Redacted

For the Better

Sunday is a weekend so it still counts that I am on time, so I'm not late! Anyways, thank you all for the kind words and understanding the lack of updates the last two weeks. It helped, honest. As such, for a thank you, I wanted to do a double update, which as you can see, didn't happen... going to try for next week but no promises lol. But I really am seriously thankful for all the support, and I just want you all to know, I appreciate it.

Thanks to ShadowRedZoroark, Diamond002, The Great Wolf 117, Guest, and DisobeyedBowl6 for the kind reviews.

_Transcript: Insanity_

Source: Ghost of Warlock Ianos

Alias: Ace

_Conversation between Warlock Ianos [W.I] and Ghost, Ace [G.A]. Topic concerning the state of mind _

[W.I]: I thought I would be over their deaths sooner than this.

[G.A]: They were your partners, Ianos. It is only understandable that their deaths would have a bigger impact on you.

[W.I]: But I had previous partners, lovers, ones that I gave as much devotion and care as I did with Ari and Zakai, and I had gotten over them quickly. But somehow, it has taken me 'years' to even debate that it was time to say 'goodbye' when it came to the two.

[G.A]: Well, they were your first relationship within the City and considering how long ago that was, I say that the reason is that you spent 'years' catering to your bond. The time and energy that was used, those times were precious.

[W.I]: And just like all the others, it was torn away from me, leaving me pondering on what I had done wrong.

[G.A]: You did nothing wrong, Ianos. It was just misfortune, circumstances and coincidences that were beyond our control.

[W.I]: You are implying that my 'title' is accurate?

[G.A]: That is not what I am saying.

[W.I: You sound so certain.

[G.A]: (Sighs) You are mad with grief, Ianos. I say we head inside and rest.

[W.I]: You know what rest does to me, Ace. Only nightmares follow suit.

[G.A]: That is for the reason you never gained closure. You take upon the deaths of our comrades upon your shoulders and mourn their deaths for years until you cannot bare it any longer.

[W.I]: Then what do you recommend? This saying 'goodbye' to the air is not working as you claim. I feel like I am speaking to nothing.

[G.A]: And that is the reason why.

[W.I]: … What?

[G.A]: You aren't taking it seriously, Ianos. You aren't taking these farewells to heart.

[W.I]: To heart? How can I say 'goodbye' with heart when they are already dead!?

[G.A]: Just imagine them before, still well and –

[W.I]: We just had experienced being a prisoner of the Hive, Ace. I am finished imagining things.

[G.A]: … What?

[W.I]: … Do you think any Guardian would stay sane in that ordeal? In between trying to keep Darian alive and the constant agony delivered upon us by the Hive, I kept seeing things, things that I know is not normal within the Catacombs.

[G.A]: What kind of things?

[W.I]: … You would think of me as insane.

[G.A]: Ianos, I have known you since the day I resurrected you. What makes you think that I would starting judging now?

[W.I]: … You wouldn't believe me.

[G.A]: Try me.

[W.I]: … I saw Guardians, speaking to the Hive.

[G.A]: … What?

[W.I]: You heard me. Guardians 'and' Hive.

[G.A]: Like in as a Guardian prisoner? If they were giving information away unwillingly-

[W.I]: No, I meant Guardians roaming freely around the Catacombs, speaking to the Hive as though they were guides.

[G.A]: …

[W.I]: … I told you, you would think of me as insane.

[G.A]: I did not say that.

[W.I]: Our minds have bee linked for 'decades', Ace. I know what you are thinking.

[G.A]: Look, Ianos, I am not saying that I do not believe you. It is just that, the stress, the stress of losing Fireteam Reprieve and your time as a prisoner of the Hive…

[W.I]: I know what I saw, Ace.

[G.A]: … (Sighs) How about this, you get some rest first and we will continue on this topic later. After all, you were recently discharged from the Medical Wing, and Matt did say not to strain yourself with the prototype.

[W.I]: I am 'not' going to rest… (sighs) I did plenty of that under 'care'.

[G.A]: Then, what do you recommend? You cannot head out to the Wilds, the Prototype is too fragile for that.

[W.I]: … How about target practice within the Shooting Range?

[G.A]: … What?

[W.I]: There will be no doubt that I will be rusty. I say it is best to start out slow, don't you think?

[G.A]: Right, so a sidearm to start out with?

[W.I]: A bit small, but I will manage.

_End Transcript_

Xxxxx

When Lex learned of Akiva's death, a sense of fury bubbled within his core, only to begrudgingly force it down when he learned that seventeen days had already passed. Although the white and yellow Ghost wants nothing more for the Revenants involved to receive an earful, Lex knows that time is of the essence, and time had already went on long enough. Ignoring the dull buzz permeating throughout his core, Lex forced himself to focus his gold optic onto Akiva's still form, gathering his light as he brushed off Ace's concerns, and then reached forward towards his Guardian. At first, he had expected the worst, that despite the efforts of the Revenants keeping Akiva's light alive, that it was all in vain. After all, seventeen days had passed, the link surely would have weakened by then.

However, much to Lex's surprise and relief, Akiva's light miraculously thrummed loudly through their bond, prompting Lex to latch onto his Guardian's light and pull. No sooner had he done this when the Ghost heard a stuttering gasp emanate from below, prompting Lex to open his optic and grin as he glanced downwards.

"Welcome back," He greed as he watched Akvia's golden eyes flutter open, the fog still clear in the Titan's gaze before the latter glanced around in confusion. Then, Lex felt Akiva fix his eyes upon him, "Lex?"

The Ghost in question couldn't help but blink; initially he had thought that the Titan would seem happier to see him, especially so after spending days floating around in death. Okay, Lex wasn't sure really if those who die really settle into an inky darkness but, his imagination was limited, and as such, the confused stare in the Titan's eyes made little sense to the white and yellow Ghost. And even more so when Lex then saw tears form in the edges of his Guardian's eyes.

"Akiva?"

Instead of an immediate response, Lex found his call hovering as the Titan in question glanced around once more, tears still glistening in his gaze before the latter turned onto his side, showing his back to Lex as the Ghost then heard him whisper, "I need a moment."

Bewildered at this, Lex, at first, started to form words in his mind as he attempted to speak, only to pause as he noticed the trembling emitting from his Guardian's shoulders, followed by silent sobs. As such, Lex decided to leave it.

"Is Akiva awake?"

Turning his attention towards the familiar voices, Lex hovered his golden optic over the forms of the twins, the identical Exo showing obvious sign of worry on their features as they walked in.

"Yes, but…" Letting his voice fade, Lex fixed his concerned gaze back towards the Titan's back, "I think he needs time to recompose himself."

Hearing the Huntress let out a grunt of disappointment, the white and yellow Ghost then heard Scorpio speak, "At least he's back, now we do not have to worry about keeping his light alive."

Lex felt little comfort from the Hunter's words, "…Right."

"How are you doing, Knight?" Lex jerked back to attention, seeing the young Chosen shrug in response to Scorpio's question.

"Missing a limb and an optic, Ghost too weak to even talk to me, and my other half is silent in my head, but, besides that, I am 'well'." Lex couldn't help but flinch at Knight's answer, "You two seem to have free roam of this place."

"Well, with high surveillance but, yes, pretty accurate." Gemini admitted, "Helps pass the time when three of us are out of commission."

"Now much we can do about that," Ace's voice piped in, prompting the Guardians to turn their attention towards the black and orange Ghost, "But I do apologize for the wait."

A pause from the twins, "Anything?"

Lex spotted Scorpio's shoulders dropping when Ace shook their core, "Not yet, but so far, he seems stable, so I am in no hurry."

Lex then gave his fellow Ghost a curious glance, "No hurry? I would think that with your history with the Revenants, that you would be eager to leave."

"Well, yes." Ace admitted, "However, this is the longest I have see Ianos rest, and not to mention the most peaceful."

"Really?"

"Well, one of the moments."

Sensing the sheepishness from the black and orange Ghost, Lex attempted to further question Ace when Akiva suddenly bolted up in his bed, causing the Ghost to jump, especially so when he witnesses the Titan tumble out of cot and collapsing onto the floor with a groan.

"Akiva?" Lex's optics widen as the Titan staggered back onto his feet, "Akiva, what are you doing?"

Instead of receiving an immediate response, Lex reeled back as Akiva momentarily buckled and then startled walking, "Akiva, you shouldn't be moving this soon. You have been dead for seventeen days."

That's when the Titan paused, the human turning his golden eyes towards his Ghost, "S-Seventeen days?"

Giving his Guardian a single bob as an answer, Lex once again gawked when Akiva's already pale face went paler, "Did you tell them? Tell them where I was?"

Lex couldn't help but blink at this, his mind swarming to comprehend his Guardian's words, "Tell them what?"

Once again, Lex saw tears form in the edges of the Titan's eyes, "Akiva, what is the matter?'

"They must be worried," The Ghost startled from his Guardian's words, "Seventeen days passed with no word, they must think that I am dead."

"Akiva, what in the world are you-"

That is when it finally dawned upon the Ghost. The Titan's worries, the emotion bubbling within his eyes, he was talking about his family, his partner, his kids. He was worried if they knew of his condition. Lex snapped back into reality as he heard Akiva's awkward, heavy footsteps, only to see him stumble.

"Akiva, take it easy." Lex zipped around, hovering just close of his Guardian's face, "You need proper rest before you are fully capable of walking on your own."

The Ghost watched as the Titan turned his gaze back towards him, "But, Neve, the kids…"

"I will let them know," Lex declared, "But, first, 'rest'."

Adding emphasis to the last word, Lex, at first, thought Akiva was going to ignore his request, especially so when he spotted the Titan in question give a longing look towards the door. However, to Lex's relief, a sign of defeat can be heard from Akiva before the latter reluctantly staggered back to bed, taking a seat upon it before lying down.

"I will have to speak to the Preceptor so I can send a frequency from this place," Lex saw Akiva give him a hopeful look, "Don't worry, it won't take long."

Seeing relief flood into the Titan's gaze, Lex then watched as Akiva leaned his head back, and closed his eyes with a sigh. It didn't take long until Lex felt the familiar pull of rest flow through their bond.

"He misses his family, doesn't he?" Lex turned his optic towards Knight," Makes sense, who wouldn't miss their family after an elongated period of time?"

It took the Ghost a few moments to process, "You miss Hush, don't you?" Lex saw the young Exo flinch, "Well, you have to admit, it is kind of quiet when she isn't here." The white and yellow Ghost then saw the Exo glance down to his absent arm, "Or, not as active."

Lex went quiet at this; although Akiva and Neve constantly take in Hush, it was Nine and Knight who the child Guardian was truly attached to. It was obvious, from the way she signed excitedly or her eyes beaming as the Exo entered rooms. If Ianos was absent, then there will be no doubt that Hush would prefer the companionship of Nine and Knight.

"I'll be back," Lex found himself saying, "Going to try and send a frequency to Neve and the others."

That is when he felt all eyes fix his way.

"You do know that the Revenants won't allow that so easily?" Gemini asked, "I mean, they tackled me when I tried reporting to Pluto, screaming about their location being discovered."

Lex blinked, "What?" The Ghost blinked again, "Doesn't matter, gives me more of a reason to find this Preceptor and speak to him. Perhaps I can convince him to send one frequency to the Tower." That is when Lex pause, a thought dawning upon him, "Who knows, this might be the last frequency we are able to send back."

The Ghost sensed a bewildered look from Scorpio, "Last? What do you mean by that?"

"He means that we flew out of the Hangar without permit, been away from the Tower for seventeen days, and have not sent a frequency back during that period," It was Ace who spoke, Lex taking note of the realization settling into their tone, "put those together and guess?"

A still silence overcame the group.

"No," Knight broke the silence, "The Vanguard wouldn't brush us off so easily. They must know that we are doing, 'this', to cure Ianos of his condition."

"And there would be no doubt in my mind that they would figure out that the 'cure' would be the Revenants." All eyes gave Ace a doubtful look, "All three of the Vanguard were present during the battles against the Revenants. There would be no doubt they would piece things together."

"So that gives them the right to judge that we are rogues now?" Gemini crossed her arms, her optics dark, "Don't we get a say at least?"

"Well, it's not completely up to the Vanguard," Ace explained, "The Consensus usually has the final say and considering the fact that most are non-Guardians." A pause, "Let's just say that they're a 'little' bias."

"So, its' official then," The worry was clear in Scorpio's light azure optics, "We can't go back to the Tower just for the reason we were on radio silence for seventeen days?"

"Perhaps, but I could be assistance."

All eyes turned towards the entrance as the familiar lavender form of Crystalline came into view, her yellow optic beaming as she entered.

"Crystalline?" It was Ace who first greeted their fellow Ghost, "I haven't seen you since, well, since we first got here."

"Been busy refamiliarizing myself to this base," The female Ghost answered, "although, a few decades had passed since I have last been here, not much of it has changed."

That is when a look of melancholy lingered into the Ghost's optic, "Just, a lot of unfamiliar faces."

Empathy immediately settled into Lex's core, the white and yellow Ghost watching as Crystalline twirled her back fins before shaking her shell and stating, "And let's not forget to mention that the Preceptor and I had a lot to talk about, more specifically on how to honor the deaths of Blaise and Isamu."

Lex blinked, "Do you have different rituals for the dead?"

This earned the male Ghost a shrug, "Not really, with the exception that we are actually given time to mourn."

Silence permeated between the group, "What?"

"We are even given time to honor then," Crystalline continued, "takes a bit of time, but we work around it."

Hearing this, Lex couldn't help but let a sense of envy linger in his core. He and his Guardian have been bonded for a little over half a century but, the Ghost cannot recall a time where they were properly able to grief for their lost comrades. There was Aleeza, but Akiva had been on leave to look after the children; it wasn't given as a time to mourn.

Shifting his shell against his core, the white and yellow Ghost simply bobbed at the female Ghost's words before hearing the latter state, "Anyway, if the Vanguard or the Tower tries to give you any problems, we have your back."

A pause.

"Wait, so you are saying that the Revenants are willing to break their silence to help us?" Once again, it was Ace who spoke, "Why?"

"Well, to be more accurate, it is the Preceptor who is willing to break the silence to help you all return to the Tower," Crystalline admitted, "the reason?" She let out a shrug, "Didn't give me an exact answer, simply said that he just want you all to be able to return to the Tower."

Suspicion immediately settled into Lex's core, "Does he expect a favor in return or…?

Another shrug from Crystalline, "As I had stated before, he did not say anything specific, but, then again, I never asked."

Although grateful at the promise of the Preceptor, Lex couldn't help but let worry linger within his mind; a powerful individual such as the head of the Revenants wouldn't just perform a huge favor for nothing.

"Well, if he is successful in his attempt on letting us return, then tell the Preceptor that we are grateful," Ace once again spoke before Lex saw his fellow Ghost turn towards him, "But I do believe that you have a message to send, correct?"

It took the white and yellow Ghost several moments to understand Ace's words, "Oh, right." Shoving his anxieties to the side, Lex then turned his attention towards Crystalline and requested, "Any possible way for me to send a frequency to Neve and the others?"

A soft hum can be heard from the female Ghost, "We'll have to leave base so that the Revenants aren't uncomfortable." Lex saw her flash a sheepish gesture his way, "They tend to be a bit trigger happy."

The Ghost couldn't help but give Crystalline a blank stare, "And here I thought we could finally be friends."

Seeing Crystalline let out another smile at his statement, the male Ghost then saw his female counterpart bob toward the doorway before gliding towards the exit. Shifting his parts to ready himself to follow, Lex then paused when the lavender Ghost suddenly halted, her yellow optic wide.

"What are you all doing here!?"

Startled at the shock and surprise emanating from his fellow Ghost, Lex tentatively glided over, only for himself to halt as well, his shell dropping. From his position, he spotted the familiar dark clad form of Pluto, the latter of which crossed his arms, a frown apparent behind his visor.

"Did I not say to send back a frequency?"

Xxxxx

Hush had latched herself onto Orion's arm, her yellow eyes eyeing those around her. She does not recognize the Chosen around them and her wariness turned to fear when they were suddenly attacked outside. Although this 'Preceptor' was leading them safe passage, this doesn't mean the child Guardian did not sense the looks of hate, the looks of anger pointed their way. Hush just hopes that they find the others and get out as quickly as they can.

That was, until she heard a familiar shout permeate through the hall.

Feeling their group coming to a slow stop, Hush carefully tuned her eyes towards the source of the voice, only for a broad grin to form onto her tan features as her gaze stopped upon a lavender shell. Unable to contain herself, Hush found a squeal of delight escaping her lips before releasing her hold on Orion's arm, and dashed forward, deaf to the Exo's shout of warning. Blind to her surroundings, the child Guardian held out her hands, immediately catching the optic of Crystalline, and seeing a look of longing flash over her Ghost's gaze. Then, it quickly switched to one of horror.

Confused at this, Hush then found herself being blind-sided, the world a blur before she felt her back slam into the walls followed by a sickening crack, and then, nothing. However, the child Guardian only found herself in darkness for an instant, as she then found herself sucking in air back into her lungs and color filling back into her vision, her eyes blinking before she heard shouts of outrage vibrating around her.

"She's just a fucking child! How dare you-"

"Orion! Calm yourself!"

"You know how bonds work! She hasn't seen Crystalline in over seventeen days! Hush was excited to see her again!"

"I understand, but letting your anger retaliate is not going to help our situation."

Silence then followed Pluto's words added by a grunt, one that Hush recognizes as Orion's. Shifting her hands around to find them pressed against the floor, the child Guardian then unsteadily pushed herself into a seated position, just in time to see the Exo Titan shove one of their guards back, and then snarl.

If they were in any other situation, Hush would have laughed as the guard reeled back from the sudden action, but, after being just killed by one of the unknown Guardians, the child Titan decided best to remain silent and instead, stare wide eyed at what just occurred.

"Hush? Hush are you alright?"

Letting familiarity settle into her chest, Hush turned her head to the side, only for a smile to fade back onto her features.

This One is fine now you are here, Hush felt Crystalline flush through their bond, you are safe?

"Of course I'm safe, silly," The child Guardian heard her Ghost retort, "Despite our stay at the Tower, I am still a Revenant. They wouldn't harm me here."

Giving the lavender Ghost one more smile, concern immediately replaced the joy within Hush' mind, Then, the others are safe then?

Instead of receiving an answer, Hush found only silence, causing the child Guardian to tilt her head slightly to the right, You say that you are still a Revenant. Since you are our friend, then they would not harm them too?

A tug of uneasiness can be felt through their bond, causing Hush's worry to grow, Crystalline, what happened to Papa and the others?

"… Hush, you have to understand that the Revenants are a bit… sensitive when it comes to those outside of their circle," The child Guardian couldn't help but wring her fingers nervously together, "When I came here with the others, members of the Revenants became a bit… violent."

Horror immediately settled into Hush's chest as her eyes went wide, her jaw falling open behind her visor as she heard stiff movements nearby.

"What have you done to them?" It was Pluto's voice that rang in her ears, "What have you done to Fireteam Redacted and the twins!?"

"At ease, Pluto, there is no need to be so-"

That is when Hush heard the familiar sound of a body being slammed into a hard surface, prompting her to turn her attention towards Pluto, only to halt when she saw that the Hunter in question had pinned the Preceptor to the side of the hall, weapons drawn by the guards.

"I do not even recall uttering my name to you." Hush heard the Exo Hunter snarl, "have you been spying on us?"

"No," The Preceptor immediately answered, "Crystalline simply – "

"She gave you names but I highly doubt she told you which ones of was who." Hush heard the head of the Revenants pause, "Tell me, have you been spying on us?" She watched as Pluto leaned in, "Or, do I have to confirm the Vanguard knows of your identity, Zakai?"

That is when Hush saw the Preceptor's shoulders stiffen, the air of calm now filtering with shock and panic; the child Guardian couldn't help but mirror this. She had heard of Zakai on several occasions, mainly short stories that Ianos had spoke about in a bout of melancholy, the look of affection and yearning clear in his orange eyes. But she had sworn that Ianos spoke about him in a past tense, and she saw his face clearly in the room filled with the faces of those that had passed. How was he still alive and standing in front of everyone now?

Contemplating on their current situation, Hush then jumped as Pluto suddenly pulled the Preceptor back and slammed him back onto the wall, "Answer me!"

This immediately prompted the other Revenants to press forward, and Hush held her breath as she saw their fingers press against the triggers of their weapons. She then let out a sigh of relief when the Preceptor held up a hand, watching as their guards immediately halted.

"The Vanguard figured it out?" Hush paused at the Preceptor's words, "Interesting, how long ago was this?"

"Years ago, according to their claim," Pluto immediately answered, the child Guardian noting his grip tighten around the front of the Preceptor's robes, "you're not lying…"

"According to Ianos, it is nearly impossible to lie to you," The familiarity in the Preceptor's words caused a sense of uneasiness to permeate through Hush, "Might as well tell the truth than alternatively get shot in the head when you figure it out on your own."

"…Ianos tore himself apart when he heard you died." The child Guardian blinked at the sudden change in topic, "went mad with grief before he slowly started to gather the pieces." Hush then perked up when she saw Pluto's grip tremble, "Why? Why did you leave him behind like that!?" Hush couldn't help but press herself against the opposing wall when she saw Pluto shake the Preceptor; she had seen him upset before, but this, the child Guardian can clearly sense the rage, the anger, "He was already on edge when the two of you lost, Ari, and the you made the decision to fake your death! Why!?" Hush watched the Exo shake him again, "Tell me!"

When nothing but silence permeated between the pair, Hush took the opportunity to push herself unsteadily back onto her feet, glancing over at Crystalline to see her Ghost's reaction; from the wide look in her optic, it didn't take much for the child Guardian to know that the female Ghost was kept in the dark of the Preceptor's identity.

"…It was back when I was first working with the Darkness, back when Ianos' light was being eaten away by corruption," The Preceptor finally answered, "if I had let him follow, then he would have died from the exposure. I didn't want that."

Hearing his answer, Hush, at first, thought Pluto truly was going to do the Preceptor harm, from the way the rage was now clearly prominent and his hands trembling with anger. But, to her surprise, the child Guardian watched as the Exo Hunter's shoulders suddenly slumped, the anger seemingly vanishing altogether.

"It would have been better than letting him take that mission to the Moon."

The flinch was obvious from the Preceptor as Pluto finally shoved the Head Revenant away, Hush seeing the Hunter place a hand to the front of his visor and sigh heavily.

"If I had known that he would have risked going to the Moon, I would have done 'anything' to stop him," The Preceptor defended, "even take his place if that is the only way."

"But he went." The venom was clear in the Exo Hunter's tone as he lowered his hands, "and thanks to you, he not only endured months of torture, but lived through the scorn of the Tower. Now they all think of him as a murderer."

"…What?"

Instead of receiving clarification, Hush instead watched as Pluto turned and guessed that he gave the Preceptor a glare, before stating, "I appreciate you saving Ianos' life. But after what you had done to him, how you were the catalyst, I say it is better if he doesn't know that you are still alive."

"You cannot just-"

Witnessing one of the guards aggressively approach the Exo Hunter, Hush held her breath as Pluto went and shoved the Revenant back, wisps of Void light lingering between his fingertips, "If Ianos figures out that Zakai is alive, it will break him. Who knows how he will react," The Exo turned his hardened glare back towards the Preceptor, "he might even retaliate against you."

Glancing back and forth warily between the pair, Hush slowly scooted back towards Orion, clasping her hand back around his wrist as she watched Pluto and the Preceptor continue stare each other down, only for the Exo to finally turn his attention towards them.

"Hush, Orion."

Hearing nothing more from Pluto, Hush hesitated as the Exo Hunter stormed into a doorway, turning her yellow eyes towards her Ghost.

"Go on ahead," She heard Crystalline say, "I'll be nearby, the Preceptor and I just need to talk."

Talk about Papa?

Seeing her Ghost pause, Hush knew the answer to her question, Pluto –

"Papa is in the room where Pluto had entered," The child Guardian snapped to attention, "He's, sleeping, but, I think he would appreciate you visiting."

Slowly nodding at her Ghost's words, Hush then found Orion tentatively walking forward, seeing the young Titan warily eye the Revenants as she idly followed his movements. As she entered the next room, Hush then heard the voice of Crystalline hiss out, "Preceptor, what is going on?"