Redacted

Festival of the Lost: We Found Her

I know this is way late, but the chapter was a lot longer than I anticipated, and also, things came up in life. But here it is! Before the event is done! lol

And thank you everyone for the reviews!

Turtleman - It has been a while! I was kind of wondering where you went lol. And thank you, it's nice to hear that, despite it's cheesiness XD. But nonetheless, I am taking a break from updating (for now) to catch up on writing. Decided it was best to write chapters preemptively before publishing them, but I will need some time to do so. But I will be happy to read your OC audition! Can't wait to see what kind of character they are C:

Update:

Published this at like 1 am in the morning so forgot to say that this takes place after Knight's/Nine's trial but before Dusk. And as such properly changed some text to fit the timeline lol

Anyway, decided to write this piece as I realized that I never really gave out what happened to Aleeza and Carina after their deaths and decided to clear things up a bit C:

Warning: This chapter contains mention of Suicide

"You are certain this is the place?"

If it wasn't for the objective he had in mind, Ianos would have cracked a smile at the blank stare he received from his Ghost, "It may have been years since we had last been here, but I think I know where to look for a body, Ianos."

The Warlock blanched at Ace's words, his mind ringing with memories of looking amongst the dead, burning those that were beyond salvaging, "Right."

Sensing the bewildered stare from the black and orange Ghost, Ianos bit his tongue long enough to resist the urge to remind Ace that he was semi-conscious during that time, his surroundings a blur as they carried his light and soul through the darkness of the tunnels. But, unlike him, Ace has clear memory of what happened down there with the Vex, and the loss of life during the process. It's hard enough for the Ghost to come back to the site where they and the others were forced to leave the body behind, Ianos doesn't want to further agitate Ace than needed.

As such, instead of responding to the confused look emitting from his Ghost, Ianos took the opportunity to carefully make his way down the hole full of rubble, hearing the broken debris and pebbles follow his movements. Reaching the bottom, Ianos then turned his attention back towards the black and orange shell of Ace, the latter of which was already scanning their surroundings, their light humming softly as they searched.

"To think, the Vanguard and the Consensus would not allow us to come back here and bring her back." Ianos heard Ace let out a huff, their orange optic narrowing as they continued to scan the rubble, "It has been, what? Two years since she died?"

"Nearly three," Ianos confirmed, trailing after Ace to ensure he stayed close by, "We should have just returned here the soon I was capable of moving on my own."

"And risk straining your still recovering body?" A scoff can be heard from the Ghost, "Although I am still angry at the 'power of the City' for not allowing us to return here and retrieve her body, I would rather be certain that you are well first before traveling beyond earth's atmosphere."

Letting out a small huff to signal his disagreement with Ace, Ianos decided to make no further comments and instead, focused on following after the Ghost, only coming to a stiff pause when the light faded from their optic.

"I found her."

No sooner had they spoken their words when Ianos scrambled forward, falling onto his knees before he started to toss stones to the side. This in turn, caused Ace to let out a startled yelp, "Watch it! You nearly hit me!"

Glancing back just enough to give his Ghost an apologetic stare, Ianos continued to dig, and soon, his vision would occasionally blink with light with Ace's help.

Considering he had asked the others what had happened, Ianos had expected to dig deeper, to dig exponentially until he could find her remains. But, he felt like he barely made way through the surface when he removed one piece of stone and immediately, his orange eyes locked onto broken optics. Or at least, what remained of it.

As of expected of a point-blank blast, the Exo's face was charred and distorted, the metallic plating cracked and melted to the point where if it were anyone else, they would have thought of it as nothing more than just a ball of rusted remains. This nearly made Ianos drop the stone in his hands, the Warlock fumbling with the object before immediately tossing it to the side and shifted his attention back onto the scorched and mutilated face.

His mind processing to find any evidence that this was 'not' her, Ianos found himself thinking otherwise and finally, he started to retch, dry heaving as he scrambled back, to gain some distance in case he was to lose the contents of his stomach. He was grateful that he was in too much of a rush to find the Exo's remains to even grab a cup of his daily caffeine.

"Ianos?"

"I am alright." The Awoken forced out, earning a look of doubt from his Ghost, "just, just check to make sure that the rest of her body is underneath, or if we have to…" He stopped mid-sentence, his stomach suddenly queasy at the thought of the Exo's head parted form her body, "Just check to make sure we do not have to search further."

Seeing the look of shock and concern linger in the optic of his Ghost, Ianos waited until Ace nodded once to break eye contact, shifting his attention back onto the broken rubble beneath him as the familiar hum of his Ghost rang in his ears. This soon was followed by the quick flash of warmth from Ace's light and their words of confirmation, "I do not know how but, amazingly her body is still intact despite the vicinity of the explosion. It should be possible to bring her back in one piece."

Relief flooded Ianos' senses, the Awoken lifting up his gaze as he said, "Then I say it is time to get to work."

Xxxxx

Angel couldn't celebrate anymore, not without Carina at least.

Despite being human and with Salziks' words ringing in the back of his mind, the Hunter just couldn't bring himself to celebrate the many holidays that pass by the Tower. At least, that was before he met the female Exo.

She always had been exuberant, excited on the festivities even with her lack of knowledge and understanding, and, thanks to the notion of sweets and candies, the Festival of the Lost quickly became one of her favorites. And somehow, despite his insistence, Angel always seems to be dragged into her antics, either wearing paper masks in the Crucible or simply running around after consuming a large quantity of sugar. And he means a large quantity.

But now, with her absent, all Angel receives are the constant reminders of his dead friend and he couldn't help but be bitter towards the Vanguard for their lack of sympathies. They should have tried, should have tried harder to convince the Consensus to allow the surviving members of Fireteam Redacted to head back to Venus and collect Carina's corpse. But, permission was never granted, and all for the reason that resources should be spent on fighting against the Darkness, not gathering the remains of the dead.

Bitter. Yes, bitter. Not angry. He has to grasp that as he drained the contents of his glass once more.

The Vanguard maybe part of the Consensus, but Angel considers them 'different' enough that he almost feels sorry for them whenever their decisions are voted against. Who knows, perhaps they did try to gain permission for Fireteam Redacted to head back and grab Carina's body, but the groups of non-Guardians were being a group of shit holes.

"Language." He heard Hope tut, causing Angel to let out a snort as he poured himself another glass, however, this one he took his time sipping. The Hunter knows his own body than anyone else and, although he may not admit it, he is a light-weight and he highly doubts that his tolerance will grow against alcohol. Nonetheless, this doesn't stop him from wandering to the bar to gain some drinks.

Scanning the bar around him, Angel took note of many somber faces seated at some of the tables, nearly all of them having a glass in their hands as they stared ahead; it seems the young Hunter wasn't the only one who came down to cope with their losses. As he continued to take in his surroundings, Angel noticed that some of the grieving Guardians were not alone; a handful were seated with a partner and the young Hunter counted at least two that seemed to be Fireteams of six. At least, they used to be.

Cringing at the thought, Angel glanced down at his glass, pondering on the others. He had first asked Akiva to join him as the he was a great consultant and not to mention that Carina was a fellow Titan; he does recall Titans openly mourn their dead. But, his invitation was declined, and Angel was not a bit angry for it; after all, usually when Carina's memory is brought up, so was Aleeza's and with the way that the Titan's twin had died, Angel understands that kind of event would be painful.

Next, he had tried Pluto, as he understands that the Exo Hunter had many to mourn for, but the older Guardian too declined his offer. It seemed that he had taken the new generation of Galaxy outside of the City, explaining that there was a place beyond the walls that the original Clan had and always called their 'home'; he said the new members were ready to visit the birthplace of the clan. Although envious, Angel understood and as such, he had decided to call upon the final surviving member of their original number: Ianos.

Of course, he wasn't too surprised when the Awoken declined to join him as well, although, he was a bit curious when he heard Ianos say that he had an errand to run. An errand that goes beyond the Wall. He had questioned what kind but, of course, Ianos rebuffed him before suddenly cutting off the connection, hurting Angel's feelings but, he wasn't too upset. The Awoken was old, ancient compared to him, and he wouldn't be surprised if this 'errand' was a way to cope. Nonetheless, Angel wished he wasn't drinking alone.

A cough to his side snapped him out of his thoughts.

Oh right, Hope.

Smiling sheepishly at the female Ghost, Angel decided to take the opportunity to down the contents of his drink as Hope gave him a blank stare, pouring himself another glass not long after.

He had considered asking Knight/Unit Eleven to join him, but, no offense to the Exo Warlock, but it just didn't feel right. True, he had accepted the newborn as a member of their Fireteam but, with his drunk addled brain and with him alone with his thoughts, he couldn't help but feel that Knight/Unit Eleven were replacements, an excuse for the Vanguard to fill in the blank space within Redacted's numbers. Anger and betrayal just wouldn't enable himself to ask the Exo Warlock to drink with him. And Hush, Hush was too young, too inexperienced to be really a part of the team. Angel considers her family, a part of his 'pack', but her age and innocence made it that he wouldn't be able to comfortably confide his grief, his thoughts.

He sighed at this, turning attention back towards his Ghost, the latter of which tilted her shell in concern; Angel let out a wry smile at this. The two maybe bad at talking about their feelings but, at least it was better than having no one at all.

Taking another sip of his drink, Angel then raised a brow when he spotted Hope go stiff, her green optic wide, "Is something wrong?"

"It's Ianos." He heard her answer after a brief moment of silence, "He said he found her."

Angel struggled to clear his drunk addled brain, "Found who?"

"Carina." Angel felt his heart leap to his throat, "Ianos said he found Carina."

Xxxxx

He couldn't tear his eyes away from the urn, even as he helped Amara put on a paper mask over her face; a Ghost, a little insight to what his hopeful youngest will gain in a few years.

Nonetheless, as Jordan and Ria took the children to allow Akiva and Neve time to themselves, the Titan pondered on scattering the ashes of his twin. And again, he convinced himself not to.

He still remembers Aleeza's request on her burial; her body cremated and travel to the highest top of a mountain to release her remains, to let the winds carry her throughout the lands. But, despite their short years together, Akiva knows that Aleeza would have wanted Carina to be with her, the way her eyes turned despondent at the mention of the Titan's death before adding in that she wanted to travel with the Exo Titan. Of course, she had said that expecting 'herself' to die first, not the other way around; perhaps that was the reason why she decided to take her own life. Too many of her lovers had passed before she was ready to let them go.

But that was impossible now, as Carina's body was still back at Venus, where the others told him they had no choice as the Fallen were slowly approaching upon them. Nearly three years had passed since then and the Consensus still as yet to allow the surviving members of Fireteam Redacted to retrieve their friend. Although angry at their decision, Akiva also understands a little of their reasoning. If her body was out in the open, out in a space where hostiles barely made an appearance, then perhaps the leading body would have allowed them to retrieve Carina. But, instead, her body was buried underneath piles of rubble, out in an area where both Vex and Fallen are numerous. It's too much of a risk to send out individuals to simply retrieve a deceased Guardian.

As such, the reason why Aleeza's ashes remains on a mantlepiece, out on the side where it is hardly noticeable but whoever passes can pay their respects easily; as such, what Akiva's children constantly perform.

Although only two when his aunt died, Oraxsis still held strong clarity of Aleeza and would constantly say, 'Hello Nana', as he passed. There are even days when Akiva would find his eldest seated in front of the ashes, talking to her as if she was still alive. For Nahala and Amara, the twins were not yet born when Aleeza died, but, with Ora's attitude and behavior towards the urn it was enough for them to follow his example, although, at a less personal level. Akiva wonders how long it will take the girls to figure out that what their brother is doing is not a 'game', but an actual response to losing a loved one.

"Thinking about her?"

Jumping from his seat, Akiva shifted his attention to the side in time to see Neve slide down next to him, a bowl filled to the brim with sugar candy. At first, confused with the contents of the bowl, Akiva then understood when he saw his partner give him a sad smile, "The Festival of the Lost was Alyx's favorite holiday." She gestured her head towards the sugar candy in her lap, "He would stuff handful of these into his mouth when he gets the chance."

Then, in memory of the Awoken Titan, she took a piece and Akiva watched as the Warlock started to make leeway on the bowl. This was perhaps the only time he would see her take in this much sugar.

"Akiva? Akiva!"

The frantic call of his Ghost caused the Titan in question to shift his attention away from his partner, Akiva blinking rapidly at Lex as he spotted his long-time friend in a panic, "What? What is it?"

"It's Ianos." Akiva raised a brow at the mention of the older Guardian's name; what had he done now? "He has done us a huge favor, but dear Traveler the Consensus are not going to be happy but god damn, Ianos we owe him one."

Now that, that caught Akiva's interest, "What did the kid do?"

"He brought Carina home!" The Ghost's voice was mixed with glee and relief, "He went to Venus and brought her home!"

That is when Akiva paused, blinking rapidly as disbelief settled within his mind, "…What?"

"Why aren't you more excited about this!?" The Titan reeled back at his Ghost's exclamation, "After nearly three years, Carina will finally gain the burial she deserves!"

Taking in Lex's words, Akiva couldn't help but let surges of joy spread throughout his body but, just as quickly as it came, it faded, only to be replaced by worry, "But, did he gain the jurisdiction of the Consensus? Or at least the Vanguard?"

Then, for the first time in years, his Ghost gave him a disbelieving stare, "What do 'you' think? The Consensus suddenly giving us permission to travel to Venus to recover Carina's body after years of denial? I say no."

Flinching at Lex's words, Akiva found himself leaning back in his seat, attempting to comprehend the whole situation. His mind screamed for joy, mentally dancing at the relief that Carina's body was no longer decaying on the marshlands of Venus and that finally, she would receive a burial that fits her status. But, the other half of Akiva's thoughts was filled with concerns, worries; the Consensus made it quite clear that Fireteam Redacted's attention should be elsewhere, somewhere 'productive'. How were they going to react once they figure out Ianos went against their commands?

"Where is he now?" Akiva managed to say, watching his Ghost blink several times before the latter went momentarily silent, a flash of light lingering in his optic to show his frequency, and then answering, "He just said that he landed in the Hangar and about to exit his ship."

That was enough to make the Titan leap onto his feat, taking long strides toward the door before he suddenly halted, hesitating before he slowly turned towards his partner; he received a small smile in return.

"Go on ahead," Neve gave him a subtle nod, "Chances like these do not come around often."

Giving the female Warlock a nod of thanks, Akiva then resumed his long strides, practically gliding through the door and down the hall, not once coming to a pause until he stumbled into the familiar sight of the Hangar, his golden eyes scanning the ships until his gaze fell upon one in particular.

The ship in question was a standard issue Echo-class jumpship, colored dark azure and lined with white. It was an ironic chose, as the ship was usually reserved for those who enjoyed speed and maneuverability, and Akiva had known Ianos long enough to know that Ianos enjoyed no such thing. Eventually, he discovered that Carina and Angel had chosen the ship; mainly Carina. Akiva recalls her saying that on their first mission, she had ruined the Awoken's Warlock's jumpship and had decided that the Echo-class would be best for emergencies. It didn't surprise Akiva that despite years of use, the ship was still in top shape; Ianos always had been the sentimental type, even if he wouldn't outright admit it.

Momentarily taking his eyes off of the ship, it was then Akiva finally spotted the Awoken in question standing not too far off from the vehicle, his attention over his shoulder as he spoke with the familiar black and orange form of Ace. It seemed the two were having a heated discussion, judging from the way Ace was really animated, their shell expanding and twirling, and their optic showing obvious signs of concern and frustration. Curious, the Titan decided it was the best time to approach the pair, although, decided to keep his questions to himself, especially when the Awoken and Ghost both paused in their conversation and their focus shifted towards him.

"About time you made it here." He heard Ianos mutter, "thought you would be the type to come running."

Akiva smiled sheepishly at his words, "Well, let's just say I couldn't help but be a bit doubtful of your claim."

Chuckling as Ianos let out a huff, Akiva then saw the Awoken glance over his shoulder, "Where's Angel?"

Pausing at his question, the Titan, at first, was going to ask why the Hunter would be in the Hangar, only to quickly mentally punch himself. Of course, Ace and Ianos would send out a frequency to Angel as well; he and Carina had been friends since their first year of resurrection, it only made sense that would be notified of the Exo Titan's recovery.

As if on que, Akiva glanced back in time to see the Hunter in question, the younger Guardian not once pausing in his steps as he practically leaped over the stairs, nearly stumbling over his own feet as he closed the distance between himself and the others.

"Where's Carina?"

At first, confused at the slurred speech of the young Hunter, it took Akiva only moments to remember the rejected invitation to the bar; it seems that with the news of Carina's body recovery, Hope had little to no time to sober Angel up.

This was proven when the Hunter in question had attempted to come to a halt, his steps faltered, and if Akiva hadn't caught him by the elbow, there was no doubt his face would have had an unfortunate collision with the floor. Barely hearing the buzzed apologies Angel blurted out, Akiva instead saw Ianos shift in front, prompting the Titan to turn his attention back onto the Awoken. That is when he took in a sharp breath.

In Ianos' hand was a silver cannister, its pristine shape held delicately in the Awoken's grasp as the latter held it up for the pair to see.

"We were able to salvage most of her body." Ianos answered before Akiva could even start to question, "however, with the vicinity of the explosion, her body was too fragile to bring back in one piece." He then held the cannister out towards Angel, Akiva seeing tears forming near the edges of the Hunter's eyes, "I hope you do not mind that I had preemptively cremated her when you were not present."

"I'm just glad that you were able to bring her back to the Tower." Akiva barely caught Angel's words, but the gratefulness can easily be seen on the younger Guardian's face as the Hunter carefully accepted Carina's remains, cradling it in his arms as if it was the most precious thing in the world.

Although relieved that one of their team's body was retrieved and safe, Akiva finally could not contain the question that lingered in the forefront of his mind, "Tell me, does the Consensus know of your departure to Venus?"

The Titan had hoped that Lex was exaggerating when he was told that Ianos had left without jurisdiction but judging from the way the Awoken shook his head, there was undoubtably truth in the Ghost's words. He silently cursed under his breath, "We have to hide her remains then, if they figure out that you had left without permission-"

"There is no need to worry about that."

Freezing at the familiar voice of the Warlock Vanguard, Akiva slowly turned, only for his jaw to drop as not only Ikora but Zavala and Cayde stood nearby, a wry smile on the former's face; silently the Titan wonders if the three ever part ways when they are not in the Tower.

"Warlock Ianos had sent us a frequency before his arrival, admitting to his, 'crime'." Akiva flinched as Zavala spoke, "however, Cayde, Ikora, and I decided that we are going to keep silent on the matter."

Akiva blinked, and blinked again, "…What?"

"Look, the three of us may sound like we are about 'the book'," Cayde gestured with his fingers at the last of the words, "but, when it comes to the sake of Fireteams and others of our group, sometimes rules are meant to be broken." The Vanguard Hunter then shrugged, "Temporarily at least."

In any other situation, Akiva would have snickered at the Exo's words, but the Titan found himself too nervous to even smile, especially so when he spotted Zavala turn his glowing blue eyes towards the cannister in Angel's hands. Although, his agitation quickly turned to one of bewilderment when he saw the Awoken Titan's eyes soften, his features losing their harden edge, "Especially when it comes to retrieval of friends."

Then, without another word, the three Vanguard turned and left, leaving Akiva confused at what just occurred.

"Well." It was Lex who broke the silence, Akiva feeling his Ghost leaving the edges of his mind, "That problem was solved easily."

"Ianos? Where are you going?"

Hearing Angel's voice, this prompted the Titan to break away from the Vanguard's back and turn his attention back onto the Awoken, only to see the Warlock taking steps back towards his ship, "You are not going to stay for Carina's burial?" And Aleeza's, Akiva mentally added. It would only make sense to send the pair away together.

"I have other errands to run."

Akiva couldn't help but scrunch his features together at Ianos' answer; there was something else more important than attending Carina and Aleeza's funeral?

Before the Titan can question what, the Awoken simply turned his back towards him and Angel, allowing Akiva to barely glimpse a burnt cloth held in the Warlock's hand before the light of transmat took him back into his ship. Confused, Akiva made a mental note to ask later when he felt a gentle tap on his arm; he turned to stare into the tearful gaze of Angel.

"Carina said she wanted to be buried at the highest point in the world." He heard the Hunter whisper, "Did Aleeza say anything about her final resting place?"

Now, the question took Akiva off guard but even more so at the younger Guardian's previous statement; considering their young age, it never occurred to him that Carina and Angel spoke of their burial grounds. Then again, with Pluto and Ianos in their team, it always would make anyone younger in their years think.

As such, in response to Angel's question, Akiva gave the Hunter a wry smile, "I will tell you along the way there." He then placed a comforting pat on Angel's shoulder, "I may not know the highest point in the world but, I do think it is pretty far into the sky."

He received a strained but thankful smile in return.

Xxxxx

It was tradition amongst the Sunbreakers to cremate their dead and to spread their ashes upon the sands of Mercury; to watch over the remaining faction they claim. And not just their body they cremate, but also their armor, their weapons, their belongings, even their Ghost, so that they are rejoined in the afterlife. The only object they do not burn are their Marks, in which they are hung amongst lines within their base, to present that although gone, the ones they lost are still around, forever watching their fellow Sunbreakers. However, with Sun's body currently buried within Rasputin's bunker back on earth and Carina's body claimed by Angel, Ianos hopes that bringing back the burned remains of their mark was enough to ease the mercenaries.

Ianos mused at this; he wonders how they are going to present Sun and Carina when the former had passed down their mark to the latter. Would their names be passed down verbally? The surviving members voicing the history of each Mark to each new addition? The Awoken will have to figure it out once he lands.

And land he did so, followed by main assortment of guns pointed his way when he landed upon the sandy hearth. Assessing the situation, Ianos simply brushed his shoulders of any stray sand before turning his attention towards one Titan in particular, "Is this how you greet old friends, Ouros?"

A moment of silence followed by a snicker.

"Is that you, Ianos? Or should I say, Little Light?"

The Warlock blanched at the nickname, especially when he heard strained chuckling reverberate from several of the Sunbreakers, "How many times do I have to say it, only Sun and the rest of the Galaxy Clan are the only ones who may call me that?"

"It is you." The air of formality dissipated as Ouros approached, the female Sunbreaker clamping a hand down onto the Awoken's shoulder, "It has been many years since I last seen you, friend. How long was it? A couple of hundred years?"

"A little over that if include our encounter during the Great Disaster." Ianos noted some of the members of the Sunbreakers flinch at the event; no doubt survivors, "Although, I would guess Sun had visited you several times before their passing?"

"More like sending me frequencies." Ouros clarified before she took several steps away, waving her hand to signal for Ianos to follow before she continued, "Merely updates on how they were doing before it suddenly ceased. It was then I knew that it was a matter of time before they would send an 'heir' to take their place amongst the Sunbreakers."

Ianos winced before taking in a breath, "Speaking of heirs, there is something I would like to give you."

Following the steps of the Sunbreaker as she paused, Ianos noted the bewilderment emitting behind her visor before it was quickly replaced by one of shock, and then grief when he held out the charred remains of a Mark. A Sunbreakers mark.

"This is…"

"Good, you recognize it." Ianos' shoulders deflated in relief, his eyes softening behind his visor, "I was worried that thanks to the damage, you would be unable to identify the Mark."

"But, it has not even been five years since she had taken up Sun's mantle." The Warlock let the charred piece of cloth slip between his fingers as Ouros delicately took it, "and already…"

"To the Consensus, Carina was just another newborn casualty." Ianos easily sensed the narrowed glance behind the female Titan's visor, "I would be surprised if you had heard of her passing."

"…How?"

"Self-sacrifice gave up her life to ensure her team made it alive from a mission."

A sad and heavy sigh can be heard from Ouros, Ianos watching the female Titan caress her fingers against the distorted fabric, "… You really were expecting Carina to make a mark."

Hearing a few sniggering from the few Titans in the background at his unintended pun, Ianos fixed his attention back onto Ouros in time to see the female Sunbreaker let out a stiff nod, "It was because Sun 'chose' her, was it not?"

Another sigh from Ouros, "You have to understand, Ianos. Sun-7 was one of my mentors before they left the Sunbreaker order. Usually when they chose an initiate, well…" Ianos can sense a sheepish smile behind her visor, "They tend to do great things."

Soaking in the Sunbreaker's words, Ianos opted to remain silent, and instead, let Ouros quietly mourn the loss of two Exo amongst the faction's number. As he eyed the visor hiding her features, the Warlock also took note of the 'lack 'of the headpiece on the others behind her, counting mostly humans amongst their numbers before it hit him: he never knew what Ouros physically looked like. Of all his encounters with her, her helmet had always been on, especially so when in Sun's presence.

Sun.

Ianos mentally slapped him on the back of the head. Of course, Sun would never mentor an organic, with their strong dislike of them. However, if they were to never be informed of one's race, then Sun's bias will be severely limited; the Awoken wouldn't be surprised if Aodh had been the one to set up such a plan. Nonetheless, it seems the Magistrate had kept the habit eons after being under Sun's tutelage; habits die hard, he guesses.

"If you had just brought the Mark, I am to guess that Sun's and Carina's bodies are unavailable to us?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, it took Ianos a few moments to completely comprehend the Sunbreaker's question, "Carina's body had been claimed by one of my Fireteam members, and before you can protest, they had been comrades in arms since their first year of resurrection. Hunter Angel had known her years before Carina had even heard of the Sunbreaker order. It is only fair that he gets claims on her remains first before you." Waiting momentarily for the muttering to fade from the Titans around him, Ianos then continued, "For Sun's body, they had made it clear before their death that they want their burial grounds a secret, and as such, I am sorry to say that I cannot give you that information easily." A shout of protest can be heard from several of the Sunbreakers, "However, I can say with clarity that their body have been given a proper burial and that their Ghost, Gaia, has bonded steadily with their new Guardian."

"And Carina's Ghost?"

That is when Ianos scrunched his features together, his mind processing through his memories.

What had happened to Spears?

All he recalls was that Aleeza had the deceased Titan's Ghost in her custody before her suicide, and in turn, everything in her possession was taken. No doubt that Spears' shell was taken as well.

Usually everything in the possession of a deceased Guardian would be handed over to their surviving Fireteam or, in Akiva's case, next of kin, but Ianos does not recall Akiva ever bringing up the late Ghost, or at least seeing him. He would have to question the Titan about it later, but for now, Spears' whereabouts are unknown.

"I am afraid I have do not have an answer." Ianos ignored the dark glares he received from the Titan's standing behind Ouros, "however, I suspect one of my Fireteam members have him in his custody. Once I question where he had placed Carina's Ghost, I will send him here, where he will be given a proper Sunbreaker funeral."

Although disappointment can be sensed behind the Empyreal Magistrate's visor, Ouros then nodded her head in understanding, "Then we shall hang Sun's and Carina's Mark to honor their memory while we wait."

Then, to Ianos' surprise, the Sunbreaker placed a fist onto her chest plate and bowed, "Until then, I would like to request that you stay for their commemoration."

"Magistrate!"

"We are in the presence of one who had been under the tutelage of Sun-7 and the one who had taken Carina-23 under his care," Ianos sensed the glare Ouros gave to the others, "If we are to reject his presence during their honoring, we are hereby disrespecting their memory. As such, do not argue with me."

Easily seeing the narrowed glances he received from many of the Sunbreakers present, Ianos heard nothing more than grumbles before Ouros shifted her attention back towards him, "Unless, you have other things to attend."

Silently, he contemplated, his mind wondering back to Akiva and Angel back at the Tower before Ianos nodded once, "I would be privileged to attend the commemoration of Sun and Carina, your grace."

Sensing the anger slowly ease off of some of the Sunbreakers after the honorific, amusement can easily be sensed from Ouros before once again, the Magistrate motioned for him to follow. Ianos didn't hesitate to trudge after her through the sand.