Redacted
Exposed
I apologize for the late update! Life got to me this week and as such, I didn't have the time to finish the chapter as much as I would have liked...plus, after I was done, I realized just how long it was, and as such, I had to make some changes and cut the chapter in half (that's how long it was people). But don't worry, to make up for the late update, I am going to post a double update! The next chapter should be ready in a couple of hours so be ready! :D
Thanks to Mantic64, DisobeyedBowl6, TidalKiller, zantilis, and The Great Wolf 117 for the reviews!
Edited: 10/09/2022
There's going to be another update as I split the chapters to help with the flow and the other part is less than 2k. To me that doesn't warrant a week-long wait so it will be up soon.
"To think, her first excursion into the City and she gets kidnapped."
Opting to not comment on Cordelia's words, Pluto instead scanned the City as he heard the young Warlock continue, "I mean, yeah children were the primary targets but the chances of being Hush being snatched up?"
"Especially with Ianos nearby." The third of their team, Polaris, added in, Pluto hearing the young Titan release a breath, "That asshole who kidnapped Hush got fucking lucky."
"But weren't there other children nearby?" Cordelia asked, "So why her?"
"It is because they believe her to be an Awoken." Pluto felt the two young Guardian's optics settle upon his back, "They are seen as a bigger 'prize' than their human counterparts."
"What do you mean?"
Turning to look at the pair, Cordelia's question reminded Pluto of their age and innocence. Perhaps he should take Ianos' advice and cease isolating the young group of Exo. That way they can broaden their horizons.
"You have heard people calling Awoken 'traitors' and 'exotics', correct?" Pluto saw Cordelia and Polaris flinch and nod; no doubt they had heard it in passing, "The term 'traitors' is an obvious slight; there are some who saw the Awoken as a group of cowards who had left behind humanity for their own survival."
"But," Cordelia started, "They didn't have a choice."
"And that is why it is a stupid slight and insult." Pluto said, "The other term, 'exotics', is a bit more complicated but, as you know the Awoken were once humans who had been changed when they reached the line between the Light and the Darkness." He waited until Cordelia and Polaris nodded, "There is some amongst the populace who are entranced by their change, their beauty, and as such, since they were born amongst the stars, decided to use the term 'exotics', to objectify them."
"Disgusting." Polaris said.
"And that is why Hush was kidnapped?" Cordelia asked, "Because she has more 'value'?"
Pluto didn't have to see the way the young Warlocks' face contorted as he nodded.
"What do they do with them anyway? Sell them outside the Walls?"
Instead of answering her question, Pluto turned his attention back to the streets, his red optics scanning the crowd.
"Wait? Do they?" Cordelia broke the silence, "But, what happens to them outside of the Walls?"
Taking in the young Exo's question, Pluto shoved aside the darker thoughts, the dark answers and instead, opted to say, "I do not think our target is here." He turned to face the pair, "Let us expand our search."
He could easily sense the uneasiness emitting from Polaris and Cordelia, especially when they glanced at each other nervously. But they were still young and Pluto felt like it wasn't the best time to tell them, at least not yet. He doesn't want to shove them headfirst into the darker realities at present.
As such, deciding to let the pair simmer in their thoughts, Pluto held out a hand, Nix's familiar form appearing in his palm as he said, "Io? You there?"
"Roger."
"Nothing on our side of the sector. Found any clues on yours?"
"Spotted a couple of suspicious individuals but, nothing obvious. Want me to keep an eye on them?"
"Any clue is better than none." Pluto confirmed, hearing Io release a hum in agreement before the frequency cut, signaling him to lower his hand and he felt the familiar weight of Nix settle into the back of his mind. His attention then went back onto Polaris and Cordelia.
"Let us head back to the Tower. Maybe our brothers and sisters there will have better news." He said.
Seeing the pair nod in unison, Pluto then turned, leaned over the edge, and leaped. Concentrating his light beneath his feet, he then pressed them against the semi-solid panel of light underneath him before pushing against it, allowing his slow descent and landing into the alley below. Shifting his loose cloak back over his shoulders, Pluto turned in time to see Cordelia descend slowly behind him, gently landing. That is when, in contrast, Polaris landed with a loud crack, beside her, Pluto watching with mild amusement as Cordelia fumbled, reeling her arms to keep balance as her brother-in-arms stumbled onto his feet.
"You still need work on your landing." Pluto sensed Polaris smile sheepishly behind his helmet at his words, prompting him to raise a hand to motion for the pair to follow. Then, he exited the alleyway and down the streets of the City, making their way back towards the Tower.
Xxxxx
Ace had never seen Ianos in such a mess, at least, not since the Moon. Hush's kidnapping had struck a chord within the Warlock, sending a tangle of emotions through their bond. Not that Ace could blame him. A simple revolver was enough to kill and incapacitate the Warlock long enough for Hush's captor to get away. With her along with him.
The anxiety, the rage when Ace took in Ianos' corrupted light to resurrect him, the Ghost had decided it best to bring him back to the Tower. And they were glad they did so.
Ianos had never been great with dying, usually waking up in violent spurts of light. This was no different, the Warlock screaming and raving as Void light erupted from his form. Ace was glad that they had called Pluto, the Exo Hunter bursting in time to stop Ianos from the worst of his outburst. Nonetheless, despite Pluto's volunteer to help and the others receiving news of Hush's disappearance, this did little to set Ianos back and as such, Ace sat in the Awoken's mind as he marched down the streets of the City. They are just glad that it is just wisps of void light that lingered between their Guardian's fingertips; they didn't want to think about the possible damage if he had been attuned to Arc.
"Ianos, parading around in full gear is not going to help us find Hush."
Ace heard Ianos release a grunt in response, causing them to release a sigh, "You realize that if Hush's kidnappers saw you walking in the streets as you are, they are not going to make themselves known?"
This seemed to work, at least, enough for Ace to feel the tangles of rage turn into one of regret, of bewilderment, of loss.
"I understand that you are worried about Hush, however," The Ghost eyed the stalls that they passed, spotting the wary and worried looks upon the faces of passerby, "letting your rage consume you like this, it is not going to help us find her."
There is a sharp intake of breath, then a slow release, and it was then the last figments of anger dissipated, replaced now with concern. Ace themself release a breath of relief when Ianos turned and took a step into an alley, taking into the shadows.
Feeling their Guardian lean a shoulder against the walls, Ace then heard Ianos take in one more breath.
"I was not there for him."
At first confused, it took Ace only a mere moment to realize who Ianos is talking about; he is talking about Zakai.
"After Ari died, I could not bear the thought of being around him. I thought." Ace felt their Guardian tremble, "I thought he would blame me. If it was not for that damned fight, then perhaps Ari would not have split from our troupe, he would have not been close to Crota, he would not have…" Ianos gripped his head in his hands, "I left him alone when he needed me most, Ace. And look what happened. He dwelled into the Darkness, and it got him killed."
Taking in their Guardian's words, Ace recalled the day when Ari and Ianos got into the argument. It was the harshest and worst fight they had gotten into despite their short years together, but the Ghost understood why. The three of them had been tasked with another group of three to bring back codes that would be beneficial to the City and Ianos had been assigned as the head of the operation. And during that mission, he had to make the tough call of abandoning the other half of the team lest they risk losing the codes. Ari did not take the sacrifice well.
The pair had said some harsh things to each other, words that stabbed the other painfully in the heart. When they parted, Ace had felt the regret, the hurt, and the Ghost knew that the next they meet Ianos would do everything he could to make amends. Of course, fate had other plans. The operation to reclaim the Moon happened the next day and many Guardians lost their lives. And Ari amongst their number.
Ace then remembers the drift between Zakai and Ianos; not surprising, considering that they were grieving over Ari. The former, mad with grief over the loss of their third and Ianos' impending corruption became obsessed with the Darkness, tried to find a way to find a cure for his lover's ailment. That eventually lead to his death.
"Ianos, that was not your fault."
There is a snort, a breath of doubt, and Ace looked through Ianos' eyes as he shifts them towards the ground.
"There are times when I see Zakai in Hush. When she smiles, when she laughs. Her innocence." There is a pause, a shift in his sight, "I cannot repeat the same mistake. I cannot leave her alone. I cannot when I know she needs my help."
Although understanding of Ianos' words, Ace also couldn't help but be doubtful of the similarities. Zakai was reserved, skittish even, and would stick to Ianos' side even when in the Tower. Hush on the other hand, although shy, would jump into the fray, eager to take in the strange world around her. But, after a brief consideration, Ace started to understand.
The way she would laugh at the simplest of things, when her eyes would light up whenever a book was placed into her lap, and the warm smile she would give to Fireteam Redacted and the others whenever they would spend time with her. The Ghost can see Zakai in every miniscule action in the Child Guardian. The grief that lingered dangerously within their core surfaced.
They had failed to protect the two they had cared for most in the world. They cannot do the same to Hush.
"I understand." Ace said, "However, acting rashly is not going to help us here. Come, let us find a place to properly 'blend in'."
A release of breath from Ianos but, they felt him nod and a sense of ease settled into Ace's core when their Guardian pushed away from the wall and took steps back into the streets. His strides were less strained now.
Xxxxx
More than anything, Hush wants Crystalline's familiar star shaped form over her shoulders, whispering words of comfort into her ears as she huddled against the musky wall. But she also knows better, that if her star were to reveal herself now in front of her captors, then Hush's status as a Soldier of the Light would be revealed. And she doesn't want to know what will happen if they were to learn of her identity.
As such, she simply hugged her knees, back pressed against the wall, and doing her best to blend in amongst the others. From where she sat, she could see that most of the people seated around were children, but she also spotted a handful of adults and Exo.
From what Hush could see, they were in an abandoned warehouse, if the crusted crates and boxes weren't evident enough. Although a lot of space, she and the others were all forced into a corner, more than likely for their captors to keep a better eye on them. Speaking of, Hush counted three but she would not be surprised if there were others. She recalls enough in her previous life what the words 'sold' and 'product' mean when it comes to people. Her former clan would whisper constantly of the risk. A trade such as this would take more than three to operate.
Wiping the tears from the edges of her eyes with the back of her hand, Hush did her best to keep her hood and cloth over her features; she already knows the repercussions of being an Awoken, she doesn't want to know what would happen if they were to learn of her bloodlines.
"What do you mean another one escaped!?"
Jumping in her seat, Hush lifted her yellow eyes, looking past the shoulders of those around her and saw two of her captors appear around a corner. One of them being the man who had kidnapped her. And he didn't seem pleased, judging from the way he jabbed a finger into the other man's chest.
"We are already behind in quota but yet, you lost another glimmer bag?"
"What else am I supposed to do?" The other snarled back, "Aim my gun at a Guardian and fire? Or have you forgotten those Soldiers of Light have shields that turn bullets into harmless pellets? I was lucky to even make it out of there!"
A groan of frustration can be heard from her kidnapper, "That shit stain has been giving us trouble for months. I thought Guardians weren't supposed to be armed out in the streets of the City."
"Supposedly, but that doesn't mean all of them follow the 'rules'."
Seeing her kidnapper throw their arms into the air out of irritation, Hush couldn't but bring her knees closer to her chest when he then pointed at her and the others, "Just help me load them up. The least we can do is get some glimmer out of this group."
The other man grunted at the command, but nonetheless approached, quickly snagging the arm of one of the children, an Awoken. This led to the child releasing a cry the instant the man tried dragging him away, and Hush could easily see him dig his heels into the concrete. To her surprise, this ceased the child's movement, his feet practically glued to the floor and grinding their captor to a halt. This small victory however, diminished when the man suddenly turned and swung with his free hand, striking the child across the face.
"What are you doing!?" Her kidnapper snarled, "Are you trying to damage the merchandise!? Some of our buyers want them 'unscathed'!"
This only prompted a snort from the man, "So what? After our 'customers' are done with them, it won't matter if they're bruised or not." Hush saw him glance towards her and the group, "That's how they're going to end up anyway."
His words sent a chill down Hush's spine.
"Not before the sale." Her kidnapper scolded, earning him a roll of the eyes from the man but promptly tugged on the arm of the Awoken child. This forced the child forward and that is when a sob broke out.
"Mommy!" The child cried, "I want my mommy! Mommy!"
Another tug on the arm, "Shut up! Or do you want me to tape your mouth shut!?"
Seeing the man tug on the child once more, sympathy rose in Hush's chest as the Awoken let out another cry and then collapsed to the floor. This did little but him being dragged.
"Come here!"
She released a scream as he felt her arm easily bend under the grip, shedding tears as pain tore through the appendage. This was soon followed by a 'crack', and her fellow drifter released his grasp, obviously surprised by her fragility. Not long after, she heard footsteps approach, running, and before she can lift her eyes to see who it was, there is surprised yelp from her assailant. It was then she saw her father, the latter having grabbed her assailant by the front of his coat, easily lifting him from the ground. The anger in his eyes were apparent.
"How dare you lay a hand upon my child!"
Letting the fog of the memory fade, Hush shook herself back into the present, the child's cries clear in her ears once more. She felts tears form in the edges of her eyes.
Hush recalls in her previous life of living amongst her clan, her father would always keep an eye out for her, even if it meant going up against those who were broader in height and size. But the child in front of her, crying for his mother, is alone amongst frightened victims. And something in the back of Hush's mind can not let that stay.
Before she can comprehend her own movements, Hush is on her feet, running between and past the fearful forms around her and locked onto the man. She can see the way his eyes grew wide, halting in his movements. This gave her ample time to turn and use her shoulder to slam into him.
Hush released a short cry as she felt a crack, stumbling onto her feet to keep balance. The shrill cry of alarm from their captor is sign enough for Hush to reach out with her other hand, feeling out until her grip latched onto the Awoken's child arm and she tugged. As she had hoped, the child fell back freely, and she let go to allow the boy to scramble back to the group.
Victory settled into Hush's senses, only for it to quickly fade as she felt rough hands grab her by the shoulders. This sent waves of pain through her injury, and she couldn't help but yelp, especially when she was roughly turned, forced to look into brown eyes.
"Who the fuck do you think you are-"
His words halted and Hush saw his eyes grow wide, his anger replaced with one of bewilderment and shock. She reeled back, only to wince at the pain in her shoulder once more. That is when she noticed the absence of weight upon her head.
Eyes growing wide herself, Hush lifted a hand to her hood. And froze.
The cloth is absent upon her head, revealing her natural black hair and her tan skin. The obvious human traits of her heritage. She is exposed.