Tormented

The Link

This was a struggle for me to write. Why? Cause I have a hard time writing fighting scenes lol.

Thanks to AAA and fierwarlock999 for the reviews ^_^

Edited and Updated: 8/30/2021

In her short time being resurrected, Carina never have expected to feel utter joy as Ianos tore the Vanguard a new one when they reported in, giving little time for the three Guardians to defend themselves. In the end, although they did admit that informing them fully would have made their mission easier, it was the Consensus who had thought it was for the best.

'To ensure that they are not under duress' they claimed.

Carina rolled her optics at the thought, as she rolled her shoulders, ensuring that the tight black suit that she wore in place of her armor gave her ample movement.

"You sure you got this?"

Turning her violet optics to her side, Carina simply grinned at Akiva and gave him a nod, "Have more confidence in me, will you?"

Seeing Akiva give her a crooked smile, she then felt both hands settle on her shoulders, a gentle squeeze following after, "Remember what I taught you about openings? When you see one…?"

"Take it." She finished, Akiva nodding once in satisfaction and removing his hands from her person. This signaled Carina to turn and take the steps up to the fighting ring.

Taking in a deep breath as she took in the flat and open space, Carina glanced down at her hands and flexed her fingers, allowing the absence of her gloves to set in. She found it strange to fight against experienced Awoken soldiers dressed in nothing but the black suit that she always ore underneath her armor. And just as she and the others expected, Spears wasn't even allowed in the ring with her, ensuring she doesn't even have mental signals on her opponent's movements and locations. She now understood why Pluto was upset at just a few short hours of preparation; it didn't give them enough time to adjust.

"We're facing a machine?"

Going rigid at the familiar word, Carina lifted her gaze and locked her optics onto a male Awoken, the latter of which glared at her with his vibrant blue eyes. He crossed his arms, looking her up and down as if to assess Carina before finally turning to his two female teammates, "Why are the Guardians letting their machine fight for them? Do they not have the courage to face us?"

One of the female Awoken, a blonde, snickered at his words, "Maybe the rumors of Guardians being 'brave' soldiers of the Light are false?"

Gritting her jaw at their insults, Carina found herself shouting, "Hey! I'm a Guardian too!"

The pair reeled as if blown back by her words, then, the Awoken man sneered, "You? A Guardian? A machine?" Carina found herself itching to punch his face as he rolled his eyes and continued, "Like I will believe that lie." He then nodded his head towards a corner of the stands, the corner where Pluto and the others had gathered, "Get one of the 'real' Guardians to come here and fight us."

Flexing her hands as she contemplating just how much trouble she will be for throwing a punch before the fight begins, Carina's optics then lit up as a thought crossed her mind before she quickly turned smug, "What? Too scared to lose to a 'machine'?" That got their attention, the Awoken Man physically flinching at her words, "Come on, you meat bags should able to take 'me' on, especially since you are a part of an 'elite force' of Awoken, right?" She grinned at the glares she received from the two, "Or should I dare say, that is a lie and the Awken are nothing more than cowards themselves?"

No sooner had she spoken when she heard a wheeze and a cough in the direction of her team; she didn't have to look to know that it was the twins. Not like she wanted to, the look of insult and rage that crossed the Awoken man's face was rewarding enough and Carina hopes that Spears is close enough to snap a shot of it.

"Why I ought to-"

The threat in his words was enough of a warning for Carina, prompting her to raise her fists as the man took strides towards her. However, before punches can be thrown, a hand came between them, causing Carina to look over and to spot the third member of the Awoken team, the latter of which crossed her arms and asked, "What do you think you are doing?"

"Putting that machine in its place."

Carina would have been insulted at his answer, if it wasn't for the fact that the third Awoken took a step-in front of him, her face plastered with disapproval.

"The match has not begun." She stated, narrowing her eyes – or eye, Carina realized as she spotted the eye patch – at the man, "You know as well as I do, that attacking opponents 'before' the start of the duel counts as automatic disqualification." Letting her arms fall back to her side, Carina watched as the third Awoken leaned in, her face mere centimeters away from her counterpart, "You are 'not' going to further shame the Awoken, understand?"

Judging from the way the man shrank back and muttered out an 'I understand', it didn't take long for Carina to put two and two together to know that the third Awoken was higher in ranking, especially telling when the other Awoken woman shrank away as well. This gave way for the third Awoken to face her, allowing Carina to properly take her in.

Like the rest of her race, her pale azure face was lined with the constantly moving mist pattern and her visible blue eyes glows brightly. However, unlike the other Awoken that Carina had seen, her hair was a bright color of magenta, making her stick out amongst the dark colored strands of her race.

"I apologize for their behavior," The Awoken said as she gave an apologetic nod, "They have never worked with a Guardian such as I have." She then held out a hand, "My name is Petra Venj, Guardian. It is an honor to duel you."

At first, Carina glanced back and forth between Petra and her hand, raising a brow suspiciously before she caved and clasped her hand into the Awoken's.

"Carina-23," She said, "or just Carina." Carina then shook the hand firmly and was pleased to feel the same from Petra. She means business. Good. "It is an honor to duel you as well." Feeling Petra's hand leave hers, Carina then leaned slightly onto her left leg, a hand on her hip, "So you have worked with Guardians before?"

Petra nodded, "Back when the House of Wolves rebelled." She then nodded her head in the direction of the Queen, the latter of which had settled into another throne, her Fallen Guards at ready near her side, "Although not all of them rebelled, everyone was still surprised that the Queen let them stay. Then again." She flashed Carina a smile, "I believe they would rather live than either face the Queen's wrath or facing down the end of a Guardian's gun."

Unable to hold back a snort at Petra's words, Carina found herself nodding her head in agreement only to spot movement just over the Awoken's shoulder. Glancing over, Carina then recognized the dark clad figure of Uldren walking up the steps to the throne which was fitted just above the ring; more than likely to take his place next to the Queen.

"And that, my friend, signals the beginning of the duel." She heard Petra click her tongue, prompting Carina to look over in time to see the Awoken give her a quick bow, "Good luck against my comrades and I, Guardian." She then lifted herself and flashed Carina another smile, "We are not going to hold back."

Reeling at her words, Carina couldn't help but return the grin and gave her a nod, "Right back at you, don't expect this to be an easy fight."

A chuckle can be heard from Petra before she turned and approached her side of the ring; a sign for Carina to take steps back and do the same. Rolling her shoulders once more to ensure that, again, her suit gives her ample movements, Uldren's voice then rang throughout the arena.

In honestly, Carina would rather ignore his words but a tug from Spears reluctantly made her listen, at least, for a little while.

"As everyone present in this room knows, this is hand to hand combat only." Carina faded in onto Uldren's voice, "No weapons. No Armor. No 'Light'. The duel will only end once either opponents are pushed out of the ring or when they surrender."

That is when he held up a fist, causing Carina to raise a brow as her opponents tensed at the gesture; she only understood when Uldren lowered his arm and the Awoken male launched himself towards her. Startled, by both the sudden start and his speed, Carina shifted her weight and dug her heels into the concrete of the ring. Then, waiting until the last moment she twisted, allowing the man's fist to fly past her. Seeing her chance, Carina then curled one of her hands into a fist, grasped the man's arm with her free hand, and swung.

Feeling the familiar sensation of cartilage breaking beneath her fist, Carina wasted no time to kick out the feet of the Awoken man and finishing her movement by allowing him to fall to the ring floor with a thud. Spotting white instead of crimson as she expected, Carina then heard running footsteps to her left, prompting her to attempt to turn and prepare. Instead, she felt an impact slamming into her face, feeling her plating shift from the hit. Gasping in surprise and pain, Carina took steps back in order to lessen the momentum and flailed to keep her balance. Listening in to ensure no further attack, Carina then took the opportunity to blink rapidly, letting the static leave her vision.

Shifting her head slightly to ensure that nothing was broken, Carina then heard movement coming up from behind and, without thought, she swung her head back. She felt it connect followed by a stinging pain, causing her to cry out as her assailant did the same.

"I knew you Awoken were hardheaded but literately!?" Carina cursed as she stumbled, blinking past the static once more before again, she heard footsteps, but this time to the front.

Reacting by reflex, Carina leaned to the side to dodge a hit then swung forward with a punch of her own. To her surprise, instead of contact, she swung air and she had little time to comprehend why when she saw a hand grab her arm and an elbow swinging downwards.

A cry escaped her as a resonating 'crack' permeated through the room followed by the scraping of metal against metal as her forearm flopped down into an awkward angle, silver plating bent to the point where exposed wires sparked through the tear. Cursing under her breath, Carina glanced up to connect her optics with Petra's glowing blue. In turn, the Awoken grinned, her smile full of teeth.

"Had to cripple you somehow." She said, a bit more chipper than Carina considers sane. Then, mentally, she cursed. Of course, worked with Guardians before, she would definitely know how to incapacitate one.

Before she could retort Petra's words, Carina then felt arms wrap around her neck followed by legs wrapping around her abdomen, the sudden shift of weight enough to knock her off balance. With a growl, Carina reeled before regaining her footing, hearing her attacker grunt as he tightened his grip.

"Fuck, what are you made of?" the Male Awoken growled, "Full of junk instead of proper machinations?"

Carina huffed at that before the sounds of rushing footsteps forced her attention to the Female Awoken. Filled with spite at his words, Carina turned at the last second and she felt herself being knocked off her feet. However, much to her satisfaction, the male Awoken's grip faltered and followed by an 'oomph'. Taking the opportunity, Carina leaped back onto her feet, grabbed the closest body within her reach and, with a grunt, tossed as far as she could. The cry of shock was telling enough as the Awoken man flew out of the ring, tumbling before coming to a pause and then cursed.

"Pay attention!"

Distracted by her short-term victory, Carina turned in time to feel an impact slam into her chest, sending her off her feet once more and landing with a wheeze onto the floor. Groaning as she turned onto her side, Carina glanced in time to see Petra help her fellow Awoken up, a brief pause as they locked eyes, and then nodded.

That is when Ianos' words popped into her mind and Carina groaned again.

"What? Awoken can read other's minds too?"

Her question was left unanswered as both Awoken rushed her and, out of reflex, Carina pushed herself onto her feet, steadied herself and held up her good arm to defend. Expecting both women to charge in, Carina couldn't help but reel when instead, the female Awoken reached out and grabbed Petra by the arm, and the next thing she knew, Carina got a kick to the face.

Tumbling back from the blow, Carina rolled back onto her feet, her visual receptors clearing just enough in time to see both the female Awoken and Petra on her. A blow to her gut caused Carina let out a wheeze before a pair of hands wrapped underneath hers and the world went upside down. Landing heavily onto her back, Carina took in sharp breaths as warnings flashed across her vision, a glance telling her that her abdomen had taken serious damage. Ignoring them, Carina let out a rolled as she rolled onto her stomach and pushed herself back onto her feet. Only to get a punch to the face by the Awoken woman.

Stumbling back as both static and flashes of warning flickered into her vision once more, Carina barely had enough time to recompose herself when she felt another impact on her jaw and this time, a sickening screech can be heard. It was only when Carina dodged another punch and took steps back when she felt the wires hanging loose around her jaw. Before she can reach up and assess the damage, a kick to her chest sends her flying backwards and onto her back once more.

"Carina!" She blinked as Aleeza's voice echoed throughout the arena, "Get up! Don't give up so easily!"

Hearing this, Carina couldn't help but groan, finally reaching up to her jaw and, just as she suspected, it was dislocated, barely hanging on by a few thin strands of wiring. Not only does she have a broken jaw, but an arm as well, and alongside the damaged systems, there was no chance that Carina could-

"If you win! I will let you top next time!"

That caught her attention.

Sitting up, Carina turned her attention towards her team only to spot the triumphant look upon Aleeza's face. This was soon followed by a glitter in her lover's eyes and a thumb's up. Boisterous laughter can be heard, and Carina looked over to Akiva, the Titan keeling over and gripping his seat as if it would steady himself. Angel's face was filled with shock, his jaw slack as he stared wide eyed at the female Warlock as Ianos gave her a disapproving stare. Finally, Pluto simply had his head in his hands, his shoulders slumped.

"I will do whatever you want." Aleeza then added in, as if her previous words weren't encouraging enough to Carina, followed by a wink, "and I mean 'anything'."

Dirty thoughts quickly came to the forefront of her mind and Carina found herself back onto her feet, determination building up back within her chest. In contrast, her opponent, the female Awoken, gawked at her.

"Do not tell me that actually inspired you?" The blonde said, her eyes wide, "You are kidding me."

For Petra, surprised had flickered over her lone eye but nonetheless, chuckled, "Well, for her it seems to be motivational enough." She then held up her hands, a glimmer of amusement in her gaze, "However I am glad. I thought I was going to be disappointed on how short this duel would have ended."

Shifting back and forth on her feet, Carina then decided to go on the offensive, charging towards the two Awoken. She then saw that both went on the defense, prompting her to press as much strength into her legs, leaped forward, and lifted up a leg. Right as she felt contact, she then pushed, feeling both her momentum and the kick sending her unfortunate target flying. Although this also meant, Carina fell flat onto her back, causing her to wheeze and gasp but nonetheless rolled back onto her feet. This time, she saw that her kick had sent the female Awoken out of the ring, the latter of which was on her knees, cursing. Ignoring the glare she had sent her way, Carina then turned her attention towards Petra, only to see a fist.

Once again, static and warning signs flashed through her optics before she felt her legs slip out from underneath her, and the next thing she knew, she was looking up at the open sky. Dazed, Carina and struggling to see through the static of her vision, she then felt additional weight on her chest and another punch to her face. This prompted the static in her vision to finally go blank.

Xxxxx

"Carina!"

Watching as Akiva wrapped his arms around the waist of his twin, Ianos couldn't help but grit his jaw as Aleeza cursed and flailed in her brother's grip, the latter of which lifted her off the round and giving her ample room to kick the air in a vain attempt to escape.

"This is bad." Ianos heard Pluto state, the Warlock turning in time to see Pluto biting down on the tip of his thumb; a quirk of his when he gets nervous, "damn it, and I promised the Vanguard that we were going to win this duel, all for the sake of progress."

Unable to find anything to say, Ianos instead turned his attention back towards Aleeza, the latter of which was spitting curses, her crimson eyes flaring as they glared at the lone Awoken opponent. Hearing metal scraping, Ianos turned his attention back towards the ring, only to pause when he saw the magenta hair Awoken grab one of Carina's legs and tried to drag her to the edge of the ring. Emphasis on 'tried', as Ianos couldn't help but be amused as she struggled. Nonetheless, her intent was quite clear.

"She's going to throw her out!" Angel cried, as with each tug, the Awoken slowly pulled Carina closer to the edge, "Oh come on. Carina! Wake up! Do not lose so easily!"

Sensing the unease and panic rise from not just Angel, but from the rest of his team, Ianos suddenly felt a tug at the back of his mind, a 'smug' tug and he felt his attention turn towards the throne. There, he can see the triumph in Uldren's gaze, his yellow eyes practically glowing as the Awoken slowly made her way to the edge of the ring. Feeling the arrogance and confidence from the Prince, Ianos couldn't help the rage, the anger, and he found his hands shaking with fury.

NO!

He wasn't sure why he hadn't uttered it verbally but nonetheless, Ianos felt all eyes turn towards him. Awoken eyes as his mental shout caught their attention

That is when there was a cry of surprise and a thud, and all eyes turn back towards the ring, only for shouts of outrage to erupt as Carina pushed herself up, a leg into the air with her Awoken opponent out of the ring and on her ass. In other words, the distraction was enough for her to wake up and kicked the Awoken out of the ring.

There was a stunned silence, everyone quiet as they comprehended the scene before them. Carina, still in the ring, while the last representative of the Awoken, still sat on the outside, still shocked.

That is when Ianos heard Pluto speak, the Exo's voice filled with glee as he asked, "Do you not have anything to say, 'Prince' Uldren?" Ianos suppressed his amusement as the Hunter continued, "We are waiting."

Watching as the Prince's shoulders went taught, his jaw grinding together, Ianos then saw Uldren's eyes turn towards him and then, to the Queen. The latter simply shifted her eyes onto her brother, and then nodded once.

A sign to confirm their victory.

Unable to help but let a ghost of a smile grace his features as the fury further flared in Uldren's eyes, the latter spoke through clenched teeth, "Victory goes to the Guardians." A glare was then flashed his eyes, "You will be escorted to your rooms. Discussion of this, 'treaty', will be ready by tomorrow." Then, without another word, the Prince turned and descended down the steps of the throne, his fists clenched and his footsteps heavy.

Amused at the Prince's display, Ianos once again, felt eyes on him and he turned towards the Queen and paused at the amused smile on her pale features. She then tilted her head once she realized his eyes were upon her.

You are an interesting asset, Guardian.

Blinking as her words echoed in his mind, Ianos couldn't help but shake his head to rid of the lingering words, uncomfortable to have anyone else but Ace in his thoughts. By the time he lifted his attention back towards the Queen, she had already descended the stairs, her guards trailing not too far behind her. Waiting until she was out of sight, Ianos then decided that it was time to check on Carina. That is when he finally noticed his team had already beat him to it.

"I told you, I'm fine." Judging by the way how clear her words were, Spears had already repaired Carina's jaw, the latter of which scowled as Aleeza loomed over her, "Just needed a patch up and – damn, I didn't know Awoken punched that hard."

Amused as Carina shook her head as if to shake off the echo of the punch, Ianos then heard the familiar whistles and beeps of the violet and green Ghost which was followed by Carina turning and giving him a glare.

"What do you mean I have to rest for a day? I am completely fine."

Then, as if to prove her point, Carina pushed herself onto her feet, only to immediately crumple to the floor. Fortunately, Akiva was nearby to catch her.

"I don't know exactly what Spears said but, I have to agree. You need rest." Aleeza reached to Carina's other side and wrapped one of her arms around her shoulders, easily taking the groaning Exo from her brother, "Although admittingly, I would like some 'company'." Ianos couldn't help but roll his eyes as Aleeza then gave Carina a wink, "Wouldn't you?"

This immediately prompted Carina to perk up, "I'm up for anything that involves you, love."

As Aleeza giggled at her lover's words, Ianos then heard footsteps to approach from behind. Judging from the bewilderment and frustration tugging at the back of his mind, he didn't have to guess who.

"How did you do that?"

Turning around to face the Awoken, Ianos ignored the stares from his team as he tilted his head and feigned, "Did what?"

Ianos found it satisfying at how her frustration grew. But his satisfaction quickly dissipated as she jabbed a finger onto his chest, "How did you, an Earthborn Awoken, have the 'Link'?"

"The what?" Angel spoke up.

Deciding to ignore the young Hunter's question, Ianos brushed her hand away, scowling at her behind his helmet, "What made you think that I am Earthborn?"

He felt her frustration turn to one of confusion, bewilderment, before it quickly shifted to one of realization.

"Wait, then that makes you…"

Simply nodding once at her unspoken question, a lingering memory then surface to the forefront of his mind and as such, he bowed, extending out his arms while bringing one leg back. Her surprised was prominent to his senses as he lifted himself, a name filtered to the surface, "Petra is it?" She gave him a slow nod, in which he returned with a nod of his own, "It is nice to meet you Petra, I am Ianos." He then repeated his bow as he finished, "I hope we can meet again under better circumstances."

He then turned and joined his team, signifying the end of their conversation.

Xxxxx

"That was an interesting match, was it not?"

Flashing Vellak a nervous smile, Angel then let out a breath before brushing his fingers through his hair, walked over, and collapsed onto the bed. He can hear the Vandal chuckle at his actions, and Angel lifted his head just enough to see Vellak tapping away on his tablet.

Of course, despite not being physically there, the Scribe had found a way to spectate the match. How the Awoken not notice their surveillance being hacked Angel will never know, but nonetheless, he pushed himself up from the bed, and leaned against his hands for support. He then took note of the way Vellak hunched over his tablet, his eyes squinting as if to focus on the screen.

"Something the matter?" He asked.

This earned him a chuff from the Vandal, "Purple."

At first, Angel couldn't help but pause at Vellak's answer, scanning the room before letting out a laugh.

Like many of the rooms he had seen, their temporary quarters were colored in violet, down to the silk linens on the two beds within the room. Even the large mirror in the side and the dresser were all shaded a varying color of purple and gold.

Angel understands that this is to represent the Awoken Royalty, and perhaps, the Awoken in general, but he couldn't help but think that there was truth in the Eliksni's words. Angel at least, has more than two colors in his apartment back at the Tower.

Another chuff brought Angel's attention back onto Vellak, the latter of which shifted in his seat on the lone couch in the room, tapping away at the surface of his tablet, his four eyes glowing. He can already tell what was further agitating the Vandal.

"Miss Olkar and Axtris already?" Angel asked, watching as Vellak momentarily paused, his fingers hovering just above the screen of his pad before finally, he nodded once. This prompted Angel to give him a gentle smile before jumping off the bed and called out, "Hope?"

"Yes?"

Hope's red and white form appeared from behind the curtains of the large window in the room (more than likely watching the activity outside), gliding over to her Guardian, the back of her shell spinning.

"Can you set up a link to the Tower?" Angel requested, "Specifically a frequency to Spirit."

This earned him a hum from Hope, "Want to check up on the young' uns?"

Giving his Ghost a single nod, Angel then watched as Hope then spread out her shell, the familiar glow illuminating the room followed by static. A familiar click then can be heard, a sign that the frequency had connected.

"Hello?" Angel tentatively called out, only to let out a breath of relief as Spirit's voice echoed, "Angel? Is that you?"

Smiling as he felt relief that even this far from the Tower connection was stable, Angel then confirmed, "Yes, it's me."

A short laugh then can be heard from Spirit, "Was wondering when you were going to call. Then again, you must have been busy with that duel."

"Words spread fast," Angel mused, chuckling, "It was a rough start but, now you can say that the treaty is ongoing. We are going to delegate with the Awoken officially tomorrow." He then asked, "How are things on your end?"

A scoff can be heard, "Oh you know, the usual. Missions. Resting. Repairs. Then more missions." Angel couldn't suppress a laugh. The Exo chuckled, "I do have to warn you though, Alyx took a liking to your cats. He always has at least one of them in his arms as when we're at the Tower."

Thinking back to Faith and Snowflake, Angel couldn't help but smile at the image; for a man that Towers over everyone, even Akiva, Alyx is the definition of a gentle giant.

"That means I know that they are in good hands." He commented.

Hearing Spirit chuckle at his words, Angel then decided it was the best time to ask, "If it's not too much trouble, may I ask how Axtris and Olkar are doing? They tend to get into trouble when it's just the two of them."

No sooner had he spoken when he heard another chuff from Vellak, prompting him to glance over at the Vandal only to see his focus was still on the tablet in his lap. At least that is what it looks like, but to Angel, he saw the way his eyes lacked focus on the pad, as if staring 'past' it than at it.

Deciding to shrug it off, Angel shifted his attention back towards Hope, waiting for an answer from Spirit. And waited.

Receiving nothing but further silence, Angel couldn't help but furrow his brows, "Spirit?" There was a cough on the other side of the frequency, "You do know where they are, right?"

Angel didn't have to look over at Vellak to know that his words caught the Vandal's attention, the latter chittering softly under his breath. What he said, Angel couldn't grasp, but he shrugged it off when Spirit finally started.

"Well, we 'sort of' know where they are?"

"… Spirit…"

"… Okay alright." Spirit said in defeat, "Except for Leo, we were all in on this."

There was a dramatic gasp from the background, "Traitor!"

"It was your idea!" Spirit protested at Jordan, "You were the one who said that we should help them board Angel's ship!"

Angel let out a strangled choke, "E-Excuse me!? Why in the Light did you snuck them aboard my ship!?" He then paused, eyes going wide, "Are they still on my ship?!"

"Look, we completely understand why you are worried but they're fine." Spirit's words did little to ease Angel's worries, "They're Eliskni and Vandals at that. They're smart and sly, they can take care of themselves."

"We. Are. On. The. Reef." Angel strained out, "The. Reef. Where the Awoken here 'hate' Eliksni. And I have no idea where they are and knowing them, there is no way that they are still on my ship."

There was a brief silence, Angel's words possibly sinking in and just how serious the situation was.

"Good luck!"

"Spirit!"

Snarling at the 'click' of the frequency being cut, Angel couldn't help but drag his hands down the front of his face.

"More than likely, they are cloaked," Hope said, gliding closer to the Hunter, "and knowin' them, they must be followin' us around the best they could." Her green optic then glanced around their quarters, "Who knows, perhaps they are in the room with us."

That is when Angel heard Vellak let out a low rumble, this one he recognizes one of understanding and mischief.

Angel then sputtered as the Vandal said, "Then that would perhaps explain the slight buzzing I have been hearing all day." Vellak then clicked his mandibles before lifting his eyes away from the tablet, "Which gives me the right ask why the two of you thought it was a good idea to follow us. Olkar. Axtris."

There was a curse, a curse in Eliksni, that echoed from a corner of the room and with a hum and a shuttering flash, the cloak dissipated, and showed Axtris taking a hand off of a laughing Olkar.

"Not funny, Olkar." The female Eliksni sulked, "This was your idea after all."

"I am just amused that Pure One never noticed." Olkar said gleefully, his mandibles clicking together, and then he paused, "Vellak, did you not notice us? Or did you feign ignorance to let us on board?"

There was a brief pause. Then, Vellak let out a sheepish rumble.

"You were in on this too?!" Angel accused.

"Not at first," Vellak admitted; Angel groaned as he continued, "I honestly did not sense them until we were in flight."

"Thanks." Angel muttered, turning and giving the two younger Eliksni a blank stare, "You do realize that in order to accommodate you two, we would have to inform the others?"

Axtris let out a chitter and tilted her head, "Why?"

"Ether." There was a pause at Angel's answer, "We only brought enough for Vellak for at least a month." He then pinched the bridge of his nose as he strained to find a solution, "and even then, there is a possibility that our stay maybe longer if the Awoken do not agree with the contents of the Treaty." Angel then crossed his arms and sighed, "I fear to say it, but we may have to ask the Queen for the Reef's supply of Ether."

Olkar growled at his words, "But-"

"Only if it comes to it." Angel interjected, "However, considering who knows how long our stay is and plus there are the three of you, I am all ears for other alternatives to supply ether."

He received no other solution, only silence, which prompted Angel to nod and turn his attention towards Hope, "Send a frequency to the others."

Xxxxx

"How are you feeling?"

Parting his hand just enough to peek through his fingers, Ianos heaved out a breath as his orange eyes connected with Ace's gaze.

"Unable to think." He answered as he closed his eyes, focusing on the cushion of the bed underneath him and attempting his best to ignore the flush of whispers and emotions swirling around him.

The news of their victory had already spread. He can feel it from the chagrin and furiousness of the other Awoken. And he is not sure on how to make it stop.

Ianos heard Ace hum softly at this, clearly sensing concern through their bond as they then said, "Do you think that it's possible for us to ask the Queen-'

"Not the Queen."

"The Prince," Ace corrected, "or at least anyone who was born here on how to control this 'Link'?"

Peeking through his fingers again, Ianos pondered on his Ghost's words.

So far, despite knowledge of the Script surfacing early, any solution to silencing the expanse of the Reefborn evaded his grasp, and despite focusing enough that they were mere whispers, Ianos at least wants enough silence to gather his own thoughts. And to easily sense Ace's.

Huffing as the thought of untangling their bond 'again' surface, Ianos made a mental note – and a reminder to Ace – to ask 'anyone' that is friendly enough to help him control this massive link. Perhaps Petra could be of help? The Prince maybe a better alternative than the Queen but his obvious hate towards the Guardians is deterrent enough.

A knock on the door of his quarters pulled Ianos out of his focus and he couldn't suppress the groan as the thoughts of the Attendant echoed through. They had news, that's all he can gather at the moment.

Forcing himself out of the comfort of the bed, Ianos placed a hand onto the side of his head, as if to ease the headache threatening to form, and stumbled his way to the door. Somehow, he grasped the handle and pulled the door wide enough to face the Attendant.

"May I help you?" He managed out, hearing Ace glide over and hover just behind his shoulder.

If she had heard his displeasure, the Attendant showed no sign of it as she bowed and said, "Pardon my intrusion but I am here to inform you of an invitation sent by the Queen."

Ianos frowned, "Invitation?"

The Attendant nodded, keeping her head bowed, "Yes, for the morrow." She then lifted her head and locked eyes with Ianos, "Before the start of the Treaty and to celebrate your victory, Queen Mara Sov would like to invite you and the others of your group to a banquet."

There was a brief pause, Ianos still trying to comprehend the Attendants words as the whispers and emotions of others swirled in his mind. Then, Ace finally beat him to it.

"A banquet!?"

Is it just me or does this chapter seem shorter than the others?...might be just be me.