Tormented

An Interruption

I apologize for the late update today but when i was rereading through this chapter, I was displeased with one part and attempted to fix it...only for me to give in and just deal with the part I already have.

Thanks Ashen Titan for your review! Glad that you are enjoying the story! Hopefully I can keep it up with the next chapters!

Edited: 9/5/2021

"I don't like this!"

Snickering as Carina threw her arms into the air as she tried to walk around in the white dress she was forced into, Pluto then reached up to fix his hood only to grab at air, and his core fell at the absence of his cloak. He then quietly grumbled under his breath about the banquet.

It had been just a few short hours after the duel when their Attendants came and announced their invitation to it. To celebrate their victory they had claimed although Pluto had doubts. Nonetheless, it was deemed important enough for Handmaidens to appear and to force them out of their armor and into something more 'formal', much to Plutos' chagrin.

Despite this and feeling uncomfortable without the protection of his armor, Pluto couldn't help but be impressed when he later saw himself dressed in his black suit and shoes and even given a cape throw over his shoulder to mimic his cloak. Not great protection but it's nice enough. Although he still wished they would allow him to keep his blindfold but alas, the Handmaidens were adamant on his optics repair; since he was in their home he wasn't going to protest. Much.

Mumbling under his breath at this, Pluto then heard a chuckle near his side and that is when Aleeza appeared in his peripheral, her dark violet dress sparkling under the dim lights as she approached her girlfriend. Or at least tried to as the Hunter watched her buckle on the heels that the Handmaidens had given her. He quietly wonders why at their choice; Carina was given flats.

"How can this offer any protection?" Carina protested as she held up one of her legs, the slits of her dress allowing the movement and revealing the white flats on her feet, "Let alone fight in this?"

"Unfortunately, these are not for fighting, Carina." It was Akiva who spoke, smiling; he was dressed in a similar suit to Pluto, the only difference being his was colored dark brown and minus a cape. His Handmaiden even went as far as to brush his shoulder length hair and tied it back into a low ponytail. This made Akiva's golden eyes more prominent on his pale face, "How we are dressed are more for 'formality' than function."

"But what if we get attacked?" Carina retorted before she walked around, only to snarl as the hem of her dress followed her movements, "We can't defend ourselves like this!"

There was a hum from Aleeza as she tried to follow Carina's steps; her ankles wobbled underneath her, "Attacks are rare during these types of events." She then paused, regaining balance on her unfamiliar shoes and tossed her braid back over her shoulder; It was decorated with gems and what Pluto believes to be an Awoken equivalent of lavender flowers, "That is what I heard anyway."

"I still agree with Carina though." Angel looks worried in his gray suit, his cape a shade of black. His hair is also pulled back like Akiva's however, his bangs were split down the middle, revealing his face. It made Pluto realize just how green the young Hunter's eyes were. "I feel exposed without my armor."

"Well," Aleeza started, "It would make sense, we wear our armor nearly everyday and all hours of the day. We would feel exposed, and it would be strange wearing anything else."

"Speaking of expose, how is Ianos going to wear anything similar?" Angel then asked, gesturing to himself, "and not to mention we have been waiting for a while." He then glanced towards the door, eyeing it at the sounds of shouting, screaming, and items breaking, "That is, if he is capable of coming."

Pondering upon the young Hunter's words, that is when Pluto's core clenched as he followed Angel's gaze.

Last they had seen the Warlock was when his Handmaiden walked in and demanded that he removed his armor. This was soon followed by a resounding 'No' before the door was promptly shut. The noises came not long after and it had been going for the last hour.

Admittingly, Pluto doesn't blame Ianos for his resistance. He would rather keep his condition private and without his makeshift life support, getting around would be nigh impossible, let alone attending the banquet. Wonder if Ianos is trying to 'convince' his Handmaiden that removing his armor just wasn't possible.

That is when the familiar hiss of the door sliding open caught Pluto's attention.

Glancing up, Pluto couldn't help but sputter when Ianos walked out of his quarters with a grumble, messing with the sleeve of his dark azure suit. That is when his Handmaiden came around behind him and slapped his hand and glared at him. Ianos turned and gave her a glare of his own.

"It took us too long to get you dressed. You are 'not' messing with 'my' work." She scolded, reaching around and fixing his sleeve back around the white gloves around Ianos' wrist and then adjusting the cloak draped over his shoulders. Unlike Pluto's and Angels, his was emblazoned with the Royal Awoken symbol. Pluto raised a brow at that but nonetheless, was pleased to see that they had found a solution to Ianos' life support; the prototype was back but this time, the Handmaiden had adjusted the tubes to go down the front of his chest then wrapped around his waist. Apparent of his condition but out of the way enough where many won't question.

"I heard you the first time," Ianos snapped back but nonetheless, let the Handmaiden fix any last adjustments, before she took a step back, observed, nodded, bowed, and then left. A sign that she was finished.

Ianos let out a breath of relief.

Pluto chuckled at this, "Did she give you a rough time?"

Grinning as Ianos turned and gave him a blank look, Pluto then watched as the Warlock simply shook his head and said, "Shall we just leave this past us and wait for our escort?" He grumbled, "I would rather not talk about it."

"I see the Handmaidens have dressed you appropriately."

Turning his attention down the hall that he and the others were standing in; Pluto couldn't help but raise a brow as he heard Carina choke nearby.

"P-Petra?!"

At the mere mention of her name, the Awoken smiled; like the others, she was dressed formally.

"The Queen has tasked me in leading you to the Banquet." She bowed and then motioned for the Guardians to follow, "It is not far from here, best not to keep the Queen waiting."

"Any warnings of etiquette?" Pluto asked as Petra moved to lead, signaling to the others to follow, "I would rather avoid unknowingly being offending."

"Nothing too different from your ways on Earth." Petra answered, "Although a warning, do be careful when interacting with the Nobles of the Reef." Pluto saw her glance over and flash them a mischievous smile, "They can be a bit temperamental if confronted and may use their status to get their way."

"Sounds like the Consensus."

Pluto had to raise a hand to his mouth to hide the wheeze at Ianos' words, swiftly changing it to a cough as he felt the questioning look that Carina and Angel sent his way.

There was an amused hum from Petra, "I am going to take a guess that you have experience with the Awoken nobility?"

That is when Pluto saw Ianos make a face, his eyebrows furrowing together as he scowled. There was another soft hum from Petra.

"Memory problems, as most Guardians do." She said, "Guessing yours is worse than most?"

"Mostly." Ianos mumbled, "For now it is gradually coming back."

Unable to help but frown at Ianos's words, Pluto then heard Petra let out a chuckle.

"Not surprising, considering that you are a Reefborn back on the Reef." Once again, she glanced back at the group and this time, she pointed a smile at Ianos, "How does it feel? To be back?"

Watching Ianos shift his attention to the floor, Pluto saw his brows furrow, his orange eyes narrowing as his lips tighten into a thin line.

"Strange." He finally settled upon, "But, familiar."

Petra nodded at his answer, prompting Pluto to narrow his own optics at her and took a mental note; he cannot help but feel that attention is now on the Warlock. It would explain why he wears the Royal symbol after all.

Nonetheless, before he can voice his suspicions, the sight of guards standing at attention near an entrance was enough to reign Pluto into silence, the group coming to a pause as they approached.

Taking a step forward, Petra simply nodded at the guards, and it was enough for them to salute, step aside, and the doors to slide open. Pluto took another mental note that her rank is 'much' higher than he expected.

Following after Petra once more, Pluto nearly stumbled at the sight of the room filled with Awoken, adorned in vibrant colored materials and seated around tables set up not too far from each other. He then heard their presence being announced but it didn't seem like it was needed. As if knowing it was them behind the door, the chattering of the Awoken audience went silent, and all eyes turned towards them. All unfriendly.

"As you know, the banquet is to celebrate your victory against the Awoken." Petra said as she motioned for the Guardians to following and descended the steps leading to the room. As if she did not notice and cared for the malevolent stares pointed their way, "It is a moment to be celebrated as not only for the Treaty, but just for the simple act that you have defeated opponents of the Royal House."

Pluto raised a brow at her words, "Opponents 'of the' Royal House?" His optics then grew wide as realization dawned upon him, the revelation of her stature and the reason why the guards obeyed readily, "Petra, Petra Venj? The Queens' Wrath."

Instead of immediately receiving an answer, there was a chuckle, followed by her turning to face them just long enough to give them a grin filled with teeth.

"This is your seat." Was all she said, gesturing towards a table that is seated near the front, close to a table that is decorated more fancily than the others. An obvious spot for the Queen and her brother, "The Banquet will start shortly."

Petra then gave them the strange bow of the Awoken Reefborn before she turned and took her leave. Watching as her disappear into the crowd, Pluto let out a huff as he pulled out a chair and took a seat.

"The Queen's Wrath?" Carina asked as she took a seat opposite of him, Aleeza taking her left and Angel her right, "Is that like a personal guard to the Queen?"

"More like her right-hand woman and enforcer." Ianos answered as he took a seat next to Pluto, Akiva taking his other side, "she is personally responsible for hunting down the enemies and traitors of the Queen and the Reef."

"Wow." Angel said in awe before turning his eyes towards Carina, "No wonder she kicked your ass."

"Hey!"

"That would explain the difference in strategy and experience when it came to her comrade in arms during that duel." Pluto said, thinking back to the fight, "At how easily Carina was able to push them out of the ring but yet, Petra was able to stay her ground."

"Which reminds me." The female Exo turned her attention towards Ianos, "I have a question."

"If you want to know about the 'Link', do not bother." Pluto noticed the way the Awoken's voice was lined with frustration, but all in all, sounded tired, "I understand little of it myself, only that all of these assholes around us hates us and that I cannot keep them 'quiet'."

That is when Pluto turned and gave Ianos a concerned look, "You cannot control it?"

"If he could, then he would have been able to rest last night." Ace's black and orange form materialized into view, "however that was not possible when the Reefborn's frustrations were ringing all around us."

"You can hear it too, Ace?" Angel asked.

"Not as well as Ianos," Ace admitted, "But nonetheless it is distracting enough where we have to peel back layers of thought to get to each other."

"Tried all night to find a way to silence them." Ianos mumbled and Pluto finally took notice the way his eyes seemed to be half shut, and the way his shoulders sagged as he sat, "but it seems the Awoken either have a trick or a device that keeps it under control."

Reaching out and giving Ianos an empathetic pat on the back, Pluto decided to say, "Perhaps during the Treaty we can ask the Queen or her brother on how to silence them."

Although he grumbled at Pluto's advice, Ianos nodded.

"May I have your attention please!"

Snapping towards the front of the room, Pluto's optics lingered over the entrance where a man stands, dressed in high quality fabrics and decorations. Like other Reefborn that he had encountered, this one held himself with confidence and arrogance as he gestured towards the entrance – which was wide open – and bowed, "Introducing her Royal Majesty, Queen Mara Sov!"

At the mention of her name, the familiar white-haired Awoken stepped through the doors, her face blank but her pale blue eyes glowed with pride. Unlike before when they had last seen her, she was dressed in elegant silk instead of leather, the black and violet garments glittering under the dim lights. Taking note of the gems adorning her body as the dress dragged on the floor, Pluto then saw the silver crown settled upon her brow; the stones set upon it was obvious enough of her status.

"And his Royal Highness, Prince Uldren Sov!"

Like his sister, Uldren too entered the room with a blank expression, dressed in a black suit with a cloak thrown over his shoulders; as Pluto expected, the symbol of the Royal House was emblazoned upon the piece of cloth. Although he has a crown just like Mara, his was smaller and simpler in design but nonetheless, important enough to show off his status. If there is one thing that Pluto has to say about the Awoken, is that they know how to flaunt themselves.

He watched both Mara and Uldren made it to their seat – the table near theirs as Pluto suspected. However, instead of sitting down, Mara glanced around the room before parting her lips to speak.

"My brothers and sisters," She said, "May we use this day to not only celebrate the victory of the Guardians." Pluto didn't have to glance back at the audience to see the looks of displeasure, "but to also celebrate a newfound alliance with them, a Treaty now firmly fixed between us."

There were murmurs, ones of discontent from what Pluto can gather, but the instant the Queen flashed her eyes their way, they dissenters were quickly silenced.

Mara then picked up her glass, a glass filled with a dark red liquid. Wine, perhaps? Or something similar of the sort.

"Enjoy." The Queen simply said before taking a seat and taking a sip of her drink.

No sooner had Prince Uldren joined her when the silence in the room broke, the chattering of the Awoken audience reverberating throughout once more.

"She seems, strict." Aleeza commented, "and boring."

"A common trait when one is in position of power." Ianos said as Pluto watched him lean over and picked up a glass, this one filled with the same-colored liquid that is in Mara's, "in other words once we start working on the Treaty, she 'and' her brother are going to be difficult to work with."

There was a pout from Carina, "Just how long are we going to be here?"

"As long as the Treaty is in the works." Pluto sighed, closing his optics and pinching the bridge of his nose, "In others words, there is a possibility that this might take months."

"Months?" Angel sputtered, "But I am not sure if I have supplies to make, to make 'supplies'."

Ether, for Vellak and his siblings was what he meant to say. Although, knowing fully well of the low tolerance for the Eliksni and eyeing the way the Awoken held themselves, not the best place to say it aloud.

"Then we just have to make our side of the Treaty sound beneficial." Akiva said, "that way we can head back to the Tower as soon as possible."

"Easier said than done." Aleeza said as she too leaned over and plucked a full glass from the middle of the table, "But for now, I say we deserve to treat ourselves." She grins, "Considering that we somehow made it this far with the hand we were dealt, right?"

Considering her words, Pluto then watched with wide optics as she tipped her head back and downed her glass in one go.

"Aleeza," He warned, "We are not on Earth, who knows what the Reefborn put in their drinks."

"You worry too much," The female Warlock retorted as she smacked her lips, a thoughtful look gracing her eyes, "Not to mention it's pretty good."

"Really?" Akiva snapped up at his twin's words before picking up a glass of his own, "Now this I have to try."

"Akiva." Pluto called out, only to sigh as Akiva too followed Aleeza's actions and drained his glass in a single gulp.

The Titan's eyes grew wide, "Wow, it is good."

"Carina, here." Aleeza picked up a glass and handed it over to her partner. She then grabbed another one and turned to Angel, "Here, you try it too."

"Me?"

Without waiting for confirmation, Aleeza shoved the glass into Angel's hands, prompting the younger Hunter to stare down at the contents. Pluto couldn't help but shake his head.

This is going to go downhill.

Fast.

"I cannot believe this!" Vellak watched as his sister raged, the three of them venturing down what seemed to be an abandoned walkway, "We cannot follow Pure One and his pack because we are Eliksni!?" Axtris kicked a nearby stone, the latter of which flew into the air and then came to a pause just near the edge; this only seemed to further put the female Vandal on edge, "The nerve!"

"At least Pure One was able to convince the Ashen Ones to let us wander." Olkar pointed out, earning himself a grumble from their sister, "otherwise the alternative would be us locked in his room. With guards."

Axtris huffed at his words, "I understand why they despise our race but," She snarled, "We are 'not' the House of Wolves. We did 'nothing' to the Ashen Ones."

"To us, perhaps." Vellak rumbled, "However, these Ashen Ones only see the same face that they had fought during their war."

"Well, they should learn the difference." Axtris retorted, kicking another rock nearby; this one too came to a pause and floated near the edge, "I am tired of being treated differently because of the actions of what others of our race did."

"Try and convincing them of that, hatchling."

Vellak snapped his attention towards the other end of the walkway only to snarl when he spotted two shapes at the end. Shapes with four arms and four glowing eyes.

Axtris, always being the more aggressive of the three of them, crouched, spread out her arms and screeched. An attempt to assert dominance.

However, one of the other Eliksni simply crossed their arms, scoffing as they shifted their eyes towards Vellak, "Do they always greet others like this?"

Instead of responding, Vellak took in a deep breath, taking in the scent of the other two Eliksni. Both male and Vandals. The one who spoke held age, experience. The other's scent smelled of freshly shed carapace.

"Only towards those she sees as a threat." It was Olkar who spoke, the Vandal cautiously taking steps forward, enabling himself and the others to have space. He then placed his two right arms over his chest, "I am Olkar of the House of Spirits, guard of the Light Pure One and littermate to Axtris and Vellak of the House of Spirits."

Vellak couldn't help but rumble quietly; of course, Olkar would be the one to deter any chance of violence.

As if sensing this, there was a brief pause then, a laugh.

"So, formality is not lost amongst all Eliksni." The older of the Vandals clicked his mandibles before he dipped his head, "I am Inkolas of the House of Wolves, soldier of the Kell and Queen of the Reef."

The younger Eliksni then followed his example, "I am Anikis, also a soldier of the Kell and Queen of the Reef."

Vellak then decided to step in, and dipped his head in greeting, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Inkolas. Anikis. I am Vellak of the House of Spirits, House Scribe, guard of the Light Pure One, and littermate to Olkar and Axtris of House of Spirits."

There was a brief chitter of greeting before Vellak watched as Inkolas turned his attention near his side; it was obvious he was waiting for Axtris' greeting.

Listening to his sister let out a huff, there were a few clicks, a pout, before she finally responded, "I am Axtris of the House of Spirits, guard of the Light Pure One and littermate to Vellak and Olkar of the House of Spirits."

Rumbling in approval, Vellak then dipped his head once more, "Our apologies for the intrusion however, we did not know this part of the area was claimed."

"Not many come here, so it was a surprise to see Eliskni donning different colors." Inkolas crossed his arms, his four eyes narrowing, "Which, judging from your duties and rank, you are working with those 'Guardians'."

The sudden shift in his tone brought Vellak's guard up; from the way he heard Axtris growl low means he wasn't the only one who noticed.

"We have not been coerced if that is what you are thinking." Vellak clarified; this earned him a suspicious look from the older Vandal, "The Guardians who had brought us here treats as equals, not as enemies."

"Or slaves."

"Axtris."

Turning his attention towards his littermates, Vellak saw Olkar had grabbed Axtris by the shoulder, hissing out a warning. Axtris growled in response but nonetheless, said nothing else.

This prompted Vellak to turn his attention back towards the two Vandals, "I apologize for my sister's words. She has yet to properly control her temper."

A snarl can be heard from Axtris pointed his way but nonetheless, he kept his attention firm on Inkolas and Anikis. Only to notice the young one perk up, eyes suddenly interested on Axtris.

"Sister?" He said, Vellak watching him take in a deep breath, his eyes filled with wonder, "A female?"

Vellak narrowed his eyes, "Pardon?"

"I am curious as to why members of this, 'House of Spirits'," Inkolas interjected, "are here with 'Guardians'."

Glowering at the older Vandal, Vellak, at first, huffed, and not wanted to answer. However, it seems Olkar didn't get the hint.

"Perhaps you have heard of the Guardian that helped forge the alliance between our house and the Guardians?" His brother stated and to Vellak's surprise, Inkolas and Anikis nodded, "That Guardian is currently here, and we have been given the duty to protect him." Vellak then saw Olkar glance his way, "and to record any significant events for our House."

"'Try'." Vellak empathized and then rumbled, "The Ashen Ones have been, 'restraining us' since our arrival here."

"That is how they greet all outsiders." Anikis chipped in, "Do not worry though, they will warm up to you soon, if your stay is long." The younger Vandal then took cautious steps forward, leaning over and assessing Vellak. He saw his eyes linger around his robes and the pack around his waist, "You are a Scribe?"

Vellak clicked his mandibles in annoyance; he had already introduced his rank, no need to confirm it. However, taking in the scent of Anikis' recent maturity and growth, especially considering his temporary lighter color; a sign that his carapace has yet to fully harden.

As such, considering Anikis' young age, Vellak decided to let it pass and answered, "I am."

Anikis blinked at him, "But weren't you originally part of the House of Devils?"

No sooner had Anikis finished speaking when Vellak let out a snarl, his four eyes glowing as he stood at his full height and took a threatening step forward. This earned him a squeak and a step back from the younger Vandal.

"The House of Judgement has long been extinct." Vellak growled, "What else can we do when the House is long gone and there is no one to record the history of our people?"

That is when Vellak heard a snicker, prompting him to turn his attention towards Inkolas, the latter of which had an amused look upon his face.

"What is so funny to you, Inkolas?" Vellak glared.

"The House of Judgement, is not extinct." Vellak blinked at Inkolas' words; the Vandal must have sensed his doubt for he then nodded down the other side of the room, pointing to another walkway, "If you do not believe me, then I can introduce you." He then turned and started walking away. Vellak heard Anikis chuckle.

"Always straight to the point." Was all the younger Vandal said before turning, motioned for Vellak and the others to follow and then running after Inkolas.

His four eyes trailing after Anikis, Vellak then heard Olkar let out a breath, one filled with doubt but curiosity.

"House of Judgement, not dead?" His brother stated, "But I thought father said…"

"No other House besides the Wolves have ever been to the Reef." Vellak pointed out, "Then again, should we trust their word and believe that an extinct House still exists."

A scoff then can be heard from Axtris, Vellak glancing over to see her cross her arms and grumble under her breath, "What else but to follow to know the truth?" She then turned her attention towards her brothers, "It is not like we have anything else to do."

Humming at the truth in Axtris' words, Vellak turned his attention back towards the other two Vandals, only to see that they had paused at the other walkway, staring back, waiting. Unable to help but admit to himself that he too is curious on if the House of Judgement indeed still lives, Vellak hefted his staff in his arms and started to limp forward.

Ianos always forgets that others weren't like him when it comes to drinking; while he can drink his own weight in alcohol and at worst, feel a buzz, the others were a wholly different story.

Akiva and Aleeza, being siblings, had quickly started a competition on who can drink the most. Currently, their faces were both flushed red, and they were swaying in their seats but nonetheless, they held strong. Although, their beverage tends to spill more onto their table then into their mouths. Carina, much to Ianos' surprise, had decided not to join in but, that does not mean she did not have her fair share of drinks. This was made apparent from the way her free hand locked onto the table in a death grip as if to keep herself balance, sipping her glass in the other hand. Angel, being the lightweight he's always been, looks like he's about to fall right out of his seat, his face flushed red and in a daze. Finally, Pluto, practically the only other Guardian who can come close to keeping up with Ianos when it comes to drinking, had a far away stare in his optics, as if he was anywhere else but here. A common reaction to most Guardian's their age.

"This is turning mildly interesting," Ace hovered back to Ianos, humming softly to themselves; the Ghosts were on standby as always, "who would have thought that Awoken wine is enough to bring Guardians down in a few drinks."

Twirling the liquid in his glass, Ianos then took in a deep breath before briefly moving his mask to take a large gulp of his drink and then quickly placing the respirator back into place, "maybe Awoken needed something stronger for their tolerance?" Then, his eyes lingered over Aleeza, the latter of which glanced over and gave him a drunken grin, "Or perhaps not?"

"Maybe 'naturalborn' Awoken have a stronger tolerance?" Lena spoke, Aleeza's Ghost eyeing her Guardian worriedly, especially when she drained another glass, "Because you seem fine, Ianos."

Humming at Lena's words, Ianos glanced down at the table, the top of which was covered in glasses; with little need to eat, Guardians tend to drink more, himself included.

"Perhaps," He said thoughtfully as he took another drink.

A chuckle can be heard from Ace, "That would explain all the times when you were able to outdrink even the Titans." His Ghost flashed him a smile, "Although, at least one of us need to be sober enough to be able to forge the treaty tomorrow, yes?"

"Oh, don't you worry, we'll sober them up when this banquet is over." Lex said, his golden optic shifting over to Akiva; the latter laughed with his twin as they attempted to tap their glasses together only to completely miss and their drink spilling, "Which, is hopefully soon."

Watching as Lena and Lex started to clean up the wine that had fallen onto their Guardians' clothes, Ianos then decided he had enough of his drunken friends and turned his attention towards the table next to them. The one that Mara and Uldren were seated.

From what he can gather, Ianos can tell that despite all the assortment of foodstuff – foodstuff that is beyond his financial capability – the Sovs also enjoy their drinks more than their meal, telling from the faint flush of red on their cheeks and the empty bottles that sat upon their table. This did little to cripple their senses however, as Uldren seems on guard as ever and the collective composure of the Queen is still visible.

"May I have everyone's attention please!"

Flinching at the sudden shift in emotion and chatter in the room, Ianos followed their gaze and just as before, there is an Awoken man at the entrance, standing in attention.

"As customary for every banquet, a dance shall be presented in the next room over." The Crier said, "As such, custom for the Queen to select an individual amongst to be her partner."

"Excuse me?" Carina's voice slurred from their table, "A dance? With the Queen?"

"Don't get your hopes up, sweetheart." Aleeza leaned over, placing an uncoordinated hand on her lover's shoulder, "She maybe beautiful but I highly doubt she will choose one of us." She hiccupped, "At least, not a Guardian."

Mentally agreeing with Aleeza, Ianos then felt a tug in the back of his mind, one filled with regal amusement and demand. Instinct telling him to place his cup onto the table, Ianos then found himself glancing up into the eyes of the Queen, the latter of which towered over from where he sat.

"Do you mind?" She asked as she held out a hand and immediately, Ianos' mind was swarmed with anger, jealously, and bewilderment. And not just from himself.

The emotions swirled around him, the whispers so audible that he could even hear the 'how dare' and 'why' twirling in his mind. This made him hesitate, Ianos finding himself glancing over the Queen's shoulder and locking eyes with Uldren's yellow. Like the others, he felt the displeasure, the disgust, but unlike the others his expression was still, blank. He wonders if he can feel Ianos' bewilderment, his headaches.

Shifting his attention back towards Mara and seeing her hand still being held out, Ianos found himself unable to refuse; if he did, more then likely there would be repercussions when they work on the Treaty the next day. As such, he stood up, steady on his feet, and bowed before taking the Queen's hand. And that is when it went silent.

He froze, blinking as for the first time in the last twenty-four hours he could finally 'think', and he turned a knowing eye towards the Queen. She gave him a ghost of a smile.

"Your thoughts were open to me," She whispered as she leaned in, Ianos feeling her breath on his ear, "I know of your 'lack of control'."

Ianos scowled at her words but nonetheless, she continued, "If you want your mind your own, simply think of a wall, a barricade. Say a physical manifestation within your mind."

Unable to help but doubt at the simple solution, Ianos found himself nodding before he led – or more specifically, she led him – to the next room over.

Unlike the room where the banquet took place, the ballroom had clear glass for their walls, revealing the fog like violet mist outside, the asteroids floating harmlessly around them. Ianos spotted floors, polished metal railings up to ensure anyone who took up seats there were not threatened by fall, and the emblazoned symbol of the Royal House was emblazoned in the middle of the floor. Judging from the way it is placed, it is obvious that is where he and the Queen were to take dance.

Shifting his attention to behind him, Ianos saw the other Awoken had followed suit. Now with his mind silent, Ianos can see the annoyance in their glowing eyes, the glares that they sent his way. He was not concerned by their judgement however he did worry when he couldn't spot the others; he couldn't even spot Akvia's towering height. As if sensing this, Ianos then saw Ace hover closer to his shoulder, tugging comfortingly through their bond.

"Is something the matter, Guardian?" Mara's words pulled Ianos out of his thoughts, "Do you not know how to dance?"

Ianos found his patient short at her words and as such, gave her a narrowed look. She only responded with a smirk, much to his ire. Nonetheless, he intertwined his fingers with hers and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. Then, almost mechanically, as the music started playing, he started to lead, letting the pair sway back and forth as they moved in a circle of their own; he ignored the mix of sour and amused looks pointed his way.

Mara in turn, hummed in interest, "It seems you have danced before, Guardian."

"Being a Guardian is not just being in the field all day, 'Your Majesty'," Ianos forced out, "admittingly, back before the City was even established, there was a lot of 'free time' then."

"I am going to take a guess that you are older than the City then?" Mara asked; Ianos remained silent. It must have been answer enough for he then heard her say, "How interesting." Then, she leaned in, prompting Ianos to go still. It didn't help that she easily has an extra foot on him, "Tell me Guardian, how did a Reefborn like you make it to Earth?"

In honesty, Ianos is getting tired of hearing that question. There was a reason he wanted to keep his status as a Reefborn to himself. Nonetheless, he also couldn't help but find himself curious as well. After all, Reefborn hardly venture to earth and even then, it was so few those who do are well known notoriously. Their names are never forgotten. At least, that is what Ianos knows.

"I do not know." He finally settled upon, and he could easily see the look in Mara's eyes waver, her smile now forced on her face; it was apparent it was not the answer she expected. Ianos decided to clarify, "If you were not informed, your Majesty, but when Guardians are resurrected, most, if not all of their memory are missing. It is extremely rare for a Guardian to be resurrected with all their memories intact."

"But memories do nonetheless return?" Mara asked, "and judging from your answers, Guardian, you have lived for 'years', centuries." The look in her eyes shifted with interest, "You must have some memories intact."

"Only if were that simple." Ianos found himself answering, "but there are rare circumstances." The curiosity in her eyes increased, "There are Guardians who either gain their memories back at a steady rate or, they do not return at all. The latter, such as myself."

Hearing a soft hum permeate from the Queen, Ianos suddenly found himself agitated at her interest. Or the sudden rise in interest. He was certain there was no coincidence that her attention was now suddenly upon him. As such, Ianos couldn't' help but take a step back, trying to gage distance between himself and the Queen; this did not go unnoticed by Mara.

"Nervous, Guardian?"

Ianos found himself being irked, "My name is Ianos." He paused, then took a breath, "Your Majesty."

"Then call me Mara, Ianos." Ianos took note that there was a sudden interest there, "that way, we are of equal grounds."

Despite not liking the sound of it, Ianos nodded and muttered out, "As you wish." Another pause then breath, "Mara."

It was strange, letting her name roll off his tongue so easily, as if there was a familiarity but forbidden tone behind it. Letting the cogs of his mind work, Ianos locked his eyes with Mara's once more only to blink when he saw the way her eyes lit up, the glow bright against her pale skin. He couldn't help but be amused.

"You seem a bit too excited to hear you name," Ianos commented. He couldn't help but feel proud when her expression faltered; just enough for him to notice.

"I have to admit, when you are a Monarch of the Reef, many seem to be fearful to utter your name." Mara said; Ianos possibly couldn't understand why, "Hearing yourself being called 'Your Majesty' for years can be a bit, tiring."

Curious, Ianos pondered upon his next question, wondering if it's worth risking earning the Queen's ire or to sate his own curiosity. He soon decided upon the latter, "And your brother? Uldren? Does he not call you by name?"

That is when the sharpness in her eyes soften, the tension in her shoulders leaving. Instead of receiving a verbal answer, she simply nodded; a sign enough for Ianos. Decided that they had enough chatter, Ianos decided it best to focus on leading Mara in their dance, twirling around each other and ignoring the eyes of the jealous Awoken around him.

That is when an itch scratch at the back of his mind.

Going taught at the sensation, Ianos found himself looking upwards towards one of the floors and there, overlooking a balcony, was a familiar glint against the lights.

Without another thought, Ianos found himself pushing the Queen away, her fingers leaving his as she stumbled into the crowd. Before the shouts of protests and anger can even filter throughout the room and his mind, a single shot rang through the air.

The last thing Ianos remembers before the world went dark, was the sniper's bullet piercing through his head.

Cliffhanger anyone? lol