AN: Dang, I never thought this story would get this much support in a span of a single week. Thank you all for stopping by to read and leaving compliments, it makes me warm and fuzzy inside. To put it bluntly, this chapter only serves to introduce the faction in question into the story. Later on, they will become a key element into the story's conflict. How important though, you'll figure it out. No UNSC here for now.

Well, my Hot Pockets are done. Enjoy the chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Halo or Gate - Jietal Kare no Chi nite, Kaku Tatakeri content. They belong to their respective owners.


The Rising Autumn

Chapter 1: The Great Journey

23rd Age of Doubt

September 12th, 2552


To say that Lat 'Ravamee was angry would have been a massive understatement.

No, he was absolutely livid.

The Shipmaster paced back and forth, his armored hooves pounding the nanolaminate plating beneath him. The command center's crew, wary of their superior, gave the fuming Elite a wide berth to vent his anger. A Hunter pair that served as 'Ravamee's bodyguards, however, stood relatively unfazed. They watched him silently, motionless as if they were stone statues.

However, it wasn't the case for some obtuse few.

An ignorant Grunt stood too close, unaware of its comrades' caution. Mere moments later, the diminutive creature squealed in fright, and found itself on the receiving end of the Shipmaster's fury. The Grunt's body flew across the room, and slammed into an adjacent wall with a sickening crunch following shortly after. Around the room, a few spectating Jackals roared in laughter while the Elites could only shake their heads at the Grunt's foolishness. It was not the first time that something like this happened, after all. Another Grunt waddled in, discreetly carrying its dead brethren out of the command center, leaving a trail of blue blood behind.

'Ravamee sent a quick glare to the squawking avians, submitting the lesser species into an uncomfortable silence. Controlling his labored breathing, the Shipmaster remembered the events prior that slowly lead to his provoked anger.

His CSS-class battlecruiser, the Truth and Reconciliation, had been one of the many warships in the Fleet of Particular Justice to cleanse the humans of the planet called "Reach". Why the heretics give their worlds such ridiculous titles was beyond the Elite. Nonetheless, he couldn't help but feel a small measure of contentment for the human's destruction down below. Stubborn as they were, they had put up a tremendous fight, despite their inferior numbers and weaponry. But the Great Journey always came first, and these filth stood in the way of the Covenant's ascension into Godhood.

Like insects, they must be squashed underfoot, and the Shipmaster was more than happy to oblige. His mandibles unconsciously curled into a smile.

With the countless vessels they had in their disposal, the Fleet of Particular Justice swept away the remaining human ships with zealous prejudice. Even those accursed orbital platforms, the backbone of their planet's defenses, were no match for the full might of the Covenant. Their resistance had been nothing but a hopeless futility.

The Truth and Reconciliation had not partaken in the glassing of the human planet, but instead watched the glorious event from the safety of orbit. The plasma that had bombarded the surface, turning the ground into molten ash and glass, was a magnificent sight. From the fire that slowly spread throughout the planet, he and the rest of the crew truly believed that they have defeated the heretics.

Then, a memory of a certain event popped into his mind, and the Shipmaster's mood immediately soured.

Too blinded by the destructive display, they didn't notice a single human ship racing from the planet's surface, intending to escape the burning world. The few CSS battle-cruisers that did detect it attempted to intercept, firing at the evading vessel with waves of plasma torpedoes. It would have been over for the humans on board, had it not been for a golden, translucent barrier that surrounded the ship, deflecting the volley. The Shipmaster could remember his crew's shock, watching the skirmish from the Truth and Reconciliation's external cameras.

This particular ship had energy shielding, a trait that its other, weaker brethren did not share.

The aforementioned ship retaliated, sending a burst of not one, but three primitive projectiles at the closest Covenant ship, the Undiminished Entelechy. From his own wide eyes, he witnessed the first two rounds completely strip the energy shielding, causing the vessel to tilt from the sheer kinetic force of the impact. The final projectile tore through the hull plating with ease, crashing into the cruiser's pinch reactor. It had caused a chain reaction to occur that he had to cover his eyes when the damaged ship detonated into a blinding star of massive proportions. When the explosion cleared, all that was left were floating parts of burnt hull plating.

Immediately after the Undiminished Entelechy's destruction, he had ordered his ship to close onto the vessel, sensing an easy opening for a kill. From years of experience, the Shipmaster knew that the human's coil-gun weaponry needed to recharge after every shot, much less three consecutive ones in a single volley. As his ship moved closer, 'Ravamee was confident that the vessel would go down in a blaze of glory, energy shield or not. He grinned as the volley of plasma torpedoes fired from his vessel homed on the human ship.

Unfortunately for the Shipmaster, that was not the case.

His careless mistake would cost him when the human ship not only dodged the torpedoes, by an unconventional method of using smaller thrusters to push the vessel out of the plasma's path, but managed to fire back another salvo of three projectiles. Like the first CSS-class cruiser, the Truth and Reconciliation's shielding was completely shredded by the first two rounds, throwing some personnel off their feet by the force of the shock. However, by some stroke of luck, the third round was slightly off target and only collided with the broadside section of the ship. Those unfortunate enough to be in the impact's vicinity either died by the projectile itself, or by the deadly exposure of cold vacuum. The human ship flew past his damaged vessel with an unimaginable speed, transitioning into slip-space and leaving behind a very confused Covenant fleet.

In the end, what should had been a glorious victory became a humiliating defeat for the bitter Elite.

And now, three weeks later, his ship was nearly repaired, but the Shipmaster was by no means in a pleasant mood. The Elite grew restless, the idea of his honor tainted by the humans that had escaped his grasp was ever present in his mind. The Fleet hadn't bothered to pursue the human ship, instead continued to slowly glass the planet to uncover the Forerunner artifacts below. He was frustrated at the lack of action, but refrained from speaking his thoughts out loud. After all, those who questioned too much never questioned again in the future. He knew better to avoid the same fate.

A Major walked up to the agitated Shipmaster, keeping himself at a reasonable distance. From the corner of his eyes, the red armored Elite glanced at the blue blood stain with a look of disdain.

"Shipmaster, I have news." The Major saluted in reverence.

'Ravamee spun around, his intense gaze meeting his subordinate.

"Well, what do have you to report?" he asked bluntly.

On his part, the Major didn't even bat an eye to the harsh tone. The lack of a reaction slightly impressed the higher ranking Elite.

"We have an incoming transmission from the Seeker of Truth," The red armored warrior reported respectfully.

Suddenly, 'Ravamee's mandibles widened in shock, the anger he felt extinguished immediately. The indigo blood that flowed within his veins began to freeze with apprehension. The Seeker of Truth was a CAS-class assault carrier, the flagship of the Fleet of Particular Justice. However, it wasn't the formidable ship itself that unnerved the Shipmaster.

It was the one who commanded it: Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee.

Any transmission from the most competent military leader in the Covenant armada was not good news, and this one was definitely no exception. The personnel that had secretly listened to the exchange, mostly Elites, began to commune with each other nervously. The Shipmaster unconsciously found himself wishing that the human ship had finished his ship off.

"Why was I not informed earlier?" The Shipmaster growled angrily.

In response, the Major silently pointed to the blood stain on the ground. 'Ravamee peered at the blue fluid with a sheepish stare, forcing himself to calm down. The Shipmaster's anger showed no bounds, whether he was aware of it or not.

"Put him through," The Elite ordered impassively.

His red-armored subordinate nodded, turning to bark at the officer in the Communication station down below the bottom level.

A moment later, a life-sized hologram of an Elite appeared from a nearby projector. The Elite stood proud and tall, his mere presence demanding absolute respect and authority. The gold armor that he wore seemed to glisten, even though the transmission, and the purple-colored cape that was fastened around his neck enhanced the Elite's imposing appearance. Respectively attached to each side of his legs was a standard-issue plasma pistol and a ceremonial-styled handle of an energy sword that very few individuals could wish to attain. Overall, the fact that this Elite wished to speak to him personally placed the Shipmaster and his crew in a rather uneasy position.

"Supreme Commander, I am honored to be in your presence." 'Ravamee bowed, with the Major following his example.

The hologram, Thel 'Vadamee, waved his hand dismissively.

"There is no need for formalities, my brother," 'Vadamee's tone was surprisingly gentle and welcoming, "but, I assume you already know the nature of this call?"

The Shipmaster sighed, knowing where this was going, "This is about the human ship that escaped us?"

The Supreme Commander nodded at him.

"Correct," His tone became more serious, something that did not avoid 'Ravamee's attention. "the 'Pillar of Autumn', they call it."

The Shipmaster wanted to roll his eyes at the human's persistent use of strange titles.

"It has come to my suspicion that this vessel's departure was of no coincidence," 'Vadamee admitted.

The Supreme Commander's hologram disappeared, replaced by an image of a collapsed mountain, "We had excavated this mountain a few days ago, and within it, a hidden human facility that housed sacred Forerunner archives."

The Shipmaster could sense the subtle contempt behind the words.

"We had tried to retrieve any salvageable data left, but our attempts were in vain," 'Vadamee scowled, "Either it had perished with the mountain or the humans had taken it with them."

The hologram reverted back to the golden-armored Elite, showing his thoughtful expression. "I believe it to be the latter. The lack of data and the human ship are connected somehow."

'Ravamee looked at his superior, confusion evident on his face. "If that is the case, why is this relevant to our situation?"

The Supreme Commander examined him with an analytical stare. "Tell me, do you know of the Sacred Rings?"

The Shipmaster raised an eyebrow, holding back an amused snort at the sheer incredulousness of the question. Does he believe him for a fool? Of course he knew. They were the sole reason for the Covenant's entire existence! If 'Vadamee was any other person, he would have called him a heretic for such a ridiculous question.

"They are the Holy relics that the Gods used to elevate into transcendence." 'Ravamee replied matter-of-factly.

Thel nodded, "Halo."

He turned around, talking to someone off-screen. Then, the Elite looked back, a fierce look in his eyes.

"The human ship, their construct to be exact, holds the location of the Sacred Rings, and it is imperative that we locate it immediately."

'Ravamee looked down with comprehension and guilt, realizing that he was responsible for such a great loss. Now, the Elite was sure that he was going to lose more than just his honor. Suddenly, a blinking dot appeared on a holographic chart, moving somewhere off-system.

"I had the opportunity to have one of my vessels plant a spy probe before the human vessel jumped into Slip-space, but I had never predicted the significance of the situation."

'Vadamee looked at the Shipmaster, his mandibles forming a smile, "That is why I'm leaving the task of hunting these humans to you, Shipmaster."

Surprised at the revelation, 'Ravamee blinked at his superior. "Me? Surely you jest. After all, my inability to stop the heretics makes me unsuitable for such an assignment."

The Supreme Commander merely sent a reassuring wave, "I am aware of your tactical error and you are right to claim blame."

He sighed, "But I know it would be a pointless endeavor to accuse you of failure-" The Elite sent a surprisingly forgiving smile, "-when there is always a chance for redemption."

The Shipmaster blankly stared, waves of shock and relief flowing through him. He hadn't expected that whatsoever, and by the stunned looks of the crew, neither did they.

'Ravamee quickly recovered, "My thanks, Supreme Commander."

He saluted enthusiastically, "I shall carry out my task with honor and dignity; The Sacred Ring will be found."

The Elite suddenly realized that he had been given a second chance.

'Vadamee acknowledged him with a nod, "Stay strong, for the journey ahead will be a perilous and difficult one." The transmission ended, leaving 'Ravamee and the majority of the listening crew in stunned silence.

The Major stood beside him, slightly more comfortable in his presence, "What are your orders, Shipmaster?"

The Shipmaster faced towards the red armored Elite, a grin forming on his face, "Inform the Huragok to hasten their effort on repairs, we must not waste anymore time."

He walked to the edge of the command center's upper platform, facing the expectant crew on the bottom level, "The Great Journey is upon us, my brothers!"

The Elite grabbed his Energy Sword, igniting the superheated blades of plasma with a single swipe, "Soon, the Sacred Ring will be in our possession and the humans will perish, like the filthy heretics they are!"

He raised his weapon into the air, causing the crew to cheer in zealous excitement and eagerness. They will prove themselves worthy to the Gods, and no one, not even human's dreaded Demons, would stop them. 'Ravamee couldn't help but let out an aggressive grin.

Soon, they will become gods themselves.


Lelei La Lalena sighed, her short blue hair wavering in the gentle breeze of the cool air. The fifteen year old teen was by normal means a calm and stoic girl, but the spectacle in front of her slowly began to test her patience. Her master, the elder sage Cato, rolled on the floor, whining like a toddler without a toy. If she was any other person, the teen would had probably giggled at the ludicrous sight.

"Master, we can't carry anymore." She tried her best to calm him down.

To her hidden dismay, the old man didn't seemed deterred in the slightest.

"No! I need my books!" The old sage whined loudly.

After a few seconds, he stopped, looking at his disciple. "Lelei, isn't there anything we can do?"

The blue-haired teen blinked at her teacher with an emotionless gaze, "Certainly. I believe we should prioritize the most valuable books," She advised thoughtfully.

Cato grinned at the suggestion, standing up while brushing himself off, "That's right. You sure are smart, Lelei."

The elder sage proceeded to pick up the books that he had dropped on accident, "But why now? Damn that fire dragon!"

He grumbled bitterly, "Showing up fifty years early..."

The rest of his mumbling went unnoticed by his student, who stopped to look up at the clearness of the sky.

Lelei, who normally wasn't one to space out, found herself looking at the stars that haven't been washed away by the blue waves of the heavens. Something unfamiliar began to develop inside her, and she unconsciously tightened her hands on the grip of her wooden staff. The feeling of premonition was stronger than she had ever felt it before. Her blue eyes narrowed. Something was going to happen, and the teenage girl felt like she was going to be a part of it somehow. Taking one last look at the sky, she began working on securing the reins attached to their carriage's stead.

"Look at all the trouble it's causing us." The elder sage moaned, snapping Lelei out of her thoughts.

The old man began to doze off, probably normal for someone his age, and his student allowed herself a bit of amusement at the sight.

"I wish you would sleep already, too," She teased tonelessly.

Cato looked at the teen, seemingly insulted. "Huh? What do you mean by that?"

He crossed his arms in indignation, "I'm not interested in mounting little girls like you!"

The sage giggled perversely, a scarlet blush forming on his face.

"I'd rather mount a sexy, curvy woman like your sister, Arpeggio."

Drool began to form on his lips, while the old man attempted to imitate the said 'curvy' figure of Lelei's older stepsister. The blue-haired teen blankly stared at her teacher, an unimpressed look on her face. Silently, she conjured up a wind spell, pointing her hand at the perverted old man.

Mere seconds later, the elder sage found himself on the receiving end of vicious wind magic, screeching in terror as he soared into the air and past the trees.

The horse attached to the carriage watched the flying man with slight interest, not noticing the small grin that formed on the teen's face.


Yay, Chapter 1 is complete! Review to share your thoughts! Hoped you enjoyed.