Redacted
A Change and a Compromise
Posted: 2/16/2025
Angel didn't want to let go.
It was endearing, mostly because of his age, but it was also worrying. Their trip back to the Revenant base was short and it was quickly decided that the Eliksni would camp outside of the entrance. Not because they weren't allowed entrance – although Ianos wouldn't be surprised if that was one reason – it was because of the other Revenants inside. It seems that even Zakai acknowledges the rogue Chosen's habit of shooting first and asking questions later.
However, that doesn't mean Ianos and the others aren't barred and he thought it was best time to check on Hush, Knight, and Nine. He wouldn't be surprised if she is starting to worry. And that she is already on the move looking for him.
The problem is just that Angel refused to let go of not just his hand, but Akiva's as well. He has both of their hands in a vice grip, almost painful if they try to resist. Ianos even spotted Akiva struggle, subtly tilting his wrist to twist Angel's grip away. But the young Hunter held on.
At first, Ianos wanted to protest, to speak, but when he opened his mouth, he spotted the fear in Angel's eyes. It was then, he understood.
The Blossom Hunter's body and Ghost had already been taken inside, courtesy of the two Revenant guards who came with Zakai. And Angel did not want either himself – or the others – to get near.
The Blossoms of Hope had scarred Angel deeply.
Taking a deep breath to suppress the surge of anger rising, Ianos finally relaxed his hand in Angel's grip, and he felt the young Hunter do the same. From the corner of his eyes, he spotted Akiva giving him a look but nonetheless, he too ceased in trying to get away. Ianos then sent a mental message to Ace to inform Crystalline of their current predicament. Hush will join them soon.
"How is he doing?"
Pluto's voice prompted Ianos to look over, spotting the Exo Hunter approach. As usual, Orion, Gemini, and Scorpio followed closely behind. His chest ached as the memory of the previous Galaxy flashed in his mind; Pluto and Neptune used to do the same with Sun.
"Quiet." Akiva is the one who answered. This was soon followed by a sigh before raising the hand that Angel is latched onto, "And needs company."
There is a heavy exhale from Pluto. Behind him, Ianos can see Gemini make a face.
"I don't care what that Hunter and his clan say." Gemini started, "But if they hurt Angel, I'm ready for a hunt."
Beside her, Scorpio nodded. This was followed by a hush from Orion.
"You can talk about hunts all you like." His voice is low, a whisper, "just don't say it around the Eliksni. You're only going to encourage them to start a hunt of their own."
"And that's bad?"
Ianos looked on with mild amusement as Orion opened his mouth, silent, before promptly clamping it shut. He sensed the victory from Gemini not long after.
"I just don't trouble to start before we could get proper help for the House of Kings." Orion managed to mutter out, his pink optics flicking to the survivors; Ianos can see that they were a good distance away, propping themselves against the trees. Most were surrounding Vraldyks, "especially when they're so vulnerable."
Good point, especially since one of their Barons is weak, one pillar keeping an Eliksni house standing. If the Revenants wanted to, they could easily kill him, exposed as Vraldyks is now. And considering the House of Kings as of now, any semblance, any hope of the House surviving this would completely crumble. Ianos wouldn't be surprised if the Revenants – Zakai or not – are waiting for an excuse to spring on the weakened Eliksni. Even if it's the simplest weakest one, considering at reactive they are.
"Should we even call them the House of Kings?" Gemini's voice pulled Ianos out of his thoughts, "I mean, their House is pretty much – ack!"
With Gemini's typical bluntness, came with Scorpio's typical action: with him jabbing his elbow into her side.
In turn, there was an audible smack as she swung her palm against her twin's shoulder and, as usual, there was no reaction, just a narrowed look from Scorpio.
"We'll talk about that later." Orion said quickly, "but for now, let's just keep them out of trouble." Ianos then saw him look over his shoulder and sigh, "Especially Vraldyks, and he's the Baron."
Looking on as Orion turned and walked back, Ianos followed the Exo's trajectory. It didn't take long for him to understand. Vraldyks was on his feet again, four eyes glowing with intent. He couldn't help but be amused at how quickly Orion blocked his path.
"I will help them rebuild."
Angel's voice was hardly a whisper, so quiet that Ianos almost missed it. But it was enough for him to snap his attention back to the young Hunter.
Although Angel had lifted his head, his hood still obscured much of his face, something that wouldn't ring any alarms for Ianos. But he knows better. Ianos made mental notes to speak with Vraldyks when he is able. And it is not to convince him to cease in his plans for a hunt.
Nonetheless, brushing the thoughts aside, Ianos decided to say, "Are you sure? You are still searching for the House of Spirits, aren't you?"
The way Angel flinched made Ianos' chest twist.
"They don't want to be found." Angel mumbled out, "best to move on." Despite his words, Ianos can hear the hurt, the longing in the young Guardian's voice, "and the Kings is the best place to start."
Ianos couldn't help but glance over at the group of Eliksni. Ignoring the way Vraldyks is protesting with Orion, the rest of the Eliksni looked tired at best, and ill at worst. Not to mention that this pack is small.
"Varathis said there are other survivors." He turned his attention back to Angel, "once I help him and the others, I would also help in the search for the rest of their House." The Hunter then dipped his head, "At least, the ones who are still loyal."
Right, the House of Kings were betrayed and Ianos wouldn't doubt if the dissenters are still around, especially not with the rumors that Guardians are spotting Eliksni donning unfamiliar colors. But to pick out the one who isn't and who are loyal to the Kings.
"That is going to take time." Pluto's voice rang out, voicing one of Ianos' many concerns, "Time away from the Tower." That is when Ianos spotted Angel dip his head once more, as if to further hid behind his hood, "Unless that is what you are aiming for."
Despite himself, Ianos took in a sharp inhale, jaw tight.
"Wait, what?" Gemini, as usual, unable to hold back her words, "but why – ack – stop it!"
There was another swat from Gemini at her twin which was promptly followed by Scorpio hissing out, "Gemini."
A quiet squabble quickly formed between the two Exo and Ianos heard Pluto let out a slow, exasperated, sigh.
"Staying away from the Tower for long periods is a risk." Pluto continued, "you will have to notify the Tower of your whereabouts and to keep your frequency open." There was a pause, following by a tip of the head from the blind Exo, "Which, is something that you wish to avoid."
"You're leaving!?" Gemini blurted out, "but if you do that – ack – Scorpio!"
"Angel knows the risks." Her brother hissed back, "you think he wouldn't know that?"
"But – "
"Let Angel do what he wants." Scorpio interrupted, "especially since…" His voice faded, "Well, I think he would feel more comfortable out in the Wilds with the Eliksni."
Ianos turned thoughtful at that.
It is true that if a Guardian leaves the Tower for a long period, then there is a risk that the Hounds will be sent. The Vanguard's and Consensus' personal attack dogs, mostly filled with Guardians who hold a strong – or, according to Pluto, obsessive – loyalty to them. Fortunately, the Vanguard don't utilize them often. The Consensus on the other hand.
Nonetheless, despite the risks, it seems Angel is intent on staying away from the Tower, judging from the hard set of his jaw. And not that he could blame him. It is difficult to stay in a place, a place where one is supposed to be safe, where the risks of getting hurt is getting higher and higher. But there was just one issue.
"There is a possibility that the Blossoms will be exiled." Ianos said; he once again saw Angel flinch, "and judging from what that Hunter said, they have a grudge. They will likely try to target you once they learn that you are in the Wilds."
That is when he felt Angel's grip tighten around his hand.
"But the Wilds is my home." Angel's voice was low, "I can't just let them make me scared to live in my own home."
His voice cracked at the end and Ianos found himself giving Angel's hand a comforting squeeze. He doesn't know what to say. A part of Ianos wants to convince Angel to stay at the Tower, thus making it difficult for the Blossoms to get their hands on him. But he also knows that a Hunter's place is in the Wilds. To tell them otherwise, it is equivalent to imprisonment. The only problem is that if – when – the Blossoms are exiled, they would carry a grudge, an obsession to wrought vengeance upon the ones who had wronged them. And somehow, Angel is on that list.
True, there are dangers: other Eliksni, Vex, Cabal, and others. But that is something Ianos know Angel can handle. Other Guardians however, specifically those with years, that is a wholly different story.
Slowly exhaling through his nose, Ianos found his eyes trailing over to Akiva and, although he spotted the latter's shoulders were tense, the Titan had already raised a hand and placed it on Angel's shoulder, giving him a comforting pat. Despite that, he remained silent. Ianos wasn't the only one who was uncertain of what to say.
"If you consider the Wilds your home, then defend it!"
"Gemini!"
Looking over at the twins, Ianos spotted Gemini fling her arm back, throwing her brother's hand off her. He must give her credit, considering that even with Pluto giving her a warning look, she walked over and jabbed a finger at Angel.
"You're a Hunter." Hearing the edge in her voice, Ianos decided it best not to interfere; he has a feeling she would redirect her frustration at him and then back to Angel if he did, "and the Wilds is our home." Then, Gemini proceeded to prop her hands upon her hips, and Ianos could see the glow of her optics behind her helmet, "Are you going to let some nobodies force you out of your home?"
"Nobodies?" Ianos heard Pluto murmur under his breath followed by a pause, and then, a snort. Of course, the Exo would find it amusing. The Blossoms saw the Galaxy as a rival. Galaxy saw them more of an annoyance, especially Sun. Guess with the new generation, that didn't change.
"Gemini." Scorpio jumped in with a hiss.
"But it's true." Gemini retorted, "and it's true that these Blossoms hurt him, but if I were him, as a Hunter, I would never allow anyone to kick me out of the Wilds. Never."
Her words were promptly followed a swat to the shoulder from Scorpio, and another hey from Gemini. But nonetheless, the former's shoulders dropped, leaned back his head, and heaved out a breath.
"Gemini has somewhat a point." From the corner of his eyes, Ianos saw Angel dip his head, "you shouldn't allow others to force you out of the Wilds. You must face them head on, stand your ground."
"I." Angel dipped his head even further and whispered, "I know."
"Good thing is you don't have to face them all on your own."
Despite himself, Ianos couldn't help but feel amused when Scorpio's words prompted Angel's head to snap up, his hood lifting enough to show his eyes were wide.
"What?" he heard Angel say.
"What do you mean 'what'?" Gemini sounded legitimately offended, "Not all Hunters hunt solo you know." Then, she puffed out her chest, "Some work in packs, and you are part of our pack, Angel."
"Gemini." Scorpio called out once more but this time, Ianos watched as he buried his face into his hands. He can feel the heat radiating off him.
Raising a brow at this reaction, Ianos then saw Pluto tip his head in the direction of the Eliksni and heard him chuckle. Following the gesture, it was then Ianos noticed that Orion and Vraldyks had ceased in their talk and had turned to look at them. No, not just them, all the Eliksni were looking at them now. More specifically, at Gemini.
Orion's body was frozen, so still that Ianos would have legitimately thought him frozen if it wasn't for the wheezing sound he made soon after. It was only when he saw the way Vraldyks' eyes flashed and the low rumbling emitting from the Baron that he understood.
"I think it is best if I take my leave." Ianos managed to mumble out before giving Angel's hand one final comforting squeeze before slipping away, "I need to speak with the Preceptor."
As Ianos stepped away, he felt Angel's fingers brush against his and when he looked back, the young Hunter's eyes were wide, a sheen settling over them. It almost made Ianos turn back.
"Angel." Pluto carefully stepped around Ianos, and somehow, took Angel by the hand, "Gemini meant what she said."
There was a beat, a pause, and the panic that had set in Angel's eyes was replaced with surprise. Ianos let out a soft breath when he saw Angel flick his gaze over to Pluto.
"What?" The Hunter managed out and Ianos took the time to finally slip away.
"Where are you going?"
Ianos looked over to Gemini, seeing the latter had leaned in, a hand over her helmet where her mouth would be. She was whispering. And still oblivious to the glower that Vraldyks is sending her way. Orion has bodily put himself in front of Vraldyks, stretching out his arms as if that would act as a barricade to keep the Baron away.
He raised a brow, "Did I just not say to speak with the Preceptor?"
Even with her face covered, Ianos can sense the bewildered look behind the visor.
"Why?" she asked.
Instead of immediately answering, Ianos flicked his eyes back to Angel. Pluto's interference seems to be helping, as his head was lifted, and his eyes focused on the blind Exo.
"Angel's intent on staying in the Wilds." Ianos answered, shifting his eyes back to Gemini, "if the Revenant's verdict allows him to live, he still needs to repay his debt to them."
He watched as Gemini subtly tilted her head, "And?"
Ianos couldn't help but blink; was Gemini not informed of their plan? Or was she not paying attention?
"What will the Revenants do if they judge that he is allowed to live after killing one of their own but has nothing to repay for their death?" He asked.
Gemini tilted her head the other way and Ianos can practically hear the gears working.
"Ah." He heard the understanding in her voice, "right, got it." She gave him a thumbs up, "Good luck."
Unable to help but subtly shake his head, Ianos couldn't stop the amused smile as he gave her a nod, turned, and finally walked away.
"Do you have a plan?"
Ace's whisper was loud when they appeared above his shoulder, their light shining the way as Ianos descended the steps.
"Almost." He admitted as he stepped through the entrance at the bottom of the stairs; he ignored the looks that he received from the Revenant's stationed on either side, "just haven't gotten the consent of Angel or Vraldyks for this plan of mine."
There was a look from Ace, Ianos having to lift a hand to ease the light from their optic. It wasn't long until they dimmed it.
"I have a suspicion that I know what you are planning." His Ghost said, "but are you certain the Revenants will accept?"
"It's either that or Angel will either die or be forced to head back to the Tower." Ianos said, "and I personally don't like either option."
There is a hum of agreement from Ace and it wasn't long until the pair walked in silence, brushing past the eyes of the Revenants. Judging from the hardened stares he received, it seems the news of Angel's killing of one of their own had spread. He hopes that Zakai will be able to sway them.
"Ianos."
Zakai's voice was quiet as usual, but it rang loud in the Hall to Ianos' ears, and it sent warmth throughout his chest.
At first, looking through the crowd to spot the Preceptor, it didn't take long to find him, although mostly for the reason that the Revenants parted, and Zakai soon appeared with Sorrow hovering just above his shoulder. And trailing behind him, is Hush, clutching onto Nine's and Knight's arm. Her eyes brightened as soon as their eyes locked and the warmth in Ianos' chest spread as she grinned and waved at him.
"What brings you inside?" Zakai asked as he approached; this allowed Ianos to see that Hush's hand was in his, "I was going to bring Hush, Knight, and Nine to you, thinking that all of you would appreciate the open air."
An excuse. Ianos knows that he is bringing Hush, Knight, and Nine outside to ensure their safety. He can already sense the tension rising from the Revenants around them.
"I need to speak with you." Then he leaned in, lowering his voice, "About Angel."
Ianos spotted Zakai's shoulders tense.
"Oh." Sorrow is the one who voiced his surprised, "If that is the case, that is a good reason to search for us. And to speak privately." Then, Ianos looked on as Zakai gestured with a hand for him to follow, "This way, please."
As the Revenant leader turned, Ianos watched as Hush looked back at him. And then gave him a defiant stare. He couldn't help but let out a breath. That means she wasn't going to budge. Hush is going to follow, whether Ianos likes it or not. Thus, he decided not to say anything, and instead followed Zakai. To his surprise, he trailed him to the library.
"Atum." He heard Zakai say as they stepped in, "Privacy, please."
Then, as Ianos stepped around to take Zakai's free side, he felt a brush of air, a sound of cloth fluttering in the wind, and he heard the door shut behind them. Looking back, Ianos blinked once as Zakai promptly walked over and pressed a hand against the side of the doorway. That is when, a long piece of steel appeared out of nowhere, sliding in and clicking into place.
"Atum will divert others away." Zakai explained and Ianos can feel his smile behind his helmet as he turned to him and then gestured to one of the tables, "shall we?"
No sooner had the invitation been given when suddenly, Ianos saw Zakai being tugged, and he looked on as Hush, miraculously, dragged both him and Nine and Knight towards the table. She was practically skipping. Ianos swore he could even hear her humming.
Hearing Ace chuckle next to him, Ianos decided to just smile and then follow them. As he approached, Ianos was surprised to see that when Zakai slid into a seat, Hush helped lead Nine and Knight into the seat in front of the Preceptor before taking the Exo's side. Then, when Ianos approached, Hush beamed at him and gestured at the seat next to the Revenant. Raising a brow, Ianos then looked over at Crystalline, the lavender Ghost hovering just near her Guardian. This earned him a smile from the Ghost. He could sense the mischief behind it.
Nonetheless, Ianos decided to say nothing and took the seat next to Zakai. It was then he noticed the awkward positioning, the strangeness of speaking to him about Angel this way. And it seems Zakai noticed as well, as Ianos spotted him shifting, hands clasped tight on the table.
"W-what happened with Angel that you wanted to speak?" Zakai asked. He was looking at his hands and his shoulders were tense, "It must be something of import."
"Awkward." Ace muttered and Ianos coughed into his hand.
Clearing his throat, Ianos shifted his seat, turning his chair so that he could face Zakai. It didn't make anything less strange.
"Angel has no intention of returning to the Tower." Ianos started; this made Zakai finally look at him. He could sense the surprise, "He intends to stay in the Wilds and help the Kings regain their footing."
There was a pause.
"Oh, dear." Zakai eventually murmured, raising a hand to his chin, "I could see why that would be concerning." Ianos saw him lift his head, "I had already spoken to some, and a few of them agreed with the prospect that they would have a connection to the City to check in with their loved ones." He then dropped his hand back to his lap, and then sighed, shoulders deflating, "Without that, many may rescind their decision."
Ianos grounded his teeth at that, but he forced his frustration down.
"It is worrying." He instead agreed, "but, I believe I may have a resolution."
Zakai's head lifted his head once more, "Oh?"
"It is nothing too complicated." At least, Ianos hopes so, "instead of Angel, my team and I will be the ones to handle the information gathering for you and the Revenants."
There is a hum from Zakai.
"A reasonable compromise." He agreed, "however, Angel is the one that has wronged us. The others will feel that your team is stepping in for his actions."
"I have a solution for that as well." Again, at least, he hopes so, "Even without the Kings, Eliksni are still encroaching upon what you consider the Revenant's territory?"
He saw Zakai sit up straight, "Yes." The Preceptor subtly dipped his head, "You have a solution for that as well?"
Ianos nodded once, "We have come to you to help the House of Kings. You will need a mediator then, correct?" A nod from Zakai, "Then how about this?" He pressed a hand to his chest, "In exchange for allowing Angel to live, not only will my team and I gather information for you within the City, but the House of Kings and Angel will help you protect your territory."