//------------------------------// // Tafam // Story: A Rarity of a soldier // by Lon35hadow //------------------------------// "So, Ruso, what's your home like?" Twilight asked. "An old city state that is very traditional in design," the Elite replied. "All the structures in Tafam resemble those of Sangheilios during the old days of the Covenant, when it was just my kind and the San'shyuum involved. But by no means," he said, "does that mean we ignore the technology. Inside the keeps, we have modern Covenant technology, and many of my kin, including the females, are capable of using heavy weapons in the event of a clan war." He chuckled. "My sister once even tried to join the army when females are not allowed to, as it is their role to manage their keep." He then held up a hand. "Before you or the others say anything Jacob, it is not what you call sexism. The females simply do not aspire for more than they have." "Still gonna call it that, just in my head," Josh commented, to which Ruso simply rolled his eyes. "If you do, ensure that, whatever you all do, you do not anger my sister in anyway. She may be a female, but even the most battle hardened of my clan fear her when she is angry," Ruso warned them. "Well," Tony said. "Shit." "I'll get a shield ready for when she gets pissed," Twilight muttered. "That is probably best," Ruso said. "As long as we aren't in the middle of it, we'll probably be okay," Sawn said. "Hopefully," he added. "Agreed," Hades said as the group felt the Phantom come to a stop and land. "Make sure to keep weapons stowed," Ruso said. "Only draw if attacked, but keep ready to draw if needed," was the last thing he said before the doors opened, and a small group of Sangheili were outside, which were led by one in the Minor harness, and was much more lithe than the others, leading Twilight and the others to think this was a female Sangheili. "Ultra Ruso, what brings you here?" the lead one asked. "A vacation with my squad mates, sister," Ruso said. "Honestly, Skana, I do not understand why you act serious when everyone knows you get along just fine with your skill. Even uncle said so." Skana chuckled. "And you've always been the killjoy in our duo, brother," she said. "Quick question," Rainbow said. "If the Sangheili didn't allow Skana and other women into the military, how was she allowed to become a-" she was silenced as Ruso grabbed four grenades-two plasma, two frag, and threw them into the air as Skana took aim with her weapon- a modified Carbine that fired Blamite crystals- and fired four shots, each hitting a grenade and causing a detonation just as Twilight used her magic to bring a rock from the castle gardens up to the window and launched it at Skana with enough force to break the window and would have hit her in the head to knock her out had the female Sangheili not drawn her sword and sliced it in two. "Never mind," the rainbow haired mare said, her eyes wide in surprise there, maybe a hint of awe as well. "Back to the story," Rarity said. "Yeah, that sounds like him," Jacob said, getting the attention of the guards. "So, then, the rumors are true," Skana said. "Uh, what rumors?" Tony asked, a little fearful. "That my brother is part of a group that has Covenant- or ex-Covenant, rather- and human individuals in it," Skana said before looking at the ponies. "As well as a race discovered by my brother during the war." "And us," Jacob said. "Your brother just found Twilight. We found Rarity." "And yet, I seem to not care," Skana said, though it was with a chuckle at the end before looking at Twilight specifically. "You are the one my brother met first?" "Yep," Twilight replied. "So, is this the best of hospitality for both a princess and a friend of your brother, as well as those with her?" "No, we are simply waiting for guest quarters to be finished," Skana said. "And we never said you couldn't leave the Phantom." ". . .Damn it, she's right," Josh said. "Then let's get off the thing," Jacob said, and the group did so, though they were eyed by the guards the entire time. Once the last one stepped off, the hatch doors on the Phantom closed, and it took off. The area where they stood was a simple grass plain, mountains in the distance, with a large structure- one which had a metallic sheen to it though it looked to be made of wood- nearby, and those with keen eyesight like Sawn could see younglings training with practice swords, though a few were looking at the odd group, adults and children alike. "You know, you're lucky that our clan are among the few who did not want the war to begin with, humans," Skana said. "Other clans would kill you just for stetting foot on Sangheilios if the Arbiter hadn't said anything." "Then we'll make sure to not piss anyone off," Jacob said. "Anyways, introductions. The name's Jacob." "Yes, I am aware of all your names. My little brother sent a message detailing who was coming with him," she said before turning to face Sawn. "And I admit, it is a surprise that the Field Marshal who snuck into a human base is a Kig-yar." "Yes, many of the Sangheili I've met since have said the same, including your brother," Sawn said. "I can only imagine how the rest of your clan will react." "At best, it will be mixed," Ruso informed. "Trust me, if there is one you need worry about, it is Uncle Thag. Out of those I have had interaction enough with to know their personality, he is the most xenophobic, even of other Sangheili from other clans." Here, Skana growled. "That old fool. He should be dead by now. He is, without doubt, the oldest Sangheili I have known. The only reason he is not Kaidon is he can not walk wiht out help, and the reason he has not yet been killed is respect for the Elders." Rarity looked to Twilight. "You thinking what I am?" "Just need to know how to contact 'em," the lavender alicorn replied. "I can handle that," Nightmare said. Before anything else was said, one of the guards came up to Skana. "Captain, the rooms are ready." Skana nodded. "Come, all of you. "It is time you met the clan." "And we will get to that," Twilight said, "but first, something I know Celestia and Luna are aware of." "The vision," Celestia said, quite obviously a statement. "Whoa, what do you mean vision?" Rainbow asked. "And how could the princesses and you know of it?" "Rainbow, it is a well kept secret that when one alicorn has a vision, they all do. May not be at the same moment, but in this case, it was, and was one of the few where we were aware of it as it happened and could talk with one another in it." "And of the rare ones where a unicorn has it," Rarity muttered. "Then stop with the suspense," Spike said, "and tell us!" "You really want to know?" Twilight asked, to which she got a nod. "Fine, then." She sighed. "The vision was of Equestria burning. Not just the continent or country, but the entire world."