Redacted

Informed

Once again, kill me for the title, it gets harder and harder to think one up as time passes lol. Also, I apologize for the lack of update last week and the late update this week. Life got to me last week and yesterday Fanfiction just hated me. Wouldn't even let me access the website and when I was finally able to get on, it wouldn't even let me upload =-=. So, to make up for the lack of update, I'm doing a double update today! Although, one is a special for Crimson Days u . Anyways, enjoy!

Thanks to Diamond002, The Great Wolf 177, and Fin for the reviews!

Edited: 07/23/2023

It was relieving, to finally find a Vex Gate that works; Akiva wasn't sure if they would find one anytime soon. Thus, when he heard the Gate come to life, he breathed in relief. Now, it came to one final problem before they entered.

"Now." He said, feeling all eyes turn towards him, "Who is going to stay behind to watch Eidr?" Akiva can feel Isamu's glare on him without having to look at him; he opted to continue, "Isamu, I understand why you are hesitant on leaving your child with strangers but, I also understand in wanting to help your partner." He then gestured vaguely between the egg against Isamu's chest and the Vex Gate, "You have to choose."

That is when the glare vanished from Isamu and replaced with hesitation, a glance towards the infant pressed against his chest. Akiva took this opportunity to look at Angel and Knight. Angel looked away, looking innocently at the sky while Knight simply just shifted nervously on the back of his feet. The latter would be a good option however, Nine was insistent on Knight gaining field experience.

Akiva then turned to the twins and smiled, "Gemini and Scorpio would be more than happy to watch your child for you."

"What!?"

Although Akiva said it half-jokingly, he also knew the twins are more than capable of watching after a child. They did, after all, help with his own whenever he and Neve were given duties. Thus, ignoring Gemini's sputtering, Akiva turned his eyes back to Isamu. He could sense the doubtful look behind his helmet.

"The twins have experience on babysitting." He said; the doubtful stare remained, "They watched my kids on occasion and trust me, they're reliable." Still, Akiva felt the scrutinizing stare from Isamu. He couldn't help but sigh, "Look, again, either you stay and the rest of us go on ahead without you, or you can come with us and leave Eidr with Gemini and Scorpio."

There is a minuet shift of the head, Akiva feeling Isamu's eyes flick back and forth between him and the twins. Impatient now, Akiva placed his hands on his hips, staring him down. Easy, considering that he is almost a good head and half taller. Finally, there was a heavy release of breath and Akiva nodded as Isamu started undoing the straps around his shoulders.

"Hajime."

The dark violet Ghost compiled the instant his name was called, and Akiva watched on with interest as Isamu undid the last of the straps, walked over to Scorpio, and held Eidr out. As Akiva expected, Scorpio delicately took the egg from Isamu, cradling it in his arms before Isamu turned to Gemini. He waved a hand, gesturing for her to hold out her arms. No sooner had Gemini held them out when the particles of transmat appeared above them, and Akiva watched as cylindrical containers, clothes, and small boxes fell into her grip. She nearly stumbled, fumbling, and somehow miraculously kept everything in her arms.

"Eidr needs to eat every couple of hours." Isamu started, reaching over, and shifting a falling bottle back into pile, "When all his needs are given but he still cries, it means he wants physical contact. A brief touch of light should be enough to release him from the shell otherwise, he doesn't come out of it." Akiva then sensed the glare that Isamu gave to Gemini, "No. Matter. What. Understand?"

There is a glower back from Gemini, a pout, but nonetheless, she nodded at him.

That is when Isamu finally turned to Akiva, "Let's go, before I change my mind."

Opting to say nothing, Akiva waited until Isamu took point – made sense, since he had been through Vex Time after all – and he couldn't help but be surprised at just how easily he stepped into the Vex Gate, leaving behind a ripple as he disappeared. Then, before he could even react, Knight stepped through, a bit hesitant in his steps, with Angel quickly following.

Taking a step forward, Akiva then paused, turned to look at the twins, and waved with a smile.

"Good luck. Keep Eidr safe." He said.

Then, he turned back to the Vex Gate and stepped in.

White flashed into his vision, a blinding light followed by a buzz, a hum in his ears. This prompted a memory, a flash back to his previous Fireteam, at the contrast of when stepping through an Ascendant gate. It had been loud, almost like a scream in his ears, and when stepping through, the energy of the Hive Magic lingered against their armor like a second skin. It was almost suffocating, to the point where the younger, more inexperienced of their team stumbled, almost unable to breath when they made it to the other side. Akiva wonders if that had played a part in the Chargers' deaths.

Akiva closed his eyes and took a deep breath through his nose, forcing the thought to the side and suppressing the grief that threatened to take him. That was the past, this is the present. He doesn't need a distraction.

That is when the surge of energy went silent, the hum behind him now, and Akiva opened his eyes.

The first thing he noticed was how 'clean' everything looked, and not in a good way. No debris, no dust, not even fog, can be seen within the landscape but, the blocks were too crisp to be cut, to be created with tools. Almost inorganic.

Definitely a stark contrast to the Hive.

"Tower Guardians." Akiva heard Isamu start, prompting him to look over at the Revenant, "Welcome to the reality of the Vex."

Xxxxx

Knight had never encountered the Vex. He nearly paused in his step. Come to think of it, he never even visited Venus. And neither did Nine, if the echoes of curiosity and amusement wasn't apparent. Although he had heard of the planet, mostly that it was mechanized by the Vex and that it is mainly inhabited by the machines and the Fallen House of Winter. And where Prime was discovered by the original members of Fireteam Redacted. And two others, if he had heard correctly.

Sensing a wave of melancholy from Nine, Knight decided to divert his attention away to a different topic; Nine had told Knight of Prime's fate, and although he wasn't close, his chest ached at the memory of the Golden Age AI. And they had only tasted freedom for a short time as well.

Shoving the grief aside, Knight then turned his focus to his surroundings. The area felt vast but empty, the block Vex structures floating out in spaces that would leave little to no cover. He couldn't help but wonder if the Vex did this on purpose, to allow them a larger area of exposure to leave their enemies vulnerable. Knight then wonders how Jora and Isamu was not only able to survive for so long, but able to find a functioning gate in such an environment.

Speaking of the gate, Knight couldn't help but glance back, eyeing it as it slowly shrank in the distance. Despite nervous at their only escape slowly disappearing out of sight, Knight is more nervous at the fact that they could still see it even at this distance. The place here is too clean to be anything but organic.

May I ask you a question, Knight?

Knight suppressed a yelp, fumbling with his weapon in his hands before clutching it close to his chest and looked up at the others. Despite being the last two to enter the gate, Angel and Akiva had already outpaced him, keeping to the middle as Isamu took front. Judging from the way they kept their eyes forward, they hadn't noticed his fumble. Not that Knight would have minded. But he would have minded if it was Isamu. The Revenant's intense distrust had placed a sense of unease within his chest.

"Yes?" Knight managed to murmur out.

How does one share in mourning? Knight nearly stumbled in his steps, optics wide as Nine continued, I had lost brothers and sisters, back when humanity was at its peak. However, we weren't allowed to grieve, even in private. There is a soft hum from him, I hear grief is easier to manage when sharing with another.

Oh, Light.

Rubbing the back of his neck as uncertainty took hold, Knight wonders why would Nine, someone who had years of experience, would ask someone like him, who hasn't even hit three years?

"Day?" Knight whispered, only to mentally groan as he could feel his Ghost physically shrug in his head, "Okay." He took in a deep breath, brushing through his thoughts before finally, he said, "I'm going to be honest, I don't know much but, I hear that when you share your grief with others, you simply talk?"

Knight couldn't help but mentally slap himself. Talk, terrific, yes. Tell an Exo who had been trained to suppress emotion and personal feelings to simply talk. Yes, perfect, that will definitely work.

It didn't help that he could hear Day chuckle.

Talk? Knight heard Nine repeat followed by musing. And confusion, Talk? How?

"Just, uh." Knight mumbled, "Just tell them how you feel." He gestured vaguely with a hand, "For instance, if you feel sad, just tell the others that, not only are you sad, but explain what is causing it. And that if you feel happy…" His words faded and Knight couldn't help a groan and slap a hand over his visor, "I don't think I am explaining it well enough."

There is mingles of amusement and confusion from Nine, and Knight let his hand drop, sighing. He might have to talk to Pluto about this. Or Ianos, they're better at explaining than he is.

Finally pulling himself out of his thoughts, Knight then felt eyes on him, and he snapped his attention to the others. They had paused in their steps, and they were all looking at him. Knight can sense a scowl from Isamu. He shifted uncomfortably under his stare.

"Is something the matter?" He asked.

"Who are you talking to?"

Knight blinked at Isamu, optics wide, "I-I..." He took in a deep breath, easing his panic, "Talking to who?"

He sensed the frown deepen from Isamu.

"I have lived long enough to tell the difference between a Guardian's incessant muttering and one who speaks with anyone else besides their Ghost." Knight gulped at Isamu's assessment, "So, tell me. Are you losing your mind or is there something that you Tower Guardians are neglecting to tell me?"

Perfect. Now he is throwing Akiva and Angel in as well. Knight can see Angel and Akiva subtly shift their grip on their weapons. They're preparing for a fight.

Contemplating what to do, Knight then felt a gentle tug, like a hand upon his shoulder, and he allowed himself to sink, feeling his perspective shift.

"We can assure you that we are not withholding information." He heard Nine say, "At least, not intentionally."

The way Isamu jerked back, shoulders tense now, was enough of a sign of his surprise. What Knight hadn't expected however, was Isamu leaning in, curious instead of angry, feeling his eyes scan him over. Or more specifically, them over.

"We're not a display to look at, you know?"

Knight couldn't help but push to the front, feeling little resistance from Nine as he spoke. This prompted another jerk from Isamu, but this only seems to pique his interest.

"You share a body."

Knight couldn't help but blink; that was not the reaction he was expecting. The way he spoke, the way Isamu said it, it's almost as if he already knew.

"What?" Knight couldn't help but blurt out.

"A rare occurrence within the Revenants." Ah, that would explain it. Knight couldn't help but lean back when Isamu continued to look at him with interest, "Did not know it was possible for Tower Guardians."

Because it's not. At least, that is what Knight wanted to say. But he decided to bite his tongue. Knight is not sure how much of the Phoenix Exo's existence has reached outside of the Tower, but he has a feeling telling someone like Isamu isn't a good idea.

Fortunately, Isamu turned away, much to Knight's relief, and he has a thoughtful presence, now, a hand to his chin.

"I wonder if the Preceptor has an answer to this." He murmured.

"Preceptor?" Of course, Angel is the one who piped in, "There's a head to your faction?"

In turn, Isamu gave Angel a blank look, "Of course, despite our want of being free of a ruling body who decided for us, we still needed a figurehead, a leader, someone we can confer to." That is when Knight saw Isamu perk up, awe and idolization emanating from him, "He may not be the oldest, but his words and wisdom has guided us for centuries, ensuring our survival outside of the City Walls."

"Isn't that still technically a ruling body?" Angel asked.

There is a scoff from Isamu, "The Preceptors advises us. He does not decide for us." He placed a hand to his chest, "It is up to us Returned to take his words to heart or to ignore it."

Much like the Speaker then, Knight thought. Although, except he rules alongside the Consensus. So, not really?

Pondering upon this, Knight then heard Akiva ask, "How is there order? How do the Revenants stay organized?"

There is a look from Isamu, obviously none too pleased at Akiva's question. However, before there is an answer, a retort, Knight saw Isamu tense before he turned and raised his rifle. It is obvious what that meant.

Raising his own weapon in his hands, and pressing a finger against the trigger, aimed, and fired at the first flash of movement, a particle of energy that burst the instant his fusion rifle went off.

"Bubble!"

Akiva's voice rang out, almost echoing through the empty space, and Knight watched as the familiar violet dome popped into place. He gulped nervously as cloud of static started to form not only in front of them, but around them, dropping multiple, dozens of bronze machines.

It seems the Vex had finally sensed their presence.

Xxxxx

Scorpio adores children, to the point where he would stare enviously at Akiva and Neve while they tended to their own. He always cursed that he had a body that is unable to reproduce, at least his anyways. Scorpio heard that other Exo had that function integrated into their body, he is unfortunate not to have it. And so does the rest of the Galaxy Clan, if their last week's conversation wasn't proof of that. Thus, he could see why Pluto had opted to adopt, taking Ianos in as his son, despite the lack of calling each other so.

Scorpio wonders if he could do the same later in his years.

Nonetheless, he is currently satisfied with the child in his arms, smiling as the infant cooed and giggled.

"To think that we were assigned to track down this 'Revenant' only to be left with babysitting duty." Scorpio heard his twin breath out; he looked up to her seated upon the same boulder next to him, sorting through the items that the Revenant – Isamu, was it? – had dropped into her arms.

He watched her pick up a folded cloth, frown at it, and say, "I have no idea how to react."

Scorpio, in turn, shrugged before turning his attention back to the infant, Eidr, and tapped the surface of the shell, watching with mild interest as it sent a ripple across the surface. The child's eyes flicked to follow the movements.

"Neither do I." He eventually admitted, "But if it helps Ianos somehow, then I am willing to compromise."

There is a pause, a beat of silence, before Gemini said, "Should we report this to Pluto?"

He glanced at her, "Well, Pluto did say to report in whenever we can." Scorpio hummed as he turned his optics back to Eidr and tapped the surface of the shell again; the child giggled, "I say it is better to do it now before things blow over, and we get a scolding instead."

There is a snort of agreement, Scorpio watching from the corner of his optics Gemini summoning Nysa, the Ghost's black shell barely visible before silently, he prayed. Prayed that Pluto would stay at the Tower and recover instead of rushing over to Venus once they report in.

Xxxxx

"You found evidence of Angel and the others working with a Revenant?"

Orion paused in the hall, his pink optics narrowing as Gemini's voice rang from the next room, "Not just evidence, but the guy outright admitted to it." There is a grumble, "and not only that, but Scorpio and I saw him use the darkness. That arc light he released. It felt unnatural, malevolent. Wrong."

"Darkness?" Orion murmured to himself before glancing over his shoulder to Trikxas, his Ghost giving a wide-eyed look. He found himself pressing against the wall, tuning in again.

A sigh can be heard from Pluto, "That would mean my suspicion of Angel making an agreement with the Revenant in turn for a cure for Ianos is true then."

Orion couldn't help but frown; that doesn't seem reliable. Or safe.

"Do you think that it's safe for Angel to work with someone like that?" Gemini's question echoed his thoughts, "I mean, I have read up on individuals that go dark. They are prone to harsher aspects of emotions, especially towards anger."

Orion heard Pluto hum, "Although I am wary of the Revenants, it is not the reason of their lack of control. It is their efficiency of it."

"Huh?"

"Despite what others believe, just because you wield the Darkness does not mean your light is lost." Orion once again looked over to Trikxas, spotting the same bewildered look in response to Pluto's words, "The Revenants aren't just Guardians who have gone 'dark', but they are known for utilizing 'balance. That is, they utilize both the Light and the Darkness with deadly proficiency."

"Then, does that mean Angel and the others are not in danger then?"

"No." Orion almost sputtered at Pluto's answer; there had been no hesitation, no pause in it, "Just because they are known for balance also does not mean they always have control."

Unable to help but lean in, Orion peered over the doorway, spotting Pluto with his arms crossed, a thoughtful look upon his face. He could tell from the way how relaxed his shoulders were and the tightness in his jaw absent.

"I encountered several of their members who had gotten their emotions gain the better of them." Pluto spoke to Nix; Orion can see a screen up. Gemini's portrait can be seen on it, "And I witnessed how easily they lost control."

"But the guy that they were working with gets angry easily!" Concern bloomed in Orion's chest at Gemini's words, "Should we have gone with them? They already entered the Vex Gate."

"There is nothing to worry about." Again, Orion had to suppress a sputter at Pluto's words, "Many of the Revenants are competent enough to control their emotions." He saw him shrug, "They have a mantra for it, after all."

"And that is?"

There is a snort from Pluto, "I may have a good memory, Gemini, however I only have heard the mantra once, and even I cannot recall something that accurate that far back." There is a shake of the head, "I do recall that those who repeat it tend to regain control, so I do remember that it is highly efficient."

"So, you are saying that if this Revenant recites some words, the others are safe?"

There is a laugh from Pluto, "Only if it were that simple."

"What?" Orion couldn't help but be just as confused as Gemini, "Then how can the others be safe if this Revenant is a potential danger?"

Despite the cloth that covers Pluto's optics, Orion can see a thoughtful look settle upon his face, "That, I may have to confer with Crystalline. You did manage to get the name of this Revenant, correct?"

"Yes." Gemini confirmed, "I believe Akiva and the others called him Isamu." A brief pause, "Wait, why Crystalline?"

That is when Orion saw Pluto's expression turn unreadable, his body too relaxed to be anything but to hide something. Then, there is a release of breath.

"What I am going to tell you, keep this to yourself." His voice had turned serious, "Most who remember the battles with the Revenants still hold a strong grudge towards them. I doubt that they will appreciate one of their Ghosts living within the Tower."

It took Orion a moment to realize the meaning behind Pluto's words and he took in a hitched breath; he could tell from the silence from the other end of the frequency that Gemini had done the same.

"Are you saying that Crystalline is part of the Revenants?" Gemini finally broke the silence, "Wait, does that make Hush…?" A beat, "Was she always part of the Revenants?"

Another sigh from Pluto, "I will explain everything once you return." Orion couldn't help but frown, "However, for now, keep an eye on the Vex Gate, and do try to keep that Revenant's child safe." Orion's jaw went slack, "The Tower may have a 'treaty' with the Revenants however, it is unsteady. A single incident might be enough to break it."

"Roger. Gemini and Scorpio, out."

Seeing the screen disappear above Nix, Orion then took the opportunity to step out, walking into the room. He was none too surprised when he saw Pluto tilt his head his way, a small smile upon his face.

"I was wondering when you were going to stop hiding."

"I wasn't hiding." Despite Orion's retort, this earned him a chuckle from Pluto, "I just didn't want to interrupt."

"You mean brown nosing?"

Orion scowled, pouted, "I was curious."

There is a hum from Pluto, soft, nostalgic, "Nearly ready to hit a decade and yet, your curiosity still is that of the New Light I had found on the reef."

"Seven years is still considered young for a Guardian." Orion crossed his arms, optics narrowed, "and I still do not understand why ten years is considered the 'coming-of-age'. We have many amongst our numbers that are beyond that."

That is when Orion saw Pluto flinch, the teasing air vanishing to one more somber, filled with regret.

"And there are those who are younger who had ventured to the field and never returned."

Oh, right.

"Told you should think before you speak."

Unable to help but glanced over and frown at Trikxas, Orion then used the back of his hand to tap the front of his Ghost's shell, pushing her back gently before turning his attention back to Pluto.

"Nothing to apologize for, Orion." He clamped his mouth shut, "As you say, you are still young, would have not known yet the numbers of our fellow brothers and sisters." Pluto smiled, mournful, "At least, not accurately, not yet."

Feeling his insides twist as he recalled the years that Pluto had, Orion decided it best to change topics; he doesn't like it when Pluto's thoughts ponder upon fallen Guardians.

"These Revenants, who are they?" He decided to ask, "Do they truly wield the darkness from what I just heard?'

The distraction seems to work, as the air around Pluto seems to clear, slowly replaced with one filled with amusement, "I think for an answer to that question, we may have to take a seat."

Orion raised a metallic brow, waiting until Pluto moved to follow him out of the room. This prompted him to glance over his shoulder; he saw Trikxas give him a shrug. An answer that she herself had not heard of these Revenants. This would mean that both would have something new to learn. Opting to remain quiet, Orion simply followed Pluto to the next room.

Xxxxx

Despite his years, Akiva hardly faced the Vex. Quite contrary, he could count his encounters on one hand. Thus, Akiva wasn't sure if he was shooting in the right area, as even when he fired a shotgun shell into one's head, the body would continue moving forward, twitching, and firing wildly.

"The glowing mid-sections, Akiva!" He heard Angel shout, the latter's hand cannon shots loud; he glanced over to see piles of Vex bodies, broken and covered in liquid white, scattered around the young Hunter. "Shoot the glowing mid-sections!"

"What about the Minotaurs!?" Akiva shouted back.

"There's a fucking shotgun and a fucking fusion rifle for a reason!"

If they were in any other situation, Akiva would have found Angel's frantic swearing amusing, funny even, since hearing him curse was a rare event. However, being surrounded by Vex while being in their territory, there wasn't time to muse upon it and instead, Akiva heeded Angel's advice. He aimed his shotgun at an approaching Minotaur and fired. The crunch of the pellets rang in his ears as he watched them penetrate the large Vex's plating, causing it to stumble back. This victory was short lived however, as it then let out a scream and then tried to resume its march. Akiva fired another round into its chest, and he breathed out when the Minotaur finally crumbled.

Learning from this, Akiva then aimed his shotgun at another approaching Minotaur and fired once, and then twice without pause.

"How long does your Ward last, Wahl!"

Startled at the call of his last name, Akiva snapped his attention to Isamu, "Ah, uh- As long I have the energy and focus!"

This earned him a grunt from the Revenant and when he said nothing else, Akiva decided to resume his attention back to the Vex. He couldn't help but gulp at how many there were. Did Isamu and his partner fight like this during the entirety of their imprisonment here?

"Guys! Nine says to get down!"

"What?!"

Ignoring Isamu's surprise, Akiva reached over, grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him down as he dropped to the floor. From the corner of his eye, he saw Angel do the same, curling in on himself. The two of them had witnessed Nine do this plenty in the Crucible when he is surrounded.

"What in the blazes are you-"

Isamu's shout was drowned out by the flash of light that bloomed around Knight, prompting Akiva to shut his eyes. Even then, he could still see it. Despite his blindness, Akiva can hear metal crashing, the Vex's death throes echoing around him before finally, it went quiet, and the shine of the light faded. Akiva opened his eyes and blinked; he can still see stars.

"Nine couldn't have done that earlier?" He asked as he stood, blinking rapidly as he turned his attention to Knight – not Nine.

The young Exo shrugged, "He is still recovering from Dusk's attack, said that it is going to be a while before he back at full strength." Akiva then watched as Knight eyed the fallen bodies of the Vex – scorched and smoking – around them, "He deemed this enough of an emergency."

"What in the Darkness was that!?"

Isamu's shout prompted Akiva to look over. He reeled at the green glow emitting behind his visor.

"Not even a Naturalborn can perform such a feat!" A snarl can be heard from Isamu, "What. Was. That?"

His short temper seems to be back, and Akiva couldn't help but be on guard, clenching his shotgun tight in his grip. That is when Crystalline's lavender shell appeared in front of him. Wait, when did she follow them in here?

"Isamu, calm yourself." He heard her say, "Rein in your rage. Your temper."

There is a flinch from Isamu followed by a deep breath. The green glow in his eyes gradually faded.

"Anger begets hate." Isamu said, "Hate begets despair. And despair begets corruption."

"Not ominous. At all." It was Angel who spoke, "I'm going to take a guess that it helps keep the Darkness in control?"

"Usually a single line." Crystalline answered, "Helps those who momentarily lose control to stay balanced." She turned to look at them, "Although, if that one line doesn't help, we have an entire ballad to sift through."

Akiva wheezed, "A whole ballad?"

Crystalline gave him a look, "What? You thought the Iron Lords were the only ones who thought of songs?"

"Well, what I read up on Skorri…"

"Bah, Tower Guardians." Akiva turned his attention back to Isamu; he can sense the frown behind the Revenant's visor, "Only learning of their own history and never those outside of their walls."

"What in the Traveler is wrong with you?" Akiva heard Angel snap; it seems the Hunter's patience have finally run thin, "One minute you act as though we are your greatest enemy and then the next, as a friend. Can't you make up your mind!?"

There is a beat of stunned silence, wide eyes looking upon Angel. In turn, the latter shrank back, fiddling with his hand cannon.

"I was getting annoyed…" He muttered.

That is when Akiva heard a hum from Crystalline.

"You have been a bit ornery." She said as she turned to Isamu, "But nothing really out of the ordinary knowing you."

There is a blank stare from Isamu, "Crystalline…"

"Is it the stress of finding Jora?" Crystalline continued, "Or is it the light pulling at your mind?"

Akiva blinked, "I beg your pardon?"

Crystalline turned back to him, her yellow optic blinking back, "What? You thought that only the Darkness can corrupt? You have as much risk of the light corrupting you like the dark."

Akiva stared, "What? Corruption from the light? But that never…"

"That is because it only happens with those who work with the Light and the Dark." Isamu jumped in; his scowl is obvious behind his helmet, "Just as we work to fight the corruption of the Dark, we also have to fight the corruption of the Light."

That is when it finally clicked for Akiva, "And thus why 'balance' is important."

There is a scoff from Isamu, "Nothing that a few hours of meditation won't fix." There is a deep inhale and a release of breath, "I will take care of it after we find Jora and get out of here."

Akiva couldn't help but give the Revenant a concerned look, "You sure that's a good idea? From what I can gather, the light affects your mind, correct? Since you are under duress, maybe it's best if we pause and-"

"The Vex won't wait!" Akiva jumped at Isamu's shout, "Despite their numbers, it is rare for the Vex to take Chosen captive and alive! Do you know what they do their prisoners!?" He didn't wait for an answer, "They experiment! Push and pressure their 'subjects' until they are satisfied with the results! Then, they move onto the next simulation!" Akiva saw the way his shoulders trembled, heard his jaw grinding together, "I am not going to leave Jora a second longer in this hellscape."

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, prompting a sigh from Crystalline, but Akiva can see the worry in her optic as the Ghost followed him. In turn, Akiva just stared, taking in the Revenant's words.

In honesty, thanks to his lack of knowledge of the Vex, he had never considered what happens to those who are taken by them. Forced to live through simulation after simulation until death…

Akiva shivered. He can understand now why Isamu is so desperate to save Jora. Thus, hefting his shotgun in his hands, Akiva followed Isamu, hearing the others trailing behind him.

Xxxxx

"Why won't it stop crying!?"

"Shut up! You're making it worse!"

Covering her auditory sensors with her hands, Gemini couldn't help but glare at the crying infant inside the shell of light, her twin's muttering almost inaudible. She cannot understand why her brother is so keen on children. They are noisy and took too much effort to take care of. The only reason she is willing to look after Ora, Amara, and Nahala is that Akiva is a part of their circle, and she had the rest of the clan members for help. Out here, on Venus, in the wilds with only her brother, Gemini isn't sure how much more her sanity can handle.

Releasing a harsh breath as the child's crying only seemed to intensify, Gemini then paused as she saw her brother hook his fingers into the side of the case, a brief flash of light, and the egg popped open. The child's wailing grew loud.

"Scorpio." She said.

"What?" Gemini sensed her brother give her a narrowed look before delicately, he picked the child from within the case, setting the latter onto the floor so that he can cradle the baby in his arms. Then, he gestured with a hand to one of the many bottles set next to Gemini.

Groaning, Gemini plucked one from beside her and leaned over to hand it to her twin. Without looking at her, Scorpio took it, shook the bottle, and then pressed the tip against the infant's lips. To her surprise, the child took it immediately, clamping down upon the bottle and finally, finally, there was blissful silence. Except the child's suckling but Gemini would take that any day over him crying.

"He was hungry." She heard her brother say, as if reaching a revelation, "You were hungry, weren't you~?"

There is a muffled coo behind the bottle which prompted Gemini to roll her optics. She decided that perhaps it is best to sort through the baby supplies they have now and, somehow convince Nysa to put them into her vault. There were a lot of them after setting them down.

However, as she started to sift through the items again, that is when Gemini heard it or, perhaps, the lack of it. The birds that chirped had gone quiet and the croaks of the small animals in the marshes had gone silent. Slowly, she turned her optics to her brother. His shoulders were tense, his attention out towards the field.

"Fallen?" She heard him whisper and Gemini shook her head; it was faint, but the steps she is hearing were heavier, synchronized, almost mechanical. She already knows who they are.

There is a release of breath from her twin before she watched Scorpio carefully try to take the bottle from the baby. She heard it whimper and it almost seemed to clasp onto it.

"Come on buddy." Scorpio whispered, gently tugging on the bottle, "I have to take it if you want me to keep you safe."

It seems to work, as the child gave him a narrowed look but nonetheless, with one single gentle tug, Scorpio was able to free the tip of the bottle from the infant's lips. Then, after setting the bottle down, he slowly put the baby back into the egg and closed it shut. He then secured the straps around his shoulders.

Gemini couldn't help but stare, "Is it just me, or does the baby know that we're in danger?"

Scorpio turned to look at her, "What makes you say that?'

She gave her twin a blank stare, "Would you sit idly by if your food was taken from you?"

There is a pause from her twin, a thoughtful look behind his helmet, and Gemini opted to say nothing and instead, reach for her auto rifle, aiming down sights towards some tall reeds. She gulped as she heard a mechanical wail behind it.

It is true that she and Scorpio have been on Venus before but, it had always been with Pluto and the others present, the former standing nearby to ensure their safety. But now, it is only Gemini and her twin and if anything were to go wrong, Pluto isn't here to help.

Thus, Gemini's chest went tight when she finally saw a single red glowing optic flash through the reeds.