Into The Light

January 1st, 2560 - Ghost of Uthravik
For some beings, experiencing new emotions can feel unnatural, instigated by something that was completely unforeseen. Usually these emotions tend to be dark or depressing in nature, and they make one take a step back and pause. Indecision chains them to the ground, unable to make sense of the sensations or find a way out. But in the end, most would move on and forget, maybe even strive to improve their situation and change for the better. But alas, there are a minority of those who choose a different path. They will walk upon the kind that enables suffering and mass destruction, feeling no remorse and letting themselves go until nothing remains. It is in this moment that Takra 'Ravakrae chose that path.
The room he stood in was quiet. All he had done since arriving was stare at the ground and process his emotions in silence. But when he decided to finally make a choice and look up, he was met with the sight of his sibling. His brother, Kham 'Ravakrae, was strapped to a medical bed and hooked up to an assortment of machines that kept his blood flowing. Takra's own blood practically boiled, the surge of anger forcing his hand into a fist. He couldn't bear the likelihood of the Sangheili's death, and so he decided to switch to the other person present in the room.
"Impacts to both his hearts, yet he still breathed when your forces found him. Impressive." This third Sangheili said. His name was Adua 'Bekvara, and he was a healer. He was one of the rare few of his kind to practice medicine, specifically an ancient form of it that had almost been lost to time. Of course, he was familiar with its modern counterpart too. And apparently a skilled surgeon as well, Takra observed.
He closely examined Kham's body, using a variety of tools to carefully seal one of his wounds. He constantly kept an eye on the warrior's vitals, ensuring they stayed at normal levels. He noticed Takra staring at him. The best he could do to respond was occasionally give him a sideways glance, being the type to be hyper-focused on his work.
"I presume you wish to hear my opinion on your brother's condition?" He finished stitching an area on Kham's chest.
Takra squinted his eyes. He was suspicious, but more so greatly annoyed.
"Opinion? This is a matter of life and death. I desire to hear an objective diagnosis, not what you believe to be probable!" He growled.
"I am unable to be certain of Kham's fate, Battlemaster. While I have been able to repair his left heart, the other contains a human bullet. It is lodged deep within and oversized, which will make it difficult to extract. Additionally, it has caused more damage than what I had initially concluded after examining him." The healer finished his work and walked around the table, preparing to cut open Kham's other heart.
"Will he perish or will he live?" Takra could not be more direct; his gaze was unrelenting.
'Bekvara continued with his work but briefly offered Takra a sympathetic look. Like some others, the healer could tell he cared greatly about his brother. It is why he came the moment Kham was transported onboard.
"It is likely Kham will perish," he began, returning his attention to the unconscious Sangheili, "but if I am quick enough, he may just survive. Unfortunately, if he does, he will live a life of agony and have only one functional heart."
"Not everything can be so easily repaired." He added.
It was like a blade to the stomach. Takra lowered his head, and once again his gaze met the floor, huffing. He turned around, deciding he would spend the next several minutes pacing. Occasionally he stopped, but the healer's words bothered him more than he would like to admit.
If he is to perish, he will be granted the greatest burial a warrior can receive. If not, it will be a life of pain.
He knew he had already made a decision, but his desire for revenge has now doubled. He noticed his cloak was hanging somewhat askew across his shoulder, so he adjusted it. Eventually he stopped, noticing the healer's curious gaze on him.
"Rarely you pace in such a manner, Battlemaster. I can see there is much going on inside that mind of yours." He observed.
"I fear my brother's demise, Adua. But more significantly, I cannot help but contemplate what I will do to humans. This is their doing. First they came here as trespassers, and now one of them has attempted to murder my brother. The gull." Takra connected his hands to his back, taking a moment to calm his emotions.
"I agree and understand how you feel, but I caution you not to become impetuous." He said
Takra glared at the healer, but he did not immediately shout his words. Instead, he peered into himself and closed his eyes, sorting out his emotions and gradually deciphering what they instructed him to do. He listened as the healer went on.
"Like Maraudus, you should not be driven by revenge. According to your history, you are a talented strategist and a wise leader. You have earned many victories for the Covenant, and now the Banished. But are you willing to change that in the name of risking your own life?" He said.
Not only was 'Bekvara a great healer, but he also served as a voice of reason when Takra decided to abandon his mind in favour of his feelings. Such things were rare, and this happened to be one instance of that. But death, even potential death, has a way of changing people. Takra's eyes opened, staring at his friend with a new kind of expression.
"I would never risk my own life. For the humans, I am their greatest adversary. They would kill me and sing songs of victory for days while my head rested on a pike. That would be my fate if I commanded my warriors on the frontline with them. However, I cannot hide in shadow forever."
"What do you mean by this?" 'Bekvara arched an eyebrow, simultaneously worried and curious.
"It is my intention to enact my vengeance on those responsible for my brother's condition. Whether he perishes or not, I will let my enemies know not who I am but the effects of my capabilities." He said.
"Then... I wish you all the blessings in the universe, Battlemaster. But be careful."
"I will." Takra turned away and proceeded to the exit, the doors opening and closing behind him.
Category:The Weekly