Redacted

Little Steps

It's been a while huh? Slowly starting to get back into pace with writing so updates shouldn't be 'as' long but, no longer the weekly updates as I would like.

Nonetheless, enjoy C:

"Did you find the files yet?"

"Not quite." Akiva couldn't help but eye Lex impatiently, watching as the Ghost's core blinked steadily as the latter added, "It has been a couple of years since we last needed to translate Eliksni."

"Normally I would have said 'take your time', however," Akiva shifted his eyes towards the front, watching as Varathis and Orion quietly chattered with each other as they walked, the Titan barely hearing the familiar snarled language of the Fallen, "considering that we are soon going to meet with several Eliksni of House Kings, I would like to understand what they are saying."

He heard Lex let out a groan at his words, "This makes me regret not taking up on Angel's offer to learn the language." The Ghost then started muttering to himself, "Why can't we be more like Ianos for once and actually take interest in learning something new?"

"Because we like to punch stuff?" Akiva added in helpfully, only to chuckle silently as Lex turned and gave him a blank stare, "Fine, after all this blows over, we'll talk to Angel to give us some lessons. At least, enough so that we can understand what they are trying to say."

No sooner had his words left his lips when Akiva easily sensed the look of disapproval emitting from behind, prompting him to turn and lock onto the eyes of one of the Revenants, "What? Not liking what you hear?"

With their helmets absent, it was easy to see the Warlock of a the pair – a human male – role his eyes, "Despite the claims of your friends stating that these 'Eliksni' will do us no harm, I do not understand why you trust what they say."

"Because, like us, they are trying to scrounge up of what was left of their former glory." Akiva couldn't suppress a snort as Orion glanced over his shoulder and glowered at the Revenant pair, "so behave yourself. According to Varathis, they have at least one Baron amongst their ranks."

Immediately, Akiva found his amusement smothered, his smile fading from his lips as he glanced over his shoulder and over the two Revenants; he spotted the two Vandals from before, "Is that why those two are following us like the plague?"

"Can you blame them?" He watched as Orion shook his head, "Betrayed by one of their own, House in near ruins, survivors scattered, and not to mention their Kell is dead." Akiva flinched at that; nothing worse than a Kell-less House, "And from what I can gather, most of those who fled were unable to grab a single Servitor." The Titan then nodded his head towards the two Vandals trailing slowly behind them, "Without Ether to sustain them, they're all weak, especially for anyone that is a rank of Captain or higher."

"And they have a Baron." Akiva added in, his thoughts glazing over to the two Vandals trailing behind them; considering their poor condition, he can only imagine how a Baron is faring, "think we should contact Angel when we talk to the poor guy, girl, whatever they identify as."

A short squeak from Varathis.

"Male." Orion clarified, "And considering that they were given orders by Angel's 'mate' to look for him, I say that's the best idea."

"Right." A bob of agreement from Lex, "Just me let find his frequency and –"

Seeing a flash of movement from the corner of his eyes Akiva found his body moving on its own, reflex taking over as his hand reached out and snatched Lex's yellow and white form out of the air. Moments later, the hand of the Revenant Titan swung near the area where Akiva's Ghost had hovered, the Titan feeling his fingers brush against the back of his hand as he pulled Lex away from his grip.

"What." He started, his eyes narrowing at the Titan, his gaze catching glowing blue, "Are you trying to do to my Ghost?"

Seeing the Revenant's shoulders stiffen and his eyes flashing momentarily to the floor before flicking back towards Akiva, the Titan couldn't help but give the Awoken kudos for being bold enough to lock eyes after daring to touch Lex.

"I thought the two of you were ill of mind until you tried contacting this Angel." The Titan finally answered, "and now the dangers of you working with these Scavengers have come to the surface."

That is when Akiva heard Orion's footsteps come to a sudden halt, the confused chitter from Varathis signaling the groups pause as the Exo's voice started, "And this is why I do not understand Pluto's insistence on working with people like 'you'."

If they were in any other situation, the offended look that had crossed not only the Awoken's face, but the Warlock's as well would have earned them a boisterous laugh from Akiva. Instead, he opted to just cough into his fist, feeling Lex wiggle uncomfortably in his other hand.

"Now what does-"

"Simple-minded, conservative, and fucking idiots." Akiva was hoping that Lex was recording all this, Pluto would no doubt would want to see this. And be proud, "Hundred years of war and conflict and it never crossed your mind that peace between us and the Eliksni is possible?" A scoff from Orion, "The Eliksni were once the Traveler's Chosen race and if it were not for the reason that the Darkness chased it away, it would have remained so. In other words, they are our fellow brothers and sisters in arms, whether you like it or not."

Although able to keep his laughter contained, Akiva could not stop the broad smile that settled onto his face, his eyes beaming smugly at the two Revenants.

"I am taking pictures."

How his Ghost was going to take proper photos of the offended and shocked looks upon the Titan and Warlock's face in his current position, Akiva wasn't sure but, nonetheless, he was grateful for it. Nice to see that the more arrogant and simple-minded members of the Revenants were finally being put in their place.

Wanting to take more of the scene before him, Akiva was met with disappointment as frustrated chitters can be heard from the Vandals and it wasn't long before a low rumble can be heard from Varathis.

"We have to get going, Varathis said he's not sure how long the Baron will stay conscious for."

That, that was a worrying sign.

His mood turning more somber, Akiva finally turned his focus away from the two Revenants and back towards Orion, easily spotting the look of worry in the Exo's pink optics. However, before he can reach out and hand out comforting words, Akiva then felt Lex struggle strongly in his grip, prompting him to release his hold on his Ghost.

"It's Angel." Akiva paused at Lex's words, "He's trying to contact us."

Xxxxx

It took a couple of hours but with Hush's help, Ianos had managed to force Knight out of his curled position. He had initially hoped that after nudging the Exo a few times, they would finally gain a reaction when he slowly moved Knight's arms to reveal his face. Only to lock onto blank optics, lights dim, and seemingly seeing 'nothing'. Hearing a pained noise from Hush, Ianos reached out without looking and placed a hand onto her head, his fingers massaging her scalp as he felt the tension leave her body.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid," Crystalline's self-chastising didn't escape Ianos' ears, "I thought it was best to inform Day of our suspicions but it seems we," A pause, a brief sense of hesitation, "I have made a terrible mistake."

"You think?" It was Gemini, Ianos turning to face the entrance to see the female Exo enter, trays in her hands as she was soon followed by her twin, "Day was the only one who can reach Nine but then you had to open up your big mouth and ruin it for everyone."

"It was in the heat of the moment." The violet Ghost muttered as she turned, her yellow optic seemingly blank but Ianos did not miss small flash of regret, "With their confusion on why they could sense Nine but not Knight, I had thought it best to give an explanation."

"Not when they are in such a vulnerable state." Crystalline's shell scrunch against her core at Ianos' words, "especially not after a fight against a being of the Hive."

"Speaking of Hive, anyone receive news on how – what's his name? – Odoratta is doing?" Scorpio settled near Hush, holding out a single tray towards the child, his optics not looking away from Ianos as his offering was taken, "I know it may seem like a graze but considering how Nine is like, well, you know." The Hunter shifted so that his tray can lay on his lap, "I imagine it would hurt."

A scoff can be heard from Gemini as Ianos heard the Huntress take a seat near him, "Considering Hive Knights are hulking tanks, it would hurt but he will survive." Placing a tray near him, Ianos opted to simply pull his share close to his lap but out of the Exo's way as the latter stabbed a fork into her meal, "Not to mention I say he got the better end of the fight."

"To us, yeah," Scorpio popped a piece of his meal – venison once again it seems – into his mouth, the young Exo's optics flashing thoughtfully as he added, "But imagine what it's like for the Revenants. They just watched one of their strongest fighters get throttled and the victor seemingly coming out of it unscathed?"

Ianos didn't have to look back at Gemini to sense the scowl permeating from his features, "Does that look unscathed to you?" From the corner of his vision, Ianos saw her point her fork at Knight's limp form, "It's one think to take a beating, but mentally? That, that is something that no one can recover from."

"Gemini."

"What?" The Huntress' scowl was aimed at him now, Ianos seeing her pale azure lights glowing brightly in response to her emotions, "Do you think that the rest of Galaxy and I are ignorant of the isolated part of the Hospital Wing?" She stabbed her fork back into her tray, "We saw many Guardians go in and are never seen again, even years later." Gemini then proceeded to stuff the entirety of the venison into her mouth, earning herself a shocked look from not only Ianos, but her twin and Hush as well, "They are checked in with barely any life in their eyes despite having no physical injury. And those who are checked in 'after' them are treated and released immediately." Her optics shifted back to Ianos and they flashed once more, "The Galaxy and I aren't so young to be so oblivious."

Opting to simply watch as Gemini angrily devour her meal, Ianos then simply let out a sigh before turning his attention towards his own tray. A Revenant must have gotten under her nerves when she and Scorpio went to retrieve their meal, that was the only reason why she is acting so harshly. Otherwise, she wouldn't have snapped at him.

Picking up his fork and poking at his meal, Ianos then heard a soft cough, prompting him to lift his eyes and settle upon Scorpio's form; he was surprised to see the Exo Hunter's tray empty on the floor near his side. He must have been hungry.

"I know you would prefer if we are all here, in case Knight wakes up." The Exo started, "but is it alright if I leave momentarily again? I, sort of, want to see, well…"

Raising a brow as Scorpio shifted nervously in his seat, Ianos then heard Gemini let out a small noise of annoyance.

"He wants to see Eidr."

"Gemini…"

"Well, that's what you want to say, right?"

Seeing the young Exo dip his head and his lights flushing brightly against his blue plating, Ianos once again, opted to say nothing, and instead, simply nodded. Immediately, Scorpio's head snapped towards him, his optics wide before a smile formed onto his metallic features.

"I will be back."

Then, without another word, he had leaped to his feet and dashed out of the room, causing the Revenants present to grumble silently under their breath. Ianos heard Gemini snort in response.

"You would think that the news of us bringing Eidr here would have spread by now." The Huntress commented as she put down her empty tray; she must have been hungry as well, or at least, needed a proper sustenance to gain her energy reserves back, "Or either that they didn't think that we would get attached to a 'Revenant' child."

Taking note of the bitterness in her tone, Ianos simply said, "Then I am going to guess that the two of you were planning to adopt?"

That is when a choking sound emitted from Gemini, "E-Excuse me!? What do you mean by two?! I wasn't planning to adopt Eidr."

"But you're not stopping Scorpio from the thought." The Huntress dipped her head, her lights glowing brightly between her plating at his words, "The two of you are always together, Gemini. It doesn't take much for one to understand that the actions of one, usually includes the other."

Listening to Gemini grumble about 'damn Warlocks and their observation skills', Ianos then turned to Hush as he felt a tug on his arms, his eyes locking onto wide and curious yellow.

Twin-Gemini and Twin-Scorpio are going to adopt?

Raising a brow at Hush's understanding of their words, Ianos simply signed back, I am not sure but, considering their attachment, most likely yes.

Immediately, the somber look in her eyes were slightly lifted, replaced a tinge of excitement as she then signed, This one gets a new brother?

Ianos couldn't help but blink at this as he heard Gemini let out another choke; no doubt she understood the child's hands.

"We are not-"

"Hey! What are you doing bringing an infant here!?"

"It's just for a moment!"

Turning his attention back towards the entrance, it was Ianos' turn to let out a startled sound as Scorpio swerved out of the way of their Revenant guards, holding onto a bundle tight in his arms. In other words, a baby.

"What in the – Scorpio! I thought you just wanted to see Eidr!?"

Opting to stare wide-eyed as the Exo finally made his way over, Ianos found himself unable to form words as Gemini continued, "By the light, why did you bring him here!?"

Keeping his eyes on the Exo Hunter as the latter skidding around him, making him a makeshift barrier between Scorpio and their Revenant guards, Ianos simply sighed as the younger Guardian narrowed his optics at the Chosen, "Scorpio."

As if snapping him out of a trance, the aforementioned Hunter snapped his attention towards Ianos, his gaze flickering out of bewilderment before quickly, his lights dimmed sheepishly. Ianos decided to take the opportunity, "Would you mind explaining why you decided to take Eidr out of the nursery?"

Receiving no response at first, Ianos simply crossed his arms where he sat, his eyes narrowing at the younger Guardian as the latter dipped his head, Scorpio shifting on the back of his heels.

"Well," The Exo finally started, "I 'thought' about just visiting him, but then, I remembered that you never met Eidr before." Ianos couldn't help but pause at Scorpio's words, "So, 'I thought', it would be a good idea to introduce him to you."

An audible 'smack' can be heard just beside Ianos; he recognizes the sound of a facepalm anywhere.

"And they say that Scorpio 'and' I don't think things through."

Smothering down the smile that threatened to form by Gemini's grumbles, Ianos hoped his face was neutral as he said, "And how in the Traveler did you manage to get him out of the nursery?"

Scorpio's guilt seems to assuage at his words, "Well, the Revenants act all tough but they're not much."

"How dare-"

"Didn't take too much effort to sneak past them." The young Hunter's chest puffed out, his pride obviously glowing in his optics as he continued to ignore the glares of the Revenant guards, "Just had to pull my cloak over Eidr and simply walked out the doors." His chest then deflated, a thoughtful looking glazing over his gaze, "Although, they did catch me pretty quickly not long afterwards."

"And you need to put the infant back."

Seeing Scorpio give the guards another glare, Ianos just shook his head as he spoke, "I recommend you follow their directions, Scorpio. The children are kept in the nurseries for a reason."

No sooner had he finished speaking when the Exo Hunter's eyes flashed towards him, and the expression on his face would have melted Ianos' stoic exterior. Would have, if he hadn't learned how to resist most of it thanks to Hush's constant use of her doe eyes. Pulling his shoulders back, Ianos kept his face neutral, his eyes staring blankly at the young Hunter's metallic features before finally, the latter let out a breath of defeat.

"Fine." He grumbled before he paused, his optics glancing down at the bundle in his arms before a sly smile formed onto Scorpio's face. "But first," Ianos' features scrunched together in bewilderment, "let me introduce you to Eidr."

Then, before Ianos can protest, Scorpio took one step forward, got down onto his knees and shoved the bundle into his arms. Scowling at the Hunter, Ianos at first attempted to force the infant back into the younger Guardian's arms, only to pause as the child in question let out small noises of discomfort. Glaring at the now smug Hunter as the latter scooted back, Ianos reluctantly accepted defeat and as such, the panic in his chest started to bubble to the surface.

Of course, of course the bastard would remember Ianos' stock still reflex of whenever an infant is placed into his arms, the Warlock already feeling his shoulders going tense and his arms locking around the bundle as if to form a protective layer. In other words, nigh impossible to pry the infant from his grasp now.

Hearing his Ghost snickering in response, Ianos sent a mental message back, his signs of annoyance only further igniting their amusement. Heaving out a frustrated sigh, he then closed his eyes, gathering his thoughts just enough to ease the bubbling discomfort in his chest. At least, long enough for him to glance down and stare down into hazel eyes.

And all he saw was Isamu.

It was strange, in all his years of being a Guardian, a Chosen, it never crossed Ianos' mind that any of his friends, his comrades, his teammates would have had offspring, children that would have continued their bloodline. True, procreation was banned when the Tower was first implemented but that didn't stop Guardians from venturing into the City and having nights of fun. Not to mention the era of the Dark Ages. All Ianos knew was that they were gone and all he has were memories.

But, here was Eidr, the child's face all too recognizable to the Awoken, his eyes wide as the infant in question stared back with a curious expression. Then, to his surprise, a smile slowly crept onto the infant's face, the latter then letting out a coo as little arms reached out towards him.

"He likes you."

Hearing Scorpio let out a short laugh as the latter leaned away from Gemini's swipe, the latter letting out a hiss of 'You did this on purpose'. Ianos ignored the twins as they both stood up, mostly likely trying to avoid each other's hits, and instead, he dared himself to raise one of his hands and brushed his fingers against Eidr's cheek. Immediately, the child let out a laugh before grabbing said appendage and promptly stuck it into his mouth.

"I do not think that is sanitary."

Feeling the hum of energy against his skin, Ianos did not look away as a flash of light appeared in the corner of his vision, instead hearing the clicks of Ace's parts as the Ghost in question loomed closer.

"Perhaps." Ianos simply responded as he made no gesture to move, as if frozen by Eidr's hazel eyes as the latter continued to gum his fingers.

That is when he felt small hands settle onto his arms and at first, bewildered by this, Ianos' shoulders lost tension when Hush peered above Eidr, her yellow eyes sparkling.

Ours? She was making the doe eyes again, the hopeful look so familiar to Ianos as she reached out and her fingers linger over Eidr's face. This prompted the infant to pause his attack on Ianos' hand and instead, his eyes followed Hush's hovering hand as she waved it back and forth. Unable to stop the smile that formed onto his features as she squealed, Ianos then turned his attention towards Knight, concern lingering back into his mind at the Exo's blank optics. That is when a thought hit him.

"Children." He whispered to himself as he shifted himself closer to the Exo Warlock, feeling Hush's hands slip away as Ianos felt her eyes give him a confused look.

Children, Knight and hell, even Nine, holds a weak spot when it came to children, the two always the first to volunteer when it came to watch over Nahala and Amara. And Hush, always Hush first when it came to her well-being. Perhaps bringing Eidr here was a good idea.

Ignoring the eyes now upon his back, Ianos instead focused on shifting Knight's arms, ensuring they were loose enough before maneuvering them around Eidr's form. As he worked, Ianos would occasionally glance down at the infant, only to keep working when the child remained quiet, although, making a face at the factor that he had lost its finger pacifier. This quickly changed though when Ianos finally got around to what he hopes is a proper hold on Eidr's body before lowering his hands just enough to offer support.

When seconds ticked by and Eidr started to let out small whimpers, Ianos' face fell. He had thought it would work, or at least, gain a minor reaction. Clenching his jaw, Ianos then leaned forward to take the infant back, only to jump when he spotted Knight's fingers tighten around the bundle. Reeling, Ianos lifted his eyes upwards, only for them to widen when the dim lighting of the Exo seems to brighten; not at their full capacity but bright enough that even the twins had quieted down behind him.

Carefully taking his hands back, relief flooded Ianos' senses when Eidr's form remained intact and then shock when Knight's arms seemed to move on their own, bringing the infant closer to his chest and his arms shifting to better accommodate the child. That is when Knight lifted his head, just enough where Ianos took in a breath and heard a small squeak next to his side; it was Hush and it didn't take long for the Awoken to feel the child Guardian's hands gripping onto his arm tightly.

Although still blank, Ianos can see Knight's optics flicker, as if processing the bundle in his arms before his gaze shifted downwards towards the infant. Instantly, Eidr laughed, his hands peeking out from the blanket of his swaddle. Half-expecting the Exo to react, Ianos couldn't help the disappointment when all Knight did was stare at the giggling infant, but nonetheless, he was satisfied. Small steps at a time.

"Not how I imagine getting through to Knight, but it works." Ianos turned his attention just above Hush's head, his eyes catching onto Crystalline's glimmering form, "Now to inform Pluto and the Preceptor of-"

"No! We are not informing Pluto or the Preceptor of this!"

The flicker of anger was enough for Ianos to momentarily lose sight of his actions, finding himself standing and the edges of his eyes burning the second he finished his sentence. At first confused at this, Ianos quickly shoved it to the side when he checked on Hush, seeing her still seated on the floor, surprised but unharmed, and promptly turned his attention back towards Crystalline, "This does not involve them."

"Geez, what did Pluto do or say to you during your part of recon?" It was Gemini, Ianos turning to see her slip down from one of the tables, Scorpio following her example; it seemed his little outburst had startled the twin Hunters, "I have seen the two of you get upset at each other before but, never to this extent."

"And the Preceptor too?" Scorpio added in, "Last I saw you were getting along with the Preceptor just fine and all of a sudden, you want nothing to do with him?"

Unable to stop the scowl he gave towards the twins, Ianos said nothing and instead, closed his eyes and took in a breath, forcing his anger down into his chest and attempted to bring a sense of calm into his mind. Although his frustrations simmered, Ianos can still feel the storm broiling underneath, "Let us just say I discovered some 'truths' that they had been hiding from me."

"So, that confirms it then?" Ianos gave Scorpio a bewildered look, "You know who this Preceptor is?"

"Oh, Darkness."

Deciding to ignore Crystalline's little comment, Ianos just sighed, bringing up a hand and rubbing his palm against his eyes, "Yes, I do know the identity of the Preceptor."

"And let me guess, they are someone who is important to you and Pluto knew but kept it secret?"

Ianos was unable to stop himself from snorting at the Hunter's analysis, "Pluto taught the two of you well."

"He 'really' made sure that we are able to read and deduce people around us," He could hear the pride in Gemini's voice, "still learning but we're making progress."

"Honestly though, the Preceptor must have been someone you were 'really' close with." Ianos gave Scorpio a blank look, "I mean come on, Pluto didn't even come in here when he asked Gemini and I how you were doing."

Ianos' frowned at the young Exo's words, "He inquired about me?"

"During our last food run." Gemini clarified, "Asked us if you were doing fine and we confirmed that, yeah, besides being worried over Knight. Then we asked why he didn't just check on you himself and he blundered out an excuse and left." She then shrugged her shoulders, "Scorpio and I were confused after that. Pluto 'never' misses an opportunity to see you. I mean, after all, you are like his son."

Forcing down the guilt that threatened to surface at the Huntress' words, Ianos instead flinched and then grumbled under his breath as he used his fingers to rub against his eyes.

Honestly, Ianos was surprised Pluto hadn't followed him into the room where Knight and Odoratta had their scuffle. After all, the Exo Hunter always tend to worry when it comes to his well-being. But it seems that he had taken Ianos' words to heart; he had said the last thing he had wanted to see was Pluto and the Hunter took up on it and made himself scarce. Although Ianos hated to admit it, Pluto truly regretted his actions.

That doesn't mean Ianos will forgive him so easily.

Heaving out another frustrated sigh, Ianos mentally took note to 'talk' to the Exo Hunter later but, for now, Knight was their main priority.

"Well, Eidr seemed to be helping Knight." It was Scorpio who broke the stiffness in the air, "Does that mean we can keep him?"

Ianos suppressed his smile as Gemini frowned at her twin before using the back of her hand to smack Scorpio in the abdomen. In turn, the male Exo let out a small squeak.

Xxxxx

"Oh Vraldyks, why had you not contacted me earlier?"

Orion couldn't help but flinch at Angel's words, the human Hunter's words resounding from Lex's core. It was apparent in his voice that he was truly and utterly upset, the sound of mourning and regret clear and Orion wouldn't be surprised if the Hunter is already mentally planning to make a trip here. But could he blame him? Vraldyks, an infamous Baron within the enigmatic House of King, now leaned against the cave wall before them, his form haggard, armor broken and judging from the glazed look in his eyes, in desperate need of Ether. And a lot of it.

It wasn't long after Lex connected their frequency with Angel that they had arrived at the small refuge. Amongst the survivors, there were at least two Captains, eight Vandals, numerous amounts of Dregs, and Vraldyks, the Baron. And just as he had expected, most of them were in a bad state. Many of the lower ranking Eliksni were doing fine, only a handful were suffering from Ether starvation, most likely for the reason that they had yet to receive their share before the coup d'état. The same could not be said for the Vandals, as most of them were incapacitated. So far, the two that had escorted them are the only ones being able to function properly. Captains were barely hanging on and of course, Vraldyks, an individual who held a high rank within the House of Kings, was barely conscious, hardly letting out a low growl of greeting when Angel had attempted to converse.

Of course, it was one of their escorts – Tiphaxis, a female – who had to explain the situation to the human Hunter, while as the other Vandal – Darivion, a male – kept watch, his four eyes narrowed in both intrigue and wariness. Orion hardly can blame them; they were in the presence of one of their Barons after all. Although, the Exo wonders just how many of the Higher ranking Eliksni survived the massacre.

"This is pathetic, can't we just kill them and leave?"

Feeling not only his anger, but Trikxas' as well bubbling to the surface of his mind, Orion turned abruptly to reprimand to the two Revenants but, it was Angel who spoke first.

"How dare you threaten the lives of these survivors." Orion snickered at the shocked expression on the Warlock's face, "If it wasn't the reason that I am here at the Tower instead of there, I would have killed you for even inciting their deaths."

Sending Trikxas a mental link to start taking pictures of the Revenant's faces, Orion's amusement was quickly squashed as the look of surprise on the Warlock's face diminished and quickly replaced by annoyed frustration.

"They are already dying as they are." The Warlock argued, gesturing towards the survivors, specifically Vraldyks, as if to emphasize his point, "it is more of a mercy to end the lives of these Scavengers here than to let them live such a state of disarray."

In that moment, Orion decided he had enough and with one swift step forward, he brought his fist back and propelled it into the Warlock's abdomen. Tempted to use his light, Orion decided against it as such, nothing but brute strength had made a solid hit, and it was satisfying to the Exo as his target in question let out a pained wheeze. Watching the Revenant Warlock stagger back as he curled in on himself, Orion then turned his attention to the Revenant Titan, his optics narrowing as he spotted the Chosen in question curling his hands, shoulders tensing as if preparing to fight. But he also noticed the way the Titan scanned his surroundings and it was apparent that he was assessing his chances, if it was worth taking a risk to retaliate for his partner's sake. In the end, Orion saw the fight leave the Titan's eyes but his form remained rigid and judging from the way he glared at him, there was no doubt he was going to receive a punch of his own once they get back to base. But for now, it was his victory and they were not going to kill the survivors that he and the others had taken under their care.

"To think that Tower Guardians would work with these 'monsters'."

Quietly debating to himself if it was a good idea to send the two Revenants back first or to pummel them and then send them back, Orion then felt a light tap on his shoulder, prompting him to turn his attention towards Akiva. Half-expecting the Titan to have something to say, Orion couldn't help but raise a brow when instead, the Titan nodded his head in Vraldyks' general direction. Although confused, Orion then heard the colorful curses of Angel aimed towards the two Revenants from Lex's core and decided, to heck with the Revenants and followed Akiva's line of sight.

That is when he spotted Varathis, lingering near Vraldyks' form as the former messed with the Ether cannisters around his waist, and Orion couldn't help but stare wide-eyed as they popped open.

"What is he-" Before he could take a step forward, it was Trikxas who materialized into view, her white form blocking Orion's path, "Trikxas, what-"

"Just watch." He heard her whisper silently and although, confused, he obeyed, shifting his attention back towards the small Dreg.

Varathis, either ignoring or ignorant of the attention he was now receiving, then starting to work on the Ether cannisters around the Baron's waist before it popped open, and it was only when the Dreg started pulling out the empty cans that he finally understood. He was giving him the Ether that Orion had gifted to Varathis earlier, the Dreg carefully and dutifully pulling out the still mostly full can before sliding it into Vraldyk's pack, delicately locking it in place and then putting the more probably empty ones into his.

Orion's core warmed at this; Ether was a precious resource, literately life saving for the Eliksni. To give it away so easily, Varathis must respect the Baron greatly, especially since that meager amount won't be enough to get Vraldyks back onto his feet. But it was enough to make him last until help finally gets here.

Moments later, he then sensed a tinge of smugness from Akiva, causing Orion to shift his attention back onto the Titan; he saw the latter having turned towards the two Revenants, his arms crossed and a broad smile upon his pale features.

"Now is that what you call a monster?" Akiva asked and Orion couldn't help but be delighted at the Revenants' expressions; they were all confused, bewildered, and more than likely, had no answer to Akiva's question.

"Hope got a hold your location." Angel's voice piped in, Orion turning towards Lex in time to hear the sound of shuffling, the familiar hum of items being materialized into a personal vault, "I am heading over with Abraxos and plenty of Ether to help the survivors get back onto their feet."

That is when Orion's thoughts wondered back to the start of this crazy ordeal and suddenly remembered that he had heard Ianos point out Angel's stay in the Hospital Wing. And judging from the frustrated tones the Awoken had held, it was not a simple injury. How did the Hunter get discharged so early?

Or he could have snuck out.

Orion suppressed a sound of frustration, his memories remembering all the times that Scorpio, Gemini, and darkness, even Io, sneaking out when they were checked in. Must be a Hunter thing.

Despite the urge to tell Angel to sit down and 'rest', Orion turned his optics towards the Eliksni survivors in the cave and suppressed it. They need aid more than ever and with their current supplies, he and Akiva cannot give the proper help; not to mention that judging from the way their Revenant comrades were reacting, the corrupted Chosen wouldn't be willing to give a hand.

As such, Orion simply said, "See you then." And heard the familiar click of the frequency cutting off.

Heaving out a sigh at the thought of just 'how' they got here, Orion then went rigid when he heard Akiva ask, "So, who's going to contact Ianos or Pluto about this?"