Warning: If you copy/plagiarize any part of my story, you will be prosecuted to the maximum legal extent. If I can't really do anything to you legally, I'll just flame you and/or report you, unless it was honestly a coincidence. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: None of the characters from Halo, Halo 2, or the Halo books are mine. Klasz Hakamamee (the name) belongs to Mr. Xiran and the character itself belongs to Bungie and Microsoft. Yes, he let me use the character, so don't flame me.

A/N: GAH. Sorry for being late! Bloody school's started, so I am afraid this may happen. I will still try to update as soon as possible, but I couldn't even START this chapter until Friday afternoon! As you know, lately I haven't been able to edit these recent chapters too much ; sorry. I DO have some good news, at least for me. All of you who don't know, I am a crazy fan boy over Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II series. My absolute favorite character is Axel, he ROCKS! I plan to someday write a fan fiction including him and perhaps other members, but that is for after Rtas'. Anyway, without further-a-do, here's the next exciting chapter!

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Rtas' Vadumee: Rise of a Recruit

Chapter 6

Up taking the Blade

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Rtas lunged, energy blade clutched tightly in his large palm. The battle damaged Tzoku armor he wore was now stained deeply with purple blood, large dents and holes were apparent in it. His helmet was cracked and bent, but held sturdy. Dead corpses lay around the command center, the Minor Prophets burnt carcass sticking out. The survivors ducked for cover, doing their best not to get blasted.

Rtas's muscles bulged as he summoned the strength and rage from his soul and prepared to slice the Demon in half, not wavering for a second because he knew what happened to those that hesitated. Pushing off the ground with his powerful hooves, Rtas flew at the Demon, whose knife extended like some sort of deadly snake poised to strike.

The blade missed by an inch, the green armored Spartan turning his body to the side in the mere split second before impact. Joseph moved forward to dive his black combat knife into the alien's side, but it was too fast. Recoiling at a seemingly lighting speed, the alien Elite twisted and swung the strange lighting blade back at a curve, which intended to slice Joseph in half. Rolling past the Elite, Spartan seven-one-seven did a low kick, looking forward to watching the Elite's knees buckle an it fall to the ground.

This of course didn't happen. Rtas felt the strong kick to the back of his knees, and winced at the pain. His rage was too strong though, and he tried to stab the stained Demon again and pin him to the ground, but it rolled again and back flipped. The human Demon rapidly grabbed the last grenade from his side, and hefted it at Rtas, aiming below his feet.

The Sangheili sprinted to the side, and ducked, the explosion sending shrapnel and a blinding light over the area. The Covenant crew also took cover, moving their arms to cover their face. Rtas turned quickly, his blade leveled to strike down any who oppose him. Fortunately, perhaps by luck, nothing in the room vital was damaged. A few control consoles were sparking and dieing but all seemed to be in correct order.

Twisting his head to the side, Rtas saw the Demon rushing at him. It jumped off the wall and had its deadly knife in a downward motion, obviously going for his neck. Rtas moved his leg over and knocked the accursed beast clear across the room, its fiery blood spreading. Jumping off one of the security panels, Rtas lunged again at the Demon.

Joseph shook his head, recovering from the blow to his side. The alien was now on top of him, and was going for a downward stab, giving the Spartan little to no time to react. Pushing himself up, Joseph knocked back the Elite's hand with his fist, stabbing its arm with the black knife deep through its armor and into the flesh. With his other arm Joseph grabbed the alien's second hand and held its wrist tight, while kneeing it in the stomach.

Rtas's vision went blurry when the Demons knee made contact with him, sending out purple blue blood over its visor. Rtas felt weary, and the knife in his arm echoed throughout his body, bidding him to lie down and die.

It's not my time, not just yet….

Rtas pushed forward, but the Demon held on to his wrist. Rushing him, Rtas pushed the Demon into the nearby wall, and then started to beat him against it ferociously. They struggled, and the Demon was forced to let go of his arm and move back. Jumping off to the side, the Demon searched for a weapon but found none in sight.

Rtas howled loudly, pulling the knife out of his arm and throwing it off to the far side. In the regular hunched position, he ran up to the Demon and began swinging his sword, aiming for its abdomen.

Joseph could feel the heat from the awkward sword, barely moving in time to dodge a flurry of strikes before they could rip him to shreds. He had seen the human vessels managing to board during the skirmish with the alien "Prophet", and knew it wouldn't be long until they got here and took hold of the situation. He had also noticed ships that weren't USNC, most likely Covenant reinforcements.

Darting to the side, the Demon readied a combat stance, now backed up against a wall Rtas had recently been trying to trap it in. Rtas ignored its pathetic posture, and he jumped high into the air and lunged with the fury of his being.

Joseph wasn't fast enough this time, and he knew it was too late. The energy blade made a deadly curve, and sliced through his head down his body, the gore spreading across the area.

Rtas deactivated the blade and breathed in, wiping the gruesome remains from his armor as he limped to the control station. The Covenants crew moved out from their cover and roared in approval of Rtas's latest act. Some of the Unggoy got near the burning remains of the Demon and shot at it with their plasma pistols, jumping back at first then laughing at it.

Before Rtas could relax, a transmission came in from the nearest control panel. Not only that, but several others did so as well, alerting them of incoming human forces. Rtas activated the panel, and a transmission came in, a familiar voice was heard over the COM.

"This is the Ship Master of the Prophecy; we are preparing to board your vessel and sending reinforcements in. The human ship is being destroyed by our weapons at the moment, what is going on down there?"

Rtas's father seemed rushed, and he could see on the monitor the Covenant dropships latching on to their ship and sending in units. Rtas calmed himself and replied back.

"Sir, this is Rtas. Our ship was boarded by a demon, and it managed to do some damage as well as kill the Minor Prophet. After some trouble, I managed to kill it. Unfortunately, we have recently been alerted to more human presence, and we are unsure if this is the only demon. Acknowledge reinforcements."

Rtas wiped sweat from his forehead. He wasn't calm at all, and they had been caught off guard. Afraid he may have crossed some type of law over the intercom, Rtas straightened up and started tracking the onboard humans, who were starting to make their way to the command center.

After a long pause, the Ship Master answered back calmly.

"Understood, we shall rid the Covenant of this filth soon enough. Hold position, and keep the command center safe."

With that, the intercom snapped off and Rtas was left with the five Sangheili and nine Unggoy in the room. Noting what they had, Rtas decided to take charge; after all they seemed to be looking to him for guidance.

"Alright, you heard the Ship Master. We must hold this territory until reinforcements arrive and deal with the human pests. Sangheili, lock up the doors and get to your stations. Grab weapons as well, we may need them. As for the Unggoy, set up turrets at all entry ways and exits. Man them and offer cover fire for the Sangheili."

Rtas watched as they scurried to obey his orders, Unggoy grabbing the turrets from their supply boxes and Sangheili locking the doors and keeping an eye on their control panels, watching the human invaders and Covenant saviors board the ship.

Pleased, Rtas looked at the energy blade in his hand, gazing at its beauty and power. Equipping it to his belt, he grabbed the plasma rifle recently dropped and also attached it. After double checking the doors, Rtas went around and inspected the bodies. He shed a tear for the lost and went to one body after the next.

After several quiet moments, he happened upon another Sangheili who looked familiar. Checking the ID, Rtas found that it was Dai'. The Sangheili controlled himself and checked his brother's pulse, relived that he was indeed alive. Moving the unconscious Sangheili to the back, Rtas instructed several Unggoy to put dressings on his wounds and get back into position.

Several minutes passed until one of the Sangheili pilots turned and alerted Rtas of the incoming threat. Turning to his men, Rtas ushered them to get ready and hold firm against the humans. Apparently, the Covenant soldiers aboard had to come in from the opposite side of the humans, and only a few groups had met up with human presence, and of course the dealt with them correctly. Rtas felt relief knowing that they had not met with another demon.

A large banging at the left had door was heard, and automatic weapons fired at it. Rtas crouched into position, and watched the door break open from the human's fire. There was about twelve of them, all armed to the teeth with MA5B Assault rifles, wearing their metallic armor with its gray shine.

"FIRE!"

The Unggoy released the seemingly never ending bursts of plasma at the human invaders, while the other Covenant troops and Rtas threw grenades and fired their plasma weapons at the dirty scum.

"AGGHGGAA!"

The humans screeched in pain, many falling over and being shot again and again until they stopped twitching. A few made it through the door and began firing at the Unggoy manning the turrets, but they were cut down almost instantly by Covenant fire. Blood and armor spewed all over the floor, and Rtas let his rifle cool, looking onto the dead human troops.

Amazing how weak they were without their Demon, he thought before checking the monitors. More humans were approaching their position, but this time from BOTH sides. One of the humans stopped, spotting the monitor. Hesitating for a moment, the marine leveled his weapon and shot the camera, causing the screen Rtas was viewing to go blank with static.

Smashing his fist upon the table in frustration, Rtas moved back to his own position, and performed hand signals that he had learned from Naku' Malikzee back in the training camps.

"Warriors, we now have human's incoming from both sides, we must defend them with equal diligence if we hope to win. Unggoy, split half of your race and have the doors guarded by the plasma turrets."

The Unggoy were happy to obey, scuttling to move the turrets over slightly and jabbering in their own tongue. Rtas turned to find Dai' still unconscious against the wall.

"As for the Sangheili, we must now switch our tactics up a bit. Gather your grenades, and may the forerunners be with us!"

Rtas moved to the equipment in the small room, grabbing two grenades and carefully putting them in his belt pouch before getting into the middle of the room and reviewing the monitors.

After several minutes Rtas heard the all too familiar sound of boots clacking against the ground, and knew that the humans were nearly there. Barking more orders in his own language, Rtas hopped over a large overturned barrel and crouched.

A single human rolled out from the left side of the corridor connected to the control room. He wore the same attire, with the MA5B held tightly against his chest.

With a roar, Rtas fired at him with his plasma rifle, searing off side of his face, the body falling to the ground with a satisfying "clunk".

A group of five humans rushed through from the other side firing their weapons in the general direction of the Covenant soldiers. Bullets pinged off Rtas's shields, and he turned to face the new threat. The Unggoy began blasting at the incoming humans, but all of the sudden more fire came from the opposite corner and blew the poor diminutive alien off its feet and sent it sprawling to the ground in a bloody mess.

A Sangheili yelled and started shooting at the invaders from the other side, a group of nine humans fully equipped.

"Get'em boys! GO GO GO!"

Rtas's shields depleted as another human shoulder exploded from a needler's barrage, spraying body parts against the wall. Rtas rolled out of the way in time to dodge another assault of bullets, throwing a plasma grenade down the left side's hall and returning fire with his plasma rifle.

The humans noticed the odd flaming sphere, and immediately rolled forward, the ones further back being caught off guard and getting caught in the explosion. They didn't make it in one piece to the control center.

More human soldiers pooled in, and now there was a frantic battle, the plasma turrets unable to turn and hit the humans from their angle in the room. Rtas shot another human down, a random volley nailing him in the leg and forcing him to bend down in pain.

The plasma rifle overheated, and Rtas dropped it, favoring the newly acquired plasma blade. Now rushing into the ensuring madness, Rtas lopped an unsuspecting marines head off, kicking the body out of the way and raging forward. He smacked another human into a control monitor, stabbing him in the chest deeply.

Now Rtas allowed his inner Sangheili nature take control, slicing and dicing through the aliens, all the while directing fire. More humans came into the room, furthermore the overwhelming fire cut down all Unggoy in the room, leaving three Sangheili fighting other then Rtas. Bullets ripped through his already tired flesh, and Rtas felt the weariness already draining him of his strength.

A grenade went off in the far side, killing a Sangheili and several marines in the blast, as well as knocking several soldiers off their feet. Rtas sliced one of the humans MA5B in half along with his arm.

"AH! Dear GOD!"

The human wailed and fell over, tears streaming down his face. The Sangheili ignored his screams, and presumed to end his suffering with a fatal lunge.

The Next thing Rtas felt was bullets piecing through his back and coming out the other side, hitting the nearby walls. Rtas turned and cut down another adversary, only to be blasted from the side. Falling down and rolling to the side with a moan, Rtas tried to stay conscious. A kick to the side of his face sent him sprawling into the wall. The last thing he saw were Sangheili coming into the side and battling with the humans….

Rtas came to sometime later, pain spreading through his body. He was in the Prophecy, on a medical table similar to the one he had been on days ago. Looking around, Rtas found that he was not alone in the room. The tables around him held multiple Sangheili, even some Unggoy had been sent. Many of the warriors there had wounds even more severe then Rtas himself.

Rtas turned his long elongated head to see the doors split open, a gold armored Sangheili walked through, followed by several other Sangheili and medics. The gold Sangheili was the Ship Master of course, Alzeke' Vaduamee. Glancing at the weakened soldiers in the beds, Alzeke' moved up to his son.

Smirking, or at least as well as a Sangheili COULD smirk, Alzeke looked down at Rtas.

"My son, what a noble warrior you have become. I am very proud of what you've displayed."

Rtas flexed, pushing his body up to the eye level of his father.

"I've seen the battles that transpired at the Minor Prophets ship, and although the lost of the minor Prophet is great…."

The elder Sangheili chuckled, noting his distaste of the annoying rodent.

"…we still have earned another glorious victory, another artifact was found on the planets surface and the humans obliterated. From what was heard of the survivors, and security monitors, you single handedly commanded the group there to hold out until reinforcements could arrive and deal with them."

"Ship Master, I owe it all to the higher arcs and their blessings, as well as the training I endured."

The Ship Master waved his hand aside, and began again, his tone deep.

"I also have been told of a "Demon" that resulted in over one hundred sixty-three casualties of Covenant soldiers. And yet you, a low ranking soldier managed to uphold the holy blade and cut down this demon and send it from whence it came. The Prophets will reward you well for this."

Rtas noticed that his wounds had been stitched, and his normal Sangheili attributes caused him to heal much quicker then most other races. Moving off the side of the table, he was revealed to be wearing no armor, his dark reptilian skin shone pale in the Covenant lights.

"Father, I am too honored. I shall be ready for whatever Gods have planned for me. What are my orders?"

The large Sangheili walked back, making his way out of the room at a steady pace.

"We have already docked at High Charity, to personally rely all information that we found in the last mission. You are to receive and honor ceremony for slaying this demon and keeping the ship protected, as well as tell them of the demon with more detail."

The Sangheili left the room, leaving Rtas alone. Feeling fatigued, Rtas noticed a new pair of armor set up to the side of him. It held a note for Rtas, revealing that this new armor was for him. It shined a dark red, with a deep black line through the top, signifying high Major rank. Rtas was deeply gratified for the armor, and assumed that this was his new promotion for the latest mission. Finally, he could rise to a higher rank and truly serve the Covenant to his fullest.

Placing the helmet and tightly securing it on his head he suited up, the armor more comfortable but much heavier then before. It seemed to provide stronger shields and better protection, a gift that would serve well in the fields. Rtas's old blue armor lay on the floor, holes and scars with parts shredded littered the ground.

Rtas moved out of the room and strode through the halls, until he reached the Gravity lift to High Charity. Going down it, Rtas spotted multiple Honor Guards at rigid attention, and even Ship Masters strode at attention. Rtas now recalled the theory of the sacred rings, and he knew that they had not found them. The lift carried him down to the decorated halls, and he walked past the Sangheili, who each spared a fleeting look at him.

The new Major was soon followed by multiple Ship Masters, each following behind him in a simple formation, careful to not pass him but also not to fall behind. It was odd that their posture showed as though he were superior in some way, despite ranks. Rtas entered through one of the large splitting doors, walking in with due haste onto the Grav lift that would take him down to the Prophets chambers.

Ahead stood hundreds of Honor Guards, all at rigid attention, unmoving. He admired them for the second time before walking through another series of doors into the Hierarchs room. Rtas looked around, seeing the room covered in high ranking warriors. Ship Masters, Field Masters, and SPEC-OPS Leaders even, all in one room. Rtas saw now multiple Councilors, one speaking directly to the Prophet of Truth.

"Councilor Agomee, I am afraid we cannot authorize your request. We simply can't deal with the Humans in that manner; brute force is not what the Covenant is made of. Your discipline made sure of that."

Truth seemed aggravated, to say the least. The Sangheili in bright silver armor bowed and replied with grace.

"I understand, O' Prophet. But you must see that this, Filth must be eradicated from the galaxy. They must face the full wrath of the Covenant, for they hold the secret of the rings. My action is to simply destroy them from the source-"

Truth raised his hand and aimed his beady eyes at Agomee, who stopped mid sentence, bowing and returning back to his seat. Truth and the other Prophet's Mercy and Regret turned over to see Rtas now standing on the other side of the room. Raising his hand , he ushered the Sangheili towards him.

"This would be the warrior who single handedly defended a Cruiser, not only that but he has also killed this, DEMON."

Rtas didn't dare break eye contact with the high Prophet, but he could sense the stares of all in the room now on him. Stepping forward Rtas bowed to Truth and looked up.

"You may speak, young warrior."

Truth's demeanor suddenly changed to that of a kind, wise elder. Strange, but Rtas decided to pay no heed to it.

"I am Rtas, son of Alzeke' Vaduamee. I was stationed aboard the Minor Prophet's Cruiser; on our voyage we encountered a human ship and planet."

Rtas's mind switched back to that moment when they came out of slip space to discover they were not alone.

"We began to obliterate this threat with our Cruisers far superior weapons, but they somehow managed to break through our shields in some parts of the hull. Then, our soldiers suddenly were being slaughtered as this new entity of evil made its way to the control room. "

The audience was now completely silent, interested in this story. Rtas had always enjoyed stories, but being watched by the elder's frightened him in a way battle could not.

"I was ordered to deal with the threat, and a long battle soon ensured…This Demon was painted in the blood of our species, and he wielded the weapons of the vermin. It was taller then them, faster, and as strong as a Sangheili. He managed to kill the Minor Prophet, along with some members of the crew, thinking I had fallen. But I fought with all of my might, taking the Holy blade of our race and sending him to hell."

The audience of Councilors, SPEC-OPS Commanders, and Field Masters gazed at him with pride. The Councilors cheered loudly, raising their hands. The other Sangheili followed, and shouted out praise was given to Rtas.

Rtas lifted his head and stood tall, noting Agomee was watching him intently. Next to the high Councilor was his father, who smiled. His mandibles clicking against each other, Alzeke' turned and spoke privately with Agomee. The Prophet's turned to him, and Mercy began something that Rtas didn't quite catch.

Truth then reached into his robe and pulled out an energy blade hilt. Holding the blade out to Rtas, he spoke once more.

"Rtas, take up this blade, let it signify of what you have done. Today, you shall be honored with a feast and given a name."

A name? Rtas knew that only things of worth were named, and even some Major Sangheilis had not received their full name. The Prophet's voice echoed throughout the room once he continued.

"You shall from now on be called…. Rtas Vadumee."

Rtas Vadumee. It echoed in his head, and felt good. Similar to his own family name, but the "a" taken away to denote he was his own warrior. Grabbing the blade as gracefully as he could, Rtas held the hilt in both hands, and then in his right hand, activating it in front of him and staring into its beauty.

"That is not all. You may go by another way, Klasz' Hakamamee. This shall be the name that honors your victory over Demons, and it will be an extra title."

Rtas took that in. Deciphering text had taught him that "Klasz" meant Strength, and "Hakamamee" meant will. Klasz was also the name of one of the first born Sangheili who sided with the Prophets to search for the rings, Hakamamee and great scripter who foretold and wrote the Covenants books.

Rtas humbly bowed as low as he could, accepting his new promotion into the Covenant. The spectators calmly moved from their seats, going onto their other business, most likely a discussion about what to do about the human threat, as well as more converses on the Demon.

Rtas went to his father, who was now standing alone and stirring in the small area around him.

"Rtas Vadumee, congratulations. I have waited this day for long, and we shall feast in celebration!"

Alzeke' Vaduamee beamed with ecstasy, as though one of his own dreams had been realized. Rtas had taken many a bullet, and even fought Demons, but this was the turning point in his career. Now the blade was strapped tightly to his belt, Rtas occasionally checking if it was still in place.

Without another word, Rtas followed his father and the other high ranking Sangheili up the Gravity lift, and deeper into High charity….

Truth made sure that no one other then Mercy, Regret and himself were in the room before continuing an early conversation.

"This so called Demon could pose a problem for us, unless we deal with it quickly."

Regret spoke up, moving closer to Truth via his hover chair, finger pointing out as if to label out something of irritancy.

"Bah, let the Sangheili bumble about and deal with them! We have more important matters at hand."

"Enough Regret, we must not completely push this aside, or it may come back to haunt us. As for the rings, this next artifact will no doubt lead us closer to them."

The Prophets spoke in whispers for sometime, plotting something vile. Unbeknownst to them, the humans were already gaining a valuable asset…

To be continued!

A/N: Gah, it's been rather hectic here with School and all, so as I once said these will sometime be lacking both editing and time, since this one came a whole week late! I am dreadfully sorry --. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed, and I will do my best to get the next chapter up the following Friday. Please read and review!