Tormented

Goodbyes

I have no excuse for this late update. I admit it, I procrastinated. I really wanted to draw than write this week so that's what I did. But hey the chapter's here right? Anyway, thank you AAA and mystery guest for the reviews! Really appreciate it and I'm glad you are enjoying the story!

Edited:

1/24/2021

"It is true?"

Seeing the Medic snap his eyes away from Hope and towards him, Angel watched as Matt raised a brow, "What?"

Fiddling with the end of his cloak, Angel took in a breath before clarifying, "What Leo said out in the Hangar. Ianos, a Guardian Killer? Ghost and all?"

Of course, it must be true, how else could he easily have pulled the trigger on Leo like that? But the more Angel looked back, the more shocked Ianos had been, like as though he was surprised at himself for firing his weapon.

If the young Hunter had his way, he would have chased after Ianos when the Warlock had left, but with his condition, he could barely stand without the room swimming in his vision. Not to mention Matt came in not long after; the Medical Wing wasn't very far from the Hangar after all, it wasn't difficult to hear the ruckus. He immediately started to treat Angel when he saw him and tugged him back to the Medical Wing after ordering Leo's Ghost to resurrect his Guardian. There wasn't an opportunity to go after Ianos.

"Yes." Angel sputtered at Matt's answer, "But do not take Leo's words to heart."

Angel blinked, "What do you mean?"

The Medic sighed, "As you know, it is hard to miss rumors, gossip within the Tower. After all, that is a common pass time of Guardians here." Angel smiled sheepishly at him, "However, many Guardians tend to over exaggerate when it comes to stories." Matt frowned, "True, Ianos did kill a Guardian, and to all those who were witness to it, had seemed he had killed him in cold-blood."

"But…?"

"Would a Guardian who murdered another fellow Guardian stay where he stands, staying still long enough to be apprehended, only to pull a gun on himself when he realized that no one dared approach him?"

Silent at Matt's question, Angel answered, "No? They wouldn't?"

The Medic nodded, pleased with his words, "No, they would ran at the first opportunity, fleeing the site. But yet, Ianos did nothing, and killed himself not long after. Even Ace did not attempt to run when they were apprehended."

Scrunching his brows together, Angel then asked, "Did they ever learn the reason why?"

Matt shook his head, "Ace's core was corrupted so no information could be pulled, and when Ianos was resurrected for questioning, he was mentally unstable."

"Pardon?"

"He was screaming, crying, and any attempts to pry answers out of him sent him deeper into madness and despair." Matt clarified, "There was a reason why he and I know each other." He then turned his eyes back towards Hope, tapping her shell to give her a quiet sign to shift and move, "All we can discern from the situation at hand was that Ianos and five other Guardians went to the Moon. At first, only one came back but, then months later, Ianos returned as well."

Remaining silent, Angel calculated the information in his head before asking, "Two?"

This earned him a shrug from Matt, "Not an uncommon occurrence unfortunately." After tapping Hope once more, receiving a narrowed look from the Ghost in response, the Medic finally held her out towards Angel, "There seems to be no damage, need to break that habit of leaving her out in the open."

"It's not his fault." Hope retorted before beaming her light over Angel, as if she just hadn't healed him a few minutes ago.

Matt chuckled, "The two of you are good to go. When you see Leo, tell him I want to see him."

Angel raised a brow at the Medic, "For what reason?"

"For a Psyche evaluation." Angel couldn't help but feel a chill run down the length of his back when Matt turned and gave him a smile; one that was all teeth and no warmth, "There is a reason you do not mess with a Doctor's patient."

"R-right." Angel shakily returned Matt's smile, "I will let him know." He then cleared his throat, "Thanks for the check-up, Matt."

"Anytime."

Waving back at the Medic, Angel then slipped out of his seat and scurried away.

"Traveler," He heard Hope whisper, "Let's not piss him off anytime soon."

Angel nodded, "Agreed."

Xxxxx

"You alright?"

Jumping at the sudden intrusion, Olkar's eyes snapped up from his hands, only for his shoulders to go lax and grunted out, "You finally decided to make yourself known, Little Light?"

"I told you not to – whatever," The Ghost rolled her optic, "Look, I'm sorry I hid during that fight but, my kind aren't exactly what you call 'durable'."

Unable to say anything else but snort at the Ghost's words, Olkar turned his eyes towards the floor, resting his arms on his knees as he leaned back onto the crates.

Waiting, that's all he had been doing not long after Pure One was escorted away by that Medic and this 'Vanguard' entered. Seems they hold some kind of power, for no sooner had they spoken, words that Olkar could not understand, many of the Guardians within the Hangar dispersed. This allowed Lady Ixrsis and the others space to converse, and it wasn't long when Olkar reached the end of the vine. They will allow their stay long enough for them to repair their Ketch, given limited communications to reach the other rebellious Eliksni, and given enough supplies to reach their destination. All of which comes without debt, as long as the Eliksni 'behave themselves'.

Olkar couldn't help but scoff; Eliksni always keep their word, but will the Guardians do the same? 'Behave themselves' around his rebellious House? He thought peace was possible, but after seeing that escapade between Pure One and that blonde Titan, Olkar started to have doubts. Especially with the revelation that that same Guardian that had killed his dame and the last of his littermates still stood before them, alive.

Olkar huffed, burying his face into his knees. More than anything else he wants to rest but knowing that many of the Guardians around them still see him and his pack a threat, Olkar could not understand how Vellak and Axtris could sleep, let alone himself.

What would their sire do in their current predicament?

"Are you alright?" Olkar snapped his eyes up back towards the Ghost, the latter of which twisted her back fins in concern, "Is it because you lost your sire? Oraxsis, wasn't it?"

Quiet at her words, Olkar found himself sniffing before he answered, "No, well, yes, but." He sighed, "I am more concerned for Axtris and Vellak." Spotting the confused look in the Ghost's optic, he decided to clarify, "Father doted upon Axtris after my dame's death, and the two were close because of it. And Vellak…" He hesitated, his mind lingering back to when he was a young pup, watching in awe as his elder littermate would leap and swing across obstacles, "They say he may not walk again, at least, not without assistance."

Hearing nothing from the Ghost, Olkar then opted to shift his gaze elsewhere, his eyes lingering over where Ixrsis stood next to the broken Ketch, still in conversation with the three Guardians. The others of their pack had went inside, not wanting to further escalate the tension between themselves and the Lightbearers; Olkar had taken the chance to take some time and quiet for himself. He can't bear listening to his sister's aggrieved cries any longer.

"It may take some time, but I think they will be able to recover." The Ghost's words prompted Olkar to return his attention back to her, "It won't be easy, but I do know this." Her single lone optic fixed onto his gaze, "They will need the aid of their littermate during their recovery, and I don't think you can help them moping around like this."

Olkar made a face, "I am not- "

"You are outside, alone, pondering upon the wellbeing of your family." Olkar went silent, "And not to mention that you're all 'gloomy'. That," She hovered closer to his face, "is moping."

Frowning, Olkar retorted, "Be quiet." Then he huffed, and lowered his head, "However, you are not lying."

Hearing the fins of the Ghost shift, Olkar kept his eyes downward as he heard her say, "Gather your thoughts for a moment, build your confidence back, and then head inside and help your littermates. Who knows?" He jumped when the white shell of the Ghost appeared suddenly in front of him, prompting him to lean back as she lifted her shell into a Ghost equivalent of a smile, "They might need you to get themselves back onto their feet."

Olkar couldn't help a scoff, "Yes, my older littermate well known for killing Guardians singly handedly, and my younger littermate who is known for being able to recon 'any' area unharmed, even where the Dark Ones lurk, need 'my' help."

"So?" Olkar reeled at the Ghost's response, "Just because you have accomplished nothing does not mean your siblings don't need you. They are still your bloody family and you three only have each other now that your sire is gone."

Blinking at the Ghost, Olkar's shoulders dropped, his gaze returning back to the floor, "I, I cannot do it alone."

"Who says that you are going to be alone?"

Olkar pause, slowly lifting his eyes back towards the Ghost, "What?"

"I am staying with you." He wheezed at the Ghost's words, the latter of which spun her back fins in confidence, "and you cannot stop me." Olkar snapped his mouth shut, "You saved me from the Dark Ones. The least I can do is help you."

"But, but …" Olkar hesitated, "Your Guardian."

"I am not going to stop looking." The Ghost clarified, "wherever you go, I will be sure to keep my scanners up, but, for now." She gave him another smile, "I am 'your' Ghost."

Finding himself unable to say anything, all Olkar could do was hold out his hand, inviting the Ghost to settle into his palm. He smiled at this, "I am honored to have you at my side."

The Ghost beamed at him, "If it was my choice, I would have made you my Guardian, but…"

"Let me guess, I lack the light?"

"Yes."

Laughing at her downcast look, Olkar slid off his seat, "Does that mean I have the honor of giving you a name?"

The bright look that she sent his way was adorable, her optic glowing as her back fins spun in joy, "Only if you have one in mind."

Humming thoughtfully, Olkar brought her close to his chest, glancing down at her as he said, "How about, Trikxas?"

Immediately, the glow in the Ghost's optic faded, replaced with a look of bewilderment, "I recall you saying that Trikxas is your dame's name?"

Olkar nodded and then blinked, "Do you not like it?"

"No, no, I like it, it's just…" Olkar heard her pause, seeing her optic blink rapidly before she added, "Why are you giving me the honor of your dame's name?"

At first, confused by her question, Olkar leaned back and hummed thoughtfully, "Because she had always watched over, giving me words of wisdom when I needed it." He rumbled softly, "When I look at you, hear you speak, you remind me a lot of her."

Pausing, waiting to see her reaction, Olkar let out a breath of relief when he heard her whisper, "Trikxas." Then her optic went bright once more, "Trikxas, my name is Trikxas." She beamed at him, "Shall we head inside the ship, Olkar?"

The Vandal couldn't help a laugh, "Of course, Trikxas."

Xxxxx

Ace always had gotten passing comments from others, praise and suspicion on how they can easily read their Guardian. They always try their best to ignore such words; after all, a Ghost is no good if they cannot understand and read the mind of their Chosen. Which is why Ace stayed quiet when Ianos had retreated from the Hangar, rushing to his quarters as if possessed. In which, in Ace's perspective, it is a pretty accurate depiction.

The Warlocks' mind was a whirl of emotion: guilt, anger, grief, confusion. Why had he pulled the trigger? Leo deserved it, didn't he? But he was a young Guardian. But he had hurt Angel.

Ianos had rushed to the washroom, leaning over the sink, his hands gripping the sides. His helmet was still on of course, but Ace can easily sense the panic, the trepidation as he took in shaking breaths.

Ace took the opportunity to approach, "Ianos." They saw the Warlock jump at their call, prompting the Ghost to glide over and gently bump themselves onto the side of Ianos' helmet, "Do you want to talk?"

They then watched as Ianos lifted his head and gradually turned his gaze towards them, his expression unreadable behind the visor. Realizing that they weren't going to gain a response, Ace simply pressed themselves against the side of Ianos' helmet, whispering, "It's okay, you don't have to say anything. I'm right here."

The words seemed to be enough, Ace hearing their Guardian taking in a hitched breath before he collapsed onto his knees, his hands falling to his sides.

"She wouldn't stop laughing." The Ghost heard him murmur, "She wouldn't stop."

Their Guardian then raised his trembling hands, grasping the sides of his head as if it would stop the echoes of the past.

Ace couldn't help but let out a frustrated breath at this; more than anything they wish they knew what had happened to their Guardian, especially since it is giving Ianos so much duress. But for now, they are in the present, they will learn eventually what happened. Hopefully.

"Come on," They bumped into the side of Ianos' helmet once, "Let's take a bath."

And all for more than just to help relax his mind; Ace easily spots the vermillion blood of Fallen on their Guardian's cloak, along with the dust and dirt during their scuffle on the Ketch. Along with the damage, the Warlock is going to have to use another set of armor while this one is cleaned and repaired.

In response towards Ace's words, Ianos lifted his gaze towards the Ghost however, he didn't move, made no motion to even start undressing. A bit of coaxing then.

"Come on, we're in our quarters now," Ace murmured, "Matt didn't just design it for nothing, you know? It's a safe place for us."

Which is another thing they will have to repay Matt for later; he had already treated Ianos' condition and created armor that would keep the corrupting Darkness at bay. Between them and the Warlock, that would have been enough, but the Medic took a step further and designed them a room that would be accommodating for Ianos: pillars of light circulating the room to keep the Darkness in check and an extra space that held large tanks of drugs connect to vents on the floor to help dull the constant pain, hidden by a closed door. In other words, the only place besides the Medical Wing where Ianos could safely shed his armor.

As if realizing this, Ianos started undoing the front of his coat; slowly but relieving enough for Ace. While waiting for Ianos to finish undressing, Ace took it upon themselves to turn towards the tub and started filling it with warm water. Checking the sensors that were monitoring the temperature, Ace turned in time to watch Ianos toss the last of his grimy armor in the corner of the washroom, and the Ghost couldn't help but flinch when the light glinted off of faded scars across their Guardian's body.

It comes with age; Ace having seen in passing scarring upon Shaxx and Zavala when the pair were forced to the Medical Wing for physicals, and the Ghost knows that the two Titans were among the oldest, if not, 'the oldest', Titans currently within the Tower. After all, it is difficult to leave battles unscathed, even for the most hardened Veterans, and despite their light, even Guardians gain some scars. Especially against those of the Darkness.

The battles against the Hive were prominent against Ianos' body: thrall claw marks visible on his arms in an attempt to block their attacks, burns imprinted randomly around his body from the dark magic of the Wizards and Acolytes, and the broad cuts against his back and chest caused by strokes from the blades of the Knights. However numerous, what caught Ace the most were the scarring specifically on their Guardian's back.

Unlike the other scars, which were ragged, aimless, mostly struck in an attempt to kill, these looked more akin to only inflict pain, the strokes and burns carefully avoiding anything vital and too enclosed to be anything but an accident.

Seeing those marks makes Ace wish more than anything to know what had happened on the moon. All the Ghost remembers was that it all went horribly wrong, clearly recalling the screeches of the Thrall followed by the wails of the Wizards, the tunnels lighting up with gunfire, trying in a vain attempt to find a way out. And that out of the six that had entered, Ace only remembers Ianos and two others making it to the exit. One of the two, being the traitor.

"Ace."

The call of their name snapped Ace out of their thoughts, turning their attention to see that Ianos had already settled into the bath and was holding out a hand. Without waiting for the Guardian to say anything, Ace glided over and settled into Ianos' waiting palm. This prompted the Awoken to lean his head back and slide down until only his shoulders and were above the water, keeping his hands up near the surface to ensure Ace remains dry.

"Did we do the right thing?" Ace startled at Ianos' question, the Awoken's glowing, tired eyes fixating onto their optic, "Back then? With Wesley?"

"Of course!" Ace responded, "If we had let him live, who knows what he could have done." The Ghost then scoffed, "The only reason we are scorned for our actions is for the reason that no one knows the full story." Then then huffed, burying themselves into Ianos' hands, "If my data hadn't been corrupted then they would have believed us if we had reported everything." Sighing at this, Ace then shifted their optic and their fins upward, "But let us not dwell on such depressive thoughts. Just relax and enjoy your bath and not let Leo's words falter you."

Seeing Ianos blink and then nod at their words, Ace took it as a sign to glide out of their Guardians hand and make themselves at home on a nearby shelf, watching as Ianos closed his eyes and rested.

Xxxxx

Ixrsis found herself at a loss, staring blankly at the three Guardians before her as they continued to speak too swiftly in a language that she herself can barely fully comprehend. She had tried motioning for their Ghosts, but then quickly realized that, unlike the friends of Pure One, they do not have the sufficient translation of Eliksni within their core. As such, it was a relief when she spotted a familiar Hunter approach, "Pure One, you are feeling well, yes?"

Pure One, in turn, gave her a sheepish smile, "Need a bath but, yes, I am fine." Patting his breastplate to extenuate his words, the Captain then saw him glance around before giving her a puzzled look, "Where are the others?"

Ixrsis nodded her head towards the Ketch, "Safer inside Ketch, yes. Wanted to make sure no one else gets injured like you."

Pure One flinched at her words but nonetheless looked over her shoulder, "Let me guess, you need a translator?"

She rumbled softly and nodded, "Been trying to study the language of humans, but when you are a Captain, there is no such thing as 'free time', no."

This prompted a chuckle from Pure One, the younger Guardian nodding his head towards the three Guardians, "What do you want me to translate?"

"Tell them to speak slower." Ixrsis pleaded, "and if you can, transfer the language of my people into their Shards." She hunched down, whispering, "It is much easier when the Shards speak, yes."

Another laugh from Pure One, the Hunter nodding once before moving around her, Ixrsis turning and trailing his form as he approached the three Guardians, speaking too swiftly to them for her to completely understand his words. Nonetheless, whatever he had said seemed to finally have gone through the three for as soon as he stepped aside, one of them, a female if Ixrsis recognizes human biology, said slowly and fluently, "Our apologies, we did not mean to disrespect you, Lady Ixrsis. We had assumed that when you greeted us in our native tongue that you understood us completely."

"No apology. Forgiven," Ixrsis let out a breath of relief before waving a hand towards them, "Continue?"

"Right," the one made of metal – not a machine if Ixrsis can remember Pure One's words – spoke, "During this alliance, we will include trade. We will supply what you need as long as you do the same for us."

"Fair." Ixrsis nodded before she narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms, "Ether included? Yes?"

"Of course, such a valuable commodity won't be lost when it comes to your people." The third, the one that has skin that glows, answered, "and to help compensate for its scarcity, we are offering high rewards to Guardians who aids in its production."

Pleased with their words, Ixrsis recognized the confused looks upon their faces as she held up together fingers, "Two months."

"Two months?" The female repeated, "For repairs?" Ixrsis nodded in confirmation, "Why such a short period?"

Ixrsis couldn't help but click her mandibles; as if the answer wasn't obvious, "My people, everyone in my new House, agrees to alliance. All Guardians the same?"

"We shall ensure that no Guardian harms your House," The one that glows assures, "Not while they are in the Tower."

Although hearing the sincerity in his words, Ixrsis couldn't help but let out a low rumble, doubtful. Nonetheless, she nodded, a sign for her and the glowing one to grasp hands and shake. Afterwards, after releasing each other hands, they saluted, a sign of respect before finally, the three Guardians turned and left, no doubt to further deliberate with each other. For Ixrsis, she let out a sigh, glad that said meeting was over.

"Two months? You sure that is long enough?" She turned her attention towards Pure One, the latter of which narrowed his green eyes at her, "I understand why but, isn't that too short of a time period to repair the Ketch?"

Ixrsis couldn't help but growl at the Hunter's words, "We maybe a new house, but we are still capable, yes."

Pure One immediately held up his hands in apology, causing Ixrsis' gaze to soften and a sigh, pinching the bridge between her four eyes, "The others outside, we have made them wait for too long, yes? They must be worried." She lifted head, "From what I had been informed by Axtris, it already had been several days since she and Baron Oraxsis came to you for aid."

Nodding his head in understanding, Pure One then asked, "How is she doing by the way? And her littermates?"

"Mourning. Very sad." Ixrsis answered, "But Eliksni strong. All of us lost someone close to us and we all have moved on. She will do the same, yes." She then smiled at Pure One, "And lest not forget, she also has her brothers, yes. They strong as well."

Her words prompted a smile onto Pure One's face, Ixrsis spotting the tension in his shoulders fade before she heard say, "I have a question for you, Ixrsis."

Blinking at his request, she nodded, a sign for the Hunter to continue, "Now that you have broken away from the Devils, does your new House have a name?"

Ixrsis couldn't help but pause, tilting her head at his question as she hummed, "Until now, I had never thought to give my House a name." She then shrugged sheepishly, "A lot going on, yes."

A laugh from Pure One, "Well, if you can, tell me the name of the House before you leave." He then paused, a thoughtful look passing over his face, "If you thought of a name by then."

"Preposterous!" Ixrsis couldn't help but feel insulted, "I will think of a name before the month ends." She then paused and then sputtered, "O-Of course I have to confer with the rest of the House, it is no fair to them if I just chosen a name without their consent, yes."

Another laugh and a nod of agreement from Pure One, "If you or the others need anything, just come and tell me. I will try and arrange something with the Vanguard to make your stay comfortable."

"I thank you, Pure One." Ixrsis nodded before she shuffled side to side and rolled her shoulders, "However for now, shall we do what you humans call, 'catch up'? It has been a while, yes?"

It must have been a while, judging from the way Pure One's eyes went wide, his jaw slightly ajar before his shock was replaced with a smile, "Of course." He then nodded his head towards the damaged Ketch, "You first?"

Now it was Ixrsis' turn to laugh before she shook her head and gestured with a hand towards him, "Not much has happened since we last spoke, you however, seem to have a lot to tell."

"You mean between crashing my ship into a Ketch or boring patrols through the Cosomodrome? Yes, I have 'plenty to tell."

The smile on Ixrsis' face grew broader.

Xxxxx

Xxxxx

Xxxxx

Crossing his arms as he watched Ixrsis load the last of the supplies onto the Ketch, Angel then asked, "So, this is farewell?"

He couldn't help but feel disappointment when the Captain turned and gave him a nod, "All we have now is to strap the crates down before we take flight."

"Right." Angel grumbled under his breath, "I know we are going to keep contact but- "

Ixrsis held up a hand, halting Angel mid-sentence, "Before we say our temporary farewells, there is something I must inform you, yes."

Angel couldn't help but raise a brow at this, "Oh?"

Seeing the larger Eliksni motion for him to follow, Angel couldn't help but be curious when he followed her to the entryway of the Ketch, coming to a pause just at the bottom of the ramp. He then wheezed when he spotted the familiar forms of Vellak, Olkar, and Axtris, the eldest using the younger two as leverage to make their way down.

"They aren't going with you?" He choked at Ixrsis' nod, "Why?"

"They were very insistent on staying." Ixrsis answered, turning her four eyes to the littermates as the three came to a pause near some crates, helping Vellak lean on them as she continued, "Said they need to repay their debts."

"But – " Angel started.

"And to keep the promise of their sire." He clamped his mouth shut, "They have made a vow with Baron Oraxsis to protect you, since you are the beacon of this alliance." Ixrsis turned her four eyes towards him, her expression serious, "If you die, so does this treaty between my House and the Tower, yes?"

Opening his mouth to retort her words, Angel paused, glancing back and forth between the three Eliksni and Ixrsis before he let out a sigh of defeat, nodding, "Right." He then suddenly snapped to attention, his eyes wide, "Ether! What about ether?!" Angel gave Ixrsis a desperate look, "The Tower doesn't exactly have a Servitor to process it."

"That is why we are leaving one here." Angel gawked at Ixrsis, "We shall leave it here for you once we leave. Vellak will teach you how it functions." She then leaned over, whispering, "If you want, I can also teach you quickly on how to modify the ether amounts, give them enough for them to be Captains."

"That's up to them, not me." He blurted, frantically turning his attention back towards the smaller Eliksni, "I don't know if this is a good idea. I am not sure if they will be safe here, especially for Vellak." Angel couldn't help but let the concern surface, "The Guardians will surely take advantage of his weakness."

"Do not fret over Vellak, he has Olkar and Axtris, yes." Angel gave Ixrsis a blank look, "And do not worry if Vellak causes damage as well, he is not here to fight."

Angel paused, "What?"

"Vellak volunteered to be the scribe of our House." He blinked at the Captain's words, "He will write down what occurs here and sends what he records over to us, yes." Ixrsis rumbled softly, reaching down to the pack around her waist, quickly slipping her hand in and out before holding it out towards him. Raising a brow at the Captain, Angel reached out and carefully took what she had in her hands into his.

It was a metallic spherical object, small enough in Ixrsis' hand for her to hide it in one hand, but barely big enough for Angel to grasp it in his palm.

He blinked at it, "What is it?"

"A communicator?" Ixrsis responded, her eyes lifting into a smile, "Just push here like this." She then reached over, and, in Angel's eyes, her fingers seemed to glide over the surface. However, he heard the familiar sound of buttons being pressed, and it didn't take long for his sight to adjust and spot certain surfaces press down. Angel took note to fiddle with it later, and then yelped when Ixrsis took her hand away, only for sphere to split and expand, slipping his hands away as his mind screamed danger. Instead of falling, it hovered, flickering momentarily before familiar rectangular statics of light flashed around it.

"Use this whenever you feel the need to speak to me," Angel blinked at the object as he heard Ixrsis laughed and added, "Not matter where I am, or what I am doing, I will do my best to respond, even if I am now Kell of our new House, yes." She then held out a hand, pressing the parts of the sphere until it was back into its former shape, the lights flickering off and falling harmlessly back into her palm.

Taking it back once she held it back to him, Angel then heard her continue, "If it makes you feel any better, I gave the three one as well." She gestured her head towards Vellak, Axtris and Olkar, "I know the dangers of the Tower for my people, so I thought best to give them one, yes."

Letting out a breath of relief, Angel nodded before flashing her a grateful smile, "I thank you for this gift, Ixrsis."

Feeling his heart leap at the sight of her beaming at him, Angel then held the sphere up to Hope, the Ghost taking the object into his Vault before he smirked and crossed his arms, "Since you are about to leave, tell me."

He couldn't help but chuckle when Ixrsis tilted her head, her eyes scrunching together in bewilderment, "Don't tell me you have forgotten already?"

"What do you mean?"

Angel let out an exaggerated gasp, pressing a hand against his chest, feigning insult, "Ixrsis, don't you remember? The name? Your House?"

"Oh!" Ixrsis' eyes lit up, laughter clicking from her mandibles, "Of course, foolish me." She gave Angel a fond smile, "It took us a long while, however, we finally agreed upon the name, House of Spirits, yes."

The Captain then gave him a smug look, "Which brings up your next gift."

"Another? For me?" Angel gave her an incredulous look as she reached back into her pack, only for him to take in a hitched breath as she pulled out a cloak, the Eliksni taking a step back and holding it up for him to view. It was white and lined with silver, the light glinted off of a shape of feathered wings imprinted in the middle. An obvious homage.

"At first, we were unsure of what our symbol will be." Ixrsis admitted as she carefully folded the cloak before tenderly holding it out for Angel to take, "But then we decided that it has to be related to you, Pure One, as to honor you."

Unable to form words, Angel found himself unable to say anything and instead, carefully took the cloak into his hands; Ixrsis must have took it as a sign to continue, "All of us looked into the database on the meaning of your name but, all we could find were humans with wings. So, we improvised, yes."

"I am honored by your gift." Angel managed to choke out, forcing himself to look away from the cloth and flashing Ixrsis a smile through tears, "I shall treasure it dearly."

A purr can be heard from Ixrsis and before Angel knew it, he found all four of her arms wrapped around him, pulling him against her chest. At first, surprised by this gesture, Angel allowed himself to relax, pressing his head against Ixrsis and wrapping his free arm around her the best he could.

"I'll miss you." He sniffed.

"I as well."

Feeling Ixrsis pull away, Angel forced himself not to reach out, forcing his hands down and once again smiled at the Captain, "Are those tears I see? This isn't the last time we'll see each other you know."

The larger Eliksni jumped, startled by his words, but then she growled at him, her eyes glistening as she admitted, "That does not mean it makes saying farewell easy, no?" He then heard her mandibles click together, "Although I see here that I am not the only one crying."

"Shut up."

Unable to help a chuckle as Angel heard Ixrsis laugh, he used the back of his free hand to wipe away any tears before saying, "When we see each other again, we'll tell each other stories, like old times." He then gave her a broad grin, "I want to hear how things will turn out with you as Kell."

A chuff can be heard from Ixrsis, "Knowing me, chaotic."

"Lady Ixrsis!"

Snapping his attention over Ixrsis' shoulder as the latter turned, a Vandal could be seen standing at the top of the ramp, waving the Captain over.

"It is time for us to depart."

A slump of the shoulders followed by a rumble of disappointment, Angel couldn't help but mimic Ixrsis but nonetheless, forced out a light-hearted smile, "Until we meet again, take care of yourself."

Ixrsis snorted as she turned and gave him a playful shove, prompting Angel to laugh as she said, "As long as you do the same." Afterwards, she leaned down and lightly tapped her head against his before turning and started her way up the ramp, already barking out orders.

Taking the opportunity to distance himself from the Ketch, Angel stood by as ships engines burned to life, lifted into the air, and flew into the sky. Keeping his eyes on the Ketch until it disappeared, Angel let out a sad sigh before turning his focus towards the three Eliksni, the oldest of which was speaking to the younger two. From his position, Angel could easily see the white and silver cloaks wrapped around their shoulders and he decided that it was a good opportunity to slip on his.

"We will have to make some space to accommodate them." He heard Hope speak as he undid his old one from his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor; a soft hum signified to him that the Ghost had already picked it up, "and find that Servitor that Ixrsis was talkin' about."

"Should be nearby." Angel said as he unfolded the cloak in his arms and threw it over his shoulders, glancing down at the edges; no buttons, so tying it into a knot it is, "Although I'm more worried about how the other Guardians will react to seeing 'three' Eliksni in the Tower." He then frowned, "I cannot help but think some will try and take advantage of Vellak's weakened state, after all, he did kill a lot of them."

A sigh can be heard from Hope, "Guess we still have work to do." Angel then heard her snicker, "And Ixrsis claims that the three of them are supposed to keep an eye on us. The irony."

Flashing his Ghost a smile, Angel gave the ends of his new cloak one final tug, ensuring that the knot was tight and then turned to Hope, "How do I look?"

A hum could be heard from Hope as she glided around him, her green optic scanning his form, "Flashy, as all Hunters are."

Giving her a pout, Angel swiped at a hand at her, only for his Ghost to laugh as she easily ducked, "Come on, let's talk to Vellak and the others so we can figure out how much Ether they will need, not to mention I don't see a Servitor anyway."

"Must be hidin'," Hope chirped as she followed Angel, humming along as the pair approached the littermates.

I feel like the ending was rushed but I didn't know how to end it properly... Anyway, this is the end of the Fallen Rebel Arc (if you want to call it that). It took a lot longer than I had anticipated lol. Don't worry, this isn't the end of the story, more chapters to come C: