Redacted

End It

I actually finished this chapter yesterday however, internet just completely shut down and it wouldn't turn back on at all last night. So I had to wait until today to put this up :p

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

_Transcript: _

_Source: Ghost of Hashimoto, Isamu_

_Alias: Hashimoto, Hajime _

_Transcript of conversation between Revenant Hashimoto, Isamu [H.I] and the Preceptor of the Revenants [REDACTED] [P.Z]. Conversation took place during time of mourning _

[H.I]: The name, Ianos, he was the one they had called 'Death', correct?

[P.Z]: That is 'not' his name. Speak it again and I 'will' cause you harm.

[H.I]: My apologies, Preceptor, I merely asked out of confirmation. I had known him in the past, back during the years when he had no name to go by.

[P.Z]: Then, why have I…?

[H.I]: My previous clan took majority of my time, and I suspect most of his was taken up by you. But since he does not know of your survival, he must have had plenty of time to make a request. A 'dangerous' request.

[P.Z]: …Most who have ventured to the moon never returned, and those who do, their minds are hardly intact.

[H.I]: That does not mean he is dead.

[P.Z]: It has been months since our scouts reported the survivor returning from the reconnaissance mission, and so far, his report of the deaths of 'all' individuals seem accurate.

[H.I]: I just find it hard to believe that he retrieved 'none' of their Ghosts, even those of his Fireteam. His reports maybe false, Preceptor. He may still be alive.

[P.Z]: You have seen firsthand what the Hive are capable of. Do you really think that they would keep a Guardian alive for that long?

[H.I]: We also know little of what happens underground, Preceptor.

[P.Z]: For a reason, Isamu. Any who venture into the catacombs, never return alive. It is not safe.

[H.I]: There are ways, Preceptor.

[P.Z]: You sound confident, almost as confident as Erianna… and look where that got her.

[H.I]: Preceptor…

[P.Z]: I am not a newborn, Isamu. I know that death is party of reality, and despite the lack of a body, I have to accept that he is gone. No Guardian would be able to survive that long on the moon, at least, not intact.

[H.I]: …I am sorry, Preceptor…

[P.Z]: …Let us just get on with the burial. Ianos was not the only Chosen who have lost their lives today. It is time to mourn the loss of our brothers and sisters, and then afterwards, we shall relocate.

[H.I]: Relocate?

[P.Z]: The deaths of our brethren were not caused by Fallen, Isamu. I recognize the wounds as one that is from man made machinations.

[H.I]: You are saying that other Chosen were the cause of their deaths. (pause) Then, does that mean the Tower Guardians-

[P.Z]: We do not have the proper evidence to accuse them just yet, Isamu. Although, it is clear that Chell and the others were shot from behind.

[H.I]: Then, why not-

[P.Z]: We will not confront the Tower Guardians, Isamu. The treaty has just been set, and both sides are too exhausted to wage war against each other once more. Best we can do is to move everyone to a safer location and recover.

[H.I]: … Are we truly going to hide, Preceptor?

[P.Z]: It was the only way to get them to agree with the treaty.

[H.I]: Then how are we going to grow? To spread our influence? Our message that balance is key for humanity to regain what they had lost?

[P.Z]: Isamu, have you already forgotten why the Revenants were formed? Why we live outside of the walls of the City?

[H.I]: For the reason that our ideologies are different, that our views contradict with those who live within the City, and thanks to this, places our safety into question, especially with the Tower Guardians.

[P.Z]: New Chosen are constantly being resurrected, brought to the Tower to learn about themselves. Although most will be influenced by their peers, there will be those who will think differently, who will be ostracized and forced out of the City. And others who just simply wish to seek out those who have the same mindset.

[H.I]: …Wait, then you are saying…?

[P.Z]: Our numbers 'will' grow, our influence 'will' expand, for we will not seek them, but 'they' will seek us.

_End Transcript_

Xxxxx

"We have many bases planted on Earth," Akiva heard Crystalline explain, watching as the female Ghost beamed her light over the console, sending them on the right coordinates; the human Titan easily can feel Lex's chagrin over his lack of control of the ship, "and I believe a few currently being built on Mars."

"So, the Preceptor was right," Akiva turned his attention towards Isamu, hearing the latter let out a faint chuckle as he leaned his head back on his seat, "others came and sought us out, our numbers grew."

His brows raising at the meaning behind the Revenant Titan's words, Akiva decided to say nothing as he tuned in onto Isamu's heavy breathing and saw how his fingers delicately caressed Hajime's broken form in his grasp; with his condition worsening every moment and his Ghost currently deceased, Akiva can only imagine what the Revenant is going through.

Hearing a familiar hiss of a door sliding open, the human Titan turned his attention in time to see Nine's form walk into the cockpit, "How is Ianos doing?"

"He still has not awoken," Concern formed in Akiva's chest at the Exo's answer, "however for the first time since he was indisposed, Ianos seems to be in peace. He does not seem to be suffering as he sleeps."

The human Titan blinked at that, "Well, that's good to hear." He then turned his gaze towards Isamu, "Guess that means your stabilization worked."

"For now," The Revenant reminded, "it is only temporary until we reach the Preceptor."

"Then we need to find his location," Akiva let out a hum, "Crystalline, have you figured out which base is currently active?"

"Not quite yet," Crystalline replied, "although it shouldn't take long to locate him. Despite our numbers, we only use one base at a time, and to save power, we deactivate the previous base before moving on. I just need to find one where its core is – ahah! Found it!" Akiva heard the female Ghost let out a few clicks, "Huh, the Dead Zone. Interesting, haven't been to that one in a few decades."

The human Titan suddenly perked up at that, "Wait, Dead Zone? Like the European Dead Zone? The EDZ?"

"The one with the shard of the Traveler buried in the midst? Yes," Akiva's eyes widen at the female Ghost's answer, "What? We have seen Tower Guardians wander in that area before, what is so surprising about being based in the Dead Zone?" He watched Crystalline pause before her single optic narrowed, "are you implying that the Revenant's cannot handle themselves against the Taken and the Fallen?"

"What? No!" Akiva held up his hands when he saw the female Ghost's yellow optic further narrow, "I'm just surprised that since the Revenants are all about 'balance', that you would place a base next to the Traveler. I would have thought, you know, you would avoid places like that, to keep the 'dark side 'of you in check?"

"…Oh…" The anger faded from Crystalline's optic, "Despite the belief that light and darkness would destroy the other if they were in vicinity of their respective counterpart, it is actually more fiction than truth."

"…Pardon?"

Akiva heard the female Ghost release a sigh, "It is true that light and darkness have the capability to destroy each other but 'only' when one or the other is in excess. If the darkness is vaster than the light, then the darkness will devour the light; if the light is vaster than the darkness, then it will devour the darkness." The Titan then watched as Crystalline's gazed fixed back onto him, "and not to mention that have to be in physical contact with each other. Why else do you think the Hive can really only damage Guardians when their swords and claws are imbued with Darkness? And how else do you think the Hive only stay down when our light makes contact with their bodies?"

Pondering on Crystalline's words, Akiva then turned his attention towards Isamu, seeing the latter turn his head just slightly, spotting the beads of sweat sliding down the sides of his face followed by the agony the Titan spotted in the Revenant's eyes, "So, you are saying that as long as you stay in 'balance', any chances of being corrupted is nullified?"

"In part, yes," The human Guardian blinked at the lavender Ghost's answer, "The Revenants are capable of nullifying minor damage thanks to being in balance, such as a light induced punch to the chest or a Thrall bite in the arm. But, if enough application of power is in place, we are just as mortal as any Guardian and Hive when it comes to their respective weakness."

Once again, Akiva blinked, "So, you are susceptible to corruption as any other Guardian?"

"Yes."

"Then, what's the point of being in balance?"

"Darkness, were you not paying attention?" Annoyance easily can be felt from the female Ghost, "Yes, the Revenants are susceptible to corruption as everyone else, however, we at least can purge ourselves of excess darkness or light, just as long as we have the time. It won't kill us easily as Tower Guardians," Akiva then saw her yellow optic linger over Isamu's form, seeing her harden stare soften, "at least, that is what we originally thought."

"You know as well as I do that we theorized that we can purge ourselves of only light and darkness related corruption," The human Guardian heard Isamu let out a cough, seeing the Revenant Titan lift his head just enough to see the wry smile on his tired features, "although, if I have a say, this was not the way we were expecting to solidify our theory."

"Your condition is not something to joke about, Isamu," Crystalline scolded, Akiva seeing her parts scrunch close to her core, "We just have to hope and pray that during our years of absence, they have placed more thought into the Vex than the Hive."

"Considering the history the Preceptor had with them, I believe that is highly doubtful," Once again, Akiva watched him close his eyes and lean his head back in his seat, "but we will see once we make contact with the others."

Worry building up in his chest once more at the Titan Revenant's condition, Akiva found himself saying, "Do you need rest, Isamu? You can stay in the room where Eidr and the twins are, and Gemini and Scorpio are trustworthy enough where they can keep an eye on your child while you regain your strength."

Seeing Isamu lift his head up once more and turned his weary gaze his way, the Tower Titan half expect a retort, a scoff that he was not weak to the point where he needed rest. However, to his surprise, he saw the Revenant Titan nod once slowly before straining to get out of his seat, signaling to Nine to walk over and help him to his feet. Watching as the Phoenix Exo helped led the corrupted Chosen to another part of the ship, Akiva finally turned his attention back towards Crystalline, "How long until we reach the Dead Zone?"

"A few hours," The female Ghost responded immediately, "so I highly recommend that we get some rest while we have the chance."

The human Guardian reeled back at her words, "Why? Are you saying that we are going to have a confrontation with them?"

"Well, that," Crystalline turned to face him, "and that we have to take a walk to get to where the Preceptor is located. A 'long' walk."

Xxxxx

"Pluto." The blind Exo didn't have to see to sense the blank stare he received from Ikora, "are you involved with Ianos' disappearance?"

Forcing the laughter back down his throat, Pluto instead leaned his shoulders back in mock surprise before he let a frown form onto his dark features, "Disappearance? What do you mean he disappeared?"

"Told you," It was Cayde's voice that resonated within the blind Hunter's receptors, his words causing Pluto's mirth to grow, "now he's going to be angry at us."

"Cayde." Zavala's exasperated tone nearly made a smile break onto his face, however, once again, Pluto forced his amusement down and kept his scowl, "When did this happen? 'How' can you let that happen?"

"What? You expect us to keep an eye on him all the time?"

He turned his blind gaze towards the Vanguard Hunter, narrowing his broken optics behind his blindfold, "You were the ones who ordered to ensure that he does not leave his quarters, I at least expected you to place some 'competent' individuals to keep an eye on him!"

It was definitely getting more difficult to feign his anger, especially so when he sensed the agitation from the three before him; Pluto decided to pinch the bridge of his nose and heave out a sigh to keep up his act, "Just tell me what happened? Just tell me how in the Traveler a feverish Guardian was able to leave the Tower?"

"Cameras got nothing, although the medics back at the Wing say that Guardians Akiva, Nine, Gemini, Scorpio, and one unknown individual were in the room with him."

Pluto decided to keep his face neutral at Ikora's words; he decided it wasn't needed to raise his brows in surprise if his blindfold kept half his face hidden, "Unknown individual?" He paused, "They let an unknown Guardian into Ianos' quarters?"

"The Medics said that he had claimed to be his friend," The Hunter gave Zavala another blank look, "and that Akiva had aided him."

"What do you mean?"

"The Medics said that he seemed to be injured, barely able to stand on his own feet," It was Ikora who answered his question, "and Akiva was the one he was leaning upon for support."

So, he is trustworthy, Pluto mused to himself, or the others were desperate to cure Ianos' condition.

"Nonetheless, the identity of the Guardian is unknown," The blind Exo pulled himself out of his thoughts, "we aren't even sure if the Titan armor he had adorned himself in is even his own."

"But we may know who he is working for."

That is when Pluto straightened out his stature before crossing his arms or tilting his head in mock curiosity, "And I am going to take a guess that is why you asked for this room to be emptied of occupants?"

"According to reports from Hunter Matt and Titan Aria, the individual that was with Angel and the others is part of the faction called the Revenants." Zavala explained, "You remember our skirmishes with them years ago, correct?"

The blind Exo let out a scoff at the Titan Commander's words, "How can I forget? Not only did they nearly kill me and Nix, but they had taken the life of Atlas. He was just three years, youngest of the Clan then."

"And you know why we have to keep this confidential." Zavala added, "as per agreement of the treaty, no one with the exception of those who had partaken in battles against them are to know of the Revenant's existence. As such, the reason why we need to speak with you, Pluto."

The Exo Hunter raised his brows at this, "This is more than just accusing me of partaking in Ianos' disappearance?"

"We do believe that Fireteam Redacted are cooperating with this Revenant to cure Warlock Ianos of his condition." Ikora stated, "and despite our concerns, that is not the core of the problem."

This time, Pluto formed a legitimate scowl onto his features, "Oh? And what is?"

That is when silence permeated through the room, the Exo Hunter's frown deepening as he lowered his hands and placed them on the table, "What is more problematic than Fireteam Redacted working with rogue Guardians?"

Instead of immediately receiving an answer, Pluto once more received silence, causing ire to grow within the back of the Hunter's mind, "Zavala, you maybe the head of this 'Vanguard', but if you do not answer me immediately, I 'will' force it out of you."

"Traveler, geez, have some patience, Lovebird," The blind Exo turned and gave the Hunter Vanguard a glare, "we are just assessing the situation, alright. Considering your infamous temper, we just want to make sure if we are making the right decision in telling you this."

Pluto's broken optics narrowed, "Telling me what exactly?"

A sigh can be heard from Ikora, "Years ago, days after you had left the Tower, my Hidden discovered the identity of the leader of the Revenants."

"And that is important?" Pluto couldn't help but snap, "We had always known there was a head to the Revenants, 'The Preceptor' if I can recall correctly." The Exo Hunter pushed himself away from the table, crossing his arms once more, "I always thought of him as another Guardian grabbing for power."

"That maybe the case," Zavala admitted, "however, with Ianos' disappearance and a Revenant involved, I say it is time we reveal to you the name of this Preceptor."

Once again, the blind Exo raised a brow, "Do I know him?"

"In a way, yes," Ikora answered, "although, you only knew him on the side. He was more acquainted with Ianos."

Pluto scrunched his features together in thought; the Exo Hunter do recall several of Ianos' comrades joining the Revenants, but why was this important? The Awoken, although heartbroken over their 'betrayal', respected their choices and never carried a grudge. What were the Vanguard trying to point out?

"Look, there were only two Guardians that I hadn't known personally amongst Ianos' comrades for the reason that my Clan was in self-exile, and they were Ahamri-34 and Zakai, and they both died 'decades' ago." The Hunter paused at the silence he received, "Unless, there is something that you aren't telling me."

"It is true that Warlock Ahamari-34 died during the Great Disaster," It was Zavala who spoke, "although, he is amongst one of many whose body and Ghost have yet to be retrieved, recounts and recordings gave sufficient evidence that he is indeed deceased."

"Get to the point," Although impatient, Pluto couldn't help but let a squeezing sensation settle in his stomach; he has a feeling he knew where this was going.

"You do recall the incident with Warlock Zakai, correct?" This time it was Ikora who broke the silence, "mourning over the loss of Ahamari, he dwelled into the interworking of the Darkness in an attempt to bring him back. And according to reports, that is what killed him."

Pluto's unease quickly grew, "I heard what had happened. He was working in his quarters when an explosion occurred, completely destroying the side of the apartments." He paused momentarily, letting the memory sink in, "Heard that many Guardians were killed during the incident, but they all were resurrected safely."

"With the exception of Warlock Zakai," Zavala pointed out, "after investigation, no body was found, no Ghost. The conclusion then came forward that the explosion resulted in complete incineration of their bodies, and as such, he was pronounced dead."

"Much to Ianos' despair," Pluto muttered, easily sensing the Vanguard's uneasiness at his words, "Continue."

"We have come to believe that is not the case," The Exo Hunter paused at Ikora's words, "as we had mentioned before, my Hidden discovered the identity of the Preceptor. And he is very much 'alive'."

That was all Pluto needed for confirmation, "You are saying that Zakai is the head of the Revenants?"

"We 'know' he is." Ikora replied, "there aren't many humans that has eyes like his."

Opening his mouth to retort, the Exo Hunter clamped his mouth shut as he took the truth in Ikora's words; he remembers meeting Ahamri and Zakai for the first time, Ianos encouraging the half-Awoken to remove his helmet, only for his red optics to connect with vibrant, glowing blue. After seeing eyes like that, Pluto wouldn't doubt that 'anyone' would be able to recognize Zakai, even from afar.

"You are certain it is him?"

"Yes."

Pluto couldn't help but let out a groan as he raised his hands and dragged them down the front of his face; he then paused, "You said that you discovered his identity 'years' ago? And you decided to keep this away from Ianos?"

"You know as well as we do that Ianos' condition is unstable, both physically and mentally," Zavala jumped in, "We had decided that it was best for him to be uninformed of Warlock Zakai's survival."

Something bubbled within Pluto's chest at the Titan Commander's words, "You mean you fear that he would defect from the Tower and join the Revenants."

"That is not-"

"Ianos is one of the oldest and experienced Warlocks in the Tower, and you are afraid what would happen if he were to turn against the City," The blind Exo interrupted, "You are scared that he was willing to drop 'everything' for someone he had loved and cared about."

Receiving silence in response to his words, Pluto then released a frustrated sigh, shaking his head as he crossed his arms.

"It was too much of a risk to inform Ianos of Zakai," The Exo Hunter let a growl form in the back of his throat towards the Titan Commander's words, "with his grief and instability, he was more than capable of causing damage towards the Tower if he so wishes."

"You do realize that Ianos' isn't protecting the City out of a whim," Pluto snarled, "he had made a promise, a promise to protect the last remnants of humanity. He wouldn't turn on the City even if he were to join the Revenants."

"…Promise?"

Pluto ignored Cayde's question, "Ahamri-34 and Zakai were Ianos' pillars, something for him to stand on after all the losses and suffering he had went through. And you decided to keep Zakai's survival away from him?" The blind Exo threw his arms into the air, followed by him pacing, "and according to reports, he is with a Revenant as we speak. He is going to figure out Zakai's survival and he is 'not' going to be so forgiving."

"Hold on, let us explain-"

"You have explained enough." Pluto snapped, "I have known the three of you for 'decades' and all I have to say is this; this is one of the most selfish and thoughtless decisions you have ever formed, even so under Brask's standards." He then glowered at the three, "When and 'if' Ianos gets back under the allegiance of the Revenants, you won't be getting 'any' help from me."

With his words spoken, the blind Exo then turned and exited the Hall, hearing the familiar hum of Nix following closely behind.

"Do you believe that they are telling the truth?" He heard his Ghost ask, hearing the latter humming to himself quietly, "That Zakai is alive?"

"Despite their habit of withholding information, the three of them aren't the type to lie," Pluto muttered, "if they say someone or something is real, there is truth in their words."

"But Ikora's Hidden could be mistaken," Nix pointed out, "although halflings like Hush and Zakai are rare, they aren't impossible." Another hum from his blind Ghost, "It could be that this Preceptor simply holds similar appearance to Zakai and the Hidden could have been mistaken."

Pondering on the words of the viridian Ghost, Pluto simply heaved out another sigh, "I do hope you're right, otherwise, next time we meet Ianos, he might be an enemy of the City."

Xxxxx

"Alright, when you said that we had to take a 'long' walk, I didn't think you meant this long."

Although sympathetic towards the human Titan, the Phoenix Exo couldn't help but let a small pull of annoyance linger in the back of his mind as Akiva continued to whine, hefting Isamu's limping form near his side. The group were forced to go on foot after they had landed Akiva's ship near a small settlement, Nine watching with mild amusement as Crystalline gave several small bags of glimmer to the settlers to keep the vehicle safe while they were gone. Then, they started down the path, a wide winding road of tough dirt and tufts of grass that slowly made its way into the forest. However, not long after they had entered the wooded area, the female Ghost then signaled to the others for them to follow, and it was then she lead them into the trees. The longer they dwelled, the thicker the trees became until the canopy was nearly dark with nothing but few little spots of the sun speckling the hearth. Although, despite this, Crystalline urged the others to keep their Ghosts on their person and that she was going to lead the way, letting wisp of light permeate through her form to ensure that the others can keep track of her. Nine would have found the trip peaceful, if Akiva's boredom wasn't going to push his patience.

The Phoenix Exo then saw the look on Crystalline's face as the female Ghost paused and turned towards Akiva, "Look, I understand why this is uncomfortable for you, especially since Isamu is using you as support." She then paused, "More weight." Amusement settled into Nine's chest as the Revenant in question gave Crystalline a blank stare, "Nonetheless, the Revenants are very wary and unless your ship was marked with our symbol, then more than likely it is going to be shot down."

"Territorial much?"

"More like paranoid," The female Ghost retorted, earning a puzzled look from the female Huntress, "Look, if you understand the history of the Revenants, then you would understand why we take extra precautions to ensure that we aren't raided." Nine then watched Crystalline turn her focus forward, taking lead once more, "we lose more of our numbers to Guardians than any other hostile."

"What?" It was Scorpio who blurted out his surprise; he was still cradling Eidr's now sleeping form in his arms, "if we have never heard of you guys, then how in the Traveler is your death toll higher when it comes to encountering Guardians from the Tower?"

That's when Nine saw the female Ghost's form pause, Crystalline suddenly turning around and narrowing her yellow optic towards the male Hunter's way, "For the reason that despite all your talk of 'saving humanity' and being 'heroes', you Tower Guardians are all about glory and fame. What would gain a Guardian more infamy than killing another 'Guardian', one that was 'tainted' by Darkness?"

Hearing nothing from the young Exo, all Nine could sense was the sensation of surprise and guilt before he heard Crystalline let out a scoff, and then turned towards the front once more.

"After the battle with the Tower, many Guardians started to learn how to sense individuals that hold the Darkness, since there is no other way to tell the difference between a Revenant and a Guardian." The Phoenix Exo continued to hear Crystalline explain, "sure, the death rate has gone down exponentially after those who had partaken in the battle either were killed or went MIA, but there are still enough Guardians around where the Revenants have to be on guard, especially with young ones around."

Nine's interest peaked, "Young ones? Are you referring to newborns?"

That is when the Phoenix Exo sensed hesitation from the female Ghost, watching her shell enclose her core before he heard her answer, "It's rare, but, there are, 'different' young ones than the newborns that we find wandering on occasion."

"So, there are children amongst you then?"

"What?!"

Ignoring the shouts of surprise from the twins, Nine then asked her, "Is it not dangerous to keep them within the bases of the Revenants? I thought there was a reason why you did not bring Little One to them earlier."

"It is because she was a newborn who had no control over her light," He heard Crystalline mutter, "and not to mention, we do house the newborns and the children in separate housing from the base, and we do apply strict rules on when it comes to utilizing the darkness and light around them.'

"Wait, I understand why you have to restrict the Darkness," Gemini's voice rang through the air, "but why the light as well?"

Immediately, a sigh can be heard from the lavender Ghost, "You poor newborns taken to the Tower, fed upon their beliefs until it is ingrained into your mind."

"…What?"

Another sigh from Crystalline, "As I stated before, Darkness is not the only source of corruption, light can be harmful as well, although more mental than physical."

"How so?" Scorpio was the one who asked the question, Nine hearing the weariness and caution in his voice; if Crystalline had heard it, she gave no sign as she answered, "There is one thing that is true with the Darkness, that it gives the user power beyond their imagination. However, there is a price." The Phoenix Exo heard the female Ghost pause momentarily, as if to contemplate on her next words, "In exchange for devastating power, your body is forfeit. The Darkness slowly creeps in, spreading its roots into your being until you feel nothing but agony, with nothing but death for mercy."

"But wait, if that's the case, then what about – what's his name – Dredgen Yor?" Nine watched as Gemini gave Crystalline a bewildered look, "if corruption by Darkness is more of a physical thing, then why did he suddenly go 'evil', killing innocents and Guardians alike."

"Because he is a good example of what happens when one tries to balance themselves only for the light to overtake them." The Phoenix Exo couldn't help but blink in surprise at Crystalline's answer, "as I have stated, Darkness is more of a physical corruption, the light is more of a mental." He then heard the female Ghost hum thoughtfully, more than likely picking out her next words, "For Dredgen Yor, or his more appropriate name, Rezyl Azzir, he had tried obtaining the power of the Darkness, for he had held the belief that if he can control it, then there is a way to stop it. As such the start of his corruption, or so what others had thought." Nine then watched the female Ghost's core shook side to side, "When the Revenants took a closer look, we came to realize that the Darkness was indeed trying to corrupt him, however, in an attempt to push it back, Rezyl let his light devour parts of the Darkness and soon, the very thing that brought him to life, is what corrupted him." He saw Crystalline momentarily glance back, "He had failed the balance."

"Okay, so we figured out the light corrupted his mind," Gemini didn't have to take off her helmet for Nine to sense the frown emanating behind her visor, "but he used the Darkness to kill others. If he was corrupted by the light, why not use the light?"

"Because it was his lost hope of the light is what was affected the most," Nine saw the young Huntress reel back at the lavender Ghost's answer, "Not many individuals knew of Rezyl Azzir's dwindling hope and that his belief that all is lost. The Revenants are not sure why, however the light caused that area of thinking to grow, grow to the point where Rezyl believed that Darkness was the only answer, and as such, began the rampage of Dredgen Yor."

Hearing nothing but silence as Crystalline finished speaking, Nine too opted to remain quiet, watching as the female Ghost's shell spun on occasion as she zipped and weaved between trees.

"Then, are in danger?" Nine turned his attention back to Gemini, sensing worry emanate behind her visor, "are we in danger of our own light turning against us?

Once more, Nine saw Crystalline pause, although, this time, when she turned, there was more of an empathetic look, her yellow optic soft, "Don't worry, corruption by the light itself is quite rare, the Revenants can only find one occasion where it occurred. All others only happened for the reason that they had failed to balance the Darkness and Light within themselves."

"So, we're safe then?"

"As long as you are absent of Darkness or are in balance with Darkness, yes." Nine sensed the relief not only emanate from Gemini but also Scorpio as well, "just do be careful though when you work with it, it takes patience and time to completely master it."

Seeing the twins nod in response to Crystalline's words, silence once again permeated between the group as the female Ghost took the lead, with nothing but the sound of the wildlife around them and debris crunching underneath their feet. And the sound of Isamu's heavy breathing.

Worry lingering in his chest, Nine then took the opportunity to glance down in his arms, staring into the unconscious features of Ianos. The Phoenix Exo was forced to volunteer to carry the Awoken after it was clear that only Akiva had the physical strength to assist Isamu (although secretly, Nine could have carried the Revenant easily. It was just the Revenant's earlier curiosity towards him prevented the Phoenix Exo from saying so), and as such, he carried him in his arms, feeling that it was more secure than carrying him on his back. However, as this excuse lingered in his mind, something else also tugged inside, a small sensation of glee that Nine had repeatedly forced down.

You simply wanted to feel his warmth in your arms, the look of rest on his face.

The Phoenix Exo knew the words were of his own thoughts and not of either Day or Knight; the former, although conscious, was still too weak to say anything, and Knight was still slumbering, still recovering from the burst of Darkness he had received earlier. Knowing this, Nine couldn't help but feel shame at his thoughts; he knew that the younger mind holds feelings towards the Awoken Warlock and as such, he had tried preventing himself from doing the same. But, even with all his focus, he couldn't help but develop the infatuation, his feelings towards the older Guardian. This made it all harder for Nine to push towards his goal of his own deactivation.

"Stop, I said stop, I had enough."

Glazing his optics over Ace's slumbering form on Ianos' chest to ensure the Ghost was safe, Nine then turned his attention towards Akiva and Isamu, only to see the former lowering the latter onto the moist hearth, leveraging him on the trunk of one of the trees.

"Do you need rest?" He heard Akiva ask, only for the human Titan to receive a pained stare from the Revenant, "Don't you understand? I am not going to make it."

A pause, "What?"

"I can feel the Vex coming in," Isamu heaved out, "they're invading my mind, my body, it's…" A pleading look overcame his features, "Please, just end it."

"What?" Akiva repeated his surprise once more, although this time, Nine saw his golden eyes widen, his gaze glancing around before he finally fixed it upon Isamu's form, "But we're so close, we're in the area where the Revenants are. If you can just hold on until we get there, then you can get help."

"Although I despise saying it, the Revenants, my family, cannot help me." A cough escaped Isamu's lips, "Even if they have a cure for me, it is already too late. I can already feel the Vex settling in." A groan emanated from the Titan, "They have become a part of me."

"That doesn't mean you should give up," Nine watched as Akiva leaned over and placed his hands on Isamu's shoulders, either ignoring or not noticing the grimace from the Revenant, "you can't give up, especially not after you somehow convince Ianos to hold on." He can clearly see worry and grief in the Guardian's eyes, "We cannot give up on you."

"Unlike Ianos, he can be saved. I 'can't'." Nine can tell the admittance was more painful than the agony permeating through Isamu's body, "despite my yearning to stay, this corruption in my body, even if I do survive, I won't be 'me', I won't be 'Isamu'." The Phoenix Exo then saw the Revenant's lower lip tremble, tears forming in the edges of his eyes, before he then started to wretch. Jumping back when Isamu started to heave, Nine then spotted trickles of white bead between the Revenant's fingers, causing the Phoenix Exo's optics to widen as the Revenant Titan lowered his hand and shifted his attention towards the others, "Please, when I still have my mind, when I still feel like 'this', end it."

"But...But Eidr…"

Seeing a conflux of emotion settle into Akiva's eyes, Nine then saw the human Titan nod once before relinquishing his hold on Isamu's shoulders, fumbling for the weapon secured around his belt.

That is when Nine saw a single tear slide down the side of Isamu's face before he saw the Revenant's Titan's shoulders slump in relief, "Thank you."

Pulling Ianos' form closer to his chest, the Phoenix Exo felt a familiar squeeze form within him before he slowly turned his white optics towards Crystalline; he too saw the look of grief in her optic, the female Ghost hovering quietly as she watched on.

Noticing movement from the corner of his gaze, Nine turned his attention back towards the others, just in time to see Scorpio kneeling near Isamu's opposing side, helping the Revenant adjust his arms around Eidr's slumbering form. He noticed the tears falling freely now.

"Hello, my child," Nine heard Isamu coo, watching him place his fingers below the child's chin, pulling the covers back just enough so that a clear look of the infant's face can be seen, "Daddy is going to see mommy soon, so you have to behave yourself while we are gone, okay?" Hearing the child giggle in response, the Phoenix Exo slowly realized that Eidr was awake; the infant was going to bear witness to his father's death, and his innocence made him none the wiser.

That is when Nine heard a broken sob break from Isamu, seeing the Revenant lean forward and press his head against his child's, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry daddy isn't strong enough to stay, but the Vex, the Vex is too strong for me, I can't…" Watching him then press his back against the tree behind him, Nine then saw Akiva finally pull out a hand cannon, his eyes now blank, "Are you ready?"

Seeing Isamu keep his light brown eyes on his child, Nine then saw him nod one, a signal for the human Titan to lift up his weapon and pressed the barrel against the Revenant's temple. Then, as he heard Akiva take in a breath and press pressure on the trigger, the Phoenix Exo looked away. A single gunshot then resonated through the air, followed by Eidr's shrill cries.