I do not own High School DxD or the Halo Franchise. One-shot.

"You two be careful with that thing. We don't want to damage it any further than it has already sustained." Rias Gremory, the president of the Occult Research Club and king piece of her peerage, warns her two members/peerage members, Yuuto Kiba and Issei Hyoudou.

"Right." Currently, these two students are carrying something… peculiar, even for devil standards because they aren't too sure about what exactly they have in their possession. Rias and the rest of her peerage were heading towards the clubroom, normal as they can be, until something came falling out of the sky, friction with the atmosphere causing the peculiar object to be engulfed in flames, leaving behind a trail. It was not long before it crash-lands near the club building on school grounds, causing a small tremor to the area near. Releasing the important of keeping the peace, Rias orders those around her to quickly move themselves to the crash site to inspect whatever has landed in the school before anyone else goes searching for it. They weren't too sure what to expect—they assumed something relating to either devils, angels, or fallen angels. Once they reach the crash site, confused looks and blank expression plagued all of them for they didn't know what exactly they were looking that. They do know the object in question was heavily damaged and still in one piece. They wanted—needed—to take it somewhere else before anyone else came, so Rias had Kiba and Issei carry it to the clubroom once it cooled down, and for extra precaution, Akeno placed a sheet over it as to not draw too much unwanted attention.

Seeing the door to the clubroom, Rias walks ahead and holds the door open for Issei and Kiba, guiding them in.

"Just put it on the table." She tells them. Trailing not too far behind the pawn and knight is the rest of Rias's peerage: Asia Argento, Xenovia Quarta, Gasper Vladi, Akeno Himejima, and Koneko Toujou. Kiba and Issei place the covered object on the table and take steps backwards to distance themselves from the object. They don't know what it is, so they would rather not stand near it in the off chance it does something to them like explode. The other members quickly huddle around the covered object, each one looking at the object, pondering about it could be. The only bit of information they do have is it looks rather advanced. Issei likes to think of it as a high-tech cube-shaped object.

"Okay, we brought it in, so now what?" Issei inquires to Rias, but she remains silent, lost in her thought about what the object before her could be.

"Anybody have an idea about what that thing is?" Koneko asks the group, looking directly at the object as she takes a bite out of a chocolate bar, smelling the distinct smell of heated metal and charred earth.

"It looked pretty high-tech, so maybe some sort of miniature, cubic satellite that must have fallen out of orbit." Issei answers.

"I don't think technology has gotten to the point where they start sending cubed-shaped satellite out into space, especially at that size. Plus, I don't think satellites look like that"

"It's the best guest I've got. What do you think, Kiba?"

"Well, I don't know what to think, but I doubt we are going to get anywhere if we just stand here and speculate."

"But we don't know if this thing is dangerous." Xenovia enters the conversation. "It has been in space, so as far as we know, this thing could be radioactive."

"If it was radioactive, then we would know." Akeno interjects, disproving Xenovia's theory. "We devils have… special protection that can warns us if an object is radioactive, so believe me when I say that it isn't radioactive."

"Interesting. I guess I'll have to take your word on it." Xenovia nods her head. "But I still feel like there is something off about it, other than it being completely damaged."

"Like I said, we won't know if we don't take action." Kiba reiterates once more, his eyes making direct contact with Rias, to which she sends him a single nod. Returning her nod, Kiba takes one step forward, extending out his right hand as he grips the sheet covering the object and slowly pulls it away, unveiling to the peerage the peculiar object once more.

The size is quite impressive, being only a bit larger than a human head. It does have a spherical shape, but a closer examination reveals that it actually has a cubic shape to it with rounded edges. The object used to boast a precise geometry to it, but crashing landing on earth's surface caused it to obtain scratches and concave dents compromising its symmetry, not to mention functionality. The front side of the object has a large, circular glass screen located right in the middle (They assume it is the front side because it is the only side with a screen). The screen itself has a large crack running down the top and stopping somewhere towards the middle. It does occur to the group that the cracked screen may function as an eye or some sort of viewing screen, but exactly is it supposed to do?

Their momentary concentration is broken when they hear the club door open. All the member look toward the door, laying their eyes on two familiar figures.

"I see the Occult Research Club has managed to take care of the anomaly." One of the bespectacled girl comments, adjusting her glasses as the other spectacled girl with long hair stands behind her.

"Sona, Tsubaki, Good to see you two." Rias welcomes.

"It is good to see you too, Rias. I take it you were the ones who quickly cleaned up that mess before anybody noticed."

"You assumed right. We can't something fallen from space just sitting on school grounds. Besides, if I didn't do something, you would have. If anything does happen at this school, you are the always one of the first ones to know. Besides, I am sure you and Tsubaki would have noticed the trailing smoke and the small tremor that occurred. In any case, we've taken care of it, but we are stumped as what it is. Care to take a gander at it? "The Gremory Heiress offers, stepping aside as the student council president and vice president approach, beholding the advance-looking cubed-shaped object. Sona looks over to Rias and looks back at the object, moving her hand towards her eyes and adjusts her own glasses. Tsubaki does the same.

"It looks rather advance but heavily damaged. That is to be expected if an object just falls out of the sky and crash-lands." Sona comments.

"I don't believe this object has any origins with the three factions. If anything, it looks man-made." Tsubaki adds on, still examining the cubed-object with intense scrutiny.

"That's what we initially concluded, but something like that looks too advanced to be considered man-made. Perhaps the work of another party we are unfamiliar with." Rias speculates, moving closer to Sona. "Perhaps… this could be the work of the Khaos Brigade?" Everyone in the room fell silent as they look on to Rias.

"You think the Khaos Brigade might have something to do with this?"

"I am not one-hundred percent sure, Sona, but I am running out of ideas as where it could have came from."

"I'd like to keep my options open for a while before I deem it to be part of the Khaos Brigade. They may me some terrorist group, I don't think they have anything to do with this object. It fell from space after all, and I've never heard of no space devils." Sona jokes, still maintaining a sense of seriousness about her.

"You might be right about that, but if it didn't come from the Khaos Brigade, devils, angels, fallen angels, or man-made, then we are left with little to say about where this object came from." Rias turns around and looks out towards the other members. "If anybody has any ideas, I am all ears because we don't know what to make of this." The member exchange looks with one another, but it seems nothing is coming to mind. Rias breathes out. She can't blame any of them if they don't have ideas to find out more about the object. It is at this moment Issei steps up.

"You know… I bet Azazel would know something. Isn't working on gadgets and tinkering up his alley? For crying out loud, that guy has a rocket arm that can extend itself to far distances." It is not a bad idea. Azazel's intellect and ingenuity could perhaps reveal the origins of the object if given enough time. He has worked on more complicated things in the past, so it might be a piece of cake of the someone with a mind like his.

"No. I get the feeling he wouldn't know much about what the cubed object is." Rias answers. "He may be some sort of engineer, but I don't think he would be much use regarding deciphering what this thing is. Also, I would prefer to not have to bring him in on this. I already have enough to deal with as it is." Rias, deciding to break the hesitant stalemate, takes one step forward, separating herself from the rest as she stands directly in front of the object. Her eyes glide over the object, endeavoring to locate anything that could give her some indication as to what it is, but nothing comes to mind. Sona joins her, now having two king pieces standing out in front of the group, staring down the cubed-shaped object.

"Perhaps there is an on switch on this thing?" Sona casually suggests.

"I don't see any on switch. Besides, after taking such a nasty fall, I doubt it is going to turn on anytime soon." Rias replies.

"Maybe it's a human experimental machine of some sort." Gasper suggests, popping his head out from behind Issei. "It kind of reminds me of the machines I destroy in my handheld system."

"I don't think this thing has anything correlation with your hand-held system, Gasper."

"Maybe if we check its underside, we might find something." Asia intervenes, stepping forward a bit.

"It's worth a shot." Rias gently places her hand on top of the cubic object, feeling the faint heat of the crash transferring into her hand, surprised since she thought the heat would have dissipated at this point. She slides her hand across to remove the thin layer of dirt, feeling the rough, scratched texture rubbing against her hand. She moves her hand towards its underside, ready to lift it up. She is successful in lifting it up ever so slightly until….

"ZZZZZZZZ!" it screeches without warning, causing Rias to retract her hand to shield her ears from the horrid sound along with everybody else. It continues its nerve-wrecking screech for a few seconds before it dies down slowly. Rias, who has already backed away with Sona, assume a readied position along with everybody else, with Issei calling upon the Red Dragon Emperor as his arm is covered by his sacred gear with Asia moving behind him, Kiba and Xenovia materializing their swords, Akeno standing fast, and Koneko propping up her fist. The only one who doesn't prepare is Gasper, who cowers behind Issei.

"ZZZZZZ… ger…" It unleashes another screech of static. Rias was the only one who slightly lets her guard down, wondering what that last part was all about.

"What's it doing?" Xenovia ask, herself in a readied position to send down a slash if needed to.

"I don't know, but I don't like it." Issei responds. Rias continues to observe, curious as to what this object is endeavoring to do for she did hear the last bit of its noise. It did sound incomprehensible, but she is sure the cubed object did say something tangible. A cut-off voice perhaps?

"ZZZZZ…. Int…ZZZZZZ… sure…. ZZZZZ."

There is was again! She thinks to herself as the object continues to emit static. This time, Sona also joined Rias in lowering her guard down a bit, confirming she also heard those somewhat tangible speech-like noise.

"It moved!" Asia points out. In fact, it did move. A sudden force from seemingly nowhere causes the object to roll to the left, but due to its cubed shaped, the force was not strong enough so it rolls back to its original position. More erratic movement cause it to sway back and forth, until it stops suddenly, before a still, constant noise echoes throughout the room. The club members continued to keep their defensive stances, waiting for whatever this the object is endeavoring to do. They each then notice a faint blue glow from underneath. The faint glow is followed by the object momentarily lifting itself off the table, floating in mid-air, but soon falls back down. It attempts multiple times but without prevail, almost as if it realized that continuing to do such an action is a futile effort.

"Everyone keep your guard up." Rias orders, taking a small step forward and positioning herself directly in front of the object once more. She may not know what that thing is, but she does know it is endeavoring to move around, ascertain a better understanding of its surroundings.

"The bulb! It's flicking." Gasper yells, pointing at the flickering, green bulb. It continues to flicker on and off multiple times with no sign of it stopping any time soon.

"ZZZZ… ints…. ZZZZZZZ… sures…. ZZZZZZ…" It grumbles.

"I think this thing is trying to say something?" Sona suggest.

"Maybe, or perhaps it is only trying to repeat some sort of message or recording." With each passing moment, the static begins to clear up, allowing for more of the supposed message to reveal, but static does remain, again reinforcing the fact this cubed object is damaged. With everyone on their toes, nobody takes their eyes of the object. Rias, taking one small step forward, slowly reaches out toward the object, about to touch once more.

"ZZZZZ… ity…. ZZZZZ… vorable…. sures. ZZZZZZZZ… Warning." It finally makes out a coherent word. Rias pulls back her hand. "By order of the Ecumene council, proximity to… ZZZZZZZ… the Foundry Installation is… ZZZZZZZ… forbidden and will result in unfavorable…. ZZZZZZZZ…. counter-measures. Please… ZZZZZZ… move to a minimal safe distance… ZZZZZZZZ… of one light year. Defense systems… ZZZZZZ… have been authorized, and you now have…. ZZZZZZZ…. 60 seconds to adhere to this one and final… ZZZZZZ… warning."

"It's a message." Asia concludes, the message repeating itself.

"It's a warning." Sona corrects, moving over toward Rias, with everyone else relaxing a bit, though are still on edge. "Even if it is a warning, it did say some interesting thing, wouldn't you say?"

"Interesting in one way to put it. But what I want to know is who is this warning intended for?"

"I don't think it was intended to for us specifically, but rather for anybody who ventured to close to this Foundry Installation." Tsubaki states.

"That thing did say to stay one light year away from that place. Isn't that, like, asking for a really far distance?" Issei ask, thinking about just how far that is.

"It is the distance light travels in one year, and light travels at 3*10^8 meters per second, so you can imagine how far it will travel in a year." Akeno answers.

"Whoa! That's a hell of a far distance."

"'Hell of a far distance' is one way to put it, but it is an extremely far distance, not to mention strange. Traveling the entire circumference of the Earth several times isn't even close to one light year, yet it warns us to maintain such an astronomical distance."

"And what is this Foundry Installation? I never heard of such a place. The only thought that comes to mind is an actual foundry where metal castings are molded." Xenovia adds. "But more importantly, what is this Ecumene Council? I've never heard of such a council. Have you ever heard of it, Akeno?"

"I can't say that I have. And I don't think Rias, Sona, or any of us have ever heard of this Ecumene Council." Xenovia looks around, and all the club members confirm what Akeno is saying. The group continue to converse with one another, each attempting to unriddle the objects warning, but with their limited knowledge about the Foundry Installation and Ecumene Council, none of them expect to reach a conclusion any time soon. All the while, Rias, Sona, Tsubaki, and Akeno are conversing with each other about the same manner, speculating more on the message and what it is asking for. Even with the use of magic, those for know just how hard it is to reach relativistic speeds. Plus, there is little information about such magic, with the only source being what people have studied in the sciences. The object continues to repeat the message periodically to the point the occupants in the rooms begin to tune it out. They do notice once it stops abruptly.

"Running Diagnostics. Sustained… ZZZZZ… massive collateral damage. Outer shell compromised. Internal circuitry… ZZZZZ… compromised. Shut down … ZZZZZZZ… is imminent. Activate…. ZZZZZZZ… Restart setting. Restoring… ZZZZZZ…. all sentinel functions." The object announces, the green, blinking light stopping as a steady green light now exist. It gently twists itself to ascertain a better view of the red-headed individual standing in front of it, with the student council president standing behind her. It stared at her, without saying anything, but not out of weariness but more from elatedness.

"Success…" It whispered to itself, inaudible to the others but definitely hearing tangible words. Its voice exponentially gains more decibels. "Finally, after all these years…. ZZZZZ…. The plan—her plan—was… ZZZZZZZ… a success." It celebrates as its voice teems with excitement, joy, relief, and awe.

"It… it talked." Rias, Sona, and the others exchange bewildered expressions, not expecting for this object, which can now be identified as a machine, to speak to them with some level of intelligence. Rias's expression solidifies, straightening herself out.

"Are you some sort of recording?" The object looks at her—it can't twist itself very much, but Rias tell it is looking at her.

"No, I am not, Interloper, but I can comprehend why you would thing so after hearing me repeat the warning." Rias slightly leans backwards, her eyes somewhat narrowing. It hasn't talked for long, but Rias is not fond of the machine's choice of word referring to her. For someone like her, an heir to a powerful house and her pride to uphold, this is nothing less than an insult to her.

"Then identify yourself." She commands.

"Oh! I apologies for… ZZZZZZZ… not making my designation known. Allow me to…ZZZZZZZZ… introduce myself. I am 2756 Derision Solace, one… ZZZZZZZ… of two Monitors of the Foundry Installation."

"Monitor? Like a caretaker?" Sona questions.

"Why yes. Myself and the other…. ZZZZZZ… monitor, 3407 Melancholic Retribution, were charged… ZZZZZZZ… to run and maintain the Foundry… ZZZZZZ… Installation; however, we have… ZZZZZZ… been waiting for the Reclaimers… ZZZZZZZZZZ… for such a long time that we fallen… ZZZZZZZ… into a state of… rampancy, causing us to neglect… ZZZZZZZ… our duties and eventually abandon the… ZZZZZZ… Installation, leaving us in a state of 'boredom,' venturing through the void of space." Derision explains, himself taking notice of the static interruptions constantly occurring.

"Wait. Did you say space? As in, like, outer space?" Issei interrupts, wanting to make sure he heard Derision correctly.

"Yes. Myself and the other…. ZZZZZ…. monitor have been traveling… ZZZZZZ… in a rampant state for 3…. ZZZZZZZ… millennia if my sensors are functioning… ZZZZZZ… properly. Luckily, I did end up rebooting back all… ZZZZZZZ… sentinel function, though it is tragic to know I…. ZZZZZZZZ…. am at the end of my operational service." Its bulb-eye flickers once. "But I am most content knowing…. ZZZZZZZ… that our plan to save the galaxy…. ZZZZZZZ… was a success."

"'Save the galaxy?'" Sona repeats, obviously taking an acute interest and concern in Derision's last spoken sentence. "What do you mean by that? And what is this plan?"

"It is as what I say, Interloper. The galaxy was at risk… ZZZZZZZZ… of being consumed; however, we were… ZZZZZZZ… victorious against all odds, allowing for the rest of… ZZZZZZZ… her plans to take enact. No other …ZZZZZZZ… Forerunner could surpass her in her brilliance, not even someone like the… ZZZZZZ… Diadact." Derision explains, letting out new tidbits of information. Akeno leans forward towards Rias, her hand shielding her mouth.

"Have you ever heard of a Diadact?" Shewhispers.

"No, but I do know that it's Greek for leader, but the way Derision said it made it sound like the name of a person." They both kept Diadact in mind. Both devils feel like that name holds great importance if Derision is holding whoever the Diadact is in great regard. They also know that there is another person who excels more than this Diadact. Regardless, both will keep listening keenly. Rias is sure Sona and Tsubaki are doing the same.

"And what did this plan entail? Does it have any relation to the Great War with the Three factions?" Sona continues.

"Great War? Three Factions? I don't… ZZZZZZZZ… believe I understand. You doubt you are referring… ZZZZZZZZZ… to the Forerunner-Human war, so negative. The… ZZZZZZZZZZ… plan has no relation to the factions… ZZZZZZZZ… you are referring to." Everybody in the room took notice to what the monitor has revealed. Forerunner-Human War. They know now when Derision says Forerunner, he means it more in the sense it is a species of organism on par with humans in terms of intelligence—they are sentient. But no records have ever mention these Forerunners. Angel, Devils, Fallen Angels, and Forerunners? The occupants in the room don't know what to make of this new information other than encouraging Rias and Sona to look through some old records stored in Hell to see if there is any mention of a species named Forerunners.

"If this plan in not referring to the Great War, then what does this plan entail?" Rias questions Derision this time, sounding sterner than before, something most people in the room pick up on, especially Akeno.

"The activation of the Halo Array, of course."

And there is it, the mention of the most powerful of the Forerunner inventions. Unfortunately, the devils in the room have no knowledge of what the Halo Array is. The way Derision spoke to them in a matter-of-fact basis conveys the idea they already know what Derision is talking about. Rias, Sona, Akeno, and Tsubaki have noticed this by the way her talks, but the others are preoccupied with the other bits of information Derision has revealed.

"I am not the only one who heard him right. That Derision has been traveling for 3000 years." Issei quietly speaks, seeking confirmation from the others.

"I heard him, Issei." Asia whispers. "But I still find it hard believe. If Derision Solace comes from space and has been traveling for 3000 years, does that mean…"

"That aliens exist." Koneko finishes, taking yet another bite from her chocolate. "I always knew there were other life living beyond earth, disregarding Angels, Devils, Fallen Angels and the other religious denominations. I'm sure Rias and Sona have already came to that conclusion. What do you make of all of this, Kiba?"

"I'm not sure. I wonder if the Devil Kings, Michael, or Azazel know about this."

"I have never read about aliens in the church." Xenovia adds. "I did know about the other denominations, but aliens from another planet with technology capable of creating artificial intelligence is something I never expected."

"I wonder why these aliens never attempted to contact us." Issei shares.

"Perhaps we will learn if we continue to listen the conversation with Derision and the president." Kiba recommends. The group focus their attention back to the club and student council presidents.

"Derision Solace, you speak as if we would know what the Halo Array is, but the truth is we don't., If you don't mind us asking, would you enlighten us on the nature of the Halo Array." Akeno asks humbly.

"My apologies. It was foolish…. ZZZZZZZ…. of me to assume meddlers like yourselves… ZZZZZZZZZ… would know about the Forerunner's inventions, especially surrounding the importance of the… ZZZZZZZZZZ… Halo Array."

"Derision," Rias starts. "The way you keep referring us as meddlers or interlopers is quite offensive, especially when you are addressing two heirs to powerful houses in the Underworld." Derision only stare, taking time to weighing her statement.

"Oh dear. Your species has grown quite… ZZZZZZ… dramatic over the last several millennia, but my terminology is accurate. My scans… ZZZZZZ… have indicated that while you do maintain a…. ZZZZZZZ…. human appearance, you…. ZZZZZZ…. are not human, so meddler or interloper would… ZZZZZZZZZ… be the most-accurate term to describe you and most of your… ZZZZZZZZ… acquaintances."

"If that is the case, then who isn't a meddler."

"Why that would… ZZZZZZZZ… be the Reclaimers." Rias lets out her breath. She is starting to find Derision annoying, making her wonder if she met another one like him, would they be as annoying and insulting as him.

"And who are these Reclaimers? What are they supposed to reclaim?"

"As of now, Humanity currently carries the… ZZZZZZZZZ… status as Reclaimers; inheritors of everything the… ZZZZZZZZZ… Forerunners left behind and… ZZZZZZZZZ… rightful heirs to the Mantle. Bio scans have revealed … ZZZZZZZZZZ…. you are nothing more than a… derivative of the… ZZZZZZZ… humans, therefore classifying you and most of the… ZZZZZZZZZ… occupants in this room as meddlers." Rias eyes begin burn with rage. Not only has this monitor dared to call her a meddler—giving the idea she is venturing out into unknown lands like some sort of child—but has also insulted her by calling her and her peerage as sub-human. Everyone in the room noticed the change in power around her; the air itself becoming denser. A lone hand then places itself on her shoulder, calming her down a bit as she turns around.

"What she means to say is, can you carry on with your explanation about the nature behind this Halo Array?" Akeno inserts herself, allowing Rias to calm herself down.

"Why yes. I will be delighted… ZZZZZZZ… to share what I am allowed; however, I … ZZZZZZZZZ… don't possess all the information… ZZZZZZZZZ… regarding those installations. If you wish… ZZZZZZZ…for more information… ZZZZZZZZZ… regarding the Halo Installations and Installation-00, I would recommend… ZZZZZZ… speaking with a monitor charged… ZZZZZZZZ… with an Installation. As… ZZZZZ… I was saying, The Halo Array is our final attempt… ZZZZZ… to save the galaxy, consisting of… ZZZZZZZZZ… seven planetary-sized, ring-shaped… ZZZZZZZZ… installations scattered across the galaxy." Rias and Sona don't show it, but they are surprised to learn about the rings. They would have never imagined for planet-sized rings to be created. They don't think each faction or anyone else can do something like that. The rest feel the same, only increasing their amazement with the Forerunners.

"Something that is planet-sized must have a grand purpose. What exactly to these rings do?" Sona inquires. It is at this point where the tone and flow of the conversation begins to change as none of them are prepared to learn the truth about what the Halos can do.

"Each installation has… ZZZZZZZ… a 25,000-light-year radius purposed… ZZZZZZZZ… to sterilize large regions… ZZZZZZZZ… of the galaxy."

"Sterilize?" Tsubaki repeats, already not liking how Derision described a Halo—the description of the radius, a large one at that, classifying a Halo ring as some sort of weapon. The rest also felt the same, with Gasper and Asia scooting closer to Issei, Koneko stopping herself from eating more candy, and Kiba and Xenovia paying closer attention to the conversation. Rias and Akeno Do the same, but they do this more subtlety. Sona and Tsubaki readjust their glasses. 'What do you mean by that?"

"It is as I… ZZZZZZZZZ… said. The sterilization process involves… ZZZZZ… the complete destruction of the organism's nervous system. With each… ZZZZZZZ… ring tuned to fire simultaneously at Installation-00, the… ZZZZZZZ… harmonics of the overlapping waves of each ring will amplify, covering every known star system in… ZZZZZZZ… the galaxy."

"Wait a minute." Issei interrupts, running up to Derision. "Are you saying that if these rings are some sort of super weapon capable of eradicating all life in the galaxy?" Everybody waited in silence for the answer.

"Not everything. Plants do not possess… ZZZZZZZZ… a nervous system, therefore are unaffected by the… ZZZZZZZZ… blast." Derision corrects, though nobody cared about that at this point.

"In other words, everything caught in the blast radius and with a nervous system will die." Rias asks, seeking confirmation.

"Yes. I realize what…. ZZZZZZZZ… a full activation of the Halo Array would mean. Regardless, it would still be… ZZZZZZZZ… a victory none-the-less." It takes a while for the magnitude of what Derision has revealed to sink in with everybody. Gasper, outright terrified as to the revelation of the existence of the Halo superweapon, withdrawals to the safety of his box. Sona and Tsubaki allow manage to maintain a stoic expression but are overcome with worry. Rias and Akeno looks at each other in concern, each one planning on endeavoring to know what to do next. Kiba, Koneko, and Xenovia remain still, each one having difficulty accepting this revelation. Asia, unsatisfied and horrified about this, moves past Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki to join Issei.

"Why would your creators do that?! What can they possibly gain from killing all life in the galaxy?!" She exclaims, tears starting to well up in the corner of her eyes.

"I do not understand…. ZZZZZZ… your astonishment. You… ZZZZZZ… already know what the full array activation means."

"What…?" Asia breaths out, everybody's attention focusing on her.

"How couldn't you have… ZZZZZZZ… known? You were… ZZZZZZZ…there each step of the way as the… ZZZZZZZ… we managed this crisis. I… ZZZZZZZZ… explained what the Halo Array is to these meddlers… ZZZZZZZ… solely because you were… ZZZZZZZZ… here. Surely you remember."

"No… No…. I don't know what you are talking about." She quickly turns to face the others. "I don't know what Derision is talking about." Asia argues, shaking her head stepping away, lone tears beginning to drip down her cheeks.

"Why would … ZZZZZZ… you be surprised with something… ZZZZZZZ… we have already…. ZZZZZZZ… done. You know why… ZZZZZZ…. we had to enact a full-scale… ZZZZZZZ… activation of the Halo… ZZZZZZ… Array: To…. ZZZZZ…. stop the…. ZZZZZZ…spread of… ZZZZZZ…. the… ZZZZZ… par… ZZZZ… as… ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ… ite…. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ… D… ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ…." The monitor's voice starts to die away as a static overcomes his voice functions. The green light illuminating from its eye slowly dimming away until a pitch black is all that remains with no more static coming from it, leaving behind a broken monitor. However, everyone else has their eyes on Asia, who has turned to face everybody, tears still on her eyes and cheeks.

"I… I… I wasn't there! I don't know what Derision is talking about; I wasn't alive back then! Please, you have to believe me!" She shudders, turning around and clinging onto Issei, who wraps his arms around her and starts running his hand through her hair.

"Hey, don't worry. We all believe you. I sure Derision didn't know what he was talking about."

"Issei is right. Derision was heavily damaged when we found him, which must have affected his processors, but you have nothing to worry about, Asia. You have nothing to worry about." Rias reassures her. Eventually, she pulls herself away from Issei, rubbing away the tears in her eyes. "Derision may be gone, but he has left us with vital information." Rias begins, her voice lacking any compassion or love when she was speaking to Asia.

"For starters, there are seven planet-sized, ring-shaped, galaxy destroying super weapons just floating about in space?" Sona fills in in a matter-of-fact tone. "Not to mention there are a race called the Forerunners capable of building sentient robot, with one notable individual called the Diadact."

"He also mentioned humanity being the Forerunner's successors." Koneko adds. "And suppose to inherit something called the Mantle."

"However," Sona speaks once more. "It is what Derision implied that reveals the most vital piece of information. He said the galaxy was saved thanks to the Halo Array and seemed quite ecstatic when he first started speaking. If that is the case, then we can assume the Halo Array was activated at least once." Everyone stops an looked over at Sona, realizing what she just revealed.

"But that would me all life in the galaxy would have been exterminated." Xenovia attempts to reason with her logic.

"Yes, you're right, but we are here. Derision explained he has been waiting for others at his installation for quite some time and was ecstatic to see us, implying that he must have been alone with the other monitor for a very long time. This is all speculation, but I am going out on a limb to say the rings were fired at least once. How we are still here after the firing is a mystery, and one where we will never uncover, but that is not important now. What is important is why someone would build and fire a galaxy-destroying weapon in the first place." She adjusts her glasses once more, turning around and facing the rest of Rias's peerage, a serious, stern expression on her. "His last sentence was broken up, but piecing it together, he said to stop the Parasite." There is now silence in the room. Each person is attempting to understand what Derision meant by the parasite. They can assume this "parasite" was the reason why the Forerunners activated the Array, but they don't quite understand the magnitude of such a claim. Issei and Asia eventually return with the others, conversing about the recent events and their thoughts with Akeno and Tsubaki joining them, leaving Rias and Sona by themselves.

"You do realize what this means?" Sona starts off with a silent voice.

"That there are more things to worry about then maintaining this peace treaty and fighting the Khaos Brigade."

"There's that, but also the fact we have no way for us to find these Rings if they are just floating around in in the vacuum of space several thousand light-years away."

"Perhaps this is an indication that reaching the stars is a possibility. IF these Forerunners accomplished it, then it could mean we could as well, given time of course."

"Perhaps." Sona muses. "However, what's on my mind more is regarding what Derision exclaimed. I wouldn't dismiss what he said to Asia." Rias hastily turns to look at her. "I realize Derision was damaged, but I don't think it was to the point where he would have confused Asia with another person. If you ask me, I feel Derision knew who he was talking to." Sona accuses.

"Are you saying Asia might have actually been where Derision claims she was?" Rias reiterates Sona's point, annoyance found in her tone.

"No, But I wouldn't disregard his statements as nonsense. Perhaps there is more going on than we originally thought, and it might have something to do with Asia, even if she is unaware."

"So you think Asia might have something to do with what Derision claimed? That she is somehow mixed up with these Forerunners?"

"I believe so. it is worth investigating, but this is all speculation, and with no leads to go off on I doubt we will ever obtain answers." Rias turns her attention back towards Derision's remains. She doesn't believe there is something going on with Asia, but after learning about the galaxy's most powerful superweapon, one could say she has an open mind. She knows Asia hasn't been alive for 3000 plus years—biology could help prove this—but the way Derision spoke to her does raise some question, questions that she will never get answers to—at least, not for the time being. However, the idea doesn't fade from her mind so quickly. The idea Asia might have some sort of connection to the Forerunners is there, but seems rather unlikely for a 16-year-old girl turned devil.

"Then what do you purpose?"

"There isn't much we can do. We should bring Derision's body to your Sirzechs, explain everything Derision has shared with us and see what he thinks."

"I guess that is the best option we have. I hate to admit it, but I don't see us doing much, and I doubt my brother or the other Devil Kings can do much if these rings are in outer space far beyond our Solar System, but it won't hurt if we inform them. However, you do realize we will have to see Lady Leviathan also."

"… I am aware of that…" A lone sweat tear can be found dripping down the side of Sona's head.

"Very well, I will go and see him at once."

"I… will go, too. As much as I don't want to, this is too big to pass off just because of my… complications with my older sister. However, I will leave informing the Devil Kings regarding Asia's supposed involvement at your discretion. She is your bishop in your peerage, so it should be left up to you how you want to handle this matter regarding her."

"I appreciate that, Sona. We should get moving. Everyone, gather around, we are going to go to the Underworld to inform the Devil Kings about these series of events. Issei, I want you to grab Derision's body. We are going to bring it to my brother as proof to what we are about to share with him." Rias announces with everybody gathering around the two heiresses with Issei first grabbing Derision. Rias and Sona both raise their hands in the air, causing a large magic circle to appear beneath everybody before vanishing the next second, leaving the Occult Research Club room empty.

In some part of the world with lush forestry and tall plateau mountains, a monitor's eye begins to fade into blackness, leaving behind its cubical body as all sentinel functions cease to exist with a silvered-haired devil standing before it. The kept a blank expression as the monitor dies before him, skepticism surrounding his demeanor as he analyzes everything the monitor has explained before its death. He doesn't dwell on his thought long as another personage carrying a long staff riding a yellow cloud approaches from behind.

"So what are your thoughts on this, Vali? The look on your face tells me you don't completely believe what Melancholic Retribution revealed to us." The personage comments to the silver-hair devil named Vali. Vali remains silent, still attempting to put his thoughts on the matter.

"Isn't the fact something like Melancholic Retribution exist proof everything he said has validity, Bikou?" A female voice answers for Vali. The person named Bikou straightens himself up and turns around to better view the woman wearing a kimono who answered, who is lying down on top of a branch on the only tree that can be found on the plateau they are standing on. Standing at the base of the tree is a well-dressed, blonde-haired individual lost his thoughts regarding the information revealed to him. "It is not every day we see a robot crash land on Earth, only to reveal the existence of superweapons somewhere in space?"

"So you believe in what that machine has told us, Kuroka. What about you, Arthur?" Bikou approaches the tree, to which Kuroka arises from her lied-down position, jumping off of the branch and landing in front him, a smile curving into existence.

"It is certainly a possibility." Arthur shares.

"He didn't seem to be lying; he seemed pretty ecstatic see us when he 'woke' up. Besides, there are Angels, Devils, Asgardians, Dragons, Gods, Nekomatas , etcetera, etcetera, so I don't see a reason why we can't add aliens and sentient robots to that list." Kuroka shares as she walks pass Bikou, approaching Vali from behind as both gaze at the fallen monitor. She steps forward, raising her right foot to slightly kick the hunk of metal in the same fashion a child would poke at dead animal with a stick—curious. "Don't you think it is kind of interesting we are not alone in this galaxy. I know there are factions I have listed, but you know what I mean. Makes we wonder if we can possibly get our hands on one of these Halos to help accomplish our goals; be a very neat and destructive stick to bargain with." She muses, crouched down as she continues to play around with the metal remains of the monitor.

"At the cost of all life in the galaxy." Vali finishes, noticing Kuroka's failure to mention that important detail. "Whether or not I believe what that machine has revealed and use one of these Halos to our advantage, how are we supposed to find one, let alone find a way to travel to one? We have no problem teleporting around the world using magic, and the Dimensional Gap has been useful in traveling between dimensions, but I doubt our magic can teleport us thousands of light-years through space, not mentioning the issues associated with the vacuum of space." Vali reasons, looking down at both the monitor and Kuroka. At this point, Bikou and Arthur walk forward to join them in the conversation.

"Heads up, you two. Look like we have company." Vali and Kuroka did not need Bikou to inform them about another presence for they both already knew she arrived—for powerful entities like them, they would have to try hard to not notice the power of this individual. Kuroka stands up from her crouched position as all of them watch the black-dressed, gothic, Lolita-fashion girl slowly approach them, her ever-present vacant expression the first thing they witness, giving off an impression of curiosity.

"Ophis. What brings you here?" Arthur inquires. The young girl named Ophis stops a foot away from them, looking on at the four individuals, slightly tilting her head, but also looking like she is looking past them.

"No particular reason. I was curious as to what you four were up to." She answers in an apathetic tone, continuing her approach towards the four Khaos Brigade members. It isn't until she is closer her gaze shifts downward at the item of interest next to Kuroka. Her eyes widen slightly as distant memories of the past all flood forward in an instant. "A monitor… that brings back so many memories." She muses. Vali steps forward.

"Ophis, do you know what that machine is?"

"That there is a monitor, a caretaker to whatever installation those Fools assigned it to. But I don't recall any monitor being here on Earth?" She spaces out, looking out at the scenery attempting to remember if her last claim is valid.

"Fools… are you, by chance, referring to the creators of the monitor?" Arthur asks. Ophis looks over in Arthur's direction, once again spacing out before returning to the broken monitor.

"I assume the monitor has graced you four with knowledge lost to time. Annoyingly helpful as always. The Fools I am referring to are indeed its creators: The Forerunners." She answers, allowing for the four members to know what she thinks of the Forerunners just by how she is referring to them. She looks over to Vali, who does have a somewhat apathetic expression, but she can tell what on his mind for that is the same look she always has—looking apathetic, but having interest in certain things or topics. "Go ahead, Vali. Share with us what's on your mind. Your expression tells me that much." A weak smile starts to form on her lips, though it is not because she is experiencing any form of felicity.

"The Halo Array. What can you tell us about it?" He starts off, wanting confirmation about what the monitor has revealed to him and his allies.

"The Halo Array." Ophis repeats in a quieter tone, saying in more for herself than for them—more memories of the past resurfacing once more. She slightly lifts her head up, looking right at Vali, or perhaps looking past him like he is in the way. "The final-resort plan the Forerunners created to ensure their pyrrhic victory: The use of seven halo-shaped superweapons capable of eradicating all life across the galaxy—an admittance to their failures and an affront to their beliefs." Ophis explains, letting out a small "hmpf," finding something amusing or funny in her last comment.

"So everything that monitor said was true? Talk about a big revelation for us, but what I want to know is who else knows about this? The Halos? The Forerunners? Everything." Arthur steps forward, asking her in a somewhat hastened state. Normally would keep a calm demeanor, but having confirmation of the existence of the most powerful weapons to ever existed has only produced more questions for him, as with everybody else.

"Like I said, this kind of information has been lost to time, and memories of such a time has faded from my mind, but now that I think about it, some memories are returning. If you are wondering about the when, I can tell you it all happened before the different mythologies had established themselves in the world. With different gods and entities altogether."

"How long ago was that?" Ophis looks up towards the dark skies, wondering whether she can remember everything she was told and saw. She again tilts her head slightly while looking at the skies.

"About 100,000 years ago, give or take a few hundred years. Only God, the original Devil Kings, and myself knew of the Forerunners' existence. We came to an agreement to keep this information from anybody else after the firing of the Rings, but seeing that they are dead, and you four have gained a testimony of this, I might as well tell you what I know." A small coy smiles forms. "It's not like any of you can do anything with the information I share with you, though." She remarks; however, all of them didn't pay much attention to that last detail as they were more occupied with another comment/truth she has revealed.

"So the rings were fired. It seems that much we can determine given what you and that monitor have revealed. But what I want to know is for what purpose? The monitor didn't get around to saying the main reason, but you know, don't you?" Vali accuses. Her coy, soft smile did flatten upon his accusation, but more so because of what the reasons why the Array had to be fired—not offended. Ophis looks over to the monitor once more before turning her attention back to the others, all keenly listen to whatever she is going to say.

"They fired it to stop those aberrations from devouring everything." Her expression becomes apathetic as always with no sign of her coy smile anywhere, looking intently at the dark skies once more, as if she is looking for something or looking at something. Vali also notices something off about how she looks. Granted she always looks apathetic, but there is something different about this apathy. It is almost like Ophis might be…

"I won't go too much into details, but at one point, the Forerunners were one of the most powerful species in the galaxy, having giant metal bird-like metal creatures to help 'protect' less advance species."

"Bird-like metal monsters?" Arthur repeats.

"Yes. One monster can easily police an entire solar system. Their armies, however, were quite powerful. If I had to rank their army's power, it would be more powerful than Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels armies combined. However, this is not to say they could ever challenge me. For a dragon god like myself, their armies posed more of a nuisance than a threat—disturbing my silence all those years ago, so he and I came to an agreement: They won't involve themselves with me and leave me to my silence, and I wouldn't involve myself in their affairs. He was quite displeased with the outcome. I found it rather cute; his anger, that is." Ophis allows herself once more to form a weak, coy smile like she is remembering a fond memory.

"He?" Kuroka questions.

"The Didact: The leader of the Forerunner's armies: the Prometheans. Even with his Promethean army, they were no match against those abominations and that traitorous, defected Intelligence." She explains, remembering yet another piece of vital information in the form of the legendary Contender-Class A.I. "Soon after, the galaxy itself was slowly becoming infected. She and His Other Iteration speculated space-time itself has become infected."

"She?" Bikou points out.

"The Librarian, a life worker and most intelligent of the Forerunners, more so than her husband, the Didact. In any case, all of their problems and commotion didn't involve me… at the time."

"At the time?" This time, Arthur pointing out her word choice.

"I was perfectly content with my silence in the Dimensional Gap; keeping out their problems from my home. That is until those abominations started gaining access to it. Normally, nothing can survive without the use of a magic barrier, but they started to become more intelligent, managing to find a way survive without magic. It was not long before those aberrations started to trespass." Her tone slightly shifting downward, very hard to recognize if one didn't have a keen sense of hearing like Vali or Kuroka. "I didn't like that. It was then there I found myself engaging them."

"You battled them?!" Kuroka exclaiming, surprised to hear the infinite dragon god had done battle.

"Yes, I battled them to keep them out of the Dimensional Gap, taking the battle out into the human realm. I, however, lost track of time, not knowing if I was battling them for one week, one month, or one year. I do remember no matter how many Earth-shattering attacks I made, terraformed entire continents, and destroyed the very landmasses and natural structures, their numbers were infinite, reaching a point I thought nobody could ever reach: a stalemate." Ophis was still looking up at the sky, never moving her gaze away. Vali and the other are still processing what Ophis is revealing to them—that these aberrations were strong enough to hold their own against the infinite dragon god other than Big Red. Ophis continues, oblivious. "I only had a brief respite before we started going at it again; me attacking and changing the very landscape itself and them throwing their pestilent bodies at me, utilizing more powerful weapons and methods as the battle wore on."

"Our stalemate ended when the Didact's ships arrived with his 'new' Promethean army, to which I boarded one of his ships before he made his tactical retreat. It was not long after the Didact was imprisoned, leaving God, the Devil Kings, and myself on Requiem after the rings were fired. We eventually left that shielded world and returned to Earth, where our agreement was made." Each member is handling the new influx of information differently. Bikou was in awe, glad and shocked at what she shared with him. Kuroka was more or less on edge after hearing everything that the expression she wore was less than a felicitous one, and one more stoic. Arthur kept his gaze on Ophis, still handling everything he has learned in a calm manner. Vali kept his gaze on the stars, wondering about everything he has learned, knowing that there is another entity capable of being on par with one of the most powerful being in existence.

"If everything you shared is true, then how exactly are we here then? If life was exterminated at one point, then how can anybody be here?" Vali begins.

"That was part of the plan set by the Librarian. Once the rings were fired and a set amount of time passed, species 'indexed' by her would be reintroduced back to their worlds, allowing for life to flourish once more. She told us that much. Until then, the galaxy was a very quiet place, almost reminiscent of the silence found in the Dimensional Gap that I traveled between both. It was nice while it lasted. Gave me time to ponder on what she has told me, along with the truths revealed by It."

"And what exactly did you learn from her?" This time, Ophis redirects her gaze towards Arthur, he only human on Vali's team, tilting her head slightly as her curiosity takes ahold of her once more as the information shared with her by interesting individuals begins to resurface.

"I am sure that monitor has already told you, but humanity holds the status of reclaimers." She is still looking at Arthur, who is turn keeps his stare on her.

"The monitor did say something like that. He kept referring to Arthur as a reclaimer: inheritor of everything its creators has left behind. He referred to Kuroka, Bikou, and myself as meddlers or interlopers."

"Exactly. Right towards the end of their war, the Librarian decided to leave their creations, their weapons, their Halos, to humanity. They will be their successors and will rise above everybody: Devils, Angels, Fallen Angels, Asgardians, the other mythologies, etc." Ophis brings her pointer finger upward to her face, like she is going to make a statement. "The decision is final. Humans will replace you. Humans will be tested next." She quotes from memory, not too surprising for her considering It was the one who told Ophis that piece of information.

"Test?" Arthur questions. He didn't think his curiosity could go any higher—none of them did—but Ophis just keeps unveiling new information.

"To determine if humanity is worthy to hold The Mantle of Responsibility, something those Fools held in the highest Regard. Ironic how it all ended for them—an action that oppose everything the Mantle upholds with the Halos being the ultimate symbol of their ignominy. If humanity passes the Test, they will be rewarded with the Mantle; a stewardship over all life in the galaxy. In other words, they will be the most powerful beings in the galaxy, above every faction and mythology." She walks past them, away from the monitor and looking out at the scenery, allowing for the others to absorb the knowledge she dumped on them. Humanity has never posed that much of a challenge to the three factions and the mythologies. They were always at the mercy of them and not much could be done other than to involve themselves with the church, and even then, many are no match against an angel, fallen angels, and devils. There are exceptions like Arthur and that corrupt priest, but overall, humans are rather fragile.

"I find that hard to believe." Kuroka spits out, resisting to urge to laugh as she steps forward from the group. "No offense to Arthur, but humans, as a whole, have never been that strong to begin with. They may have some redeeming qualities and have impressive weaponry like nuclear bombs, but you can't seriously make me believe those weaklings will ever rise to power. Who even told you human will rise to power? This Librarian character?" It is true that the Librarian hinted towards such a notion, but she wasn't the first person to tell Ophis this truth. He slowly turns towards Kuroka and walks towards her. Kuroka didn't like this because something was different in Ophis. She did again wear an apathetic expression as always, her empty eyes locked onto the former Nekoshou turned devil, but something is definitely different, and Kuroka notices it, like Ophis now has a reason for her apathetic views. Or perhaps it is something more troublesome?

"The Gravemind." She reveals in an intentional flat tone—everyone did notice.

"What the hell is a Gravemind?" Kuroka croaks. Ophis blankly stares.

"A single intelligence inhabiting multiple instances… fonts of malign intelligence… a monument of our sins."

"What? What the hell does that mean?"

"It was during my small respite from battle the Gravemind and I held a conversation, where I learned some very invaluable revelations. It shared with the me nature of the Flood, the very things the Halo Array is supposed to destroy; an ancient, inexorable evil. I won't go too much into the details in consideration of your safety." She warns, remembering the tail she heard about the humans who learned the truth about the Flood and took their own lives—Ophis only became slightly depressed when she heard the truth. "The Gravemind desires only one thing: Peace. It feeds on intelligence and continues to grow until its intelligence matches my power, perhaps even more, being able to utilize very powerful technology not understood by anybody, not even myself. Its only desire is to consume everything in the galaxy to bring about a singular salvation. It almost accomplished its goal of taking over control of all life in the galaxy, but you three should know what happened before it could accomplish its goal: The rings were fired, resetting the galaxy." She brings her hand up to her face, examining it, wondering about it, or rather, something more obvious. "It revealed many things, but I am only going to tell you of two for now. As much as I don't appreciate it, the very act of God, the Devil Kings, and myself moving into the safe combines of a shielded world like Requiem reveals our vulnerability to a Halo, meaning that I am susceptible to a Flood infection. I would also assume the same applies to Big Red as well. All living creatures are vulnerable to a flood infection, and I don't know anybody who is immune to it. Second, right before we reassumed are fight, the Gravemind revealed yet another truth, a truth that bears more weight than anything I have learned over the years, making me question my origins."

"What exactly did it reveal?" Vali inquires. Ophis let her hand dangle back down to her side, yet her gaze remains fixed as if her hand is still there. Vali and the others can see that Ophis is acting a bit strange ever since she brought up the Gravemind and Flood. Her eyes always seem empty, yet at this moment, there is no apathy present. It can be easy for someone to mistaken apathy with vacant seriousness. Once she returns to reality, after losing herself in thought about the long explanation the Gravemind revealed to her, she looks over to Vali, moving her gaze to Bikou, then Arthur, then Kuroka, then turning around to view the scenery once more, picturing the vibrant, lush wildlife covered in vomit-colored orange devoid of any life that comes with a blight land. She slowly turns around and faces the four once last time, her expression dead serious, deciding to shorten the long explanation into a single sentence to explain the magnitude of what Ophis has learned.

"We are the last Precursors, and now, we are legion."

What do you all think about this One-shot? Like it? Hate it? Mixed?

Reviews are encouraged.

As for how the Flood can survive in the Dimensional Gap without magic, I will let Living Time and Neural Physics be my scapegoat.

Also, While I was writing this, A lot of thought came to my mind about these to universes. Some worth writing about and others better left in the mind. But here is one that I thought of.

Ophis vs Flood (Keymind)

*Not the Keyminds described in Halo Wars 2, but the original ones before their lore was significantly changed.