Redacted
Aid
Kinda late but the chapter was a bit longer than I anticipated (when I was done, it was nearly reaching 8k, I had to cut some out and start a new chapter and it's still 6.7k words). But anyway thanks to Dianmond002, Mantic65, Guest, and The Great Wolf 117 for the reviews!
Guest - I have a feeling a lot of people share your opinion towards Dusk lol. She is definitely not a popular character XD
Edited: 06/25/2023
Despite what had occurred here, Angel will always consider Venus his birthplace – he was born here in his previous life and resurrected here in his current life. Even with all the deaths and loss, his silent claims of hating the planet, he always finds himself drawn back to Venus' marshlands, trailing behind echoes of his memories as he followed old paths. Paths that he would have taken when he was a child.
It is still strange to see places that he recognizes in his memories but yet, they felt foreign, estranged to Angel as he would walk through crumbling halls, hands trailing against the cracks forming upon the walls. Perhaps it is because time had worn away what he had truly remembers: the pristine surfaces of the buildings, the sounds of people chattering, hums of machines at work.
He remembers Venus as a place where students gathered, where all who wanted to attend prestigious schools come to finish their studies, all to hope to someday work within the many research settlements upon this beautiful planet. Now though, Venus is just a shadow of its former self, Angel watching on as the echoes of his past faded back to the present, taking his hand away from the darkened walls.
"More memories comin' back?" He turned to Hope, seeing her shift her shell against her core as she continued, "Do you remember this place too?"
Turning his attention back to the building, Angel took steps back so he could properly take it all in, eyeing the wilds that latched onto it.
"These were the dorms." He said, "A place where students stayed at while attending the school here."
Hope gave him a curious look, "Did you attend the school?"
Angel frowned, brows furrowed before he shook his head, "My mother was a renowned scientist. She taught me everything I needed to know." He smiled at the memory, images of a woman with long dark brown hair and eyes smiling back. It was almost like staring back into a mirror. Except for the eyes. "There was no need for me to go."
"So, you're smart then?"
Angel blinked and turned to look at his Ghost, "Who said I was smart?"
Hope gave him a blank look, "You speak almost every language in existence – even the Hive, which is a language where only the insane would learn."
"That doesn't mean I'm smart." He retorted, "It's just Hunter instincts."
"You mean you should give yourself more credit."
Snorting at Hope's words, Angel decided to move on, holding out a hand to his Ghost. At first, there was a look of protest, but after a bit of urging with his hand, she huffed and finally glided over. She didn't even make it to his palm before she disappeared in a flash of light, allowing Angel to bring up his HUD, ready to pick out a Sparrow. He settled for the basic one, reminiscing when Holliday grinned broadly at him as she held the transmat codes for it. Since then, Angel always seems to use it out of sentimentality.
Leaping onto the white Sparrow and shifting the controls forward, Angel wonders if he should pay the House of Winter a 'visit'. He may be friends with most of the Eliksni back on Earth, but Angel still had not forgotten what the House had done to him when he was a New Light. He had not experienced such weariness and fear since his time as being hunted by the House of Winter. Thus, every time he visited Venus, he has a tradition of annoying the pale blue clad Eliksni.
He would never mess with their Ether supply though; he is not that cruel. Instead, while cloaked, Angel would mess with their shanks, switching wires around in their Walkers, drain the charge from their weapons – he would do enough to make them struggle. Just like what they did to him when he was a New Light.
Contemplating on what to do next to burden the House of Winter – something along the lines of messing with their armor, an irritant perhaps – when his radar popped up, an arrow pointing him to some hills. Hills he knows are covered in old, crumbling Vex gates, ones where even he knows the Vex has abandoned. This prompted him to shift his Sparrow, making it slide to the side before it came to a slow stop.
Hope flickered into view, "Is everythin' alright?"
Instead of answering, Angel scowled as the color of the blip remained white – it was not changing to the color of blue for an ally or red for the color of an enemy.
"There's something over there." He decided to say, and he watched as Hope followed his line of sight.
Her shell pressed against her core; she must have finally seen what he meant, "A new point of interest?"
Or a signal since Angel had wandered there many times himself. It was a great place to find spare parts, especially from the Vex. Messing with their technology each time is an adventure.
A Vex Gate activating then? He mused to himself.
But then the marker should be red, not white. Curiosity clawed at him.
"I'm going to check it out."
"Wait for me!"
Waiting until his Ghost compiled back into the safety of his head, Angel turned his Sparrow to the hills, racing towards it until he reached the top. That is when he leaped off, letting the Sparrow slide to a stop as he took few steps forward and looked down. As he expected, he saw crumbling Vex Gates, many of their rings broken or collapsed completely.
His radar continued to blink.
Following the blip, Angel found himself being lead deeper, more Vex gates gathering until, he realized that – although still affected by age, by time – these ones were more stable. Useable. He now couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Nonetheless, the blip continued to blink white, and Angel continued forward until finally, he saw it.
A Vex Gate, glowing softly in the distance. And active.
"Be careful." He heard Hope warn.
Taking in a deep breath, Angel placed a hand onto his hand cannon, ready to pull from its holster as he slowly approached. And even as he closed the distance, the marker still remained white.
Hearing his heartbeat in his ears, Angel found himself a mere arm's length away and, despite warnings tugging at him, he reached out a hand, slowing reaching out to the shimmering surface of the gate.
That is when a Titan came tumbling out.
Angel let out a screech, side stepping and reeling as the Titan stumbled. And promptly fell to his side. Angel stared on with wide eyes, watching as the Titan curled in with a groan.
He seems to be fine, from what Angel can see, although, he seemed to have gotten into a recent fire fight – the scorched armor made it obvious that it was the Vex. And clutching something in his arms, but what, Angel couldn't tell, as he is curled protectively around it. That is until, he abruptly sat up, showing what seems to be an egg-shaped object clutched against his chest.
"Jora." He heard the Titan say as he stumbled to his feet, reaching out to the Vex Gate, "Jora!"
That is when Angel understood. There is another Guardian still on the other side.
Angel turned, ready to thrust a hand in, or jump in at this point, when the gate suddenly closed. And a cry of despair came from the Titan. Then, as if to further cause harm, Angel heard the metal squeak and scream around him, and he stumbled back as the gate crumbled.
"Jora!" Another shout from the Titan followed by another cry.
But it wasn't the Titan's.
The memory of Ora and the twins as newborns, fresh to the world, crying in the arms of their parents surfaced as Angel turned to face the Titan.
He was curled in around the egg-shaped object in his arms again but this time, Angel took notice that it is clear, giving a good look inside. And inside, he can see an infant, bawling within the confines.
The Titan – the father, Angel assumes – immediately turns, hefting the infant better into his arms and quietly shushed, "It's okay, daddy's here." He pressed a face against the surface of the glass, "I know you want mommy, but mommy is – darkness." His voice broke and then, Angel heard him take in a shuddering breath, "We'll get mommy back. Mommy will be back. We just need to wait. We need help."
At this point, Angel wonders if the Titan had noticed him at all, but not that he could blame him. If he has such a small life in his arms after fleeing from something such as the Vex, he too would be too focused on survival.
"Hey." He decided to call out, voice low as he took cautious steps forward, "Do you need some help?"
A stupid question to ask, considering what he has just heard moments before. But he didn't know what else to say. He then paused when the Titan snapped his head up at him. Angel watched as the tension in his shoulders eased, a heavy breath being released. Then he simply nodded once.
That is when Angel finally lifted his hands away from his holster and closed the distance between himself and the Titan, holding out a hand to him. It is no wonder the Titan looked so relieved, if he had been trapped on the other side with the Vex for who knows how long. And Angel hopes that his partner will hold out long enough.
As he contemplated on what to do, that is when he heard the Titan take in a deep, harsh breath, and before he could even wonder why, he felt a hand clamp tight – not around his hand – but around his wrist, pulling him close.
Angel couldn't help but tense, eyes wide behind his helmet as he heard the Titan take in a deep breath – as if to take in his scent – and he watched as the tension returned to his shoulders, grip tight around his wrist now.
"Light." The Titan said, and Angel can hear the mistrust, the hate behind his voice, "A Tower Guardian."
It is then, he saw wisps of darkness seep through the cracks of his armor.
Hush knows from the gentle squeeze around her hand that it is supposed to be a sign of comfort, but she knows better. She can see the trembling in her Papa's fingers, saw the beads of sweat upon his brow, and the pain in his eyes. Hush knows when someone is sick. And in pain.
She cannot grasp fully why, but she knows it is something that is 'eating away at him' from what she can grasp. Hush still catches the snatches of conversation from the adults around her. She wishes that they wouldn't try to hide things from her, especially when it comes to her Papa. Hush is glad at least that Kind-Human-Akiva told her the truth of his treatment: that there is not much they can do, as the person who knows how to treat him is dead, and his research is currently being looked over by Friend-Nine. But she had also heard that even if he were to re-discover his research, it may not be able to help Papa.
It is too late for him.
She keeps hearing people whisper around her, and Hush opted to ignore them. Her hazy memories of her previous clan taught her that miracles can happen.
Thus, she returned Kind-Human-Akiva's gentle squeeze with one of her own as he led her out of Papa's room, lagging behind just enough to take one last look before the door shut behind them.
"Don't worry, Hush." She lifted her yellow eyes to Kind-Human-Akiva's smiling face, "Ianos made it this far, he will make it through this one as well."
Although it seems he said it to comfort her, Hush also knows that he said it for himself as well. She can see the worry, the doubt in his own eyes. He too believes that it maybe too late to save Papa.
Raising her hand to voice this, Hush then spotted movement from the corner of her eyes, and she turned. Only to brighten as they settled over familiar white optics.
"Nine?" Kind-Human-Akiva asked and Hush gave him a look. A shake of the head from the Exo, "Ah, Knight. Here to visit?"
Another nod from Friend-Knight, "Nine also wanted to check on Ianos' condition. Wanted to make sure he is stable properly before he continues to find a way to properly expunge the-"
A sudden raise of hand from Kind-Human-Akiva made Friend-Knight halt, prompting Hush to look up at him. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Friend-Knight glance at her before shifting his gaze back to Kind-Human-Akiva and gave him another nod.
"Right, I will update you once Nine is done assessing Ianos' condition." He said.
Furrowing her brows, Hush couldn't help but give him and Kind-Human-Akiva a scrutinizing look, especially when he passed and disappeared into Papa's room. She then shook Kind-Human-Akiva's arm, garnering his attention.
What is Friend-Nine and Knight doing? She signed.
Kind-Human-Akiva gave her a wry smile, "They are trying to help Ianos feel better. He is…" He gestured vaguely with his free hand, "Ill and is having trouble getting better. Nine and Knight are trying to help."
Hush couldn't help but frown, What is making Papa ill?
That is when she saw Kind-Human-Akiva part his mouth before they clamped shut, his brows furrowing together. Hush couldn't help but be frustrated. It is obvious he doesn't want to give her a clear answer.
"Uh, well, you know what a cold is, right?" He asked her.
Hush couldn't help but give him a bland look. In turn, Kind-Human-Akiva chuckled sheepishly, "Right, well, Ianos is sick with something that is similar for us Guardians but, it is harder to be rid of. Much harder."
But colds don't hurt you. Hush retorted. At least not from her memory, Not like that.
"Well." Kind-Human-Akiva turned his eyes away, "It takes a lot to take a Guardian down."
Hush couldn't help but give him another frustrated frown but nonetheless, decided not to press. If there is one thing she learned about those who live in the Tower, is that they are all stubborn. She won't get answers, at least, not like this.
Thus, when Kind-Human-Akiva took her silence as a sign to lead her out of the Medical Wing, Hush simply followed, keeping her hand in his.
That is when she heard Star-Crystalline gasp.
Looking over her shoulder, Hush saw her star kept hovering behind her but, her shell is pressed against her core, optic wide in surprise and shock.
Raising a brow at this, Hush reached out, prodding through their link for an answer. This prompted her star to look at her before she caught wind of something that sounded like 'not here'. Some privacy then.
Hush then tugged upon Kind-Human-Akiva's arm. He looked down at her. Then, she pointed in the direction of her Papa's quarters. In turn, he blinked at her.
"You don't want to stay with me tonight?" He asked.
Shaking her head, Hush then gestured at herself and then at Star-Crystalline.
"Ah." Kind-Human-Akiva gave her a nod of understanding, "Alone time." He flashed her a kind smile, "Remember what Neve and I said? If you need anything, just give us a call."
Nodding once, Hush followed along until they reached Papa's apartment, prompting her to gently release her hold from Kind-Human-Akiva's as she went to open the door. He gave her one last wave as she shut the door behind her. It didn't take long for her to reach the living area and take a seat upon the couch.
You were surprised earlier. She signed.
That is when Star-Crystalline's shell pressed against her core, "I have no idea what you are talking about."
Hush gave her a frown, Crystal…
Her star sputtered, "Darkness, I swear you and Blaise must be related somehow. He calls me the same when I do something he doesn't like." She sighed, "Fine, it was a message, a message from Blaise's friend."
Hush blinked at her; now why would that surprise her? Not to mention the shock.
Why would a message from Brother-Blaise's friend bother you?
That is when she saw the nervous edge in Star-Crystalline's optic, searching around as if to ensure that the room is clear before she answered, "You recall the story I told you about Blaise's previous team? The ones that entered the Vault of Glass but only Blaise came out?"
Hush nodded.
"Well." Star-Crystalline continued, "The message I received is from Isamu. He was one of the two Blaise and I had thought dead when we escaped the Vault."
Angel had heard of Dark Guardians before although admittingly, in scarcity. All he really knows is that they existed and that the most infamous had led to the creation of the Golden Gun. Thus, he froze when the darkness that seeped from the Titan crackled into lightning, violet in color as it lashed out from his shoulders. They seemed to move almost independently.
"Angel!"
Hearing Hope call out his name, the weight of his Ghost landing back into his head prompted Angel to finally move, tearing his knife from its sheath and stabbing it into the Titan's arm. Somehow, despite its worn appearance, the Titan's bracers kept hold, and Angel felt his knife bounce off. But it was enough to feel the Titan's grip go lax, obviously surprised, and Angel leaped back, tugging his wrist free. Then, he removed his hand-cannon from its holster and fired.
Being this close, Angel had expected a hit, but instead, he watched as the debased arc light lashed out, almost snatching the bullet out of the air. And it disappeared.
"Did I say you were smart before?" He heard Hope whisper as the Dark Guardian stood, rolling his shoulders, "I take that back."
Opting to brush off his Ghost's words, Angel holstered his gun before holding out his knife, gathered his light into his chest and snapped out. He felt arc light coat his body and his blade, a buzz ringing his ears. A stark contrast to the Titan's violet.
Holding out his blade, Angel waited, watching as the Titan looked at him, obviously assessing. Before, in a flash of violet, he was in front of him. Angel reeled as he saw a fist coming his way and thus, held up his blade out of instinct.
A flash of violet and blue exploded, blinding him as Angel felt his feet slide under, digging into the ground. Burying his boots in, he clenched his jaw as he twisted his knife, feeling the Titan follow the movement. This prompted the debased Guardian to slide past and Angel found himself looking into his visor.
He can feel their eyes lock and Angel can sense the disgust, the hate behind them. Before he could take it all in however, Angel saw the Titan twist and leap forward. There was a resounded crack as his head collided with the front of his helmet, prompted Angel to see spots as he stumbled back.
"Headbutt." He heard Hope sigh in his head, "Corrupted or not, typical Titan attack."
Ignoring his Ghost's comment, Angel shook his head to rid the worst of the stars dancing around his vision, only to flail as he felt a hand grab him by the front of his cloak. Although Angel is of average height, his body is lithe and slim – to the point where Hope would nag him to eat sometimes – and thus, he wasn't all too surprised when the Titan lifted him easily into the air. It doesn't help that the Titan is a good head taller than he is.
"Here to finish us off, cowards?" He heard the Titan snarl, "Ambushing my team and I while we were in the Vault and pushing us into a Time Gate wasn't enough for you?"
"W-what?" Angel managed to choke out, staring wide-eyed into the Titan's visor.
"How about I find one for you, h'm?" The Titan continued, subtle shaking Angel in his grip, "How would you like being forced to wonder for 'centuries' in time."
"W-wait." Angel held up his hands in surrender, letting his arc light die from his body, "I have no idea what you are talking about."
He yelped when a particular spark of violet arc light lashed out, almost hitting him in the face.
"Why should I listen to you?" The Titan growled, "After all, once I inform the Preceptor of what has happened, this so-called treaty will turn into what is really is: a fraud. a fake." Angel took in a harsh breath when he saw a green glow, right where the eyes would be, emit behind the Titan's visor, "And thus, this will allow the Revenants to finally bring what you Guardians have failed to so far: Peace."
That is when the debased arc light around the Titan grew, and Angel took in a deep breath. And swung his blade right into the Titan's arm, right between the cracks of his plating, sinking deep into the joint of his elbow.
There is a sharp cry and Angel found the grip on the front of his cloak go slack. He took the opportunity to kick out, pushing the Titan away and landing on his feet. In turn, the Titan stumbled back – not fall however, much to Angel's frustration – and he shifted on his feet, his violet arc light growing agitated, lashing out. Angel can see it scorch the earth around them.
That is, until another cry rang through the air.
The debased arc light vanished, and Angel watched on as the Titan curled in on top of the egg he held in hands, hushing to the crying infant within. This allowed Angel the time to take notice the subtly glow of the child's protection.
Light.
He wouldn't be surprised if the Titan and his partner had weaved it together. Although, he couldn't help but wonder where he had found cloth, Angel trailing the worn pieces used as a makeshift rope to keep the egg tied to the front of the Titan's chest.
"Angel."
Hope didn't have to say the rest.
Angel doesn't have the conscience to continue the fight, not when a baby is involved.
Thus, he sheathed his blade, and he watched as the Titan snapped his head at him. Once again, he saw the sickly green glow behind his visor and sparks of violet can be seen emitting from his arms. Expecting an attack, Angel shifted his feet, squaring himself out.
Only to blink when the Titan abruptly turned and ran.
Angel thought about chasing him but then he remembered how quickly the Titan moved earlier. Who knows if during the chase, he wouldn't do the same? Thus, Angel sent a mental signal to Hope before holding out a hand, feeling the weight of his sniper fall into his grip. Then, he aimed.
Just because there is a child involved, doesn't mean he was going to let the Dark Guardian go, especially not one with an obvious grudge against the Tower.
He pulled the trigger.
A crack.
And Angel watched as the Titan's head snapped – signaling a collision- before he abruptly turned and landed on his side. His arms were wrapped tight around the egg. No doubt, he did all that to keep it safe.
And still alive, considering how Angel saw him move, pressing a hand against the hearth to push himself up. He ran over.
Returning his sniper to Hope, Angel then hefts his hand cannon back into his hands, aiming it at the Titan as he approached. Fortunately, the Titan's attention was elsewhere, speaking soothingly to the crying infant in his arms. Angel jumped when his eyes snapped to him.
The visor had broken thanks to Angel's shot, and now he could see his eyes clearly. They still glowed the same sickly green. So not his imagination then.
"Coward."
He heard the Titan hiss out and Angel recognized the tongue – he heard Hope huff playfully in his head – and he couldn't help but scowl. He can tell his hate runs deeper than just the betrayal within the Vault.
Opting not to respond to the insult, Angel instead looked him over, spotting the trickle of blood beading down from the side of the Titan's pale face. It seems his shields and armor took most of the impact.
Strands of hair, dark as night and disheveled, can be seen behind the broken visor of his helmet, almost as if he had taken a sharp object and cut away at enough to ensure they didn't get in front of his eyes. Speaking of eyes, despite their eerie green glow, Angel can still see the original color – a light brown.
No sooner had he took notice of it when he saw the Titan flinch, squeeze his eyes shut, and shook his head. The green glow was gone when he opened them again.
That is when he felt Hope's presence leave his head.
"Can't fight with a headache, huh?"
"Hope." He hissed out, tapping her lightly with the back of his hand. This did little to Hope as the obvious smug look stayed on her core.
As Angel expected, the Titan turned and gave Hope a glare.
"Yes, such an honorable fight as I carry something of import in my hands after freeing myself from a Vex prison only to bump into you while exhausted."
Angel couldn't help but smile wryly. He does have a good point. Then his amusement vanished as the thought of what would happen if he were to fight this Titan at full strength. He barely was able to handle his corrupted arc light now as is…
A chill ran up his back but nonetheless, Angel asked, "The malevolent energy that I sensed in your light, was that-"
"The Darkness?" The Titan interrupted, "Yes." Angel gulped, "Not difficult to maintain if one carries the right amount of experience. And hard work."
So, a Veteran then, or at least one that is definitely more experienced than him.
"But isn't the darkness an enemy of the light?" Angel decided to ask, "Why would you-"
"Do not assume I am a Guardian like you cowards!" Angel jumped at the Titan's outburst, "Light is our friend? The Darkness our enemy?" The latter scoffed, "You Tower Guardians only see in black and white." He placed a hand to his chest, "We see as they truly are: balance is the key, that light and darkness are to be in harmony, not to be at odds."
"We?" Angel repeated back. He couldn't help but narrow his eyes at him, "Who's we?"
This time, a look of surprise flashed over the Titan's eyes, but it was brief, and the hate was back.
"Does your Vanguard fear us that much that they would fail to mention us to new lights such as yourself?" His words were practically a snarl, "Cowards they are, fearing us simply because they do not understand."
Angel's grip on his weapon tightened, "Then tell us who you are."
That is when the Titan gave him a scrutinizing look, almost as if assessing if he was worth the answer.
"We are the returned, the Revenants." He finally said, "We do not call ourselves Guardians for the reason that we are not so easily manipulated."
"Hey!"
The offense behind Hope's voice is obvious while as Angel furrowed his brows together. Why does that name sound familiar?
"Hope?" He called out; he felt his Ghost's attention on him, "Wasn't Crystalline and her previous Guardian part of a faction called the Revenants?"
Angel heard a thoughtful hum from Hope, "Yeah and according to her, she is still an active Ghost amongst their number." From the corner of his eye, he saw his Ghost shrug, "She's very open about it too, keep tellin' us that once Hush is strong enough, that she is plannin' to go back with her."
Surprising to hear but, not really. Angel still remembers the mistrust from Hush's Ghost when they first met and, although she trusts Fireteam Redacted now, she still doesn't trust the other Guardians in the Tower.
"Wait." Angel turned his attention back to the Titan, "You know Crystalline?"
He couldn't help but be surprised; does he know her?
Judging from the way the hate shifted to one of shock, Angel will take that as a yes. Thus, Angel decided to nod once.
A suspicious look settled over the Titan's face, "How do you know Crystalline?"
That is when Angel hesitated, contemplating telling him the truth. He has the advantage, wouldn't hurt to tell a lie. But the scrutinizing look upon the Titan's face made him think otherwise.
"Crystalline and her G-Chosen is staying with us." Angel saw him scowl, "As a friend, not a prisoner."
Doubt can be seen in the Titan's eyes, "I doubt Blaise would willing stay with Tower Guardians."
Blaise? That was the name of Crystalline's previous Chosen, wasn't it?
Before he could even realize it himself, Angel shook his head and he saw the Titan's brows furrow, scowling at him. Too late now to hide the truth.
"Blaise is the name of Crystalline's previous Chosen." Angel watched as his eyes grew wide, "She has chosen a new one. Blaise is no longer with us."
"Liar!"
Angel couldn't help but take a step back at the Titan's outburst, half-expecting the Titan to jump him. He was fortunate that the infant within the egg burst out crying once more, prompting the Titan's attention to turn towards them.
As Angel watched him soothe the crying child, a thought lingered. The Titan said that the Revenants work with the darkness, so perhaps…
He licked his lips nervously, feeling dry against his tongue, "If you are a Revenant, then can I ask for you help?"
There is a sputter from Hope, sensing the obvious shock from his Ghost. Not to his surprise, the Titan gave him a glare, "And why do you think I would help a coward?"
"You need help yourself, correct?" Angel saw the Titan's scowl deepen, "Perhaps if we help you then maybe –"
"I do not need the help of a Tower Guardian." Angel couldn't help but sense it more as an insult than a title, "Now leave, before I decide to kill you."
If it weren't for the fact that Angel had seen what the Titan can do himself, he would have taken it as a bluff. It is obvious that the Titan is tired, exhausted from his ordeal, but the years of experience between them is vast. Angel wouldn't doubt he could easily kill him if he wanted to.
But he couldn't let such a chance like this get away.
"One of my friends is corrupted by the Darkness." Angel saw the Titan pause, looking at him with a narrowed look, "He had been fighting it for years, trying to prevent it from devouring his life, however, recently, there was an incident where it left his light weak." He wasn't going to recount Dusk's attack. Who knows if there were any Paragons left and he doesn't want the risk that the Revenants might be in lieu with them, "Even now, as we speak, he is fighting for his life as the Darkness is slowly killing him." Angel took in a deep breath, "Please, as someone who has tamed the Darkness, is there anything you can do that can save him?"
The Titan kept his narrowed eyes upon him but, Angel can tell he is pondering, contemplating.
"I am not-"
"You don't have to get rid of it." Angel jumped in; he saw the Titan reel in surprise, "Just help him, balance it out if you have to, I just…" Grief clenched his heart, "I just don't want to lose anyone else."
The Titan kept his frown but nonetheless, there was no visible hostility – at least not yet. Then, Angel heard him release his breath.
"I will help you." Angel released a breath of his own, "Once you help me first."
"Then you will help my friend?" He asked.
"After you are done helping me." The Titan repeated, "I shall see to your friend, afterwards." He paused, a pondering look in his eyes once more, "I cannot promise that I will be of help, however. It will depend on his condition."
"If it gives him a chance, then I will take it."
There is a nod of agreement from the Titan, prompting Angel to lower his hand cannon slowly, and then holster it when the Revenant gave no sign of attacking.
"You sure this is a good idea?" He heard Hope whisper as Angel saw the Titan hold out a hand; more than likely summoning his Ghost, "He could be lyin' for all we know."
"It's worth the risk." Angel murmured back, "Nine said that even if he were to crack Matt's research, it might not be enough to help Ianos. Might give him a few more months but that's it." He turned to look at his Ghost, "If it gives Ianos a chance to live a few more years, Traveler, even another year, I'll take it."
His Ghost gave him a look but nonetheless, she sighed, "And this is how we get into trouble."
Angel, in turn, flashed her a smile, "It won't be an adventure if it wasn't."
Despite the bland look she gave him, Angel can see the twinkle in Hope's optic.