Redacted
A Brief Interrogation
CW: Referenced Past Torture, Threat of Torture, Death
Posted: 2/2/2025
Next Chapter Will Be Posted: 2/16/2025
Blossoms of Hope.
Up until Isamu made a reappearance, Ianos hadn't heard of them in years. Not because they were dwindling in numbers, but mostly because he couldn't care less after Isamu had left the clan. He was the only one that Ianos had cared for amongst them.
But now, Ianos wished that he had kept a closer eye on them, especially after seeing the way Angel trembled, his eyes wide with terror as he latched on Akiva's arm as if it was a lifeline.
If he had…
"It is not your fault." Ace murmured through their bond as Ianos continued to watch Akiva sit with the young Hunter; he could hear the Titan whispering softly to Angel, "we could have never known."
But they did, in a way.
Everyone knew that the Blossoms had grown obsessive, desperate to regain their former glory that they had before the Great Disaster. And with Isamu being their former Leader and Angel having come face to face with him, it was only a matter of time before the Blossoms caught wind of it. Ianos should have seen it coming.
Heaving out a breath, Ianos decided to turn his focus to Orion, seeing the latter conversing with the Baron of the Eliksni pack. Vraldyks, if Ianos recalls correctly, and a friend to Angel. At least, that is what the young Hunter had claimed. Ianos know that Angel can be a bit bias when it comes to his views on his connection with the Eliksni.
Nonetheless, this one seems to be true as although Ianos can't understand what they were saying, judging from the way Vraldyks was growling low, four eyes glowing bright and glaring at the Blossom nearby, he is none too pleased to hear what had happened to Angel. And Ianos knows how the Eliksni act when one of their own is hurt. It is never a pretty sight.
Speaking of the Blossom, last Ianos saw him, he was being swarmed by the others and still is, when he looked back.
Zakai's Revenants – including this Taylor - were standing by, weapons drawn, and keeping watch, standing with their backs to the others and facing the possible dangers behind the trees. Gemini and Scorpio were doing the same. Zakai and Pluto, in turn, were standing over the Blossom, the latter of whom was seated upon the ground and tied to a tree.
They had removed his helmet – a human – and he was glowering still when Ianos approached.
"Anything?" He asked.
A shake of the head from Pluto, "Either he curses at us or stays silent." He watched as Pluto ran a hand down the front of his face and then stopped just below his chin, "he is particularly stubborn, even under the threat of death."
"That means he just needs a good kick to the face."
Hearing Ace snort at Hope's words, Ianos instead coughed, ignoring the way Gemini and Scorpio strained their giggles – Pluto's narrowed look was enough to make them pause and cough themselves.
"Decided to join us?" Ianos asked instead.
From the corner of his eyes, he saw her shell bristle.
"Can't stay still when a Blossom is this close to my Guardian." She said, "especially one who was shootin' at us moments before."
Fair.
"Anything?"
Orion's voice prompted Ianos to look over his shoulder, his head following the Exo until the latter came to a pause near him. He heard him sigh when he subtly shook his head.
"Well, we have to get something." Orion crossed his arms, leaning to his right side, "I was barely able to convince Vraldyks to stay back and let us handle this. But if he learns that we got nothing, well – "
"It is not going to be pretty." Ianos heard Pluto finish.
"He already made threats to skin him." Orion said; much to the Blossom's credit, he didn't even flinch at that statement, "so, any plans before Vraldyks and the rest of the Eliksni decide to mutilate this guy to death?"
"Kick him in the face."
"Hope." Pluto chastised.
"I can help with that."
"Orion."
Unable to help but feel amused at the way Orion held his hands up in surrender at Pluto's glower, Ianos decided to turn his attention back to the Blossom. His glare had once not lifted. He couldn't help but hum quietly to himself.
At this rate, they won't get anything else done.
Unless, they hand the issue over to someone else.
"How about we let the Revenants handle this?" He suggested.
"What!?" Hope's shout echoed through the trees, "Why!?"
"Because this Blossom attacked not just us but one of their own as well." Ianos retorted; he felt Taylor's eyes on his back, "and lest not forget to mention that this is their territory."
And for the first time, Ianos saw an intense rage flash in Hope's green optic.
"Why!?" She screamed again, "Why should we let them handle it when Angel was the one wronged!?"
Ianos realized he made a mistake.
"Hope." He started.
"Don't Hope me!" Ianos lurched back at her shout, "You weren't there when they beat him with their Arc light! When they burned him with their Solar light! When they let the Void slowly devour him!" Her voiced turned ragged, "And that was just the start!"
The silence that followed was deafening, the shock palpable, and a knot formed in Ianos' throat. Angel had gone through much, too much for a Guardian for his age. It is no wonder that Hope is furious. And why Angel looked terrified.
Flicking his eyes over to where Akiva and Angel sat, Ianos could see the former had taken the latter into an embrace, holding him close to his chest. Even with his helmet present, Ianos knows Akiva's eyes were wide.
"Then perhaps he should have been more cooperative."
A voice below prompted Ianos to look over to the Blossom and he saw that the latter had lifted his head, chin tilted subtly upward.
"What do you mean?" Pluto asked. There was an edge to his voice.
Despite the lack of a visual, Ianos can sense the hesitation, the subtle shift of his expression. He found his patience thinning.
"Ianos? Ianos!"
Ace's shout rang in his head as Ianos found himself moving, frustration taking over. But he didn't try to stop himself as he took a step forward, raised a leg, and kicked. He felt the front of his foot connected, followed by a resounding crack. The Blossom's body jerked, head almost hitting the ground. The ropes were the only thing that kept him up.
"Damn." Orion sounded impressed, "you actually kicked him in the face."
"He deserved it." Hope commented.
As Ianos listened to the Blossom groan below him, Ianos heard Pluto let out a heavy sigh followed by Scorpio's and Gemini's low chuckling. He didn't bother to look over at Zakai. Ianos can feel the shock coming from his way.
"Please, elaborate." Ianos decided to say, "What do you mean Angel should have been more cooperative?"
That is when the Blossom looked up at him and once again, he sensed the reluctance but this time, the glare was directed at him. Feeling his patience wearing thin again, this time, Ianos sucked in a deep breath, and breathed out slowly.
"I am not in the mood to play games." Ianos crouched, so that he was face to face with the Blossom, "answer our questions, and all will be at ease."
"And let myself be prisoner to Dark Guardians?" The Blossom hissed out, "Never."
There was sound of offense from the Revenants around them, but Ianos promptly shrugged it off. Instead, he raised a hand and plopped it onto the Blossom's shoulder. He felt the puzzled look behind the latter's helmet.
"Let me give you a word of advice." Ianos started, "True, you are surrounded by hostiles but, you must also remember that you are surrounded by friends of one you had hurt." He sensed the Blossom's resolve harden, "and they are more than willing to hurt you in retribution."
"Then why not do it?" The Blossom asked, "Why not torture me so get what you want?"
"Do it." Ianos heard Hope hissed behind him.
"Hope." Pluto warned.
Opting to say nothing, Ianos instead watched as the Blossom lifted his chin – a sign of his confidence. Confidence that they won't do anything. Almost as if he had forgotten what Ianos had done just moments before. This prompted Ianos to tighten his grip upon the Blossom's shoulder.
"Look, I am trying to give you a way out." Ianos warned, voice low, "this is your last chance."
That is when the Blossom scoffed.
And Ianos, once again, found his patience running out.
"Pluto. Your knife."
There was a pause.
"Pardon?" He heard the Exo ask.
"Your knife, please."
Ianos kept his eyes upon the Blossom and he spotted the way his shoulders went tight, head dipping. It didn't deter him from raising his hand, and waiting until the familiar handle of a blade settled into his palm.
"Ianos." He heard Ace whisper, "You don't have to do this."
Bringing the blade close, Ianos once again opted to say nothing and instead, fiddled with the blade in his hands.
There was truth in his Ghost's words. He didn't have to do this. To be honest, this was more in Pluto's jurisdiction. He had seen plenty who had been dragged away by Pluto and Mars whenever one tried to aim for Sun, back when the Galaxy was at its peak. Although, this hardly means he doesn't know the trade himself. The Dark Ages made sure of that.
A hand on his shoulder prompted Ianos to look up. His eyes settled onto Pluto. He can feel the narrowed look behind his blindfold.
"I don't know who you are." Pluto's voice sounded tense, almost muffled, "and I assume you don't know us."
"I know you are enemies of the Blossoms." The Hunter before them snarled.
"Enemies." Ianos recognizes a strained smile when he sees one, especially on Pluto's face, "an understatement, considering the circumstances at hand." Then, the Exo Hunter crouched and, before Ianos could get a word in, he took the knife from his hands. Ianos looked on as Pluto fiddled with the knife, flipping it back and forth in his hands, "which is unfortunate for you, considering what I do to enemies." Then, he lazily pointed the knife at the Blossom Hunter, "and I can get creative, especially if you are more than just an enemy."
That is when Ianos saw the Blossom's shoulders tense, head dipping once more.
"You wouldn't." His voice sounded strained.
From the corner of his eyes, Ianos saw Pluto tilt his head.
"Kid." Pluto said, "I have been alive since the Dark Ages. What makes you think I wouldn't?"
A sharp inhale from the Blossom was telling enough and thus, Ianos waited, looking on as the Hunter raised his shoulders, chin practically pressed against his chest.
"We were looking for the Revenants." The Hunter finally murmured out, "so we may make contact with Isamu, one of our former founders."
There was a swift movement and even Ianos jumped when Pluto's knife suddenly embedded itself next to the Blossoms head. There was a startled yelp from the latter.
"We know that already." Pluto's voice was low, holding an edge, "tell us what your clan did to Angel and why you are here."
It was then Pluto withdrew his knife, grip tight around the handle, and Ianos noticed that the Blossom Hunter had dug his feet into the dirt, as if he tried to put distance between himself and the old Hunter. Like that was going to help.
"Lumir told me that we needed answers." The Hunter managed to stutter out, "and they heard about one of your own, that he had spoken with Isamu. He claimed that they had asked him for answers."
Ianos couldn't help but scoff.
Ask. Considering how Angel is acting now, that was not the case.
"And?" Pluto gestured with a hand for him to continue.
Another brief pause.
"But he refused." The Hunter continued, "and we were desperate."
"So, you tortured him?"
Ianos couldn't help but flinch at how bluntly Pluto asked the question. But it was needed; he spotted the way Zakai subtly jerked back, hearing him take a sharp inhale. Empathy might play in their favor.
"Lumir and the others did." The Hunter retorted; as if his statement were any better, "I was out in the Wilds when all of this happened."
"And what are you doing here now?" Pluto demanded.
There was another beat of silence but this time, the Blossom Hunter lifted his head.
"Lumir told me to keep an eye out for him." He answered, "and that if I were to ever see him, to kill him."
Ianos narrowed his eyes. The Blossoms are treading dangerously close to Fireteam Redacted's crosshairs, if they hadn't been locked in already. He wouldn't doubt if Pluto is already plotting a way to track them all down. And Gemini and Scorpio, considering that he could hear them murmuring with each other.
"And Taylor?" Pluto asked.
There is a scoff from the Hunter; he didn't even bother hiding the obvious distaste.
"He is a Revenant." The Blossom Hunter spat, "it is obvious why I fired at him. And not to mention, that he is a witness."
"Then you weren't just going to stop at him and Angel?" Pluto questioned, "You were going to kill everyone else?"
"You mean the Eliksni and the others?" The Hunter said, "of course. Lumir said leave no witnesses alive – "
The Hunter didn't finish.
Although partially expecting it, Ianos still couldn't help but jump when Pluto suddenly lashed out, blade whistling as it sliced through the air. And across the Hunter's neck.
The attack left a trail of red, splattering against the bark of the trees and brush. There was a gurgle, a choke, and the Blossom went limp. Even then, Pluto didn't move to stand, and Ianos did the same, waiting until the familiar flash of light appeared. He saw Pluto move first, but the Blossom's Ghost must have been expecting it, for Ianos saw it dash out of the way. Pluto's fingers barely brushed against its shell.
Unfortunately for the Ghost, Ianos had been expecting it as well.
There was a squeak when Ianos wrapped his hand around its core, feeling the parts of its shell press against the back of his fingers as he stood.
"Please, don't kill me and my Guardian." The Ghost pleaded.
That brought a twist to Ianos' heart, guilt and regret quickly settling into the pit of his gut. But just as quickly it appeared, he quashed it, letting his anger for Angel take its place.
"You're getting rusty." He said instead, turning his attention to Pluto.
There is a grunt from the Exo Hunter as he stood.
"I would say I should retire." Pluto said, "but you know what retiring means."
Losing your Ghost. And most sane Chosen would rather die than let that happen.
Instead of commenting on Pluto's words, Ianos turned to Zakai before holding up the Ghost, "Here."
He can feel the confused look behind the Preceptor's helmet.
"Pardon?" The latter questioned.
"Your territory." Ianos clarified, "Fair that you get to judge what happens to those who trespass."
There was a brief stare from Zakai before the Revenant slowly reached and took the struggling Ghost into his hand. Then, Ianos watched on with a mix of fascination and shock when wisps of darkness wrapped around the Ghost, forcing its shell against its core. That is when Sorrow appeared and, just like her Chosen, wisps of darkness appeared from her core and with it, she took the trapped Ghost. The latter hung helplessly beneath her. Then, Zakai moved to take the body.
"Preceptor." One of the Revenants spoke up, "Let us."
Ianos then looked on as the two Revenant guards holstered their weapons before moving over to the Blossom's body. They were quick, efficient, wordlessly undying the bonds before the broader of the two promptly swung the body over their shoulder. That prompted Ianos to fix his attention back to Zakai.
"Your call." He said.
There was another pause, another beat of silence but it was short, answered by Zakai simply nodding once.
"We shall make our way back to base." The Preceptor announced, "Where we will house the Eliksni and your friend." Zakai then momentarily glanced over at the Ghost; Ianos could see the latter's optic look back nervously, "The trespasser will be dealt with shortly."
Short and to the point, Ianos found himself looking over at the Revenants, expecting the Chosen to protest, to argue. To his surprise however, they were quiet, at attention, ready to obey. It made Ianos wonder. How much power and trust does Zakai have over the Revenants for them to obey so readily at his word?
A heavy release of breath from Orion pulled Ianos out of his thoughts.
"For once, I'm glad we're going back underground." The young Exo said, "Being out here after being attacked like that, makes me feel like we still have eyes on us."
Raising a brow at that, Ianos then turned his attention to Pluto. He let the tension ease from his shoulders when the Exo Hunter subtly shook his head.
"Then how about we quickly head back?" Ianos suggested, "let the adrenaline run its course."
"Or the paranoia."
Spotting the way Orion scowled, Ianos opted to say nothing and simply stand by as the Exo Titan took a step to Gemini. The latter squeaked, tinged with mischief and joy, and quickly placed Scorpio between herself and Orion.
"Orion." Pluto warned, "Not now."
There is another scowl from Orion, but Ianos looked on with amusement as the Titan raised two fingers, pointed at his optics and then at Gemini. In turn, he can sense the grin behind the younger Exo's helmet followed by a raised hand and the wiggling of fingers. Ianos recognizes a taunt when he sees one.
He swore that Orion bristled at the action but, Ianos can also sense the playfulness behind it. A good sign, considering that Orion hasn't exactly been 'gentle' for a while now.
Seeing him and the others ready to leave, Ianos then decided to turn his attention to Angel and Akiva. He can see the two rise from where they sat, with Akiva keeping a hand on Angel's shoulder. Although not trembling no more, Angel's face is still pale and he kept a hand on Akiva's arm, grip tight as if his life depended on it.
"Akiva. Angel." Ianos called out, approaching the pair.
Only Akiva looked over. Angel, on the other hand, went stiff, grip tightening around the Titan's wrist before his head bowed. Concern settled into Ianos' chest.
"Ianos." Akiva finally greeted back with a nod, "how did the interrogation go?"
"As well as it could." Ianos answered, "especially with Pluto to help."
There was a subtly raise of Akiva's head, a sense of surprise and understanding permeating from the Titan.
"I always forget that Pluto was resurrected during the Dark Ages." A pause from Akiva followed by a stare, "And you as well."
Despite himself, Ianos couldn't help but smile, "And despite that, you called me kid for the longest time."
There was a jerk, an exaggerated sound of offense.
"Have you looked in a mirror?" Akiva sounded aghast but Ianos heard the humor behind his voice, "You look like a kid! How am I supposed to know that you came from the Dark Ages?"
Despite himself, Ianos found a smile forming from his lips.
Honestly thinking back, it had been funny when Akiva treated Ianos the same as he did with Angel. Previously, he had been offended but now, the look on Akiva's face when he told him his estimated age had been funny.
However, he once again shoved his amusement to the side and instead, turned his focus onto Angel. The latter is still refusing to look at him.
"How is the actual kid doing?" Ianos asked, flicking his attention back to Akiva.
That is when he spotted the exaggerated raise of Akiva's shoulders slump, and the Titan sighed as he turned his face to the Hunter.
"Shaken up." Akiva answered, "Terrified." Then he stood, slipping his hands under Angel's to help the Hunter to his feet, "He's going to need help. A lot of it."
It was then Ianos watched as Angel leaned in, pressing his head against Akiva's chest. As the latter wrapped his arms around his shoulders, giving his head a comforting pat, Ianos spotted the tears, the wideness of his eyes. The sight made him debate if he should have truly tortured the Blossom. Even if the latter wasn't directly involved, it would have sent a message. At least, that is what was done back in the Dark Ages.
That made Ianos' heart twist. And here he thought that he could leave that part of his life behind. It seems that others did not think the same.
A low growl tore Ianos' eyes away from Angel, and instead, his focus turned to the Baron of the Eliksni pack. To his surprise, this one's eyes held a white glow, instead of the blue that is the norm of the Eliksni.
The name Vraldyks popped first into his mind – he recalls Angel mentioning a Baron with a white glow. This must be him.
"You should have let that despot suffer." The Baron snarled, eyes flashing, "not after what he and his pack have done to Pure One."
Ianos would whole heartily agree. Except for one problem.
"He's not the one who hurt Angel directly." Ianos said, "although he is part of the clan that did."
Vraldyks gave him a narrowed look, "And that matters?"
Fair point.
Spotting the way the Baron bristled, a rumble permeating from his throat, Ianos decided to say, "How about we worry about that later. For now, let us get to somewhere safe." He flicked his eyes to the trees, "My team may say that there is no one nearby, that can quickly change."
Seeing Vraldyks give him another narrowed look, Ianos then decided to add, "Unless you want to die out here and lose your chance for revenge, for both you and your pack."
No sooner had the words left his lips when a snarl came from Vraldyks followed by a flash of his eyes. That was telling enough for Ianos.
"If you may follow us then." Ianos said before turning to follow Zakai and the others.
It was then his eyes flicked back to Akiva and Angel and at first, he was relieved to see that the pair were moving at a steady pace. But then, Ianos noticed the way that Angel clung onto Akiva – once again, as if his life depended on it – and the unease is still set on his face.
Recalling the names of the members of the Blossoms, Ianos mentally started ticking off those who could be responsible before slowing down his pace, taking Angel's other side. Then, from the corner of his eyes, he saw Angel finally look at him. His face is still pale and Ianos spotted the brimming tears. Heart sinking, Ianos tried to find the words, gather his thoughts to help ease Angel's tension.
None came.
Instead, Ianos raised a hand, holding it out to Angel.
This prompted a pause, and he watched as Angel looked down at his hand, then back at him, and then repeated the gesture. Waiting patiently, Ianos continued to look on as Angel slowly raised one hand and then set it into his. This was soon followed by a sniff and then he saw the tears flow. Ianos gave Angel's hand a gentle squeeze.
He wanted to say that Angel is safe now, that no one else would hurt him. But Ianos knows better. No one is safe, especially not a Guardian. Instead, he kept pace with Akiva, his steps slow enough where he took notice of their Ghosts – Hope, Ace, and even Lex – take point. He spotted the way their optics were alert, consistently scanning their surroundings. This allowed Ianos to relax some, and to tune into their quiet steps; of his team and the Eliksni behind them. And prays that the Revenants will show Angel leniency.