Redacted
Special: Festival of the Lost
I apologize for the absence guys, but I finally found a job after months of searching, and let's just say the first week was rough lol. Anyways, good news is that I saved my computer, so it's fully functioning now and I can write my stories properly :D. Bad news is that my time has been shortened thanks to my new job so I might not be able to update as much as I want. Might have to change it to every 10-14 days if I can't find a way to squeeze writing time in. Anyways, there will be another update tomorrow to make up for lack of update last week, so you can expect that :D
For now though, enjoy this (late) Halloween special!
Knight couldn't help but feel confused when he awoke earlier that day, finding differentiating colored engrams hanging overhead and candles dimly lit in the Plaza, only to be more confounded when Guardians ran past with paper masks over their faces, ranging from Awoken faces he does not recognize to the Speaker himself. It didn't help that when he went to question some of the vendors, that all he earned was a knowing smile and handed a bag of 'something'. Upon inspection, the contents of the bag were colored solidified sugar, 'candy', Nine called them.
Although the Phoenix Exo knew what the contents were, he was unable to answer his question; what was going on at the Tower that is causing many of these Guardians to run around gaining these treats while wearing decorated masks?
After much contemplation, he had decided to head to Ianos' quarters for answers; the Warlock after all, had been around for years. To Knight, it made sense ask someone who are have decades of experience under their belt. However, as he knocked on the Awoken's door, he received no answer, causing him to frown; Knight knows for certain that Ianos was currently in his apartment, especially since he had seen Akiva walk around with his children, helping them partake in the event of gathering these 'candy'. Which, in other words, Hush was not in their care and is still safely residing with the Awoken Warlock. Then, why was he not answering his place of stay?
Giving the door another firm knock, Knight's optics lit up when he saw the entrance slide open, only to reel back when it was the child Guardian who answered the door.
"Hush?" Knight attempted to peer over her head, "Where's Ianos, is he not here-" He hardly finished his sentence when he felt the young Titan's hands wrap around his arm, causing him to glance into her yellow eyes only to see concern and panic, sensing the franticness emanating from the child Guardian as she started tugging him in, "Hush? What's going on? Hush?" Knight glanced the familiar violet of her Ghost, "Crystalline? Can you please explain what is-"
The familiar hum of Nine tingling in the back of his mind caused Knight to pause, his metallic features scrunching together in bewilderment before he finally caught it; soft whimpers and cries silently wafting throughout the quarters. Confused and bewildered, the younger mind then heard Nine whisper to him, barely audible as quiet commands told him to simply follow, letting Hush lead him deeper into the apartment until finally, Knight's gaze fell upon the familiar door leading to what the young Warlock calls, The Room of the Dead.
He had only seen the room on one other occasion, and it was when the young Warlock had wandered in unannounced. Knight hadn't known the flickering photos of the Guardians in the room were those that experienced their second death, his young mind thinking that they were simply Soldiers of the Light that Ianos had met throughout his years alive, and that it was a memoir of his previous teams. As such, he was terribly confused when the Awoken Warlock came in and a look of fury flashed over his features, snarling for the young Exo to get out before shoving him out and slamming the door in his face. Knight only gained the answer when he had went to Pluto, feeling a bit guilty afterwards that he had entered such an important room without permission. As such, every time he visited, he always ensured to avoid peeking in whenever the door was opened or, casually walk past without question.
Feeling Hush pull him towards said room, Knight couldn't help but hesitate, worry of getting into trouble filtering into his mind. However, as the quiet sobs grew louder as they approached, the young mind gave little resistance towards the child Guardian as she gently lead him in.
The first thing he noticed was the familiar form of Ianos, sitting on his knees in the middle of the room, his back facing towards the door. Afterwards, he then realizes that the silent cries he had been hearing was emitting from the Awoken Warlock, finally taking note of the shaking in his shoulders and his hands tightly gripping his knees. Feeling Hush tug on his arm, Knight then turned his focus back onto the child Guardian, only to see her point towards Ianos and once again started frantically pulling.
"What?" Knight whispered, glancing back and forth between Hush and Ianos, "What do you want me to do? I don't…" He paused, his gaze lingering on the Awoken's back before turning his attention towards Crystalline, "What is going on?"
He saw the female Ghost's yellow optic blink, "Do you not know what today is?"
Knight simply gave her a blank stare, "Do I have to remind you that your Guardian is older than me? And she is just a child herself?"
Sensing the sheepish glance from Crystalline, the young mind simply shook his head before asking, "What is so important today that it is not only affecting Ianos but everyone else in the Tower?" He sensed the bewildered look from the female Ghost, "Running around, offering these 'candy' to others while wearing these ridiculous paper masks."
"Oh," Crystalline blinked, "Festival of the Lost is your answer."
"Festival, of the Lost?" Knight repeated, earning a bob from the female Ghost.
"It is a holiday celebrated by all Guardians, even the Revenants celebrated it when it came annually," Crystalline explained, "It is a tradition where we recognize the memories of loved ones and, to mourn their passing." The Exo Warlock paused at this, glancing around at the faces of the dead around him as the female Ghost added, "Everything seemed normal at first when we awoke this morning, however, moments later, Ianos gave Hush one look when she laughed and he just, came in here and…" A sad sigh emitted from Crystalline, "I have heard of his relationship with the other half-Awoken, Zakai, wasn't it?" Knight opted to remain silent, "It seems Hush reminds Ianos a lot of his late comrade, although he hid it pretty well." He watched her parts shift up and down, as if to mimic a shrug, "Guess he couldn't hold it in much longer."
Fixing his attention back onto Ianos' grieving form, Knight couldn't help but pity the older Warlock; judging from the amount of deceased Guardian's faces hung up on the walls around them, Ianos held many years of experience, a lot more than the younger Exo had originally thought. As such, he had lost more than anyone else amongst their group. Although knowing this, Knight couldn't help but hesitate, watching the normally composed Warlock mourning openly in front of him.
At first, he thought about just leaving, mainly for the reason that he was unsure how to console the Awoken himself. Initially, Knight had thought that if Ianos had made it this far alone, he could easily bring comfort to himself now. However, when he felt Hush tug frantically on his arm once more, Knight relented, slipping his arm out of the child Guardian's grip as he slowly approached the mourning Warlock.
Whispers emanated from the back of the younger Warlock's head as he slowly closed the distance, taking him some time to realize that it was Nine speaking, the quiet words of the older mind barely comprehensible to the younger. They were words of caution, murmurs to handle the situation with care as Knight finally stood next to the Awoken's side, staring down upon Ianos' shivering form.
Fidgeting idly in place as the Warlock's soft cries continued to permeate throughout the room, Knight parted his lips to speak when Ianos' gaze turned towards him, causing him to pause as his optics locked onto the Awoken's orange hues.
Sorrow was the first thing he noticed in his gaze followed by the tears that streamed steadily down his swollen face, signs of just how long he had mourned those he had lost. Although knowing this, Knight couldn't help but freeze, the memory of Ianos' rage of the younger Warlock trespassing into the memorialized room still clear in his mind. However, to his surprise, instead, he heard Ianos' grief pause, just long enough for the Warlock to blink and take in that the Exo was indeed not the child Guardian before Knight saw tears once again form in the older Guardian's eyes. Taken back by this, the younger Warlock found himself unable to say anything as Ianos turned his attention away from him and fixed his gaze to the floor, quiet now as if ashamed of being found in mourning, although occasionally, Knight would hear a hitched breath escape from the older Guardian.
Standing momentarily where he stood, Knight then felt a gentle push from behind, nearly making him lose his balance. Unable to hold back a narrowed glance, the young Warlock turned in time to see Hush motion with her hands towards Ianos, worry still clear in her gaze but, this time, Knight swore he could see a hint of cunning in her gaze. Giving her a blank stare now that he was aware of her plans, Knight let out a breath before turning his focus back onto Ianos, hesitated, and then slowly, placed a hand onto the Awoken's shoulder.
Immediately, he felt Ianos go stiff under his gentle touch, causing the Exo Warlock to jump from the action. However, with hushed words of encouragement from Nine, Knight then gave several comforting pats, feeling Ianos relax under his touch. His chest filling up with a bit of confidence thanks to this, the young Warlock then took a seat next to the Awoken, placing his free hand in his lap as he kept his soft grip on Ianos' shoulder. Moments later, Knight then found himself reeling once more when he felt a hand place on top of his, momentarily realizing that it was Ianos', causing the Exo Warlock to shift his attention back onto the older Guardian.
The Awoken's gaze was still on the floor, a flush still to his cheeks, but Knight was content to see that the tears were now absent, the only evidence are the streaks down the front of his face. Although, that doesn't mean the young Warlock couldn't see the haggardness in his eyes, the exhaustion in his gaze that sent waves of worry throughout Knight's being. It was then he noticed whispers from Nine, mumbling that the younger mind knew that he wasn't supposed to overhear; words that spoke of a soldier on the edge, the will to go on slowly breaking.
Taking note of this, Knight gave Ianos a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, seeing the Awoken shift his head just enough to take in the younger Exo, "You do know that we are here for you, right? You can talk to us about anything." A sheepish smile flashed onto Knight's metallic features, "Even Hush, if you just need someone to listen."
Seeing Ianos blink, the young Exo then shifted nervously in his seat as silence permeated between the two of them, only to pause when a soft scoff emanated from the Awoken; it wasn't one of condescendence but held a tinge of playfulness, and took the younger Warlock by surprise. Although, his optics went even wider when a soft smile formed onto the Awoken's pale azure features before he felt Ianos pat his hand several times, and then finally, curled his fingers into his. Freezing at this gesture, Knight felt himself go limp as Ianos slid his hand from his shoulder and then into his lap, holding the Exo's hand in his own as Knight felt his fingers gently caress the top.
"I would close your jaw before he takes notice, Knight."
Hearing the familiar teasing tone of Day hum in his auditory sensors, Knight's lights flushed brightly at his Ghost's words, shutting his mouth as he narrowed his optics in hopes of the small shard of the Traveler takes notice; he earned a chuckle as a response.
Hearing Nine release waves of amusement, Knight felt himself flush even further before parting his lips once more to let out a retort, only to freeze when he felt weight press against his shoulder. Optics wide, Knight shifted his gaze just slightly to see Ianos had laid his head upon him, his eyes closed as he felt the Awoken completely relax.
"Don't. Move."
Closing his mouth shut, Knight shifted his attention over Ianos' shoulder, seeing the familiar black and orange of Ace hover nearby, "This is the first time all day that I have seen him this relaxed."
"So, what do you want me to do? Sit here and not say anything?" Knight hissed, only to gawk as he saw the Ghost nod, "What? Why?"
"Oh come on, don't pretend that you are not enjoying this," The familiar hum of Day materializing into physical form rang in his auditory sensors, "Don't forget, all of us are knowledgeable of your little 'crush' towards Ianos."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Well, most of us."
Hearing the familiar giggle of Hush emanate behind him in response to Day's words, Knight then sensed the child Guardian take a seat next to him, prompting him to turn and fix his gaze on her, receiving a smile in response. Then, before he can let out a protest, Knight felt her snuggle in close to his side, pressing the side of her head against him as she closed her eyes. Parting his lips to complain, Knight found himself unable to form words, and instead, let out a groan as he found himself unable to move, watching as Crystalline steadily glided over and made herself comfortable in the crook of her Guardian's neck.
"Alright, go ahead, get comfortable," He murmured as he watched the female Ghost shut down, her light blinking steadily to show signs of her rest.
"Do you, really hold an attraction towards Ianos?"
Shifting his vision back over to Ace, Knight saw the look of concern and doubt lingering in the Ghost's optic, "Well?"
Hesitating at Ace's question, the young Warlock found himself slowly nodding to answer the Ghost, only to blink when he received a sigh in response, "There is only one thing I have to say to that; give up on it. It will not work out."
"What?"
"It is not you," Ace immediately added in, "It is just…" A pause, "Look, I know for certain that Ianos is willing to try out relationships currently, however, his heart will not be in it."
"What do you mean?" It was Day who asked the question, the white Ghost scrunching their parts together, "Are you talking about the two other Warlocks that he was part of a team years ago? I have heard rumors but-"
"They were not just a Fireteam," Ace rebutted, "They were more than that and even now, he is still mourning his loss. He is not ready to renew bonds."
"What makes you think that he isn't ready?" It was Day again, Knight's Ghost narrowing his gaze towards the black and orange Ghost, "From what I heard, it has been 'years' since their deaths. Who knows? He maybe mourning them now, but he might be ready to move on, he just needs a bit of encouragement."
"Encouragement?"
"Ace. Day." Knight felt the Ghosts' gaze fall onto him, "Right now is not the best time."
Seeing them blink, the young Exo watched the pair momentarily shift their attention onto the slumbering forms around him before the pair turned their focus back onto each other; Knight didn't have to ask to sense the silent words of agreement pass between them before the two Ghosts went to their respective Guardians; Ace gliding over to lay in Ianos' lap while Day settled in Knight's, the young Exo hearing them complain under their breath at the lack of space. Moments later, Knight saw the steady blinking of light to show that his Ghost powered down, prompting him to let out a sigh as he pondered whether to follow Day's example.
You still have a chance.
Knight jumped, "Nine, you were quiet for a while."
I wanted to see what you do. You will have to learn how to act independently without me.
"Stop talking about your incoming 'death'. It is not going to happen."
All Knight received was a soft hum, Ianos is still grieving, I can tell. However, he just needs someone to help him move on.
"His team?"
A more 'personal' development.
"…Nine, you are joking."
I am not. Knight went silent, Despite my short life, I have learned developing new bonds helps with recovery rate. For Ianos, even with his developing relationship with the others, needs one a bit more 'personal' to fully heal.
"And what makes you think that I am the right Exo for this?"
Your feelings. The Exo Warlock paused once again, You already hold strong emotions towards him, you just have to put them into action.
"…But, I am just a newborn."
So was Zakai and Ahamari-34.
Going silent at Nine's words, Knight turned his focus towards Ianos, "And what about your feelings?"
Silence.
"Don't play dumb, we both share a mind, I can easily read your emotions just as easily as you can read mine."
…My feelings are irrelevant.
"Nine…"
Focus on your own life, Knight. You still have time, unlike me.
"Nine." Frowning as the older mind went silent, Knight then turned his attention towards the slumbering Ghosts and Guardians around him before sighing; although annoyed at the Phoenix Exo lingering in his head, the Exo Warlock simply decided to take in the moment. Who knows, with the chaos going on around the City, this maybe the most peace that not only he, but Ianos and Hush may receive in a long time. As such, shifting himself to get into a more comfortable position, Knight then let his consciousness slip, falling into light slumber.