Redacted

End It

I actually finished this chapter yesterday however, internet just completely shut down and it wouldn't turn back on at all last night. So I had to wait until today to put this up :p

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

Edited: 09/11/2023

"We have many bases planted on Earth." Akiva listened to Crystalline explain, watching as she beamed her light over the console, sending them on the right course; he can feel Lex's chagrin over the lack of his control over the ship through their bond, "And I believe a few currently are currently being built on Mars."

"The Preceptor was right." Akiva turned his attention towards Isamu, hearing the latter let out a faint chuckle; he almost sounded delirious, "others came and sought us out, our numbers grew."

Raising his brows at the hidden meaning behind Isamu's words, Akiva decided to say nothing as he took note of the Revenants' heavy breathing and how his fingers caressed Hajime's broken form in his functioning hand. With how his condition is worsening at every moment and his Ghost currently deceased, Akiva can only imagine what Isamu is going through.

That is when he heard the hiss of doors sliding open and Akiva turned in time to see Nine walking into the cockpit.

"How is Ianos doing?" He asked.

"He has still not awoken." Concern bloomed within Akiva's chest at Nine's answer, "However, for the first time since he has been indisposed, Ianos seems to be in peace. He does not seem to be suffering as he sleeps."

That's good to hear. Akiva cannot remember the last time since Ianos had a good rest. Come to think of it, has Ianos ever slept at all since he had known him? Pondering upon this, Akiva then turned his eyes to Isamu.

"I guess that would mean your stabilization worked." He said.

"For now." Isamu reminded, "It is only temporary until we reach the Preceptor."

"Then we need to find his location." Akiva turned to Crystalline, "Have you figured out which base is currently active?"

"Not quite yet." Crystalline replied; her optic is focused on the console, "Although it shouldn't take long to locate him. Despite our numbers, we only use one base at time, and to save power, we deactivate the previous base before moving on. I just need to find one where its core is – ahah! Found it!" Akiva watched as the lavender Ghost did a few hops in the air before she paused and clicked her shell together, "Huh, the Dead Zone. Interesting, haven't been to that one in a few decades."

"Wait, the Dead Zone?" Akiva asked, "Like the Eruopean Dead Zone? The EDZ?"

"The one with the shard of the Traveler buried in its midst? Yes." Akiva's eyes grew wide at Crystalline's answer. In turn, she gave him a look, "What? We have seen Tower Guardians wander in that area before, what is so surprising about it being based in the Dead Zone?" She then paused, Akiva practically seeing her mind processing before her optic narrowed, "Are you implying that the Revenants cannot handle themselves against the Taken and the Fallen?"

"What?" Akiva reeled, "No!" He then held up his hands when he saw Crystalline's optic further narrow, "I'm just surprised that since the Revenants are all about balance, that you would place a base next to a piece of the Traveler. I would have thought, you know." He shrugged, "You would avoid places like that to keep the dark side of you in check?"

"Oh." The anger faded from Crystalline's optic, "Oh, nothing to worry about that. Despite the belief that the light and darkness would destroy the other if they were in vicinity, it is more fiction than truth."

"…Huh?"

"It is true that light and darkness have the capability to consume each other," Crystalline started to explain, "but only when one or the other are in excess. For instance, if the darkness is vaster than the light, then the darkness will devour the light. The same goes for the opposite; if the light is vaster than the darkness, then it will devour the darkness." Her shell clicked together, "and not to mention that they must be in physical contact with each other. Why else do you think the Hive can damage Guardians when their swords and claws are imbued with Darkness? And how else do you think the Hive stay down when our light hits them?"

Taking in Crystalline's words, Akiva found himself looking back at Isamu, only to see the latter had turned just slightly, and he spotted beads of sweat upon his temples followed by the agony in his eyes.

"So, you are saying that as long as you stay in balance, any chance of being corrupted are nullified?" Akiva asked.

"In part, yes." He turned his eyes back to Crystalline, "The Revenants are capable of nullifying minor damage thanks to being in balance, such as a light induced punch or a Thrall's claws. But, if enough application of power is in place, we are just as mortal as any Chosen and Hive when it comes to their respective weakness."

Akiva tried to understand, "So, you are just as susceptible to corruption as any other Guardian?"

"Yes."

"Then, what's the point of being in balance?"

There is a frustrated release of breath from Crystalline, "Darkness, were you not paying attention?" He saw her shell bristle against her core, "The Revenants are susceptible to corruption as everyone else however, we at least can purge ourselves of the excess, if we have the time. It won't kill us as easily as Tower Guardians." Akiva then saw her yellow optic flick over his shoulder; he didn't have to ask who she was looking at, "At least, to most forms of corruption."

"We theorized that we can only purge ourselves of corruption from the light and darkness." Akiva heard Isamu cough behind him, "Although, if I were to have a say, this was not the way we were expecting to solidify our theory."

"Your condition is not something to joke about, Isamu." Crystalline scolded, Akiva seeing her shell press against her core, her optic turning into a frown, "We just have to hope and pray that during our years of absence, they have placed more thought into the Vex than the Hive."

"Considering the history the Preceptor has with them, that is highly doubtful." Another cough from Isamu, "But we will see once we make contact."

Worry building up in his chest, Akiva turned and saw that the Revenant had practically melted into his seat, a fog glazing over his eyes.

"Do you need rest, Isamu?" Akiva asked, "You can stay in the room where Eidr and the twins are." He saw his eyes flick towards him, "Gemini and Scorpio are trustworthy enough that they can keep an eye on your child while you regain you regain your strength."

Instead of receiving an immediate response, Akiva watched as Isamu simply looked at him, as if assessing, and in truth, he expected a retort, a scoff that he didn't need the rest. Thus, he was surprised when Isamu slowly nodded once and then stumbled onto his feet. Nine was quick, moving over to his side to help him stand and then slowly lead him to the back. When the doors closed behind them, Akiva then turned his attention back to Crystalline.

"How long until we reach the Dead Zone?" He asked.

"A few hours." Crystalline answered, "So I highly recommended that we get some rest while we have the chance."

"Rest?" Akiva repeated, "Why? Are the bases that protected?"

"Well." Crystalline's optic flicked towards him, "that and we must take a walk where this base is located. A long walk."

Xxxxx

"Pluto, are you involved with Ianos' disappearance?"

He had seen this coming, considering how often he and Ianos often get in trouble together. Which always means that he has gotten lying down. Thus, Pluto leaned his shoulders back, brows furrowed as he frowned.

"Disappearance?" Pluto repeated, "What do you mean he disappeared?"

"Told you." Cayde spoke, "Now he's going to be mad at us."

"Cayde." Zavala's exasperated tone nearly broke Pluto's lie but he forced his mirth down, choking it as he kept his scowl.

Instead, he asked, "When did this happen? How could have this happen?"

"What? You expected us to keep an eye on him all the time?"

Turning to Cayde, Pluto narrowed his absent optics behind his blindfold, "You were the ones who ordered that he does not leave his quarters. I at least expected you to place some competent individuals to keep an eye on him."

It was getting more difficult to feign his anger, especially when he sensed the agitation from the three; Pluto then decided to pinch the bridge of his nose and heaved out a sigh.

"Just tell me what happened." He said, "Just tell me how in the Traveler a darkness induced feverish Guardian was able to leave the Tower?"

"That is the problem." Ikora's voice rang in his sensors, "Cameras caught nothing, although the Medics say that Guardians Akiva, Nine, Gemini, Scorpio and an unknown were in the room with him."

Keeping his face neutral, Pluto let his hand fall from his face, "An unknown?" He paused, letting a beat pass before he added, "They let an Unknown into Ianos' room?"

"According to a Medic, they claimed to be a friend." Zavala spoke this time, "And that Akiva was the one who aided him."

Now this caught Pluto's intrigue, "What do you mean?"

"The Medics said that the unknown seemed to be injured, barely able to stand on his own feet." Ikora spoke up again, "And Akiva was the one he was leaning upon for support."

So, he is trustworthy.

Pluto mused to himself.

Or the others were that desperate to treat Ianos' condition.

"Although an unknown, it is clear that they are trying to hide who he is." Ikora's voice pulled Pluto out of his thoughts, "As we have identified the armor he was wearing as Akiva's."

"However, we have identified who he is working for."

That is when Pluto straightened out his stature, crossing his arms and tilting his head in mock curiosity, "And I am going to take a guess that is why you have asked for this room to be emptied of occupants?"

If that were true, it would explain why the room is empty sans the Vanguard and Pluto. Although, considering who they are talking about, he isn't surprised. The information is confidential, and they have kept it hidden for this long.

"According to my Hidden, the Unknown is believed to be part of the Revenants." Ikora explained, "You remember our skirmishes with them years ago, correct?"

Pluto wouldn't exactly call them skirmishes, considering that Guardians have died on both sides. But he wasn't going to say that aloud. Some memories are best left buried.

"How could I forget?" He decided to say, "Not only did they nearly kill me and Nix, but they killed Atlas. He was just three years."

And the last Exo to join the Galaxy and right after the Great Disaster. He was their last hope of bringing the clan from the brink before his death.

"And you know why we have to keep this confidential." Zavala jumped in, "as per our agreement, no one except for those who had been present are to know of the Revenants' existence. As such, the reason why we need to speak with you, Pluto."

Raising his brows at this, Pluto shifted on his feet, leaning on one side, "This is more than just accusing me of partaking in Ianos' disappearance?"

There is a subtle shift of movement from Ikora that Pluto caught, and if he were able to see, he would have imagined the Warlock Vanguard nodding once to his question.

"We believe that Fireteam Redacted is cooperating with the Unknown Revenant to cure Ianos of his condition." Ikora said, "however, despite our concerns, that is not the core of the problem."

This time, Pluto legitimately scowled, "What is more problematic than Fireteam Redacted working with rogue Guardians?"

The concern, the worry bloomed in his chest when he did not receive an immediate answer, and Pluto found himself leaning in, placing his hands upon the table.

"Zavala." He warned, "You maybe the commander of this Vanguard, but if you do not answer, I will force it out of you."

"Traveler, geez, have some patience, Lovebird." Pluto turned and gave Cayde a glare, "We are assessing the situation, alright. Considering your infamous temper, we just wanted to make sure if we are making the right call telling you this."

Pluto's brows furrowed, "Telling me what exactly?"

There is a beat, a pause, and then a sigh from Ikora.

"Years ago, days after you and the former Galaxy left the Tower, my Hidden discovered the identity of the head of the Revenants."

Pluto raised a brow.

Oh? That was interesting, considering that the head of the Revenants – the Preceptor, was it? – ensured to keep his identity a secret. He always kept his head covered, and if he needed to speak, it was his Ghost who did so. Usually a bad idea, since a Guardian's Ghost is one of the best ways to identify them, but the duo was smart. Ghosts, being a fragment of the Traveler, can change their shape and voice at will and the pair utilized it to the extreme. The Ghost would change their voice and shape daily and they were constantly on the move, making identifying them difficult. The only thing that didn't change was the Ghost's eye color, but it was blue, which most Ghosts already have so it was of little help. Not to mention that the only thing they had on the Preceptor was that he was a male of unknown race. Pluto needs to congratulate the Hidden who learned of his identity.

But first.

"And that is important?" Pluto asked, "We had always known there was a head, the Preceptor." He then pushed himself away from the table, crossing his arms once more, "I always thought of him as another Guardian grabbing for power."

"That maybe the case." Zavala admitted, "However, with Ianos' disappearance and a Revenant involved, the three of us decided that it is best to reveal the Preceptor's name to you."

That is when Pluto's core twisted in his chest, a sense of unease settling in, "Do I know him?"

"Yes." Ikora was the one who answered, "However, you only knew him on the side. He was more acquainted with Ianos."

Furrowing his brows once more and gritting his jaw, Pluto tried to gather his thoughts. He does recall a handful of Guardians that Ianos had personally known join the Revenants but, why was this important? Ianos, although heartbroken over their leave, respected their choices and never carried a grudge. What were the Vanguard trying to point out?

"You are going to have to be a bit more specific than that." Pluto couldn't help but be on edge, couldn't help but snap, "As you know, with our age, we are acquainted with many. It doesn't exactly shorten the list." That is when Pluto sensed the hesitation, heard the silence, and he paused, "Unless, there is something that you aren't telling me?"

"Pluto." Hardened but compassionate, Ikora spoke once more, "Do you recall the incident with Warlock Zakai?"

Who doesn't?

Although having not been present, Pluto had heard what happened; Zakai, grief-stricken over the loss of he and Ianos' beloved, sank into the magics of the Hive and Darkness in a vain attempt to bring Ari back and, if possible, treat Ianos' condition. Instead, however, it led him to death.

"He was working in his apartment when an explosion of dark magic occurred, completely destroying the inside of it." Pluto said, "Any Guardians caught in the proximity were quickly resurrected and there only had been one casualty."

"Warlock Zakai." Zavala finished, "At least, that is what we had thought."

The unease in Pluto's chest grew.

"What do you mean?" He demanded.

There is a pause, another beat of hesitation, but Zavala continued, "After investigating the scene, all we found was Warlock Zakai's broken bond but, nothing else." There was the sound of steps, a pace, "There was no body, no Ghost. Officially, it has been called that the explosion, a result of Hive Magic, resulted in complete incineration of their bodies."

"But that was not the case?" Pluto caught on, nervous now, and his grip is tight upon his arms, "And you believe him to be the Preceptor?"

"We know he is the Preceptor." Ikora confirmed, "After all, there aren't many humas who have eyes like his."

A hint towards Zakai's Awoken bloodlines.

It made Pluto think back to when he first met the mixed Guardian, with Ianos encouraging him to remove his helmet and for Pluto's red optics to lock onto glowing vibrant blue. With eyes like that against a human face, Pluto doubts that anyone would not be able to recognize them, even from afar.

Despite this, denial still held tight against Pluto's breast, and he couldn't help but ask, "You are certain it is him?"

"Yes."

The answer was prompt and quick, and Pluto found himself unfolding his arms and placing his hands upon the table to steady himself.

"You said that you learned the Preceptor's identity years ago?" He asked, "What made you decide to keep this from Ianos?"

In all his years, Pluto had been there to comfort Ianos' losses, his grief, but when Ianos had lost Ari and Zakai, he had let out wails, screams that the Hunter hadn't heard since. If Ace hadn't been there to steady him, no doubt to Pluto that Ianos would have lost the last strands of sanity he had.

"Ianos' condition is unstable, physically and mentally." Zavala explained, "We had decided that it was best to keep Warlock Zakai's status from him."

That is when the unease, the unsettling sensation in Pluto's chest bubbled, resurfacing into anger.

"You mean you feared that he would defect from the Tower and join the Revenants."

His words came out low, laced with rage that Pluto almost didn't recognize his own voice. He found his hands curled into the table, trembling with anger.

"That is not-" One of the Vanguard started to protest. Pluto didn't care who, he didn't let them finish.

"Ianos is one of the oldest and experienced Warlocks in the Tower." He interrupted, "And you are afraid what would happen if he were to turn against the City." Pluto lifted his absent optics to the Vanguard, "You are scared that if he were to learn the truth, he would drop everything for someone he had loved and cared for."

"It was too much of a risk." Pluto growled at Zavala's retort, "With his grief and instability, he was more than capable of damaging the City if he so wishes."

Pluto restrained himself from slamming a hand into the table; the Vanguard had already replaced it several times this year already. They need the focus elsewhere.

"You do realize that Ianos isn't protecting the City out of a whim." He snarled, "he made a promise, a promise to protect the last remnants of humanity. He wouldn't turn on the City even if he were to join the Revenants."

"Promise?"

Opting to ignore Cayde's question, Pluto continued, "Ahamari-34 and Zakai were Ianos' pillars, a reason for him to move forward after all the losses and suffering he had gone through. And you decided to keep Zakai's survival away from him?" He finally pushed himself away from the table; he could feel his solar light flickering between his fingertips. Pluto released a trembling breath.

"According to reports, he is with a Revenant as we speak." He said, "He will learn of Zakai's survival, and he is not going to be forgiving."

"Pluto, let us explain-"

"You have explained enough." Pluto interrupted Ikora's words, "I have known the three of you for decades and all I have to say is this; this is one of the most selfish and thoughtless decisions you have ever made, especially so under Brask's standards." Ignoring the way he felt the guilt, the grief from Cayde, Pluto glowered at the three, "When and if Ianos comes back under the allegiance of the Revenants, you won't be getting any help from me."

Then, he promptly turned and left. That is when he finally heard the hum of Nix following closely behind him; when did his Ghost compile out of his head?

"Do you believe that they are telling the truth?" He heard his Ghost ask, hearing his shell shift against his core, "That Zakai is alive?"

"Despite their habit of withholding information, the three of them aren't the type to lie." Pluto admitted; all three are honest to a fault, "if they make a claim, then there is truth in their words."

"But Ikora's Hidden could be mistaken." Nix pointed out, "although halflings like Hush and Zakai are rare, they aren't impossible."

Good point. After all, they had thought Zakai would be the only Awoken and Human mix they would have met in their lifetime. Then Hush appeared.

"There is a possibility that the Preceptor holds a similar appearance to Zakai." Nix continued, "and the Hidden could have made assumptions."

A possibility but Ikora is also strict when it comes to hand picking those to be her spies. Pluto couldn't help but doubt that one of her Hidden would make such a mistake. Nonetheless, he heaved out a sigh.

"I hope you're right." He said, "Otherwise, when we meet Ianos next time, he might be an enemy of the City."

Xxxxx

"Right, when you said that we had a long walk ahead, I didn't think you meant this long."

Although sympathetic towards Akiva, Nine couldn't help the pull of annoyance linger in his head as he continued to whine, hefting Isamu's limping form near his side.

The group were forced to go on foot after they had landed Akiva's ship near a small settlement, Nine watching on with mild amusement as Crystalline handed them small bags of glimmer; a bribe to keep their silence. Then, after they sent Akiva's ship away, the group started down a path, a wide winding road of tough dirt and tufts of grass that slowly made its way into a forest. However, not long after they started the trek, Crystalline then diverted off the path, leading into a foliage of high bushes and trees. The deeper they dwelled, the thicker the brush became until the trees grew so thick only small beads of light speckling the hearth. Despite this, Crystalline urged the others to keep their Ghosts safe in their minds, thus being the only one to lead the way. Fortunately, she released small wisps of light so that the others could track her. And Nine would have found the walk peaceful, if Akvia's boredom wasn't pushing his patience.

Although, it seems Crystalline have reached hers as the Ghost suddenly paused and flicked towards Akiva.

"Look, I understand why this is uncomfortable for you, especially since Isamu is using you as support." She sighed, "More weight." Amusement bloomed in Nine's chest at Isamu's blank stare, "Nonetheless, the Revenants are wary, borderline paranoid, and unless your ship was marked with our symbol, it will likely be shot down."

"Territorial much?" Akiva muttered.

"Again, more like paranoid." Crystalline corrected, "If you understand the history of the Revenants, then you would understand why we take extra precautions to ensure we aren't raided." The Ghost then turned back around, continuing to being their guide, "Like for example, we lose more of our numbers to Guardians than any other hostile."

"What?" It was Scorpio who voiced his surprise first, cradling Eidr's sleeping form in his arms, "if we have never heard of you guys, then how in the Traveler is your death toll high when it comes to Guardians from the Tower?"

"Just because you haven't heard of us doesn't mean there aren't who have." Crystalline reminded, "And not to mention there are still survivors, Chosen who still remembers the battles against us." Nine saw her shell shift up and down, "And they still carry grudges, dedicating their time to hunting us down."

"Wouldn't that be breaking this treaty or agreement?"

"Usually yes, but the Revenants are tired of conflict, of fighting. We just want to be left alone. So, we keep quiet."

Nine couldn't help but ponder upon this. That feels like a lot more work than necessary.

"Nonetheless, doesn't mean we are complacent, and we have safeguards up to ensure the safety of ourselves." Crystalline continued, "especially with young ones around."

That is when Nine took notice, "Young ones? Are you referring to new lights?"

That is when he sensed the hesitation from Crystalline, watching as her shell pressed against her core.

"It's rare but, there are different new lights than the ones we find wandering on occasion." She answered.

It didn't take long for Nine to piece it together.

"There are children amongst you?"

"What!?"

Ignoring the shouts of surprise from the twins, Nine then decided to ask, "Is it not dangerous to keep them nearby where the innerworkings of the darkness are researched? I thought that was the reason why you did not bring Hush to the Revenants immediately after her resurrection."

"That's." Crystalline started, "That's one of the reasons. The other is that she is a new light who had no control. If she were to release her light in proximity of the darkness, the consequences could be dire." Her shell shifted, tendrils flicking about, "And we keep the young ones in mind. We have strict rules when it comes to utilizing the light and the darkness around them."

"Wait." Gemini popped in, "I understand why you have to restrict the darkness but why the light as well?"

There is a heavy sigh from Crystalline; Nine has a feeling that this kind of question isn't uncommon.

"You poor New Lights." The start of her sentence prompted Gemini to sputter as the former continued, "Taken to the Tower and fed their beliefs until it is ingrained into your very soul."

"What?"

Another sigh from Crystalline, "As I said before, the Darkness is not the only source of corruption. Light can be just as harmful, as dangerous."

"How so?" Scorpio voiced the question that lingered upon Nine's tongue. He also can hear the wariness, the caution in the young Exo's voice.

"It heavily depends on the individual." Crystalline explained, "Such as Guardians or, to be broader, Chosen, who are chosen by the light. Thanks to their natural affiliation with it, corruption by the light is nonexistent although, they are susceptible to corruption by the darkness. The same goes for anyone touched by the Darkness. They are susceptible to corruption by the light."

"Then, does that mean that the Revenants are immune to corruption then?" Scorpio asked.

"Not, exactly?" Crystalline sounded certain, the back parts of her shell shifting as she hummed, "The Revenants are able to purge themselves of small corruption however, a large amount we are just as susceptible." Her shell then shifted up and down, "And again, it wholly depends on the individual."

That is when Nine sensed the puzzled look, a squinted look from Gemini, "Being a Revenant sounds confusing."

"That I agree!" Crystalline almost seemed too happy about it; almost as though she took it more as a compliment, "then again, that's the fun of it! Learning more about the balance as the years go by!"

Nine can easily sense the confused look that Gemini sent the Ghost but nonetheless, nothing else was said. This prompted Nine to look down at his arms, looking into Ianos' slumbering face.

He was forced to volunteer to carry Ianos after it was clear that Akiva had the physical strength to assist Isamu – although, in truth, Nine could sense the Revenant's curiosity, feeling his eyes linger a bit too long. He didn't feel comfortable helping him. Thus, he was given the task of carrying Ianos, carrying him in his arms – it didn't feel right carrying him upon his back. It felt less secure.

At least, that is what Nine kept telling himself. But another voice, a whisper, lingered into his head.

You wanted to feel his warmth in your arms, to see the look of rest upon his face.

If it was the voice of an intruder, Nine would have brushed it aside however, it wasn't and it was neither Day's or Knight's. It was his own, and he couldn't help but feel ashamed of his thoughts. He knows all too well of Knight's feelings towards Ianos and as such, tried to prevent himself doing the same.

It proved difficult, almost impossible.

"Isamu? Isamu, hold on!"

Akiva's voice pulled Nine out of his thoughts and he looked up in time to see Akiva propping Isamu against a tree. The latter was hacking, a hand against his mouth as he leaned over. That is when Nine saw the white fluids dripping between his fingertips, the way his right side trembled and jerked, as if having a mind of its own. And then, when Isamu's hand dropped from his face, he leaned his head back.

And screamed.

It resounded through the trees, Nine hearing the critters around them running, scurrying away as Isamu writhed, his human hand clawing into the hearth as he kicked. Tears ran down his face, but it did little to hide the agony, the pain in his eyes as he cried out, a mix of screams and sobs. During all this, Akiva has kept a hand upon his shoulders, keeping him steady. Nine can sense the panic, the worry coming from the Titan.

"Hold on, Isamu, we're almost there." He heard Akiva say and he tried to help Isamu stand, trying to pull him to his feet.

However, the instant Akiva tried to hook his arm under Isamu's, to allow the Revenant to use him as leverage, Isamu let out another wail which was soon followed by more coughing, a rough painful retching. More white fluids spilled from not just his lips, but his nose and Nine could see white trickling from his eyes.

"Enough." Isamu tugged his arm free, slumping against the tree, "This is it for me."

The words, although simple, hit like a ship and Nine can spot the resignation, the defeat in Isamu's eyes.

"I can feel them coming in." Isamu managed to wheeze out, "They're invading my mind, my body, it's –" There is a choke, a struggle to take breath, "Please, just end it."

There is a beat, a pause of silence.

"What?" Akiva said, "But we're so close. We're close to where the Revenants are. If you can just hold on a bit longer -"

"The Revenants, my family, cannot help me." A cough escaped Isamu's lips, splashing white down the front of his armor, "Even if they have a cure for me, it is too late. The Vex already have claimed me." He then let out a groan, "They have become a part of me."

"That doesn't mean you should give up." Akiva seemed desperate, hands gripping tight around Isamu's shoulders; the Revenant grimaced, "You can't give up, especially not after you somehow convinced Ianos to hold on." Akiva bowed his head, "We cannot give up on you."

There is a huff, one that is light, from Isamu, "Ianos can be saved. I cannot."

There is pain in his voice, an admittance that took strength to say, "Despite my want to stay, this corruption." He swallowed, "I won't be me, I won't be Isamu."

That is when Nine saw his lower jaw tremble, tears forming in the edges of his eyes. Then, he started to retch again, leaning over once more. More white fluids spilled between his lips. He didn't have much longer.

"Please." Isamu pleaded, "When I still have my mind."

"But," Akiva hesitated, "But Eidr…"

Nine can sense the conflict, the grief but finally, Akiva nodded once before relinquishing his hold from Isamu's shoulder and then raised a hand. A hand cannon compiled into his grip.

That is when a look of relief settled over Isamu's eyes, "Thank you."

Pulling Ianos close to his chest, Nine found himself looking over at Crystalline. At first, he thought that she would resist, insistent on finding a way to save Isamu, to save the friend that she had barely gotten back from the Vex. Instead, he saw sorrow, acceptance, in her yellow optic. Nine wouldn't be surprised if she too saw this coming.

Crystalline had hovered close, practically touching before Isamu leaned in and tapped his head against hers. They stayed that way, with Crystalline close her optic tight, shell pressed against her core. That is when Nine spotted movement from the corner of his optics and Nine glanced over to see Scorpio, slowly approaching with Eidr in his arms.

"Here." The young Hunter leaned in, offering the infant in his arms. The child is awake now, looking at Isamu with wide hazel eyes.

There is a flicker in Isamu's gaze when he turned his head to Scorpio, a hesitation, a jerk, and Nine wonders if he would accept the gesture. Then, Isamu raised a hand, signaling for Scorpio to gently place Eidr into his functioning arm, helping him cradle the infant before stepping away.

"Hello, my child." Isamu smiled through the white fluids, bringing the child close; Nine noticed how careful he was to keep the infant away from the white splotched across his body, "Daddy is going to see mommy soon, so you have to behave while we are gone, okay?"

Nine doesn't understand why he spoke as if the child would understand, especially when Eidr simply giggled and raised his hands to his father's face. Isamu leaned back, at least enough to keep a distance. And then, Nine noticed the tears.

"Gods, I'm sorry." Isamu finally caved, pressing the side of his head against Eidr's, "Daddy's sorry, sorry that he isn't strong enough to stay but the Vex, the Vex were too strong for me. I can't…"

That is when Nine saw Akiva's hand tremble around the hand cannon before he flexed, stilling his hold.

"Are you ready?"

At Akiva's question, Isamu leaned his head back, but kept his eyes upon Eidr, the latter of which smiled, revealing nothing more than a gummy grin. Then, Isamu nodded once, signaling for Akiva to take a step forward and pressed the barrel of his gun against his temple.

Nine then took Akiva take in a breath and spotted the minuet shift of his finger against the trigger. Despite having seen death, having seen war, he found himself looking away, clutching Ianos tight against his chest.

There was a single gunshot that rang through the air.

And then Eidr's cries soon followed.