Tormented

I Don't Remember

I deeply apologize for the late update. A lot happened over the weekend and I hardly was able to find the time to write. Hence, the late update ;u;. I will make it up to you somehow, just need to figure out what lol

Edited: 10/3/2021

"You okay?"

Opening his eyes, Ianos turned his head until he locked onto Ace, the latter of which sat on the same bed he laid upon.

In honesty, he wants to answer that no, he wasn't okay. His mind buzzed with many questions and a headache was slowly setting. And not because of the Link. His mental wall was still up, despite his recent visit with the Queen.

However, he couldn't answer, and Ace took it as a sign for them to then ask, "Is this about the memories?"

Ianos flinched before he turned eyes towards the ceiling and closed them, "I do not know whether to call them 'memories' yet."

He wants to believe that they weren't 'memories', that they were mere projections created by the Queen to believe her words. However, Ianos couldn't help but feel that the memories felt 'right', and that he cannot help but believe that they are truly his memories. Maybe that would explain the onsetting headache.

"Not to mention what she would gain from this?" Ace could always read his mind easily, to a point, "What would she gain from giving you 'false' memories?"

"What would she gain from helping me 'regain' my memories?" Ianos retorted, "even if these memories are real, what does Mara benefit from this?" He pushed himself up from the bed, seating himself on the edge, "There has to be more than just me having a line to the Throne."

"Then maybe just ask?"

Ianos went silent at this, taking in Ace's question before slowly but surely turning his eyes back towards the Ghost. In response Ace shrugged.

"Won't hurt to ask." They said, "It is not like they said we couldn't question anything." Ace spun the back of their fins, "Who knows? Maybe they will more than happy to answer."

Ianos highly doubts that but, he couldn't find another solution. Sneaking around is out of the question since this is his first time in the Reef and asking Angel is taking a risk; he may be good, but he is still unfamiliar with Awoken data.

"We will try to do it your way then." Ianos gave in, "As soon as the Treaty is made official."

Watching as Ace nodded once in agreement, he then decided to lay back down in the bed. His Ghost lifted themselves and hovered closer, settling into the crook of his neck.

"Sleep well."

Ianos couldn't help but snort and parted his lips to voice that he wasn't planning to sleep at all. But then he paused; he and the others had gone through much to get this far, plus, the buzzing memories and questions. His mind screamed at him for answers. Ianos wants nothing but silent bliss.

As such, he relented to sleep, closing his eyes as he took in several deep breaths. And then slipped into slumber.

Xxxxx

"You know, I never expected Awoken to sell 'normal' souvenirs."

Angel turned his head at Hope, raising a brow, "What do you mean?"

He watched as she spun her back fins, listening to her hum, "Well, if you want an honest answer, I was expectin' them to sell more, 'strange' items, if you get what I mean."

"Like what?"

"Well," Hope started, "All those horror stories about the Awoken and the Eliksni. I was worried that we would see, you know, ornaments made from-"

"Stop. Right. There." Angel raised a hand, "I don't want to hear it."

"Oh come on, don't tell me that you weren't a bit curious." Hope accused, "I know you didn't just want to go to the Market just because Carina wanted to. You wanted to see it for yourself."

Not wanting to give Hope the benefit of being right, Angel instead remained quiet and continued on their trek back to their quarters.

Although, he did go to the Marketplace to see if the rumors were true, Angel admitted to himself that he did have fun looking around with Carina once they finally found it. The stalls were a lot more sorted and organized than the ones back on Earth; it made it easier to look around. Despite the assortment of items, they didn't find much although, Angel bought himself a dagger from one of the stalls. Unlike the ones he had in his arsenal, this one felt light, almost weightless in his grasp; he will test it once they get back on Earth.

Carina, after a while, bought herself a fruit. It was round and purple, tinged with green, and when she bit into it, juice burst, and it easily left a mess down the front of her chin and armor. Nonetheless, she exclaimed it was delicious and Angel slightly regrets not buying one for himself. The knife took most of the glimmer he had on him then.

Speaking of Carina, they had split just moments before, Angel easily seeing the exhaustion in her optics; she did, after all, did most of the physical work when it came to the Treaty. So, they split, and Angel found himself slowly making his way back to his given room. He doesn't want to go back quite yet.

"Fine, you caught me," Angel finally admitted as he turned and flashed her a smile, "You just know me too well."

Hope, in her joy, circled him several times, her back fins spinning, "Oh, only if we were back on Earth so we can head out into the wilds and try out that knife you bought." Angel laughed, "Too bad we're stuck here and meetin' Queen Creepy and Prince Arrogant in a few hours."

Angel hummed in agreement, balancing himself as he followed a line on the walkway; they were almost back to their quarters, "Not much we can do sadly." He lifted his eyes back towards Hope, "Fortunately, we're not the ones doing the talking."

"Unless the House of Spirits are involved." Angel made a face at Hope's words; she does make a good point, "Wonder why they want their help so much."

"I'm willing to bet that it's less wanting their aid and more that they have a better reason to keep them under surveillance." He retorted; Angel recalls a call from Ixrsis. She told him that she as a suspicion that she and the House were being watched. He wouldn't be surprised if it was the Reef, especially considering he had read that they have a spy network. Manned by who, he has yet to figure out.

"That's a good point." Hope agreed as she came to a pause just next to his shoulder as they finally made it to the door of their quarters; Angel debated whether to enter or to walk past and extend his walk, "How about we enter and rest up? Might need the energy to deal with the Queen and Prince tomorrow."

Although reluctant, Angel found truth in her words; he may not need to rest as often, he still needs a break. As such, Angel entered their temporary quarters, letting the door slide shut behind him as he scanned his room. He was surprised to see Vellak, Olkar, and Axtris inside; he had thought that they would still be out.

Vellak, as always, was seating on a nearby couch with a tablet in his hands, more than likely recording recent events. Olkar and Axtris were seated on the floor, seated in front of each other, hands entangled; if Angel can remember correctly, it was a game played by Eliksni children. You need two pairs of arms to play, as he can clearly recall being envious of his former pack of being able to play while he cannot. Although, he heard that the City had similar games.

"I am surprised you have returned so soon." Angel said, "I had thought you would spend more time with the Wolves, especially with the news of the merge."

A huff can be heard from Axtris as she untangled her arms from her brother's, "We would, if it wasn't for Inkolas."

Angel raised a brow at the new name, "Inkolas?"

"A Vandal from the House of Wolves." Olkar responded, "apparently he is not too happy about the arrangement."

"Oh?" He couldn't help but feel surprised at the news; he had honestly thought that every Eliksni in the House of Wolves would be pleased to be free from the yoke of the Reef. Guess he was wrong, "Why is that?"

"He was once an inhabitant of the Prison of Elders." Angel choked at Vellak's answer, "he was able to free himself but not before he formed a strong hatred towards the Soldiers of the Light."

At first, Angel wanted to question why this Inkolas would have such strong distaste towards the Guardians. He then mentally slapped himself. How could he have forgotten that many Guardians visit the Prison of Elders as a way to 'warm-up', practice even. Angel knows fully well why Inkolas would hate the Guardians.

So instead, he asked, "Since he is free, I am going to take a guess that he killed a Guardian?" Angel received a nod as an answer, "Alone?"

"Oh, give us more credit, Pure One." Vellak joked, "but yes, that is what he claims. That he is the only one of his pack to successfully kill a Guardian and free himself."

Angel couldn't help but be interested. If what the eldest Vandal said is true, this Inkolas is skilled enough to take down a Guardian alone, just like Vellak. Or was it just a fluke?

"Do you think it's a good idea to let an Eliksni like that into the House of Spirits?" Angel turned his attention towards Hope, the latter of which spun her back fins in agitation, "Especially you know, House Spirits are allied with the Guardians?"

"Absolutely not!"

Jumping from the outburst, Angel turned in time to see Axtris stand up abruptly, nearly sending Olkar sprawling, "Who knows what he is capable of!? What if he infiltrates the House and breaks it down from the inside!?"

"Axtris." Olkar picked himself up, huffing, "You know as well as I do that each fellow Eliksni is looked over carefully before they join our House. Kell Ixrsis only lets a select few to join for the safety of the House."

Good point, except this time around it seems Ixrsis is willing to break protocol to allow members of the Wolves to join. Angel wonders just how secure that would be, but it seems she's willing to take the risk.

He then heard Axtris snarl, "What if he 'passes' the screening? What if he somehow gets past our defense?"

Olkar narrowed his eyes, "Axtris-"

"The final say goes to Kell Ixrsis." Vellak set his tablet to the side and grunted as he forced himself onto his feet, "Whatever judgement she places upon Inkolas 'and' the rest of the House of Wolves, I will abide to it."

Axtris' shoulders slumped, "But…"

"I believe it is time to retire for the day." Vellak said before Angel saw him turn his eyes towards him, "Pure One, if you do not mind…"

Angel flashed him a smile, "Already on it."

Walking over to the bed, he started tearing the linens and pillows off it. As he scooped them into his arms and headed to a corner of the room, Angel saw from the corner of his eye Hope following, "You sure that it is a good idea to let the Wolves merge with the Spirits? I mean…"

Listening to her voice fade and hearing the uncertainty, Angel decided to say, "Like what Vellak said, Ixrsis has the final say." He shifted his arms to make sure that none of the linens fell from his arms, "If she says that they are allowed to join the Spirits, they are allowed to join the Spirits." Although admittingly, he couldn't help but feel letting them in so suddenly was a good idea, but he trusts Ixrsis, he trusts her decisions, "Knowing Ixrsis, if they don't pass or don't want to join, she might just let them go and let them form their own house."

"She always was about freedom of choice." Hope said, Angel hearing her hum. He took this opportunity to dump the linens into the corner and started to sift through them, "But what if they cause problems for us?"

"Then we fix it." Angel answered as he grabbed a pillow and fluffed it down onto the sheets, "You know as well as I do that the Wolves have been enslaves for 'decades', there is going to be problems after they get a taste of 'true' freedom." He had heard about Skolas. Angel doesn't really want to count that period as freedom; it was too short and their 'Kell' was a delusional idiot, "We just have to be patient."

He heard Hope huff at this but nonetheless, she glided over and helped spread out another sheet for their makeshift bed.

"Okay." She said, "I'll take your word for it."

Xxxxx

Xxxxx

"Let me make sure I heard this correctly?" Ianos watched as Pluto looked up from the tablet he held in his hands, his red optics once again repaired, "You want help clearing out remnants of the Wolves on Mars?"

Despite himself, Ianos flinched and glanced over towards Angel; although his expression remained passive, he took note of the young Hunter's trembling fists.

"If you are capable." Uldren shot back and Ianos wonders just how he and Mara are twins; their personalities are just too stark of a contrast, "we are adding this to the list to ensure that a new Kell does not arise from their fallen numbers. Skolas was already troubling enough."

"Is it because you Awoken are incapable of handling it?" Ianos struggled to keep a straight face at Pluto's snark, "Or did you have 'other' matters to attend?"

The look on Uldren's face was amusing to say the least, and fortunately for them, before the Prince could open his mouth, Mara intervened, "The reason for this bounty is that my people are 'inexperienced' when it comes to the terrain outside of our home. It is just more beneficial for someone who does to handle it."

Her words filled with logic as always, Ianos watched as Uldren frowned but nonetheless added, "So if you do not mind, just add it to the list."

Watching as Pluto glared at the Prince before turning his attention back to the tablet in his hands, Ianos then let out a sigh before mentally telling himself that it was a miracle that they were getting this Treaty done, especially in just a few short days. He hopes that future partnership with the Reef in the future will be this simple.

"Anything else you would like to add, 'your grace'?"

The scowl on Uldren's face deepened and Ianos saw the Prince scan the table, as if to take in their faces, to remember who to avoid in the future.

"That is all we have for now." Uldren finally said, "If we have other bounties available, we will notify you."

"Good." The relief was obvious in Pluto's voice as he handed the tablet over to Nix and stood up; Ianos heard the others do the same, "I have already sent a copy of the Treaty to the Vanguard. They will keep it in the database to look over later and keep it secure." His optics narrowed at the twins, "I am hoping you will do the same."

"Do you think of us as incompetent?" Uldren growled, "We will keep our copy of the Treaty safe. I just trust you do the same, 'Guardians'."

"And your end of the Treaty with the House of Spirits?" Angel's voice rang out, "Kell Ixrsis have stated several times before and she told me to say it again: if you do not send the remaining House of Wolves liberated under you, she will consider the Awoken as her enemies."

"We have already started transferring them on ships coordinate for Earth." Ianos was amazed that the annoyance on Uldren's face could deepen further, "Those who are housed at the Prison of Elders are still being screened."

"And those who wants to stay?"

"Like you and the 'Kell' of House of Spirits have asked several times, 'Guardian' we have interviewed each 'Eliksni' to see if they want their leave and so far, only one wants to stay."

"Wait, one?" Ianos followed Pluto's sentiment, "Why is this one wanting to stay?"

Uldren scoffed at the Hunter's question, "There is a reason why he is called 'Variks the Loyal'."

Raising a brow at the name, Ianos waited for more, but it seemed that is what they were all going to receive as Uldren then asked, "Is there anything else you want to ask or consider?"

Pluto let out a sound of frustration but nonetheless, shook his head, "No, that is currently everything for now."

A pleased look flashed over Uldren's face, "Very well, this meeting is adjourned."

Watching as the others prepared to leave, Ianos took this opportunity to step in. Silently of course.

Dropping down his mental wall, Ianos reached out with the Link, nudging against both the Queen's and the Prince's barriers. Mara, as always, remained passive as ever, while as Uldren furrowed his brows but nodded, a sign that he understood Ianos' intentions. As such, Ianos then turned towards Pluto.

"You go on ahead, I will follow."

This immediately brought Pluto to a pause, the Exo's red optics narrowing in his direction, "I am going to take a guess that you have questions?"

Giving a single nod as confirmation, Ianos saw as Pluto sighed but nodded back.

"We will meet you at the Hangar."

Pluto then walked around, reached out, placed a hand on Ianos' shoulder, and gave it a comforting squeeze before letting go and following the others out. Leaving Ianos alone with the Sovs.

Watching as the door close behind Pluto and his team, Ianos then turned his attention towards the twins.

"You have questions for us."

There was no question in Mara's tone and Ianos couldn't help but feel uneasy because of it. Even with his mental wall up, he feels like she easily can read him.

"Just one, perhaps more, depending on your answer." Ianos clarified; he felt the narrowed look Uldren sent his way, "The reason for helping me gain some of my memories, what do you benefit from it?"

There was a brief pause, Ianos spotting consideration in Mara's eyes before she parted her lips to answer.

"Is that your question?" She asked, "is that all?"

Ianos couldn't help but narrow his eyes at her, "Is it really that insignificant?"

"How dare you use that tone in the presence of the-"

"Uldren." Mara's velvet voice ceased his words, "Despite his lack of knowledge, his status is still of high nobility and has connections to the Sov House." Her eyes turned towards Ianos, "His status may even be equivalent to ours."

Ianos blinked, "Excuse me?"

"Despite the fact that House Raas lost their status of nobility, your bloodlines reach back to House Vael, a House that is still held in high regard and still hold much of their authority as Nobility and as a part of the Royal House."

"And that is the reason why you wanted me to regain my memory?" Ianos asked, "Just for the reason that my bloodlines are related to yours?"

"In part."

Ianos furrowed his brows at Mara's answer.

"True, I had given parts of your memory back in order for you to see reason as to why you have a claim to the throne." She explained, "However, there is another reason, an impertinent reason as to why."

"And that is?"

Ianos spotted a ghost of a smile form on Mara's lips.

"I have told you before that each Noble House have gifts?" Ianos nodded, "The main reason as to why I return some memory of yours is because of House Vael's gift."

"And that gift would be…?"

"That, Sir Ianos." He found himself sighing before Mara could even finish, "would be telling."

"Who would have thought the Queen would have a mischievous side." Ace whispered and Ianos couldn't help but agree.

"For now, I am satisfied with the mere fact that if anything were to happen to my brother or I," said Mara, "that the Reef will be in good hands."

"No."

For the first time since his duration of stay in the Reef, Mara's face faltered and he spotted the look of surprise on her face; for Uldren, his expression held obvious signs of shock.

"The reason for your answer?" Mara asked.

Ianos wants nothing more to return to the Tower.

"I am a 'Guardian' now, Mara." Ianos answered, "not to mention I had no knowledge of my bloodlines until now, and if you want me to answer honestly, I have little to no interest in the throne." He paused, waited for Mara to retort, or even Uldren to jump in. To his surprise, they remained silent; he decided to continue, "My duties as a Guardian come first and there is no doubt the throne will interfere. In other words, logically, it is easy for me to say no when it comes to the claims of the throne, even if anything were to happen to you and your brother."

That is when Ianos saw Mara's brows furrow, the ends of her lips dipping. Ianos thought that perhaps he made a mistake in speaking his thoughts.

"Disappointing but understandable." Ianos let out a breath of relief at Mara's words, "nonetheless, I already have informed Petra and Variks of your relation to us and have been notified to inform you if anything were to happen to Uldren and I."

Ianos frowned, "Did I not just say-"

"It is in case you change your mind, Sir Ianos." He paused at her words, "I truly respect your decision however, the Reef still needs a leader and with no heir from my brother or I as of yet, 'you' are still next in line." The soft smile returned to her face, "I can assure you that if you were to take the position, that it is only a temporary title. Which I imagine will not be long, considering how much the other Houses covet the throne."

Unable to help but give Mara a blank stare, Ianos then sighed; he knows that she isn't going to give up so easily. Might as well compromise.

"For the sake of this Treaty 'and' the Reef, I will accept." Ianos relented, "On the condition that it is only a 'temporary' title and that a replacement will be found in haste."

"Acceptable terms." Mara agreed, she then turned her eyes towards Uldren, "Do you agree, brother?"

Spotting the scowl on Uldren's face, Ianos, even though he has his helmet, gave the Prince the best passive aggressive stare he could muster.

"For the sake of the Reef, I shall accept." Uldren finally answered, "Just as long as you are a competent leader, 'Guardian'."

"I shall do better than you, your Highness." Ianos ignored the sound of indignation that came from Uldren and instead, bowed, "Thank you for answering my question. I shall take my leave then. Good day."

Momentarily waiting to see if Mara or Uldren had anymore to say, Ianos turned when he heard nothing and left.

Xxxxx

"Is it true then?" Angel paused mid-walk to his ship, turning his eyes towards Axtris; her four eyes were glowing, "That the Queen kept her end of the bargain?"

Raising a brow at her question, Angel nodded, only to chuckle at the squeal of delight Axtris released.

"They already have sent those on the Reef to Earth." He explained, "Those who were unjustly placed in the Prison will be released later today."

"That is of good news then." Olkar rumbled out, "even better knowing that most if not all the Wolves wanted to leave."

"Exception of Variks." Vellak sulked.

Once again, Angel raised a brow; he made a mental note to meet this Variks later, if Vellak is this upset at his stay.

Axtris, being the youngest of the three, leaned in and Angel spotted a mischievous look in her luminescent eyes, "What? Disappointed that he wasn't going to replace you as Scribe?"

Angel couldn't help a laugh when Vellak reeled, nearly toppling over if it wasn't for his staff and the larger Vandal sputtered.

"No." He denied, narrowing his eyes at his chuckling sister, "I am disappointed not because he is not going to replace me, but the potential I could have learned under him." Vellak huffed, hunching his shoulders, "But since he is staying here on the Reef, and I do not like it here…"

Listening to the older Vandal's words, realization set in on Angel; Vellak is a new Scribe and thought to be the last. It would make sense he would want to follow the tutelage of someone who has experience in his role.

"If it makes you feel any better." Angel started; he felt Vellak's eyes lift towards him, "I am going to make repeated visits to the Reef to check on those who are still stuck in the Prison." He flashed the larger Vandal a smile, "If you want, you may come with me. I would not be surprised if Variks would appreciate the visits. After all, it would be lonesome being the only Eliksni here."

Angel chuckled at how Vellak's eyes beamed, "Come on, let us drop our items inside and see if the others are here."

Watching as the three littermates nod their head in unison, Angel walked up the rest of the way into his ship before dropping his pack. As the Eliksni siblings did the same, he took it as a cue to exit and walk down the ramp of his ship, listening to the footfalls of the three following behind him. As he stepped back into the opening of the Hangar, Angel spotted the familiar forms of Aleeza and Carina step in, their hands intertwined. Upon making eye contact, it was Carina who waved enthusiastically as they approached.

"Ready to go?" Angel asked.

Carina nodded vigorously, "Finally. I was getting tired of this place." He watched as she rolled her optics, "Being called a 'machine' and 'zombie' everyday just drains me."

"Not to mention it feels strange being an 'Earthborn' Awoken." Aleeza added in, "Since I do not have this 'Link', I keep getting looks. It is unnerving."

Angel nodded, recalling just how often he and the others would gain stares every time they decided to wander, "We did stick out like sore thumbs." He rubbed the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly, "Glad to say that we are leaving."

"Same here!"

Recognizing the boisterous call, Angel shifted his eyes towards the Akiva, the latter of which smiled as he came to a pause nearby, and then stretched and yawned.

"Can't wait to return to the Tower and get some sun."

Snorting at Akiva's words, Angel then saw Aleeza lean in and tease, "You mean you miss the 'quality' time with Neve?" Her glowing eyes beamed at her brother's flustered smile, "or, is it because of the baby?"

That is when Angel wheezed and choked, physically coughing; he heard Carina let out a gasp and then, "What?!"

"Partial?" Although his answer was more of a question, Akiva's eyes beamed, ignoring the shocked expressions that Angel and Carina sent his way, "To be honest, I'm nervous. Although I raised Maylea, she was a child, not a newborn."

"Oh, you will do fine." Aleeza reached over and patted her twin on the shoulder, "It's not like you don't have plenty of help around you." Angel saw her grip tighten on Akiva's shoulder, giving it a much harsher squeeze than he thought appropriate before she lifted her hand away, "Thought of any names yet?"

"We haven't thought of a girl's name quite yet." Akiva admitted, "But we have a boy's name down."

"Oh?" Aleeza's eyes twinkled, "What is it?"

That is when Angel spotted Akiva's eyes flashed towards Vellak and the others, a nervous edge in his gaze. Nonetheless, he answered with utmost confidence.

"Oraxsis Ricard Wahl."

Angel found himself going still at the name; a homage, to Neve's former husband and to the littermate's sire. A passive legacy.

He locked his eyes with Akiva's; he had known that the Titan had formed a bond with the Baron, but he had not expected it have that large of an impact on Akiva. He had thought wrong.

"W-What?" Angel turned his eyes towards Vellak, only to see the larger Vandal eyes wide, his grip on his staff tight, "Why would…"

He was unable to finish his sentence and judging from the stunned look on Olkar and Axtris' faces, they too are unable to form words.

Angel heard Akiva take in a breath, and then gave the three a gentle smile, "Your father was a brave warrior, and I wanted to honor him by naming my first son after him." Angel noticed him nervously picking at his fingers, "Even though I have only known him for a short moment, he is a friend, and I want 'everyone' to know his name."

Silence permeated between Akiva and the Eliksni siblings, not that Angel could blame them. He highly doubts that anyone, let alone a Guardian, would name their offspring after an Eliksni, especially considering the current circumstances. To Vellak and the others, they were filled with gratitude.

This was proven when Vellak dipped his head and closed his eyes; a gesture of respect, still standing to show that he sees Akiva as an equal. Olkar and Axtris must have seen this, for they too did the same gesture, one that Angel noticed made Akiva flustered.

"N-no need to be so formal." He stuttered, "Just doing what a friend would do."

Angel would have laughed at the look on Akiva's face, if a new voice hadn't joined in.

"Let me guess, if his baby is a boy, he and Neve are going to name him after their father, correct?"

Turning around, Angel spotted the form of Pluto and Ianos approach.

"Pluto! Ianos!" Akiva's boisterous composure was back, "You two ready to go?"

Ianos gave the Titan a blank stare, "What do you think? After staying here for two weeks, I am ready to be back in my apartment at the Tower."

"And the Vanguard will want us to write a report about this." Pluto's words earned a groan from Carina; in turn, the Hunter turned his now covered optics towards her, "and 'do not' leave a single detail out."

"I 'do not' want to write about me being beaten up by three Awoken." Carina argued; this earned her a giggle from Aleeza, "How embarrassing."

"Three Awoken 'without' your light and armor." Akiva comforted as he reached out and patted Carina on the back, "I say that is an accomplishment."

Carina scoffed, "Yeah, if I wasn't a Guardian." She pouted as she brushed Akiva's hand off her, "Can we go home already?"

Nodding his head in agreement, Angel turned to the three Eliksni, only to pause when he saw nothing but air where they were standing.

"Hold on." He called out; he heard the others pause, "Where did Vellak, Olkar, and Axtris go?"

There was a brief silence at his words, one stiff with worry until a quick scan of the Hangar, Angel found the three, hunkering down in a corner.

"Axtris! Vellak! Olkar!" He called out as he ran over, coming to a slow halt nearby, "What are you…"

Angel found himself being silenced as Vellak turned and pressed a finger to his Ether Mask; a gesture that he recognizes as one he had learned from Ianos during their studies together, especially when many questions are ask. As such, this gesture puzzled him until he saw Vellak point with head, prompting him to follow. The instant his eyes settled onto what the eldest Vandal pointed at, he found himself going still.

There, in the corner, was Trikxas, the white Ghost's shell spread apart, and her familiar glowing core exposed and bright.

A slow halt of footsteps came to a pause just behind Angel followed by a sharp inhale.

"Is she…?"

"Move back."

Angel felt hands grab him by the shoulders, forcefully but not harshly pulling him back, expanding the distance between him and the Eliksni. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Pluto reach and do the same to Vellak, causing the younger two Eliksni to follow. Now with her space expanded, Angel watched as she further expanded her shell, her light expanding even further.

That is when Angel found what her light had found.

There was a piece of metal on the wall, a singular square shape; judging from the different coloration and age, it was obviously a salvage, dating years back.

It didn't take long for the piece to be lifted from the wall. And for Trikxas to get to work.

A white outline, a body, can be seen as the piece hovered in the air which was quickly followed by a skeletal frame. One made from metal. An Exo, Angel realized, as wires slithered around it, filling in places that resembles muscles. As the layers settled in, the plating came next, the original piece glowed until it revealed its color; a cyan shade, which quickly spread across the body. While as the plating were still interlocking each other, Angel spotted the familiar slate color; the basic color the Ghosts used to cover newborns when they are first resurrected, the armor sliding over the body as they finished. Just as it reached the head, Angel saw pink lights light up from the freshly made optics before it quickly was covered by a helmet, the visor completely hiding any other unique features.

This seemed to be the final detail as Trikxas then turned the body, propping them onto their knees in which, it slumped forward, devoid of life. Then, with one final flash of light, Angel heard a ragged breath and then a deep gasping inhale as the body suddenly jerked to life, causing him to jump as the newborn leaned back, tilting their head as if to take in more air.

Pluto was the first to move, taking quick but tentative steps forward towards the resurrected Guardian as the latter then leaned forward, pressing their hands against the floor to steady themselves. They were having trouble breathing, judging from the way their grasps were deep and shuddering, their body trembling as they hacked and coughed.

"Take it easy." Angel heard Pluto whisper, watching as the newborn tilted their head just enough to look up at the Hunter, "Take a deep breath, hold it in." Although it took the freshly resurrected Guardian a few attempts, they obeyed Pluto's direction, holding it in until he said, "Breathe out."

Once again, the newborn followed; although still ragged, it was steadier than before, prompting Pluto to repeat his words. That is when Angel lingered into his thoughts, filled with awe and shock. He had known that Ghosts can resurrect Guardians from practically nothing but, seeing it was a whole different experience. Angel then wonders if he was the same.

"Ghosts really can resurrect Guardians from nothing." It was Carina who spoke, her violet optics wide, "Were 'we' like that? Just a piece of bone or metal on a ground or wall?"

That is when Angel saw Akiva rub the back of his neck sheepishly, "It is a lot more common than you think. For instance." The Titan pointed at himself, "Lex here claimed to have resurrected me from a splash of blood on a car just short from where I died."

"Or for me, fragments of bone from a crash." Aleeza added in; Angel must have gawked for she smiled, "as long as they have even a single strand of DNA, it is possible."

Glancing over to Hope, the latter of which hovered just near his shoulder – as her rightful place – Angel couldn't help but be in awe. To think that he was possibly made from practically nothing.

As he pondered this, Angel heard a soft rumble and he turned his attention to Olkar, only to freeze as he saw the Vandal reaching out a hand towards Trikxas, the latter of which had glided over. He spotted a mix of joy and grief in Olkar's four eyes and Angel saw Axtris reach out and grasp one of her brother's hands in hers, squeezing it comfortingly.

Glancing between Olkar and Trikxas, it took Angel a moment to realize why; Trikxas has finally found her Guardian. More than likely once they return to the Tower, she and the newborn will be handed off to one of the Vanguards for assessment and then training. In other words, she and Olkar will part. A loss of a friend and companion for the Eliksni.

"What was that?"

Pluto's whisper prompted Angel to turn his attention back towards the Hunter and the newborn, the former kneeling over the younger. The latter was obviously confused, looking up at Pluto tentatively, as if repeating his words would get him in trouble.

"I…" The newborn started, "I don't remember…" He hesitated, "I don't, remember my name."

So, who would like to guess what's going to happen next? :D

Anyway, this is the end of the Reef Arc and the next arc will begin in the next chapter ^_^