Redacted

A Reluctant Favor

Nice! Updated within a month! (I think?) Record lol. Shorter chapter again but it seems like it's enabling me to update more often. Anyway, announcement, and I know that this is going to be unfortunate but any Oc's that had been submitted I'll have to brush to the side. The reason is that with the time that I have now and how long each update is in between, it's just going to take too long to put them in. As such, I apologize for the inconvenience.

Guest - Thanks! Shorter chapters seems to be helping a lot on getting this story going lol. And yes, there will be more on the Ostracized, a lot sooner than you think C:

Cremation.

That always seems to be the standard for most Chosen when it comes to burying their dead. Perhaps there was a symbolism behind it? An idealism that burning the body was a way for them to return their bodies back to ashes, just as they were before they were resurrected? Or was it because more often than naught their bodies were too brutalized, unrecognizable to the point where cremating the body was deemed more suitable than burial?

Personally, Akiva never really understood it. But, then again, all the deaths he had encountered were those of the Chargers and he was forced to leave their bodies behind when Crota gave him the chance to run. The only experience he had with cremation was Aleeza and that was because with the height that she jumped, there was hardly anything that could be called a body to be buried. And even then, it was more for convenience than anything else.

Currently though, with Onosi's body already nothing but ashes and scattered, the pyre that was currently burning before them was more ritualistic than anything, especially since all they had really to burn was the remnants of the Revenant Titan's Ghost. However, even with a lack of a body it seems to help give Taylor some closure, the Warlock having settled down onto one knee at the foot of the fire. His head was bowed in respect and it didn't take one long to figure out the reasoning in the shaking of his shoulders. Nonetheless, Akiva found himself taking small and idle steps towards Orion, the latter of which was standing behind Taylor as if to stand guard. And who can blame him, when they were outside, a few short minutes travel from the cave to allow space for Onosi's cremation.

Angel had stayed behind of course, claiming that the amount of Ether Vraldyks needs was going to be a substantial amount; a fair reason but, the glares that not only the Hunter but Taylor was sending back as well was tell-tale of another.

As he pondered on 'how' he and the others were going to keep Angel and Taylor to 'behave' when they were in close proximity, the familiar snarling language of Eliksni snapped him out of his thoughts, and prompted Akiva to turn his attention towards Orion.

Immediately, he saw the green and brown clad Titan muttering with two Vandals; Tiphaxis and Darivion, the two Eliksni that had escorted the group to the cave. The pair had been adamant on coming with them when they learned that they were heading outside, 'just in case' from what Lex had translated. It was obvious they trusted Taylor very little.

Orion had denied the request at first, retorting that the female and male Vandals stay in the cave and rest, especially after going so long with little Ether. But the pair were stubborn and Akiva had found himself snickering when Orion threw his hands into the air and caved in.

"What are they saying?" He asked as Orion continued to argue with Tiphaxis and Darivion, easily seeing the way the Exo's features scrunched together and how tense his shoulders were, making it quite obvious that he was not too pleased with what the two Vandals have to say.

"They had asked if we were bringing Taylor back to the cave once we are done here." Lex responded, Akiva hearing his Ghost hum softly over his shoulder, "and when Orion said yes, they were quite upset."

Akiva mused at this, "I am going to take a guess that they still aren't happy with how Taylor attacked them?"

All he received from Lex was a silent scoff, "The two want him dead, claiming that keeping him alive is dangerous."

Wincing at his Ghost's translation, Akiva then found himself asking, "And let me guess, Orion is saying we can't kill him?"

"Five stars for Akiva." Despite himself, Akiva chuckled at his Ghost's answer, "But yes, and they are currently in debate on what to do with our little 'prisoner'."

Flinching at the title, Akiva then turned his attention back towards Taylor, seeing now that the Warlock had now shifted to settling onto his knees, hands in his lap. It was a position that he always found many of the Warlocks in when they are in deep meditation. By the Light, he even walked in on Aleeza back when she was alive, her eyes closed, her expression serene; a calm composure that the Titan hardly had seen in his twin.

Confused at this seemingly weird timing to take up meditation, Akiva then walked over to Taylor, brushing aside the bickering of Orion and the two Eliksni to the background. Deciding to take a seat next to the Warlock, Akiva crossed his legs and placed his hand onto his knees, slouching forward to take in Taylor's expression. As he expected, the Warlock's eyes were closed, his expression calm although, the tears that streaked down the sides of his face betrayed the façade.

Thinking that perhaps Taylor didn't want to show any more signs of weakness, Akiva then leaned back, straightening out his posture as he turned his attention towards the pyre, "There a reason why we're using flames that aren't sourced from the light?"

That garnered a reaction, Akiva watching from the corner of his eyes the Warlock snapping his attention towards him; no doubt he had interrupted his meditation.

"Are you telling me that you Tower Guardians use your 'light' for this?" The bewilderment betrayed Taylor's age to Akiva; more than likely a little over a decade but he wouldn't doubt if he was younger than that.

This prompted him to turn and raise a brow at the Warlock, "There a reason why you don't?" Akiva then shifted in his seat, trying gain a more comfortable position; or at least as comfortable as he can get, "Everything burns faster with the light, right?"

The look of disbelief that Taylor sent him was hilarious, the Warlock actually sputtering before he responded, "Faster yes but…" Akiva then saw him scowl, his eyes scrunching together as he then shook his head and muttered, "Of course, you Tower Guardians are not the Preceptor."

Akiva blinked at this, "I'm guessing that the Preceptor was the one that started using this tradition of using 'natural' fire?"

A single nod from Taylor, the hardness in his eyes fading as he spoke, "The Preceptor said that all Chosen were resurrected from the earth, that we are all born from the same ashes. As such, in order to return to the cycle of life and death, everything has to be as it should be." Akiva then saw him turn his attention back towards the fire, watching the tension in his shoulders fade and his eyes softening, "No light, not darkness. Just, nature."

Seeing the Warlock then sag in his seat, it was then Akiva noticed just how 'tired' the Revenant looked. True, Chosen can go days without rest, but Taylor had just witnessed one of his friends die before him. Not to mention that he is unsure of his fate after this ritual. There was no doubt that the Warlock was more emotionally drained than anything.

Musing on how they were going to rest while keeping an eye on Taylor, Akiva then leaned back before unconsciously reaching up to his neck, his fingers eventually grasping something small and round. He momentarily paused at that; right, he had nearly forgotten.

Picking away at the chain until he can fully remove the locket from underneath his breastplate, Akiva couldn't help but stare before reaching down to his belt. From there, he removed his piece and then held it out in one hand, as if to compare the two pieces of jewelry. Momentarily hesitating, Akiva popped open the one that was tied to his belt. The familiar picture of Aleeza and him when they were kids sprang into view, prompting Akiva to pause.

He had taken the other off of Aleeza's body right before the cremation, unable to bear the thought of what had brought them together burning with her remains. It was a small thing, but it was sentimental enough where Akiva had thought that the object was worth saving. At least, until he opened it.

"What are you staring at?"

Jumping in his seat, Akiva couldn't help but clasp his fingers over the two lockets before leaning back, his eyes wide as they locked onto curious brown. He then blinked.

"Oh." Smiling sheepishly as he regained his composure, Akiva promptly coughed into his fist as Taylor scowled at him. Easily sensing Lex laughing through their bond, he then forced the echoes of laughter to the side before holding out the locket he had just opened, "My sister and I, back when we were children."

Seeing the Revenant's scowl deepen at his words, Akiva almost pulled his hand back when Taylor reached out, but he was able to keep himself still long enough for the younger Chosen to pick up the locket and stare into its contents. The Warlock then furrowed his brows.

"You have a twin?" He asked and Akiva's chest immediately ached at that, "… you 'had' a twin?"

Although he flinched at Taylor's accuracy, Akiva forced himself to smile, "Sharp, you sure you aren't a Hunter garbed in Warlock robes?"

A scoff from the Revenant before, much to Akiva's relief, held the locket back to the Titan, "Tried it, hated it."

Unable to hold back a snort from Taylor's words, Akiva gratefully took back the jewelry before securing it back on his belt; he then noticed the Warlock nodding his head towards the locket still in his hand, "Did that belong to your twin?"

That is when he paused, turning his eyes towards the piece laying in his palm, the pyre catching the gold embroidered onto its surface.

"Yes." He found himself absent-mindedly rub his thumb over it, thinking back to its contents, "but…"

Akiva felt Taylor give him a bewildered look, "But what?"

Swallowing down a lump forming in the back of his throat, Akiva briskly told himself that despite his attitude, Taylor is still a newborn in comparison to age and as such, gave the Revenant a stiff smile, "It's nothing, it's just another copy of the picture you have seen in mine."

Immediately receiving a doubtful look from the younger Chosen, Akiva quickly slipped the locket back around his neck, shoving the sphere-shaped jewelry back down underneath his breastplate. After a few moments of silence, Taylor then let out another scoff but this one was less harsh and sympathetic, the Warlock soon turning his attention back onto Onosi's pyre.

Following the younger Chosen's gaze, Akiva momentarily watched the dancing flames in silence before finally asking, "How much longer?"

This earned him a huff.

"A couple of hours." Akiva found himself wheezing at his words, "However since we're burning Little Hare instead of Onosi, ritualistically we're supposed to sit and mourn for the rest of the day."

"Rest of the day!?"

Taylor simply shrugged at his statement, "Onosi's ashes are already scattered and since we won't have a Ghost to bring back, it's tradition to wait until the first light touches the sky." The younger Guardian then paused before adding thoughtfully, "Or at least, until the fire is done burning."

Feeling his jaw go slack at the younger Chosen's words, Akiva quietly debated just outright leaving. The orange in the sky was quickly fading and there was no doubt that Angel was getting worried; considering his 'harsher' behavior, there would be no doubt that the Hunter would come searching with guns blazing. However, as he heard Taylor sniff, Akiva couldn't help but let the guilt settle into his chest and heave out a sigh. He then turned towards Orion and the two Vandals, "You two head on back, I will keep an eye on him."

No sooner had the words left his lips when the bickering immediately ceased, Akiva seeing Orion turn his wide optics towards him, "What? Why?"

Without missing a beat, Akiva nodded his head towards Taylor, the latter of which had also turned and gave him a wide-eyed look, "According to him, it's going to take at least a few hours, at most the rest of the day." He then heard a chittering from Tiphaxis; Akiva wouldn't be surprised if she was mouthing her suspicions, "Do you want to stay out here all day? In the woods? When it's getting dark?"

Seeing Orion shift back and forth on the back of his feet, Akiva then heaved out a sigh, "Orion, he's just a kid compared to me."

"Am not."

"Not to mention I think he will maybe be a 'bit' more comfortable if there aren't so many eyes on him."

Orion then paused at his words, his metallic features scrunching together, "What makes you think that?"

That is when Akiva's shoulders slump, giving the Exo a blank look, "He's mourning a friend, Orion."

Seeing his fellow Titan wince at his words, Akiva then nodded in satisfaction when he heard the familiar rumbles of Eliksni leaving Orion's lips, seeing him gently pushing and prodding the two Vandals back towards the cave. Waiting until the chitters faded into the distance, Akiva then turned his attention back towards the younger Chosen.

He paused as his eyes locked onto a dubious look, "What?"

At first, receiving silence as an answer, Akiva then saw Taylor bring his knees up to his chest, wrapping his arms around them as he turned his attention back towards the pyre, "You didn't have to do that."

Raising a brow at the younger Chosen's words, Akiva then shrugged, "Felt it would help you feel less like a prisoner and more like…" He paused, scrunching his features together as he attempted to find the right word, "Well, 'friend' wouldn't work, would it?"

Receiving a short but light-hearted snort for his words, Akiva found himself smiling once more, "Have you ever been to the Tower?"

That earned him a reaction, the younger Chosen tearing his eyes away from his friend's pyre before giving Akiva a confused look, "No? Why?"

"Akiva." Lex's voice reverberated through his mind, stern and strict, "We are 'not' adopting this one."

"Ianos has Hush, why can't I have one?"

Akiva heard Lex sputter at his words, "You have 'three' kids already, and Traveler knows how many more times you and Neve are going to sleep together without protection."

"One more won't hurt." He grinned as Taylor gave him another bewildered look.

Xxxxx

If there was one thing that Pluto was not expecting to happen, was himself not getting Nova Bombed. Or at least, not getting punched.

He was at least, expecting some physical reaction, not seated back into the room where Nine and Odoratta had their scuffle and having a somewhat leisurely silence as they seated on whatever remains of the tables. Of course, that doesn't mean Ianos wasn't furious with him, his anger towards Pluto still palpable through the blind Exo's senses. Although, the difference was that it felt more controlled, less chaotic, as if Ianos is now properly getting his emotions together. In other words, Pluto will more likely be struck by harsh words, not light. Or darkness, now that is an option.

As he contemplated upon this, Pluto then heard a soft groan next to him before feeling a head settle into his lap, followed by a weight settling onto his shoulder. Simply giving who he believes to be Gemini a gentle pat on the shoulder, Pluto then felt her shift before she went still as she found a comfortable position on his legs. It seems the twins aren't able to keep their optics open as the older Exo continued to listen in on Ianos and the Preceptor's hushed conversation. What they were saying, he couldn't tell, even with his enhanced hearing. However, he did feel a sense of murkiness constantly pouring from Zakai's person, and Pluto wouldn't be surprised if that was the reason why he couldn't eavesdrop on their conversation. Well, would it be called eavesdropping if he was simply a couple of seats down from where they were?

Heaving out a sigh at this, Pluto then decided to tune in onto Hush and Nine/Knight, hearing the smaller footsteps of the child Guardian leading the older around the ruined room.

Not long after he walked in on Ianos and the Preceptor fall through a wall, he had seen the twins and Hush groggily peer through, exhaustion clearly set in their posture but their eyes wide at what just occurred. He had decided to let Gemini and Scorpio lean on him when Ianos and Zakai started speaking, but Hush seemed to be too antsy to go back to sleep. At first, she had bothered Pluto, pulling on his hand as if to get him off his seat but must have given up after she saw just how comfortable the twins were using the older Exo as a cushion. She then turned her attention towards Knight/Nine, and Pluto could hear her forcing him onto his feet before he heard their footsteps resound through the room. Judging from the lack of silence, Nine/Knight was still non-responsive but, at least he was still mobile, as Pluto had yet to hear any sound of him stumbling or falling over rubble and broken furniture.

With the sudden thought of 'where' the Revenants get their supplies and furniture when they're supposedly isolated, Pluto slightly jumped when a hand settled onto his shoulder, hearing the twins grunt and shift in response.

"Sorry," It was Zakai, the halfling sounding sincerely apologetic, "Ianos and I finished talking and well, it's time to bring you into the conversation."

"Oh, joy."

Grimacing at Nix's commentary, Pluto simply nodded as he listened to the Preceptor back away and finally felt two sets of eyes settle upon him.

"Normally, I would punch you first before even thinking about speaking to you."

"Please don't." Pluto spoke despite himself; he still remembers the rare occasions when he was given a straight punch to the face by the Warlock. Just remembering it made his jaw ache.

He sensed a hardened glare from Ianos not long after his little plea and, at first, the blind Exo thought that he would make good on his threat. Even if the twins were settling on top of him for a nap. But, to Pluto's surprised, a sigh then can be heard from the Awoken, followed by hushed grumbling, "However, Zakai convinced me otherwise, saying that my frustrations against you is punishment enough."

A soft hum can be heard from the Head Revenant, "Pluto practically raised you. It hurts him to see you so upset towards him, dearheart."

Stunned silence permeated throughout the room before Ianos angrily snapped, "Do not, call me, dearheart. We maybe on speaking terms but I have not forgiven you." A momentary pause, "Not completely. Not yet."

In other words, he will be eventually forgiven. Although, knowing Ianos, it might take a few years. Or decades, if the grudge is heavy. Honestly, Pluto personally wouldn't be happy with that arrangement but, sensing the mixture of relief and amusement from the Head Revenant, he seems satisfied with it.

"Zakai helped me understand 'why' you decided to keep his survival a secret." Pluto snapped his head up in attention, "that you thought keeping his identity hidden would be better for me." Another momentary pause followed by a huff, "Although upset that you decided upon that, I have to say it was the best course of action when it came between Zakai and I."

A pause, a blink, then, "What?"

Another heavy breath from Ianos, "Although I despise to admit it, I am emotionally compromised when it comes to Zakai, or, anyone that I have bonded with." Pluto heard a creak, a shift in movement from where Ianos sat, "As you know, I 'react' first when it comes to others and it's getting quite difficult to keep my actions under control."

"Understatement."

Raising a hand and tapping his fingers against the form of Nix's core, Pluto heard his Ghost let out a short but hushed cry before sensing the glare that he sent his way. It mattered little to the Exo Hunter however, as he can also sense the lightheartedness behind it.

"As such, despite my, upset, Zakai has convinced me to forgive you."

Once again, Pluto blinked, leaning back in his seat just enough to exude surprise, "I – what?"

A momentary pause, the sound of Ianos shifting once more in his seat, and then saying, "Would you rather receive a Nova bomb?"

"No!" Pluto felt the twins jump in his lap from his outburst, "I think experiencing it once is enough." The Hunter then hesitated, fidgeting in his seat, "And I, I apologize, Little Light. For keeping 'this'," he gestures towards where he believes Zakai sits, "away from you. He was important to you and…" His voice faded, feeling his guilt build within his chest before he sighed, "Despite your forgiveness, I feel I still did wrong towards you."

Silence permeated through the room not long after his words, Pluto sensing both surprise and convoluted warmth from Ianos. Then, he heard the Warlock speak, "As I have stated before, you are forgiven." A pause followed by a sense of mischief, "Although if you want to be 'completely' forgiven I want to ask a favor of you."

"Oh boy."

Hearing Scorpio snicker at Nix's words, Pluto found himself shifting his shoulders enough to cause the younger Hunter's head to bounce, satisfied when he heard the Exo whine in response.

"And that would be?" Pluto asked.

"You are aware that I have been teaching Hush Warlock techniques?" Raising a brow at this, Pluto nodded, "and on the side, Akiva has been continuing her studies on Titan skillsets?"

It took the Exo Hunter only a mere moment to understand where this was going, "Wait, are you implying that you want 'me' to teach Hunter techniques to Hush?"

At his words, he heard a gasp from nearby; no doubt the child Guardian had overheard their conversation.

"She has been requesting to be taught every skillset that is currently available." Ianos explained, "And since she has been a pariah within the Tower for her 'lineage', it was either you and Angel, and considering Angel does not have as many years of experience, you are the only viable option."

Pluto couldn't help but drag a hand down the front of his face, "You do realize that I have 'nine' other Guardians that I have to train?"

Half-expecting frustration, Pluto was instead surprised to sense amusement, "I guess I will have to contact someone who is more 'qualified'. A certain drifter perhaps."

At first, relief flooded the Exo's senses but then, he went rigid once more as he took in the hidden meaning behind Ianos words, "Oh, no, I thought you cut off ties with 'him'."

Although unable to see the Warlocks' movements, Pluto can easily imagine Ianos shrugging his shoulders, "He does not fit in within any of the three classes and he has been around since the Dark Ages. I can think of no one else besides him who is more qualified when it comes to mentoring another an ambiguous class."

"Us?! We have been around since the Dark Ages!" Pluto couldn't help but exclaim, easily hearing the twins mutter and murmur in his lap, "We only conformed to these 'classes' to appease the Consensus." He then halted, realization settling upon his shoulders, "Wait, you do remember the Consensus banned the knowledge of all three skillsets?"

"Fuck the Consensus."

Another snicker, this time from Gemini, Pluto feeling her push herself off of his lap followed by the absence of Scorpio's weight from his shoulder; it seems the twins have finally given up on gaining more sleep.

"They have been a ruling body that only adheres to the rights of the people of the City, which, according to their perspective, 'does not' include the Guardians. In other words. 'us'." Pluto couldn't help but shrink back at that; there was some truth in Ianos' words, "If they have a problem with Hush learning how to be a Guardian with an ambiguous class, then they can take it up with 'me'."

"The hate runs strong in this one."

Hearing Gemini snicker followed by a grunt, Pluto didn't have to see to know that Scorpio had punched his sister on the shoulder. Although, hearing the male Hunter snicker, he can easily tell that Scorpio was just as amused at his sister's comment. Although, if either Ianos or Zakai had heard it, they showed no sign of it, especially when Pluto heard the former continue, "It is true that you and I have the skillset needed to mentor her, however, it has been 'years' since we have last utilized them. It is not fresh in our minds as our 'current' class. It is better for her to learn from someone who has experience with each individual skillset. Hence why she has Akiva 'and' I mentoring her. Perhaps 'you' too, if you allow it."

Heaving out a sigh at this, Pluto pinched the bridge of his nose, scrunching his metallic features as he stated, "You are not making this easy."

"I'm sure the Galaxy will be happy to learn that they will spend more time with their 'youngest' sister."

Glancing up towards Ianos and giving him the best bland look he could muster, Pluto then shook his head as he heard Zakai snicker quietly nearby, "Fine, you win. Once we return to the Tower, I will find time to put Hush into my schedule."

No sooner had the words left his lips when the tension in the air softened, followed by a whisper from Ianos, "Thank you."

Hearing the relief emitting from the Awoken's lips, Pluto felt the uncertainty in his mind fade, and made a quiet reminder to himself. This is to help repair things between him and Ianos, to make amends for his secrecy. Helping Hush gain more experience and knowledge is just a side benefit from this.

Although, this did little to stop Pluto from smiling as he heard the aforementioned halfling squeal in delight as the twins whispered words of congratulations.

Anyone remember the lockets from 'The Wahl Twins' in Tormented? No? Just me? Okay QuQ