Tormented

Triggered

Firstly, I apologize for the sudden change in format for the title on this chapter. I never like how it looked but I didn't know how to make it look better up until now. To me, it looks better and more 'professional' and more eye pleasing than the other one. Less...childish I guess? Well that's my opinion anyway.

Anyway, shout out for Forresfire for all those reviews they left behind! Really appreciate it! In all honesty, wasn't expecting any reviews on this story so imagine my surprise when I went and checked only to see a review lol.

Firstly, there is going to be a double update today. The reason? Well this chapter and the next chapter originally were suppose to be one chapter but when I finished, it was a whopping 12k words and I highly doubt that many people would be willing to read a long chapter like that, especially if they're short on time. So expect the next chapter to be up later today C:

Edited: 8/19/2018

Cut off 'most' of unnecessary text and changed some paragraphs to better match future chapters.

"You know, Carina and Angel are going to ask questions once we land at the Tower."

Opting to say nothing to Akiva, Ianos simply tightened the ripped piece of cloth just above his leg wound, watching it stem the bleeding before he stated, "And I will simply answer that it is none of their concern."

"Traveler, kid, they're going to be a part of your team now." The Awoken simply let out a grunt at the Titan's words, "Least you can do is tell them your story."

Shifting his orange eyes towards Akiva as the latter kept his hands on the wheel of his ship although, Ianos saw the Titan turn his attention momentarily away from the front and towards him, concern lingering in his gaze, "You know as well as I do Ianos, that keeping it all in is not well for your health."

Letting a scowl form behind his helmet, Ianos simply said nothing before shifting his eyes forward, leaning back in the passenger seat as he stated, "I will think upon it."

"…That means no, doesn't it?"

Hearing Akiva let out a sigh as the Awoken said nothing once more, Ianos then shifted his attention towards his hands, letting relief filter into his senses as he heard Ace let out a groan, releasing his hold just enough for his Ghost to gradually hover in the air, "Welcome back to the land of the living."

Seeing Ace's orange optic flicker momentarily, Ianos waited patiently as the black and orange Ghost spun their back fins several times, "What happened? The last thing I remember was you lifting me towards Hope and – What happened to you!?"

Instinctively reaching up a hand and pressing onto the wound upon his shoulder, Ianos simply shrugged before answering, "Neve."

Letting the edges of their lips twitch as Ace let out a sputter, the Warlock then kept still as the Ghost hovered closer, light streaming from their optic, "How long was I out for? Not to mention did you even treat this? It is still streaming blood."

"I did the best I could alone." Ianos answered, letting his shoulders droop in relief as the pain slowly subsided, "however, it is difficult to tend to your own injuries when you take a bullet to the shoulder."

"Traveler, I am grateful Shaxx gave us the encryption," He heard Ace mutter, watching as his Ghost shifted away from the shoulder and to the leg injury, using their light to cut away at the makeshift tourniquet, "otherwise, I highly doubt I would have left that match with hardly a scratch."

"Well, I can tell you this," It was Akiva, the Titan keeping his eyes forward as he added, "After today, there will be no doubt Shaxx will strengthen the code." The human Guardian shrugged, "Although I am not sure how Neve was able to knock you out with that sniper shot, it shouldn't have happened."

"Knowing Neve, she and Ula must have found a way to break through some of the encryption." Ianos shifted his leg as Ace leaned back, examining his Ghost's handiwork, "although not enough to completely kill."

"As always, luck was on our side today," A heavy sigh can be heard from the black and orange Ghost, "speaking of, I am surprised that your gear has not been damaged during the match." Ianos heard his Ghost let out a thoughtful hum, "Although, I would say it is best to visit Matt once we reach the Tower, just to be safe."

Nodding his head once in agreement, Ianos then jumped as Akiva suddenly shouted, "We're home!"

Giving the Titan a narrowed glance as he watched the former shift his controls upwards, Ianos opted to remain silently and waited patiently in his seat as the sight of the Hangar gradually came into view. Letting his arms rest in his lap as the ship landed, Ianos felt his seat jump a bit before finally, the vehicle came to a slow and steady stop; immediately, a snort can be heard over Akiva's shoulders, "For once, you made a proper landing."

Glancing over to see Akiva place a hand onto his chest, Ianos then heard the Titan let out an exaggerated gasp as he turned to look over at Lex, "How can you say that? I performed plenty of 'proper' landings."

"Say that to the five ships that you crashed the past few years."

Amusement tugged at the back of Ianos' mind, causing the Warlock to raise a brow and ask, "How much glimmer did that cost you?"

"If you take your life span and then half the amount of glimmer you gathered that time, that much."

"Lex! Don't say that!"

Smirking behind his helmet as he sensed Akiva pout behind his visor, Ianos then quietly mused at the vast amount of glimmer the Titan had to spend to gain a new ship before steadily pushing himself up from his seat. Pressing down on the previously injured leg, Ianos nodded in appreciation when no pain permeated through the appendage and prompted him to step around his seat. Turning his attention towards Akiva, the Awoken parted his lips to ask the Titan to lower the ramp of his ship, only to pause as he saw the Titan's gaze glance over his shoulder, "What?"

Seeing Akiva's focus turn momentarily his way, Ianos raised a brow as the Titan hesitated before finally, he answered, "Look outside and see who landed nearby."

Scrunching his features together in bewilderment at Akiva's words, the Awoken then followed the Titan's advice only to pause as his eyes landed upon a red and black ship, the engine's barely dying down to signify the time of its landing. Neve's ship.

"I say keep Ace out of sight," Ianos turned his eyes back towards Akiva, "We're not sure what's going to happen once we step outside."

Nodding once in agreement to the Titan's words, Ianos then turned to Ace and held out his hand, signaling for the black and orange Ghost to glide over and disappear in the familiar flash of light. Feeling Ace's presence lingering within the back of his mind, Ianos then lowered his hand as he turned back towards Akiva, "… How much do you want to bet that Neve is going to try and kill me once we leave the safety of your ship?"

He saw the Titan tilt his head slightly as the latter contemplated, "I say a thousand glimmer that she tries to attack you but, Pluto gets in her way."

Letting a wry smile form onto his pale azure features, Ianos once again found himself nodding before he watched Akiva lean forward and press several buttons on the console of his ship, and then the familiar sound of the ramp disengaging rang from the back. He then saw the Titan turn his focus back towards him, "Be careful."

Opting to remain silent at Akiva's warning, Ianos simply waited as Akiva pushed himself up from his seat and headed towards the back, signaling to the Awoken to follow and exit down the ramp. No sooner had the pair done this when a sharp whistle rang from the entrance of the Hangar, prompting Ianos to snap his attention towards the source of the sound. Immediately, his orange eyes spotted the others, the violet clad form of Aleeza waving them down.

"Took you two long enough," The female Awoken beamed as they approached, Aleeza shifting her helmet underneath her arm before holding it up, signaling for her Ghost to materialize it into her vault, "Lost your way?"

"Yes," Ianos couldn't help the smirk as Akiva gave Lex a betrayed look, "how long have you all been waiting?"

"Not long, just a few minutes," Pluto answered as he removed his helmet and held it up, signaling for Nix to materialize into view long enough to take it from his hand, "We were just worried that Neve's team followed your ship and shot you out of the sky."

Raising a brow at the Hunter's words, Ianos pondered on a response only to quickly decide to say nothing; although doubtful at first, the Awoken Warlock then remembered Neve's penchant to be stubborn. Who knows? Perhaps she really did try to shoot Akiva and Ianos out of the sky only for the Titan unknowingly fly fast enough out of range.

"Who's ready to celebrate?" Aleeza's voice pulled Ianos' out of his thoughts, watching as the female Awoken suddenly wrapped her arms around the two younger Guardian's, "Party at the bar tonight, all on me."

This earned her a wide-eyed look from Angel, and with his helmet absent, Ianos can easily see the panic in the younger Guardian's eyes, "Wait, do you mean 'drinking' to celebrate?"

"What? You a lightweight?" Aleeza teased, Ianos watching with mild amusement as Angel's face flushed before the latter managed to stutter out, "I never drank before!"

"Then that ends today, kid." Akiva butted in, earning himself a gawking look from the young Hunter, "What?"

"I'm underage!"

"You look old enough!" Ianos watched as Angel squirmed underneath Aleeza's arms as the Awoken pulled him close, the latter of which then turned towards Carina, her crimson eyes twinkling, "And after having a night of drinks, how about we head over to my place and have some 'celebratory' fun?"

The Awoken then saw his fellow Warlock's smile broaden as Carina's optics lit up, a sign of her agreement, "Then let's say we head to our rooms, get cleaned up, and meet up at the bar later?"

Rolling his eyes as soon as Aleeza finished speaking, Ianos parted his lips to respond that, no, he was not interested in meeting at the bar when the Warlock saw movement approaching, just over the female Awoken's shoulders. Shifting his gaze over, Ianos couldn't help but scrunch his features together when he spotted Neve's familiar red garb form approaching, his orange eyes scanning the five other Guardians trailing behind her.

"Or not." Hearing Aleeza add into her statement, Ianos momentarily glanced over to his fellow Warlock only to reel back when he then saw the female Awoken, Carina and Akiva takes steps forward, convening just in front of Ianos to keep him out of sight. Or, at least their best attempt as Ianos easily towered above the Exo Titan, allowing him to see the scowl upon Neve's face as she kept her helmet tucked underneath her arm.

Not long after the three Guardians formed the living barricade, Ianos then spotted Pluto walking around them, only coming to a pause when he stood between Akiva and the others and Neve and her Fireteam. Watching Pluto straighten out his shoulders, his arms in front, Ianos can tell that the blind Exo was composing himself, further proven when he heard the Exo ask, "May we help you?"

Neve then came to a halt just short of Pluto, her green eyes flicking over to Ianos, allowing the Awoken Warlock to see the shimmering visages of rage in her gaze, "I want his head."

The Warlock couldn't help the sigh that permeated from his lips; why was he not surprised?

"We had a deal, Neve." Ianos heard Pluto retort, not having to see the Exo's face to sense the scowl that the blind Guardian gave to the female Guardian, "We won, you lost."

"Just let me kill him once!"

Neve's sudden outburst caused Ianos to jump, the Awoken reeling back as he saw his fellow Warlock take steps forward, only to witness Pluto reach out and shove her shoulder, causing Neve to stumble back. This immediately set the members of her team to raise their hands, Ianos watching as their fingers wrapped around the handles of their weapons as Neve gave Pluto a glower; in response, the Exo glared back.

"You do not know the whole story."

Hearing Pluto snarl out his words, Ianos couldn't help but let guilt simmer into his chest, especially so when the flames of anger grew in Neve's eyes, "And I should believe a single word 'he' has to say?" Ianos watched her sneer behind the safety of his team, "I want retribution for the death of my husband and unborn child." He saw her gaze shift towards him, their eyes momentarily locking, "Let me kill him once and I will call it even."

"I do not trust you on that."

Snapping his attention towards Pluto, Ianos parted his lips to question 'why not?' when he saw it; flickers of orange and red dancing around Neve's fingers, solar burning in her eyes. This prompted Ianos to take in a breath and take steps back, hearing Ace's worry permeating in the back of his mind. That is when he then saw Pluto fluidly remove his knife from his belt, flaunting the weapon in his hands at the oncoming threat; in reaction to this, the lone Hunter of Neve's team did the same, signaling to the others to completely heft their weapons into their hands. Ianos saw Akiva and the others mimic their movements.

"Walk away, Neve." Pluto warned, Ianos spotting flickers of void light lingering between his fingertips.

Shifting his attention warily back towards Neve, the Awoken Warlock watched as the female Guardian dropped the headpiece that was underneath her arm, the helmet letting out a loud 'thunk' as it landed upon the Hangar floor and rolled a small distance away.

"No."

That is when flames flashed into Ianos' vision followed by the heat, causing swells of panic to build up in his chest as he stumbled back.

"Ianos? Ianos, deep breaths, calm yourself."

Although taking in rapid breaths as per advice of his Ghost, Ianos found himself unable to breath, feeling as if his lungs were being constricted as his heart beat rapidly in his chest. Then, as the visage of the Guardian's fiery form took steps forward, he took in deep breath, and screamed.

Xxxxx

Pluto was ready so swing his knife into Neve's neck when she bloomed into full Radiance, but then he heard Ianos' terrified cries emitting from behind. Dread building up in his stomach, the blind Exo shoved aside Neve's threat and turned around, only for Nix's scans to finally be sent towards his optics.

The Awoken Warlock had fallen to the floor and had scrambled back until he was against the rails near the stairs, head in his hands, knees to his chest as his form trembled. Cursing under his breath, the blind Exo shoved his way towards Akiva, Carina, and Aleeza, ignoring their looks of shock as he reached out towards the Awoken. He felt a hand slapping his away in response.

"Stay away from me!"

Although hurt at the gesture, Pluto found himself lowering his voice, especially so after he noticed the tinges of fear lingering in the Awoken's words, "Ianos, it is me, Pluto."

"No!" The blind Exo reeled back at Ianos' outburst before feeling hands grabbing him by the front of his armor followed by being pulled in, "Take me instead! Leave him be! Leave him be!"

That is when Ianos' screaming intensified, Pluto feeling the Awoken's hands release him, only to hear the tell-tale sound of panicked patting; the Hunter knows what was coming next.

"It burns!" He heard Ianos wail as Nix sent him scans once more, the lined visage of Ianos patting his arms and body, as if to put himself out, "Make it stop! It burns!"

Cursing under his breath once more, Pluto directed his attention towards Angel, "Do you know where the Medical Wing is?" Sensing the shock emit from the young Hunter, Pluto heard a stutter that somewhat resembled a 'yes', prompting the blind Exo to add, "Then quickly and grab Matt."

"Who?"

"Dark hair, brown eyes, glasses, always walking around in that white coat of his," Pluto snapped, "Now hurry!"

Immediately hearing rapid footsteps leave their number, Pluto turned his attention back towards Ianos, and not long after, he sensed the familiar hum of light permeating through the air, followed by the sound of a Ghost taking solid form.

"Ianos!" Pluto recognized the voice of Ace, "Snap out of it! You are safe! You are not on the Moon anymore! You are at the Tower!"

"Save him!" The Ghost's words only seemed to aggravate the Awoken Warlock, "Save him! He is still alive! The fire! It burns! Save him! He is still breathing! Save him!"

Flinching at the words flowing from Ianos' lips, Pluto immediately leaped forward when Nix's scans showed Ianos clawing at his head, his fingers easily tearing the life-sustaining tubes from his helmet. As he grabbed the Awoken's shoulder, an agonized wail then echoed from the Warlock, prompting worry and guilt to build up within Pluto's chest before he turned towards the Titan of their group, "Akiva! Help me!"

Feeling hands reach out and dig into the bracers on his arms, Pluto silently apologized under his breath before throwing Ianos to the floor, hearing the Awoken's movements became more desperate as his panic was aimed towards the Hunter instead of himself. Ignoring fingers clawing in between the cracks of his armor, Pluto instead grabbed one of the Ianos' flailing arms before pinning it to the floor, only to hear the Warlock let out another scream. Just as Nix's scans showed Ianos reaching out with his free hand, it was then he sensed Akiva on his opposing side and judging from the way Ianos's movements became more frantic, feeling the Awoken kick beneath him, the Titan had successfully pinned the Warlock's remaining arm.

"Ace."

Signaling to the Ghost to move in, Pluto let out a grunt as Ianos bucked underneath him, opting to ignore the pleading words permeating from the Warlock; who said that scholars were weak? It was just a struggle to keep Ianos' arms pinned down.

"He did not do anything serious." Pluto heard Ace speak, hearing the hum of light dissipating from the Ghost, "Just pulled the tubes out of their sockets, nothing tore, so it should be an easy fix." Relief flooded into the blind Exo's senses at Ace's words, "But, just to be safe, we should get Matt to check on him."

As if on cue, pair of footsteps can be heard entering the Hangar, followed by the familiar voice of Matt cursing under his breath, "Not again."

Nix's scans showing images of the Medic running towards them, Pluto made just enough rom to allow the human space to kneel down, and attempted to reach over, only to reel back as Ianos let out another scream, "Traveler damn it, who did this to him?"

"We will talk about that later," Pluto managed out as Ianos let out one large kick, causing the Hunter to nearly lose his grip, "but for now, we need to calm him down first."

"Calm him, right." Hearing Matt mutter next to him, the blind Exo then sensed the Medic reach down to his waist before leaning over Ianos. It was then Nix's scans filtered into Pluto's optics, allowing to see Matt stab something into the Awoken's chest, causing the Hunter to hear Ianos let out a gasp before suddenly going limp. Worry immediately filtered to the front of Pluto's mind, "What was…"

"I just sedated him, don't worry." Despite the Medic's words, the Hunter found himself worrying nonetheless, "Just someone help me get him to the Medical Wing? He needs immediate attention, now."

"I'll go." Pluto snapped his attention towards Akiva, "You just stay here and deal with…the aftermath."

Understanding the hint in the Titan's tone, the blind Exo momentarily hesitated before nodding, finally taking his hands off of Ianos long enough to sense Akiva scoop the unconscious Warlock into his arms and follow Matt out of the Hangar. Waiting until he was sure that they were out, Pluto then turned his attention towards Neve, easily sensing the Radiance now gone, only to be replaced by shock; this allowed the Hunter to let his anger boil to the surface, "Are you satisfied now, Neve? You just caused Ianos to relive one of his most traumatic experiences in his life."

"But, I just turned on Radiance. I didn't even touch him or-"

"Anything that is related to fire is enough to trigger the memories." The Exo Hunter snarled out, "and thanks you to, Ianos was forced to relive the last few visages of his time on the Moon."

Pluto easily sensed the bewilderment from Neve, "But, his last few moments on the moon was –"

"Do not speak of those accursed rumors unless you have the entire story!" The Exo Hunter sensed his outburst caused not only Neve and her team, but the younger of their number to reel back; he ignored them, "Did you know that it took him 'years' to get past the experiences he had on the Moon? Years to even recount on how he and the Fireteam he was sent out with were all kill or burned alive?" Pluto found himself placing hands onto Neve's shoulders, feeling his grip tighten as his anger continued to grow; he once again opted to ignore the female Warlock's flinch, "Imagine, flames burning through your armor, your skin, your 'flesh' as you were forced to watch another fellow Guardian go through the same experience, with the exception that they lacked their Ghost." He pulled Neve closer, hoping his blind optics stared into her blue, "He went through unimaginable agony to bring the Fireteam back but in the end, all he has are the memories of his failures." Pushing himself away from the female Warlock, Pluto gave her one last glare before he finished, "If that is not punishable enough for your husband and your unborn child, then I say the problem is not with Ianos, the problem lies within you."

He then turned on his heels and stomped towards the exit, ignoring the looks he received from passerby as Pluto made his way into the Plaza.

"Pluto?"

"What?" The blind Exo immediately paused as he realized he snapped at his own Ghost, prompting him to reach up and pinch the bridge of his nose as he sighed, "My apologies, Nix, I…."

"No, no, no need for apologies," He heard the viridian Ghost brush it off, "This is, after all, not the first time Ianos had an attack." A sigh can be heard from Nix, "We just had hoped he would have recovered from it all."

Flinching at his Ghost's words, Pluto then shoved his worries to the side, attempting to regain his composure as he asked, "What is it that you needed?"

"Well, not what 'I' needed." He heard Nix clarify, "But there was an incoming frequency from Cayde."

A momentary pause, "What?"

"He left a message, it says that he wants you to meet him and the others at the Hall of Guardians. Says it is important."

Frowning at the words of his Ghost, Pluto contemplating on the meaning of Cayde's summons before he heard multiple rapid footsteps approaching behind; not long after, Nix's scans revealed to him the forms of Aleeza, Carina, and Angel.

"What was-"

"Cayde-6 requested for me to meet him at the Hall of Guardians," Pluto intentionally interrupted Angel's question, easily sensing his fellow Hunter's irritation, "You may all go on ahead and celebrate our victory without us."

"But, Ianos…"

"I will go visit him after I am done meeting with the Vanguard," Pluto added, easily sensing the worried looks he received from the younger Guardians, "until then, you are all free to do whatever you wish."

With his words spoken, Pluto then hurried his steps, leaving the three bewildered Guardians behind.

Xxxxx

Carina was unsure of what to say as the three of them stood in the Plaza, watching as the blind Hunter disappeared down the steps. The female Exo then reprimanded herself. What is she supposed to say? 'Hey Pluto! We all just witnessed Ianos collapse to the floor in a heap, screaming about being burned alive! Can we ask what happened!?' Yeah, like he was going to answer their questions.

"Who wants to come with me to visit Ianos?"

The Exo Titan snapped her head towards Aleeza, her violet optics wide, "What? Why?"

"I want answers," Carina couldn't help but find it slightly unnerving that the soft smile that was usually on Aleeza's face was replaced by a more unreadable expression, "and did you hear what that Medic said? 'Not again'."

"So, in other words, you think that he will have the answers?" It was Angel who asked, Carina hearing him let out an exasperated sigh as Aleeza nodded, "What makes you think that he's going to answer our questions? What if he's just as secretive as Pluto and Ianos are?"

Mentally agreeing with the Hunter, Carina then paused when she spotted the cheeky little grin forming onto the female Awoken's features, "Wouldn't hurt to ask."

Then, before she or Angel could make any sound of protest, Aleeza had grabbed then by the arms and by an amazing example of strength, had managed to drag both of the newborn Guardians.

"Wait!" Carina heard Angel protest, watching as the Hunter dug the heels of his feet into the marbled floors, and couldn't help a tinge of mirth form in her chest as his boots squeaked across, "Don't Carina and I get a say in this?"

"Oh don't play innocent with me." Aleeza chirped, her pace unfazed as Angel continued to skid across the floor, "you are just as curious as I am."

The female Titan grinned at this, "She isn't technically wrong."

Laughing as her fellow Guardian let out a groan, Carina then saw a glimmer of interest flash into Angel's eyes before finally, she watched him lift his feet, following the pace of the female Warlock as they entered the halls leading to the Medical Wing.

Xxxxx

"You rang?"

Seeing the three Vanguards turn their heads towards him through Nix's scans, Pluto then crossed his arms as he saw Cayde perk up, "Lovebird! You got here quickly. Great match by the way."

The blind Exo rolled his optics in response to the Vanguard Hunter's words before approaching the table, "Let us just skip the pleasantries and get this over with. I have to head to the Medical Wing to check on Ianos' condition."

A pause immediately permeated through the room quickly followed by Ikora asking, "Did something happen?"

Pluto turned and glowered at the female Warlock, "What happens when a Guardian with an instilled phobia of flames witness a Sunsinger in full Radiance?"

"Let me guess, Neve?" A sigh can be heard from Ikora as Pluto nodded, "Why in the Traveler did she activate her Radiance in the Tower?"

"She refused to keep her end of the bargain," The blind Exo answered as he crossed his arms, ignoring the surprise emanating from the three Guardians before him, "I was wrong to think that Neve would keep her promise."

"Indeed." It was Zavala who spoke, a hum permeating from the Awoken Titan, "we will speak with Warlock Neve about her actions later, however, we have another matter at hand."

Pluto scrunched his features together at the Vanguard Commander's words, "This isn't just about the Crucible Match?"

"In part." Ikora answered, "The three of us watched your performance, live, at the Crucible and it is to say that we were impressed."

The blind Exo couldn't help but raise a brow as Zavala added, "Despite the circumstances of the match, you were able to reevaluate the situation and adjusted your team's tactics, all with little to no protest from the others."

"I hardly did anything," Pluto found himself retorting, a sense of uneasiness building up in his chest, "and not to mention that I find it strange that you are stalling what you really want to say." He rolled his optics at the stunned silence he received, "Just get on with it."

"C-Congratulations!" He heard Cayde manage to stutter out, "You are now the leader of your new Fireteam."

Now it was Pluto's turn to pause, "What?"

"Your new Fireteam," The Vanguard Hunter clarified, "Your Little Light, the somehow genetically related Human and Awoken twins, the two newborns, and of course, you."

"…What?" Pluto found himself repeating, "Me? You want me, to be the leader of Ianos' Fireteam?"

"It's either you or he Nova Bomb's another potential team off the Tower."

"But why?" A scowl quickly replaced the bewilderment, "I have a Clan to rebuild."

"Who's to say that you can't lead a Fireteam and rebuild a Clan at the same time?"

"I cannot do that-"

"You are more than capable, Hunter Pluto." The Exo turned and glowered at Zavala as the latter continued, "Over the years, I have not only witnessed you maintain the Clan Galaxy, but also tutor notorious Fireteams." Pluto felt the Awoken Commander's eyes narrow into a glance in his direction, "Considering that Warlock Ianos, Titan Akiva, and Warlock Aleeza needs aid in moving past their experiences with previous teams and Hunter Angel and Titan Carina are still newborns, the three of us decided it was best for you to be the Fireteam Leader. You may build your Clan on the side if you wish, however, your main focus is the team until they are deemed fit to work on their own. Is that clear?"

"No." Pluto snarled out, gritting his jaw as he gripped his arms, "Despite their experiences, Ianos, Akiva, and Aleeza have enough experience under them to lead the team, even with their previous losses." He slowly walked forward until he was close enough to place his hands onto to table and Pluto leaned in, "I made a promise to Neptune that I am going to rebuild the Clan and despite my concerns for Little Light, Galaxy is my main priority. Is 'that' clear?"

"Hunter Pluto-"

"Zavala." Hearing Ikora's voice break in, Pluto then heard the female Vanguard let out a sigh, "Hunter Pluto, there is another reason why the three of us selected you as Leader of Ianos' Fireteam."

Taking in the female Warlock's words, the blind Exo found himself pausing, feeling the anger fade from his shoulders and curiosity and confusion taking its place, "What do you mean?"

"Well there goes that part of the plan."

"Cayde." Another sigh can be heard from Ikora, "Initially, we had wanted to keep it secret, hidden until you have grown comfortable with the position. It seems that is not going to be the case."

Releasing a scoff in response to the female Warlock's words, Pluto pushed himself off the table and crossed his arms once more as Ikora continued, "As you may understand, Warlock Ianos' condition has not stabilized the past few years, and everyone is growing concerned that the corruption will soon consume him."

"Everyone?" Pluto repeated, his blind optics narrowing behind his blindfold, "Does that include the Vanguard or was it just the judgement of the Consensus?"

"Pluto, please." The Exo Hunter scowled as Ikora continued, "Although fearful of his condition, the Speaker and the Vanguard were able to convince the others to give Warlock Ianos time, and after a long debate, it was decided that he is to be placed under watch, more specifically, under yours."

"For the reason that he would not suspect his mentor to take his life if he were to turn corrupted?"

"For the reason that you have the best insight when it comes corruption and Guardians." Pluto scoffed at Ikora's words, "we believe that with your years of cutting down those infected with the Darkness, that you would take initiative when it comes to Warlock Ianos." That is when he heard the female Warlock pause, a quick second of hesitation before she finally finished, "We just hope that your relationship with him won't cloud your judgement."

"Cloud my, judgement?" That is when Pluto felt the familiar warmth of light permeate from his fingertips, lowering his hands and placing them onto the table once more, "What makes you think with my history, that I would allow my bond with Little Light to 'cloud my judgement'?" Digging his fingers into the surface of the table, the blind Exo continued without waiting for an answer, "Do you know how many of my clan mates, how many of my 'brothers and sisters' that I had to kill just for the reason that their light could not be saved? How many I had to kill just for the reason that they simply do not want to see the result of prolonged corruption?"

"Pluto, we do not mean to-"

The Exo Hunter lifted up a hand and slammed it back onto the table, feeling it sink into the metal surface, "Do not make excuses! You simply wanted me to be Fireteam leader so I would have to be the one to kill Little Light and not you! You do not want to dirty your hands just as the others who refused to 'execute' my clan mates for the reason that they do not want to spill 'Guardian blood'!" Forcing himself to push away from the table once more, Pluto continued, "Well I have news for you all. All of us, all of us who predated the time of the City, our hands are already dirty with the blood of our fellow Chosen." His tone then turned dark as he added, "And you know as well as I do that there will be a day when a war between fellow Guardians would occur and it will be inevitable. Not with all our power, all our strengths, our 'immortality'."

Pausing long enough to wait for an answer, Pluto then sighed before shaking his hands, ridding the last remnants of light from his fingertips as he forced his light back into control although, still felt it burn deeply within his chest, "You will have to take responsibility for Guardians corrupted when they arrive on your doorstep however, for now, I will take leadership of Ianos' Fireteam but not for the reason of your orders." He then narrowed his blind optics once more in the direction of the Vanguard, "I will do it for the reason that he is still under my protection, and my stance will remain clear: 'anyone' who tries to do him harm, will face the consequences."

Then, without another word, the Exo Hunter turned and left.

Xxxxx

Despite Carina's perception of Ianos' age, the young Titan couldn't help but find it amusing that in a span of a month she had seen the Awoken Warlock unconscious in bed, however, this didn't stop the worry tugging at the back of her mind as she watched him sleep, her violet optics eyeing the multiple tubes wrapped around his lips and arms that connected to the machinery just near his bedside. She was unsure of their function, but from the way that the Medic – Matt if she recalls – was busily checking on their status and continuously glancing over at Ianos for a reaction, that Carina can guess that they played an important role on the Awoken's well-being.

"That should do it," The Exo Titan shifted her attention towards the Medic, just in time to see him let out a breath of relief and then leaning against the counter behind him, a hand over his shoulder, "Now to tend to my own wound."

That is when Carina let out a flinch, remembering walking into the room with Aleeza and Angel in time to see Ianos awake, snarling and fighting against Akiva and Matt as they attempted to hold him down, the Medic screaming incoherent words in an attempt to bring the Warlock back to reality. She remembers witnessing the Medic pressing a hand onto Ianos' shoulder only for the Warlock to let out a yelp, as if the touch itself had done him harm, before snapping out a hand and digging his fingers into Matt's shoulder. Thanks to the white of his coat, it was easy to see that Ianos had drawn blood, the familiar crimson color slipping through the threads of the Medic's clothes before finally, it was Ace who had to calm Ianos down, releasing constant flow of light while speaking soothingly towards the Awoken. How Matt seemed unaffected by the injury was a wonder to the young Titan, especially so when she saw him slip off his coat and pulled down the collar of his shirt, revealing the steady stream of blood cascading down his shoulder.

That is when Carina spotted movement near the edges of her optic, prompting her to glance over and see Akiva approach Matt, spotting the tired look in the human Titan's eye as the latter asked, "Do you need any help?"

Seeing the Medic reel back, his brown eyes blinking rapidly as he fixed his eyes upon Akiva's form, Carina then saw a smile form onto his fair features, "Thank you for the offer however, this isn't the first time I got injured by a patient, I can manage a wound like this on my own."

Watching as Akiva nodded once to signify his understanding, Carina then couldn't help but pause when she saw the way his golden eyes traced over Matt's form, his stare way too intense as the Medic had picked up a cloth to start cleaning the wound, "You were a Guardian once, weren't you?"

That got a choke out of Carina, the female Titan hearing Angel let out a sputter as Matt paused, his brown eyes staring wide eyed at Akiva before it softened followed by a nod, "Yes, I was." A strained smile soon faded onto Matt's face, "What gave that away?"

"It is true Medics get harmed while treating some patients." Carina turned and gave her fellow Titan a bewildered stare, "However, you didn't react, not even a flinch." Akiva's face scrunched together, as if in thought, "Only an individual familiar with pain has that high of a tolerance and most of that number are amongst the Guardians. Considering that you were in the Tower 'years' before I was even resurrected, it didn't take long to put it together." The Titan then shifted his shoulder up and down, "Don't know why it took me so long to figure it out."

A laugh then can be heard from Matt, "No need to worry, Akiva. I may have treated you for years, but you aren't the only one amongst my patients who do not know of my past as a Guardian." Carina then jumped as the Medic turned his brown eyes towards her and the others, the female Titan watching Angel's shoulder stiffen from the corner of her gaze, "and if you do not mind, I would rather keep it that way."

"R-Right." Carina heard Angel manage to stutter out before she spotted her fellow Guardian's eyes scan the room, his gaze flicking about before she heard him ask, "Although, I am curious, you say that you were a Guardian previously?" The Hunter received a nod as an answer, "Then, where is your Ghost?"

"Angel."

The warning was quick, hushed, and strict, Carina turning her attention towards Aleeza only to reel back as she saw the female Awoken's crimson eyes narrowed, a look of upset clear upon her features. At first, confused as to why Aleeza was angry at Angel's question, Carina then understood when grief flashed over Matt's eyes followed by his hand settling over his chest; a sinking feeling entered her stomach.

"I'm…I'm sorry," Angel caught onto the severity of his question, "I didn't mean…"

"It is alright, Cecilia's passing is as it is, the past." Carina couldn't help but doubt the strained smile the Medic gave them, "I have moved on." She then heard him pause momentarily followed by a sheepish shrug, "Mostly."

Watching the man then turn his attention back towards his injury, the female Exo couldn't help but give the former Guardian an empathetic look. She may only have been alive a little over a year, but Carina cannot fathom a life without Spears, let alone a life where he is killed, and judging from the way Matt had reacted towards Angel's question, the loss would affect a Guardian for a lifetime. The Exo Titan then cannot help but wonder; despite his small size, Spears was still damaged by Fallen scouts. What is to say that it won't happen again and this time, the damage would be lethal.

{"Despite your insistence to tell others not to worry about me, you do enough worry yourself"} Carina heard Spears murmur through their bond, feeling a gentle tug pulling from the Ghost's end, {"But, there is no need to be concerned over my safety. I have you, don't I? And as long as I have you, I will be safe."}

Feeling another gentle caress through their bond, Carina found a wry smile forming onto her metallic features and responded with a small pull of her own, hearing Spears let out a soft hum in her mind in reaction. Catching movement, the Exo Titan shifted her attention in time to see Angel taking tentative steps forward, and although his eyes remained wary, the familiar sparkle of curiosity can be seen, "What class were you?"

Watching Matt turn his attention back towards Angel, Carina saw the Medic blink before another smile formed onto his pale features although, this one was genuine, "Warlock, mastered void before trying a hand on arc."

Angel's eyes beamed at the former Guardian's answer, "And how did that go?"

"I died." Carina snorted at the wide-eyed look Angel gave him, "It was not meant to be I suppose."

Snickering as the Hunter continued to gape at the Medic, Carina then found her own question growing, prompting her to ask, "Are you still able to access your light?"

Seeing the smile broaden on Matt's face, Carina's violet optics then widen as the Medic held up a hand and familiar wisps of void light danced around his fingertips, "…Well, that answers my question."

Hearing Matt chuckle in response to her words, the Exo Titan then watched him focus back to his injured shoulder, seeing him finally secure the patch over the wound before shifting his attention back towards the group, "Just because my Ghost is gone does not mean I cannot wield the Light." He then pushed himself off the counter, turned, and started cleaning the supplies around him, "It is just that if I were to die, there is no coming back."

Flinching at his words, Carina simply stood in the strained silence as the Medic continued to clean, hearing him let out a hum, "But that does not mean that I fear death, there are times when I do miss the chaos of the battlefield." That is when the Exo Titan spotted a glimmer in his eyes, a spark, "I still remember the adrenaline, the excitement of dodging hostile fire while returning some of your own, and then, releasing the light after building up all that time, watching as your enemies fall."

Hearing the glee in his tone, Carina couldn't help but smile as Matt paused before hearing him let out a cough, "But, that is all in the past, I am needed here now." She then watched him turn and Matt smiled, "Now that I have tended to my own injury, Akiva, how are you faring?"

"Oh no," Carina turned in time to see Akiva's posture stiffen, his hands raised in defense, "We are not playing therapy here, Matt."

"Then how about you, Aleeza?" The female Titan saw the Awoken in question stiffen as Mat turned his eyes towards her, "The last time I saw you was several decades ago."

"I-I'm fine," Carina heard Aleeza force out, although the Titan noted the way her fingers curled into fists and her smile seemed forced, "I just needed time on my own, is all."

That is when the female Exo saw Matt's smile falter, and saw his eyes narrow, "Akiva, Aleeza, I know the two of you had suffered losses, but keeping it in is not going to help you move on."

"We have each other." Carina heard Akiva blurted out, Matt giving the human Titan a bewildered look, "Aleeza and I, we discovered that we were family. We were sharing our stories with each other the past few years, that's why you haven't seen us lately."

Seeing Matt frown at their words, Carina couldn't help but sense the doubt emitting from the Medic however, nonetheless, the former Guardian nodded, signifying his understanding, "Guess it is better to have one outlet then none." A sigh then can be heard from Matt before she spotted his eyes shifting over to where Ianos laid, "Better than having no one."

It took moments for Carina to understand his words, "Wait, are you saying that despite being Ianos' Medic for 'decades', that you have no idea why he is like this?"

"If you want an honest answer, no one does," The female Titan found her jaw dropping at Matt's words, "Not even Ace."

"Are you saying that not even his Ghost knows?" It was Angel who asked, Carina seeing his green eyes growing wide, "How does a Guardian collapse onto the floor, screaming about fire but their Ghost knows 'nothing'?"

Matt simply gave the group a shrug, "Not certain, all I know is that at one point, Ace was knocked unconscious during an incursion on the Moon and that when they woke up, Ianos apparently has been through hell and back. They have no idea what happened to place their Guardian into such a condition."

Dimming her lights as she took in the Medic's words, Carina found herself glancing over to Ianos' bed, spotting the black and orange form of Ace resting in the crook of the Awoken's neck, "So, in other words, you are saying that Ianos is the only one that knows, but refuses to say anything?"

A nod from Matt followed by a shrug, "Not sure why but, it is unhealthy, as you can see." The Medic then released a sigh as he rubbed the back of his neck, "However, it is impossible to make Ianos recount the incident, he usually just dodges the question and changes the subject."

"More than likely because he doesn't want to relive it," Carina snapped her attention towards Akiva, seeing the Titan's golden eyes narrowed, "It is not easy recounting a harrowing experience, especially against the Hive."

"The Hive?" Carina watched Angel turn his eyes towards Akiva, "the beings living on the Moon? You faced them?"

No sooner had the Hunter's question left his lips when he received a dark look from Akiva, Carina seeing her fellow Guardian reel back at the sudden change in demeanor before it quickly faded, the human Titan blinking rapidly before his expression went blank, "… I need a drink."

"Count me in."

Turning her attention towards Aleeza, Carina found herself saying nothing as she watched the female Awoken follow her twin out of the room, leaving Angel, Matt, and herself with Ianos' resting form.

"You two are newborns, I can tell." The silence was broken by Matt, prompting Carina to turn her attention back towards the Medic, "the amount of questions you asked, it gave it away."

Feeling her core heat up her face, Carina then spotted Angel's face flush, prompting the female Exo to quietly thank for her lack of organic qualities before she asked, "Did we say something wrong?"

Instead of an immediate answer, she received a hum from Matt, "In part." She watched as his eyes shifted over her and Angel's form, spotting a softness followed by a warning, "You are still young, and as such, it can be glanced over. However, please do be careful on what you ask in the future, some topics are, 'sensitive' for some, especially amongst the Veteran Guardians."

"You mean the ones that hit over fifty years?" A quizzical look can be seen on Angel's face, "Why?"

"Traveler above, the innocence of newborns," Carina couldn't help but blink at Matt's words, "You have to understand, despite the glories that others speak of, the fighting, the war, it is not a pretty sight." She then watched his features scrunch together, his eyes growing distant in thought, "Imagine, living for years, decades, forming bonds with others of your kin only to watch them die in front of your eyes, or witnessing horrors that the Darkness threw at you, horrors that many would not like to repeat." Matt's eyes then lingered back over to Ianos' bedside, "Horrors that 'he' wouldn't even want to recount."

That is when the weight of Matt's words hit Carina's chest, her violet optics widening as she finally understood; they do not age and they are practically immortal. Guardians can last years, decades, lifetimes in fighting against the Darkness and they would remain the same the day they were resurrected. Carina found herself gulping, her gaze shifting towards Ianos. If she can recall correctly, she had heard that the Awoken had lived for 'hundreds' of years, if he had experienced a horror that he wouldn't dare even speak of, what other traumatic events had he partaken in? She then paused, what events had Pluto, Akiva, and Aleeza had partaken in, there was no doubt that they were all decades older than Angel and herself. Shifting her optics towards the Hunter in question, Carina saw his eyes were wide, his mouth gaping open; it was apparent he understood the meaning behind Matt's words as well.

"I am sorry you have to hear it this way." Carina turned her attention back towards Matt, "However, with half your team having decades of experience under their belt, do be careful on what you say in the future, alright?"

Slowly nodding to show that she understands, the female Titan then found herself glancing over Ianos one final time before finally exiting the room, sensing Angel trailing after her.

Xxxxx

"Hey! That was mine!"

"Oh, come on! You drank a whole bottle already! I say I get a share!"

"But I paid for that!"

"We agreed that whoever drinks the most pays, remember? But if you are insistent-"

"You are not taking advantage of my drunk-addled brain, Aleeza! Bartender! Another round!"

Watching as the frame poured the twins another glass of whiskey, Lex found himself sighing heavily as the Guardian pair drained their cups just as quickly was it was being filled, "I had thought that they would speak to each other, but it seems that their competitiveness won over."

"As long as Aleeza isn't an emotional mess, I will take this anyway day," Lena huffed out, the female Ghost whirling her ruby and white fins before shifted her crimson optic his way, "Remember the time on Mars where we found an underground vault?"

Lex let out a groan, "That file that we had found that matched the name and features of one of her previous lovers, she was mourning for 'weeks'. And during that time Akiva had to keep the Cabal at bay."

"And that, was just one of her 'smaller' episodes." Lex couldn't help but give Lena a flabbergasted look, "however, I do have to admit, after meeting you and Akiva, her grief, it got better." The male Ghost paused as he saw a softness enter Lena's usual strict optic, "she is slowly moving on."

Taking in the female Ghost's words, Lex turned his attention back to the twins, letting out a sigh as he heard the pair continue to squabble and laugh, "I wish it was the same for mine."