Redacted

The Search

I apologize for the late update guys. Honestly, I didn't want to do 'anything' this week. No idea why, but my mood didn't want to get anything done - even at work. It was a struggle to get this chapter out, and even then, I'm not completely happy with how it turned out, especially the ending. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy and once again, I apologize for the wait!

Thanks to Diamond002 and The Great Wolf 177 for the reviews!

"You seem so certain that is their current location."

Pluto turned his blind optics towards Nix and gave him a blank stare, "I 'know' that is their current location. Rasputin confirmed that a power core that there had been recently activated 'and' been online for several weeks despite 'years' of inactivity."

"Maybe it was the Fallen?" He heard Nix suggest, "They do tinker with any Golden Age tech they could get their hands on."

The Exo Hunter thought for a moment, "Perhaps." He then holstered his knife, "Does not mean it won't hurt to check."

A groan then can be heard from Nix, "Pluto, usually I would try to stop you and then let you go on your merry little way. But this time, I 'will' try to stop you, as not only are you wandering into unknown territory, but you are also 'still' recovering from Dusk's attack."

"It is not a serious injury."

"She took your 'optics,' Pluto," Pluto heard his Ghost empathize, "and since she did it while having drained most of your light, I cannot fix it. In other words, I cannot send you scans of your surroundings." He heard the familiar hum of Nix's hovering glide closer, "you are literately walking in 'blind', Pluto. And I have to advise, that is not a wise decision."

Pluto couldn't help but scowl at his Ghost's words, "Then what do you expect me to do? Ianos and the others have not returned in seventeen days. Optics or not, I am 'not' going to sit around and wait. Especially since the Vanguard are seemingly doing nothing on their 'disappearance'."

"That is because they are busy with other duties," Nix retorted, "With the threat of SIVA still looming over us, they have to straighten out their priorities. And you know the Vanguard, the 'City' is always their first priority."

Letting out a scoff at his Ghost's words, Pluto opted to continue securing on the remaining pieces of his armor, tightening the strap around his arms before pulling his cloak over his shoulders, "Another reason to add why I am going out there to the Dead Zone and investigating."

"Have you not been-" An exasperated sigh then escaped from the blind Ghost, "Fine, you win. Again."

Pluto smirked, "Don't I always?"

"No matter how much I hate to admit it, but, yes, you do. However, I 'will' win next time."

"The Traveler will wake before that happens." Hearing his Ghost scoff at his words, Pluto simply let out another smile and then held out his hand, feeling Nix settling onto his palm before feeling the familiar weight of another presence materialize into his mind.

"Do try and be careful," Nix's voice rang through the Exo's head, "Despite over a decade without the use of your sight, this is your first time heading out into the wilds 'without' my aid. You are all on your own."

"As long as you are giving me directions, I will be fine."

"I am being serious, Pluto," The blind Exo paused at his Ghost's words, "the only reason you were able to stay a Guardian was for the reason that your optics were connected to my scans. And let's not forget to mention that your blindness was not 'permanent'. You had the free will of turning your optics on and off. But this time…"

Staying momentarily silent, Pluto contemplated on the words of his Ghost before answering, "Then, would it make you more comfortable if I took someone with me?"

The Exo Hunter sensed the surprise permeating from Nix, "Are you being serious?"

"Serious as I can be."

"…Normally I would agree, but," Pluto sensed his Ghost hesitate, "This is the Revenants that we are speaking of."

"I can easily select one of the young ones to help me." The Exo Hunter paused at the disapproval emanating from their bond, I know they are young, and I want more than anything to keep them 'innocent' from the horrors of war. However, I have no one else to turn to, and anyone else who battled the Revenants are either long gone or disappeared without a trace."

"But they are still young in years," Nix protested, "none of them are even ten years of age."

"Then, would you prefer I go alone then?" Pluto snapped, hearing his Ghost go silent, "It is either choice, Nix. I am not waiting a moment longer when the rest of Fireteam Redacted is out there, possibly lost or in danger. Especially so since they were trying to meet with the Revenants." He then heaved out a sigh, placing a hand onto his helmet, "and not to mention the twins are still out there with them."

Hearing nothing from his Ghost, Pluto lowered his hand back to his side as he waited patiently, standing idly before he heard Nix release a sigh, "Fine, but do be careful. It has been 'decades' since we last ventured into the Dead Zone. It must be an entirely new territory by now."

Nodding his head in understanding, the blind Exo then took steps towards the exit, only to pause as he heard footsteps step around the entryway.

"I'm coming."

Pluto frowned at the words, "Orion-"

"Gemini and Scorpio are my siblings, they're my family too," The blind Exo paused at the young Titan's words, "if they are in danger, then I want to be of help."

"The Clan needs you here."

A scoff can be heard from Orion, "Are you seriously considering 'me' being the next head of the Clan if something happens to you?" Pluto cannot help but let the image of the cyan Exo shake his head linger in his mind, "Look, whether you want to admit it or not, Io is best suited for the job. He can take care of the Clan while you and I are away."

Narrowing his gaze in the direction of the young Exo, Pluto easily sensed the determination, the defiance emanating from Orion; this caused him to let out a sigh, "Fine, just deliver Hush to Neve so she can keep an eye on her while we head out to the Dead Zone."

That is when Pluto heard the young Titan go silent and heard a second pair of footsteps near Orion's side; it took the Exo Hunter a moment to understand.

"She is 'not' coming with us," A hum of disappointment can be heard from beside Orion, signifying the presence of the child Guardian, "Hush is still deemed 'too young' for the field, and let's not forget to remember the Crystalline is absent from her side."

"Firstly, I am not bringing her along because I want to, it is because 'she' wants to," Pluto reeled back from the Titan's retort, "and secondly, that is exactly the reason why Hush wants to come with us. It has been too long since she sent Crystalline with the others to the Revenants, and she not only wants to know what happened to Ianos, but to Crystalline as well."

The blind Exo paused at this, keeping his blank gaze forward as he processed Orion's words. He heard the young Titan sigh at this.

"I understand why you are worried about Hush and I, especially since we are heading into this 'Dead Zone', which I know is named so for a reason," Pluto heard the young Titan pause, as if picking out his next words, "but you also cannot keep 'protecting' us as well. We are growing in years, 'maturing'. It is only a matter of time before we have to venture on our own." Another pause, Pluto understanding that Orion was waiting for an answer, "I am turning nearly eight years, Pluto, and Hush nearly four. And I heard that many 'newborns' around our age already fought in 'battles', have been in life or death situations." The blind Exo heard Orion take in a breath, "I say, it is about time that Hush and I experience these 'life or death' experiences ourselves, and not in books."

Immediately, the Exo Hunter found himself torn, shifting his blind gaze towards the two young Guardians as he hesitated. There was truth in their words; Pluto himself having already killed a fellow Risen when he was hardly a year old. But that was 'eons' ago, when 'Guardians' did not exist and where clashes between Chosen were commonplace. Not to mention Pluto witnessed these horrors and does not wish the same upon the young ones before him. Yet again, he also knows that he cannot protect them forever, as Orion said. There will come a time when the Vanguard will be short on Guardians, short on 'soldiers' to send out to field, short on those with experience, and that Orion and Hush would be sent out on an assignment way beyond their years. And their chances of returning would be slim. It would be better if they are exposed to such dangers before it becomes threatening, before they have to be 'alone'. The least Pluto can do is ensure that they are safe, even with his blindness.

"Just stay close to me." The blind Exo immediately sensed the pair perk up at his words, "but, remember this." He leaned in to emphasize on his next words, "This is not a simple mission, nor a mission to take lightly. It 'will' contain threats, and it 'will' be a life or death situation." Pluto straightened out his posture, "Take it seriously as you can, and please." His shoulders drooped, his voice going soft, "Make it out alive."

Hearing them go momentarily silent, the Exo Hunter, at first, regretted his word of choice, but then Orion's voice rang out, "Don't worry, Pluto. Guardians have each other's backs, right?"

Reeling back at the young Titan's response, Pluto then found a smile forming onto his dark features before he spoke, "Come along then, let us find our missing family of ours, shall we?"

Xxxxx

The first thing that Knight felt when he awoke was the numbness in his limbs, and the sensation of grogginess permeating through his senses. Unfamiliarity was next; Nine usually ensures that he had plenty of energy when the younger mind takes control, especially so after a tough fight. Then, it slowly came back to the young Exo: the journey into a Vex Portal to locate Jora, and the subsequent discovery of the Vex assimilating the Revenant Titan into their hive mind. The lingering sensation of the darkness was the last thing Knight remembered. Although, counting on the familiar white ceiling before him, the Exo can take a guess that they had made it out of the Vex Portal. Somehow.

"Day? Nine?" He groaned, blinking rapidly to clear the static from his vision, "what happened?"

Waiting momentarily for an answer, Knight blinked when he received none, and then attempted to push himself into a seated position, his optics wandering, "Nine? Day?"

That is when the younger mind felt his right-side slip, causing him to let out a startled noise as he landed on his back, and bounced slightly from the cushion underneath him. Bewildered, Knight hesitated when he flexed his right hand, only to feel 'nothing' from the action, and causing him to slowly turn his optics towards his right side. The young Exo then froze when he spotted the limb absent, feeling his core beat rapidly behind his chest as he unsteadily pushed himself back into a seated position. That is when he noticed the lack of feeling on his right side. Lifting up his remaining hand, Knight's trembling fingers touched the opposing cheek, only to feel his fingertips touch wires and mesh, and it was then, only then, he realized his right sight was blind.

"Nine?" Knight managed to choke out, panic building up in his chest, "Nine!"

Throwing his legs over the side of the bed, the young Warlock attempted to stand, only to feel his feet buckle underneath him, and found himself falling onto the floor with a resounding crash. Letting out a groan, Knight flinched when pain permeated throughout his abdomen and limbs, although it did little to discourage him from pushing himself onto his knees. The young Exo then started to notice someone talking, a voice that Knight cannot pinpoint as familiar; he opted to ignore it, "Nine? Day?"

Shaking his head to rid himself of the pain permeating through his senses, Knight finally dug into the back of his mind, reaching for the familiar bonds that dwelled within. That is when he felt them; they were still there, but weak, Day barely conscious and Nine…

"What happened!?"

Snapping his hand onto the bedside for support, Knight pulled himself onto his feet, his lone functioning optic glancing around nervously, finally taking note that not just the voices were unfamiliar, but his surroundings as well; this was not the Medical Wing of the Tower. Turning his wide gaze towards the closest figure near him, Knight reeled back when his optic had settled onto an unfamiliar visor, the appearance and color of their helmet foreign to him. That is when he noticed them reaching out a hand.

"Don't touch me!"

Reeling away from the individual, Knight placed a hand onto his head, reaching out with his bond once more. Expecting to receive no response, relief flooded the young Exo's senses when he felt Day reach out, a gentle tug at their link. However, that relief turned into concern when he did not hear his Ghost speak, let alone a response from Nine himself.

"How many times do I have to say it! He's disoriented! Take steps back!"

Familiarity ringing in the back of his mind, Knight lifted his gaze upwards, only to spot the black and orange shell, "Ace?" The Ghost turned their orange optic towards them, "Ace, what's going on?" The young Exo turned his gaze warily towards the figure nearest to him – a Warlock now that he spotted the flashing bond, "and 'where' are we?"

That is when the young Warlock heard the black and orange Ghost heave out a sigh, "Lie down, it's going to take a moment to explain."

Worry bubbling to the surface of his mind, the young Exo complied, grunting as he managed to get himself back onto the bed, although, leaned his back against the headboard so that he was seated upward; Knight sensed the blank look that Ace gave him.

"Close enough," The Ghost finally stated before the young Warlock watched them then turn towards the other Warlock present, "Thank you for the assistance, but I think I can take it from here."

Easily sensing a look of doubt from the unknown Warlock, Knight half-expected the individual to retort, to retaliate against the commands of the Ghost. But moments later, after a silent glaring contest between the two, the young Exo finally heard the Warlock heave out a sigh before nodding once, signifying their compliance before turning around and heading off. Spotting the Warlock taking steps towards another individual in bed, Knight then shifted his attention back to Ace, only to pause as the edges of his vision caught familiar azure.

"Ianos?"

Sitting up straight, Knight's lone functioning optic widen when his gaze then spotted Akiva, immediately recognizing the cold expression of death, "Ace? What happened?"

At first, hearing nothing from the Ghost, the young Exo found himself shifting nervously in his bed, waiting for an answer from Ace.

"You and Angel were knocked out after Jora's form released that surge of Darkness," The Ghost finally spoke, "and according to the Medics back at the Tower, the two of you would need several weeks to recover."

"But," Knight shifted his gaze around the room, "This 'is not' the Tower."

"Yes, it's not." The young Exo paused at Ace's response, "but according to Nine, it would just take you a week, maybe a little longer to awaken thanks to his light assisting in your healing, and as such, despite his weak state, decided to come along to bring Ianos to the Revenants."

Knight blinked, his mind quickly piecing the information together, "Wait, so you are saying Isamu actually kept his side of the bargain?" A nod from Ace, "Then we saved Jora?"

No sooner had the question left his lips when he saw Ace's optic flicker followed by their gaze lowering to the floor; the Exo's shoulders fell, "Oh, then, you did have to kill her after all?"

"She was too far gone to save." The black and orange Ghost stated, Knight watching as they shifted their orange optic locked back into his, "it was best to destroy the body so that she may pass on in peace."

"But then, Isamu didn't have to keep his end of the deal," The young Exo turned his optic away from the Ghost's, narrowing his gaze as he focused on his hand in his lap, "why did he decide to-" He paused, his optic wide against as he turned his attention back onto Ace, "Wait, then he wasn't able to cure Ianos?"

"Isamu was able to 'stabilize' him, but not cure," Knight once again blinked at the Ghost's words, "He admitted that by himself, he didn't have the capability completely 'balance' the Light and Darkness within Ianos, and that only the Preceptor of the Revenants can save him."

Narrowing his optic at the newfound information, panic then returned back into the young Exo's chest as it slowly dawned upon, "Wait, then, are you saying that we are in a Revenant base?"

Knight's jaw dropped when Ace bobbed once, "Honestly, despite his insistence, Isamu was too injured to show us the way." The young Warlock watched as the black and orange Ghost spun their back fins thoughtfully, "It was Crystalline who lead us here."

Slowly nodding his head in understanding, Knight then found himself glancing back down towards his lap, lifting up his functioning left hand, and flexed his fingers, "But let me guess, their 'welcoming' party wasn't all too happy to see us?"

The young Warlock glanced over in time to see Ace bob once more, "How else do you think your body got this way? Or how Akiva…" Hearing the Ghost's voice fade, Knight waited patiently before he saw Ace shake their black and orange shell, seeing sense fall back into their optic before they continued, "Nine used up the last of his strength to stop the worse of the violence, but it did little to stop the Revenants from killing Akiva and then trying to kill us. Luckily, the Preceptor intervened."

"Wait, the Preceptor just happened to walk in on you all being attacked?" Another nod from Ace, "and he stopped it?"

Knight heard the black and orange Ghost scoff, "How else do you think we're in the Medical Wing? Unlike the welcoming party, he was actually more 'tolerant' towards us than his followers."

"So, he helped us then?"

Once again, Ace nodded, "He also ordered his followers to keep Akiva's light in check and to tend to you and Nine's injuries. Then, he turned around and stabilized – or in the Revenant term, 'Harmonized' Ianos' light and the Darkness within him."

Immediately, Knight paused at Ace's words, the sensation of joy filtering into his chest followed by relief, "Then, Ianos is saved?"

"I believe so."

Knight reeled back at this, "Believe so? What does that supposed to mean?"

That is when the young Exo sensed the black and orange Ghost before him hesitate, "Ace? How long was I out for?" His single optic lad over the still form of Akiva and the slumbering form of Ianos, "How long were 'all' of us out for?"

"… Seventeen days." Knight's optic widened at this, "and all that time, Ianos never woken up, and Lex…" Ace's voice faded once more, "Lex is still alive but, he has yet to awaken, and I fear that if he does not wake soon…"

Hearing the Ghost unable to finish their sentence, a cold sensation settled within the young Exo as his optic slowly turned towards Akiva's form; it had not occurred to him until now 'why' the Titan still laid cold, all of the warmth within his body lost, but yet, his Ghost have yet to even resurrect him. Scanning the human Guardian's body, Knight finally spotted Lex's broken form, the young Exo using his lone arm to keep himself from collapsing onto his side.

Seventeen days.

Seventeen days since Akiva has died and Lex have yet to awaken to resurrect his Guardian. And from what the young Exo could tell, the white and yellow Ghost was not going to hover back into the air soon.

"How?" Turning his functioning optic back towards Ace, the young Warlock paused when he saw Ace once again shift their gaze downwards, "…it was when the Revenants attacked us, wasn't it?"

At first, receiving nothing but silence, Knight found his agitation grow as he stated, "And we're staying inside their base?"

"I understand why you are upset," The young Warlock found the black and orange Ghost's optic fixed back onto his, "a bunch of unknowns came and attacked us, nearly killing Lex, and 'you'." Ace then glided closer, "but the ones who attacked us, they are recent members of the Revenants. They didn't recognize Crystalline and they still held strong distrust towards those from the Tower."

"But to 'kill' a Ghost?" Knight watched as Ace reeled back at his words, "It's equivalent to murder, both for the Ghost themselves and the Guardian. Why would anyone want to willingly kill one?"

That is when the young Exo caught a glimpse of guilt and shame flash over the Ghost's orange optic, bewilderment settling into Knight's mind until realization hit him once more, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have-"

"No, it's fine," The younger mind paused at Ace's interruption, "there are truth in your words." A bitter laugh then can be heard permeating from the black and orange Ghost, "Doesn't mean it's easy to take in."

Dipping his head down as Knight saw the look of guilt stay within Ace's orange optic, the young Exo then jumped to attention when he heard footsteps approach, causing the Warlock to shift his functioning optic towards the entrance. That is when his gaze locked onto the visor of another Warlock, however, unlike the one before him, this one held an air of experience and age, a sense of wisdom that Knight only felt from Veteran Guardians. In other words, the one before him was old, although how old eluded the young Exo's reach. If Nine was still with him, still conscious, then the Phoenix Exo would have easily told him the age of the individual's light, the years hidden within. But with Nine's consciousness gone dark, Knight is on his own, and would have felt an emptiness, and alone if not were Day's lingering presence in the back. He just hopes his Ghost recovers enough to speak with him soon.

"So, Micheal's reports were true then," Knight blinked at the unfamiliar name, "You awakened." He then reeled back as the Warlock before him bowed deeply; when he picked himself up, the young Exo couldn't help but feel a soft smile emanating behind the Warlock's visor, "I apologize for the 'welcome' that my brothers and sisters gave you. I promise you that that his not how the Revenants are." The Warlock must have sensed the look of doubt Knight had sent his way, for the Exo Guardian then heard the former add, "Truly, we usually talk first, learn more of our 'visitors' however," A sigh then can be heard from behind the individual's visor, "it seems that Cole and the others have yet to let go of their grudges."

Giving the Warlock another bewildered look at the mention of another unfamiliar name, Knight then heard the former let out a chuckle, "My apologies, speaking to you as if we are already acquainted." He then watched as the Warlock placed a hand to his chest, "I am the head of the Revenants, the 'Preceptor' as my brothers and sisters like to call me. However, you may call me –"

"Preceptor!" Knight jumped as a Titan dashed into the room, skidding to a halt just short of the black and red clad Warlock before slamming a fist to their chest in attention, "Reports of Tower Guardians near our location. It seems that they are specifically searching for an entrance."

"What?" Confusion can be sensed from the Preceptor, "How many individuals?"

"A Hunter and two Titans."

"Has any actions have been taken against them?"

Knight watched as the Titan shook their head, "No, Preceptor. As you commanded, we only observed." Hesitation then can be sensed from the scout, "Although, admittingly, many of us are getting nervous. One of them seems to know his way."

A sense of bewilderment can be sensed from the Preceptor, "Please, explain."

"The Hunter seems to be easily tracking our symbols, our marks," The Titan continued, "he is quickly approaching the entrance as we speak."

Sensing a frown emanate behind the Warlock's visor, Knight opted to remain silent as he continued to observe; the Preceptor finally spoke, "Send a frequency to the others; stop them in their tracks but do not kill, only disarm, disable if necessary. Distract them long enough until I get there."

"P-Preceptor?"

"If Crystalline's information is correct, these individuals maybe the comrades that she spoke of, possibly in search of the Guardians in our care." Knight's optic widens at the Preceptor's words, "and if this group is indeed who I think it is, then the Hunter won't be in the mood to talk. He 'will' retaliate once he finds our location and that Cole and her team harmed those he considers family."

"Then, he 's a threat?"

"Only if you reveal Cole's actions," Knight mentally made a note that whoever this Cole is, better pray that Pluto never figures out what she and her team had done towards Fireteam Redacted; there will be no doubt that the blind Exo would be more than happy to kill them, "as such, keep them distracted and I will find a way to ensure everyone's safety."

Seeing the Titan nod once, Knight then watched as the former saluted once more before running off, more than likely to find a proper location to send out the frequency. That is when the young Exo felt the Preceptor's gaze turn towards him, and immediately sensed sheepishness emanating from the head of the Revenants.

"I do apologize however, I think introductions have to be put on hold," Knight slowly nodded in agreement, "and do not worry about your friends outside, I will ensure that they are safe and are able to enter this base freely."

"Just as long as you keep your followers under control."

Turning his attention towards Ace, Knight blinked when he saw a narrowed glance settle into the black and orange Ghost's optic, a threat clear in their gaze. If the Preceptor took any note of this, he didn't show it, and the young Exo instead sense a nervous smile flash behind the visor before it quickly faded. Expecting the head of the Revenants to leave immediately, Knight instead was surprised to see the Warlock's gaze shift slightly, sensing a feeling of longing from the Revenant before turning around and finally exiting the room.

Following the Preceptor's form with a puzzled look, Knight found himself trailing the Revenant's previous gaze, only to be further confused. Why did they linger over Ianos?

"Ace? Do you happen to recognize the Preceptor?"

Reeling back at his own question, Knight nonetheless felt himself receive a look of surprise before the Ghost in question shook their core side to side, "He is familiar if that is what you mean." The young Warlock then watched Ace scrunch their shell against their core, "It is on the edge of my mind, but I just cannot seem to grasp it."

Shifting his attention back towards the doorway where the Preceptor had exited, Knight then murmured to himself, "Maybe if he removed his helmet, then you might have a clue."

"That, that I can agree with."

Turning and giving Ace a soft smile, the young Exo then paused when he saw movement in the corner of his vision, causing him to turn towards Akiva's side. Then, his optic widens when he saw Lex's form slowly lift themselves into the air, the Ghost's optic flickering gold until it finally remained solid. Then, Knight watched as Lex shook their core side to side and letting out a groan before the latter turned and blinked rapidly. The yellow and white Ghost then paused as he felt all eyes upon him.

"…Hello?" Lex greeted.

Xxxxxx

"Nix."

"I am trying the best I can," Pluto heard his Ghost snap, "but with the Darkness here convoluting my sensors, it is difficult to keep track of where I am going."

"And how do you think 'I' feel? At least your scans work. I have nothing but your insight to lead me around."

"And that is why I tell you to be careful."

Glowering at his Ghost, Pluto opened his mouth to retort but paused, and instead heaved out a sigh. Fighting with Nix wasn't going to make their pace move any faster, and additionally, they were in enemy territory. Best to take it slow and play cautious. Especially so with a child Guardian amongst their number.

Hearing the aforementioned Titan giggle quietly behind him, Pluto didn't have to look back to know that Orion was signing back to her with silly gestures, most likely in an attempt to distract the fact that they were heading into hostile territory. Although blind, this did not mean the Exo Hunter did not sense the waves of uneasiness dissipate around Hush's form, her laughter making everyone at ease. That doesn't mean their guard is not up, however.

After ensuring that the two young Guardians were still following closely behind him, worry then settled into Pluto's mind; he hopes that the armor that he and Orion had managed to scrounge up was enough for the child Guardian. Without Crystalline around, it was difficult to find what material and size was proper for the halfling, as the idea of simply shrinking down Orion's armor did it work, as the heavy material made it so that Hush could barely move. After much trial and error, it was decided that material built out of leather similar to Hunter's gear had to make do, although, with her being trained as a Titan, Pluto couldn't help but worry for her safety.

"Halt!"

Coming to a stop in his steps, Pluto turned to his Ghost, "Nix?"

"Can't see very well thanks to the Darkness here," He heard the viridian Ghost mutter, "but there are in total six individuals. Three of them are currently in front of us. Hard to tell what class they took upon, but they are for sure the people we are looking for."

Taking in the words of Nix, the blind Exo then tuned his senses forward, letting his light reach out and touch the forms before them. If in any other situation, Pluto would have found their flinches funny, especially so since he heard one of them take steps back; if their guards weren't up earlier, then no doubt they would be now. Ignoring the sensation of uneasiness, the Exo Hunter continued to manipulate his light forward, up until Pluto touched upon something familiar; the familiar cold and numbness of the Darkness.

Nodding his head in confirmation to Nix's words, Pluto then attempted to reach his light outwards, only to frown in frustration as his light instead collided into the trees. He simply sighed at this.

"So, three are in hiding then." Pluto whispered to himself, accepting his Ghost's words as truth before frowning behind his visor, and listened in on three pairs of footsteps approach. He then tilted his receptors towards the trees when he heard branches creak, bark peeling off wood; the rest were in the trees, more than likely to give backup to those before them.

"You are trespassing," The blind Exo couldn't help but scoff at the one who spoke – male from what he can gather, "you cannot approach any further."

Narrowing his blank sockets behind his blindfold, Pluto debated on retorting, snapping at the Revenant before the group for inciting a command. But he decided against it; who knows if they were keeping Fireteam Redacted and the twins either as guests, or as prisoners.

"Then, if you do not mind, may you answer a question for me?" Pluto sensed a bewildered stare, "have you seen a group of six come by here? Three Exo, an Awoken, and two humans?" He then paused, musing on his next words, "They were all lead here by a Ghost, Crystalline. Lavender shell with patterns that moves like the Awoken's skin and tendrils that resemble a Hydra's?"

Instead of immediately receiving an answer, Pluto instead heard nothing but silence, and as such, he couldn't help but let tinges of irritation form in the front of his mind, "A simple yes or no answer would suffice."

"…Yes." The blind Exo couldn't help but pause; he had expected more resistance for his question, "they arrived here a little over two weeks ago."

Pluto let some of the tension die from his shoulders, "Then, they are safe?"

"In part."

"In, part?" The Exo Hunter repeated, narrowing his gaze at the three Revenants, "Please clarify what you mean, 'in part'?"

"Gerard."

Hearing a different voice address the one previously speaking, Pluto then found himself reaching down to the knife secured to the left high, "What have you done to my team?"

Feeling all eyes turn towards him, the blind Exo sensed the hesitation, the fear, "Are you not going to answer my question?"

Once again receiving nothing but silence, Pluto then decided to completely remove his knife from its sheathe; he heard the familiar clicks of weapons being aimed, "Let me repeat myself: what did you do to my team?"

"They are receiving care, that is all I can inform you."

Anger quickly filtered to the surface of Pluto's mind, although this was quickly replaced with bewilderment as he heard rushing footsteps speed past him followed by the familiar crackle of arc energy trailing behind. That is when he heard the familiar contact of fists slamming into the dry hearth followed by a shockwave, nearly forcing the blind Exo back.

"What did you do the twins!?"

Hearing the roar of rage emanate from Orion, Pluto couldn't help but scowl at the actions of the younger Exo; then again, the Hunter would have done the same had the Revenants refused to properly answer his questions. Nonetheless, Pluto couldn't help but mentally curse as he heard movement in the trees once more, and this time, followed with the clicks of weapons being aimed.

"Orion! Above!"

Rolling back to avoid the gunfire pelting where he stood, Pluto then felt the familiar weight of Nix flash back into his mind.

"If I had the time to say how stupid this was I would say – Duck!"

Crouching down in accordance to his Ghost's words, Pluto then felt the familiar brushes of bullets fly above his head before he made the decision to roll to his left, leaping back onto his feet, and started running.

"Trees to your front! And – Orion!"

Skidding to a halt, Pluto reached out with his light until he felt the familiar presence of Orion, the image of the young Exo's light struggling against two filtered with Darkness lingering in the front of his mind. Gritting his jaw, the blind Exo condensed his light into his hand, clasping his fingers around the grenade before throwing it towards his feet. Feeling the familiar buzz of his cloak settling onto his form, then started dashing towards Orion's struggling light. Concentrating his light around his hands, Pluto then leaped into the air before pulling his hand back, feeling his light solidify long enough to clasp the end of an arrow, and then releasing his grip.

Initially, Pluto had wanted his Void Anchor to latch onto one of the Revenants, hoping that his light would wraps it tendrils around the corrupted light of the Chosen before him. Although, to his disappointment, this was not the first time the Revenants faced a Nightstalker it seemed, as he heard startled shouts and scrambling footsteps before the familiar 'thump' of his tether slammed into the ground. Although, the disappointment soon turned into a smirk as the hum then turned into a high-pitched tone, the image of the violet light releasing long lines that latched onto the light and darkness of the Revenants, enabling the blind Exo to hear the latters' screams of surprise.

He then saw Orion's arc light take steps back and seeing it grow in size. Pluto instantly knew what the Titan wanted to do.

It was interesting really, as the lack of his vision made it so that the blind Exo could only 'see' light and darkness, the imagery really resembling their respective element: Solar as a ball of fiery inferno of flames, Void a shimmering orb of violet, and Arc as a rigid lash of energy. And seeing Orion's arc light reaching out like lightning, rushing towards the corrupted lights that he saw within his mind, Pluto couldn't help but wonder what the other energies of Darkness would have resembled.

He got his answer sooner than he had anticipated.

"Pluto! Behind!"

Snapping around, all Pluto could sense was a ball of something malevolent burning against his senses before suddenly an impact slam into his chest, feeling the buzz of his cloak leave his form, and his feet flying out from beneath him. Mentally thanking the Traveler for the lack of his need for air, this didn't stop the dull thrum of pain permeating through his body as the Hunter felt himself tumble, unable to tell his surroundings even as he skidded to a stop.

"We're going to get your senses further heightened after this."

Pluto let out a groan as he shifted, feeling his hands press against the dry hearth, "I'll try and remember that, Nix."

Pushing himself unsteadily back onto his feet, Pluto then reached out with his light once more, and this time, the image of a fiery ball of green flames formed in his mind. The Hunter rolled his shoulders; he just hopes that Orion had taken out the three Revenants that had been caught in his Anchor. Reaching down to his waist, Pluto then paused as he realized the absence of his knife, silently cursing to himself as he then reached towards his back, reaching for the spare before he paused; the Revenant's green flames had grown in strength. Frowning behind his visor, Pluto attempted to process this information when a scream permeated through the air; and that is when it hit him.

"Hush!"

Turning his attention away from the green flames lingering before him, Pluto snapped his attention where he had last sensed the child Guardian, only to see a familiar dome of light appear in his mind alongside two filtered with tinges of violet. The other two Revenants. He had forgotten about them.

Cursing under his breath for his rustiness, Pluto took steps towards the child Guardian, only to feel arms wrap around his neck. Instinctively grabbing them, the Exo Hunter then felt his feet leave the hearth once more, although this time, he felt his legs dangle, signifying that the one who had grabbed him from behind had lifted him into the air. Pluto couldn't help but let irritation settle into his mind; he was 'not' going to be taken down so easily. As such, reaching up with one of his hands, a hum of memory reached to the surface of the Hunter's mind as he trailed his hands down until he felt the familiar form of a fist in his palm.

"Look, I know it sounds ridiculous." He couldn't help but give the Awoken a doubtful look, "But trust me, if anyone tries to restrain you and you have access to their hands, grab their thumb. It 'will' work."

I hope you know what you were talking about, Ianos, Pluto thought to himself before his fingers finally found the appendage, slipped them underneath the thumb, and tugged.

A startled yelp of pain and surprise then permeated into his receptors, followed by the sensation of his feet touching solid ground. Feeling the arms leave his shoulders, Pluto then took the opportunity to slip out, turn, and swing his fist. He wasn't sure if what he had hit was the face, but the resounding 'crack' of polymer breaking made Pluto certain that he at least had broken the visor. Shifting his attention back towards Hush, the blind Exo then saw the familiar light of Orion dashing towards the child Guardian's, the thin light of her Ward slowly crumbling in his sight.

Gathering his void light in his hands once more, Pluto simultaneously ran towards the young Guardians as he once again took aim, shifting his light in between the two attacking Revenants before releasing his grasp. Once again, the blind Exo watched as the image of his Void Anchor lashed out, leashing the two corrupted Lights to the hearth before he slid down onto his knees, skidding into Hush's Ward as Orion's light finally made it in.

Holding up his hand, Pluto then felt the familiar weight of a hand cannon land in his grip before taking aim and fired two shots. Instantly, he heard the sound of a high powered bullet penetrate steel and leather followed by a gasp, and then, two bodies falling to the earth.

A scream of rage then can be heard emitting not too far from their location; Pluto didn't have to guess to know that the ones Orion had taken out earlier had already resurrected.

Holstering his hand cannon to his thigh, the Hunter then raised his hand once more, signaling to Nix to transmat his scout rifle in his hands before pushing himself back onto his feet, condensing his light around his form as the old Exo prepared for a fight.

"Enough!"

A new voice caused Pluto to snap to his attention, pushing his light forward until it latched onto the newcomer. And instantly, familiarity slammed into his mind followed by surprise as his light touched familiar cold vast emptiness.

"We just wish to speak."

The blind Exo shook his head before glowering at the Revenant, "Wish to speak? Why should I speak to you knowing that you caused harm to my team? My family?"

Hearing the Revenant pause at his words, Pluto found a growl escaping his throat; he paused when he felt gentle hands wrap around his. Knowing fully well it was Hush who had latched onto his wrist, the Exo Hunter waited as he felt her fingers open his palm and he felt her hand touch his. It was then he felt her fingers form symbols, her hands moving to the side to ensure he felt every detail as she signed, Please. No more fighting.

Letting his shoulders relax at her words, Pluto took in a deep breath before he heaved out a sigh, "Are they safe?"

A moment of silence before an answer, "Yes." Another pause, "Would you like to see them?"

Responding simply with a nod, Pluto then waited as he sensed the other Revenants close in on the one before him, and then followed once he sensed their convolution of light and darkness move.

"How can you let them off easily?" It was Orion, the young Exo hissing, "They caused Fireteam Redacted and the twins harm."

"I know," Pluto scowled once more, "However, Hush can be, 'convincing'."

"…I still don't understand how you can understand her when she just moves her hands, especially when you don't have any use of your optics."

Flashing the young Exo a smile behind his visor, Pluto simply glanced down at Hush's light as he felt the child's Guardians grip tighten around his wrist, feeling her press against his side as Nix's voice whispered instructions on where to step.

"When you have a lot of time on your hands, you learn many things."

"What?"

"Just wait until you're stuck at the Tower, then you will understand."

"…What?"

Usually I don't write anything at the end (do I?) but I think I have to explain a little bit about how Pluto 'sees'. As you can recall previously, Pluto still had use of his optics, he just didn't want to use them often as he saw it 'unfair' for him to see while Nix could not. To help compensate for their blindness, Nix connected his scans with Pluto's optics, enabling it so that the two of them still can 'see' and still function properly as Guardians. However, after the encounter with Dusk, Pluto lost his optics completely and with the little knowledge of Exo anatomy, replacements aren't easy. And without his optics, there is no way that Nix can send him the scans needed for him to 'see' his surroundings. As such, Pluto is starting to learn how to 'hear' and use his light to 'see'. Although this helps, Pluto cannot see obstacles, such as trees or buildings, and has to rely on Nix's call outs to avoid running into one. Furthermore, his light can only reach so far and cannot sense things that are 'behind' objects, such as the example of the three Revenants hiding out in the woods; since they were hiding behind trees, he cannot 'see' them with his light. It also doesn't help that Pluto had been stuck at the Tower lately, leaving him little time to 'exercise' and get use to the lack of his optics. I hope this explains some of the perspective near the end lol.