Redacted
A Fairy Tale
Updated: 12/15/2024
"Do you think we can reach him?"
Opting to say nothing at his Ghost's question, Ianos instead rubbed a thumb over Nine's and Knight's hand, humming to himself as his orange eyes scanned over the Phoenix Exo's face. It remained passive as ever.
"I do not know." Ianos admitted as he let the Exo slip his hand away from his, allowing the latter to heft Eidr into his arms. In turn, the infant cooed at him with bright eyes. "Never had this happen before."
Well, mostly.
He had seen it in Guardians who have seen too much, unable to comprehend their experience. But that usually was short lived, a day at most, and it is because of their Ghosts that they were able to be brought back. With Nine and Knight, it is a wholly different story, considering that there are two minds who had gone reclusive, and who knows what has happened to Day. And to be honest, Ianos isn't sure what step to take.
Standing from his kneeling position, Ianos looked on as Nine and Knight then started to rock their arms. So gentle was the action that he expected the Exo to hum out a lullaby, if it wasn't for the dim light of their optics and the silence that permeated through the room.
"We already tried speaking to him." Ace said, hovering near Ianos' shoulder. From the corner of his eyes, he saw his Ghost flick their lone orange optic at him, "unless we can somehow dive into his head, I doubt we can do anything else."
"How about giving him a kiss?" Crystalline suggested.
Ianos snapped his head towards her so fast that he heard his neck crack. Next to him, Ace sputtered and coughed, practically choking.
"E-Excuse me!?" His Ghost managed out, "Why a kiss!?"
That is when Ianos saw Hush sit up from the bed from Nine's and Knight's side. Her yellow eyes were twinkling at him.
Because of true love's kiss. Ianos almost stumbled, barely keeping himself upright, It wakes up anyone who has fallen into a deep slumber.
Ianos took in a deep breath through his nose, "Who told you that?"
Auntie Neve. Hush signed, she would read us stories to Brother Ora, Sisters Amara and Nahala, and this One. He could practically see her vibrating where she stood, Whenever a princess falls into a deep sleep, a kiss from a prince would wake her up. Then she gestured at him and then to Nine and Knight, Maybe it can work here?
Ianos couldn't help but stare, puzzled on what to say. Despite his desire to correct Hush, his conscience reined in any words that he tried to form on his tongue.
"Hush." He heard Ace start, "The stories that Neve reads to you, those are fairy tales."
Hush tilted her head.
Fairy tales? She repeated back.
From the corner of his eyes, Ianos saw Ace give him a nervous glance.
"Well." Ace started, "They are what they are. Stories. They never happened."
Hush blinked. Her eyes alone spoke of her bewilderment.
"How about we find another way to get through to Nine and Knight?" Ianos interjected, "that does not involve a kiss."
And not to mention that he isn't comfortable giving a kiss to someone who isn't aware.
"What else are we supposed to do?" Crystalline's shell shifted in irritation, "Just wait?"
Ianos turned his attention back to Nine and Knight. He was still rocking Eidr in his arms. The latter was still looking up at the Exo with bright eyes, suckling on his fist. Ianos then breathed out a heavy breath.
"Might be the only thing we can do." He said.
"But your condition." Ace protested, "we need to go through with the ritual as soon as possible because if you die…"
His Ghost didn't finish but they didn't have to.
Zakai had made it clear what could happen if Ianos were to die without undergoing the ritual. But he also doesn't want to rush in with Nine and Knight, especially when they are already delicate as it is.
"It can wait." Ianos heard his Ghost make a noise, one that he had never heard them make before, "for now though, we look after Nine and Knight." He reached out a hand, taking the Phoenix Exo by the hand once more, "Until they wake up that is."
"But who knows when they will wake up." Ace continued to protest, "it could be days, weeks, months. That is too long of a risk."
Ianos opted to say nothing and instead, gave Nine's and Knight's hand a gentle squeeze. He didn't get one in return.
"Then we could undergo the surgery to remove the implant without Nine's and Knight's input." Ianos suggested.
Again, Ace sputtered, "But you could die."
Ianos felt his patience wear thin.
"Then what else do you suggest?" He snapped, turning his head to look at his Ghost; he watched as Ace glided back, shell pressed against their core, "Either we wait and look into how to remove this implant safely so I could undertake the ritual, or we take the risk, undergo the procedure without their input, pray that it goes successful and then proceed with the ritual." He took in a deep breath, pushing his simmering angering down, "Either way, it ends the same." Ianos then turned his eyes back to Nine and Knight, taking in the way their lights blinked repeatedly between their plating, "We just have to be patient."
Through his bond with Ace, he could feel his Ghost's agitation, their exasperation. And their worry. Ianos couldn't help but feel guilty at his own outburst. His Ghost, after all, was only concerned for his well-being.
Breathing out through his nose, Ianos then looked over at Ace and his gut twisted at the sight of the black and orange shell pressed against their core, optic dipped downward. This prompted him to raise his other hand, and it didn't take long for Ace to notice. His Ghost looked up, glancing back and forth between his palm and him before gliding over and settling into his hand. Ianos couldn't help but crack a smile at the way they snuggled in, digging themself into his palm.
"I'm sorry." He murmured to his Ghost as he brought them close, "I know you are worried for me."
There was a click from Ace.
"I'm sorry too." He heard them whisper.
Clutching them close to his chest, Ianos then looked back at Nine and Knight, keeping a hand on the Exo's. Still nothing.
Despite what he had said earlier, Ianos can feel his frustration growing.
"How about a walk?" He suggested.
Ianos felt Crystalline give him a look.
"Didn't we just take one not too long ago?" she asked.
"Why not another?" Ianos then pulled on Nine's and Knight's hand, gently pulling the Exo to his feet. He felt no resistance, "Better that than sitting here and pondering on what to do."
"But we – well…" There is a huff from Crystalline, "Good point."
Hearing Ace chuckle in his hand, Ianos simply looked over at the lavender Ghost, flashing her a small smile before looking down at Hush.
"Is that okay with you?" He asked her.
There was a grin and a nod from her before the Child Guardian promptly slid off the bed before walking over and placing a hand upon Ianos' elbow. Then he prompted him to look down at his hand, orange eyes settling over Ace's black and orange shell.
"Are you going to stay in my hand or would you like to 'walk' with us?" Ianos asked.
In turn, he watched as Ace feigned a pondering look before shifting comfortably on his palm.
"A few more minutes." They proclaimed.
Amused, Ianos decided to humor the Ghost, opting to say nothing and instead, started to lead their little group towards the door.
"Any recommendations?" He asked Crystalline as they managed to step outside.
Unlike the other times, there were a few Revenants roaming about in the Hall. This earned them a variety of looks as Ianos and the others passed them. Fortunately, the looks by the Revenants were more curious than angry. Likely they have finally gotten used to their presence. At least, that is what Ianos hopes.
"Well." He heard Crystalline hum thoughtfully, her shell clicking, "I have already shown you the Dining Hall, the Training Grounds, the Dorms." Another hum from the Ghost, "I doubt you want to see what we call the social spaces."
Ianos gave a nod.
"Too many eyes." He agreed.
"Then how about we head to the library?" Crystalline suggested, "Quiet, mostly empty, and if anyone is present, they are more inclined to keep to themselves."
"Like a Warlock?"
Ianos turned and gave Ace a look. And then sighed.
"I would be offended if it wasn't true." He said.
This earned him a chuckle from his Ghost, prompting Ianos to subtly shake his head, and turned his attention back to Crystalline. To his dismay, he could spot the way the lavender Ghost's shell trembled and her yellow optic bright. She quickly coughed when Ianos' gaze locked with hers.
"This way." She chirped as she took point once more.
Heaving out another breath – especially when he can feel Hush beaming at him – Ianos said nothing as he followed.
Listening to Crystalline humming as the group continued to read through the halls, Ianos also took notice of the dwindling traffic, the numbers of the Revenants falling until finally, it was just them. Two Warlocks, a child, and their Ghosts. Fortunately, the halls were well lit here.
"I am going to take a guess that not many ventures to this library of yours?" Ianos decided to ask.
"Not many." Crystalline confirmed, "mostly because of – oh, right."
She suddenly sounded sheepish. This made Ianos raise a brow.
"Because of?" He asked.
"Well." Crystalline's voice was a pitch higher than usual, "You will see when we get there."
"Why so dodgy?" Ace asked.
Crystalline gave his Ghost a glance, "Because it is better to see it – or more like hear it – for yourselves."
Curious and worried now, Ianos gave his Ghost a glance. He spotted Ace do the same. Then, the latter shrugged.
"Might as well take her word for it." They said.
Not like they have much of a choice. Nonetheless, perhaps it would add a bit of excitement to their stay, considering that more than likely, the ritual would be delayed, especially if the removal of Ianos' implant does not go as planned.
"As long as no one gets hurt." Ianos said.
The nervous laugh from Crystalline does not bode well. Despite that, Ianos decided to say nothing. No point if Hush's Ghost refuses to give a straight answer. Thanks to this, the remainder of their trek stayed in silence, and it made the echoes of their steps out in the hall. Luckily, Ianos spotted a door – double, he realized – and upon approach, he noticed that they were made of metal and there was lack of a handle. The question of entry was quickly answered when Crystalline – despite the weight of the doors – easily pushed one open.
"Out! Get out!"
The shout was deafening, a stark contrast to the once quiet hall that Ianos found himself ducking down, and he felt Ace practically jump out of his hand. He only stopped when he heard Hush let out a squeak.
Then, a Revenant came stumbling out – A Warlock, if the coat and bond wasn't telling enough. They were barely able to stand on their feet as they ran, hardly giving Ianos and the others a glance. This prompted him to look over at Crystalline and raise a brow. In turn, she gave him a sheepish shrug.
"Just treat the library with respect." She said before she glided in, letting the door swing close.
Furrowing his brows, Ianos found himself looking down at Hush, only to see the latter looking back with wide but curious eyes.
"Right then." He muttered as he looked away and walked towards the door, guiding the others in.
The first thing he saw as he heard the door shut behind him were the shelves dark and perfectly aligned against one side of the room. On the other side of the room, there were tables, each one set with a different number of chairs, the most Ianos saw was six.
"What are you looking – Oh, it's you."
That voice again, the one that had been screaming earlier, and this time, Ianos recognized it.
"Atum." He greeted with a nod, "I am to guess that you are in charge of the library?"
The Hunter scoffed at him, Ianos looking on as he crossed his arms, leaning against the seat of the table so he could cross his legs.
"That obvious?" Atum asked.
Ianos then tipped his head towards the door.
"I think you chasing off that Warlock was sign enough." He answered.
There is another scoff from Atum, but this one was more amused than annoyed.
"That is what they get for not treating a book with respect." Atum retorted before gesturing with his head at Ianos, "Looking for anything specific?"
It took a beat longer for Ianos to admit understanding what he was asking for. Humming to himself, Ianos then felt a tug on his arm, prompting him to look down at Hush. Her yellow eyes were twinkling at him.
"Do you have any children's books?" Ianos asked as he turned his attention back to Atum; he felt another tug on his arm, "specifically fairy tales?"
Although Atum's face is hidden behind his helmet, Ianos can easily sense the raised brow behind the visor. He half-expects the Hunter to say something.
"Yes, we do." Atum said instead, "plenty, considering that many of the Revenants here have children of their own."
Now it was Ianos' turn to raise his brows.
"That commonplace here to start a family?" He asked.
Atum shrugged as he pushed himself away from the table, Ianos looking on as the Hunter turned and headed towards a section of the library. He followed, gently leading Hush and Knight and Nine along.
"More common than you think." Ianos jumped as Crystalline popped out behind a shelf; there is a book beneath her, encased in a bubble of light. Judging from the colorful and detailed cover, it was a child's book, at least, he thinks so.
"But still uncommon." Atum added in as he held his hand out to Crystalline.
Ianos saw her give the Hunter a look of offense but nonetheless, when Atum subtly tipped his head at her, she glided over and placed the book in his hand. Then, wordlessly, Atum opened the book – slowly and with care- before flipping through the pages. Ianos barely spotted pictures, of a tower and a woman with long hair before Atum quickly shut it and then held it back to Crystalline.
"Unless you want to traumatize your Chosen, I recommend another book." He said.
Ianos heard Crystalline sputter at that.
"What? But why?" She took the book back nonetheless, "it seems harmless enough."
The way Atum's head moved showed that he was rolling his eyes.
"Did you read it to the end?" He asked her.
A pause from Crystalline, "No?"
"Of course." Ianos heard Atum mutter, "Eridanus."
Expecting the Ghost to appear in a flash of light, Ianos instead spotted the familiar black and yellow shell of Atum's Ghost pop around a corner.
"Yes?" Eridanus answered as he came close.
Atum then nodded his head at Crystalline – or more specifically, the book in her hand.
"Help Crystalline find a book that is suitable for her Chosen." The Hunter instructed, "likely one that won't give her nightmares."
"No Brother's Grimm then." Eridanus bobbed once, "Got it." The Ghost then turned to Crystalline, "If you will follow me, please." Ianos saw him look down at the book in Crystalline's bubble, "And again, no Brother's Grimm."
Mimicking the confused look on Crystalline's core at Eridanus' words, Ianos stayed silent as he watched the pair glide away and then disappear around a corner. Then, he looked back at Atum with a raised brow.
"Not all Fairy Tales are for children?" He asked.
"More like Fairy Tales aren't for children." Atum clarified, "the ones that are read to the children are." He gestured vaguely with a hand, "altered for their reading pleasure."
Frowning, Ianos look down at Hush once more. She looked just as confused and surprised.
"That would explain why you flipped through the book." He murmured as he lifted his eyes back to Atum. Then, he bowed with his head, "I thank you for that."
A huff from the Hunter.
"I just thought you would rather have your child sleep peacefully than stay awake, bawling from nightmares."
Again, Ianos raised a brow. "I am to guess that this isn't the first time the wrong book was read"
And again, the gesture of his head showed Atum rolling his eyes.
"You would be surprised at how many parents fail to inspect what their children consume." The Hunter said, "They think that just because the cover is colorful and cute, that it should be appropriate for their little progeny." Atum again shook his head, "Never judge a book by its cover, literately."
"That did not stop you from picking up every book you could get your hands on."
The words left Ianos' lips before he could realize, and he came to a pause when he felt Atum's eyes upon him. He couldn't read the expression behind it. Soon, there was a huff, and Atum looked away.
"I remember Rahool would slip me any book at my request." Atum mused, "be it picture books to dictionaries." Then he lifted his head back to Ianos, "How is that old Cryptarch doing, by the way?"
Despite himself, Ianos smiled, "Still the same. Short. Curious. A hermit."
Atum tilted his head at him, "Like you aren't?"
"I would be offended if it wasn't true." Ianos said back, amused.
There is another huff, this one light.
"You did the same for me though." Atum said, "and sometimes with cookies."
"A force of habit." Ianos mused, "always have to give the little ones treats."
There is another light huff from Atum before Ianos saw him shift his head subtly over. He could tell he was looking at Nine and Knight.
"I heard the rumors." The Hunter said, "Is he really made from fragments of the Traveler?"
"Partially." Ianos corrected, "but enough where he is an enigma, even to himself."
There is a nod from Atum, "That would explain how he was able to be on even grounds with Odorata." He gestured vaguely at the Phoenix Exo, "Never seen anyone knock the kid off his feet before, so to hear that someone was actually able to hurt him, well." Atum shrugged, "Couldn't help but be surprised."
Ianos bit his tongue; he almost gave away that Nine and Knight were weakened when fighting the Hive-Spawn. Likely if he had been, the Exo would have no issues. But he wasn't going to dash the confidence that Atum has for Odorata. Or the Revenant's confidence in general.
"Nine and Knight tend to do that." He decided to say.
Another huff from Atum, "Anything?"
Ianos shook his head, "Unfortunately, nothing. Yet." He glanced over at the Exo. The latter was stock still, and Ianos would have thought of him as a statue, if it wasn't for the subtly blinking of his lights. In his arms, Eidr looked at the Exo with curious eyes. "We are hopeful that taking walks around your home will help him."
That is when Ianos saw Atum take a step forward, leaning in in Knight's and Nine's direction. He couldn't help but think that the Hunter is scrutinizing the Exo.
"He better snap out of it soon." Atum said as he leaned back. "If not, we may have to go on with the operation."
Ianos winced at that; he may have known Atum since he was a child, but he wasn't sure if he was willing to let the Hunter slice into his back. Especially not when he's in such a risky state.
"I am working on it" he said.
There is another huff from Atum but nothing else was said, and fortunately, the familiar hum of their Ghosts soon closed in.
"I never knew that there would be that many of a variety." He heard Crystalline comment, practically humming as a book – a different one – now laying within her bubble of light.
"And that is why Atum and I are here." Eridanus practically beamed as the pair came to a pause just short of them, "We are more than happy to help!"
"Only if you treat the books with respect." Atum warned. Then he raised and pointed a finger at her, "So once you are done, you better put it back in one piece."
"Okay, okay." Crystalline lifted her shell, as if she is smiling, "I'll make sure this book is put back the same way when I took it off the shelf."
"You better."
Amused at their banter, Ianos waited until Crystalline glided over, hovering just near her Guardian before saying, "Is it okay if we read here?"
A tip of the head from Atum but the Hunter shrugged, "Be my guest, just do not read aloud too loudly."
"I will whisper then." Ianos retorted and there was a scoff from Atum, this one playful followed by a wave and then him walking away.
"Enjoy the book!" Eridanus chirped before doing a loop and then following his Chosen.
Gesturing goodbye with his fingers, Ianos then looked down at Hush once more, "Want to choose a seat?"
The way she beamed at him was answer enough, especially so when Ianos finally felt her hands slip away and he watched as she scampered over to the side with the tables. Smiling, Ianos slowly followed her, leading Nine and Knight around the tables. Finally, Hush settled on a small table – four seats- in a corner of the library near the back. She quickly took a seat as Ianos approached. Hush was practically vibrating in her seat when Ianos helped Nine and Knight take a seat across from her.
This made him smile once more. Then, he promptly occupied the seat next to Hush.
"Crystalline." Ianos looked over to the lavender Ghost, "Do you want to read the book or…"
She quickly shook her shell, "I think it is better if you do, considering that you will be holding the book."
That made Ianos pause, and he couldn't help but hesitate. But he quickly shrugged it off. He had read Hush on a handful of occasions. What makes this one any different?
Thus, nodding his head in agreement, Ianos held out his hand, prompting Crystalline to hover down and set the book upon it.
It was then that Ace hovered over his shoulder and Ianos took note of the brightness that now emitted from their core. At first, confused, he then understood when he slowly and carefully opened the book, and the words were clearer, more visible. Easier to read.
Nodding his head in thanks, Ianos waited until Hush scooted closer, her eyes bright, before he proceeded to read. He read in a low voice, but loud enough where Hush didn't have to lean in. Ianos also turned the pages slowly, allowing Hush to take in the pictures, the colors of the book. And the way her eyes were wide, glittering, Ianos couldn't help but be engrossed. Thus, when he felt a hand touch his arm, he jumped.
"How may I help you-" Ianos started as he looked up.
Only to come to a halt.
There, standing before him, is Nine and Knight.
Hearing Hush gasp next to him, Ianos stood up, pushing his seat back as he turned to face the Exo. A quick glance to where Nine and Knight once sat showed his chair askew.
"Nine? Knight?" Ianos tentatively called out.
At first, there was nothing, just a blank expression but then, he saw it. A subtle lift of his head. He heard Ace let out a breath.
"He moved." Ianos heard them say.
Heart beating fast, Ianos slowly reached out and placed a hand upon the Exo's shoulder. He waited. No reaction.
"What caused it?" Crystalline popped in, hovering near the Exo.
Instead of answering, Ianos simply breathed out through his nose before leading the Exo back to his seat, easing him in while also keeping a hand on Eidr, keeping the infant steady. He saw the latter frown, but it was short, and the child was back to being content once Ianos took his hand off him.
Resuming his seat next to Hush, Ianos noticed the worried look, the concern, prompting him to then ask, "Do you want to continue the story?"
Fortunately, Ianos saw Hush's eyes brighten and she nodded, signaling him to pick the book back up, and started reading once more. However, this time, moments later, he heard the sound of a chair sliding across the floor. This made Ianos look up.
Nine and Knight were standing again. But this time, he just stood there.
"He moved again." Ace said.
"But why?" Crystalline added.
Again, opting not to answer, Ianos simply stood up, holding the book in one hand, before walking over to Nine and Knight and helped him resume his seat.
"Hush." He said as he took the seat next to the Exo, "How about we read Nine and Knight a story?"
At first, Hush gave him a confused look, but it wasn't long until her eyes brightened, and she nodded. This prompted her to slide out of her seat and then dragged her chair over and took position on Nine's and Knight's other side.
"Ace. Crystalline." He gestured for the two Ghost's to glide closer, "Light, please."
There was a questioning look from both Ghosts but nonetheless, both Ace and Crystalline hovered close, and their core's lit up, allowing the pages to be clear. It is then Ianos reached out and took Nine's and Knight's hand, holding it gently between his thumb and fingers. And then, ignoring the curious looks from both Hush and their Ghosts, Ianos then started to read the fairy tale.
And moments later, he felt Nine and Knight give his hand a gentle squeeze.