Tormented

A Challenge

Edited: 11/9/2017

Made grammar changes and made the plot align better with future chapters.


Footage File 1-5-2.7

Source: Ghost of Guardian Ianos

Alias: Ace

_Initiating data of last known file_

(Static fills the screen before it slowly cleared, revealing a Titan moving one of his hands as he spoke.)

K: So, tell me again. Why do you record everything?

I: You can never be too cautious. Sometimes when you look back at the data, you notice small details that you previously had passed over.

K: And you always look over them after each mission?

I: Every time.

K: Even if the mission is days long?

I: There is such a thing as fast forwarding.

K: But still! Imagine how long that will take! Is that what you do all day at the Tower? Just review footage?

I: You can say that.

K: Wow, and here I thought you couldn't be more boring.

I: Whatever helps pass the time.

L: Can the two of you be quiet? We're in Fallen territory.

K: (Snorts) Yeah, like they're going to be in one of these dumps. I mean look around, there's nothing but garbage here.

L: That's because they are camping on higher ground. We need to climb a couple of more floors before we can take down their base of operations.

K: I highly doubt they will be much of a 'threat'. I mean, basing closer to the City when their own numbers are small? Pfeh, highly doubt they will get anything done.

L: That does not mean we lower our guard. Even the most experienced Guardians get taken down by the Fallen if they do not tread carefully.

K: Whatever, let's just get up there and –

I: Wait, do you hear that?

L: Fallen!

(The image suddenly shifts away from the Guardians and onto a group of Fallen, their screeching cries nearly deafening as the sound of gunfire followed.)

I: There's too many of them! There's too many- (Static fills the screen) Aaaaah-

_End of Footage_

Name of Fireteam: Vigil

Fireteam Members:

Hunter Lynn -10

Titan Kaye Raith

Warlock Ianos

Fireteam Leader: Hunter Lynn-10

Status: Inactive

Cause: Death of primary members

Status of Guardians:

Hunter Lynn-10: Deceased – Cause: Fallen ambush during patrol

Titan Kaye Raith: Deceased – Cause: Fallen ambush during patrol

Warlock Ianos: Active – Incapacitated – Status: Stationed at the Tower in recovery.

_File on Fireteam Vigil_

Xxxxx

The first thing Ianos felt was a dull throbbing permeating throughout his chest, prompting him to let out a groan before flickering open his lids, the haziness around his vision clearing enough to see white; a sight that he recognizes too easily.

Raising his hand, the Warlock flexed his fingers several times in order to get feeling back into his fingertips before raising it towards his lips, only to pause when instead his fingers brushed against familiar smooth surface of silicone.

"You're awake!"

Shifting his orange hues over to his side, the Awoken Guardian spotted the familiar orange optic of Ace, seeing the black and orange Ghost twirl their back fins worriedly as they glided just above his chest, "The two newborns were able to bring you back in time before the Darkness did any serious damage to your light." Ace then glanced up and down at Ianos' worn form, "Although, using the Nova didn't really help."

Letting out a grunt in response to his Ghost's words, Ianos instead took in a deep breath, taking in the numbing effects of the anesthetic into his body before placing his hand onto his abdomen, "I have to admit, it did take a lot out of me."

"I remember back when you could cast three Novas in one mission," He watched as Ace shifted their parts closer to their core, "that is, of course, before the 'incident'."

Flinching at the reminder of the mission that corrupted his light, Ianos croaked out, "Did Matt say anything?"

"Only that the corruption has grown stronger."

Turning his gaze towards the entrance of his room, Ianos spotted the familiar white clad form of Matt, watching as the human medic shifted his glasses against his pale features as his brown hues fixed onto the Awoken's, "You have seen better days Ianos, but today is not one of them."

"What do you mean?" It was Ace who asked the question, prompting Matt to approach the side of the bed; Ianos can easily see the concern and worry in the Head Medic's brown gaze, "The gear I gave you indeed slowed down the Darkness from completely consuming your light, but I am afraid it doesn't stop it right in its tracks."

"Let me guess, upon me using my Nova, it quickened the pace of the corruption?" Ianos let out a grunt at Matt's nod, "Not surprised."

"Do not worry though, I believe I have a solution,"

The Awoken blinked at the human's words, "A solution?"

"Well, more like a temporary one," Ianos frowned at this, "I am not completely sure that it will work." The Awoken watched as the Medic place his fingers onto his chin, humming to himself thoughtfully, "It was something I have been working on for a while but I haven't really tested –"

"I will try it."

This caused the Head Medic to come to a sudden stop, his brown eyes blinking as he stared at the Awoken Guardian with wide eyes, "You sure? I am not certain that it will work for you, especially considering how far the corruption has consumed your light."

"Do I have much of a choice?"

Hearing nothing but silence permeate throughout his room, Ianos watched as Matt simply let out a nod before quickly exiting. No sooner had the human Medic left when Ace shifted their orange optic towards the Awoken, "You sure you want to take the treatment? Matt did say that he hadn't tested it, at least to our knowledge."

Turning his tired gaze towards his Ghost, Ianos promptly answered, "Either I take it or the Darkness takes me."

Hearing Ace let out a hum in response, the familiar footsteps of Matt returning prompted the Awoken to turn his gaze towards the entrance, only to see the medic in question entering with a black case in hand. Watching him place the case on a nearby counter, Ianos' interest piqued when he saw Matt opened the case, taking note of the slight glow emitting from its contents before the medic delicately pulled out a syringe, tapping the side before turning his gaze towards the Awoken, "You ready?'

Giving Matt a nod, Ianos waited until he approached, holding out his arm when the medic held out his hand. Setting his wrist in the medic's palm, the familiar pinch of the needle permeated through his arm as the syringe was inserted into his skin, waiting until Matt emptied its contents and removed said tool to flex his fingers.

"Well, do you feel anything?"

Shifting his orange gaze towards Matt, Ianos waited momentarily, only to frown when at first, he felt no different, feeling nothing but the numbness of the drugs being constantly pumped into his system. However, as he parted his lips to answer the medic's question, warmth suddenly spread from his chest, causing Ianos to reel back as the sluggishness left him, feeling his energy rise before he turned his wide eyes towards Matt; he earned a gleeful look as a response.

"I will take that as a yes," The medic beamed, "So my hypothesis was correct, directly injecting light into Guardians rejuvenates them."

"Excuse me?" It was Ace who spoke, the Ghost speaking out the question lingering in the Warlock's mind, "That was Light you just injected into Ianos?"

The pair earned a nod as an answer, "You notice how remnants of light linger after a fellow Guardian utilizes their abilities?" Ianos nodded at Matt's question, "Well, if you wait long enough, these remnants of light turn into motes, a solid personification of left over power. I hypothesized that since it was once part of a Guardian, why not somehow recycle that light? Reuse it to help those who are suffering from the effects of the darkness?"

Silent at Matt's words, Ianos then stated, "You do realize that if Ikora figures out you had been recycling light, she would not be pleased."

"All for the greater good of curing those of corrupted from the Darkness, Ianos," The medic retorted with a smile, "just wait a bit longer, I will find a cure for those whose light are tainted in no time."

Hearing Matt then let out a hum as he walked away, placing the used syringe to the side, Ianos watched as the medic closed the case before he asked, "It seems the life of a medic is growing on you."

The human medic turned to face him, "It's different than being out in the field, but I still save lives, so that's been helping me keep going."

Momentarily silent, Ianos continued to eye Matt, watching the medic walk back and forth in the room, pushing papers to the side or sorting through equipment until finally, the curiosity tugging at the back of the Awoken's mind prompted him to ask, "How does it feel? Losing a Ghost?"

Immediately, Ianos saw Matt come to a sudden halt, the Warlock seeing the human's shoulders go rigid, his hands slowly curling into fists. As nothing but silence loomed in the room, the Awoken Warlock felt a tug of regret settle within his chest, Ianos parting his lips to release an apology.

"It's like a part of you just died," The Warlock paused, "followed by the realization that a single death is all that your enemies needed to end you." He watched Matt turn his gaze towards him, lifting a hand towards his chest as he added, "and then afterwards, a sense of emptiness, a void that will never leave you."

Seeing loss and grief linger in the human's eyes, Ianos then saw a soft smile form onto Matt's pale features before he turned to the black case on the counter, "Here, take these." He walked over to Ace, holding out the item until the Ghost released their light, materializing said case into Ianos' vault, "Take one daily or, if you are out in the field, every time you utilize a large amount of your light. It will keep the corruption in check." He then hummed to himself, "When you run out, come back to me. I will be sure to have more in stock when you come by." The medic then gave him another smile before nodding his head over to Ianos' bedside, "There's set of gear for you when you are ready to go, although had to reconfigure my 'life support' since your old gear was scrapped."

At first, confused by the human Medic's words, Ianos glanced over to his side, only to let out a groan, and in turn, he heard his Ghost let out a shrill laugh; there, folded and hung neatly on a chair, were the familiar emblazoned gear of the Future War Cult, realigned to support the familiar tubes that sustains the Warlock.

"Advertisement!"

"What?" Ianos shifted his attention back to Matt, "What's wrong?"

"Advertisement," Ace chirped, "Do you not see it? The faction gear are nice, yes, but they imprint their insignias and symbols all over their armor to the point where it's not even subtle. Ianos and I call it 'advertisement' thanks to this."

"And you don't like it?"

"I prefer being 'neutral' when it comes to the factions," Ianos muttered, "It is an annoyance running in one Faction's gear only to be berated by the others for not aligning with them. It is an occurrence that I would rather avoid."

"Oh," Matt blinked in understanding, "I thought it was alright to let them in, especially since I see you aiding the Future War Cult more than the others."

Ianos gave the medic a blank look, "Between leaving Earth behind, having a single tyrant as a leader, or preparing for war, which would you prefer?"

Receiving a sheepish smile as an answer, the Awoken Warlock simply shook his head before he asked, "Just tell me when I can leave."

"Now if you like," Matt immediately answered, "I believe three days in bed is enough for rest."

"Three days?" Earning a nod from the medic, Ianos couldn't help but let out a frown before kicking off the sheets, swinging his legs over the side as Ace took in the armor hung on the chair nearby, prompting the Awoken to say, "I will wear the armor for now." He then paused, "But my first stop will be my quarters. I am 'not' walking around as an 'advertisement' any longer than necessary."

Xxxxx

"I thought you said it was just a patrol."

"It was."

"Three days?"

"What? Never had a patrol that long before?"

Frowning as she piloted her ship, Carina retorted, "Patrols are called patrols for a reason! It shouldn't take that long to get in, look around, and get out!"

"Is that how Titan's do it?" Carina reeled back at Pluto's question, followed by Angel's laugh echoing through the coms as the female Titan stuttered out, "W-What's that supposed to mean?"

"He means for us Hunters, Carina, three days is actually a short amount of time."

Immediately, the silver Exo's jaw went slack, her violet optics widening as she gawked out, "Three days!? Short!? What is it with you Hunters and the Wilds!?"

"I don't know? Instinct?" She heard Angel hum through the coms, "It always has been that way, for me anyway."

"It is something we cannot resist, young light," Pluto's voice emitted from the coms, "It is a trait found in all Hunters. Why else do you think Hunters are rarely sighted at the Tower? Our home is out in the Wilds."

Scowling at the coms in hopes that somehow the two Hunters will be able to see her expression, Carina then grumbled out, "What do you guys do all day out there? Just sit and watch Fallen scavenge?"

"Scavenge, live off the land, building bases, hiding caches, scout," Pluto answered, "anything to keep us out in the Wilds."

"Is that why you Hunters are so dirty?" The female Titan muttered as she reached up and picked at the dirt and grime drying on her armor, only to hear Angel let out a laugh in response.

"Maybe," The human Hunter admitted, "Naturally the elements of the land stick to your armor but, it is also great camouflage." Carina couldn't help but let the image of Angel smiling click inside her mind, "Which is why Pluto said not to clean yourself when you slipped and rolled down to hill into the mud below."

Hearing the young Hunter chuckle, Carina let out a pout, "Well, screw you guys and your so called 'camouflage'." She straightened herself out," As soon as we land in the Tower, I am going ahead and getting a nice clean up."

"Same here," Angel's voice piped in, "Although, it's not like I want to. I like the smell of the Wilds on me."

Carina raised a brow at this, "Then why?"

"Do you want to hang out with a Hunter that smells?"

"Uh, no."

"Exactly."

Letting a tinge of amusement settle into her chest in response to his words, this was quickly quashed as Angel added, "Anyway, I want to visit Ianos, and I highly doubt he will appreciate the smell of the wilds."

"Wait," Carina leaned in, "You are going to visit him?"

"Of course," Angel confirmed, "it is the least I can do since he saved our lives."

"If that is the case, I am coming as well," Pluto's voice piped in from the coms, "It has been a while since I have last seen him. It would be nice to catch up."

Hesitating as she listened to the two Hunters converse, Carina quietly debated with herself. Should she visit the Warlock as well? At first, she thought it would be a simple task, to simply walk in, check up on the Awoken to ensure he was stable before leaving. However, this was soon joined by his words, how easily he snapped at the pair during the mission, brushing them off whenever things seemed dire. Gritting her jaw at this, the memory of him then saving their lives settled in, Carina taking in the fact that he placed his life in jeopardy to ensure that she and Angel returned to the Tower safe. But, would he appreciate the visit, or would he simply brush them away, just like during their short time together?

Contemplating, Carina heaved out a sigh of defeat, "I am coming as well. Like you have said, Angel, it is the least we can do since he saved our lives."

"So, it's a plan then?" Angel beamed, "then let's get cleaned up and head off to see Ianos once we reach the Tower."

"Prepare for transmat," Hearing Nix's voice echo through the coms, Carina released her hold on the controls before leaning back in her seat, giving herself plenty of room before her vision filled with white followed by the sudden sensation of weightlessness. Then, just as suddenly as it appeared, Carina found the familiar bustling imagery of the Plaza enter her vision, signaling to her to square out her feet and take a few stumbling steps forward to stabilize herself. She then turned around just in time to see Angel materialize into view, the human Hunter nearly tripping over his feet as his ship disappeared around the corner of the Tower.

Rolling her shoulders as the numbing effects of the transmat faded, Carina then took note of Pluto's missing presence, prompting her to glance around until she spotted the dark clad Hunter taking slow strides towards the pillars stationed in the middle of the Plaza, causing her to turn and give Angel a puzzled look. Receiving the same look from the human Hunter in turn, the female Titan took it as a sign to follow Pluto, coming to a slow pause as the Exo Hunter stood in front of a marble pillar, tracing his fingers over the surface.

"When you gain years under your belt, newborns come to believe that it means you have skill," Carina shifted her attention onto Pluto's back, hearing the Hunter continue, "that you have talent and strength to push back and defeat those who threaten the light." She then heard him let out a snort, "Most of the time, yes, that is true, however, during those years, you form bonds. Friends, family," He paused, "lovers, many of which do not make it alongside you." Watching the Exo Hunter take a step back, Carina blinked when he dipped his head before he lifted it up, "I remember there was only one memorial when I left, but, there is at least three now, isn't there?'

Silent at Pluto's words, Carina shifted her violet optics to Angel, the latter of which gave the female Titan an empathetic look; a sad chuckle then can be heard from the older Hunter, "Let's just get ourselves clean to visit Ianos, shall we? I want to inform him that I trust you two to stay on his team myself."

The female Exo perked up at this, "Wait, so we passed then?"

"Hardly, but, acceptable results."

Carina deflated , narrowing her violet optics at the Exo Hunter's back, "Picky."

Hearing Angel let out a laugh at this, the Exo Titan rolled her optics before she spotted Pluto turning and heading towards the apartments, prompting Carina to do the same.

"Pluto?'

Tuning in onto the familiar voice, Carina turned around as a Warlock walked over, the familiar symbol of the Future War Cult emblazoned onto the armor pieces all too recognizable to the young Titan. Although, the same can't be said for the Warlock himself.

"Ianos?"

Optics going wide, Carina glanced back and forth between the Hunter and Warlock with a slack jaw, barely catching the viridian shell of Nix gliding over and beaming a trial of light over the Awoken Warlock; this soon was followed by an amused Pluto, "Why are you wearing advertisement?"

"Shut up," Carina spotted Ianos' Ghost laugh over his shoulder, "It's been 'years' since we have last seen each other and the first think you can think of is – you two are blind."

"What!?" The female Exo couldn't help but let out a snicker as Ace's 'smile' quickly shifted to one of shock, "What happened!?"

Seeing Nix glide over as Ianos held out his hands, Carina watched with slight interest as the Awoken curled his fingers over the viridian Ghost's shell, brushing them over Nix's cracked optic as the latter answered, "Got unlucky with the Fallen, was trying to open a door for Pluto when one in stealth snuck past him when he was defending me."

Catching movement from the corner of her vision, the female Titan momentarily glanced over as Angel took cautious steps closer, curiosity easily seen in his green eyes, "Is there no way to heal a Ghost?'

Silence immediately followed after the human Hunter's question, Carina immediately seeing his face flush as he took timid steps back, lowering his gaze to the floor.

"No," Pluto finally broke the silence, "Us Guardians, we have our Ghosts to heal us or in severe cases, revive us if they are connected to the light." The Exo Hunter then held out his hand, signaling to Nix to gently pry himself out of Ianos' fingers and into his Guardian's own, "For Ghosts, however, they have nothing. If they are injured, there is nothing we can do."

"What about other Ghosts?" Carina shifted her attention towards Angel, "Can they not heal them?"

"No," The female Exo's optics widen at his, surprised at her own sudden answer as she then found all eyes on her.

"And you know this how?"

Scanning the faces of the surrounding Guardians, Carina couldn't help but fidget in place, debating quietly in her mind before letting out a sigh, and held out her palm. Immediately, the familiar warmth of her Ghost materializing onto her hand ran through the length of her arm, followed by a soft whistle as he shook his green and violet shell. At first, all things seemed normal with the Ghost, the shell held little to no marks, and his optic was a sheen color of violet, much like Carina's own, with only one exception.

"It's tiny!" Glowering at Angel, Carina then reeled back as the Hunter summoned his own Ghost, holding out the white and red shell of Hope as he held her next to hers for comparison, the female Ghost easily dwarfing the other.

"Hey!" Carina protectively brought her Ghost close to her chest, "Spears is sensitive about that."

"Spears?" Turning her attention to the Awoken Warlock, the female Titan held out the Ghost in question long enough to point out the thorn-like protrusions on the corners of his shell; she heard Ianos let out a soft hum in response.

"How small is he exactly?" Hesitating at Pluto's question, Carina reluctantly held out Spears as Nix glided over, beaming his light over the smaller Ghost's form, "…he's half the size of you, Nix."

"Stop that!" The female Exo glared at the others as she let her Ghost glide from her fingers, watching him twirl around out, giving silent greetings, "I just told you, he's sensitive about that."

"We heard." Giving Ianos a frown in response to his words, Carina then blinked when the Awoken held out his hand, only to reel back as Spears gladly landed into his palm, letting out a shrill whistle as the Warlock reached under with his free hand and tickled his core, watching her Ghost shift upwards in response, "you brought him out, but, that does not answer our question."

Hesitating once again, Carina shifted her optics back and forth between the Guardians before releasing another sigh, prompting her to hold out her hand. Immediately, Spears turned and glided back to her, settling into her palm, "Spears, would you like to say hello?"

Seeing his parts shift upwards in response to her question, Carina then watched as Spears turned his focus onto the others, his beeps and whistles all too recognizable. However, the longer he continued, the more Carina can see the look of confusion harden on her comrade's gaze, Ianos the one to turn his eyes onto hers when Spears finally came to a pause, "He cannot speak?"

"Well, yes," She then paused, "then no." Carina sensed the bewildered stares she received from the others, "I can understand him, and so can other Ghosts, other Guardians well…" Her voice faded, seeing the questioning looks in her team's gaze, "It happened before he resurrected me." She brought Spears close to her chest, feeling him cuddle close, "During his search, he lowered his guard while scanning around for potential light. A Fallen attacked him, damaging his voice modulator, but, he made it out alive." Feeling Spears leave her hand, Carina momentarily watch him glide around the group before she added, "When I heard what happened to him, I attempted to find a way to fix him. Even asked the Vanguard to personally use their Ghosts in an attempt to heal him." She then shook her head, "Nothing worked."

"Protect your Ghosts with your lives." Carina fixed her attention onto Ianos, "That was one of the few things I remember from my time as a newborn." He shook his head, "The Risen were quite serious about it."

"Wait, Risen?" The female Exo shifted her optics onto Angel, the Hunter's gaze wide, "How old are you?!"

At first, confused by the human Hunter's question, Carina's optics widen as it finally clicked; Ianos had said 'Risen'. In other words, he was resurrected around the time of the Dark Ages. Turning a wide gaze towards the Awoken Warlock, Carina watched as Ianos let out a shrug at Angel's words and parted his lips to answer.

"Black Death!"

Jumping as a new voice permeated from the crowd, Carina turned her optics towards the source, immediately spotting two robed figures heading their way. One of them, a female human with light brown hair barely passing her ears, held rage clear in her aqua hues with her shoulders tense, her arms swinging hard enough that her red coat billowed from the movement. Her companion, a dark green Exo with lime green lights, seemed almost nervous, struggling to keep up with the red clad female as his own green coat shifted around him.

"Shit," Carina turned and gave Ianos a bewildered look, seeing him scoot slowly behind Pluto; in turn, the Exo Hunter let out a small hum, "That sounds like Neve."

"It is."

Then, before Carina can even comprehend his words, Ianos leaped behind Pluto, and the female Exo gawked as the female Warlock ran up and swung her arm forward, hearing an audible 'clang' as her fist came into contact with Pluto's face. Watching the older Exo stumble back from the blow, the silver Exo turned her wide optics towards the female Warlock, only to see the latter's gaze holding the same shocked expression.

"Ooooh," It was Hope who spoke, "That's going to leave a mark."

Shifting her attention back onto Pluto, Carina watched as the Exo Hunter straightened out his posture, reaching up with a hand as he curled his fingers under his jaw, only to wince as he snapped it back into place.

"You just punched the Executioner," The Exo Titan turned her gaze onto the green clad Exo, the latter of which placed a hand onto the female Warlock's shoulder, shaking it slightly as he repeated, "You just punched the Executioner!"

"I was aiming for Black Death!" The female Warlock brushed her companion's arm from her shoulder before turning her aqua hues over Pluto's and glowered, "Come out and face me like a real Guardian."

"No," Ianos deadpanned, "I have known you long enough that although you are a Warlock, your punches hits like a Titan's."

"Fuck, no kidding," Pluto finally spoke, Carina watching him flex his jaw several times, hearing it click before finally, it settled back into place, "and why the fuck are you trying to punch Ianos, Neve?"

"Who wouldn't?!" The female Exo blinked at Neve's outburst, "He shouldn't even be allowed here! That taint in his light! He's a risk to us all!"

"Neve," Her comrade placed a hand onto her shoulder, only for it to be brushed off once more, "There is no need to be so brash."

"Brash!?" Carina watched as the Exo shrank back, "I have every right to be! He caused the deaths of hundreds of Guardians!" Neve then turned her attention back to Ianos, "Come out and face me, Black Death! Come out and face your sins!"

"Neve."

"What!?" Neve shifted her attention to Pluto, "You know what he did to me, Pluto! I deserve this!"

"Let us talk," The Exo Hunter's tone of voice was calm, even, although, this didn't stop Nix from hovering near his shoulder, his light constantly streaming; a sign that he was recording, "There is no need to act violent about this."

"Why not!?" Carina jumped at Neve's roar, the latter of which jabbed a finger at Ianos' form, "It was his fault! His fault that I lost both my husband and child!" Carina's jaw dropped at this, "Let me handle this Pluto. I can end his 'curse' once and for all."

Turning her shocked gaze towards Pluto, the female Exo sensed the blind Exo hesitate, bringing his hands together to his chest.

"I didn't mean for it to happen."

It was subtle, but it was definitely Ianos, Carina turning her violet optics to the Warlock as she watched the latter press his face into Pluto's shoulder, seeing his shoulders tense as he gripped the edges of Pluto's cloak tightly in his grasp. Bewildered by this, the Exo Titan waited silently, hearing the Exo Hunter respond afterwards.

"No, I won't let you," Neve reeled back, "As long as I am around, he is under my protection."

Anger instantly formed in Neve's aqua hues, "Why you traitorous machine –"

"I promised Neptune-88," The female Warlock immediately went silent, "I promised him I would take care of our 'Little Light', right before he, passed." Carina then saw the Awoken Warlock freeze, hearing him taking in a deep breath; Pluto continued, "I intend to keep that promise." A glare can be felt behind his blindfold, "I am going to ensure his safety, whether he likes it or not."

"Even against old friends?"

A momentary pause, "Even against old friends."

Seeing Neve grit her teeth, Carina thought it was a victory, a smile forming onto her metallic features, only for it to instantly drop as the female Warlock stated, "Fine then, we'll settle this differently." She placed her hands onto her waist," Next week from now, my Fireteam and I are preparing for a Crucible run." Neve walked up and pressed a finger against Pluto's chest, "I challenge you and your Fireteam to a match. Clash."

Silence permeated between the two, "You know we can't do that Neve."

"Oh, you will," A sense of unease settled into Carina's chest as Neve let out a smirk, "Otherwise, I 'will' get my compensation for the death of my husband and child. No. Matter. What."

"What do we get out of this?" Pluto crossed his arms, "What happens if we win?"

"I will leave Black Death alone," Neve answered, "But, if I win, I get to end his 'curse'."

"No."

"Then, I will hunt him down."

Optics widening at her response, Carina heard Pluto growl, "I won't let that happen."

He received a snort as a response, "Oh, you will. I am not the only one out to get him." Neve nodded her head towards Ianos, "It is time to end his curse, and my fireteam aren't the only ones who agree with me." A knowing smile formed onto her fair features, "Who knows, Black Death may get himself into a bad 'accident'."

"Why you-"

"So, a deal?"

Shifting her violet optics back and forth between Pluto and Neve, Carina's gaze widens further when a sigh permeated from the blind Hunter, "Do we have much of a choice?"

Seeing a triumphant smile form onto Neve's face, the female Exo couldn't help but let a sense of anger form in the pit of her stomach as the female Warlock finished, "See you next week then." Then, without another word, she sauntered off, quickly disappearing in the crowd

Wanting nothing more than to follow Neve and swing a fist into the female Human's smug face, the only thing that caused Carina to come to a pause is when she saw the female Warlock's Exo comrade's jaw drop, his mouth hanging open as his lime green optics followed Neve's form.

"Did she just challenge you?" The female Titan raised a metallic brow at her fellow Exo's words, seeing him turn his wide optics towards Pluto, "Did she just challenge you? The Executioner?"

Reeling back at the Exo Warlock's words, Carina turned her violet optics towards the older Exo, only to see him let out an amused chuckle, "Scared kid?"

"Who wouldn't be!?" The green Exo cried, "You are just not notorious for your executions on Guardians who literately went dark, you are also known for your merciless kills in the Crucible! You shoot down every Guardian with your arsenal of weaponry without hesitation!" Carina then watched him placed his hands onto his head, "Why did she do that? She knows better than to challenge someone such as yourself."

"She got caught up in the moment, kid."

"Spirit, Spirit-9," The Exo Warlock muttered, "She really needs to control her temper." Carina heard him let out a sigh, "Neve always has a habit of bringing us into trouble."

"And yet, she's the leader of your Fireteam."

Seeing Spirit give Pluto a sheepish smile at his words, Carina then watched him shrug, "Well, what are families for? Have to deal with each other whether we like it or not." He then let out another sigh, "Guess that means I will have to face you in the Crucible, whether I like it or not."

Hearing a laugh permeate from the older Exo, the female Titan couldn't help but snap her attention back to Pluto, seeing a smirk form onto the Exo Hunter's features, "Then I'll have to advise you to chase after Neve. You and your Fireteam are going to need a lot of practice to take on the likes of me."

A snort can be heard emitting from Spirit, "I will remember that." Then, to Carina's surprise, the Exo Warlock bowed, staying long enough to say, "I may fear you in the Crucible, Pluto. However, I respect you more." And then he was gone, slowly disappearing into the crowd, leaving the group in silence.

"Well," Carina heard Angel let out a cough, "That was interesting."

Hearing Pluto sigh at the younger Hunter's words, Carina turned in time to hear the Hunter start, "Ianos-"

"I could have handled it on my own." The female Exo frowned at the Awoken Warlock's words, "There wasn't a need for you to get involved."

"Oh really?" It wasn't hard to hear a tinge of amusement and annoyance linger in Pluto's words, "From the way you hid behind my shoulder, I thought you needed a little help."

Snickering at the frown emitting behind Ianos' visor, Carina paused at his next words, "It would have been simple if you just had let Neve kill me. Ace is easily capable of resurrecting me."

"You know as well as I do that she is not just going to kill 'you', Ianos." The Exo Titan took in Pluto's words, slowly piecing it together as the latter added, "She is going to go after Ace to ensure you 'stay' dead, and although I know that you are fully capable of taking care of yourself, I have a promise to keep that involves your safety, and I intend to keep it, with or without your consent."

Watching Pluto take steps closer to the Awoken Warlock, Carina took note of the sudden shift of emotion emanating from Ianos, the anger slowly dissipating and being replaced with an air of remorse, "It is true then? Neptune, he…"

Hearing Ianos' voice fade, Carina shifted her violet optics over to Pluto, only to see the latter unclip the arc infused bond from his arm and held it out towards the Awoken Warlock, "He always said he wanted to teach you how to be a Stormcaller." Bewilderment settled into the female Titan's mind as Ianos took the bond from the Hunter's grasp, noticing the tenderness and care, "He just never had the time to ask."

Taking in the sight of Ianos unclipping the current bond from his shoulder and slowly clip the Arc bond in placement of it, Carina narrowed her optics in thought, especially when she noticed the trembling emitting from the Awoken's fingers and the way his breathing had paused, as if struggling to breathe. Confused by this, the female Titan turned her attention towards Angel, seeing the Hunter fidget in place before taking slow and subtle steps back.

"Oh no, you two stay here."

Snapping her attention back towards Pluto, Carina witnesses the older Exo approach them, "Since Ianos and I have been challenged by Neve and she is bringing her Fireteam into this, I am getting you two involved as well."

No sooner had the Exo Hunter finished speaking when the female Titan's optics lit up, an excited squeal escaping her lips; having formed a grudge against the female Warlock, Carina couldn't help but let a tinge of excitement permeate throughout her body. She can actually punch Neve without getting in trouble.

Angel didn't hold the same sentiment, "U-Us? B-but-"

Unable to hold her excitement, a whoop escaped Carina as she cut in, "Crucible time! Time to run around, and fight against other Guardians with a shotgun in hand!"

"I never stepped into the Crucible!" The female Titan turned and blinked at Angel, just in time to see the Hunter frantically glance back and forth between herself and Pluto, "How am I supposed to be any use of you if I do not have any experience!?"

"We'll fix that." Carina closed her mouth as she turned to see Pluto smirk, "The match is next week. Plenty of time to drag you into the Crucible and get you warmed up."

"B-But…"

Chuckling as the Exo Hunter reached out and simply patted Angel on the shoulder, Carina then turned her attention towards Ianos, seeing the latter turn his arm, as if to admire the new bond flickering around his limb, before watching him flex his hand, only to jump when his hidden gaze snapped towards her, sensing the frown once again emanating behind his visor. Half-expecting the Awoken Warlock to snap her way, Carina instead was surprised to see his attention turn towards Pluto, "You speak as if it is going to be easy, Pluto."

Carina frowned, "If you are saying that Angel and I are going to hold you back-"

"If I may finish," The female Exo glared at the Warlock, only for her anger to simmer down at his next words, "You know as well as I do, Pluto, that I took up a vow of never taking the life of a fellow Guardian."

"Oh, right," Carina heard the older Exo let out a hum, "Well, you do have a good shot." She watched as his blind gaze turned back towards Ianos, "Aim for the legs, or aim anywhere to distract them while the newborns and I go for the kill."

"We're not newborns," The female Titan pouted, crossing her arms while she heard the familiar whistle of Spears' laugh linger in her sensors, "Angel and I can handle ourselves perfectly fine."

Feeling Ianos' gaze on her, Carina gave him a glower as she easily sensed the doubtful look emit from his visor, "Right." She then watched the Awoken turn his focus towards Pluto, "Clash is a match of six versus six, we still have to look for two others to participate in Neve's 'challenge'."

A pause from the Exo Hunter, the latter of which place a finger onto his chin as he let out another hum, "Well, we do have a week, long enough to look for other Guardians to join our team, however…" He then shrugged, "We have to be quick, we need time to learn each other's movements and how to work together as a team when we take on Neve and her Fireteam." He shifted his blind gaze towards Ianos, "And to find individuals that won't stab us in the back."

Carina immediately reeled back at his words, "Wait, I understand that Ianos is an unlikeable guy, but, he can't be 'that hated'."

Silence loomed between the group of Guardians, causing the female Exo to glance between the older Warlock and Hunter, "Right?"

Her question left unanswered, Carina then heard Angel ask the question that lingered in her mind, "Does this have to do with Ianos' 'darkness'?"

That is when Carina sensed hesitation from the Exo Hunter, watching him momentarily turn his blind gaze towards Ianos before he answered, "Yes, however, there is a small group that believes Ianos is innocent."

The female Titan reeled back at his words, "Innocent?"

"I recall several Guardians who took his side," Pluto continued on, as if he had not heard Carina's single worded question, "I wonder if they are still alive."

"Innocent of what?" It was Angel who asked the question, however, Pluto once again rambled on, "There is Andal Brask. Wait, no, he's dead."

"Pluto?" Carina called.

"Maybe I should contact Akiva?"

"Pluto?"

"Or maybe Zen-13? Terra perhaps?"

"Pluto!"

"What!?" The Exo Hunter finally snapped his attention to the younger Exo, Carina easily hearing the annoyance in his tone, "Ianos was innocent of what?"

Once again, Carina sensed hesitation flash over the older Exo, seeing him turn his gaze towards Ianos. Trailing his blind gaze, the female Titan paused upon Ianos, watching the latter give a subtle shake of the head; Carina didn't have to verbally ask to know that she won't gain an answer. Scowling at this realization, the female Titan simply crossed her arms as Ianos spoke, "I recommend Akiva, despite his 'disappearance' on Mars, the others you have stated were classified as KIA."

Seeing Pluto turn his empty gaze towards Ianos, Carina heard him let out a soft hum, "I have been away that long?" A nod from the Warlock, "If Akiva indeed 'disappeared', then I will easily be able to track him. Won't be too difficult." The older Exo then turned his attention towards Carina and Angel, "You two, practice with Ianos in the Crucible, learn each other's moves and skills so you can adapt and assist each other."

"Wait," Angel immediately jumped in, "What about you?"

No sooner had the young Hunter finished speaking when Carina sensed a bit of mirth emitting from the Exo Hunter, and although she cannot see his optics, the young Titan cannot help but imagine a twinkle in his gaze, "Did you not hear what Spirit just said? I have enough Crucible experience. In other words, I can just adapt." A smirk permeated from Pluto, "Just practice, at least once so you can witness each other's skills. I will return within a couple of days, if not, well, I will just drag the three of you in there myself." Flashing the group one final smile, Pluto then turned and headed off towards the direction of the Hangar, Carina spotting Nix's viridian form gliding after him.

Waiting until the dark clad Hunter's form disappeared into the crowd, the female Titan then turned and chirped, "So, when do you want to practice in the Crucible?"

Immediately sensing the frown from the Awoken Warlock, Carina paid no heed to it, and instead, let her mind wander over to the future clash with Neve and her Fireteam. She was jittery, excited to say the least; finally, an experienced match with set up team instead of random jumble of newborns forced into a group. The female Titan tapped her fingers together in eagerness, ignoring the bewildered look she earned from her Ghost; she is going to show to everyone just how well she can handle herself in the Crucible.

A sigh from Ianos broke Carina out of her thoughts, "Perhaps now, if it is the best time for you two." She watched the Warlock cross his arms, "Let us meet at the Hangar in thirty so we can prepare for the Crucible."

"Uh," The female Titan took notice of Angel's nervousness, easily from the way he wrung his hands together, "Speaking of the Hangar, there's something we need to tell you about your ship."

At first, bewildered by the words of the young Hunter, it suddenly clicked within Carina's mind when Ianos went silent, the Awoken's next words a blank, "What about my ship?"

"Well," The Exo Titan watched Angel fidget once more, "When we were returning from that patrol, it sort of –"

"It is a hunk of junk," Carina ignored the human Hunter's flabbergasted look, "and it's not going to fly anymore."

"Carina!"

Once again ignoring the young Hunter, the Exo Titan scanned her gaze over Ianos' visor, attempting to read or sense 'anything' that permeated from the Warlock. All she can take in, was silence.

"Ianos?" It was Angel who broke the stillness in the air, the young Hunter taking tentative steps forward as the two waited for an answer.

"…You two owe me a new ship."