Name: Maci Durramee
Year: 2560 March
Gender: Female
Age:22
Rank: Minor
Location: Planet Desia
The Sound of Hope
Something in the air had changed, as if it had thickened with the tension growing around the environment on a desolate planet with no life forms, no true place to hide and take cover, it was just one big large spot of white with dunes and small valley like shapes dug into the ground, a true desert at heart it was, but even Deserts hold life forms whereas this planet, despite being breathable, it did not have a single life form. All that could be said about Planet Desia was that it was now over run by Prometheans and an insane and unstable Sangheili Scientist on the verge of destroying hundreds of sangheili warriors on a carrier ship high above the planet's atmosphere.
Through the thick white snow, the young female dashed up a head under the cover of large white snow walls towering on either side of her. Up a head of her was the male she had been so keen on destroy, so hopeful of hearing of his death but yet there he was up a head, cloaked in Ranger armour ploughing through the snow with experience and an idea of what to do whereas Maci could only follow after him feeling helpless like a lost pup still trying to piece everything together. Not only was doubt and depression dragging Maci under, but her hate, there was no way she could forgive Raga for what he had done; he took her Mother away from her, his own sister. Then he took Durram from her and it was only 6 months ago. A part of the young female felt that it was odd, someone who was such a criminal, someone who had done so much damage had been set free.
Could it have been the Arbiters doing or someone else who only desired to see Maci's down fall? Perhaps Jagoree had something to do with this seeing as she had been the other reason for Maci's Depression. Team Delta died thinking they died for a great cause, and Maci had been fighting so hard during the past few days since the incident trying to tell herself that, but now…Now everything was blown out of proportion, Team Delta died only aiding a crazed female, and Maci felt that she was no better.
"Up a head!" Raga said in a faint tone, but just loud enough to hear as he turned his head back slightly to Maci as if to make sure she was still there.
It took the young female a few faint seconds to grasp what he was on about. They had to establish communication with the Supreme Commander, that was their first and foremost priority and Maci focused her eyes on the small bump in the ground revealing something of a metallic sort of shape. Skidding to a stop, the two approached with caution, Raga eyeing up and above them, the valley was a great area to be ambushed as they both knew that, and soon enough Jagoree would figure out their plans.
"Clear" Maci said in reply after doing her scan of the area.
There were no life forms or anything of the sorts showing up on her scanner and even Raga could agree as he bent down and trailed a hand over the metal frame, inscribed on the metal frame was wording, alien of sort but more than likely Forerunner. The round cylinder frame was buried deep into the ground by snow fall but there was enough visible to blast it and re-establish some form of communication, it was just the next two that would be harder. Even Raga knew this was dangerous as he looked over his shoulder to Maci; she was scanning the perimeter staying alert, her hands grasped tightly on the energy blade hilts in hand. Even through 6 months of torture it had still been stuck in Raga's mind about his own niece, how did she grow up to be the way she was? Why had he always put it off and believed that somehow he could turn her against everything?
Yet the biggest question that had struck a chord in the monsters heart was how he of all the Sangheili on Sanghelios could kill his own sister. There are somethings you can never forget and Raga knew that in that very brief moment that Maci may never forgive him, he had lost everything and it had taken all but on simple female to bring him down. The King or Raiders was no more, his crown lost in the muddy dirt of Durram and with it his pride. Taking in a deep breath Raga stood up and turned to look at Maci, his movement had made her stiffen and look in his direction as if afraid he was the enemy. She was so tense, so afraid and yet she had faced the hardest of all treatment by everyone.
It was hard to believe someone like Maci could indeed be so weak, so frightened but Raga knew she was still young, she still had many years to experience battle and with it would build a stronger warrior, one of a new era and time and hope would follow her. Raising his hands up as if to show no signs of threat, Raga watched Maci relax exhaling a breath before looking back around scanning the area as if there was nothing more to do, but it was her way of dealing with everything going on. All the hope she had lost, her pride as well, it only reminded Raga of himself in his younger years, during his first tours, but it was all too short to live by, and even those memories had been faded over time with his insanity.
"We will need a grenade to cause enough damage, but once we do they will be coming for us and they will catch one fast to what we are doing" Explaining his own thoughts out aloud, Raga noticed Maci give a brief nod, but she never looked him in the eye, it was as if she was afraid to, afraid to look at him.
"I'll deal with the enemy, keep them focused on me while you head to the other Device." Maci spoke up, her eyes scanned around the area over and over again as if she wasn't able to focus on one spot.
Her words had hit hard on Raga but she didn't look at him, she didn't even know who he truly was and in the past few hours or so she had barley grasped what he truly was. For all Maci could remember was him being a monster, a male who stole everything from her and Raga knew that, but her words hit him hard. Grabbing her by the bicep Raga pulled Maci close to him, his face screwed into a menacing scowl even though it was hidden under the helmet Maci could see it faintly. His action causing her to stiffen in fear that this was the moment she had been waiting for, for him to strike her and kill her, finish her off and take her place as Kaidon but instead something far different happened.
"You will do no such thing! We will stick together and work out way to the new one; we do not split up for I didn't come down here to see you die! I made my mistake now I will do whatever it takes to redeem myself!" Scolded Raga as if he was yelling at a mere child for misbehaving.
Gripping her bicep even Maci, Raga was fuming with anger, he was beyond disbelief hearing Maci say such a thing; he couldn't comprehend it, not at all. Maci was a young warrior and she was already putting her life on the line, something many Minors did in hopes of getting a higher rank, being acknowledged by others, but it never went that way. As for Maci, Raga knew it was suicidal, she didn't want to prove anything to anyone, all she wanted to do was die fighting and he could see it clearly now in her actions as the young female began to squirm in his hold, but he didn't give in.
"I will protect you no matter the cost, now get out your grenade and lets blow this up!" Demanded Raga as his firm voice started to soften.
Tossing Maci aside with his anger, the male known as Raga stood back and looked at Maci as she balanced herself and glared up at him. Tension had always been between the two, the young and the old, the inexperienced and the experienced, the evil and the good. Maci was angry, so angry but why? For all the right reasons that's why, but at the same time she couldn't kill him, she never could and she knew that she had to get over this, she had to move on, but it was harder than anything then any trial she had gone through. With a deep breath in Maci calmed herself down and stood up straight closing her eyes for a brief moment before looking back into Raga's blue ice cold orbs hidden within the Ranger helmet.
"Fine! When all of this is over…I hope you don't think you're some savour and you deserve some award, don't forget what you have done!" Maci barked back but her tone wasn't full of anger, there was a hint of something else.
In agreement with the situation Raga nodded his head before gesturing his hand towards the Metal frame embedded in the snow like ground waiting for Maci to get on with the situation at hand. Without a doubt she did as she plucked a plasma grenade from her belt and tossed it onto the cylinder top, stuck on top the blue plasma grenade flared as the two backed up and braced the explosion that shortly followed. With blinding light and a faint whoosh of air, the two prepared for the assault to come. Activating her blades Maci darted up a head, Raga following behind, they had to get to the next one and they didn't have time to waste around for the enemy, but now they had done this it was clear things would get harder, the next one would be guarded and they would have to fight their way there.
On her scanner a signal picked up, then another and another. One by one Prometheans where appearing out of thin air, their strange language talk could faintly be heard but Maci didn't look back, she couldn't as for the sound of Raga behind her was too close for her liking but she couldn't let it get to her. Above a shot rang out, it was a Crawler that was lined on the wall, a few more aided in its pursuit as the two Sangheili dashing through the snow. With experience and cunning, Raga dodged and fired at one of the Crawlers shooting one of them down whereas Maci used her energy blades like a shield dodging the fire as best as she could.
"The Next one is a fair way out; they will be waiting for us!" Raga boomed over the fire fight.
"I know! And we will give them what they want!" Maci yelled back at him fully prepared for the fight to come.
Between dodging fire and returning it back, Raga had Maci's back covered seeing as she was unable to do much else but cut down anything that got within her range, it wasn't easy being a dual wielder but Maci couldn't stop now, her breath a hot steamy escape from her mandibles, her eyes narrowed on the distance out a head of her while the gun fire echoes within her ear drums, the humming and clashing sound as her blade cut through a crawler that had launched its self-off the wall at her.
Nobody said this would ever be easy and that's just what Maci knew, deep down all she had planned was to die fighting but now here she was running in the hopes of doing something good….something better. The ache within her legs started as she felt the burning sensation but it did not hold her back as she could hear Raga let out a victorious roar, the crawlers had retreated it seemed as Maci noted the dots disappearing on her radar, but it would not be for long as the young female let out a sigh. By her side her biological uncle, Raga, came up to her side, he was faster, taller and far more experienced as he looked at her through his helmet, only the faint glimmer of his cold eyes could be seen under the blue tinted helmet but it was enough to know that he was watching Maci.
Maybe he was planning on destroying her when he got the chance but Maci couldn't have that, she didn't trust him, not even if he saved her life a thousand times, but there wasn't much she could do at this current moment but keep her guard up. Pushing forward with speed, the two came out of the valley like area; there was still nothing but more snow however now they were out in the open, the wide open, like vulnerable Colo to the slaughter.
"How much Further?" Maci said in a bitter and stern tone as she dared a glance at Raga before returning her gaze out in front of her.
She knew that soon more Prometheans would come for them, and Maci didn't know how much more ammo Raga had left, another bonus to using energy swords however they still have a cost as Maci knew they were still fully charged but how long did she still have?
"About another few more clic-" Raga began but was shortly cut off.
Stumbling to the ground, the two Sangheili struggled to balance themselves; Maci was the first to hit the ground in a clumsy manner as did Raga near her. Something was wrong, the ground beneath them started to vibrate; first thought was that it was a quake through the planet's surface but it was getting stronger and worse. Looking up at Raga for a brief moment, Maci wondered what on
Sanghelios was going on as she pushed aside the snow beneath her hand revealing something of a metallic source.
"I think the Commander forgot to tell us something" Maci said as she gulped down her fear.
Raga had said earlier how this planet was of forerunner technology, only then did it occurred to Maci the reason why there was no life, why the air was breathable and why it was just covered in this thick snow.
"This isn't just any planet!" Maci yelled just in time.
Leaping forward onto Raga, the two rolled to safety and got to their feet as fast as they could, the cracking sound of the machine beneath them echoed more and more, the vibration getting worse but the two staggered on as bit by bit the surface opened up, layers of metal rising into the air as both warriors avoided them darting around and through the maze like pattern they were being put through. No doubt about it this was a mechanical planet, perhaps something similar to that of the Didact was left on, but who was to say as Maci felt her breath grow shorter while Raga ploughed forward only to stop and glance back at Maci.
"We need to get out of here!" That voice of his was stern and filled with rage
However Maci didn't have time as she stumbled to the ground, she felt weak in her legs as if they had gone numb on her and her mind felt dazed as she staggered forward only to fall to her feet. With a grumble Raga jogged out towards Maci as she lay on the snowy ground, they had no time as he hoisted her up over his shoulder awkwardly and turned on his heels and darted for the nearest opening, it was just out a head away from all this sudden change, holes in the ground revealing what could have been courtyards once, the levels that rose up high formed structures. This was a Forerunner planet after all, but for so many years hidden and left to rot away only to now be revealed.
As for Maci she was trying her best to take in deep breaths but it felt hard as she watched the ever growing planet around her shift and change, Raga finding it harder to get to the opening like he had thought and was forced to stop. Only then did he drop Maci as he felt the quivers in the ground come to a slow pause, nothing more than a tremor.
"She's playing with us" Faintly with a weakened voice Maci said as she was hunched over taking in as much air as she could where as Raga was too focused on looking around.
This couldn't have been possible, Jagoree would need to directly pin point their location. Looking out further, the male stopped in his scanning and tapped Maci on the shoulder before pointing out towards the opening.
"Look" Faintly Raga said in an almost eerie way.
Out in the opening the planet was shifting, changing form into buildings and structures that neither of the two knew of its purpose. Everything changed so rapidly and the two felt so lost and confused as Maci straightened up and took in a deep breath standing by Raga's side. If her fears could get any worse than now would be the right time because as Maci gazed out she knew that their little trip to the next point would be far harder.
"Your Scientist has activated the planets core, we need to keep moving" Raga said in a raspy voice.
It didn't take him more than a few seconds for Raga to turn on his heel and start running in the direction they were supposed to be going, with a faint huff Maci followed after him. Sure nothing was easy but now Maci felt as if she had jinxed herself as she eyed off the large towering structures above her head, the holes in the ground crafted out as if it had once served a humble purpose for the Forerunners that are now long dead and gone. They had no time to waste, that was true, but for some Reason Maci felt a tug inside of her heart, she knew that something was wrong but how could she tell anymore what was wrong and what was right?
The only person she thought she cared about on this journey had betrayed her and the male she had locked away and told her self she would hate for the rest of her life was now her savour and leading her to the next point. It was hard keeping up with Raga and Maci could tell that this was probably why he had become the mad King in the first place, he could adjust fast and he never seemed to let things get in his way even though Maci was sworn to avenge her family. So much conflict and so much emotional build up wasn't helping as Maci ploughed forth, her head held high as Raga and herself continued on moving through one corridor to a narrow hallway and then down a few other paths.
"We are almost there, be prepared!" Speaking too soon as Raga said, the two rounded a corner that lead to an opening, guarded heavily by promethean knights.
As if timing couldn't be any better the Knights started to fire at them, one of them directing orders while the others pursued Maci and Raga. Darting behind one of the large structures Maci waited for the first knight to approach before she stood up and slid her energy blade through its back as the metal creature screamed out before shattering to dust. Rapid fire hit Maci hard as she leaped to the side and dodged more fire, it didn't take long for Raga to take them out, and only one remained.
"Be careful! This one has a healer!" Raga bellowed out over the cross fire.
Notting to the small winged creature that fluttered around in the air, Maci watched it as it seemed to reassemble one of the knights. With Horror and fear Maci tossed her energy blade in the direction of the creature during its little repair mode. With a faint little squawk sound the sword flew through the creature cutting it into pieces before landing into the nearest wall. Taking the chance Raga used his jet pack and made a perfect headshot on the remaining knight. So much for a defence as Maci noted while she jogged out towards to gather her sword whereas Raga landed and crouched near the defined cylinder structure taking note to it.
"Another Grenade will do it..." Faintly Raga said, a hint of something else in his words.
Something in his voice was off as Maci retrieved her sword that was embedded into the structure. Slowly she turned around and looked at Raga; his gaze was focused on her while his free hand rested on the cylinder frame just in front of him. Cocking her head Maci wondered what he was up to, what made him seem so off all of a sudden.
"What is it?" Curiously Maci questioned.
However Maci felt afraid to deactivate her swords just in case of another assault group, surly enough it wouldn't take long for another group to arrive, Jagoree had been planning a strict assault against them so far, so why the sudden pause?
" There is a chance if we blow this one up, everything around us may fall….This one is connected to the large structures around us, it will pull them down once we blow it up…we may not have time to escape." Ragas voice fell shallow, sorrowful almost.
"Then that's a risk we must take!" Maci said in a voice filled with determination.
With little to no hesitation Raga jogged over to Maci as she pulled out her second grenade and tossed it at the cylinder. They had only two seconds as they started to run away in whatever direction they thought they could find an opening before the boom went off. The force of the explosion almost sent them off balance but that was the least of their concerns. Looking up above Maci watched the large structures bend and break as they started to fall and with it other structures. Dodging debris was hard enough as Raga and Maci pushed onwards, a faint glimmer of snow just a few meters up a head gave them a ray of hope as they forced onwards.
High speed winds were the first thing that hit them as they reached out past the structures that had formed around them and now where crashing down. Panting and almost feeling ill in her stomach, Maci stopped and hunched over trying to close her eyes, the pain in her legs only worsen by her newly found escape, but she was not alone in this. By her side stood Raga, her arch enemy as she had once known him to be, but even he seemed exhausted looking off in the horizon as if there was something out there that caught his attention, but there was nothing, nothing but snow and more snow, perhaps a few more structure like places, cities if you wish to call them, but nothing. Whatever Jagoree had done it had done something because most of the barren lands had now new features, old abandoned cities was all Maci could think of as she straightened herself up, a sound catching her attention as she looked out towards the ship just above the atmosphere.
That very sound of which she could hear was static, a radio of sorts as Maci listened intently, Raga too. Both of them had connected to the same station that all Warriors used to communicate with back to the Mother ship. At first Maci felt a wave of disappointment, the static sound growing almost faint and then a voice rang through.
"This is Supreme Commander Or'la Tulumee, do you read me?" That voice was so stoic yet stern as the Commander spoke.
There was a ray of hope in Maci's heart as she couldn't have been happier to hear his voice, even her facial expression turned to joy, but the signal was dropping, static was intervening as Maci looked to Raga and then back up to the sky. They just needed to knock down the final Cylinder and establish full connection, but if Maci could somehow get back to the Commander, let him know she had survived then they may have a chance at the final shot.
"This is Maci Durramee, can you hear me Commander?" Said Maci as her voice was stoic while her heart held hope.
At first there was only static as Maci stood still and motionless, her eyes never moving from the ship up above as if she was holding out. Nothing. Nobody contacted back and the only sound that could be heard was the static as Maci let out a sigh lowering her head with disappointment. An odd weight fell upon her shoulder as she looked to see Raga patting her back, she could see he felt sympathetic for her, but she didn't need it, it was the last thing she needed.
"They will hear us soon. We have one last device to destroy and we will have reinforcements on ground preparing a final assault." Raga said in a reassuring voice.
"What if they are too late? What if we are too late?" Filled with doubt Maci spoke back.
Question after Question was all the young female could think of as she looked over to Raga, he had turned his back to her now and looked out toward the fallen city behind them, pillars of metal structures fallen upon one another, fumes filled the air with faint snow as well, it was no surprise that it brought back a familiar reminder to the two. They both shared a similar bloodline and a past, Raga knew the sight was familiar, it reminded him of when his team of raiders had pulled down the last standing structure in Durram, it was their only hope and many lives fell as that building did too. Perhaps it was for the better that Maci had not witnessed that, but even so Raga knew he would not be forgiven so easily.
"We should head out as fast as we can" In a stoic tone Raga said as his only reply back to Maci.
Raga took one glance at Maci before looking once more to the destruction they had caused after blowing up that one single device. At least it gave Maci hope and Raga could see that, even he didn't know if the final device would help them but he had to do something, for no more Prometheans came after them, it seemed they had given up on making a counter attack or worse, they would be waiting. Jagoree would know right away what they were up too but their success she knew nothing of, it was the only thing Raga had to hold to himself as he clenched his hands into fists and took in a deep breath before walking in the opposite direction towards the next objection, the final device.
It was further than the others but without any more questions Maci followed along as Raga led the way leaving behind their destruction. Into the open they went, both of them felt vulnerable but they had no other choice but to keep going, they both knew the cost of this mission, it was suicide but even so Maci had done this, she had yearned to die in combat and apart of her felt that it was her fault Raga was here too. If he had not of been on that ship, if whom ever had not let him out of prison then maybe things would be different, maybe Maci might have died but either way she had to hand it to him, Raga was a great asset, a skilled warrior and she was starting to slowly forgive him, bit by bit, but it wasn't enough to forgive him for his criminal act, the death of her Mother was a heavy price to pay and so was Durram's destruction.