Redacted

Can We Keep Him?

Edited: 8/11/2024

Ianos decided to move Knight.

Gently, of course.

After a couple of hours of sitting, with the young Exo still curled in on himself, Ianos decided to at least move Knight into a more comfortable position. Staying like this surely isn't good for his body, especially now that he is cut off from his Ghost. At least, according to what Crystalline had told him.

At first, Ianos had nudged Knight a few times, hoping that would garner a reaction. In the end, when it did nothing he slowly and carefully moved Knight's arms, showing his face. He locked onto blank optics, dim lights, and an empty expression. Hush let out a pained noise when she saw this. In turn, Ianos reached out and placed a hand upon her head, his fingers carefully massaging her scalp. He felt the tension leave her body.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid." Crystalline's self-chastising didn't escape Ianos' ears, "I thought it was best to tell Day the truth, but it seems we –." Her words came to a sudden halt followed by a quick pause, "I have made a terrible mistake"

"You think?" It was Gemini who spoke up, Ianos glancing over his shoulder to the entrance; it seemed at one point the Hunter had left – likely with an escort as he spotted a Revenant stepping around her from behind – and she came back with trays. Her twin stepped in behind her, with his own guard stepping around him as well.

"Day was the only one who can reach Nine." Gemini said as she approached, the contents of the trays staying balanced besides her laxed steps, "but then you had to open your big mouth and ruin it for everyone."

"It was in the heat of the moment." Crystalline protested, Ianos watching as her shell pressed against her core, and her yellow optic diming subtly, "With their confusion on why they could sense Nine but not Knight, I had thought it best to give them an answer."

"Not when they were in such a vulnerable state." Ianos chastised; he saw Crystalline flinch, "Especially not after a fight against someone of the Hive."

There is a murmur from Hush's Ghost but nothing more, prompting Ianos to let out a slow breath. He needs to relax, especially for the younger Guardians. They are already agitated as they are.

"Speaking of Hive." Fortunately, Scorpio stepped in, carrying his own trays over, "Anyone receive news on how – what's his name? – Odorata is doing?" He settled near Hush, holding out a single tray towards the child. His optics had not looked away once from Ianos as his offering was taken, "I know it may seem like a graze but considering how Nine, is like, you know." The Hunter shifted so that he can settle his tray onto his lap, "I imagine it would hurt."

A scoff can be heard from Gemini before Ianos saw her take a seat near him.

"Considering Hive Knights are hulking tanks, it would hurt but he will survive." She then placed a tray near him; Ianos opted to simply pull his share close but left it on the floor, "Not to mention I say he got the better end of the fight."

"To us, yeah." Scorpio popped a piece of his meal – venison once again it seems – into his mouth, the young Hutner's optics flashing thoughtfully as he added, "But imagine what it's like for the Revenants. They just watched one of their strongest fighters get throttled and the victor seemingly coming out of it unscathed?"

Ianos didn't have to look back at Gemini to sense her scowl.

"Does that look unscathed to you?" From the corner of his eyes, he saw Gemini point her fork at Knight's limp form, "It's one thing to take a beating, but mentally? That, that is something no one can recover from."

"Gemini."

"What?" Gemini's scowl was aimed at him now, Ianos seeing her pale azure lights flash briefly, "Do you think that the rest of the Galaxy and I are ignorant of the isolated part of the Hospital Wing?" She stabbed her fork back onto her tray, "We saw many Guardians go in and are never seen again, even years later." Gemini then proceeded to stuff the entirety of the venison into her mouth.

Ianos couldn't help but look on with wide eyes. Nearby, he can see Scorpio do the same.

"They are checked in with barely any life in their eyes despite having no physical injury." Somehow, Gemini managed to speak, "And those who are checked in 'after' are treated and then released immediately." Her optics flicked back to Ianos, and he could see them flash once more, "The Galaxy and I aren't so young to be so oblivious."

Opting to remain quiet and simply watch as Gemini angrily devour her meal, Ianos then sighed before turning his attention back towards his own tray.

A Revenant must have gotten under her nerves when she and Scorpio went to retrieve their meal. That was the only reason she acted harshly and angrily, otherwise she wouldn't have snapped at him.

Picking up his fork and poking at his meal, Ianos then heard a soft cough, prompting him to lift his eyes and settle upon Scorpio's form; he was surprised to see the young Exo's tray empty on the floor near his side. He must have been hungry.

"I know you would prefer if we all are here in case Knight wakes up." Scorpio started, "But is it already if I leave momentarily again? I, sort of, want to see, well…"

Raising a brow as Scorpio shifted nervously in his seat, Ianos then heard Gemini let out a small, annoyed noise.

"He wants to see Eidr." She said.

Scorpio gawked at her, "Gemini…"

"Well," Gemini gave her brother a blank look, "That's what you want to say, right?"

Looking on as Scorpio dipped his head, lights flushing brightly against his blue plating, Ianos once again opted to say nothing, and instead, nodded. This prompted Scorpio's head to snap up, optics wide before he smiled.

"I will be back."

Then, without another word, he leaped to his feet and dashed out of the room. A Revenant – likely one who had been assigned to be his bodyguard – made a noise and they too left, running after the young Exo. In turn, he heard Gemini let out a snort.

"You would think that the news of us bringing Eidr here would have spread by now." She commented as she put her empty tray down; she must have been hungry as well, "Or either that, they didn't think we would get attached to a Revenant child."

Taking note of bitterness in her tone, Ianos simply said, "I am to guess that the two of you are planning to adopt?"

That is when Gemini choked.

"E-Excuse me!?" She managed out, "What do you mean two of you!?" Gemini pressed a hand against her chest, "I was not planning to adopt Eidr."

"But you are not stopping Scorpio from the thought." Ianos looked on as Gemini dipped her head, her lights glowing brightly between her plating at his words, "The two of you are always together, Gemini. It doesn't take much for one to understand that the actions of one, usually includes the other."

Listening to Gemini grumble about 'observation', Ianos then felt a tug on his arms, prompting him to turn and lock onto wide and curious yellow eyes.

Mirror-but-older-Gemini and Mirror-but-younger-Scorpio are going to adopt?

Raising a brow at her nicknames, Ianos decided to simply raise a hand and sign back, Considering their attachment, likely yes.

A quick glance to the surroundings Revenants showed the subtle tilt of their heads, the subtle shift on the back of their feet. They do not understand, that was good.

In contrast, the somber look in Hush's eyes lifted, and there was a gleam.

This one is getting a new brother? She signed hopefully.

Behind him, Ianos can hear Gemini let out a choke.

"We are not – "

"Hey! Return him back to the nursery!"

"It's just for a moment."

Turning his attention back to the entrance, it was Ianos' turn to let out a sound as Scorpio swerved out of the way of one of their Revenant Guards – the Exo's popping in through the doorway – and in his arms was a tightly wound bundle.

In other words, a baby.

"What in the – Scorpio!" Gemini shouted, "I thought you just wanted to see Eidr!?" She took a step forward, prompting her twin to come to a skidding halt; he came to a stop just an arm's length away from his twin. She looked down. Her face dropped in dismay, "By the light, why did you bring him here?"

Hearing Scorpio breath heavily, Ianos then looked on as the young Exo looked over his shoulder before running around Gemini and around him. Ianos can feel Scorpio duck behind him.

"Scorpio." Ianos started.

Looking over his shoulder, Ianos saw the Hunter snap his optics towards him, gaze flickering before his lights dimmed. He raised his shoulders, dipping his head.

"Would you mind explaining why you decided to take this child out of the Revenant's nursery?" Ianos asked.

There was a flick of optics to the floor, a nervous shift, prompting Ianos to sigh and then turned his attention to the Revenants. They had come to a pause just short of Gemini and judging from the way the Hunter stood straight, shoulders squared, and her lights bright, she had prevented them from coming closer. Ianos can feel their eyes upon him, or more specifically, upon Scorpio, hiding behind his back.

"Well." Ianos looked over his shoulder again, his attention back upon the young Exo, "I thought about just visiting him," Scorpio's optics flicked back to him, "But then I remembered you never met Eidr before." Ianos raised a brow, "So, I thought it would be a good idea to introduce him to you."

There was a pause. Then, an audible smack from Gemini. Ianos recognizes the sound of a face palm anywhere.

"And they say that I don't think things through."

Smothering down the smile at Gemini's grumble, Ianos let out a cough, taking the time to flick his eyes to the infant in Scorpio's arms. His heart panged at how the baby looked like Isamu. This made Ianos inclined to agree with Hush's words. Perhaps an addition would be nice.

Shoving the thoughts to the side, Ianos then decided to ask, "And how in the Light did you manage to get him out of the nursery?"

"Well." Scorpio gesturing vaguely with one and hand shrugged, "The Revenants act all tough but they're not much."

From the corner of his eyes, Ianos saw the group of rogue Guardians jerk back; he swore he even heard one sputter.

"How dare – "

"Didn't take too much effort to sneak past them." Scorpio continued, puffing out his chest, his optics glowing bright, "Just had to pull my cloak over Eidr and simply walk out the door." Then his chest deflated, a thoughtful look glazed over his optics, "Although, they did catch me pretty quickly not long after."

"And you need to put the child back."

Seeing Scorpio give the Revenants another glare, Ianos just subtly shook his head, "I recommend you follow with their demands, Scorpio. The children are kept in the nurseries for a reason."

That is when the young Hunter's optics flashed towards him and the expression upon his face would have melted Ianos' stoic exterior. Would have, if he hadn't learned how to resist thanks to Hush's constant use of what Akiva calls her 'doe eyes.

Pulling his shoulders back, Ianos kept his expression neutral, eyes staring blankly. It wasn't long until Scorpio's face crumbled, and he let out a breath.

"Fine." Ianos heard him grumble, and he felt the Exo stand and take a step around him. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Scorpio glancing down at the child in his arms. Ianos raised a brow when Scorpio paused, and he smiled.

"But first." Scorpio lifted his optics and practically beamed at Ianos, "let me introduce you to Eidr."

Then, before Ianos could protest, Scorpio stepped in, practically in his space, before leaning down and shoving said child into his arms. Eyes wide, Ianos moved his arms, attempting to shove the child back to the Hunter. But by then, Scorpio had already taken a step back and the child – Eidr – was now making small noises of discomfort. Quickly pulling the bundle close, Ianos then raised his head and narrowed his eyes at Scorpio, the latter of which was smiling smugly now. He only let out a sigh of defeat when the young Hunter took another large step back, making it so it was impossible give the child back.

And thus, the panic in his chest started to bubble to the surface.

Of course, of course the bastard would remember Ianos' stock still instinct of whenever a child is placed into his arms, his grip locking in around the bundle as if to form a protective layer. In other words, nigh impossible to pry the infant from his arms now.

Hearing Ace snickering, Ianos sent a mental message back, showing obvious annoyance. This only sent more waves of amusement.

Heaving out a frustrated sigh, Ianos then closed his eyes, gathering his thoughts just enough to ease the bubbling discomfort in his chest. Not gone, but in control, just enough for him to finally open his eyes and look down.

And all he saw was Isamu.

It was strange. In all his years of being a Guardian, being a Chosen, it never crossed Ianos' mind that any of his friends, his comrades would have offspring, children that would continue their bloodlines. True, procreation for Guardian was banned when the Tower was first implemented but that didn't stop some from venturing into the City and having nights of fun. Not to mention the era of the Dark Ages. All Ianos knew was that throughout the years, his friends, his confidants would die and there would be nothing left, nothing left but small mementos and memories.

But here was Eidr, the child's face all too recognizable to Ianos, looking on with wide eyes as the infant in question stared back with a curious expression. Then, to his surprise, a smile slowly crept onto Eidr's face, letting out a coo before he reached out towards him with his little arms.

"He likes you."

Hearing Scorpio let out a short laugh and then stepping away to dodge a swipe Gemini's swipe, Ianos then heard the female Guardian let out a hiss.

"You did this one purpose." She accused.

Ianos opted to ignore them, hearing Gemini finally stand to her feet followed by a squeak from Scorpio. A scuffle of feet was all he needed to know. Instead, he dared to raise a hand and brushed it against Eidr's cheek. There was a giggle from the infant before suddenly, a small hand wrapped around his finger.

And then promptly stuck it into his mouth.

There was a pause.

"I. I do not think that is sanitary."

Feeling a hum of energy against his skin, Ianos didn't take his eyes away from Eidr when there was flash in the corner of his vision, and it wasn't long when he heard to clicks of his Ghost's shell. Ace soon appeared above the infant.

"Perhaps." Ianos decided to respond but made no gesture to move, eyes locked onto Eidr's hazel as the latter continued to gum his finger.

That is when he felt small hands settle onto his left arm and Ianos glanced over, his orange eyes settling onto Hush. Her eyes were practically sparkling.

Ours?

She is making the doe eyes, the hopeful look so familiar to Ianos as she reached out and lingered her fingers over Eidr's face. This prompted the child to pause in his attack on Ianos' finger and his eyes followed Hush's hovering hand as she waved it back and forth. Unable to stop a smile as he heard Hush let out a quiet squeal, Ianos then lifted his eyes towards Knight. Concern lingered back into his senses at the sight of the Exo's blank optics.

That is when it hit him.

"Children." He whispered to himself as he shifted close to the Exo Warlock, feeling Hush's hands slip away. Ianos can feel her confused look upon his back.

Children.

Knight – hell, even Nine – holds a weak spot when it came to children, the two always the first to volunteer when it came to watching over the kids back at the Tower. And Hush, always Hush first when it came to her well-being.

Perhaps bringing Eidr here was a good idea.

Ignoring all the eyes now upon his back, Ianos instead focused on shifting Knight's arms, ensuring that they were loose enough before maneuvering them around Eidr's form. As he worked, Ianos would occasionally glance down at the infant, only to keep working when the child remained quiet. Although, Eidr's eyes were narrowed, likely upset at losing his finger pacifier. However, this quickly changed when Ianos finally got Knight's arms properly around Eidr, lowering his own hands just enough to offer support.

When seconds ticked by and Eidr started to let out small whimpers, Ianos' face fell. He had thought it would work, or at least, gain a minor reaction. Clenching his jaw, Ianos then learned forward to take the infant back. Only to jerk back when he spotted Knight's fingers tightened around the bundle. Lifting his eyes, Ianos sucked in a breath when the dim lighting of the Exo brightened subtly. Not their full capacity but bright enough that Ianos the twins quieted down behind him.

Carefully taking his hands back, relief then flooded into Ianos when Eidr's form remained in Knight's arms, and he looked on as the Exo moved, bringing the infant closer to his chest and shifting around to better accommodate the child. Then, Knight subtly lifted his head and Ianos held his breath, and he heard a small squeak next to his side; it was Hush and it didn't take long for him to feel her hands grip his arm tightly.

Although blank, Ianos can see Knight's optics flicker before the Exo dipped his head, his gaze lingering over the infant.

Their eyes locked.

And Eidr laughed.

Eidr laughed as he reached out with his hands, stretching out the best he could towards Knight's face. Hopeful, Ianos flicked his eyes up to Knight's face, only for his heart to fall when all the Exo did was stare at the giggling infant.

But it was progress.

"Not how I imagine us getting through to Knight but, it works." Crystalline hovered into view, coming to a pause just near Hush's head, "Now to let Pluto and the Preceptor – "

"No." Ianos watched as Crystalline jerked back, "We are not informing Pluto or the Preceptor of this."

The flicker of anger was enough for Ianos to momentarily lose sight of his actions, finding himself standing and the edges of his eyes burning. Fear and concern lingered in his mind before he quickly shoved it to the side, closing his eyes and subtly shaking his head. He then opened them and looked down at Hush. Her eyes were wide but she seemed unharmed.

This prompted Ianos to take in a slow and steady breath before he turned his attention back to Crystalline.

"This does not involve them." He finished.

There was a pause, silence as Ianos felt everyone's eyes on him – even the Revenants' attention were now fully upon him – before finally, Gemini spoke.

"Geez." She said, "What did Pluto do or say to you during your recon?" She slipped down from the table; he saw Scorpio do the same. It seemed their little scuffle had brought them onto a table, "I have seen the two of you get upset at each other before but…" Gemini gestured vaguely at Ianos, "never to this extent."

"And the Preceptor too?" Scorpio added in, "Last I saw you were getting along with the Preceptor just fine but then all of a sudden, you want nothing to do with him?"

Unable to stop the scowl aimed towards the twins, Ianos opted to say nothing and instead, closed his eyes and took in a breath, forcing his anger down and attempted to bring a sense of calm into his mind. Despite this, Ianos's frustrations simmered, and he could feel the storm broiling within his chest.

"Let us just say I discovered some truths." He breathed out, "Truths that they had been hiding from me."

Keeping his eyes on the twins, Ianos looked on as Scorpio leaned in, optics narrowed.

"So, that confirms it then?" He raised a brow at the young Hunter's words, "You know who this Preceptor is?"

"Oh, Darkness."

Ignoring Crystalline's dismay, Ianos just sighed and brought up a hand, rubbing his palm against his eyes. They were burning subtly.

"Yes." He confirmed, "I do know the identity of the Preceptor."

"And let me guess." Gemini decided to jump in, "They are someone who was important to you and Pluto knew but kept is secret."

Ianos was unable to stop himself from snorting at the Hunter's analysis, "Pluto taught the two of you well."

"He really wanted to make sure that Scorpio and I could read and deduce people around us." Ianos can hear the pride in Gemini's voice, "still learning but we're making progress."

"Honestly though, the Preceptor must have been someone you were really close with." Scorpio's words dropped any presence of amusement that Ianos had, and he gave the young Exo a blank look, "I mean, come on, Pluto didn't even come in here when he asked Gemini and I how you were doing."

Ianos frowned, "He inquired about me?"

"During our last food run." Gemini clarified, "Asked us if you were doing fine, and besides worrying about Knight, you were fine." She shrugged, "Then we asked why he didn't just check on you himself and he blundered out an excuse and left." Gemini looked over at her twin, "Scorpio and I were confused after that. Pluto never misses an opportunity to see you. I mean." She gestured vaguely with a hand, "After all, you are like his son."

Forcing down the guilt that threatened to surface, Ianos instead flinched before grumbling under his breath before he used his fingers to rub against his eyes.

Honestly, Ianos was surprised Pluto hadn't followed him into the room where Knight and Odorata had their scuffle. After all, the Exo Hunter always tended to worry when it comes to his well-being. But it seems that he had taken Ianos' words to heart; Ianos did say that the last thing he had wanted to see was Pluto. The Hunter simply took up on it and made himself scarce. It seems that, although Ianos hated to admit it, Pluto truly regretted his actions.

That doesn't mean Ianos will forgive him so easily.

Heaving out a frustrated sigh, Ianos took a mental note to 'talk' to the older Exo later but, for now, Knight is their main priority.

"Well, Eidr seemed to be helping Knight." Scorpio broke the awkward silence, "Does that mean we can keep him?"

Ianos suppressed his smile as Gemini frowned at her twin before using the back of her hand to smack Scorpio in the abdomen. In turn, the latter let out a small squeak.