Redacted

It's Not Me

I apologize for the late update! Life got to me and I barely had the time to work on this chapter! Hopefully it was worth the wait lol.

Anyways, thanks to Lazypersons, Mantic64, jsm1978, DisobeyedBowl6, and TidalKiller for the reviews! Appreciate it!

Edited: 09/18/2022

"You have the blueprints?"

Ianos watched as Crystalline rolled her optic and then scoffed, "What do you take me for? Just because I'm a Ghost who had lived out in the Wilds their entire life, doesn't mean I don't know how to take a simple blueprint into my memory."

Opting to say nothing at the Ghost's retort, Ianos instead focused on finishing strapping in the arm piece, seeing the pieces seemingly move and shift on Hush's arms as he leaned back, "There, that should help keep your light under control."

Unable to help a small smile as Hush held out her arms to admire the ACD/0 Feedback Fence with wide eyes, Ianos felt warmth settle into his chest as she held them out to Crystalline. She is practically beaming as she showed off her new armor piece to her Ghost.

"You know, at first, I found your hoarding annoying at times." Ianos turned and gave Ace a blank look, "But considering that you found the blueprints for that old thing, I will make an exception this time." He then saw his Ghost shift their shell, hearing them hum, "But was it necessary to add in the conductors? I do not see any other need for them besides helping her attune to her light."

Crossing his arms, Ianos responded, "She maybe young but, I cannot help but feel one day she will be forced out into the field, with or without the Vanguard's knowledge."

He heard Ace release a click, "What makes you say that?"

Ianos hesitated, his orange eyes narrowing behind his visor, "I just, cannot shake the feeling that a threat is coming. A threat that many of us will not be able to comprehend."

"That is just your paranoia talking again."

The Warlock turned and gave his Ghost another blank look before shaking his head, quietly admitting to himself the truth in Ace's words; he doesn't have the best track record with his psyche.

"Well, then let us just if anything were to happen to her, they would instead gain a hazardous shock in return."

"Good point." Ace agreed, "though, I doubt that is going to happen anything soon. Especially at her current age."

"If she ever ages." Ianos muttered; he heard his Ghost pause, "You know as well as I do that most Guardians never age." He kept his eyes on Hush, the child Guardian continued to admire her Feedbacks, "A few gray hairs perhaps. Stress related. But never do they age a year."

Except for Shin Malphur. But he is a strange case.

Ianos heard Ace hum.

"But we also know nothing about child Guardians. Resurrected ones at least."

He paused; that is a good point. The ones who have been chosen while alive, they aged normally. Who could say those who have been chosen whilst dead aren't the same?

"We shall see in a few years." Ace added, Ianos hearing his Ghost hum once more, "I will track her growth carefully."

"Or you can just ask me." He shifted his eyes towards Crystalline; a look of offense can easily be seen in her optic, "I am her Ghost, after all."

Blinking at her, Ianos then flashed her an apologetic smile and nodded. This seemed to be enough for the lavender Ghost, as she hmphed but nonetheless turned her attention back to Hush, the latter seemingly unfazed by Crystalline's offense.

"Frequency. From the Vanguard." Ianos' eyes narrowed as he turned to Ace, "They want us to meet them in the Hall."

"The reason?" He asked, only to scowl as he watched Ace shift their shell up and down; a Ghost equivalent of a shrug, "You know how the Vanguard works. Do not like to add in the details until we meet with them face to face."

Unable to help a scoff at his Ghost's words, Ianos then pushed to his feet. He easily sensed the curious stare from Hush.

"Hush." He saw her perk up at the call of her name, "Do you want to come with me?"

Before Ianos could even offer a hand, the child Guardian is already on her feet, latching onto his arm as she beamed at him. He smiled at this before he gently led the younger Guardian outside.

Xxxxx

Knight opened his optics to see the Plaza through the cockpit window of his ship, blinking blearily as the afternoon light shone through.

"Transmatting."

Day's voice barely reached his sensors before the familiar sensation of weightlessness settled over Knight, and he found himself outside, a crowd of Guardians all around him. His legs were unstable, jelly, and as such Knight stumbled, reeling his arms and catching himself just as he was about to collide with one of the pillars.

"They should really add in a cushion here or something." Day materialized over his shoulder, "That way newborns like you won't get a concussed head when using transmat for the first time."

"Is that not what helmets are for?" Knight mumbled; he shook his head to rid the last bit of sluggishness.

"Not if you don't have it on."

Opting not to reply to his Ghost's comment, Knight then jumped when he felt a hand suddenly clamp down onto his shoulder. He glanced back to see Akiva, his face visible with his helmet tucked under an arm, a smile clear.

"Great play out there, Knight."

He blinked, "What? What are you talking about?"

Knight saw Akiva raise a brow.

"That last play you did? The one that helped us win the match?"

"…What?"

"You do remember leaping into the air to dodge Jamal's Nova bomb and throwing one back at him, right?"

Knight went quiet, shifting through his memory of such an occasion; he found none.

"The last thing I remember are you two being killed by Knoll, and then Jamal throwing that Nova at me."

"What?" Angel appeared through the crowd, removing his helmet and brushing his fingers through his hair; his Ghost, Hope, materialized just behind him, "But Akiva and I watched you. Right when Jamal tossed his Nova, you jumped into the air, dodged it, and threw one back at him and his team." His brows furrowed, concern lingering into his green eyes, "You helped us win the game but, you don't remember?"

Knight's brows furrowed, "I don't? Last I remember is Jamal throwing that Nova Bomb and then, the next thing I know, I woke up in my jumpship."

Angel blinked at him, "Wow." He watched as the Hunter placed a hand to his chin, humming thoughtfully, "Maybe utilizing your light put a lapse in your memory?"

"Oh, who cares." Knight jumped when Akiva leaned over and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him into a hug, 'You used your light and that is passable enough for this assessment." Feeling the Titan release him, Knight took wobbly steps back, "Let's celebrate with a drink!"

That is when Knight heard his Ghost sputter, hearing Day release noises of protests. But he couldn't hear what his Ghost is saying, not when he heard a rush of footsteps heading towards him and his senses telling him to run. Curiosity won over however, and instead Knight turned towards the source, only to instantly feel regret when a force slammed into his chest. Feeling himself being lifted, his feet treading air, Knight then wheezed and then gasped when his back slammed onto a flat surface, causing static to filter into his vision. Blinking past the ache and his stuttering vision, Knight then froze when he stared down a visor, the gaze behind them filled with rage.

"Echo! What are you doing!?"

Akiva's voice rang out, prompting Knight to glance over at the Titan, only to see his golden eyes wide, shoulders squared out, as if readying for a fight. His words also caught the attention of those around them, causing Knight to realize that he had been pinned by Echo to the pillar behind him, letting his feet dangle in the air.

At first, Echo didn't respond to Akiva's question, Knight feeling the Titan's grip go tight on the front of his coat before he heard him snarl, "To find an answer."

His words only prompted Knight to look at him confused but yelped when he felt a hand grab the front of his visor and then jerked his head to the side, practically folding it to his shoulder. He just prays that the obviously taller and broader Exo hadn't broken anything.

That is when Knight felt Echo's hand stiffen, sensing the surprise from the Titan before feeling his grip leave him. Stumbling onto his feet, Knight then pressed his hands and back against the pillars behind him, pressing himself against it as he felt his knees buckle, keeping his optics on the taller Guardian.

"Knight, you alright?"

Feeling a gentle hand settle onto his shoulder, Knight glanced over, only to release a breath of relief when he connected with familiar green eyes.

"Yes, thank you." He said as he turned his attention back to Echo, seeing the Titan now had taken steps back, placing distance between himself and Knight. It is then he senses the confoundment, the bewilderment. And Knight is tempted to ask why.

However, before he could even utter a word, a flash of Light appeared over Echo's shoulder, and it didn't take long for a Ghost with a black shell to materialize. They hovered close, whispering something to the Titan before the latter scoffed, the confusion disappearing just as quickly as it appeared.

"Reaver, let's go."

There is a breath of relief from the Ghost before they bobbed one, signifying their acknowledgement of Echo's words before the pair turned and brushed past the crowd. And, just as suddenly as they paused to witness the spectacle, the crowd dispersed, moving about as if the confrontation hadn't occurred.

"Transmat into the Plaza, rams into you, and then proceeds to walk away without explaining anything?" Knight turned his optics towards Day, seeing his Ghost's shell trembling in rage, "The nerve!"

"Not that uncommon, surprisingly." Akiva approached, Knight taking notice that he deliberately place himself between him and Echo's distancing form; no doubt thinking that the Titan will come back, "There are just some Guardians who don't handle a loss well."

Somehow Knight doubts that is the reason for his sudden violence, especially considering the way he felt the Titan settle over the back of his neck. He reached a hand to the numbers and letters printed upon the back. Knight cannot help but sense that Echo knows the significance of them.

He heard Day release a huff, "That doesn't give him a reason to harm my Guardian." Knight saw their shell bristle, "We're heading back to Ianos' quarters. That's final."

"What?" Akiva's eyes grew wide, "But don't you want to celebrate your Guardian's success?"

"And do what? Put my Guardian in more harm's way?" Day retorted, "Traveler, no. We're heading back to Ianos' apartment where it's safe and sound and less risk of a psycho harming Knight."

There is a sigh from Akiva and Knight knows that the Titan is disappointed. He must really wanted to celebrate.

"Knight?" He turned his optics towards Angel, "Do you want to stay and celebrate or head back to Ianos' place?"

Taking in the Hunter's question, Knight, at first, wanted to stay. A match like he had went through warrants a drink. Or two. Possibly a few. But a nagging feeling also tugged at the back of his mind, questions about the match pulling him to find privacy. Not to mention he needs time to gather his thoughts.

"I wish to head back." Knight couldn't help feel a tad bit guilty at the disappointed sound Akiva made, "But maybe we can celebrate another time? A day where I won't be tossed around like a punching bag?"

Angel chuckled in response, "Good luck with that but, we will keep that in mind." Knight then saw him turn his eyes towards Akiva, "Come on bubble butt, let's have those drinks you like so much."

The disappointment quickly faded from Akiva's face, replaced with one of amusement and mock upset, "Didn't I tell you not to call me that?"

As the pair disappeared into the crowd, Knight finally pushed himself away from the pillar and headed up the stairs, mentally mapping out the best route to Ianos' quarters. Hearing his Ghost hum contently next to him, Knight then called out, "Day?"

The Ghost turned to look at him, "Yes?"

"Did you record the last round of our match?"

Day's optic narrowed, "Yes? Why do you ask?"

Knight hesitated, wringing his hands together before taking in a shaky breath and then said, "Shall we take a look at it?"

Xxxxx

Hush's light laughter rang through the Hall as she released her grip on Ianos' hand, the young Titan running over to Cayde and grabbed the edges of his cloak. Then, without a moment's hesitation, she pulled it over her shoulders, as if to mimic the hood worn by the Exo Vanguard; Ianos recalls the envy of the Hunter's symbol.

"Good to have you, Ianos." Cayde greeted, as if he failed to notice Hush's adornment. The amusement in his optics betrays his act, "Ikora, Zavala, and I have something important to show you. It's about Knight."

Ianos came to a halt, his gaze narrowed, "If this is about him failing his assessment…"

"Oh, no need to worry." Ikora said, "Shining Knight passed his assessment. But that is not why you are here."

Ianos paused, "What is it?"

That is when Ianos watched Ikora nod her head towards Zavala, and a sense of unease settled into the pit of his stomach when the Titan Commander raised a hand and waved with two of his fingers towards the other occupants in the room. It didn't help that everyone, even other Guardians, seemed to cease in what they were doing, set their items down, and calmly left. This left only himself, Hush, and the Vanguard. His unease grew.

"What is going on?"

"It took much deliberation, but we have decided that since you have taken Shining Knight under your wing, it is best to inform you." Ianos couldn't help but scowl at Zavala's words, "However, what you see and hear today shall not, will not, leave this room."

"Confidential?" Ianos said, walking over to the table, placed his hands upon its surface, and leaned in, "And what does it have to do with Shining Knight?"

"Well." He glanced over to Cayde, "Just, take a look at the feed for yourself."

Unable to help but raise a brow at the Hunter's words, Ianos then saw the familiar red shell of Cayde's Ghost glide from his shoulders, flew to the middle of the table, and beamed her light onto the projector in the middle. That is when a display flashed into view, flickering until it steadied to its proper frequency. It didn't take long until the footage played.

The aging buildings placed within Twilight Gap were the first that Ianos recognized, and he immediately swallowed down unwanted memories. Instead, he focused on the movement he spotted next, and he recognized the white clad form of Knight, the young Light scrambling, panicked upon the screen. Ianos understood why when he spotted two other Guardians – a Warlock and a Titan – closing in. It didn't take much to guess what was going to happen next when he saw the Warlock leap, Void light gathering in his hand.

Grinding his jaw together, Ianos expected death, waiting for the Nova Bomb to collide into the younger Light. But then, he noticed the tautness of Knight's shoulders relax, his body loose as he squared out his feet – as if to brace himself. Then the Nova Bomb is thrown.

At first, it looked as though the Warlock had missed, Ianos seeing Knight further back, just enough to miss the Nova's proximity before seeing him raise an arm back, void light in his hands. He countered with a Nova bomb of his own, and the feed continued with the opposing Titan and Warlock disappearing in flecks of violet light.

"Rewind that."

Ianos leaned in as Cayde's Ghost complied, waiting until the moment of when the opposing Warlock threw his Nova Bomb that he raised a hand, prompting the feed to a halt, "Now play it frame by frame."

The stills moved at a crawl, Ianos squinting as his orange eyes scanned the images, his senses already telling him something is amiss. He zoned it at the moment when the Warlock's Nova Bomb was moments away of colliding with Knight. At least, that is what it looked like.

But Ianos caught the moment when Knight held up his hands, as if to catch the Void Light itself, only for his eyes to grow wide as the light seem to ravel itself around the Exo's arms, twisting and curling. Then slowly, as the frames continued to play, Knight leaned back an arm, and tossed a Nova Bomb. Or more accurately, tossed it back.

Leaning away from the screen, Ianos turned his eyes towards the Vanguard, whispering, "What in the Traveler…"

"We have looked into this matter and there are no records to explain this." Zavala gestured towards the screen; his brows were furrowed, "Even the Cryptarchs cannot find anything in their archives that resembles what we have seen."

Scowling, Ianos turned towards Cayde. The Hunter, in turn, raised his hands.

"Just because I'm an Exo doesn't mean I know every single model out there."

Giving the Hunter Vanguard a blank stare, Ianos then sighed, closing his eyes as he took in a deep breath.

"Prime."

At first there is silence then, static reached Ianos' ears followed by a shout from Cayde's Ghost. He opened his eyes to see the screen in the middle of the table has switched to a projection of a simple horizontal line across the screen. Ianos watched as the line seemed to bend, as if to mimic a smile.

"It has been a while, Ianos. How may I assist you?"

It was strange, to hear the voice of the AI he had helped attain not long ago; stranger so that he hadn't spoken to him once since their return. Last he had heard, Prime have been managing on their own, acting upon requests from the Vanguard or simply processing data that needed to be sorted. Nonetheless, despite his lack of interaction, Ianos can easily sense the giddiness, the joy of seeing him again; it seems Prime is used to lack of social interaction.

"You were in charge of inserting personality into Exo, correct?" Ianos asked.

"Of course." Prime confirmed.

"Then do you recognize what is happening within the feed?"

There is a beat of silence, then, a hum from Prime, "I recall this one's programming quite well or, to be more specific, the programming for his model."

"There were more like Knight?"

"Of course there were." Ianos heard Prime laugh at Ikora's question, "This one's model, the Phoenix, are quite rare, thanks to the material needed to craft their exterior." Another hum from Prime, "If I recall correctly, travelers returned from space with a rare metal. They claim they found it on a meteorite on their way back home. It took much experimentation, but they discovered that it is highly durable, even when greatly thinned."

"And let me guess, this has to do with how Knight is able to reflect the Nova Bomb back?"

"Correct."

Ianos frowned, "What is this material, exactly?"

"I am afraid I cannot answer that."

"What?"

"I do not have the jurisdiction to answer that freely. And only one person has the credentials to allow me to."

"Great." Ace appeared over Ianos' shoulders, "Of course we hit a roadblock. Any possibility we can hack through?"

There is a hum from Prime, "You may try but I am not sure if it will be efficient." Ianos then saw the line shift, curving into what he recognizes as a smile, "I think it will be more efficient to simply ask."

Ianos blinked. And then blinked again.

"Pardon?"

"The one person who have the credentials? He is still alive and well. And he is quite well known around here."

"He's a Guardian?" Zavala asked.

"That would be telling." Ianos can sense the giddiness, the mischief from the Golden Age AI, "It would be too simple to just tell you."

"Prime." Ianos heard Ikora sigh, "This is no time for games. How is Shining Knight able to reflect light?"

"Not reflect. Absorb."

"Absorb?"

"I cannot say anymore." Despite Prime's words, Ianos cannot shake the feeling that they are smiling broadly, "If you want to learn more, then learn the identity of the one who has the jurisdiction to unlock the data."

"Prime."

"You are Hush, correct? How about playing a game with me instead of hiding under there?"

Ianos saw Hush perk up at Prime's words and, before he could say anything, she slipped away from under Cayde's cloak. That is when Prime's screen disappeared from the middle of the table and a nearby tablet lit up. Hush seemed to have caught this, as Ianos watched her scurry over and picking it up. A quick glance at the screen showed that she and Prime were playing a game of Tic-Tac-To.

"Prime? Prime!" Ianos heard Ikora release a frustrated breath, "A Golden Age AI we have but it does whatever it wants."

"And likes to play tricks." He murmured under his breath before breathing in and releasing a sigh of his own, "It seems that we have to undercover this individual's identity ourselves."

"One that is well known and more than likely a Guardian." Zavala said.

"With that description that could be anyone." Cayde sighed, "if I ever heard of a vaguer description, this would be it."

"And thus, Knight's ability remains unknown." Ianos heard Zavala say under his breath. Then the Titan Commander turn towards him, "Warlock Ianos, before the assessment, has Shining Knight shown any abnormalities?"

"Besides his lack of ability with his Light, no, I did not." Ianos answered, "and considering his actions up till now, I would not be surprised if Knight does not know anything about himself."

"That memory wipe." He heard Cayde mutter, "Wouldn't be surprised if that's the reason why he didn't know."

"And cannot ask him ourselves." Ianos sighed, "Prime."

"I shall not give you answers. At least, not that easily. Not that I could."

"Well, I will task my Hidden to find this individual who has access to Prime's hidden data." Ikora said, "For now, I believe it is best to continue to leave Knight in your care, Warlock Ianos."

Ianos narrowed his eyes, "Like that is ever going to change."

"Protective, are we?" Ianos turned and gave Cayde a blank stare; this seemed only to make the Hunter giddy, "Then how about this? Why don't we make it official?"

"Official?"

"That's right," He turned his eyes towards Zavala, "You may have taken Shining Knight under your care. However, he is still a lone Guardian."

"And?" Ianos said slowly, "What are you getting at?"

"That perhaps it is best if Fireteam Redacted gains an additional member." Ianos paused as Zavala continued, "I believe we all agree that it is time for your team of three to grow."

"And before you can argue, this may be the best circumstance for Shining Knight to enhance his current abilities and progress." Ianos snapped his mouth shut at Ikora's words, "Not to mention we may gain more answers if he is around a team that he is familiar with."

Scowling, Ianos shifted his eyes towards the floor, murmuring, "Official, h'm?" He then sighed, crossing his arms and leaned against his right leg, "Knowing Akiva and Angel, they would be more than happy to have him with us."

"And you, Warlock Ianos?"

Lifting his eyes, Ianos couldn't help but furrow his brows before trailing his gaze over to Hush; she is still playing the game with Prime. So far, judging from the tallies upon the screen, Hush had already won a handful of games. He wouldn't be surprised if Prime is letting her win.

Ianos knows she has an attachment to Knight, especially considering that she is the one who has given the Exo and his Ghost their names. No doubt she would be ecstatic if she learns that Knight would be a part of Fireteam Redacted. Not that she is an active member herself. In Ianos' eyes, she is still too young for the field. And will remain that way for a couple of decades. Or so.

And for his own opinion, Ianos had practically taken Knight under his wing. Perhaps it would be for the best.

Finally, Ianos nodded, "I shall speak with Knight about it, but I agree with the decision to assign him to my Fireteam."

"Perfect." Cayde's optics gleamed, "It's official then. Shining Knight is now a part of Fireteam Redacted. Tell him congrats for me!"

Xxxxx

Knight sat in his seat as Day lowered the screen of the feed, barely taking note of his Ghost turning their white optic towards him.

"Great play, huh?" Day is obviously proud, their white optic glowing brightly against their core, "You helped win that round thanks to affiliating with your light last minute."

Opting to say nothing, Knight instead stood from his chair and stumbled over to the bed. He sensed a bewildered stare from Day as he took a seat.

"Knight, you alright?"

Lifting his optics to his Ghost, he watched as Day hovered close, the pride now replaced with concern.

"Is something the matter?"

Knight took in a trembling breath, "That was not me."

A pause.

"What?" He saw his Ghost twirl their back fins. Knight released a breath and then buried his face into his hands, "That was not me, Day. I didn't do that."

"I, I do not understand." He heard Day glide close, their hum loud in his sensors, "Maybe what Angel said is true? That perhaps using your light put a lapse in your memory?"

"It was not that, Day." Knight forced himself to look up, locking his optics with his Ghost's, "I, I can't explain but looking through that feed, looking back at 'me', it's just…" He breathed deep, placing his hands into his lap as he shifted his gaze downwards, shoulders slumped, "That's not me, Day. It's not me."

"But then, how…"

Thank you, Shining Knight. But I will take over from here.

Knight flinched as the memory echoed in his mind, prompting him to lift a hand and settled it over his head.

Those words, they were an echo, but it was strange, to hear a voice that wasn't his Ghost's ring in his mind. And if he recalls correctly, his Ghost hadn't heard it, or perhaps, was in too much of a panic to notice. Perhaps an echo of his former personality before the wipe? But the way it spoke to him, as if …

He shook his head, "I. I think I need to rest."

From the corner of his optic, he saw Day bob once, "First, let's get you out of that armor. Doubt it will be comfortable to rest in."

Xxxxx

The familiar sound of footsteps rapping against the tiled floor is what woke Day out of their slumber, letting out a groan as they hovered into the air; was it Hush again?

The child Guardian has a habit of wandering around in Ianos' quarters at night whenever she snaps awake; even at her age, she has her own silent demons when she sleeps. Most nights Ianos would tend to her but there are times when Knight would take over, mostly for the reason he would catch her first. However, as Day shook the last bits of sleep from their core and looked towards the doorway, they paused as they caught Knight standing there.

"Knight?" Day called out, "What are you doing?"

It is dark out, considering the lack of light from the polarized windows and Knight is still dressed in the dark undersuit that most Guardians wear under their armor; the young Guardian had refused anything else when offered.

However, if the Exo had shown signs of hearing Day calling out, he showed no sign of it as instead he stepped out of the room and disappearing down the hall. Day hesitated, worry lingering into their core before they promptly followed.

As they turned into the hall, Day found Knight standing at another entryway and one that the Ghost recognizes as Ianos' – and Hush's – quarters. The door is opened – to allow Hush easy access to the rest of the apartment – and Knight is partially in, staring into the room. Approaching their Guardian, that is when Day noticed that the usual white lights were absent and instead, red peeked between the Exo's plating, his optics glowing threateningly in the dark.

"Knight?" Day whispered and this time, they got a reaction, their Guardian snapping his gaze towards him, causing the Ghost to jump.

Then, there is a blink, optics subtly growing wide before the red dissipated from his gaze and replaced with the all too familiar white color.

"Knight, what are you doing?" Day asked again, gliding closer to their Guardian until they were practically face to face, "Is something the matter?"

There is another blink from the Exo, a flash of something settling over his optics before finally, Knight answered.

"My apologies, I caught a need for fresh air."

Or Day thought so.

Unease settled into the Ghost's core as he took in the Exo's words; that voice, there is a subtle difference, almost indistinguishable. But Day has been bonded, been around their Guardian long enough to notice the maturity, the slight deeper tone that made them pause and stare.

If Knight had taken notice of Day's silence, he took no note of it as he promptly turned and headed further down the hall. Following their Guardian, Day watched as he pressed the panel next to the door, prompting it to slide open and allowing him to take a step outside.

"Knight." Day called out once more as they glided outside, hearing the door close behind them, "Knight."

Their concern grew as Knight didn't respond and instead, the pair walked into the Plaza, empty because of the late hours. This didn't seem to faze Knight, as the Exo continued forward until they reached the edge, Day watching them place a hand onto the rails and leaned over. The light of their optics flashed.

"The people living down there." Knight said, "Are they all humans?"

Day blinked, "According to what I have heard, no. Awoken and Exo also live down there."

"In harmony?"

"N-Not fully." Day answered, pressing their shell against their core, "It is said that the foot of the Tower is where it is most harmonious but, further out towards the wall…"

They didn't finish and in honesty, Day isn't sure if they want to. Not after seeing a flash of red peek between their Guardian's plating.

"Nothing has changed then?"

Day paused, "Pardon?"

Instead of receiving an answer, Day jumped when they heard a crack, a crunch that prompted them to look down, only to pause once more when they saw that the rails had bent, crushed under the Exo's grasp. That is when Knight pushed himself away from it and then turned towards Day.

"Sunny Day." The Ghost tore their optic away from the broken railing and to their Guardian. At least, who they thought is their Guardian, "Is it possible for me to venture to the City?"