Redacted

Enjoy Your Stay

Agh, I'm really late with this one. I'm sorry guys ,

Thanks to Diamond002 and Mantic64 for the reviews!

_Transcript: Respect_

Source: Ghost of Hunter Angel

Alias: Hope

_Conversation between Fallen Captain, Salziks [E.S] and Hunter Angel [H.A]. Topic concerning Respect_

[H.A]: Salziks, did the Eliksni do something to ensure the hate of the Guardians?

[E.S]: Perhaps. I was not born then, but I do know that our people have been fighting since the dawn of what humans call The Collapse.

[H.A]: Then, the Eliksni and the Guardians have been fighting for decades?

[E.S]: Centuries, to the point where most if not all who had been there are now gone and have joined the Great Machine in the afterlife.

[H.A]: Then, why not stop?

[E.S]: …Stop?

[H.A]: Is it not time to stop and join hands? It is obvious that violence is not going to stop this conflict and I say, it is about time that both sides start to understand each other.

[E.S]: Oh, Pure One, your namesake does you well. I wish that it was simply easy as you say, however, the hate that our race hold against each other has been engraved into our bodies, into our minds. Even the young ones are taught to hate each other once they are aware.

[H.A]: But, I do not understand. The Eliksni are not so different from the Guardians. You all were once chosen by the Great Machine before the Whirlwind and both sides are trying to scavenge what is left of our people's history. Would it not be beneficial for both to work together?

[E.S]: … Pure One, have you ever been to the Haven?

[H.A]: No, I have not.

[E.S]: Have you seen refugees? The ones who live outside of the Haven?

[H.A]: Well, yes, I have seen then, even helped escort some to safer areas. Why is that?

[E.S]: Have you seen how they treat some of their number?

[H.A]: You mean how they interacted? Yes, but is that not how rankings work?

[E.S]: … Rankings?

[H.A]: Such as the Dregs or the Vandals? One is lower than the other correct? Authority has to be shown.

[E.S]: That is for the Eliksni alone, Pure One. However, those who are not of Eliksni do not share the same traditions as us.

[H.A]: But, then why do the humans treat the Ashen Ones and the Gleaming Ones so lowly? Are they not in the same predicament as they are?

[E.S]: Humans see themselves as higher, more 'important' than others. This I have learned from my many battles against them.

[H.A]: But, that does not make any sense. If there is not a caste, then they are equal ground, equal footing, correct?

[E.S]: As I have said before, Pure One, our traditions differ from those outside of our House. As such, the reason why I say to treat each individual with respect, even those who you deem 'lower' than you.

[H.A]: Why?

[E.S]: For the reason that respect begets trust, and trust begets companionship, and companionship begets security.

_End Transcript_

Xxxxx

Hush awoke before the others; she had to if she wanted to explore more of this place. Despite her love and endearment of the group, the child Guardian cannot help but be annoyed at times at how often the others coddle her, as if she was a fragile thing that could break at any moment. Alright, sure, her bone structure is weak, and she is both young in age, body, and mind, but no one knows her limits besides Hush herself. She does need help on occasion yes, but Hush knows that there will come a time where the others won't be around to help, and she knows that she is fully capable of being on her own; if of course she is not caught off guard.

As such, the reason why she was moving around cautiously, peeking around corners of the halls before slowly walking around the corners, her senses alert. Hush wonders if anyone had woken up by now or either that it was still late, judging from the way the corridors seem empty and her footsteps seemingly echo off the walls as she walked. But she can still feel that familiar pull of Crystalline tugging at the back of her mind and although Hush missed her Ghost, she couldn't help but be upset that Crystalline had yet to visit her. They had caught a glance of each other before she went to see Papa, so why hasn't she returned to her yet?

Hush, at first, had thought about calling for her Ghost, but irritation had decided to let Crystalline hang, let the female Ghost keep tugging at their bond as the child Guardian made the decision to go on an adventure. This is the first time she has been outside of the City with her resurrection and who knows when Hush will gain another opportunity such as this. What better way to explore without having adults nearby telling you it was too dangerous or Crystalline whispering in her ear to be careful. She has all the time to herself, up until the others discover she was missing or until Crystalline finally finds her. Until then, Hush was free to roam.

Giddy at this thought, Hush continued to trek through the empty halls, her yellow eyes wide with alertness and interest as she took in her surroundings. Although underground, the corridors were brightly lit with what resembles lamps to the child Guardian, lit with blue flames much to Hush's awe. Trailing her fingers against the wall as her interest grew, she came to a pause just below one of the lamps, mentally cursing her short stature as she watched the flames dance and flicker before she continued on her venture.

Hearing the echoes of her footsteps resound through the hall, Hush then perked up as she heard voices, her eyes glimmering as she followed after it. She kept hearing the words 'Revenants' on several occasions, especially so from Crystalline, the latter of which always spoke highly of the group and repeatedly saying that someday, Hush herself will join them. This made her curious on what type of individuals they are, on what they did to earn her Ghost's respect. However, as her yellow eyes spotted the entrance of the room where she had heard the activity, the cheerful voices of individuals that were not of her family, the memory of her death then filtered to the surface. She remembers how easily they had attacked her, how easily they took her life, simply for the reason that the child Guardian had attempted to reach out towards Crystalline, her own Ghost.

This caused Hush to hesitate; would they kill her again just as easily?

Wringing her hands together, the child Guardian turned her eyes to the floor, her curiosity now quashed by fear. Maybe being 'alone' wasn't one of her best ideas. As she was having second thoughts, a small scent wafted towards her direction, causing Hush to snap to attention: something smelled delicious and now the thought of food lingered to the front of her mind, battling against her nervousness and fear.

It didn't help that her helmet was ill-fitted, letting the smell waft through her visor and the cause of her first death still ringing strongly in the front; she still remembers the pain of hunger, the pain of slowly starving to death while unable to move because of her weak stature. Hush even remembers trying to drag herself out of her accidental hiding spot only for her fingers to strain gripping the earth and her mangled legs screaming in agony. She didn't have a choice but to starve, as crying for help would have attracted Fallen that had killed her father and several of her nomadic clan members. There is a reason why she always wanted something to eat.

The smell growing stronger as she inched her way towards the entrance, Hush finally managed to peek over the doorway, and it didn't surprise her to see armored forms seated at tables, chatting quietly with each other as they ate off their trays; it was after all, a similar scene she would see often in the Mess Hall back at the Tower. The only thing that was missing was her Papa and the others coming with her to eat.

Taking another sniff as the smell of food continued to waft near her, Hush wonders if it was better to go back and grab one of the others – Orion perhaps? Or the twins? – so that she wouldn't have to eat alone.

"Hello, little one."

Letting out a squeak, Hush twirled around, only for her eyes to trail up a coat of black and red and finally settling upon a darken visor; it didn't take her long to recognize the individual before her.

Zakai.

"I am going to take a guess that you are Crystalline's chosen?"

Despite the warnings blaring within her mind, Hush found herself nodding as an answer to his question, and she couldn't help but sense a smile emitting behind the Preceptor's visor.

"She told me that you have a tendency to eat." Hush blinked at his words, "a lot." She then jumped as he held out a hand, "Would you like to join me for a meal, Little One?"

Hush couldn't help but shift nervously on the heels of her feet, keeping her gaze upon the visor of the Revenant; she was uncertain if she could trust him, especially so after lying about his survival. Despite his best attempts, Hush would witness her Papa mourn quietly, turning away from her whenever she would enter a room or make excuses, such as smoke from his experiments even though his desk was clean. Her Papa may have loved him deeply, but Hush cannot bring herself to forgive him for making him suffer so.

"You do not trust me?" Hush snapped back to attention, just in time to see the Preceptor lower his hand, disappointment clearly emanating behind his helmet, "I understand." She then heard him sigh, "Would you at least allow me to escort you for a meal?"

Glancing back towards the room full of Revenants and then back towards the Preceptor, Hush momentarily hesitated before she nodded once. Immediately she saw the Preceptor's shoulders perk up and the young Titan swore that she can see his eyes brighten despite the helmet.

"Rosa and Red made some curry this morning." Hush let him enter the room first before she followed after, "and I promise you it is delicious."

As soon as the pair entered, Hush sped up her pace until she was matching the Preceptor's and then nearly pressed herself against his side; it hadn't taken long for the Revenants within the room to notice her presence, the kind smiles directed towards the Preceptor quickly turning into a frown once their eyes lingered over her.

Deeps breaths, Hush, Echoes of her late Papa's words rang in her mind, walk with your shoulders high and chin up, look them straight in the eyes and smile. Do not let them know that you are afraid.

Taking in a shuddering breath, Hush momentarily closed her eyes before heaving it out, and then smiled as she opened her eyes, gradually moving herself away from the Preceptor's side.

Shoulders high and chin up, She repeated to herself, grinning as the pair walked past the occupants of the room, Do not let them know that this one is afraid.

"Have a seat here." Shifting her attention towards the Preceptor, she saw him pat down on the silver top of a table before he walked away, watching him disappear behind another door, more than likely to grab their meal.

Eyeing the chairs suspiciously, Hush took in another breath before she sighed and reluctantly took a seat, keeping her eyes forward as she felt the glares settle onto the back of her head.

"Are you really a Guardian?"

Turning her attention to the side, Hush blinked when she stared down into the familiar glow of an Awoken, his green eyes narrowed against his azure skin. Squaring out her shoulders to hide her nervousness, Hush answered the question with a nod, earning another scowl from the Revenant.

"You seem a bit, 'small'," Hush couldn't help but purse her lips; she has seen recordings of previous members of her papa's Fireteam, and Titan Carina was small; size should not matter when it comes to a threat, "Fragile even." She couldn't help but lean back when he leaned in, "Is that why you are here? Sent by the Tower because your helpless appearance will lower the guard of the Preceptor?"

At first confused by the words of the Revenant before her, Hush startled when she suddenly felt a hand grab her by the shoulder and pulled forward, forcing her to stare deeply into the male Awoken's eyes, "Are you and your team here to assassinate him?"

The child Guardian's eyes going wide as she saw the anger and hate within his glare, Hush couldn't help the tears forming, her breathing hitching; she couldn't help herself, his eyes reminded her to much of her clan, of her former life of isolation, and former life of an outcast.

"You're trembling." Hush tried her best to keep her tears in, trying to ease her breath as she saw the Awoken man turn and scowl at her shaking form, "Are you scared? Scared that there is truth in my words?"

Then the next thing she knew, he started shaking her, agony permeating through her shoulders as he shouted, "Say something!"

"Say something, you mutt!"

Lower lip trembling, Hush couldn't help but let the echo of her memories reach to the surface and the next thing she knew, a sob escaped her lips, tears now freely flowing down her face as she cried.

Feeling hands leave her shoulders, Hush took the opportunity to raise her hands towards her face to wipe the tears away, only to feel the back of them press against the visor of her helmet. Taking in stuttering breaths in a vain attempt to calm herself, Hush reached underneath her chin, fumbling with the sealant until the familiar hiss permeated in her ears, allowing her to pull her helmet off and laid it in her lap. Now having free access to her face, Hush now started to wipe the tears away, although unable to stop the sobs escaping her lips.

"Telios, what did you do?"

"I-I didn't know she was a child, otherwise I wouldn't have placed my hands on her. Honest, Preceptor."

"This is why I always tell you not to judge an individual from appearance." Hush heard the familiar clink of plates and silverware being placed on the table, "Return to your meal, Telios. I have a feeling that your presence is not going to ease her."

"As you say, Preceptor."

Hearing footsteps walk away, Hush then felt a hand settle onto her shoulder; this in turn caused her to flinch and caused her to cry harder. Immediately feeling the gentle grip leave her, Hush took the opportunity to calm herself, her hands lowering to her lap only for her fingers feel the absence of the familiar star shaped form of Crystalline; she was all too used to the female Ghost being there, being present to whisper comforting words into her ear. At the thought of the lavender Ghost, Hush then felt the tug of their bond in the back of her mind and this time, she responds, reaching out and releasing her emotions outwards. Immediately feeling panic and worry emitting from the other side, Hush simply sent out just sent a simple sentence.

This One miss you.

Sensing the distance quickly close from their bond, Hush took this opportunity to take several deeps breath and this time, she felt the panic slowly settle although, she still felt her heart beat rapidly in her chest, the memories still lingering closely in the front, and the tears just weren't stopping. That is when she felt large but gentle hands enclose around her wrists, causing her to snap her attention forward, and her eyes to settle onto the darken visor of the Preceptor.

"Little One," His voice was soft, kind, "take deep breaths, slow, steady."

Nodding her head once, Hush took in a deep breath, only for her eyes to glance over his shoulder and spotted the scrutinizing gaze of the others present in the room. Although the eyes were more confused and bewildered than angry, this did little to ease Hush's panic, fresh tears forming back into her eyes.

"Little One, Hush, look at me." The child Guardian's lower lip trembled as she managed to tear her gaze back onto the Preceptor, sensing the sincerity behind his voice, "Stay on me."

Feeling one of his hands leave her wrists, Hush watched with wide eyes as he pressed the sealant under his jaw, the hiss of the helmet ejecting signaling him to hook his fingers underneath, and remove the armor piece, allowing the child Guardian to lock her luminescent yellow onto luminescent blue.

"Breathe with me." She heard him say softly before hearing him take in a breath, prompting the child Guardian to follow his example, this time finding it easier to let it out than the first time. Hearing him take in another breath, Hush continued to follow up until she can stop hearing the pounding of her heart in her ears and finally feeling the tears dry from her eyes.

"Feeling better?"

Nodding once to answer the Preceptor's question, Hush waited until she felt his hands leave hers to wipe the last remnants of her tears away, and then felt him take a seat next to her side.

"Here." She looked up in time to see the Preceptor push a bowl towards her, the steam emitting from it signifying its warmth before he held out a spoon, a gentle smile upon his pale features.

Momentarily staring at the silverware in his hand, Hush tentatively reached out and wrapped her fingers around the neck of the spoon, keeping her yellow eyes warily on him as she accepted it. Seeing his eyes beam as she accepted his 'offering', Hush couldn't help but give back a nervous smile as he finally released his hold on the spoon, turned to his own, and finally started to eat his meal. Watching him for a moment, Hush then turned her attention towards her own bowl and couldn't help but tilt her head slightly in familiarity.

Honestly, she herself had not seen this dish back at the Tower, but echoes came forth to the front of her mind, memories of being seated near a fire with her late papa, the latter of would hand her a substance light brown in color and assorted with many vegetables within, meat if they were luckily. This curry before her was no different, perhaps a tad bit lighter in color, but looks practically the same; even the meat, much to her delight.

As such, Hush dipped her spoon in and placed it into her mouth, and she couldn't help but let out a breath of pleasure; it was good, perhaps even more so than the one that her late papa had made in her first life.

"It is delicious, is it not?" Hush turned right as she stuck a spoon into her mouth, nodding eagerly as she locked onto the Preceptor's eyes; she watched him smile in return, "They do not cook it often, but, when they do, Red and Rosa always ensures their best when it is made." He then took another spoonful into his mouth, hearing him let out a hum of satisfaction, "Do enjoy your stay here, Hush. I do wish to be allies with you and your team."

Hush blinked at this; if he had said those words moments earlier, moments before her panic, she would have simply shook her head, made her distrust known. But, not only had he eased her anxiety, helped her through easing it from her chest, but he had also shown her his identity, his vibrant blue eyes revealing his bloodlines all too easily. And in Hush's experience, it takes a lot to reveal their lineage.

As such, she smiled and nodded, before holding up a hand and sign, This one appreciates your goodwill. This one hopes that the others will think the same.

Half expecting a response, Hush couldn't help but let the disappointment settle when she saw the Preceptor blink, and then noticed the fog in his eyes, spotting the way they seem to focus but not completely.

"My apologies, Little One," The child Guardian couldn't help but pout, "but I cannot understand what you are doing."

Hearing this, Hush pursed her lips out even further before setting her spoon to the side, reaching out, and taking one of his hands into her own. She watched him lean back a bit, his vibrant blue eyes filling up with surprise before Hush forced his hand open, leaving the palm exposed, and trailing a single finger over it, Do you understand now?

The child Guardian then looked up at him expectantly, seeing the looks in his eyes as he scrunched his features together, only for them to lax as understanding settled into his gaze.

"Crystalline neglected to mention that you are unable to speak." Hush grabbed his hand by the wrist and shook it gently, signifying his accuracy, "although it does make it easier to understand your silence, isn't that right, Telios?"

Shifting her attention over his shoulder once more, Hush couldn't help but feel a little smug as she spotted the aforementioned Awoken duck down over his meal, and from the way the shade of his ears darkens, it was apparent he was eavesdropping on their conversation.

"I am guessing that is your 'trait' when it comes to individuals such as us?" Hush turned her attention back towards the Preceptor, "are you able to guess mine?"

The child Guarding couldn't help but snicker before she traced her finger over his palm Easy, your squinting gives it away.

Immediately, this earned her a laugh, "You are observant, Little One, it is no wonder that you were chosen by Crystalline."

Beaming at the praise she was receiving, Hush then attempted to respond when a familiar tug of worry brought her attention towards the door, only for a broad grin to spread onto her tan features.

Crystalline!

Clapping her hands together with joy, Hush then attempted to slide out of her seat, only to watch as the female Ghost quickly glided over, her yellow optic frantic with worry. Taking this as a sign to wait, the child Guardian simply held out her hand, waiting until she felt the familiar weight settle into her palm before pulling Crystalline close to her chest.

Feeling her Ghost snuggle in closer, Hush couldn't help but let out a sigh of content before closing her eyes, releasing her relief and care through their bond. If she had known that it would have taken this long for her to have Crystalline back, Hush would never have considered letting her leave to aid the others.

"What in the Darkness happened?" Finally feeling the female Ghost leave her fingertips, Hush couldn't help but let out a little whine at the absence, but nonetheless waited as Crystalline continued, "I kept reaching out to you but, you never responded, not until I felt your fear slipping through." Hush watched her Ghost shake her core side to side, "What happened?" A split-second pause, "And why is your helmet off?" She then glanced over to the Preceptor, "And why is 'your' helmet off?"

Turning her attention towards the Warlock, Hush saw the latter shrug, "We were having a meal." A soft smile faded onto his pale features, "Want to join us?"

Seeing Crystalline's optic narrow and her shell scrunching against her core, Hush then heard her say, "I will, once I figure out why I felt my Chosen sobbing through our bond."

"I say, blame Telios."

Jumping as a new voice joined in their conversation, Hush glanced over towards the Preceptor only for her yellow eyes to widen as a familiar star shaped form materialized into view, their vermillion shell shifting against their core as they continued, "Let's just say he was a bit 'hands on'."

"…Wait, he 'touched' Hush?" The fury was prominent in Crystalline's voice, "Did he hurt you?"

Suddenly finding the female Ghost near her face, Hush leaned back to place some distance as Crystalline scanned her form, "I don't see anything broken, but I can see an onset of bruising – Where is he!? Wait until I-"

"Crystalline, temper."

Straightening herself forward as her Ghost glided back and turned around, Hush witnessed the hardened stare softened, Crystalline's shell flicking nervously, "M-My apologies, it is just that when you lose one Chosen…"

"We understand, Crystalline." An empathetic look can be seen in the vermillion Ghost's optic, "but you are amongst friends, family. You are safe here."

A look of doubt immediately settled over the female Ghost's optic, "Our 'family' attacked my friends and killed my Chosen." Hush flinched at the memory, "It hurts me to say it, but I cannot trust the others, not until I know for certain that they will not harm Hush and my friends from the Tower."

Shifting her attention towards the Preceptor and his Ghost, Hush had expected hurt, frustration, and perhaps even anger. However, to her surprise, a look of understanding crossed over the Revenant's and Ghost's luminescent blue gaze.

"She is young," Hush jumped at the words of the vermillion Ghost, "and if I were to guess, she is born of an Awoken and Human parent."

"I…Yes."

A soft hum can be heard from the Ghost, Hush leaning back as the latter glided forward, allowing the child Guardian to spot the familiar mist like patterns shift constantly on her shell, "The eyes usually give it away, but this one has the mark of the Awoken." Hush leaned back even further as the Ghost glided closer, "Intriguing. Makes me wonder if there is a possibility of an Awoken and Human child will look more Awoken with eyes of a human."

"Sorrow, you are a bit too close to the child."

"Ah, my apologies." Hush straightened herself as the female Ghost glided back, her shell shifting upwards into a smile, "This is the first time that Zakai and I had encountered another individual such as himself. I cannot help but be curious."

"The same goes for Hush," Hush found Crystalline already voicing her thoughts, "Honestly, when we saw your picture, we never stopped wondering about you."

No sooner had her Ghost finished speaking when the young Chosen spotted a flash of emotion flicker through the Preceptor's eyes, "A picture?"

Crystalline nodded, "From Ianos, he has a room commemorating those he had known in the past. Your picture was in there."

Once again, something flickered into the Preceptor's eyes, an emotion that Hush cannot seem to grasp before she heard him say, "Speaking of Ianos, may you keep my identity a secret from him? I prefer if he does not know of my survival."

Hush couldn't help but blink at his words, bewilderment settling into her mind; why hide the truth of his life? Would Papa not be happy of his survival? Be happy that he was still alive? She couldn't help but hum to herself silently, processing her thoughts; she understands that he would be upset, angered that he had been lied to all these years. But, Hush remembers all the love and care he spoke about Zakai, and she held no doubt that he would eventually accept his decision. But, as she contemplated this, Hush then felt the pull from her Ghost, a nudging sensation that caused the Child Guardian to frown; it was a sign that Crystalline agreed with the Preceptor. As such, compelled to respect her Ghost's decision, Hush nodded, although reluctantly, and saw a look of relief and appreciation linger in his gaze.

"You and the others are free to stay as long as you like," Hush reeled back in surprise at his words, "I have already contacted the Tower and they know that you are here, and I ensured that you are safe to return."

"Wait, the Tower 'knows' that Ianos and the others are 'here'?" Hush watched as the Preceptor nodded, "and they are going to let them back?"

Almost immediately, a glint of deviousness can be seen in the Preceptor's blue eyes and Hush couldn't help but think that he showed a little too much teeth when he smiled, "Let us just say that I can be quite 'persuasive'."

Curious on what he had said to the Tower to make them a bit too willing to allow them back, Hush made a mental note to ask later before the mischievous look left the Preceptor's face and he clapped his hands together, "Until then, you are here as guests and have free access to any of the rooms and resources here you all are recovered enough to return to the Tower." This time, a genuine smile can be seen on the Preceptor's face, "Enjoy your stay."

Xxxxx

"Knight?"

Startling awake, the young Exo stared blankly into space, slowly powering his core until finally, his mind settled; his optics widen, "Day?"

"…Hi."

Feeling the awkwardness through their bond, Knight found himself unable to react; more than seventeen days of silence, seventeen days of nothing but a simple touch through their bond. What should he say in their current situation?

"You're awake." He finally said, and Knight couldn't help but mentally slap himself for that one. Of course his Ghost was awake, how else would they have greeted him?

It was at this point, he heard Day let out a soft chuckle, causing the Exo Warlock to realize he left himself open, allowing his thoughts to filter through their bond, and Knight couldn't help but feel the heat of his core reach up to his cheeks, "You finally regain your strength?"

He heard Day hum in his mind, "Let's see."

It was then the familiar buzz of his Ghost's light flickered nearby, and Knight watched with hopeful optics as Day's white shell appeared in a flash of light and binary code, the latter of which spun their back fin before fixing their optic onto the young Exo's.

"Got your answer?"

Watching Day's shell shift upwards into a grin, emotion swelled within Knight's chest and the next thing he knew, the Warlock held out his hand, staring at his Ghost expectantly. It didn't take long for the white Ghost to understand and moments later, he found Day settling into his palm, signaling for the young Exo to bring them close to his chest.

"Traveler, I missed you."

"I was still there you know," He heard Day whisper, "you just couldn't hear me."

"Didn't change the fact that it was too 'quiet'." Knight lowered his hand, settling Day into his lap, "especially with Nine currently still 'sleeping'."

Another hum can be heard from the white Ghost, "That mission to save Jora and the attempt to keep the Revenants back must have taken a lot more out of him than we had initially thought." A glimmer of worry flashed into Day's optic although, just as quickly as it appeared, it disappeared, "But knowing him, he will be back, just need a bit more time to rest."

Simply nodding at his Ghost's words, Knight attempted to lay back onto his bed and it was then, it hit him, "Where's Hush?"

Day blinked, "Pardon?"

"Hush, she was sleeping right here next to me." Knight motioned with his lone arm to empathize his point, "and now she's not 'here'." Panic settled into his chest as his functioning optic glanced around, "And she's nowhere near 'here'." He glanced around again, "Hush? Hush!?"

"Wait-what?"

Glancing over to a corner of the room, Knight saw Orion startle awake, his optics flickering to signify his sudden reboot while as the twins sat up abruptly, their lights following the same patterns of the older Exo.

"What's going on?" Knight heard the Exo Titan mumble as he staggered onto his feet, watching him stretch his arms above his head before the latter added, "Does Hush need something?"

That is when Orion's pink optics fixed onto Knight's side and immediately, his face fell, "Wait, where's Hush?"

"That is what we are trying to figure out," The Exo Warlock couldn't help but hiss out, his nervousness racking even higher knowing that the others do not know of the child Guardian's whereabouts, "she shouldn't have gotten far, right?"

"One way to find out." He watched as Orion leaned down and linked his arms underneath Gemini and Scorpio's arm, "You two, you are coming with me."

Gemini instantly snapped her attention towards Orion, "What?" She scrambled to her feet as the Exo Titan lifted them up, "Why? You can find her on your own."

That is when Orion gave the Huntress a blank stare, "Unlike the two of you, I have not been hunkering down in a potential hostile area the past seventeen days, and in addition, I am not informed of the layout of their base."

"Oh, come on, Orion, can't we just rest a little while longer?"

"On any other day, I would totally agree, and perhaps I would have ventured around this place on my own. However, Hush, our 'little sister' has gone missing and wandered off into potential 'enemy' territory. So please, sit down and rest while Hush could potentially be in danger."

Hearing Gemini grumble under her breath, Knight heard no further resistance from the twins as the pair straightened themselves out and headed towards the exit of the room, signaling to Orion to turn his attention towards him, "We'll come back once we find her."

Nodding his head in understanding, Knight watched as Orion finally followed the twins out, hearing his footsteps fade as he lost sight of him.

"Hush always been an adventurous type, despite her skittishness."

Letting out a small startled squeak, Knight snapped his attention towards Ianos' bedside, just in time to see Pluto lift his head and a wry smile forming onto his dark features, "Does not help that we are in unknown territory."

"She could have at least woken one of us, so she could take a look around," Knight rubbed the back of his neck as he heaved out a sigh, "But I guess Hush's curiosity got the better of her."

A chuckle can be heard from the blind Exo, "She is slowly breaking out of her shell, I say it is improvement."

"Just as long as she is not rash about her actions." Knight shifted his gaze just slightly up until he saw Ace's black and orange form stretch and hover back into the air, "It does not hurt for a newborn to be slightly curious."

A snort can be heard from Pluto, "Slightly? I do recall you and Ianos venturing into Fallen infested territories just to snag a look at some forgotten language faded along the walls."

"As I said, it does not hurt for a newborn to be slightly curious as long as they are not being rash." This earned the Ghost a laugh from the blind Exo before the former turned their orange optic towards Knight, "It is nice to see that you are finally awake, Day."

The young Exo felt Day shift their shell in his lap, "I always had been awake, was just too weak to actually say anything."

A nod from Ace, "Still, glad to see you back. And alive."

Seeing a glimmer of relief flicker over the black and orange Ghost's optic, Knight then watched as the latter turned towards Pluto, "So, about last night."

He watched Pluto's head perk up slightly, "Pardon?"

"I heard yelling from the halls." Memories pushed forward to the front of Knight's mind, "you sounded legitimately upset."

That is when Knight noticed Pluto's shoulder go stiff, his hands gripping his arms tightly, "Oh, you heard?" He then saw his shoulders droop and the blind Exo let out a huff, "When we first encountered the Revenants, they did admit that you and the others were under their care. They just failed to mention that the reason why you were injured was the fault of their own." Knight flinched at the Hunter's words; he already knew where this was going, "Of course I was not happy with the situation and I had to admit, I got a little, 'violent'."

Ace raised the top part of their shell, "I did not hear a scuffle outside."

"A fight did not occur if that is what you are wondering," Knight heard Pluto defend himself, "we nearly did, if Crystalline had not appeared and Hush rushed forward to greet her."

A silence immediately permeated in the room; Ace finally broke the silence, "Did they..?"

Pluto nodded, "Orion got physical after that, shoving several of the Revenants until I told him to stand down." Another sigh from the Hunter, "Honestly, I am surprised I did not take a weapon of my own and started shooting."

"I am glad that you didn't though."

Knight watched as the blind Exo shot Ace a wry smile, "You were just fortunate that I reigned in my temper."

"I thank the Traveler for that." The black and orange Ghost mumbled, "What else happened after that?"

A pause from Pluto, "What do you mean what else?"

Knight saw Ace give the Hunter a blank look, "Pluto, Ianos and I have known you and Nix for 'years', it is easy to tell when you are hiding something from us." The Ghost glided forward, just staying an arm's length away from Pluto, "and currently, I am seeing that you are not telling me the full story."

Giving Ace a bewildered look from his position, Knight shifted his functioning optic towards Pluto only to come to a pause. Although the blindfold covered most of the Exo Hunter's features, it was easy to see the frown on his face and bend of his metallic brows scrunching just behind the cloth. Wondering on the words of the black and orange Ghost, Knight debated on asking a question of his own when he heard a groan permeating nearby, prompting the young Exo to turn and stare wide eyed as he saw Ianos' eyes flutter open.