Tormented

The Wahl Twins

Edit: 2/4/2018

Fixed grammar mistakes, got rid of excess text, and realigned some parts to fit with the later chapters

Footage File 7-0-6.6

Source: Ghost of Guardian Ianos

Alias: Ace

_Initiating data of last known file_

(Static fills the screen before it slowly cleared to reveal a Warlock clad in violet and a Titan clad in blue walking.)

R: Our first mission on the moon, what do you think, Neve?

N: Colorless but, interesting.

R: How about you Ianos?

I: … Not much to say, with the exception that we have to be careful. Fallen and Hive prowl the surface of the moon.

R: I take it this isn't your first time here?

I: …

R: Did… I say something wrong?

I: No, it is just a difficult topic to speak of… the Great Disaster.

N: Wait, you were there!? You were there during the attempted reclamation of the moon!?

I: Why do you think I was hesitant on coming here? Too many memories… too many deaths…

R: You should have just told us. We would have considered your feelings into this.

I: I was only assigned as a bodyguard, not as a member of this team.

R: Didn't notice the difference (laughs). You were nearly part of our group for nearly half a year now. That's plenty of time to be considered part of our team. What do you think, Neve?

N: I completely agree.

I: It is not official.

R: Then let's make it official! Once we finish clearing out this area, let us head back to the Vanguard and request for you to join our team. What do you say, Ianos?

I: … I, don't know what to say.

N: (Chuckles) Say yes, Ricard won't take no as an answer.

I: (Whispers) It is worth another try…

N: Excuse me?

I: It's nothing, just deliberated with myself and… I will join your Fireteam.

R: Great!

(It then showed the Titan slowing down his pace, just enough so that they were near the sides. The Titan then reached out and gave Ianos a slap on the back, causing him to let out a grunt.

R: Welcome to Fireteam Dawn, Ianos!

_ End of Footage_

Name of Fireteam: Dawn

Fireteam Members:

Titan Ricard

Warlock Neve

Warlock Ianos

Fireteam Leader: Titan Ricard

Status: Inactive

Cause: Death of Fireteam Leader and infighting

Status of Guardians:

Titan Ricard: Deceased – Cause: Descent into the Hellmouth, Ghost recovered. Light drained.

Warlock Neve: Active – Status: Active Duty – Assigned to another Fireteam

Warlock Ianos: Active – Status: Active Duty – Patrols the Sol System. Left Fireteam Dawn. Currently solitary.

_File on Fireteam Dawn_

Xxxxx

"You know, although Ianos can be a dick at times and very adamant about 'not' killing a Guardian in the Crucible, he's actually pretty good."

{"Focus on the game, Carina."}

"Sorry."

Hearing Spears chitter and click inside her helmet, Carina dashed down the stairs, shotgun in hand as the flashing red light on her radar solidified, signifying that her opponent was now on the same floor. Timing her run just right, the copper clad Titan twisted around the corner and fired. Almost immediately, a surprised cry entered her sensors, signaling to Carina to pump her shotgun and fire. Watching the body of the unfortunate Guardian fly back in response, Carina then let out a smile as the familiar form of their Ghost materialized over their body followed by another 100 points being added to her tally. Taking it as a sign to start running again, the female Exo kept her optic on her radar before white noise filtered into her helmet.

"I need some help!"

"Angel?" Carina slowed to a brisk walk as the Hunter added, "Two of them trapped me in a room! I broke the controls to the doors, but they are 'very' determined to get in!"

"Pfft, they want that kill eh?"

"Shut up."

Letting out a laugh at Angel's words, Carina then asked, "Where are you?"

"Uh, near the front, the room to the right of the entrance."

{"Got it. Location is marked on your radar."}

As if on cue, a small portion of the circular radar started blinking white, leading the female Exo down the hallway just to the right of her. Giving her Ghost a nod of thanks, Carina then started dashing down the hall, her feet echoing through the empty room as they contacted the metallic floors.

"Alright, Spears marked your location through your frequency. I am on my way."

"I don't understand how you can understand your Ghost but hurry, that Titan is literately punching his way through –"

A loud crash then echoed through her coms, startling the Exo Titan as she heard the Hunter let out a yelp followed by rapid gunfire.

"Fuck you!"

Hearing Angel curse through the coms, Carina then heard one final gunshot follow his words and instantly, the text 'Uro killed Angel' flashed onto her visor, causing the Exo to take in a sharp breath.

"Oooh, ouch," She commented before she sheathed her shotgun onto her back and hefted her auto rifle into her hands, checking her visor once more to ensure that it was fully loaded before asking, "Any chance we can avenge him, Spears?"

{"Well, counting on the weapons you are wielding, alongside your accuracy percentage, and the fact that there are two Guardians near where Angel was killed, I say… very unlikely."}

"Thanks for the voice of confidence, Spears."

Slowing down to a walk, Carina held her weapon at ready as a red arc started flashing on her radar, pressing her back against the wall and slowly edged her way towards the entrance, blinking when she saw the remnants of the door spark from its exposed wires.

"That Hunter wasn't very good, was he?"

"Locking himself into a room, then screaming like a dreg when we got in? What do you think?"

"Pfft, makes me wonder about the rest of his team."

Hearing the two Guardians talk to each other nonchalantly, Carian whispered, "Are they underestimating us?"

{"Sounds like it."}

Letting a smile form onto her metallic features, Carina then crouched down and held out her hand, the familiar sparks of arc energy solidifying in her grip, "Then let us prove them wrong."

With that, the Exo Titan pounced into the room and tossed the grenade. Almost immediately, as the grenade landed near the feet of the two Guardians – a Warlock and a Titan – it detonated, releasing an explosion of bright azure into the room. Temporarily blinded by her own grenade, Carina took a leap back as the grenade released another burst of arc energy, pausing against as the grenade released another, and another. Hearing a scream echo through the room, Carina pointed her weapon into the room as the words, 'Carina-23 killed Arianne' flashed onto her visor.

{"You know, making that grenade burst arc energy continuously sounded like a good idea, until you can't see what is inside the room."}

Smiling nervously behind her visor, Carina glanced up at her radar only to frown when she still saw a flashing red arc on her screen, causing her to tense up as her grenade final dissipated only to find the room empty.

"Where did he...?"

It was then she caught movement from the corner of her gaze, causing her to turn to her left only to feel an impact slam into her chest as the familiar ringing of her shields shattering echoed in her auditory sensors. Letting out a scream as the remaining pellets from a shotgun penetrated into her armor, Carina then released a groan as she fell backwards onto her back, curling onto her side and wrapping her arms around her chest. The bullets may not have broken her armor to cause bleeding, but the impact still hurt like hell.

"That was cheap," She heard the Titan grumble, prompting her to glance up in time to see him walk over, a shotgun in hand, "Trying to take us down when we were distracted." Carina then heard him release a scoff, "I give you props for trying, but, before you throw a grenade into a room, make sure that all entrances are blocked beforehand."

The female Exo blinked, "You, broke through another door?"

A snort was her answer, "How else do you think I got into the room to kill your teammate? Those doors aren't exactly sturdy." The Titan then nodded his head towards the rusting walls, "Recently reclaimed, but leave a place abandoned long enough, it's going to rot."

She then watched as he aimed the barrel of his weapon towards her, "But enough talk, let's get this match over with."

Propping herself onto her hands, Carina, at first, took in a breath, preparing herself for the killing shot. However, she then glanced over to her radar, and the intensity in her shoulders died when she spotted a familiar flash of blue. This prompted her to lift her gaze and with a grin, state, "Don't get so cocky yet."

No sooner had the words left her lips when a single shot rang through the air, followed by the Titan letting out a scream as he staggered, Carina hearing the familiar sound of shields breaking. Taking her chance, the Exo Titan then leaped up, curling one of her hands into a fist as she concentrated arc energy into it, and then, thrusted it upwards into the Titan's face. Feeling her first come into contact with the Titan's jaw, she then felt the energy surge forward, impacting into her opponent before it exploded, and Carina was met with the familiar blue light of the Titan disintegrating. Taking steps back, the female Exo release a sigh of relief when the familiar form of a Ghost materialized into view followed by the text, 'Carina-23 killed Uro' flashing onto her visor.

"You alright?"

Hearing Ianos' voice echo through the coms, Carina responded, "Yeah, a bit sore though." She then placed a hand over her chest, waiting for Spears to finish his work and replenishing her shields as the Warlock continued, "I tried to pinpoint Angel's location but, arrived too late when I heard him screaming through the coms."

"I'm just glad that you were able to save Carina in time."

Perking up at the familiar voice of the human Hunter clicking into the coms, the female Exo chirped, "Oh! Welcome to the land of the living, Angel!"

"Guess so, after taking a point-blank shot by a shotgun to the chest," She heard Angel release a groan, "Those hurt like hell."

"True, but I prefer shotguns over fusion rifles any day."

"Why? Wait," A pause, "No, the imagery just flashed into my head. Don't answer that."

Chuckling, Carina then walked over and picked up her fallen auto rifle, flexing her fingers around the trigger before she dashed down the hall. Hearing gunfire echo throughout the old building, she then asked, "How are we doing?"

A snort from Angel, "Take a look."

Puzzled at the human Hunter's answer, Carina slowed down to a walk as she held out her hand, summoning Spirit's green and violet form as the scoreboard flashed into her vision. Her team, Team Alpha, taking the lead with barely 200 points.

"One more minutes and we win," She heard Ianos mutter, hearing Angel let out a nervous chuckle in response, "I just hope that winning our third round will be enough for Pluto."

"If he comes back," Carina added in as she lowered her hand, signaling to Spears to materialize into the safety of her armor, "It's been how many days now?"

"Three," Angel responded followed by familiar gunfire of a hand cannon echoing through the coms; 'Angel killed Zero-20' soon flashed onto her visor, "Guess it's taking him longer to find this 'Akiva' person than he thought?"

"Akiva, although a Titan, is a very difficult Guardian to locate," Ianos explained, prompting Carina to lift up her auto rifle as she stepped outside, peering into her scope to spot the Warlock standing on top of one of the old water tanks, now clad in dark azure and black with a scout rifle in hand, "Even though he is not as old as Pluto and I, he has been around long enough to experience tragedy."

Spotting the familiar cloaked form of a Hunter dashing towards her from the corner of her vision, Carina pointed her weapon at her opponent, waited until the familiar fire of a scout rifle rang in her auditory sensors, seeing the Hunter stop dead in his tracks as his shoulder jerked back, and Carina promptly fired her weapon into his chest before he could even let out a scream.

Another 100 points being added to her counter, Carina then slowly and cautiously made her way through the small courtyard as Ianos continued, "Akiva is constantly known for his 'lone patrols', often time not returning to the Tower for years at a time." Hearing Ianos pause, Carina then heard the familiar voice of Shaxx permeating through the arena; a sign of the end of the round and their victory, "Although, this is the first time he prolonged his patrols to 'decades'."

"Is there a reason for that?" It was Angel who asked, Carina feeling the familiar weightlessness of transmat overflowing her senses before she found herself in the cockpit of her ship as she heard Ianos answer, "No one knows. He just announced one day he was heading to Mars and has not returned since." The female Exo then heard him let out a thoughtful hum, "There are rumors though that many of the Guardians patrolling on Mars reported spotting a 'strange' Titan on occasion, but any investigation leads up with nothing."

"So, what makes Pluto think he will be able to find him?"

A pause from Ianos, "The two of them were… close, at one point."

"Close?" Angel repeated, "What do you mean, 'close'?"

"Close, like…" Carina couldn't help but let amusement settle into the back of her mind as Ianos attempted explanation, "Close, 'intimately' close."

"…What?"

"…Just ask Pluto when he gets back."

Xxxxx

"This is what I get for staying on Venus for several decades," Pluto muttered to himself as he ducked down behind rusted barricades, the relentless fire of the Cabal screaming around him, "Got used to literal walking targets, not slow walking tanks."

"Cabal coming in, twelve o' clock."

"Cut that out," Pluto snapped as he reached up and his fingers grasped the familiar points of his Ghost's shell, snatching Nix back into safety as he barely felt the brush of a Cabal shot burn against the back of his hand, "I may not be able to see, but I can hear just fine."

As if to prove his point, the Exo Hunter unsheathed his knife and swung his arm back, hearing the familiar 'shunk' of metal sinking into flesh before he felt the sides of his fingers press against metal. Hearing the Cabal let out a gurgle, Pluto then forcefully removed his knife from the Cabal's neck, hearing the blade scrap against the cracks of its armor as he heard it fall with a dull 'thump' nearby.

Letting a sense of pride settle into his chest at his actions, Pluto then paused as he then felt Nix twist his shell inward in his hands, "I was just, trying to be helpful."

Hearing the ache in his Ghost's voice, the Exo Hunter's stern gaze soften as he cupped Nix in his hands, "I…I apologize Nix, I didn't mean-"

A low rumble interrupted his words followed by Pluto's instinct screaming at him to roll forward, feeling his shoulder burrow into the sand before he felt the area behind him shake, followed by a familiar roar of a Cabal and the clanking of their armor.

"How rude." Pluto pushed himself back onto his feet, releasing his grasp just enough for Nix to glide out of his hands and feeling the familiar 'weight' settle back into his mind, "Attacking us while our guard was lowered, the Cabal hold no sense of honor."

Smiling at his Ghost's words, Pluto then removed his scout rifle from his back before firing, hearing the familiar hiss and 'pop' of his bullets hitting their mark before he leaped into the air, and tapped the side of his helmet. Feeling Nix shift inside in response, Pluto then felt waves of light leave him followed by warmth permeating into his optics, forming figures emboldened by white lines against a dark background within his vision. Recognizing a large form wielding a shield, the Exo Hunter shifted his aim towards the less protected troops before straightening out his form and accelerating himself towards the Phalanx. Shifting himself so that he was falling feet first, Pluto braced himself as he slammed them into the shield, only to grit his jaw as he felt the force shoot throughout his body, his senses screaming at him for his idiocy before he pressed pressure against the Cabal weapon and then leaping off, stumbling onto his back as he landed onto dry sands.

"That hurt a lot more than I expected," He admitted.

"What were you expecting?" Nix clicked inside his helmet, "Break through the shield?"

"…Maybe."

"Traveler, and you tell me to be careful."

Smiling sheepishly behind his visor, Pluto then rolled onto his side when he sensed movement before him, only for his auditory sensors to hear the familiar slam of a shield bury itself into the sand, followed by a grunt. Tapping the side of his helmet to signal to Nix to send more waves, the Exo Hunter then raised his weapon and aimed towards the Phalanx's head. However, before he could pull the trigger, the familiar sound of shattered bone and metal rang into his senses, followed by the familiar pieces of debris settling into his lap.

"That, wasn't you, was it?"

Frowning at Nix's words, Pluto simply responded with a "No" before pushing himself back onto his feet, clutching his scout rifle cautiously in his hands as he approached the body and prodded it with the muzzle of his weapon.

"It's dead, I made sure of that."

Instinct taking over, the Exo Hunter turned and fired, only to hear a yelp followed by the familiar brush of feet stumbling over the sand.

"Hey! Woah! It's me, Lovebird! It's me!"

His optics narrowing behind his visor, Pluto lowered his rifle before stating, "How many times do I have to tell you, Akiva, it's Pluto-99."

"But Lovebird was such a cute name," The Exo Hunter didn't have to see to know that the newcomer was grinning, "especially the way how you – what happened to your eyes?"

Pluto couldn't help but frown, "Why is that the first thing people say when they first notice?" Shaking his head as he holstered his weapon, he then added, "and to answer your question, what happened was me."

He easily sensed the puzzled look, "What?"

"He means he did it himself," It was Nix who clarified, Pluto feeling the viridian Ghost form over his shoulder, "and yes, he meant to do it."

"Now why would you – wait, you're blind too." A pause, "You blinded yourself for Nix?"

Pluto nodded.

"Why?"

Immediately, the Exo Hunter gave Akiva a glower, "Why should I keep the gift of sight when my Ghost risked life and body to resurrect me in battle? Why should I be able to keep my sight when my ghost lost his to ensure I stay alive? Why should I be able to enjoy seeing the world when my Ghost is unable to." Pluto let out a scoff as he crossed his arms, "The least I can do is to ensure that I see what Nix 'sees'."

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry, no need to be so upset." He heard the Titan take a few steps back followed by a laugh, "Although, still turns me on to see you so angry."

Pluto heaved out a sigh at this, shaking his head as he said, "I am not here to have a friendly chat, Akiva. I am here to see if you can help me."

"Oh? Help on what?" Easily sensing the Titan take several steps forward, feeling him easily close the distance and lean in, Pluto reached up and pressed a hand on the front of Akiva's visor, pushing him back as he added, "Not 'that' kind of help."

Sensing the disappointment from the Titan, Pluto simply rolled his optics before shoving him back, "I am wondering if you can help me in a Crucible match."

"Crucible." He heard his fellow Guardian repeat, "Now what for?"

"Neve." Pluto heard a single 'ah' emit from the Titan, "She challenged me to a Crucible match. Clash. I already have three others. Just need two more. Was wondering if you are interested in helping."

"Look, I am all up for a Crucible match." He then sensed Akiva give him a puzzled look, "But why in the darkness did Neve challenge you, 'The Executioner?'"

Sighing at this, Pluto pressed fingers to the side of his temples, contemplating on an answer before he admitted, "The reason why is because Neve wanted to kill Ianos." He heard Akiva pause, "and I would not let her harm him."

"Damn." A hum emanated from the Titan, "Isn't he old enough to fend for himself? You and your boyfriend spoil the kid too much." Pluto flinched at his words, "Always there for his defense when it's not even a part of your business."

The Exo Hunter gave him a blank look, "I still do not understand why you call Ianos 'kid', even though he is almost twice as older than you, maybe more."

"It's because you and Neptune treat him like he is your own." He heard Akiva let out a laugh, "Hence 'kid'. Never seen two Guardians so protective over another." Another hum can be heard from the Titan, "So, where is your 'husband' anyway? Aren't you two always together?"

That is when Pluto went tense, gritting his jaw as grief settled into his systems, followed by a soft and gentle touch through his link with Nix, hearing his Ghost spin his viridian shell against his core.

"Oh." He heard the realization in Akiva's voice, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean…" A cough, followed by the sound of hands clad in leather rubbing nervously together, "So, you got your fifth member, but what about that sixth?"

Pluto blinked, "Still working on that."

"Well worry no more." The Exo Hunter couldn't help but raise a metallic brow as Akiva chirped, "Do you think I would stay years on Mars for no reason? Let me introduce you to someone. You will love her."

Listening to the Titan's heavy footsteps trudge through the heavy sands, Pluto took it as a sign to follow, "Introduce me to who?"

"You'll see." Hearing the teasing tone intermingling with excitement, the Exo Hunter decided not to question it, and instead, continued to follow his fellow Guardian through the red sands.

Xxxxx

The need to eat and drink turned practically nonexistent but that doesn't mean it is completely out of their need. Although light can be rejuvenated with sleep, many Guardians also found out that taking in sustenance helps speed up the process, and as such, a large cafeteria was implemented into the Tower, a place for those who wants a quick recovery. Or for others, a simple need like coffee to get them through the morning.

Taking a sip of his morning drink, Angel kept his green eyes on the screen that Hope had conjured up, pressing occasional buttons on its surface as the words flashed and changed, "Progress?"

"Almost. There." He heard his Ghost huff, her shell shifting against her core before he saw her optics brighten, the scramble of letters and words clearing up on the screen and to be replaced with familiar files, "Got it!"

Grinning as he placed his cup aside on the table he was seated upon, Angel then said, "Finally, took us only a couple of days."

"Hah!" Hope grinned triumphantly back at him, "Can't wait to see the look on Cayde's face when he figures out we got around his encryption." The female Ghost then glided over near Angel's shoulder, keeping the screen forward for better viewing, "So, which file should we look at? Should we continue to look for the file on Ianos' Fireteams?"

Picking up his cup and taking another sip of the dark beverage, Angel hummed before he shook his head, "That file is encrypted meaning it's classified." He easily sensed the disappointment from the female Ghost, "We just got in, don't want to attract attention to ourselves so soon. Especially when Cayde keeps a close eye on those types of files."

"Boo, no fun." Smiling as Hope let out a Ghost equivalent of a pout, he then suggested, "How about we look up the file on this Akiva individual?"

"Oooh~ Not bad~" Hope practically sang, "Alright, give me a moment." Hearing clicks and whistles emanating from his Ghost, it was only moments later when the female Ghost then chirped out, "Got it!"

The screen then lit up with a head profile of a male with unkempt brown hair barely passing his ears, golden eyes easily seen against pale features, and Angel couldn't help but feel like the broad grin planted on his face was contagious.

"Akiva Wahl. Human male. Titan. Once was part of Fireteam Chargers, known for runnin' headfirst into battle and the first to volunteer for risky missions. Only known survivor after an attempted assassination on a Hive Prince called Crota. Afterwards, he went on repeated missions outside of Earth's orbit, sometimes not returnin' for years at a time. His last known frequency was located on Mars."

"Is he an Awoken?" Angel squinted at the screen, leaning if as if to gain a better look, "His skin is way too pale to be human."

"He's definitely human." Hope confirmed, causing the human Hunter to turn and give her a bewildered look, "Key characteristics for Awoken are luminescent eyes and mist like patterns on his skin. He has neither of those."

"But, he's so pale." Angel murmured, taking another sip of his coffee, "Paper pale."

"As long as they're not sick or dead, that's normal for humans. I thought you already knew that."

"Hope, I have been resurrected only for less than a year and half of that was spent in the wilds trying to survive against Fallen and Vex on Venus. Any Guardians I have made contact with had their helmets on and most of my memories aren't even intact enough to remember meeting other people in my previous life."

"…Good point."

Shaking his head at his Ghost, Angel then took another sip of his coffee before he asked, "Anything else on Akiva?"

"Well," Hope hummed, Angel watched her skim over the screen, "He's also known for bedding anyone he encounters."

The human Hunter let out a choke, "What?"

"He's known for sleepin' with everyone." Hope clarified, "And I mean 'everyone." He watched her momentarily pause as her optic continued to scan the screen, "Exo. Awoken. Human. Male. Female. Doesn't matter. You up for a night of fun, he'll take it."

Giving his Ghost a wide-eyed look, Angel shifted nervously in his seat as he then asked, "Anything else?" He then quickly added, "Anything 'useful'."

Sensing the female Ghost grin at the addition in his words, Angel simply said nothing as he watched her optic skim over the information once more, "Says here that he's also pretty skilled in the Crucible, sometimes only usin' his fists to fight his opponents, even if they have a gun."

Angel contemplated on the information, "So, we have a chance to win then?"

"Maybe," Hope hummed, "Although, we still need one more person."

"It's early in the day and you two are already working?"

Snapping his attention to the side, Angel waved as the familiar silver Exo walked up to the table, the latter of which was absent of her armor and instead wore the familiar tight black jumpsuit that all Guardians wore underneath their gear, taking a seat next to the human Hunter as she laid down her tray on the tabletop.

"It's never too early to learn new things, Carina." Smiling as the female Titan simply let out a huff at his words, Angel then watched with mild interest as she picked up her utensils and started to eat, momentarily glancing back and forth between the glop that was breakfast and his friend, "I still find it hard to believe that Exo can eat."

No sooner had his words left his lips when the familiar violet and green form of Spears materialized into view, the Ghost letting out clicks and whistles as Carina momentarily glanced over.

"Spears said that the Exo have been created in humanity's image thanks to the advantage of the Traveler. Or at least, close enough." She translated before Angel watched her shift her focus back towards him and pointed her fork in his direction, "That includes eating and digesting food and drink."

"And taste?" Angel's eyes widen at Carina, watching as the female Exo stabbed her fork into her food before she stated, "Why else would I be eating?"

"Wait, then you're not eating to help recover your light?"

"Of course not!" Angel blinked as Carina gave him a bewildered look, like as though he had just spoken something blasphemous, "It just tastes good, is that not a good reason enough to eat?"

Reeling back at the sound of offense in her words, Angel parted his lips to clarify when his eyes glanced over Carina's shoulder, only for him to nod once in greeting, "Good morning, Ianos, how is the start of your day?"

Instead of receiving an immediate answer, the human Hunter instead sensed a glare emanate behind the Awoken's visor before the latter took a seat across from him, Angel watching as he propped an elbow onto the table and placing his head in his hand, "Not a morning person?"

"You have no idea." Ace glided over Ianos' shoulder, "He hardly sleeps but when he does, he's a monster to get out of bed." Angel watched with amusement as the Ghost shook their core side to side, "Took me forever just to get him up."

"Shush, too noisy for me to think," The human Hunter couldn't help but snort at Ianos' words, "and think less loudly."

Angel didn't have to glance over at Carina to see the confused stare she gave to the Awoken, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Do not worry about it." Ace shifted their parts upwards, flashing the female Titan a ghost equivalent of a grin, "It is a Warlock thing."

Giving the black and orange Ghost a curious look in response to this, Angel suppressed the urge to question the Ghost and Awoken pair before taking another sip of his drink, "Since we're all here, two more days until the 'big' match against – what's her name – Neve?"

Receiving a nod from Ianos as an answer, it was Hope who glided forward, turning off the screen in front of them as she stated, "Are you sure you guys will be alright fightin' her team?" Angel sensed her hesitation, her concern as she added, "I mean, Neve's team is renowned for participatin' in both Iron Banner and the Trials of Osiris. And they perform quite well, if I may add."

"That, really doesn't help us, Hope," This only earned himself a shrug from his Ghost, "Although, I cannot help but be concerned for Ianos." He shifted his attention towards the Warlock, seeing the latter just lift his head up slightly at the mention of his name, "If we lose, Neve is going to kill him."

Angel heard Carina scoff, "No she won't." A pause, "Will she?"

"She will try." The human Hunter flinched at Ianos' answer, "I have known her for years and I know for certain that she is one thing: Stubborn."

"And angry," Carina added in, "What did you do to her? All I heard is that somehow you are involved in the death of her husband and child." Angel then heard the female Exo pause, "Wait, Guardians are able to have children?"

"Yes." Ianos' answer was quick, without hesitation, "It's rare but, Guardians – those who are capable anyway – are able to have children with not only each other, but those who are not of the light as well. Just as long as they are capable of reproduction."

"But, there are no signs of kids in the Tower," Angel gave Ianos a puzzled look, "there's not even a mention of them in the files. If Guardians are able to reproduce, then why haven't Carina and I, newborns stuck to the Tower and the vicinity of the Cosmodrome, even heard of them before?"

"The reason that not many Guardians actually live long enough to have children." Ianos' answer caused Angel to go silent, the Awoken continuing to add, "and even if they are successful in siring a child, the child does not last long."

"What do you mean?" It was Carina, the female Exo's question earning her a sigh from the Awoken, "There are reason why children of Guardians are kept secret. They are candidates, 'chosen' that have a chance to be selected by a Ghost. In other words, a threat to the Darkness." Angel watched as Ianos straightened himself out in his seat, "But they have to mature, grow in 'strength' in order to be a proper 'threat' towards the Darkness. And what better way than to be rid of them when they are small, helpless to defend themselves?" Angel flinched at Ianos' words, "Of all the records of children of Guardians, there is only one that made it past maturity."

"Wait." The human Hunter perked up, "Who?"

Angel felt Ianos' gaze shift towards him, "Ever heard of the Guardian Shin Malphur?"

"Sounds familiar." The younger Guardian admitted, humming silently to himself as Carina then piped in, "Isn't he the wielder of the Last Word?"

At the mention of the familiar hand cannon, recognition lit up in Angel's eyes as he snapped his fingers, "He's more than that! He's the Guardian who killed Dredgen Yor! A Guardian who literately went dark!" Grinning as his mind processed to shift through information on the literal yin and yang amongst the Guardians, Angel then added, "Shin Malphur is the first and 'only' recorded Guardian to have been chosen without experiencing a first death –" That is when it clicked, the smile on the human Hunter's face vanishing as he turned his wide eyes towards Ianos, "Wait, you don't mean…"

Ianos nodded, Angel letting his jaw drop as he heard Carina sputter in surprise next to him, "I am not sure if either one parent was a Guardian or if both were chosen, however, Shin is the only child that I know of to make it to maturity 'and' acquire a Ghost, albeit, from another Guardian." The Awoken Warlock shrugged, "But it turned out well for him, Shin has officially made himself a legend."

"Now I understand why Neve is so upset." Angel shifted his gaze towards Carina, watching the latter push her tray away to give room to fold her arms across the table top, "To have a rarity to bring life into this world, only for it to slip right out of your hands."

Seeing Ianos flinch at her words, the young Hunter decided to add in, "What happened anyway? If a Guardian carrying a child indeed is rare, shouldn't there be protocols to ensure their safety?"

"Did I not tell you that Neve is a stubborn individual?" Angel couldn't help but feel as though Ianos rolled his eyes behind his visor, "They tried that with her, but she kept insisting to go out on missions. At least until she is close to her due date."

The Hunter couldn't help but frown at that, "Why?"

"Her husband." Angel paused at Ianos' answer, "As you know, marriage between two Guardians is extremely rare, since more than likely one or the other won't make it back from the field. So, when Neve and her husband, Ricard, decided to marry, it was a huge celebration." The younger Guardian couldn't help but reel back at the chuckle that permeated from Ianos, "We even opened the Tower to the civilians in the City, letting everyone in instead of just selected individuals." A sigh then emanated from the Warlock, "But, after their union, the two them got too 'clingy', too protective of the other. They constantly feared for their partner's safety, to the point where one or the other would throw themselves into danger to ensure the other stays safe." Ianos then shook his head, "Even though she was with child, Neve refused to let Ricard out of her sight and as such, she followed Ricard into missions to ensure his well-being."

"And how did you get involved?" Angel asked.

"I was assigned as a bodyguard for the two," The human Hunter blinked at Ianos' reply, "They believe that an extra body will keep their obsession with each other's safety in check and to keep the unborn child safe." It was then Angel noticed the sound of tapping permeating from Ianos, the human Hunter glancing downwards to see the Awoken's fingers tapping on the table top. Hard, "And as you can tell, it did not turn out well."

From the corner of his vision, Angel watched Carina lean in, "What happened?"

"I think we have answered many of your questions." Ace glided in between the group, muttering out, "We will tell you the rest of the story later."

Letting disappointment sink into his chest at the black and orange Ghost's words, Angel then jumped as a new voice piped in, "Aaaw, just look at those faces. Tell them the story so the adorable 'wittle newborns' don't look so sad."

Turning his attention towards the front of the table, Angel's eyes widen as his gaze settled upon a familiar pale face, "Wait, you're Akiva!" He abruptly stood up, gawking as the Titan grinned, "Oh hoh, so I'm getting popular~"

The way he practically sang the line caused the young Hunter to pause, only for his focus to shift as the familiar dark clad form of Pluto appeared next to the Titan's side with a shake of the head, and followed by another figure that was quickly hidden by Akiva's broad form as the Titan walked over to Ianos, and to Angel's surprise, placed a hand on top of the Awoken's helmet, "Hey Ianos! How's it going kid?" The Titan grinned, "Take off that helmet so I can see that beautiful face of yours."

"You wish." Angel heard Ianos grumble, although, his voice was tinged with a bit of playfulness, a soft tone that the young Hunter couldn't help but found foreign and strange, "and who is that? Friend of yours or another body you found to sleep with tonight?"

"Oh, come on! I can make friends without asking them to be a sex buddy."

"Right, I will believe it when I see it."

Releasing a nervous smile as the human Titan gave Ianos a pout, Angel then finally saw the newcomer walk around Akiva's broad form.

From his position, her long violet robes and crackling yellow bond marked the individual as a Warlock, and with the slim form, this told her physique was that of a female. The misty texture on her cool gray skin reveal her origins as an Awoken, fixed in place by her glowing crimson eyes which seemingly brightened as she smiled. Long white strands cascaded down her back and over her shoulders even when she bowed, although, the accent that all Awoken seem to hold was absent, catching Angel off guard as she spoke, "Greeting, my name is Aleeza Wahl, it is very nice to meet you all."

"Wahl?" It was Hope, Angel hearing the female ghost repeat back the female Warlock's name before she stated, "Like, as in the same last name as Akiva?" The human Hunter's eyes widen at this, turning his attention back towards Aleeza as she released another smile and nodded, 'But Akiva is a Human and you are an Awoken?! How can the two of you share the same last name!?"

"Have you forgotten about the humans who made it off the Earth only to turn into Awoken?" Angel jumped a ruby and white Ghost popped up over Aleeza's shoulder, her shell scrunching together to show her displeasure, "Doesn't take a genius to put two and two together."

"Now, now Lena." A yellow and white Ghost materialized next to Akiva, "No need to be so rude about it."

Hearing Lena let out a 'hmph' in response to her fellow Ghost's words, Angel then heard the yellow and white Ghost let out a sigh before turning towards the human Titan, "Akiva, may I?"

The Titan in question grinned, "It's all yours, Lex."

Watching the Ghost nod in appreciation towards his Guardian, Angel then watched as the latter turn his attention towards the occupants of the table, "As you know, Akiva and Aleeza's origins may appear different but, as the two got to know each other, they shared fragments of memory that were too similar to be coincidental, and as such, Lena and I decided to dig back to the time when we first resurrected the pair."

"And that, is where we found these." Akiva announced, holding up black cord with a small circular gold metal dangling near the end, beaming as Angel watched Aleeza dig through the neck of her robes before holding out a similar object, "and if that wasn't enough, it opens as well."

"What?"

Voicing out his surprise, Angel watched with wide eyes as Akiva reached out a hand effortlessly popped the circular object opened, before leaning in and holding it out in the middle of the table for a better glance. Squinting to clear up what he was seeing, Angel spotted two forms with an arm across each other's shoulders – a boy and girl – and it took the young Hunter a moment to realize that the pair shared the same brown strands, the same pale skin, and eyes.

Twins, Angel realized before he spotted the familiar broad smile of Akiva on the boy, prompting Angel to examine his opposite, only to pause. Despite the color of her skin, hair, and eyes to be different, the physical features of the girl matched Aleeza's exactly, causing the human Hunter's jaw to drop as Akiva finally pulled away and tucked the precious piece of jewelry back around his belt.

"Twins," Carina broke the silent, "You two are twins?!"

"Hard to believe, right?" The human Titan beamed at his fellow Titan's words, "Of all the chances, the two of us would find each other." Angel can sense the giddiness permeate from Akiva as he added, "And as Guardians too!"

Contemplating on the situation, Angel slowly mused, "Then, how did you turn into an Awoken?"

"Did I not say it before, the humans who tried escaping from the Darkness?" It was Lena, the female Ghost seemingly annoyed at the repeat of her words, "and those who had returned as Awoken?"

"Yes?" Angel found it more to be a question than an answer, "Wait, no." He turned his wide eyes towards Aleeza as it finally clicked, "No way, you're saying that you were one of the humans who made it to the edge of Darkness and came back?"

"Yes," Once again, the young Hunter gawked, "Although, I have to admit, my memory of the time is a bit 'fuzzy' but I do remember salvaging a ship with other survivors and heading back to earth." She let out a nervous laugh as she scratched the back of her head, "Although, most of us didn't make the land, if you know what I mean?"

"But, if you made it off of earth." Angel watched as Carina turned her attention towards Akiva, "Then where were you?"

"I was part of the militia responsible for evacuating civilians." Akiva grinned as Angel gave him a blank look before the former shrugged, "Easier said than done though. There were 'a lot' more hostiles than we can handle."

"What kind of hostiles?"

Seeing the human Titan purse his lips, Angel watched with mild amusement as Akiva once against shrugged, "All in the past though, nothing to be concerned about."

"And instead, let's focus on the present." The human Hunter jumped as he suddenly found Aleeza take a seat next him, leaning back as she shifted closer. Way too close, "Let's get to know each other." He watched her wink, "Want to spend some quality time, handsome?"

That is when Angel felt heat rush up to his face, wringing his hands together as he stuttered, glancing over at Carina for help only to see the latter smiling; Angel knew that she wasn't going to be of any help.

"Or, if you don't swing that way, how about me?" Angel found himself trapped as Akiva took a seat on his other side, the young Hunter letting out a choke at his words, "Nervous? Is this your first time?" Angel sputtered, stumbling over his words only for the human Titan to add, "Don't worry, Aleeza and I, we're both good 'teachers'."

"Buzz off!" The young Hunter let out a sigh of relief as Hope came to his rescue, her shell clicking furiously against her core as she added, "Can you not tell he's not interested!?"

"Ooh~ Snappy Ghost, good choice." A smile formed onto Akiva's pale features, his golden eyes beaming at Angel, causing the latter's face to flush even further, "But since you made it clear, Aleeza and I will leave him alone." Another flash of his smile, "Although, if you change your mind, feel free to approach us."

Mentally making a note to himself that is a thing that will 'never' happen, Angel watched as the female Warlock turned her attention towards Carina, her crimson eyes glittering, "What about you, Exo? Interested in having fun?"

Momentary silence permeated through the table at Aleeza's question, Angel taking in a breath as Carina's optics narrowed, the young Hunter waiting for an outburst from the female Titan. Then, to his surprise, her gaze softened and instead of snapping back, she shrugged and smiled, "Sure, why not? Fun to experiment."

This caused the grin on Aleeza's smile to broaden, "First time?"

"First time?"

"This will be interesting," Hearing Aleeza chirp as she stood up, Angel can only sit in silence as she gently wrapped her fingers around the silver Exo's hand, lifting her off of her seat and leading her out of the room, the pair's Ghosts following after them.

"Hey!" The young Guardian snapped his attention to Pluto, the blind Hunter calling out, "We have practice, remember!"

"It's still early!" Aleeza shouted back, "We'll get more activity near the evening! We have time!"

"Aleeza!" Angel can sense the frustration oozing off of Pluto as the two female Guardians left the room, "Why is it the two of you have to be so promiscuous?"

"What?" Akiva feigned hurt, the young Hunter hearing an exaggerated gasp coming from the Titan, "It's not a sin to sleep around."

"It's not, but it is a distraction," Pluto snapped, "We have two days until the match and Aleeza decides to spend precious time to have sex with Carina."

"Aw, come on. It's not 'that' distracting." Akiva smirked, "I didn't hear you complain back then when we were together in bed."

A sputter and a choke escaped from Angel as he took in this new information, the young Hunter hearing Ianos let out a cough as Pluto recoiled from the human Titan's words, "…Do you have to bring something like that up when we are present around others? Especially 'newborns'?"

"Maybe." Angel easily heard the teasing tone in Akiva's voice, earning the Titan a sigh from the Exo Hunter, "Just-Just contact us through our Ghosts when evening hits or at least when Aleeza and Carina are done." He then sensed a glare emanated behind Pluto's visor, "We do not need to waste any more time than needed."

Watching Pluto then leave afterwards, Angel then shifted his attention towards Akiva, watching as the latter turned towards the Awoken Warlock, "So, Ianos-"

"I am 'not' interested." Ianos' words were instant, no sign of hesitation, and just emitted a stare of disdain, even when Akiva gave him a disappointed look.

"Guess Aleeza is the only lucky one today." A sigh escaped the Titan as he propped an elbow and placed his chin in his hand before turning to Angel and smiled, "So, tell me. How did you end up on Ianos' Fireteam?"

Angel couldn't help but pause and blink, the sudden shift from sexual interactions to one of normal conversation catching him off guard, "Carina and I were assigned under Ianos' care by the Vanguard."

"Pfft, of course." Akiva laughed, "The Vanguard, always making the decision for you, whether you're ready or not."

"Is that why you ran off to Mars?" Ianos deadpanned, "So you can be avoided being placed on a new team?"

"Well, half of that," Angel watched as Akiva smiled sheepishly, "The other half was that I bumped into Aleeza on mars." He heard the Titan hum happily, "When we figured out we were twins, we decided to take that time to catch up."

"That long?"

"Well, Aleeza was resurrected before me, so she had a lot more to tell."

Hearing Ianos let out a disbelieving snort at Akiva's words, Angel blinked as the Awoken suddenly stood up, turning a blank gaze towards the pair, "If you need me, I will be in my quarters. Need to do research on which weapons I need to bring for the match." Then, without another word, he left, leaving only Angel and Akiva the lone occupants on the table.

"Well, now that he's gone, I have a serious question for you Angel."

Snapping his attention away from the exit where Ianos had left, the younger Guardian reeled back when the smile on the Titan's face faded, and replaced with a blank look; something then clicked inside Angel's mind, "Wait, how do you know my name?"

"Pluto is well informed of everything," Akiva's response caused Angel to give the older Titan a bewildered look, "not too hard to ask him to send data from his Ghost to mine." He then smirked, "Plenty of time to read from Mars to Earth."

His jaw going slack, Angel's green eyes widen as Akiva continued, "As for my question, tell me, have you learned how to wield a Golden Gun?"

A pause, "What, what do you mean?"

"Golden Gun, the solar elite for Hunters," Akiva clarified, causing Angel to give the Titan another puzzled look, "or, did you even attain solar light yet?"

Watching the Titan lean in as his golden eyes narrowed, the younger Guardian found himself shaking his head and stammering out, "I-I only know arc light. So far." Forcing himself to keep his gaze locked into Akiva's eyes as the latter's stare intensified, Angel then found himself releasing a breath he had not realize he had been holding as the human Titan's gaze softened and he leaned back in his seat, "Good, good." Akiva let out a breath, "That's good."

Both confusion and bewilderment settled into Angel's mind at the human Titan's words, causing the younger Guardian to straighten himself out in his seat and asked, "I don't understand. What's so good about me not learning Golden Gun or even solar light?"

"For Ianos." Angel paused at akiva's answer, "Look, I may not be as old as the kid, but I was around long enough to know him." He then watched as Akiva placed his arms on his knees, "You have noticed how Ianos react to fire? How 'twitchy' or nervous he gets when he is around it?"

"I don't…" The bewilderment in Angel's mind then faded when his memory suddenly snapped back to their first patrol, the image of the Awoken Warlock seated as far as he can away from the makeshift campfire clear, "Actually, yes." He turned his wide eyes back towards Akiva, "Yes I have."

"Then you haven't see the worst of it." Angel's jaw dropped at that as Akiva leaned in and stated, "Look, 'if' and 'when' you ever attain solar light, do not, I repeat, do 'NOT' use solar light around Ianos."

"Why?"

A sigh then permeated from Akiva, "Trust me, if you ever see Ianos react to fire, it won't be pretty. I've seen it and I do not wish to see it again."

"But, we're going to be facing Neve and her team in just a couple of days," Angel found himself saying, "What happens if they-"

"Pluto and I will handle that," Angel paused as Akiva frowned, "and if the rest of you can, try and handle those with solar light quickly before Ianos even takes sight of them." The Titan's gaze then hardened, "Got it?"

Eyes going wide once more, the human Hunter nodded slowly before a sigh then emanated from Akiva, watching as the latter reached up and covered his eyes with one of his hands, "Sorry if I'm sounding 'forceful', it's just. The memories." Hearing the Titan take in a breath, Angel simply stayed quiet as Akiva lifted himself up, "Look, I would tell you the reason why Ianos fears anything in relation to fire however, it is something personal, and I mean 'personal', for Ianos. It is not something that Ianos can recount so easily and it took me 'years' to even hear a 'part' of what had occurred. Only reason he hadn't told me the rest was because…" Angel blinked when the older Guardian's voice faded, seeing as a dazed look hovered in his eyes before the latter shook his head, light coming back into his gaze, "Ah, my apologies, must be getting tired." Akiva then gave him a sheepish smile, "I'm going to take this time to rest." Watching as the Titan pushed himself out of his seat and stretched, Angel continued to stay silent as Akiva then finished, "I'll see you in the Crucible tonight for practice."

Blinking when the human Titan exited with his Ghost in tow, Angel fixed his gaze towards the floor as he remained in his seat, questions swirling in his mind before he heard the familiar hum of Hope glide over his shoulder, "Is it just me, or every time we meet someone who is somehow connected to Ianos we just gain more questions about him instead of gainin' answers?"

"Well, they weren't kidding when they say Ianos is a mysterious fellow." Angel sighed as he propped his elbow on the table and leaned his head against his palm, "But Traveler, every time I think we get close to figuring him out, we just bump into another wall." He then groaned, "I am tempted just to hack into the Vanguard files to look him up."

"It's like you said, we just got back in," Hope reminded, "Too soon to attract Cayde's attention, and who knows, he might have placed it under deep encryption if he knows us well enough." Another hum from the Ghost, "And even if we do somehow decrypt it, it sounded like Ianos has a long history. By the time we even read a part of it, Cayde will just lock us out again."

Angel sighed at this, "I know, guess we're going to learn the hard way: just slowly break down Ianos' walls and get to know him better."

"That might take years." Hope deadpanned.

"I know…"

(((And here we go :D. Just for clarification, the {Text} is Spears talking to Carina. Since his voice module is broken, only Carina and other Ghosts can understand him, and others will just hear gibberish. So, hope that clears things up a bit)))