Redacted
The Aftermath
Once again, I apologize for the late update, but I do have a legitimate reason. I have been having extreme pains in my right leg, to the point where my parents had to take me to the hospital. Diagnosis? Inflammation. So taking meds to see if that helps, if not, time for the walking boot. Anyways, here's the long waited chapter that ends this arc C:
Edited: 06/11/2023
Was editing this chapter and damn, it hit 6.5k words and I still had more to edit, so I decided to cut it. It's a whole chapter on it's own anyway lol.
"Is it true, Shining Knight, that Nine has repeatedly broken his censure?"
Gritting his jaw, Knight found himself unable to look up, keeping his optics to the floor as he breathed out, "Yes."
Hearing the Consensus chatter above him, Knight opted to ignore their words, already knowing their verdict. He heard Day's shell click together worriedly just behind his shoulder.
Has it already been three days since Dusk attacked the Tower? Or perhaps three days since he woke up in a cell disoriented and grief lingering in his chest? He should have known that there would be Guardians who would be more than willing to report Nine taking control of their body than he is allowed. Although few, there must have been enough Guardians who were not pleased with Nine's actions.
"Shining Knight." He jumped in his seat, lifting his optics to the familiar mask of the Speaker, "Is it possible for us to speak with Nine?"
Sorrow slammed into Knight's chest, and he found his lower jaw quivering as he turned his optics to the floor.
"Is something the matter, Knight?"
Pushing aside the worry, Knight forced himself to take in a breath. Nine is fine, he can still feel his presence lingering in the back of his mind. He has just been quiet, too quiet even for him.
"Nine is asleep." Knight said, ignoring the chorus of confused murmurs. He decided to clarify, "During his fight with Dusk, his light was taken and then promptly killed."
"But you said that he was asleep." A member of the Consensus spoke up, a human, and attired in the cloth of the Future War Cult, "How can his light be taken, killed, and then only be asleep?"
Despite himself, Knight found his patience slipping.
"Surely you must know of the origins of the Phoenix by now?" He spat, "News spread pretty quickly here." Finding himself having leaned forward in his seat, Knight forced himself to lean back, "It is going to take a few days before Nine is ready to switch with me, let alone speak for himself."
More murmurs, Knight seeing majority of the members of the Consensus visibly turning to each other. He can spot the scrutiny, the doubt in their eyes. Knight can see a strong bias when he sees one.
"Nine broke his censure." A voice drowned out the others, and Knight turned to another human, a man dressed in the colors of Dead Orbit, "We had given him a chance and broke it." The human turned to look at Knight, "I say proper punishment should be given. Exile."
"I beg your pardon!?" Day's shout drowned out any protest Knight had, "You dare incite-"
"He had killed non-Guardians and repeatedly broke his censure!" Knight scowled at the man as the latter interrupted his Ghost, "He is a threat to the City!"
The last sentence rang in Knight's sensors. And he finally had enough.
"How dare you!"
Knight stood up from his seat, sensing the surprised look he received from Day upon his back. He shrugged it off.
"A threat? To the City?" He repeated, "The only threat I see are the cowards seated in front of me!" Knight paused as his optics settled over the Speaker, "Well, except for one."
That is when Knight heard a sputter, a sound of offense.
"What are you trying to imply?"
Knight is offended that they are offended.
"You stay safe behind these walls, concerned only for your damn selves while us Guardians are out there taking the blows for you." Knight gave them a glare, "But you are so quick to exile or dismiss your protectors when they do wrong, especially when you see them as a 'threat' to you non-Guardians." He then jabbed an accusing finger at them, "So tell me, are you afraid of us? Is that why you are quick to find us guilty?"
That is when Knight spotted many of them flinching at his words and he found many glancing around nervously. Or more specifically, at the Speaker.
"Are you afraid of the Speaker?" He decided to add.
This prompted a quiet chuckle from the man, hardly audible to Knight's sensors. If the rest of the Consensus heard, they showed no sign of it, as many of them let out a shout, the offense in their tone obvious.
"How dare you!" One shouted; Knight spotted the colors of the New Monarchy, "How dare you incite-"
"You are trying to rein us in, make us believe you are in charge." Knight interrupted; it is only fair, since they had done the same to Day, "Should I remind you that the Guardians are simply following your orders for the reason that many still recall the Faction Wars?" He is glad that Nine secretly let him in on history with Echo, "Many want peace and order, but how can we have order when you see us as a threat?" Knight took in a breath, then breathed out to calm the anger that he had built up. Nine's advice to keep a leveled head settled in, "Many Guardians already know of your bias and know that the Consensus are not completely on their side." He heard Day hover close to him, their shell still clicking worriedly, "It would not be too difficult for us to find those who are more sympathetic to the Guardians and replace you."
The silence that followed was deafening.
"Are you threatening us?" A Consensus member finally broke the silence.
Knight simply shrugged, "Take it anyway you want but know this: I will not let you exile Nine, you will not harm Nine, and you will not further taint Nine's name."
"He has killed Non-Guardians!" Another Consensus shouted.
"Non-Guardians who were dealing in the slave trade." Knight argued, "Which, I have to remind you, that the Consensus gave no orders or insight on a solution." The one who spoke went quiet. He couldn't help but sigh, "How do you expect Guardians to help you when you keep condemning their actions?"
"For they act without orders!"
"Act without…" Knight couldn't help but frown. The edges of his vision lit up, "We are sentient, fully capable of making our decisions. We are soldiers, not mindless bots to be controlled." He noticed the edges of flames flickering around his hands. Knight ignored it, "Are we capable of following orders? Yes. Do we have to follow them? Do we have to ask for permission? No."
"Then why do you-"
"Follow the Vanguard? The Speaker?" He vaguely gestured towards the last, "Because unlike you lot, they show us respect, treat us like we are our own person." Knight then gave them a blank look, optics flashing over metallic faces, few amongst the Consensus, "Even the Exo treat us better than you."
There is sputtering, cries of outrage, and shouts. Past it all, Knight also spotted flashes of amusement, some hiding a smile behind their hands.
"You are merely soldiers!" Another Consensus shouted, "Our protectors! It is your duty to protect us in the name of the Traveler!" The man jabbed a finger at Knight, "You cannot ask for anything more!"
Knight flexed his hand, sensing Day tug worriedly through their bond. He forced the worst of the light down, Nine's lessons on control echoing in his head.
"Cannot ask?" He repeated, "Have you forgotten that all Guardians, dead and living, had lives before being chosen?" Once again, Knight pressed a hand to his chest, "We had names, friends and family, and you are saying that we should be grateful that we are simple militia to protect your cowardly asses?"
"Why we out to-"
"Ought to what?" Knight interrupted again, "Exile me? Take away my Ghost? Kill me?" Despite himself, he laughed, shaking his head as he added, "More Guardians align themselves with the Vanguard and the Speaker than you all." He grinned at them, sensing the Consensus' unease, "My last trial – our last trial – many Guardians were on our side. So, imagine if anything were to happen to Nine and I after this conclusion with Dusk, they will start asking questions." Knight then raised a hand, settling his fingers onto his chin as he hummed, "Imagine, the Guardians learning that the already cowardly Consensus acting upon their fears? To learn that the body of the City see their own protectors, their Guardians as a threat?" He then lowered his hand and gave them a blank look, "You may get rid of me if you want but imagine the repercussions."
Then, Knight waited, optics scanning the faces of the Consensus. He is amused at the looks of anger he received. Alongside the entertained look upon some. It seems not all the Consensus follow the majority's cowardice.
"We shall wait until Nine recovers." Despite his frustration, Knight released a breath of relief, "We just have one more question for you, Warlock Knight, and then we shall let you be on your way."
Knight looked up at them, wary again, "And that would be…?"
The one speaking leaned back, and he easily sensed the scrutinizing look they gave him.
"Do you know the whereabouts of Titan Echo?"
Xxxxx
It has been a while since Angel last felt this helpless, this lost after seeing most if not all his friends incapacitated. And by a single enemy no less.
After being killed by Dusk after her arrival, Angel thought he would be the worse 'casualty'. A death after all, is common amongst Guardians, especially considering, minus Knight and Hush, he is the youngest of their group. Angel does not have the same amount of experience compared to the rest of their team.
But now, after his visit with a light exhausted Akiva, Angel had to reassess his assessment.
He had witnessed how easily Akiva had been taken down, seeing him go limp in Dusk's grasp before he intervened. And it had happened so quickly too. Angel may have died, but he at least is able to get back on his feet. For Akiva, it maybe days before he would be able to leave the Medical Wing.
Then he visited Pluto.
Angel shivered as he recalled the wires tangled around the Exo Hunter, a mix of medics and technicians running around to keep him stable. Nix is obviously near, shining his light over renewed wiring and plating when needed. If this had been a normal circumstance, it would have been simpler for Pluto to eat a bullet than repair the damage. But this wasn't normal, he fought Dusk and lost horribly, his light drained to the point where there may be permanent damage. It is going to be weeks before Pluto would be discharged.
Then there is Ianos. It was not the first time Angel had witnessed him have a breakdown; understandable, considering his age and what he had seen through the time. But it didn't make it any easier to watch. He had been there when Knight's ship docked in the landing not long after Dusk disappeared, piloted by Ace, and although he didn't see Ianos leave, he heard him.
He was screaming, shouting at the Medics who surrounded him to stay away followed by calling out a name, full of despair as he was dragged away. Angel hadn't seen him since, being turned away every time he went to visit. He just must hope that Ianos regains his senses soon.
Heaving out a sigh in concern, Angel then hesitated as he came to a slow halt at a door, reading the name upon the slip of paper on it.
Matheson.
"You know," He heard Hope say as she hovered close to his shoulder, "Despite the fact that he keeps tellin' people not to, they still callin' him by his full name." He heard her click her shell together, "Matheson." She shook herself side to side, "Now I understand why he prefers Matt."
Flashing his Ghost a sheepish smile, Angel then turned his attention back to the door, took in a deep breath, placed his hand upon it, and pushed it open as he stepped in.
The first thing he noticed was how sterile it was. True the Medical Wing is supposed to be a place that is clean and sanitized, but Angel literately can taste it in the air, as if any existing infection had been exterminated. Next, were the curtains draped around the lone bed, tucked away in the section of the room. There were machines, monitors around it, their beeps loud followed by pumps, ones Angel recognized as to help someone breathe. That is when he heard the quiet wheezing and coughs coming from behind the curtains.
Angel hadn't been present for the rest of the fight against Dusk but he had heard the stories from those who had stood by and witnessed it. Thus, he had heard how Matt had survived a direct hit from a Golden Gun and lived. At first, Angel doubted the claims; he had experienced plenty of the solar gun in the Crucible and to hear that the retired-Guardian turned Medic had been shot point blank and lived. It was hard to believe. But now, hearing Matt struggling to just take in a breath, he now believes the stories. He couldn't help but think it was not worth the effort.
Standing at the entryway, Angel decided it was best to leave. He may have just arrived there but seeing Matt barely clinging to life, what could he do? Sit there and expect for the best? No, not when he knows that somewhere, out there, Dusk is still on the loose.
And he couldn't help but believe that Echo is involved.
Quietly closing the door shut, Angel slowly made his exit, his thoughts lingering over Dusk's and Echo's disappearance.
It had spread not long after Dusk had been stopped, witnesses saying that it had been Echo who had came out victorious. But the shouts, the cry that they heard afterward, was not one of victory, but of grief, of mourning they said. Then, before anyone could fully comprehend the situation, Echo scooped Dusk's body into his arms and ran, disappearing over the rails of the Tower. A search had been called soon after, even into Echo's territory. But no sign of the pair was found.
It wasn't hard to conclude that Echo had fled and – what Angel hoped – with Dusk's body.
But was it really that simple?
Angel couldn't help but raise a hand, looking at his palm.
He is the physical evidence of what a Phoenix Exo is capable of, having been brought back from the dead and his connection to Hope renewed long after his second death. Not to mention that Angel had witnessed Dusk rise back to her feet without a Ghost's aid, solar light flaring around her body the same as a Sunsinger reviving during a Crucible match. The only difference it seems though is that she didn't need a large accumulation of light to do so. Not like she needed it, since she is created from the flesh of the Traveler.
So that killing Dusk was nothing more than an act? That Echo secretly is aligned with her to later launch another assault upon the Tower?
Angel slowly enclosed his hand and released a slow breath as he let his arm fall back to his side.
No, despite Echo's strong hate towards him and Akiva, he also spotted the look of warmth – reminisce of a look that an older brother would give to a younger - that the Phoenix Exo would give to Nine. Not Knight, Angel knows that Echo absolutely despises the younger Exo, if the word imitation wasn't enough to give it away.
But the care for Nine was there and Angel could not help but think that it was out of character for Echo to leave the younger Phoenix behind, to the point where there is no doubt in his mind that there would have been a fight. And he had seen the two Exo fight in the Crucible. The Plaza would have been in shambles if that were the case.
If Echo truly had been in an alliance with Dusk, he would have taken Nine as well, even against his protest, and with the news of Nine – Knight, he reminded himself – it was safe to say that wasn't it. So then, where is Echo?
"Should we check on Knight?"
Angel jumped as he snapped out of his thoughts, turning his eyes to Hope.
"Sounded like the yellin' in the trial room went silent." His Ghost added, "I think it's safe to say that the 'meetin'' between the Consensus and Knight is finished."
Taking in Hope's words, Angel then shifted back to his surroundings, only to realize that he had made it to the room where Knight's trial had taken place. Just as his Ghost said, the room behind the door is quiet, when it had started there had been shouting, accusations thrown about. No doubt that the meeting has been adjourned.
"I think that maybe a good idea." He said, flashing Hope a sheepish smile, "Want to pick the first place to look?"
"Or we can just call him?" His Ghost advised but nonetheless, she was already taking the lead, taking a hall that led to the Plaza.
Angel has an inkling on where she is heading but he simply followed and listened as she hummed to herself.
Xxxxx
Nine?
Knight couldn't help but feel a tad guilty when he saw the hope in Hush's yellow eyes fall when he shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Hush." He apologized, "But he is not going to be awake for a long time."
He is okay?
Knight's optics flickered at her question, watching as the expectant look returned to her eyes. Before he answered, he tugged on the mental bond he shares with Nine and Day. He felt his Ghost return the tug. Nine, on the other hand, remained quiet. But his presence is still heavy in Knight's mind.
"Yes." He decided to answer, "He just needs to rest. A lot of it."
Relief flooded his senses as Hush's eyes lit up. Then he felt her hand grab his; they feel small against his palms.
Then stay with this one? She signed, This one is lonely.
Gently tightening his grip around her hand, Knight nodded, "Then would you like to visit Neve and the others? I have a feeling that Ora and the twins miss their older sister."
Usually, Hush would be gleeful in visiting the younger – smaller – Guardians, thus, he couldn't help but be surprised when instead, she shook her head.
She is still out there. Hush signed; he felt her hand grip his tightly, This one does not feel safe when she is still out there.
Knight didn't have to ask who. His lights dimmed as he watched Hush turn her eyes warily to the door, as if expecting Dusk to come crashing through.
"She is not coming back, Hush," Knight said.
But she can bring herself back without a star, Hush signed; there is wariness in her yellow eyes, What if The-One-Who-Takes-Light comes back?
"Because Echo is with her." Knight found himself saying and he couldn't help but mentally curse. That was not something he is supposed to say aloud.
Nonetheless, it is too late now, especially with the way Hush turned and gave him a look, her brows furrowed.
"Echo is Nine and I's big brother." Knight decided to say. And he mentally hoped that Echo won't learn of his inclusion, "He will keep an eye on Dusk."
The look upon her face is clearly doubtful, scrutinizing. Nonetheless, he felt her give his hand another squeeze.
You are sure?
Despite himself, Knight found himself looking up, looking not only at Day but Crystalline as well. Both Ghosts, who had been conversing, are now quiet, looking back. He knows that they won't be of help here.
"Yes." Knight finally said. Then he turned his optics back to Hush and gave her a smile, "We are safe as long as Echo is here."
Although the nervous edge still lingers in her eyes, Knight also saw the way they beamed and then she pulled on his arm, turning him around and leading him to the door.
Then let us go! Hush signed, Ora and the twins! They must miss us!
Smiling now, Knight let her lead him towards the door, allowing him to press a hand onto the panel. It slid open and he locked his optics onto startled green.
"Hi?" Angel greeted him as he smiled sheepishly, "Going to take a guess that the four of you are going on a little adventure?"
Instead of giving him an immediate answer, Knight found himself looking down at Hush. She was hiding behind him but instead of the wariness, there is a shy look upon her face, her eyes curious. Good, that means the Paragon's attack did little on her trust to the rest of Fireteam Redacted.
"We're going to visit Neve and the kids." Knight answered as he turned his optics back to Angel, "It's been a while since we've last seen them."
There is a blink from the Hunter, a look of surprise but nonetheless, Knight heard him say, "They're not at their apartment, they were still at the Medical Wing last I checked." He rubbed the back of his neck, "Waiting for Akiva to wake up still."
Knight then tightens his fingers around Hush's, "Oh, then a visit is not possible then."
He didn't have to look over at Hush to see the look of disappointment upon her face, feeling her hand go slack in his. On the other hand, Angel frowned at him.
"Just because Neve and the others are visiting doesn't mean you can't." He said before flashing Knight a soft smile, "You are part of Fireteam Redacted, you are part of the pack."
Knight raise a brow, "Pack?"
Angel blinked at him, and then his eyes grew wide, "Family, I mean family." He sighed, "Anyway, Akiva won't mind the visit."
Opting to ignore Angel's fumble, Knight then said, "I don't doubt that Akiva will appreciate the visit from Hush and I." He hesitated, seeing the way Angel gave him a confused look, "I'm just afraid that Neve won't appreciate mine."
"Now why would – oh, right." Realization set into Angel's eyes, "Dusk?" Knight nodded, "That would make sense, Neve's anger does tend to be a bit." He gestured vaguely with his hands, "Widespread." His brows furrowed and then he sighed, "No doubt she will blame the Phoenix Exo for Akiva's condition."
"From what I heard about her, I would think she would punch me in the face first before I can talk."
Knight heard Angel snort at his words, "Then how about the three of us take a walk around the Tower? Get our mind off things?"
"That wouldn't be so bad." Knight agreed before he turned his attention back to Hush, "If Hush doesn't mind, of course."
There is a searching look in her eyes as Knight watched her scan Angel. It took him a moment to realize that most, if not all, interactions with Angel had at least Ianos present. Thus, he waited patiently, up until she confidently stepped out from behind Knight.
A pleased look settled upon Angel's face.
"Any place in particular you want to visit in the Tower?" Knight decided to ask.
Angel shook his head, "Honestly, no. I just wanted someone to talk to, talk about some worries, if you know what I mean?"
At first, Knight raised a brow but then quickly understood when he heard Angel muttering to himself in Eliksni. Thus, he decided to take the initiative, taking steps forward to start. Hush hummed along next to him as Angel followed suit.
"Besides Akiva, how are the others doing?" It felt strange to Knight to speak in a tongue he is not familiar with, one that Nine always speaks. He is fortunate that they share the same memory banks.
That is when he took note of how Angel's shoulders slumped, worry lingering in his eyes.
"Pluto they managed to stabilize." He started, "They replaced the plating around his stomach area but his optics…" He shook his head, "Ianos, they refused to let me see him but considering his records, I can only imagine the worse."
Knight then decided to keep his optics forward, grinding his jaw, "And Matt?"
That is when he saw Angel's lip thin, his brows furrowing together. That gave Knight his answer, but he waited.
"The Medics said they have stabilized him but, when I went to visit…" Angel's reply faded, "I can't say if they are telling the truth."
Despite only knowing Matt in passing, Knight felt a knot form in his throat; the possibility of the Medic's death never crossed his mind. Worse so, that he is the only one who knows how to treat Ianos, he realized.
"Then let's hope they speak the truth."
Knight spoke, more so for himself than Angel, but a smile appeared onto the Hunter's face nonetheless. Then, his expression turned serious.
"Any news on Echo?"
Knight couldn't help but flinch, "No."
Angel paused, staring at him with wide eyes, "What? But I thought…"
"He only speaks with Nine." Knight sighed, "Despite Nine's best, Echo still hates me." He shook his head, "He won't speak with me at all."
Which, if Nine were awake, it would be easy to track Echo down, but that is not the case. And Knight doesn't exactly know every single function in their shared body.
Pondering upon what to do, that is when Knight felt a gentle squeeze against his hand, and he looked down at Hush. Immediately he saw the crease in her brows, the way she frowned. It made Knight realize that despite her lack of understanding of the Eliksni language, this doesn't mean she can't grasp what is going on. It is going to be difficult to keep Hush out of the loop. Or at least, until everything is sorted.
There is a snort from Angel.
"Sounds like a family problem." Despite himself, Knight couldn't help but chuckle, "but all jokes aside, how is Nine doing?"
That is when the smile faded from Knight's face, "He is light exhausted but, he is still alive." He looked at Angel and then tapped the side of his head, "I can still feel him."
That is when he saw Angel raise a brow at him, and then shrugged, "Well, with one more mind taking up head space, one more wouldn't hurt anyone."
"Hey." Hope spoke up, pouting at Angel as the latter laughed. Unable to help another smile, Nine once again felt a tug upon his arm, prompting him to look down at Hush.
This one is bored. She signed, May we eat?
Of course, food is in Hush's thoughts, and Knight's smile grew broad as he turned to Angel, "Hush wants to know if we can grab something to eat."
There is a hum from Angel before he gave another shrug, "Not like we have anything better to do."
Xxxxx
"Just take it easy. Deep breaths."
Taking in Ace's soft whispers, Ianos followed their directions, forcing the panic building within his chest down as he kept his eyes fixated on the door. He knows that he is safe in the Tower, away from Darkness or fire. However, he can feel his anxieties grow. It doesn't help that there is a dull throb constantly eating away at his body, his limbs, reminding him of his condition.
"Nothing is going to hurt you." He heard his Ghost continue, "Not while I am here."
Turning his eyes to Ace's black and orange shell, Ianos gave them a weak smile but didn't say anything. Instead, he turned his attention back to the door, wary.
He doesn't remember how he made it back to the Tower, let alone to the Medical Wing, but he does recall screaming, thrashing in his bed when he awoke. It took him a while to realize the glowing green eyes staring back at him were the Medics and not his Hive Wardens. The Darkness is making him hallucinate.
Ianos then turned his eyes to his lap, taking note of how tight his grip was upon the sheets. His hands trembled when he forced them open and turned his palms. He flexed them. They feel numb now. And he opted to ignore the creeping darkness slithering down his arms. Ianos wonders how this will affect him later.
"Matt is not here yet." He said.
After all, the Medic is usually the first to greet Ianos whenever he checks in at the Medical Wing.
From the corner of his eyes, he saw Ace shift their shell up and down, "Not sure why, perhaps he is busy with other patients."
Which would make sense, considering Dusk attacking the Tower. He wonders how many Guardians she has injured. And taken their light.
Breathing out, Ianos leaned back, setting his head against the pillow behind him. He should rest now, while the worst of the pain is away. Thus, he slowly closed his eyes, and nearby, he heard Ace hum, a soft lullaby to his ears.
That is until the door opened.
Snapping open his eyes wide, Ianos sat up, turning to the door. And all he saw were glowing green eyes.
"Stay away!"
"Ianos."
Hearing Ikora's voice, Ianos pressed the palms of his hands against his eyes, gritting his teeth as he took in a deep breath. Then he lowered his hands and lifted them back to the entryway of his room. The sickly green glow remained.
"The Vanguard?" He questioned.
"It is the Vanguard, Ianos." Ace answered, allowing the panic bubbling within his chest to settle, "it seems they are here to ask a few questions."
Closing his eyes once more, Ianos took in one more deep breath before slowly breathing out, repeating it several times before finally, he built enough bravery to open them. To his relief, Zavala, Ikora, and Cayde stared back.
"It seems the darkness is affecting your mind." Ianos turned his attention to Ikora as the latter continued, "in other words, the rumors of you and Medic Matheson lying of your condition rings true."
"Uh, well."
There is a pause from Ace and Ianos can feel the wariness, the guilt through their bond. Ianos simply sighed before leaning against the headboard of his bed.
"It is not infectious if that is worrying you." He said.
"That is not what we are concerned about."
Ianos can hear the upset in Zavala's voice. In turn, he gave the Vanguard Commander a blank look.
"I am not going dark." He proclaimed.
"According to the darkness breaking out between your 'seams', we have to beg to differ."
Giving Cayde a glare, Ianos said, "I have made it this far without succumbing to the darkness. This is no different."
"No different?" Zavala repeated back, scowling, "You just hallucinated us as the enemy. If you were out in the field and this happens while in the presence of others-"
"Nothing but a few days of recuperating won't fix." Ianos interrupted. He didn't want Zavala to finish. He already knows what he is going to say, "I promise you that Matt's research is helping. The 'days' associated with corruption now takes 'years'. And I was getting better, I had at least a year for treatment to help."
"Had?" Of course, Ikora would catch onto his words, "What happened? Was it Dusk?"
Ianos couldn't help a flinch but nonetheless, he released a slow breath. The Vanguard already caught his and Matt's lie, no use in lying again now.
"Yes." He answered.
"How long?" Ikora asked.
Ianos couldn't help but look down at his hands, ignoring the corruption, "I do not know."
"You don't know?"
His lips pressed together, "Dusk is – was – a Guardian capable of taking light. When she tried to take mine, it gave way for the Darkness to spread." Ianos forced himself to look up, to look at the Vanguard, "Ace was able to stop the worst of it, but it took a substantial amount of my life."
There was a brief silence, contemplation looming over the Vanguard, before finally, it was Zavala who asked.
"How long do you have?"
Ianos licked his lips. They were dry, "Best guess, a couple of months."
There is a look of shock, a flash of surprise through everyone's eyes. Not that Ianos can blame them. They have known each other for centuries and although they don't always see eye to eye, it's always a loss when a Guardian dies. Ianos clasped his hands together, looking down at them again.
"If you have nothing else to say, then exile me." He said.
"Ianos!" Ace shouted next to him.
"You know that is what they are contemplating." Ianos couldn't help but snap before he lifted his eyes back to the Vanguard, "Am I wrong?"
"Ianos." It is Ikora who spoke but when he shifted his eyes over to her, she said no more. He found her lack of words more frustrating.
"Just call Matt." He muttered, "He may have a solution to keep the darkness at bay, at least long enough to find another solution."
At least, Ianos hopes so. If not, then he may have to prepare himself.
Breathing out, Ianos then noticed the lack of movement, the lack of any motion to bring out their Ghost's or even an exit of the room. He narrowed his eyes.
"Is something wrong?" He asked.
The silence after his question made his stomach churn.
"What happened?" Ianos asked, "What happened to Matt?"
There is another beat of silence, of awkward glances before finally, Zavala is the one who answered.
"As you know, Warlock – Medic Matheson lost his Ghost years ago." The start of his sentence did little to settle Ianos' unease, "When the Rogue Guardian, Dusk, attacked the Tower, Matheson was caught in the conflict."
"Caught…" Ianos' voice faded, taking in the meaning. He scanned the faces of Zavala, Ikora, and Cayde for more, to see if what the Commander was saying was false. He saw no signs of a lie.
"How is he?" Ianos decided to ask, "How is Matt?"
Another beat of silence, more glances between each other. Ianos finally lost his patience.
"How is he!?"
The shout hardly garnered a reaction, a simple snap of attention back to him. It is obvious they are used to his outbursts. But instead of conflict, instead of frustration, he spotted empathy, of loss.
"The Medics were able to stabilize Matheson after pulling him from the fight." Ikora is the one who answered, "However, they are uncertain if he will make it past the night."
Her words were an echo in Ianos' ears as he leaned back, eyes wide as he heard Ace sputter, cry out next to him, "Matt shouldn't have – he wouldn't – how in the world did he get caught in the fight!?"
Ianos heard Zavala's voice but his words were muffled to him, undiscernible.
Make it past the night. Ianos repeated the words back to himself. He knows that's a passive meaning that Matt won't make it. He had heard it enough times to understand it.
Ace is shouting now, clearly upset, but once again, the words were dulled to his senses and instead, Ianos found himself thinking back, memories lingering over when he had first met the Guardian turned Medic.
If he remembers correctly, Matt was a New Light, just a few years before the Great Disaster, stubborn and resilient. The few missions he had taken with him he would leap back onto his feet, whooping with Cecilia shouting after. He kept this stubborn will to live even after losing his Ghost.
The thought of his death had never settled into Ianos' mind, not once. To think he would bear witness to it.
"No." Denial set in, clamping tight within his chest. He felt the eyes of the Vanguard turn back to him. He felt Ace's concern through their bond, "I would like to see him, I want to see Matt. I need to speak with him."
An outrageous request, considering that Ianos can barely sit up in his own bed, let alone stand, but he refuses to believe that after all these centuries, for Matt to be taken down so easily, even by Dusk. Even though the Medic was younger than him by decades, he seemed invisible in his eyes.
"Warlock Ianos…"
Ignoring Ikora's call, Ianos snatched the covers off his person, and he swung his legs over the bed.
"Ianos! Stop!"
Ignoring Ace's shout, Ianos tore out the tubes, the wiring connecting into his body, ignoring the ones upon his back, and slid himself off the bed. For an instant, he remained standing, but then, his knees buckled, legs trembling. He barely had enough time to throw out his arms to cushion his landing as he fell forward.
His arms ached, knees following suit, and Ianos heard Ace's shouting out concerns just above him. He felt hands hook under his arms.
That is when his chest clenched, reality finally settling in.
"Traveler, it hurts." He murmured and he felt the hands pause, "Everything hurts."
"Calm yourself." Ace's voice finally rang clear, "The Darkness is trying to eat off your despair. Deep breaths, Ianos." He heard his Ghost mimic taking in a breath, "Deep breaths."
Taking in a hitched breath to mimic Ace's directions, Ianos then felt the hands under his arm gently lift him to his feet, leading him back towards his bed. Taking a seat upon it, Ianos then found himself laid back, feeling caring hands lift his feet and slide them in. He found covers being pulled over his person.
"We shall continue another time."
His mind a fog, Ianos heard the footsteps then, the door opening and then shutting. It didn't take long for the door to open again and this time, he recognized the voices of Medics, directing each other as they approached. As they loomed over him, Ianos simply closed his eyes, and grief settled in.