Redacted

Shall We?

Edited: 3/17/2024

"Should we call Angel?"

Ianos glanced up from the hearth, forcing his frustrations to the side as his orange eyes locked onto Knight's. He raised a brow.

"You did not tell him where we were?" He asked.

That is when the Exo shrugged and then rubbed the back of his neck, "We told hope but, we haven't been in contact since we left the Tower."

Unable to help but frown at his words, Ianos then let out a sigh as he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Ianos?"

Ignoring Knight's call, Ianos took a deep breath, struggling to suppress the unease and anger building up within. He did promise the Preceptor that he wouldn't be upset, after all. But it was difficult not to.

"My apologies, Ianos." The Preceptor's answer echoed in his head, "Although I truly want to answer, Pluto made it quite known that he wants my identity hidden from you." Despite his helmet, Ianos can sense a wry smile behind his helmet, "and he seems to be the type to make good on his threats if he ever learns of a broken promise."

"Of course, Pluto has gotten to him first." Ianos muttered.

"What?"

Pulled out of his thoughts, Ianos turned his eyes back to Knight, only to see the Exo's optics were wide, lights bright between his plating.

Ianos dropped his hands, and he pondered if he should answer honestly. He decided not. Ianos wasn't in the mood to talk about it now.

"We should send a frequency to Angel soon." He said instead, "At least tell him how we are doing. He must be worried by now."

There is a raised brow from Knight but, fortunately, the Exo simply nodded before holding out his hand as he walked away. He spotted Day form in his palm. Ianos wouldn't be surprised if he went to confer with the Ghost about his weird behavior. Not that Ianos could blame him. Who wouldn't, especially after a failed ritual?

Thus, he decided to leave Knight be, to let him gossip with Day, and turned his focus to his surroundings, to take in the environment and their numbers.

Currently, they were all outside, having strayed quite aways from the entrance of the Revenant base. It was so that they could set up and plan out their strategies while at the same time, not allowing the surrounding Eliksni to learn where the entrance are. Although, it is mostly the Revenants who were planning out the layout, six in total, including the Preceptor, much to Ianos' surprise.

In honesty, he had expected the Preceptor to stay within the base, much like how the Speaker at the Tower. But not only was he out here, coordinating with the other Revenants, but his state of dress was also different. The red and black robes that Ianos had thought were standard had been adjusted; there were steel plating around the chest, legs and forearms, and the length of the coat had been adjusted to stop at his knees instead of his ankles. The high collar usually associated with Warlocks was also absent, instead rolled up so that it stayed out of the way.

It didn't take long for Ianos to notice the other Revenants had done something similar.

The Hunters wore their cloaks just above the knees and Ianos can spot metal plating replacing where leather would normally be placed; the Warlocks wore something identical to the Preceptor, and the Titans with their marks never passing their thighs and other cloth is practically absent, wearing nothing but steel and leather.

It seems that ideals weren't the only difference between the Guardians and the Revenants.

"I cannot believe you volunteered us to help."

Pulled out of his musing, Ianos turned, his eyes settling over Pluto; he can sense the scowl behind the Exo Hunter's helmet.

"You could have at least conferred with us." Pluto continued as he leaned subtly to one side, keeping his arms crossed.

Ianos couldn't help but snort, "Mind you, we have been staying here for a long while now." He can see the red lighting seep through the leather of Pluto's armor, "The least we can do is help clear the area and keep their base safe during the remainder of our stay."

There is a pause, a subtle downward tilt of Pluto's head before there was a heavy sigh, and a shake of the head. However, despite his obvious disapproval, Ianos heard no further comment, prompting him to smile behind his helmet.

Before a sound of glee came from behind.

Once again turning around, Ianos' attention settled onto Knight and Day, the latter of which had hovered back and a familiar hologram of a screen appeared, filled with static.

Then it cleared.

"Got it!" Day sounded proud, shell lifting upwards in triumph.

This prompted Ianos to approach; what was the white Ghost doing?

His question was soon answered when the screen flickered once more, and the familiar white and red image of Hope flashed onto the screen.

At first, Ianos felt relief, a warmth settling into his chest at the familiar shell; it is nice to see a friend that they had not seen in weeks.

"Hope, it's been a while." Ianos saw Akiva step around him, towering above Knight as he looked down at the screen, "how are you and Angel doing?"

"We're doin' fine. How are you and Angel doing?" Her answer was quick and prompt.

Not unusual.

If you do not know her.

But Ianos knows.

And so did the rest of the team, when Ianos spotted the way Pluto turned his head at the screen, Orion and the twins coming to a pause, and he saw Akiva subtly lean back.

"Well, we met the Preceptor, if that gives you a hint." Knight answered her question, ignorant of Hope's subtly; or either that, he pretends not to notice, "although we hit a bit of an obstacle. It is going to be a while before we can return to the Tower."

There is a pause, a beat of silence, before Hope spoke, "Oh." Ianos didn't have to look at her optic to hear the disappointment, the rough edges in her voice, "Well, please return soon. Angel and I we, uhm, we miss you and…"

Her stuttering, the way her optic glanced around, wavering. It is obvious what she is trying to do.

"Ah!" Her optic went bright, "How is Isamu? Were the Revenants able to help him?"

That is when Ianos heard Akiva take in a sharp breath, so loud and audible, that he could see Hope look at the Titan through the screen.

"He didn't…" Her voice faded, "What happened?"

Looking back at the others, Ianos saw Knight had looked away, Pluto kept his attention locked but said nothing, and Orion and the twins too remained silent. Thus, Ianos went to reply, parting his lips.

"The Vex corruption grew too much." Akiva's voice intervened, prompting Ianos to snap his head towards him, eyes wide; he can hear the Titan's voice shake, a subtle trembling from his shoulders, "We tried but, in the end…" He breathed out, "Isamu begged for mercy."

There was a flash, a brief flash of regret in Hope's optic but, just as quickly as Ianos spotted it, it was gone.

"Oh." Her shell dipped, optic dimming, "Angel and I, we were hopin' to see him again, you know?"

Understandable, since Angel was the one who had coaxed the late Revenant to trust the Fireteam. He wouldn't be surprised if the young Hunter had grown attached. Not uncommon amongst the young Guardians.

From the corner of his eyes, Ianos sensed Akiva give a strained smile before the Titan let out a cough.

"Where is Angel, by the way?" Akiva asked, "I don't see him in the picture."

That made Ianos raise a brow; good point. After Hope nearly lost Angel, she had not allowed her Guardian out of her sight.

To see him not in frame…

Frowning, Ianos shifted his focus away from Hope and upon her surroundings, quickly scanning them.

He immediately recognizes the white background.

"Hope." Ianos started slowly, "Why in the Traveler are you at the Medical Wing?"

If it wasn't for his concern, his worry, Ianos would have found it amusing at the way everyone's eyes snapped towards them, sensing the obvious surprise. Instead, he kept his eyes forward, watching as Hope's shell pressed against her core, optic flickering.

"I-He-We…"

Ianos saw excuses, vain thoughts flashing through her optic before finally, her shell drooped. Then, he heard her sniff.

"Members of this clan called the Blossoms of Hope wanted to know where Isamu was." Ianos' blood ran cold, and dread settled into the pit of his stomach, "Isamu had been a Founder and they thought they were capable of convincin' him to come back. They just, don't know where he is." Hope looked down, "Then, they learned Angel and I made contact with Isamu."

Hearing this, Ianos would have taken it in a positive light. He had heard the Blossoms have been looking for their missing Founder and he understands the feeling when one receives the news of a sighting of a missing comrade.

But the look in Hope's optic made his gut twist.

"What happened?" Ianos demanded.

There was a flinch, a flash of guilt through Hope but, she answered.

"Angel and I, we promised Isamu that we would keep his whereabouts, any information about him private. So, when the Blossoms came and asked us where we had last seen him, we refused." She took in a shuddering breath, "We refused, especially after hearin' that he saved your life even though we couldn't keep our end of the deal." Then, she optic flickered, "And the Blossoms, they didn't like that."

Then her shell started to shake, to tremble and then, she cried.

The hot-tempered, wrathful Ghost, who always tends to shout, to keep her grief to herself, was crying.

"They hurt him, Ianos." She practically wailed, "And I couldn't do anythin' but watch."

The Blossoms have hurt Angel.

The realization settled in, Ianos finding his thoughts blank, reeling.

He knew that the Blossoms were desperate, desperate to find their former Founder, desperate to grasp their former glory before the Great Disaster. But for them to be that desperate?

It reminded Ianos too much of the Dark Ages.

Flinching at the thought, he found himself unable to form words, thoughts a blur.

"Th-they what?!" Akiva voiced the shock, the disbelief for everyone, "The Blossoms hurt him!? How!?"

With the quiet of the forest around them, the Titan's shout seemed to carry, echoing through the trees. Even the birds, the rustle of leaves that once permeated around them went quiet. And not too far from them, Ianos can now feel the Revenants' eyes upon them.

But Ianos couldn't care less. Instead, he felt his concern, his anger simmer within his chest.

"Were they that desperate to regain their lost glory?" Ianos breathed out. And then, he snarled, "Where are they now, Hope? Where are they so I can – "

"Ianos! The Darkness!"

Feeling a hand settle upon his shoulder, Ianos jerked his head up, feeling a growl escaping his throat. But, as his eyes settled over Pluto's helmet, he then sensed the worry.

The fear.

That is when he felt the burning around his eyes, the color of ash lingering around his vision. It was then he understood.

Turning his eyes away from Pluto, Ianos then looked down at his hands, and he saw the wisps of darkness emitting from his hands.

Taking in a deep breath, Ianos forced his rage down, curling his hands into fists. It didn't take long for the darkness to dissipate. He then let out a breath and then fixed his attention back onto Hope.

"We are coming back." He announced.

Ianos can sense the shock, the surprise of his Fireteam and he can hear a shuffle of steps, noises of retort.

"No!"

Someone shouted.

But it wasn't from anyone present.

Ianos jerked back at Hope's shout.

"Angel and I went through too much for you to leave like this." Hope continued before he could even part his lips to protest, "It would all be for nothin' if you came back as things are now."

At first, narrowing his eyes at Hope's statement, Ianos then took in a harsh breath.

"You and Angel." He started, "You didn't give into the Blossoms."

Through the screen, Hope shifted her shell subtly upwards, almost strained, "I told you, Angel and I didn't want to break the promise with Isamu, even though…"

Hearing her voice fade, a pang of sympathy pulled at Ianos' heart. More than anything, he wants to head back to the Tower. After what Angel went through, he needed the support. But the truth also rang true from Hope. Angel didn't go through what he had just for the others to waste it.

"Okay." He managed out; Ianos saw the tension leave Hope's shell, "We will finish what we started here." Then, he let out another harsh breath, shoulders sagging, "Hold on a little while longer, hopefully we will be back soon."

Despite just a subtle shift of her shell, Ianos can tell she was smiling, especially when she gave a single nod.

"See you later then." She said and then, the screen went black signaling the end of the call.

There was a brief silence, the air quiet around the team, before finally, it was Gemini who spoke.

"Is Angel okay?" She asked.

In honesty, Ianos wanted to say that he wasn't. When another Guardian harms another intentionally when outside of the Crucible, it's never pretty. But a quick glance at Pluto showed that giving an honest answer was not the right call. Or at least, the full truth.

"He will be once we are done here." Ianos decided to say; he can still feel the worried look from the younger Exo, "Hence why we need to finish up here and head back as soon as possible."

That is when he heard a scoff from Pluto, "If they can hurry up with that ritual of theirs."

Right, last Ianos have heard, they have yet to find a solution. But he is confident that the Revenants will find a way. He knows that most only tolerated the Fireteam's presence. No doubt they are looking for a solution so that they can have an excuse to kick them out.

Nonetheless, Ianos decided not to comment and instead, turned his attention to the Revenants; they were all looking at them, even the Preceptor.

"You are finally finished picking out the area and teams?" Ianos decided to ask.

In contrast to the glower that he received from the other Revenants, Ianos sensed a sheepish smile from the Preceptor.

"It is decided that we will split into three fireteams of four." The Preceptor answered, "Each having a pair from my group and yours." Behind him, Ianos can hear Pluto let out a grunt, "Each individual group will take an area where Marin had spotted a total of three groups of Fallen." His attention went over to the trees; Ianos guesses the areas that he was talking about, "Then, after they are dealt with, each group will scout the perimeter to ensure that there were no other parties. Afterwards, we shall take their capes and tie them around the territory to ward off potential threats."

And to give the Eliksni proper burials.

Ianos kept that part to himself.

They were already on bad terms with the Revenants and judging from how they spoke about the Fallen, speaking up in their defense wasn't the best idea. Thus, Ianos decided to nod. This earned him a soft look from the Preceptor.

"Sounds easy enough." A smile can be heard through Akiva's words, "Have you assigned teams yet?"

That is when Ianos spotted the way the Preceptor glanced behind Ianos; he didn't have to look back to know why.

"Well – " The Preceptor started.

"Ianos and I will partner up." Pluto interrupted; Ianos turned and gave him a blank look, "Gemini and Scorpio always work together."

"That would leave Akiva and Orion, then." The Preceptor hummed, "Does it matter who you pair up amongst us?"

There is a shake of the head from Pluto. This prompted Ianos to let out a sigh; he knows that Pluto isn't happy with the Preceptor, but it is obvious he is trying his best to stick to Ianos' side. He is trying to make sure he does not learn the identity of the Preceptor. Too bad for him, Ianos will learn the truth. Eventually.

Giving another shake of the head, Ianos then turned his attention to Knight. And Hush, who had somehow snuck her way out.

Raising a brow at her presence, Ianos decided not to comment when she gave her trademark innocent smile. She knows what she did, and she isn't sorry for it. A scolding from him won't change anything.

"You four stay safe." Ianos decided to say instead, glancing over to Day and Crystalline; a.k.a. you two keep Knight and Hush out of trouble. He saw them both bob once.

"You too." Knight returned, "especially you, Ianos. You and Ace haven't finished this Harmonization yet." His white optics dimmed subtly, flickering, "That puts you at risk, doesn't it?"

Annoyance tugged at the back of his mind; the ritual seems to be in everyone's thoughts. But at the same time, he couldn't help but feel warm, a tingling sensation in his heart.

"I have handled Eliksni before, Knight." He said, "and I will have others watching my back." Ianos momentarily glance at Pluto, "especially since I have Pluto."

Despite seeing the worry linger still in his optics, Ianos heard Knight let out a chuckle.

"Are you certain that you and Hush will be alright by yourselves?" Now it was Ianos' turn to be worried, "The Revenants are still none too pleased with our stay."

That is when he saw Knight raise a hand and shrugged off his words.

"Don't worry about us." The Exo said, "Hush and I, we well…" He looks uncertain, "We made a friend here, he will keep us safe." Knight then rubbed the back of his neck, "Odorata? Remember him?"

Despite himself, Ianos blanched at his words.

It was difficult to forget the individual who had brought Knight and Hush back from their little venture.

His glowing eyes, his teeth, and the chitin that grew from his arms and neck, it doesn't take a genius to clue in on Odorata's relation to the Hive. And despite the hybrid's cheerful disposition, Ianos couldn't bring himself to be at ease around him. It is difficult when his eyes glow the same sickly color as his past tormentors.

Nonetheless, when he looked at Knight's and Hush's eyes and saw bewilderment, hesitation, but no fear, it was enough. It means that Odorata has not shown himself to be a threat. At least, not yet.

"Just stay safe." Ianos said again, earning himself a nod from Knight before he watched him take Hush by the hand, turned, and headed back. He waited until he could no longer see them through the trees before turning around and fixing his attention back onto the others.

"Shall we?" He said.