Redacted

Keep It Quiet

Sorry for the late update guys, but work has been keeping me busy. No time to really do anything really lol. But here it is! :D

Thanks to Diamond002, The Great Wolf 177, and Guest a.k.a Tidalkiller/Reece for the reviews!

Tidalkiller - Thank you! And yes, I do play D2 on Xbox however, with my time, I only have only time to play one game, and, well, let's just say Destiny isn't the one lol.

_Transcript: Abandoned_

Source: Ghost of Hunter Pluto - 99

Alias: Nix

_Conversation between Hunter Pluto – 99 [H.P] and Warlock Ianos [W.I]. Topic concerning Warlock Ianos' relationship with Warlock Zakai and Warlock Ahamri -34_

[H.P]: Are you certain about Zakai and Ahamri?

[W.I]: What do you mean?

[H.P]: I just… they are pretty young and they lack experience. Are you certain that they won't cause you trouble?

[W.I]: Is that a nice way of saying you do not approve?

[H.P]: I… yes.

[W.I]: …If you had said this back then, back before you all left, then perhaps I would have taken your words into consideration. However, …

[H.P]: … Our hands were tied, Little Light -

[W.I]: It is Ianos now.

[H.P]: Ianos, Sun gave the order, you know we had little choice.

[W.I]: … You could have taken me with you.

[H.P]: Little Light, Sun was not clear of mind. You have no idea how many times they voiced their regret on letting their anger get the best of them and leaving you behind.

[W.I]: If they were truly sorry, then they would have come up and apologized themselves. And I do not see them anywhere.

[H.P]: They are busy, Ianos. They are aiding in the plans to help reclaim the Moon.

[W.I]: And then leave once more once the Tower's need for you is done?

[H.P]: Little Light, please.

[W.I]: When I heard the news that you all were returning to aid in the efforts of reclaiming the moon, I was filled with joy. But then I remembered how you all left me, abandoned me after I witnessed my brother's murderers go free, abandoned me after my sister underwent a reset, leaving me 'alone' within a majority that held a strong bias against me.

[H.P]: Little Light…

[W.I]: … I did not know whether to embrace you or punch you. Or both.

[H.P]: … We are really sorry that we had left you, Little Light. But after Venus' death, we just could not stay, not after his murderers were freed. And we just could not…

[W.I]: You could not bring me for the reason that I am a reminder of what had occurred.

[H.P]: … I'm sorry

[W.I]: … Zakai and Ari are waiting for us. They wanted to get to know you and Neptune better.

[H.P]: Neptune cannot come. He is speaking to Sun about being the next in line of being Clan Leader, in case anything was to happen to Sun during the reclamation. However, I am still available.

[W.I]: Well that is good to hear, but please keep your suspicions to yourself. That is the least you can do.

[H.P]: … I would say that I am offended but I have a feeling that is not my place to say.

[W.I]: You are quite correct.

_End Transcript_

Xxxxx

Orion remembers Pluto's rambling on occasions, usually when it was only the two of them and the young Exo making a promise that whatever he hears, stays in the room. As such, he knows of the history of Galaxy, its history with Ianos, and Ianos' history with his many Fireteams; specifically, the one that he had lost during the Great Disaster. Honestly, Orion hadn't placed the connection that they were more than just a 'team', more than just a group of three Guardians together, not until he saw the interaction between Pluto and the Preceptor. As such, he couldn't help but give the head Revenant a blank look when the three Exo bumped into him on their way to the Mess Hall, his pink optics glancing over the Preceptor's exposed face and then down to Hush's form standing next to his side.

"Hush," Calling out her name as he held a hand, Orion watched as the halfling gave the Preceptor a glance before gently sliding her fingers from the Revenant's, walking in between the twins before intertwining her hand in his. Pulling her close to his side, the Titan then gave the Preceptor a narrowed glance, "You received the news that Ianos is awake then?" His optics turned into a glare as the Revenant nodded, "Put your helmet back on."

"Orion?"

Ignoring the startled glances he received from the twins, Orion just kept his glare upon the Preceptor, "You know the drill, Pluto doesn't want Ianos knowing about 'you'."

Uncaring of the flinch he saw the Preceptor gave, Orion couldn't help but be annoyed at the smile that still remained on the halfling's face, "You care for Ianos as well, I take it?"

Glowering instead of answering the Revenant's question, Orion gritted his jaw in order to stop the words from flowing from his mouth; yes, he did care for Ianos, mainly for the reason that Pluto did. Despite not being close to the Awoken, the Exo Titan saw the softness in Pluto's optics whenever the two interacted, the love that the Hunter always shown even out in public. Although often envious of how much Pluto's attention was focused onto Ianos, he hardly sees the Hunter as happy as he was around the Warlock, even around the Clan. As such, Orion promised to himself to ensure Ianos' safety; he owes the Awoken that much.

"Your helmet." The Titan found himself simply repeating, his frustration growing further as the Preceptor simply gave him another smile before reaching down to the headpiece strapped to his waist. Turning around as soon as he saw the Revenant securing his helmet over his head, Orion slowed his steps when he heard Hush let out a surprised squeak, keeping steady strides to allow the child Titan to keep up.

"Hey, Orion?"

Shifting his optics to the side to spot Gemini's black and orange clad form keeping up with his pace, he then saw her lean over and whisper out, "What in the Traveler was that for?"

Feeling Scorpio take his opposing side, Orion couldn't stop the scowl that formed onto his cyan features, "If you want to know, ask Pluto, he has all the answers."

Although keeping his gaze forward, Orion can easily see the pout that Scorpio gave him, "But Pluto tells us 'nothing'."

This time, Orion turned and gave the male Hunter a frown, "I promise you, that once you get Pluto alone and ask him, he 'will' tell you, especially with the situation at hand." He then paused, contemplating on his next words, "and whatever you do, make sure that the Preceptor keeps his helmet on whenever he is around Ianos."

"What? Why?"

"Like I said, ask Pluto."

Turning his attention back down the hall, Orion simply ignored the narrowed glances he received from the twins as he continued to lead Hush back towards the Medical Ward.

Xxxxx

"What are you doing?"

Turning his attention towards Knight, Ianos stuck his tongue back into his mouth and forced his features into a blank as he saw the incredulous look upon the young Warlock's face, "I was tasting the air."

A snort can be heard from Ianos' side, the Awoken not having to look over to see the amused look upon Pluto's face; in turn, he saw Knight's optics momentarily glance over towards the Hunter before fixing back onto him, "Tasting the air?"

In response to this, Ianos simply shrugged, "Been a couple of a hundred years having that helmet on. It is just, 'strange' to breath in something that is not the drugs keeping me alive and numb."

Seeing the young Exo flinch at this, the Awoken then saw him nod once before shifting his white optics back onto Day, the latter of which was beaming their light onto the skeletal form of the Exo's right arm, Ianos recognizing the familiar plating slowly covering the metallic flesh of Knight. Although the Ghost was still recovering, Day was doing a steady job of suturing Knight back together; they already got both optics functioning and replaced the charred and broken plating upon the younger Exo's face; now it was just the job of repairing the young Warlock's limbs.

Letting this settle in the back of his mind, Ianos then forced it to the side as he continued to flick his tongue out, uncaring of the chuckling he heard emanating from Pluto. Despite his years of being in the Medical Wing, it was nice to taste the sterile air of the room, something different than the bitterness of drugs. Ianos then wondered what the Wilds tasted like; he and Ace should figure that out once he is well enough to stand and control the Darkness within his chest.

At this thought, the Awoken glanced down towards his hands, the wisps of black still lingering around his fingertips. According to Ace, his eyes weren't glowing the shade of pale green anymore, but Ianos was having a hard time stopping the flow emitting from his fingers. He had meditated, calmed his panic, and even had his Ghost beam their light in an attempt to make it dissipate, but it stayed and as such, it was decided to tell one of the Medics to contact the Preceptor. Despite his gratefulness towards the Revenants, Ianos would rather return to the Tower to the comfort of his quarters. After all, although the City always haven't treated him well and his fellow Guardians still held a strong bias towards the Awoken, he still calls the Tower home.

Feeling a gentle tap on his shoulder, Ianos snapped his attention away from his hands and towards Pluto, only to see the Exo Hunter nod his head towards Knight's direction. Confused at this, Ianos shifted his attention towards the Exo Warlock, only to see that Day had finally finished their work on the Exo's arm and now was working on his legs. Raising a brow as he saw Knight leaning back to allow room for his legs to spread out, Ianos then jumped as movement caught his eye, causing the Awoken to shift his attention just enough to lay upon Akiva's form. It was then he paused as the Titan sat up, a bleary look in his eyes as he held Lex's white and yellow form in his hands and letting out a yawn. Although relieved to see the human Titan awake and moving, Ianos opted to remain silent, and Akiva must have sensed him staring for the human Titan turned his dazed gaze towards the Awoken, only for his eyes to pop open.

Then, the next thing Ianos knew, the Titan crashed to the floor, causing the Warlock to blink rapidly before he saw Akiva abruptly stand up and then pull him into a bone crushing hug.

"You're awake!" Akiva practically cried as Ianos felt him tighten his grip, causing the Awoken to let out a wheeze as he felt the air leave his lungs.

"Akiva! You're killing him!"

Feeling the arms then leave his sides, Ianos then took in a mouthful of air, barely taking in the apologies profusely streaming from the human Titan.

"Traveler, he just woke up, you could have put him back into a coma!"

"I was just excited to see him alive, okay!"

"You're one to talk! You just woke up yesterday!"

Evening out his breathing, Ianos glanced up in time to see Akiva sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck, the scowl upon Pluto's features clear but waves of amusement can be felt emitting from the Exo Hunter.

"I see that everyone is finally awake."

Snapping his eyes towards the entryway of the room, Ianos barely had the time to hold out his hands as Hush's form landed into his lap, feeling her head bury into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her body. Feeling warmth settle into his chest, the Awoken barely caught the rigid movement of Orion, his oranges eyes lifting and giving the Titan Exo a bewildered look as the latter took his place next to Pluto's side, a darkness settling into his optics. Glancing over to the Exo Hunter in hopes of gaining an answer, Ianos gained only more questions as he sensed the same emitting from Pluto, noticing the Hunter's grip on his crossed arms tightening and his blind gaze zoning in on the focus of Orion's glare. Shifting his attention away from the two Exo, Ianos barley caught the questioning look of the twins before finally, his orange eyes settled onto a red and black clad form, the glowing bond secured onto the stranger's arm revealing their status as a Warlock.

"You gave everyone quite a scare," The Warlock – the 'Preceptor' stated, "nearly twenty days of unconsciousness, thought you were never going to wake."

"So I have been told," Ianos worded carefully, taking note of the glower that Orion and Pluto sent the Preceptor's way, "I take it you are the one that stabilized the Darkness within me?"

He received a nod as an answer, "And I can see that it is agreeing with you." Ianos raised a brow at that, "The Darkness emitting from your fingertips, that is a good sign. It means your body is expelling the excess, balancing itself."

"Oh! So that is what it means," Ianos heard Ace let out a hum, "Good, we were getting worried that his condition was getting worse, not better."

A gentle laugh then permeated from the Preceptor and immediately, a sense of familiarity lingered into the Awoken's mind; it reminded him of…

Sadness then pushed its way to the front, a sense of longing forming within. It was apparent that this did not escape his Ghost's notice, Ianos immediately spotting the orange optic of Ace turning to face him, the all too familiar worried look flashing into their gaze. Forcing the emotion to the side, Ianos then tuned his focus onto Hush, feeling the child Guardian shift in his lap to gain a more comfortable position before asking, "I have been told that despite my condition, that I have to maintain it somehow?"

Another nod from the Preceptor, "The Harmonization is the only beginning. After the individual is balanced with the Darkness, it is now the Ghost's turn to undertake it."

"I…beg your pardon?!" The surprise was apparent in Ace's voice, "Me!? A literal fragment of the Traveler?! Taking the Darkness in!?" A stunned pause, "How is that not going to kill me!?"

"I'm here, aren't I?" Ianos spotted Crystalline hovering nearby, hearing the female Ghost letting out a huff, "Not to mention that every single Revenant's Ghost has underwent the Harmonization."

"Still a risk," The Preceptor immediately added, "It takes years of training and discipline between both Chosen and Ghost before I deem them ready for the Harmonization." Ianos felt the Warlock's gaze settle onto his form, "Only reason I was willing to Harmonize you was that your life was in danger. Otherwise, I would have waited to see if you were capable."

"Then why not do it while he was still unconscious?" Ace asked, Ianos watching his Ghost's shell enclose around their core, "Would have saved some time, don't you think?"

"It requires the Chosen's participation," The Preceptor answered, "both of you have to consent on the next step."

Ianos couldn't help but narrow his eyes in suspicions, "Consent? Why is that?"

No sooner had the Awoken finished speaking when a glint of nervousness can be felt from the Preceptor, "I say is it better to wait until you see it for yourself. Many Chosen, especially those who have survived the Great Disaster, get a bit, 'anxious', when it comes to the Harmonization of their Ghosts."

"… That does not make me worried." Ace started, "At all."

A chuckle can be heard from the Preceptor, "Do not worry, it won't be unpleasant. It just takes a bit of time and meditation before you are properly linked to your Chosen."

"But, I am already linked," A pause from Ace, "Aren't I?"

"To his light side, yes," The Preceptor explained, "However, your Chosen now is balanced with the Darkness. In order to take up your previous duties as his partner, you must be balanced with the Darkness as well. Otherwise, without it, if your Chosen dies, you will be unable to resurrect him."

"I… What?"

"But do not fret, all Ghosts that have undertaken the Harmonization was successful." A sense of comfort can be heard behind the Revenant's words, "There will be no doubt that you will as well."

"…Thanks?"

Letting tinges of amusement linger in his mind at Ace's reaction, Ianos then heard the Preceptor continue, "Although it is usually recommended to start the Harmonization after the Chosen have underwent it, I say it is best for you to gain some rest, especially since you have just awoken."

Taking in the Preceptor's words, Ianos hummed thoughtfully before shifting his attention down towards Hush, receiving a bright smile in return, "I would have to say that, I agree." He turned his focus back onto the Preceptor, "Also a best time for me to catch up on what had occurred during while I was unconscious."

Seeing the Revenant nod in agreement, Ianos then noticed the Preceptor momentarily glance over to his side, "Then I would I be making my leave."

Frowning as the Warlock quickly turned and left, Ianos then zoned in onto the Preceptor's last line of sight, only to pause as he spotted Orion and Pluto, easily sensing the glare that the two had sent the Revenant's way, "What is going on?"

He saw Orion turn his optics towards him, bewilderment easily seen in his gaze as Pluto simply tilted his head his way, "What do you mean?"

"Did the Preceptor say something to you?" Ianos received a pause, "You cannot bluff your way out of this as well. I saw the way the two have been staring at him. I am not blind."

Seeing Pluto scowl, Ianos heaved out a sigh, "Do you know him?"

"…It is better if you do not know, Little Light."

Frowning at the answer he received, Ianos turned towards Ace, seeing the same suspicious look in his Ghost's optic, "Ace and I will figure it out eventually." He couldn't help but form a smile onto his pale azure features, "We always do."

Hearing Pluto let out a snort in response to his words, Ianos then shifted his attention upwards, his orange yes finally glancing over the many beds, "Now that I have been given 'leave', may someone fill me? Specifically, where is Isamu?"

No sooner had the name left his lips when a sense of melancholy settled into the room; dread filtered into Ianos' chest, "What happened?"

Xxxxx

"Make sure to leave a virus in there too."

"Traveler, Angel, I know you want to corrupt the entire database but, let's make sure that it's actually salvageable." He heard Hope hum, "Some of that data was ours you know."

Frowning at the words of his Ghost, Angel opted to say nothing, but instead glowered at the screen, waiting until Hope let it flicker out of sight, "I just can't get it out of my head, alright? Why else would the Revenants be furious towards the Tower even after all these years? Guardians live forever, Hope, and most don't 'forget'."

"I understand, but, no need to completely disengage the entire Tower database to vent out your frustrations," Angel couldn't help but let out a huff towards his Ghost's words, "I say hackin' in and gainin' the answers we need is enough. Alongside mixin' up several files with a tiny little 'surprise' inside."

Snorting at Hope's words, Angel placed his elbow onto the table before propping his chin onto the back of his hand, "Although it would be fun to see the Vanguard's reaction to our little virus, the files they had on the Revenants is small. Hardly tells us anything besides what we already knew."

A hum can be heard from Hope, "Perhaps we can ask several Veterans? Or those who had been around durin' the war with the Revenants at least?"

Angel couldn't help but give his Ghost a blank look, "And who are we going to ask? From what I can tell, those who have participated in the fight against the Revenants have sworn to keep it under secrecy."

"Wouldn't hurt to ask."

"What do I say? 'Hello there! I'm not sure how old you are, but perhaps you have been around for the Revenants? And if you did, can you tell me anything about them?'" Angel grumbled under his breath, "it would have been better if I ask Isamu."

"Did you say, Isamu?"

A startled yelp escaped Angel's lips before he turned around, his hands fumbling with his knife around his waist, only to halt as his green eyes connected onto brown, "Traveler, didn't anyone tell you not to startle a Hunter?"

Amusement easily settled into his fellow Guardian's eyes followed by a sheepish smile over his dark features, "My apologies, but I cannot help but overhear you talking about a fellow Guardian. Isamu, if I heard correctly?"

Shifting his green eyes over the individual's form, Angel let himself tense as he recognized the broad armor, licking his lips nervously as he realized the Titan easily towered over him; so, no fight, flight is the best option.

"Look, I am not here to cause trouble," Angel gave the Titan a dubious look, "I just want to know what happened to Isamu. My clan and I haven't been in contact with him since he left the Tower to stay with the-"

Hearing his fellow Guardian halt on his words, Angel's eyes widen in realization, "The Revenants? Correct?"

This earned the young Hunter a startled look, "How did…" The Titan then shook his head, "Never mind that, just tell me, have you been in contact with Isamu?"

That is when Angel hesitated, his green eyes scanning the Titan once more. At first glance, the Guardian seemed young, especially so with bright brown eyes against flawless dark skin, and short strands cleaned and cut close to his skull. However, with three members of Fireteam Redacted having several decades under their belt, Angel learned how to read past young features and into their eyes, and he can easily read the 'years' in the Titan's brown eyes followed by the sincere worry.

"I met him almost twenty days ago," He saw the Titan's eyes brighten at his words, "however, I haven't seen him since."

"Oh," Any attempt to suppress his sympathies were quickly quashed as Angel saw the disappointment gleam over his fellow Guardian's gaze, the latter's shoulders drooping, "Well, I guess that is better than hearing nothing else but static after several decades." The Hunter couldn't help but blink at the Titan's words, "If you do hear from Isamu, please tell him that Liam asked how he is doing."

Seeing the Titan start to turn, Angel found his tongue moving, "Wait." He silently cursed at his own curiosity as Liam shifted and gave him a bewildered look, "What is your relationship with Isamu?"

Receiving a bewildered stare from the Titan, the confusion in his eyes then softened as the Titan answered, "We were part of the same Clan, Blossoms of Hope." Angel couldn't help but raise his brows at the name, "Isamu was a founder, that is until…" He heard the Titan's voice fade, the yearning clear in his fellow Guardian's eyes, "well, let us just say that when the Revenants appeared, his ideologies changed."

Hearing this, Angel couldn't help but frown, contemplating on whether or not to inform Liam of Isamu's current condition. He may not have been conscious when it occurred, but Hope had seen enough, and Angel was fully informed of Isamu's corruption and the attempt to reach an active Revenant base. In the end, after a few moments, Angel thought it best to keep it to himself; although sympathetic towards the Titan, he just didn't trust him enough to tell him 'everything'.

"Ideologies?" Angel found himself repeating, and instantly, he saw a sad look flash over Liam's eyes.

"Isamu always have been vocal about the Tower's rules," Liam answered, "especially so when it came to the studies of the Darkness, and children." Angel blinked at that, "You are young, you wouldn't have known the rules back then, back when we were new and still under the thought that the Light was all, that the Light was, everything." A heavy sigh can be heard from the Titan, "Guardians back then, the only right we had was to be soldiers, not scholars, not family, let alone to be a parent, and, well…" A strained smile formed onto Liam's face, "Isamu wanted to be a father, and let's just say that, the Clan, the Blossoms, we were always 'by the book'."

Angel couldn't help but flinch; he already knew where this was going.

"Isamu and the Clan got into a huge fight after that," Liam continued, "He was claiming that despite our longevity, despite our near immortality, we were fragile, fragile as the humans under our protection. And as you know, hearing that, back then, back before the Great Disaster, it was almost equivalent to blasphemy." Angel heard the Titan take in a breath, "And his words only got louder after the failed reclamation of the Moon but, even then, we didn't want to listen. Instead, we said somethings, things that we – I regret saying." That is when the young Hunter saw the Titan turn his eyes away, his jaw trembling, "It was not long after the Revenants formed, and he left to join them." He heard Liam take in a stuttering breath, "It wasn't until the war between us occurred that we realized our mistake. That we had driven away our friend, our brother, and that we could have at least, listened to what he had to say."

Soaking in the Titan's words, Angel opted to say nothing as Liam turned his eyes back towards the Hunter, "Just, please. If you meet Isamu, tell him that his friends, his 'family' wants to speak to him, to, apologize for the wrong we had done towards him." And with his words spoken, Liam finally left, leaving the young Hunter in his own thoughts.

"They truly seem sorry," Hope finally broke the silence, "Do you think we should have told him what happened?"

At first, saying nothing, Angel then slowly nodded, "Yes, we should have told him." The Hunter just silently prays Isamu and the others made it safely to the Revenants.