>>5787092“Arbiter.” you reply, not making an aggressive move while noticing that he's standing just on the edge of the crystal crater. But you focus on the Soulstone, tapping into its power. And as you do, the ENTIRE Soulstone starts to glow. The planet begins to tremble, the stone emitting a low hum. Surprising the Sangheili gathered, who all start murmuring among themselves. Except for the Arbiter, who doesn't even react. Then, with a smirk address the golden-armored Sangheili before you. “It has been some time. How many years has it been now?”
“Eight years, since we met aboard High Charity.” he says. “Eight years since you cast down the Prophets and freed my people from the Covenant's rule. I must thank you, great conqueror Karn. The part you played in defeating Truth and his divine spirit was not lost to time.”
With that he actually kneels, deactivating the weapon while a phantom of him appears beside him, translucent. But something tells you that it is a part of him, much as Divine Dragon Force is a part of you.
“You battled against a god and won, defeating the deity known only a short time as Lyin' Eyes Requiem.” the Arbiter says, catching you by complete surprise. How the hell does he know about THAT?! You undid that being's creation, how in the world does he know of that? Not even Freeza or Meloka, Chilli or anyone else remembered what happened while under that Stand's influence, so how could he? He wasn't even in the room. This immediately puts you on your guard, perhaps there's more a reason for these invisible warriors than you know. “I have seen the truth of it carved into your soul.”
“You what?” you ask, curiosity getting you to speak out. “Did you say you've seen my soul?”
“Yes.” he says simply, turning and gesturing to the Soulstone behind him, its glow faded a bit as you had quit focusing on it. “You and this crater are inextricably linked, Conqueror Karn. Your soul and this stone, one and the same. And through my divine spirit, Soul Experience, I can read it, and you. Your battles, your beliefs, who you really are, I can see it all through your eyes. Your very essence is carved here into this crater, where Tega 'Dama gave his life to try and stop you to protect our people. And, because of his sacrifice, I have now been given the chance to see the truth of things.”
Freeza tenses up behind you, clearly not liking where this is going. But you feel more at ease instead of less. If he's telling the truth, then he would know that he's not in any danger unless he or his people attack. But then, from the invisible crowd, someone shouts out.
“MURDERER!” comes a voice off to your right. Khor 'Vadam, Freeza, and all the visible Sangheili all turn towards the sound, but you don't even look. “BASTARD! YOU KILLED MY FAMILY!”
cont
