Redacted
Enjoy Your Stay
Agh, I'm really late with this one. I'm sorry guys ,
Thanks to Diamond002 and Mantic64 for the reviews!
Edited:
11/19/2023
Was editting the chapter and realize that the last part didn't fit. But it was also too short to be a stand alone chapter to decided to leave it in.
Hush woke up before the others; she had to if she wanted to explore this place, these Revenants.
Despite her love and endearment of the group, Hush also cannot help but feel annoyed at how often Papa and the others would coddle her, as if she is a fragile thing that could break at any moment.
Sure, her bone structure is weak, and it doesn't help that she is young in age, but no one knows her limits better than herself. Hush does admit that she needs help, but she also knows there will be a time where Papa and the others won't be around to give it her. Not to mention she knows that she is fully capable of being on her own; if of course, she is not caught off guard.
Thus, the reason why she was moving around cautiously, peeking around corners of the halls as she skulked about, senses alert. Hush wonders if anyone has woken up by now; not only Grandpa-Pluto and the others but everyone in general. The corridors were empty, and her footsteps seemingly echoed off the walls. But she can also feel the familiar pull of Star-Crystalline tugging in the back of her mind and although Hush missed her Star, she is still upset with her. They had met again after a while but her Star decided to leave her behind once more.
Not to mention that this is her first time outside of the City since her resurrection, and who knows when Hush will get another opportunity like this? What better way to explore without adults nearby telling you what is or is not dangerous. Until the adults find her, Hush has all the time for herself.
Giddy at the thought, Hush continued on with her little venture down the empty halls, her yellow eyes wide with alert and interest as she continued to take in her surroundings.
She could tell that they were underground – the obvious descent of the stairs at the entrance made that obvious – but yet, it was brightly lit down here. After a brief scan, she found what resembled lamps hanging upon the walls just above her head, however, unlike the orange flames she had seen back at the Tower, these were blue, almost wispy in their patterns.
Interested, Hush took careful steps forward, placing a hand on the wall as she looked up with wide eyes. She cursed her small stature as she watched the flames dance and shift within the lanterns, almost teasing.
That is when she heard footsteps echoing through the passage.
Fear momentarily gripped her before it was quickly replaced with curiosity, and her eyes shined as she took her hands off the wall and followed it.
Revenants keep ringing in her head, recalling it spoken several times – especially from Star-Crystalline, as the latter spoke highly of the group that the name is associated with. She even remembers her saying that Hush herself would join their ranks.
This made her curious, wondering what kind of people these Revenants are that made her Star speak so highly of them. She couldn't help but follow the voices, peeking around a corner just in time to see two Guardians – Revenants, she reminded herself – enter a room. From where she is standing, she can hear the activity, the voices of others, more Revenants, echoing from within.
That is when the memory of their attack on Hush came to the surface, at how easily they killed her despite - in her eyes – she was simply reaching out to her Star.
This caused Hush to hesitate. Would they kill her again just as easily if she were to step into the room?
Wringing her hands together, she turned her eyes to the floor, her curiosity now quashed with the fear that had first settled into her senses. Perhaps being alone wasn't the best idea.
As she contemplated turning back, back to the Medical Wing where the others were, that is when a scent wafted into her direction, prompting her to snap her head up.
Something smelled delicious and the thought of food overtook her growing nervousness and fear.
It didn't help that her helmet was ill-fitted, letting the smell linger in through the head piece and the cause of her first death still rang strongly in her mind; she still remembers the pain of hunger, the pain of slowly starving to death while being unable to move. Hush even remembers trying to drag herself out of her accidental hiding spot, so desperate for food that she tried to ignore the pain in her mangled legs. But by then, she had grown too weak, so weak that she couldn't even cry out and thus, she resigned to her fate, withering away.
There is a reason why she always wanted to eat.
The phantom of hunger always seemed to linger no matter how much she ate and the fear of starving to death stayed with her.
As she inched closer to where she had seen the pair of Revenants had entered, Hush took in how the scent grew stronger, more obvious before finally, she peeked into the doorway.
She wasn't all too surprised when she spotted armored figures, seated at tables, grabbing food, or simply standing around, chatting with each other as they ate off their trays; it is too similar of a scene back at the Tower. The only thing missing was her Papa and the others.
Taking another sniff at the smell of food, Hush wonders if it is better to go back and grab one of the others – Older-Brother-Orion perhaps? Or the twins? – so that she wouldn't have to eat alone.
"Hello, little one."
Although soft, the voice behind her prompted a squeak from Hush and she turned, her eyes trailing up a coat of black and red and then settled upon a visor; it didn't take long to recognize the one before her.
Zakai.
The name rang in her head, her Papa's voice tinged with longing and grief.
"I am to guess that you are Crystalline's chosen?"
Warnings blared in her mind, telling her to stay quiet, to not answer. But despite herself, Hush nodded. She could feel a smile, gentle and soft, form behind his helmet.
"Crystalline told me that you have a tendency to eat." Hush couldn't help but blink at his words, "Thus, I am not surprised that you are lingering here." Then, she froze when he held out a hand, "Would you like to join me for a meal, Little One?"
Shifting on the heels of her feet, Hush kept her eyes upon the Revenant's visor, uncertainty settling within her chest. She had seen her Papa mourn quietly, sometimes grieving openly when he could not find the time or space for privacy. He may have loved this Zakai deeply, but Hush cannot bring herself to trust him. Especially not when her Papa grieved him for years and yet, here he is standing before her, alive and well.
"You do not trust me?"
The question pulled Hush out of her thoughts, just in time to see the Preceptor lower his hand; the disappointment is clear behind his helmet.
She froze, expecting retaliation, violence even, especially after witnessing the Revenants from before. Instead, however, Hush heard him sigh, shoulders slumped.
"I understand." He said to her. Then, she sensed another soft smile behind his helmet, "Would you at least allow me to escort you for a meal?"
Furrowing her brows, Hush flicked her eyes to the room full of Revenants and then back to Zakai – the Preceptor, she told herself – fiddling with her fingers as she pondered upon her choices.
Her stomach ached.
And she nodded once.
This seemed to please the Preceptor, Hush watching as his shoulders perked, head lifted, and she can practically see him beaming behind his helmet.
"Rosa and Red made curry." Hush stepped to the side to allow him to enter first. Then, she followed him in, "and I promise you, it is delicious."
Matching her pace with the Preceptor's, Hush almost pressed herself into his side when she felt all eyes turn towards them.
Or more specifically her.
Her heart started beating hard in her chest.
Deep breaths, Hush. The words of her late Papa echoed in her head. Walk with your shoulders high, chin up, look them straight in the eye, and smile. Do not let them know that you are afraid.
Taking in a shuddering breath, Hush momentarily closed her eyes before breathing out and then smiled as she opened them, gradually moving herself away from the Preceptor's side.
Shoulders high and chin up. She repeated to herself, smiling behind her helmet. Do not let them know that this one is afraid.
"Have a seat here."
Turning her attention back towards the Preceptor, Hush saw him pat the top of a silver table before he walked away, disappearing through another door. When it briefly swung open, she recognized the setup of a kitchen, stoves, pots, and cabinets flashing into view before it quickly disappeared as the door swung shut. So, he's grabbing their meal. Hush never agreed to it and thus, she couldn't help but feel slightly fooled. Too late now, however.
Eyeing the seat suspiciously, Hush let out a sigh before she reluctantly took a seat. She kept her head low when she felt the stares upon the back of her head. That is when she heard steps approach, steps that were too heavy to be the Preceptor's.
"Are you a Guardian?"
Glancing to her side, Hush locked onto the glowing green eyes of an Awoken, taking note of the way he glowered at her.
Despite the nervous edge to her senses, Hush sat up and nodded.
This earned her another scowl from the Revenant.
"You seem small."
Hush couldn't help but purse her lips at his words; why would that matter? She had seen the recordings of her Papa's previous Fireteam and one of them was just a tad bit taller than Hush. Size shouldn't matter, especially for a Guardian.
"And fragile."
Hush couldn't help but look away; she couldn't argue with that.
"Is that why you are here? Sent by the Tower because your helpless appearance will lower the Preceptor's guard?"
That prompted Hush to look back at the Awoken, eyes wide, mouth agape. What kind of nonsense was he saying?
However, that is when she noticed how close he hovered over her, too close for her to be comfortable, too close within her bubble. Hush hardly had the time to protest, to show her discomfort when she suddenly felt a hand grab her by the shoulder, pulling her forward. She can feel it bend painfully under the Revenant's grip.
"Are you and the other Guardians with you here to assassinate him?"
Hush shook her head, eyes wide now as she looked up at the Awoken. He was glaring at her.
She took a hitched breath and she felt the edges of her eyes burn.
"You're trembling." The Revenant said it so matter of fact, frowning down at her, "Are you scared? Scared that we have discovered the truth?"
Mouth agape now, Hush wonders how to respond when suddenly, she felt herself being shaken.
"Say something!"
A memory surfaced at the words as she stared into angry glowing eyes. Except it wasn't the Revenant's.
It was the eyes of one of her fellow nomads, eyes filled with hate and disgust.
She felt herself being shaken again.
"Say something, you mutt!"
Hush didn't mean to. She knows showing weakness in front of a threat wasn't a good idea. But, knowing this, she couldn't suppress a sob, her tears.
Feeling the tight grip upon her shoulders leave, Hush then raised her hands, reaching to her face to wipe the tears, only to feel the back press against the front of her helmet. Despite the warnings, the words of caution echoing in her head, Hush fumbled with the sealant under her chin and pulled the instant she heard the familiar hiss of it come loose. Laying the headpiece onto her lap, Hush then reached up to her eyes, wiping at them as she tried to suppress the sobs escaping between her lips.
"Telios. What did you do?"
The Preceptor's voice is muffled to her ears, and as she looked up, Hush could only see his silhouette through her tears.
"I-I didn't know." She saw the Awoken take a step away from the Preceptor – at least she thought so, all she could see were the red and black colors of the latter's clothes, "I didn't know she was a child, otherwise I wouldn't have placed my hands on her, Preceptor."
There is a breath, one filled with disappointment, "That is why I tell you not to judge others based on appearances."
Hush then saw the Preceptor approach, taking her side before she heard him set something down on the table – she recognized the sound of plates and silverware.
"Return to your meal, Telios." She heard the Preceptor say, "Your presence will not help ease her."
"As you advise, Preceptor."
There is a movement – a bow, Hush recognizes – before she watched him through her tears walk away.
That is when a hand settled upon her shoulder and unlike the one from the Awoken, this was gentle, soft against her senses. Nonetheless, she couldn't help but jerk away and she immediately felt the hand leave her.
"My apologies." She heard the Preceptor murmur.
Instead of responding, Hush continued to wipe away her tears and wished more than anything for her Star's presence. She is used to her whispering in her ear, helping ease her fears and anxieties. Thus, when she felt the familiar tug of her Star, Hush finally responded back, pulling upon their bond and allowing her emotions to flush through.
That is when she felt her Star panic, worrying through their bond, questions soon filtering in.
Hush can only respond with one thing.
This One misses you.
Feeling the worry increase through their bond, Hush then felt a tug, one that felt like a promise before she felt it blink away.
Taking in deep breaths, Hush can feel the panic subtly settle although, she can still feel her heart beat hard behind her chest, and the tears just wouldn't stop. As she tried to wipe them away, that is when Hush felt gentle hands enclosed around her wrists. Tired and confused, Hush allowed them to slowly lead them down to her lap, setting them upon her helmet. She then lifted her eyes onto the Preceptor's visor.
"Little One." His voice is soft, gentle, and kind, "Take deep breaths. Slow. Steady."
Finding herself nodding, Hush took in a deep breath, only for her eyes to flick over his shoulders and spotting the others – eyes – looking them over. A fog settled in, and Hush found herself looking into the scrutinizing glares of her former tribe.
Fresh tears formed in her eyes.
"Little One." She heard the Preceptor say, "Hush. Look at me." Her lower jaw trembling, Hush managed to set her eyes back onto the Revenant Leader; the sincerity, the worry in his voice made her listen, "Stay on me."
Feeling one of his hands leaving her wrists, Hush looked on with wide eyes as his free hand pressed the sealant under his jaw, the hiss of the helmet prompting him to hook his fingers underneath and removed the armor piece.
It didn't take long for Hush's luminescent yellow to lock onto luminescent blue.
"Breathe with me." She heard him say softly before hearing him take a slow but deep breath, prompting her to do the same.
This time, it was easier to follow his instructions, now that she was looking into someone's eyes, eyes that weren't judging, weren't suspicious, weren't hateful.
Following his breaths, it didn't take long until Hush heard the pounding of her heart fade from her ears, and she felt her tears dry around her eyes.
That is when the Preceptor gave her a soft smile, "Feeling better?"
Nodding again to answer, Hush waited until she felt his hands leave hers before allowing herself to wipe the last remnants of her tears away. From the corner of her eyes, she saw the Preceptor take a seat next to her.
"Here."
Turning her eyes to the Preceptor, she saw him push a bowl towards her, spotting the steam wafting from it. A fresh bowl.
Eyeing it as she felt the hunger slowly return, Hush then saw the Preceptor hold out a spoon.
Seeing him flashing her another soft smile, Hush glanced back and forth between the silverware and the Preceptor before slowly reaching out, grabbing the neck of the spoon as she kept her eyes warily on him. Although suspicious, Hush couldn't help but give him a nervous smile as the Preceptor practically beamed at her as she accepted his offering.
Turning her eyes to her meal, Hushed dipped her spoon into the bowl as she scanned the contents.
Echoes of her past came forth as she recognized the light brown substance, spotting the vegetables and – to her excitement – meat. A luxury when she had been with her nomadic tribe.
Thus, picking up her spoon, Hush quickly shoved the curry into her mouth, and she let out a breath of pleasure.
"Delicious, is it not?"
Responding to the Preceptor's question with a nod, Hush popped another spoonful of curry into her mouth, savoring the flavor; it tasted better than her late Papa's. At least, what she remembers anyway.
"Red and Rosa don't often cook but when they do, they always ensure that the dishes are of their best." Turning her attention back to the Preceptor, Hush watched as he took a spoon into his mouth; she heard him hum in response. Then, he smiled softly.
"Do enjoy your stay, Hush." She blinked at him, "I do wish to be allies with you and your team."
Hush wasn't sure what to say; if he had said those words earlier, moments before her encounter with the Awoken, she would have simply shaken her head, made her distrust known. But now, not only had the Preceptor eased her anxieties, helped her through her panic, but he had also shown her his face; and Hush knows through her experience, that someone such as herself showing off their identity, especially with their eyes, it is a risk to reveal their lineage.
Thus, Hush decided to smile and then raised a hand.
This one appreciates your goodwill. This one hopes that the others will think the same.
She then waited, watching as the Preceptor blinked, squinted, and then blinked again. Hush wonders if he doesn't know her language, just like many others. But then, she took note of the way his eyes were looking but not focusing, almost like a fog had settled in.
"My apologies, Little One." The Preceptor said, "But I cannot understand – or see – what you are doing."
Pursing her lips, Hush decided to set her spoon aside and then, slowly, and cautiously, reached out and took one of the Preceptor's hands into her own. At first, she felt him jerk his hand back – but not strong enough to pull out of her grip – and then felt his hand relax in hers. Positioning it so that his palm faces upwards, she then trailed a finger against it.
Do you understand this one, now?
Hush looked up at him expectantly, and that is when she saw his eyes widen, which is quickly followed by a look of understanding.
"Crystalline neglected to mention that you are unable to speak." Hush gripped his hand in hers and shook it gently; a sign of confirmation from her, "Although it does make your silence understandable." She saw him look over his shoulder, "Isn't that right, Telios?"
Following his line of sight, Hush then couldn't help but feel a little smug when she saw the Awoken from before duck down over his meal, spotting the way his ears darkened around the edges; it is obvious he had been listening in on their conversation.
"I am guessing that that is your little quirk when it comes to ones such as us?" Hush turned her focus back onto the Preceptor, "Are you able to guess mine?"
Humming thoughtfully to herself, Hush found herself smiling before she traced her finger over his palm.
Easy. She traced. Your squinting gives it away.
This earned her a laugh, "You are observant, Little One. It gives reason as to why Crystalline chose you."
Unable to help but beam at the praise she is receiving, Hush then went to respond, ready to trail her finger against his palm when she felt the familiar tug of worry pull at the back of her head. She smiled big.
Crystalline!
Pulling her hands away from the Preceptor's, Hush turned to slide out of her seat, only for her yellow eyes to spot her Star fly into the room, coming to a pause just long enough to search. And then their eyes connected.
Not even waiting for a word, Hush then held out her hand, reaching out as her star settled against her palms before pulling her close to her chest. Feeling her star snuggle in, Hush couldn't suppress the sigh of content as she released a breath, releasing content and care through their bond.
"What in the Darkness happened?"
Feeling Star-Crystalline leave her fingers, Hush couldn't help but let out a small whine as her star hovered back, allowing her to take her in, "Kept reaching out to you but you never answered, not until I felt your fear slipping through." A pause, her yellow optic scanning over Hush, "And where is your helmet?" Then, her star turned to the Preceptor. She jerked back, "And where is your helmet?"
Blinking at her star, Hush turned her attention back to the Preceptor, just in time to see him shrug.
"We are having a meal." Was all he said before he gave Star-Crystalline a gentle smile, "Want to join us?"
That is when Hush spotted the way her star's optic narrowed, her shell scrunching against her core.
"I will." She said, "Once I learn why my Chosen was practically crying through our bond." Her star turned to look back at her, "and why she had been crying."
The way her Star-Crystalline looked at her made Hush notice how swollen her eyes felt, the slight ache around them. It made it obvious that she had been crying.
Looking back at the Preceptor, Hush spotted the way his eyes flicked over to the Awoken from before, hesitated, and then breathed out.
"I say, blame Telios."
A voice that Hush didn't recognize rang out and Hush couldn't help but jump in her seat when a mix of white and black appeared over the Preceptor's shoulder, only for a familiar shape of a star to form above it. She shook their shell, as if shaking off from transmat before turning her glowing blue optic at Hush. Or more specifically, Star-Crystalline.
"Let us just say that he got a bit violent." The star said.
"He put his hands on Hush!?" Star-Crystalline's shouted practically reverberated through the room, and a quick glance at the Awoken in question saw that he ducked his head, as if it would help hide from the public's eyes.
Fortunately for him, Star-Crystalline's attention turned to Hush, "Did he hurt you?" That is when there is a flash of light, Hush recognizing her star scanning her form, "I don't see anything broken, but I can see an onset of bruising –" She watched as her Star's shell bristled against her core, "Where is he!? Wait until I – "
"Crystalline. Temper."
The star from before – the Preceptor's star – voice was soft, gentle, but stern enough where it made Star-Crystalline jerk back before pressing her shell against her core.
"Sorry." Star-Crystalline apologized, "It is just that when you lose your previous Chosen…"
Brother Blaise.
At least, that is what Hush calls him. After all, Star-Crystalline had chosen him before her. That makes them family, in her eyes.
"We understand." Hush spotted a look of empathy settle into the Preceptor's Star's optic, "but you are amongst friends. Family. You are safe here."
That is when Hush spotted a look of doubt in Star-Crystalline's optic.
"Our family attacked my friends and kill my chosen." Hush couldn't help but flinch at the memory; the pain had been brief but it was there, "It hurts me to say this, but I cannot trust the others here, not until I know for certain that they will not harm Hush and my friends from the Tower."
Turning her attention back to the Preceptor and his star, Hush had expected the look of upset, of hurt. Instead, she saw a soft look in their eyes, filled with understanding. Then the vermillion star turned to look at her. Hush couldn't help but shift nervously under her stare.
"She is young." The Star finally said, "and judging from her eyes, her parentage is of a Human and an Awoken."
"I…" Hush can feel Star-Crystalline hesitate through their bond, "Yes."
A hum can be heard from the Preceptor's star, and Hush leaned back as the latter glided close, close enough where she can see the shifting dark patterns upon her vermillion shell. Just like Crystalline.
"The eyes usually give it away." Hush almost huffed at the Star's words; is that not obvious, "although, she has the marks of an Awoken. Intriguing" She leaned further back when the star glided closer, "I wonder if there is a possibility of others, they just look more Human or Awoken."
"Sorrow. You are too close to the child."
Hush found herself releasing a breath of relief, relaxing her posture when the star – Sorrow. An unusual name – reeled back, placing a good distance between the two of them.
"Ah." Star-Sorrow's optic widen subtly, "My apologies." Then, her shell shifted into one that Hush recognizes as a smile, "This is the first time since my chosen and I have met someone such as himself." She gave an apologetic bow, "I could not help myself."
"The same goes for Hush." She is glad that Crystalline is her voice; she was uncertain how to convey it properly. After all, she had always thought of herself as unique. Alone. "To be honest, when we saw your picture, we never stopped wondering about you."
That is when Hush saw a flicker through, not just Star-Sorrow's optic, but also the Preceptor's eyes.
"A picture?" The Preceptor asked.
Hush nodded and it was Crystalline who spoke for her once again.
"Ianos. He has a room commemorating all those he had lost. You were included."
Again, Hush spotted a flash through the Preceptor's eyes but this time, she couldn't catch it, couldn't read it.
"May you keep my identity a secret?" Hush jerked back at his request, "Specifically from him? I prefer if he does not learn of my survival?"
But why?
Hush had seen the look in her Papa's eyes whenever he would look at the Preceptor's picture, a longing that she recognizes as those who had lost someone. So why hide this?
Reaching out to the Preceptor's hands to voice this, Hush then came to a sudden halt when she felt a pull from her star, prompting her to look at her and furrow her brows.
Why is her star trying to stop her?
Pulling back through their bond, this received only another tug from Crystalline, this one harsher, sterner, and Hush huffed at this. Nonetheless, she relented, setting her hands back into her lap; if Star-Sorrow had noticed, she didn't show it, and with the Preceptor, he sat still, eyes forward. But she spotted the minuet shift around his eyes and lips. She wouldn't be surprised if Star-Sorrow had told him what she had tried to do. She hopes that he doesn't see it as a threat.
To assuage this, Hush decided to subtly nod, raising a hand to mimic the gesture.
A look of relief settled over the Preceptor's face and Hush saw the tension leave his shoulders.
"You and the others are free to stay as long as you like." Hush couldn't help but raise a brow at his words; is this a trade? "And do not fret about the Tower. I have contacted them, and they know you are here." The Preceptor flashed them a soft smile, "You are safe to return when you are ready."
Eyes growing wide, Hush found her jaw falling open and she raised her hands to voice how? then remembered the Preceptor's blindness and wanted more than anything else to grab his hands.
"Wait, the Tower knows that Ianos and the others are here?" Crystalline voiced Hush's concerns once more, and Hush practically mimicked her star sputtering when the Preceptor nodded, "How?! How did you make them agree so easily?"
That is when Hush spotted a devious look gleam into the Preceptor's eyes and Hush noticed how much teeth he showed when he smiled, "Let us just say that I can be quite persuasive."
Meaning that he has something that he is using against the Tower. At least, that is what Hush believes; she had seen plenty of that in her old tribe, especially when it comes to rations. Avoiding going hungry was many a priority then.
"Until you are ready to leave, you have free access to any of the rooms and resources we have here." The Preceptor's words pulled Hush out of her thoughts, "That is, until everyone is recovered and well enough to make the trek back to the Tower." Then, a smile, a genuine one, appeared on his face, "Enjoy your stay."
Xxxxx
"Knight?"
Whoever called out to him, their voice was low, soft to the point where Knight almost missed it. But it was loud enough to startle him awake, vision flickering as he sat up, lights bright to the point where he could see it around his optics. Then he turned.
And locked onto a familiar singular optic.
It knocked the last of sleep away.
"Day?" He mumbled out.
Blinking his optics awake, Knight saw the way Day dipped, almost bashful.
"Hi."
It felt both strange and good to see Day awake; it had been a while after all since they last spoke, with nothing more than just a simple pull through their bond.
"You're awake." Knight finally said and he couldn't help but mentally slap himself for that one. Of course, his Ghost is awake. How else could they have greeted them?
As he mentally scolded himself, Knight heard a faint chuckle and he pulled himself out of his thoughts to look at Day, only to see the Ghost's shell shift upward into a smile. That is when Knight felt the joy and the amusement through their bond and it made Knight realize that their bond is wide open, allowing his Ghost to hear his thoughts.
He found his core's heat rising to his cheeks.
"You regained your strength?"
Hearing Day hum in response to his question, Knight looked on as Day shifted their shell, looking at themself, "Let's see…"
Then, his Ghost twirled in the air, shell clicking together before coming to a pause just in front of Knight. They then smiled at him.
"Answer enough?"
Seeing his Ghost smiling at him, right there, instead inside of the confines of his head, warmth settled into Knight's chest, and he found himself holding out a hand. Expectingly looking at his Ghost, Knight's core swelled when Day moved forward, settled in without hesitation, and shifted on top of his palm. This allowed Knight to slowly and carefully bring Day close to chest.
"Traveler. I missed you." He breathed out.
In response, he felt Day snuggle into his chest, and whispered, "I was still there you know." He looked down at his Ghost; he can see Day looking back up at him, "You just couldn't hear me."
"Didn't change the fact that it was too quiet." Which was strange, considering that he could sense both his Ghost and Nine; but not their thoughts, "Especially with Nine still sleeping." He wonders when the older Exo will wake up.
Knight heard a soft hum from his Ghost, "The mission to rescue Jora must have taken a lot more out of him than we thought." He spotted a glimmer of worry flash through his Ghost's white optic. However, just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, "But knowing him, he will be back." Day gave him a comforting smile, "He just need a bit more time to rest."
Nodding at his Ghost's words, Knight then breathed out as he went to lie down. And then finally noticed the empty space next to him.
He looked over and saw nothing.
"Where's Hush?" he asked.
Knight felt the confused stare from Day, "What?"
"Hush." Knight repeated, "She was sleeping right here, next to me." He went to gesture towards the empty space but then realized Day is occupying his lone hand; he kept his arm close to his chest, "and now, she's not here." Then, Knight looked around; panic gripped his core, "and she's not here." He scanned the room again; nothing.
"Hush?" He called out, "Hush!?"
"Wha-what?"
Turning to a section of the room, Knight saw Orion jerk up in his seat against the wall, his pink optics flickering in the dim lighting while the twins sat up from his lap. He saw their lights flickering awake as well.
"What's going on?" He heard Orion mumble out as he staggered to his feet, stretching his arms above his head, "Does Hush need something?" Then, his optics turned to Knight's empty side. His face fell, "Wait, where's Hush?"
"That is what we are trying to figure out." Knight couldn't help but hiss out, feeling his nerves started to fray at the knowledge that not even the others noticed Hush's absence. He then took in a deep breath, trying to regain composure, "She couldn't have gotten far…?" Knight paused briefly, "Right?"
"One way to find way." Orion said as Knight watched him lean down and scoop an arm under Gemini's and Scorpio's, "and you two are coming with me."
In response, Gemini snapped her head up, optics wide, "What?" She scrambled to her feet as Orion lifted her, "Why? You can find her on your own."
That is when Knight saw Orion give the Hunter a blank stare, "Unlike the two of you, I have not been hunkering down in a potential hostile base the past seventeen days." Then, he turned to look at Scorpio; the latter avoided eye contact, "and knowing you two, you have been secretly memorizing the layout of this place, haven't you?"
"Oh, come on," Knight knows a pout when he sees one, especially from Gemini, "Can't we just rest a little while longer?"
"On any other day, yes. Perhaps, even look around this place on my own." Orion confessed; but his optics darkened, "However, Hush, our little sister has gone missing and more likely have wandered off into potential danger." Then, Knight watched as the dark look faded but met with a smile; a smile that felt too malevolent, too sharp to be natural, "So, please. Sit down and rest while Hush is wandering alone in enemy territory."
There is a pause, a beat of silence before Knight heard Gemini grumble under her breath, looking on as the twins slid their arms out from Orion's and composed themselves. Orion's optics then turned to him.
"We will be back after we find her." He said.
Nodding his head, Knight then watched as Orion left, signaling for the twins to reluctantly follow. They soon disappeared through the exit.
"Hush always has been the adventurous type, despite her skittishness."
Letting out a small, startled squeak, Knight snapped his attention to Ianos' bedside, just in time to see Pluto lift his head, a wry smile forming onto his face.
"Although." The Exo Hunter continued, "It does not help that we are in unknown territory."
Embarrassed, Knight couldn't help but dip his head, feeling his core's heat rising to his cheeks. He then coughs, clearing his throat, allowing himself to cool down before speaking.
"She could have least woken one of us up so she could take a look around." Knight said. Then, he rubbed the back of his neck and sighed, "But I guess her curiosity got the best of her."
He heard a chuckle from Pluto, "Although it may bring trouble, I am glad that she is slowly breaking out of her shell." There is a smile from the older Exo, "I say it is an improvement when the others found her."
"Just as long as she is not rash in her actions." Knight spotted Ace flying up from next to Ianos' head, the black and orange Ghost stretching their shell, "It is not harmful for a New Light to be slightly curious."
There is a snort from Pluto, "Slightly? I recall you and Ianos venturing into Fallen infested territories just to snag a look at some forgotten language faded along some walls."
"As I said, it is not harmful for a new Light to be slightly curious. If they are not rash." Ace's words prompted a laugh from Pluto. In turn, the black and orange Ghost flashed back a smile before Knight watched as they turned to look at him. Or more specifically, at his chest.
"It is nice to see you are finally awake. Day."
It didn't take long for Knight to feel Day shift in his hand, "I always had been awake." There is a huff from his Ghost, "I was just too weak to do anything."
That received a sympathetic look from Ace, "At least you made it back. Alive."
Giving the black and orange Ghost a look, Knight couldn't help but detect a meaning behind their words, an experience, an unspoken trauma. However, before he could even part his mouth to ask what it was, Ace already turned away from him and now turned their attention to Pluto.
"So." The Ghost started, "About last night."
From where he sat, Knight, although Pluto's expression remained passive, saw the Hunter's shoulders tense, hands curling tight. Despite this, Pluto tilted his head subtly.
"Pardon?" He asked.
That is when Knight saw Ace shift their shell into a Ghost equivalent of a scowl.
"I heard yelling. From the Halls." They clarified; their words prompted Knight to think back. Come to think of it, they did hear yelling right before Pluto and the others came in. It never crossed his mind until now, however, "You sounded legitimately upset."
Watching Pluto push himself up from the bedside, Knight looked on as the Hunter crossed his arms, and tapped his fingers against it. Then, there is a heavy release of breath.
"When we first encountered the Revenants, they admitted to having taken you and the others under there care. And how it happened." Knight flinched at Pluto's words; he already can see where this is going, "of course, I was not happy with what had happened, and I must confess, I got a little 'violent'."
Despite himself, Knight couldn't help but give Pluto a blank look; although short, he has known the Hunter long enough to know that he didn't just get a little violent.
Nonetheless, it would explain the shouting.
However.
"I did not hear a scuffle outside." Ace said the words that rang in Knight's head.
"A fight did not happen." Pluto's retort was too quick, "However, we nearly did, if Crystalline had not appeared and Hush rushed to greet her."
That earned Pluto a confused look, a narrowed glance, and it was Ace's deep inhale that prompted Knight to turn away from Pluto and look over at the Ghost. The latter's optic was wide.
"Did they…?"
Knight didn't understand, even when Pluto nodded once, as if to confirm Ace's suspicions.
"Orion got physical after that, attacking the Revenants until I told him to stand down." Pluto continued. Another release of breath, "To be honest, thinking back, I am surprised I did not take a weapon of my own and started shooting."
That is when Knight finally understood. Harm had come to Hush. Otherwise, why else would not only Orion, but Pluto act so violently? Especially when they are in Revenant territory.
Taking this in, Knight then heard Ace release a harsh breath, watching as the Ghost closed their optic and then slowly opened it again.
"I am glad you didn't." The Ghost finally said.
In turn, there is a wry smile and a playful scoff from Pluto, "You were fortunate that I was able to reign in my temper."
"And I thank the Traveler for that." Despite the playfulness in Pluto's voice, Ace's words were a mumble, "and what happened after?"
The smile on Pluto's face faded, "What do you mean 'what else?'."
Knight saw Ace give the Exo Hunter a blank look.
"Pluto." The Ghost started, "Ianos and I have known you and Nix for years. It is not difficult to tell when you are hiding something from us." Ace glided forward, pausing only a mere arm's length away from Pluto, "and currently, I can spot that you are not telling me the full story."
Optics growing wide at the black and orange Ghost's words, Knight slowly shifted his attention back onto Pluto. Despite the Exo Hunter's blindfold covering most of his features, Knight could spot the frown on Pluto's face, and the subtle way his metallic browns were furrowed behind the cloth. Debating on whether to ask a question of his own, Knight then heard a quiet groan, so soft that he almost missed it.
But he recognized it.
Optics growing wide, Knight turned to the bed beside him, going still as Ianos' eyes fluttered open.