Redacted

The Oracle

I deeply apologize for the late update guys, but out of the entire week, I worked most of it, so there left little time to write. However, I have the next three days off so that should give me ample time to update on time for once later this week!

Thanks to Diamond002 and The Great Wolf 117 for the reviews!

Edited: 12/17/2023

"Akiva. Glaring back won't stop them from glaring back at us."

In response to his Ghost's words, Akiva raised his hands, but kept his eyes out towards the surrounding Revenants, "Sorry, just not used to all the eyes."

A true statement, as Ianos, even though half his attention is on Hush, can feel the suspicion, the narrowed looks that they are receiving from the other Chosen seated around them. He decided to pick at the food on his tray as he sensed the mischievous look from Pluto.

"I thought you just wanted to pick out a possible partner for the night." The Hunter joked.

That is when Akiva sputtered, slamming his cup back onto the table, barely taking it away from his lips in time, "Not anymore now that I have three kids and a fiancé!"

Unable to help but chuckle quietly at Akiva's protest, Ianos decided to take the opportunity of Pluto's distraction to subtly push his tray towards Hush, glancing at her quickly to see the anticipated look in her eyes.

"Ianos." Pluto's call made him pause, "You are going to eat whether you want to or not."

Furrowing his brows and frowning, Ianos heard Hush whimper in disappointment, prompting him to turn and give Pluto a blank look.

"I do not need to eat." He protested; nonetheless, he pulled his tray back to himself, "and I had plenty of rest the past few days."

If Pluto's optics were uncovered, Ianos could see him giving him a narrow look.

"Although rest helps with recovery, taking in sustenance further speeds up the process." Pluto retorted, prompting Ianos to huff at the Hunter's words, "and worry not about Hush. Knight will soon return with another tray for her."

Ianos couldn't help but raise a brow at him, "I thought Day said that Knight's leg was not fully healed."

Pluto gave him a shrug, "He was adamant on getting food for himself and Hush." Ianos couldn't help but scrunch his face together, "If it makes you feel any better, Day said that they would send us a frequency if anything were to happen."

Although still displeased, Ianos decided to give a nod, and turned his attention back to his meal, using his fork to shift the greens and meat around on his tray. Picking up one of the pieces of meat with the utensil, Ianos easily felt Hush's impatient eyes as he lifted it to his lips and popped it into his mouth.

In honesty, Ianos only agreed to venture to the Mess Hall for Hush's sake, having noticed her fidgeting and her yellow eyes repeatedly glancing over to the exit of the Medical Ward. He can hardly blame her for her impatience; he knows that she had starved to death in her first life and Ianos and the others have made it a habit to have food in her hands. Ianos just had not expected Pluto to take the opportunity to force him to eat as well. Although, he understands why.

Though Guardians do not necessarily need food or sleep, doing any of the two still helps with recovery and with his condition, Ianos needs it. Especially since they do not know exactly what this Harmonization entails. Thus, he decided to eat, although it still bothers him that Hush is not getting her fill first.

"I apologize for the wait."

Knight's call prompted Ianos to look over, just as he saw the younger Exo limp over with two trays in his hand, slowly making his way to their table and settling in next to Pluto. He slid one tray over to Hush before setting his own down in front of him. Then, Ianos saw his white optics flick around.

"Where is Orion and the twins?" He asked.

"They went to visit Eidr." Pluto answered, "according to the twins, they wanted to introduce the child to us. Orion decided to humor them." Then, he sighed, "It seems Scorpio is fixed on the idea that we are going to take the child back with us to the Tower."

Ianos couldn't help but furrow his brows; another child to add to their number?

"But isn't that dangerous?" Knight voiced the question that he had wanted to ask, "I mean yes, the Darkness here can be dangerous to a child, but the Tower is also wary of anything that is associated with it." Ianos saw the young Exo gesture vaguely with a hand, "He might be more at risk there than here."

"With how attached Scorpio is with that child," Pluto muttered, "I do not think we have much of a choice."

"Wait." Knight then perked up in his seat, "Does that mean Galaxy will have a child amongst their ranks, then?"

Although subtle, Ianos heard a groan from Pluto, "Honestly, I am not certain." The blind Hunter leaned back, crossed his arms, and frowned, "I have no experience when it comes to raising children and the rest of the Clan hardly knows the basics."

"Except for Scorpio." Akiva piped in.

The Titan ducked his head when Pluto turned and gave him a blank look, but Ianos could see the smile upon Akiva's face.

"For the reason that Scorpio is the only one amongst the Clan to want a child." Pluto muttered, "and it just so happens that an orphan made its way into his arms." He then dragged a hand down the front of his face, "However, I doubt he is capable of raising a child on his own."

"Neve and I can help."

"You have three kids, Akiva." Pluto reminded Akiva, "And do not pull the 'returning the favor' trick." Ianos saw Akiva smile sheepishly at the Hunter's words, "There are ten of us and although Fireteam Blaze do their best, they themselves hardly have the time to watch them, let alone a fourth child."

There is a hum from Akiva, a thoughtful look settling into his eyes. Then, he perked up, "We can talk to the Vanguard, allow us to have a rotation to help raise them."

"Akiva. Please."

Mindlessly chewing on his meal as he continued to tune in onto Pluto's and Akiva's conversation, Ianos then glanced over his shoulder, and quickly noticed the glares and the looks of suspicion pointed their way. Even if they were to all find a solution to raise Eidr back at the Tower, with the Revenant's hostility, he doubts that they will accept any of the suggestions. Let alone allow them to take Eidr with them.

As Ianos took a sip from his cup, a thought then settled in. One he hopes that the Revenants will accept.

"We can ask the Blossoms for help." He said.

This earned him a sputter from Pluto and the others gave him a curious look.

"Blossoms?" Akiva repeated, "Who are they?"

Ianos couldn't help but raise a brow at him but then his expression shifted to one of understanding, "I would have said how you have not heard of them, but then I realized their name had declined by the time you were resurrected." He set his cup down, humming, "The Blossoms of Hope, or the Blossoms, were once a Powerful clan, said to be on par with Galaxy." Ianos heard Pluto scoff; he ignored it, "Sadly, they lost many, if not all, of their members during the Great Disaster, and their reputation was hit hard when one of their founders defected to the Revenants. That was Isamu."

There is a wheeze from Akiva, "What!?"

Ianos ignored him, "According to the Blossoms, they got into a fierce argument with him but in the end, they have regrets." He picked at his food, thinking back to the Titan who had pleaded with him to keep an eye out for the late Revenant, "They wanted to make amends however, considering his death…"

Ianos didn't want to finish.

"That is not going to happen." Fortunately, Pluto did. Although, this did not stop the scowl upon his face, "What makes you think that the Blossoms will accept Eidr?"

"Eidr is Isamu's son." Ianos answered, "If you had spoken with them recently, they truly regret their actions and want nothing more than to fix their strained bond with Isamu." He decided to pop a green into his mouth; it tasted of the woods, "With their attempt at amending their bond with Isamu now gone, I say that they likely will be more than happy to take Eidr under their wing."

At least, Ianos hopes so. Between Akiva's children and Hush, their group already have enough young ones amongst their number.

And Pluto must have thought the same, for Ianos spotted the way he subtly tilted his head back, tapping a finger against his arm.

"Extra hands at the Tower." Ianos heard Pluto murmur, "Which also allows Scorpio to visit whenever he wants." He raised a hand to his chin, "It may work."

"Then it is just a matter of the Revenants giving us guardianship." Ianos turned his eyes towards Knight, the latter of which dipped his head, lights bright between his face, "Er, no pun intended."

There was a pause, then a snort from Akiva, prompting Ianos to turn his focus back onto Pluto.

"We shall speak with the Preceptor about it after Ace undergoes this Harmonization." Ianos said, "Considering how many of the Revenants reacted to the news, it must be an important ceremony."

And one that is deemed of the highest honor, judging from the way he heard some curse at him under their breath.

"A ceremony in which you have to participate as well." Pluto's reminded; to Ianos, his tone showed that he is still not happy with it, "and somehow this Harmonization requires both of your consent."

A strange thought indeed, considering that with Ianos' experience with the darkness induced rituals, most do not exactly need to participants' 'consent' to initiate. Ianos couldn't suppress a chill running down the length of his spine.

Fortunately, from the middle of their table, Ianos saw Ace shift their optic away from the other Ghosts, hearing them hum softly from where he sat.

"Perhaps it is to make contact with the darkness?" The black and orange Ghost suggested; this prompted the other conversing Ghosts to cease their interaction, turning their focus onto Ace. Ianos can spot the curiosity and interest in their optics.

And the wariness.

"You mean talking to it?" Lex spoke up, the Ghost looking strange now in his new shell; although still holding the same shade of white and yellow, the yellow lining the edges of the star shape was gone and inside, the inner part of his shell was colored in, almost like a circle around his core.

"How else?" Ianos watched as his Ghost shrugged, "The Traveler represents the light, correct? Then it should make sense that there is an entity that represents the Darkness."

"You mean like Oryx?" Knight's innocent question prompted Ianos to flinch; from the corner of his eyes, he saw Akiva do the same, "He's dead. Eris confirmed it."

"But didn't he also have sisters?" Day piped in, "Two of them?"

"Darkness, we are not communing with Savathûn or Xivu Arath." Crystalline's words settled the anxiety that had been growing in Ianos' chest, "The Revenants already made the unanimous decision that reaching out to the likes of them is too dangerous."

That is when Ace shifted their shell, making a face at their fellow Ghost, "Then, who are we making contact with?"

Ianos watched as Crystalline's shook her glowing strands and she lifted herself up subtly, almost as if she was proud.

"The Ostracized." She answered, "They have been with the Revenants since our formation."

And likely the reason why the Revenants can commune with the darkness as they are. At least, that is Ianos' theory.

Looking towards Pluto to see if the Hunter had come to the same conclusion, Ianos instead saw his brows raise behind his blindfold.

"And who are these Ostracized?" He asked.

The look that Crystalline gave to Pluto was the blandest one that Ianos had ever seen.

"Well." She started, "Who else would know how to utilize the Darkness?"

Her cryptic answer prompted Ianos to frown, making him curious, and he would have probed further if a startled cry didn't echo from the entrance of the dining area. Snapping his eyes towards the doorway, he saw a Revenant – adorned in the attire of a Hunter- fly into the room, skidding upon her back before coming to a slow halt. Then, as the Hunter groaned upon the floor, turning to her side, Orion entered, and there was a constant flicker of arc light resonating around his shoulders.

And judging from the way Orion was descending upon the Hunter, she was the object of his ire.

Orion's optics were glowing as he stomped towards the Hunter, snarling in Eliksni and from what Ianos could catch snatches of, they were curses, lines of insults that he knows Angel would be sputtering and reeling from.

Nonetheless, Ianos wouldn't be surprised if Orion's cursing is what is saving him from being attacked; the surrounding Revenants had gotten up from their seat but had ceased, eyes wide and bewildered at the young Exo's words.

This means this is an opportune time to jump in and stop Orion before he pummels the Hunter.

However, as Ianos went to stand, two blurs of black and orange rushed in and practically slammed into Orion's back, limbs pulling him back.

"Stay out of this!" Orion snarled, jerking an arm forward.

Ianos can tell that Gemini had to put all her weight on it to stop him.

"She maybe an ass, Orion! But that doesn't mean you can kill her!" Gemini shouted.

That is when Ianos became concerned; Orion maybe short tempered but he doesn't kill. At least, not usually.

And it seems Pluto thought the same, for Ianos saw the blind Hunter slowly stand, making his way towards the group of Exo.

"Orion." Pluto's call prompted the younger Exo to halt, turning his pink optics to the Hunter, "What happened?"

Ianos couldn't help but muse when Orion blinked at Pluto, arc light slowly dissipating from his form. This signaled the twins to detangle themselves from him, taking steady steps back as soon as their feet touched the floor; Ianos remembers Pluto using that tone all too well with him back in his younger years.

Nonetheless, Orion didn't answer, at least not right away, and instead he turned his attention over to the Hunter – the one who was still upon the floor – and gave her a glare. With the threat now gone, the Hunter glared back before slowly rising to her feet, brushing off her form. With her helmet absent, Ianos can see her light green plating and glowing blue optics.

"You remember the others telling us about a group of Revenants who attacked Akiva and the others?" Ianos heard Orion speak, his jaw clenched tight. Then, he pointed an accusing finger at the Hunter, "She was not only a part of that group, but she was also the one who gave the order to fire."

Hearing his words, now Orion's rage made sense; this Revenant before them had nearly killed Akiva and Lex and severely wounded Knight and Nine. And judging from the way the Hunter squared out her shoulders and lifted her chin, she held no remorse.

In any other situation, Ianos would have handled it, taking matters into his own hands. But then he spotted the way Pluto's head tilted subtly, leaning his head to one side as if to better take in Orion's words before clasping his hands together in front of him.

That is when Ianos knows he doesn't need to lift a finger.

Pluto is well known to be malicious when it comes to 'returning the favor'.

"I see." Pluto's words must not have been the ones that Orion wanted to hear, for Ianos can see the young Exo's expression twist, pink optics flickering.

Fortunately, he said nothing, and Ianos watched as Pluto then turned his focus to the Hunter.

"You were the one responsible?" He heard him ask.

"Yes." The Hunter's response held no hesitation, not even a slight waver, "and I am not going to apologize either."

There is a low growl from Orion and the young Titan took a step forward. He only stopped when Pluto subtly raised a hand.

"Is that what you were expecting?" The expression upon Pluto's face was clearly amused, his stance growing lax as he crossed his arms, "That we wanted an apology from you?" There is a laugh, prompting the Revenant Hunter to look at him with narrowed optics, "Oh no, I completely understand your actions." He smiled at her, "You were merely protecting what you consider as your home."

Pluto's words, the way he spoke, anyone who does not know him would think of it as a friendly gesture, holding out a hand of friendship. But Ianos knows Pluto. And so does Orion, as the Titan's pink optics slowly grew wide. Then, he took a large step back, pulling the twins along with him. This earned him a confused look from Gemini and Scorpio.

In contrast, the Revenant Hunter gave Pluto a confused look, brows furrowing together.

"I…" She started, "Yes?"

Her stance now is rigid, optics full of suspicion. But, Ianos must give her credit for being able to keep her stature forward, attention fully on Pluto.

"Strong and brave you are for protecting your home, especially from other Chosen." Pluto continued with his faux praise, "However, I do have one question for you." Then, he approached, looming over the Revenant Hunter, "What is your number?"

The Revenant Hunter jerked back, "What?"

Pluto then gestured to himself, "Pluto-99."

That is when Ianos saw a look of understanding glaze over the Revenant Hunter's optics.

"Cole-3." She introduced.

Ianos can see red lights brighten between Pluto's plating.

"Three?" Pluto repeated, humming as he leaned, "Strange, I thought your number would have been higher, especially since you gave the order to fire without seeking answers."

The way Cole's face dropped to a frown made Ianos smile, "What?"

In turn, Pluto's smile stayed upon his face, "You have heard that the higher the number, the more unstable the Exo is, correct?"

"Yes." Then, Cole's optics dimmed and then brightened, "Are you saying that I am crazy?"

"Mentally unstable." Pluto's response made Ianos snort, "Otherwise, you would have questioned first and then fired later."

Cole sputtered, "Now why would I – "

"Has it ever crossed your mind that perhaps they were lost?" Pluto interrupted, reining Cole into silence, "Or that they needed help? After all, the European Dead Zone is called The Dead Zone for a reason." Then, Pluto's smile turned dangerous, "Did you not find it strange to see a group of Guardians wandering around in Fallen infested woods?" The way he closed in on Cole, Ianos couldn't but see Cole as a mouse up against a cat, "If your number was higher, perhaps I would have understood." Finally, the smile vanished from Pluto's face, "However, it seems you are fully aware of your actions."

Then, without warning, Ianos saw Pluto pull his knife from his waist, brought his arm up, and thrusted it upon the crook of Cole's neck. There was a scream from the Revenant Hunter, and Ianos looked on with wide eyes as the surrounding Revenants reacted, taking steps forward to intervene. However, Pluto raised his free hand and for some reason, they ceased. Ianos can see the tension in the surrounding Revenants' shoulders, uncertainty in their eyes.

"I missed your core on purpose." Pluto said, his expression blank, impossible to read, "Since killing you while my friends and I are in hostile territory would be foolish."

"Then why did you stab me in front of – agh!" Cole's words were cut short when Ianos saw Pluto twist the blade, making the Revenant Hunter twist, contorting to relieve the pressure.

"My number is ninety-nine, remember?" Pluto said, "I am deemed insane by many Exo." Then, the smile was back upon his face, "Unlike you, I am not fully aware of my actions." Pluto leaned in, Ianos seeing him practically pressing his face against the side of Cole's, "However, if I hear that you hurt anyone else in my family, that won't stop me from stabbing you again, and this time." Pluto leaned back, the red light between his plating bright now, "I. Won't. Miss."

Ianos then watched as Pluto twisted his knife out of Cole's shoulder, inciting a yelp, a clasp of a hand upon the wound, and the Revenant Hunter stumbled back.

"I recommend you spread my warning." Pluto warned as he cleaned his knife against the shoulder of his sleeve before sheathing it, "Otherwise, those who would come after us after, won't be fortunate as you."

There is a growl from Cole, low and almost undiscernible. Pluto, to Ianos' amusement, simply walked around her.

"Nix? The table?"

"A few steps forward and the edge should be right in front of you."

Seeing Nix's viridian shape shift from the middle of the table prompted Ianos's amusement to shift to one of concern, watching as Pluto subtly nodded and reached out a hand. His throat went tight as Pluto took tentative and careful steps forward, his fingers fumbling over the table's edge. Akiva scooted to allow Pluto space to sit.

It is going to take some time to see Pluto this way.

"Was that really necessary?" Nix's words pulled Ianos out of his thoughts, "I understand why you did it but, was it not wise to threaten a Revenant under their own roof?"

From the corner of his eyes, Ianos saw the way Cole jerked back, sputtering, and he couldn't help but smile at the way her blue optics were wide, mouth slightly ajar. However, it was short lived, as her optics quickly narrowed and then she quickly turned and left.

If Pluto had noticed, he would have shown no sign of it. Instead, he sheepishly smiled, and shrugged.

Nix sighed, "Look, please be more careful." The Ghost shifted his parts together nervously, "We do not need further tension between the Tower and the Revenants. I…" He hesitated, "I do not want a repeat of the battles back then."

Despite himself, Ianos couldn't help but flinch at Nix's words, slinking back to the time just after the Great Disaster. Although he himself had not participated in many fights, he had witnessed plenty, and it was like being back in the Dark Ages; the lands became damaged, torn apart by nigh-immortal beings in battle, until one of their Ghosts have been killed.

Ianos had hoped that such things would have stayed in the past.

It had been short, but bloody, and the only reason the fighting had ceased was that the Revenants had learned how to wield the darkness, giving them an advantage. The Tower had realized this and reached out with a hand of truce. They were fortunate that the Preceptor agreed.

"I am going to take a guess from the spaced out look between you and Pluto that, back then hadn't been pretty?" Akiva's words pulled Ianos out of his memories, blinking into the Titan's golden eyes, "It must have pretty severe."

Although knowing that Akiva means no harm in his words, Ianos couldn't help but give him a blank look, "Let is just say that we do not want a repeat of what happened between the Tower and the Revenants."

"Yeah." There is a heavy release of breath from Akiva, "I thought so."

Seeing his expression turn grim, Ianos couldn't help but regret the honesty of his words; considering that they were already surrounded by Revenants, he wouldn't be surprised if his words made the Titan more nervous. Pondering upon what to say to help ease Akiva's worries, the chattering around the room – more cursing and displeasure of what had happened between Pluto and Cole – suddenly went silent, prompting him to look up. From there, he saw their eyes – bright and attentive – turned to the entryway and when Ianos followed their line of sight, his attention settled upon the familiar black and red garb of the Preceptor.

The instant their eyes connected, Ianos could sense a gentle smile behind the Head Revenant's helmet.

"The preparations are finished." He said, "Are you ready?"

No, he wasn't, if Ianos were to admit.

Instead of answering, Ianos dropped his silverware and started to fidget with his fingers, taking in a deep breath as his heartbeat beat hard in his ears. Flicking his eyes to the others, he can also see the edge in their eyes, the way their shoulders were stiff, and their attention fixated upon the Preceptor. Assessing if he was telling the truth.

"Ianos."

Turning his orange eyes to his Ghost, Ianos saw Ace hover close, a soft look in their optic, "Are you worried?"

Ianos gripped his hands together tight, "The Preceptor may have said that nothing had happened during the Harmonization, that does not mean it will with us."

There is a huff, one gentle and filled with understanding, "But we have gotten this far." Ace glided close, dipping just slightly, "How many years have we waited to find a way to save your life?"

Ianos clenched his jaw, "It does not have to involve you."

That is when Ace's optic hardened followed by an emotion that he couldn't pinpoint.

"Ianos." His Ghost chastised, "if it involves you, it involves me as well." Then, their gaze softened, their optic subtly glowing, "We have been together far too long to simply stop here."

Grinding his teeth together, Ianos looked around, as if searching for a response before finally, he heaved out a heavy breath and fixed his attention back towards the Preceptor.

"Lead the way."

Sensing another smile from the Revenant – this one softer, filled with understanding – Ianos stood up from his seat when the Preceptor stepped out of the room, prompting him to follow. He then paused when he saw the others do the same.

"You do not have to come." He said.

This earned him a blank look from Pluto, "And leave you alone during a mysterious ritual?" He shook his head, "I would be more comfortable being present than standing idly by."

"The same goes for the rest of us." Akiva jumped in; Ianos saw him flash a smile, "We will have your back in case anything goes wrong."

"And not to mention that you gave enough scares to last a lifetime or two." Orion murmured.

This prompted Ianos to look at him, giving the young Exo a look, but was amused. He had to admit, the Titan wasn't wrong. Ianos does have a track record of close calls, probably too close for Pluto and the others to be comfortable with.

Nodding his head to agree, Ianos then then turned to follow the Preceptor out. That is when he noticed many, if not all, the Revenants present in the room slide out of their seats, following Ianos and the others closely behind. And Ianos couldn't blame them. To them, an outsider is partaking in an important ceremony, and they are curious. And distrustful.

Nonetheless, he was grateful that the halls were large enough to allow everyone to follow and giving enough shoulder room for Ianos. However, as he continued to trail after the Preceptor, Ianos started to notice the number of lamps lighting the halls started to get fewer in between, until a lamp can be seen a few minutes at a time. This left the corridors dim, practically dark, and Ianos couldn't help but feel uneasy.

"Where does this Harmonization take place?" Ianos finally asked, turning his orange eyes to the Preceptor's back, "And why is it this dimly lit?"

A hum can be heard from the Preceptor, "I had expected you already asked Crystalline about the Harmonization, but it seems I was mistaken." There is another smile from the Revenant, "For your Ghost's Harmonization and a successful bond, you have to dwell into deep meditation while initiating it with one of our Oracles."

"I… huh?" Despite his nervousness, Ianos couldn't help but be amused at Ace's confusion, "Oracle? Like as in the Vex Oracles?"

There is a chuckle from the Preceptor, "No. To put it simply, our Oracles helps you complete the bond between Ghost and Guardian when aligning with the darkness. Otherwise, balance between Light and Darkness would be impossible."

"And what are they?"

Another smile from the Preceptor, "Instead of asking what, I would rather say 'who'."

Ianos furrowed his brows, frowning, "May you clarify when you mean who?"

"Here we are." He couldn't help but scowl at the change in subject. The Preceptor turned to him and gestured with a hand, "Follow me if you will, the others may sit there." He then held out a hand to another section of the room, where Ianos had taken notice of where the other Revenants were taking a seat.

Clenching his jaw now, Ianos nodded before looking over at the others; his eyes connected with Pluto's, and he felt his anxiety ease when the Hunter gave him a nod.

Turning and facing the Preceptor, Ianos waited until he led him deeper into the room, which was large and dark. Dark to the point where Ianos felt his throat clench, prompting him to swallow. It felt like he swallowed a stone.

"Ianos?"

The Preceptor's call prompted Ianos to jerk, snapping his head to the Preceptor, the latter of which gestured towards the middle of the room.

"May you and Ace stand here and one of our Oracles will meet you." He said.

Eyeing the lack of lighting – spotting only two lamps within the room – Ianos momentarily looked back towards the others once more; he can see that they were all seated in the front, spacing themselves out to ensure that they were as close as possible, but also placed themselves between him and the Revenants. Almost like a living barricaded. He is comforted by the thought.

Thus, he turned his attention back to the Preceptor.

"May I ask why this Harmonization must take place in the dark?" Ianos asked.

Ianos can sense a sheepish smile behind the Preceptor's helmet.

"Let us just say that the Oracles, alongside their brethren, the Ostracized, are not too fond of the light." The Preceptor answered.

Taking in his words, Ianos couldn't help but frown, brows furrowed, "Do you mean the sun?" He eyed the darkness around them suspiciously, "or the light of the Traveler?"

Looking back at the Preceptor and gaining only silence as an answer, one filled with uncertainty, he couldn't help but be apprehensive.

"Tell me." Ianos started, "Who are the Oracles and these Ostracized?"

He waited, watching as the Preceptor looked at him, shoulders hunched, hands wringing together. Then, Ianos heard it.

A hiss in the air followed by billows of a dress.

"An Outsssider?"

That is when Ianos' heart froze, his orange eyes growing wide as he slowly looked over the Preceptor's shoulder.

And saw it.

Three sickly glowing green eyes.

Ianos found himself frozen, unable to move his legs as the beating of his heart was loud in his ears; he can hear the Revenants murmur around him but their words were inaudible. Thus, he remembered the others, trying to tune into Ace's hum of light, reaching out to sense the light of his friends. At least he tried, until the Wizard hovered out from the darkness. Ianos found his breathing hitch.

"Ianos?"

Turning his eyes to his Ghost, Ianos spotted the look of concern in Ace's optic, seeing them glide closer.

"We are all here." They said, "Focus on me."

Taking in a deep trembling breath, Ianos nodded, slowly breathing out.

"Ah, Vultosa." The Preceptor's casual greeting of the Wizard prompted him to look back at the Revenant; his shoulders were lax, his voice soft as if greeting a friend, "You are the Oracle for today?" Even from here, he can sense the smile the Preceptor gave to the Wizard, "I thought Lythxol was going to be the one to perform the Harmonization."

There is a rumble, soft; Ianos recognizes it as a Hive equivalent of a chuckle.

"It has been yearsss sssince I was chossssen to aid with the Harmonization." The Wizard said, "It isss fair that I get a turn once in a while."

The Preceptor hummed, "Well, since you are here, would you – Ianos? Are you alright?"

Finding himself unable to answer, Ianos then felt a soft bump against the side of his head, prompting him to turn and look into Ace's orange optic. This time, instead of speaking, his Ghost bobbed downwards, causing Ianos to follow his line of sight. His hands were trembling.

Taking in another deep trembling breath, Ianos shut his eyes, trying to tune into Ace's hovering.

"Are you not well, friend of the Revenantsss?" The Wizard's voice sounded close; Ianos opted to keep his eyes shut, "Perhapsss another time would be sssufficient?"

That is when Ianos felt a clawed hand touch his shoulder, prompting him to snap open his eyes.

And stare into sickly glowing green.

He tried not to flinch when he felt the Wizard's grip dig into his shoulder, attempting to steel himself against the grin she gave him.

"Return home, you say?" There was a glint in her glowing eyes, a look that caused him to shiver involuntarily, "Well, Guardian." Then, she leaned in until he could feel her heated breath against his neck, "The Moon is your home now."

"Stay back!"

Pluto's shout brought Ianos back.

"You have to understand." The Preceptor's voice was barely audible, "If we had known that this would happen – "

"I said. Stay. Back!"

"Ianos? Ianos, speak to me."

Ace's voice, panicked but comforting to his ears, prompted Ianos to flick his eyes around until they finally settled upon a familiar orange and black shell.

"Are you awake?" His Ghost's shell shifted against their core, "Please, speak to me."

Parting to his lips to answer, Ianos instead found his throat tightened, lungs constricting, and a whimper escaped his lips.

"You did not say anything about your Oracles being Wizards from the Hive!" Pluto's voice rang out once more.

"Please, I did not know that he had been their prisoner." The Preceptor truly sounded apologetic.

"Use your fucking brain! Do you think anyone who survives being a prisoner of the Hive stays sane!? There is a reason why he was nervous about partaking in this Harmonization in the dark!"

"Pluto. Please – "

"It took us years to help him get back on his feet! Years to make him coherent! Years to help him speak! Are you trying to make him relapse!?"

"We were just trying to help."

"Like how you thought you were helping when Ianos thought you dead!? You are the reason why he is like this! You are the reason why he took that suicidal mission to the Moon!"

What was going on?

"Do not listen to them, Ianos. Look at me."

Ianos complied with his Ghost's instructions, turning his eyes to his Ace.

"Do as I do."

He then heard Ace take a deep breath, prompting Ianos to do the same. Then, when he heard his Ghost breath out, he followed.

"Again." Ace said.

"What did I just fucking say!? Stay back!"

Orion's voice had joined the fray, prompting Ianos to look over at the young Exo, seeing him push back a Revenant into the crowd.

And behind him is the Wizard.

Any figment of control he had quickly was lost as his eyes locked onto her sickly green.