Redacted
She Can Stay
I'm actually surprised that I got this chapter out, especially with Iron Banner and with the King's Fall raid out lol. Been busy trying to get that book done -w-;;;
Anyway, thanks to And-on-and-on, and Mantic64 for the reviews!
Edited: 07/24/2022
Changed the title. The Title was originally called 'Half-Breed'.
CW: Racial-Slur, Implied Child Abuse
_Transcript: Zakai_
Source: Ghost of Guardian Ianos
Alias: Ace
_Transcript of conversation between Vanguard Andal Brask [a.i] and Warlock Ianos [w.i]. Topic concerning Warlock Ianos taking newborn Guardian Zakai under his care_
_Initiating Transcript_
[a.i]: They aren't very pleased that you decided to take that newborn under your wing.
[w.i]: That 'newborn' was imprisoned and judged for actions that he could not control. They had no right to lock him away like that, 'especially' since he is no more than a few days old.
[a.i]: But you saw what he did. He killed nearly every Guardian in proximity: Including 'you'.
[w.i]: He was scared! Frightened by the fact that we all had weapons trained on him! How else would he have reacted!?
[pause]
[w.i]: Death is second nature for us Guardians anyway.
[a.i]: That doesn't excuse his actions.
[w.i]: (sigh) All he needs is proper training and guidance. Give us a few months. He will have his light under control.
[pause]
[a.i]: Alright
[w.i]: What?
[a.i]: I will give you a few months to get this newborn 'in shape'. If what you had claimed earlier is true, then this Guardian may help turn the tide for us.
[pause]
[a.i]: Is something the matter?
[w.i]: No, I am just, surprised that you would give me a chance. That you would give 'him' a chance.
[a.i]: (Laugh) The Vanguard maybe tense but not all of us are quick to judge. Trust me, they may have put up an act, they are just as concerned about the newborn as you are.
[w.i]: I… Thank you, Andal. It seems that Pluto is right about you.
[a.i]: Right? Right about what?
[w.i]: That out of the three of you, you are the one that we can depend on.
_End Transcript_
Xxxxx
"Ianos? We just received a frequency from the Vanguard."
Looking up at his Ghost, Ianos couldn't help a scowl, letting Hush continue to play with his hands; she had seen him utilize his void light and now she was checking them over to ensure he wasn't playing a trick.
"The Vanguard? Why?"
"Well." Ace started, "Since Akiva and Angel were sent by the Vanguard, they had to turn in a report, and they mentioned you."
Right, that is to be expected.
"And they have questions." Ianos said and then sighed, "Send a frequency back saying I am on my way."
Seeing Ace bob once in confirmation, Ianos then released another sigh. Then, he heard Pluto asked, "Does the Vanguard know of your current condition?"
"…No."
"Oh Traveler."
"As long as the Consensus does not know it should be fine." Ianos said, "and they won't if I do not inform the Vanguard."
"If Ikora's Hidden does not let her know first."
Ianos flinched. Right, he had momentarily forgotten.
"Then as long as she does not inform the Consensus, I should be fine."
There was a harsh release of breath from Pluto but, Ianos didn't hear anything else from the Hunter. He knows just as much as he does that Ikora isn't too fond of the Consensus, just like most Guardians.
"Just be careful." He heard Pluto finally say, "Andal is not here to help this time."
"I know." Ianos breathed before pushing himself up from the floor, only to pause when he still felt Hush's hands over his. He looked down at her and spotted the worry, the disappointment in her yellow eyes.
Ianos rubbed her hand between his thumb and fingers, "I will be back, Little One." Then, he nodded his head towards Pluto, "This is Pluto. He will keep an eye on you."
"I beg your pardon?"
He turned to give the Exo a blank stare, "Do you want her to be alone in here?"
This earned him a narrowed look, "She has her Ghost, doesn't she?"
Turning his attention to the pale violet shell of said Ghost, he watched as Crystalline twirled her back fins once, yellow optic unflinching as they stared each other down.
"True." Ianos admitted, "But I highly doubt she can physically stop her Guardian from leaving the room."
Seeing Pluto part his mouth to retort, Ianos couldn't help but be amused when no sound came out, the Hunter looking like a fish out of water. It didn't take long for Pluto then to lean his head back and groan.
"Why am I the designated babysitter?"
Unable to help but smile, Ianos waited until Pluto reluctantly took a seat near the table before turning his attention back towards Hush, gently taking his hand out of hers. He heard her make a noise of protest. In turn, Ianos placed a hand onto her head, ruffling her hair.
"I will be back." He promised.
"Be careful." Pluto warned just as Ianos found his helmet materialize around his head, the HUD popping into his vision just as the Hunter added, "The Vanguard aren't the young Guardians that they once were before the Great Disaster. They will catch on."
Nodding back in response to Pluto's words, Ianos removed his hand from Hush's head and headed towards the exit. He can feel the newborn's eyes on his back even when the door shut behind him.
Xxxxx
She couldn't understand why she felt so comfortable around him – what is his name again? Ianos? – but when the Awoken had removed his helmet and her eyes connected with his, she cannot help but feel a sense of ease and comfort; like as though she knew he would be the one to keep her safe. As such, Hush latched onto him, her senses tingling whenever she held his hand and her emotions bubbled with positivity when he wouldn't resist her innocent touches.
But, when he left, Hush couldn't help but disappointed, a knot forming in her throat as he disappeared behind a door. She had just wanted to play a tad bit longer.
Unable to help a whine, Hush then turned her eyes towards the other occupant of the room – Pluto, if she remembers correctly – and that is when her disappointment switch to curiosity. Although flashes of memory echoed in her head – curses, looks of disgust and hate, the soothing voice of a man lulling her to sleep, warm hands wrapped protectively around her shoulders – the metal plating on his face is foreign, unfamiliar. With this in her mind, Hush picked herself up from the floor. She saw the metal man 's attention turn towards her.
"Something you need?"
Releasing a hum as an answer, Hush then approaches him until she was close enough to take one of his hands in her own. This earned her a confused look, but she continued her venture, pressing a finger into the crack of his bracer until she found what she was looking for; a buckle. Feeling a sense of pride, Hush then proceeded to unlatch it, only to jump when she felt Pluto jerk his hand back, as if pained. This prompted her to release her hold, eyes wide as she looked up at him with concern.
Did she hurt him?
Her expression must have shown her worries, for Pluto paused, rubbed the back of his neck and then said, "Do not worry. You just surprised me is all."
Filled with relief, Hush then looked down when he offered his arm once more. Eyeing him to ensure she have proper permission, Hush gleefully took it when Pluto gave no hints of being bothered. Having unlatched one strap, it didn't take long for Hush to find the others and moments later, she is able to remove the bracer from his arm. Placing it on the table, Hush then traced her fingers into the indents of his plating – his skin – and her eyes grew wide as she saw red lights peeking through.
She heard Pluto chuckle, "It seems this is your first time meeting an Exo."
Exo? What's that?
The questions echoed in Hush's mind as she nodded, and then scowled at the realization that he may not understand her, even if she spoke with her hands.
Fortunately, it seems it wasn't needed, as she then heard him say, "Exo are - how you put it? – a person but made of machine parts."
Why?
Hush lifted her eyes to Pluto – the Exo – and she saw Pluto shrug; he seemed to understand her.
"To protect mankind? For war? To save a person's life when their original body fails? Us Exo are unsure ourselves." He then rubbed the back of his neck once more, "But considering now, not many of us wish to learn the reason of our origins."
Curiosity peaked, Hush then turned her attention back to his arm, tracing her fingers once more between the cracks of his plating.
"Pluto. There is a message from Met."
Glancing up at the new voice, Hush saw a familiar shape appear over Pluto's shoulder however, unlike her own 'star', this one is shaded in viridian color and its optic cracked; she can see it flicker red on occasion.
"Again?" Pluto didn't sound surprised, "Is she still having trouble handling a machine gun?"
"Not this time." The star twisted his back fins, "She actually needed to find parts for a certain weapon so…"
"Please tell me that she didn't."
"She went into the City to find them."
That is when Hush heard Pluto release a heavy sigh and then gently pulled his arm from her hands. She looked up to see him rub it down the front of his face.
"Met maybe a fine Medic but when it comes to weaponry, I cannot help but feel like as though she is unfit for the field."
As he lifted his hand away from his face, Hush can see the hesitation in his glowing red optics, the light dimming in concern before he released another sigh, and then turned his gaze towards her.
"I will have to take my leave. One of my Clan members got herself lost in the City."
Honestly, Hush wasn't surprised he didn't say he was going to take her with him. Vague memories told her the City wouldn't welcome someone like her and venturing there now as she is doesn't seem to be the best idea. However, it seemed it was a whole another story for her star – the name 'Crystalline' echoed in her mind – as she heard her sputter.
"She can't find her way back herself?!"
"I will be quick." Pluto promised and Hush heard her star shift her shell in agitation; she perked up in attention when once again, she felt Pluto's optics on her, "Behave yourself, alright? Stay in this room. I will return soon."
Seeing him stand, Hush took steps back to allow him space to walk, and in a few short strides, he was already out, the viridian shell of his star quickly picking up the Exo's abandoned bracer and following him out before the door shut behind them.
"Well." She heard her star breath out, "This is a great start on our first day at the Tower."
Ignoring Crystalline's grumbling, Hush opted to examine her surroundings, her yellow eyes scanning over a bed and desk before she spotted an open doorway; curiosity prompted her to move towards it.
"Where are you going? Didn't Pluto tell you to stay put?"
He did in a way and Hush is still following that example; she is still in the apartment. She has no plans of leaving it. Yet.
Placing a hand onto the door frame, Hush dared to take a step. Her eyes then grew wide. Around her were faces, faces of humans, Awoken, and Exo staring back at her, images flickering upon a screen. Taking more confident steps into the room, Hush slowly turned, taking it all in as she heard the hum of Crystalline edge closer to her shoulder.
"I do not think we're allowed in here, Little One."
Ignoring her star's words, Hush dared herself to walk to one of the many frames, leaning in as she took in the details of those who stared back.
An Exo with orange plating and yellow optics.
Another but with silver plating and violet optics.
And an Awoken with red glowing eyes and white strands against gray features.
As she continued to scan each face, one caught her eye; and she couldn't help the envy. At first, she had thought him human. Black strands cascading to his shoulders, dark to the point where it's a stark contrast to his tan skin. But his eyes gave away for what he truly is. They were a vibrant blue and like hers, they glowed. They glowed despite obviously not being an Awoken. At least, not fully.
Like this one!
Hush rushed over to the portrait and placed a hand onto the screen. She beamed.
Her memory maybe 'foggy' but Hush remembers just enough that people like her are rare. Extremely rare. To the point where even with the small amount of memory she does have, she cannot recall meeting anyone like her. But she definitely recognizes enough to know that this man in the portrait is just like her. Of course, he is missing the shifting patterns upon his skin but his glowing eyes were enough...
Where is he?
She glanced around, as if to spot the very individual in the same room. Hush wants to see another individual like herself. Tearing herself away from the frame, she quickly exited the room, searching around before her yellow eyes fell upon a door. The exit. That is when a plan formulated in her mind.
If he is not here, perhaps he is elsewhere.
"Hush?" She heard her star call out, "Hush where are you going? Hush, don't you dare leave this room."
Tuning out Crystalline's words, Hush walked over to the door, placing her hands onto it as her eyes traced its metal surface. That is when she spotted a panel.
Recalling Ianos and Pluto pressing a hand onto it and the door slid open, Hush smiled as she did the same and, just as she expected, the exit flew open. Triumphant, she took a step outside.
"Hush! Where are you going!? Stay here!"
Hearing the frantic tone in her star's voice, Hush once again opted to turn her out; why should she stay in a small room when there is a whole world out there? Especially now that she has proper use of her legs. Why stop?
Ignoring her star's blubbering, Hush continued to take tentative steps up until she found herself in a hall, spotting several doors lining its walls. And there, at the end, she could see rays of the sun glinting against the white marble.
There. There is where the adventure starts.
Hearing the hum of her Star hovering nearby, Hush silently took note of the lack of protest from her companion; she can guess that she had given up on trying to coax her back. Smiling at the thought, Hush then took in a breath, and headed down the corridor.
Xxxxx
Ianos already knew the Vanguard were suspicious when he walked through the doors. He felt their eyes upon him the instant he entered. Spotting Angel and Akiva standing nervously near the Table, he came to a pause just short of it.
"You called?"
"Warlock Ianos." Ikora started, her expression passive as ever; Ianos always had a difficult time reading her, "You had taken part of the mission assigned to Titan Akiva and Hunter Angel?"
"Coincidentally." He answered. Ianos crossed his arms, "I was barely discharged. Wanted to 'stretch my legs' so decided upon a patrol."
"A patrol? In the Plaguelands?" It was Cayde who spoke, "an unmapped area filled with hostiles that we have never encountered before, and you decided to patrol there?"
In response to the Hunter Vanguard's question, Ianos promptly shrugged, "I was on bedrest for a year. Wanted a bit more 'excitement' to make up for lost time. And I was bored."
Which is the truth. After undergoing an intensive life-saving surgery and being unable to move for a large part of his recovery, Ianos was itching for some activity. It was just coincidence that he had somehow caught onto Crystalline's frequency and had headed over to help.
"I am going to take a guess that you called me here to correlate with Akiva and Angel's reports?"
"A different perspective will give us more information. Especially considering the Guardian that was once the Ghost's Chosen." Zavala clarified, "It has been years since any activity has been spotted amongst them. To receive a frequency, even incidentally, is concerning."
Ianos couldn't help but raise a brow, hidden by his helmet, "Concerning?"
"It may mean that 'they' maybe on the move." Ikora explained, "It may have been centuries, but they have made it quite clear that they hold a strong vendetta against the Tower. We expected that they will eventually act upon old grudges."
Wanting to make a comment, Ianos went to speak, only to jump when a piercing scream echoed down the hall behind him.
One he recognizes as the newborn's.
Xxxxx
After a brief bicker with her star, Hush begrudgingly slipped her helmet on. For her 'protection' was all Crystalline said. Although she hated the headpiece, Hush also understood – she is a unique individual. She remembers enough that not all react positively to that. Still, hiding her face did little to rid her of attention.
Hush felt curious gazes as she expertly walked around passerby although, judging from how she spotted one raise a hand to their head then to her own level, it must have been her height. She wonders how that warrants attention. Nonetheless, she weaved past the crowd, listening to the hum of her star following closely behind. And finally started taking in the sight.
It was busy, the area crowded despite the early morning sun barely started lighting up the sky. Figures in cloaks, armor, and coats walked around, weapons secured to their back or sides as they brushed past each other, hardly giving a glance even when they bumped shoulders. Hush then noticed the greenery next, spotting trees planted in corners and patches of grass planted around the plaza – no doubt to allow a brief respite amongst this bustle.
Eyes wide, Hush then blinked when she noticed steps going up and then tracing downwards to an entryway. Curiosity told her to go down. Slowly making her way through the steps, Hush peeked around the corner, she then halted when her eyes stared into three glowing eyes, streaks of black spilling down the woman's cheeks. Taking in a hitched breath, Hush waited, but the woman simply tilted her head, her eyes narrowing behind the cloth before turning to the object in her hands – a rock in Hush's eyes – and then muttered incomprehensible to the newborn.
Momentarily keeping the woman in her sights, Hush edged her way into the open before curiously examined her. Compared to the other armored figures she had seen, this woman seemed to wear layers of cloth, and her colors dull. Hush cannot help but wonder if she is real.
"Oh, no no no." Hush glanced over her shoulder to Crystalline, the latter of which had scrunched her shell close to her core, "I know what you are thinking, and you are not going to touch her."
Locking her eyes with her star's lone one, Hush couldn't help but give her a questioning look.
"I don't think she would appreciate it if a stranger came up and touched her, don't you think so?"
Good point.
Giving her star a nod, Hush then turned her attention back to her surroundings, only to halt and then grin. There, in a room not too far from where she stands, stood the man who had saved her, his back turned towards the entrance.
Practically leaping for joy, Hush started taking small and quick strides to the room, hoping that he would allow her to play with his hands again. Even through the thickness of his gloves, Hush had felt something 'underneath' like a second skin against the first and she hopes that with time, she would eventually learn how to remove the armor piece like she had done with Pluto's. Perhaps this will allow her to figure out what this 'second' skin she had felt under his bracer.
That is, until she felt something hard ram into her.
Pain seared through her shoulders, screaming as she heard a loud 'crack'. Falling back, Hush tried to reel her arms in an attempt to regain her balance, only to receive another wave of pain. Landing onto the floor, Hush reached up to her injured shoulder, whimpering as it throbbed in response.
"Hush!" Tears blurring her vision, Hush glanced up as the shimmering form of her star came into view, Crystalline twirling her back fins, "Hold still."
Beams of light then flowed from her star's optic, quickly followed by relief as the pain faded from her shoulder. Blinking rapidly, Hush then heard Crystalline murmur, "This should only take a moment."
Although confused at just how the pain subsided, Hush was just glad that the pain was no longer apparent, lowering her hand into her lap as she sat upon the floor, watching with mild fascination at the light illuminating from her star's optic.
"Hey, are you alright?"
Freezing, Hush snapped her eyes upwards once more, only to stare down an unfamiliar visor, a hood pulled over their head.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you so hard."
Despite the legitimate apology in his voice, Hush felt unease, nervous with a stranger's eyes upon her. No, multiple pairs, as she finally took notice of the crowd, many having come to a pause to look at her. No doubt her scream had taken their notice.
Shifting nervously where she sat, Hush contemplated on simply getting up and run, only to come to a halt when the man before her raised a hand.
"You, okay? Say something."
"Say something!"
His words were harsh, filled with annoyance and anger as he loomed over her, uncaring of her injuries as she sat upon spilled kindle.
"Say something! Mutt!"
Hush screamed. And violet streaks exploded into her vision.
Xxxxx
Void light spilled from Hush's form, causing the unfortunate Hunter who knelt down to give her aid let out a scream as it latched onto his arms and legs. Ianos watched with wide eyes as the Hunter scrambled back, just enough o place distance between himself and the newborn before his limbs diminished from sight, causing him to collapse onto his back. Sighting the familiar form of a Ghost materialize over the Hunter's form, Ianos barely let a sense of relief settle into his mind before he was moving, watching as streaks of violet light twirled around Hush, leaving solid walls as if it was attempting to form a Ward but unable to fully chain together. This in turn caused her light to fall onto the floor, slowly eating away at the cement and metal, and left gaps where the light had eaten away. Guardians nearby were taken aback, leaping away before the worst of the Void light can lash out.
Cursing under his breath, Ianos ignored the calls of Akiva and Angel as he already closed the distance between himself and Hush.
"Ianos? Oh dear, this is going to end badly."
Ignoring his Ghost, Ianos did not hesitate to dash into the dancing light of the Void and instead, gathered his own streaks of violet into his hand and then slammed it into an oncoming wall of light. Feeling his fingers 'dig' into it, he then manipulated it to the side, quickly doing it with another oncoming wall of light as he made his way towards the newborn. As he closed the distance, he heard her cries, her hands over her head as she curled in, as if to make herself appear smaller.
Brushing aside the last of the lashing void light, Ianos then reached out and placed a hand onto her shoulder. He felt Hush jump under his hand and that is when Ianos felt an impact slam under his jaw, causing his head to snap back. Flinching at the hit, Ianos was just glad for his shields as he looked down, only to see Hush had lifted her head and his hidden eyes had settled upon her. That is when he sensed her terror turn into relief.
All he had the time for was a sniffle before he felt her disappear under his hand and then felt arms wrap around his waist. It didn't take long for Ianos to realize Hush was now pressed against him; her head buried into his abdomen as the last of void light faded away around her.
"I – I don't know what happened." He lifted his eyes towards Crystalline, seeing a look of shock planted upon her yellow optic, "I was healing her, and that Hunter went to help and then…"
Hearing her voice fade, Ianos simply shifted his attention back onto Hush, feeling her snuggle closer into his abdomen before he hesitantly and slowly raised a hand placed it on top of her helmet. This earned him a sigh of content and a small squeeze from her embrace.
"The report of Hunter Blaise's Ghost finding a new Guardian is true then?"
Unable to help but release a breath at the sound of Ikora's voice, Ianos turned to face her. Or, the best he could with Hush wrapped around his waist.
"Then that means Hunter Blaise is gone." Zavala was the one who spoke, Ianos taking in a deep breath as his glowing eyes shifted to Hush, "That burst of power. She is like Warlock Zakai."
Ianos wrapped his arms around Hush's shoulders, "Yes, she is. What about it?"
He kept his eyes locked upon Zavala's, daring the Titan to take steps closer. Or any of the Vanguard for that matter. He still remembers their lack of resistance against the Consensus for their 'verdict'. Or at least their predecessors.
"Warlock Zakai's inability to control his light took many lives. Some permanent."
Ianos scowled at Zavala's words, "It was accidental, you know that." He turned to completely face the Vanguard, herding Hush to stay behind him, "He couldn't control his light. His bloodlines made it difficult for him to do so."
"And is this child not the same?" Ianos couldn't help but be on edge, feeling Ikora's eyes settle over Hush; he felt the newborn duck behind him, "How are we to know that she would not cause serious damage. Or harm. Just like Zakai."
"Stop comparing them." Ianos snarled through gritted teeth, "How are we supposed to know if she is the same when she is only the second to stay at the Tower?"
"What we had witnessed just now-"
"Is only 'one' incident." Ianos interrupted, "with one injured and no deaths. You are to judge her for that? Without giving her a proper chance? Just like with Zakai?"
There is silence at his words, Ianos keeping his eyes narrowed as the three Vanguard glanced at each other, more than likely reading each other's posture, subtle gestures, to come to an agreement.
"She will be a danger to not just others but also to herself." He couldn't help but glare at Ikora; he had taken Zakai under his wing and worked with him for centuries. Ianos already knows the dangers, "You are willing to take the risks?"
"I took in a physically mature Chosen who cannot see the side of a jumpship even if it flew right into his face." Ianos still remembers that day quite clearly, "I think I can handle a child who can eat three times her weight in food."
There was another silence at his words, and again, Ianos stared them down.
"I say we let her stay."
Ianos blinked, and blinked again when Cayde started, "It's like what Ianos said. She's only the second and she's a kid. Why not?"
"Cayde."
"Oh, come on Ikora, you're curious too."
What?
"I mean, yeah I was out in the Wilds more often than the Tower when Zakai was around but even I was curious about the guy." Ianos couldn't help but give Cayde a blank stare as the latter continued, "It's not every day that a child of a human and Awoken comes walking into the Tower, let alone being brought back as a Guardian."
From where he is standing, Ianos can tell that there were some truth in Cayde's words as he spotted the subtle shift of Ikora's eyes, her hands folded as she tapped a finger to her jaw thoughtfully. And he even saw Zavala glance his eyes over to Ianos, only to quickly snap back towards the other two Vanguards. Ah, curiosity is what got them hooked. Not that Ianos could blame them. That was partially a reason why he had decided to take Zakai under his wing.
"Knowing you, Warlock Ianos, you already have a similar set ready for the child's use?"
No doubt Ikora is talking about the Impossible Machines, in which Ianos nodded and answered, "I barely worked on the blueprints, but it will be done."
There is a satisfied nod not just from Ikora but Zavala as well, and it was the Titan Commander who spoke, "Then we place her under your care, Warlock Ianos."
Then just like that, the pair turned and walked back into the Hall, walking past Redjacks, the latter of which already went work on repairing the damage done by Hush's light. It was then, only then that Ianos released a breath of relief, turning around so that his eyes settled onto Hush. He saw her eyes lift towards his.
"Do not worry, Little One, I will take care of you."
"And no doubt you will."
Unable to help a jump, Ianos twirled around and looked up in time to see Cayde, still standing there, as the Exo added, "You know, Andal would talk about you and Zakai on occasion." Ianos furrowed his brows, "He would say that he was pleased that you jumped to the kid's defense, especially when overruling his verdict against the Consensus."
"It either I stepped in or they would lock him in an isolated area in the City and leave him to rot. Without his Ghost." Ianos said, "And how could I leave him like that when he made the trek to the Tower for 'help'?"
That is when Ianos felt Hush's hands leave his waist and he blinked as he lifted an arm to look down at her, only to pause when she quickly grabbed his hand and pressed her fingers into his palm; he decided to let her be as he turned his attention back to Cayde.
"When Andal took my side, I was grateful. And I can see that you are following his example."
Cayde beamed at him, "I am not sure what you mean."
Ianos is glad that his helmet hid his face; he wasn't going to let Cayde have the satisfaction of seeing him crack a smile, "Oh? Really? Then maybe I was hearing things?"
"Then maybe hold off on those weird artifacts that you Warlocks find. I hear some of them can mess with your head."
Unable to suppress a snort, Ianos then said, "You are missed out on the field, Hunter Cayde."
There is a wounded noise from the Hunter Vanguard, "And I shall remained missed as long as I am the Vanguard." He then sighed, his optics glancing over Ianos' shoulders, yearning clear in his gaze, "Have to make sure all my Hunters are okay, right?"
"Speaking of if they are okay." Ianos glanced over to the Hunter that had tried to help Hush before her outburst.
They were now seated at the edge of the Hall, surrounded by several other Hunters – more than likely the ones who had dragged him to safety. He seemed to be doing okay, judging from the way he is in casual conversation with one of his fellow Hunters, his limbs already on the way of fully repaired.
"Right." Cayde cleared his throat before he said, "I should probably check on him." He then gave Ianos a two fingered salute, "Wish you luck."
Then, just like Ikora and Zavala, he walked away, finally leaving Ianos alone with the newborn. Or alone as he could out in the open.
"That turned out a lot better than I thought." He turned his eyes in time to see Akiva and Angel approach, "I honestly through they would be throwing a fit."
"They almost did." It was Crystalline who spoke, the latter of which released a huff, "You can tell that they weren't too pleased with her staying here."
"It has been solved. For now." Ianos heard Crystalline grumble at his words, "But let us get Hush back to my apartment. And figure out where Pluto had gone off to."
That is when he felt a subtle tug on his arm, enough where Ianos turned his attention back towards Hush, the latter of which released her grasp on his hand and raised both of hers. Then, to his surprise she started making motions, gestures with her fingers and hands, crossing the in ways that he wouldn't normally thought possible.
"Hush? What are you doing?" He asked.
There was a sense of hurt, but nonetheless, she continued to shift her hands, this time more furiously.
"I must apologize, Hush." Ianos couldn't help but feel confused, bewildered, "I do not understand what you are trying to do."
That is when he sensed the disappointment, the frustration, and Ianos couldn't help but pause when Hush released a breath and then spread out her arms once more; that is when he understands that she wanted him to carry her. Glancing back and forth between her and others, Ianos then released a sigh of defeat before he leaned down and scooped the child Guardian into his arms. He heard Akiva choke.
"Ianos?"
Turning to give Akiva a blank stare, Ianos also saw Angel's jaw hung open, his green eyes wide. In contrast, Akiva had clamped a hand over his lips, his eyes showing apparent amusement.
Suppressing his annoyance, Ianos then simply nodded his head for them to follow, "Let us head back."