Redacted

The Search

Edited: 10/08/2023

Here's the other half!

"You seem so certain that is their location."

Turning his attention to Nix, Pluto gave his Ghost a blank stare.

"I know that is where they are located." He claims, "Rasputin confirmed that a power core there had been recently activity and online for several weeks despites years of inactivity."

"It could be the Fallen?" Nix suggested, "They do tinker with Golden Age tech they could get their hands on."

Pluto thought for moment, "Perhaps." He admitted. Then he holstered his knife, "Does not mean it won't hurt to check."

There is a groan from Nix, "Pluto, usually I would try to stop you and then let you go on your merry little way, but this time, I will try to stop you." Despite his blindness, Pluto heard Nix hover close, hearing his shell click together, "Not only are you going to wander into unknown territory, but you are also still recovering from Dusk's attack."

Pluto shrugged, "It is not a serious injury."

"She took your optics, Pluto." Nix empathizes, "and since she did it while draining your light, I cannot fix it. In other words, I cannot send scans of your surroundings." He can feel Nix's presence practically in his face, "You are literately walking in blind, Pluto. And I advise that is not a wise decision."

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

"That is because they are busy with other duties." Nix retorted, "With the threat of SIVA still looming over us, they must straighten out their priorities. And you know the Vanguard." He heard his Ghost huff, "The City is always their first priority."

Scoffing at Nix's words, Pluto opted to secure the remaining piece of his armor, tightening the strap around his arm before pulling his cloak over his shoulders, "Another reason to add why I am going out to the Dead Zone and investigating."

"Have you been not – " Nix heaved out a frustrated sigh, "Fine. You win. Again."

Pluto couldn't help but feel smug, "Don't I always?"

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

"The Traveler will wake before that happens."

Hearing his Ghost scoff at his words, Pluto simply smiled and then held out a hand. It didn't take long to feel Nix settle into his palm and then his presence settles heavy into his head.

"Do try and be careful." Nix's voice rang in his sensors, "Despite over a decade without the use of your sight, this is the first time you are heading out without my help." He can feel the worry through their bond, "You are all on your own."

In turn, Pluto sent out a comforting pat, "As long as you are giving me directions, I will be fine."

"I am being serious, Pluto." This prompted Pluto to pause, "the only reason you were able to stay a Guardian was that I was your optics. I had been sending you scans of our surroundings and not to mention your previous blindness was 'optional'. You had the free will to turn your optics on and off. But this time…"

Silent at his Ghost's words, Pluto took them in, feeling the worry once again through their bond. Then, he said, "Would it make you comfortable then if I were to take someone with me?"

Pluto felt the surprise, "Are you serious?"

He smiled, "Serious as I can be."

There was a spark, a tinge of joy and gratitude before, just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone.

"Normally I would agree but." Nix hesitated, "This is the Revenants that we are speaking of."

Pluto hummed, "I can ask one of the Galaxy to help me." He paused at the obvious disapproval through their bond, "I know they are young, and I want more than anything to keep them safe. However, we have one else to turn to and anyone else who battled the Revenants are either long gone or disappeared without a trace."

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

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

Waiting for an answer, Pluto lowered his hand when he heard none, standing idly by until finally, he heard Nix sigh.

"Fine." He acquiesced, "But do be careful. It has been decades since we last ventured to the Dead Zone. It maybe an entirely new territory by now."

Nodding his head in agreement, Pluto took steps to the hall, only to pause as he heard footsteps step out around the entryway.

"I'm coming."

Pluto frowned, "Orion."

"Gemini and Scorpio are my siblings. They're my family too." The young Titan argued, "If they are in danger, then I want to be of help."

"The clan needs you here, Orion."

There is a scoff, "Are you seriously considering me the next head of the Clan if something happens to you?" Pluto can practically see the young Exo shake his head, "look, whether you want to admit it or not, Io is best suited for the role. He can take care of the clan while you and I are away."

Narrowing his gaze at Orion, Pluto could sense the determination, the defiance emanating from him. This caused him to sigh, dragging a hand down the front of his helmet. Why does all he takes under his tutelage be so stubborn?

"Alright." Pluto breathed out, lowering his hand, and lifting his head, "We will drop Hush off with Neve and then head out to the Dead Zone together."

That is when he sensed the determined set from Orion fade, replaced with surprise and a nervous edge. That is when Pluto heard a second pair of steps step around Orion.

"She is not coming with us." A noise of disappointment can be heard next to the young Exo, "Hush is still deemed 'young' for the field, and not to mention that Crystalline is absent from her side."

"Firstly, I am not bringing her along because I want to, it is because she wants to." Pluto sputtered at Orion's retort, "and secondly, that is exactly the reason why Hush wants to come with us. It has been too long since she sent Crystalline out with the others." There is a pause, a tinge of melancholy, "She wants her back."

"Then you and I can bring Crystalline back for her." Pluto argued, "There is no need for us to bring her with us."

There is a frustrated sigh from Orion, "I understand why you are worried, especially since we are heading into this 'Dead Zone', which I understand is aptly named so. But you cannot keep sheltering her forever."

Pluto scowled.

"She is growing in years, maturing." Orion continued, "It is only a matter of time before she is ready to leave for the leave, ready to leave us."

Then, there is a pause, a sense of eyes scanning over Pluto, as if assessing.

"I am nearly turning eight years, Pluto, and Hush nearly four." Pluto flinched at Orion's words; it reminded him of just how young they are, "And I heard that many new lights around already our age already fought in the field, have experienced multiple deaths." He heard Orion take in a breath, "I say, it is about time that Hush garners some experience, and not just from books."

But there is a difference between sending someone who has a mature body and mind compared to a legitimate child.

At least that is what Pluto wanted to say.

But he couldn't, not when he could feel both of their eyes upon him, sensing the determined set in them. Even if he were to say no, Orion would likely find a way to sneak Hush onboard or, knowing the two of them, they already have a plan set if he does.

The best scenario would ensure that he has sight on both.

Pluto sighed.

"Stay close to me." He said and Pluto could sense the perk in their body, the subtle shifted of surprise and glee, "But remember this." He pointed a finger at them, "This is not a simple mission, nor a mission to be taken lightly. It will be dangerous." Then he hesitated, doubting his decision; but sensing the eyes of the young Guardians upon him, he knows it is too late now to take it back.

"Just..." He started, unable to help but recall faces, faces of young Guardians who had connected with. Young Guardians who were taken away too soon, "Just be careful."

Pluto practically had to force the last words out and he could sense a look from Orion, searching, looking.

"Don't worry, Pluto." He heard Orion say, "Guardians have each other's backs, right?"

Despite himself, Pluto found himself cracking a smile; a saying from his teachings. Or more specifically, Neptune's, if he were still here.

His core ached for the absence of his partner.

"Come along then." Pluto brushed the feeling aside, waving the two young Guardians over, "Let us find our missing family of ours, shall we?"

Xxxxx

"Nix."

"I am trying the best I can." Pluto heard his Ghost snap, "But with the darkness here, it is convoluting my senses." There is a frustrated heave of breath, "It is difficult to keep track of where I am going."

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

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

Unable to help but scowl at his Ghost, Pluto went to argue but paused and instead, let out a heavy breath. Fighting with Nix isn't going to make them move any faster. Not to mention that they were in enemy territory; it is best to take it slow and play cautiously. Especially since not only is Pluto blind but also has a New Light and a child tagging along with him as well.

Hearing the child giggle quietly behind him, Pluto didn't have to look back – not like he could – to know that Orion is signing with Hush, making silly gestures to keep her distracted. However, despite her cheerful demeanor, Pluto can also sense the uneasiness, the wariness from both Hush and Orion.

He kept his guard up.

Slowing down his pace so that the young Guardians were just a few paces behind him, Pluto them hopes that the armor that he and Orion managed to scrounge up was enough for Hush. After all, without Crystalline around, it was difficult to find a set with the proper size and material for the child. Her stature is fragile, shrinking down a normal Titan set wasn't going to work. In the end, they ended up giving her a Hunter attire – minus the cloak, much to Hush's disappointment.

Pluto prays it is enough.

"Halt!"

A voice, one that he does not recognize, rang out from the trees and Pluto paused, tilting his head to his Ghost.

"Nix?" He called out.

There is a huff from the Ghost, "Cannot see well thanks to the darkness here, but I count at least six." A murmur, a grumble, "Three of them are currently in front of us. Hard to tell what class they took up, but they are for sure the people we are looking for."

Pleased, Pluto then tuned his senses forward, releasing a brief flash of light. If they were in any other situation, he would have found it funny how the three in front of him flinched, taking a step back as his light bounced back and helped him 'see'. Although this allowed him to see where they were – mere feet away – he also took note of how they raised their guard, already wary.

Not a good use for sneaking. And for anything that is surrounded by trees apparently, Pluto felt his light bounce back, leaving him with only mental images of towering trunks. He would need to find a way around this.

Nonetheless, it did not matter, as his senses felt the light within the chest of the three in front of him. And the lingering presence of the darkness around their shoulders.

"Then three are in hiding then." Pluto whispered to himself, accepting his Ghost's words as truth before frowning behind his helmet. He had heard the three before him approach, slowly closing the distance.

Tilting his head to the trees, that is when Pluto heard branches creak, bark peeling off wood; the rest were in the trees, likely there to give backup if needed.

"You are trespassing." Pluto turned his attention forward, focusing back onto the Revenants in front of him, "You cannot venture further."

Furrowing his brows together, Pluto debated on arguing, snapping back for inciting a command. But he decided against it; he can sense Hush and Orion on edge behind him and who knows? They or may not have Fireteam Redacted and the twins either as guests. Or as prisoners.

"Then if you do not mind, may you answer a question for me?" Pluto sensed the puzzled look sent his way, "Have you seen a group of six come by here?" He took a step forward, showing off his lack of fear. In turn, he heard a Revenant take in a hitched breath but nonetheless, they stood their ground.

Pluto is impressed.

"Three Exo, and Awoken, and two humans." Pluto held up two fingers to empathize the last bit of his sentence, "They were all led here by a Ghost. Crystalline is her name. Lavender shell that resembles a hydra with white shifting patterns upon it?"

He waited and in honesty, Pluto had expected them to immediately deny or feign ignorance. Instead, he heard nothing, just subtly shuffles of feet. He wouldn't be surprised if they were glancing at each other.

Pluto couldn't help but feel irritated.

"A simple yes or no answer would suffice." He said.

Again, he waited and this time, there was an answer.

"Yes."

This was soon followed by a hushed tone and then an 'ack' followed by another hiss. No doubt one of them said something they shouldn't.

"They arrived here a little over two weeks ago – stop it." There was an audible smack, "They are currently with us."

That's good to hear. Pluto at least knows where they are. Some of the tension left his shoulders.

"Then, they are safe?" Pluto asked.

"In part."

That is when Pluto paused, narrowed his optics.

"In part?" He repeated, "Please clarify what you meant when you said, 'in part'?"

"You and your big mouth."

Pluto heard one of the Revenants reprimand, and there is a mumble of apologies. His patience was running thin. He reached down to his knife secured to his thigh.

"What have you done to my team?" He demanded.

Feeling all eyes turn towards him, Pluto sensed the hesitation, the nervous edge, "Are you not going to answer?"

Receiving nothing but silence, Pluto then decided to take up his blade, removing it from his sheath. In turn, he heard the familiar clicks of weapons being raised.

"Let me repeat myself." Pluto warned, "What have you done to my team?"

"They are receiving care." Another Revenant answered, "That is all we can say."

Anger settled into his chest, but Pluto worked on shoving it down, trying to regain composure. Best not to aggravate the ones who have Fireteam Redacted and the twins in their custody. At least that is what Pluto had planned, before he heard a crackle of lightning behind him followed by a surge of energy and a pulse rushing past him.

This was soon followed by the familiar crack of fists slamming onto the hearth and Pluto felt the ground beneath him tremble and shake, causing him to stumble.

"What did you do to the twins!?"

Orion's roar of rage echoed through the trees, and Pluto couldn't help but curse under his breath at the young Exo's actions; then again, the Hunter would have eventually done the same if the Revenants had continued to answer around his questions. Nonetheless, this didn't prevent Pluto from cursing again when he heard movements in the trees and this time, the noise was followed by the click of weapons being hefted and aimed.

"Orion! Above!"

Shouting out a warning, Pluto then rolled back as he heard gunfire, feeling the ground kick up just near his feet. Not long after, he felt the presence of Nix settle into his head.

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

Crouching down in accordance with his Ghost's warning, Pluto then felt the familiar brush of bullets fly past his head and then rolled to his left, allowing him to leap onto his feet and run.

"Trees to your front!" Nix instructed, "And – Orion!"

Skidding to a halt, Pluto reached out with his light until he felt Orion's presence, his light bouncing back to show the young Exo's light shimmering and fighting against two others; the latter two are cloaked in darkness.

Gritting his jaw, Pluto condense his light into his hands, clasping his fingers around a grenade before dodging forward as he heard bullets land behind him, and then tossed said grenade at his feet. The tingling sensation of a cloak settled over his senses and Pluto started running towards Orion's struggling light.

Focusing his light into his hands, Pluto then leaped into the air as he pulled his hand back, feeling the void light solidify long enough to clasp the end of an arrow.

And then he released.

Initially, Pluto had wanted his Void Anchor to latch onto one of the Revenants, to kill one and then incapacitate the other. However, it seems that, even with experience with blindness, his aim was still off.

He could sense his light slam in between the two Revenants instead, and Pluto released a frustrated breath as he felt the void light lash out, latching onto the two Chosen. This frustration soon faded though when he sensed Orion's light step forward, followed by a surge of arc light, screams, and then, Pluto felt the Void Anchor release. Or to be more precise, whatever had grabbed on was now absent.

"Pluto! Behind!"

Snapping around, all Pluto could sense was a ball of malevolence come his way before it promptly slammed into his chest. The buzz of his invisibility quickly left him, leaving his senses clear as he felt his feet fly out underneath him and landing painfully upon his back. Pluto wheezed, coughing as an ache bloomed from his upper back up to his shoulders as he rolled onto his side.

"We need to enhance your senses after this."

Pluto groaned as he turned onto his chest, pushing himself onto his hands and knees, "I will try and remember that, Nix."

Standing unsteadily on his feet, Pluto then reach out with his light once more, and this time, the fiery mixture of light and darkness is obvious, rushing towards him with rage. This prompted Pluto to roll his shoulders, reaching for his spare knife behind his back.

That is when a scream permeated through the air.

And realization hit him.

"Hush!"

Turning his attention to where he had last sensed the child Guardian, Pluto's sent out his light, only for it bounce back and show him a dome of void light. Inside is Hush. And beside the dome are two other Revenants.

Cursing under his breath, Pluto went to move, to help, only to feel arms wrap around his neck. Instinct prompted him to grab them, only to feel his feet leave the ground, and he felt the arms around his neck press against it. Realizing what was happening, Pluto shoved one hand underneath, halting the arms just short of his throat before reaching out with his other hand, fumbling against the Revenant's arm. Finally, after trailing up, he found what he was looking for; the Revenant's fist or more specifically, their thumb.

This prompted a memory, a lesson, given to him by Ianos. Although experienced in years, and of average build, Ianos had bumped into plenty who were still bigger and taller in stature than he was. Thus, he had a few tricks if he were forced into a fight.

"I hope you know what you were talking about, Ianos." Pluto murmured before digging his fingers under the Revenant's thumb.

And then tugged.

There is a yelp of pain, of surprise, and Pluto found himself tearing the Revenant's arm easily off his neck. Feeling his feet land back on solid ground, Pluto then slipped out of the Revenant's grip, releasing his hold on their hand, turned, and swung a fist.

He wasn't sure that he had hit was the face, but the resounding crack of polymer breaking made Pluto certain that he has. Hearing the Revenant shout and stumble back, Pluto took the opportunity to turn his attention back to Hush, just as he sensed Orion's light dashing towards her. And it didn't take long for Pluto to see the reason why.

Her Ward of Dawn is thinning, slowly breaking from whatever attacks the two Revenants are slamming upon it.

Gathering his void light into his hands once more, Pluto ran towards them, leaping into the air and again, aimed. This time, he aimed between the two Revenants, sensing his Void Anchor slam in between the two and latching itself onto them. Hearing them out shouts of surprise, this allowed Pluto to slide down onto his knees, feeling the cooling sensation of him entering Hush's Ward just as Orion did the same.

Holding up his hand, Pluto then felt the familiar weight of a hand cannon fall into his hand before he aimed and waited. He fired two shots the instant he heard the hum of the Ward fall silence around him.

There were gasps, a stumble of steps followed by two bodies hitting the floor. Followed by a scream of rage near them; no doubt the ones that Orion had killed earlier already have resurrected.

Holstering his hand cannon, Pluto then raised a hand, feeling the weight of his scout rifle fall into it before standing, focusing his light, readying it to bounce off his surroundings.

"Enough!"

A new voice caused Pluto to snap to attention, pushing his light forward until finally, it found the newcomer, the latter of which had stepped through the trees.

And familiarity slammed into his senses. After all, each light is unique to each Guardian and the light before him, although having been decades, he recognizes all too well.

"We just wish to speak."

The surprise is quickly replaced with rage. And for more than one reason.

"Wish to speak?" Pluto repeated, "Why should I, considering that you may have possibly harmed my team? My family?"

He waited and when he heard nothing from the Revenant, Pluto growled low, raising his scout rifle. Only to feel gentle hands wrap around his arm.

Recognizing the touch as Hush's, Pluto allowed her to pry one hand away from his weapon, opening his palm before he felt a tip of her finger press against it.

No more fighting. Please.

Pluto paused, scowling, his anger simmering in his chest. Then, he dropped his arms and groaned. He heard Nix chuckle.

"She has you." Pluto heard his Ghost say gleefully and if he could, he would have given Nix a glare.

Nonetheless, he sighed, raising his scout rifle to allow Nix to take it back into his vault.

"Are they safe?" He asked.

"Yes." The Preceptor confirmed, "Would you like to see them?"

Nodding once, Pluto then waited and then tensed when he felt the other Revenants approach, the intermingling of their light and darkness putting him on edge. Fortunately, they stayed a good distance away and when he heard the Revenants move, so did he. He heard Orion and Hush follow, feeling them press against his sides.

"How can you let them off easily?" He heard Orion hiss, "They caused Fireteam Redacted and the twins harm."

"I know." Pluto whispered back, "However, Hush can be…" He gestured vaguely with a hand, "Convincing."

That is when Pluto sensed a look from Orion, "I don't understand how she can be convincing when she simply moves her hands and that you are blind."

Unable to help but flash Orion a smile, Pluto then glanced down at Hush, her light bright in his senses as he felt her hand grab his. He can hear her humming softly to herself.

"When you have a lot of time on your hands, you have time to learn." Pluto said.

Another look from Orion, "What?"

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

"… What?"