Here I Am

Screw me for the title I couldn't think of anything else lol. Anyways, I apologize for the late update, meant to update Friday but after rereading it, I didn't like a certain part so I decided to fix it. Saturday Fanfiction wasn't let me upload for some strange reason and Sunday it didn't let me again until now.

Anyways, thanks to Diamond002, The Great Wolf 117, and DisobeyedBowl6 for the review!

Edited: 07/09/2023

"Is it just you?"

Angel turned, taking his eyes away from his knife; the fight with the Titan had made him realize it had gotten dull. He is currently seated with a whetstone in his lap. The Titan is seated not too far from him.

"Yes." He answered before turning his attention back to his knife, "But I was thinking about calling my team." Angel didn't have to look back to feel the scowl, "I know I said I was going to help but I can't do it alone." He shrugged, "I'm not even a decade yet and if you want me to be honest, I'm not sure what else to do." Angel looked at the Titan. He is still frowning, "Look, I promise you that my team is the best option right now and they are trustworthy. Honest."

The Titan gave him a narrowed look but nonetheless, all he did was give a subtle shake of the head before turning his attention back to the egg in his arms. Angel can hear the infant within giggle as he tapped on the glass, sending ripples along the surface. That is when Angel heard Hope glide close, humming.

"I sent a frequency to the others already." He heard her whisper, "They should be on their way here as we speak."

Nodding his head in thanks, Angel shifted his attention back to the Titan, only to pause when he spotted a familiar star-shaped form hovering above the latter's shoulders.

He hadn't really paid attention to it much before but now, with how it is out in the open and conversing quietly with the Titan, Angel can see that it is the color of dark violet, almost black, and, much like any other bonded Ghost, their optic is the color of their Guardian, which is a shade of light brown. What caught his interest however, is that, much like Crystalline, there is a shimmer, a pattern reminisce of an Awoken's skin. He couldn't help but wonder if that is a trait shared with all Ghosts that are part of the Revanants. An initiation perhaps?

"My Ghost sent a frequency to my team." Angel said, "They should be here soon."

This earned a nod, but nothing else and Angel couldn't help but shift uncomfortably in his seat, "So er, do you have a name?"

He paused as the Titan looked back at him, waiting patiently as he gave him another frown, "Only if you give me yours first and even then, it is a maybe."

Fair, considering the history between the Tower and the Revenants.

Angel cleared his throat, "The name's Angel Anand."

There is a brief look of surprise that flashed across the Titan's eyes but nonetheless, he then nodded over Angel's shoulder. It didn't take him long to realize who he is referring to. Strange, most wouldn't want to know your Ghost.

Angel raised his hand at her, "And this is Hope."

Then, he waited, waiting for the Titan to introduce himself. Instead, he watched as the Titan's eyes narrowed, obviously displeased.

"Just Hope?" The Titan asked.

Angel blinked, "Yes?"

The Titan's frown deepened, "Does she not carry the same family name as yourself?"

What?

Angel couldn't help but look at him confused and he turned to Hope, hoping for an answer. This only earned him a shrug from his ghost.

"Doesn't matter to me, still your Ghost either way." She said.

Smiling wryly, Angel turned his eyes back to the Titan. The latter just stared, brows furrowed. Angel shifted uncomfortably under his stare.

Finally, the Titan spoke, "I am Hashimoto, Isamu." Then he nodded his head to his Ghost, "And this is Hashimoto, Hajime."

Ah, so that's what he meant. He shares his last name with his Ghost. At least, Angel thinks that is his last name. He had read that there were some who introduced their family names first but this was the first time he experienced it himself.

Angel's eyes lingered over to the egg, "And the child's?"

He had expected the Titan – Isamu – to jump on the defensive, especially considering how protective he is of the egg's occupant. However, instead, to his surprise, he saw a brief tug of his lips; an obvious attempt at trying not to smile.

"Eidr." Isamu answered, "For his family name, Jora and I still have yet to come to an agreement."

"I am going to take a guess that Eidr is yours?"

"Ours." Isamu corrected, "Jora and I's." Angel watched as his attention turned back to the child.

From where he sat, Angel can see the infant look back at his father, cuddled within the cloth inside as he suckled upon his knuckles. The infant's eyes were the color of hazel and had tufts of black hair growing upon his head. He does not look much older than a few months.

Wait, a few months?

"How long were you and Jora stuck for?" Angel asked.

There is a side glance from Isamu and Angel can see him pondering, hesitating. No doubt he is questioning whether it is a good idea for him to tell Angel his story. And he wouldn't blame him if he didn't want to, but Angel also knows that sometimes, telling a story helps ease the burden. And the grief.

"Decades." Despite himself, Angel wheezed at Isamu's answer. He watched as Isamu clutched the egg against his chest, "Although the Vex were relentless, Jora and I, we had time to rest and to clarify our feelings."

Clarify?

Now that is another story that Angel is curious about. But before he could ask more, it is Hope who jumped in, "So Eidr was born in a Vex prison?"

Not the way Angel would word it and judging from the way Isamu's face scrunched, he thought the same. Nonetheless, either he was exhausted or decided to let it pass because he didn't comment. Instead, he tapped upon the surface of the egg, the glass-like surface shimmering. Within, Eidr reached out, curiosity in his eyes.

"It wasn't intentional." Isamu said, "But being a 'prisoner', there weren't many options of protection."

Good point.

"And that shell?" Angel decided to ask.

"A mix of glass and light." He found it strange how easily Isamu answers his questions. The latter seemed so aggressive earlier. "He only leaves it when it's time to feed and clean him."

Musing upon the fact that the child was born within time, Angel's mind then wandered over Akiva's children and imagined them possibly being born into danger. He shivered at that.

Instead, he focused his attention onto the infant, Eidr. From where he sat, he seemed unblemished, no mark upon his fair skin as he cooed and laughed at the shimmering patterns of light that Isamu continued to tap upon the egg's surface.

"You seem focused on my child." Angel jumped at Isamu's words, "Is it because children born from Guardian's are rare? Or perhaps you are young enough that you have never heard of the idea?"

Angel couldn't help but blink at him, "Neither, actually." He saw Isamu eye him, "It is just unusual to see another Guardian with a kid that is their own."

This seemed to catch the Titan's attention, for he lifted his head away from Eidr, eyes narrowed, "Another Guardian? A child?"

Angel nodded before holding up three fingers, "Three actually." He couldn't help the smile at the wide-eyed look this earned him, "And it's started to become common now, I think." Angel set his hand back into his lap, "I heard other Guardians having kids but, Akiva and Neve are the only Guardian pair to have kids that I know of." Then he shrugged, "At least, until I met you."

That is when Angel saw Isamu place a hand on top of Eidr's shell, the edges of his eyes softening, drifting. He seems to be lost in thought.

"Just." Angel started, "How old are you?"

Isamu seemed to snap back to the present. He furrowed his brows at him, "Now where did that question come from?"

"Nothing." Angel said. He wasn't going to say he saw the age, the haggardness in the Titan's eyes, "I just like to ask questions."

"And with his curiosity, expect a lot of it."

Turning to pout at his Ghost, this only earned Angel a chuckle from Hope, prompting him to give her a betrayed look. That is when he heard a snort, causing him to look back at Isamu. The latter had looked away, seemingly turning his attention back to Eidr. But Angel didn't miss the way his lips tipped upward.

This made Angel wonder if Isamu had gotten along, or at least, tolerated the presence of 'Tower Guardians'. After all, he seemed to settle after garnering if Angel was trustworthy or not. He itched to ask.

"Message from Akiva." Hope said before he could even part his lips, "He and Knight are entering the area."

Xxxxx

"Angel claims to have found a way to treat your condition." Hush looked up at Grandpa-Pluto as he added, "At least, to make you stable."

All this earned him was a grunt from Papa and a slow nod. It is uncommon now to hear him speak.

Thus, Hush reached out and squeezed Grandpa-Pluto's arm. At first, he looked to be unfazed, his hidden gaze kept straightforward. But Hush also saw the way his shoulders shifted, his head adjusting a tad her way.

"Hush, do you need something?"

She turned his palm outward, leaving it open before pressing a finger against it.

"No, she was just worried about Ianos, is all."

Snaping her yellow eyes to Star-Crystalline, Hush's jaw hung open as, from the corner of her eyes, she saw Grandpa-Pluto nod once before resuming his conversation with her ill Papa. She didn't listen to his words however, as she released her grip from Pluto's hand and signed to her star instead.

Why do you stop this one from telling? She demanded.

Because he is injured, Star-Crystalline argued; her voice rang loud inside Hush's mind, and if Pluto learns that Akiva, Angel, and Knight are siding with a 'Revenant', he 'will' go after them.

Hush frowned at this, Is that bad?

She heard her star breath out, Like I said before, he is still recovering. And from what I can gather, only Isamu made it out. Jora still needs help.

And grandpa can't help?

He can. But doesn't make it safe for him. Star-Crystalline explained, If he leaves as he is now, he might not make it back.

Not make it back.

Hush's eyes grew wide at this and thus, nodded, watching as Crystalline's shell sagged, her star releasing another breath, this one filled with relief. This, however, was short lived when wheezing cough came from her Papa, followed by a deep, and rasping inhale. Hush could see the agony in his eyes when she turned to look at him.

Despite this, when their eyes locked, he flashed her a soft smile; small and weak. Hush knows that he is doing this to diminish the seriousness of his illness. She wishes that her family would stop treating her as a naïve child.

She may be young, but she was no fool. Hush hardly hears him speak anymore and all her requests for him to read her books were denied with a wave of a hand and an apologetic look. Hush hopes that whatever Friend-Nine and the others are working on, will help Papa feel better. And soon.

That is when an idea settled into her head and Hush perked up.

Crystalline, She turned to her star, you go ahead and help.

She watched as Star-Crystalline's lavender shell snapped back, her optic wide, "What?"

"Is something the matter?"

"No, no, just." The star gave Grandpa-Pluto a nervous look, "Hush just startled me is all."

Despite his eyes being covered, Hush can sense the look of doubt. Hush kept her breaths evened out. She had learned that Grandpa-Pluto has a good sense of hearing. She prays that her heart does the same.

When Grandpa-Pluto's attention stayed, Hush had thought that he had caught on, that is, until he simply nodded once and resumed his attention back to Papa. She breathed out through her nose.

What do you mean I go and help? Crystalline asked through their bond, I belong here, with you.

But you know Brother-Blaise's friends. Hush retorted. She pouted, maybe with you there, Brother-Blaise's Friend Isamu can trust Kind-Human-Akiva and Friend-Knight.

Hush…

Please Crystalline, Hush gave her a pleading look, It will make this one very happy if you help.

But they already left! Star-Crystalline's voice rang in her head, How am I supposed to go to Venus!? Alone!?

There are plenty of Protectors heading there. Hush couldn't help but frown at the way her Star gave her a blank look, have better ideas?

I can just stay here with you?

Crystal…

There is a beat of silence.

Ugh! Fine!

Xxxxx

"He is the most adorable thing I have ever seen!"

Well, one of them, nothing really beats his own kids. But Akiva wasn't going to say that aloud, especially not to the Titan in front of him.

"How old is he?" He asked as he approached, eyes bright at the sight of the infant inside the egg-shaped sphere, "His name? Is he yours?"

Akiva cannot help but gush over children, especially when the parent is present, and the supposed Revenant in front of him is no exception.

"Akiva."

He turned, looking back at Knight.

His voice had sounded tight, as if barely keeping it together, "Duty calls."

Blinking at him, Akiva then turned his attention back to the Revenant – Isamu, if he recalls Angel calling him – only to see the wide look in his eyes.

Ah, right.

Taking steps back, Akiva cleared his throat, smiling sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck, "Ah, my apologies. I get carried away when it comes to children."

Isamu, much to his credit, simply nodded, "I can see that." He then eyed Akiva, "I am going to take a guess that you are the father of three that Angel had mentioned?"

Akiva brightened.

"Two daughters and a son." He couldn't help but boast. That is, until he saw the way Isamu's eyes grew wide once more, "What? Too many?"

This earned him a shake of the head.

"No." Isamu said, "I am just surprised the Tower let you have children so freely."

"…What?" Akiva blinked, "I don't recall…" He paused, squinting, "How old are you?"

That is when Isamu's brows furrowed, his eyes narrowed in thought, "I believe I was resurrected just moments after what you Tower Guardians call 'The Six Fronts'."

Akiva heard Angel let out a wheeze. And he couldn't blame him for that.

"You're several hundred of years old?" He heard Angel manage out, "Even Akiva is like a child compared to you."

Akiva turned and gave the Hunter a blank look, "Hey."

"But wait." Angel held up a hand, face scrunched together, "You said you were surprised that the Tower let Guardians have children freely?" The change in topic caused Akiva's annoyance to fade, "in other words, you are saying that the Tower condemned Guardians bearing children?"

Now that, that thought had never once crossed Akiva's mind. True, he had hidden Maylea back when she was alive but it's mostly out of ignorance and panic. Thinking back, raising a child alone with her only environment being an apartment wasn't the greatest idea. It is no wonder she took up the mantle of a Hunter; it gave her the excuse of why she should be out in the field.

But Guardians having no right to sire children?

Akiva couldn't help but turn his eyes back to Isamu. The latter had turned his eyes back to his son, rocking back and forth from where he sat. There was pain in his eyes.

"There was a reason why I left." Isamu said.

Besides the sadness, Akiva also heard anger, a deep seeded bitterness. He can tell easily that there was a history there.

"So." Akiva decided to change topics, "Angel told us that you needed help?"

Instead of receiving an immediate answer, Akiva watched on as Isamu pressed a hand onto the surface of the egg, sending a shimmer.

"If your friend had not informed you yet, my partner and I were formerly imprisoned in time." He explained, "We found a way to escape, but only Eidr and I made it out. Jora, however…"

He didn't have to finish the sentence. Akiva already knew what it implied.

"We cannot use the same route for her." Isamu said instead, "That is why I need your help, I have to find a way to free Jora from the Vex."

"And the Revenant's can't help you?"

This time, Akiva snapped his head to Knight, leaning over and smacking the young Exo by the arm. There is a small 'ow', and a look of offense as the latter rubbed the point of impact, but Akiva opted to ignore him. Instead, he turned his eyes back to Isamu. And paused at the way Isamu's eyes were glaring.

"Did you not think that would have been my first option?" The Titan stumbled to his feet. His brown eyes were glowing green now. Just like the Hive, "However, when I reached out, I received no answer, no response." His eyes flicked to Angel, "Thus the reason why I accepted your help." Isamu's attention then glanced back to Knight, "So do not start about the Revenants, my family."

"We-I…I wasn't…" Akiva heard Knight stutter out and from the corner of his eyes, he saw the young Exo take a step back. Not that he could blame him. The green glow stayed around Isamu's gaze. It made him more intimidating than he is.

That is until his fellow Titan shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut, and the glow disappeared in wisps of faded green.

"Anger begets hate." Akiva blinked at Isamu's words, "Hate begets despair. And despair begets corruption."

He took a deep breath, releasing it slowly before he opened his eyes. The green glow is gone now.

"What was that?" Angel's voice piped in; of course, the young Hunter would ask, obviously curious, "A mantra? A secret that only the Revenants know?"

In honesty, Akiva is curious as well however, judging from the blank look that Isamu sent Angel's way, they weren't going to get an answer.

"Before we get started." Akiva decided to jump in; he felt all eyes turn to him, "There's just one problem." He gestured to Isamu, "Your armor."

He wasn't surprised that Angel hadn't commented on it; after all, the young Hunter is more informed of leather and cloth. For Akiva however, he can obviously tell from Isamu's armor is worn, on the brink of falling apart. It wasn't going to hold, not where they were going.

And it seems his fellow Titan caught on, as Akiva watched him look down, scanning his bracers followed by a sense of sheepishness and embarrassment.

"I have some spares." Akiva offered, "They may be a bit big but nothing your Ghost can't fix." He then gestured with a hand, signaling for Lex to compile into view. Akiva flashed Isamu a smile as his Ghost summoned a screen, "Choose your pick."

Xxxxx

"Are you certain?"

"I am certain. The Guardian encountered on Venus claims to be part of the Revenants."

The name of the faction prompted Pluto to pause, tilting his head in the direction of the Hall. Judging from the voice, it sounded like one of Ikora's many Hidden. He could feel Nix's curiosity mimic his.

"For further confirmation, I witnessed him utilizing the Darkness, a form of corrupted arc light."

Definitely a Revenant then. At least, Pluto thought so. Then again, the last time he had faced one was not long after the Moon and the conflict between the Guardians and the Revenants had been bloody. The ones who remember would rather forget.

That is when he heard Nix hum, "Didn't the Revenant we faced years ago have something similar?"

Pluto nodded, reaching up to his neck, "Nearly died then. They tore out my throat and the darkness prevented you from healing me, at least properly."

The Revenant then was a Hunter and when they utilized the Darkness, they turned feral, more animalistic. Who would have thought that it would allow them to have claws?

"Took a long time but we made it work." Nix breathed out, "Not to mention we were lucky Neptune happened to be nearby otherwise, I doubt you would be standing here now."

Pluto flinched. Right, Neptune was well renowned not just for his title as mentor to majority of the Warlocks, but also to heal. He had saved many Guardians from succumbing to injuries that were caused by Darkness. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for corruption to one's light.

Breathing out, Pluto decided not to tune in further. Recalling the war between Revenants and Guardians is something he doesn't want to remember. There were many who died on both sides and, to make it worse, it happened not long after the Great Disaster. As if their numbers hadn't suffered enough already.

He went to move.

"Wait, didn't that Hidden say he spotted the Revenant on Venus?"

Pluto paused at Nix's words, "Yes, I believe he did mention that."

"And Angel sent a transmission from Venus, correct?"

He paused.

When Nix says it like that.

"You don't think…" Pluto start.

"Knowing Angel, it is a high probably."

Unable to help but frown, Pluto crossed his arms. If what Nix is insinuating is true, then Angel was taking a heavy risk. He would go himself to check it out, however, if he were to go, the Vanguard – and in other words, the Consensus – would grow suspicious. And Fireteam Redacted were already on thin ice – if there is any layer left at all.

"Nix." He started, "Send a frequency to Gemini and Scorpio. Tell them to head to Venus to trail Angel and keep out of sight. And to work with caution."

Sensing Nix nod in response, Pluto halted when he felt a tug upon his arm. His senses tuned in to a familiar light.

"Ah, Hush." He smiled sheepishly. No doubt she had heard everything between him and Nix, "My apologies, I was distracted." Pluto cleared his throat. Hopefully Hush will keep what she heard to herself, "You still hungry?"

Sensing her nod eagerly, Pluto released a breath of relief followed by another smile. This time however, he decided to let Hush take the lead, practically feeling her skip under his grip. He is surprised that she hasn't grown any taller, considering her appetite.

Xxxxx

Crystalline could not believe she was doing this but, here she is, trailing after Angel's frequency within the marshes of Venus.

Just like what her Chosen had predicted, there were plenty of Guardians flying to Venus and thus, it was easy to sneak aboard a ship and hitch a ride. However, so keen on Crystalline's focus on pleasing Hush that she had made a marginal error: that Venus is not a safe place for a Ghost.

Now that she thinks about it, most places aren't safe for them and thus, she can see why many wandering Ghosts tend to travel in groups or ask for help.

"Thank the Light and Darkness that Blaise chose this shell for me." Crystalline muttered as she hid amongst some reeds.

The shifting pattern upon her shell may make her stick out, but a quick flash and flick of her tendrils, she saw many of the Vex and Eliksni looking her way glance past her. To them, despite her small size, Crystalline resembles a Harpy and thanks to the Vex's presence, she is glanced over.

Nonetheless.

"Stay in the tall grass, Crystalline." She muttered to herself, "Stay in the tall grass and stay out of sight."

Although fearful for her own safety, Crystalline also couldn't help the excitement, the adrenaline settling into her core. Shifting from a Chosen like Blaise who throws himself into danger and firefights to a child constantly coddled under the care of others, Crystalline missed the taste of a fight, the danger. She wouldn't mind a bit of adventure now and then. After all, it's been a while since she and Hush had been kidnapped by the Paragons.

At the thought of the Paragons of Light, Crystalline couldn't help but hum to herself. After the fight in their base, many of the members were either apprehended or killed. Those who had been taken into custody were quickly tried and punished. Most were imprisoned and a handful were exiled, although, she wonders if the latter was a good idea. Their leader may be gone but that doesn't mean the Paragons are the same. Who knows, they might be rebuilding while the Guardians believe they are safe behind their walls.

Shaking the thought out of her core, Crystalline continued to traverse through the tall grass, following Angel's last frequency.

"There, comfortable?"

She paused.

Akiva?

She glanced around. Where is he?

"A bit loose around the shoulders, but nothing that will hinder me."

Crystalline halted. Optic growing wide.

"Isamu?" She whispered before, she could realize what she was doing, she popped out of the grass, "Isamu!"

No sooner had she rushed out into the open when she spotted Akiva, Angel, and Knight, their armor all too familiar to her. Like most Guardians, they hardly changed, making them discernable even in a crowd. However, the third that stands between them she does not recognize, at least, not at first. But, as she pushed past the brown and black armor, Crystalline recognized the light that flickers within his chest. Alongside the darkness pressed against it.

"Crystalline?"

Her optic flashed over Isamu's shoulder, her gaze settling over a familiar light brown as a fellow Ghost glided into view. They had not changed their dark violet shell, at least, not when she had last seen him.

"Crystalline is that you?" The Ghost repeated.

"Hajime?" Sorrowful glee took hold of her core as she glided forward. She saw her fellow Ghost do the same.

They would have collided into each other, the excitement, the joy at seeing her friend again. But they had done this dance before.

The pair twisted, circling around each other as they barely avoided flying into each other, familiarity engrained into her core as she heard Hajime laugh. Traveler, how long has it been?

She turned her attention to Isamu, "You two are alive." Crystalline glanced back at Hajime, shell rattling, "Alive and well." She then searched, glancing around for another familiar shape, the image of the tall Titan, voice booming and her laughter like bells lingering in her memory.

She spotted no one.

Crystalline paused, slowly turning her attention back to Isamu, "Where's Jora?"

That is when she saw the beaming look in Hajime's optic fade. Her core went cold.

"Isamu?" She looked towards the Titan only to see how rigid he looked, shoulders stiff. That is when she finally noticed the egg-shaped object in his hands. And the child within.

Her core twisting, Crystalline forced herself to look into Isamu's eyes, "Is she...?"

Although unable to help the feeling of betrayal, Crystalline also couldn't help the relief, the sigh when Isamu shook his head.

"No, Jora is still alive." Isamu then paused; she saw his head shift slightly to the ground, "I hope she is."

That is when it finally clicked.

"Is that why you need help?" She asked. Isamu said nothing. Crystalline then glanced over at Akiva, Angel, and Knight. They were standing idly by. She appreciated it.

But she also knows Isamu.

"Why them?" Crystalline asked and she could sense the look of offense from Akiva and Angel; Knight, being young, just gave her a puzzled look. But she didn't mean it as an insult. It was more for Isamu. She knows that he has a strong grudge against the Tower. He wouldn't be this amicable with Tower Guardians. At least, not willingly.

There is a harsh breath from Isamu before he lifted his eyes, "I tried contacting the others however," he glanced back at Hajime, "it seems that the frequency has been changed, for it never went through and considering our nomadic lifestyle…"

It wasn't possible for him to find the new one. Fortunately, Crystalline caught it. She and Blaise hadn't given up on them. They just didn't have the resources to find them back then.

"I am guessing it isn't for free though?" Crystalline asked.

There is a scoff, "In return for helping me, I help treat a friend of theirs, to stabilize them from the Darkness corrupting their light."

Ah, that must be the 'cure' that Angel had mentioned. Makes sense since most frequencies can be intercepted and considering the Revenants' reputation. The Vanguard would 'definitely' not be happy. Smart on Angel to be vague.

"Is Blaise here?" Crystalline jumped, pulled out of her thoughts. She looked back at Isamu, "If you are here, is he nearby?"

That is when her optic grew wide and Crystalline found herself looking towards the others. There was a nervous look from Akiva, Knight shifted on his feet nervously, and Angel, she sensed a sheepish smile and a shrug.

Did they not tell him?

Then again, Crystalline cannot imagine how she would come up in the conversation, let alone Blaise.

"Did you not hear?" She turned her attention back to Isamu, "Blaise, he… Blaise…" Crystalline took in a shuddering breath, "He died. Not long ago."

Then, she waited.

There is a look of disbelief from Isamu, a searching look, before finally, he said, "But, you are here. How would he be…?"

Crystalline doesn't blame him. After all, it is almost unheard of for a Ghost to take another Chosen. She could only think of one and honestly, he was a strange case.

"I lost him. Underground." Crystalline started. She remembers the Splicers, Blaise's bloody smile right before he tossed her to safety, "Where Darkness was prominent. And, we were alone."

Not uncommon for a Hunter but Crystalline also wondered about the what ifs. If they had asked, would the Preceptor have sent another with them for their safety? Would Blaise still be here if that were the case? She soon learned how to shove those thoughts to the side.

Instead, Crystalline forced herself to keep her optic on Isamu, even ignoring the way Hajime glanced back and forth between them.

"Then, he wasn't lying."

Isamu's words were hardly a whisper but, Crystalline caught it, and she glanced over to Angel. The latter had looked away, rubbing his arm nervously.

Ah, so he did say something but, Isamu just didn't believe it. Again, she didn't blame him.

"No." Crystalline answered, turning her focus back onto Isamu, "He was telling the truth."

Finally, Isamu broke his eyes away, looking towards the ground. She spotted the trembling around his shoulders, his arms wrapped tight around the egg braced against his chest. The child within just looked on with wide eyes.

"Then," Isamu took in a deep breath, "Then you have another Chosen? Is she here with you?"

His voice is strained, tight, and Crystalline can tell that he changed topic to distract himself, his grief.

"She is safe." Crystalline said, "She is safe, back at the Tower."

The look he gave her was filled with confusion.

"What?" He said, "Why would your chosen be at the Tower? Should she not be here with you?"

Crystalline pressed her shell against her core, contemplating. Well, it has been a while since they have last seen each other, it wouldn't be best to lie.

"It is because she is a child."

There is a pause.

"What?"

"A child." Crystalline repeated.

"A child?" Isamu whispered to himself, "Why would you…?"

Crystalline shifted her shell nervously against her core, "It was instinct, I didn't even realize who I was bringing back until it was too late."

And she feels guilty about it, even now. If she had paid more attention, ignored the voice within her core, Hush perhaps would not be here today. Nonetheless, despite all that, Crystalline is happy with what she has now.

"She's too young to help." She continued, "But she sent me here to help, if you allow it."

There is a huff, one filled with warmth, from Isamu, "It is always nice to have you, Crystalline."

It was nice, and by the light, she missed it. It had been years since she had last seen Isamu and to her, he hasn't changed much. This made her miss the third of their team.

Crystalline found herself looking down at the infant in Isamu's arms, "Is the child yours and…"

She couldn't finish.

Her core twisted again at the thought.

There is a beat of silence, an uncomfortable look from the others, and Crystalline cannot suppress the feeling of betrayal once more. But she told herself that she cannot blame Isamu and Jora for this. It has been decades since Blaise and her had lost them to the Vex. Who knows how long they have been lost to time?

"Yes." Isamu finally answered. Crystalline clenched her shell against her core, "His name is Eidr."

"Eidr." Crystalline repeated back: despite the twist in her core, the name sounded right. Perfect. She forced the envy, the betrayal down.

"I…I tried, Crystalline." The shame in Isamu's voice is apparent, "For Blaise's sake…"

"No, no." She breathed out, "It had been decades and the two of you had been alone. I am not surprised it happened."

And not to mention that Jora had feelings for Isamu anyway. It would explain why she had rejected Blaise' advances for centuries before the Vault. She remembers the way he would bring Jora back hunts, weapons from his ventures, and handed her random trinkets he thought she would like. But Crystalline also saw the way Jora would look at Isamu, with eyes full of wonder and reverence. She knew that her Chosen didn't have a chance.

Nonetheless, she still couldn't help but feel betrayed and hurt for her late Chosen. After all, Isamu and Blaise had been friends for centuries and for the former to get together with a person that Blaise was interested in….

She shook her core.

No, Blaise wasn't owed anything, and she remembers how he would take Jora's rejections in stride. Thinking back, to her, it seemed he didn't mind the one-sided courtship. Maybe it was because he was satisfied with just seeing Jora smile.

"Crystalline?"

The call of her name tore her out of her thoughts, and she looked towards Akiva, Angel, and Knight. She can sense the look of concern behind their helmets.

"Let's start on trying to save Jora." Crystalline decided to say, turning her optic back to Isamu and his Ghost. Both were also giving her a look of worry, "What's the first step?"

There is a beat of silence, a tinge of awkwardness before finally, it was Angel who responded.

"First, we need to find an intact Vex Time gate." He said, "Then, if possible, power it on."

Sounds simple enough but Crystalline knows better. Vex technology is still widely unknown and thus, even if the group were able to turn on the Vex gate, there is a possibility it may lead them elsewhere. There's even a possibility that they may enter at the wrong time.

But, for Jora…

"Let's get started then."

There was a nod from agreement from the others and she watched as Knight, Akiva, and Angel turned towards the mass of Vex Gates. For Isamu however, she noticed him standing there, watching her. Crystalline couldn't help but let her attention linger over the child in his arms.

"You know." She started, "If Blaise was here, he would have been happy for you two." Crystalline noticed Isamu flinch: she brushed it aside. Then, she released a small chuckle, "In honesty, he would have asked to be an uncle."

And he would have been a good one. If he was still here.

"He wouldn't get mad at you two." She said, "You two were our family, after all."

Despite the helmet hiding his face, Crystalline can sense a look from Isamu. Soft. Grief-stricken. She heard him release a shuddering breath.

"Then, for Blaise's sake, let us find Jora." He said.

And Crystalline couldn't agree more.