Redacted

Half-Breed

I'm actually surprised that I got this chapter out, especially with Iron Banner and with the King's Fall raid out lol. Been busy trying to get that book done -w-;;;

Anyway, thanks to And-on-and-on, and Mantic64 for the reviews!

And-on-and-on - Thanks lol. Was kinda worried that I made him out of character but glad to know that it was otherwise.

_Transcript: Zakai_

Source: Ghost of Guardian Ianos

Alias: Ace

_Transcript of a conversation between Vanguard Andal Brask [a.i.] and Warlock Ianos [w.i.]. Topic concerning Warlock Ianos taking newborn Guardian Zakai under his care_

_Initiating Transcript_

[a.i]: Zavala and Ikora aren't very pleased that you decided to take that newborn under your wing.

[w.i]: That 'newborn' was imprisoned and judged for actions that he couldn't control. They had no right to lock him away like that, 'especially' since he is no more than a few days old.

[a.i]: But you saw what he did. He killed nearly every Guardian in proximity. Including 'you'.

[w.i]: He was scared! Frightened by the fact that you all had weapons trained on him! How else would you have reacted!?

[pause]

[w.i]: Death is second nature for us Guardians anyway.

[a.i]: That doesn't excuse his actions.

[w.i]: (sigh) All he needs is proper training and guidance. Give me a few months. He will have his light under control.

[pause]

[a.i]: Alright

[w.i]: What?

[a.i]: I'll give you a few months to get this newborn 'in shape'. If what you had claimed earlier is true, then this Guardian may help turn the tide for us.

[pause]

[a.i]: Is something the matter?

[w.i]: No, I am just…surprised that you willingly decided to give me a chance. To give 'him' a chance.

[a.i]: (Laugh) The Vanguard maybe tense but not all of us are quick to judge. I am giving this newborn Guardian a chance and don't worry about Zavala and Ikora. I'll place some of my Hunters to keep an eye on him in case the two decided to take 'drastic' measures.

[w.i]: I…Thank you, Andal. It seems that Pluto was right about you.

[a.i]: Right? Right about what?

[w.i]: That out of the three, you are the one that we depend on.

_End Transcript_

Xxxxx

Ever since Matt had implanted the new system into his body, Ianos hadn't felt any pain – the drugs intermingling with the light flowing into his body helps prevent it. In retrospect, this would have seen as a positive aspect if it wasn't for the fact that Ianos couldn't feel 'anything'; even when Hush wrapped her arms around his neck when he carried her, all he could feel was a sensation of numbness – it was unsettling, knowing that you are indeed in physical contact but the 'feeling' of it there was barely noticeable.

As such, when Hush reached out and intertwined her fingers with his, he couldn't help but pause as his orange hues stared intensely at the touch, the numbed throbbing all he could feel from the contact.

"Ianos?" The Warlock shifted his gaze towards Ace, the latter of which hovered between his head and the newborn's, "We just got a frequency from the Vanguard."

The Warlock couldn't help but make a face at his Ghost's words, "The Vanguard? Why?"

"Well, Akiva and Angel had turned in their report," Ianos gave Ace a blank look, "and they had mentioned your presence. Since you were supposed to be on 'bedrest', the Vanguard was curious as to why you were out in the field."

Pinching the bridge of his nose as he sighed, Ianos shook his head before lowering his hand and fixating his gaze back onto Ace, "Send a frequency back that I am on my way." He then paused, "And tell them to get their questions ready."

Seeing the black and orange Ghost bob once, the Awoken Warlock let out another sigh when Pluto's voice echoed through the air, "Does the Vanguard know about your relapse?"

A pause, "No."

Hearing nothing from the Exo Hunter, Ianos also opted to remain silent, letting Hush play with his fingers before he finally heard Pluto state, "You do realize that if they figure out about your condition, that they're not going to let it slide this time?"

"You think I don't know that?" The Awoken Warlock turned and narrowed his gaze at the Exo Guardian, "The first time I was diagnosed with the corruption, there were many votes amongst the Consensus to, as they quote: 'Put me out of my misery'." Turning his attention back onto Hush, Ianos then added, "The only reason I am here now is that Andal convinced them to give me a chance."

"Andal isn't here this time." Ianos heard Pluto mutter, "and although Cayde was a close companion, I highly doubt he'll be like his compatriot. He is easily swayed by Zavala and Ikora."

"Not as stubborn you mean," The Awoken Warlock sighed once again, "Might as well get this over with." Sliding his fingers out of Hush's grip, Ianos couldn't help but pause as he watched the newborn's yellow hues suddenly glance up at him, disappointment clear in her gaze, "I'll be back, Little One." He then nodded his head towards Pluto, "Remember Pluto? He'll keep an eye on you."

"I beg your pardon?"

Ianos turned and gave the Exo a blank stare, "Do you want her to be alone in here?'

The Awoken Warlock received a narrowed glance in response, "She has her Ghost, doesn't she?"

Turning his attention onto the pale violet shell of said Ghost, Ianos blinked as Crystalline twirled her back fins once, her yellow optic unflinching as she focused in on him; this prompted the Awoken Warlock to state, "True." He then turned his attention back onto Pluto, "But I highly doubt she can physically stop her Guardian from leaving the room."

Watching the Exo Hunter open his mouth to retort, Ianos couldn't help but let a smirk form across his pale azure features when no words emitted from Pluto's 'lips', the Guardian in question opening and closing his mouth like a fish out of water.

"Why am I the designated babysitter?"

Amusement tugging at the back of his mind, Ianos watched as Pluto walked over to one of the chairs at the table and took a seat, causing Hush to tilt her head curiously at the Exo Hunter. Waving his hand once to signal to Ace to materialize his helmet back over his head, Ianos then stated, "I'll be back."

Pluto nodded once, "Be careful. The Vanguard aren't the young Guardians that they once were back before the Great Disaster. They will catch on if they sense anything awry."

Taking in the Exo Hunter's words, Ianos nodded back before turning around and exiting his quarters.

Xxxxx

She couldn't understand why she felt so comfortable around him – what's his name again, Ianos? – but when the Awoken had removed his helmet and her eyes connected with his, she cannot help but let a sense of familiarity and comfort overwhelm her senses, like as though she knew that he would be the one to keep her safe. As such, she latched onto him, her senses tingling whenever she interlaced her fingers with his and her emotions just bubbled with positivity when he wouldn't resist her innocent touches.

However, when he had left, Hush couldn't help but feel disappointed, sadness filling up the back of her mind as the door closed behind Ianos. She had just wanted to play for a tad bit longer.

But when she focused her yellow eyes onto his friend – Pluto was it? – she couldn't help but let curiosity fill the back of her mind. Although flashes of memory echoed through her head– curses, looks of disgust and hate, the soothing voice of a man lulling her to sleep, warm hands wrapped protectively around her shoulders – the metal plating on the black machine's face was foreign, unfamiliar. With this in her mind, Hush slid off of her seat, catching Pluto's attention.

"Something you need?"

Giving Pluto a bright smile in response to his question, Hush approached him and took one of his hands, immediately sensing the look of bewilderment as she pressed her fingers in the crack of his bracers. Finally feeling the familiar buckle of a strap, the newborn couldn't help but let a sense of pride form in her chest as she unlatched it. Immediately, she felt Pluto jerk back, as if pained by the gesture, causing the newborn to snap her gaze upwards, concern clear in her yellow hues.

Pluto must have noticed this for moments later, he stated, "Oh, don't worry about me. Just took me by surprise is all."

Tilting her head in bewilderment, Hush opted to focus her attention back onto Pluto's bracer, unlatching the rest of the straps before carefully dropping the piece of armor to the floor and taking his hand into her fingers. Tracing the indents of the plating and the glow of red lights seeping through the cracks, Hush's eyes widen in awe as she continued to trace her fingers over the patterns.

"It seems this is your first time meeting an Exo."

Exo? What's that? Letting the question echo in her mind, Hush nodded as she kept her yellow hues on Pluto's hand, hearing him chuckle afterwards.

"Exo are – how do you put it – 'machines' created by mankind for a purpose."

Purpose? Hush lifted her gaze up towards the male Exo, prompting Pluto to let out a shrug; it seems he understood the question in her eyes as he responded, "To protect man kind? For war? Us Exo are unsure ourselves." Watching the Exo Guardian use his free hand to sheepishly rub the back of his neck, Hush waited patiently as he continued, "But considering the circumstances now, not many of us wish to learn about our original programming."

Her curiosity peaking at the Exo Hunter's words, Hush focused her attention back onto Pluto's hand, once again tracing her fingers over the crevices of his plating.

"Pluto. There is a message from Met."

Glancing up at the foreign voice, the newborn paused when a familiar star shaped figure materialized over the Exo Guardian's shoulder. However, unlike her own 'star', this one was viridian in color and its optic cracked, causing the red light to flicker on occasion.

"Again?" Focusing her attention onto Pluto, Hush can immediately hear the puzzlement in the Exo Guardian's tone, "Is she still having trouble handling a machine gun?"

"Not this time," The newborn watched in awe as the Ghost twirled their back fins once, "She actually needed to find parts for a certain weapon so…"

"…Please tell me she didn't."

"She went into the City to find them."

Hush heard Pluto heave out a sigh, feeling his hand leave hers as he placed his palm over his metallic features, "Met maybe a fine Medic but when it comes to weaponry, I can't help but feel like as though she is unfit for the field."

Watching the Exo Guardian lift his hand away from his face, Hush can easily see the hesitation in his optics, the light seemingly dimming in concern before he let out another sigh and turned his attention over her shoulder – to Crystalline, "I'll have to take my leave. One of my Clan members got herself lost in the City."

Hush didn't have to physically see her Ghost reel back; her voice exposed her surprise enough, "She can't find her way back herself?"

"I'll be quick." Hush heard Crystalline twirl her back fins in agitation before perking up as she found Pluto's gaze on her, "Behave yourself alright? Stay in this room. I'll be back momentarily."

Watching the Exo Hunter push himself back onto his feet and head towards the door, Hush barely caught the viridian form of his Ghost glide down, picking up the abandoned bracer and disappearing in a flash of white just as Pluto closed the door behind him.

"Well, this is a great start on our first day at the Tower."

Ignoring Crystalline's grumbling, Hush opted to glance around, her yellow hues easily grazing over the bed and the desk before a doorway flashed into her sight; she can barely see the flicker of movement of light on the floor. Curiosity peaking in her mind, Hush took short but quick strides towards the door, hearing a hum near her shoulders as she closed the distance.

"Where are you going? Didn't Pluto said to stay put?"

Once again ignoring her Ghost's words, Hush placed a hand on the door frame as she took a step inside, only to immediately pause as her jaw hung open. All around her were faces, faces of humans, Awoken, and – what did Pluto call himself? - Exo staring back at her as the images flickered. Leaping into the room filled with glee, Hush slowly turned around, awe clear in her eyes as the familiar hum of Crystalline edged closer to her shoulders.

"I don't think we're allowed in here, Little One."

She again ignored her Ghost's words as she slowly closed the distance between herself and some of the frames, leaning in as she took in some of the details of those who stared back.

An Exo with orange plating and yellow optics.

Another Exo but with silver plating and violet optics.

And an Awoken with red glowing eyes and white strands against gray features.

However, as Hush's yellow hues scanned the faces, she came to a pause as one caught her attention. In her eyes, he seemed human, black strands cascading down to his shoulders and contrasting greatly against his pale skin. However, what caught the newborn's attention were his eyes. They were a vibrant blue and like hers, they glowed. They glowed despite he wasn't an Awoken. At least, not fully.

Like me! Rushing over to the portrait and placing her fingers against the screen, Hush's eyes beamed brightly.

Her memory maybe 'foggy' at the moment, but Hush remembers just enough that people like her are rare. Extremely rare. To the point where with the small amount of memory she does have, she cannot recall meeting anyone like her. But Hush definitely recognizes the familiar glow in this man's eyes to know that he wasn't fully human nor Awoken. Of course, there were differences, like the familiar mist like patterns; the man she sees in the portrait lacks this trait. But that doesn't deter Hush a bit.

Where is this man? She glanced around, as if to spot the owner of the picture she sees before her. Hush wanted to see another being such as herself. Tearing herself away from the frame, the newborn quickly exited the room, glancing around before her yellow hues fell upon the exit. And it was then, a plan formulated in the back of her mind.

If he wasn't here in this room, then maybe perhaps he is elsewhere.

"Hush? Hush, where are you going? Hush, don't you dare leave this room."

Tuning out Crystalline's words, the newborn walked over to the door, placing her hands onto the frame as her eyes traced the metal surface before focusing her attention onto the panel next to it. Recalling memories of Ianos and Pluto pressing a hand onto it to get it to open, Hush let a smile creep onto her tan features before she reached out and pressed her palm onto the panel. A light beamed through and scanned her hand, causing her to reel, however moments later, the door slid open, causing a triumphant smile to fade back onto her face.

"Hush! Where are you going!? Stay here!"

Hearing the frantic tone in her Ghost's voice, Hush once again opted to tune her out; why should she stay in a small room when there is a new world out there to discover? Especially now that she has proper use of her legs. Why stop?

Ignoring the blubbering of her Ghost behind her, the newborn took tentative steps out of the room, her yellow hues tracing several other doors down the corridor before she spotted movement down the hall, the familiar light of the sun glinting down upon white marble. There. There is where the adventure starts.

Hearing the hum of her Ghost hovering nearby, Hush silently took note of the silence that permeated from her companion; she can guess that the female Ghost gave up on trying to coax her back into the room and had relented to the newborn's need for adventure. Letting another smile creep onto her face from this thought, Hush took in a breath and headed down the corridor.

Xxxxx

Ianos already knew the Vanguard suspected something when he walked through the doors; he already caught Zavala's hardened glare and Ikora's passive features. In other words, they weren't happy about the news of him being out on the field without 'clearance'. Catching the nervous glances of Angel and Akiva near the edges of the table, Ianos took it as a sign to walk over and cross his arms, "I have been told to speak to you?"

"Cut the ignorance, Ianos." The Awoken Warlock narrowed his eyes at the Titan Commander, "We want to know why you were out in the field despite Medic Matheson's report that you were unfit for active duty."

"What? I can't stretch my legs?" The Veteran Guardian noticed Zavala's gaze darken, "I had been on bed rest for nearly a year, I thought it would be alright just to patrol the area."

"But in the Plaguelands?" It was Ikora who spoke next, "an unmapped area that have yet to be laid out and somehow, conveniently, you met the remaining members of Fireteam Redacted right at the moment they discovered the source of the frequency. Tell me, was it coincidental?"

Ianos couldn't help but frown at Ikora's thoroughness; he occasionally found it annoying whenever he has something to hide, especially when her keen senses almost figures him out. Almost.

To put emphasis on his next words, Ianos shifted his shoulders up and down as he stated, "I happened by chance to find this frequency when I was flipping through channels. Intrigued by the foreign signal, I decided it would be nice to head out and warm up a bit." The Awoken Warlock can easily sense the look of doubt from the Vanguard, "When you are on medical leave, you are willing to do anything when it comes to boredom."

He can still easily see the look of disbelief in Ikora and Zavala's eyes but Ianos was indeed telling the truth. After being in bed rest for nearly a year, the Warlock had done all the research done in his quarters alongside finishing building the weapon he had been so keen to finish – The First Curse according to the blue prints – and as such, he was left with nothing to keep his mind preoccupied. Flipping through frequencies seemed a good idea at the time and flipping through them indeed help time go by quickly. When he had bumped into Crystalline's frequency, he had doubts about leaving his room – he knows the Vanguard will be on his back if he left, especially if he went out to the field without their consent. But in the end, his curiosity won out.

"So what if he was out in the field during his medical leave?" All eyes turned towards Cayde, the Vanguard Hunter letting out a shrug as he added, "I just want to know what you found when you located the frequency."

That's when Ianos heard Akiva let out a cough and Angel taking in a hitched breath, causing the Awoken Warlock to mentally let out a sigh; when it comes to the Vanguard, the two were easily readable. Luckily, the Awoken Guardian has something up his sleeve.

"It was Hunter Blaise's Ghost," Ianos can sense the flabbergasted looks from his teammates; he ignored them, "She had sent out a frequency for help when she bumped into a group of Devil Splicers."

"And?"

"We were able to safely clear the area of hostiles, ensuring the Ghost's safety. However, we soon learned that she had been searching for another Guardian."

"Another Guardian?" Ianos watched Zavala's vibrant hues narrow, "So you're saying Hunter Blaise is…"

"No longer active, I am afraid." The Awoken Warlock watched as the three turned their attention towards each other, "As such, with our objective complete, we gave her our respects and let his Ghost continue on with her search."

"You decided not to bring the Ghost here?"

Slowly turning his gaze towards Ikora, Ianos couldn't help but give the Warlock Vanguard a blank look behind his visor, "I know the faction she works for, and I know that they have a strong dislike towards us 'Tower Guardians'." Noticing the way the Vanguard flinched at the name, Ianos opted to continue, "To avoid any chance of conflict or ill will with her faction, I decided best to leave the Ghost alone, especially since more than likely she has the frequency of her faction to give her aid if she needs it."

"But if that were the case, why did she send a frequency to the Tower?"

Ianos took in a breath and let out a sigh, "We believe that in a state of panic, Hunter Blaise's Ghost hooked onto the first frequency she can get a hold of. As it turns out, the frequency for help was sent here."

Seeing the three Vanguards once again focus their attention onto each other, Ianos turned his attention towards Akiva and Angel, both of which looked a little relieved; he couldn't help but roll his eyes at how obvious the two were.

Waiting momentarily for the silence to follow between the three, Ianos finally stated, "Are we done here? I have an armor blueprint I would like to work on back in my quarters if you are finished."

Watching Ikora shift her gaze towards him, Ianos can easily read the hesitation and suspicion in her eyes before she nodded once, "You are dismissed, Warlock."

Nodding back once to confirm he caught her words, the Awoken Warlock turned to leave.

That is when a piercing scream echoed through the room.

Xxxxx

After quietly bickering with her Ghost, Hush begrudgingly slipped on her helmet over her head – 'for her protection' was all Crystalline had told her. Although she hated the headpiece, the newborn understood why the female Ghost was insistent on the armor piece – Hush was a unique individual, who knows how all these strangers around her will react. Although it still doesn't stop all the attention she was receiving.

The newborn Guardian caught the curious gaze of several passerby, some of which held up a hand to their head and then lower it down to hers – a sign that they were confused at her short stature. Nonetheless, Hush was happy enough that they left her alone, most of them shrugging off her 'unusual' size before walking off to attend other matters. Although she couldn't help but reel away from those who she deems 'too close', actually jumping when one of the passerby's cloak brushed her shoulder.

"I'm right here," Hearing her Ghost whisper over her shoulder, Hush couldn't help but let her tense shoulders relax, tiptoeing around armored figures as she walked out into the open, taking in the sights.

The first thing she noticed was the early morning sun beaming down upon the cemented floor of the Plaza and already, it was busy with activity. Figures in cloaks, armor, and coats walked around, weapons in hand and brushed past each other, hardly giving a glance whenever they would bump shoulders. Hush noticed the greenery next, the tree planted in a corner and a patch of grass planted around it, giving the plaza a seat for those who simply wanted to rest.

Eyes wide at the sight before her, Hush blinked when she noticed some steps going upward before tracing downwards to another entryway – her curiosity told her to go down. Slowly making her way down the steps, Hush peeked around the corner, only to jump as her gaze connected with three glowing eyes, streaks of black spilling down her cheeks. Taking in a hitched breath, Hush froze as the woman tilted her head, her eyes narrowing before turning back to the object in her hands – a rock in Hush's eyes – before muttering things incomprehensible to the newborn.

Blinking several times, Hush forced herself out into the open before tilting her head curiously at the woman, taking in the layered cloths of her armor and how the glow of her eyes seemingly peer through the cloth bound around her face. Compared to the other armored figures she had seen around her, Hush wonders if this woman is even real.

"Oh, no, no, no," The newborn Guardian turned to face Crystalline, the latter of which had scrunched her parts together, "I know what you are thinking and you are 'not' going to touch her."

Hush tilted her head in bewilderment, her eyes questioning. The female Ghost must have noticed for she then stated, "I don't think she would appreciate it if a stranger came up and touched her even on the shoulder, don't you think so?"

Blinking as she took in Crystalline's words, Hush nodded once before she took steps into the next room, hearing the hum of her Ghost follow closely behind. No sooner had she done this when an intense gaze pierced her senses, causing the young Guardian to turn her focus onto a large armored form, the latter of which place hands on his hips and stared at her silently. In return, Hush returned the stare behind her visor, tilting her head curiously before she heard a sound of greeting behind her. Turning around, Hush came to a pause as her eyes fell upon a rectangular face and humorously dressed exactly like the man behind her – horns on top of its head with fur lined around its shoulders. Letting a giggle escape her lips, Hush turned her attention back towards the towering man, only to see that he refocused his attention to another individual, seemingly none too pleased from the news as he had crossed his arms and she can sense a feeling of frustration emitting from him.

Taking this as a cue for her to continue on with her little adventure, Hush focused her gaze down the hall, only for her to let out a small squeal. Right there, standing in the other room, was Ianos, the Warlock seemingly too preoccupied speaking at the table to notice the young Guardian. That was going to change.

Taking small and quick strides towards the next room, Hush couldn't help but let a bloom of excitement rise up within her chest. She wonders if she'll let him play with his hands again; although at first, the layer of cloth were thick, Hush had felt something 'underneath', like a second skin line up against the first and she had hoped that time spent fiddling with his fingers, she'll be eventually remove the armor piece, just like she had done with Pluto's. Perhaps this will allow her to figure out this 'second' skin that she had felt under his bracer.

However, as she closed the distance between herself and the Awoken Warlock, Hush realized too late that her small stature also made it harder for the armored figures around her to pin her down. She felt something hard ram into her, most likely a passerby rushing past, and she felt her shoulder crack from the impact. Letting out a yelp as pain seared through her shoulder, Hush fell back in response, landing on her bottom as she reached up and placed a hand on her injured shoulder, fighting back a whimper as it throbbed in response.

"Hush!" Glancing up, the edges of the newborn's vision blurred with tears as the familiar form of Crystalline came into the view, the female Ghost twirling her back fins as she stated, "Hold still."

Hush then watched as a beam of light flowed from Crystalline's optic before relief flooded her shoulder, causing the newborn to blinked bewilderedly as the female Ghost added, "This should only take a moment."

Although confused at the actions of the female Ghost, Hush was just glad that the pain was no longer apparent, lowering her hand into her lap as the faintest glow of light illuminated her vision.

"I apologize, I didn't see you there."

Freezing at the unfamiliar voice ringing in her ears, Hush's turned her wide eyes upwards, connecting into blue hues. The person in front of her was tall and muscular, easily towering over the smaller child as he gave her a look of concern, his silver strands brushed to the left to give him easier field of vision. From the lack of glowing eyes and absence of the pale veins on his tan features, the newborn Guardian can easily deduce that the person in front of her is human, causing Hush to let out a gulp at the thought.

She couldn't understand why but the ghost of her memories caused her to feel unsafe, fearful even to those that weren't Awoken like Ianos. Hush cannot remember the reason why but an echo of a voice rang in the back of her mind, telling her that anyone who doesn't share similar characteristics as the Awoken, especially 'humans', they should not be trusted; they will do her harm otherwise.

"Hey, are you alright?"

Unable to speak or voice her concerns, Hush's eyes widen even further when the man in front of her knelt down and reached out a hand towards her. And with this, she let out a scream before streaks of violet entered her vision.

Xxxxx

Void light spilled forth around Hush's form, causing the unfortunate Hunter who had knelt down to give her aid to let out a scream as it latched onto his arms and legs. Ianos watched with wide eyes as the Hunter scrambled back onto his feet just long enough to place some distance between himself and the newborn Titan before his limbs diminished from sight, causing him to collapse onto his back. Sighting the familiar form of a Ghost materialize over the Hunter's form, Ianos let a sense of relief flood the back of his mind before he focused his attention back onto the newborn Guardian, watching as violet streaks of light twirled around her, as if to attempt to form the Ward of Dawn but unable to chain together to form the solid shield. This in turn caused the light to twirl onto the floor, causing it to slowly break down the cement and metal, leaving gaps where the light had eaten away. Shaxx and any Guardians who were nearby were instantly taken aback, majority of the Soldiers of Light leaping away from the effects of void light before standing in shock at what they were witnessing.

Cursing under his breath, Ianos took strides towards the newborn Guardian, ignoring the calls of Akiva and Angel as he closed the distance between himself and Hush.

"Ianos? Ianos. Oh dear, this is going to end badly."

Ignoring Ace's voice echoing in his helmet, the Awoken Warlock did not hesitate once to walk into the dancing light of the Void, instead held up his hand as the familiar streaks of violet materialized around his fingers before slamming it into an oncoming wall of light, easily manipulating it aside before quickly passing through. Doing this again as another wall of light wildly streaked by, Ianos easily closed the distance between himself and Hush before reaching down and pressing a hand onto the newborn's shoulder. Instantly, her cries stopped and Ianos watched as her gaze shifted onto his visor, easily sensing the terror turn into one of relief as she let out a sniff. Then, before he can even utter a word, the newborn Guardian leaped up and wrapped her arms around his abdomen, pressing her face into his chest as the streaks of void light slowly died around them.

"I-I didn't know what happened." Ianos lifted his gaze up to see Crystalline glide upwards, a look of shock still clear upon her yellow optic, "I was just healing her and that Hunter went in to lift her up back onto her feet and then…" Hearing her voice die, the Awoken Warlock lowered his gaze down onto Hush's form, watching her snuggle in closer to his chest before he slowly raised one hand and placed a hand onto her helmet, earning a small squeeze from her arms in response.

"You said that you let Hunter Blaise's Ghost go."

Heaving out a sigh as the familiar voice of Ikora rang in his ears, Ianos turned to his side, hearing Hush let out a whimper of protest before following his movement, "And we did."

"Then why is his Ghost here? And next to a newborn?" Narrowing his gaze at Zavala's question, Ianos opened his mouth to stay something put paused as Hush let out another whimper, causing him to lower his gaze down to the newborn Guardian.

"Wait, that burst of power just moments before," A sense of dread formed in the pit of Ianos' stomach, "She's a half-breed, isn't she?"

The Awoken Warlock snapped his gaze up towards Ikora, his glare emanating behind his visor, "Yes, she is. What about it?"

"Don't you remember the last half-breed that we took into this Tower, Warlock Ianos?" The Awoken Guardian took note of the sternness in the female Warlock's voice; she wasn't pleased, "His inability to control his light took many lives, some even permanent."

"It was accidental, you know that." Ianos placed his hands protectively onto Hush's shoulders, easily sensing the glares from Zavala and Ikora, "He couldn't control his light, his status as a 'unique' individual made it hard for him to do so."

"Which is why we cannot allow this one to stay here." Ianos gritted his teeth as the female Vanguard continued, "If we allow her to stay, then who knows what kind of damage she is capable of."

"You didn't even give her a chance," The Awoken Warlock snarled, causing all those present to leap back at the sudden change in tone, "You didn't even give her even a day to stay here and already you're thinking about throwing her out. This is 'exactly' why I decided to 'lie' about my report out in the field. If you knew of her lineage, you would have treated her the same as you had treated Zakai; either locked her up or talk about execution."

"It is because a Guardian such as 'half-breeds' are a danger to themselves and everyone around their vicinity." The passivity of Ikora's face had long passed, a frown not placed upon her dark features, "If we allow her out in the field, she will also have the same results as Warlock Zakai; destructive and uncontrollable."

"Just because their status as 'half-breeds' doesn't mean they cannot control their light," Ianos retorted, "With aid and proper training Guardians like her will help turn the tide."

"That is exactly what you said about Warlock Zakai." It was Zavala's turn to speak, "And looked out how he had turned out: A Warlock who dwelled too deep into the workings of the Darkness and got himself killed."

"Don't you dare speak about Zakai like as though you know the reason why!" Ianos felt Hush jump in his grip but at this point, he couldn't care any less, "He was a 'naturalborn' Stormcaller! When we had lost Ari back on that accursed moon, he believed that his status as a 'naturalborn' prevented him from properly finding a way to bring Ari back! So he went to the workings of the dark arts to find a way!" Grief filled up his chest as he added, "But Hush won't be the same. She is just a child. She maybe attuned to void light now but she is capable of attuning to the others. She 'will' be different. She won't be like Zakai. I can promise you that."

Ianos watched as Zavala and Ikora turned their gaze towards each other, their gaze narrowing thought; the Awoken Warlock couldn't help but worry as the silence permeated between the two.

"I say, give them a chance." All eyes turned towards Cayde, the Exo Hunter walked in between his fellow Vanguard before he came to a pause and Ianos watched as he fixed his optics upon him and Hush, "Perhaps Ianos is right, give him some time to help the newborn gain control of her light."

"Cayde."

"Oh come on Ikora, don't tell me that you're not curious too." Ikora paused at the Exo's words, "I mean, yeah I was out in the Wilds more often than the Tower when Warlock Zakai was around but even I was curious about the guy." Ianos heard Cayde let out a snort, "Never got the result of his time under Ianos' wing but you have to admit, the time was so rushed that Warlock Ianos had to fix up those bracers – what did I call them again? – the Impossible Machines just so you two would stop badgering him. And let's not forget that not every day that a spawn of a human and an Awoken comes walking into the Tower, let alone being brought back as a Guardian."

"Cayde-"

"You know, if Andal were here, he would stand his ground and say, 'We're in a time of war, there is no time to pick off the 'broken'. Every Guardian, young and old, strong or weak, they have a hidden potential that if left unchecked, may go to waste'.'" Cayde's optics seemingly beamed as he added, "You know there is truth in his words and who knows, like what the Warlock says, Guardians like Zakai and the newborn might help turn the tide for us against the Darkness."

Watching Zavala and Ikora glance at each other, Ianos couldn't help but grip his hands tightly onto Hush's shoulder, taking in a breath as Ikora nodded once towards the Vanguard Commander before Zavala turned and stated, "We will let her stay at the Tower momentarily and we'll watch her progress from afar." The Awoken Warlock's shoulders sagged in relief, "However, if we do not see any improvement and she causes further destruction, then we will have no choice but to exile her from the Tower."

Narrowing his gaze at Commander Zavala's words as both he and Ikora returned to their respective positions at the table, Ianos then felt Hush tighten her grip around his waist, prompting him to release the tension in his grip and place a hand on top of her head. Shifting his gaze towards, Ianos' gaze couldn't help but soften as Hush lifted hers in turn, sensing the worry behind her visor, "Do not worry, Little One." Lifting his gaze so he can give Zavala and Ikora another glare, he then added, "We'll prove that you are not a 'threat' towards the Tower."

"That, I will believe."

Jumping, Ianos blinked several times as Cayde approached him, coming to a pause as the Exo Hunter added, "You know, despite my protests, Andal would bring you and Warlock Zakai up on occasion. Said he was pleased that you jumped up to the kid's defense when he needed it most."

"That is because they were considering locking him up in an isolated area in the Tower." Ianos gave Cayde a blank stare, "Locking him up like a prisoner when he came to us, the 'Guardians' for help when he lost control. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving him there, especially after he begged me to let him out."

Feeling Hush's grip around his waist loosen, Ianos glanced down in time to see the newborn Titan take a couple of steps back before grabbing the hand that was on her head and started pressing her fingers against his palm; this signaled the Awoken Warlock to focus his attention back onto Cayde, "So when Andal came and took my side, I was grateful." Ianos then paused and hesitated, "As such, I should be thanking you, Cayde, for convincing Zavala and Ikora to give us some time."

"Eh, nothing to it," Ianos can sense the smile on the Exo Hunter's metallic features, "I couldn't help but jump in when it came to the newborn's rights. It's like you said, it's not fair for her to be kicked out of the Tower when she was hardly here for a day." The Awoken Guardian then watched as Cayde reached out and patted him on the shoulder, "Although, I have to give you a warning. Now that the two of them gave you a 'second' chance, they 'will' be on careful watch. They still haven't gotten over what Warlock Zakai had done back before he had those gauntlets outfitted for him and as such, they 'will' try and find a reason to make the newborn leave."

Ianos narrowed his eyes at the Exo Hunter's words, "Not when I am around, they won't."

"Hah! And that's why I like you, Warlock Ianos." Cayde laughed, "That stubborn side of you. It's no wonder you made it this far as a Guardian." He then saw the Exo Hunter glance over his shoulder, "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll have to attend to Daniel over there." Giving a Hunter Vanguard a bewildered look, it was only when Ianos turned and spotted a red, white, and yellow clad Hunter seated upon the floor, flexing his hands several times while other fellow Guardians surrounded him, more than likely checking up on the human Guardian.

Another pat on the shoulder caught Ianos' attention, the Awoken Warlock turning in time to see Cayde step around him and nodding his head towards the recovering Hunter, "Hunter Vanguard. Have to make sure all my Hunters are okay, right?"

Momentarily silent at the Exo Hunter's words, Ianos then gave a single nod to signify he acknowledged his words before watching Cayde turn and walk towards the seated Guardian.

"That turned out a lot better than I thought." Ianos turned his attention to the side as his orange hues spotted the familiar forms of Akiva and Angel came to a pause just a few feet short, "I had actually anticipated that they would be throwing a fit."

"They did throw a fit." It was Crystalline who spoke, the female Ghost spinning her back fins in a rage, "Threatening to throw out my Guardian like a piece of trash just because she is a child of a human and Awoken? The absurdity!"

"It's been solved, for now," Ianos heard Crystalline let out a grumble as he added, "But, let's get Hush back to my quarters, plus, find out where Pluto had gone off to."

Feeling a tug on one of his arms, the Awoken Warlock glanced down at Hush, the latter of which released her grasp on his hand and raised both of her hands. To his surprise, she started making motions with her fingers and hands, crossing them in ways that he couldn't comprehend, "Hush? What are you doing?"

Instantly, he felt a sense of hurt emit from the newborn Guardian, the latter of which continued her motions more furiously, only for her to pause as Ianos just gave her another bewildered look.

"I…must apologize, Hush," The Awoken Warlock saw the female Titan's shoulders sag, "I do not understand what you are trying to do."

The disappointment pungent in the air, Ianos couldn't help but pause as Hush spread out her arms once more; the sign that she wants him to carry her. Glancing back and forth between the members of Fireteam Redacted and Hush, Ianos let out a sigh of defeat before he leaned over and scooped the child Guardian into his arms. Immediately, he heard Akiva let out a choke.

"Ianos?" The Awoken Warlock turned and gave the pair a blank stare; Angel's jaw as hanging open, his green hues wide while as Akiva had clamped his hand over his lips, a stifled laughing emitting behind his palm.

Ianos just nodded his head to follow, "I'll explain everything back in my quarters."

Daniel belongs to DASilverSceptile

DASilverSceptile - Finally got him in! Sorry if his cameo was short and quick but as I have said before, I don't promise big roles for submitted characters.

Anyways, enjoy C: