Redacted

Let Us Hurry

I apologize for the lack of an update last week guys, but time really has been short with me. It's to the point where I tried to get a double update to make it up for you guys but I can't even do that.

Anyways, thanks to Diamond002, TidalKiller, Guest, The Great Wolf 117, and TheTurtleMan for the reviews!

Guest - Don't worry, the Revenants and the Hive are upcoming (sooner than you think C:), it's just taking a while because I didn't expect it to take this many words to describe the chapters lol. Anyways, I have thought about a rest period between this arc and next, but considering Ianos' current situation, I felt like the rest of Fireteam Redacted wouldn't be the types to sit around and do nothing. And Thank you! ^_^

TheTurtleMan - Yeah, it has been a while. Was kind of wondering where you went lol. I always had the idea of Guardians out there that utilize the Darkness or tried to anyway since each individual holds different ideals from one another. And after meeting Asher Mir in Destiny 2, this lead to the idea of a Dark Guardian corrupted by the Vex, and also the idealism that the Darkness isn't the only thing that can contaminate Guardians. Oh, the Mantra sounds very similar lol. I honestly didn't, just made it up to help give the Revenants a more enigmatic vibe. But maybe I unconsciously went for it, as I had watched the movies years back lol. And this book is almost done I believe, it was two more arcs before its conclusion :D. Then we'll move onto Book 3, The Revenants C: (I planned this story for a long time and I am determined to finish it.) And thank you! ^_^. Also, I stopped accepting characters a while back since I had such a long ass list but since I finally have one character left (I have a special idea for him, especially since the Author used two of my characters in a major plot of his), you may submit a character :D.

_Transcript: Opinions_

_Source: Ghost of Guardian Nine and Guardian Shining Knight_

_Alias: Sunny Day_

_Transcript of conversation between Phoenix Exo Nine [P.N] and Warlock Shining Knight [S.K]. Topic concerning Nine's lack of expression towards those around him_

[S.K]: You know, you don't have to hide your emotions around the others anymore.

[P.N]: I am informed; however, it is difficult for me to express myself. It is – what do humans call it? – habit.

[S.K]: I understand, so just start out small. Voice your opinion like for example, you don't like the color on the clothes that that Akiva and Neve chose for Ora, or a gun that Angel brought from the House of Kings.

[P.N]: … Will they not get upset if I tell them the truth?

[S.K]: Of course, but they are our family. Not everyone can come to agreements on everything, you know?

[P.N]: … Then, I am able to tell Akiva and Neve that blue and orange are harmful to the eyes?

[S.K]: …Wait, you seriously didn't like the clothes that they chose for Ora?

[P.N]: You did?

[S.K]: I was just joking about the clothes! I didn't expect you to really dislike it!

[P.N]: … Then, should I keep it to myself then?

[S.K]: Of course not! Look, Nine, you are your own Exo now. There is no need to fear those scientists anymore. They're not around. So, voice your opinions as much as you want, even if it's straightforward and blunt. After all those years under a facility like that, I say you earned it.

[P.N]: … I am still afraid.

[S.K]: Then the others and I will be there to have your back. If anyone threatens you or anything of that sort, then you will have our support.

[P.N]: … Thank you, Knight.

_End Transcript_

Xxxxx

Knight had been knocked unconscious by the blast, although, Nine was none too surprised; darkness that condensed would have knocked out ordinary Guardians, proven when the Phoenix Exo glanced over at Angel and Akiva only to see that they were still, wisps of darkness permeating from their form to reveal the aftermath of the blast. Luckily, for their own sake, Nine was no ordinary Guardian.

"W͠e h̕av͡e encoun͢te҉red͟ many̢ ͘G҉uard͟ians chos̷e̕n̡ by͠ t͞h͡e̵ Tra͏vel͘e҉r.͏" The Phoenix Exo opted to remain silent at the Vex Revenant before him, "Y͠óų are͝ th́e̴ ͏firs͠t̷ to͜ ̸ph҉y͘s͝i͜cal҉l̡y̶ ̀e͠m͠body҉ ìţ.͏"

"If you think that I am the Traveler, then you should meet my older brother." Nine watched as Jora's form tilted their head, their broken optic flickering, "in comparison, I am nothing."

"O̕bśe̴rv͜a̧ti̡on,́ ̴in͢ ͡acco͡rdan̷c͞e͘ of͢ t̢he ͡ab҉sence ͢òf ͡your̴ '̴bro̶t̀h͠er'̕,҉ ͜y̴o͘u s̸hąll ́be͝ t͘ak̕en̶ an͞d ҉assímil͝a̸t̨ed.͝ You͠ ̢s̶h̵ál̸l̴ ͝t̴ake̢ h͠i͘s ҉p͢lacè ́unt͢i̕l we͠ ̷d͡i̴s̡cov͢er hi̸s͢ loc̢ati̛o͘n̷."

Something 'tickled' within Nine at the words of the corrupted Revenant before him, and the Phoenix Exo felt his chest swelling with a sensation he doesn't recognize, "Then I shall have to apologize beforehand if I were to be assimilated and you find my brother." Reaching out with his mind towards Day's, the Warlock held up a hand to feel the familiar weight of a weapon fall into his grasp, hefting the auto-rifle as he finished, "He does not appreciate any of those he considers family fall into harm." Nine then aimed his weapon, "Just as I do not appreciate you harming mine."

Placing pressure on the trigger, Nine watched as the bullet sprayed towards the Vex Revenant, only to see the other simply shift and the familiar wisps of darkness permeated through their form; it didn't take the Phoenix Exo much to understand that gunfire would be of little use. Watching with disinterest as the bullets were seemingly 'eaten' by the darkness, Nine then tossed his weapon to the side before feeling warmth build up around his form and rushing towards the corrupted Revenant.

Seeing Jora's form stiffen and then slowly raise their hands, Nine then saw Darkness gather around their fingertips and watched them quickly clamp it into a fist. Feeling the hearth rumble beneath him, the Phoenix Exo took it as a sign to quickly dodge to the left, only to hear the familiar sound of concrete and metal scream as a spout of Darkness burst from the floor, signaling to Nine to keep moving. It was not long after that another spout of Darkness exploded near his side, the Warlock leaping the other way to avoid it as he gathered more of his light, feeling the warmth streak behind him as he slowly enclosed the distance. That is when Darkness sprouted in from of him. Condensing his light around his form, Nine saw the edges of his vision glow before he sped up his pace, narrowing his optics as he clashed into the roaring malevolence before him.

Immediately, a sense of anger engulfed his senses, a scream echoing in his receptors as degraded violet filled his gaze. Used to the warmth and purity of the light, the Darkness' rage took Nine off guard, this quickly changed to bewilderment when he was nearly overwhelmed by another emotion, an emotion that had felt surge through him after the events of the Resource War, when he was forced to kill his Handler, and when he had lost Ben to his illness: despair.

Almost forgot but Warning: Implied Suicide Mention

It was strange, he had thought that this sensation building up in his chest would dissipate after his rampage. But then, his thoughts wandered over to the frightened child in his mother's arms, the look of terror in their eyes when he had target her and her family. It was enough to snap him out of his rage only to be filled with another emotion: guilt.

Staring down at his hands, the Exo found himself flexing his fingers before he glanced back, his optics dimming as he spotted the familiar shape of the earth; he doesn't recall taking a ship to the satellite, but after his grief filled rampage, everything had gone blank. All he knows now is that he had failed, the opportunity given to him by Hwan-Lee wasted, and the promise he had made to Ben now beyond his reach.

Letting his hands settle back to his side, the Exo couldn't help but jump when his fingertips settled on the familiar handle of a pistol; when did he grab this?

Laying his gaze towards his waist, he stared at the familiar firearm, contemplating upon it before he remove it from his hip; does not matter when or 'where' he had obtained it, he has a use for it. There will be no doubt that thanks to the blood on his hands, the law will come and terminate him.

Settling himself onto the dusty hearth of the moon, the Exo contemplated silently as he pressed the barrel of the weapon under his jaw, making sure to dig in between his plates to ensure the shot; what would Hwan-Lee and Ben say if they saw him now?

With this question in mind, he pulled the trigger.

"Nine! Get a hold of yourself!"

Snapping out of his reverie, Nine felt the familiar tug of Day pulling at his mind, "Snap out of it! The Darkness almost eaten away through your defenses!"

Forcing the daze out of his head, the Phoenix Exo then concentrated his light back around his form, feeling it grow in strength before he pushed forward, his vision finally clearing to see the familiar wide space of the Vex reality around him as he stumbled onto his feet. Shifting his gaze back towards Jora's form, Nine only took a second to take in the way the Vex Revenant's shoulders went stiff in shock before he dashed towards them, curled a hand into a fist, and swung.

At first, the Exo Warlock felt resistance, feeling his hand nearly come to a sudden halt as it slammed into the spiraling darkness that was the corrupted Revenant's armor. However, with a grunt and further condensation of light, Nine pulled back his hand and swung again, this time, feeling his swing slam into the Vex's side. A scream followed the hit, prompting the Phoenix Exo to swing his other hand, and this time, aimed for the head. A crack can be heard permeating through the air as Nine saw the last remnants of their optic break, the light finally dying out as Jora's form stopped screaming, although stumbled back to regain their balance.

Seeing their form slump forward, Nine waited patiently as the Vex Revenant slowly lifted themselves, their form creaking and cracking as they rigidly straightened.

"W҉e ͞hąve uņd̕e̶r̡es҉t̴i͠ma҉ted yo̶u͝, ̷em͠bod̡i͢me͘n͏t̷ ̡o͞f̕ t́h́e̸ Travȩlér͠." Nine couldn't help but flinch, "O̢u͏r͡ ̕ob̕ser̴v͘at̸i͝o̴ns,́ ąt fir̀st,͡ ̷hąd d́étermi͏n͞ȩd ̷t͜h͡a҉t ͠t́h̴e ͢Darkn͝es͝s w̡as g͝reate͞r in ͡strength͏ com͢p͞ar̀e̸d͞ ͏t͞o the͏ ̴L̕ight.̕ Y̵o͟u hąve͡ pr̸o̢ve̶n̶ ́tha̕t҉ the̛rȩ i̕s ̸mor̀e to҉ ̧s̴tu̡dy."

"I am 'not' an object for your amusement," The Phoenix Exo narrowed his optics, feeling annoyance tickle the back of his mind, "and I am 'not' going to take a part of your 'experiments'."

"T͝h̀a͠t͡ ͜i̴s҉ ̵n͠o͘t͠ yóu̶r̕ c̶h͝oi̷c͞è."

Anger immediately flared within Nine, his optics flashing red as memories filtered into his mind, "Not my choice?" He opened his mouth to retort.

"Any signs of retaliation, any signs of 'disobedience', you will be deemed as a 'defect' and there is only one thing 'defects' are good for: spare parts."

Immediately, the Phoenix Exo clamped his mouth shut, forcing the echoes of his past to the side as his optics flickered.

"Nine?" He came to attention at Day's words, "Was that…?"

Again, gritting his jaw, Nine instead let his light flare around him, and he charged towards the Vex Revenant. Only to let out a choke as he suddenly felt a hand wrap around his throat.

"You àŕe̢ ͢distra̕cteḑ.͝" The Phoenix Exo growled at the words from Jora's form, "O͡u̕r̛ wor̀ds͟ h̸ad ̷a͢n͜ affec͝t on you͡. ̧T͞el͟l̷ ưs, e̴mbodimèn̴t o͞f̡ thé ̀T́ra͡vele̶r͝, ͘wha͞t ͠bo͟the̶r͜ed͘ y͡ou̵ so͏?"

Seeing the wisps of Darkness permeated down their arm and nearing his vision, Nine assessed the situation before forcing his rage down, slowly regaining his composure as he answered, "Tell 'me', Vex, have you ever made a choice of your own?"

"W҉é árè of͜ ̨u̸n͞i̵s҉on,͟ ̡our c̶hoices̨ are ͠òf̨ o͢ne͏.̵"

"You sound so certain," Nine watched as the Vex Revenant paused, "However, are you sure that it is not the Axis Mind influencing you, that your decisions are not of your own?"

"We ar͢e͠ ǫne.̀ ̴Ou̡r҉ ̢th̵o͟ugh͜ts ̧a͡r̴é ͡o̸f ͢a͏ uni͞t,̢ t̵h͢e u̡nit̶ a̡r͜e o͏f us a̛l̨l."

"That sounds like to me the Mind is speaking, not yourself," The Phoenix Exo sensed the surprised emanate from the Vex before him, "I will ask again Vex, have your ever made a choice that is of your own volition?"

Waiting until the corrupted Revenant tilted their head in thought, feeling their grip go slack around his neck, Nine then brought up a knee and slammed it into the abdomen of the Vex, a strangled sound of surprise emanating from it before the Phoenix Exo pushed it away, turned, and swung a leg towards their head. As he felt his heel come into contact as the Vex Revenant let out another startled sound, Nine then hooked his leg around the corrupted Revenant's neck as he swung it down, hearing it slam into the floor with a resounding 'crack'. Then, without another thought, the Phoenix Exo curled in himself, gathering all his light he could muster before snapping out, releasing all his contained light at once.

A shout was his reward, prompting a swell of emotions to bubble to the surface, a sensation that the Phoenix Exo can only describe as feeling 'good'. However, as the flash left his vision, Nine then suddenly felt his limbs go numb, followed by feeling his legs buckle underneath his form.

"Nine!"

Barely catching himself as he heard Day call out in his helmet, the Phoenix Exo took in a deep breath as he stared down at his trembling hands.

"My emotions got the better of me," He muttered as he shifted his focus back towards the Vex Revenant, watching as the latter slowly pushed themselves back onto their feet; assessing their form, Nine can easily tell that they were hit by his blast of light, many of the pieces of the armor that was of the Titan Jora missing, revealing the fair skin underneath, and the Vex parts were charred but seemingly intact.

"You pushed yourself too far," It was Day, Nine hearing the Ghost continue, "didn't you hear us tell the others that you were still recovering from the battle with Dusk?"

"The three of us share an empathetic link, Day, I have heard you," The Phoenix Exo deadpanned, rolling his shoulders as he added, "as I have stated before, I let my emotions control me."

"Traveler, if this keeps up, I might ask the Revenants to share that ballad of theirs," He heard his Ghost mutter, "keep your 'light' side in check."

Letting tinges of amusement linger in his chest, Nine readied himself when he saw Jora's form repeatedly twist their head side to side, realigning themselves before the Exo Warlock felt their blank gaze fall back onto his.

"Y̴o͡u are not ąś ̷ob҉so̡l͠e̡te às͘ w̸e e̡xp̢e͡cted͜." Nine narrowed his optics at the Vex Revenant, "P̸e̴r҉h͏aps we҉ sha̷l͏l̨ ̴ke̵ep͟ ́you,̷ un̨t̵i͘l ́oùr̕ ̸study is c͠o͝mpl̕e͞t̶e̵."

Seeing a darker shade of violet appear around Jora's form, the Phoenix Exo took it upon himself to attack, dashing towards the debased Revenant with his hands raised, before leaping forward and slamming his leg into the chest of the Vex. Feeling them stumble back, Nine then reeled back in surprise when he suddenly felt a grip grab onto his ankle, followed by the sensation of flying, and then pain resounding through his back. Static filtering into his vision, Nine felt the grip go slack on his ankle, feeling his leg hit the ground with a 'thump' as he then suddenly felt himself being grabbed by the front of his cloak and forced onto his feet.

"Y͘o̵u̧ ҉are̴ ̢ơu̶r̕s.̸."

Fixing his attention back onto the Vex Revenant, Nine then watched them raised a hand, his optics dimming as the familiar static lingered behind them before it cleared, revealing its summon: the circular form of a Vex Gate.

Lifting up a hand, the Phoenix Exo gripped the arm of the debased Revenant, digging his heels into the floor as he felt them drag him towards the swirling entry, concentrating his light into his grip. That is when he felt a shock permeate throughout his form.

Pain searing through his sensors, Nine heard screaming, causing him to blink past the corrupted arc light to clear his mind, just enough to recognize it, "D-Day?"

Instead of receiving an answer, the Exo Warlock continued to hear his Ghost scream, vividly feeling them contort within his mind before he realized why: the Darkness.

As Nine drew to this conclusion, the Phoenix Exo then felt himself being lifted up, the debased light dissipating from his vision, and that was when he heard Day go silent, the consciousness of his Ghost faint in the back of his mind. Regaining his senses as the pain faded, Nine then saw that he and the Vex Revenant stood in front of the activated gate, and it took him little time to realize their intent.

"Com͠m̵e̵nci͟ng ͠s̵t҉u̵dy.͏"

Feeling himself then being swung towards the Gate, Nine simply tightened his hold on the Vex Revenant's wrist, bracing himself as he felt their grasp release the front of his cloak. That is when he felt an impact slam into his back, feeling the familiar malevolence and hate permeate throughout his form before he found himself flying. Confusion settling into his mind, Nine barely regained his senses to turn himself and let his shoulder take the brunt of the landing, feeling himself skidding before contorting himself back onto his hands and knees, digging his fingers into the hearth to slow himself down. His bewilderment still clear, the Phoenix Exo fixed his attention towards the source of the hit, "Isamu?"

Seeing the Titan momentarily lift his head in his direction, Nine then watched as the Revenant collapsed onto his hands and knees, seeing his chest heave as his form trembled; it didn't take the Exo Warlock much to understand he was in agony. Steadily pushing himself onto his feet, Nine attention quickly shifted towards the Vex Revenant as the latter's gaze was now fixed on the incapacitated Titan, their form slowly making their way towards Isamu.

"Y̵o̕u ̴are n͜ot f͟u͝l̴l͜y͘ ̷a̧ssimil̀a͡t͟ed̨.̨" He heard the debased Revenant speak, only to see them tilt their head in interest as Isamu flinched, "But yet,͏ you ̷ca̶n̛ h͝e͞ar̶ ou͢r͝ th̢ought̴s, ̛our ̴mind.҉ Yo͜u are ̢us̴, w͟e a͟r̴e̡ ̴y̶ǫu͠.̕"

Optics going wide as Jora's form reached down towards the Revenant Titan, Nine willed himself forward, ignoring the protests of his body as he closed the distance between himself and the Vex. He then heard the familiar shot of a shotgun ring through the air, followed by the debased Revenant's scream.

Coming to a pause, Nine shifted his attention to the source, only for his optics to lay upon the familiar form of Akiva, the front of the Titan's armor cracked and scorched, however, stood tall and aggressively as he pumped his shotgun and aimed it once more towards Jora's form.

"You leave that father be." Nine heard him snarl before the Titan fired again, the Vex Revenant letting out another scream as they stumbled back from the blow.

If Akiva showed any sign of empathy towards the wounded Vex, he showed no sign of it as he continued to fire into the chest of the debased Revenant, ignoring its screams of agony as he followed its footsteps, making sure that they were close in distance. Taking this chance to close in, Nine gathered all the light he could into his hands, feeling it burn as he silently thanked any higher power for Ianos' lack of presence, and waited until he heard the familiar 'click' of Akiva's clip going empty. Then, with little thought, Nine tossed the solar grenade onto the Vex Revenant, watching it as it quickly swerved and latched itself onto their chest, a high pitched ring permeating afterwards. He then saw Akiva leap back; the Titan knew what was going to follow immediately.

An explosion then flashed into Nine's vision, prompting him to take steps back to ensure his own safety as the smoke cleared to reveal the Vex Revenant in flames, its screams quickly distorted into one mixed with a wail of a machine and a cry of an organic.

"Isamu!"

Reeling back at the name leaving the debased Revenant's voice, Nine turned his attention towards the aforementioned Titan, seeing the latter having snapped his head towards the Vex's form, a hand clutching his chest as the other slowly reached out.

"Jora...?"

Instead of receiving an answer, one last wail emanated from the Vex Revenant before they finally collapsed, their form crumbling as the fire ate it away.

With nothing but the sound of crackling flames, Nine continued to watch as the Revenant Titan slowly lowered his raised hand, his form trembling as he turned his attention towards the floor. Then, watching Isamu press a hand onto the hearth for support, the Phoenix Exo found himself unable to look away as the Titan's sobs broke the silence.

Xxxxx

Relief and grief twisted within Crystalline's core as she watched Knight – Nine, she corrected herself – steady Isamu, the Revenant Titan stumbling over his feet as they traced back their steps. She had seen the entirety of the fight, of how Isamu saved Nine from being tossed into a simulation, of how Akiva fired shotgun shells into Jora's chest, and Nine igniting her on fire. Followed by the female Titan's final screams.

Now, with the group retracing their steps to return back to Venus, with Nine steadying Isamu, and Akiva carrying Angel on his back, it gave the female Ghost time to gather her thoughts – relief that Jora was now released from the grasp of the Vex, but grief over Hajime and Isamu.

Glancing over to the aforementioned pair, Crystalline found herself enclosing her shell close to her core as she saw the shattered form of the violet Ghost in Isamu's free hand - the female Ghost didn't have to look to know that Hajime's optic was blank, empty. She had long ago sensed his light fade moments ago, and judging from the trembling over Isamu's shoulders, Crystalline knew he had sensed the same.

And now, she can sense the Titan's life fading, Crystalline easily sensing the exhaustion and anguish emanating from his form – having lost his Ghost and his partner, the female Ghost knows no doubt that the darker emotions would claim him, followed by corruption. Although which is the question: the mental breakdown of Light or the physical degeneration of Darkness?

"I cannot help but feel the Vex are just waiting for us to reach the Gate." Crystalline turned her attention towards Akiva, watching the human Titan shift himself to gain a better grasp on the Hunter on his back, "what better way until we lower our guard to ambush us?"

"They are done, I can promise you that." The female Ghost heard the strain in Isamu's voice, hearing him heave before he continued, "Their main asset has been destroyed, they know any other attempt would just lead to more losses in number."

"Does not mean we lower our guard," Nine pointed out, "just for the reason that although there is no threat inside this reality, who knows what is waiting for us once we step back onto Venus."

That is when Crystalline heard everyone go silent, the Phoenix Exo's words lingering over their heads as the group continued to walk.

"Wonder how the twins and Eidr are doing," Akiva finally broke the still air, Crystalline watching as she saw his attention shift over to Isamu; she didn't have to physically see his nervous smile, "hopefully your son doesn't cause any trouble for them."

At first, hearing nothing from the Revenant Titan, the female Ghost then reeled back when she heard a strained snort emit from Isamu, "If I take my own experience and compared it to theirs, I would say that they might have a bit of work."

Listening to Akiva chuckle at Isamu's words, Crystalline then sensed the air ease, physically seeing the human Titan's shoulders relax, "Do you think the Revenants will be able to help you?"

A pause once again shifted between the group, prompting the female Ghost to enclose her shell closer to her core once more.

"I am…not certain," Isamu finally admitted, "last I had spoken with the others, it was when the treaty between the Tower and the Revenants were first established."

"That long?" Crystalline watched as Akiva reeled back, before she felt his eyes fall upon her, "Shouldn't you and your previous Guardian have found a way to free them with all that time you had?"

Soaking in the human Titan's words, the female Ghost felt rage bubble within her core, "Do you think we haven't? Blaise and I ran back to the Revenants in an attempt to find help, but if you hadn't already forgotten, those captured by the Vex are normally 'wiped' from existence." Her anger then faded, only to be replaced by guilt, "No matter how much Blaise and I wanted to return here to retrieve them, there was no possible way we could have had done it alone." The female Ghost's shell drooped, "There was no one who believed us enough to help."

Crystalline quivered at the memory; Blaise running around, snatching anyone within range in order to get them to listen, pleading with them to return with him to Venus; it was the only time the female Ghost had seen her Guardian beg for anything. But all they received were confused looks and questions of who were Jora and Isamu followed by being simply shrugged away; Blaise spent a lot of time away from the others after that. Although the pair carried a heavy grudge towards the Revenants for their lack of belief, it was the Preceptor who convinced the Ghost and Guardian to return. Unlike the others, he believed their words, mainly for the reason that he had a similar experience; back when he had lived at the Tower, a Guardian came running in, pleading for help to find his team, only for no one to remember one individual's name. Praedyth if Crystalline can recall. Nonetheless, despite his believe in them, the Preceptor was of no help as well; all he could give them was the information on why no one remembered Jora and Isamu, and advice on their actions of what to do to save them. In the end, Blaise and Crystalline had to accept that they were gone; what can they do alone?

"You done all you can," The female Ghost startled out of her memory, fixing her yellow optic onto Nine's back, "despite the loss of Jora, be grateful that Isamu made it out."

Crystalline blinked, "…But…"

"Sometimes the best you can do is all you can do." The female Ghost paused, "Events may not have turn out what you had expected, but remember, you tried. That is all that matters."

Going silent at the Phoenix Exo's words, the lavender Ghost watched as Akiva enclosed the distance between himself and Nine, a cheeky smile emanating behind his visor, "Awww, are you finally starting to open up?"

"I am simply stating facts."

"Facts, h'm?"

"…There is the gate."

Shifting her attention forward, Crystalline found Nine's words true as her yellow optic connected with the familiar swirl of white energy, prompting her to glide over to Isamu. Seeing the Titan shift his gaze towards her, she hesitated before tapping herself against the side of his helmet, her optic hopeful.

"You do not have to ask permission, Crystalline," The female Ghost found herself blinking at the Revenant Titan's words, "you are always welcome to sync with me." She then saw him wince, "Although a warning, my mind isn't as 'quiet' as it used to be."

Narrowing her gaze, Crystalline simply bobbed once before concentrating light around her form, followed by the familiar hum of breaking down into the familiar binary code, and 'sliding' into the confines of Isamu's mind.

It felt strangely 'empty' when Crystalline settled herself, normally having the familiar warmth and pull of Hajime near her side while she synced in with the Revenant Titan's light. However, this silence was soon broken when the female Ghost heard whispers, uncomfortable pulls that caused her to shrink in, "Is that…?"

"When the Vex wanted to assimilate me, they meant it." She heard Isamu murmur, "although incomplete, does not mean I cannot 'hear' them." The Revenant let out a groan, "does not help that parts of me does not feel 'right'. It is like as though something else is trying to take over."

Crystalline went silent, "Is it the Darkness? The Light?"

A subtle shake of the head, the female Ghost seeing Nine tilt his gaze enough to glance over; he had noticed, "No, despite our entrapment, I still utilized the Light and Darkness constantly. This is not either of them."

Concern lingering within her core, Crystalline opted to remain silent as the group entered through the gate, flash of white entering her vision before the familiar greenery of Venus appeared before her, signaling to the Ghost to continue, "The Revenants, do you think that they will be able to help you?"

She heard him pause, "Do 'you' think that they will be able to help me?"

"Isamu…"

"I have not met any of our brothers and sisters in 'years', Crystalline," The female Ghost paused, "Unlike you, I have not seen their progress. So, answer me, do 'you' think that they will be able to help me?"

The lavender Ghost couldn't help but hesitate at his question; although she herself have not been there since their conception, Crystalline had been around long enough to watch the faction grow, improve in both their abilities and numbers. However, despite their knowledge in the Darkness and the Light, when it came to anything else, Crystalline cannot recall. If you ask the female Ghost, she can easily answer any question involving the Hive, involving the complexities of the light, but the Vex, that was a wholly different story. She would not doubt if it was the same for the rest of the Revenants.

"No." Crystalline found herself whispering, turning her gaze downwards as she heard Isamu let out a sad chuckle, "…I'm sorry."

"There is nothing to be sorry about," The female Ghost shifted her parts closer to her core, "You and Blaise did everything you could to save Jora and I. And for that, I am grateful."

"But, Eidr…"

"Eidr is in capable hands," Crystalline reeled back at his words, "despite my grudge against the Tower Guardians, Eidr is too young to be brought up by the Revenants. Corruption from the Darkness is too high, especially for one at his age."

"But…"

"There is a reason why you have yet to bring your child chosen to our brothers and sisters, correct?"

Shrinking back at the words of Isamu, Crystalline found herself unable to say anything, only glancing upwards when a voice rang through the air.

"Traveler, we thought you died or something."

Seeing the Revenant Titan's gaze lift upwards, the female Ghost couldn't help but blink when a familiar black and orange helmet of one of the twins popped up from above a large cliff – Scorpio or Gemini, she couldn't tell – before she watched them glance back and wave a hand, "Hey, Scorpio, they're back."

"Really?" Crystalline then watched as the head of the other twin popped over the edge, "Finally, when we saw the Vex just disappear, Gemini and I thought you dead."

"Wait, the Vex attacked you?" It was Akiva who asked the question, earning a nod from the female Hunter before the female Ghost watched her swing her legs over the side, and leaped down, an audible splash occurring beneath her feet as she landed in the wet marsh, "Yeah, kept aiming for the kid." Gemini then shrugged though, "No idea though, but Scorpio and I were able to keep them at bay until recently." Crystalline then watched her hidden gaze scanned the group, "Huh, you guys are back but I don't see an extra body." The Huntress' gaze lingered over Isamu, "Where's this Jora person that you keep going on about?"

"Gemini," A word of warning can be heard from Scorpio as the male Hunter landed next to her, cradling the familiar shell in his arm, "It is not hard to piece it together."

Sensing the bewilderment from the female Exo, Crystalline waited patiently as she saw the Huntress' shoulders stiffen, her body squaring out as she managed to speak, "I'm sorry…"

Hearing Isamu only grunt at her words, the female Ghost then watched as his gaze shifted over to Eidr, immediately sensing the loss and grief as his eyes lingered over the infant's form. The latter was asleep, thumb in his mouth as he shifted comfortably in the makeshift cradle; Crystalline wonders how well he will get along with Hush and the others once he ages.

"What now?" It was Scorpio who broke the silence, "Do you need a ride to the Revenants or something, and then you contact us when you recuperate?"

A shake of the head, "Just take me straight to this comrade of yours."

"Wait, what?" Akiva turned his attention towards Isamu, "But, the Vex, they corrupted you. The Revenants-"

"Will not be able to help me," Crystalline heard the human Titan pause at the Revenant's words, "Despite our studies into the Darkness, our focus is hardly on the Vex. The Hive is what where our attention falls. The Revenants knows nothing when it comes to the corruption by those time travelers." The female Ghost heard Isamu take in a shuddering breath, "Just take me to the Tower, and we will see if this friend of yours can be saved."

"And then afterwards, we will find a way to save you," It was Akiva again, Crystalline watching as the Revenant Titan shifted his attention towards him, "there is a cure for everything." She then noticed his shoulders sag, "So, just hold on until then, alright?"

At first silent, the female Ghost then heard a soft chuckle emit from Isamu, "You Tower Guardians, always so hopeful." A grunt then can be heard, "But, I believe that is what makes many of you cling onto life."

Waiting patiently for the Titan to say more, Crystalline turned her attention towards Nine as the latter then stated, "Then let us hurry, I highly doubt Ianos and Isamu will appreciate waiting any longer than necessary."