A new world has risen. All the people of Earth are subjugated under the rule of the Imperator. He resides at the center of his empire, a massive, walled off, utopian supercity called Abraxas, for those with the greatest wealth, known as the Pure. Those who do not, are known as the Imperfect, and reside in several suburban cities, known as the Commons, kept under surveillance by the Imperator's Elites, alien warriors known as the Sangheili. The lowest class are known as the Flawed, and are held in camps called the Pits that rest between the Commons, sleeping in tents and forced into meal plans, watched over by the Imperator's lower level soldiers. There were pale white reptilian humans known as the Locust, and mutated elvish warriors known as orcs. Everyone is given a designated number and barcode that keeps them all in a database that the Imperator can access.

Many believe in his ways, supporting his views. Others support out of fear of death. Others, mainly the Flawed, are against the rich and powerful, longing for the day someone will rise against the Imperator. But some, a select few hide away and form the Honorbound, a rebellion of heroes from many worlds, brought together by the Imperator fracturing reality from his initial takeover. Because of so many believing in the Imperator, they lie in hiding, waiting for every opportunity to strike. They are led by a masked girl who goes only by the name X.

The Imperator is aided by his second in command, a Sangheili named Thel Vadam AKA The Arbiter. The Imperator is fair and just to those who support him, but cruel towards those against him. Specifically one who he believes to be an Honorbound. He is eternally bound to a demonic entity known as the Darkness. A screeching beast of hell that grants him extraordinary power.

X exists as a face in the crowd, never revealing her face to even her closest friends, purely to protect herself and them. When she's outside the underground Honorbound base, she hides in plain sight, blending in with the crowds. There's only one thing she knows for sure. She will not rest until the Imperator is dead, and his empire is gone.

But the Imperator had other things to worry about. Amongst the supercity of Abraxas, there were tellings of an up and coming group of renegades known as the Phantom Thieves. They had placed their calling cards across the Commons, and even a card on his palace, which lies at the center of Abraxas. The symbol was a top-hat with a flaming masquerade mask underneath. Underneath was writing that read:

Imperator

You've subjugated too many to hardship and strife.

You cater to the rich, and deject the poor.

One way or another we will make you pay for your crimes.

-The Phantom Thieves-

The Imperator sat at his throne looking over a hologram screen that displayed a photo of the wall this message was scrawled on. He wore silver armor, with black streaks created by the Darkness drawn along it. He also wore massive metallic boots, connected to a chest plate, all covered by a cape. He wore a hood connected to a cape that covered his face, the shadow of it accentuated by the Darkness. He looked at the photo, a slow resentment boiling in his core. Are they with the Honorbound? Who were these renegades? Why would they dare to say these things about him? What were they capable of? Where do they hide now? When will they make their move? How many ways would he make them suffer when he found them?

These thoughts were cut short with the intervention of the Arbiter. He knelt before his master, and spoke. "Your highness. I have some new information that may be pertinent to share.", he said. The Imperator sat up from his throne, walking forward towards the Arbiter. He spoke with a voice that still made the Arbiter shiver. It was low, and ever so distorted, but still eloquent and demanded respect. He said, "At ease, Arbiter."

The Arbiter stood up, and was face to face with his leader. The Imperator said, "Tell me what you've found."

The Arbiter took a tablet, showing recorded footage that was labeled HC-44. The Arbiter explained, "This was shortly before the card appeared on your tower." It showed 7 kids standing around each other. They were obscured by the low resolution provided by the camera, but the voices were clear. Only three voices were heard. One came from what appeared to be a small girl with long red hair. She had said, "I'm trying to hack the infrastructure. When it goes down, the south section of the wall will be down for 60 seconds without them knowing. They won't pick up any pressure or any disturbances. That's how long you'll have to get in, plant the card, and get back out. I think Skull should go in first." The group emitted murmurs of agreement. One girl further ahead of the camera and therefore unrecognizable said, "We should probably move again. Every moment we sit and wait is another moment he can track us down." As they left the camera view point, The Imperator said, "How come this is the first time we've seen them?"

The Arbiter said, "Well...it's like they said. They're constantly on the move, never staying in one spot for too long. This is the first time they've stumbled into one of our hidden cameras. What would you have us do?"

The Imperator reviewed the footage, and said, "Begin searching all the camps located near HC-44, and narrow it down to girls with red hair. Narrow it down to their hair length in proportion to their body height, then perform a voice test on the remaining group. Hopefully that should get us somewhere. When you do find them, bring them to me."

The Arbiter bowed his head and said, "Will there be anything else?"

The Imperator said, "I wouldn't mind a filet mignon from that one steakhouse."

The Arbiter said, "I'll get right on it, sir."

Abraxas

Abraxas was a futuristic city as technologically advanced as it was repulsively decadent. There were floating transports that acted as buses, robotic servants that catered to the 1%. Everything had a shine from the sun above. Almost like it was so bright that it blinded those inside to the absolute hellscape that existed outside their walls. The Arbiter walked through the city, having to hold his hand over his eyes just to keep from hurting them. He arrived at the Abraxas steakhouse, walking inside. The server said, "You're a Sangheili." The Arbiter said, "That is correct."

"What can I get for you?"

The Arbiter said, "A filet mignon. For the Imperator."

The server smiled and said, "Absolutely. This one will be on the house."

The Arbiter reached into a pouch on his belt and pulled out a gold coin, and gave it to the server saying, "For your services." The server happily accepted the coin and went to the back to gain the order. While he waited, the Arbiter pulled out his tablet, now directly linked to Sangheili amongst the Commons. He began distributing orders to begin searching for females with red hair in the surrounding Commons. Just as he was finishing distributing the orders, the server returned with the food in a metal box. The Arbiter said, "The Imperator greatly appreciates your service." and left with the food in hand.

The Commons: Sectors 42, 43, and 48

Sangheili soldiers were moving through the Commons, checking the various houses. Every single one was the exact same home. A two story house with three bedrooms on top and a living room, kitchen and dining room on the bottom. There were laws in the Commons that a family could have no more than four members, in order to keep population in check. In one home, a family with a father a mother and two sons, one 8 and the other 14, were sitting in the room, watching TV when the Imperator appeared on screen. "This is an announcement from Abraxas. I am beginning a search for a group of renegades called the Phantom Thieves. You needn't worry if you have no ties to them. These searches are all routine. Simply cooperate with the Sangheili, and everything will go smoothly. Attempt to escape, and we will assume your affiliation and you'll be arrested. Attempt to retaliate and you will be executed. Thank you for your cooperation." As the feed cut off, a knocking was heard at the door. The father walked up to answer, and found two Sangheili soldiers waiting. One asked, "I assume you've seen the broadcast. Is there any female living under this roof with red hair?"

The father politely answered, "No sir. My wife is the only female under this household, and she's a brunette."

The Sangheili soldier said, "Thank you, sir. Have a good day."

The Imperial Palace

The Imperator sat at his own table positioned over his throne. A small tv screen extended from a robotic arm in the throne, allowing him to view the happenings across his empire. He was preparing to dine on his filet mignon while the Arbiter stood idly by. The Imperator said, "I'll tell you what, Thel, I do not hate the life I live now. Eating five star meals on a regular basis, observing the shining utopia that I own from the comfort and safety of my home."

The Arbiter said, "This is all your doing. You deserve all the rewards that come with it."

A young voice said, "And beware the consequences."

The Imperator and Arbiter looked up to see a boy, about age 16 with brown hair and wearing a brown suit and tie, with a briefcase in hand walk up to the Imperator. The Arbiter without hesitation drew a blaster and aimed it at him. The blaster had a horseshoe shape to it, with the curve being the handle and the endpoints connecting a line of electricity that was the muzzle. The Imperator said, "You have 30 seconds to explain who you are and how you got in here, or to leave."

The boy said, "My name is Goro Akechi. And you heart is in danger, your highness."

The Arbiter said, "Is that supposed to be a threat?"

Akechi said, "No. A warning. And an offer."

The Imperator moved the table away and said, "What kind of offer?"

Akechi said, "Protection."

The Imperator said, "I'm gonna need a lot more than that, kid."

Akechi explained, "The Phantom Thieves. They are planning a direct assault on the metaphysical embodiment of your heart. If they succeed, you will lose the drive to maintain your empire, or your will mind shut down altogether until you're a lifeless zombie."

The Imperator paused for a moment then began to chuckle. He said, "You expect me to believe that? Don't get me wrong, I've had my fair share of strange encounters and happenings, but you sound like a damn mental patient."

Akechi said, "If you need me to prove it to you, I'd be more than happy to oblige."

The Imperator was a bit stunned at how quickly Akechi explained he had proof. He said, "Very well. I'll see your proof. But try anything, and I won't hesitate to kill you. Understand?"

The Arbiter said, "Are you sure about this, sir?"

The Imperator said, "I'll keep my eye on him to see if he tries anything. If I don't come back, track him down and tear him in half."

Akechi led the Imperator outside and said, "If you'll bear with me. One's first trip can be difficult to take in without a proper guide. I should know."

As Akechi pulled out a rectangular smartphone the Imperator asked, "First trip where?"

Akechi pressed a single button causing a wave of distortion to envelop them. The Arbiter ran towards them as the Imperator and Akechi faded and disappeared.

The Arbiter said aloud, "Where did they go?!"