Tormented

The Making

I really need to think up of better titles for these chapters lol. Anyways, slightly late update for the reason I was farming Iron Banner like 'crazy' but I have to say the work was worth it. Got my main Guardian (Ianos eheheh) to 330 (332 with the best gear) and got my other two Guardians to 328 and 320. Hopefully it'll be enough for Rise of Iron :D.

Also heads up, I am still accepting OCs for future chapters. Amazingly, these submissions are helping me gain more ideas and helping my story move in a smoother transition than I had anticipated. So keep them coming!

Thanks to Nv34 for the review! Appreciate it! ^_^

Edited: 9/19/2021

In his years, Akiva learned there was a pattern to those who do not handle dying well; their first deaths had either ended too sudden, too quickly to realize what had happened, or their death was violent to the point where it could be considered traumatic. Not that death isn't traumatic as it is.

As such, Akiva wasn't too surprised when he heard Ianos killed the third assassin, which means that out of the three, only one was caught alive. Considering that the three had tried assassinating the Queen, he highly doubts the survivor will get a light sentence. Especially when he had seen the look that would cross Uldren's face at the mere mention of the attempt on his sister's life.

"Akiva?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Akiva turned his attention towards Angel, blinking when he saw the way the Hunter wrung his hands in front of him, and nervously glanced back and forth between him and Ianos.

"Is something the matter, Angel?" He asked.

Instead of receiving an immediate answer, Akiva saw Angel glance towards Ianos once more, the latter of which had taken a seat upon the floor and flicking through a screen that his Ghost had summoned, and then locked his green eyes back with his, "Has Ianos always been, 'ruthless', when he kills someone? Especially after resurrection?"

Akiva couldn't help but raise a brow at this, turning his attention momentarily towards Ianos and then towards the entrance of the Queen's throne room. It was still closed and judging from the way others are still standing around, waiting, they still have a bit of time before they are allowed in. In other words, ample time for him to answer Angel's question.

But first.

"Why not ask Pluto?" Akiva asked back, "He has known Ianos longer than I have."

"Well," Angel hesitated, "Normally I would, but…" Seeing the young Hunter glance nervously back towards Ianos, Akiva followed his gaze to see that Pluto had disjointed himself from the wall that he had been leaning upon, and instead was pointing and gesturing at the screen projected by Ace, which Ianos then followed by gestures of his own; it was obvious they were having a lighthearted debate.

At first, confused by Angel's agitation, it took Akiva a moment to realize why, "Ah, yes. You saw him kill the Assassin."

Watching Angel nod in confirmation, Akiva then wondered to himself why that would put the young Hunter at unease. They had missions together where they had shot and killed trespassing Eliksni, and he had witnessed others kill other Guardians in the Crucible. Angel even killed a few on his own.

Taking it as Angel witnessing a Guardian killing a non-Guardian for the first time, Akiva decided to finally answer, "I understand why you're worried but, if you want an honest answer, it is not as uncommon as you think."

Angel sent him a puzzled look, "What do you mean?"

"What I mean is that Ianos is not a single case of a 'disoriented' Guardian after resurrection." Akiva clarified; he saw Angel's eyes grow wide, "Look, I know you have no problem with resurrection." He paused momentarily to see if Angel would correcthim ; the Hunter didn't say anything, "however, you do understand the 'discomfort' of dying and coming back?" This time he earned a nod in response to his pause, "Well, let us put it this way, say that you have a high 'tolerance' of death and for me, I have a 'moderate' tolerance, in other words, more often than naught I come out fine but on occasion, I will have a 'reaction'." Akiva paused again and waited for Angel to nod again; a sign that he understood, "Most Guardians are considered to be in the 'moderate' range or 'high' range of tolerance when it comes to death. However, you would get Guardians like Ianos who have a 'low' tolerance of death, where, upon resurrection, will almost always have a negative reaction." He nodded his head towards Ianos, "These Guardians don't just hate the feeling of death, but they 'despise' it and they would do anything to avoid it at all costs."

"Which is why Ianos would rather spend days recovering in bed than eat a bullet."

Nodding at Angel's epiphany, Akiva then decided to continue, "And that is why Guardians with low tolerance of death tend to avoid the Crucible, although, you would get outliers. Like Ianos." He once again saw the look of surprise flashed across Angel's face, "Back then, 'centuries' ago, he would participate in the Crucible. But that's all in the past now." He hummed thoughtfully, thinking back, "I recall many times when he would resurrect himself in a fury after being killed, using his solar light to decimate the opposing team or, to be specific, the individual who had killed him."

"Solar Light?" Akiva paused; right, Angel is perceptive despite his young age, "But I thought Ianos-"

"Like Pluto and I have stated before, all Veteran Guardians have scars. Ianos is no different." Akiva butted in, "Yes, he used to be a Sunsinger years back, but that mission on the moon, it changed all that. That is when he decided to mainly utilize Void Light. Or Arc Light, considering his emotional state."

He noticed the way Angel's brows furrowed together, "Emotional state?"

Akiva pondered on Angel's education; he decided that perhaps they spent more time on Angel's 'survival' skills than basic Guardian knowledge. Or considering that half his life was spent with Eliskni.

"Tell me, when you get upset or angry, what happens to your light?" Akiva asked.

Angel's face switch from bewildered to thoughtful, his eyes considering until they grew wide with realization, "Sometimes it would flare up and lash out, even towards allies."

Akiva nodded in confirmation, "As you know, there are currently three types of light." He held up three fingers, "Solar, Arc, and Void, and each Guardian is able to attune to one or more." Akiva then decided held up both of his hands and concentrated his light to his palms. The right, the familiar violet of Void lingered, flickering like a flame while in the left, the crackling energy of Arc settled.

"Those who are attuned to one usually have great control over it, however, those who learned how to attune to more than one." Akiva decided to increase the amount; the Void Light grew in size and remained stable, glowing peacefully in his hand. In contrast, his arc light started to lash out, blazing wildly in his palm. He decided to snuff both light out byt snapping his hands closed, "Sometimes it is difficult to control, more so when we are in emotionally unstable." Lowering his hands, Akiva turned his attention towards Ianos and Pluto, both of which seemed to have ended their quiet debate and now watched Ace's screen attentively, "Considering you saw him utilizing Arc Light when he 'executed' the Assassin, that Light is the least emotionally stable." He turned his eyes back towards Angel, "As you can imagine, when the Light is that unstable, it can be dangerous for anyone around, and even to the user themselves."

Another thoughtful look glazed over the young Hunter's face, "So does that mean that Ianos is compromised."

"No." Akiva immediately answered, only to pause, and hesitate, "Well, not exactly. His Arc Light is unstable, yes, but it is not an attunement that he uses regularly as such, it is uncommon for it to be in use." It was his turn to be thoughtful, taking in Angel's experience into consideration, "That must have meant Ianos must have been really upset to tune into his Arc light like that." He couldn't help but feel a bit hopeful, "Maybe that will be reason enough for him to finally tune in with it. Ianos did say that he will eventually learn how to wrest it under control."

There was a brief pause at his words before Angel asked, "Was that before the death of, you know?"

Akiva couldn't help but flinch at his words.

Honestly, Akiva hadn't known Neptune personally, but he had heard enough from a combination of Pluto and Ianos to know just how close they were with the Exo Warlock. And to know just how devastated the pair were when he had passed.

"Perhaps." Akiva answered honestly, "But from what I heard, Ianos did have the intent to learn beforehand, but time and grief held him back."

"Grief?" Angel repeated, "But, that moon mission, wasn't it years back? Shouldn't he have gotten past it by now?"

Akiva couldn't suppress the sigh at his question, but nonetheless, forced a smile, "Angel, you know by now that with time, Guardians form bonds with others, bonds that can last for years, centuries even if you're lucky." The younger Guardian nodded at his words, "Now imagine that bond is taken from you, so suddenly and violently that even years from now, it is still hard to accept, and sometimes to even understand how and why it happened."

Pausing in his words, Akiva watched as a thoughtful look glazed over Angel's face, the Hunter letting out a soft hum. Then he asked, "Then why not hunt down the cause?"

Akiva couldn't help but blink and stare, "The what?"

Before he could gain an answer, the familiar hiss of doors sliding open caught his attention, prompting him to turn towards the entrance only to see the familiar black and violet garb of an Awoken Guard to step through.

"The Queen is ready for you." The Guard said as she saluted and then motioned for them to follow before turning and walking away.

Scowling at the timing, Akiva turned his attention back towards Angel only to see the Hunter quickly run past him and approach Ianos and Pluto, both of which had pushed themselves onto their feet and had already prepped themselves to follow. Watching his twin and Carina do the same, Akiva couldn't help but think back to Angel's words.

Then why not hunt down the cause?

Xxxxx

Ianos had always known that, despite centuries on earth, that the Awoken are more mystical than what they are given credit for. He never quite voiced his experiences as he wanted to keep his origins secret, but there are times when he would sense occurrences that would go awry, enabling him to take action and saving his life. Or this Link that he is currently experiencing now, the emotions of the Reefborn around him invading his mind before finally taking Mara's advice to heart.

It didn't take long for blessed silence to finally settle, much to his surprise.

What he wasn't surprised however, was how drastically different the throne room looked; the walkway was gone, replaced with a floor decorated with crystalline marble and stone. The throne itself had been replaced with a long table and with several seats, all decorated the same violet and marble white that he had seen in their rooms and the Banquet. Of course, at the head of the table, sat Mara, and next to her, ever vigilant, is Uldren.

Spotting the others positioning himself to take seats, Ianos found himself raising an arm, stopping his group; he ignored the puzzled stares they gave him.

This earned him an amused smile from Mara, the latter of which simple nodded and waved a hand. A sign for Ianos to nod back, lower his arm, and taking the farthest seat away as possible from the Queen. The others gave him a look but, much to his relief, they said nothing as they all took a seat.

"I must thank you earlier, Guardians." Mara finally spoke, "If it wasn't for your 'sacrifice', my life would have ended prematurely."

Ianos saw Pluto turn and gave her a blank look; his optics were functioning again, "You seem unnaturally calm for someone who almost got assassinated." The Exo folded his arms onto the table and then added, "It occurs often?"

Instead of receiving an immediate answer, Mara instead simply tilted her head, the bemused smirk of hers not once leaving her face, "There are many Noble Houses here on the Reef." She leaned back in her seat, folding her hands in her lap, "Many of which have aggrievances towards the throne."

"You mean aggrievances against you." Ianos decided to point out and this immediately earned him a glower from the Prince. Despite that, the Queen simply found his retort interesting.

"In thanks for interceding an assassination against me, alongside this Treaty, the Reef will owe you a favor." Mara said, "You are free to contact us if you ever need our aid."

Ianos, although knowing that Mara isn't the type to take back her promises, couldn't blame Pluto for the look of doubt that flashed over his optics. Nonetheless, the Hunter said nothing and instead, nodded once, "I will notify the Vanguard of this 'favor'. No doubt they will need it later in the future."

No sooner had the words left Pluto when the smile upon Mara's face vanished, "This is a 'personal', favor, Guardians." Ianos narrowed his eyes at her, "This Treaty is the favor 'owed' to the Tower. The one that I am giving you now, is for 'personal' aid."

"In other words, just for us." Ianos decided to clarify. This earned him another interested look.

"A 'reasonable' favor." Uldren butted in, scowling at Ianos and the others, "Now about this treaty."

A frustrated breath can be heard from Pluto, "As you know, this Treaty will ensure trade and a formal alliance between the Tower and the Reef. Arms will not be raised against each other and when a call for help arises, the other will answer."

"And for trade, what do you have to offer the Reef?"

"I imagine resources such as food and water is hard to come by in an environment such as the Reef, correct?" Ianos had to stifle a smile at the surprise in Uldren's eyes at Pluto's retort, "however, you have an 'excessive' amount of information." Pluto sat himself straight, clasping his hands together as he continued, "In exchange for information 'and' your weaponry, we will give you the needed supplies to keep your populace satisfied."

"Weaponry we may exchange, information on the other hand." Uldren scowled, "there is a reason why we are wary of outsiders, 'Guardians'."

Pluto seemed unfazed by the Prince's words, "If the Vanguard allows it, we may also exchange information alongside the supplies and the trade only exchanged between trusted individuals, especially with sensitive topics, if that helps."

Judging from the glare that Uldren gave him, it wasn't.

"Now why would-"

"I find that satisfactory, do you not agree, Uldren." Ianos watched as Mara turned her vibrant azure gaze towards her brother, a smile tugging on her lips. In turn, Uldren looked visibly bewildered, eyes wide, lips slightly ajar but nonetheless, quickly regained composure enough to nod and reply.

"Very well." The displeased look was still visible on his face, "Anything else?"

"Currently, no," Pluto admitted as he leaned back in his seat, "Is there anything else that you would like to add?"

There was a brief silence at Pluto's question, prompting the Exo Hunter to tilt his head, optics glowing, "We are not cold-hearted, Your Majesty. We really did mean that the Reef will be considered allies. The Treaty will be not one-sided." He then gestured towards Mara and Uldren, "So, is there anything you want to add to our little 'alliance'?"

There was a quick glance between the siblings, a glance that Ianos was tempted to break down his wall and take a peek but, reigned himself in, especially after Mara glanced his way; he couldn't help but think that there is a reason why she specifically was picked to be Queen.

It didn't take long for the pair to break contact and it was Uldren who spoke, "We would like the assistance of your Fallen friends."

At first, Ianos felt confused, bewildered at his request. This wasn't missed by Angel, the latter of which blurted out, "Don't you have 'Eliksni' enslaved here for your benefit?"

This earned the young Hunter a shoulder punch from Akiva, Angel letting out a small but audible 'ow' at the hit.

If Uldren had taken offense at Angel's question, he hid it well as he then clarified, "It is true that the House of Wolves is under our rule, but we have heard of yours. And yours seem more organized, more in number than what we have on the Reef."

"That is because we don't 'own' them – ow! Akiva!" Angel shoved the Titan away and before Akiva could move in to stop him, he added, "They are 'allies' not some war prisoners to be used as laborers." Angel moved his seated, shifting it just enough to dodge another swipe from Akiva, "If you want their help, you have to 'ask' them yourself."

Ianos couldn't help but sigh, closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath. Etiquette. Etiquette is next on the list of things that both Angel 'and' Carina need to learn when leaving Earth. Especially when it comes to the Reef.

Despite the obvious insolence by Angel, Uldren seemed more amused than insulted, especially considering his smirk, "Why should we ask them directly, when 'you' are here? The epicenter, the 'Leader' of this new House. All 'you' have to do is ask and they will accept."

Oh, no wonder Pluto decided to add 'information' into the trade. The Awoken seemed very informed, considering that, although the alliance between the Tower and the House of Spirit was common knowledge, the one who initiated it wasn't. Ianos wonders how they have gathered this.

"I do not request them to do anything that is against their will." The growl that Angel released was more animalistic, more Eliksni, "I am 'not' going to force them into a treaty that they may 'not' want to partake in."

"You talk as if they will already refuse." Uldren argued, "Why not ask them first before you pull the decision from them."

A snarl, a growl can be heard reverberating from Angel, and it took Ianos a moment to realize that the Hunter had shot up from his seat, his hands wrapped around the handle of his knife around his waist. He could even see sparks of arc light flickering from his eyes.

Fortunately, Akiva, being seated to the Hunter, grabbed Angel by the arm and pulling him back down to his seat, visibly putting his hands on his shoulders to sit him down. And to put it mildly, to restrain him.

Ianos then watched as Akiva leaned down and whispered into Angel's ear, more than likely words of keeping his temper in check, proven when the trembling of the Hunter's hands ceased and took in a deep breath. This, however, did not mean he didn't stop glaring at Uldren, even when he motioned for Hope to fly over his shoulder and settling into his palm.

They murmured back and forth to each other, Ianos catching snatches of Eliksni before finally, Hope hovered just above Angel's palm and the familiar circular communicator materialized into his grasp. From the corner of his vision, Ianos saw Uldren go stiff.

"What is that?" He heard him demand.

"Not a weapon, if that is what's worrying you." Angel retorted, holding up the communicator, "You wanted to talk to the House of Spirits, right? This is the only way to contact them. If you do not mind, let me 'try' and get a line, unless you changed your mind."

The look on Uldren's face was amusing to say the least, Ianos restraining a smile as Angel pressed his fingers around the circular pattern on the communicator, the buttons glowing from the touch. Not long after, it then started to float and it spread open, much akin to a Ghost when transmitting, although this one a screen flashed to life. At first, it revealed nothing but static, then, it lit up, revealing the familiar scarred face of Ixrsis, the glare in her four eyes softening at the sight of Angel's face.

Even from that small screen, Ianos can tell she had gotten larger, a size more befitting as her status as Kell, and even her bulk seem to have grown. Her shoulders seem broader, and her muscles seem to ripple as she moved. Around her shoulders is a scarf made from feathers, another honorific for Angel, and her body is painted with the white and gray paint of their House. She even had painted over her eyes a layer of white, making the glow more prominent on her face. And finally, in her arms, was the familiar rounded cannon of a shrapnel launcher in her lap as she hunched down. Judging from the sound of gunfire in the background, Angel had called her during a scuffle.

"Pure One." The joy was prominent in her voice, even without the translation.

Despite the displeasure upon his face, it was quickly replaced with a smile as Angel nodded back in greeting, "Ixrsis, how are you-"

The young Hunter's words were disrupted as a shot narrowly missed Ixrsis' legs, blowing up dirt and debris and throwing up a cloud just over the screen. This prompted Ixrsis to let out a cough and then snarled, "Excuse me a moment, Pure One."

Ianos then watched with a myriad of fascination and concern as Ixrsis shot up to her feet with a roar, leapt over her cover as she fired her launcher. Her transmitter must be following her movements as it showed her running past fellow Eliksni bearing the same colors before another shot, more clouds kicking up and obscuring the screen. Gunfire could be heard through the obscurity before moments later, silence.

Ianos could easily see Angel's worry, just from the way the Hunter shifted in his seat, his hands gripping the edge of the table in a tight grasp. He then heard Angel let out a breath of relief when the cloud cleared and it showed not just Ixrsis, but others of the House, shouting in triumph. They had won whatever battle they had participated in.

"I apologize, Pure One." Ixrsis said a moment later, panting as she wandered to a safer spot and took a seat, setting her weapon back into her lap, "Ever since the formation of House of Spirits, House Devils grew ever more vigilant to be 'one' once more, yes."

Angel seem to perk up at this and a grin spread onto his face, "But, you always beat them back."

A chuff, a laugh as Ixrsis then said, "What else would happen, Pure One?"

Ianos couldn't help but hum and lean back in his seat at their words; honestly, Ianos had thought the pair a couple before Angel had clarified that they were friends. Very close friends, if the way the pair would beam and grin at each other every time they spoke if that were to prove something

Thankfully, Ianos watched as Akiva reached over and tapped Angel on the shoulder, allowing the Hunter to glance back and remember the main reason for the call.

"I must apologize Ixrsis, but I have to make this quick." A rumble of disappointment can be heard from the Kell but nonetheless, she nodded. Ixrsis quickly perked up however as Angel then added, "But do not worry, when my pack and I return to the Tower, I will contact you again."

"Whatever do you need, Pure One?"

At first, Angel hesitated, glancing back and forth between Ixrsis, to Uldren and Mara, then back to Ixrsis again. He then took in a breath and answered, "Assistance." Ixrsis gave him a puzzled look, "With the Awoken. The Ashen Ones. Out in the Beyond."

No sooner had the words left his lips when a snarl can be heard, a rumble growing louder in the back of her throat, "Why would I trust those slavers?!" Ianos couldn't help but reel at her words; there was legitimate rage behind them, "I will 'not' work with anyone who holds some of my people under their yoke! Never! No!"

"That is what I was trying to explain to them." Angel seemed relieved at her words, "but it seems the Awoken wants your aid in part with this 'treaty' that we have been trying to build between them and the Haven." He saw Angel's eyes trail over Uldren, obviously scrutinizing him, "and it seems they will not take 'no' as an answer."

Ixrsis narrowed her eyes at this, glowering behind the screen before she closed her eyes and sighed, the tension leaving her body, "Fine, I will help the Ashen Ones, yes." Ianos couldn't help but raise a brow at this; he thought she would put up more of a fight. "Let me speak to 'Awoken'. I also want to work through this 'aid', yes?"

Watching Angel nod his head, Ianos saw him reach out and tap the side of the spherical communicator. This prompted the screen to shift and enlarge, making Ixrsis more visible and facing the Queen the and the Prince. As soon as Ixrsis had them in view, she dipped her head and release a low rumble, "I am Ixrsis, Kell of House Spirits, Protector of my people, and friend of the Guardians." She lifted her eyes, "I heard you want the help of my House, correct?"

Uldren raised a brow at her words but nonetheless, nodded. A chuff can be heard from Ixrsis.

"I would usually refuse to aid those not of Pure One's pack." This earned Ixrsis a glower from Uldren, "However, for the sake of Pure One and his pack, I will accept. However, there are two conditions."

Ianos couldn't help but blink and then be amused; that would explain why she accepted so easily.

"First, my House will not be used as mercenaries but as aids, we shall be a part of this alliance, yes." Ianos heard Uldren sputter at Ixrsis' words; he had to suppress a smile, "Second, all Fallen liberated under your control shall join my house."

That. That was not Ianos expected as condition number two. Neither did Uldren, judging from the way fury flared in his eyes.

"What? You expect us to simply give up-"

"You want assistance? An alliance? Then that is my 'condition'." Ixrsis snarled, "Otherwise, I will 'not' agree to assist nor ally with the Awoken, no. If I were to be honest, that would make you an 'enemy' of my house if you refuse, yes."

Ixrsis finished with a low rumble, this one filled with warning, a threat. This seemed to be enough for Uldren to consider, considering he turned his eyes towards Mara, the latter of which had an interested smile on her lips. Her features quickly went blank however when she realized that eyes were upon her, and she spoke with a wave of a hand, "Then it shall be given." Her blue eyes seemed to glow brighter at this, "This alliance shall be forged, printed on paper 'and' saved in data, as proof of this agreement." She leaned back in her seat, "Ships shall be sent to your House after it has been finalized."

A sound of satisfaction can be heard from Ixrsis, although it was quickly followed by a question, "Including those being held at the Prison?"

For the first time during the entirety of the meeting, Mara's eyes narrowed, displeasure seen in her gaze. Nonetheless, the Queen answered, "We shall perform a screening to weed out those who were 'sentenced'. The rest we shall hand over to you."

There was a huff from Ixrsis, her four eyes glowing and narrowing as if she was displeased by the answer; Ianos half-expected her to growl and argue. Instead, she stiffly nodded and said, "Very well, then consider my House and your 'Reef' now in Alliance." Right, Ianos forgotten how simple House alliances work. Only if City Politics were that easy.

Ixrsis, with her work done, turned to Angel, both saying goodbye in Eliksni, before the transmitter shut off, allowing the Hunter to catch the sphere back into his hands.

"Anything else?" Ianos could hear the pride in Angel's voice as he held up his hands for Hope to take the communicator back, the young Guardian practically beaming at Uldren.

This in turn, earned Angel a small smack on the shoulder by Akiva, but it was half-hearted at best, judging from a gleam of amusement that lingered in the Titan's golden eyes. The only one who seemed displeased is Uldren, the Prince glowering at Angel before responding.

"That is all we have. For now. We shall continue tomorrow, to ensure that nothing is amiss. You may all leave."

Ianos took this as a sign for him to stand, only to freeze when Uldren snapped his eyes towards him and added, "Except for you, 'Reefborn'."

Unable help but feel that somehow, he had been caught, Ianos shoved down the panic, and forced himself to stare into the Prince's yellow eyes, "And for what reason?"

"We shall give you your answer." He saw Uldren glance over at his team before fixing his eyes back, "In 'private'."

Hearing this, Ianos' mouth went dry, his panic rising to the surface, and he couldn't help but feel uneasy, especially when he glanced over at Mara and her expression remained passive. What benefit would they gain speaking to him privately?

"Ianos."

Turning towards Pluto, Ianos saw the worry, the concern, the doubt of leaving him alone with the Royal pair, and honestly, he felt the same. But even though he had built the wall in his mind, he could tell that if he were to refuse, that they would just as easily pull back the Treaty, despite their promise. Whatever they wanted to say was worth the risk.

"I can handle this." He said. This earned him a look of doubt from Aleeza.

"You sure?" She voiced, "By yourself?"

Ianos scoffed at her words, "Who said I was going to be alone?" As if on cue, he felt Ace's presence in his mind lift, and a shimmer of light materialized over his shoulder, "I have Ace with me."

Doubt could easily be seen in Pluto's optics, and it was apparent judging from the way he grinded his jaw that he had something to say. But, just like Ace, a shimmer of light materialized over Pluto's shoulder and Nix's viridian form gently tapped the side of the Hunter's head.

"They will be fine; I sense no ill will from the Queen and the Prince." The Ghost then paused, their cracked optic glancing towards the Royal pair, "Well, at least not towards him."

There was a breath from Pluto, his optics lighting up brightly against his plating but nonetheless, he nodded, "If anything happens, contact us immediately, got it?"

Knowing that giving him any other answer will be futile, Ianos gave the Hunter a quick nod; a sign for the others to turn and leave, slowly, until the door shut behind them. "Alright." Ianos turned to face Mara and Uldren, "You going to tell me why you wanted this 'private' meeting?"

At his words an amused smile settled over Mara's face, prompting Ianos' unease to grow. It didn't help that she said nothing and instead waved for him to come closer. His patience growing thin and growing wary, Ianos' decided that it was enough. He broke down his wall and he was hit with waves of mischievous and interest permeating from the Queen. And doubt emitting from her brother. This quickly made Ianos suspicious but, unable to find no other reason to ignore her order, he obeyed, and he approached, waiting until Mara lowered her hand to say that he was close enough. He was merely an arm's length away.

"Remove your helmet, if you will."

Ianos couldn't help but seize at her words and he heard Ace sputter just above his shoulder. The Queen tilted her head at this, resting her chin on the back of her hand.

"Is something the matter?" She asked.

"It is not as simple as it seems for Ianos to remove his helmet." It was Ace who answered, the Ghost gliding over and placing themselves between Mara and Ianos, as if to gate the Queen, "It functions more as a medical mean than as an accessory and protection. We apologize for the convenience."

Thankful that Ace gave a somewhat satisfactory answer without giving much away, Ianos saw that the interest did not fade from the Queen, more like it grew. He grew more wary at this.

"Not even momentarily?"

Ianos found himself annoyed at her question, "Is there a reason why you want me to remove my helmet?"

The mischievousness that had been lingering behind her interest suddenly surged to the front, the amused smile still prominent on her face.

"Nothing important."

That is when Ianos' mind went foggy, his knees buckling underneath him, and he barely caught himself from crashing to the floor.

"Will you please remove your helmet for me, Guardian?"

He heard Ace shouting, but it was a mere echo in his mind and, much to his horror, he found his arms moving, reaching up to the sealant under his jaw. As the familiar hiss of decompression rang in his ears, Ianos felt his heart beat hard inside his chest as he struggled to regain control of his motor functions but instead, felt his helmet slowly sliding over his head. Realizing that resistance was a futile attempt, Ianos instead took in a deep breath, taking in as much of the precious drugs as he could before the colored visor left his vision.

"Ianos!"

Ace's shout seemed louder in his ears with his helmet absent and it seemed to be enough for him to regain the use of his legs, taking a couple of steps back, as if expanding the space between himself and the Queen would help. He took the chance to glare at her.

"No need to be harsh with me." The Queen chastised, a tease in his ears, "Just really wanted to see if you truly were 'Reefborn'."

"Now you have your proof." Ianos hissed out as he raised his arms to slide his helmet back into place, already feeling the dull thrums of pain in his chest and the whispers of the Darkness crawling through the core of his body.

"Not quite yet, Sir Ianos."

Despite himself, Ianos paused, slowly turning his eyes towards Mara, the latter of which motioned for him to come close once more. At first, Ianos wanted to refuse, especially since he was naught but a few paces away from her. But, judging from the way she kept waving her hand, Mara clearly wanted him to be in her personal space. Wary but knowing fully well that refusing wasn't the best decision, he leaned in, tucking his helmet under one arm so that he could use a hand to leverage against the arm of her throne.

Mara was pleased at his obedience, telling through the Link and the way her smile seemed to broaden just a bit. Ianos could only stare into her glowing blue eyes, trying his best to remain passive at the close proximity. He then saw her hand snap out and grab him back the back of the head, and before he couldn't even resist, she pulled him down and pressed her forehead against his.

"You are obsessed with the throne! It is not worth splitting up your House for!" He watched as his mother screamed, her violet eyes flaring bright in a rage, "You claim that it is for House Raas but all I see is your selfish desire for the crown!"

"It is the only way to save 'my' House!" His father, who he had seen as stoic and calm, snapped back, his orange eyes glowing bright, "I am 'not' going to let my House die after many years of helping build this Reef! 'Our' home! 'My' home!"

"Not like this!" His mother snapped back, "There are other ways to save your house! To build back what has been lost!"

"Like 'your' house tried to do!?" His father's words seemed to have an effect; his mother flinched as if visibly struck, "Look how well that ended! Dead!"

"Don't you dare try to bring my House into this!"

"Then let me have this chance to save my House! For us! For our son!"

"Daddy? Mommy?" He called out with eyes wide, fearful as he stepped into the room.

Their eyes turned towards him, and the anger swiftly faded but lingered.

"My precious child." His mother walked over to him, scooping him up into her arms. She turned to face his father momentarily, words hard, "This conversation is not over."

The pain in his chest brought Ianos back, his eyes watering from a mixture of emotion and agony as he felt the Darkness eat away at his light. Once again, he heard Ace shouting, screaming, and Ianos tried to pull back, panting. The Queen held fast and with their contact, he felt himself fall back into memory.

"Dad?" He clutched the tablet close to his chest, eyes staring curiously at his father's back, the latter muttering to himself at his desk, "You promised to help me with my studies today, remember?"

"Not now." His father brushed him off, but he wanted his father to help, it has been days now.

As such, he marched right up to his father's desk and plopped his tablet down on top of the papers and scrolls spread out, "You promised."

No sooner had he spoken when the word spun, pain spiking from his cheek as he collapsed to the floor.

"Did I not tell you that I was busy!?"

Pressing a hand on his throbbing face, he looked up at his father through tears, seeing a stunned look settling over the man's face.

"S-Son, I…"

Pushing himself onto his knees, he felt the warmth of tears falling from his eyes, stinging the pain already aching against his face. The call of his name prompted him to look towards the entrance of the study, only for him to raise his arms as the familiar sight of his mother entered his vision. She scooped him up with no need to utter a word.

"Ferra, I-"

"Genis enough!" He could feel her fury through their mind, pressing his face against the crook of her shoulder as he felt her arms tighten around his form, "I do 'not' want to hear it. From now on, you leave us out of this so called 'crusade' of yours." She then left with him in her arms.

Once again the pain pulled Ianos back, and he couldn't help but bare his teeth, growling at Mara, "Get. Off. Of. Me."

He could feel Ace nearby, zipping around him, beams of light flashing in the corner of his eyes as he focused on just trying to get away. Despite his attempt, Mara's grip remained strong and he once again, fell back into memory.

"Mother, where are we going?" He asked, carrying a bundle in his free hand while the other clutched onto his mother's.

She glanced down at him and flashed him a sad smile, "We are going on a small trip, precious."

"Then what about Father?" He asked; his mother's smile vanished, "Is he not coming with us?"

"He's, busy." She was lying. He could always tell, "But do not worry, we will see him again when he is done with work. You know how he is."

Although seeing through her lies, he nodded, following his mother into one of the many hangars and they walked onto a dock, marking one of the Awoken Ships – a standard one for travel – as one they will be taking. He went in first, pack clutched in his arms and his mother moved to settle in with him. A shout then can be heard, and he felt his mother panic.

Glancing up towards the Hangar, he saw his father, sprinting towards them, filled with rage, prompting his mother to slide in and swing the door shut. He could hear his father slam into the side and started pounding.

"You dare try to leave me!?" The anger, the betrayal was apparent, "With 'our' child!?"

Hate quickly took place of any sense of sadness from his father, and he couldn't help but recoil deeper into his seat. He sensed his mother's hate, pity, and then longing before she sat and pulled on the controls, just enough to pull away and fly into space. The last thing the child saw was his father raging at them, and the Awoken Guards trailing in, weapons raised.

His mind clear once more, Ianos grabbed Mara's arm, and in desperation, he released his light. Void, Arc, or even Solar, he didn't care, all he wanted was to be free from her grasp. And for the pain to end.

Ianos heard her let out a sound of pain and felt her grip loosen for him to recoil away, collapsing onto his back. He heard Ace calling out to him once more, but all he could focus on was the agony building out from his heart to his lungs, gasping and grasping for air. As he attempted to take in a controlled breath in, daggers of pain pierced his body, and he couldn't suppress the scream that left his lips.

That is when he felt the familiar weight of his helmet slide back over his head and he took in a deep desperate breath in. Agony still bloomed at the action but as he took in another, it eased, just enough for him to control his breathing. Soon, the pain lessens to bearable standards and Ianos blinked past the tears as his HUD flickered to life. He found himself staring down a barrel of Uldren's weapon.

"Give me one reason why I should 'not' end you here for harming the Queen?"

Blinking at the Prince's threat, Ianos blearily glanced over him, to see Mara holding one of her arms against her chest, wisps of void light lingered over a burn.

"I was, 'defending' myself," Ianos managed to rasp out, pushing himself so that he was seated on the ground, "What the fuck were you trying to do, anyway? Manipulate me?"

He felt fury emit from Uldren and Ianos barely had the strength to lean back to dodge a kick by the Prince. Annoyed, Ianos started gathering void light to his fingertips, readying himself in case Uldren came at him with another swing.

"It is not to manipulate." Ianos warily turned his attention towards Mara, side eyeing Uldren, "But to help remember." He then watched with amazement as she held a hand over her wound, watching it heal in front of his eyes, "A rare trait of the Sov House." She then nodded towards Uldren, the latter of which scowled but nonetheless, sheathed his knife and half-heartily held out a hand towards Ianos.

Unable to help but raise a brow suspiciously, Ianos slowly and careful clasped his hand over Uldren's and he was relieved when the Prince pulled him up, holding onto him long enough for him to be steady on his feet before releasing his hold and taking steps back.

"As you know, there are Noble Houses here in the Reef." Mara started as Uldren resumed his position next to her, "and each House has a unique gift. It rarely manifests but members do inherit them." He felt her interest once more, "From what I can gather your bloodlines reach back to two dead Houses, the House of Raas and the House of Vael."

"Dead houses, not surprised." Ianos voiced; he honestly wasn't, considering how long he has been alive, "Let me guess, they had unique gifts?"

A nod from Mara, "Specifically the House of Vael, also known as the House of Seers, for their visions are the most prominent and clear." She glanced over at her brother, "Usually they take the place of Advisors but, alas, their bloodlines have died long ago." The Queen then turned her eyes back towards Ianos, "At least, that is what we believed."

Unable to help but scowl, Ianos then asked, "And the House of Raas?"

"No one knows." Uldren answered, "all records of their House were destroyed after an attempted coup against the throne. All members were either banished or executed."

Letting the echoes of his memories linger to the forefront of his mind, Ianos then asked, "Banished? To where?"

"That too have been erased." Mara answered, leaning back in her seat, "As you can see, traitors are not held lightly here."

Frowning at her words, Ianos then crossed his arms, "Right, so I am descended from two Noble Houses. And that requires a private conversation between us?"

That is when the mischievousness was back, a smile visibly forming on Mara's face.

"You see Guardian, the House of Vael is actually a sub-House of another. A much larger and stronger House. The House of Sov."

"Excuse me?!"

Ace's shout drowned out Ianos wheeze, the Warlock feeling weak on his feet once more.

"According to records, the House of Vael were given the task as Advisors, a second seat you say in order to appease to squabbling siblings." Mara continued, "If anything were to happen to the current ruler, usually a member of House Vael would take their place."

A sense a dread dropped into Ianos' chest as Mara finished, "In other words, Sir Ianos, thanks to your Vael bloodline, if anything were to happen to my brother and I, you have a claim to the throne."

I swear the last part sounded better in my head -w-;;;