For Sanghelios!

@arbiterofsanghelios

“Oh!” That figure was unique, it could have only been the alien he’d met some time back. “It’s been a while, I was wondering if you were here”.

Between his hands, the pistol which had been gifted to him by the enormous entity, a smile on his lips despite brandishing something which made him so uneasy. “I never did get to thank you for this. It’s helped keep me safe more than once since you offered it”.

The time of which he had been returned wasn’t too long and yet already he found himself before a familiar face. That young human whom he gifted the tiny weapon given to him. Unique hair made the boy a memorable being of those who crossed his path.

“Indeed. Are you well?”

And of course, the gun wouldn’t go unnoticed. Earning Aichi a brief but knowing nod.

“It is an honour to aid you in difficult times.”

#sendousha #Aichi 002

ɪᴛ ᴛᴏᴏᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴏɴɢ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ

For someone he’d not seen in a few years, the immediate comradeship he felt from the Arbiter was rather nostalgic. Like not a day had passed since they had fought side-by-side or flying their way up to Halo, with Cortana completing their trinity.

But he appreciated the concerns voiced; both in regards to moving forward and finding a more private location in which to discuss the matter. He had wherever the accommodation was in this ‘district Gamma’, and the Arbiter had his own dwelling, supposedly.

One of them presumably would be quiet enough to continue talking alone.

The closeness he felt with Arbiter was shared only with Cortana, Halsey and Blue Team. Even in a city far off from their home galaxy, there was a point to prove: he wasn’t alone.

His posture straightened and head raised to meet with his friend’s gaze. “Thanks, I’ll take you up on that”. Even without them, he wasn’t by himself - there was still one friend to stand alongside.

It was a relief to hear him agreeing to a quieter location. Seemingly he needed it. This could be an opportunity for him to relax rather than running around trying to save the galaxy for once; as much of an honour as that may have been to him and Spartans alike.

No time to waste here. Thel set off, looking anywhere - everywhere - for an area minus the populous. No doubt that his accommodation would most likely be suitable... so long as no one would intrude or listen in on their conversation. So there is where he would lead his friend. Into the large structure, then the elevator, all the way up to the designated floor and to his appointed room, leaving the door open for 117 to enter after him.

“Now is your chance to speak up, Spartan...”

Both would be safe to discuss home events here. And anything else that may be troubling the Chief. But of course that would be left as an open subject, if it dared to be brought up by his comrade. It was not his place to open such wounds if they were there. Only to listen.

If needed in future, this place would be somewhere that Chief could hide away. Because he would always be welcome here. For whatever reason he might need an escape from the city.

corttana

this one is machine and nerve, and has its mind concluded. this one is but flesh and faith, and is the more deluded.

fate had us meet as foes, but this ring will make us brothers.

castilium

Shield & Sword

castilium

Ah, she’d caught his attention from the displays up ahead. Curious to hear of his unfamiliarity with the notion of a holiday - any holiday. She was eager to learn of his culture, the customs on his planet and if there was anything whatsoever which they did celebrate, if they had no such festivals.

“From what I have heard about the streets, there are frequent celebrations here. Even days which are set aside for certain occasions: National Cat Day, National Kissing Day. They do sound like much fun to be had, I do hope they come around again soon!”

Her fingers met one another at the tip, forging a weak arch; this poor soul must have been perplexed if he’d been witness to such phenomenon. But admittedly, she herself was lacking in knowledge of certain holidays. Observation was key in grasping the details.

“I believe this festival is in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. From other Servants, I learned it to be a day which you express your affection for a partner and purchase them gifts. If you haven’t a significant other, there are those who do the same with friends - that’s what I planned with my fellow spirits. I do not know exactly why one day above all others, but it must be nice to have a special day to be spoiled”.

The more she explained things, the more confused he became, honestly. He had absolutely no idea at all. Nor did he understand. And he still didn’t see a genuine reason in such festivities. The female, however, sounded excited about them. Perhaps it was exclusive to humans...? He himself had never heard of such a thing in his life. But this current festivity, apparently for partners, and he did not have one. Luckily he would have no need of celebrating such a day.

And she mentioned something about Servants. Did she live in some grand place that required such beings? As far as he knew, it was just another term for a slave... a less harsh one, at least.

“It does not sound appropriate. Would those who require it not prefer gifts another day, rather than a single one above the rest?”

It seemed pitiful. Those who deserved it should be rewarded whenever possible, not just one specific day. Who could even come up with such a festivity and make it official. To him, any day could be a suitable day for celebration of loved ones, family, friends, and comrades alike.

#castilium #Shielder 001

ɪᴛ ᴛᴏᴏᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴏɴɢ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ

The only ones…. then there would be no fear of shortage in strength against the crisis at hand. But for him… it was a personal matter; he wanted to be there to try and resolve it without… –Thinking about potential outcomes other than all being right was something he’d rather avoid. It always worked out, even if… they sustained losses. But this one… was a little too close to home.

“They picked a great time”. Sarcasm, and maybe a hint of bitterness.

But rather a friendly face would prove much more beneficial than if he were here alone. As part of a team he’d always fought, even when separated from his team-mates, but never… had he felt so alone. Or, at the very least, in some considerable time. There was the emptiness so mechanically dealt with by distraction.

But proved much harder. The Arbiter’s presence did well that, though he was much more friend than mere distraction.

A delay between what was spoken by his comrade and an answer back, he lingered in thought. But indeed, his visor would meet with the Arbiter’s head. “Find a way back. We don’t have time to waste here”. Cortana, and whatever she was plotting, wasn’t about to be put on hold because of his absence.

If anything, he feared she might interpret it as having free reign on all in the galaxy.

“Indeed... but there is no use dwelling upon it.”

He was sure the Spartan knew that all too well, even if it was difficult to steer himself away from it. As long as he understood that he always had a friend in the Sangheili. No matter what might trouble him in times ahead.

“Perhaps it would be best to move along and find somewhere we can discuss things. Away from prying eyes if you wish.”

A simple suggestion. Thel assumed that peace might be appreciated when touching a subject such as this one. Just a small offer for the chance to talk things through so Chief could feel slightly better, if not completely. And at the very least, neither of them were alone. No one could be certain what might happen to 117 if he were to be stranded by himself after all that transpired back home.

There was the slightest hint of hope somewhere, hidden away, that maybe... just maybe -- they might eventually be able to settle here. That his friend might even find some peace in living here if there truly was no way back.

Welcome to the social

Well, he wasn’t wrong. Though possessing such an item left an iffy feeling in the pit of his stomach, there might be someone else who could do with it. Or maybe… it might be helpful in defending the house if anything ever happened that required self-defence. Not a matter that his mind was willing to linger on for very long. “A- Ah, of course. Thank you”.

He flinched at the appearance of the large hand, with slender digits which matched themselves alongside the gun. The explanation as to why the gun was ill-fitted for him made sense when the item in question was aligned beside his unusual hand.

Large azure eyes trailed up the limb, from the hand with less digits than he was used to seeing towards the helmeted head. Intimidating as he might have seemed, with ample opportunity to wreck havoc, the other had taken no such opportunity; the size and features of his appearance imposed a daunting presence, his personality - at least in the opening moments - proved otherwise.

“Then we can search for something that’s more suitable for you. There’s establishments that sell weapons, and it would be right to leave you down something important. It can be a way to repay your kindness”.

The small boy flinched before scanning him to such an extent, as if trying to find an explanation for his existence... or perhaps his sheer size. Did he really seem that terrifying to humans who weren’t familiar with his species? That thought; maybe he would get the chance, someday, to ask numerous amounts of people so he was able to confirm or deny it.

“Where do you propose we find such a weapon?”

Not moments after, he moved on, hoping the human would catch on and walk with him to begin their short adventure to find something -- anything -- that he’d be able to use comfortably. The fact that someone even considered offering him an item so.... minuscule felt almost as if he had been insulted. Although; he knew better than to think any world would adjust itself to accommodate a being such as himself, especially those who knew nothing of him.

Looking at things one way, the possibility of making a new ally out of a mishap made the situation slightly better. And as with all of his allies, he would be sure to keep in contact with them no matter the distance that may force itself between them.

corttana

for the-stars-will-be-ours

maschinen-mensch

Thel ’Vadam - Halo 2: Anniversary

castilium

Shield & Sword

@arbiterofsanghelios

A buzz about the city piqued her curiosity; a festival of some description was being set up, according to information spreading rapidly about the place. But as much as she’d wanted to invite Tamamo, or any other team-mate who might feel like attending, apprehension wriggled in her stomach.

They all felt such affection for one, and she was gone. No matter the number of weeks which passed since, it still stung to think about. And Shielder, so sparse in her time shared with the redhead on this side of the city’s perimeters, bore discontent at the awful timing.

She’d just discouraged herself from attending, and began the other way.

A huddle of attendees passed her by, over their heads, by some considerable amount, an alien being.

She couldn’t imagine he seemed the type for such a celebration. At least not of this variety. But ultimately, she still knew so little. “Are you visiting the park for the festivities?”

A large crowd. So much commotion. And for what? Some kind of national day? But, what was it? Something they named ‘Valentine’s Day’. He couldn’t understand the idea of annual festivities. Mainly for the reason that he had never celebrated anything of the sort back on his homeworld.

Still... how could a single day bring out so many on such a scale? There were plenty of questions with no one to ask. That is, until one called from within the mass. Trying his best to make out the voice, scanning any possible, he soon picked her out.

A human. And rather short upon realising. More intriguing; adorning armour, not the typical style for a human.

“No. I came to scout the reason for this commotion. I am not familiar with these ‘holiday’ festivities.”

#castilium #Shielder 001

ɪᴛ ᴛᴏᴏᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴏɴɢ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ

As it happened, the Arbiter was equally as perplexed by their meeting as the Chief himself, which he played down, of course. Joking aside, the appearance of the Sanghelios leader left an uncomfortable twinge pulling at his stomach.

“Makes two of us. Are there more? Halsey? Spartan Locke?”

Which would put them in an even graver jam. Not that he had come to terms with the sheer gravity of their dilemma before transitioning from space to… wherever here was.

“Is this down to… her?” A pause. A very notable pause, for the Master Chief, who was portrayed before his fellow soldier as unshakeable. She had tried to contain him- not just him, but the entirety of Blue Team.

He felt somewhat lost with the crisis at hand, and with no sign of Fred, Kelly or Linda in sight. Arbiter’s appearance offered an unexpected, but very welcome solace.

“What is this?”

“We are the only ones. But the future holds many surprises. Perhaps they will be one.”

What was going through the Spartan’s mind right now would be most obvious to him. The situation that had been left behind. It was not something to be taken lightly. One A.I. in particular could no longer be trusted when left to her own devices. And that soon became a problem for everyone who wasn’t an A.I. themselves. Of course, she would soon arise as a topic in terms of this place.

“No. Responsibility for our arrival here lies with others.”

Feeling genuine concern for his comrade, not only as that, but also as a friend, he had to ask. His mental state; how was it by this point? He and Cortana, surely they must have been through plenty during their time working together. 117 couldn’t be left to dwell on it for too long for fear it may hinder him in their new surroundings.

“I must assess this planet before making any assumptions, but it seems as if we are far from home.

Tell me, Spartan... what do you intend to do?”

ɪᴛ ᴛᴏᴏᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴏɴɢ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ

@arbiterofsanghelios

Gamma was the location he was supposedly spending his days onward, and according to information postered, that was beneath an area known as Sector 3.

For a man of his stature, acquiring a route to follow was an easy task, apparently. If the station was any indication, a train wasn’t going to be up his street. Too many people. On foot it would be.

Offered up the advantage of assessing the area, at least. One advantage which came to mind.

A second would present itself in time. Sector 3 would be reached, and the delinquents of the region loitering in the shadows. None of which could possibly pose any sort of threat, even with this… plastic suit. They were civilians still, no matter what their poor choices.

The streets themselves were limited in how many openly travelled, and one such wanderer offered a secondary explanation to the minimal presence.

One being, much greater than an ordinary man. The shape of which strikingly familiar, though he’d not expected to locate a familiar face, and definitely not so shortly after inception.

With a single quip, he gave his position away. “Didn’t realize there was a welcoming committee prepared”.

Alone as always. That was the fate he had been destined with, more so because of the mass of human presence here. And presumably, most had never seen anything like him beforehand. Did he care? Not particularly. Lone is always better than allies that are scared to even speak to one such as himself.

But, that didn’t last as long as originally thought...

A familiar voice. One that he knew far too well to mistake for another. It was him. The one and only. Master Chief.

“Spartan! To think that you would end up here as well... of all the stars in the universe.”

Truly, it was surprising to see a friend, and so soon after being brought here, but not unwelcome.

haruspis-deactivated20220412

THEL ‘VADAM

The lineage of Vadam, in the long history of his kind, was relatively young— founded by a distant ancestor during the first exploratory age, when Sangheili ships plied the dangerous oceans, risking terrific tides due to the multiple suns and moons the planet danced with.

From the sides of Kolaar Mountain the Vadam keep looked out toward Vadam harbor, thirty miles away. They’d huddled against invaders throughout the ages here, and it was also from this well-defended location that they’d lashed back. The Prophets themselves had even tried but had been unable to properly destroy Vadam, among many others. They’d been too buried into the crags and cliffs of their mountains.

Great Sangheili had built Vadam’s power up through the generations.

Thel wanted to add his own name to the Vadam Saga, etched into the living rock of the walls under the mountain.

haruspis-deactivated20220412

RTAS ‘VADUM | THE SHIPMASTER

“Maybe, in the end, this was the best that any warrior could hope for. A chance to reconcile with your enemy, or, failing that, to fall in the pursuit of peace.”

Welcome to the social

For a matter of one or two seconds did Aichi catch a glimpse of that expression; the very same glare cast upon the fallen gun, as if warning him off touching it altogether.

But the words with which the other followed up the moment with dissuaded that notion altogether. And all of a sudden, his hairs were standing on end. “E– Ueh?!

N- No, I couldn’t–! It’s yours, a- and I’m not–…” A weak protest trailed off; the occasions on which he’d brandished a gun came back to haunt him. The hijacker, whose head he’d almost embedded a bullet, stopped by Tasuku’s reason.

A weapon which had tempted a dark, sinister side. The sheer power of wielding such a force was scary enough, and now there was essentially an invitation to do so. Misaki appeared fine with them, but he… was somewhat afraid of the danger they brought.

Something more peaked his interest. “Is… it alright if I ask why… it has no use? I suppose it’s something the Scientists gave you, but… it’s a mismatched choice?”

Out of nowhere, the human seemed somewhat afraid? Was possession of a weapon not normal for him? It was as if Thel had suggested something so terrible.

“There is no wrong in taking an object offered to you.”

But, perhaps something bad happened to him involving a gun. All of a sudden, his reaction made more sense now. Naturally he’d refuse such an offer if he endured a bad experience beforehand.

His arm would soon extend towards the boy; fingers, thumbs, and palm visible so it was clear to see why the gun wasn’t suitable for him.

“I explained before, human. I am unable to hold small weapons.”

Welcome to the social

Fine? The tone with which he spoke insinuated otherwise, but he daren’t aggravate the other further - when he looked like he could easily break Aichi’s brittle body like a twig. Best to take his word for it and not test his patience - whatever remained.

Though not before he left did the issue at hand catch his eye - a gun discarded onto the pavement, and a disgruntled glare in its direction.

Without a word of warning, Aichi crept towards the weapon, crouching down before it and slowly, very cautiously removing it from the concrete. The barrel aimed at a wall beside them, and away from any potential victims, it rested in the palms of his hands, and raised with his ascension back to full height.

“Is this yours?” It had been some time since he’d wielded a gun - the city had a habit of turning nevers into firsts and then handfuls.

Observing the boy’s actions, he couldn’t help but notice the distance closing between him and the gun. To which his eyes would narrow at. If this human attempted to harm him, he would show no mercy in return. However, the boy simply removed it from it’s resting position and nothing more. And so, Thel would cease his warning expression.

“It is mine, but far too small. Keep it if that is what you wish. I have no use for a weapon I cannot hold.”

At this point; his arm would raise, hand moving slightly in a manner to dismiss the weapon in question. He would have no more of it. Better to have no weapon at all, than one that can’t be used properly. Although, many Sangheili would more than likely disagree with that. He could always scout for another later if there were any left laying around these streets.

Welcome to the social

Raised voices of some alarmed NPCs in the illuminated streets of night have drawn him over to the scene. A handful of those passing by had scattered hastily; the intimidating sight of such a tremendous frame enough to scare them off.

He appeared exasperated; getting nowhere with whatever endeavour he was undergoing. He seemed lost; mismatched for a being his size and, apparently, knack of intimidating the ordinary civilian.

But clearly a foreigner to Hive’s streets - maybe a newcomer to the area. Then a simple case of trying to find his way around, surely.

After what had transpired over the past couple of weeks,it had been instinct that Aichi froze up and checked the road for any sign of headlights. And with the all clear, jogged across, closing the gap between them and slipping through a gap between two huddles of pedestrians.

Now that they were before one another, the sheer scale of the enormous figure before dawned on him. A lump in his throat clogged it before swallowing the hindrance.

“Ex… Excuse me, is everything alright?”

A series of irritated noises and yells, and over a mere weapon. Obviously far too small for the size of his hands and fingers. Soon enough, it would end up on the floor and left unattended as few people would stare, most likely out of terror at his outburst.

Defeat. The last string of patience had been exhausted. Silence.

That previous rage had calmed considerably now. He’d had enough of struggling with the object and refused to pick it up again. If any problems presented themselves, he’d have to use a last resort... his claws.

Somewhere along the line, a voice made itself known. Human. Addressing him directly by the sound of it. And to that, his head would turn.

“Everything is fine, human. Return to wherever you came from.”

Dismissive as usual. And of course, one other human knew of the same treatment back when a friend needed to be brought home. Those were times to reminisce some other day. Perhaps when he hadn’t been so annoyed beforehand.