Tormented

More Than that

Hey Guys! Once again I apologize for the late update! Work really has been getting to me. Anyway, this arc is coming to a close as you can tell lol. Once again, I never intended for this story to be this long. In honesty, I was expecting to finish it in 20 chapters. Writing out these chapters, I'm expecting it might be double that number!

Also an announcement, I'm not sure if it's just me, but apparently I am not receiving any private messages on my account (a person I am roleplaying with claim to have send their reply but I have never received it) so if you have sent me a message, keeping sending it to me until I respond or at least until I found a better alternative to messages lol. So, just in case, if you have a character you want to submit and somehow I didn't respond, just post it in the reviews until I can find a solution to this.

Thanks Mantic64 and Fin the Demi God for your reviews!

Edited: 9/26/2021

"Wait, wait, wait. You are related to the Sovs?"

Ianos took in a deep breath, closing his eyes as he ignored the bright look that Aleeza flashed him; she was amongst one of many Guardians who dabble in gossip.

"Do I have to say it again?" He said, exasperated, "Yes, I am."

"Faintly." Pluto decided to add in, much to Ianos' relief, "Yet, according to the Queen, it is enough of a claim for you to take the throne, if anything were to happen to the Sovs."

"Aren't they the last of their house?" Angel asked, looking up from the screen Hope projected; if it wasn't for his free-spirit, Ianos imagined he would have been a descent Warlock. Although he couldn't help but feel irked when the Hunter turned his eyes towards him, "Wouldn't that mean that if anything were to happen to the Sovs and 'you', would that mean the end of the Royal Line?"

Ianos blinked and then gave the Hunter a blank stare; that was highly unlikely, there had to be others related the Sovs. He couldn't help but hesitate. Right?

"Well, that would explain why the Awoken are desperate for the Queen and the Prince to marry."

At first, it took Ianos a moment to take in Angel's words, only for Pluto to jump in, "Angel, did you hack into Reef's system?"

Angel smiled sheepishly.

"Angel!"

"What?" Angel said innocently; he definitely had practice, "I'm just looking through innocuous information. Not like they're going to miss them."

If it were anyone else, Ianos would have felt concern, worried even. But this was Angel, the same one who made it a habit to hack the Tower systems on occasion just for the fun of it. Ianos had overheard Cayde enough, a mix of pride and exasperation at the young Hunter's uncanny ability to make his way through almost any digital defense. Angel knows what he's doing. The Awoken have yet to rush in and smash the door to their quarters yet anyway.

The way Pluto shook his head but said nothing else tell that he thought the same, "While we're all here, is there anything that you think we should add to the Treaty? Since the Vanguard seem wholly confident to even let us handle that."

Carina shrugged at his words, "What else can we add? I mean, we brought the House of Spirits in it, and we already went through the basics with the Queen."

"They might have thought the same." Akiva said, "Otherwise, why end it early and then convene back tomorrow?"

Ianos heard a scoff from Pluto, "You would think that they would swallow their pride over their loss and think of a few ideas to add to the Treaty instead of acting petty and making us wait."

"Is that why they're taking their sweet time?" Carina complained, "I mean, yeah the food and drink here are great, but I would rather be back in my own room and sleeping in my own bed."

"At least we are currently working on the Treaty," Ianos pointed out, "at the rate we are going, we should have it done in a couple of weeks, less so if we are lucky."

This earned him a whine from Carina in which he ignored and instead, turned his attention to Angel, "Have Vellak and the others been informed yet?"

At first, Angel gave him a bewildered look, puzzled at his words until his eyes grew wide with realization.

"Not quite," He admitted as he tapped the top point of Hope's shell, a sign for her to release the screen he was looking upon, "although since we won't be talking to the Queen and the Prince until tomorrow, probably should do that now."

"In honesty, I think it's best if we 'all' take care of whatever we need before tomorrow." Akiva advised, "Probably help us prep for another standstill with the Prince."

Mentally agreeing with Akiva, Ianos decided it best to slide off the seat that he had taken refuge in and prepped himself to head to his own quarters. He has a lot to think about after all.

Xxxxx

Olkar already made it clear to himself that he does not like any of the Eliksni on the Reef, the only exception being Variks and it was clearly because he was not part of the Wolves, but of Judgement. To him, the Wolves are the exact personification of their House: Loyal, Fierce, and always hungry.

He kept a firm grip on the arm of Axtris as she hissed at any Eliksni – all of which are male, Olkar has to tell himself – that wanders too close to them as they cautiously made their way down the hall in an attempt to make it back to Pure One's quarters. They unfortunately had to make the trek alone when Variks had been called away, by the Queen no less.

It put Olkar on edge, especially when many of the Wolves leered at them and many eyed Axtris as if she were a prize to be claimed. However, fortunately, Axtris had swiped at a Vandal who had wandered too close, her Shock Daggers marking one of his arms. His screeching cries were warning enough for many to keep their distance but, there were still a handful that dare to come at an arm's length.

That is where Vellak would come in, his larger stature intimidating enough for most to back away, especially when he growled and clicked his mandibles together.

"Well, this is pleasant." It was Trikxas who broke the silence, the Ghost snuggling herself against the crook of Olkar's neck; she had declined to stay in his pack, too stuffy she claimed. This was the next best compromise, "Do you know your way back?"

Vellak let out a huff, "Their path is straightforward, it is just." He paused to slam the butt of his staff into the floor, causing many of the wandering Wolves to scatter, "If they could just stay out of our way."

Olkar couldn't help but agree that, despite their many warnings, the Wolves still lingered too close for comfort. Not to mention that he couldn't help but feel that they are purposely slowing them down, waiting until they drop their guard for them to attack. Much like their namesake.

"Out of the way!"

Recognizing the voice, Olkar couldn't help but wonder if he should feel relieved or annoyed that it was Inkolas who had shouted, causing a part in the crowd that allowed himself space to approach. His snarls ensured that Olkar and his littermates has enough room to be comfortable. Or the best they could in their current circumstance.

Not much to Olkar's surprise, Axtirs hissed at Inkolas, "What do you want?" No doubt she is still bitter about his words earlier, not that Olkar could blame her.

"He is here to say that the others are apologetic." Anikis' form appeared through the crowd, the pep in his step immediately disappearing when Inkolas turned and gave him a glare. It wasn't enough to cease his talking, "Inkolas is here to offer a meal in apology."

Hearing this, Olkar couldn't help but raise his free hand and cup it protectively over Trikxas' form.

This must not have gone unnoticed by Inkolas.

"If you are worried about your Shard, there is no need. The others are well 'informed' by now that even considering touching it will be met with severe punishment."

Feeling slightly at ease at his words, Olkar then felt Axtris rip her arm free from his grasp and she took a threatening step forward, "I still not have forgiven you for the insults towards our House." There was a deep rumble from her throat, "Well will not say yes to a meal, even if it is coming from Variks himself."

Olkar couldn't help but give his sister a look; not forgiving Inkolas' insults towards the House of Spirits he can agree upon, but a free meal? How can she brush that aside so easily especially considering they haven't eaten since leaving Pure One's quarters, and Olkar is 'starving'. He let out an audible huff at this but said nothing, however, he felt Inkolas glance his way, staring at him with a raised brow. The Vandal then turned towards Vellak.

"Well, what about you, 'Scribe' of House Spirits."

Olkar knew that Inkolas had said it in a way to insult but, as he turned towards Vellak, he could see, not anger, but amusement in his brother's four eyes, rumbling softly as if the words tickled him instead.

"I think a meal would suffice." Olkar blinked at Vellak's words, listening to Axtris cough and wheeze beside him, "If of course your pack apologize to us during the course of our meal."

Oh, oh right. He forgot that Vellak can be petty if pushed enough. Guess the Wolves dogpiling him back then was enough for Vellak to hold a grudge. Not that Olkar could blame him; he could only imagine how painful it was with his back. Although he was confused as to why he hadn't included Inkolas into the apology; after all, the Vandal did insult the House of Spirits to their faces.

Nonetheless, the aforementioned Vandal seemed amused at this, "Are you serious?"

"How does that human saying go? Loud and clear." Olkar couldn't help but chuckle at his brother, "While we are dining, I would like them to apologize for trying to take Trikxas and for attacking us."

There was an interested rumble as Inkolas crossed his arms, tilting his head at Vellak, "And do you not want one from me?"

Inkolas has no fear, in Olkar's perspective anyway. Most Vandals would be intimidated by Vellak's larger size despite the same rank.

Speaking of his older brother, Vellak tilted his head, rumbling in amusement, "What would you need to apologize for? After all, it is not uncommon for Houses to insult each other."

At first, Olkar gave his littermate a flabbergasted look, hearing his sister sputter nearby at his words. However, it also took Olkar a mere moment to realize that Vellak's words hold true. It is not uncommon for other Houses to insult each other when they meet face to face. He himself only had been at a handful of these encounters but each time, without fail, they would try to bring the other House down. And that wasn't the worse thing they have done to each other. Olkar can now see why Vellak doesn't seemed bothered by it.

Axtris on the other hand, didn't seem to understand, as Olkar can easily sense her seething anger, hearing her growl as her four eyes glowed threateningly. She still has a lot to learn, she is the youngest of all their littermates, Olkar realized. Didn't help that their sire had taken her away not long after she was promoted to Vandal.

Despite Axtris' obvious displeasure, Inkolas seemed pleased, motioned for them to follow, and then turned down the hallway with Anikis following.

That is when Trikxas finally decided to speak.

"I do not understand why you said yes to the meal." She muttered underneath Olkar's fingers, prompting him to carefully release his hold on her, "The apologies I understand, but 'during' our meal? You could have waited until 'after' the apology to accept."

There was a shrug from Vellak, although, Olkar saw a glint in his eyes, "Normally yes, but what better way for an apology to be more 'sincere' when it is in the presence of others?"

If it hadn't been obvious then, it was obvious Vellak's pettiness was showing now. He doesn't care if the apologies were genuine, he just wanted to humiliate those involved. Trikxas seemed to realize this, as Olkar then heard her let out a quiet, "Oh.

Olkar couldn't help a snicker but reigned himself in when they entered the room where they had been previously. Unlike before, where all eyes were on them, many eyes looked completely away, keeping their heads low as he and the others made their way to their seats – one all the way to the back.

At first, Olkar was hesitant, nearly coming to a halt at the thought that if any trouble were to occur, it would be more difficult to make an exit. However, when Anikis motioned for them to sit and Vellak complied, Olkar reluctantly did as well.

Seating himself next to his brother, Olkar then felt his sister slide in next to him, and it was then, Inkolas turned towards Anikis.

"Inform those who are present to ready an apology." Olkar couldn't help but look up; he was actually going to do it, "They shall approach them one by one to ensure that each apology is sincere."

Seeing Anikis give him a puzzled look but nonetheless nodded, that is when Olkar heard snickering next to him. He didn't have to turn to know that it is his sister. If Vellak had heard, he showed no sign of it as he leaned against his staff, letting out a tired huff.

"You wish to leave this place?" Olkar asked and Vellak nodded.

"More like I want Pure One to finish his task here and leave." His older brother said, "The longer we are here, the more I feel we are surrounded."

No lie there, considering that they are surrounded not by just the Wolves but by the Ashen Ones as well; Olkar just thanks the Great Machine that they have yet to personally encounter one without Pure One's presence.

As he continued to ponder, Olkar spotted two Dregs approach, plates of meat in their hands, and that is truly when his hunger surfaced; his stomach even growled at the scent. If the Dregs heard, they showed no acknowledgement and instead held out a plate for Olkar and his siblings to grab. As soon as the dish was in his hands, that is when he heard a murmur, a whisper. It took him a moment to realize that they were uttering apologies. Half-hearted ones, but, apologies nonetheless.

They left when Vellak gave a nod of approval. Then, he turned his attention towards Inkolas; in Olkar's eyes, the Vandal had been standing by, as if on guard duty.

"Care to join us?"

A sound of indignation can be heard from Axtris at Vellak's invitation, and even Inkolas snapped his head towards him, eyes filled with bewilderment, and then, hesitation. Although curious on if Inkolas will accept, Olkar's rumbling stomach distracted him and as such, he turned, holding his plate in his lower arms and removed his mask with his upper. Then, in one swift movement, he took a bite, and he let out a chitter satisfaction as the taste of his meal filtered over his tongue and down his throat. Ether may keep them going for a while, but even the most disciplined needs physical sustenance.

As he devoured the meat, Olkar caught from the corner of his eyes Axtris doing the same, showing much more vigor than he would find comfortable in a room filled with Wolves. But hunger can do that to you. When was the last time they ate like this?

Grinding the meat between his mandibles, Olkar then shifted his attention towards Vellak and Inkolas, both of which seemed to be in conversation, occasionally taking a bite from their meal. Unlike Olkar, who had trouble tearing the meat from the bone, these two seemed to have it down, their jaws clamping and tearing flesh as if it was nothing. That just tells their age, learning tricks on how to devour their meal more efficiently. As such, by the time Olkar made it even halfway through his meal, the other two Vandals had finished and now were taking part in a casual conversation. Axtris, being the youngest, was still gnawing around the bone when a ring came from her pack.

Pondering on who would call, Olkar decided upon Pure One; if Kell Ixrsis had wanted to contact them she would have called Vellak. His guess turned to be true when Axtris held out the communicator in her hands, Pure One's voice rang out.

"Ah, I'm sorry, it seems I have caught you in the middle of a meal." As always, he spoke apologies for any sign of inconvenience, "I can always call back…"

"We always time for you! Pure One!" Axtris exclaimed, plopping her meal next to her as her four eyes glowed, "What news do you have for us?"

"Well," Pure One started, "you know as well as I that the Reef has the House of Wolves under their yoke, right?"

That is when Olkar heard the room go quiet, the original sounds of chatter and clicking of jaws quieting down to whispers. If Axtris or the others have heard, they showed no sign of it as his sister then asked, "Yes, what about it?"

"Well, during the Treaty, the Queen and the Prince wanted the House of Spirits to aid them." There was a low growl from Axtris, "Now, now, I know how you feel about the Awoken, especially, since well..." He didn't finish his sentence, "Ixrsis agreed to the aid."

There was a shout from Axtris and Olkar himself let out a wheeze, coughing as he finally dropped his meal and pounded his chest as he choked. Clearing his throat, Olkar turned his eyes towards his brother to see his reaction, only to see Vellak's eyes were simply wide; as if he had known but hadn't expected it to be true.

"On one condition!" Pure One added, as if that was going to make it any better, "That all Eliksni, even those imprisoned at the Prison, would be released and transferred over to the House of Spirits."

That is when complete silence fell completely over the room, that even whispers had come to a halt.

"You are serious, Pure One?" Vellak asked, Olkar watching as his brother picked up his staff and used it as support to lean in, "Tell me that this not a cruel joke."

"I am not joking." Pure One confirmed, "As soon as the treaty is finalized, the Queen promised that ships will be loaded and set course for Earth, where the Wolves will be free to join."

"And if they refuse?"

"Knowing Ixrsis, she won't force them to join if they do not want to." Angel answered, "more than likely she will let them go off on their own if they want." There was a brief pause followed by a soft hum, "Are you in there with the Wolves?"

Expecting his older brother to answer, Olkar was surprised when Vellak said nothing, but instead, let out a low rumble.

That seemed to be good enough for Pure One for he then said, "Right, talk them over abut this for me. Carina is trying to kidnap me to look around the Reef. Ow! Stop it! I'm coming!"

The click of the communicator signaled the end of the frequency, and Olkar couldn't help but stare at it.

Like many others back on Earth, he had heard stories of the Wolves, of their stay and mistreatment by the Reef, how it was 'deserved' for betraying them during the Battle of Twilight Gap. Not once had it crossed his minds that they will have them join their newly found House.

"Is this true?" Olkar heard the voice of Anikis and when he turned his attention towards the young Vandal, his four eyes glowed brightly, practically beaming as he then added, "Is the words of your Guardian true? That we, the Wolves, will be released from the Queen?"

In honesty, Olkar hadn't seen the lives of the Wolves horrid here. True they hardly have the mobility to move around the Reef as they pleased but they at least have food, shelter, and more importantly, a constant supply of Ether to keep them alive. But judging from the hopeful look in Anikis' face, perhaps not is all good as it seems.

"Only if you are willing." Vellak answered, "I believe Kell Ixrsis will not force you to leave the Reef I you aren't."

"Even those trapped in the Prison? That is true as well?"

"If the Queen keeps her words, then, yes."

That is when Olkar heard a snarl and he glanced over to see Inkolas, his shoulders rigid, posture filled with a threat and disbelief, "Are you really falling for this 'façade', Anikis? Do you truly believe that the Queen will release us from her control so easily?"

"But." Anikis bowed his head, fidgeting under Inkolas' intense stare, "You do not believe their words?"

"You do?" Inkolas scoffed, "Are you really willing to believe the words of a Guardian? Of traitors?"

"Did you not see how that Guardian spoke to them, Inkolas?" Olkar couldn't help but blink in surprise; it was the first time seeing Anikis actually standing up for himself, "This Guardian showed them respect and equality. Respect that we have not received in years." Anikis let out a low growl, "What if they are right? What if not all Guardians are as 'cold' as we thought?"

Anikis must have said something wrong for Olkar then saw Inkolas' four eyes glowed, glowed to the point where it practically illuminated his face and he pushed himself onto his feet, "Are you insane!?"

"What better option do we have than rotting here on this shattered piece of metal and rock!?" Anikis also stood up, taking up a threatening posture as well.

It must have been his age, his experience, but Olkar hardly blinked before he suddenly saw Inkolas lift Anikis by the front of his armor, easily lifting the younger Vandal off of his feet and floor. He would have gotten up and intervened however, he saw that Inkolas was trembling with rage, a small hiss emitting from behind his mandibles.

"Unlike the rest of our kind, here Anikis, 'I' survived the Prison of Elders." Olkar choked at his words, "'I' was the only one amongst my group, my 'pack', to successfully kill a Guardian and earn my freedom. 'I' am the only one here who saw firsthand what Guardians are capable of. And here is what I have to say." He then dropped Anikis before turning his flaring eyes towards Olkar and his littermates, "'Never' trust a Guardian."

Anikis scrambled to his feet, putting as much distance between himself and Inkolas. He then retorted, "Better to trust a Guardian and be treated as an equal and then being stabbed in the back than staying here and being treated like animals."

Much like the other encounters that he had seen Inkolas in, Olkar had once again expected the older Vandal to retaliated, to charge at Anikis just he had done just moments before. However, instead, he saw Inkolas flinch, the older Vandal visibly taking a step back at the younger Vandal's words. Olkar couldn't help but eye Anikis; it was obvious he knew what he was saying.

His point was further proven when Inkolas turned and left, leaving the room in silence and Olkar quietly wondering why Anikis' words bothered him so.

"Well." Olkar turned his attention towards Vellak, the latter of which finished, "This is turning interesting."

Xxxx

"Do you have to be so impatient?" Despite his best effort, Angel couldn't suppress the smile he pointed at his friend, "It wouldn't have taken much longer."

"Pfft, 'much' longer could be another 5 minutes." Carina smiled back, "and there's no way I am wasting an opportunity to explore a place like this. Especially since who knows when we will leave earth again."

Angel hummed thoughtfully at her words, "Well, after the treaty is finalized, I say anytime you want." He kept his steps careful and slow on the walkway they had taken; he is in awe at how whatever gravitational tech they have is keeping them on the Reef while as keeping the walls open, "Since the Tower and the Reef are technically allies, they can't say no to us docking."

"Good point." Carina said, "Then what about a marketplace then? Do you think they have one here like in the City?"

Angel shrugged, "Don't ask me, I've never been here before."

"Well that will be our first objective then!" Angel watched as she put a foot down and pointed at nothing in particular, "We shall not return to our rooms until we find the marketplace!"

Angel let out a feigned gasp, "But that might take the rest of the day!"

"It's not like we need sleep!" He couldn't help but grin at Carina's words, and then yelped as she gave him a playful punch on the shoulder.

"You Titans always so physical?" Angel teased as he rubbed his shoulder, only to take a step back to dodge another playful hit, "Hey, careful. I'm a 'fragile' Hunter, remember?"

He heard her scoff, "Stereotypes." She then took a step forward but made no motion to swing at Angel, "What do you they say about you Hunters again?"

"Well." Angel started, humming to himself, "What 'I' heard is that we show affection two ways; by pulling pranks or bringing said person to the Wilds."

"You Hunters and the Wilds." Carina laughed, "I swear, if you like the Wilds so much, why not live there?"

Angel responded with a grin, "We pretty much do. Remember that three day patrol mission we went on with Pluto?" Carina nodded, "Three days is actually nothing for Hunters." He ignored Carina's sputter and choke, "For Hunters we like to stay in the Wilds for 'months' and even then, we are reluctant to return to the Tower when prompted."

"Then why not stay outside?" Carina asked, "Wouldn't it be easier than you returning to the Tower every few months and then going back in just a few short days?"

"Well, we can." Angel said, "But unless you keep sending constant frequencies to the Tower, if you are absent for more than a year, the Vanguard or more specifically the Consensus, will jump to two conclusions: You are either MIA or have gone rogue."

"Ouch." Carina tutted, "But if that's the case, shouldn't Pluto be considered a rogue? He was gone for like what, a decade?"

"I think it's because he was in mourning." Angel guessed, "and not to mention he had contact with Cayde. From what he told me, Pluto would send white noise once a year to show that he is still alive and kicking and haven't went Rogue." He shrugged, "He just needed time alone is all."

"Damn, you Hunters have it tough." Carina commented, "How about Akiva?"

Angel pondered thoughtfully at her question, "Not sure? I guess the Vanguard thought that he went MIA before he came back to the Tower? Better that than thinking he had gone Rogue."

He heard Carina hum in agreement, "What do you think about the Warlocks? How do you think they show affection towards others?"

Angel snorted, "You mean besides lectures and debates?" Carina chuckled at his words, "From what I heard, Warlocks like to go on excavations, go into areas where no one has gone to search any runes or items."

"That sounds 'boring'." Angel chuckled at Carina, "No wonder most Warlocks tends to stay in a group."

"Don't trust one on that hundred percent," He warned, "it's just what Cayde told me, nothing substantial."

"Sounds accurate enough to me." Carina exclaimed.

Angel simply smiled before he leaned over and tapped the side of her shoulder piece with the back of his hand, "Come on, let's go ahead and find the marketplace. I bet we can find some great souvenirs-"

A resounded 'clang' rang through the air followed by Carina cursing, the latter of which brought her hands up to the back of her head; what a time to not have their helmets.

"Carina?"

"Get out of here! You don't belong here!"

Snapping his attention towards the side of the platform, Angel's guard went stiff when he spotted two Awoken. Two small Awoken, both of which were picking up pieces of metal and stray rocks from the side of the walkway. Judging from the way they were positioning their bodies and arms, they were aiming their makeshift ammo towards him and Carina.

"Kids?" It was Hope who sputtered out the word, peeking out from behind from one of Angel's shoulders, "by themselves? Where are the parents?"

Wondering the same question, Angel then saw one of the kids toss one of the rocks their way and in honesty, he wasn't sure how to react. Carina quickly solved that for him.

Lowering her hands from the back of her head, Carina easily snatched the flying projectile out of the air, just before it made contact with the side of her head. She was furious, Angel can tell from the way her violet lights lit up bright enough to be seen between the cracks of her plating. Then, with one swift movement, she tightened her fist and when she opened it, dust filtered from between her fingertips. Blinking at this, Angel slowly turned his attention back towards the two kids, only to see them scramble and run; apparently that display was threatening enough.

Carina let out a huff at this, "Are children always like that?"

When she turned her eyes towards him, Angel raised his hands in surrender, "Don't look at me. Most I could remember is that I was born on Venus."

Carina raised a brow at him but said nothing until they were on the move again, "Is that all you remember?"

That is when Angel hesitated, glancing over his shoulder to Hope, the latter of which simply shifted her shell up and down. Pondering upon it, Angel decided that perhaps he can tell Carina; after all, she is his first friend, "Only on how I died." From the corner of his eyes, he saw Carina snap her head towards him, "I was trying to get someone, my mother, out of our home when the Darkness came." He pursed his lips, eyebrows furrowing, "These creatures, with glowing eyes, clawed their way into our home."

Unlike the rest of his memory, which was out of reach, this one was vivid, clear in his mind; he remembers their screeching, the way they cried and howled as they destroyed the door to their home, crawling in on all fours before they quickly sniffed him and his mother out.

"They slaughtered my mother first," Angel said, "before they tore me apart."

He remembers it occurring, hearing his mother scream before it was quickly silenced. Then, he felt the claws dig into his body, tearing straight down to the bone. Fortunately, unless his memory forgotten or the cuts were clean, Angel doesn't remember the pain. But he does remember the guilt, the fear, as he struggled to free himself from their clambering claws. And failing.

Angel jumped when he felt a tap to the shoulder, snapping his eyes towards Carina; he saw concern lingering in her optics.

"Traveler, you alright?"

Blinking at her, it took Angel a moment to take in her question. "Yes" He said, blinking rapidly, "Yes, I think so."

Sensing a doubtful look from Carina, he then forced a smile, "I'm serious, I will be fine. I just," He paused, the echoes of the creatures' screams still lingering in his mind, "I just need something to distract me."

Despite his words, he can still sense the look of concern that Carina sent his way before he saw her glance over her shoulder, and Spears' small form materialized. Angel heard him speak to her in his whistles and beeps, a tongue that only Carina and other Ghosts can understand. He had first, thought of asking Hope on what he is saying, however, when he glanced over onto see worry in her optic, he decided against it. Angel wasn't going to ask when she has that look in her gaze.

"You never told me that you remembered." He turned his eyes back towards Hope, "especially somethin' that, traumatic."

Angel, once again, blinked before smiling, "It's nothing, that's all in the past." Despite himself, Angel's chest felt heavy, the memory still echoing, "I will get over it, eventually."

He still felt Hope's optic on him, and it was filled with worry and doubt. Nonetheless, he was thankful that she didn't touch upon it and instead, he felt her snuggle into the crook of his neck.

"If you ever need to talk." Hope said, "Then I'm here. I will 'always' be here."

Although simple in her words, Angel found the heaviness in his chest fade and he found himself letting out a breath, "Thanks, Hope."

Feeling her nod against his neck, he then felt her hover away and the next thing he knew, Hope was gliding around him, circling around him like a living halo. He laughed at this, momentarily following her with is eyes before, incidentally, it fell back onto Carina.

She was staring at him, violet optics glowing softly, a thoughtful look in them.

"I heard rumors," Carina started, "Words spoken by those of the Consensus, those who are 'not' Guardians." Angel took note of the emphasis in her words, "They believe that Ghosts are nothing more than 'tools', simply used for navigation and as a walking vault for Guardians. But they don't know the truth." Her optics shifted towards Spears, the latter of which hovered nearby, "All of us know that they are more than that."

Angel, unable to find anything else to say, simply nodded. He had heard of the Consensus' 'many' opinions about the Guardians. One of which is how 'easy' it would be to separate Ghost and Guardian. He had heard stories, of how they will be separate a pair in hopes that the link between a Ghost and Guardian will fade and that the Ghost will be forced to find a new Guardian. It always never ends well.

He guesses that it never crossed the Consensus' minds on just how 'important' Ghosts are, at how even at the initial resurrection that they played an important part in the life of the Guardian. For Angel at least, he knows that he wouldn't be here if Hope hadn't spent weeks, 'months' with him in the Wilds when he was a fresh newborn. Alone in the Wilds swarming with Vex and Fallen, Angel knows that there would have no way he would have been able to make it out alive without Hope egging him on, giving him words of encouragement as he half-drowned in swamps and dodging enemy fire.

"Still want to visit that Marketplace?" Angel decided to change the subject, lifting his eyes and smiling sheepishly at Carina, "Our objective still in effect?"

This prompted Carina's violet optics to beam, "Now we're talking." She reached over and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, bringing Angel close, "I bet if we walk down this walkway right here." She pointed down a hallway, "We should 'maybe' make it to a Marketplace."

"You sound 'so' confident." Angel said, only letting out a chuckle as Carina gave him a pout and then started dragging him towards their next adventure.

A bit more serious ending but yeah. Anyways, I always thought of Ghosts has a pillar for Guardians cause who can go through all that fighting without trauma really? I know that Guardians have each other for support but considering that more often than naught Guardians are often killed out in the battlefield, Ghosts are always technically there for their Guardians, so like, in my head, they're their life lines. Anyway, enough of my gibberish lol