Tormented

No

Edited: 10/20/2016

Hey Guys! To new readers! I welcome you to Tormented! To old readers, you may have noticed some 'differences' in this chapter. Well, after reading back on the first couple of chapters, I wasn't pleased on how some parts turned out and how 'sudden' some information just seemed to 'pop' out without a smooth sequence. As such, I decided to do some 'editing' on some of the earlier chapters. I won't make too many 'major' changes, just enough to smooth things out. Enjoy!

Edited: 4/3/2019

I know, I'm bad. I edited this again after going back and rereading it lol.

"It would be a good idea to visit the Cosmosdrome he says," They grumbled to themselves, "It is a clear day to enjoy fresh air he says." Scanning their light onto the dry hearth, the black and orange Ghost squinted through the storm as their lone optic kept track of the lingering footprints, "Bullshit."

As they continued to curse under their breath, the Ghost came to a pause when the trail ended, prompting them to lift their gaze, "Ah hah! There you are!"

Their backs fins twisting excitedly, the Ghost forced their way through the harsh winds, somehow closing the distance between themselves and what had caught their attention, "You proud of yourself that you somehow shook me off your trail?"

Instead of an immediate answer, the Ghost watched as the hidden gaze of their Guardian turned towards them, the blowing sands glinting against his visor as he nodded, "Ace, took you long enough."

Giving their Guardian a glower, the black and orange Ghost couldn't help but roll their orange optic. "Says the one who ran off the instant we landed in this accursed storm," Ace retorted, "I still cannot fathom why you wanted to come to the Cosmodrome during this time of year."

Watching their Guardian glance around as if to admire the storm, the black and orange Ghost waited patiently as the Warlock's cloak billowed around the wind, the black and azure colors dulled by the sands.

"You have to admit, it is rare to witness a sandstorm here." He commented as the Warlock turned his attention back towards Ace, "Wanted to see one for myself."

"You have seen it on more than one occasion." The Ghost muttered, earning themselves a chuckle from their Guardian before the latter stated, "Then, want to find some shelter to get out of this storm?"

Ace released a groan of relief, "Of course, my parts are rusted enough as it is." As if to empathize on their words, they spun their back fins, the sound of sand crunching within their parts noticeable, "Want to give me a tune up once we are safely back at the Tower, Ianos?"

Immediately sensing amusement through their bond, Ace glanced downwards as they noticed their Guardian raising a hand, signaling for the Ghost to glide over and settle down onto his palm. Instantly, with a single gesture, Ace found themselves sinking in, closing their optic long enough for the view of Ianos' helmet to shift over to the familiar HUD constantly seen within his visor.

"Be careful of Fallen, they like to use the weather to their advantage," Ace advised as they checked over their weaponry, bobbing in satisfaction when they saw that they were all loaded, "And try not to get yourself hurt. Again."

"I will make no promises."

Heaving out a sigh, Ace shook themselves side to side before stating, "Fine, but if you get hurt this time. I am 'not' healing you."

That was a lie, the Ghost will always heal their Guardian no matter what occurs. And as if to understand this, Ace watched as the HUD bobbed once, signifying that Ianos understood, "Fair deal."

With his words spoken, Ace then felt the Warlock move, paying close attention to the radar on the upper right-hand corner of the HUD as the storm continued to roar around the pair.

"Ace."

"No Fallen so far," The Ghost responded immediately, only for them to pause as they felt the air shift and heard the familiar buzz of a shock fire readying to fire, "To the Left!"

Watching from the HUD as their Guardian dodged to the left, Ianos then turned and fired his scout rifle. Instantly, the familiar cry of a Fallen echoed through the winds, prompting the Warlock to raise his weapon once more, peer through the scope, and fired once again. Being in the perspective of their Guardian, Ace watched as the bullet easy sailed through the air and buried deep into the head of the Vandal. Spray of Ether and gore sprinkled through the air at the shot, the body of the Fallen teetering side to side momentarily before finally collapsing.

"A Vandal, a scout." Ace commented as Ianos lowered his weapon, "If that is the case, then more Fallen should be around."

"Terrific." Amused at the sarcastic tone in the Warlock's voice, Ace then felt Ianos mount his weapon over his shoulder, his gaze glancing through the storm as he then asked, "How long is transmat going to take?"

"In this weather, a few minutes."

"And from the radar, no time to run and find cover." Ianos added dryly, Ace taking note of the echoes of snarls and growls around then, "What's the best option you see here, Ace?"

Humming thoughtfully within the safety of their Guardian, Ace responded, "You do have a weapon in your hands, and you do know how to wield the Void Light quite well if I remember correctly."

The black and orange Ghost didn't have to look directly at Ianos' face to sense the smirk forming onto his features, "Good point."

It was then the male Guardian took aim and fired into the storm.

Xxxxx

"He is not going to be happy."

Zavala turned his attention in time to witness Cayde lift his hands in surrender at Ikora's look, the Warlock turning her eyes back towards the Awoken Commander moments later. "He has been working alone long enough." She started, "It is time for him to find another team. Despite his status, he has to have someone watching his back on perilous missions."

"But does he want a new Fireteam?" Cayde interrupted once more and this time, the Hunter ignored the look he received from the Warlock, "I mean the last time we set him up with a Fireteam, he near broke his 'vow'." The Exo shook his head, "And just saying, the aftermath was not pretty."

"That was just 'one' out of many Fireteams that he had been assigned with," Ikora retorted, Zavala hearing Cayde grumble at her words, "All those he had previously worked with, had high success rates and grades." Watching his fellow Vanguard turn her bronze eyes towards him, he then heard her add, "One incident does not discredit the entirety of his exceptional record."

Heaving out a weary sigh at his comrade, Zavala found himself pinching the bridge of his nose, his thoughts swarming as he debated with himself. The Titan Commander had to admit, the individual did have a high success rate and with his status as a Guardian who had helped build the City from the ground up, it would be beneficial for the two others the Consensus had planned for him to take under his tutelage. But Zavala also knows that age also comes with risks, and with Ianos' past and current standing, who knows, it actually might do more harm than good for the two Guardians.

"I admit that Ianos' scars have yet to completely heal," The Titan Commander stated, "But I also believe that it is time for him to move on."

"But you know what happened to his previous Fireteams," Cayde retorted, "He is not nicknamed the 'Black death' for no reason. Why else do you think he wants to work alone?"

"Cayde."

Hearing Ikora quietly chastise the Hunter, Zavala simply let out another sigh as Cayde grumbled once more under his breath, the Titan Commander then turned his vibrant eyes towards the Warlock, "Are the other Guardians informed of their new assignment?" He received a nod as an answer, "Good, then all we need to do now is to inform Guardian Ianos."

"Easier said than done," It was Cayde once again, "You know as well as I do that he is not going to show up to the assigned meeting if he is informed of his new 'Fireteam'."

"Then we will not inform him," Ikora's words were quick, firm, confident, earning herself a gaping look from Cayde, "Just tell him we need to speak to him near the Hangar to inform him of a mission." A momentary pause from the Warlock prompted Zavala to turn his attention back towards Cayde, only to stare with mild amusement at the wide-eyed look upon the Exo's face.

"What are you gawking at?" It was Ikora again, "Send the message immediately before he catches on."

Watching Cayde give Ikora a blank look, Zavala was surprised that the Hunter Vanguard immediately held out his hand, the familiar shape of his Ghost materializing into his palm as he stated, "Let's hope that he doesn't kill us for this later."

"Oh please, our Ghosts can just revive us."

"That is not comforting at all, Ikora."

Xxxxx

The Warlock had to admit, it was more difficult fighting in a sandstorm that what he had originally remembered, especially since his radar had been blinking red while as his eyes cannot seem to spot his enemies. Luckily, the glowing effects of Ether had helped the Ianos pinpoint the Fallen's location, their luminescent eyes making it more so for a headshot. He was just relieved that his armor had made it through the entirety of the counter without being stained. Unlike the metal plating of Titan armor and the leather armor of Hunter's, Warlock coats were made of cloth imbued with light to give them the proper protection. Although, this makes it more difficult to remove any unnecessary stains if some manage to get on the Scholar of Light's attire.

Nonetheless, when the familiar view of the Plaza entered Ianos' vision, the Warlock lifted his hands away from the controls and pushed his seat back. No sooner had he done this when his vision went white, the familiar weightlessness signaling for Ianos to square out his legs and to pull his arms up to his side to help with balance. As the scenery of bustling Guardians came into his vision, Ianos then felt the sturdy tiles of the Plaza beneath his feet, the Warlock lifting his legs separately on several occasions before turning around in time to see his teal and silver ship take off towards the west side of the Tower. This prompted him to then focus his attention back towards his surroundings, Ianos taking a few steps to the side to allow others space for transmat just as his eyes spotted the familiar black and orange form of his Ghost gliding from the Hangar entrance.

"I swear, the Tower is more active as each day passes by." He heard Ace comment just as Ianos watched him disappear in a flash of light, the familiar weight in the back of his mind signaling his Ghost's presence, "I wonder if that means it is starting to get easier for Ghosts to find Guardians."

"Or their Ghosts have low standards," Ianos stated bluntly, smirking as he heard his Ghost sputter, "I am kidding… mostly."

"Riiight." Hearing Ace let out a few clicks in response to his words, the Warlock couldn't help but let himself be amused as he made his way towards their quarters, easily weaving past others of his kind.

"Not many messages left since our absence." Ace hummed out curiously moments later, "Passing signals and – wait." A few more clicks from his Ghost, "Incoming Transmission from… Cayde?"

No sooner had he heard the Exo's name when Ianos came to a sudden halt, a scowl immediately etching onto his hidden features, "What does he want?"

Even though his Ghost was not visible to his eyes, he could still somewhat 'see' his Ghost shift their shell up and down, "Do not know, want me to send it through?"

His scowl deepening at just the thought, Ianos momentarily contemplated before letting out a sigh of defeat; if he doesn't allow it through now, there will be no doubt that the Vanguard 'will' find a way to communicate with him. Whether he likes it or not.

"Let it through."

Hearing Ace let out a soft hum of sympathy through their bond, Ianos simply moved to the side so that he was out of the way of traffic, crossing his arms as the familiar static of connecting frequency rang through his helmet before it finally clicked.

"Ianos? Ianos can you hear me?" Cayde's voice soon emitted from the coms, "Well, if not, I'm sending this message anyway." Another sigh from the Warlock, "Zavala, Ikora and I would like to personally inform you of an important mission. Meet us at the Tower Hangar as soon as you can and we will give you the rest of the information there."

Scrunching his features in bewilderment as another click signified the end of the transmission, Ianos then heard Ace speak, "A mission that they want to inform us personally?" A sliver of doubt rang through their bond, "That is not a good thing, is it?"

"More than likely." Ianos muttered, "I have known them long enough to know that if they ask to meet in an area that is not at their table, then it is not good news."

"But usually important." The Guardian silently cursed at how his Ghost was right, "Should we get going then?"

Ianos barely suppressed the groan in the back of his throat, "The sooner, the better." He forced himself to turn, taking slow steps towards the Hangar as an arrow pinged onto his radar, "Do not want to stay here longer than necessary."

"But we just got here." Ianos heard Ace huff in his helmet, "Why not take a break after we are briefed? It would be a nice change for once."

The Warlock scoffed at his Ghost's words, "And do what? Sit around in our room all day, watching the dying Traveler float above our heads?" He shook his head, "I would rather spend my energy doing something productive."

"Like what? Roaming around the Cosmodrome killing Fallen?" Ace pointed out, "Or heading to Venus to fight Vex? Or heading to Mars just to – Oh dear."

Puzzled at the sudden voice of surprise in his Ghost's voice, Ianos started, "What is it Ace, is something the matter?" Receiving only silence as an answer, the Warlock narrowed his eyes before following his Ghost's gaze, only to come to a halt.

Right there, in the corner of the Hangar where his indicator was aiming were two Guardians, both idly chatting with each other as the familiar star shaped forms of their Ghosts hovered over their shoulders. A rage settled within the Warlock's chest.

"A Fireteam?" He hissed out, hearing Ace gulp nervously next to his ear, "I told them that I am not…" Unable to finish his sentence, Ianos gritted his teeth as he approached, closing the distance so that he can gain a better vantage point of the two Guardians before him.

Immediately he recognized the dark forest green cloak draped over the shoulders of one of the individuals, marking them as a Hunter clad in green and brown armor. With his helmet absent, Ianos can easily see that he was human, his skin an olive shade of brown, and his black strands reaching down to his shoulders, nearly hiding his green eyes. Towering over his fellow Guardian, the latter literately had to look down to interact with the other, a female Exo from what the Warlock can tell. A, really small female Exo, quickly comparing her height to realize that she barely reaches his own shoulders. Like her partner, her helmet was absent, exposing her silver features and violet optics, both of which stuck out against her copper armor. Despite having to look up to talk with her fellow Guardian, her broad shoulders and the heavy armor she wore classified her as a Titan, and through experience, Ianos knows better than to doubt a Titan's strength through size.

"Found them through the files yet?" Ianos muttered.

"Not quite." Ace admitted, "Despite our dwindling numbers, newborns are still quite constant and judging from the quality of their armor, they are still quite young. It might take a while to skim through."

Cursing silently under his breath, Ianos then contemplated on just turning around and leaving when the Hunter suddenly shifted his gaze. Immediately, the Warlock found his eyes locking with his. It didn't take long for a friendly smile to flash onto the human's features.

Damn Hunters and their intuitiveness.

Finding little option now that the Hunter had caught him, Ianos reluctantly approached, seeing the human's green eyes glimmer.

"Our new friend is finally here." The Warlock scowled at the Hunter's words, especially so when his Exo friend turned her violet optics his way, "You must be Ianos."

Opting to stay silent, Ianos came to a pause just several feet away, crossing his arms to show his displeasure as he continued to scan the two Guardians before him. They were young, judging from the thinness of the Titan's armor and the short cloth that the Hunter calls a 'cloak' all too obvious of their age. However, he can also tell that they spent some time out in the field, the dents and scratches on their armor all too telling.

"It is finally nice to meet you, Ianos." The Warlock was pulled out of his thoughts as the Hunter held out a hand, his smile warm and welcoming, "My name is Angel, I was assigned to be a Hunter."

Lifting his eyes away from the human's hands, Ianos simply narrowed his eyes at the younger Guardian, and although his gaze was hidden, he spotted the Hunter, Angel, shifted nervously on the back of his feet. It didn't take long for him to quickly lower his hand, his face flushed red, "I-I heard that you were an experienced Warlock, had worked many assignments alone." Although Angel's smile had turned awkward, it remained as he added, "I may not have as much experience as you yet, but I will be sure to have your back."

"And I will have both of your backs!" Ianos found himself leaning away from the female Exo, her violet optics beaming as she added, "I was assigned as a Titan, so I will easily be in the front breaking enemy lines to give you guys enough room to fire!" She then slammed a fist onto her chest, a common Titan salute, "Carina-23 at your service!"

"Cayde told Carina and I to meet you here in the Hangar." Angel's words were distracting enough for Ianos' annoyance to be pulled away from the Titan's boisterous words, "He said to head into the Cosmosdrome with you so we can learn how to work as a team." The glower that Ianos gave him must have been obvious, for the Hunter then quickly stuttered out, "Merely for practice and to learn how to coordinate each other's-"

"No."

The lone syllable was enough for the younger Guardian to come to a sudden halt, Ianos watching as he blinked rapidly, "E-Excuse me?"

"I said no." Ianos repeated, curling his fingers into fists, "Cayde, Zavala, and Ikora did not inform me of being assigned a Fireteam."

"But, Cayde said-"

"I have no time for this." Ignoring the scowl he received from Carina for his interruption, Ianos then turned his attention towards his Ghost, "Ace, contact the Vanguard, it does not matter who."

"But, Ianos…"

"I need to speak with them. Now."

Hearing his Ghost let out a heavy sigh at his words, Ianos took several steps away from the younger Guardians as he heard the familiar static of his frequency connecting. It didn't take long for the familiar click of the connection to permeate through his helmet.

"Hello?"

It was Cayde's voice and judging from the way the Hunter greeted in a soft whisper, it was obvious he knew what the call was about. Forcing most of his anger down as much as he can, Ianos then snarled out, "Cayde, get Ikora and Zavala on the line now or else I am storming in there with a Nova Bomb at ready."

"Oh Traveler," There was a sound of shuffling, as if the Hunter was turning around to someone behind, "See? I told you he wouldn't be happy."

"Cayde," It was Ikora's voice, muffled, but definitely hers, "Just put us through."

"This would be a good idea they said," Ianos could hear Ace snicker through their bond at Cayde's grumbling, "It's about time he works with a team, they said."

"What was that?"

"Nothing!"

Two more clicks resounded within Ianos' helmet.

"This is Ianos I take it?"

"Yes," Ianos' eyes narrowed at Ikora's words, "Did I not inform the three of you that I am not interested on working with others? Ace and I are fine working alone."

"See?"

"Cayde," It was Zavala's voice that sighed through the broadcast, "Ianos, I understand your preference on working alone, however, it has been years since your last Fireteam assignment. In order to ensure the safety of 'all' Guardians, teams have to be implemented, even one such as yourself."

"You know why I work 'alone', Zavala." Ianos spoke through gritted teeth, "They all tried to kill me."

"Hunter Angel and Titan Carina are both newborns, Ianos, hardly a year old" Ikora retorted, "they are not knowledgeable of your past actions, fact or rumors, and they are eager enough to learn."

"I do not like to be dragged down."

"Look, Ianos." It was Zavala who quickly intercepted, "Give Hunter Angel and Titan Carina a chance. Unlike the others we had assigned to you, they are just two Guardians who need a push in the right direction." The Warlock narrowed his eyes behind his helmet as the Titan Vanguard continued, "It may take some time but, the three of you may work best together. If of course, there is time and practice." A momentary pause, a beat of silence, "You may not want to admit it, but there is a limit on working alone, Ianos."

Still displeased at the thought of being assigned a team, a tug in the back of Ianos' mind told him to accept, to simply resign to the Vanguard's 'request'. Their words after all did ring true, and with Angel and Carina's age, Ianos does not have to worry about being stabbed in the back.

"It would be like mentoring again."

Hearing Ace whisper in his ear, Ianos' decision was made and as such, he let out a sigh of resignation, "Fine, I will undertake this mission that you had assigned to us." Then without another word, he signaled through his bond for Ace to cut the connection, abruptly ending the conversation.

Now with his attention free, Ianos then turned his focus back onto Angel and Carina, only to come to a pause as he saw the wide-eyed expressions on their features.

"Ah, right." With their distance, there would be no doubt that they would have overhead his conversation with the Vanguard, "Just forget what you had heard just-," Ianos let out another sigh, this one out of frustration, "Just, did the Vanguard say 'where' exactly in the Cosmodrome is our assignment?"