Redacted

He is Gone

I apologize for the late update! I may have been...distracted... by an app game... *coughs*. Anyways! enjoy this chapter :D

Thanks to DisobeyedBowl6, TidalKiller, jsm1978, and TheTurtleman for the reviews! :D

TheTurtleMan - Yeah, I wanted to show that Angel trusts the Eliksni more than the Tower lol. Not sure if I portrayed that correctly... anyways! Thanks! I am very interested in the Fallen lore but sadly, we don't get much on them, so I had to speculate 'alot' lol.

Pain.

That was the first thing he felt when he opened his eyes, his world blurry, his surroundings moving by too quickly for him to comprehend. All he knows was that he was being carried, the one clutching him in their grasp gentle but somehow tight, a sense of panic clear in their touch.

It was then he noticed the sounds, a voice echoing in his ears, speaking frantically to him as he then heard their footsteps, quick but careful. His gaze swimming around his surroundings, he barely caught the glimpse of a respirator followed by the glow of four eyes, seeing concern clearly laced in the gaze.

Taking note of the darkness behind them, he then let out a groan when light suddenly filled his vision, causing him to tilt his head back and close his eyes. This sent waves of pain throughout his body but he couldn't scream, and instead, he choked, taking in a wheezing gasp as his lungs contorted in agony.

No sooner had this action occurred when he heard screaming, words of rage permeating around him. Fluttering his eyes open, he recognized Flourishing One, seeing the female Eliksni's eyes narrowed in anger and fury clearly emitting from the back of her throat. Following her gaze, his fading eyes caught sight of several others, their four-armed forms clearly showing displeasure as they snapped their hands towards him, their gaze holding madness.

As he heard them exchange words, his eyes lingered over one form and he couldn't help but smile as his green hues caught familiar white, "S-Sal-Salziks."

Uncaring as the words around him pause, he reached out with his lone hand and choked out, "S-Salziks."

Seeing the four white eyes turn towards him, tears formed in the edges of his blurred vision as his smile faded, relief being overwhelmed with grief. And regret.

"S-S-Sal-Salziks. I-I am sorry." He struggled to take in a breath, tasting copper on the tips of his tongue, "I-I t-tried to for-forgive. But I-I c-can-cannot. I cou-could not just l-lea-leave it." Feeling tears fall freely from his eyes, the edges of his vision filled with black as he managed to finish, "I-I confess. Those-those 'b-bandits', th-those 'Gua-Guardians', the-they are n-not around a-anymore…"

Then he was taken by the darkness.

Xxxxx

Having known Ianos for years, Pluto knew that when he saw Unit Eleven bring back the Awoken's unconscious form in his arms, that the Warlock would be furious to discover that they had returned without Angel. And as he had expected, the first thing Ianos did when he awoken was basically slammed himself into Unit Eleven, easily lifting the Exo off the floor as he started screaming, raging over being forced to leave the human Hunter behind. Then, just as quickly as the rage consumed him, Pluto then saw grief, the Awoken Warlock pushing himself away from the Exo and taking refuge in his quarters.

It has been a few weeks since then and Pluto hadn't seen him since, the Exo Hunter sometimes letting himself in, only to see the Warlock's bedroom door closed; in other words, he didn't want to be disturbed. And with his experience, you do not want to bother Ianos when his door is closed.

Thanks to this, Hush have been under Akiva's care and although she has grown comfortable with the human Titan, she still yearns for Ianos' company to the point where Pluto would find her at the door of his quarters, hands pressed against the entrance as if to hope that the Awoken Warlock would open the door. The Exo would have to gradually lead her back, disappointment clear on her tan features.

Angel's disappearance didn't just effect Ianos and Hush as well.

Although Akiva does his best to ensure Hush receives the attention she needs, Pluto can tell the dimness in his gaze, sadness clear in his eyes. And Pluto himself felt a sense of loss, the team feeling more obviously empty with another member down, and the Exo Hunter felt his grief turn into one of rage towards Unit Eleven. Although he had heard both sides of the two Warlocks' stories, Pluto couldn't help but blame the Phoenix Model for their loss. And it seems he wasn't the only one.

Pluto had seen Unit Eleven at the door to Ianos' quarters, his white optics blank as he repeatedly attempted to get inside, only for the pad to deny him access; the Warlock had ensured that Unit Eleven was not allowed in. Even Akiva, the Titan usually forgiving, cannot even look towards the Exo Warlock's way, Pluto seeing rage and anguish in his golden eyes. The only one who didn't seem angry was Hush, the half Awoken and human child seemingly always wading out in the Plaza, her yellow hues glancing around for her Exo companion.

Although unsure where the Exo Warlock have been staying, Pluto can guess that Unit Eleven have been staying over at Echo's floor; who else would take in a Guardian that had killed civilians? But, even though he was sure that Unit Eleven have been staying with Echo, Pluto dares not confront the Titan for confirmation. He had heard of Echo's reputation and when the Exo Hunter had laid his optics on him, he instantly recognized the Guardian as one of the Warlords of the Dark Ages; one of the perks of helping build the Last City was that you are informed on the details of how such a large area was amassed and protected despite threats of Fallen and other Warlords everywhere.

With this knowledge, Pluto knows that Echo won't hand out information so easily and if violently confronted, it won't take much for him to cast aside any threat. As such, the Exo Hunter decided to wait, putting his attention onto his Clan and Ianos if he finds the time; although he couldn't help but be concerned for Hope's wellbeing.

Ever since the team had returned from the failed mission, Hope have been listless, indifferent, blank even, her bright green optic now filled with a sense of emptiness. When they arrived at the Tower, she had been sporadic, yelling, raving at Ace for holding her back before her grief overtook her, the female Ghost gliding back towards Angel's quarters. Now she simply sits on the table, her fading green optic watching the door, as if hoping for the human Hunter's return.

Pluto checks up on her every now and then, and he can easily tell every time he enters, Hope would always expect it to be Angel, just from the way the excitement leaves her gaze and how she would glide sadly back to her spot on the table. This causes a sense of concern to permeate into the Exo Hunter's chest, especially when he started to notice the color to fade, the forest green optic now a shade of pale green; even if Angel had survived his ordeal down in the caverns, if he does not return soon, his bond with Hope would diminish, and the female Ghost would have no choice but to move on and find another.

And that would fully break her spirit.

Heaving out a sigh at this, Pluto turned his focus back onto the spar in front of him, watching Orion and Cosmos let loose a barrage of arc light as they fought hand to hand, the two Titans easily catching everyone's attention in the gym with each fist that clashed against each other. With sparks of arc light flying everywhere, there was a reason why Pluto hesitated at the prospect of the two Striker's spar, especially since the two have a hard headed and brash personality where they're too stubborn to admit defeat. But then again, there will come a day when the two will face head on against their fellow Soldiers of the Light; they maybe at a time where all Guardians seem to be at peace with each other, there will come a day when they will face a rogue, it is inevitable after all.

Seeing the two Titans leap back away from each other, Pluto then shouted out, "Enough!"

No sooner had the word left his lips when Orion suddenly stepped forward and swung a fist into Cosmos' face, sending streams of arc light throughout her body as she went flying. However, before her body can even land, her body dispersed into the familiar sparks of azure light, causing her to disappear and her Ghost to materialize into place.

"Orion!"

Seeing the male Titan's optics turn towards him, Pluto immediately saw a look of indifference in his pink gaze, and the older Exo watched as Orion simply let out a scoff before turning around and sauntering away. Instead of chasing after him, Pluto simply shook his head; even a year later, the young Exo is still deeply affected by Olkar's leave and his grief turned to hate towards those who he had believed made the Eliksni leave: the Guardians or to put it more accurately, the 'organics'. As such, his interactions with those outside of the Clan have been limited, even towards members of Fireteam Redacted; the only one who he really speaks to within the team was Angel, and mainly for the reason to speak to each other in the Eliksni tongue, reminiscing of the time when the presence of House Spirits was prominent in the Tower.

But now, with the Hunter gone, Orion had isolated himself even further; Pluto was amazed that he was able to convince the young Titan to come out for a round of sparring with Galaxy. However, after witnessing Orion killing Cosmos without hesitation, the Exo Hunter wonders if he should have just let the young Exo stay in his quarters.

"Cosmos? Are you alright?"

Glancing over to where the female Titan would have landed, Pluto already saw the others around her, their optics filled with worry when Constell brought her back, Cosmos sitting upright as she rubbed her jaw.

"Yes, just sore." Letting out a grunt, a smile then formed onto her sky blue metallic features; Cosmos always have been the forgiving type, "So, who wants to face me next?"

Hearing a nervous chuckle permeate between the group of young Exo, Pluto couldn't help but crack a smile, crossing his arms as he watched Nova help pull the female Titan back onto her feet, and hearing Polaris pipe up his challenge not long after. However, as the male and female Titan took steps back as the others cleared the area, the older Guardian heard footsteps approaching from his side, prompting him to turn his red optics and focus in on the person coming in. However, as soon as his red fixed onto white, Pluto's gaze narrowed, and he turned his body around to face the white clad form of Unit Eleven.

"Before you say anything, it's me." Pluto closed his mouth, his red optics wide, "Knight? Is that you?"

"Yes, it's me." He watched the young Exo wring his hands nervously together, his white optics glancing around as the Hunter added, "Where have you been? After Unit Eleven and Ianos returned, I haven't seen you since."

"Unit Eleven?" Pluto saw Knight turn and give him a quizzical look, "You mean Nine?"

The Exo Hunter reeled back, "What?"

"Nine," Knight clarified, "That's his name." He paused, "Did, he not tell you?"

Parting his lips repeatedly in an attempt to find a response to the young Exo's question, suspicion settled into the back of Pluto's mind before he shook his head, his red optic narrowing as he returned his gaze back onto Knight, "Just, just tell me where you have been lately."

It was then he saw a blank look faze over Knight's expression, "Nine and I share a body." Pluto paused at his words, "He told me what happened, I thought it best to avoid you all to give you guys time." Knight then fidgeted as he wrung his hands once more, "And, I couldn't help but think that you guys would punch me if you saw me, since all you would see would be, Nine."

Frowning at the young Exo's words, Pluto parted his lips to retort when he considered his words, and he couldn't help but sheepishly admit that Knight was right. It may have been weeks since Angel's disappearance but the bitterness towards Unit Eleven was still there, and it would have been no doubt in Pluto's mind that if the Phoenix model were to face Akiva and Ianos, that indeed he would have received a punch to the face, perhaps much more than that if their light were to get involved; the Exo Hunter himself would probably pulled his gun out on Unit Eleven if Knight hadn't confirmed his identity.

"Wait." Pluto narrowed his gaze, "If you are so concerned for your own well-being, then why are you revealing yourself now?"

It was then he saw Knight's shoulders droop and heard him let out a sigh, "I didn't want to but," He hesitated, "Nine wants me to ask you for assistance."

Immediately, Pluto gave the young Exo a glare, "After knocking Ianos unconscious and abandoning Angel down in those accursed caverns, what makes him think that I would be willing to assist him?"

"Because he, because…" Knight glanced around nervously before lowering his voice, Pluto barely catching it as a whisper, "Because he found Angel."

The Exo Hunter's optics widen at this, "He found- oof."

He was quickly cut off as Knight suddenly shoved him, a wide-eyed look in his optics, "Not so loud alright, Nine only wants you to know and no one else."

Regaining his composure, Pluto raised a metallic brow at this, "Why would he only want me to know? He found…" That's when it finally clicked, his red optics widening as his jaw hung open, "He broke his censure? He took control for longer than the allotted time?"

"No," Pluto gave Knight a blank stare, "Well, yes, but Echo was there to keep an eye on him."

"That's not any better."

"Look, we couldn't think of anyone else to 'supervise' Nine, alright. And we couldn't risk asking anyone in Fireteam Redacted after his little 'stunt'." The young Exo shook his head, "Honestly, when he informed me of what he had done, I was upset with Nine as well. I mean, I haven't been on the team for as long as the others but, Angel is still a friend." Watching Knight rub the back of his neck and heave out a sigh, he then added, "But he spent a lot of his time locating Angel, and he found him, but, Nine needs someone with him."

Once again, Pluto frowned at Knight's words, "Why not bring Echo as aid?"

"Not as aid," The older Exo reeled back at this, "As a witness."

"Witness?" Pluto repeated, "Witness for what?"

Seeing the Exo Warlock part his lips to respond, Pluto blinked when Knight quickly clamped it shut, his white optics narrowing as if straining to hear, a look of concentration permeating over his gaze, "Remember the day of the trial? When Nine was going to announce the reason why some Exo were brought back despite the lack of mind transference?"

The Exo Hunter gave the younger a quizzical look, "Yes?"

"He still yearns to reveal the truth," Knight added, "However, thanks to Echo's command, he is unable to do so himself."

"And you can't?"

"And risk Echo killing me? Traveler no, even Nine is telling me not to say anything for my sake. Echo already hates me as it is."

"How the fuck are you informed of this 'truth'?"

"We share a body! What do you expect?"

Shaking his head as he crossed his arms, Pluto watched as Knight gave him a frown, "Look, Nine told me to tell you to meet him at the hangar in a few hours, with Hope in tow."

The Exo Hunter gave the young Exo another look, "Anything else to add to this 'plan' of his?"

"Bring a weapon but one for defense, not for killing." Pluto reeled back at this, "because where we're going, we want to look as less threatening as possible."

"Why?"

That's when he noticed Knight pause, a look of worry settling into his optics, "Because we're going to pay a visit to the House of Kings."

Xxxxx

"You seem so concerned for that bandit's well-being."

The female Eliksni turned and narrowed her four eyes at the approaching Vandal, snarling out, "This 'bandit' saved my life."

"And that matters?"

"He saved my life. Twice."

Hearing the male Vandal before her let out a low rumble, a tinge of curiosity fading into his gaze, the female Vandal couldn't help but square out her shoulders and letting out a growl as he leaned over the Guardian's prone form, "Stay away from him, Ikyrlos."

"I am not going to hurt him," She let out another snarl at his words, "I am simply curious as to why he nearly gave up his life to save yours, especially considering the history between our people." The female Eliksni watched Ikyrlos lean back as he hummed, "If what you told us is true, you would think that he would have ran to his allies and saved his own life instead."

"He is not like the other bandits." She huffed, "This one was raised by members of a new House."

"According to your words." The female Vandal gave Ikyrlos a glare, "But a bandit raised by some of our fellow Eliksni?" She heard him snicker, "What a ludicrous story." The male Vandal then took steps away from the Guardian's side and focused his attention onto the female Eliksni, "I am more willing to believe that you had failed on your mission to find more resources for our House."

"We were surrounded by the Darken Ones, what do you expect?" She snarled out, her blue eyes glowing dangerously as she took threatening steps forward, "If it was not for Pure One here, I wouldn't have been able to make it back to report that there was nothing, there is no longer a reason to recklessly send out anymore scouts."

"Pure One?" Hearing the hate permeating from the back of his throat, the female Eliksni realized her mistake, "Pure One!? Do you actually see this bandit as an ally!? A comrade!?"

Shrinking back from his snarls, the Vandal then straightened out her posture before narrowing her four eyes and responding, "Yes."

Just as she had expected, Ikyrlos charged, his roar of a rage a sign for her to lift up her upper arms and grab his fists in mid-air, squaring out her feet to prevent the male Vandal from forcing her back.

"Traitor!"

Flinching at the title, the female Vandal then attempted to twist his arms to the side, hoping to at least throw him off balance and allow her to gage her distance. However, instead, she felt his lower arm grab hers and with a single jerk, she felt agony permeate throughout her second pair of limbs, causing her to let out a cry of pain before she felt an impact collide into her lower jaw. Unable to keep a proper grasp onto Ikyrlos' arms, the female Eliksni found herself landing onto her back, the edges of her vision burry from the pain before she felt a hand grab the front of her armor and forced her back onto her feet.

Shaking her head just enough to clear her vision, the Vandal's eyes widen when she spotted Ikrylos pulling back a fist, prompting her to take in a breath as she prepared herself.

"What is going on here!?"

Letting out a breath of relief as she saw the male Vandal come to a sudden halt, she then felt Ikrylos shove her away before a gruff snarl emitted from him; she will have to watch her back if she works with the male Eliksni in the future. Although for now, the female Vandal fixed her gaze towards the entrance of the room, the obviously broader and taller form of an Eliksni entered, his four eyes narrowing at the pair; Vraldyks, one of the few surviving barons in their House.

Adorned in the familiar white and gold colors of the House of Kings, Vraldyks walked with confidence and power, easily dwarfing the two smaller Eliksni as he snarled, "I came here to see the condition of our saboteur only to see two of them locked into combat. So, I do not want to repeat myself again: What is going on here?"

"She sees this bandit as an ally!" Freezing at Ikrylos' words, the female Eliksni quickly turned and gave the male Vandal a glare before shifting a nervous gaze towards Vraldyks; the Baron's four eyes were narrowed.

"Is this true?"

Cowering at the low rumble emitting from Vraldyks' throat, the female Vandal lets thoughts of denial permeate into her mind; although she had not experienced it personally, she had seen enough to know that even speaking of an allegiance with the Guardians could lead to severe punishments; death counting on the one who is informed of the 'treachery'. However, as the excuses faded into her mind, the actions of the Hunter also settled in, alongside his selfless act of pulling her away from the crumbling corridor. She quickly made a decision.

Taking in a deep breath, the female Eliksni squared out her shoulders and locked her four eyes onto the Baron's, "Yes, it is true."

Seeing Vraldyks approach her, the female Vandal took the opportunity to take steps back up until she felt herself press up against the Guardian's cot, causing her to take in a shaky breath as the Baron loomed over her, his four eyes burning brightly. However, as he reached out with one hand towards the female Vandal, a groan permeated behind her. Although fearful of what the male Baron was going to do, the female Eliksni couldn't help but turn around, her four eyes going wide as the human's eyes fluttered open.

Watching green hues flicking around the room weakly behind half closed lids, the Vandal then saw his gaze fall onto hers and immediately, a soft smile settled onto his features, "Flourishing…One, y-you are unharmed…"

His voice barely a whisper, the Eliksni had to strain her ears to properly hear him speak, reaching down to her lower arms wrapped in casts in worry before she let out a quiet snort, "Besides my arms, yes, I am fine." Glancing nervously over at the two male Eliksni in the room, her attention then snapped back onto the human as he muttered out, "Where… are we?"

Barely catching his question, the female Vandal took in a breath before she responded, "In a safe place."

"Then, we are… at your House?"

"…Yes."

"…Thank …the Great …Machine." She then watched his eyes close as a sigh of relief emitted from his lips, "You are… safe."

Glancing back at the two male Eliksni in the room once more to ensure she herself wasn't in any danger, the Vandal then asked, "You always seem so keen on my safety, why not your own?" She leaned in, as if to press him for answers, "Is that the reason why your pack calls you Pure One?"

Hearing the Guardian take in a deep breath, the Eliksni waited patiently as he answered, "Is this, a-about the question… that y-you asked me in corridors?"

Pausing at his words, the Vandal hesitated, only to see the human weakly open his lids and fixed his gaze back onto her, "Please, answer me honestly… that is all I ask for."

Hearing him take in a rasping breath as he closed his eyes again, the female Eliksni let out a breath of defeat, "Yes."

A short but soft laugh emitted from the Hunter, "As… I have stated before… not even my own pack knows… w-why I do not fully embrace the name. But… I can feel my life... fading." The female Eliksni's felt her stomach drop as he added, "And … m-my light is weak." Another weak chuckle, "I believe it is… time for me… to confess."

She gave him a bewildered look, "Confess?"

"Confessing for the innocents he had murdered during his life."

Turning around to give Ikrylos a glare, the Vandal paused when she saw Vraldyks take several steps back, his four eyes brimming with curiosity; despite his status as a Baron, he was always easy to read, especially when something of interest appears. Seeing this look in his eyes, a small tinge of hope settled into her chest. That was a good sign; the Hunter has at least several more days to stay before things can get out of hand; at least she hopes so.

Hearing the Guardian take in a wheezing breath, the Vandal then focused her attention back onto him, seeing him open his eyes and tune in over her shoulder; he let out a weak laugh in response, "So, that was who I-I mistook for… Salziks." The female Eliksni didn't have to look back to know that he was talking about Vraldyks; with the male Baron's eyes white as the light wielded by those chosen by the Great Machine, it was easy to pick out who the Hunter was talking about between the two males.

"My… apologies, for mistaking you as someone else… Lord." The Vandal snapped out of her thoughts, "I …could not help but… recognize your eyes as someone… I had known in my… life."

At first fearful of how Vraldyks would react to the Hunter's words, the female Eliksni was taken by surprise as instead, a soft hum permeated from the Baron, the look of curiosity growing stronger in his four eyes, "Another Eliksni held the same trait as I?"

Another weak chuckle from the human, "Her name was… Salziks… a Captain… part of House Devils." She then saw the Guaridan slowly close his eyes and let out a sigh, "At least… she used to be."

Hearing him go silent, worry permeated into the female Vandal's mind as she leaned in, as if to better find the signs of his life. It was only when she saw his chest shift up and down that she let herself relax, leaning away as she let out a breath of relief, only to jump again as the Hunter spoke, "Do you… remember… what I told you about those … 'bandits'… that killed her?"

Seeing him open his eyes through half-lidded gaze, the female Vandal paused before she let out a single nod; this prompted the Hunter to continue, "I told you that… I simply let them go… I lied." She reeled back at his words, "When they saw me talking to Salziks… they had thought … that I was in danger… that I was their prisoner being forced to… 'talk' … to give them… information." A wheezing snort emitted from the Hunter, "As such… when they proclaimed that … they had 'saved' my life… my fury grew and after my… 'escape', I plotted for their … deaths." The Eliksni then saw his eyes turn towards her, "I went and found their camp … acted as their friend… handing out apologies which they easily accepted … before asking me to join their … celebration."

"Celebration?"

A bitter chuckle permeated from the Hunter in response to her question, "They had just killed … a Captain and her pack … what do you think?"

At first, confused at his words, it took the female Eliksni a few seconds more before it finally clicked, "For your sire's death…"

A nod of confirmation, "Originally… I had planned to wait until they rested …but their stories… their boasts of how they took down … Saliziks and her pack… I could not contain my fury any longer… I took out my weapon … and fired upon them." An empty laugh permeated from the Guardian as the female Eliksni's four eyes widen, "It was easy… they did not expect one of their own to attack." A rasping intake of breath from the human, "You would think … that killing them once would be enough… but… no… I was a … Soldier… of the Light… I knew that death was only … temporary… I fired upon their Ghosts as well."

Hearing a rumble of surprise from the males behind her, the female Eliksni stayed quiet as the human Guardian closed his eyes once more, "To hide …what I had done… I dragged their bodies to the outskirts of the Corroded Lands… buried them alongside their Ghosts… I then went to the Haven to properly… attune to my abilities… No one figured out my sin."

"Sin?" It was Ikrylos who spoke, the female Eliksni seeing from the edges of her vision the male Vandal approach the bedside, curiosity and frustration in his gaze, "What 'sin' have you committed for avenging this Captain's death?"

"For she would have not wanted me to … carry out such an act," The Hunter's words earned him a snarl from the male Vandal, "She would have wanted me… to move on… to forgive. To… let it…go."

Hearing him let out a deep sigh, the Eliksni waited for the familiar wheezing intake of air, only to fidget nervously when only silence loomed, "P-Pure One?"

Receiving no answer, she felt her heart stop and she turned her gaze towards Vraldyks and Ikrylos, the two male Eliksni having gone silent alongside the Hunter's breathing. Waiting until she was sure the pair had nothing to say, the female Vandal then took in a shaky breath before whispering, "He is gone."

Xxxxx

Pluto had thought it would have been more difficult to convince Hope to come with him, however, no sooner had Angel's name left his lips when she was up, her optic filled with more life since the human Hunter's disappearance. Although, it did take a bit to calm the female Ghost down just enough to tell her to materialize into his armor for safety.

"You sure you know where you are going?"

It was Nix who asked the question, the viridian Ghost understandably shifting his shell nervously against his core as he shined his light brightly, giving Pluto the capability to see his surroundings.

They had entered through an abandoned building through the Rocketyard, the Exo Hunter nervously eyeing the broken lockers and furniture as the pair made their way through; although it has been months he had last visited the area, Pluto remembers clearly past patrols where he taken the heads of Fallen with his sniper in this very space. As such, he couldn't help but tense, his red optics glancing at every nook and cranny that a Fallen is more than capable of hiding themselves. However, the Exo Warlock that the Exo Hunter was currently following casually strolled through the darkness with only Sunny Day illuminating the way, wielding nothing but a sidearm in one hand.

"According to my scans, Hunter Angel's light is in this general location." It was Unit Eleven, the monotone voice of the Phoenix model ringing familiar in Pluto's auditory sensors, "and according to what I can assess, the House of Kings are stationed here as well."

"Scans? Assess? Pluto can't even do half of that." The Exo Hunter in question turned and gave Nix a blank stare, "What are you? A super Exo?"

Instead of an immediate answer, Pluto saw Unit Eleven's white optics dim and flicker, as if processing the viridian Ghost's words before he responded, "Observation, voice authorization not recognized. Unable to access files of PHX-TRVLR. Encoded permission accessible from Exo Phoenix Unit I – 0 needed."

"Oh Traveler!" Frustration easily oozed from Nix's voice, "Come here! I'm tired of this 'authorization' shit!"

His red optics going wide as Nix glided over to the Exo Warlock, Pluto parted his lips to retort only to clamp it shut as Day suddenly turned around and placed themselves in between the viridian Ghost and the Exo, prompting the latter to come to a slow halt.

"If you are thinking about 'hacking' into my Guardian's head, think again." Pluto saw the white Ghost narrow their optic, "this is his privacy that you are invading."

"Privacy?!" Nix gawked, "He 'wants' to tell us about this PHX-TRVLR secret but Echo's 'command' is preventing him from doing so! How else are we going to figure it out!?"

"Anything 'but' diving into his head!" Day retorted, "There is a reason why we want a 'witness' when we find Angel!"

"Why is that!?"

"When Warlock Ianos and I had last seen Hunter Angel, he was seriously injured." Pluto heard Hope take in a breath inside of his helmet as the Exo Warlock turned and fixed his blank gaze onto him, "and with Ghost Hope's time apart from her Guardian, it may be a possibility that is it too late."

Pluto tensed, "What are you implying?"

"When I ventured here with Echo, the two of us sensed his light." Unit Eleven answered, "however, it was faint, weak to the point where even Echo nearly missed it." He then paused, Pluto watching him tilt his head to one side, as if straining to hear, "and even now, I can feel it fade."

"What!?"

Flinching at the sudden raise in volume in Hope's voice, Pluto again got another scare when the female Ghost suddenly materialized into view, her white and red form zooming straight into Unit Eleven's face, "Are you saying his light is fading!?"

"Yes."

"How the fuck do you know this!?"

Seeing Hope press herself even further against Unit Eleven's visor, Pluto then saw a flicker in the Exo's optics, and the Hunter knew that the female Ghost had asked a question that the Warlock himself was unable to answer.

"Do not fret, Ghost Hope," The Exo Hunter saw the female Ghost twirl her parts angrily in response to Unit Eleven's words, "I have a solution to fix the fading connection."

Seeing Hope reel back, Pluto couldn't help but raise a brow at the Warlock, crossing his arms in response to tuning in onto his words. At first, parting his lips to question the meaning, the Exo Hunter paused and shook his head; no matter how many times he may question Unit Eleven, Echo's command will always override his capability to answer. As such, Pluto decided to let it be and opted to say, "Then let's hurry before Angel is beyond saving."

"But…"

Giving the female Ghost a narrowed glance, Pluto raise one hand and motioned for her to return, hearing Hope grumble before she reluctantly glided over, and disappearing into particles of light. Feeling the familiar 'heavy' sensation of a presence in his helmet, the Exo Hunter then turned his attention towards Unit Eleven and nodded, signaling to his fellow Exo to turn and lead the way once more.

Watching Day glide ahead to give the Hunter some light, Pluto let out a weary sigh before following after, letting Nix glide barely in front to let the Ghost guide him.

"I pray that we are not too late." Albeit he thought the same, Pluto couldn't help but let a sense of unease settle onto his shoulders.

Until next week! :D