Redacted

One of Them

Posted: 1/19/2025

Apologies for the late update! Got sick last week so couldn't type.

Next Chapter will be posted February 2nd.

Ianos couldn't focus.

He squinted, trying not to scowl as he tried to read aloud the storybook that Hush had picked out for the day. Judging from the concerned look that Hush and Crystalline were giving him, it failed.

"Should we stop for today?"

Looking over his shoulder, Ianos's eyes settled onto Ace. He sighed when he saw the same concerned look on his Ghost's optic.

He wants to say yes, wants to put the book away – carefully, Atum would warn each time they would visit – and head outside with Zakai and the two Revenants he is taking with him. Outside where Akiva and Orion were returning. With a pack of Eliksni and – somehow Angel – in tow. However, Ianos wasn't reading just for Hush.

Setting the book down, Ianos looked ahead, and he watched as Nine and Knight paused, setting the block down he had in his free hand and subtly tilted his head. The glow in his optics seemed a bit brighter today. That is a good sign. A sign that Ianos doesn't want to risk passing over.

"Don't force yourself to read if you can't." Crystalline is the one who spoke, "Hush says it's no fun if you're not having fun."

Momentarily turning his eyes to the lavender Ghost, Ianos then shifted his focus down until his eyes connected with Hush's yellow. He sighed at the way her brows were furrowed, lips pursed and shut the book. As he stood, tucking the book under his arm, Ianos then eyed the blocks that were stacked in front of Nine and Knight. The latter resumed his block building, slowly placing a block on his building tower. It swayed unsteadily, the base uneven, but the rocking ceased and the tower stood. This prompted Nine and Knight to pick up another block. The most movement that Ianos had seen from the Exo in days.

"How about we build blocks with Nine and Knight instead?" Ianos suggested and when he looked back at Hush, her eyes were bright.

It wasn't long before she slid out of her seat, scampering over to Nine's and Knight's side, and then leaned over his shoulder, eyeing the blocks that he had precariously stacked. In response to this, Eidr cooed, Ianos looking on as the infant raised his hands, small fingers reaching as Hush hovered just above.

Amused, Ianos decided to take the opportunity to walk away, hearing Ace glide closely beside him as he recalled the way to the shelf where to put the book away. Quickly finding the aisle, Ianos turned into it before coming to a pause in front of a shelf and carefully slid the book into its waiting slot.

"Nervous?"

Jumping, Ianos looked down one side of the aisle and he spotted Atum, the purple and gold clad Hunter approaching. He didn't even hear his steps. A typical trait of his class. Only if Ikora had appreciated it back then.

"What gave it away?" Ianos asked.

Although Atum's helmet hid his face, Ianos still felt the blank stare that the Hunter gave him.

"For the past three days you came here religiously to read to the child and the Exo." Lack of names. Lack of trust, "and each time you seemed intent, like as though you had a goal in mind." Then, he gestured vaguely at the shelf where Ianos had just put the book back, "But today, even I can tell that you were hardly paying attention, out of focus." Then, Atum crossed his arms, his head tilting subtly, "Is it about your friends that are coming back with a group of Fallen?"

Word spreads fast. Not that Ianos is surprised. The Tower is the same.

"Somewhat." Ianos answered, "I am more concerned how the Revenants would act once they realize that Eliksni are encroaching onto your territory."

And how Angel would react to it. Ianos had noticed his recent carnage in the Crucible.

Despite the helmet, he can sense Atum's scowl. Ianos waited for an outburst, a protest. The Revenants, he learned, are very defensive of each other. Fortunately, there was another shift of the head from Atum followed by a scoff.

"I would be offended if it wasn't true." The Hunter admitted, "your concerns are valid."

That made Ianos' gut twist, his heart sinking, and his worry grew. He sensed a stare from Atum.

"I said the wrong thing, didn't I?" The Hunter said.

"Quite." Ace muttered.

"I think it best if I were present." Ianos before promptly turning around and walked away, returning to the table.

At that point, Knight's, Nine's, and Hush's tower of blocks was still miraculously up – teetering, but still up – and Nine and Knight was standing now, to add to its height. Hush was looking on with wide eyes, her mouth slightly ajar. That is, until Nine and Knight plopped a block at the top. And the tower finally came tumbling down.

There was a squeal, a hop from Hush as her eyes twinkled as the blocks fell to the floor. In contrast, Nine's and Knight's free arm plopped to his side, head dipped, and his lights blinking steadily from his optics and between his plating. To Ianos, he almost looked disappointed.

Progress.

Walking over, Ianos then kneeled to help pick the blocks. In turn, Hush plopped down next to him, gathering the blocks into her arms. Thus, the work was quick, allowing Ianos to stand, walk over to the bin where they initially had gotten the blocks from and set them inside. He felt Hush's look, worried and concerned, but nonetheless, she still dropped the blocks into the bin as well. Ianos took the opportunity to look at her and smile.

"Want to greet Akiva, Orion, and Angel?" Ianos asked; he watched as her eyes grew wide and she nodded, "they're bringing friends too. Eliksni friends."

That is when her face lit up, her yellow eyes glowing bright, and Ianos watched as Hush grab at his hand with hers, shook it vigorously and hopped a few times in place. Giving her a soft smile, Ianos then walked over to Nine and Knight, and took him by the arm. He heard Eidr coo as he started leading the Phoenix Exo to the door. There is a heavy breath from Ace.

"It's slow progress but Nine and Knight are coming out of their shell." His Ghost said, "hopefully they and Day will wake soon."

That made Ianos hum in agreement, especially for the statement on Day.

Nine and Knight is easy enough to know the condition of. Their blinking of optics, their subtle movements, it tells him that they are at least present. However, for Day, the same cannot be the same and, unlike the Exo, there had been no sign of the Ghost. All Ianos and the others could do now is hope that when Nine and Knight recover, so will Day.

"Oh!" Ace's exclamation prompted Ianos to look over, spotting his Ghost's orange and black shell and their orange optic bright, "it's Akiva. He's sending a frequency – and I lost it."

Ianos raised a brow, "What?"

"Me too!" Crystalline popped in, "and I lost it too."

"I got it again." Ace said, "and it's gone again."

Ianos frowned, "What is he doing?"

"Maybe he's trying to say he's close?" Crystalline suggested, "I lost it again."

"More like he's panicking – got it." Ace sounded triumphant, "sending it through."

"Finally!" Akiva's voice rang through the frequency; Ianos noticed the tone edged with relief and tension, "I was trying to connect with anyone. I even tried to reach Pluto and the twins. What were you doing?"

There is a sputtering sound of offense from Ace, "Because you kept cutting it off!" Ianos watched as his Ghost bristled, "What is the emergency? Aren't you and Orion close?"

"I think so?" Akiva answered, "Taylor said we were close." Ianos raised a brow at that – is that the name of one of the Revenants that he teamed up with? "But then, someone shot at us."

A pause.

"I swear by the Traveler, if the Revenants attacked you again – " Ace started.

"No!" A deep breath from Akiva, "No, it's not from the Revenants, not this time."

Ianos' gut twisted, "Was it from the Eliksni?"

"Not them either." Akiva answered.

"Then who?" Crystalline is the one who asked.

"Well." Akiva started, "That's the thing. We don't know."

Ianos found himself speeding up his pace, "What do you mean, you don't know?"

"Well." Akiva started again, "We were on our way when Taylor stopped, turned and – get down!"

That is when Ianos heard bodies falling onto the hearth followed by the familiar sound of a bullet kicking up dirt.

"How close are you?" Ianos practically started dragging Hush, Nine, and Knight. He forced himself to slow down when he felt Hush fumble next to him.

"Before Taylor got shot in the head, he said we weren't far." Akiva answered; in the background, Ianos can hear panicked chittering, hushed voices spoken through clenched teeth, "however, we thought it best to move back." There is a grunt through the frequency, "whoever they are, we don't want to risk leading them back to the Revenant base."

Despite the logic, Ianos couldn't help but grind his teeth together.

"Stay safe. I'm coming." He announced.

"I would say not to but – " Another whistling of a bullet. This time, the crack of tree can be heard in the background, "but be quick. And be careful."

Opting to say nothing more except for cutting off the frequency, Ianos then turned his attention to Hush.

"Hush." He ignored the scowl that the child Guardian gave him, "Take Nine and Knight back to our room and stay there."

But – She started signing in protest.

"I need someone I can rely on to keep Nine and Knight safe." Ianos saw her hand come to a halt, "and considering that Pluto and the twins are who knows where, I can only depend on you." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, "could you do that for me?"

There was a subtle dip of the head as they walked, Ianos spotting the way her brows furrowed, her nose scrunching. Then finally, she looked back at him, and she nodded. Ianos let out a breath.

"Ace and I will be back soon." He said before slipping his hand away from Hush's.

As Ianos walked away, he pulled his arm away from Nine's and Knight's, ignoring the way the Exo's touch seemed to linger a tad too long, a tension against fingertips as he moved.

"You have their location?" Ianos asked.

"Of course." Ace sounded offended, "Who do you take me for?"

"My Ghost." Ianos retorted back.

"I – is that supposed to be a joke?"

"Did you try contacting Pluto and the twins?" Ianos asked instead.

There is a pause followed by an exasperated sigh.

"Give me one moment."

Hearing his Ghost go silent, Ianos then focused on trying to find the way out, slipping past Revenants. He can feel their suspicious gazes upon his back.

"Nix said that he and the others got a few attempted frequencies from Akiva." Ace answered moments later, "but they weren't quick enough to answer. They are on their way as well to Akiva's location."

Ianos responded with a grunt, "Wonder who is brave enough to fire at a group of Chosen with a pack of Eliksni?"

"You mean dumb enough." Ace corrected, "Perhaps someone with a grudge?"

"Only explanation." Ianos muttered, his eyes settling over the exit.

And the two Revenants standing by.

"Hey." One of them stepped forward, "The Preceptor didn't inform us that – "

"Sorry." To his surprise, Ianos managed to shoulder his way through, slipping past the two Revenants, "there is an emergency."

"Stop." He felt a hand grab him the shoulder, causing Ianos to pause and look back, "We just can't let you leave, not unless you tell us where you're going."

"We're heading out to help a friend." Pluto's voice rang out, prompting Ianos to look over the Revenant's shoulder. He spotted the Exo Hunter striding down the hall, with Gemini and Scorpio following dutifully behind, "which apparently, includes one of your own."

The other Revenant guard gave Pluto a puzzled look, "What?"

"No time." Pluto them brushed past the guards, pressing a hand against Ianos' back and pushing him forward, forcing the Revenant's hand off his shoulder, "We move or our friend and one of yours might die."

That seemed to be enough as Ianos stepped outside, he heard no further protest from the guards. It wasn't long until he spotted the familiar red and black clad form of Zakai, the latter turning towards him.

"Ianos?" Zakai asked.

"Trouble." Was he said before brushing past Zakai and his two Revenant bodyguards, following Ace, his Ghost having taken point.

And it truly wasn't far, for moments later, Ianos heard the whistle of a bullet, followed by an impact of dirt. Whoever was using the sniper was somehow silencing the shots. Ducking down, Ianos inched closer, eyes scanning his surroundings, trying to spot Akiva or even the sniper.

He did not find either.

But he did spot a familiar cyan clad shape hiding behind some trees.

"Orion- ack!"

Gemini's call was cut off, no doubt from Scorpio, and Ianos is glad for it. Last thing they want is for the Sniper – or Snipers – to be aware for their presence. Looking over his shoulder, Ianos's eyes settled over Pluto, Gemini – latter of whom is rubbing her side, glaring at her twin – Scorpio, and to his surprise, Zakai and his two bodyguards. He bit his tongue, suppressing the questions. Right now, Akiva and the others are their priority.

Turning his attention back to the situation at hand, Ianos watched as Orion peeked out, only to duck away as a shot narrowly missed his face. Behind him, he heard movement and from the corner of his eyes, Ianos spotted Pluto and the twins moved around him before promptly disappearing through the brush. He always wondered how the Hunters do that.

"How may we be of assistance?"

Ianos didn't look over his shoulder but he can feel Zakai's eyes on him. Alongside the puzzled looks from the two Revenants with him.

At first, saying nothing, Ianos scanned the trees and finally, he spotted Angel. He wasn't all too surprised to see the Hunter standing near the Eliksni – the Baron specifically, considering their size – crouched, weapon drawn. But also considering the number, it's not possible for Angel to defend them all, at least not alone.

"Help Angel." Ianos murmured out before inching forward. He needs to find Akiva. The Titan was the one who made the call after all.

Keeping low, Ianos then felt the familiar weight of Ace's presence settle into his head, and it was then he felt the tension from his Ghost.

"Can't track where the shots are coming from." He heard Ace mutter, "either they're moving around or there's more than one."

Ianos grinded his teeth together.

So, an expert, likely a Veteran or a group of well-experienced group of Chosen best-case scenario. An old Chosen at worst. Mainly because the latter have tricks up their sleeves. A bother to counter against.

Quickening his pace, Ianos would duck every time he heard bullets whistling, with the crack of every tree trunk hit, and the thud of dirt kicking into the air. At this point, Ianos wonders why Akiva hadn't summoned a Ward. Perhaps because he didn't want to leave the Eliksni exposed? From what he could count, there were quite a few.

Heaving out a heavy breath through his nose, Ianos then flicked his attention back over his shoulder. Much to his relief, Zakai and his two Revenants are absent. Likely to help Angel, as he asked. At least, he hopes so.

This prompted Ianos to focus on moving once more, trying to spot the familiar brown clad form of Akiva through the brush.

"Found you!"

A strong grip snatched him by the arm and by instinct, Ianos turned, reeled back a hand, curling it into a fist, and then swung. He felt it connect, followed by a crack and the hold upon his arm quickly released. It was then, his eyes set upon a familiar shape.

"Akiva?" Ianos called out, watching as the Titan in question groaned as he placed a hand upon his jaw and sat up.

"Ianos?" Akiva's voice sounded muffled, strained and followed by another groan, "Knew that punch felt familiar."

"My apologies." Ianos muttered out as he held out a hand, signaling Akiva to reach out and grab it.

Pulling on the Titan's arm so that he could help him to his feet, Ianos then asked, "I am going to take a guess you were trying to find the shooter?"

"Emphasis on try." Akiva rubbed his jaw; Lex's shape materialized not long after, "I thought I found them, but it was you."

Ianos raised a brow at that, "Are you just looking blindly?"

"Sort of?" Lex answered, "We would run in the general direction of the shots but each time when we get there, they have either moved or it's a trick shot."

Not a group then, likely they are facing a veteran or an old Chosen. Ianos prays that it is just a Veteran. Those ones he can handle.

"So, where I am standing now…" Ianos started.

"Is where the last shot took place." Akiva finished; Ianos saw him shift his jaw around, and then he nodded at Lex. In turn, the white and yellow Ghost nodded back and disappeared in a flash of light, "That's why I grabbed you like I did."

Understandable, considering the circumstances.

Another sound of a bullet hitting a tree caused Ianos to duck. He saw Akiva do the same. This was soon followed by a curse.

"Traveler, damn it." Akiva snarled and, before Ianos could stop him, he ran, disappearing behind the brush and trees.

"He is going to get himself killed." Ianos heard Ace mutter, and he would agree.

If he hadn't ran after him.

"Ianos!" Ace yelped, "What are you –"

"I'm faster." Was all Ianos said as he picked up pace, ran past Akiva - he swore he heard the latter let out a squawk of surprise – before bursting through some foliage. And his eyes settled upon a familiar cloak of a Hunter.

He moved instinctively.

Ianos practically jumped, hearing the Hunter let out a shout as he slammed into them. The world spun, but experience prompted him to twist, trying to lock his legs around the Hunter's waist and wrap his arms around their neck.

But of course, things couldn't be that simple.

The Hunter snarled, and Ianos then felt an impact slam into the front of his face followed by a crack. He blinked at the crack forming on the front of his visor. When did Ianos put on a helmet?

"Safety first." He heard Ace mutter.

Thankful, Ianos continued his tussle with the Hunter, keeping his grip tight as he tried to rise on top. However, it seems the Hunter is just as stubborn, as whenever thought Ianos would be triumphant, the former would counter, snatching away his victory followed by a string of curses.

"Ianos!"

Akiva's voice resounded through the trees followed by the sound of steps and a hand grabbing him by the collar. This was soon followed by a tug and Ianos found his arms and legs torn away from the Hunter. He let out a hiss as the Chosen's fingers claw through the cloth of his armor, feeling them drag against his skin. A quick ping from Ace showed no visible marks.

"Fuck – Let me go!"

Hearing the Hunter shout, Ianos went to move, to act, but he found his feet treading air. It was only then that he noticed himself dangling and across from him, held in Akiva's other hand, is the offending Hunter, adorned in white and red with a dash of pink, kicking and cursing. This made Ianos remember just how tall Akiva truly is.

"Ianos?" He looked at Akiva, "You alright?"

Sensing the concern behind his friend's helmet, Ianos confirmed with a nod. This was followed by a breath from Akiva followed by a nod of his own and then, Ianos found himself being carefully lowered, allowing him to set his feet upon the ground.

"Now then." Ianos saw Akiva look over at the Hunter with a hand on his hip, looking at him up and down; to him, it looked as though Akiva is assessing a New Light, "Who the shit are you and why in the hell are you attacking us?"

"Like fuck I am going to tell you anything!"

A spark of arc light caused Ianos to ready himself, gathering void light in his hands.

Only for a swift punch to the gut by Akiva ceased any resistance from the Hunter. There was a wheeze, a rasp from the Chosen followed by a cough as he wrapped his arms around his abdomen. As Ianos blinked at the swift retaliation, he also heard a huff from Akiva.

"You were lucky that Taylor is still alive." Akiva said, "otherwise, I would have given you more than just a punch."

"Fuck. Off."

Hearing another huff from Akiva, Ianos once more saw him look at him, "Shall we check on the others?"

"A sound plan." Ianos agreed and he waited until Akiva took the lead to follow.

It didn't take long for him to realize how daring the Hunter was, considering that it took only moments for them find the others; the two Revenants who were with the Preceptor was checking over a face that Ianos doesn't recognize – likely this Taylor that he keeps hearing about – and Zakai checking over Angel while the latter was focused on the Eliksni, especially with the Baron. The latter looked obviously displeased.

It is only Orion who noticed their approach, the Exo Titan turning away from Pluto and the twins. He saw Orion's head subtly shift to the sulking Hunter in Akiva's grip.

"I see you caught our shooter." Orion said, "Were there others?"

Akiva shook his head, "I think he's the only one. Hopefully." He looked at their makeshift prisoner, "Anyone else here with you?"

Their only answer was a rude gesture.

If he had truly been the only one who came here and started shooting, the Hunter must truly be a good shot, considering how he is acting. Then again, Ianos knows a couple of Chosen from the Dark Ages who changed little through the years.

Fortunately, from the corner of his eyes, Ianos saw Pluto shake his head.

"Gemini, Scorpio, and I already did a quick sweep of the perimeter." The Exo answered, "we found no one else." Pluto tilted his head, acting as his optics were still functional, "This one was acting either alone or on orders."

"Angel? Angel!?"

Hope's cries prompting Ianos to look over and he spotted Angel, standing, but frozen, green eyes wide with fear.

Gut twisting, Ianos followed his line of sight, only for his eyes to settle onto their offending Sniper.

"Get him away from Angel!" He looked back at Hope; her white and red shell is bristling, "get that fucker away!"

"What?" Akiva sounded understandably confused. Nonetheless, Ianos heard him take a few steps back, "explain, please?"

This only seemed to aggravate Hope further.

"Because he is one of them!" She shouted, "He is a Blossom! The ones who hurt Angel!"