Redacted

Hopefully Soon

Edited: 2/11/2024

This one is a little shorter since it was a split from the original chapter. Split it because the scenarios didn't match.

"And this one's name is Epiro." Knight watched as Odorata held up another worm, hardly distinguishable from the others apart from its size, requiring the Hive Hybrid to pull it out of its crib with a grunt, hugging it close to his chest, "He has another week before he encases himself to fully reach maturity."

Knight blinked at his words, "Encased?"

"Oh, uh, what do you Guardians call it? Cocoon?" Odorata gestured vaguely with a hand before quickly hefting the worm back into his arms, "and then it will take another year before he merges as a juvenile."

He really tried, he really did, but Knight could not suppress a wheeze, "Wait, all of you, you were born like this?"

"Yes?" Odorata looked at him with furrowed brows, "Is that not how a child like her grows?"

Seeing the Hive Hybrid gesture with his chin, Knight followed his line of sight and his optics settled upon Hush. He could see the look of horror upon her face.

"Of course not!" Knight practically shouted, turning his optics back to Odarata, "They are born just the way they are except." He subtly waved his hands, "smaller."

Honestly, he wasn't sure why he was explaining this to a child of the Hive, but the look of surprise that flashed over his face made Odorata look naïve, innocent.

"Really?" His voice betrayed his age, "All the children here that I see who are born from Revenant parents are usually already walking." There is a soft hum from Odorata, "Perhaps I am wrong?"

Jaw dropping at Odorata's naivete, Knight then took a large step back when the worm in the Hive's spawn arms let out a shriek and started squirming, wiggling in his hands. This prompted a coo from Odorata.

"Oh, I'm sorry Epiro." He apologizes, Knight watching as Odorata gave the worm a scratch on the top of its head, "I will let you go back to sleep."

Unable to comprehend how normal Odorata treated the infant – should he even call them that – worms, Knight opted to say nothing as Odorata then leaned back over the crib, letting the squirming worm back into its bedding. He looked on as it snuggled into the covers, hearing it let out a few squeaks of content as it disappeared under the cloth before it went quiet.

"So, all of these children," Knight mustered out, "Will grow up to be like you?"

He had expected a yes, a nod, confirmation that is indeed what would happen. The thought of those who utilize the darkness having children born of the Hive sent a chill down the length of Knight's back. Thus, he was surprised when Odorata gave him a strained smile.

"Of course not." Odorata answered, "Do you know how rare it is for someone like me to be born?" He snorted, "True, I speak as though they held the same growth phases as you Guardians." That is not the case, but Knight kept it to himself; he noted to tell Odorata later, "however, it is mostly a hopeful gesture."

Knight found himself raising a metallic brow, "What do you mean?"

"The phases are the same." Odorata explained, "However, it is unlikely for my siblings to grow into someone such as myself." There is a brief pause, another hum, "Or at least, shift to this form."

Knight paused.

"What?" He said.

That is when Odorata gave him a look, a raised brow before his eyes grew wide.

"Oh, this isn't truly me that you are seeing." Odorata pressed a hand to his chest, unfazed at Knight's surprise. Instead, he practically beamed at him, "This is just a form that I take to easily maneuver our home." Then, he chuckled, "They only make these halls so big to fit my true size."

"I-I-I." Knight stuttered, "What?"

"Don't worry." Odorata raised a hand, "Most, if not all, of my siblings will turn out the same as the others." Knight wasn't sure if that was a comforting thought, "as I have said before, it is rare for someone like me to be born."

"Then." Knight looked at him up and down, "Then you are the only one?"

No sooner had he asked when he saw a flash of yearning in Odorata's eyes followed by a smile; one that did not completely reach his eyes.

"My mother and spawn mother had many broods together; however, I am the only one who can do this." Odorata gestured towards himself, "I am the only one who can mostly blend in with Guardians such as yourself and shift accordingly." He shrugged, "The Revenants and the Ostracized are confused as to why this happened, as the Oracles procreated with members of the Revenants before but, they all usually grow into Hive."

Despite his wariness, a tinge of curiosity settled into Knight, his white optics brightening momentarily as questions lingered into his thoughts; does the Darkness have a play in this? A chosen individual for a future plot?

Letting out a shiver, Knight then felt Day prod through their bond, prompting him to turn his focus onto Odorata. He then blinked when he saw Odarata looking at him with wide green eyes.

"Are you cold?" He heard the Hive hybrid ask, his brows raised, "We can leave if you want. I can introduce you to the rest of my siblings later."

Knight sputtered, "There's more?"

Odorata smiled at him, "This is just one out of many nurseries we have." Knight choked, "but it seems that you Guardians aren't accumulated to the cold." Odorata beamed at him, "Let us head back to the upper floors, I would imagine that the rest of your group are looking for you."

Good point. Considering that all Knight had told them that he and Hush were going to grab a meal. It had been a few hours now, he wouldn't doubt that they would be growing concerned.

Thus, nodding slowly, Knight then reached down and linked his hand with Hush's once more, gradually leading her out as he followed Odorata to the exit. Feeling Hush's hand tightened around his in response, Knight then couldn't help but wonder: just how many of these nurseries are there?

Xxxxx

"I say we leave."

Pluto lifted his head, frowning as he heard Orion continue.

"It's obvious the longer we stay here, the more dangerous it becomes for Ianos. I mean, look at him." Pluto didn't need his optics to know the young Exo gestured towards the aforementioned Awoken, the latter of which lie within one of the Medical beds; his breathing has evened out, much to Pluto's relief, "Akiva had to punch him to prevent Ianos from harming himself. Why should we risk putting him through another ritual for these Revenants to cure him."

"Orion." Pluto heard the young Exo pause, "Despite agreeing with you, this is not the time." He sighed before reaching out and brushing his fingers through Ianos' hair; he did not feel him stir under his touch, "after all, in the end, it will be Ianos' decision, not ours, if he wants to leave or not."

"But they're working with the Hive." Orion hissed out, "Not only are they working against the will of the Traveler, but the Revenants are traitors as well!"

"Orion." Pluto warned, "I understand, but please, not now. Not until Little Light recovers."

There is a strained growl from the younger Exo but, Pluto heard no other protests, allowing him to let out deep and heavy breath before continuing to comb his fingers through Ianos' hair.

It brought him back, back when Neptune was alive and the three would often sit out in the Plaza, with Ianos' head in his late lover's lap. He would brush his fingers through his hair like this, crooning over how unfortunate it was for Exo not to have the same thing. Ianos's hair had been longer then, reaching past his shoulders.

But that was before the Great Disaster.

Before the Clan left the City.

Before Venus' death.

The thought made Pluto pause.

Has it really been that long?

"Neptune used to do that a lot." Pluto heard Ace murmur, prompting him to lean his head towards the Ghost's way, "Back before…" He heard the Ghost take in a deep breath, "You know, even though you gave us Neptune's last will, the two of us never got around listening to it."

Pluto couldn't help but raise his brows, "Is there a reason?"

There is a soft chuckle from the Ghost, "You know how Ianos is. To him, when you listen to a last message, it means saying goodbye. And well," Pluto can practically see Ace shift their shell up and down, "Let us just say that Ianos was not quite ready to say 'goodbye' to Neptune yet."

Wincing at their words, Pluto decided to turn his attention back to the familiar light buzzing around Ianos' right arm. Despite it close to being a decade since Neptune's death, he can still sense the linger light of his later lover humming within the bond. To him, from where he could sense, it clung to Ianos' weakened light, almost as if it held a sentiency of its own.

"You cannot delay it much longer." Pluto found himself saying, tilting his head to Ace's way once more, "For you never know what is going to happen tomorrow."

"I know."

Hearing the acknowledgement in Ace's voice, Pluto suppressed the guilt that threatened to push towards the front and instead, tried his best focus on combing his fingers through Ianos' hair.

They know.

Everyone knows there are risks when it comes to a life as a Guardian. Although nigh immortal, not even the Vex can predict what can happen in a day and Pluto's memories are filled with those whom he had spoken with, he shall receive the news of their death the next day. It was just a part of life that they had to accept.

Feeling movement beneath his fingers, Pluto turned his focus downward, waiting until he felt a hand reach up and gently prod against his to release a breath of relief.

"You are awake." He said.

Hearing Ianos let out a grunt below him, Pluto then felt his hand leave his, prompting him to take his hand away and take a step back.

"What happened?" He heard Ianos murmur.

"Long answer." Gemini popped in before Pluto could utter a word, "A hive Wizard was bright in for this Harmonization, you had an attack, causing Akiva to panic and punch you in the face. Short answer, you had an attack and Akiva punched you in the face."

"Gemini." Scorpio's voice pipped in.

"What?" Gemini sounded genuinely offended, "It's true."

Hearing the twins bicker, Pluto at first heard nothing from Ianos. Then, the quiet was broken by his groan.

"Everything is coming back." He heard Ianos say, "How long was I out for?"

"Fortunately, a few hours." Pluto answered, despite this, he did not sense Ianos ease, "We were all concerned."

There is another pause, another beat of silence.

"Where's Hush and Knight?"

Pluto found himself glancing towards the door; they had been gone for a while.

However.

"They went out to grab food." He answered, "They should return soon."

"…Fuck..."

Hearing Ianos curse, Pluto opted to say nothing as he heard the cot shift, squeak under movement under he heard the familiar sound of boots touching the floor, "I am to take that this Harmonization requires." He heard Ianos take in a breath, "Requires that Wizard?"

Pluto furrowed his brows, but nodded, "According to the Preceptor, the Wizards or 'Oracles' as they are called, are an important asset when it comes to the ritual."

There is another pause, followed by a heavy breath. A quick flick of his light showed him Ianos had buried his face into his hands, Then, he heard him let out a sigh. He lifted his head.

"We are going to continue with the Harmonization."

Pluto jerked back, as if struck, "Ianos – "

"We came this far." He felt Ianos' eyes upon his, narrowed and hardened, "The Revenants helped stabilize the Darkness within me and now the final step is the ensure that if I were to die, then Ace is fully capable of bringing me back."

"What if he's lying?" Orion hissed out behind Pluto, "What if he's trying to bind you here, keep you prisoner?"

Pluto felt Ianos give the younger Exo a look, "Now what would you make you think that?"

That is when Pluto heard Orion clamp his jaw shut with an audible clack, sensing the panic from the younger Exo before he heard him take subtle steps back. Knowing him, Pluto wouldn't be surprised if his body was tense, his movements rigid.

"Do you know the identity of this Preceptor?"

And Pluto isn't surprised either that Ianos had it almost figured out. Doesn't help that Orion is easy to read either. He is going to not only teach him, but the rest of Clan Galaxy to keep their composure, make them not as easy to read.

"You do." Pluto went stiff at Ianos' affirmation, "Tell me. Who is the Preceptor?"

"Little Light." Pluto started, "We cannot just – "

"Do I know him?" He halted at Ianos' question, "Is that why the two of you were glaring at him every time he is in the room?" The disapproving stare he received from Ianos is obvious, "Was he a friend of ours that had joined the Revenants? Did you feel betrayed?"

Taking in Ianos' questions, Pluto grinded his jaw together, curling his hands into fists. He must speak carefully.

"It is not that we necessarily see his defection as a betrayal, Little Light." Pluto started, "It is just…"

His mind went blank, a lie or even a half-truth escaping his tongue.

"Pluto."

Straining under Ianos' glare, Pluto then felt the gentle nudge of Nix lingering in the back of his mind, the action simple but comforting to ease the tangled mess in his head. He forced himself to relax.

"If you want an honest answer, Ianos, yes, we knew him decades back." Pluto finally settled upon.

Feeling Orion's optics on him now, Pluto opted to ignore him as he kept his focus on Ianos. Another subtle flash of light showed Ianos' gaze softened, the tension in his shoulders ease. However, the suspicion stayed.

"Let me guess." Ianos said, "You are not going to tell me who?"

Forcing the guilt down, Pluto nodded once, and he heard Ianos let out a ragged sigh.

"I apologize, Little Light." Pluto apologized, "However, I say it is better that the Preceptor's identity remains anonymous." He felt another glower from Ianos.

Then, another sigh.

"That will not stop me from moving forward." Pluto bit down a protest at Ianos' words, "However, this time, knowing what we are dealing with, I am going to stay a safe distance away." There is a hum, "Perhaps it is better if I spoke with the Preceptor first. If there is a possibility that we may continue this Harmonization while the – Wizard." Ianos forced out the word, "Is in another room."

There is a groan from Gemini, "If that's the case, then that means we're going to stay here longer." Pluto can practically see her pout, "Come on. When is this 'Harmonization' going to end? I want to go home and hang out in the Tower with the others."

Letting his thoughts linger back to the other members of clan Galaxy, Pluto felt the tinges of concern settle into his chest before he spoke, "Hopefully we can head back soon."

There is a huff from Gemini, "I hope you're right."

Hearing the disappointment, the doubt in the young Exo's words, Pluto couldn't help but feel the same, feeling it linger to the forefront of his mind. As he felt Nix send waves of comforting light, he hopes that their stay won't be much longer.