Redacted

The Next Steps

Hey! It's been a while! I know it may not seem like it, but I have not abandoned this story or the series. Yes, I am still planning to finish it. Updates will be slow though, since time hasn't been kind to me.

"You sure this is a good idea?"

Turning his attention behind him, Pluto parted his mouth to answer but then paused, easily sensing the wariness emitting from the twins. But can he blame them? It has been nearly a month since they had left the Tower and considering how quickly the Consensus are quick to judge, the reaction on whoever is on the other line may not be a good one.

Nonetheless.

"It's either we tell the Vanguard what we have been up to or we return to a nice little welcoming party by the Trackers."

"But didn't the Preceptor say that he already contacted them?" He heard Gemini mutter, "Wouldn't that be enough?"

Taking in the younger Hunter's words, Pluto let out a soft hum as he answered, "Perhaps, but I think the 'Consensus' would rather hear it from us than a 'Rogue'."

A groan can be head from the Huntress, "Fuck the Consensus! They're just a bunch of narcissistic assholes that think their shit smells better than everyone else's."

Pluto didn't have to have functioning optics to easily see the appalled look on Scorpio's face.

"Gemini!"

"What? You know it's true!"

"It is! But say it where one of them can hear it."

At first, a stunned pause permeated between the twins from the male Hunter's words, although, it was quickly followed by snickering and then Gemini saying, "What do we do if they confront us?"

Shaking his head at the pair's antics, Pluto took the opportunity to step away, leaving the twins to their planning as he then turned his attention towards Nix. Feeling the familiar weight in the back of his mind release nearby, Pluto then held out his hand as a sign for his Ghost to settle in.

That is when he felt tight grip clasp around his wrist.

It caused Pluto to jump, the Exo barely suppressing a yelp before quickly pulling his hand away, taking a step back as he assessed the situation. Judging from the way the twins had went silent, that told the Hunter that it wasn't them who had stopped him. Not to mention that the grasp was bigger, older, and held more of a threat than out of playfulness.

"What in the Traveler's name are you doing?"

Definitely not the twins then, Pluto taking in the unfamiliar voice as it continued, "If you want to make contact with the Tower, take it outside, and far from the entrance of this place."

Pluto heard Gemini scoff, "The Revenants take paranoia to the extreme?"

The words had barely left her lips when the Revenant before them snarled, "We Revenants are 'cautious' to ensure we will not be hunted, especially by Tower Guardians."

Another stunned silence, Pluto taking the opportunity to raise a hand and signal to his Ghost to sink back safely into his mind. He doesn't like the sound of the Revenant before him; there was a lot of anger behind his words and Pluto couldn't help but think that something deeply personal had happened between this specific Revenant and the Tower. And he can't help but feel like it was more than being 'hunted'.

However, just as Pluto started to feel the familiar hum of his Ghost to materialize back into safety, he then felt Nix pause, a flash of surprise snapping through their bond followed by, "Wait, I know that voice."

Sensing his Ghost move away from his person, Pluto took in a sharp breath but did nothing as Nix hovered closer to the Revenant; if the latter had wanted to do them harm, he would have already taken the chance to do so, especially with how long Nix had left himself out in the open.

"Atun? Is that you?"

No sooner had the name left his Ghost when Pluto choked, sputtering as he sensed the Revenant reel in response; that was 'not' the name he was expecting from Nix.

"Atun?" He managed to wheeze out, shifting his blind optics forward in an instinctual attempt to take a look at the Revenant's face, "You are not talking about the same-"

That is when Pluto felt an impact on his shoulder, forcing the Hunter to the side as he was momentarily left off balance. Ignoring the protests of the twins at such an action, Pluto barely regained composure long enough to easily hear rushed footsteps fade away. From that reaction, there was no doubt that he was the same Atun that he was thinking about.

"You know that asshole, Pluto?"

Pressing a hand against his shoulder instead of immediately answering, Pluto left Scorpio's question hanging in the air before he finally answered, "Yes. Although…" He paused, hesitated, "It has been a few years, decades, since I have last seen him."

Sensing the questioning looks the twins sent his way, Pluto simply let out a sigh before answering, "He hasn't been to the Tower in close to a hundred years, longer even. Everyone thought him dead." He then rolled his shoulder, feeling the familiar buzz of arc light tingle through his armor; arc light, still the same affiliation since Pluto had last seen him, "I am surprised that he is here."

However, a small tug in the back of his mind say that it will be nothing compared to Ikora's.

Xxxxx

"Angel, listen to us."

Letting out a small huff at Akiva's words, Angel simply put in the last cannister of Ether around Vraldyks' waist, hearing the Baron take in a deep breath as it went in with a hiss. He heard Akvia sigh at this.

"Look, I know that you do not want to risk their safety, but they need shelter, a constant flow of supplies, and they can't do it by themselves."

Shaking the belt once to ensure the cannister was secure, Angel finally turned and gave the Titans a narrowed, "They can do it 'without' the help of Guardians."

"Revenants."

Snapping his eyes towards the Warlock, Angel narrowed his eyes before he let a rumble form in the back of his throat. This was enough to send Taylor reeling, the Warlock blinking rapidly in surprise before glaring back. Nonetheless, Angel was satisfied when the latter took a step behind Akiva.

"Angel." He turned his attention back towards Akiva, "I know that you are fully capable of taking care of these survivors on your own. But with how things are at the Tower-"

"What about the Tower?"

"and not to mention that you were supposed to be in 'recovery'." Angel could help but press his lips together, his brows furrowing, "you cannot be away for long."

"So I am to leave them in the hands of Dark Guardians-"

"We are 'not' dark!"

"and pray that they won't kill them?"

The near silence would have prompted Angel to turn his attention back to Vraldyks, if it wasn't for the fact that Orion's sigh reverberated through the cave.

"Angel." Orion started, the concern in his pink optics betraying the stern tone in his voice, "I understand why you are so concerned but trust us when we say that the Revenants will take care of them. I mean…" The Exo hesitated, his optics flickering before he finished, "They accepted the Hive."

Angel paused at that, turning his eyes slowly towards Orion, unable to keep the surprise from his face as he repeated, "Hive?"

Relief instantly flooded into Orion's gaze, Angel seeing the Titan's shoulders visibly going lax as he nodded, "A faction of Hive that also believe that Darkness and Light can coexist." He then glanced at Taylor, as if looking for confirmation before adding, "If they can accept a group as dark as the Hive, then there is no doubt that they would be willing to take in survivors of the House of Kings." Orion then paused, hesitated, and then finally, "At least until they gain their own bearings."

Unable to help but frown at Orion's words, his brows scrunching together, Angel then turned his attention towards Vraldyks, the latter of which shifted his tired gaze towards him.

"This is your pack." Angel started, "What do you think is best, Baron?"

No sooner had the question left his lips when a soft rumble can be heard from the large Eliksni, his glowing white eyes locking onto his, "Perhaps if it was just us, then we would be able to survive on our own." Then Angel saw him lift his eyes, glancing over his shoulders and most probably, past the other Guardians, "However, there are others such as us. Survivors of the betrayal." That is when Angel saw Vraldyks lay his eyes upon Abraxos, the small Servitor hovering and chirping just behind the Hunter, "Would your resources be able to sustain us all?"

That is when Angel flinched; true, he was able to supply the entire House of Kings with Ether but right now, with his current status and state, it is going to be more difficult to find items to process. Especially since he has no idea where the malevolent members of the Blossoms of Hope are located.

Heaving out a sigh, Angel then immediately snapped his attention towards Vraldyks, giving the large Eliksni a blank look as the latter let out a low rumble.

"Maybe I shouldn't give you anymore Ether." Angel snapped but couldn't help the smile as Vraldyks gave him a feigned look, letting out the best offended gasp that he could muster in his tired strength, "And here I thought you cared."

That is when Angel heard a cough behind him, prompting him to turn in time to see Orion lift a fist away from his lips, clearing his throat. Of course, the Exo would have understood every single word.

"Right." He started, flashing his eyes back towards Vraldyks before adding, "It would seem like a good idea to ask the Revenants for help, but…" Angel then turned his full attention towards the others, "What are you going to tell them about me killing one of their own?"

Just as soon as his question left his lips, Orion and Akiva came to a sudden pause, the latter visibly flinching while as Orion's optics dimmed. Angel wasn't too surprised at their reactions.

"That would be a bit of a problem." Akiva muttered out, the Titan placing his fingers onto his chin, his golden eyes narrowing, "I would say return to the Tower." A sound of protest can be heard from Taylor, "But I don't think this specific group of Eliksni are going to be so happy about that."

Hearing Vraldyks rumble in agreement behind him, Angel couldn't help but frown once more as he turned and scanned the rest of the cave. Tiphaxis and Darivion were the first he saw, the two Vandals more likely the most strong-willed and stubborn amongst their number to recover first. They were helping the other Vandals struggle to their feet, Angel spotting one of them tremble before collapsing, hearing Darivion let out a click of frustration but nonetheless, reached down to help their fellow Vandal. Alongside the two were the dregs, the lower ranking Eliksni going around and tending to the surviving Captains and the other Vandals that still were too weak to even stand. The only exception was Varathis, the latter seated next to Vraldyks as he chittered quietly.

They need help and soon if they are going to recover quickly enough to defend themselves. And not to mention finding other survivors. And perhaps Syliks if they are lucky enough.

Heaving out a sigh at this, Angel tuned back onto the others, finally noticing that Orion and Akiva had quieted their voices. More than likely in an attempt to formulate a plan without his notice. He simply subtly shook his head before saying, "I'll just go."

There was a pause, both Titans slowly turning their attention towards him.

"What?"

"I will follow you all back to the base." Angel clarified, "I will just take whatever punishment they have in mind."

Another pause, a stunned silence that prompted the young Hunter to lift his eyes and stare blankly at the two Titans. He decided to ignore the wide-eyed looks they gave him, "We're going to have a wait a couple of more days though. Not everyone is capable of standing, yet alone walk." He then glanced towards Vraldyks before adding, "Unless you all know a way to carry a Baron."

"I think Orion and I are fully capable of carrying Vraldyks if we need to." Akiva blurted, his brows scrunched together in uncertainty, "But, I say it's better if he gains more of his strength. Just in case the Revenants won't be too happy about a group of Eliksni approaching their home."

That is when Angel saw Taylor scowl at Akiva, the human Warlock's eyes narrowing. Then, he suddenly snapped his attention towards him and Angel half-expected a glare just like before. However, instead to his surprise, his expression was filled with bewilderment, a puzzlement that Angel could not understand before finally, Taylor turned his attention back towards Akiva and Orion.

"Before we set out, I can easily contact the others." Angel couldn't help but blink at Taylor's words, "that way, they would be expecting us."

Another lingering silence, followed by both Titans slowly turning their heads towards the Warlock, the latter of which glanced between Akiva and Orion. It didn't take long for the human to scrunch his features together and say, "What?"

"That was, a smart plan." Orion finally commented, "A plan with common sense."

That is when Angel heard Taylor let out a scoff, "Well, considering that you all are Tower Guardians, I'm not surprised the thought of contact crossed your minds."

Frowning once more at the Revenant Warlock, Angel parted his lips to voice his displeasure when Orion piped in again, "What is that supposed to mean?"

Taylor rolled his eyes, as if the answer was obvious, "If you hadn't realized, many Tower Guardians seem to 'disappear' whenever they trek into the Wilds, only to return months later, apparently well." He then crossed his arms and raised a brow, "You tend to send everyone in a frenzy before they learn of your safety."

Angel couldn't help but give Taylor a blank stare, "And you Revenants don't?"

The look upon the Warlock's face would have been funny, if it wasn't for the fact that he then added, "How else do you think we keep track of the dead?"

The silence that followed was palpable, prompting Angel to turn his focus back onto Vraldyks, sliding the last cannister of Ether into the Baron's belt. This was soon followed by Akiva letting out a cough.

"Right, well, who's hungry?"

Xxxxx

"We already tried that."

Musing at the sight of the two Revenants jumping, Ianos simply stood nearby, feeling Hush's hand quickly clasp onto his. Giving the halfling a comforting squeeze, Ianos glanced over the wandering form of Nine/Knight before adding, "If you try to take Eidr away, he is going to react violently."

As if on cue, the infants cooing echoed from the Exo Warlock's arms, the latter of which responded with his lights glowing brightly. This earned the blank Exo another coo.

In response to his words, one of the Revenants, a Titan, grumbled, "Then how do you expect us to feed the infant?"

Subtly shaking his head at the Chosen, Ianos then turned his attention towards Hush, seeing the latter turn her eyes upwards towards him, "Hush, do you have the bottle?"

Seeing her eyes glow a bit as she nodded, Ianos then gently released her hand, signaling to the halfling to brush past the two Revenants and trot over to Nine/Knight. As if sensing her presence, the white Exo ceased his pacing, slightly wavering as Hush closed the distance. Then, without another word, Hush held out a hand, revealing a cylindrical object in her palm, a white substance sloshing within. Slowly, the Exo's attention turned towards said object before reaching out and gently taking it from Hush's grasp. Then, resuming his slow pacing, he held the bottle out towards Eidr, the latter of which accepted gleefully.

Feeling amused at the shocked expressions on the Revenants faces, Ianos, feeling a bit mischievous, then said, "All you have to do was ask."

The giggling from the child Guardian was worth the dirty looks the two Chosen sent his way. Suppressing the urge to smile, Ianos instead waited until Hush had Nine/Knight by the arm, the Child Guardian slowly leading the catatonic Exo out of the room. As soon as Ianos stepped out into the hall with them, a flicker of light appeared over his shoulder, the clicks of Ace's shell familiar in his ears.

"We need to put a bell on him," The Ghost mused, "That way when he starts moving, we can hear him and perhaps, help us find him."

Ianos hummed at this, watching Hush using one hand to sign to the Exo. She was babbling, from what he can tell, "Perhaps, but I think we can find him perfectly with Eidr's constant laughter."

As if on cue, the infant in question let out a giggle, prompting Hush to lean over and hold out a hand just above his face. It wasn't long until Ianos saw little hands reaching out towards her fingers.

Ace let out a soft hum in response, "It seems the decision to keep Eidr or not is out of our hands now."

"Another child to add to the daycare."

Hearing his Ghost let out a snort at his words, Ianos then decided to add, "How many is that now? Five?"

"If you don't count Pluto's kids."

Now it was Ianos' turn to be amused, "I do not think the twins, nor the clan will appreciate you calling them 'children'."

"Well that is what they are, are they not?"

Deciding to respond with nothing more than a subtle smile, Ianos decided it best to keep quiet up until they entered their shared quarters. Only then did he walk over to Knight/Nine's other side and grasped his arm gently. This received Ianos a subtle glow in the optics of the Exo but nothing more as he led him to one of the beds, turning him around so that slowly, he sat down. Hush, not once taking off her eyes off of Eidr, followed the Exo's movement until she too was on the bed, continuing to distract the infant with her fingers. Taking this as a sign to take a seat on his own bed, Ianos breathed out a sigh before glancing around.

Although seemingly small, the room was surprisingly spacious, allowing enough beds to have space for 'everyone' amongst Ianos' group to take refuge in. They were all bunks of course to allow that much space to sleep and move around. Although a childish thought at first to Ianos, especially after seeing the twins fuss over who got the top bunk, it grew on the Warlock after spending a few nights in it. Everyone was comfortable and although their guard not completely down, they felt safe enough at least to shut their eyes and sleep. Well, most of them anyway.

As he watched Hush continue to lay with Eidr in Knight/Nine's arms a subtle knock from the entryway prompted Ianos to turn. He came to a pause as his eyes locked onto familiar glowing blue.

Zakai seemed to smile at this action, although strained as his eyes flicked over Ianos' shoulder before fixing his gaze back onto his.

"Are you busy?" He asked in which Ianos turned and hesitated.

Seeing Hush force her attention away from Eidr and linger over him in reaction to the question, Ianos then held up his hands and signed, Stay here.

Immediately, she made a face, no doubt displeased at the fact that she was being left out but nonetheless, nodded. Then, she turned her focus back onto the infant in Knight/Nine's arms. Keeping an eye on the girl in case she decided to change her mind, Ianos finally turned and nodded once at the Preceptor, signaling to the Revenant to take a step outside. Following after him, Ianos paused when he saw Zakai simply standing out in the hall, prompting him to lean over and shut the door. He then turned and turned his focus onto him.

Without the need to keep his identity a secret, Zakai's face was in full view for everyone to see. When he had first seen the Revenant without his helmet, Ianos at first, had thought that nothing has changed. But, upon closer inspection, he saw that Zakai's skin had more color; a sign that he had been taking care of himself. And eating properly. Alongside this, his black strands had somehow gotten darker, and his hair cascade over his shoulders. Remembering how the halfling would keep his hair lose, Zakai has this time pulled his hair back, tying it down into a low ponytail. The only thing that didn't change were his eyes, the same glowing blue; an obvious sign of his Awoken blood.

"What is this about?"

Ianos saw Zakai flinch at his bluntness but the Revenant nonetheless crossed his arms behind his back. That is when a familiar flash appeared over his shoulder, Hiro's - Sorrow, he reminded himself - vermillion form soon taking shape.

"Nice to see you too." He heard her mutter, her glowing blue optic showing signs of irritation. And understanding. "Zakai and I are here to discuss a different alternative for your Harmonization."

Now it was Ianos' turn to flinch, "Found a possibility that the ritual can continue without a need of a Wizard?"

"Sadly, no." Ianos felt his throat go tight at the Preceptor's words, "However, we can do it where you do not have to see, and if it works, hear her."

Ianos blinked before narrowing his eyes, his silence prompting Zakai and his Ghost to momentarily glance at each other before adding, "Vultosa contacted me, saying that the sigils needed for the ritual can be placed in different rooms."

Taking in a deep breath as the image of the white Wizard lingered in his mind, Ianos heard Ace hover forward and ask, "Sigils?"

A nod from Zakai, "The Harmonization usually requires sigils to be drawn around the participant, followed by Vultosa painting them on your body."

That is when Ianos found himself going rigid, taking a step back at the image of the Wizard touching him. He wrapped his arms around himself in response, shivering at the mere thought of it.

"However, with your condition, we had to find an alternative which is the two of you will be in different rooms from each other," Zakai continued to explain, "as she performs the ritual, another individual will draw the sigils upon your body and, hopefully, this will allow the completion of the Harmonization."

Taking in the Preceptor's words, Ianos forced himself to relax, letting his arms fall back to his side as he turned his attention towards Ace, the latter of which locked their orange gaze with his.

"And 'who' is going to paint on Ianos' body?" It was Ace who asked, the black and orange Ghost turning to face Zakai, "Not another Hive, is it?"

The pair received a shake of the head, "I may have formed the Revenants however, I am not the oldest here." Zakai smiled gently at them, "Another Revenant will aid you in the Harmonization."

Despite himself, Ianos allowed some of the tension to leave his body, just a bit, and relief slowly filtering into his mind, "They are that knowledgeable in the arts of the Hive?"

"You can say that."

Raising a brow at Zakai's words, Ianos simply gave him a look, only to receive a strained smile in return.

"Let's us just say that his 'interest' is what got him banished from the Tower decades ago."

Before he can stop himself, Ianos snorted, "Sounds like another Toland."

This earned him a laugh from Zakai and despite his best, Ianos couldn't help but crack a smile.

"He would take that as a compliment." The Preceptor mused, the glow of his eyes more prominent against his pale face; a sight that Ianos was all too familiar with and causing an ache in his chest, "A 'grand' compliment."

Zakai's words brought a sense of recognition to the front of his mind; there was only 'one' person who would be proud to be considered Toland's 'legacy'. And Ianos isn't be surprised that he had found his way to the Revenants.

"If that is the case then I believe I shall be in good hands then." His words prompted another smile onto Zakai's face and this time, this one was less strained, "When will the Harmonization take place?"

"Two days from now," Ianos couldn't help the nervousness to resurface; too soon for him but, the sooner they get it done, the better, "We need time to prepare for it."

That is when Ianos felt suspicion settle into his Ghost's core, "You seemed pretty prepared the last time we attempted the Harmonization. What happened?"

In response to Ace's words, Ianos raised a brow, turning and giving Zakai a questioning look. His Ghost did have a point.

As if expecting the question, Zakai gave the pair another soft smile, although it was Sorrow who answered, "We just want to make sure that all variables will be accurate when we attempt the Harmonization. Like we said, usually the Oracle, or Vultosa in this case, would mark the initiate." Ianos then saw her shift her shell up and down, "However, since we are preparing the Harmonization in separate rooms, we just want to be sure we perform it correctly. We never had done it this way after all."

Once again, Ianos found himself wincing at her words. She does have a point. Momentarily pausing, the Warlock then side-glanced his Ghost. Then again, most Ghosts make a good point.

As if taking his silence as confirmation, Ianos then saw Zakai nod his head once, flashing him another kind smile, "We shall notify you when the Harmonization is ready."

He then turned, as if to leave, but, then Ianos caught the way his body suddenly seized up, his eyes furrowing together. Then, without saying a word, the Preceptor turned, reached out and gently, grasped his hand. Ianos froze at this, his eyes widening as he glanced down at their hands before locking them back onto Zakai's. At first, he could read nothing in his eyes, the edges of his gaze colored blue. Then, he saw them softened, longing lingering inside. Finally, Zakai spoke.

"I missed you."

He had heard those words before, back when Ianos had attacked him, but nonetheless, the ache in his strength returned, and in response to his words, he squeezed Zakai's hand. Firm enough to acknowledge his words but gently enough where it wouldn't break his hand. He can already feel the Preceptor's fingers bend underneath his grip.

Nonetheless, this was enough to make Zakai smile once more. Then, without another word, he slipped his hand away from Ianos', turned, and finally walked away. Watching his red and black form disappear down the hall, Ianos then tried to force himself to move, to turn and enter the room where he and the others shared. But he found himself unable to, and instead, he raised his hand and pressed a palm against his chest. His heartbeat widely against it.

"You…I… We are still upset with them." Ace said and Ianos nodded his head in agreement, "but… but that does not mean…"

A pause, and then a sigh.

"We still love them, don't we?"

His throat going tight at Ace's words, Ianos simply nodded, his grip on his chest going tense before finally turning and pressing a hand against the door. The others will get suspicious if he lingers outside too long.

As such, forcing his swirling emotions aside, Ianos entered his shared quarters.