>>6202476“Well done you two, come on back.” you call to your elder twins, who walk back, not taking their eyes off the Arbiter. Who seems rather off put by this, speaking up.
“Do you really think I would attack you with your backs turned?” the second Arbiter you'd killed asks, but neither twin turns around. Instead, they stop and answer.
“We've never seen one of our people killed by you face-to-face.” Tatsu and Tomi reply, the Arbiter's expression souring. Or as best as you can tell, the twins leaping back. Leaving the arena behind, you taking a single step back so they can land by you. And as they do you reach up, ruffling their hair.
“Good job, both of you. But leave the rest to me.” you say to them, then to you other kids as you let go of them, stepping up onto the stage yourself. “Hadn't expected to see you ever again, Tega 'Dama.”
“So, my name is not forgotten.” the Arbiter answers, his golden armor gleaming in the desert sun. “But tarnished nonetheless, as you still live.”
“Don't feel bad you couldn't kill me, no one on High Charity could.” you reply, the Arbiter's eyes widening. “But your successor, Khor 'Vadam, has reestablished your people on Sanghelios under his banner. Your people live, and have excellent leadership.”
“Khor? Hmmm, I see. Good to know my people are still under good care.” the Arbiter answers, bowing at the waist to you. “Thank you, Karn, wielder of the Crimson Dragon. When this day is done I can return to the afterlife in peace, no matter how this battle unfolds.”
“Say, you don't have a bomb in your chest again, do you?” you ask, a hint of worry to your tone. Only for the Arbiter to laugh, a deep, hearty laugh from his soul.
“HAHAHAHAHAA! No, this time it is only you and I with no outside interference. May the best warrior win.”
And with his declaration he draws his energy sword, the unique golden blade shooting forth from his right hand's weapon. He once more takes his unique fighting stance, blade held horizontally overhead, left arm extended out towards you to intercept any attack. Relying on his Stand's disintegrating power to destroy any attack before it can reach him. And as you take your fighting stance, you can't help but feel a bit excited. It's been years since you faced this Sangheili in combat, facing him now will be an excellent way to see just how far you've come in the ten years since facing him back during the war. How much stronger, how much BETTER you've become.
-Saiyan Conqueror Quest 235 paused-
