Redacted

We Need Your Help

I made it! Phew! On a Sunday too lol. Anyways, I apologize guys, I have been busy with work lately so I haven't had the time to write. As such, I am not sure if I can do weekly updates as I used to. Although, if that's the case, the latest would be two weeks, nothing more, I promise. Nonetheless, all I am going to say is this; it is difficult to keep track of blind characters, since they can't 'see' anymore, you have to use other senses. Good practice though lol

Thanks to Wesseldg02, Mantic64, Diamond002, Guest, The Great Wolf 117, and The Turtleman for the reviews!

Guest - Despite several years taking place in the story, Hush will indeed grow, as it has been hinted in previous chapters that she has grown a bit, but not enough to be noticeable. And me? Kill off the main character? Hah! No, he won't die...maybe

TheTurtleman - Yeah, but I need all that info to ensure I get your character when I introduce them in the story lol. And thanks! I feel like the hints are too obvious who it is but eh lol. And thanks, with this large of a text, it takes me a moment to find all the errors.

_Transcript: _

_Source: Ghost of Hashimoto, Isamu_

_Alias: Hashimoto, Hajime_

_Transcript of conversation between Revenant Hashimoto, Isamu [H.I] and the Preceptor of the Revenants, [REDACTED] [P.Z]. Conversation takes place during a party placed in one of the Revenants bases of operations_

[H.I]: Preceptor, forgive me for intruding however, I have to say that you had too much to drink.

[P.Z]: Now why would you say that?

[H.I]: … Your face is flushed red, Preceptor, and you can hardly keep your posture despite being seated.

[P.Z]: Isamu, relax. Our status as 'returned' makes eating and drinking a 'want', not a 'need'. It is rare for us to enjoy ourselves with this much food and drink to go around. Set aside your duties for now and let us celebrate the birth of a newest addition to our family.

[H.I]: …As you wish Preceptor but please, do be careful. You are a bit 'loose lipped' when you have much to drink.

[P.Z]: That reminds me, where is Blaise? The two of you are usually connected by the hip.

[H.I]: He and two others ventured outside to keep an eye out for any hostiles. All the noise we are making is sure to attract unwanted attention.

[P.Z]: Blaise does not enjoy parties, does he? [chuckles] Reminds me of a certain somehow back at the Tower.

[H.I]: Is this the other 'part' of you that you keep going on about during our last celebration?

[P.Z]: And you say that I get loose lipped when 'I' have much to drink.

[H.I]: …I have no idea what you are referring to.

[P.Z]: [Laughs] It is alright to be curious, my brother, however, do be careful when asking personal questions. Despite being 'Preceptor' here, I do mind my privacy being intruded upon.

[H.I]: My apologies, Preceptor.

[P.Z]: No need to apologize, Isamu. The alcohol is taking affect on us. [Pause then laughter]. Although, if Ianos were here, he would be able to drink everything and stay unfazed.

[H.I]: Ianos? Is that the name of the individual you left behind at the Tower?

[P.Z]: Yes, and if it were not for him, I would either be locked up in a lonely cell somewhere or dead. I owe him my life.

[H.I]: Then why did you leave him behind?

[P.Z]: Because unlike us, where we willingly accepted the Darkness into our being, his light was unfortunately 'tainted'. As such, to ensure that the corruption does not further cause him harm, I left and worked in secret on the balance of the Light and Darkness.

[H.I]: Corrupted? Then is he…?

[P.Z]: Truth be told, I am not certain if he is still alive or not. And I would rather let it stay that way if I want to keep the last remnants of my sanity.

[H.I]: What do you mean, Preceptor?

[P.Z]: When I said 'part' of me, Isamu, I meant a 'part'. [Pause] You have heard of Chosen taking more than one partner, correct?

[H.I]: You mean Fireteams?

[P.Z]: Partners in – what is it again? – romantic way.

[H.I]: … This Ianos, he was not your only significant other?

[P.Z]: There was a third, and we loved him dearly just as we had each other. However, during the attempted reclamation of the moon, he fell in battle alongside many others. I cannot fathom the thought of losing another.

[H.I]: Must be difficult.

[P.Z]: Perhaps, although I can only imagine what it is like for you.

[H.I]: … I do not know what you are speaking of.

[P.Z]: Blaise. I recognize the look in your eyes whenever you look his way. Although, whenever he looks at you, all I see is friendship, comrades in arms that had been together for decades.

[H.I]: … I can see why you are the Preceptor of the Revenants.

[P.Z]: Hah! Preceptor, irony in that title with the fact that I have little use of my eyes.

[H.I]: …Wait, I beg your pardon?

[P.Z]: Have you ever told Blaise? About your feelings?

[H.I]: … (Sigh) Yes, however, it is as you say. He does not see the same as I towards him.

[P.Z]: Let me guess, Jora?

[H.I]: Is there nothing you cannot see?

[P.Z]: I practically cannot see 'anything', Isamu. It is simply the matter of fact that my light is more attuned to 'life' than other Chosen.

[H.I]: You being a Naturalborn?

[P.Z]: Perhaps, we will see when other Naturalborn join our ranks.

[H.I]: My apologies for being blunt however, with your rarity, I highly doubt we will get another Naturalborn for many decades.

[P.Z]: One can hope. Cheers! For a brighter future for our growing family!

[H.I]: Cheers, Preceptor.

_End Transcript_

Xxxxx

They were young, that was the reason why Knight and Angel have yet to awaken. According to what he can grasp, being knocked unconscious by Darkness can leave an inexperienced Guardian incapacitated for days, weeks even, counting on their strength. That would explain why Nine can feel nothing from Knight every time he reaches into the recess of his mind and searched for the young Exo. However, even though Knight was silent, he at least has the aid of Nine to help recover, Angel on the other hand was on his own. True he has Hope but judging from the way he saw the female Ghost hover worriedly nearby, Nine can tell that there was not much the female Ghost can currently do. As such, giving the Medic a single nod of thanks followed by one final momentary glance towards the young Hunter and Ghost, the Phoenix Exo forced himself to exit the room, and headed towards Ianos' quarters.

That is when he heard a scream.

At first, Nine wasn't startled by the sound; he had visited plenty where Ianos' darkness induced fever will send him back into the recess of his memories, and he would release anguished cries for those he had lost. However, as the Exo Phoenix closed the distance between himself and the Awoken's quarters, he can clearly hear the agony laced within Ianos' screams, and Nine soon found himself speeding up his pace. Turning the corner, Nine then saw the familiar black and orange clad forms of the twins placing themselves between the doors and several medics, watching as Gemini forced them back physically by shoving them, her blue optics narrowing in challenge.

"What is going on?"

Approaching the twins as he saw their attention turn simultaneously towards him, Nine saw relief flood both of the younger Exo's gaze before Gemini gave one final shove against the medics and taking steps to the side, "Quick! Get in!"

Although bewildered at the female Hunter's words, the Phoenix Exo found himself simply following her command, quickly walking in when Scorpio pressed the panel on the side, enabling Nine to walk in undisturbed before hearing the door slid close behind. That is when he finally focused his attention towards Ianos.

The Awoken was thrashing in his bed, his orange eyes wildly glancing around the room as he continued to scream, his form barely being restrained by Akiva and Isamu, the latter of which was struggling to keep one hand on Ianos' chest while the other was clasped tightly around his arm.

"Nine!? Is that you?!" The Phoenix Exo heard Akiva let out a grunt as the Awoken Warlock momentarily pried his arm from the Titan's grasp, only for Nine to watch as the human Guardian simply pressed his hands down upon Ianos' shoulder, forcing him back down, "Give me a hand here!"

"What in the Traveler is going on?" Approaching near the end of the bed, Nine then suddenly felt an impact slam underneath his jaw, causing him to stumble back and place a hand upon the point of impact, his optics flickering in surprise.

"Watch for his feet! He has good aim with those!" The Phoenix Exo couldn't help but give Akiva a blank stare for his late warning, "Don't just stand there! Help me keep him down before he gets loose! Isamu needs to finish the process!"

Questions building up in the back of his mind, Nine forced his voice down before making a wide round around Ianos' bed towards Akiva's side, and then placed his hands down onto Awoken's abdomen, only to feel his arms fling back as the latter thrashed in response.

"I recommend keeping a tight hold! Ace can fix the bruising later!"

"Can someone tell me what is going on!?" Nine let surprise form onto his metallic features in response to his own outburst; this was quickly replaced with a narrowed glance before the Phoenix Exo took Akiva's advice, leaning over and placing his arms back onto Ianos' abdomen, and this time, used his weight to keep the Awoken secured. He then turned his attention towards Isamu, "What are you doing?"

"Stabilizing him." Doubt immediately lingered within Nine's mind at the Revenant's answer, "I did not say it was going to be a painless process."

"A bit of warning beforehand would have been sufficient." Sensing a frown from Isamu in response to his retort, Nine then jumped as he felt Ianos go stiff underneath him, hearing the Awoken let out one final cry before feeling him go limp. Slowly turning his white optics towards Ianos' face, Nine's gaze dimmed when he saw the Warlock's eyes closed, sweat beading down the sides of his features as he breathed heavily.

"Stabilization successful."

Hearing Akiva let out a sigh of relief, the Phoenix Exo released his hold on Ianos when he saw the others do the same, although, he kept his white optics on Isamu as the latter leaned back in his seat, his breath just as heavy as Ianos'.

"You alright?"

Seeing Isamu open his eyes momentarily and turn his attention towards Akiva, Nine easily saw the exhaustion, the weariness in his gaze as the Revenant Titan answered, "If you want an honest answer, I am not well." He then leaned his head back against the chair, Nine watching him close his eyes, "The Vex had done more damage to my body than I initially expected."

Concern can be felt emanating from Akiva, "What do you mean?"

Instead of an immediate answer, silence first filled the room, the only exception were the sound of protests and scuffling on the other side of the door; it was apparent that the twins were still trying to keep curious eyes away.

"I cannot precisely explain it, however, I felt something trying to take over, pulling at the back of my mind." Isamu finally answered, "and the next thing I knew, I felt a connection, thousands of voices pouring into my head." Nine then saw him lift a hand and placed it onto the side of his temple, "it took all I had to force them back and to focus on Ianos."

"Was it the Vex?"

Seeing Isamu lower his hand and lift his head towards his way, Nine remained silent as the Revenant pushed himself up in his seat, noticing the way he winced and how he strained against his right arm, "More than likely, considering they are a hive mind." A sigh then permeated from Isamu, "It seems they are still trying to assimilate me despite their previous failure."

"We'll deal with it once we get Ianos to your Preceptor."

Nine couldn't help but snap his attention towards Akiva, his optics wide, "What did you say?"

Seeing the human Titan turn his golden eyes towards him, Nine once again stayed silence in wait for an answer however, instead he saw hesitation enter Akiva's gaze before the human Guardian turned his focus back onto Isamu, "Do you think he will be able to do something about your condition?"

"The Revenants are only knowledgeable of the 'Hive'," The Phoenix Exo noticed the slump in Isamu's shoulders, the shaking in his hands, "although, one can be hopeful."

Although vague, Nine can tell that Isamu's answer was enough, seeing Akiva nod from the corner of his vision, "Alright, then we need to leave right away if we are to save the both of you."

The Phoenix Exo couldn't help but give the human Guardian another blank look, "If you had failed to notice, there are interlopers outside. I highly doubt that we can leave with Isamu and Ianos without taking notice."

"Oh…right."

Hearing Akiva let out a thoughtful hum, Nine then turned his attention towards the entrance of the room, seeing the twins shuffling in before finally closing the door behind them, "Have you contacted Pluto yet?"

Immediately, he sensed all eyes turn towards him.

"What?" It was Gemini who spoke, the female Hunter's optics wide, "Haven't you been paying attention? Who knows how Pluto will react that we are receiving help from a Revenant. Why should we take we take a risk and get him involved?"

"For the reason that we are just moments away from saving Ianos' life," Nine heard everyone pause at his words, "If you recall, Pluto holds Ianos very dearly. Even if he disagrees with the Revenants, if it is capable of ensuring Ianos's life is out of danger, then Pluto would be more than willing to aid us."

Keeping his optics upon the faces of his comrades, Nine then crossed his arms as he waited patiently, seeing the contemplation pass over their eyes.

"Pluto is still waiting for Gemini and I to report in," Scorpio finally broke the silence, "I think it's about time he finally hears from us."

Xxxxx

Pluto can easily tell that his words sent waves of bewilderment through the younger Exo before him, leaning back in his seat as he sensed Orion's confusion grow, "So, you are saying that, these 'Revenants' have been around not long after the Great Disaster? And that they have been growing underneath the Tower's noses all these years? With the Vanguard knowing fully about them?"

Nodding his head in response to the cyan Exo's question, Pluto then heard the younger Exo's seat creak, a sign Orion had leaned back, "But, if that were the case, then how come I have never heard of them." He then paused, "How come 'no one' has ever heard of them?"

"For the reason that there is a treaty between the Tower and the Revenants."

"I know that much."

"You didn't let me finish."

Sensing the puzzled stare he received from Orion, Pluto took it as a sign to continue, "The treaty between the Tower ensures a ceasefire, and that the Revenants are to keep themselves into secrecy."

"What?" He heard Orion start, "Now why would the Tower agree to that? Let alone the Revenants? You would think that they would want to rise in power, get their influence spreading amongst the other Guardians, not to go underground."

"That is just the first half of the treaty." Another puzzled look from the younger Exo, "The Revenants agreed to go into secrecy, and to not spread their influence, with one condition."

"Condition? What condition?"

Pluto easily sensed the disappointment emanate from the younger Exo as he shrugged, "That is currently unknown to me, only select individuals were able to attend the finalization of the treaty." He let his thoughts wander momentarily, "Sun was the only one who was chosen to attend out of the clan, and although they fed us some information, it wasn't enough to learn what this condition was." Pluto then release another shrugged, "And they brought that information to the grave."

"Well that is terrific," The blind Exo cracked a smile as he heard Orion shift in his seat, easily sensing the pout pointing his way, "Now it's going to bother me until I figure it out."

"Only way to do that is to ask the Vanguard or the Speaker directly." Pluto sensed the frown deepen on the younger Exo's face, "most of those who had attended were Clan leaders and many, if not all, are currently not with us. They are the only four who currently knows of the Revenants' condition."

"But they don't tell us 'anything'," Chuckling as Orion whined at his words, Pluto then came to a pause when a familiar hum permeated near his shoulders, signaling him to tilt his head towards Nix's way, "Frequency?"

"From Gemini," Pluto let out a hum in response to his Ghost's answer before stating, "It has been a while since their last report. Let it through."

Hearing Nix let out a hum of his own, the blind Exo then waited patiently before the familiar voice of the female Huntress rang into his receptors, "Pluto."

"Gemini," The Exo Hunter returned the greeting, "anything new reporting in?"

No sooner had he asked his question when Pluto sense hesitation emanate from the frequency, causing the older Exo to quietly contemplate, "Is something the matter?"

"Well," Gemini started, "We're all at the Tower."

The older Exo raised a brow at that, "So you are all safe then? What of the Revenant?"

"That's the thing," Pluto paused at the female Exo's words, "He's in the Tower with us."

"What!?" The blind Exo heard Orion jump to his feet, his steps closing the distance between himself and Nix's form, "What do you mean the Revenant is in the Tower?!"

"Orion!? How in the Traveler did you figure out about the Revenants?!"

"How in the Traveler did you get a Revenant into Tower!?"

"Orion," Giving the young Titan a warning glance, Pluto then shifted his attention back towards Nix when he heard Orion grumble but settled down back onto his seat, "Why did you bring the Revenant into the Tower? Despite the treaty, it is too risky to bring an individual imbued with darkness inside."

"Normally, I would agree with you." The blind Exo heard the female Huntress mutter, "but with Ianos' current condition, we didn't have much of a choice."

Pluto frowned, "Clarify."

"Well," A cough from Gemini, "According to what I can tell, this Revenant, this Isamu person, he is possibly one of the higher-ranking members of the group, and he has the capability to stabilize Ianos' condition."

"…What?"

"But not 'cure' him," He heard the Huntress start, "he claims the only way to save Ianos' life is to bring him to the Preceptor, the head of the Revenants."

Pluto narrowed his broken optics, "Why?"

"Because Isamu can only 'stabilize' him, elongate his life," Gemini explained, "The Preceptor however, can – what- 'balance' the light and the darkness within Ianos, make it so that he isn't in danger anymore."

Leaning back in his seat, the older Exo's scowl deepened as he crossed his arms, contemplating on the young Huntress' words, "and you need help on bringing Ianos to him?"

"And Isamu," The female Exo added, "despite how he looks, he's actually in bad shape himself. Corrupted by the Vex from what the others told me." Pluto raised a brow at her words; ironic, a Guardian known for balance being 'corrupted', by machines no less, "We believe if we bring the two of them to their base of operations, this Preceptor will be able to save both of their lives." He then heard her momentarily pause, "We hope so anyways."

"Hope?"

"It's not guaranteed, from what Isamu is saying," Gemini answered, "Counts on how close Ianos' light is to corruption and if the Preceptor even has knowledge of saving Isamu's life, considering that they are more knowledgeable about the Hive than the Vex." Pluto then heard her pause once more, "Nonetheless, we still need to get the two of them out of the Tower but when Isamu, 'stabilized' Ianos, let's just say there was a lot of commotion and a bunch of medics are now outside of the door, demanding to be let in."

"And you called me for help?"

"We have no one else to turn to, Pluto," Gemini admitted, "Not many other Guardians know about the Revenants and honestly, with how Ianos was the past few weeks, we hope that whether you have positive or negative feelings towards them, that you would be willing to help us out to save his life."

Pausing at the female Exo's words, Pluto found himself narrowing his broken optics as his fingers tapped his forearm, pushing himself onto his feet before he started to pace.

"Pluto?"

Ignoring the call of the younger Exo, the Hunter simply continued to pace back and forth, contemplating on the choices before him. Part of him wanted to go on ahead with the plan for Ianos to meet this Preceptor, this head of the Revenants, all for the fact that any chances of curing the Awoken's condition dimmed down immensely after Matt's death; despite being a former Warlock, the latter never made the habit of writing down notes. On the other hand, echoes of Pluto's past came to the front of his mind, the memories of his clashes with the Revenants lingering, their wisps of darkness visible in his blind gaze as the noise of battle rang around him.

"Pluto? This is Nine speaking." The blind Exo snapped out of his thoughts, "I understand your doubts, since out of all of us, you are the only individual who had encountered these Revenants, and as such, you have every reason to doubt their trust. However, I can safely say that Ianos' wellbeing is safe, as Sir Hashimoto is an old comrade of his." A pause, "And I am not – what you call – joking of this fact. They do indeed recognize each other by name and Ianos trusted Sir Hashimoto enough to stabilize his being. If that does not ease your worries, then shall I add that Akiva and the others, including myself, are going to be present when he meets this 'Preceptor'. His safety is guaranteed, we just need aid on figuring out 'how' to get him there."

Soaking in the Phoenix Exo's words, Pluto let the echoes of the past fade from his mind before he finally let out a sigh, "Alright, stay where you are, I'm heading over."

"Wait, really?" It was Gemini who spoke, the female Huntress' voice audibly surprised, "That easy?"

"Don't make me change my mind, Gemini." Hearing the young Exo pause at his warning, Pluto then added, "Just make sure that when I get there, the Medics won't be able to follow me into the room and ensure that you are all ready to leave."

"So, does that mean I can carry Ianos then?"

Pluto couldn't help but let a smile crack onto his features, "Yes Akiva, in your arms if you want to."

A gleeful sound can be heard from the Titan, "Alright, we'll see you here then."

Standing still until the familiar 'click' of the frequency was cut off, Pluto then turned his attention towards Orion, "I can take it that you are not happy with my decision?"

"I don't know how you do it or how you can easily read what I am thinking even though you lack your optics, but, yes, I am not happy with your decision." The older Exo heard Orion stand, "Bring Ianos to this Preceptor? To their base of operations? You sure that is a good idea?"

"I have never heard of this 'Isamu' individual but if Ianos trusts him, then I shall trust his judgement," Pluto heard the younger Exo sputter in response, "Orion, I understand your concerns, but this maybe the only choice we have to save Ianos' life."

"But what if they make him worse? What if they just expand the Darkness within him instead of curing it?"

"They aren't going to rid of him of the Darkness," Pluto sensed the puzzled look from the young Titan, "They are going to convolute the light and darkness within Ianos, to put him into 'balance' as their way of saying."

Hearing Orion momentarily pause at his words, the older Exo waited patiently as the cyan Exo then stated, "So they are going to make Ianos one of them?"

"…Perhaps," Pluto admitted, "but if it saves his life, then I say it is worth the trade."

"…Do you think that he'll return to the Tower after this? That he will be willing to stay with us after these Revenant's stabilizes his condition?"

The blind Exo paused at the younger Exo's words, "What makes you think that he will leave us?"

"Because unlike the Tower, the Revenants might actually make the effort to 'cure' him." Pluto once again paused, "I mean, besides us and Matt, no one else in the Tower really cares what happens to Ianos. Come to think of it, most of them would rather have Ianos either be killed or exiled than let him stay." Now it was Orion's turn to pause momentarily, the blind Hunter hearing the young Titan let out a shuddering breath, "Despite their affiliation with the Darkness, what if he wants to stay with the Revenants because they 'care'?"

Opting to remain silent at Orion's words, Pluto then felt the gentle nudge of Nix bump into the side of his head, causing the blind Exo to intertwine his fingers together and state, "He won't abandon us so easily, Orion. We have been his family much longer than anyone else." Taking slow steps towards the young Titan, the Exo Hunter blindly reached out until his hand settled onto Orion's shoulder, "Little Light would never leave us to stay with those he had just met."

Feeling the young Titan's optics linger over him, Pluto then felt a hand settle on top of his, and received a gentle squeeze, "I hope you're right."

Giving Orion a squeeze on the shoulder in response to his words, the blind Exo simply nodded before letting his hand slide back to his side, turned, and left.

Xxxxx

"I still do not understand why you were so excited to carry Ianos," Akiva heard Lex mutter in his ear, "especially with the circumstances at hand."

"It's not often I get to carry the kid like this," The Titan shifted his grip underneath Ianos just slightly, as if to make his point, "Although, maybe you are right, I shouldn't be too excited when he's like this."

"Exactly what I am trying to say."

Smiling sheepishly as he hears his Ghost let out a sigh, the human Titan then turned his attention towards Nine and the others, seeing the former stand up with Isamu on his back.

"To think that I would let a Warlock carry me like this."

"Under normal circumstances, I would have just let you lean on me. However, knowing Pluto, I have a feeling that a 'fast exit' is going to be needed."

Chuckling as he heard Isamu continue to grumble under his breath, Akiva then watched as Crystalline's lavender form materialize into the Revenant Titan's helmet, leaving the last of the Ghosts safe and secured.

"Everyone ready?"

Seeing the others nod in response to his question, Akiva then spotted Scorpio pull his cloak protectively over his front, hearing Eidr giggle in response before seeing the familiar lumps of hands push against the cloth; apparently the infant thought the male Hunter was playing a game. Reminiscing on Ora and the twins, the male Titan let a smile crack onto his pale features, only to jump as a muffled shout emanated from behind the door. This was quickly followed by more shouts, startled cries of surprised before the entrance burst open, only for gray smoke filter into the room.

"Hold onto each other!"

Feeling a hand grab onto his arm, Akiva then let out a yelp aas he felt himself being pulled, his golden eyes unable to find a shape as his vision quickly filled up with fog. Taking in a breath of surprise, the Titan let out a cough and a wheeze as his throat burned, his lungs screaming out in protest.

"And hold your breath!"

Feeling another grip latch onto his opposing arm, Akiva thought not of it as he obeyed, although his eyes watered as his throat continued to burn as he felt himself being pulled along through the smoke. As he continued to follow this invisible form pull him safely, Akiva then felt his shoulders bump into others, causing him to let out a strangled noise of surprise before coughing then rang in his ears, and it was only then he understood the situation.

"Pluto?" He choked out, only to receive a hushed tone in response.

"I am only helping you all leave the Tower," Akiva heard the blind Exo murmur, "after that, you all are on your own. After all, I am still on 'recovery', it would look suspicious if I disappear suddenly."

Smiling at the Exo Hunter's words, the human Titan then wheezed out, "Make sure to keep an eye on Hush too, if she hears what's going on, no doubt she will try and cause trouble."

"That, is Ianos' fault." Akiva was unable to hold back a snort followed by a retort, "and who's to blame for his stubborn streak?"

He felt himself being jerked forward, "That, was all Neptune."

Restraining a laugh at Pluto's response, Akiva forced himself on keeping his footing, securing Ianos' unconscious form as the group continued to follow Pluto, the human Titan seeing the blind Exo's cloak shimmer throughout their bodies; he just silently prays that they don't bump into experienced Hunters.

Taking steps into the Hangar, the human Titan spotted the familiar colors of his ship, signaling to Akiva to pull at his bond with Lex. In response, a hum permeated through his head, followed by the ramp to the cockpit opening, taking seconds to touch the floor as the others walked in. That is when Pluto released his grasp and the hum of the cloak dissipated.

"Go! Quickly!"

Hearing steps then trail down the ramp, Akiva once again pulled at his bond with Lex, feeling a pullback in response before the ramp of his ship pulled up.

"Hey! What's going on here!?"

"That's Holliday." The edges of Lex's voice was filled with panic, "Hope you are all settled, because, I am getting us out of here. Now."

Hearing his Ghost materialize into view, Akiva then let out a startled yelp as he felt the floor beneath him lurch, causing him to stumble before catching his footing.

"Akiva? Is that you on that ship?" Amanda's voice rang through the coms, "Or Traveler help me, whoever you are, I 'will' shoot you out of the sky if you do not reveal yourself."

"I-It's just us, Holliday," Akiva heard Lex respond, "Sorry for boarding so suddenly, but we have an emergency and we will explain later."

"Now what kind of emergency is extreme enough where you leave not even hours after you just came back?"

Silence permeated throughout the cockpit.

"I am 'so' sorry, Holliday." Lex finally stated, "But we have to go."

"Lex! You better tell me what is going on right now or the Vanguard –"

The Ghost in question cut her off followed by a long pause, "We are going to be in so much trouble for this."

Akiva couldn't help but groan at that, "Just get us out of here, Lex."

Xxxxx

Staying long enough to hear Akiva's ship leave the Hangar, Pluto then heaved out a sigh of relief when the noise of the ship's engines faded, enabling him to finally turn and head towards the exit. Only for him to come to a sudden pause as a familiar presence blocked his way.

Forcing himself to come to a sudden halt, Pluto then took the time to tune in onto the light before him, only to reel back.

"Hush?" He murmured, only to quickly pause; he was still cloaked, he shouldn't be making conversation out in the open.

Nonetheless, the child Guardian's familiar hum rang in Pluto's receptors followed by her touching his hand, and a tug. She knew he was there. In admittance to this, the Exo Hunter released his cloak; this was soon followed by startled gasps, and then chuckles. It was not uncommon for Hunters to startle others with their invisibility.

"Is there something you need, Hush?"

In response to his question, Pluto felt another tug on his hand, prompting him to frown; usually Crystalline would voice her Guardian's words. Was the female Ghost taking her time? Or either that is she resting elsewhere?

As the blind Exo contemplated on this, he felt Hush tug on his hand and this one was more firm, stronger, "Hush, just have Crystalline tell me what you need. I cannot see your hands anymore, you know this."

A whine and several grunts was all Pluto received followed by another tug; concern grew within the blind Exo's chest, "Hush, where is Crystalline?"

That is when he felt the child Guardian linger over his hand before gently uncurling his fingers, followed by hers tracing onto his palm; from his sensors, he felt her form two diagonal lines crossing each other, and it was then he understood; for Hush, the 'X' symbolizes Redacted.

"Hush, what did you do?"

Pluto's tone was light, his voice laced with disappointment and tinged with playfulness than anger; although, he still received a meek tug on his arm from the child Guardian in response to his question.

"Is Crystalline on board with the others?"

Once again, he received a soft tug.