Redacted

We Need Your Help

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

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

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

Edited: 09/03/2023

They were young.

That was the reason why Knight and Angel had yet to awaken, according to what the Medic told him. From what he can understand, a blast of Darkness can leave inexperienced Guardians incapacitated for days, weeks even, counting on their strength. That would also explain why Nine isn't affected.

However, even if Knight is silent in his head, he at least has Nine's help to recover. Angel, on the other hand, was on his own. True, he has Hope, but judging from the way the Ghost hovered nearby, shell pressed against her core, Nine could tell there was not much she could do. Thus, giving the Medic a single nod of thanks followed by one final glance at the Hunter – the latter of which laid upon a cot now – he forced himself to exist the room and headed towards Ianos'.

That is when he heard the scream.

At first, Nine wasn't startled. He had witnessed plenty of Ianos' darkness induced fevers, where it would send him into the dark recess of his memories, and most times, make him relive his anguish. However, as Nine approached Ianos' room, he could hear the agony laced within Ianos' screams and he found himself speeding up his pace. When he turned the corner, there was a crowd in front of Ianos' door, and he could spot the black and orange clad forms of Gemini and Scorpio. The twins had placed themselves between the door and the crowd – Medics, he realized – and Nine watched as Gemini physically shoved one back. Her blue optics were bright against her face.

"What is happening?" he asked.

At his approach, he saw the twins look his way and he saw relief settle over their faces. Then, Gemini gave another approaching Medic a shove before waving Nine over.

"Quick! Get in!"

Despite being confused, Nine complied, pushing past the disorganized and frustrated Medics with ease and squeezed through the door when Gemini opened it, just enough for him to side step through. It quickly shut behind him.

That is when the screaming became loud again in his sensors.

Ianos was thrashing in his bed, his orange eyes wildly looking around the room as he was being restrained by Akiva and Isamu. The latter seemed to be struggling, as he only had one hand on Ianos' arm and a hand upon his chest.

"Nine!? Is that you!?" Nine heard Akiva grunt out, only to watch him fumble as Ianos managed to pry his arm from his grip. Fortunately, he was quick, adjusting to Ianos' shoulder instead and forced him back down.

"Give me a hand here!" He shouted.

Unable to completely comprehend what he was seeing, Nine quickly approached, reaching the foot of the bed. Only to stumble back instead, as he felt an impact slam under his jaw. He grabbed it, optics flickering in surprise.

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

Questions were building but nonetheless, Nine forced them aside before making a wide turn around Ianos' bed to Akiva's side. Then, he placed his hands onto Ianos' abdomen, only to feel his arms fling back when the latter thrashed in response.

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

"Can someone tell me what is happening?!" Nine couldn't help but be surprised at his own words, at the sound of his own voice, loud to him; he cannot recall a time he raised his voice like this.

Despite it, he followed Akiva's advice, leaning over, positioning his arms over Ianos' abdomen, and put his weight behind it. Despite Ianos' thrashing, he was able to keep his position. Then, he took a breath, forcing the panic down before he looked at Isamu.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Stabilizing him." Doubt lingered in Nine's head at his answer. Isamu must have noticed, "I did not say it was going to be a painless process."

"A bit of a warning beforehand would have been sufficient."

Sensing the frown at his words, Nine then snapped his attention to Ianos when he felt the latter go stiff underneath him, hearing him taking in a rasping gasp before finally, he felt him go limp. Concern settled in and Nine looked over Ianos' face, only to see his eyes were closed, hair clinging to his sweaty face. He was breathing heavily.

That is when he heard Isamu breathe out.

"Stabilization successful."

There is a sigh of relief from Akiva and Nine took this as a signal to release his hold on Ianos. However, he kept his white optics on Isamu, watching as the latter leaned back in his seat. His breathing was just as heavy as Ianos'.

"You alright?"

Akiva asked the question that had lingered in Nine's head and he watched as Isamu flicked his eyes his way. Even in the dark, Nine could see the dark circles under Isamu's eyes, the way his shoulders were slumped in his seat.

"No, I am not well." Isamu answered honestly, leaning his head back against the chair and closed his eyes, "The Vex had done more damage to me than I expected."

No one said anything. They didn't want to acknowledge it. Even after stopping the assimilation, Nine has a sinking feeling that it might be too late.

"We'll get you fixed once we get Ianos to your Preceptor." Despite the confidence in his words, Nine can also hear the edge, the way Akiva's voice wavered. He even has some doubts on Isamu's survival, "and we need to leave right away."

That is when Nine finally tore his optics away from Isamu and gave Akiva a blank look.

"If you had failed to notice." He said, "There are many interlopers outside. I doubt we can leave with Isamu and Ianos without taking notice."

"Oh." There is a sheepish smile from Akiva, "right."

There is a hum from the Titan before Nine heard the door open, prompting him to stand straight, on guard, only to see the orange and black clad forms of the twins stumbling in. It was Gemini who immediately turned and slammed her shoulder against the door, barely getting it closed in time just as he saw hands press against it. A hand on the panel was enough to lock it.

"Have you contact Pluto yet?" Nine decided to ask and he saw Gemini and Scorpio snap their attention towards him.

"What?" Gemini voiced her surprise, "Haven't you been paying attention?" She stepped away from the door slowly, as if nervous of not having her shoulder bracing against it. The door remained steady, "Who knows how Pluto would react once he hears there's a Revenant here. Why should we take the risk and get him involved?"

"For the reason that we are moments away from saving Ianos's life." Nine saw Gemini pause at his words, "If you recall, Pluto treasures Ianos dearly. Even if he disagrees with the Revenants, Pluto would be more than willing to give his aid if it involves Ianos."

There is a frown, a scowl from Gemini but Nine kept his optics steady, blank as ever. Then there is a dramatic sigh, Gemini leaning her head back and her arms dropping to her sides. Nine can sense Scorpio smile sheepishly.

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

Xxxxx

Pluto can tell his words gave Orion more questions than answers, as he heard the Titan lean back in his seat, a scowl clear upon his face.

"So you are saying that, these Revenants have been around not long after the Great Disaster? And they have been growing under the Tower's noses all these years?" Orion asked. Pluto nodded, "And the Vanguard knows fully about this?"

Another nod from Pluto and he can feel the couch under him shift, "But if that were the case, how come I never heard of them?" There is a short pause, "How come no one has heard of them?"

"For the reason that there is a treaty – or more like an agreement." Pluto gestured vaguely with his hand, "between the Tower and the Revenants."

He didn't need his optics to sense the scowl from the younger Exo, "I know that much."

Pluto raised a finger, "You didn't let me finish."

He sensed the puzzled stare, feeling Orion gesture minutely from his seat and Pluto took it as a sign to continue.

"The treaty between the Tower and the Revenants agree that there would be a ceasefire and that the latter are to keep themselves into secrecy."

Another short pause.

"What?" Orion started, "Now why would anyone agree to that? The Tower allowing the Revenants to hide and grow?" There is more movement from the young Exo and Pluto can see clearly in his head Orion throwing his hands into the air, "What if they take the opportunity to rise in power, gain enough influence to gather more Guardians and then, you know." A vague gesture from Orion, "Attack the Tower?"

A good point. If it wasn't for one more thing.

"That is just half of the agreement." Pluto said and he sensed another puzzled look from Orion, "The Revenants agreed to go into secrecy and the Tower agreed to leave them alone on one condition."

"And that condition is?"

Pluto can sense the disappointment as he subtly shook his head, "That is unknown to me, as only select individuals were able to attend the summit." He thought back, recalling being angry, frustrated at being left outside as he watched his leader walk into what he calls a pit of vipers, "Sun was the only one to attend within our clan." Even though there were only seven of them then, "and although they fed us some information, they kept most of it to themselves." Then, he shrugged, "And they took that information to their grave."

"That's terrific." Pluto cracked a smile at Orion's obvious disappointment, feeling the Exo shift in his seat, and sensed the pout, "Now it's going to bother me until I know what it is."

"Only way to do that is to ask the Vanguard or the Speaker directly."

Pluto sensed Orion's displeasure.

"Is there no one else?" Orion asked.

Another subtle shake of his head, "Many who attended were clan leaders and many, if not all, are currently not with us." Pluto thought back, counting off the faces he could remember, "They are the only ones who knows."

"But they don't tell us anything." Despite himself, Pluto chuckled at Orion's complaint, listening to the young Exo grumble as he once again, felt him lean back, feeling his weight shift upon the couch.

That is when his sensors picked up the familiar hum of light near his shoulders, and he tilted his head towards Nix's way as his Ghost compiled.

"Frequency?" He asked.

"From Gemini." Nix confirmed and Pluto hummed to himself.

Good. He has been waiting for a report.

"Let it through." He said and Pluto felt the tug of confirmation from his Ghost before he heard the familiar static and then a click.

"Pluto." Gemini's voice rang through.

"Gemini." Pluto returned the greeting, "Anything new to report in?"

Although reckless and full of energy, Gemini is one who knows when to be tactful, knows the difference between fun and duty and thus, usually she would jump in, her report articulate and ready. Thus, when Pluto heard nothing, he turned his blind optics to Nix. He furrowed his brows.

"Is something the matter?" he asked.

There is a pause.

Then.

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

Pluto raised a brow. Already?

"You are all safe then?" He asked, "What of the Revenant?"

There is another short pause and Pluto can practically feel the hesitation, the worry.

"That's the thing." Gemini finally said, "When I said we're all at the Tower, I mean all."

It took only Pluto a beat, a second to understand.

"What!?" Orion's shout voiced Pluto's shock, hearing him jump to his feet, his weight absent from his side, "What do you mean a Revenant is in the Tower?!"

There is a sputter from Gemini, "Orion!? How long have you been there!? And how in the Traveler did you learn about the Revenants!?"

"How in the Traveler did you get a Revenant into the Tower!?" Orion shouted back.

"Orion." Pluto sighed, hearing the young Titan grumble but sat back into his seat. Then, he turned his focus back onto Gemini, "Why did you bring the Revenant to the Tower? Despite the treaty, it is still risky to bring someone such as them inside."

"Normally I would agree with you." In his head, Pluto can practically see Gemini vaguely gesture with her hands, "But with Ianos' condition, we didn't have much of a choice."

Pluto frowned, "Clarify."

"Well." Gemini coughed, "According to what I can tell, this Revenant, he is possibly one of the higher-ranking members of the group and he has the ability to stabilize Ianos' condition."

Pluto paused, "What?"

"But not cure him." Gemini added, "He claims the only way to really save Ianos' life is to bring him to the Preceptor, to which I can understand, is the leader of the Revenants."

Pluto furrowed his brows, "Explain why."

"Because the Preceptor can balance the light and darkness inside Ianos, whatever that means." He can see Gemini shrug, "all I know is that he can save Ianos' life."

Leaning his back against his seat, Pluto's scowl deepened, crossing his arms, "And you need my help in bringing Ianos to him?"

"And the Revenant too." Gemini added, "Despite how he looks, he's in bad shape himself. Corrupted by the Vex, from what the others told me." Pluto couldn't help but raise a brow at this; ironic, a Chosen known for balance being corrupted, and by machines no less, "We believe if we bring them to the Revenants' base of operations, this Preceptor will be able to save both of their lives." There is a short pause, "We hope so anyways."

"Hope?" Pluto repeated.

"According to the Revenant, it's not guaranteed." Gemini answered, "Counts on how close Ianos' light is to corruption and if the Preceptor is even knowledgeable on curing Vex corruption, since from what I can understand, the Revenants worked more on Hive than the Vex." There is a sigh from her, "Nonetheless, we still need to get them both out of the Tower but when the Revenant stabilized Ianos, well." Again, Pluto can see her shrug, "Let's just say there is a commotion and there is a bunch of medics outside, demanding to be let in."

Pluto couldn't suppress a sigh, raising a hand and pinching the bridge of his nose. Of course, trouble always seems to follow not only Fireteam Redacted but the twins – and in extension, Galaxy – hence, all this attention.

"And that is why you called me for help?"

"We have no one else to turn to, Pluto." Gemini admitted, "There aren't many Guardians who know about the Revenants and the ones who do we can't exactly trust that because you know, we have a Revenant here with us."

Tapping a finger against his forearm, Pluto let out another sigh before standing to his feet and started to pace.

"Pluto?"

Ignoring Gemini's call, Pluto simply continued to pace back and forth, contemplating possible choices.

Part of him wanted to go on ahead with the plan for Ianos to meet with the Preceptor. After all, Ianos and Matt have been looking for a cure to darkness corruption for 'decades' and to think that a man who had the ability to do so had been around just as long was right there in front of them. Not to mention, with Matt's death, progress have been halted, possibly even taken steps back. This might be the only chance to save Ianos. For certain.

However, echoes of Pluto's past surfaced, flinching at the memory of Guardians he had once called friends, comrades in arms suddenly cloaked in darkness, their malevolence, their anger, their grief apparent as they fought on opposing sides. And the uncalled deaths.

"Pluto, this is Nine speaking."

Pulled out of his thoughts, Pluto paused in his steps, looking over to where he could sense Nix and the frequency.

"I understand your doubts, since you have personally encountered and fought these Revenants, thus you have every right to doubt." Nine continued, "However, I can safely attest that Ianos' wellbeing is stable, safe, as Sir Hashimoto is an old friend of his."

Pluto couldn't help but frown. That sounded too convenient. But then again, the name sounded vaguely familiar.

"To help ease your worries, Akiva and the others, including myself, will be present when we meet with this Preceptor. Ianos' safety is guaranteed. It is just the how of getting him there."

Taking in the Phoenix Exo's words, Pluto let the echoes of the past finally fade, the war cries, the chill of the darkness dissipating against his senses. Then, he decided.

"Stay where you are." He said, "I'm heading to you."

"Wait, really?" The surprise is apparent in Gemini's voice; she is back, "That easy?"

Pluto sighed, "Don't make me change my mind, Gemini." There is a pause from the young Hunter, "When I get there, be ready to leave. The instant I get there."

"Roger." Gemini confirmed and the frequency clicked off.

That is when Pluto turned his attention back to Orion and he could sense the displeasure, the disapproval clearly from the younger Exo.

"I take it you are not happy with my decision?" Pluto asked.

There is a flash of surprise from Orion, "How the fuck can you – never mind." Pluto sensed a vague gesture, a wave of the hand, "Yes, I am not happy with your decision." He heard Orion stand, "Bringing Ianos to this Preceptor? To the Revenants base of operations? You certain that is a good idea?"

No, if Pluto wants to be honest.

However.

"This maybe the only chance to save Ianos." Pluto said. The disapproval from the young Exo grew, "Orion, I understand your concerns, however, we cannot let an opportunity like this pass."

"But what if it makes him worse?" Orion argued, "What if instead of balancing the light and the dark, they instead strengthen the Darkness?"

"They are not going to rid him of the Darkness." Pluto sensed the puzzled look from Orion, "That is not how the Revenants work."

There is a doubtful look from the young Exo and Pluto couldn't blame him. An unknown faction of Chosen who openly work with the darkness isn't something you hear out of the blue and decide that they all are trustworthy. Especially not with how the Darkness is frowned upon.

"So, they're going to make Ianos one of them?"

Pluto paused, pondering. When he says it that way…

"Perhaps." He admitted as he released a heavy breath, "but if it saves his life, then I say it is worth the trade."

There is another look from the young Exo, Pluto sensing his scrutinizing look.

"Do you think he will return to the Tower after?" Orion asked, "That he will be willing to come back after the Revenants' help?"

Again, Pluto paused at his words. And then asked, "What makes you think that he will leave us?"

"Well." He heard Orion start and followed by the shuffle of feet, shifting side to side, "Because the Revenants actually tried to do something."

Pluto turned his blind optics to the young Exo, "What?"

"Besides Matt, no one was really looking into corruption by the darkness." Orion clarified, "but, the Revenants, after meeting him just once, decided to help. What if he wants to stay with them because of that?"

Denial set in quickly before Pluto could realize, seizing his core and clasped in a vice grip. He took his composure by the reins, tugging upon the denial, the swirl of emotions before forcing it down. Thus, his mind had a bit of clarity to take in Orion's words and see a bit of truth.

Although strict, the Vanguard has good intentions for Ianos, but that doesn't mean the rest of the Tower was kind. Pluto recalled a time when he was a pariah, scorned and looked down upon by his peers. And it only got worse after his return from the moon. With Matt's death, the only one who had truly investigated curing the corruption of the darkness, what is to say that Ianos wouldn't leave?

A bump on the side of his head snapped Pluto out of his thoughts and he felt Nix's tug upon their bond, sending soft and gentle waves. This helped ease the doubts in his mind.

"Ianos won't abandon us so easily, Orion." He said; he still felt the doubtful look from the young Exo, "We have been his family longer than anyone else." Then, Pluto slowly approached Orion, reaching out a hand and settling it upon his shoulder. He gave him a gentle smile, "Little Light would never leave us behind."

There is another lingering look from Orion, filled with more doubt, more unease but nonetheless, Pluto felt his shoulders slump, and heard a sigh.

"I hope you're right." He heard him say and Pluto simply gave him a nod before giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze.

Then, he slipped his hand off Orion's shoulder and made his way to the exit. Despite his best, despite the help of Nix, in the deep recess of his mind, doubt still lingers.

Xxxxx

Akiva is the one who volunteered to carry Ianos, thanks to his height and size, easily hefting him into his arms. Nine on the other hand, is carrying Isamu upon his back, hefting the Revenant in his grip as he stood.

Despite his helmet hiding his face, Akiva can practically see his flustered look.

"To think I would let a Warlock carry me like this." He heard him mutter.

In turn, Akiva flashed him a smile, "Under normal circumstances I would let you lean on me. However," He glanced towards the door, continuing to hear the shouts, the pounding upon it, "Knowing Pluto, I have a feeling that a fast exit is needed."

There was a sigh from Isamu but nothing more, and Akiva watched as Crystalline glided over to the Revenant and in a flash of white, she disappeared. Nearby, Akiva can see the twins stretching: Gemini shaking out her legs and Scorpio jogging in place. In his arms, he can hear Eidr laugh behind his cloak.

"Everyone ready?" Akiva asked and he can see the others nod in tandem.

Nonetheless, he cannot help but feel nervous. Thus, he prepared himself, planting his feet upon the floor, getting ready to run.

That is when a shot rang out from the other side of the door.

Akiva watched as not only he, but the others snapped their heads up, eyes wide as he heard shouting, cries of surprise before another shot rang out and then a bang.

That is when the door burst open.

Smoke filtered in and Akiva can see shapes, forms within, leaning over followed by coughing and rasping.

"Hold onto each other!"

Pluto's shout rang out from within the fog, and before Akiva could fully comprehend his words, he felt a hand grab him by the arm and yelped as he felt himself being yanked. It didn't take long for him to stumble into the fog.

Out of surprise, Akiva took a deep breath, only to start to cough and wheeze as his throat burned, his lungs squeezing in protest.

"And hold your breath!"

Feeling another hand grab onto his other arm, Akiva brushed it aside as he gritted his jaw, eyes watering as his throat continued to burn as he was led through the smoke. That is when he finally noticed the cloak, wisps of void light lingering around his form. He can almost see through himself.

"Pluto?" Akiva managed to choke out.

This earned him a hush from Pluto.

"I am only helping you all leave the Tower." Pluto's words were a whisper, a murmur, almost a mumble, "afterwards, you all are on your own. After all, I am still in recovery, it would look suspicious if I were to disappear suddenly."

Despite the burning, Akiva flashed a smile and then, he managed to wheeze out, "And make sure to keep on eye on Hush too. If she hears what's going on, no doubt she will try to help."

"That's." There is a short pause, "That's Ianos' fault."

"And who's to blame for his stubborn streak?"

Akiva felt his arm being jerked, causing him to stumble forward.

"That was all Neptune." He heard Pluto retort.

Restraining a laugh, Akiva instead focused on keeping his footing, struggling to keep pace with Pluto. He can barely see the Hunter's shimmering form in front of him. Akiva prays that they do not bump into experienced Hunters.

It didn't take long for them to reach the Hangar and Akiva immediately spotted the familiar colors of his ship. Pulling upon his bond with Lex, there is a soft hum from his Ghost and he saw the ramp upon his ship shift and open.

That is when he felt Pluto's hand slip from his arm and the humming of the void cloak dissipated from his ears. And he suddenly felt exposed.

"Go! Quickly!"

Not wanting to be told twice, Akiva practically jumped onto the ramp of his ship before it even touched ground and again, he pulled upon his bond with Lex, the latter of which pulled back in response and a space in his head went empty, vacant. It didn't take long for him to spot his Ghost's yellow and white shell glide ahead.

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

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

Akiva then yelped as the ship suddenly lurched beneath him, falling to his knees. He looked back to see Nine had clasped onto an indent inside of the ship, miraculously pulling himself in even with Isamu on his back while as Gemini had grabbed Scorpio by the arm, the latter barely falling backwards. Fortunately, Eidr still remains secure in his arms.

"Akiva? Is that you on that ship?" Amanda's voice rang through the coms, "Or Traveler help me, whoever you are, I will shoot you out of the sky."

"I-It's just us, Holliday." Akiva heard Lex manage to stammer out, "Sorry for boarding so suddenly but we have an emergency. We will explain later."

"Now what kind of emergency happened in just a few hours of you just coming back?"

Akiva can feel the panic clearly now through their bond.

"I am so sorry, Holliday." Lex apologized, "But we have to go."

"Lex!" Amanda shouted, "You better tell me what is going on right now or the Vanguard-"

The coms suddenly went quiet.

Hearing the ramp behind them finally close, Akiva took the opportunity to stumble to the cockpit and there, he could see his Ghost staring down at the console.

"We are going to be in so much trouble." Lex didn't look back at him.

Akiva groaned; he hadn't thought of that until now, "We'll worry about that later, just, let's get out of here."

Xxxxx

Staying long enough to hear echoes of Akiva's ship leaving the Hangar, Pluto then release a breath of relief when it went quiet, signaling for him to turn to the exit. Only to pause when he sensed a familiar presence blocking his way.

Tuning onto the light, Pluto couldn't help but be surprised.

"Hush?" He murmured; his voice low.

He was still cloaked but somehow, Pluto can feel Hush's eyes upon him, feeling her eyes see him. Any doubts he had faded away when he felt her hand touch his. He sighed but nonetheless, led her away to the side, keeping them away from the worst of the crowd – all of which were murmuring now at Akiva and the other's quick escape – before dropping his invisibility. Pluto felt a few stares but nothing that would cause concern.

"Is there something you need, Hush?" He asked.

That is when he felt a tug upon his hand and Pluto couldn't help but frown; thanks to his blindness, he cannot read her hands anymore thus, Crystalline usually speaks on Hush's behalf. So why is she not speaking now?

Another tug upon his hand pulled Pluto out of his thoughts and this one was more firm, stronger.

"Hush." Pluto started, "Just have Crystalline tell me what you need. I cannot read your hands anymore, you know this."

There is a whine and a grunt at his words and Pluto received another tug. That is when he finally grew concerned.

"Hush, where is Crystalline?"

That is when he felt Hush's other hand grab his and he allowed her to position it where his palm is turned upward, hand open. Then, he felt a finger press against it, and he could feel the brush of two diagonal lines crossing each other. Pluto then understood; for Hush, X symbolizes Redacted.

"Hush." He sighed, "What did you do?"

Pluto kept his tone even, although laced with disappointment. He wasn't angry but he still received a meek tug upon his arm from the child Guardian.

"Is Crystalline on board with the others?"

There is another soft tug.

Pluto let out another sigh. That would explain why Hush has been quiet lately. He wouldn't be surprised if she had sent Crystalline originally to help. But they have been separated for too long, no doubt she misses her Ghost.

"She will be back, don't worry." Pluto decided to say, and he can sense the concern, the worry, but nonetheless, he felt one of her hand leave his and tug him to the exit of the Hangar. That is sign enough that his words were enough.

He hopes that this is where all the trouble ends.