Redacted

Hush

I apologize for the late update. Wanted to finish Vault of Glass with my friends on Xbox but sadly, took too much time so never finished QuQ. Hopefully we'll get it done tomorrow lol.

Also, with Destiny 2 announced for release this year, I am kind of debating what to do for Redacted and Book Three, The Revenants, as the latter takes place 'years' after Redacted. But with Destiny 2 coming up, I am not sure whether or not to conform the two into one or to cut out a large amount of the original content. Then again, I have another story in mind once Destiny 2 comes out... we'll see lol

Thanks to Lazypersons, jsm1978, And-on-and-on, and Guest for the reviews!

And-on-and-on - I was excited to finally introduce her to you guys lol. Planned her out in the early stages of 'Tormented' so I was really eager to finally show the reveal.

Guest - There's going to be a lot of things that happens in this book! And lot of them will be answered! Eventually! And that was unfortunate of your accident but I am happy that you are seemingly well! Get well! :D

Edited: 07/17/2022

Papa, please don't leave me.

Blood soaked the earth as she pressed her hands against his side.

Don't leave me, Papa.

Her clan had long ago left; they didn't want to risk losing more of their numbers by tending to the injured and the dead.

Please don't go.

His fingers were cold, his glowing eyes dull; his chest had long ago ceased. This did not deter her.

Don't leave me.

She was forced away when the scavengers closed in; the echoes f her father's words telling her to run still ringing in her ears.

I don't want to be alone.

She fell during her escape, crying out as legs easily collapsed underneath her; the familiar chitters of the scavengers grew closer.

I don't want to die.

She managed to hide herself between two storage units, wrapping her arms around herself to give herself both comfort and warmth.

Papa help.

Pain throbbed throughout her body as she waited. For what, she didn't know but, she knows for certain that her clan won't be back for her. It was hard to miss their hated gaze.

Hungry.

She had tried to move, an attempt to stop the gnawing ache in her stomach. Instead, she was met with pain, her body screaming with any type of movement.

Weak.

Cursing her frail body, she tried to find solace in sleep, blinking away tears as she closed her eyes.

Papa…

Xxxxx

Ianos had taken great care to pull the collar of his coat higher, easily hiding Crystalline's shimmering form in the crook of his neck. Fortunately, it was enough, as the night owls amongst the Guardians gave Ianos and the others a passing nod as they walked past. Honestly, Ianos was surprised to see how smoothly sneaking to his quarters went, quickly slipping inside his apartment and allowing the others in before shutting the door behind him.

Of all the plans that he had concocted, this one perhaps maybe the one that was pulled flawlessly.

Until he tapped Crystalline awake to resurrect her Guardian.

Ianos should have known better, considering he had personally witnessed the strength and lack of control an individual like her has, especially without a certain armament.

The instant the newborn touched the floor of the room, there was a wail, streaks of violet snapping around her, and Ianos found himself slammed against the wall, blinking past stars. Placing a hand onto the floor to steady himself, he looked up to see the familiar wisps of void light dance around the newborn, a Ward of Dawn flickering in and out of existence as she cried.

"You're safe!" It was Akiva who shouted, Ianos spotting the Titan at the other end of the room pushing himself onto his feet, crouching low as he held out his hands. He then heard him lower his voice, "We're not going to hurt you. You're safe." Akiva then lifted his hands, the familiar sound of air escaping his helmet permeating through the air before he removed the armor piece, flashing the newborn a gentle smile, "See? We're friends."

At first, Ianos thought Akiva's gesture had worked, when the newborn's cries briefly ceased. And then promptly turned into screeches.

"Can you make her stop!" Angel shouted, the latter of which was seated on the floor and had thrown his helmet to the side in lieu of clamping his hands over his ears, "I've heard Ora cry but this ridiculous, Akiva! I thought you were the father out of the three of us!"

"That is with 'toddlers'! I don't know how to comfort someone her age! Not yet!"

Rolling his eyes at the two Guardians, Ianos then pushed onto his knees, slowly making his way towards the edge of the Ward. Ignoring the bewildered stares from his team, he stopped at the edge of the Ward, hesitated, and then promptly gripped the side of his helmet.

"Wait, Ianos? What are you doing!?"

Ignoring Angel's words, Ianos passed over the sealant under his jaw, listening to the familiar sound of air flushing out before lifting the helmet off, holding it in his hands.

"Hello?"

Honestly not the best way to calm a crying newborn but it seemed to be enough, as her wails quieted, feeling her eyes scan over his face. Despite himself, Ianos breathed out a sigh of relief.

"My name is Ianos." He pointed at himself before gesturing with one hand towards the others, "That is Angel and Akiva. We are not here to hurt you, we are your friends."

There was a sniffle, a whimper, but it was satisfactory enough of an answer for Ianos; with his friend, he had received a blast of arc light to the face. And it hurt.

"I bet you are a famished, right?" In honesty, Ianos wasn't sure if that was the right word to use; all he knows is that newborn Guardians need immediate sustenance when they are first resurrected. This newborn wouldn't be any different, "Want us to bring you food before you sleep?"

This seemed to be in the right direction as he saw the newborn's shoulders squared out, perking up at the mention of food.

"Ace, send a message to Pluto get some food from the mess hall and bring it here."

Shifting his attention to the others, Ianos couldn't help but pause at the wide-eyed stares.

"What?"

He didn't receive an answer immediately and couldn't help but give Angel and Akiva a blank stare as they sat in silence. Then, Angel finally spoke.

"Y-your breath."

Raising a brow at the Hunter, Ianos went to answer, to explain, only to feel weight fall into his lap. Reeling, he glanced down only to see the newborn press her head into his abdomen before feeling her arms wrap around his waist. It wasn't long after until the wisps of void light disappeared completely around her.

"Wait, what are you doing?"

Panic settled into Ianos' chest as he placed his hands onto the newborn's shoulders, pressing subtly pressure to encourage her to move away. He halted when he heard her whimper and buried herself into his lap.

He threw himself at his feet, hands bloody and fear in his eyes as he latched onto Ianos' hand.

"Don't leave me here! Please! I don't want to be a prisoner any longer! I don't want to be alone! Please! Don't leave me in the dark!"

Ianos snapped out of his memory when Akiva snorted, "She took a liking to you, kid."

Snapping his eyes towards him, Ianos opened his mouth to retort, to snap back, but he noticed the way Akiva jumped, golden eyes wide.

He shifted his words, "Out."

"Wh-What?" Angel stuttered out.

"Out. Get. Out."

"B-But the Darkness-"

"Out!"

His shout was enough to cause Angel to jump before the Hunter leaped onto his feet, prompting Akiva to do the same. They scrambled to leave but and, as expected of a Hunter, Angel was the first out, slipping past before the door even fully opened. However, as Ianos watched Akiva went to leave, he saw the Titan pause, sensing him hesitate, before he turned to look at him.

"Why didn't you tell us?"

Flinching at the Titan's words, Ianos opted to say nothing and only glared at Akiva. This was signal enough for him to leave. It was only when the door shut behind Akiva when Ianos felt the familiar weight of Ace leaving his mind.

"I cannot help but feel guilty that we did not tell them." Ace's shell clicked together, "Currently only Matt knows, right?"

"And I had intended it to stay that way." Ianos paused before he slid his hands off from the newborn's shoulders and placed on top of her head; he felt her snuggle closer in response, "But with the newborn, I had momentarily forgotten."

"Well, with the new system Matt implanted, you can barely feel it is there. Not to mention you are still trying to get used to it."

Opting to say nothing, Ianos instead raised a hand to his lips. And eyed the dark wisps that slipped out with every breath.

"You have a point." He admitted, "Still hurt like hell when he slapped it on." Ianos scowled, shifting his eyes back towards the newborn; she had curled in, releasing one hand from his waist to press it against where her mouth would be. She had wholly made herself comfortable in his lap, "However, it is only slowing down the inevitable."

And he can feel it. Feel the Darkness slowly crawling through his light, eating away at it. It is painless now thanks to the new system implanted into his spine. But it being a new prototype, who knows how long that would last?

Feeling a confused stare on him, Ianos glanced up and locked onto a lone yellow optic. It was then, he remembered Crystalline, the Ghost hovering with concern just above the newborn.

"You have questions." Ianos said, and he watched as her optic narrowed at him, "How about we let the newborn eat and rest before I give you answers?"

Xxxxx

It didn't take long for Pluto to come in with the needed sustenance for the newborn. And it didn't take long for the Exo to drop everything as soon as his red optics paused on him.

"What happened?" Pluto's hand shook in shock, his fingers slowly curling into fists, "Matt told me – he told me that your condition was stable. He said-"

"Matt said my condition is stable. Does not mean I am getting better." Ianos corrected and he watched as Pluto's jaw clamped shut. There would have been silence in the room, if it wasn't broken by the giggling of the newborn. Ianos turned to look at her, to see that her attention was fully on her bracers as they changed colors, all thanks to Ace, the latter of which twirled their back fins with every chuckle. She is on the bed now, to ensure she is comfortable, and Crystalline hung around the young Titan's shoulder. Judging from the way her shell pressed against her core, she was envious of Ianos' shader collection. Watching this as he sat next to her, Ianos couldn't help but wonder how expansive Hunter Blaise's was.

Turning his eyes back towards Pluto, he then paused at the look in the Hunter's optics. He sighed, "Stop that. You know how that makes me feel, old man."

Pluto's gaze narrowed, "Do not call me that."

"Then do not give me that look."

This time it was the Hunter who sighed, Ianos watching him lean down to pick up the items he had dropped; fortunate that he had brought the food in containers instead of plates.

"The Darkness did that much damage?"

"According to Matt, it looked like it was waiting for a moment of weakness." Ianos explained, "Our time underground in Venus was exactly what it was looking for."

And by the Traveler, it did a lot of damage.

He would be hit with random bouts of pain, screaming and writhing during his time in the Medical Wing. It was severe to the point where Matt took the risk of implanting the new system, further working it into his body to allow the light to reach the deeper parts of where the Darkness lurks. His body hadn't healed quite right because of it, practically feeling it against his bones but, Matt had been confident that in time, his body will adjust, passive healing from Ace's light will ensure that soon, he won't be able to feel it at all. Hence, the light missions, to allow the system to integrate slowly and to adjust to his movements.

At the thought, Ianos looked down at his hands, flexing them several times before he glanced over at Pluto; the Hunter is leaning over the table, hands gripping the edge as if to help keep him upright.

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"I did not want to worry you all."

That is when Pluto turned his red optics to him, his brows furrowed together, "Why do you think-"

"You have the Clan to worry about." Ianos interrupted, "Akiva with his family, and Angel out in the Wilds. I did not want to place more burden upon all your shoulders."

"We are still a team!" Ianos jumped at Pluto's outburst, feeling the startled looks of the Ghosts and newborn on them both, "We are still family." He then watched as the Exo pushed himself away from the table, walked over, and placed his hands upon his shoulders, "Just because we seemed burdened with our life does not mean we are no longer involved with yours." He felt Pluto's grip go tight upon his shoulders and Ianos saw the anger fade from the Hunter's optics and shifted to concern, "Do not keep everything to yourself. We are a team, a family for a reason, Little Light."

Taking in Pluto's words, Ianos couldn't help but momentarily close in eyes, took in a breath, and then nodded. This seemed to be enough for the Hunter, as when Ianos opened his eyes, Pluto had released his hold onto his shoulders and returned to the table. Watching him sort through the containers, Ianos then sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck, only to pause when he felt small hands grab onto his arm. He looked down, only to stare into the hidden eyes of the newborn, the latter of which pointed at the table. Raising a brow, Ianos then understood when she pointed more fervently; Pluto had started popping open the containers and now the aroma of food is permeating through his room. The newborn wanted to eat.

Sliding off the bed, Ianos then felt the hands of the newborn leave his arm, prompting him to turn and face her. He watched as she remained seated on his bed.

"You are not going to get up?"

Seeing the younger Guardian tilt her head to one side, Ianos couldn't help but reel when she held out her hands, arms spread in a silent language: carry me.

In honesty, Ianos hesitated; the only other occasion he had ever held a child was with Oraxsis – he has yet to even hold the twins – and even then, he had gone stiff, and he had refused to take a step with the toddler in his arms. Ianos remembers the others teasing him for it, prodding his shoulders to make him flinch – which he had to add, didn't work – before Akiva took Ora back with a laugh.

Now he is faced with a newborn Guardian who seemed to be teetering between the edges of childhood and maturity and all Ianos could do is stare. Hearing a snicker, Ianos glanced over his shoulder and gave Pluto a bland look, which was quickly followed by the Hunter coughing into his fist. Nonetheless, when he fixed his eyes back onto the newborn and her arms were still raised, Ianos sighed. Leaning over, he wrapped his arms underneath hers, grip loose with uncertainty, and then froze when he felt her arms wrap around his neck, and her legs around his waist. Daring himself to move, Ianos ignored Pluto's snickering as he turned and walked towards the table.

"Need some help there, 'dad'?"

Ianos gave Pluto a blank look, "Do not dare start, otherwise I am going to tell her to call you 'grandpa'."

There was an exaggerated gasp of offense, "I am not that old."

Unable to help a smile, Ianos then brought the newborn over to the table, delicately placing her in a chair just as he felt her arms leave his neck and waist. As he leaned back, Ianos then saw the newborn raise a hand to her helmet, and grunt when she tried to lift it, but it remained steadfast on her head. Amused, Ianos leaned down once more, fingers grazing the sealant under her chin, felt her jump at the release of air, gripped the side of her helmet, and gently slide it over her head.

He was not surprised at what he saw.

At first, she looked like any other human; her tan skin is a shade darker than Angel's and her black hair cascaded down past her shoulders. But her eyes, her eyes were an unusual shade of yellow. And they glowed. This was followed by the unmistakable shifting mist like patterns upon her skin. A common trait amongst Awoken.

This confirmed Ianos' suspicions. And fears.

"A human and Awoken child?" Pluto surprise is a given, "But how? Most die not long after birth."

Opting to say nothing, Ianos simply watched as the child snatched up the first container that she could reach and started shoveling whatever she could into her mouth; she didn't even bother using the utensils. Crystalline, as most dedicated Ghosts are, hovered near her Chosen, a look of shock apparent in her optic. She truly didn't know.

"Just because more often than naught they die." Ianos started, as the memory of his friend, his lover, crossed his mind, "Does not mean that some do not make it to adulthood."

Sensing the bewildered look he received from Pluto, Ianos once again opted to remain silent and watched with mild amusement as the newborn paused long enough to offer a container to her Ghost.

He had known about mixed offspring; you're bound to learn many things when you live as long as he did. Most times however, he only learned when mourning parents bury their dead child, grieving the moment the infant drew their first breath.

Many theorize the reason for many of the infants' deformities, their illness, is because the genetics of humans and Awoken were not compatible, despite having the same ancestry. Many blame the Awoken's changes, the changes that had occurred when they had tried to flee from the encroaching Darkness. Another reason that many discriminate against them.

But they can survive. A rarity, but the newborn before him is proof enough. But there are complications.

Ianos remembers his lover, when on one occasion he let his guard down, exhausted from the day's mission, and he caught his foot on the stairs of the Plaza. And that fall was enough to kill him. His fragility, Ianos wouldn't be surprised if the child before him has it too. And he would have to check for her energy levels. He recalls his partner able to use only a single Stormtrance or how he tires with missions that last for a long while. No doubt the child would have that too. There was just one difference.

His friend had horrid eyesight. He could see but to a point, Ianos recalling him asking his Ghost to read aloud scripts, scrolls as he felt around for the wanted artifacts, using his Light to scout out hostiles. But the child before him seems to be able to see just fine, even now, her eyes stared at Crystalline as she munched on her food.

But he had not heard her utter a single word.

"Little one?" Ianos called out, watching her turn her yellow eyes towards him, "Do you have a name?"

He saw her tilt her head at him, licking her hand clean, and then she placed the container onto the table. Ianos then saw a thoughtful look glaze over her face, hearing her hum before she looked up at him, placed a finger to her lips and shushed.

Ianos couldn't help but blink at her. So, he thought right.

"Quiet?"

Her frown meant no.

"Silence?"

A shake of the head.

"Whisper?"

Once again, he is wrong, easily from the way she pouted at him. She then repeated the gesture, placing a finger to her lip and 'shushed' once more. Ianos had to suppress a smile; her expression reminded him of Scholars shushing rowdy Guardians in the archives. It then clicked.

"Hush?"

No sooner had the name slipped from his lips when Ianos saw her yellow eyes brighten, practically beaming at him as she nodded her head.

"Your name is Hush then?"

Another nod from the child before her eyes slowly drifted back over to the food. Ianos was once again amused as she turned and snatch the food once more.

"Hush…" Ianos repeated under his breath.

"Is that void light?"

Glancing over at Pluto, Ianos then followed the Hunter's gaze only to pause when he spotted wisps of familiar violet permeating from the newborn's fingertips; a sign that she is regaining her strength.

"Ace."

Spotting his Ghost from the corner of his eyes, Ianos waited until Ace filtered out a screen and pulled out a familiar blueprint: The Impossible Machines. Quickly starting to take away aspects that didn't follow the newborns traits, Ianos started to weigh in the channeling of her light, the weight of the piece, and shrinking down the size to better fit Hush's arms.

No doubt that she is on the path of a Defender, considering her Ward of Dawn and the void light that Ianos can now obviously sense. Which is a relief, although just as destructive, Void Light at least can be better controlled. But at the same time, it cannot be allowed to fester, as it will slowly eat away at anything that it touches at the will of the user; even Titans if they focused more on the offensive side of light. Planning out a rough draft a pair of gauntlets, Ianos then heard Pluto clear his throat.

"Ianos." He turned his eyes towards the Hunter, "Is there something you want to tell me?"

At first, confused by Pluto's words, it took Ianos only a moment to understand. He had never told Pluto about Zakai's origins, his friend, his lover.

Xxxxx

Akiva decided to take Angel to the bar in the Tower; it has been a while after all since the young Hunter had a drink, especially after staying in the Wilds for little over a year. And after seeing the wisps of Darkness escaping from Ianos' lips. Akiva saw fit that a simple drink will help Angel's nerves. And his.

Taking a sip from his glass, Akiva eyed the bottles laid out on the table; he wonders if this will be enough. Or if it's too much.

Although Akiva normally has company, especially when it comes to drinks, he couldn't help but think that the table feels empty.

Staring at the empty space near Angel, Akiva could hear the echoes of their laughter, the images of them leaning into each other after a few too many drinks. This would soon be followed by knowing looks and Akiva could practically see Aleeza and Carina slipping away to one of their rooms. Their 'routine'.

"Do you think Ianos is alright?"

Snapping out of his reverie, Akiva turned his attention back onto Angel, the letter of which tapped the side of his glass, causing it to slowly turn on the table. Having not seen the Hunter in almost a year, Akiva can see that Angel had let his hair grow out, reaching to his back and stray strands falling in front of his eyes. And the scars. Akiva can barely see the lining of three going from under the left side of his jaw and then sliding underneath the under suit near his neck. He recognizes the jagged edges of a strike from a Thrall; no doubt the Hunter had encountered them during his time out in the Wilds.

"Of course, he is alright." Akiva flashed Angel a smile, causing the latter to lift his eyes; the way his hair covered parts of his eyes made it difficult to read his expression, "He has Matt. You know he would to anything to help Ianos."

"But…But the Darkness…"

Hearing the concern laced in the Hunter's words, Akiva couldn't help a pause, lift his glass, and emptied the contents. He didn't want to tell Angel this but, he had not only seen the breaths of Darkness, but he had also spotted wisps breaking through the seams of his armor around his neck. Honestly though, he wasn't sure if what he had seen was parts of his imagination or not.

Nonetheless, there is no doubt that Ianos had gotten worse than better.

The last time Akiva had tried to visit, Matt had declined, saying that they were in the 'sensitive' part of Ianos' upgrade, so he hadn't been able to see the Awoken, so his condition had been unknown to him until now. But why hasn't Ianos said anything?

"It doesn't seem to be causing him any pain." Akiva decided to say, recalling the image of Ianos calmly seated in the middle of his quarters; he can still feel the doubt in Angel's stare, "And from his performance out in the field, it seems to be having little effect on him. He will be fine." He kept his voice certain but, he was unsure himself. Was Ianos really alright?

In response, Angel went back to tapping the side of his glass, once again causing it to slowly turn, "Right…"

The Hunter doesn't believe his words but, Akiva doesn't blame him. It's difficult to believe when you see Ianos that way. Releasing a sigh as he placed an arm onto the table to prop his chin up, Akiva let his thoughts wander. Then his eyes narrowed.

"Did we ever report back to the Vanguard?"

Judging from the way Angel's head snapped up, his eyes wide, was all the answer Akiva needed.

"…Shit…"