Reach for Halo

Chance Encounter

Driving on my motorbike, I passed by a bunch of incredible sights. Witnessing this world through my own eyes while being here rather than sitting behind a TV screen was so much more different. I could barely believe just how beautiful this all was. 

All of a sudden, I saw something up ahead which forced me to stop. As soon as I halted, I gazed at the horrid sight in front of me. Large, tall and heavily armoured entities were marching. They hadn't seen me yet, but I knew all too well who and what they were. An alien race known as the Sangheili. Or more commonly referred to as the Elites. 

Mutasim: Uh oh... 

I was surprised that they didn't hear me, but I was also thankful. I dismounted my motorbike and remained hidden by hiding myself next to a mountain close by. I practically hugged it to keep myself hidden. While it would've been so easy to just run away, I knew that these Elites would journey to kill. I needed to hope that I could perhaps try and save some lives. The chances of me contributing anything were low, but they weren't absolute zero. 

So, I stayed low, stuck close to the mountain and tailed the Elites as they marched to their destination. As they travelled, they spoke in their native language. While I was a nerd for the Halo series, I couldn't actually understand what they were saying. But judging from their tones and the lack of Grunts, Jackals and Brutes, they were at ease and peace. 

Getting a closer look, I noticed their armour was broken in few places. They had done their best to repair it, but without their advanced tools, there was nothing that could be done to fully repair it. I noticed one of the Elites hanging back, limping and heavily wounded. Purple blood ran down their arm and legs and it seemed like they wouldn't be able to stand much longer. The others didn't seem to care and continued walking, not bothering to look back at their comrade. 

Not even a moment later, the bloodied Elite collapsed, weak and frail. They raised their arm and tried to reach out to their allies, even speaking in their native tongue, begging. But they continued marching, abandoning them. I shook my head and decided to approach the fallen Elite. 

Upon closer inspection, I realised it was a female. She was still alive, barely. Raspy breaths left her mouth. Her yellow eyes teared up as she tried desperately to stay awake and stay alive. Seeing another living being like this up close... It felt terrible. I crouch down beside the Elite and rub her head, hoping to soothe her. Her eyes widen they meet mine. 

Mutasim: I'm not gonna hurt you. 

I picked up her right arm and draped it over my shoulder. However, that was a big mistake as I severely underestimated the weight of her armour and body. Then again, she was an alien that was much taller than me. I'm not sure what I was thinking, but I couldn't bear to see someone suffering like this. 

Despite the heavy weight, I lifted the Elite up to her feet and wrapped my left arm around her hip. 

Mutasim: Any chance your friends have first aid?

She stayed silent, growling at me. I shook my head with a low sigh, realising I wasn't going to get anywhere with speaking to the Elite. Slowly, we began to walk, hoping to get somewhere safe and somewhere I could possibly patch her wounds up. I was no medic, but I had work experience with medical experts so I knew more or less how to deal with a range of injuries. 

While the two of us walked, the Elites up ahead were too far gone and out of eye sight. I continued walking, hoping to find a building, a home, anything. 

The Elite then began to speak, but in a condescending tone. Knowing how honourable their species were, she probably thought that being saved by a human, a being less than her, would be shameful and an insult. Even if that's what she thought, I figured it would've been dishonourable for her to perish out of battle. 

Soon, my luck seemed to kick in as we came across an old and abandoned building. We entered it and I laid the Elite down, sitting her against a wall. I took this chance to search my surroundings. It was silent, dead silent. Empty boxes were strewn all over the floor, the terminals were all turned off or destroyed. And hanging up on a wall close by was an old medical kit. I grabbed it and brought it to the Elite, sitting down beside her. 

Mutasim: I'll need you to remove your arm plate. That bleeding looks bad. 

She snarled at me, making me sigh. 

Mutasim: Look. I get it. The Sangheili are all about honour. But I wish to propose a question to you. What is more dishonourable, to be aided by your enemy, or to perish outside of a battle? 

Her eyes widened in genuine surprise. Looking down at her injuries, she slowly nodded and removed her right arm's armour. Upon doing so, I saw streams of purple blood running down. Her arm was heavily injured by some sort of cut. I winced at the sight. Opening the med kit, I began to patch her arm up, but it was an... uncomfortable experience for both of us. She let out grunts and growls of pain while I just didn't enjoy the sight of this much blood. 

Thankfully, I was able to work quickly and cleanly (as possible as it was at least). I continued to bandage and soothe the rest of the Elite's wounds and soon enough, she was spared from death. For now at least. I sigh and look at the Elite. 

Mutasim: You should be fine now. I recommend getting some rest. 

She growled at me still, clearly distrusting of me despite my effort to save her. I shake my head and stand up, walking away. However, before I'm able to reach the door, I hear something powering up behind me. I feel my heart grow cold as I recognise the noise. It was the Elite's Plasma Rifle powering up, ready to fire at me. 

Mutasim: So that's how it's going to be... 

I turn to look at the Elite and see her shakily aiming her weapon at me. No doubt her injuries are still affecting her. 

Mutasim: Even if you kill me here, what's your plan? Join up with the group that so willingly left you for dead? 

She remained silent, her eyes burning fiercely. But... She wasn't staring at me. My eyes widened and I dove to the ground on my right. Just in time too as the Elite opened fire with her Plasma Rifle. I backed up against a wall and watched as the female Elite gunned down an invisible figure, revealing another Elite. One that was wielding an Energy Sword. 

I took deep breaths as I push myself up to my feet, looking at the corpse. 

Elite: My debt... is repaid, human. 

I looked at the Elite and nod. 

Mutasim: Thank you. 

Elite: Now... Leave. All you have managed to accomplish today was delay the inevitable. The next time we meet, I will kill you. 

With a nod, I approach the exit of the building, but along the way, I pick up the fallen Elite's Energy Sword for my own defence. With the new weapon in hand, I leave the building and continue to make my way to the city, hoping to get there before the small group of Elites do. 

Little did I know, that small group would be the least of my worries.