Redacted
Harmonization
Sorry guys, this took a lot longer to put out than expected. I initially had the ending planned out, but when I was writing it, I realized just how much I 'hated' it. So, I had to delete at least a good a thousand words before finally setting up with the ending on this one. Makes more sense to me.
Anyways, thanks to Diamond002, Guest, The Great Wolf 117, and DisobeyedBowl6 for the reviews!
Guest - Let's just say that some characters in this story aren't the smartest lol.
Log: Day 1 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 10:00
I have finally found him. After 'years' of scoping out on earth, I finally found 'my' Guardian, down in the depths of a cliff near an abandoned settlement. How or why he was down there in the first place is currently unknown, even for him. As with all side effects with resurrection, most of his memory is missing, although he does remember the deserted town that was nearby. The look of surprise was a dead giveaway. Nonetheless, I am planning a way to reach the safety of the City. Despite my excitement of finding my Guardian, I had found him 'miles' away from shelter and any signs of ships that I could find is beyond use. I had tried sending out a frequency but sadly, considering I have not properly visited the City in 'decades', my code is out of date, so we are on our own, and despite the dangers of the Fallen finding our location, my Guardian is not ready. Although I swore upon the Traveler that I performed the process correctly, he woke up weak, shivering, and barely was able to stand on his own. Not to mention that something is wrong with his eyes, he kept tripping over the simplest debris. After we take a moments rest, the two of us shall set out on foot, or more accurately, 'he' will set out on foot.
Log: Day 1 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 22:00
My Guardian woke up screaming, crying, and through our new link I felt his fear, his despair. It took me hours to calm him, to settle him down to speak. Although shaken, my Guardian refuses to tell me what he had dreamed. But, he remembered his name. Zakai.
Log: Day 2 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 3:00
I had heard the Fallen skittering about, and as such, despite his weak state, I forced my Guardian awake and we fled. Although we made it out, I am amazed we made it out without their notice. My Guardian – Zakai, heaved and stumbled, as if taking a few steps was exerting. Although concerned, my fear of losing him were stronger than my worries and as such, I encouraged him to keep moving until I was certain we were at a safe distance. I materialized a makeshift tent from some spinmetal that I had found nearby. As I watch him rest, I just pray that we somehow make it to the Tower in one piece.
Log: Day 2 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 6:00
The Fallen had caught up with us. Once again, we fled however, this time they caught onto us. Despite his fears, my Guardian's stamina was not up to par to his will, and he stumbled onto his knees, allowing the scavengers to close in. With their gibberish of a language and their leering eyes, it was clear what they were after: me. And I was more than willing to flee with the exception that I was not willing to leave Zakai behind, especially since he was hardly even twenty-four hours old. If it had come to it, I would have died that day with him. However, I do not know whether to call it luck or a miracle by the Traveler, my Guardian released a barrage of blue light, the thunder like energy lashing out and incinerating any Fallen that had wandered close. This was enough to deter the survivors. Nonetheless, this surge of light left my Guardian exhausted and as such, I once again made a makeshift camp for him as we rest. I pray the Fallen do not return.
Log: Day 6 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 15:00
The wall is finally within sight but, with all this time, the longer I stay near my Guardians side, the more I realize that he is not 'normal'. Despite his seemingly endless supply of light, my Guardian is fragile, a simple trip sometime being enough to incur death. I have lost count how many times the makeshift rifle we had found our way here had broken his arm by just the simple kickback. Not to mention that he tires easily, and that a day travel that is seemingly nothing to a Guardian makes it so that he needs a few hours rest. Only thing that seemed to keep him going is sustenance, which luckily, I am able to supply with the wildlife around us. But that is the least of our problems. Even though he is a newborn, his light seems to be out of his control, especially so when he is under duress. Whenever he shows any strong emotion of fear, happiness, or anger, his light lashes out, destroying anything that is within range. Thanks to this, I had to help my Guardian meditate, to keep his emotions under control. I do hope the Guardians back at the Tower has an answer to his condition.
Log: Day 9 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 11:00
Zakai lost control of his light not long after the guards had allowed us entry and several civilians were nearby when he – oh, Traveler. We have to make it to the Tower, and quickly.
Log: Day 9 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 12:00
I-I don't understand. We tried to explain, we tried to explain 'why' he accidentally killed those civilians, why he accidentally took the lives of several Guardians. But they would not listen. They aimed their weapons, started shooting, and it was only by pure luck that my Guardian was not injured. But his fear, his horror started making him lose control of his light again. Stop! Stop shooting! He is no threat! He just needs scared! I thought you all were supposed to help those like yourselves!
Log: Day 9 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 13:15
A fellow Guardian had managed to gain distance to Zakai and was able to do him harm. As such, I do not blame my Guardian for finally defending himself, lashing out towards those who are attacking him. However, more and more just took the place of those who he had killed, and finally, I realized that these Guardians were intending to shoot, to kill my Guardian. To kill me. It took me time, but I managed to calm both sides down, especially so for Zakai. He barely contained his fear-stricken cries but he kept his light under control. For now. I just hope that the Tower has a solution to his condition, once we all settle and tell our story.
Log: Day 9 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 14:00
No! No! NO! I was told the Guardians were saviors! That they help anyone that was in need! Why did they lock him away when he cried and wailed!? He did not intend to harm those around him! He had wanted help! He had cried for help! Then why did these 'heroes' lock him away as a criminal!? Traveler! Why!? What has he done to be forsaken like this!?
Log: Day 12 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 20:00
The dark, they locked him in the dark. Why? Traveler, why?
Log: Day 19 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 3:00
My Guardian had stopped pounding on the doors, and instead, had curled up in one of the corners of the room. I used my light to best illuminate it as I can, and in reaction, he had clung onto me, as if I was his only salvation.
Log: Day 19 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 6:00
I can still hear him crying.
Log: Day 19 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 12:00
The doors opened for the first time in days and my Guardian immediately thrown himself at the foot of the one who had entered. He sobbed and cried, pleaded with them not to leave, but this individual left when they saw his light spark, immediately shutting the doors after; I wouldn't be surprised if he had heard the rumors surrounding my Guardian. Zakai cried through the day.
Log: Day 25 since resurrection of Guardian Time: 5:00
Zakai had gone quiet, quiet to the point where I checked up on him to see if he was still alive, if by some miracle he had died, and I had not taken notice. He did not. But the look in his eyes, it seemed he would have been better off if he was dead. Perhaps, it was better off if I had simply left him to sleep, back at the bottom of the cliffs where I had found him.
Log: Day 30 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 7:00
Another individual came to visit with us today, but, unlike before, Zakai did not throw himself at his feet. Instead, he simply sat in his corner, his eyes blank towards our 'visitor'. However, to my surprise, instead of leaving, the individual approached us, leaving the door 'wide open', and sat near Zakai before holding out a hand. It took me a moment to see that he was holding out a ration bar in his fingers. Although it took a bit of encouraging, Zakai eventually took the ration bar, nibbled on it, before simply shoving the entire thing in his mouth. Another unusual trait of Zakai; he always needs to eat. Nonetheless, our visitor continued to hand out food; more ration bars, some fruit, even some pieces of jerky, the latter of which is a prized commodity for being compromised of meat. After Zakai had his fill, they talked, and it was then, for the first time we were imprisoned here, that he got to tell his side of the story. At first, I had looked over the face of our visitor, to see any looks of doubt, for any signs that he was not trustworthy. Instead, he looked on with interest, his eyes at attention, showing that he indeed took every word that Zakai spoke with heart. Then, it came the time for our visitor to leave. This time, Zakai had begged him not to leave, pleaded with him to not leave him in the dark, and like the first individual, he left. But, he made a promise to return, and with the hopeful look I saw in Zakai's eyes, I do pray that the visitor makes good on his promise.
Log: Day 31 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 6:30
The visitor returned as promised and this time, we left the room with him. This was the first in many days that I saw pure joy appear on Zakai's face. Although we are finally free, I do not trust this visitor. After I saw the truth of what 'Guardians' truly are, I cannot bring myself to trust them. Not now. And maybe, never.
Log: Day 35 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 12:00
Day one since Zakai's training began and it ended horribly. He still cannot control his light and the training field was decimated. Many nearby trainees shouted and riled. 'How in the world did the Vanguard release a 'murderer' from prison?' Murderer? Killer? How are you all so different when you participate in that sport called the 'Crucible', killing each other with little thought as if it was nothing more than a 'game'? And unlike Zakai, your killings are intentional, your shots aimed for death, your light incinerating anyone in your path. I will ensure he will 'never' become like any of 'you'.
Log: Day 47 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 1:00
Zakai made little progress during his training. Every attempt to simply incinerate the target was met with Zakai destroying the vicinity around him instead. And with each failed attempt, he continued to lose control of his emotions, in other words, he starts losing control of his light. This visitor, our 'savior' were even killed during some of Zakai's loss of emotion, but he seemed patient, 'caring' enough that he ignored his own 'casualties' and encouraged Zakai to keep trying. Sometimes, it almost seemed legitimate enough that I feel like he truly cares for Zakai. Almost.
Log: Day 53 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 13:30
When our savior asked us to stay in his quarters instead of training, Zakai's anxiety peaked. He had thought that he was going to turn him back in, to return him back to his 'prison' after repeated failures of controlling his light. I had to soothe him to ensure that his light did not go out of control. It was then our savior returned, with a pair of gauntlets in hand, wrapped in copper and steel. The two of us were confused, bewildered, but Zakai complied when he asked of us to put it on. Afterwards, he brought us to the training field, and once more, instructed Zakai to aim his light towards the training dummy. At first, we had expected the previous results: failure, where Zakai would instead destroy the training field instead of the intended target. However, to our surprise, his light struck, and it was then, we came to realize what the gauntlets were: a conduit, a lifeline to help Zakai keep himself under control, and from the pleased look in our savior's eyes, it worked as intended. And for the first time, I watched Zakai weep tears of joy.
Log: Day 53 since resurrection of Guardian. Time: 23:00
For the first time since our stay with him, the Warlock slept first, Zakai having walked in with our savior - Ianos - already in bed. Makes me wonder how long he had worked on those gauntlets to tire himself out so. Nonetheless, when I saw Zakai's eyes scan his form, I watched as hope and joy lingered in his gaze and I came to realize that to others, Ianos maybe another Warlock. However, to Zakai, he is his savior, his rescuer, the 'true hero' in the stories of Guardians I had told him during our days out in the wilds. As such, for bringing light back into Zakai, for bringing back 'my guardian', if there ever comes a day where his life is in danger, where he needs aid, then I am willing to help, willing to give everything I have. Even my own light, my own life if it needs be.
_Files retrieved from unknown source_
Xxxxx
Ace had found themselves frozen after they had witnessed Gemini stab Cole in the back, only to see her get stabbed in turn. After that, everything was a blur for the black and orange Ghost, the shard of the Traveler barely comprehending what had occurred before the next thing they knew, both Nine and Akiva were upon the floor, unmoving, the twins surrounded, and that they were all under the mercy of the Revenants. That is, until the Preceptor had stepped in.
Honestly, Ace had expected the head of the faction to be more intimidating, more 'dominant' than what they were currently seeing before them. But, the Preceptor was not even close to their imagination; clad in black and red, his build was of moderate size, neither toned but neither lanky, giving him form an 'average' appearance. With a coat nearly dragging to the floor, it took Ace little time to deduce his class as a Warlock; the glowing bond wrapped around his left arm was evidence enough. Despite this, that does not mean his strength was to be underestimated; the black and orange Ghost easily sensed the Light burning strongly within. The same can be said for the Darkness that Ace can clearly see seeded inside.
"Preceptor, we can explain."
Immediately, Ace watched as the Preceptor raised a hand, silencing the younger members, and instead of rage as they had expected, the Ghost sensed disappointment, "Do you understand what you have done?"
"But, Preceptor, they are Tower Guardians."
"Who had disarmed themselves of their weaponry and refused to utilize their light, even when threatened." Ace heard the Huntress go silent at his words, "How many times do I have to tell you, Cole? Not all Guardians are hostile."
"Tell that to our brothers and sisters that we had lost thanks to them."
"Cole," If the disappointment was not clear before, it was now, "our relationship with the Tower is already unstable. You know as well as I do that although we do have numbers, we lack the proper defenses. We cannot risk the safety of our family." Ace watched as his gaze lingered over them, "and you just had placed our family in peril."
"Then we can just kill them!" Ace sucked in a breath at the Huntress' words, "destroy their Ghosts! Dump their bodies! The Tower won't suspect a thing! Many of their number die out in the field anyway!"
"And that train of thought is the reason why I deemed you not ready for the Harmonization." The Preceptor closed the distance between himself and the Huntress before his gaze scanned the group of Hunters, "the reason why 'all' of you are not ready for the Harmonization."
The group was silent at his words; Ace continued to listen as the Preceptor added, "One must be balanced before one can take on the Darkness into their being. Such thoughts of vengeance, death, murder, will allow the Darkness to corrupt and disrupt your light. And if the Darkness does not kill you, the light will try to fight back against the corruption, and in the end, the very thing that gave you life, will be your death." The Preceptor shook his head, "All of you need to rid your thoughts of violence, otherwise, you will never be able to Harmonize the Darkness."
"…Are you going to force us out, then?"
Ace saw the Preceptor's shoulders lean back, seeing the Warlock reel back before a sigh can be heard, "No, as soon as you become part of the Revenants, you are allowed to stay, Darkness or not." The Ghost heard the Preceptor pause, "Unless, you want to leave."
Silence once again permeated between the group of Hunters, the black and orange Ghost watched Cole lower her gaze to the floor, her hands curling into fists before they finally saw her shoulders go lax, and she shook her head, fixing her gaze back towards the Preceptor, "No, you were the first to accept my group and I when we were casted out of the City." They watched her glance around to her team before she added, "Despite our, 'differing' opinions, you have shown us more tolerance than anyone we had encountered. We – I feel more at home here than anywhere else."
"Then please, control your anger, your hate." Ace can hear the sincerity, the worry in the Preceptor's tone as the latter approached and placed his hands upon the young Huntress' shoulders, "I do not wish to see you fall because of it."
"…I understand."
Watching as the Preceptor nodded in confirmation of Cole's words, that is when Ace spotted circulation a mix of copper and steel glinting around the gauntlets of the Warlock as the latter lowered his hands, causing familiarity to ring within the Ghost's core; were they just seeing things?
"Preceptor," Crystalline's form can be seen gliding over to the Warlock, "I know it has been awhile but-"
"We may speak later, Crystalline." Ace blinked as the female Ghost paused at the Warlock's words, "But your friends, let us attend to them first."
Immediately, Cole perked up, "But, Preceptor."
"Help me lead the injured to the Medical Ward." The Huntress went silent once more, "and we shall help revive the dead."
"Preceptor…"
Ace watched as the head of the Revenants slowly turned his gaze towards the Huntress, "Cole, is there something you are not telling me?"
"…One of their Ghosts, sir. We…I…"
At first confused by Cole's words, Ace watched as the Huntress hung her head and the Preceptor turned his attention to where Akiva laid, "…Pick up his Ghost, Cole. We are going to assess the damage that had been done."
Cole snapped her head up, "Preceptor."
Waiting for her to add to her words, Ace instead heard the Huntress go silent before she nodded once, the black and orange Ghost following her form before they froze. They finally had spotted Lex's still shape. However, before they can scan their fellow Ghost for any damage, the Huntress had already scooped Lex into her hands, obscuring their sight of the Titan's Ghost. It took Ace moments to realize that the other Hunters had already started gathering the incapacitated Guardians. They saw two heading their way.
"Back off!" Ace found themselves reeling at their own outburst, only to see the two Hunters do the same; they curled their shell inward into their core, making themselves seem smaller than usual but kept their optic narrowed, "If you do 'anything' to harm my Guardian, then you 'will' pay."
The black and orange Ghost could tell their threat did little work; the two Hunters had simply glanced at each other before one of them leaned down and scooped Ianos' unconscious form into their arms and started heading into whatever direction the Medical Ward was. Although this did little to discourage Ace from following, the Ghost hovering just over the shoulder of the Hunter carrying the Warlock. However, as they followed the pair, the black and orange Ghost couldn't help but peer back at the Preceptor, a tinge of familiarity settling into their core as their optic laid upon the gauntlets; they recognize the design of the Impossible Machines anywhere.
But how?
Ace then shook their core.
What a foolish question. Fireteam Trinity were renowned during their time of activity. When it was discovered that Zakai's gauntlets not only kept his light in check, but also helped the efficiency of Arc Light, many Warlocks took up on the design, tweaking it to fit their person. Ace would not be surprised if this Preceptor was the same.
Nonetheless, the black and orange Ghost still could not shake off that the light they sense before them was familiar, a tug at the back of their core screaming at them that they should know who this person is. But every time they try to dig through their memory, it eludes the Ghost, and as such, Ace decided to shrug it off, and fixed their attention back onto Ianos. They will figure it out once they are certain that the Awoken's life was not in danger.
This did little though to stop Ace from keeping their optic on the Preceptor, the latter of which was in the back, speaking away to Crystalline; the way her shell and her light moved quickly showed how much she was speaking. Was she telling him the predicament that Ianos was in? Although unable to hear their conversation, from the way the Preceptor nodded his head every now and then showed that he was listening; however, from the way he kept glancing towards the front also showed that he was being attentive to both the Guardians and the Hunters.
As the group entered another room, Ace immediately recognized the rows of bedding and curtains separating each individual space; the Tower's Medical Wing was set up in a similar fashion until a proper section of the Tower was cleared for space. And as with the Ghost's experience with every medical situation, the room held occupants. A few forms of Guardians – Revenants had taken up residence in the Ward, and Ace spotted at least two present that were running around, treating the injured. However, unlike the Medics at the Tower who adorned themselves in white coats and clothed in civilian wear, the ones here wore the familiar grab of Soldiers of Light, and in accordance to class, Ace recognizes the cloaks of Warlocks, their bonds buzzing brightly as they worked.
The black and orange Ghost couldn't help but be surprised at this notion; usually if one had an elongated stay off the field, they would tear off their armor, and adorned themselves in casual wear. But, as Ace continued to watch the two Warlocks scramble about, treating the injured or the exhausted, a thought lingered into their core: if they were busy as they are, why won't they call for help? As they continued to process this, moments later, it finally clicked; perhaps the reason is that perhaps they do not have the help at hand. Their optic then lingered over to the Warlocks, another thought settling in; and perhaps the reason why these Warlocks are still clothed is for the reason that they themselves have to leave for the field as well.
Ace couldn't help but let surprise filter into their core at this realization. They remember the battles with the Revenants, their guerilla strikes against caravans and cargo ships in order to fuel their faction, and the conflicts with Guardians just for their differing beliefs. The Revenants had been so numerous back then, what had happened to their numbers?
"Set them there."
Snapping out of their thoughts, Ace found themselves near the corner of the room, watching as the Hunters settle the forms of Ianos, Akiva, and Nine onto the beds. That is when the Ghost spotted the Preceptor raise his hand towards Cole, Ace seeing the Huntress bow her head before placing the familiar white and yellow shell of Lex in his palm. This enabled Ace to finally assess the damage on their fellow Ghost. And it looked like things were not going to bode well for Lex.
At first, nothing seemed out of place, not until Ace – out of a mix of worry and impatience – glided over to the shoulder of the Preceptor and looked. Immediately, the Ghost gasped as they saw Lex's white and yellow shell now scorched and cracked, the star shaped form having fallen apart, revealing the core underneath.
"How can you do this to a fellow Chosen?" Ace found themselves saying, turning their wide orange optic towards the Hunters, "you must have known the consequences-"
"Don't try to make us feel guilty," It was Pael, the Hunter snapping as he added, "do you know how many of 'our' brothers and sisters fell to the Guardians? How many of 'their' Ghosts befallen to the weapons of the Tower?"
"Enough, I do not want to hear more of this," Ace heard the Hunter go quiet at the Preceptor's command, "Have all of you forgotten that every single one of us started out the same? That we were all Chosen who awakened in an unknown world, barely knowing anything but our name, and forced to fight in a battle against soldiers of the Darkness?" The Ghost then heard the Warlock pause, remaining silent as if expecting the Hunters to speak out; Ace heard the Preceptor continue when they received nothing in turn, "As of now, there is no 'Tower Guardians' or 'Revenants'. We are all brothers and sisters here, and I expect you to treat them as such."
"Preceptor."
Watching the Warlock turn and settle Lex's form next to Akiva's side, Ace opted to say nothing as the Preceptor paused, watching as his fingers settled over the urn still clipped on the Titan's waist; Isamu's ashes. Shrinking their shell against their core as the Preceptor continued to trail his fingers over the container, Ace then forced themselves to relax when the Warlock removed the urn from Akiva's person and secured it onto their own belt; a sign that Crystalline had informed the Preceptor of what had occurred.
"We are fortunate that only the shell was damaged and not the core," Ace heard the head Revenant speak, the latter of which ignored the Hunter's protest, "otherwise, this one would not be capable of a full recovery." The Preceptor turned around and fixed his gaze upon the Hunters; the glare was apparent now, "Until then, you have to help keep the Ghost's Chosen's light intact until their resurrection."
"But, Preceptor!"
"Penance for doing them harm when all they wanted was help," The Warlock interrupted, "now excuse me, I have to check upon another one of their comrades." Ace froze when the Preceptor turned his gaze towards them, "It seems that they are in need of Harmonization."
"What?"
Containing their amusement as the Preceptor ignored the Huntress' question, Ace opted to remain in their current position – hovering above Ianos' unconscious form – as the Warlock made their way towards the pair, coming to a pause next to the beside. Expecting the Preceptor to immediately act, Ace instead was surprised to see the Warlock glance up and down, scanning Ianos' form with his arms crossed behind his back.
"So, what Crystalline said was true," The Ghost jumped at the Preceptor's words, "Isamu indeed tore the Darkness away from the light, preventing it from devouring anymore of it." A soft hum then emanated from the Revenant, "Temporarily." Ace blinked when the Preceptor turned his gaze towards them, "However, with his current state, I can Harmonize the Light and Darkness within, stabilizing his life."
"Wait! What!?" It was Cole once again, the Huntress taking steps towards the Warlock, "But Preceptor! He's-"
"What did I just say, Cole?" Ace heard the young Huntress pause at the older Revenant's words, "There is no 'Tower' or 'Revenants' currently with our guests here." A frown easily can be sensed behind the visor, "I will take care of the Awoken before me. Focus on keeping the light within the Titan's body strong until his Ghost awakens."
Seeing Cole's shoulders tremble in silent rage, Ace just watched as the Huntress snapped around and returned back to Akiva's bedside before they witness her place a hand onto his chest, a familiar pale azure flickering between her fingertips.
"It seems that his light was fighting back the Darkness for years," The Ghost returned their focus back onto the Preceptor, watching the latter place both hands onto Ianos' chest, "decades even." That is when a flicker of white and dark violet lingered over his palms, "How long has he lived like this?"
Ace contemplated on an answer, "I would say the Great Disaster, but it was minor then. He would have been able exhume it from his body if it weren't for the fact we decided to take upon a 'Last Will'."
"Last Will?" A puzzled look can be sensed behind the Preceptor's visor, "I thought those weren't common back during the Great Disaster?"
Ace couldn't help but reel back at this; the Preceptor was a lot older than what they had initially expected, "They weren't, but that doesn't mean my Guardian and I didn't try to get one." A heavy sigh then can be heard from the black and orange Ghost, "Although, he survived in the end, the Darkness only grew in strength because of it."
A ping of empathy can be felt from the Preceptor, "Then you are fortunate that I am here. Although not a 'cure', it will prevent the Darkness from becoming a threat to his life."
"Just as long as he stays balanced, correct?" Ace sensed the puzzled look they received from the Preceptor, "We may not look it, but my Guardian and I have been around for 'years'. We know enough about the Revenants to understand how your capability to control the Darkness works."
"I see." Another frown can be felt behind the Preceptor's visor before the latter turned his focus back onto his hands, Ace watching with both concern and interest as the mix of light and darkness seemed to crawl above his fingers before it finally spread, veins intertwining as it spread from Ianos' chest and throughout his body. As the black and orange Ghost watched the veins crawl up the Awoken's neck, Ace then jumped as Ianos' eyes snapped open, revealing his glowing orange orbs now a sickly glow of green. A gasp then can be heard from the Awoken as he arched his back, Ace spotting his hands gripping the bedsheets tightly.
"What's happening?" Voicing their concerns, Ace's orange optic glanced around before stopping upon the Preceptor, "What is going on!?"
No sooner had their question left the Ghost's core when Ianos suddenly went slack, his eyes blinking rapidly as the green slowly faded, the familiar glow of orange returning to his gaze. A breath of relief then can be heard from the Preceptor, the latter of which slowly lifted his hands off of the Awoken's chest, letting the last wisps of Darkness and Light sink in, "There is a case of momentary discomfort when one Harmonizes with the Darkness, and a chance of corruption –"
"I bet your pardon!"
"But the Harmonization is a success," Ace couldn't help but give the Preceptor a blank stare in response to this, "Although currently stable, I recommend you stay a while so that he well rested. Afterwards, we shall teach you on how to remain balanced."
"I…I…" The black and orange Ghost hesitated, their orange optic glancing back and forth between Ianos before simply nodding once, "Thank you."
"Zakai...is that you?"
Startled out of their focus upon the Preceptor, Ace then turned their gaze towards Ianos, only to see the Awoken's eyes half-opened, exhaustion clearly visible.
"Ianos," The black and orange Ghost glided closer near the Awoken's face, "How are you feeling?"
Seeing Ianos' eyes shift around, Ace then noticed the seemingly blank look in them, how a fog seems to have settled into his vision; the Ghost have seen this too many times to not recognize it.
"Where's Ari?"
A pang of hurt settled into Ace's core at Ianos' question, but nonetheless, the Ghost found themselves answering, "Don't you remember? Ari was sent away on a separate mission from you and Zakai. To help him become more 'independent' if I can recall."
Immediately sensing the puzzled looks from those present, Ace ignored them, and instead tuned in onto Ianos as the latter looked around, his orange eyes still holding the same fog, "And Zakai? Why is he not saying anything?"
"He's," The Ghost hesitated, "he's sleeping. And you should follow his example. You did, after all, exert a large amount of light when fighting those Fallen."
Seeing a glimmer of defiance in their Guardian's eyes, Ace simply said nothing as Ianos' gaze softened followed by a single nod. Then, the Awoken slowly closed his eyes, the black and orange Ghost hearing him let out a quiet sigh as he rested.
Staying momentarily silent, Ace finally turned their attention towards everyone present in the room, finally feeling all eyes upon them.
"Is Ianos…?"
Fixing their single orange optic onto Gemini, Ace contemplating on an answer, processing the question before answering, "Not an uncommon occurrence sadly, but he will be fine." The black and orange Ghost turned their gaze back onto the Awoken, "He just needs rest." They paused, "A long rest."
Hearing nothing but silence from the group, Ace simply hovered near Ianos' form, resisting the urge to beam their light upon their Guardian; they do not want to risk causing harm, especially so after this 'Harmonization'. After a moment of silence, the black and orange Ghost finally heard footsteps leave, signaling to Ace to glance upwards, just in time to see the Preceptor finally exit the Medical Ward, and the Hunters bunched up together, talking quietly to themselves. Ace would not be surprised if they are figuring out a rotation to keep Akiva's light alive. Although concerned, the Ghost's gaze drifted over to the figure occupying the bed on the Titan's opposing side, Ace's shell shrinking against their core as they scanned Nine's damaged form. They just hope and pray that his light would be enough to keep him stable, or at least, preventing his light from fading completely. That is when Ace heard soft bickering, causing them to turn their attention towards the twins, only to see Gemini gesturing towards the group of Hunters with her hands before pointing at Scorpio's arms; it didn't take Ace long to realize that they were talking about Eidr. With their mind occupied with the number of incapacitated Guardians amongst their group, the black and orange Ghost had nearly forgotten about the child, and honestly, had not much thought when it came to the infant's fate. Initially, Ace thought that they would simply hand Eidr over to the Revenants, it made sense, since his parents both were members of the faction. But, as they watched Scorpio wrap his arms protectively around Eidr's form while hearing him hiss back against sister, Ace has a feeling that it won't be as easy as they thought. Nonetheless, the Ghost felt tinges of exhaustion settling into their core, and despite instinct telling them to stay awake, to be aware in 'dangerous' territory, Ace turned and settled in on the pillow next to their Guardian's head. And then, they powered down, letting themselves fall into slumber.