when he heard the Hunter groan. This signaled him to release his grip and stand.

"I never thought you would be the violent type."

Ianos turned, only to raise a brow as he saw Echo walk over with his attacker in a head lock, hearing the latter curse under his breath as he tried – and failed – to pry himself out of the Phoenix Exo's grip.

"Especially considering your lackluster performances in the Crucible."

Ah, so he does watch them. Or at least the matches with Nine at least.

In turn, Ianos simply gave Echo a blank look, "Considering my vow to never take another Guardian's life, I thought you would understand." He sensed a glower from Echo, "I apparently overestimated your intellect."

Hearing Echo release a low rumble at his words, Ianos then watched as the Titan removed his hand cannon from its holster and pressed the barrel against the head of the hostage under his arm. He is unable to help a flinch as the weapon went off followed by the Titan going limp in Echo's grip. Ianos then narrowed his eyes as Echo let the body drop to the floor. And promptly jerked back when Echo aimed his hand cannon towards him.

Then he pulled the trigger.

Ianos jumped as he felt the bullet brush past his shoulder and he turned in time to see the Hunter fly back from the shot, falling to the floor, still.

"I, at least, have the common sense to know that we are in a battle and showing mercy to enemies is a mistake."

Ianos turned to look at Echo, giving him a glare as the latter lowered his weapon.

"I may not know what had happened to know why you would take on such a foolish vow," Echo said, "But I will say this." Ianos stood his ground, leaning his head back to keep his eyes fixed upon Echo's helmet as he spoke, "If you do not break it, it will get you killed."

Ianos wanted to give Echo a punch in the face for his comment. He didn't uphold his vow without knowing the risks. He knows fully well.

Ianos took in a slow and deep breath, "If you do not know my reason why I took up my vow, then I say you have no right to say anything about it." He felt Echo's glare behind his visor, "We maybe allies now, Echo, however, I can say with confidence that we know nothing of each other." He leaned in, trying to show his confidence, "Unless you take the effort to know me, I say let us try not to judge each other so quickly. Agreed?"

There is a pause, then Echo scoffed, the Titan turning around, leaving behind a trail of void light from his shoulders. Ianos watched him disappear into the fray.

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

Ianos released a breath, "Just bear with it. It is until this mission is done and then, we are finished."

He heard his Ghost snort, "You say that now, but knowing our luck, this is not going to be the only time we work with him."

Unable to help but mentally agree with Ace's words, Ianos opted to say nothing and instead, scanned his surroundings, brushing over how Echo easily knocked aside enemy Guardians as he searched for Hush. As his orange eyes traced over different forms of Guardians, Ianos then heard a rush of footsteps approach him from behind, prompting him to take a few steps forward and then suddenly twist to the side. The sound of a shotgun firing rang in his ears as Ianos felt the pellets brush past his back, signaling him to stumble forward, gaging some distance between himself and his foe before turning to face them.

"Didn't expect a thief to dodge a point-blank shot like that."

Ianos frowned at the words of his attacker, a Titan, the latter of which cocked his shotgun in his head, "Tell me, did you steal that light long ago, that you had the time to utilize it properly?"

Taking in the Titan's words, Ianos couldn't help but feel amused, "Oh? And I am going to take it that you are young enough to believe such blasphemous lies?"

He felt the Titan's mood diminish and he can easily see the Titan's grip go tight around the handle of the shotgun.

"They are not lies." The Titan claimed, "The Blessed Phoenix has shown me, shown us, the truth. That the light is only truly capable in the hands of its Acolytes, and not in the hands of thieves such as us."

"Thieves?" Ianos repeated; he readied himself, shaking out his hands as he felt his light burn against his fingertips, "What thieves are we when our Ghosts were the ones who selected us? Chose us? The very fragments of the Traveler themselves?" His fingers went to his waist, trailing his fingers over the grip of his sidearm, "The one you call 'Blessed Phoenix'. Is she implying that the Ghosts have made a mistake? That we were nothing more than errors, fodder for the Darkness?"

To his surprise, the Titan visibly sputtered, easily sensing the offense oozing off him.

"The humans had found a way to trick the Traveler!" He retorted, "Tricking it into thinking that you organics and imitations such as I were worth of the Light." Ianos can easily feel the anger, the rage simmering in the Titan's voice. His hands were visibly trembling, "They had tried for years to take the Traveler's power! They must have found it moments before the Collapse! Retribution for taking what is not rightfully theirs!"

Perhaps, in the Titan's sensors, it made sense. But for Ianos, it just sounded like words from a crazy man.

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

He sensed the confusion, the bewilderment, from the Titan. The way he tilted his head told Ianos of his age.

"The Reefborn?" The Titan guessed before he squared out his shoulders, shotgun ready in his hands, "What are you trying to imply? There is no such thing as Reefborn Guardians."

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

Another sputter from Titan, "Lies! Blasphemy! False words! You are-"

Ianos pulled his sidearm from its holster and pulled the trigger. Multiple shots rang out and he heard the familiar sound of shields breaking. He heard the Titan let out a pained scream. Then, Ianos sent a signal to Ace.

Feeling his sidearm leave his hand, Ianos then held them up in time to catch the shotgun that compiled into his grasp. A quick check to see if it is loaded. Then, he aimed at the Titan's knee and fired.

With the absence of his shields, the pellets easily tore through the joint. It didn't help that it was one of the few places left unprotected. With another scream, the Titan fell to his other knee. Ianos took the opportunity to dash forward, brought up the butt of his weapon, and then swung it forward. He heard a crack as it slammed into the young Titan's helmet. Ianos took a breath when the Titan collapsed into a heap. He breathed out when he spotted no sight of his Ghost.

"This is going to take a while, isn't it?"

Pulling on his Ghost's bond in silent agreement, Ianos saw movement from the corner of his eye, and he turned his attention back onto the Titan. The latter is now on his knees and his shotgun is back in his hands. Ianos barely had the time to pivot on his feet when he pulled the trigger.

Ianos let out a hiss as he felt it graze his side, causing him to stumble back until he is pressed against the wall. He dug his hand against his side; one of the few times that he is grateful that Matt's system dulled his sense of touch.

Seeing the Titan take aim once more, Ianos took in a breath, readying himself to jump as he waited for the minuet motion of the younger Guardian pulling the trigger.

A shot rang out.

And violet shot into his vision.

And the pellets of the shotgun slammed into the shimmering surface of a Ward of Dawn.

Reeling, Ianos focused his eyes downward, and a mixture of surprise and relief settled over him.

"Hush."

The child glanced over at him, and she grinned. Despite the presence of his helmet, Ianos smiled back. Only to jump as another shot rang out, prompting him to look back at the attacking Titan. He can sense the fury permeating off him, the sparks of arc light prominent around his shoulders.

This threat is quickly quashed as the Titan is promptly body slammed not by one, but two allying Guardians. Blinking as the three fell to the ground and tussled with each other, Ianos felt a hand pressed against his side. The one where he had been hit. He turned to look at Hush.

Does it hurt?

Staring into her yellow eyes, Ianos saw the concern, the worry, the grief. And the fear. Tears were forming on the edges of her eyes. He pressed a hand on top of hers and shook his head.

"I have been through worse, Little One." He said, "This injury is nothing."

Through the tears, Hush nodded and Ianos saw the relief visibly settle into her eyes. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"I will be fine, Little One." He said just as he felt Ace's presence leave his head. He didn't have to look to know where; he could already feel the dull ache of his injury fade alongside the hum of light ringing in his ears.

Instead, Ianos asked, "Are you hurt?"

Waiting as he watched Hush wipe away her tears with the back of her hand, she then shook her head before signing, This one is okay. Nine kept this one safe.

Ianos furrowed his brows, "Nine?"

Hush nodded again and Ianos couldn't help but glance around. Nine is here?

He turned his attention back to Hush, "Where is Nine now?"

Hush pointed and Ianos followed it past the chaos of battling Guardians and is barely able to pinpoint a tunnel, hardly visible from where he stands. And of course, it is dark, hardly any light.

Nine went and followed that scary Exo. Ianos narrowed his eyes at Hush's words, She took the light from a man and killed him after. Worry lingered into her eyes, and Nine is alone.

"Alone?" Ianos repeated and he couldn't help but mentally curse when Hush nodded again. He then turned to the chaos, searching the crowd.

"Where is Echo?" He asked.

Xxxxx

Echo found it easy to swat aside any Paragon that got in his way, his void armor giving him any protection that any frontal or any attack that would do him harm. Literately brushing aside anyone who would dare attack him directly, Echo released a frustrated growl when he spotted nothing recognizable, nothing that would allow him to track Prime, Nine, or the Leader of the cult. Extending his void light, Echo decided to change tactics. Using his light to allow him space, Echo searched until he spotted a Paragon; they were only shooting at the ones who would bleed red.

Quickly closing the distance, Echo grabbed them by the front of their robes just as they turned to him and lifted them in the air. He controlled his void light in a circle, letting it rise to cover themselves from sight. The conversation he wanted needed some 'privacy'.

"Where is Prime?" He demanded.

At first, Echo received only a stunned look. Then, the Paragon straightened out their shoulders, hands curling into fists. He then reeled when he felt an impact slam into his chest, feeling his armor of light soak most of the impact and spill into a fog. It didn't take long for it to reform around his chest. Echo looked down to see the fusion rifle in the Warlock's hand.

Without saying a word, Echo snatched the rifle by the barrel, tearing it out of the Paragon's grip before he tossed it to the side. He could easily sense the surprise behind the Warlock's helmet.

"Where is the Golden Age AI that your so called 'Blessed Phoenix' stole from the City?" Echo hated the wording, hated the way he said it. But it was the only way he would get answers, especially since when he felt the Warlock jerk in his grip. They knew what he was talking about.

"Where is your leader keeping him?" Echo pressed.

Receiving only silence, Echo then removed his hand cannon from his hip and pressed the barrel under their jaw; he felt the Warlock tense in his grip.

"What?" The Warlock finally found the bravado to speak, "You think that killing me would make me talk?"

Echo narrowed his optics, grinding his jaw together. He does not have the time for this.

"I was resurrected during the Dark Ages." He snarled out, "I have survived many battles, survived many deaths. And amongst that, I have learned to kill others such as myself." Echo then pressed the barrel against the Warlock's jaw, forcing the latter to tilt his head back, "What makes you think that I would stop at just you? Your Ghost is just as vulnerable as any other once you die." He leaned in, his impatience obvious now, "Give me what I want, and I may stop at just you."

Echo heard the Warlock Paragon take in a shuddering breath. He narrowed his optics. Then he started putting pressure on the trigger.

"It will not make a difference." The Warlock blurted, prompting Echo to pause, "Your precious AI, the AI that forced many Exo into slavery, was terminated as soon as our Blessed Phoenix gutting it for all its data." Echo froze, "Now it is no longer a threat, the Exo are finally freed from-"

He didn't let him finish.

Echo pulled the trigger on his hand cannon, the shot ringing in his sensors as the Paragon Warlock's body went slack in his grip. Promptly dropping it to the rocky hearth, Echo aimed his weapon, waited, and fired the instant the Warlock's Ghost compiled into view. Its core shattered, bright in the small confines of the void before its light faded, its pieces falling upon their Guardian's body in shards.

"Echo." Reaver's voice rang in his head, "He could be lying."

Echo's gut twisted at his Ghost's words. He knows his Ghost well enough that even he doesn't believe his own words.

"I doubt it." He scoffed, shoving down the shock, and grief, "No Guardian lies when it comes to the safety of their Ghost, their lifeline." Echo then glowered at the Warlock's body, releasing his void light. He could hear the battle around him again, "Especially one as arrogant as a Warlock."

Hearing his Ghost say nothing, Echo opted to finish reconfiguring his light, feeling it settle over his armor. Then, he turned, bringing up an arm just as a Titan clothe-lined into it, sending them sprawling to the floor.

"However." He started as he aimed his weapon and fired once, "It won't hurt to hear the truth directly from the source."

Reaver released a sigh, "Keep her alive long enough for answers."

Scoffing again at his Ghost's words, Reaver simply made his way through the mass, pushing aside anyone, Guardian or Paragon, that got in his way. His void light ensured any attempted harm is brushed past. Instead, Echo focused on the ache in his chest, pulling him further to back of the base and it didn't take long for him to spot an entrance, a hallway, leading deeper in. However, as he took steps towards it, he then sensed a familiar light behind him. Hazed by a corrupting Darkness.

Scowling, Echo turned, parting his mouth to speak, only to halt when his optics settled over the familiar shape of a child, Nine's child, hiding behind the Awoken Warlock.

"You found her, congrats." He grunted out, lifting his optics to the Awoken, "Now why are you bothering me when all you have to do is fly back to the City and coddle her?"

Echo sensed the frown behind the Awoken's visor, "I am going with you."

He glared at him, "I have let you come with me to the Paragon's location, let you find your 'child'." Echo snarled, "What else do you want from me?"

"Hush told me that Nine is here." Echo's optics flicked to the child Guardian at the Warlock's words; she ducked behind the Awoken in response, "And knowing you, you are here to search for him, correct?"

By the Light, Echo does not want to deal with this right now. He contemplated on just killing the Warlock and leaving, knowing well enough that the resurrection process will give him enough time to leave the Awoken behind. That is when he felt a tug from Reaver.

"Although he is ignorant of our original mission to find Prime." He heard his Ghost say, "If Nine is indeed here, then it would not hurt to have another pair of eyes to look out for him."

Grunting, Echo reluctantly relented and shifted his optics back to the smaller shape hiding behind the Warlock's robes, "And the child is coming with us?"

That is when he sensed the Warlock hesitate and he caught the child Guardian reach out her hand and intertwined her fingers with his. She gave it a gentle squeeze. Echo can guess the answer.

"She is staying here?" Echo asked; he saw the Warlock nod, "After all that trouble to find her? Why leave her behind?"

"Hush had told me what she had witnessed from this cult leader." The Awoken replied, "If she indeed does have the ability to take Light, I would prefer that Hush is at a safe distance away." He released a breath, "It is true that I wish to return to the Tower, however Hush convinced me to search for Nine while she stays behind to give others aid."

Echo raised a brow, "A child? Helping these new lights? What makes you think she won't cause trouble?"

He instantly felt a glare behind the Warlock's visor, "Hush assures me that she is confident in her own abilities to not only keep herself but others safe while you and I are absent. Thus, I would appreciate if you kept your thoughts to yourself."

This. This is why Echo dislikes Warlocks. Or people who are just stubborn in general. As he went to retort, he heard Reaver cough in his head.

"Normally I would agree with anything you say." His Ghost said, "However, we are short on time. This Blessed Phoenix maybe making her escape as we speak."

Growling, Echo gave the Awoken one last glare before speaking, "Do not slow me down, Warlock."

He sensed another glower from the Warlock, "Call me by name or otherwise, I will call you Unit I-0."

Echo, despite himself, sputtered, "Don't you dare."

"Then call me by my proper name." The Warlock challenge, "And I will call you by yours."

Snarling, Echo opted to say nothing and instead turned his back to the Warlock and followed the ache in his chest. It annoys him to hear the Awoken's steps trail behind.

Xxxxx

As a war machine, Nine has been given many tools within his disposal for easier accessibility in the battle field. Night vision is one of them but, he doesn't have the heart to tell Day. Being a flashlight seems to be an important task for Ghosts, from what Nine had seen. Despite the bright glow that Day illuminated, Nine can still see a trail of steps, almost ghost-like from the wisps of light that it left behind. He knows that if he were to ask anyone else, they wouldn't be able to see it.

"Are you not worried that you will lose her?" Day asked as the Ghost trailed just behind his shoulder; they, unlike Nine, could not see the steps, "You are taking your time."

Taking slow and methodical steps, Nine opted to say nothing. Instead, he tried to organize his thoughts. It had once never crossed his mind that he would encounter another Phoenix like himself and Echo. After all, they were rare in number as it is. But not only did he meet another, this one seems fanatical, almost obsessive in her thoughts. It is obvious she is a danger to those around her. But, Nine isn't certain how he will resolve it.

"As long as her light is strong, I will never lose her trail." Nine decided to stay, "and since her body is ninety percent implemented with the shell of the Traveler, it is unlikely it will fade."

"So, you can constantly keep track of Dusk?" Nine gave Day a subtle nod, "Is that how you tracked her down earlier? By finding these 'wisps of light?"

Nine shook his head, "I do not know her steps however, I took time to memorize another's."

A brief pause from Day, "So, Loras' trail then?"

Another nod from Nine, "Do you recall how I told you that the other Phoenix Units were dismantled?"

"Yes, and they were…" Day's voice faded, "Recycled…" Then, from the corner of his optics, Nine saw his Ghost jerk back, as if hit, "Wait, don't tell me that Loras has…"

"There is a piece of a Phoenix Unit within him." Nine confirmed. He felt the shock not just from his Ghost, but from Knight as well. He felt the younger Exo within him perk in attention however, "and so does the rest of Dusk's followers." Nine heard Day sputter, "The light of each Phoenix Unit is unique, even if hidden within the light of another."

"Wait." He heard Day start, "If that is the case, then why-"

Nine heard his Ghost halt in their words, obviously at an attempt not to offend. But he already knew what Day was going to ask.

If the Exo who harbors a piece of a Phoenix Unit, a piece of the Traveler, why the Exo and not the Phoenix Unit was chosen? It seems to be an obvious choice after all. An individual made from the Traveler's flesh would indeed be a powerful being.

Nine himself wonders about that as well.

He felt Knight hum softly in his head. It seems it is a thought that will stick between the three of them for a while.

"The Exo back at the Tower." Day broke the silence once more, "How many of them hold a piece of a Phoenix Exo?"

Nine narrowed his optics in thought, "I am not certain."

"Huh?"

"There are many." He added, "and their steps are everywhere at the Tower." Nine glanced over at his Ghost, "It is difficult to ascertain how many exactly." He fixed his optics forward once more, "Especially with how many other steps overpower theirs."

He heard Day hum thoughtfully, "Is there anyone who sticks out?"

Nine tilted his head in thought, contemplating if he should answer. The answer would surprise their Ghost after all. He decided to humor them.

"I am not fully certain." Nine played, "However, I do believe that Hunter-"

"Traitor!"

A shout from behind and Nine felt the familiar heat of Solar light reach his senses. He turned and then ducked as a Golden Gun shot fired above his head. Crouching low, Nine rolled forward, feeling another shot brush past his back as he condensed his light into his hands. He felt the whispers of the void linger in his fingertips.

Dodging to the left to duck another shot, Nine then leaped into the air, brought his hand back, and thrust his Nova Bomb forward. That is when his attacker's solar light flickered out, and he watched them leap back as he landed. He kept his balance as his Nova slammed onto the ground, feeling it shake beneath him as his void light exploded. His attacker reeled at the sudden quake.

It is enough.

Nine dashed towards the Guardian, slamming himself in their chest and tackling them to the floor. That is when he felt a hand upon his shoulder and another slam under his jaw. Static flickered into his vision but he snatched at the hand with one hand and raised the other. One solid punch to his attacker's face is enough to get their hands off him. And allowed Nine to recognize the Hunter beneath.

"Hunter Elissa." He breathed out. In turn, he heard the Hunter wheeze and rasp under him, "Is there a reason you followed me and left the others against the Guardians?"

"You betrayed us." Elissa managed to rasp out; there is no hesitation in her voice, "Who else would have been insane enough to point a gun at a Phoenix such as yourself?"

Nine's optics flickered, "You truly believe that the Phoenix Units are equivalent to the Traveler? That we are its chosen, itsAcolytes?"

"My Blessed Phoenix is capable of taking light and heal." Elissa retorted, "And Warren and I witnessed you bring your Ghost back from the dead." She lifted her head, Nine feeling her glare behind her helmet, "What other Chosen are capable of such impossible feats?"

Silent at her words, Nine breathed out heavily and released his grip on the Hunter, pushing to his feet and taking steps back. He felt multiple tugs of shock and warning in his head.

"Nine, what are you doing?" He heard Day hiss out.

Ignoring Day, Nine simply watched as Elissa jumped to her feet, tugged her knife free from her waist, and charged. He heard Day cry out as the knife plunged into his chest, feeling it dig between his plating and sink into the metal equivalent to flesh. Nine couldn't help but be impressed.

"You have fought other Exo before." He said, watching as Elissa jerk back in surprise. The subtle movement of her hand going lax against the handle of her knife signaled to Nine that if she had been another centimeter to the right, she would have nicked his core. "And plenty to take height and build into account to know where to strike." He locked his optics onto where he believes is hers, "How many Exo did you kill in the name of your Blessed Phoenix?"

Nine saw Elissa's grip go taut around her knife once more. He winced as he felt it dig deeper into his chest.

"Only the blasphemers, the guilty who refuse to admit their sins." Elissa answered, "Those who refused to admit that the Phoenix are the rightful Acolytes of the Traveler." She then leaned in, pressing weight against the knife. Nine released a harsh breath as Elissa continued, "And despite your monicker of Phoenix, you are a traitor."

That is when Nine snatched at her wrist, feeling the knife halt. She had attempted to tear the blade out from his chest, the intention of doing serious harm obvious. He slowly twisted it, hearing Elissa silently curse as she lost her grip, her hand easily peeling away from the handle of her knife.

"You believe Dusk wholly." Nine said, "There a reason for this blind loyalty?"

He felt Elissa tug at her arm, a vain attempt to free herself. Nine kept his grip tight. She growled.

"She saved Warren's life." Her words gave Nine pause, "If it not for Lady Dusk, then Warren would have been left behind to those Scavengers, and Zorel would have been seen as a hero instead of the coward he is."

Nine blinked at her, trying to comprehend her words, "He was a Titan…"

They were all brave, sometimes stupidly so. At least, that is what Nine has been told.

Elissa must have read his mind.

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

Nine stared at her, "And in retaliation, you killed Zorel?'

"There is no redemption for cowards." Elissa retorted.

"And yet, despite saving him, Dusk took Warren's light, and banished him." Nine said; he felt Elissa pause in his grip, "and you still stay loyal to her, despite what she had done to him?"

Hearing no answer from Elissa, Nine then decided to say, "Hunter Elissa, you are aware that the Phoenix Exo were created from stolen pieces of the Traveler?" He felt her optics focus back onto him, "And yet, we are somehow its Acolytes? How are the Phoenix Acolytes of the Traveler when we are just a product of humanity's greed and thievery?"

There is a beat of silence. Then, Nine felt Elissa's arm go lax in his grip. He decided to finally let her go. Her arms dropped to her side.

"Leave this place, Hunter Elissa." Nine said as he grasps the hilt of her knife, condensing his light around the wound as he slowly pulled the weapon out, "Head back to the Wilds and find Titan Warren." As he finally freed the last of her blade, he held it out to her, ignoring the trickle of fluid that spilled from his wound; he can already feel Day's light get to work, "For the true thieves are the Phoenix such as myself."

Waiting, Nine watched as Elissa turned her head to the floor but nonetheless, she took her knife back without looking, signaling to him to turn and head deeper into his caverns. He did not hear her follow.