Redacted

Piecing Together

I deeply apologize for the late update guys. Life is being a pain but nonetheless, here's this week's (can it be called this week's or is it considered last week?) update!

Thanks to Diamond002 and The Great Wolf 117 for the reviews!

Edited: 11/26/2023

After years of dealing with aches and pains from the corruption within his chest when waking, for the first time, Ianos had felt well-rested when he opened his eyes. However, despite the rest, he also felt sluggish, mind foggy and limbs heavy.

Blinking his eyes open, Ianos raised a hand and rubbed at them when his eye lids felt heavy, taking effort to even crack them open.

"Ianos?"

Familiarity rang in his head despite the call being muffled, almost faint to his ears, prompting Ianos to pause and part his fingers, cracking his eyes open. His orange eyes connected with an orange optic.

"Ace?"

His throat felt dry, his voice grating, but the way Ace's optic fell, hearing his Ghost letting out a soft breath, prompted Ianos to ignore it.

"You are awake."

Ianos can hear the emotion, the strain behind his Ghost's voice, almost as if Ace was going to cry.

Confused at this, Ianos sifted through his memories, and it didn't take long for him to understand.

"How long was I unconscious?" He asked.

Ianos watched as Ace's shell pressed against their core, his Ghost hovering back just slightly. He could take a guess how long.

"Ace…" He started.

"Nearly twenty days."

Hearing steps approach, Ianos tried to lift his head, but it felt heavy, and the simple motion took too much effort, feeling himself being drained. Letting out a low groan, Ianos waited until a shadow fell upon him and then, he looked over to his side and then up.

"I am going to take a guess that you figured everything out?" Ianos asked.

He saw a wry smile form onto Pluto's face, "You know that it is difficult to keep anything from me, Little Light."

Unable to help but return Pluto's smile with one of his own, Ianos then movement, a subtly shift from the corner of his eyes. He didn't have to look; instead, he gathered all his strength, lifting his hand so that his palm is out. That is when he felt the familiar weight of his Ghost settle in, feeling Ace's shell shift on his palm before bringing them close to his chest.

"I am glad that you are finally awake." Feeling his Ghost snuggle in, Ianos then reached out with his other hand, cupping Ace close, "You were asleep for so long, I thought…"

Feeling the worry, the grief through their bond, Ianos felt an ache linger in, memories of close calls and promises made long ago. And judging from his Ghost's reaction, this one may have been the closest that Ace had come to losing Ianos. Thus, he responded to Ace's words by giving them a gentle squeeze. In return, Ianos felt his Ghost press into him further, sending warmth throughout his chest.

Hearing Ace let out a breath of content, Ianos decided to take the opportunity to take in his surroundings; it is obvious that they were in unknown territory.

Beds placed neatly in rows, separated only by curtains – some closed, showing that they were occupied – and Ianos can spot lanterns lined against the walls, lighting up the room. And the flames were blue in color. Tinged with green.

Ianos decided to look away and focused his attention back onto Pluto, "I am going to take a guess that we are in a Revenant Base?" This earned him a nod from the Hunter, "Then that means the others were successful in meeting with the Preceptor."

Breathing out as Pluto gave another nod, Ianos then scowled as a taste – dark, almost angry against his tongue – settled into his mouth. It tasted foreign, strange, compared to the drugs and light – which originally had been hot, almost like heat.

"Is something the matter?"

Turning his attention back to Pluto, Ianos saw the way his brows were furrowed behind his blindfold, his lights dim between his plating.

"No, nothing is wrong." He answered. Then, he tapped his fingers against Ace's shell and then paused; they didn't ache, "It has just been a while since I awoke without pain."

That is when Ianos saw Pluto subtly jerk back, lights going bright between his plating. Then, he heard him breath out.

"It has been that long, huh?" He heard the Exo say, "How long ago was the Great Disaster?"

Unable to help but flinch at Pluto's question, Ianos took in a deep breath, "Too long."

It was then Ianos heard a small squeak to his side – just behind Pluto – and he attempted again to gather his strength to turn his head. This time, he was able to look around the Exo Hunter and his orange eyes landed upon a familiar white clad Exo.

"Knight." His eyes scanned the damage on the young Exo, assessing the burns and the missing limb, "What happened to you?"

That is when he saw worry settle into Knight's optics; it looked strange with half of his face missing plating.

"Promise me you won't go on a rampage." The young Exo said.

Unable to help but furrow his brows at Knight's words, Ianos let the suspicion settle in, "Counts on what you tell me."

"Traveler, just promise him so that we aren't so nervous." It was Day who spoke, Ianos watching as the white Ghost hovered up from Knight's lap, "and we know that even if you do promise not to, you will anyway."

Frowning, Ianos would say something if it wasn't for the fact that it was true.

Thus, he sighed, "I promise."

Despite it, Ianos can still see the way Knight's shoulders remained tense, reluctance still in his optics.

"I wasn't conscious for most of it." The young Exo admitted, "but, according to what I heard, the Revenants attacked us when Crystalline lead us here."

Ianos tensed his body, "What?"

Then, he relaxed his body once more as his strength was sapped away. The corruption took a lot out of him. But the pain was absent, and it felt strange.

"They were territorial." Ace's voice came from beneath his hands, "If it hadn't been for Crystalline, I doubt we would have survived the encounter."

"Survived?" Ianos repeated, eyes narrowed, "What did they do?"

There is a beat, a flash of hesitation through Knight's optics before finally, it was Pluto who answered.

"They attacked us, Little Light." Ianos snapped his eyes towards Pluto, "and they were stronger than we had anticipated."

Despite his weakness, Ianos can feel his hands trembling with rage, his anger coursing throughout his body, and he can feel the edges of his eyes burn.

"Ianos, your eyes…"

Taking note of the shock in Knight's voice, Ianos didn't bother to look over and instead, turned his attention to Ace; their optic mimicked the surprise he had heard coming from Knight.

Wondering what the matter was, it was then, Ianos noticed it.

Besides the burning around his eyes, he spotted green.

The sickly green glow of the Hive.

This prompted Ianos to reach up with a hand to rub away at his eyes, unbothered by the actual burning around them. He was more concerned with ridding himself the memory, the image, the thought of himself sharing the eyes of his past tormentors.

"Ianos?"

Forcing his hand down so that he could fix his attention onto his Ghost, Ianos then felt Ace glide out of his hands, hovering just above his head and with worry lingering in their orange optic.

"The Preceptor said to notify him when you finally awoke." He heard Ace say, "said something about teaching you on how to remain 'in balance'." They then gestured vaguely at him with their shell, "Perhaps this is what they meant."

"Likely to teach him how to keep that under control." Pluto's comment did little to ease Ianos' anxiety, "meaning in other words, our stay here is longer than we anticipated."

Taking in the Exo Hunter's words, Ianos gave Pluto gave the blankest look possible, "The Consensus and the Vanguard are not going to be happy when we return, are they?"

This earned him a shrug from Pluto, "According to what I have been told by Crystalline, the Preceptor had contacted the Tower. Claimed that we can freely return without repercussions."

There was a pause.

"What?" Ianos said.

"He has connections." Pluto clarified. Then, there is a sigh from him, "Guess the Revenants aren't as 'underground' as I originally thought."

Unable to help but make a face at Pluto's words, Ianos then admitted to himself that he doesn't really have a right to say anything when it comes to the Revenants. He himself had not participated much in the battles against the Revenants, mainly since he was still recovering after what he had gone through on the moon. But he had participated enough to understand that the Revenants wouldn't easily stay connected with a faction that held obvious hostility towards each other. Thus, Ianos couldn't help but think what kind of connection the Preceptor had to keep in contact with the Tower.

"I feel like I am out of the loop."

Knight's words prompted Ianos to look over at the young Exo, and he spotted the way his optics flickered, obviously confused.

"Can I ask how long ago the Tower's encounters with the Revenants were?" Knight asked.

Pondering upon Knight's question, Ianos then slowly turned his focus back onto Pluto, and saw the way his metallic brows were raised behind his blindfold.

"Story time?" Pluto asked.

Although tired, Ianos nodded, "Only fair, since he is involved now."

Pluto returned his gesture with a nod of his own and he watched as the Hunter fixed his blind gaze onto Knight.

"Today is your lucky day. Ianos and I are going to tell a story for once. Listen well."

Xxxxx

"You seem confident."

Orion couldn't help but roll his pink optics at Trikxas' words, "I am not scared of a few rogue Guardians."

"A few meaning a population of a small settlement?" Orion simply grunted at his Ghost's words, "You maybe a powerful Guardian, Orion, but you are not invisible."

Turning and fixing his optics onto Trikxas' lone, Orion gave her a blank stare.

"Just watch me." He said.

"Are you and Trikxas arguing again?"

Orion turned his attention to Gemini, easily seeing her light azure optics narrow as she looked over her shoulder, "I swear, you two are like two peas in a pod but also like water and oil."

There is a snort from Scorpio – a simple sound of agreement - which prompted Orion to turn and give the Hunter a glower. In turn, Scorpio made a face, one that made Trikxas chuckle.

Letting out an exasperated sigh, Orion simply shook his head before saying, "Just tell me where the Mess Hall is located here."

Gemini gave him a look, raising a brow, "Now what makes you think – oh right." She smiled sheepishly, "Her appetite."

This time, Orion gave her a look, "How can you forget? Hush is notorious for her bottomless stomach."

"We all have bottomless stomachs." Gemini retorted, huffing as she crossed her arms, "Hush just always happens to have food in her hands is all."

"Which is why I am asking the two of you where the Mess Hall is." Orion snapped, "if you know where it is."

Now it was Scorpio's turn to huff, "Of course we know where it is. Gemini and I scoured every inch of this place."

Hearing this, Orion took the time to gesture vaguely towards the front, his arm easily passing between the twins and down the corridor.

"Then lead the way." He said.

This earned him a glower from Gemini and Orion couldn't help but feel a little smug as she heard her huff and turned her focus forward. Then, she came to a sudden halt, almost making Orion bump into her.

"Why did you stop?" He demanded.

That is when he noticed that Scorpio too had come to a sudden halt and from where he stood, Orion could see his azure optics were wide in surprise. Then slowly, both twins turned to face him.

He scowled at them, "What?"

"Was that…" Gemini broke the silence, her voice barely audible, "Was that an attempt at humor, Orion?"

More like sarcasm but, the twins were too young to notice the difference. At least, that is what it was to Orion.

"And that matters why?" Orion asked.

Both the twins seem to hesitate at his question, watching as the pair glanced at each other before finally, Gemini spoke.

"Well, you kind of lost your humor when Olkar…" She gestured vaguely with her hands, "Left."

That is when Orion flinched, his annoying but close Eliksni friend surfacing through his memory before he subtly shook his head and glowered.

"Hey, Gemini!" Scorpio placed his hands upon his sister's shoulders, turning her around and pushing her forward, "Want to take the lead?"

"But aren't we already in the lead?"

Ignoring Gemini's protest, Orion watched as Scorpio practically dragged her forward, continuing their search. From here, he saw Scorpio lean in, whispering something into his sister's auditory sensors. Debating listening in, Orion decided against it. Not that it would matter, considering the way Gemini grumbled under her breath, he could take a guess at what Scorpio was saying to his sister.

Thus, he decided to trail behind, close enough to reach out to the twins if he needs to but far enough where he doesn't feel like he's intruding on their every word. Despite this, Orion doesn't like the silence that lingered in the halls; it felt eerie, wrong, especially with his senses feeling the wisps of darkness all around them.

"Made any friends here?" Orion asked.

Seeing Gemini and Scorpio jerk back and giving him another wide-eyed look, Orion responded back with a raised brow.

"Well?" he asked.

There is a cough from Scorpio.

"No, not really." He answered. But then there was a pause, a flicker of his optics, "Unless, you count the Preceptor."

Orion scowled, "Oh? Really?"

He saw Gemini nod, "So far, he's the only Revenant who actually doesn't mind us being here." Then, Orion heard her snort, "The others, not so much."

Frowning, Orion then asked, "Did they hurt you?"

No sooner had he asked the question when he saw the twins jerk in their step, as if they just suddenly remembered to walk, prompting Orion's scowl to deepen.

"Gemini. Scorpio." He warned.

"Alright, alright." Gemini broke first, the younger Exo turning to face him and kept her pace backwards, "They did." She then gestured behind him, "There's a reason why Akiva and Knight are in the shape that they are in now."

"And when they stabbed you in the back."

Looking on as Gemini snapped around and gave her snickering twin a glare, Orion meanwhile tried to control the growing anger simmering in his chest.

"Why those cowardly delusional bastards."

"Orion, language."

"I can say worse."

Through their bond, Orion can feel waves of disappointment and amusement from his Ghost, prompting him to cross his arms and say nothing more. Instead, he let their footsteps break the silence, echoing through the empty halls.

That is when he realized it.

Empty.

"Where is everyone?"

This time, it was Scorpio who turned to look at him, shrugging his shoulders, "No idea. Around this time of day, they're not entirely active." There is a hum from the younger Exo, "It's strange though, usually back at the Tower it would be packed but here, it is only crowded during very early or late hours." Scorpio then look at Gemini, "We literately have to wait for the halls to clear before it's safe to venture around."

Orion furrowed his brows, "Safe?"

"Like I said, only the Preceptor seems to like us." Gemini turned again and shrugged, "The first time Scorpio and I tried to shove our way through, we came out with a bit of scrapes and nicks." She then must have sensed Orion's dark look, for she then added, "Nothing more serious than that, promise."

"Wasn't the best experience though." Scorpio said as he set his hand upon his shoulder and rolled it, "I still remember getting into that shoving match with that Titan." A pang of pain flashed over his optics, "Advice: don't. Not unless you're a Titan yourself."

Although upset about the twins getting hurt, Orion also couldn't help but snicker at Scorpio's misfortune, earning him another puzzle look from the twins. Unlike just moments before however, they didn't comment.

Instead, Scorpio let out another cough and then asked. "How are the others back at the Tower?"

The question eased the rage bubbling within his chest, bringing gentle warmth as he let the tension ease from his shoulders.

"It what you expect." He said, "They're worried about the two of you. Wondered where you two went and what is taking so long for you to get back."

"Aw, I knew they loved us." Despite himself, Orion couldn't help but snort at Gemini's words, especially when her optics grew bright and placed a hand upon her chest.

"Who wouldn't?" Scorpio puffed out his chest, "We're everyone's favorites, after all."

Orion couldn't suppress a grin, "Tell that to Cayde and the graffiti you wrote all over his Sparrow."

In turn, the twins laughed, and Gemini said, "Oh come on. You know that he enjoyed that flaming rabbit we drew on its side." She was practically giddy as she continued, "Why else would he keep it even after he took it for extensive cleaning?"

Orion raised an amused brow, "Maybe it's because the two of you carved it on there?"

"No amount of sanding is going to get rid of it." Scorpio added in with glee, "a permanent mark placed by the Galaxy Twins."

This time, Orion was unable to hold back a laugh, feeling the last of his anger fade away, warm now that he is around his family, "Don't forget to mention the other marks you left behind for others."

"Oh!" Gemini's optics brightened, "Is that Dreg get up still painted on the Speaker's desk?" She practically cackled when Orion nodded, "I knew mixing in Spirit Blooms into that paint would make it difficult to scrub off!"

"Wait." Realization set in, "Were you the one that drew a skimpy Dreg on the map in the Hall?"

There is an exaggerated gasp from Gemini, "How'd you guess?"

Sensing the mischievousness not only from Gemini but from Scorpio as well, Orion didn't have to ask to know that she hadn't been alone in that prank.

"Right." He said, amused, "Well I am going to give you a warning: once Pluto retires, keep an eye out for Io. He already made it clear that he won't tolerate the pranks."

There is a sputter from Gemini, "Wait what!? What do you mean Io!?" She jabbed a finger at Orion, "You're not going to be the head of the clan?"

Despite himself, Orion scoffed, "Me? Leader of Galaxy?" He shook his head and rolled his optics, "I maybe the 'oldest' but I am not leader material."

Gemini groaned, "But Pluto turns a blind eye to our pranks and so do you! How are we supposed to slip out of trouble when Io takes over?"

Despite himself, Orion smiled, "Your problem, not mine."

Another exaggerated gasp from Gemini, "Rude."

Chuckling at Gemini and Scorpio, Orion caught the playful glare that the former sent his way, catching the way her optics flickered as she tried to keep a neutral expression.

"Okay, but really." She started, "You don't want to be clan leader?"

That made Orion's smile fade and again, he rolled his optics, "As I have said before, I am not leader material. Io is more suited for the position than I am."

There is a pout from Gemini, "But Io is a fun sponge." She then crossed her arms, like a child, "He ruins all the fun."

"All more of a reason to do them without him knowing." Orion grinned at the blank looks he received from the twins, "The two of you are Hunters for a reason."

The realization that set into their optics made it more amusing, especially so when Orion saw the mischievous glint in their optics.

"We accept the challenge." Gemini practically chirped before turning around, prompting her twin to do the same.

From where he stood, Orion can hear them formulating, planning once Io takes the title as head.

"You know." He heard Trikxas hum, "You do realize that you are going to make Io's life ten times more difficult once Pluto steps down."

In turn, Orion feigned innocence, giving her a smile.

"Io needs to learn how to take that stick out of his ass." He said.

There is an amused huff from Trikxas.

Xxxxx

Hush wanted to put her helmet back on as soon as she was done eating – despite what had happened, eyes were still on her, judging, hateful. However, the Preceptor, with his kind and gentle words, convinced her to simply clip the headpiece around her belt. She only agreed if he did the same.

Thus, they walked together now in a mainly empty hall, although the pair did bump into a few others, prompting her to press into the Preceptor's side, eyeing them warily as they passed.

"Do not be afraid, Little One." He would say, "Unlike the Tower, everyone here is more tolerant towards those who are different."

Unless they are Guardians. At least, that is what Hush wanted to say. But lacking a voice and too nervous to take the Preceptor's hand, she decided to leave it and instead, eyed the passerby. When their eyes would connect, Hush expected disgust, but instead, there would be looks of shock, of confusion, but nothing more. They would simply nod, greeting the Preceptor before going on their way.

She even gave one Revenant a shy wave when they flashed her a smile.

"We are all outcasts here." Hush heard the Preceptor say, prompting her to look up at him, "We have gathered for we were shunned for our differences, of our bloodlines. Kicked out for not following the others." She saw his glowing eyes glance down at her, a gentle smile appearing on his face, "If you do not mind, Little One, there is someone I must visit before I bring you back to the others."

Although suspicious, Hush also couldn't help but be curious, hesitantly reaching out and grabbing his hand and traced a finger against his palm.

Who? She asked.

That is when a look of melancholy flashed into the Preceptor's eyes before feeling his hand clasp around her fingers gently.

"Did you hear about what happened and what lead your family here?" he asked her.

Pondering upon his question, Hush sifted through her memories, recalling Star-Crystalline informing her about Papa and the others of a possible cure for his condition. Or a treatment that would at least elongate his life.

A friend needed help. Hush traced against his hand. And that in return, he would help Papa.

There is a hum from the Preceptor, as if assessing her words, "That is the gist of it." Then, he fixed his eyes forward, leading her down the hall, "You are correct that in return for their aid, Isamu would return the favor, however…" Then, she felt a subtly tighten of his grip, not enough to hurt her but enough for her to notice, "Would you like to meet the man that helped your father get here?"

Eyes growing wide, Hush then shook his hand gently, agreeing to his question. Although the Revenants scare her, she wants to thank the man who had helped save her Papa's life. At least, that is what she had heard.

"Preceptor…"

Catching the way Star-Crystalline's voice was soft, filled with sadness, this prompted Hush to look over her shoulder, furrowing her brows. In her star's yellow optic, she can see the worry, the grief.

Did the Preceptor say something wrong?

That is when Hush felt another firm but gentle squeeze against her hand.

"There is no need to worry, Crystalline." She heard the Preceptor say, "It is only fair that she gets to meet him."

The look on Crystalline's face made Hush curious but opted to remain silent. Instead, she simply followed the Preceptor down through the hall, waving timidly at those who were kind enough to give her a smile.

That is when she heard the whispers, quiet sobs that resonated through the corridor.

Uneasy now, Hush pressed herself into the Preceptor's side as the cries grew louder, and it wasn't long until she detected the source to a door, catching the blue flickering light that shadowed from the entrance. Nervously looking up at the Preceptor, Hush found that his steps didn't hesitate, didn't shift in pause. The room is obviously his destination.

Although uncertain, Hush remained near the Preceptor's side, following him into the room. And her eyes grew wide at how large it was.

The walls were spread far apart, giving enough space where even the Hall back at the Tower was small in comparison. What amazed her even more though was that there were shelves lining the room, put up in neat rows. On the shelves she could see cannisters, containers of different sizes placed inside each shelf.

Like those lining outside in the halls, there were lanterns, blue flames flickering within, lighting up the room, which allowed Hush to better see that there were what seemed to be flowers, small items lining the shelves. And what seemed to be remnants of Stars set against each cannisters.

Heart beating faster within her chest, Hush followed the Preceptor as he ventured further, and it was then she found the source of the cries.

Revenants, a handful of them, were present in the room, standing in front of a shelf, separate from each other. Some mourned, shedding tears, others simply standing there, expression empty.

What is this place?

Hush traced her hand against the Preceptor's, suspicion already settling into her mind; she can guess what this place was from the broken Ghosts and the mourning Revenants. Thus, she wasn't too surprised when the Preceptor looked down at her and gave her a sad smile.

"This is where we honor our dead." He answered as he led her down the shelves, prompting Hush to press further into his side, eyes wide, "at least, for those we are able to retrieve."

That is when Hush felt grief pull at the back of her mind, prompting her to look over at Star-Crystalline; she can see her star's shell has drooped, optic dim, and it didn't take long for Hush to understand.

This room. The sad look in the Preceptor's eyes. Her star's grief.

The man who had saved her Papa is no longer with them.

Feeling the edges of her eyes burn, Hush decided not to comment, not to respond and instead, allowed the Preceptor to lead the way, her yellow eyes passing over grieving Revenants and settling over the shelves. She noticed that, although all of them had plaques, names carved onto their surfaces, not all had cannisters, urns placed within them, and not all had broken stars set inside as well.

She doesn't need to ask why. Hush had heard enough stories to know.

It wasn't long until the Preceptor came to a pause, prompting Hush to look up at him, and then follow his line of sight. From there, her attention lingered onto the shattered form of a star, its violet shell broken and cracked, charred from whatever had destroyed it. Then next to, is an urn, decorated with symbols, marks that Hush could only assume were of his accomplishments and titles.

One she recognizes as what she had seen many Titans wear: a Hexagon divided into four pieces. She recalls Grandfather-Pluto and Papa talking about it, the Battle of Six Fronts, and how it was thanks to the Titans that the Last City was safe. That would mean that the deceased Revenant had participated in the battle.

Then Hush spied another mark, one where she had seen carved onto all the urns – and if none, a plaque – in what seems to be two circles of chains interlocking with other. In between them a circle was carved, and two curved lines have been made. If Hush had to guess, this represented the Revenants.

And then there was one more carved onto the urn, simple in its design: A simple flower blossoming in the middle of a circle. Hush wonders what that means.

Scanning the shelf, Hush then found the plaque, and she saw words carved onto its surface.

Titan Hashimoto, Isamu and Ghost Hashimoto, Hajime

Cause of Death: Vex Corruption – Given a merciful death.

A Veteran who had helped build the Revenants to where they are today.

Loved by his Ghost, loved by his friends, loved by his family, loved by all.

A founder, a helper, and a father.

Reading the last line, Hush took a deep breath, tightening her grip around the Preceptor's hand. Only for him to slip out of her grip.

Looking on with wide eyes, Hush watched as he approached the shelf and then bowed.

"He was a good man." She heard him say, "Despite your family doing their best, they were unable to save Jora, his partner." Then, Hush watched him straighten out; she saw the subtle trembling from his shoulders, "Nonetheless, despite his injuries, despite their 'deal' not being fulfilled, despite wanting to return to the Revenants after years of isolation, he still decided to help Ianos. And then died not long after."

Not knowing what else to say, Hush decided to remain silent, watching as the Preceptor turned and gave her another sad smile.

"For this, I am grateful for his sacrifice." He said, "and I am intending to honor his death in the following days."

Awkward now, Hush opted to remain still as the Preceptor approached and then slowly and gently, took her hand in his.

"And I am hopeful that you and your family will stay long enough for his memorial."

Hearing this, Hush couldn't help but fidget, rocking back and forth on the back of her feet as she glanced between the shelf that held Isamu's remains and the Preceptor's face.

It is true that she is grateful for the former's involvement in saving Papa's life, but despite the similarities between her and the Preceptor's lineage, despite his kindness, Hush could not completely trust the man before her. He had caused pain to her Papa and Hush is not ready to forgive him for that just yet.

That is when she felt a gentle squeeze against her palm, and she found herself looking back into the Preceptor's eyes. She can see the disappointment, but he also flashed her a half-hearted smile.

"I understand." He said, as he slipped his hand away, "Considering what I have done, it was too much to ask." Then, there is a sigh from the Preceptor, "Although I would appreciate if you all would have stayed for his memorial, you are free to leave once you all have recovered."

Then he turned, fixing his attention back onto Isamu's grave, and at first, he seemed to take her rejection well.

But Hush was not like him. She was not blind.

The way his jaw trembled, body tense, and arms wrapped tight in front showed his upset. Despite this, Hush opted not to do anything, and instead looked on as the Preceptor's star hovered close to his shoulder, close enough where she was practically touching his ear. Then she spoke, so low that Hush couldn't quite catch what she was saying. But it must have been important for he nodded and turned his attention back to Hush.

She could see that the edges of his eyes were wet.

"Hush, Sorrow have told me that your father is awake." Hush perked at the news, "Would you like to see him?"

Nodding her head vigorously, Hush didn't hesitate to grab the Preceptor's hand when he held it out to her, allowing him to lead her out of the room. As they approached the exit, Hush looked back, ignoring the confused look from Star-Crystalline as she silently prayed.

Thank you, Brother-Isamu, for saving Papa. I hope you meet Brother-Blaise and Sister-Jora again.