Redacted
Nowhere is Safe
Edited: 10/20/2024
He can feel eyes on him.
If he were anywhere else, Angel would have been paranoid, on edge. But he was surrounded by Eliksni of the House of Kings, and the eyes that he felt staring at the back of his neck is coming from Orion and Akiva.
And the Revenant Warlock. Also known as Taylor, considering that Akiva is throwing the name around now.
When Angel saw Tiphaxis and Darivion return without the Titan, he grew concerned and he would have gotten up himself to look for him, if it weren't for two reasons.
The first, was that Vraldyks needed attention. The Baron is not stable, at least not yet, and he didn't want to risk leaving him alone as is, not when Angel has the Ether. True, there was Orion, but he doesn't work with Ether as often as Angel does. Best for him to handle it.
Secondly, Tiphaxis and Darivion updated him on what Akiva said. Or wanted more like it.
It seems Akiva is growing attached.
Unable to help but exhale through his nose, Angel decided to simply focus on working on Vraldyks' Ether tanks; he had notice that the belt had taken some damage. Before he could further give the Baron more Ether, he had to repair it. Otherwise, if they were to move him and further damage the tanks, it wouldn't end well.
However, as he worked, Angel heard steps approach. Three pairs. He didn't have to look back to know that it is Orion, Akiva, and Taylor.
Angel simply huffed at that.
"Angel."
Hearing Akiva call out to him, Angel paused in his work and looked over his shoulder. He furrowed his brows at the way Akiva's shoulders were tense, the Titan's body almost rigid. And in comparison, Orion can't seem to look at him, seemingly looking everywhere else. Finally, Taylor – the Revenant – had a scowl upon his face, arms crossed.
"Yes?" Angel finally asked as he turned his focus back onto repairing Vraldyks' belt; he was almost done, just one more little adjustment.
There wasn't an immediate answer and instead, Angel heard Akiva take in a deep breath, and then slowly exhaled.
"Angel." Akiva said again, "I believe the House of Kings need some help."
This made Angel pause and he looked back over his shoulder once more with a raised brow.
"Yes. They do." He said slowly, "and that is why we're here."
"That." Akiva subtly raised a hand, "is not what I am saying."
Angel frowned, "What do you mean?"
There is another sigh from Akiva.
"I understand that right now, you aren't trusting of them." Angel decided to turn his focus back to Vraldyks; he has a feeling he isn't going to like what Akiva is going to say next, "But we believe that the Revenants can help the House of Kings."
Angel fumbled, fingers slipping, and he nearly lost the last little piece he needed to finish repairing Vraldyks' Ether tank. He caught it, took in a shuddering breath, and then slipped the final piece in.
It was finally ready to slip the Ether Cannisters in.
"No." He finally said as he motioned for Abraxos, the small Servitor beeping before turning away from curious Dregs and floated over.
"Angel, listen to us."
Huffing at Akiva's words, Angel simply slid a cannister of Ether around Vraldyks' waist, and listened to the Baron take in a deep breath as it went in with a hiss. He heard Akiva sigh at his.
"Look, I understand that you do not want to risk their safety." The Titan continued, "But they need shelter, a constant flow of supplies, and they can't do it by themselves."
Shaking Vraldyk's belt to ensure the cannister was secure, Angel finally turned and gave Akiva a narrowed look.
"They can do it without the help of Guardians." He argued.
"Revenants."
Snapping his eyes to the Warlock, Angel glared at him before he let a rumble form in the back of his throat. That was enough to send Taylor reeling, the Warlock blinking rapidly before quickly returning with a glare of his own. Nonetheless, Angel was satisfied when the Revenant took a step behind Akiva.
"Angel." He turned his attention back to Akiva, "I know that you are fully capable of taking care of these survivors on your own. But with how things are at the Tower – "
"What about the Tower?" Angel retorted.
"And not to mention that you were supposed to be in recovery." Angel frowned as Akiva ignored his interruption and continued, "You cannot be away for long."
"So, I am to leave them in the hands of Dark Guardians and pray that they won't kill them?" He asked.
Behind Akiva's shoulder, Taylor gave Angel a look of offense.
"We are not dark." The Revenant protested.
Scoffing at his proclamation, Angel decided to ignore him and instead turned his focus back onto Vraldyks. That is, until he heard Orion let out a sigh.
"Angel." He heard the latter start; his voice sounded stern, assertive but when Angel locked his eyes onto the Exo's optics, he spotted the concern, the worry, "I understand why you are doubtful but trust us when we say that the Revenants will take care of them. I mean…" That is when Orion hesitated, his optics flickering, "They accepted the Hive."
Angel paused.
Did he hear that right?
Blinking once, and then twice, Angel couldn't suppress his surprise as he asked, "Hive?"
There is a nod from Orion.
"A faction of Hive that also believe that Darkness and Light can coexist." He explained, "If they can accept a group as dark as the Hive, then there is no doubt that they would be willing to take in survivors of the House of Kings." Orion then pause, optics flickering, as if to process his next words, "At least, until they gain their bearings again."
Although intrigued, Angel couldn't help but frown, scrunching his brows together as he turned towards Vraldyks. He saw the latter subtly lift his head, white eyes glowing in the dim contrast of the cave.
"This is your pack." Angel started, "What do you think is best, Baron Vraldyks?"
Formality resuming now that Vraldyks' life is no longer in danger – for now – Angel saw the Baron sit up and let out a low rumble.
"Perhaps if it was just us, then we would be able to survive on our own." Vraldyks started and Angel saw him glance over his shoulders; his eyes likely lingered over the others, "However, there are more of us. Other survivors of the coup." That is when he saw Vraldyks lay his eyes upon Abraxos, the small servitor hovering and chirping just behind the Hunter, "Would your resources be able to sustain us all?"
Angel flinched; true, he was able to supply the entire House of Kings with Ether but that was before all this. Now with the threat of the Blossoms out in the Wilds and with the Kings scattered, not to mention with the threat of SIVA looming, it is going to be more difficult to find items to process.
Heaving out a frustrated sigh, Angel then lifted his attention back to Vraldyks, giving the Baron a blank look. The latter let out a low rumble.
"Maybe I shouldn't give you anymore Ether." Angel threatened but couldn't help but smile as Vraldyks gave him a feigned look, hearing the latter let out the best offended gasp he could muster.
"And here I thought you cared." Vraldyks played.
Behind him, Angel heard a cough. Turning, he saw Orion drop a fist away from his mouth and heard him clear his throat. Of course, the Exo would have understood every single word.
"Okay." Angel flashed his eyes back to Vraldyks before adding, "It would seem to be a good idea to ask the Revenants for help but, you may have to do it without me." He then looked back at the others, specifically Taylor; the latter gave him a glower, "After all, I did kill one of their own."
That is when he saw Orion's optics dimmed and Akiva visibly flinched. He was not all too surprised at their reactions.
"But we need you to be the bridge." Akiva muttered, Angel watching him raise a hand to his chin, "without you, there would be problems. But the Revenants wouldn't be happy with you either." There is a sigh from Akiva, "I would say return to the Tower, but I don't think this specific group of Eliksni will be happy about that."
Hearing Vraldyks grumble in agreement behind him, Angel decided to turn his focus to the cave. To the rest of the surviving Eliksni.
Tiphaxis and Darivion were the first he spotted, the two Vandals likely the most strong-willed and stubborn amongst their number. They lasted the longest after all. The pair were helping the other Vandals to their feet, Angel spotting one of them trembling before falling to their knees. He heard Darivion let out a click of frustration but nonetheless, reached down to help their fellow Vandal back onto their feet. Alongside the two were the dregs, the lower ranking Eliksni going around and tending to the surviving Captains and the rest of the Vandals who were still too weak to stand. The only exception was Varathis, the latter seated next to Vraldyks as he chittered quietly.
Angel could tell that this group of Eliksni needs help, and they need to recover soon if they are to fend for themselves, let alone search for other survivors. And perhaps Syliks if they were lucky enough.
Exhaling through his nose at this, Angel then turned back to the others, finally noticing that Orion and Akiva had quieted their voices, likely formulating a plan without his notice.
He simply subtly shook his head.
"I'll just go." Angel said.
There was a pause, both Titans slowly turning their attention back to him.
"What?" Akiva asked.
"I will meet with these Revenants." Angel clarified, "and I will accept whatever consequence that comes my way."
Another pause, a stunned silence. This made Angel cross his arms and give the two a blank stare. He ignored the way Taylor eyed him suspiciously.
"We're going to have to wait a couple of days though. Not everyone is capable of standing, let alone walk." He glanced at Vraldyks, "Unless one of you want to carry a Baron."
"I think Orion and I are fully capable of carrying Vraldyks if we need to." Akiva blurted; Angel couldn't help but raise a brow at that, "But, I say it's best to wait. Just in case the Revenants won't be too happy about a group of Eliksni encroaching upon their home."
Nodding in agreement, Angel then decided to turn his focus onto Taylor. With the heavy grudge that the Revenant holds towards him for killing Onosi, Angel expected a glower, a glare. Instead, he was surprised to see a narrowed look but filled with bewilderment and wariness. Staring at the Revenant, Angel looked on as Taylor spoke.
"Before we set out, I can contact the others." Angel couldn't help but blink at the Warlock's words, "thus when we leave, they will be expecting us."
Another lingering silence, followed by both Titans slowly turning their heads to the Warlock. The latter just glanced back and forth between Akiva and Orion.
"What?" he asked.
"That. Was a smart plan." Orion commented, "A plan with common sense."
Taylor scoffed, "Considering that you are all Tower Guardians, I'm not surprised the thought of contact crossed your minds."
Frowning at the Revenant Warlock, Angel went to retort, to voice his displeasure when Orion piped in.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Orion demanded.
Taylor rolled in eyes, as if the answer was obvious, "Many Tower Guardians seem to disappear whenever they trek into the Wilds, sending everyone in a frenzy before they appear months later, all well."
Angel couldn't help but give Taylor a narrowed glance, "And you Revenants don't?"
The look on the Warlock's face would have been funny, if it wasn't for his next words, "How else do you think we keep track of the dead?"
The silence that followed was palpable, prompting Angel to take in a breath and then turn his focus back to Vraldyks. He decided to double check the cannisters of Ether around the Baron's waist when he heard Akiva let out a cough.
"Right." The Titan's voice was a pitch higher than usual, "Who's hungry?"
It was awkward timing, a weird question to ask during a time of unease. But, admittingly, with his work done, Angel finally noticed the twist in his stomach, and the way it rumbled. Next to him, he heard Hope let out a chuckle.
"I think I can go for a bite." He said.
Although his face is hidden, Angel can practically see Akiva's face beam.
"Perfect, I will go see what I can gather." Then, Angel looked on as the Titan turned to Taylor, grabbing the Warlock by the arm as he turned to leave, "Come on, you know these woods better than I do. Help me."
In turn, Taylor jerked, his eyes wide.
"What?" Was all the Warlock managed out before he and Akiva disappeared through a passage of the cave.
"I hope he remembers to bring back food for the Kings as well." Hope's presence left Angel's head and soon, from the corner of his eye, he saw her red and white shell hover just above his shoulder, "just because they have Ether, doesn't mean they are not hungry."
Angel hummed at that.
Good point. Akiva isn't exactly the most well-informed Guardian when it comes to the Eliksni. Best to ping Lex a message so let the Titan know. Thankfully, Ghost internal vaults are expansive enough that hopefully Akiva and the Revenant won't need an extra set of hands.
That is when he heard Orion sigh, prompting Angel to look over, just in time to see the Exo Titan sit down on the floor. In turn, Trikxas materialized near him, her white shell clicking together in concern.
"I'm okay." Orion wasn't sure if the statement was pointed at him or Trikxas, especially when he vaguely waved a hand in the air, "Just." A heavy exhale, "Just, give me a minute."
And then he promptly laid down.
Angel stared. Next to him, Hope stared. Above Orion, Trikxas stared.
"When was the last time you got some sleep?" Angel decided to ask.
"Too long." Trikxas was the one who answered, and Angel looked on as Orion raised an arm and covered his optics, "I think a day before we left to find Ianos and the others?"
So, a few days then. Rough, even for a Guardian.
"Want to get a couple hours in?" Angel asked.
There is a grunt from Orion.
"I will sleep once all these House of Kings get some food and proper shelter." The Titan said, "until then, I think I can shut my optics for a few minutes."
"If you do that you will sleep like a stone." Trikxas pointed out.
There is another grunt from Orion.
"Noted."
Trikxas sounded amused, and Angel noticed how she didn't seem to protest, didn't seem to argue as she hovered away. She then came to a pause near Angel. And the amusement vanished and quickly was replaced with concern.
"Will you be alright?" Trikxas's voice had gone low, almost a whisper, "turning yourself over to the Revenants like that?"
Embarrassingly, it took Angel a second too long to realize what she was talking about.
He sighed, crossing his arms, and leaned against one leg. Angel tuned in onto Orion. He wasn't all too surprised to hear the young Exo snoring away. Trikxas was right about her warning.
"Honestly, I don't know." Angel admitted, "all I thought about are the House of King's well-being." He raised a hand, tapping a finger against the side of his temple, "Not once has my own crossed my mind."
Next to him, he heard Hope sputter, practically choking.
"Your own well-bein'!?" Angel wasn't all too surprised at his Ghost's reaction, "Why not!?"
Why should he?
At least, that is the question that settled into his head. Angel has Fireteam Redacted, the House of Spirits, and now, the House of Kings, his pack, to worry about. His own safety shouldn't even be considered.
But the look Hope gave him says otherwise.
"Angel." She practically whined at him, and Angel couldn't help but look away at the desperate look she was giving him.
"I'm sorry." He apologized under his breath. There is another exasperated whine from his Ghost.
In contrast, he heard Trikxas let out a low chuckle.
"Self-sacrificing." He heard her let out a slow exhale, "I understand that sentiment wholly."
"It hurts me." Hope said.
Gut twisting with guilt once more, Angel decided to shift his attention to Orion. He could see now that the Titan was lying on his side, his lights dim between his plating. Some brave dregs grew curious enough to approach, looming over him as they chittered quietly between themselves. Angel caught snatches of them talking about the intricacies of Orion's appearance.
"How are you feeling?"
Trikxas' question prompted Angel to look back at the Ghost, and he saw the concern in her pink optic was back.
"We heard what happened back at the Tower." He flinched at her statement, "and it hasn't been that long since the incident." Trikxas floated closer, "you should be resting."
"I know that." Angel found himself snapping, feeling his irritation rise, "but the House of Kings needed me, and I…"
I was scared.
But he couldn't say it, the words got stuck in his throat and constricting them down. Instead, Angel took in a deep shuddering breath, almost a gasp.
"I was…" He tried again, and again, the words got stuck in his throat, and he grounded his jaw together.
"Angel." Hope's voice was low, and Angel heard her glide close, "It's okay." That is when he felt the familiar cold surface of her shell press against his cheek, "It's okay."
Feeling her warmth, the hum of her light against his skin, Angel found the words settle onto his tongue and finally, he could speak.
"I didn't want to be at the Tower." He finally said, "I know the Blossoms aren't there anymore, but I just look at other Guardians and I – "
It reminds him of them, of those who hurt him.
Angel knows they aren't the Blossoms, but each time he looks at an unknown face, a helmet he doesn't recognize, he gets flashes, flashes of his time under their imprisonment.
Their mocking voices.
Their sneering faces.
And the pain.
Angel didn't want to stay there. He wants to be around familiar faces. With his pack. Where he knows he won't be hurt.
But then Onosi attacked, and Angel just acted.
Onosi was a threat.
Onosi was going to hurt his pack.
Onosi was going to hurt him.
"I just – " His voice cracked, "I was scared. I didn't mean… I thought he was…"
"Oh, Angel."
Trikxas' voice was gentle, filled with understanding, and finally, the tension, the rope that held Angel together, snapped.
Falling to his knees, Angel felt the tears fall, heat against his skin as he released a shuddering breath.
"I didn't. I didn't want."
There was a hushing sound from Hope, and he could feel her glide down, settling into the crook of his neck.
"I'm here, Angel." He heard her say, "I'm here."
Jaw trembling, Angel buried his face into his hands, feeling the guilt and the shame surface. He had heard the room go quiet, and he felt the eyes, the eyes of those present looking at him. Witnessing his vulnerability, his weakness.
"Pure One."
Vraldyk's voice echoed from behind and Angel couldn't bear to look back.
The Baron's voice was filled with genuine concern and Angel also heard Varathis chitter worriedly behind him.
He doesn't want to look, not when he was initially here to help, and especially not when he is on his knees, feeling so small and exposed.
"Angel?"
Orion's voice rang familiarity against his ears, and it was then, he heard his own whimpering, his quiet cries. He had unintentionally woken up the Exo. This prompted Angel to tighten his lips, shoving his voice down. Then, he swallowed.
"I'm fine." Angel managed out.
"Angel." Orion said again, and Angel heard him move.
"I said I'm fine!"
"Angel?"
Despite himself, Angel lifted his head, and his green eyes settled over gold
Akiva had returned, with Taylor standing just behind him. Near his feet were the remains of what Angel recognizes as some plants, simple weeds that could be eaten as is. Likely Akiva didn't want to venture far from the cave.
The shame returned and Angel quickly started wiping away his eyes, moving to stand.
Then he heard the rush of steps, and the next thing Angel knew, Akiva was hovering over him, arms wrapped around his shoulders, and he had been pulled into an embrace.
"We're here." Akiva murmured and Angel felt a hand press against the back of his head, pulling him close, "We're here. You're safe."
Safe.
Angel had thought he would be safe when he was in the Wilds.
But then he died.
Then, he thought he would be safe at the Tower.
But then the Blossoms happened.
Nowhere is truly safe.
However, right now, with being in Akiva's arms, with the Titan whispering comfortingly into his ears, Angel felt the tears, the relief, the tension in his chest leaving.
Then he wailed.
"I was scared." Angel couldn't stop the sobs, all the pent-up fear he had been holding in, "You guys weren't there, and everything hurt. They wouldn't stop hurting me."
Guardians.
He hadn't trusted them initially but then he met Cayde, Carina, and Fireteam Redacted. Angel had thought that the ones he had met, the ones who had taken Salziks away from him were the outlier.
But now, after the Blossoms.
Angel wasn't so sure anymore.
"I didn't mean it." He went on, burying his face into Akiva's shoulder, "When he started attacking, I got scared. I thought he was going to hurt me."
The shame of crying, of acting like a child, but Akiva's embrace, it quickly shoved his worries away. All Angel cares about now is letting it out, to let the knot in his chest be gone.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." He cried, "Taylor, I'm so sorry."
There was a hushing sound from Akiva and he felt the Titan starting to rock. A motion he recognizes as one to help bring a sense of ease. It reminded him of Salziks, and his mother, echoes of memories of them doing the same. He misses them dearly.
Against his skin, Angel can feel Hope hum, her shell vibrating against his senses. It helped with the tension, helping ease the ache in his chest.
And the exhaustion settled in.
With his fears assuaged and safe in the arms of a friend, Angel finally allowed himself to drift away. And this time, he was met with blissful silence.