Hey peeps, sorry for not posting anything in such a long time! I'm swamped with literally over 40 projects at the moment, most of them fanfictions xD I will get to everything eventually. I've decided that this chapter will end on a cliffhanger and the next one will continue it but will more than likely be one of the shortest chapters. I would like to combine all of it into one chapter but a cliffhanger just sounded best. Might not get to read the next one for a month or so. We will see. Hope you enjoy this and sorry again for the wait!

Section 1: The Proposal

"I cannot believe that outlandish abomination managed to withstand not even a full seven weeks of training and defeat our most strict trainer we've provided!" The Prophet of Mercy and his two other co-leaders hovered close to one another in the empty Council Chamber, arguing with the others over the possibility of "Ruz Malamee, the spawn of a legend" being punished for her actions.

"Indeed. One would assume with severe training such as Vaman's would cripple any puny student – much less a female!" The Prophet of Regret replied bitterly; his fury akin to a Kig-Yar's snarl.

"Somehow, not one but two females slipped through his sights and were trained as equals among the rest of the trainees." Mercy now had a calmer tone. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Let us not fret over the one who has full Sangheili blood in her veins, brothers." Truth reasoned. "After all, it is Ruz that we must discuss."

"Of course. Shall she be punished?" Mercy grew curious of his brother's answer. Surely, he would say how the one nicknamed Eyesore would be decimated in thousands of ways.

"Hmm, perhaps. A long time imprisoned could alter her course of thought." Regret interpolated much to Mercy's surprise.

"No. If our changes to our Covenant and the fulfillment of our vows are to be done correctly, we must not act too soon. We will allow those dastardly Sangheili to serve us a while longer then, when the moment is right, our new pact of the Covenant will fall into place." Truth explained with such experience that his hierarchy among the three was undoubtedly evident.

"So, we shall reward her for her treason?" Mercy's voice was fraught with surprise.

"More or less." Truth answered. "We will make use of N'tho's daughter, put her on missions that will crush her will to live; even if she is to grow weary to the bone. Our permission to deploy her into battle, which she will believe is our blessing, shall blind her from seeing the imminent danger before her; as we all know her goal is to uphold her father's namesake and gain our respect. For which it shall, for the moment, be given." His fingertips touched one another, smiling with sickening pleasure.

"Wouldn't her repulsive feet defile the path?" Asked Regret.

"Not entirely. By putting her under the command of ruthless leaders, she will break with each passing mission. Soon, her honor and rank will be stripped of her. I cannot foresee her making it very far through the ranks – let alone survive in battle." Truth turned towards the entrance, awaiting visitors. Regret and Mercy followed suit.

"And if she does proceed longer than we anticipated?" Regret continued.

"She shall be eliminated, like all the rest. She shall not become a Councilor; that much is certain." Truth settled deeper in his throne, peaceful in his own manner. "For if she were to become that intimate with us, politically, our plans would assuredly be found out instantly. We cannot allow that to happen. Promotion will be discussed as she progresses."

"It is settled then. We shall allow her to graduate only to push her further into chaos; her obliteration can only prove our Journey to be sacred!" Mercy declared.

"Remember, my brothers, simply defeating her trainer is not efficient evidence to sustain her – our own eyes must behold her talents; for research according to our plans to see if she is a worthy but disposable puppet. She shall fight one of her own; prove she can overcome her own attachments to others and still light the way for us as we walk over her and those like her. If we confined our observations to her skills only, this would prove most suspicious. Seeing her entire squad would be more logical in our goal." Murmurs of agreement conspired momentarily before Truth finished with, "We best be ready for Ruz and her companions; they are arriving soon." Truth and the other two Prophets settled where they wished; pending a secret arrival of my team and I. This meeting would be out of the Councilors prying eyes.

Section 2: The Right to Walk

"How exciting! The Prophets requested us all in their holy presence!" Eelo's voice heightened with zeal as her mind wandered into a day dream of what it ought to be like basking in their light. My team followed me down the long hallway that led to the Council Chamber; with Eelo and Gharan closely behind me and the other two behind them.

"Quite unexpected, is it not?" I added gazing at the architecture as we carried on. The last two times I came here, I was too busy focusing on what my father had trained me to do to stop a moment and appreciate the beauty of our Holy City.

"I concur. It would make sense that you, Ruz, would be summoned, but not all five of us." Gharan alluded in his soft-spoken manner.

"Is that implying anything, Gharan?" I asked, hoping he wasn't referring to my unusual appearance and namesake.

"Only that you are the strongest of us all." Gharan told me with a slight flirtatious grin.

"Other than you." I corrected him, reminding him that he has and will always be the top of his class.

"No, I allowed my father to mishandle me for years, in more ways than I can count. It took a female to straighten me out." He humorously said as I chuckled to his comment. "No, my friend, if anything. I am probably the weakest of us all." Gharan re-corrected me. "Other than Nikhal, of course." He teased our team's whelp, glancing at his newfound comrade whom he directed his statement towards.

"Hey!" Nikhal exclaimed in protest. The four of us laughed heartily at our friendship and its wonderful moments.

"I find it a little suspicious, myself. Why all of us?" Q'rin interjected our bonding moment by re-directing our conversation back to the original one.

"Yes, maybe it is laced with the unknown. Moreover, I find it to be an honor!" Nikhal inputted.

"Even after they stripped your father's rank?" I inquired.

"Yes, even more so. I respect my father but he is…insufferable. I have always looked up to the Hierarchs almost as father figures. I know it may sound odd to hear such a thing but I revere them either way you look at it." Nikhal clarified.

"Makes perfect sense, Nikhal." I said as I friendly put my hand on his shoulder. He gave a nervous smile back at me.

As we finished our discussions, the five of us bound our mandibles shut at the sight of all three Hierarchs at the other end of the Chamber. I could feel the anxiety from us all – with the exception of Eelo, who was excited more than she was nervous. Nikhal was honored to be in their presence. Q'rin was simply in awe and without words. Gharan felt courageous for stepping where they had been. Me? A mix of all of these.

"Greetings to all five of you, students." Truth spoke out to us as we had reached the stand where I had stood only weeks ago.

In succession, we bowed in veneration until they told us to lift our heads.

"Rise, trainees." Mercy commanded us.

As it was when we bowed, similarly, we rose.

"Have you been informed of why you were gathered here today, young ones?" Regret asked us with curiosity.

My squad and I looked at one another. We hadn't the foggiest idea as to why we were sent here.

"No, Blessed One." I finally said.

"Then allow us to explain." Truth told us. "Firstly, students, your training scores among your peers and each other separately are…varied, to say the least, but we've noticed that as time passed, both individually and as one unit, the scores have increased on all levels. Your training is exemplary." All of us looked to each other briefly in exchange of congratulational and enthusiastic nods. "Secondly, we have requested your attendance to see your skills and talents in person. I hope that does not surprise you too much…"

Each of us shook our heads. "Good," Truth continued. "Because we cleared this Chamber for that very thing. We've noted your efforts as a team and thusly needn't be shown such skills; they will be seen on the battlefield, should we deploy you. Now then, what we would like to see for ourselves is art of one-on-one combat. Any questions?" Again, we shook our heads. "Excellent. Let us start with the star pupils; Ruz and Gharan, show us what you are made of."

As the room shifted with movement, the Hierarchs gathered around where they stood for the meeting at which I was inquired on whether or not to be inserted into the academy. Those that would be in a quarrel would stand where the Hierarchs would be and those not engaged in combat would stand outside of that area, observing.

"We have taken note of what weapons you all prefer to use and have already provided them for you." After all of us gathered our weapons, my enemy-turned-ally and I positioned ourselves in the duel circle.

Gharan and I had a different approach on the other the previous time we were told to battle; now, we deeply respected each other, for which I am grateful. We locked our eyes in our duty to our Lords and one another as squad members. We had grown to know every squad member's movements, as our constant training allowed us to do so. It used to be that impulsive starts would happen, which would result in injury or distraction, now, we simply pause and build up the tension, grow our strengths until, like a catapult preparing to swing its armament, we strike unexpectedly to push whoever was even a split second slower to make up for their mistakes.

Units went by and the room was growing restless.

"Intriguing, is it not, brother?" Mercy asked Regret. "Their dueling skills have exponentially increased more than what was recorded – already these students have learned the fine art of sudden attack, at such a young age!"

"Yes, but if they keep this up, I will age and expire…" Responded a very bored Regret.

Moments later, Gharan and I fired upon the other, filling the air with nothing but pink and blue mist.

My Needlers to his Plasma Rifle. It was proving quite the battle. Luckily, our aim was precise and therefore very little room for missing the other. Both our armors were hardy and withstood every blow. Upon seeing that there was no beating the other, we took a moment to catch our breath. It was then that Truth interrupted before we would continue the duel.

"You may rest, Ruz; you fought well and managed to have a foot in a tie and just barely winning. Gharan, are you prepared to duel with another?"

"I could go on for hours, Your Holiness. And this is no empty statement, I have done so in the past." Gharan said, dusting off his Plasma Rifle for the next clash.

"I'm sure, young Gharan." Truth responded with a chuckle. "Your opponent will be the other female – Eelo. Other than Ruz, she is the closest to your skillset."

While Gharan bowed respectfully in response to the request, Eelo gave a childish squeal and said, "With pleasure, milord!" And positioned herself with Gharan.

"Isn't it amusing that Eelo treats us like celebrities?" Mercy asked his brothers, whom, in agreement, nodded their heads.

Gharan and Eelo were at it for about fifteen units. It wasn't as impressive as the fight beforehand, but nonetheless, a deserved prolonged battle. For one thing, Eelo's excitement caused her to attack Gharan immediately upon the first seconds of the duel. It aided her as Gharan was not yet prepared for such an attack, but it also pushed Gharan to fight harder. As was expected through our training, Gharan won but, like me, had one foot at a tie, as well.

"Wonderful tactics, the both of you." Regret remarked. "Gharan, according to your records, you were on top of the leaderboards among all your peers. I can see why your father placed you at such a rank. Eelo, you have succeeded your own records, proving that you are better than what was written down. Do you need a moment to rest before you take on another duel?"

"No, Holy One. I am ready for another fight." Eelo said.

"Very good. Q'rin, you are going to be her opponent next." Regret instructed the class clown.

Q'rin nodded and upon positioning, the two fought for a relatively short time. Eelo beat him fairly easily.

"Ah, my eyes are opened to the obvious now; it is becoming clear who will be first in every battle. Let us put that theory to the test. Q'rin and Nikhal, please ready yourselves for a duel."

"Yes, Hierarchs," Both said as they did so.

Within units, the jester of our group defeated the whelp. Nikhal typically didn't like the odds of him always losing but Q'rin was his best friend.

"You beat me once again, Q'rin."

"Expecting a different result, Nikhal?" Q'rin asked as he picked his ally up off the floor.

"Not expecting, Q'rin, but praying to the Gods." Q'rin chuckled to his reply.

"I enjoy seeing pleasantries between allies and working together toward a common goal. It is a rare trait among the young warriors." Mercy told the two male Sangheili warriors.

"Indeed it is. Q'rin, despite your previous battle, you show promise. Nikhal, you could as well but I fear you are not meeting standards. Are you receiving additional training from your father, as per my instructions?" Truth added.

"I contritely say my father has spent more of his time grumbling in another room and wasting it on Gods-only-know-what."

"I see. Well, then I will have to personally speak to Garr after we are finished here. Regardless, I hope you intend on practicing more. You have a small chance of stepping onto the battlefield with your squad but it is certainly possible."

"Yes, Your Highness." Nikhal thanked them.

Truth acknowledged his politeness with a nod and centered his throne to the five of us, giving us further instruction.

"Let the three of us discuss what will be done further here, today." And with our patience received, the three of them whispered amongst themselves. "Nikhal may not make it as a warrior."

"Surely, but we must give him a fighting chance if we are to treat him equally and prevent suspicion." Mercy said, bringing up an excellent point.

"Even so, for every group, there is a failure amongst the others. We shall see if he improves." Truth replied.

"Q'rin surprises me. I did not expect him to surpass Nikhal." Regret said.

"I felt the same way however he only barely did so. He is coupled in skill with him. Unlike Nikhal, he has natural skill whereas Nikhal is clumsy. The whelp only made it this far through perseverance – something the others have but not to the extent that the Nikhal does." Truth further said.

"Eelo is quite interesting to watch. She is fluid; moreso than typical Sangheili trainees." Said Mercy thoughtfully.

"That is obviously because Eelo is female, dear brother." Replied Truth. "Ruz, similarly, is fluid, if not moreso than Eelo. Gharan is efficient and has the ability to go at the battle like the Jiralhanae in his techniques – on the contrary, both of them do but the male blood between the three gives him the upper hand."

"What is the overall summary of this squad, both individually and as one entity, so far?" Regret questioned.

"Nikhal will likely remain the runt of the five, should he prevail, but if he persists, he will remove himself from such a title. If Q'rin separates himself from mischief, he will be a valuable asset between the two and to the squad itself. Eelo is quite promising. She could easily become an assassin. Gharan is both a leader and a follower but so is Ruz; which leads me to believe that in the future, they have constant struggle between leadership and that will carry on into war. If they should put aside their differences, they will be of equal status. Ruz is interesting, however…she is unpredictable. This squad sets a good example to other ones." Truth elucidated to the two.

"Will any of this hinder our plans?" Regret probed a valid question.

"If it does, we need to do something about it." Mercy suggested.

"No, my brethren, it, in fact, aids us. If they are strong, they will pave the way to our Glory and ultimately, to their downfall." Truth answered. "Are we done here, do you think? Or should we push them further?"

"Oh, but of course, Prophet of Truth! Come now, we should demand the very best of our warriors. We ought to scatter them into different duels." Both Regret and Mercy said.

"Very well, I already have something in mind." The three Prophets returned to the youngsters that we were. "We are pleased of you five so far but we must see further evidence you all are ready to leave here and fight for the Journey out there." All five of us bowed in gratitude. "There only need be a few more duels for us to observe. Nikhal-" The young warrior looked up upon hearing his name. "We wish to see more out of you. You will battle Eelo."

The two readied themselves and, much to all of our surprise, Nikhal had done better than with Q'rin but barely caught up.

"Very good, Nikhal. You, as well, Eelo."

"You did your best, Nikhal." She told the winded underling.

"I know." Was all that he could muster.

"Rest, young one. Eelo, we want you to quarrel with your leader, Ruz." Truth said.

"Well, my good friend. It appears fate has led us to fight again." I told Eelo as she positioned herself in front of me.

"Indeed. I pray you are successful." She told me.

"Likewise."

Our battle reflected much of the last we did some weeks ago with the exception of, like with Gharan and I, earlier, that she had fallen short of defeating me – but Gharan did better than her, not surprisingly.

"You did well, sister!" Eelo congratulated me.

"You did, also!" I replied.

"You both certainly did well." Truth settled the conversation between us females.

"Make no mistake, both of you are closely equal." Mercy added.

"Ruz Malamee, have you any strength left?" Truth asked me.

"I am still standing, Your Majesty."

"Indeed you are. That is good, because you next opponent is Q'rin."

"Ah, it has been a while since I have caused him to consume the ground he walks upon." I smirked at Q'rin as he came and stood before me.

"And it's been far too long since I've surprised you!" He responded.

With that, we both fought a good fight – but, as was predicted, I valiantly prevailed.

"Once again, I defeat you." I said.

"So you have. And once again, you have proven me wrong…" Q'rin lifted himself off the ground.

"Do not feel so down, my friend, you still have your humor." I helped him up by the arm.

"True, very true." He agreed with a friendly pat to my shoulder.

As we departed from each other, Truth said, "Good work, young ones." After a brief chat between the Hierarchs, Truth continued. "Q'rin, we would like to see more from you. Your next opponent is Gharan."

"Oh, exquisite, more proof that I will fail…" The jester complained softly. Truth narrowed his eyes at him, warning him to keep his comments to himself and he received it with understanding.

The two fought and for the first time amid the series of firefights, there was a legitimate tie.

"Yes, I did not lose!" Q'rin cheered for his victory.

"Nor did I." Gharan responded with slight jealousy in his voice.

"You've exceeded your own expectations, Q'rin. This is proof of progress."

As Gharan and Q'rin began to walk to back to the sidelines, Regret said, "Gharan, before you return to the borders, it is your turn to be put the test a second time."

"Very well. Who is that you would have me duel with?"

"Nikhal."

In all honesty, the Prophets wanted to see more from both equally but Nikhal had plenty to show off to prove he was better than his reputation proceeds of him. Nikhal's facial expression showed disappointment. His body and mind were tearing at the seams. He was not prepared to fight the top student but in order to move forward, he had to.

The fight did not last even a unit. Nikhal fought bravely but he was too physically weak and exhausted to continue.

"Pity. I expected more from you, Nikhal. Perhaps you are not cut out to be a warrior. Send in an Honorguard to escort him to his father, where he belongs." Truth said penitently with an indication of crossness towards the sight of weakness.

I had grown extremely close with Nikhal. He was the brother I never had. I could not stand to see him wasted so easily when I have personally seen what he is capable of.

"WAIT!" I abruptly proclaimed with fervent desires like an explosion waiting to happen. The room fell silent as all eyes centered on me. "Forgive my sudden outburst, Noble Hierarchs, but I am this squad's leader by vote and I have seen what he can do. Please, I beg of you, do not waste such a useful warrior because of his nervousness, there is still one last battle and it is with me. Let us duel and he will show you…" I pled to them on my knees. Truth inhaled deeply.

"Why should we show favoritism just because you do, daughter of N'tho?" Truth said coldly.

"Because, Your Holiness," I said lifting my eyes to fix on his. "I have personally trained with all of them. I know their skills better than I know myself. If you allow me to show you my leadership skills, I can prove my words. I vow to you, he is better than what is seen here." It was risky but my vow was genuine.

"Very well, you may-" Truth began to say.

"Ruz, I cannot…I cannot fight you." Nikhal interrupted Truth.

I turned around, confused as to why he would not want to do the very thing he promised to do, the thing we agreed on, the thing we had been waiting to do for weeks.

"You see, Ruz, even he does not wish to do it." Truth said. I shot a glance of hurt in my eyes at Truth, and got up to approach Nikhal.

"Nikhal, what has gotten into you, my friend?" I asked him point-blank.

"I…I am not ready."

"We both wanted to see what we could do in this situation, did we not?" I reminded Nikhal.

"After today, my every failure proves to me I would not even last a second…"

I shook his shoulders in rage.

"Do you not trust me?" I asked him. Nikhal gave me a vacant expression. "Answer me, Nikhal…"

"Y-Yes, of course I do."

"Then show me. You amaze me, Nikhal. Do it again." I firmly cupped my hand over his shoulder.

"Do…do I really?" I nodded to his question.

His curved brow clearly showed that he wanted to fight.

"We are ready, Gracious Ones." I informed them.

"Arm yourselves, you two." He told us.

I looked to Nikhal and said, "It's time we stopped using our usual weapons."

"You do not mean…" Eelo said.

"Yes, I mean that, sister." I replied to her.

"Blades? Are you certain of this?" Nikhal asked, retrieving a hilt from the cart the Prophets provided us.

"I am, Nikhal."

"When we agreed upon this battle, whenever it would come, I never imagined you would resort to using blades, Ruz."

"Nor, I. But I felt it was necessary to provoke the warrior within you."

"I see. I shall not disappoint you, then."

"Nikhal…" I chuckled as I began to say. "I do not believe you are incapable of disappointing me. Are you ready to do this?"

"Yes, my friend." He sighed deeply.

I nodded in great acknowledgement and keenness to our upcoming test.

"Activate your hilt and let's begin." I instructed him as I unsheathed my burgundy colored blades. He swallowed a large pocket of air and did the same.

Whatever happens now would not only determine his future, but mine as well. Should I lose this battle, my honor may be stripped from me – and this whelp's abilities, according to the Prophet's observations and decision, will be like boots to impress me into the ground to my grave for my and my father's namesake to rest eternally. Now or never, I will have to fight to gain what I've gripped to for so long. Would I sacrifice my dream for the sake of my closest friend or virtually wear the honor he so desperately wants as badly? Only time will know…

Whew! Who knew I already finished this chapter! I would have posted this chapter a long time ago xD Anyway, hoped you enjoyed this chapter! Please, leave a review! I know I don't post as often as I should but I try very hard on every chapter. It really does help me to know your thoughts, all.

Next time: Ruz and Nikhal have an epic battle!