Redacted
Farewell
I apologize for the late update guys. But my mom thought it was best to have 'family time' yesterday and let's just say it took a huge chunk of my time lol.
I'm surprised at all the reviews about Angel. Wasn't expecting him to be so popular lol.
Thanks to RWBYGAMES, DisobeyedBowl6, TheTurtleMan, and TidalKiller for the review!
TheTurtleMan - Good, that is what I was going for with Angel lol. Put in a little worry in there before giving all you guys a huge sigh of relief :D. Yeah, the chapter seemed a bit awkward but I couldn't figure out why either lol. Maybe in the future when I look back, I will find it, but for now, it will have to do. And yes, I play on Xbox although I haven't played Destiny in a while. Although, Destiny 2 is coming out soon :D
Edited: 01/29/2023
In all his years, Pluto never dreamed of standing amongst the Eliksni – at least, not without pointing a gun at each other – and trying to understand the conversation he is having with an old Vandal with the broken Eliksni he knows. In honesty, although Pluto played a role in procuring the safety of the Kell of the House of Spirits, he had little interaction with the House with the exception of Olkar, and even then it was mostly him supervising the young Vandal and Orion to ensure that they didn't strangle each other in the beginning. It was fortunate their bond flourished into a friendship.
Despite his limited Eliksni, this doesn't mean he found the conversation unpleasant, and the Vandal must have taken notice of Pluto's struggles, for he soon switched to the tongue of man and Pluto heard Nix release a breath of relief. Even Ghosts struggle with languages sometimes.
The old Vandal is currently talking about the machinations of their snipers, comparing the ones commonly used amongst their number to the ones issued to Guardians. It is interesting to hear that, although there is a charge needed, there is no need to hit any critical point to do serious damage, unlike Guardian oriented ones where – although possible to kill a Soldier of Light in two shots – that one shot matters when it comes to life and death.
Although, this doesn't mean that the old Vandal didn't find the Guardian's weapon less interesting, obvious from the way his four eyes gleamed when he handled Pluto's sniper with delicacy, watching as his fingers trailed over the details of the Hunter's commonly used weapon. He had let Nix compile it earlier when the Vandal had allowed Pluto to look at his Wire Rifle. The old Hunter had thought best to offer the same courtesy.
As he let the Vandal handle his weapon, Pluto then turned his attention to Nine, or as of now, Knight, the latter of which can be seen standing not too far off, sheepishly conversing with a group of Eliksni. All their chittering is full of interest, curiosity, which is understandable considering that Pluto can tell that they were young, progenies of the Eliksni. They were smaller than dregs and still had four arms and their eyes big and wide with wonder. They all had taken interest in the way Knight spoke with his hands, catching sight of it when the young Exo had been deep in thought, absentmindedly signing to himself while they waited.
Although relieved that Knight is now in control, Pluto couldn't help but be both curious and concerned that, right after resurrecting Angel, Nine had collapsed, barely conscious.
"Does Echo feel the same?" Was the last thing the Phoenix Exo murmured before he slipped away and Knight took his place not long after, confused but completely aware of what happened.
After that, it was onto Angel, the young Guardian obviously disoriented and in agony. Nine may have brought him back but that didn't mean he had healed his injuries.
To make matters worse, the Eliksni nearby – free now that Nine's arc shield had dropped when he had collapsed – started to close in and Pluto, at first, grew wary that they were going to take advantage of their vulnerability. That is, until a Vandal charged through the crowd, placed herself between them and her fellow Eliksni with a snarl, shock blades in her hands. This gave enough time for a Baron to step through the crowd and gave orders that ensure Pluto's and the others protection. The reason why, was given later after Angel's agony ceased, and he explained that the Kings 'always owe back their debts'. Pluto later learned that not only did he save the life of the Vandal that had come to their aid, but also had promised a production of Ether to the House. Pluto wonders how the Tower will handle that once they return.
Nonetheless, this debt allowed them refuge within the House, at least long enough for Angel to recover, which had taken place a few days ago. He already called the Tower – or the young Clan Galaxy – that Pluto is 'taking a break'. He will lie that it was his turn to keep eye on Nine as well, hence why the Exo is with him, and that during their trek, they miraculously found Angel. Not that it is a wholly believable story but, Pluto will work out the kinks before they reach the Tower. Especially since the Vanguard – or more specifically, the Consensus – is getting used to their lies.
"You made this weapon on your own?"
Pulled out of his thoughts, Pluto looked back at the Vandal before him, only to see the latter hold his sniper back towards him with a low rumble.
When he nodded, the Eliksni's eyes gleamed, fully engrossed now, "Impressive, best crafters cannot build as well as you."
Taking his weapon back, Pluto set it aside on the table, visible to all in the room; despite his experience with House of Spirit and their status as 'guests', Pluto can still see the greed in several of the Eliksni nearby, especially when their eyes laid upon Nix. If they even attempt to touch his Ghost, he will be ready with a weapon in his hand.
Taking up the wire rifle from his side of the table, Pluto attempted to push it back towards the old Vandal, only to pause when the latter shook his head and gently pushed the weapon back.
"You take the weapon." The Vandal said, "Use for oneself."
Confused, Pluto parted his mouth to ask why, only to pause when the Vandal pointed to his upper left arm; he can see a brace set against it. This just told him the age of the Eliksni. And how Ether weakened he truly is.
"Oh." Is all Pluto could say as he glanced back and forth between the wire rifle and Eliksni before reaching to his sniper still on the table. However, as he went to push it towards the old Vandal once again, the latter shook his head.
"No trade." The Vandal said, "What you Guardians call?" He gestured at the wire rifle, "A gift?" Pluto nodded. The old Eliksni seemed please, "A gift. Just remember I."
At first, puzzled at this random gesture of kindness, it is then Pluto noticed the haggardness in the Vandal's shoulders, the exhaustion set in his eyes. He understood; this one has been around far longer than most, had seen the battles between the Guardians and the Eliksni for decades. This one is ready to lay down their arms and vouch for peace. Only if it were that easy.
Giving the Vandal a nod of thanks, Pluto then hefted the wire rifle in his hands before holding it up to Nix, his Ghost gliding close and taking the weapon into their vault with a quick beam of light. As he went to do the same with his own weapon, that is when Pluto heard footsteps approach from behind, large, and heavy.
And instinct took over.
Centuries of battle, of fighting against the Eliksni prompted Pluto's reflex to pick up his weapon, turn and aim down. It took all his willpower not to press the trigger when a Baron's face appeared in his scope. It was only when the screeching, filled with outrage, rang around him that he realized his mistake.
A quick glance around showed that attention is now upon him and even Knight, still surrounded by Eliksni spawn, stared at him with wide optics.
Taking in a sharp inhale, Pluto slowly lowered his weapon, placed it onto the table behind him before raising his hands up in peace. Or surrender.
Seeing the Baron before him blink, Pluto released a breath when the eyes of the Eliksni narrowed, scowling as the latter said, "You are tense, soldier. You do not trust us?"
Lowering his hands, Pluto gave one last glance around to ensure that there were no signs of retaliation of him pointing his gun at a Baron before he responded, "If you have been in the field as long as me, you learn to watch your back."
The Baron released a low rumble, head subtle tilting to a side, "You are an elder?"
Elder?
All Pluto can take from is that Elder means someone expansive in years and as such, he responded, "You can say that."
Hearing the Baron release a huff at his words, Pluto then watched as the large Eliksni raised a hand and gestured for him to follow. Then, without another word, he turned and headed towards the exit of the room. Fixing his red optics upon the Baron's back, Pluto stood, paused long enough for Nix to settle back into the safety of his mind, and then turned to face the old Vandal. Then, he placed a fist to his chest and bowed. As he lifted himself, Pluto saw the Vandal's four eyes were wide and, to his surprise, tears brimming on the edges. That is when the old Eliksni placed a hand to his chest and returned the gesture.
It is enough that prompted Pluto to turn and follow the Baron out.
"Warming up to the Eliksni?"
Unable to help but raise a brow, Pluto glanced back. He saw Knight giving him a wry smile.
Instead of giving the younger Exo an answer, Pluto turned his optics to the Baron before him – Vraldyks, if he recalls correctly – and his gaze settled over the larger Eliksni's back.
"Not quite." He finally admitted and Pluto felt the confused stare from Knight.
"Why is that?"
That made Pluto to ponder, musing upon a proper answer. He is not sure if it is proper to tell Knight, a young Exo, a New Light, of how many of Pluto's friends, his family were killed by the Eliksni – by the Fallen – and that old grudges simply do not disappear overnight. After all, the only reason he respects House of Spirits is because of Angel. The other Houses were a wholly different story.
Glancing over his shoulder, Pluto then took note of how Knight's optics were dim, jaw tight, and his brows were furrowed together. He recognized the expression of someone listening intently, deep in thought. And despite the silence now, Pluto knows why.
"Is Nine awake?"
Pluto couldn't help but be amused when Knight jerked, optics flashing with surprise. He couldn't help the smile.
"Not quite used to sharing two minds?" He asked and he watched as Knight blinked once. And then twice. Pluto wouldn't be surprised if he is trying to sort out his thoughts, getting his focus back into reality.
"I – What?" Knight finally sputtered out, "I – I mean, yes, Nine is awake, though still weak from resurrecting Angel. Could hardly hear him over your voice." The young Exo fidgeted, his optics glancing around, as if searching, "And Nine says to tell you that it's bad to hold grudges."
Pluto almost grinded to a halt, his shoulders going stiff as he forced himself to keep going but, his optics narrowed, "What?"
Knight held up his hands in surrender, "Like I said before, Nine's words not mine." He then paused, optics flickering before adding, "He is just saying that nothing good comes from staying upset."
Scowling, Pluto decided to turn his attention back to Vraldyks' back when he spotted the way Knight went taut, stiff in his steps. Later though, he sighed, releasing his anger. Although he doesn't want to admit it, Nine's words do hold truth. Although Eliksni had taken the lives of people he cares about, not all are responsible for their deaths. It isn't fair to take that grudge out on those who weren't involved.
As Pluto further contemplated, he then noticed Vraldyks entering a room, prompting him to follow. He immediately recognized it as the room that they had entered before when infiltrating the House of Kings, the familiar trinkets and armor familiar now. The only difference is that there are occupants, many Eliksni scrambling about, performing there craft and there, in a corner of the room, is Angel and another Eliksni. They were both leaning close against each other, hiding from whatever they were working on from Pluto's view. Not that is what he is focused on.
With Hope now happily floating above the young Hunter's shoulder, Angel wore the familiar Hunter's garb, the only difference is that they were of Eliksni make, the body type adjusted to fit his, and colored differently to hide their origin. And if anyone were to recognize their make, Angel could just lie and say he took it off of Eliksni bodies. Not uncommon for Hunters to make do with what they find out in the Wilds.
Although, Pluto is uncertain if they will accept the same excuse for the cloak now draped around Angel's shoulders, the familiar white and gold of the House of King's recognizable even from this distance. A gift and a mark that the House of Kings recognizes Angel as one of their one. As such, a slight against Angel is a slight to the House. Pluto knows that they will have to damage the cloak to a point to convince others it is a prize instead of a gift. Best to have Angel upset and have a partially worn cloak than having a cloak and having angry Guardians upon him.
As Pluto continued to follow Vraldyks to the table, he then took note of how short Angel's hair is now, trimmed and cleaned now with Hope's aid, and barely reaches past his ears. He recalls just how Angel cares of his long strands, and there is no doubt in Pluto's mind that he will grow it out once more. Nonetheless, Angel seems unbothered by it, too focused upon the arm that his Eliksni friend is working upon.
Pluto came to a halt.
Wait, what?
Barely suppressing the urge to push past the Baron, Pluto waited until they were upon the table to spot the tools and the mechanical parts spread out upon the surface, staring as the Vandal seated next to Angel carefully twisted some wires together within the prosthetic. Angel's prosthetic.
"Hope was able to save my legs." Pluto turned his attention to Angel; the young Hunter smiled sheepishly at him, "but my arm, well." He scratched the back of his head, "Stayed down in those tunnels for too long. Couldn't fix it even if I ate a bullet and she revived me." Angel then nodded his head to the Eliksni seated next to him, "Flourishing One though made this for me, at least until we can head back to the Tower and make another one."
No sooner had Angel finished speaking when a noise came from the Eliksni, the latter snapping her head up and snarling at him. In response, Angel simply laughed and responded back casually in the same tongue.
"Flourshin' One is upset that he is going to replace her work." It is Hope who spoke, the Ghost seemingly just as amused as her Guardian, her optic a familiar shade of forest green; a confirmation that her and Angel's bond is back and strong, "Angel is apologizin' but he is also explainin' that we just can't walk around with something that is of Eliksni craft."
Which is true. You can explain the armor. But a prosthetic that is obviously Eliksni make, not quite.
Walking around the Baron and the table so that he is standing just behind Angel, Pluto then saw Knight do the same, standing to the side.
"You're taking this missing limb thing better than most." The young Exo commented. This, in turn, caused Angel to look up and gave him a wry smile.
"What can you do?" He said, "Things happen. Just wasn't expecting to lose an arm at this age."
Pluto couldn't help but raise a brow, "Expecting some battle scars?"
"Well, we're in a war." Angel shrugged, "And we're Guardians. Would be nice to have something to show off and tell a story, right?"
Of course. Another thing Hunters are good at besides their shots, are their stories.
Humming in agreement, Pluto then asked, "Did you find a way to hide that prosthetic of yours on our way back?"
"Bracers followed by pieces of cloth." Angel answered, "I really don't want anyone to know that I befriended the infamous House of Kings."
"And the lie if anyone were to see it?"
"Well." Angel started, "Not really a lie but a half-truth. That I got stuck underground filled with Darkness, lost an arm during that time, so I had to get a new arm."
Pluto furrowed his brows, optics narrowed.
"Good enough." He decided. His attention then turned to the Hunter's hair. No doubt the Vanguard will question it, considering that Angel had kept it long since his resurrection. Then again, Guardians do like to mess with their looks often. Perhaps they will shrug it off if they see it.
That is when he heard a noise emit from Knight.
"I am amazed that you two can lie to the Vanguard so easily." The young Exo said, "How often do you lie to their faces?"
Glancing over to Angel, Pluto locked his red optics with his forest green, before they simultaneously shrugged and answered, "Often."
Knight stared, optics wide before they flickered, and then followed by a sigh.
"Can't say I haven't lied to their faces either."
Blinking, Pluto found himself unable to hold back a snicker followed by a thought. There is no doubt that Knight is well suited for Fireteam Redacted.
As he mused upon this thought, the growling tongue of Eliksni prompted Pluto to look over to Angel's friend – Flourishing One. She had stopped working upon his arm and she is speaking to Angel directly. Judging from Angel's expression, it is serious.
"What is she saying?" Pluto asked. He can feel Nix shift uneasily in the back of his mind.
"They are talking about the report they had to give to their Kell." Pluto flinched at Angel's answer; right, he had forgotten about that. "Specifically, about us three being housed here."
"And…?"
"Well, their council was furious, as expected." Angel explained, "But the Kell seemed to be more open-minded, at least when Vraldyks brought up that I can supply them with Ether."
"And we're safe?" Pluto asked, "As long as you can supply them with Ether?"
Angel shrugged, "If it's the only way to leave here without violence, I'm willing to give away a year's supply of Ether. Especially if it leaves us on good terms with the Kings."
"Good terms, right." Pluto couldn't help the doubt, the wariness, "And will they allow us to leave today?"
"They don't really care, just as long as I can supply them Ether the next oncoming months."
Of course, that is all the House of Kings care for, considering that they haven't been doing well previously. Pluto is uncertain if their desperation will play in their favor, at least, in the future.
As he pondered upon this, a noise, one of cheer and success, came from Flourishing One and he looked over to see her lean back, allowing Angel to lift his prosthetic. Pluto watched as he curled his fingers, closing and opening his palm and then, slowly shifted his arm back and forth. A nod from Angel showed all is good. A pleased look glossed over Flourishing One's face.
That is when Hope glided in, and light beamed from her core. From there, Pluto saw wisps of light wrap around Angel's prosthetic, glowing softly before the familiar material of cloth took shape, wrapping around the artificial appendage. Then, the leather wrapped around it, keeping the cloth in place, and it wasn't long when Hope moved back, allowing Angel to flex his hand once more. A sign that it is a fake is not visible.
"You ready?"
Seeing Angel stand from his seat, Pluto nodded.
"Then let's head back, I think we kept the others worried for too long."
Xxxxx
"As agreed, the coordinates is where we will rendezvous with the Ether, safely out of sight and, hopefully, where no one will notice the trade."
Angel watched as Flourishing One nodded, prompting him to roll the map he has in his hands and then holding it out for her to take.
"It is an honor to work with you, Flourishing One." He said as she took the map from his hands, "I pray that the Great Machine will watch over us until we meet again."
Seeing the Eliksni stare at the map in her hand, Angel then saw her lift her eyes and locked onto his, hidden behind his helmet.
"Syliks."
Angel blinked, "What?"
The Vandal huffed and repeated, "Syliks."
Angel couldn't help but stare. In turn, Flourishing One – Syliks – shifted nervously on her feet.
"You have given me your name." She explained, "It is only fair that I give you mine before you leave."
Eyes growing wide, Angel then found himself smiling, and he couldn't help but lean in, "And back then, you said you didn't want to be my friend."
The way her eyes flicker and her face flushed, Angel couldn't help but laugh. In turn, Syliks reached over with one of her upper arms and shoved him away. Her eyes narrowed but he saw no hate, no malice.
"No need to be smug about it." She growled, "It is just an equal trade. Nothing more, nothing less."
"That is what you say." Angel teased and he laughed as he was shoved again, Sylike's face is flushed red, "But in seriousness, I appreciate it." He beamed at her, "I was not expecting a name, especially since you were adamant against tell me."
Syliks scoffed, "Although I like the title, Flourishing One, I thought it best to give you my name for not only did you save my life, but saved my House as well. It is only fair that I share mine to show gratitude."
Hearing her say that, Angel couldn't help but feel warmth, accepted, and he couldn't stop the smile broaden upon his face. That is, until he heard heavy steps, and not only did he, but Syliks turn as well. It is hard to miss Vraldyks approach, the towering form of the Baron all too obvious.
"You gave us the coordinates?" He asked.
Angel nodded. And then promptly froze when Vraldyks loomed over him, hearing him take in a deep breath, and rumbled low.
"You may be a bandit, but you intrigue me." Angel heard the Baron admit, "Unlike the others, you speak our tongue fluently, open to forming alliances, and speak freely of your origins."
"I – I only speak the truth." Angel managed to squeak out, keeping his wide green eyes upon the Baron's face. Then, he regained his composure, squaring out his shoulders as he added, "After all, the Guardians and Eliksni share common goals."
Angel isn't all too surprised when Vraldyks scoffed, "I give you credit for honesty, human, but I doubt our standing will change where it is now: a desperate trade."
Vraldyks then loomed closer, Angel feeling the release of Ether as the Baron continued, "However, once we find a suitable resource to replace 'you', then this 'trade' will be no more. And 'you' will no longer be needed."
Saying nothing, Angel waited until Vraldyks leaned away, turned, and headed back through the entrance before he turned his attention to Syliks, "I thought he was going to tear my head off."
He only received a simple wave of the hand, "Lord Vraldyks may seem intimidating, but he is usually fair." Angel heard her click her mandibles together, "The only time you should fear him is when he sees you as a traitor."
Angel gave her a look, "What happens if he sees you as a traitor?"
"Death." Angel sputtered, "It is common practice for him to simply cut down those who even speak of betraying our House."
"W-Wait." He held up a hand, disbelief clear upon his face, "So when Ikyrlos called you a 'traitor', Vraldyks would have kill you then?" Angel's jaw dropped when Syliks nodded, "Then why in the Great Machine did you bring me to your House!? You could have saved yourself a lot of trouble if you had just left me behind!"
Syliks eyes grew wide at his words, "Why are you still speaking of leaving you behind back then!? It has passed!" She then jabbed a finger at him, "And did I not just say that I owe you a debt for saving my life?! I cannot leave you behind when you kept coming back for me!"
Opening and closing his mouth to find a retort, Angel admitted defeated when he could find none. Instead, he smiled behind his helmet, "You have a point."
Hearing Syliks huff, Angel then glanced over her shoulder, spotting Knight and Pluto waiting at a distance; it seems they do not trust standing near the entrance to the home of the Kings.
"As much as I would like to stay and chat, my friends are eager to return to the Haven." He said, "and if I idle too long, my Kell and Council will turn suspicious."
If they haven't already.
This earned him a scoff from Syliks but nonetheless, he spotted the disappointment flashing over her four eyes.
"It matters not." She said as she crossed her arms, "We will see each other again when you drop the Ether at the promised location."
Unable to help a chuckle, Angel started to turn, and then paused. He hesitated. Perhaps because she is in debt with him…
"If it is not too much, may I ask a favor of you, Syliks?"
This prompted the Vandal to blink at him, and Angel could hear his own heartbeat within his chest. He cannot help but hope.
"Since you have saved my life twice, yes, you may."
Releasing a breath, Angel gave a nod of thanks before pointing to his cloak with his thumb, "You recall the symbol on my previous cloak?" He waited until Syliks nodded, "May you keep an eye for Eliksni who wears the same symbol?" Angel saw her brows furrow, "Although they have left me behind, they still are my pack, and I would appreciate if you find any clues, any hints of their whereabouts."
Syliks tilted her head at him, eyes narrowing but, nonetheless, she nodded, "I cannot make promises, but I will do what I can."
Flashing her a smile, Angel dipped his head, spotting the way Syliks did the same.
"May the Great Machine guide you, Pure One."
Giving her one final nod, Angel lifted himself, turned, and finally started making his way to his team, stepping through the crumbling doors of the building.
"Took you long enough," Pluto commented, the Exo Hunter pushing himself off the wall he leaned upon, "What were you two talking about?"
"Just confirming the drop point for the Ether supply." Angel answered as he raised his hand, a quiet signal for Hope to transmat his hand cannon into it, "Have to make sure that it is isolated enough that other Guardians or Eliksni won't see the trade." Memories of deaths of the three Vandals flashed into Angel's head, "Don't want to start another uproar."
"Did something happen?" Knight asked.
Seeing Pluto turn and giving the younger Exo a bewildered look, Angel then heard his fellow Hunter release an 'ah' when he realized.
"You were not around for brief peace between House of Spirits and the Tower." Angel couldn't' help but wince at Pluto's words, "We will debrief you on the way back, but first." He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, "We have to come up with answers in case we are asked questions."
Chuckling at the way Knight reeled at Pluto's words, Angel dared himself to look back, his eyes settling over the entrance. Although knowing fully well that she would be gone – the Eliksni of House Kings do keep themselves hidden well – Angel couldn't help the disappointment when he couldn't spot Syliks. Nonetheless, he gave a final nod before turning and following after Pluto and Knight.
And that is the end of this arc! :D