Tormented

We're Going Where Now?

Hey guys! I have decided to let other people's characters make an appearance in my story. However, they will only appear in one chapter and more than likely not play a big role in the story (more like they will have interactions with the main characters), just to be fair for everyone. If you want your character to make an appearance in the story, just send a private message to me with their information such as Name, Class, Race, Personality, etc. and I will figure out a point in the story where they will make an appearance.. Also, just because you send me your character quickly does not mean they will gain a part immediately. They might appear in the next chapter or the next three chapters so if your character gets accepted, don't expect them to make an appearance immediately. And a fair warning. Just because you sent me a character does not mean that they 'will' have an immediate role in the story. I'm sorry a head of time but I would rather the story go in a smooth line than diverting the path of the story just to somehow get your character in here. So again, apologies ahead of time.

Uryurkos - Thanks so much for the reviews. It really helps me out on the plotholes and small details. Really appreciate it ^_^

Edited: 07/27/2021

During the reedit of the story, I decided to make the decision to remove guest characters, mainly for the reason that I realize that it messed with the flow of the story. Thus, if you had a character and noticed their abscence, that is why.

"Considerin' that we have done this before, can't you reload any faster!?"

"Shut up!"

Gritting his teeth as he fumbled to shove a clip into his hand cannon, Angel's heart beat hard within his chest as he heard footsteps approach. Feeling the clip finally click inside, Angel then stood up from his hiding spot, turned the corner and lifted his arm to aim.

Only to stare down a barrel of a scout rifle.

Taking in a harsh breath as his eyes settled over the opposing Warlock, Angel then heard Hope whisper, "I told you to reload after that last kill."

Sending waves of silent cursing at his Ghost, Angel clenched his jaw as he saw the Warlock's finger started to press pressure onto the trigger.

As he expected, a gunshot rang through the air. However, what he had not expected was the Warlock to let out a startled shout and reeled back, the familiar sparks of light signifying a broken shield. That is when Angel spotted Carina's silver clad form, pumping the shotgun she has in her hands before aiming and firing once more. This was enough to send the Warlock sprawling to the ground and it wasn't long after that their Ghost materialized just above them.

That is when Carina let out a whistle, "It's been how many weeks now?" Angel can see her smile through her visor, "What rank are you again?"

"Shut up." Angel growled, rubbing his arm sheepishly as he felt heat rise to his cheeks, "I told you that I am not great in the Crucible."

"And that." Carina chirped, "Is why I am going to keep dragging you in here until you are."

Groaning at her words, relief then settled over Angel's shoulders as his HUD shifted to show 'Victory' within his visor, and then followed by Shaxx's words resounding through the Pantheon.

"You are going to get me killed." Was all the time he had to say before transmat took them away.

"Well, you had to admit, Angel was doing well up until the end." Akiva laughed, prompting Aleeza to do the same, "He shouldn't have wasted his sniper ammo trying to hit that one Hunter. Otherwise, I bet he would have been able to keep his distance with that Warlock."

Ianos simply shrugged at the Titan's words, crossing his arms as he said, "Some days go better than the others." He should know, he had been an avid participant in the Crucible in the past, "although he shouldn't have lost focus, considering that he knows how to use a knife."

Finally turning his eyes away from the screen as Akiva snorted, Ianos started to head towards the Plaza and leaving the designated viewing area. He didn't have to look back to see the twins follow.

Casually walking down the steps, Ianos made it to the landing pad in time to see the familiar white and copper forms of Angel and Carina as they materialized into view, stumbling over their feet as they landed, and glancing up at him as he came to a pause nearby.

"Enjoyed the match?" Carina asked as she tilted her head back just enough to press against the sealant of her helmet, the head piece letting out a small hiss before she slipped it off and tucked it under her arm. Angel copied her movements, "How did we do?"

"Still room for improve-ack!"

Taking a step away from Aleeza, Ianos glowered at her as he pressed a hand to his side, eyeing the female Wahl's elbow as she flashed him a sweet smile and turned her attention towards Carina.

"It was enjoyable, especially when the two of you worked together in the beginning." Aleeza said.

"Yes, until that Titan forced us to split." Angel sighed, slouching, "it was scary without Carina watching my back."

"Hey, we had four other members in our team," Carina retorted, "They had you." She then paused at the blank stare Angel pointed her way, "Then again, they were off running around the Pantheon." She chuckled nervously, "It was kind of difficult to keep track of them."

That is when Angel let out another sigh, prompting Akiva to walk over and give the Hunter a gentle pat on the shoulder, "Do not worry Angel, you will get the hang of running around the Crucible solo." He flashed him a smile, "Not everyone starts out performing well, you know?"

The look on Angel's was full of doubt, "Say that to Carina."

"What?" Carina gave the Hunter an incredulous loo, "I don't do well in the Crucible."

"That ten kill streak you had in the previous match?" Angel pointed out, "Or the time when you wiped out an entire team with your Fist of Havoc. Or when you rushed in and took out another team with your shotgun. Or – "

"I get it, I get it." Carina interrupted, smiling sheepishly, "Geez, I didn't get that way overnight, you know?"

"Better than me at least."

Raising a brow at the sullen expression on Angel's face, Ianos then spotted Carina approach and couldn't help but wince when she slapped the Hunter's back. The young Hunter let out an audible wheeze, coughing as Carina said, "Spend as much time in the Crucible like me and you will get better." If she noticed his coughing, she showed no sign of it as the Titan smiled, "You never know, maybe you will be better than me someday."

"Doubt it but, thanks for the voice of confidence."

"You are welcome!"

Unable to help but feel amused at the two young lights, Ianos then heard Akiva laugh and say, "Come on, let's celebrate your victory. I recently bought some fish, my treat."

"I am afraid that will have to wait."

Turning towards the stairs in the Plaza, Ianos couldn't help but raise a brow when the familiar black and grey clad form of Pluto approached, Nix hovering just behind him.

"The Vanguard have a mission for us."

Scowling at Pluto's words, it was Aleeza who beat him to his question, "A mission? For us? I thought we were a 'freelance' group."

"I tried refusing, trust me." Pluto's head shifted to the side, an action that Ianos recognizes as him rolling his optics behind his makeshift blindfold, "however, according to Ikora, we are living within the Tower and as such, 'still under Vanguard jurisdiction'."

Ianos heaved out a sigh at this, shaking his head, "In other words, we have no other choice but to accept." He then forced himself to look up at Pluto, "Did they debrief you?"

"They said they will inform us of the mission once all of us are gathered." Once again, Ianos frowned at Pluto's words, "Said it would be more efficient if we were all present."

"Why would they need all of us to be present?" It was Angel who asked the question, a puzzled look upon the young Hunter's face, "Usually they just tell you or Ianos and get the two of you to inform us."

"Must be confidential then." Ianos said, everyone turning to look his way, "The Hall is known to be the safest place to hand out information for the reason that it is constantly swept for bugs."

"Not to mention that if the Vanguard wants privacy, it can be enclosed with no worry about information slipping." Pluto added, following Ianos' scowl, "The mission must be of great importance."

Unable to hold in his sigh, Ianos shook his head again before saying, "Let us be off then. The sooner we are debriefed, the sooner we can handle and accomplish this mission."

Seeing Pluto nod in agreement to his words, the Hunter then turned and walked up the steps, prompting Ianos and the others to follow.

"You know, the six of you should really create a name for your Fireteam." Cayde hummed as Ianos and the others entered the room, "Would be easier for us to call you instead of trying to find your frequency, especially the two of you." The Hunter pointed at Pluto an Ianos, "It's like the two of you ignore us on purpose."

Biting back his tongue to say that they do, Ianos instead gave Cayde a blank stare behind his visor, "This mission, what is it?"

A breath can be heard from Ikora, the Warlock shaking her head subtly side to side. Nonetheless, she answered, "As you can gather, this mission is of great importance, for both the Tower, and the Reef."

Ianos raised a brow at her words, "The Reef?"

A nod from Ikora followed by Zavala stepping in, "The Tower has been trying for years to have a fixed alliance with the Reef. We are almost there, however, a problem has surfaced."

"Problem?" Ianos repeated as he crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at the Vanguard, "What kind of problem?"

"Unfortunately, that is information we cannot disclose here." Ianos scowled at Zavala's words, "However, you will be debriefed when you reach the Reef."

That is when Ianos went stiff, his eyes going wide at the Vanguard Commander's words.

"E-Excuse me." It was Aleeza who spoke, the female Awoken stuttering out, "Did you say 'we' are heading to the Reef?"

"Correct." Ikora confirmed, "The six of you are going to act as Emissaries for the Reef, to confer directly to the Queen in an effort to finalize the treaty between the Tower and the Awoken."

"And what makes you think we can accomplish that?" Aleeza blurted out the question that lingered on Ianos' tongue, "You know as well as I do that the Awoken on the Reef aren't exactly trustful towards those who come from earth, 'especially' Guardians."

That is when a small smile formed onto Ikora's face, causing a pit of suspicion to form in forefront of Ianos' mind, "We have a solution for that." He then froze when her golden eyes turned towards him, and him specifically, "Isn't that right Ianos?"

Feeling a chill run up the length of his spine, Ianos gave the Warlock Vanguard the blandest look he could must behind his visor, "I have no idea what you are referring."

Ikora tutted at his words, "My informants are quite accurate when it comes to information, Ianos, and it is known amongst the Hidden that you are Reefborn."

There was a brief pause, Ianos narrowing his eyes at Ikora as he tightened his grip around his arms, "That was private information."

A ghost of a smile passed over Ikora's dark features, "There is a reason why they are called "The Hidden", Ianos."

Frowning at her words, it took Ianos only a mere moment to remember that Eris is a part of Ikora's informants. Right, it had slipped his mind that the Ex-Hunter is still under Ikora's command. He let out a breath at this, "And? There are other Awoken Guardians who originate from the Reef."

"The reason is that we believe that this is the perfect opportunity for Titan Carina and Hunter Angel to venture beyond Earth's atmosphere."

That is when Ianos froze, quiet as he ground his teeth together at Zavala's words. He glared at the Vanguard Commander.

"They're not ready." He ignored the sound of offense he heard near him, "It has hardly been two years since their resurrection. It is too soon."

"Excuse me!?"

Carina's voice suddenly cut off, more than likely an intervention by one of the others. Although hearing her indignation, he opted to ignore her and instead focused his attention on the Vanguard, waiting for a retort.

"Warlock Ianos," It was Ikora, "I understand your concern, however, you cannot shelter Hunter Angel and Titan Carina forever." He winced at her words, "During their stay here at the Tower, they had shown that they are capable Guardians, I am sure they can handle themselves when it comes to leaving Earth." Her eyes then glanced between him and Pluto, "And not to mention I believe that they are more than safe in your hands."

Biting back a snarl, Ianos gritted his jaw and then took in a trembling breath; he can already tell that no matter what he says, the Vanguard already has made their decision. Despite knowing this, he retorted, "Have you forgotten that I have not been to the Reef in 'years'? What if my relation to them does not work?

"Then you still have to do everything within your power to ensure the treaty is in place." Ianos couldn't help but glare at Ikora as the latter continued, "Accomplish it anyway you can without starting a war with the Awoken."

Finding his temper flaring at Ikora, Ianos attempted to take a step forward, only for a hand to halt his movements. He glanced back to look onto Pluto.

"Easier said than done." Pluto stated as he pulled Ianos back, "When do we leave?"

"As soon as you are able." Ianos shifted his glare back towards the Warlock Vanguard, "Normally I would advise leaving now however, since your stay in the Reef will be awhile-"

"A while!?" Carina shouted, "How long is a while?"

"As long as it takes to get that treaty finalized." Ianos couldn't suppress the groan at Ikora's words, "as such, we have decided to give you some time to gather supplies for your stay at the Reef."

"It will be a long stay." Cayde piped in, "So, during that time, come up with a Fireteam name, yeah?"

"Cayde."

Seeing the aforementioned Exo simply give Zavala a smile and a wave of his fingers, Ianos watched as the Vanguard Commander simply shook his head and giving himself a turn to speak, "Until your safe return from the Reef, you are hereby dismissed." He then nodded his head once towards Ianos and the others, "May the Light aid you."

Ianos is upset.

It was obvious from the sound of his heavy footsteps, his light flaring in Pluto's senses.

"Is the kid going to be alright?"

Tilting his head in Akiva's direction, Pluto at first remained silent, allowing himself to stay at a distance from Ianos as the Warlock took the lead. He can easily sense the void light lingering around the Awoken's form.

"He just needs some time to let off some steam." Pluto finally said, listening to the hum of Nix hovering just above his shoulder, "He is just frustrated that the Vanguard is sending us to the Reef."

"You mean angry that the Vanguard is sending us despite him thinking that Angel and I are 'not' ready." Pluto doesn't need the function of his sight to know that Carina rolled her optics, "Can't he have more faith in us?"

"He will, once you reach a decade." Pluto couldn't help a chuckle at the sound of Carina's impatience, "Just be patient, Ianos only says those things because you are young. He is just worried that you and Angel are not experienced enough when it comes to missions outside of Earth's atmosphere."

"Well, he has a weird way of showing it," Carina grumbled, prompting another smile from Pluto.

"Is going to the Reef really dangerous?" It was Angel who asked, his curiosity all too familiar to the Hunter's receptors, "I heard that they are 'aggressive' when it comes to outsiders."

Pluto hummed at that, "Personally I have never gone to the Reef however, I have heard from others that if you do not identify yourself quickly enough when entering their space, they will fire upon you."

"Yikes." It was Carina again, "Territorial much?"

"More like an isolated race that trusts no one." Akiva remarked, Pluto hearing the human Titan chuckle before adding in, "Which, I have to ask, Aleeza, anything you know that could help us here?"

"Me?" The Warlock in question sputtered, "I wasn't around long enough to really learn anything."

A sound of disappointment from Akiva, "Nothing?"

"Akiva." Aleeza's exasperation can be heard, "My memory is muddled as it is. The only thing I can remember not long after being reborn as an Awoken is that many others and I built and ship and tried to get back to Earth. And failed."

Listening to Akiva grumble under his breath, Pluto hummed at Aleeza's words, "Well, that means we are just as informed as anyone else about them: territorial and secretive."

"That's unfortunate." Akiva commented, "Hey Ianos –"

"Not now."

A cluck of the tongue can be heard from the Titan, "Well, there goes that idea."

Snorting at Akiva's egregious attempt to gather info, Pluto then decided to step in, "I think you should worry less about understanding the Awoken and worry more about how Neve will react to you leaving the Tower for an extended period of time."

There was a brief moment of silence after his words which was then quickly followed with a curse and a brush of movement rushing past his form; judging from the way Aleeza was chuckling, it didn't take much to gather that it was Akiva.

"She's going to be upset." Aleeza practically sang before she skipped after her brother, Pluto following her with his blind gaze, a brow raised.

"Wait," Carina's voice piped up, "If we're going to be gone for a while. Angel, what's going to happen to your Eliksni friends? Are they going to come with you?"

No sooner had Carina's question left her lips when there was a sputter followed by a rush of footsteps. There was a shout from Carina and Pluto heard her footsteps rush after her Hunter friend. Pluto couldn't help but be slightly amused.

That is when he heard a huff. Shifting his attention towards Ianos, Pluto slowly came to a halt himself when he realized the Awoken had come to a stop. Listening to the sound of grinding teeth and tense breathing, Pluto then said, "Let me guess? You want to throw the Vanguard off the side of the Tower?"

"Too good for them."

Snorting at Ianos' answer, Pluto took it as a sign to take steps closer until he felt he was shoulder to shoulder with the Awoken; judging from the bustling sound of activity around them, Pluto could take a guess that they were in the Plaza. No where else would be this busy in the Tower.

"You do remember that the Vanguard has limited power?" Pluto heard Ianos grumble at his words, "Perhaps it was not they who came to the conclusion of sending us to the Reef, but the Consensus?"

He could feel the blank stare he received from Ianos, "I would tend to believe that, except it seems like a unanimous agreement between the Vanguard."

Pluto mused at this; recalling how the three were acting, he could see the truth in Ianos' words.

"True," He admitted, "but you seemed very adamant against going."

There was a brief moment of silence, Pluto sensing hesitation permeating round Ianos before the Warlock responded, "Angel and Carina are not ready."

Tilting his head in response to the Warlock's word, Pluto decided to remain quiet, silently assessing before retorting, "Is it because they are not ready? Or perhaps you do not want to head to the Reef?"

No sooner had the words left his mouth when Ianos went quiet once more and this time, he heard footsteps walk away from him. Frowning at being accurate in his assessment, Pluto followed after the Warlock, coming to a pause when he heard his fellow Guardian come to a pause. Scans from Nix showed him images of Ianos leaning against the railings in the Plaza, eyes staring at towards the City.

Pluto came to a pause just next to him.

"Is there a reason why you are hesitant to venture to the Reef?" He asked.

Another brief permeance of silence, Pluto listening to Ianos shift nervously. Finally, he received an answer.

"I am not certain why." Ianos admitted, "However, something, a feeling, is telling me to veer away from it."

Raising a brow at this, Pluto pondered upon Ianos' words. If he was anyone else, they would have simply shrugged Ianos' words as paranoia, nervous upon returning to a home that he had more than likely left years ago. However, Pluto had learned over the years that when Ianos has a feeling, a premonition, it is best to acknowledge it. The Hunter had lost count how many times Ianos' 'bad feeling' had come to fruition.

As such, instead of ignoring Ianos' worries, Pluto leaned against the railing and said, "Then we best prepare for the worse."

Another huff however, unlike this one, there was ease to it, and the flickering anger of light slowly diminished.

"May the Traveler help us all." Ianos said.

Snorting at the Warlock's words, Pluto reached out and placed a hand onto Ianos' shoulder, "Come, let us prepare for our journey."

"You're not upset?"

"Why would I be upset?" Akiva watched as Neve crossed her arms, her aqua blue eyes narrowed, "It is not uncommon for Guardians to leave the Earth's atmosphere. I'm just," That is when she let out a breath, closing her eyes as Akiva noted the way her hands gripped tight onto her arms, "I am just disappointed. And worried."

Taking in her words, Akiva found himself staring unable to find anything to say. Honestly, knowing her history, Akiva thought she would have thrown a fit, raging within her and her team's apartment when he released the news to her. After all, patrolling the Earth was already dangerous, anything outside of the planet's atmosphere just increases the risks by tenfold.

"My team will be with me." Akiva finally decided to say, "I will be fine."

Neve snapped her eyes open, a scowl clear on her fair features; apparently that wasn't the correct thing to say.

"You are heading to the 'Reef'." She retorted, "'Despise' is an understatement when it comes to the Awoken's feelings towards the Guardians."

Akiva blinked once and then raised a brow, "Truly?"

Neve turned and gave him a blank look, "It is not uncommon for Guardians visiting the Reef to encounter 'accidents'. 'Serious' accidents." She squeezed her eyes shut, "Their home, the Reef. It is located on the outermost edges of the light, just near the darkness. What if…"

Waiting for her to finish, Akiva found himself furrowing his brows together as he received silence instead and found himself reaching out and placing a hand onto Neve's shoulder. This prompted her to open her eyes and look up at him, her blue eyes locking onto his gold.

"Neve." He started, "I promised you on the day when we agreed to unity that I would always return from missions. Alive." Akiva then cupped her cheek, smiling gently at her, "This mission is no different from the others. And, if an Awoken tries to put me in an accident, well," He then leaned over and pressed a kiss to her forehead, easing back, "Let us just say that the outcome will be 'different'."

At first, Neve kept her eyes on him, causing Akiva to suck in a breath, worried that, once again, he had said the wrong thing. He then let out a breath of relief when Neve herself let out a sigh and leaned into his touch.

"I know. I just cannot help but worry." She admitted as she closed her eyes again, "I just do not want to lose another I love."

Wryly smiling at her words, Akiva leaned in once again, this time lowering his hand away from her cheek so that his lips pressed against it. He then wrapped his arms around her shoulders, "Do not worry, you are the reason why I fight to stay alive." Akiva hummed softly as he closed his eyes, "Just to see your face, it is enough."

He heard a chuckle permeate from Neve, feeling her wrap her arms beneath his arms and back, "If that is how you feel, then I believe it is the best time to tell you."

Akiva snapped his eyes open, unwinding his arms from Neve so he could lean back to look at her, "Best time? To tell me what?"

That is when Neve smiled up at him, causing his confusion to grow. His eyes then grew wide when she slid his hands onto his and slowly ad gently brought them to her stomach.

"Are, are you…?" He breathed out.

"Three months." Neve answered, prompting Akiva to snap his eyes back up to her face, spotting the nervous but soft smile on her fair face, "I sensed life during the first month but I didn't want to have false hope, so I went to Matt and…" Akiva felt her hands go tight around his, "We're going to be parents, Akiva." Tears formed in the corner of her eyes, "Parents."

At her words, Akiva felt his heart burst, opening and closing his mouth in an attempt to find words. In the end, he pulled Neve into an embrace, the edges of his eyes burning as let out a shuddering breath.

"Parents." He finally managed to say, leaning down and burying his face into Neve's shoulders, "Parents."

"What do you mean we have to stay!?" Angel couldn't help but flinch at Axtris' shout, the female Vandal growling as she added, "Why is Vellak able to go but not Olkar and I!?"

Angel suppressed a sigh; a difficult task as he can felt Hope's exasperation through their bond. He could just tell her it's because the Vanguard commanded it but, that would be a difficult lie to keep face when he shares his quarters with the three Eliksni. Of course, they all have separate rooms, courtesy of the Vanguard, but that does not mean every word can be kept private.

As if sensing his trepidation, Vellak took a step forward; or at least, a best step he could take, wobbling slightly as he leaned against his staff for support.

"Axtris." His snarl momentarily reigned her into silence, "Have you already forgotten about that the Ashen Ones living beyond the light are not tolerable towards our people?" Angel heard Axtris mumble under her breath as Vellak continued, "If all three of us to go, what is to say that those beyond the light will react negatively to our presence?"

"But why you and not Olkar or I?!" Angel sucked in a breath at the female Eliksni's words; he already knows here this was going, "The two of us at least is capable of defending Pure One if he were to be in danger, but you-"

A roar reverberated from Vellak, prompting not just Angel, but the other Eliksni to shrink back; the eldest Eliksni's eyes glowed bright against his skin.

"No need to remind me of my 'condition', sister," Vellak warned, Angel watching as Axtris lowered herself to the floor, her mandibles clicking together, "I am very aware of it."

Listening to Vellak rumble in frustration, Angel decided to step in, holding up his hands as he looked up at the eldest Eliksni, "Vellak."

Watching as his four eyes narrowed in response to his call, Vellak simply let out a huff before taking a clumsy step back, allowing Axtris the space to pick herself off the floor. She kept her head bowed in submission.

Letting out a sigh at this, Angel then called out, "Axtris." She lifted her head up, "I understand your frustration however, Vellak is right. From what I have heard, the Awoken beyond the reaches of the light hardly tolerate the Eliksni and the ones they do tolerate are enslaved." He ignored the way Olkar flinched at his words, "Between the three of you, he is less physically imposing." Angel smiled sheepishly as he heard Vellak huff nearby, "and he is also a Scribe, with his attire and look, the Awoken will see him as less of a threat and more than likely, tolerate his presence."

Which was true, Vellak had decided to dress himself in cloth garments, ridding himself of almost anything that resembles leather or steel; to erase any doubts of his 'retirement' from combat and his full acceptance as the 'scholar' of the House of Spirits.

For other two however, to Angel it seemed the pair had 'upgraded' their armor. For Olkar, had had taken a liking to heavier set armor, to take more hits as he rushes into battle although at the cost of speed. Axtris on the other hand, had thrown aside sturdier armor and went for more for leather and thinner strips of steel to keep her agility.

The only thing that had remained the same amongst the three of them was Trikxas, the Ghost hovering idly just near Olkar's shoulder, loyal as always.

"But," Angel couldn't suppress his sigh at the start of Axtris' statement, "He doesn't follow you to the Great valley. Or the Lost Shores. Or –"

"That is because they are all the same. Patrol. Clear. Get out." Angel couldn't help but frown, "I doubt a Scribe will write down the same event over and over."

Seeing Axtris' posture slouch and then grumble under her breath, "But do you have to put us under the care of the Flames? Especially since the Angry One despises us?"

Angel raised a brow at her words, "You mean Leo?" This earned him a nod, "That is exactly why I am placing you under the care of Fireteam Blaze. Unlike most of the Guardians, Neve and the others agree with the alliance between the Tower and the Spirit. Not to mention that since Leo is part of their team, he will always be under watch." That is when Angel decided to flash the two Eliksni a soft smile, "You two will be safe with them."

Although Axtris mumbled and nodded glumly, Angel decided that the lack of complaint is a victory before turning and motioning for Vellak to follow. As he left the room, Angel failed to notice Olkar leaning over and whispering into his sister's ear, and the smile that formed onto her features.

Taking a reluctant step into the Hangar, Ianos couldn't help but let out a breath as his eyes scanned the ships, only to sense a familiar stirring within his mind.

"Nervous returning home?"

"The Reef is 'not' my home." Ianos frowned at Ace's words, "Just because I was born there does not make it so." He gestured with his head towards the Hangar, "The Tower is my home now and, despite what they say, the Guardians here are my family."

"Aw, so you do care?"

Snapping his head around, Ianos couldn't help the scowl as he recognized Carina skipping his way, the others following closely behind her. Parting his lips to retort at her statement, Ianos paused as his eyes lingered over the limping but towering form of Vellak, "Why is he here?"

"House Scribe of the House of Spirits." Angel responded just as the group came to a slow halt just near him, "Vellak is here to record anything that's important while we're at the Reef."

"Meaning he will record when all things go well," Pluto said, the Exo rubbing the back of his head, "Especially with the recent rumors coming from the Reef."

"Rumors?" Angel repeated, turning his attention towards the older Hunter, "What rumors?"

"There was an 'incident' where many Awoken were found dead." Ianos blinked at Pluto's answer, "From what I had heard, it was a fellow Guardian however, there has been no fixed evidence yet to properly convict them."

"And they're sending us? A group of Guardians? To the Reef?" Ianos narrowed his eyes at the shrug he received from Pluto, "The Vanguard do realize that they are practically sending us to a death sentence?"

"It hasn't been proven that the deaths were caused by a Guardian," Akiva jumped in, "Perhaps they thought that we would be able to find a solution?

Shaking his head at the Titan's words, Ianos found himself simply turning and heading towards his ship, ignoring the shouts from the others.

"Well," Ace started, "This is going to be an adventure."

Just saying, Lost Valley is the Mothyards and the Lost Shores are the Forgotten Shores. I imagine that since Eliksni call the Traveler "The Great Machine", they also call the other areas differently. So I tried my best at the names but I think I lacked some imaginations with them lol. Anyways, yes, the armor and outfits Vellak, Olkar, and Axtris are suppose to represent the class that they 'would' have been if they were chosen to be Guardians. Like so:

Vellak - Warlock

Olkar - Titan

Axtris - Hunter

I don't know why but when I was writing out this chapter I was tempted and I caved lol.