Redacted

Piecing Together

I deeply apologize for the late update guys. Life is being a pain but nonetheless, here's this week's (can it be called this week's or is it considered last week?) update!

Thanks to Diamond002 and The Great Wolf 117 for the reviews!

_Transcript: Confession_

Source: Ghost of Warlock Ahamari – 34

Alias: Seeker

_Conversation between Warlock Ianos [W.I] and Warlock Ahamari-34 [W.A]. Topic concerning Ahamari-34's feelings towards Warlock Ianos_

[W.A]: I don't like it.

[W.I]: Like what?

[W.A]: How you and Zakai openly flirt with other men.

[W.I]: Firstly, 'I' do not flirt with others, Zakai is usually the one who leads them on. Secondly, why does it bother you? Did Zakai and I not explain that we are open to others despite being together?

[W.A]: The two of you did and I completely understand, I just cannot understand why I get so upset whenever I see the two of you with someone else.

[W.I]: … Are you jealous?

[W.A]: Jealous!? Now why would I be jealous when I hardly known you and Zakai for two years!?

[W.I]: Anger whenever you see Zakai and I with another man, blocking us whenever 'anyone' approaches us, and makes excuses to ensure that we are faraway from others' eyes.

[W.A]: … I am not jealous.

[W.I]: Is 'possessive' more accurate?

[W.A]: I am not 'possessive' either!

[W.I]: Denying says otherwise.

[W.A]: Look, I just – I don't know! I just don't like it when you are seeing other people, okay!

[W.I] … Ari, would you like to be our partner?

[W.A]: … What? Aren't I already part of your team?

[W.I]: Not in 'that' sense. A more 'romantic' setting, if you understand.

[W.A]: … I… What?

[W.I]: Zakai and I always felt that something was 'missing' in our relationship, as such the reason why we are spreading our 'feelings' towards others, hoping to find someone to fill in that void. As you can tell, we took interest, but they did not feel 'right' and we never took it any further.

[W.A]: … What was wrong with them?

[W.I]: Nothing was wrong. Just as I said before, it just never felt 'right'. And according to how you were reacting, I can say that it was a right decision on our part.

[W.A]: Well… I'm not jealous… or possessive. But, I kind of do… like you two?

[W.I]: … (laughs)

[W.A]: … Are you laughing at me?

[W.I]: No, no. I am just taken off guard. Admittingly, Zakai had asked me to consider your feelings, but I refused. I had feared that our feelings will not be reciprocated, especially so since you are young and had hardly known us for more than a couple of years. But it seems I was wrong. You do hold feelings towards us.

[W.A]: I just… do you want me to be honest?

[W.I]: Go ahead.

[W.A]: When I first met the two of you, I had to admit that I thought the two of you were… beautiful.

[W.I]: Beautiful?

[W.A]: Well, Zakai was hard to see because of his helmet but, his form, and your face. It held a posture of elegance and femininity. I just, couldn't help but, fall in love?

[W.I]: …Is this a confession?

[W.A]: Will you, accept?

[W.I]: … (laughs)

[W.A]: Stop teasing and give me an answer!

_End Transcript_

Xxxxx

In all his years alive, this was the first that Ianos had felt well-rested, or at least, the first he felt after a couple hundred years. However, this did little to lessen the sluggishness that settled into his limbs and mind, causing Ianos to reach up with his hand and rub his eyes.

"Ianos? Ianos, how are you feeling?"

Familiarity ringing in his head, Ianos shifted his fingers apart, squinting momentarily as the lights beamed into his eyes, "Ace?"

Instantly, he saw relief flood into his Ghost's orange optic, their shell going slack as they said, "You are awake."

Ianos couldn't help but frown at this and shifted his hand away from his face, allowing himself to push into a seated position; Ace always greeted him with the same words whenever he awakend from sleep, a teasing tone in their voice to signify his 'good mood' when the Awoken gets out of bed. But this one, this one was tinged with emotion, tinged with a relief that Ianos woke up at all. At first bewildered at this, the previous days then came sweltering to the surface and it didn't take long for the Warlock to piece it together.

"How long was I unconscious?"

Judging from the way Ace's shell pressed against their core and the Ghost hovering back, Ianos knew he had guessed correctly, "Ace…"

"Nearly twenty days."

Perking up at the familiar voice, Ianos turned his attention to his side, and blinked when his eyes locked onto the blinded optics of Pluto, "Well I am going to take a guess that you figured everything out."

A wry smile can be seen forming onto the Hunter's dark features, "Hard to keep anything from me, you know that, Little Light."

Unable to help but give Pluto a small smile back, the Awoken then caught movement from the corner of his vision, causing him to turn and catch Ace's form closing the distance. Without thinking, Ianos held out a hand, allowing his Ghost to settle in, feeling Ace's shell still shifting in his palm as he brought them close to his chest, and cupping their form in his hands.

"I am glad that you are awake." He felt his Ghost snuggle in, "You were asleep for so long, I thought…"

An ache lingered within Ianos at Ace's words, memories of promises formed long ago and instances of close calls sweltering to the front; judging from his Ghost's reaction, this one may have been the closest that the black and orange Ghost had come to losing the Warlock. As such, Ianos responded to Ace's words with a gentle squeeze, only to feel the Ghost shift and press themselves further into his grip. Feeling warmth settle into his chest at this gesture, Ianos then took the opportunity to take in his surroundings, his orange eyes narrowing as he locked onto unfamiliar territory.

Instead of a room, the Warlock's gaze instead lingered over beds placed neatly in rows, separated only by curtains, and many of the beds empty of occupants. Furthermore, although the white color was the same, the color that met his eyes was a tad gray in shade, and the room was dimly lit with flames locked onto the walls instead of the buzzing of electrical lights emitting from the ceiling.

"I am going to take a lucky guess and say that we are in a Revenant base?" He turned his eyes back towards Pluto in time to see the blind Exo nod, "then that means the others were successful in meeting with the Preceptor." Ianos then paused, his eyes fluttering with surprise; this didn't miss Pluto's notice.

"Is something the matter?"

"No, it is nothing." Ianos paused, hesitating, "I just realized that this was the first time in years since I woke up without any pain."

Now it was Pluto's turn to pause, the Awoken sensing the Exo's blind optics widen, "It has been that long, huh?" The disbelief was palpable from the Hunter, "How long ago was the Great Disaster?"

"Too many years to count." Ianos flinched at the memory, "long enough to put that behind us."

Hearing a small squeak permeate from his opposing side, the Awoken then turned his attention towards it, only to pause when he spotted Knight; and the injuries he had sustained.

"Knight," He started slowly, "What happened to you?"

That is when he spotted hesitation settle into Knight's optics – one 'functioning' optic the Awoken realized – and he caught the young Exo glancing over to Day's form sitting in his lap, "Promise me you won't get up and go on a rampage."

Soaking in Knight's words, Ianos couldn't help but suspicion settle in and he narrowed his eyes, "Counts on what you tell me."

"Traveler, just promise him so that we aren't so nervous." It was Day who spoke, the white Ghost hovering off of Knight's lap, "and we know that even if you do promise not to, you will anyway."

Scrunching his features together, Ianos couldn't help but accept the truth in the Ghost's words before finally nodding, "I promise."

Knight's shoulders still remained tense and reluctance can still be seen in his gaze, "I wasn't conscious for most of it but, according to what the others told me, the Revenants attacked us when Crystalline lead us here."

Ianos' body went stiff, "What?"

"They were very territorial," Ace piped in, "if it wasn't for Crystalline, I highly doubt that we would have survived that encounter."

"Survived?" Ianos found himself repeating, anger quickly settling into his mind, "What did they 'do'?"

"They attacked us, Little Light." Pluto finally answered, the Warlock snapping his attention towards the blind Exo, "and they were stronger than we all had anticipated."

"Uh, Ianos?"

Turning his attention back towards Ace, Ianos couldn't help but let guilt take place of his anger within his chest as he saw how tight his fingers were around his Ghost's shell, only it to be quickly be replaced with shock as he saw black wisps billowing from his fingertips. Tearing his hands away from Ace's form, Ianos stared down into his trembling hands as he flexed his fingers, disbelief clear in his eyes.

"Ianos, your eyes…"

Taking note of the shock in Knight's voice, Ianos didn't bother to glance over to the injured Exo, and instead, proceeded to turn his questioning gaze towards Ace; surprise also took place in the Ghost's orange optic.

At first questioning what was the matter, the Awoken quickly forced himself into silence as he slowly pieced it together; the Revenants, wielders of the Darkness, and the corruption within his chest stabilized.

The sickly green glow of the Hive.

This prompted Ianos to reach up with his hands and rub away at his eyes, unbothered by the Darkness burning the edges of his vision; he just wanted to the image out of his mind, both of the Hive and his eyes holding the same color of his past tormentors.

"Ianos?"

Forcing his hands down in order to fix his gaze towards his Ghost, Ianos spotted Ace hovering nearby, concern lingering in their optic. Half expecting the black and orange Ghost to say something in response to his reaction, he instead was surprised to see understanding flash into Ace's gaze and hearing them speak, "The Preceptor said to notify him when you finally awoke, said something about teaching you how to remain in 'balance', whatever that is."

"More than likely a nice way of saying to teach Little Light how to keep the Darkness in control." Pluto shrugged, "meaning in other words, our stay here is going to be longer than anticipated."

Ianos took in the Exo Hunter's words, "The Tower is not going to be happy once we return, are they?"

Another shrug from Pluto, "According to what I heard, the Preceptor contacted the Tower. Claimed that we can freely return without repercussions from the Vanguard."

A pause, "What?"

"He has connections." Pluto clarified, "Guess the Revenants aren't as 'underground' as we anticipated."

Ianos couldn't help but make a face at the Hunter's words; honestly, he himself hadn't really participated much against the battles against the Revenants, mainly for the reason that he was still recovering after the events on the moon. But Ianos had participated 'enough' to understand that the Revenants wouldn't easily stay connected to a faction that they held obvious hostility against. So, the Awoken couldn't help but think: what kind of individual is the Preceptor to still keep in contact with the Tower?

"I can't help but think that I am missing a lot," All eyes shifted towards Knight, bewilderment clearly seen in his functioning optic, "can I ask how long ago the Tower's encounter with the Revenants was?"

Contemplating on Knight's question, Ianos slowly turned his attention back towards Pluto, and although the Exo lacked obvious sight, the Warlock can easily see the way his metallic brows raise behind his blindfold that he was possibly thinking the same thing.

"Story time?"

Another point goes towards Ianos.

The Awoken nodded his head once, "He is the youngest after all, and he is involved. Only fair he gets the full story."

Amusement permeated from Pluto as Ianos watched the former turn his blind gaze towards the younger Exo, "Today is your lucky day, Knight. Ianos and I are going to tell a full story for once. So, listen well."

Xxxxx

"You seem confident."

Orion couldn't help but roll his pink optics at Trikxas' words, "I am not scared of a few rogue Guardians."

"Few meaning a population of a town?" The Titan simply grunted at his Ghost's words, "You maybe a powerful Guardian, Orion, but you are not invisible."

"Just watch me."

"Are you and Trikxas arguing again?" Orion snapped his attention towards Gemini, easily seeing her light azure optics narrow, "I swear, you two are like two peas in a pod but also like water and oil."

Scorpio snorted in agreement; Orion turned and gave the male Hunter a glare in response. In return, the male Hunter made a face, this time earning a small chuckle from Trikxas. Orion just released an exasperated sigh and shook his head, "Just tell me where the Mess Hall is here."

This earned him a look from Gemini, the Huntress raising a single metallic brow, "Now what makes you think – oh, right, her appetite."

Seeing Gemini release a sheepish smile as Orion gave her a blank stare for her comment, the Titan then heard Scorpio let out a laugh, "How can you forget? Hush is notorious for her bottomless stomach."

"Well 'all' have bottomless stomachs," Gemini huffed, crossing her arms as she pouted, "Hush just always happens to have food in her hands is all."

"Which is why I am asking the two of you where the Mess Hall is," Orion deadpanned, "if you know where it is at least."

Now it was Scorpio's turn to let out a huff, "Of course we know where it is! Gemini and I scoured every inch of this place."

Hearing this, Orion took the opportunity to pause, turn to face the twins, gave them a blank stare before taking a step back and gesturing his arms down the hall, "Then lead the way."

Immediately he saw the twins halt, their azure optics going wide at his words; this didn't miss Orion's attention, "What?"

At first, receiving only silence as an answer, Orion couldn't stop the frown forming onto his cyan features followed by his pink optics narrowing in annoyance; the twins must have noticed his impatience for the reason that before Orion could even part his lips to voice his opinion, Gemini spoke, "Is this an attempt at humor, Orion?"

Scrunching his features together at the Huntress' words, Orion stated, "And that matters why?"

No sooner had the words left him when Orion not only saw Gemini, but also Scorpio hesitate, the twins giving each other a nervous glance before finally, Gemini answered, "Well, you kind of lost your sense of humor when, Olkar, 'left'."

Immediately, the Titan flinched, the memory of the Eliksni momentarily lingering to the front before he shook his head and glowered at the twins.

"Hey! Gemini! Want to take the lead?"

Watching Scorpio wrap an arm around his sister's neck, Orion simply gave the pair another blank look as he heard the male Hunter hiss something into Gemini's receptors; although fully capable of tuning into their words, the Titan decided against it. He already knew what Scorpio was whispering into his sister's receptors. The grumbling that Gemini soon emitted garnered further proof of his thoughts and he waited as the twins gradually took the lead, signaling for Orion to follow closely behind.

"Made any friends here?"

Seeing the twins jerk back to give him a wide-eyed look, Orion simply raised a metallic brow at the pair, "Well?"

A cough can be heard from Scorpio, "No, no, not really, unless you count the Preceptor."

Orion scowled, "Oh? Really?"

He can see Gemini nod at point, "So far he's the only Revenant who actually doesn't mind us being here." The Titan then heard her let out a snort, "The others, not so much."

Orion's optics narrowed, "Did they hurt you?"

Immediately, he heard the twins pause, causing Orion's frown to deepen, "Gemini. Scorpio."

"Alright, alright, yes, they did." Gemini finally admitted, seeing the Huntress momentarily glance back and scowl, "there's a reason why Akiva and Knight are in the shape that they are in now."

"And let's not forget to mention that they stabbed you in the back."

Watching Gemini snap her head around and give her sniggering twin a glare, Orion couldn't help the anger settling into his chest, his hands slowly curling into fists, "Why those cowardly, delusional bastards."

"Orion, language."

"I can say worse."

Grumbling to himself as he sensed amusement permeate through their bond, Orion opted to cross his arms and say nothing, letting the sounds of their footsteps permeate through the empty halls.

Wait? Empty?

"Where is everyone?"

Focusing his attention back onto the twins, he immediately saw Scorpio's shoulders shift up and down, "No idea. Around this time of day, they're not entirely active. Not sure what they do during this time." He then heard the Hunter snicker, "Although, if you wait until late or during the very early hours of the day, the halls are crowded. Gemini and I literately have to wait for them to clear before it's safe to venture around."

Another scowl formed onto Orion's face, "Safe?"

"Like I said, only the Preceptor seems to like us," It was Gemini's turn to shrug, "The first time Scorpio and I tried to shove our way through, we came out with a bit of scrapes and nicks." The Huntress must have sensed the glare that Orion have sent her way for she immediately added, "Nothing more serious than that, I promise."

"Wasn't the best experience though." Scorpio placed a hand onto his shoulder as he rolled it before letting out a groan, "I still remember getting into that shoving match with that Titan. Just a piece of advice: Don't. Not unless you're a Titan yourself."

Although his anger deepened in response to Scorpio's words, Orion found himself sniggering at the Hunter's misfortune, earning himself another puzzled look before the twins took point once more.

"How are the others back at the Tower?"

Soaking in Gemini's words, the rage bubbling within his chest softened at the thought of the other Clan members, his rigidness around his optics fading, "It's what you expect. They're worried about the two of you, wondered where you guys went."

"Aaaw, I knew they loved us." Orion couldn't help but snort at Scorpio's joke, "We're everyone's favorites after all."

"Tell that to Cayde and the graffiti you wrote all over his Sparrow." The Titan couldn't help but point out, letting a smile form onto his features as the twin Hunters laughed at his words and Gemini added, "Oh come on! You know that he enjoyed that flaming rabbit we drew onto its side. Why else would he keep it on there after he took in it for 'extensive' cleaning?"

"Maybe it's because the two of you 'carved' it on there?"

"No amount of sanding is going to get rid of it," Scorpio added with glee, "a permanent mark placed by the Galaxy Twins."

Unable to hold back a laugh at the Hunter's words, Orion slowly felt the rage fade, replaced by a warmth, a warmth that he only felt around his family, "Let's not forget to mention the other marks you left behind for others to find."

"Oh! Oh! Is that Dreg get up still painted onto the Speaker's desk?" A cackle can be heard from Gemini as a nod of confirmation was given by Orion, "Alright! I knew that paint combined with Spirit Blooms would make it hard to scrub off!"

"…Wait, were you the one that also drew a skimpy Dreg on the map in the Hall?"

"How'd you guess?"

Sensing the mischievousness emanating from the twins, Orion didn't have to ask to know that Gemini wasn't the only individual involved in the prank, "Right. Well, I am going to give you a heads up that once Pluto retires, keep an eye out for Io, he won't tolerate those."

"Wait, what?!" Orion scrambled to a halt as both twins skidded to a stop and twirled around, their optics wide, "What do you mean Io!? You're not going to take head of the Clan!?"

The Titan couldn't help but scoff at Scorpio's words, "Me? Leader of Galaxy?" He shook his head, "I maybe the oldest but I am 'not' leader material."

A groan can be heard from Scorpio, "But Pluto turns a blind eye to our pranks and so do you! How are we supposed to slip out of trouble when Io takes over?"

Orion couldn't help but snigger at the twins' misfortune, "Your problem, not mine."

"Rude."

Continuing to chuckle at Gemini and Scorpio, Orion caught the playful glare that the Huntress had sent his way, catching the twitch of her features as she struggled to keep her face neutral, "But seriously, you don't want to be Clan Leader?"

The Titan couldn't help but roll his optics in response to the Huntress' words, "As I have stated before, I am not leader material, Io is more suited for the position than I am."

"But Io is a fun sponge." Gemini gave him a pout, "he'll ruin all the fun."

"All more of a reason to do them stealthily." He smirked at the blank looks he received, "The two of you are Hunters for a reason."

At first seeing a look of bewilderment in their gaze, the warmth grew within Orion's chest as the familiar look of mischievousness clicked within their optics, and he couldn't help but follow the smile forming onto their faces.

"We accept the challenge." The Titan heard Gemini chirp before the Huntress promptly turned and took point once more, signaling for her twin and Orion to follow.

"…It just took me moments to realize that once Io takes over, you are making his life ten times more difficult."

"He just needs to learn how to take that stick out of his ass." Orion simply mused.

Xxxxx

Hush had wanted to put her helmet back on as soon as she was done eating, however, with some encouragement from the Preceptor, she was convinced to simply clip it around her waist if the head Revenant did the same. So far, he was making good on his side of the bargain, keeping his black and red colored helmet around his left side while Hush held his hand on the right, casually following his footsteps as they walked down the hall. Although mainly empty, this didn't stop the Child Guardian from pressing against the Preceptor's side every time an individual is seen, eyeing them warily as they passed. The Preceptor chuckled after she had repeated this action several times, "Do not be afraid Little One. Unlike the Tower, everyone here is more tolerant towards those who are different."

Hush couldn't help but give her fellow halfling a bewildered look, but nonetheless kept her focus on the eyes of those they encountered during their stroll. To her surprise, instead of the look of shock or disgust, the ones that she saw were filled with awe and casualness, as if a hybrid child of a Human and an Awoken was normal amongst their numbers. Hush even gave one Revenant a shy wave as she smiled at her, her face flushing as the Titan waved back.

"We are all outcasts here." Hush turned her attention back towards the Preceptor, a sense of calm in his steps as he hummed, "gathered here for the reason that we were shunned for our opinions or our bloodlines. Kicked out of the Tower for being, 'different'." She watched his glowing blue eyes glance downwards towards her, a gentle smile flashing onto his pale features, "If you do not mind, Little One, there is someplace I have to be before I bring you back to the others."

Tilting her head curiously at his words, Hush shifted her grasp on his hand before tracing against his palm, What place?

That is when Hush saw a flash of melancholy linger in his eyes before feeling his fingers clasp around hers gently, "Did you hear about the events that lead your family here?"

Pondering on his words, Hush recollected her memories, remembering Crystalline informing her of one of her previous Fireteam's survival followed by Human-but-Trustworthy Angel, of him claiming to find a cure for her Papa.

A friend need help, Hush started tracing, and that he would help Papa after.

Another hum can be heard from the Preceptor, "That does sound like the gist of it." Hush watched him fix his gaze forward, "You are correct that in return for their aid, Isamu would return the favor, however…" She felt his grip tighten around her fingers; just enough to catch her attention but not do serious harm, "…Would you like to meet the man who helped your father get here?"

Eyes widening at his words, Hush shook his hand to signify that yes, she indeed wanted to meet the individual that had helped her father reach this place. Although majority of the bases occupants frightens her, she at least has to thank Scary-but-Friendly Isamu for being the one that brought her Papa here, saving his life.

"Preceptor…"

Turning a bewildered stare towards Crystalline, Hush couldn't help but scrunch her features together when she saw a look of worry and grief settling into the yellow optic of her Ghost; did the Preceptor say something wrong?

Another firm but gentle squeeze permeated from her hand, "There's no need to worry, Crystalline. It is only fair that she gets to meet the one that saved her, 'father's', life."

Turning his focus back towards the Revenant, Hush couldn't help but give him the same confused stare that she had given her Ghost, having noticed the waver in his voice at the mention of her Papa. Why was it so hard for him to say?

Although curious of this, Hush opted not to react and instead simply followed the Preceptor down the halls, timidly waving at individuals who acknowledged her existence before finally, her yellow eyes spotted shadows flickering from a room, familiarity of dimly lit fires lingering in the front of her mind. As they approached, Hush then heard quiet sobbing mixed in with whispers, as if it was condemned to speak a pitch louder. As the pair reached the doorway, Hush's eyes widen when she saw the expansiveness of the room, the walls spread so far apart that it made the Hall back at the Tower seem small, the workplace of the Vanguard paling in size and space if it not were the shelves lined evenly down the room. However, as they stepped inside, Hush couldn't help but gasp; she had half-expected the shelves to be lined with books, items perhaps, but instead, they were lined with finely decorated canisters, labels placed underneath to signify their worth. It didn't take long for Hush to put together what it was, especially so when she saw several of the urns having the charred or broken remains of Ghosts pressed against their side.

What's this place? She traced frantically into the Preceptor's palms, shifting her yellow eyes for answers. Hush received a sad smile in return.

"This is where we bury and honor our dead," He responded as he slowly leads her in, prompting Hush to press herself even further against his side, "at least, for those we can retrieve."

No sooner had the Preceptor finished speaking when grief clearly can be felt through her bond, causing Hush to snap her attention towards Crystalline, the latter's shell drooping and her optic clearly dimming. It didn't take long for Hush to understand and soon, she found tears forming in her eyes; the man who had been responsible in saving her papa's life, was no longer with them.

Sniffling at this conclusion, Hush slowly followed the Preceptor, her yellow eyes glancing at forms grieving over shelves; some simply stood there, hands on the plagues underneath the urns, eyes closed as if in prayer, while others, sobbed, face in their hands as they either kneeled or stood in front of a lost loved one. As the pair wandered deeper into the room, Hush couldn't help but wonder just how many were lost, her wide eyes trailing the urns on the shelves before finally, they came to a pause, her eyes following the partial-blind gaze of the Revenant Warlock.

Immediately, her eyes settled upon the shattered shell of a Ghost, the violet color broken from missing pieces and charred remains. Following its broken form, Hush finally settled upon a decorated urn, cylindrical in form and symbols carved onto the surface with care. The Child Guardian immediately recognized the symbol of a Titan, the mark representing the Six Fronts all too familiar for Hush. However, the others were unrecognizable; one she had seen numerously on the other urns was one that was carved into what seems to be chains interlocking with each other. However, one section was absent in the bottom middle and instead was filled in with a circle, all sides absent of being touched. Curved lines then can be seen slipping in between the cracks, completing the image. It didn't take much for Hush to understand that there was a possibility that was the mark of the Revenants. Although guessing on this, Hush was completely stumped on the other symbol; a simple flower blossoming in the middle of a circle. She would have to ask the Preceptor later on what it meant.

As she continued to scan the shelf containing the remains of Isamu, Hush then finally lingered her eyes over the plague placed beneath:

Hashimoto, Isamu

Designated Titan

Ghost: Hashimoto, Hajime

Cause of Death: Vex Corruption – Given a merciful death

A Veteran who helped build the Revenants to where they are today

Loved by his Ghost, loved by his friends, loved by his family

A Founder, a Helper, and a Father

Reading the last line, Hush took in a breath as she tightened her grip on the Preceptor's hand, only to feel him slip out of her grasp, and to her surprise, she watched him take a step forward, and bowed. Unsure of how to react, Hush simply stood there, her eyes wide as the Preceptor kept his head bowed, taking note of the trembling in his shoulders and his hands slowly curl into fists.

"He was a good man." Hush jumped at the sudden break in silence, "Despite your family doing their best, they were unable to save Jora, his partner." She watched the Revenant straighten out, and although his face was clear of any tears, grief could clearly be seen in his glowing gaze, "nonetheless, despite his injuries, despite his want of wanting to return to the Revenants after years of isolation, he still decided to give aid to your family. And he died not long after." The Child Guardian remained silent as the Preceptor turned and gave her a sad smile, "For this, I am grateful for his sacrifice, and I am intending to honor his death in the following days." Hush remained still as the Warlock approached and gently took her hands in his, "I am wondering during that time, if you can convince your family to stay long enough for his memorial."

Hearing this, Hush couldn't help but hesitate, her eyes glancing back and forth between the Preceptor and the shelf that held Isamu's remains. Indeed, she was grateful for the man's involvement in saving her Papa's life, but, despite the similarities in their lineage, despite his kindness, Hush just could not completely trust the man before her. True he was her papa's lover years back, but the pain he had caused, the events that he had unknowingly set in motion, she was not ready to forgive him just yet.

Her reluctance must have been visible for she then felt a gentle squeeze permeate through her hands, snapping her out of her thoughts in time to see another sad smile form onto the Preceptor's pale features.

"I understand." She felt his fingertips slip through hers, "Considering what I had done, it was too much to ask." A sigh can be heard from the Revenant, "Although I would appreciate if you all stayed for his memorial, you are free to leave beforehand once you all recover."

No sooner had he finished speaking when Hush then saw him turn and fix his attention seemingly back onto Isamu's remains, but the Child Guardian was not like him, she was not blind. She can easily see the way his jaw trembled, his eyes wide in an attempt to stop the tears from falling, and his arms wrapped tightly against his chest as the child Guardian spotted the vermillion Ghost closing in over his shoulder, whispering comfortingly into his ear. Although guilty on hurting his feelings, Hush opted to say nothing and instead, fixed her attention towards the shelf that held Isamu, clasped her hands together in front of her, and bowed. She stayed that way for several moments, her vision blurring; she deeply wanted to meet this man, the one that had known Crystalline's previous Guardian, an individual that Hush calls brother for that reason, and had deeply wanted to thank him for his involvement. Instead, she closed her eyes and silently prayed: Thank you, Isamu for saving Papa's life. I hope you will meet Brother-Blaise and Sister-Jora in your next life.

"Hush?"

Jerking at the mention of her name, Hush snapped her eyes open as she turned her attention back towards the Preceptor, quickly wiping the edges of her eyes with the back of her hands; she saw the Revenant smile softly in response.

"Sorrow just received news that your father is awake." Hush immediately perked up, "Would you like to see him?"

The child Guardian nodded rapidly, earning a quiet chuckle as the Preceptor held out a hand. Instead of immediately receiving it, Hush hesitated, glancing at the pale face of the Revenant before slowly placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her out of the room and towards her papa.

I know, not much of Ianos action. But don't worry! He'll get plenty more in the next chapter. Until then, see you all next week! (I hope)