Redacted
For the Better
Sunday is a weekend so it still counts that I am on time, so I'm not late! Anyways, thank you all for the kind words and understanding the lack of updates the last two weeks. It helped, honest. As such, for a thank you, I wanted to do a double update, which as you can see, didn't happen... going to try for next week but no promises lol. But I really am seriously thankful for all the support, and I just want you all to know, I appreciate it.
Thanks to ShadowRedZoroark, Diamond002, The Great Wolf 117, Guest, and DisobeyedBowl6 for the kind reviews.
Edited: 10/22/2023
When Lex learned of Akiva's death, fury bubbled within his core and the only reason it had simmered down was that it already has been seventeen days since his Guardian had passed. Although wanting nothing more to give the offending Revenants an earful, Lex knows that time is also of the essence.
And time had gone on long enough.
Ignoring the dull buzz permeating throughout his core, Lex forced himself to focus his gold optic onto Akiva's still form, gathering his light as he brushed off his concerns, and then reached for is Guardian's light.
At first, he had expected the worse, that despite the Revenants of keeping Akiva's body intact, that it was all in vain. After all, seventeen days had passed, the link surely would have weakened by then.
However, much to Lex's surprise and relief, Akiva's light miraculously thrummed strongly through their bond, prompting him to latch onto his Guardian's light and pull.
There was a stuttering gasp beneath him, and Lex looked down with a grin.
"Welcome back." He greeted as he watched Akiva's golden eyes open, the fog clearing as they flicked around and then settled onto Lex's optic.
"Lex?" He heard his Guardian called out.
And Lex couldn't be more confused.
Unlike what he had previously thought, Akiva did not sound happy, not even relieved. Instead, he saw tears forming in the edges of the Titan's eyes and he couldn't help but stare.
"Akiva?" Lex finally called out.
Instead of receiving an immediate response, Lex watched as Akiva looked around, tears still glistening before turning onto his side, facing away from him.
"I need a moment." Lex heard his Guardian whisper, and he couldn't help but hover close, pressing his shell against his core.
That is when he noticed the trembling of his Guardian's shoulders. He decided not to press.
"Is Akiva awake?"
Looking back, Lex's optic settled over the twins. From the look upon their faces, it is obvious they were worried.
"Yes." He answered, but then glanced back at his Guardian's back, "I think he needs time to recompose himself."
There is a grunt from Gemini and Lex heard Scorpio speak, "At least he's back. Now we don't have to worry about him staying intact."
Physically, Lex wanted to say but decided to keep it to himself. According to the short explanation from Ace, the group already has enough on their plate to worry about. No need to add more and not to mention that this is something that Lex can handle later. Hopefully.
"How are you doing, Knight?"
Scorpio's question pulled Lex out of his thoughts, turning to Knight just in time to see the Exo shrug.
"Missing an arm, right side hurts like hell, can hardly see out of my right side, Ghost is too weak to talk to me, and my other half is quiet." Knight's answer prompted Lex to flinch, "Besides that, I'm well." That is when Lex watched Knight look at the twins up and down, "On the other hand, the two of you seem to have free roam of this place."
"With high surveillance, but yeah, pretty accurate." Gemini shrugged, "Helps pass the time while waiting for the three of you to, you know, wake up."
"Not much we can do about that." Ace piped in, Lex watching from the corner of his optic as the black and orange Ghost hovered up from Ianos' side, "But I do apologize for the wait."
There is a nod from Gemini and then, "Anything?"
Although Gemini was the one who asked, it was Scorpio's shoulders that deflated when Ace shook their core.
"Not yet," They said, "But so far, he seems stable, so I am in no hurry."
That is when Lex turned and gave his fellow Ghost a curious look, "No hurry? I thought that with your history with the Revenants, that you would be eager to leave."
"Well, yes." Ace admitted. Then, the Ghost turned to their Guardian, "However, this is the longest I have seen Ianos rest." There is a subtle release of breath, "And most at peace."
Lext blinked, "Really?"
That is when Ace turned to him, shifting their shell up and down sheepishly, "Well, one of the moments."
This prompted Lex to be curious and he glided just a bit closer, readying himself to ask.
When Akiva suddenly sat upright, swung his legs over the side of the bed.
And then promptly fell to the floor like a pile of bricks.
"Akiva?" Lex turned, optic wide as he heard Akiva groan, "Akiva, what are you doing?"
Instead of receiving an answer, Lex glided back when his Guardian gripped the edge of his bed and staggered to his feet. Then, with buckling legs, he started to walk.
"Akiva." Lex called out again, "You shouldn't be moving so soon. You have been dead for seventeen days."
That is when Akiva paused, eyes slowly turning to him, "S-Seventeen days?"
Giving his Guardian a single nod, Lex watched as Akiva's face went pale, "Did you tell them? Did you tell them where I was?"
That is when Lex blinked, core swimming with questions as he tried to understand, "Tell them what?"
Then, the tears were back, Lex seeing them form just in the edges of the Titan's eyes.
"Akiva?" Lex called out softly, "Akiva, what is the matter?"
There is a sniff, eyes to the floor.
"They must be worried." Lex heard Akiva mumble, "Seventeen days passed with no word." His Guardian then used the palm of his hand to wipe the edges of his eyes, "They must think that I'm dead."
That is when it finally dawned upon Lex.
Neve and the kids. His family. He was worried if they knew where he was.
Hearing Akiva's taking steps, heavy and awkward, Lex reeled when he saw his Guardian stumble.
"Akiva, take it easy." Lex zipped around, hovering close to Akiva's face, "You need proper rest before you are fully capable of walking on your own."
His Guardian's eyes settled onto him, "But, Neve. The kids…"
"I will let them know." Lex promised, "But first, rest."
When Lex saw Akiva turn his eyes away, turning to the exit of the Medical Ward, he was worried that his Guardian would ignore him. After all, this is his family that they were talking about. Fortunately, much to Lex's relief, a sigh can be heard from Akiva before the latter reluctantly turned and staggered back to his bed. It didn't take long for him to lie down upon it.
"I will speak with the Preceptor, so I am able to send a frequency." Lex saw Akiva looked up at him, a hopeful look in his eyes. In turn, he gave his Guardian a smile, "Don't worry, it won't take long."
Seeing the relief settle onto Akiva's face, Lex then waited as the Titan leaned his head back and closed his eyes. It didn't take long for him to feel the familiar pull of rest flow through their bond.
"He misses his family, doesn't he?" Lex turned his attention to Knight, the latter of which was tapping his knee, "Makes sense, who wouldn't miss their family after an elongated period of time?"
That is when Lex gave him a look, squinting, "You miss Hush, don't you?" His words were confirmed when Knight flinched, "Well, you have to admit, it is kind of quiet when she and the kids aren't here."
A ghost of a smile settled over Knight's face but, the young Exo said nothing else, prompting Lex to say, "I will be back. I am going to send a frequency to Neve and the others."
That is when Lex felt all eyes turn his way.
"You do know that the Revenants won't allow that?" Gemini said, "I mean, they tackled me when I tried reporting to Pluto, screaming about their location being discovered."
Lex blinked, "What?"
Gemini shrugged, "All I know is that everyone here is paranoid as fuck."
Lex sighed, "Doesn't matter. That just means more of a reason to find this Preceptor and speak with him. Perhaps I can convince him to send one frequency out." That is when he paused, shell pressing against his core as a thought dawned upon him, "Who knows, this might be the last frequency we are able to send."
"Last?" Scorpio was the one who spoke up, "What do you mean by that?"
That is when Lex hesitated, wondering if he should answer. Everyone who is awake, and present are young after all, he doesn't want to scare them.
Unfortunately, it seems Ace didn't have the same thought.
"He means that we flew out of the Hangar without permit, been away from the Tower for seventeen days, and have not sent a frequency back during that period." Ace blurted out, "Put that together and guess?"
The stunned silence that followed was palpable.
"No." Knight broke it, "The Vanguard wouldn't brush us off so easily. They must know that we are doing…" He gestured vaguely with his functioning arm, "this to cure Ianos."
"And there would be no doubt in my mind that they would learn that the cure would be the Revenants." Ace said, "And all three of the Vanguard were present during the battles against them. They would no doubt be able to piece things together."
"So, that gives them the right to judge that we are rogues now?" Gemini scowled, crossing her arms, optics dark, "Don't we get a say at least?"
"Well, it is not completely up to the Vanguard." Ace continued, "The Consensus usually has a say and considering the fact that most are non-Guardians, let us just say that they are a little bias."
"Fuck that." Gemini said.
A sentiment that Lex wholeheartedly agrees with.
But they also can see the worry that gathered in Scorpio's and Knight's optics.
"Then, we can't go back to the Tower for the reason that we were radio silent for seventeen days?" Scorpio asked.
"Perhaps, but I could be of assistance."
Jumping, Lex turned to see Crystalline's shifting lavender shell approach, her yellow optic beaming.
"Crystalline." Ace bobbed in greeting, "I have not seen you since, well, since we first got here."
"Been busy refamiliarizing myself here." Crystalline sounded apologetic, "it has been a few decades since I was last here." Lex heard her hum, "Not much has changed." But then, a sad look settled over her optic, "Just, a lot of unfamiliar faces."
Empathy settled into Lex's core at her words, but before he could offer condolences, Crystalline shook her shell, twirling it around her core before she said, "And not to mention that the Preceptor and I had a lot to talk about, more specifically on how to honor the deaths of Blaise and Isamu."
Lex couldn't help but raise the top part of their shell, "Do you have different rituals for the dead?"
"Not really?" Crystalline shrugged, "It depends on the Guardian, hence why many are given time to mourn."
There is another stunned pause.
"What?" Lex finally asked.
Crystalline, in turn, gave everyone else a confused look, "We are given time to mourn?" Her shell shifted, "Do Tower Guardians do not do the same?"
Instead of giving his fellow Ghost an answer, Lex couldn't help but feel envious, letting it linger within his core. He and his Guardian have been bonded for years but Lex cannot recall a time where they were able to properly grief the loss of their comrades, their friends, their family. There was Aleeza, but Akiva had already been on leave to look after the children; it wasn't given as a time to mourn.
Shifting his shell, Lex finally decided to bob once in response to Crystalline's question. This earned them a narrowed look, her shell scrunching against her core. He can see she has something to say and knowing her, a strong opinionated say.
"Anyway." Lex heard her say instead, "If the Vanguard or the Tower or whoever gives you any problems, we have your back."
At first, Lex didn't realize the meaning behind her words, not until Ace glided close, a doubtful look in their orange optic.
"Wait." They started, "Are you saying that the Revenants are willing to break their silence to help us?"
Wait, really?
Lex turned and gave Crystalline a wide-eyed look.
Is that what she meant?
When Crystalline bobbed once, Ace then asked, "Why?"
"Well." Crystalline hummed, "To be more accurate, it is the Preceptor who is willing to break the silence to help you." Then she shrugged again, "The reason? Didn't give me an exact answer. All he said was that he wanted to be able to help you in any way he can."
Lex narrowed his optic, "Does he expect a favor in return or…?"
Another shrug from Crystalline, "As I have said before, he didn't articulate, but then again, I never asked."
Suspicious, Lex made a mental note to keep an eye on the Preceptor. No one would perform a big favor like that expecting nothing in return.
"We will have to speak with the Preceptor about it later." Ace spoke up; he can see the same suspicion in their optic, "But for now." They turned their attention to Lex, "I believe that you have a message to send, correct?"
Of course, divert the conversation when it was getting good. And informative.
Nonetheless, Lex nodded at Ace before turning to Crystalline.
"Considering that you know how things work here, any possible way for me to send a frequency to Neve?" He asked.
"We will have to leave the base so that the Revenants are comfortable." She gave him a sheepish smile when he gave her a blank stare, "They tend to be a bit trigger happy."
"And here I thought we could be friends." He muttered and he heard Crystalline chuckle, waiting until she started gliding towards the exit to follow.
That is, until she came to a sudden halt, her yellow optic growing wide followed by a sheepish grin.
"I'm surprised it took you this long to start looking for us."
Raising the top part of their shell, Lex looked over Crystalline, only to freeze. From there, he could spot the familiar dark clad form of Pluto, the latter of which crossed his arms and frowned.
"Did I not say to send back a frequency?" He said.
Xxxxx
Hush latched onto Older-Brother-Orion's arm, yellow eyes wide as she scanned the adults around her. She doesn't recognize the Chosen surrounding them and she is afraid of them now after the attack when they were outside. She couldn't help but wonder how Grandpa-Pluto and Older-Brother-Orion trusted them enough to lead them without fear of harm, even with this 'Preceptor' leading the way. After all, it's hard to miss the hard looks being sent their way.
Hush hopes that they find the others and get out quickly as they can.
Clutching Older-Brother-Orion's arm to her chest, Hush pressed against his side, especially when the group came to a slow halt.
Then, a familiar voice rang out through the hall.
Hush took in a sharp breath, snapping her eyes up and locked onto a familiar shifting lavender shell.
Star-Crystalline.
Smiling, Hush squealed before releasing her grip from Older-Brother-Orion's arm, hearing him shout but ignored it as she dashed towards her star. However, when her star's optic locked onto hers, the glee that flashed quickly switched to one of horror.
Hush was then blindsided, the world a blur before she felt her back slam against something hard – a wall – followed by a sickening crack. There was a brief flash of pain, quick enough where Hush couldn't even cry out and then. Nothing.
The darkness was brief, the chill hadn't even set in when Hush sat upright, taking in a rattling gasp and white flashed into her vision. It was only when she blinked rapidly, ridding herself of the lights lingering around her eyes when she heard the shouting.
"She's just a fucking kid! How dare you!"
"Orion! Calm yourself!"
"You know how our bonds with our Ghosts work! She hasn't seen Crystalline in over half a month! Hush was just excited to see her again!"
"I understand, but letting your anger get to you is not helping!"
There is a grunt from Older-Brother-Orion and Hush looked up from her seat to see him shove one of the many Chosen around them back. Although he took a large step back, his shoulders were squared out, arms tense.
Then, he snarled in Eliksni. And one that Hush recognizes as a bad word.
She laughed, especially when the offending Chosen jerked back, sputtering.
"Hush? Hush, are you alright?"
The familiar voice of her star prompting Hush to close her eyes, taking in a deep breath as she took it in, and then smiled as she opened them and turned her attention to her side. There, hovering close with worry in her optic, is her star, Crystalline.
This One is fine now that you are here. She can feel Star-Crystalline flush through their bond, You are safe?
That is when she saw her Star's shell bristle against her core, "Of course I'm safe, silly. Despite our stay at the Tower, I am still a Revenant." She puffed out her shell, "They wouldn't harm me here."
Giving her star another smile, Hush then asked, Then, the others are safe?
When she saw Star-Crystalline pause, optic blank, Hush subtly tilted her head, scrutinizing her.
You say that you are a Revenant. She continued, Since you are our friend, then they would not hurt them too?
A tug was her answer, and Hush couldn't help but worry, Crystalline, what happened to Papa and the others?
She heard her Star breath out, "Hush, you have to understand that the Revenants are sensitive when it comes to those outside of their family." Hearing this, Hush started wringing her fingers together, "When I came here with the others, some of the Revenants became a bit, violent."
That is when Hush made a face, expression twisting.
But, are they not your family? She asked.
Hush felt a beat of shame, of embarrassment through their bond, and she reached out to press, to further ask why.
"What have you done to them?" Grandpa-Pluto's voice pulled Hush's attention away, prompting her to look back at the Exo, "What have you done to Fireteam Redacted and the twins!?"
"At ease, Pluto, there is no need to be so- "
The one who had been speaking, the one clad in black and red, the Preceptor, was then grabbed by Grandpa-Pluto, and Hush looked on with wide eyes as the Hunter turned and slammed him against the wall. This prompted the other Chosen to close in, some even taking up weapons.
"I do not recall uttering my name to you." She heard Grandpa-Pluto snarl, "Have you been spying on us?"
"No." The Preceptor protested, "Crystalline simply – "
"She may have given you names but I doubt you could have pinpointed which ones of us was whom." Hush watched as Grandpa-Pluto shook him, "Tell me, have you been spying on us?" Then, she saw him lean in, "Or, should I confirm the Vanguard's facts accurate, Zakai?"
That is when Hush saw the Preceptor's shoulders stiffen, the air of calm now tense; she couldn't help but reach up and clasp Star-Crystalline into her hands, bringing her close to her chest.
Hush herself had heard of Zakai, mainly stories that Papa would tell her when he felt like it. When he did, his eyes were always filled with melancholy, a longing that Hush had only seen in the eyes of those who had lost someone. Hence why she is confused that this Zakai, this person that Papa spoke as if deceased, is now standing in front of everyone, alive and well.
She then jumped when Grandpa-Pluto pulled the Preceptor forward and slammed his back onto the wall; the Revenants around them jerked, only to come to a halt when the Preceptor raised a hand.
"Answer me!" Grandpa-Pluto demanded, practically snarling.
Hush looked on with wide eyes.
Then finally, the Preceptor breathed out, "The Vanguard figured it out?" There is a hum from him, "Interesting. How long ago was this?"
"According to what I was told, years ago." Grandpa-Pluto said; Hush took in the minuet way his hand tightened around the front of the Preceptor's robes, "You are not lying…"
"According to Ianos, it is nearly impossible to lie to you." A truth that Hush wholly accepts; she lost count on how many times she tried to hide something from the Exo but in the end, she gets found out, "Might as well tell the truth than alternatively get shot in the head when you learn of its lie."
There is a huff from Grandpa-Pluto, subtly leaning back as his hands loosen from the front of his coat. At least, that is what Hush thought, but she too notices that despite his grip now loose, it still held onto the front of the Preceptor's coat, as if ready to grab him again.
"Ianos tore himself apart when he heard you died." Grandpa-Pluto's words were almost inaudible, hardly a whisper, "Went mad with grief before he slowly started to gather the pieces." Then, Hush saw his hands tremble, "Why? Why did you leave him behind like that!?"
The sudden rise in volume from Grandpa-Pluto caused Hush to jump in her seat, especially so when his grip went tight on the Preceptor once more and shook him again; this one not as hard.
"He was already on the edge when the two of you lost Ari, and then you made the decision to fake your death!" His voice trembled, hands shaking, "Why!? Tell me!"
Taking the chance to stand unsteadily to her feet, Hush then looked down at Star-Crystalline in her hands, curious of her Star's reaction; she could see the wide look in her optic. Hush wouldn't be surprised if she too was kept in the dark about the Preceptor's identity.
"It was back when I was first working with darkness." The Preceptor answered, "Back when Ianos' light was being eaten away by corruption." Hush watched him straightened out his posture, "If I had let him follow, then he would have died from the exposure. I didn't want that."
The shaking on Grandpa-Pluto's shoulders was telling enough and Hush feared for the Preceptor's life; she knew of his temper.
Thus, she couldn't help but be surprised when his shoulders suddenly slumped, his anger seemingly vanishing all together.
"It would have been better than letting him take that mission to the Moon."
Hush couldn't comprehend the meaning behind those words, at least, not fully, but when she saw the Preceptor flinch, pulling away, she knew that there is a special meaning behind it. One where she can sense the guilt, the regret oozing off the Preceptor.
This seems to be enough, as Grandpa-Pluto finally took a step back, taking his hands off the Preceptor.
"If I had known that he would have taken the risk to head to the Moon, I would have done anything to stop him." The Preceptor said, "even take his place if that is the only way."
"But he went." Grandpa-Pluto growled out, "And thanks to you, he not only endured months of torture, but lived through the scorn of the Tower. Now they all think of him as a murderer."
If there is one thing that Hush appreciates about her new family, is that if prompted and if there is something they do not wish to hide, they are open about their past, their secrets. Papa's title as a Guardian killer who still lives amongst Guardians had been told to her not long after she started staying within the Tower. She cannot comprehend why people would believe such a story and twist it where her Papa seems to be a villain.
And the Preceptor seems to share the same sentiment, as she saw his head snap up, surprise coming off his person, "What?"
Instead of giving him an answer, Hush watched as Grandpa-Pluto instead turned.
"I appreciate you saving Ianos' life." He said, "But after what you had caused, how you were the catalyst, I say it is better if he does not know who you truly are."
"You cannot just – "
One of the Revenants took an aggressive step forward towards Grandpa-Pluto, and Hush sucked in a breath, waiting. As expected, Grandpa-Pluto turned, and she can see wisps of Void Light lingering between his fingertips as he shoved the Revenant back. The latter stumbled.
"If Ianos learns that he is alive, it will break him." Grandpa-Pluto snarled, "Who knows how he will react." He then turned his attention back to the Preceptor, "He might even retaliate against you."
Wary now, Hush couldn't help but glance back and forth between Grandpa-Pluto and the Preceptor as she slowly scooted her way to Older-Brother Orion, the latter of which took her into his arms.
"Hush. Orion."
Finally, Grandpa-Pluto broke away, watching as he strode into the room where they had been led.
It was then she felt a brief struggle in her hands and she looked down to see Star-Crystalline, her shell shifting between her fingertips. This prompted Hush to let her go and she watched as her star reoriented herself.
"Go on ahead." Hush heard Star-Crystalline say, "I will be nearby. The Preceptor and I just need to talk."
Hush pursed her lips.
Talk about Papa? She asked.
She was none too surprised when her star went silent, her optic looking away.
Grandpa-
"Papa is in the room where Pluto is heading." Hush straightened out at Star-Crystalline's words, "He's sleeping but I believe he would appreciate you visiting."
Although excited at the thought of seeing Papa against after so long, Hush also couldn't help but frown at her star. She had just gotten her back. It doesn't feel right to split so soon.
However, as she saw her star shift her shell against her core, Hush knows the look of when someone has a question, a question that they are eager to ask. But only want to say it in private. Thus, giving her star a nod, Hush latched onto Older-Brother-Orion's arm, signaling for him to follow Grandpa-Pluto.
Behind her, she can hear the Revenants follow. She is uncertain if the Preceptor is among them.