Authors Note;
Jester: Hey every one what's up it may be our second fan fic but I'm happy to say that we're continuing writing fan fic's. Also…
Smiles: DAMN IT you're sooo boring Jester just get to the story!
Jester shoots Smiles a look: As always with me is my loud mouth counter part Smiles. So like before we don't own the Metro franchise but like us many fans of the team that made this game love their work. So once again thanks for reading. Also we don't own anything about Metro but this story and any original characters.
Smiles laugh's sarcastically as Jester walks over to him with a bat.
Four months only that much time has passed since the Dark One's left the Metro. (Flashback) The little angel told me that before they left I was to be given a gift. Walking along side the herd of thirty maybe fifty older older than average aged Dark Ones I felt them press my mind. Each looking at how I was redeemed in the eyes of their child.
I still say I did not deserve it my mind screamed at me say, 'They only forgave you because they want you to suffer'. I felt like a monster I still remember what the little one said as we passed the Kremlin. Walking along the path the Dark Ones turned as the Watchmen looked out and howled as we pass. The little one only saying in my mind "They still fear you Artyom… they know what you can do. But do not worry they will not attack us".
Once the Little ones voice faded from my mind he stayed at my side. He knows I was punishing my self for causing such horror's to his kind. All of it happened because my fear drove me to fight the Dark Ones in my mind even when they just wanted to talk. They always trying to use a familiar environment to talk to me even guide me. They saved me and several other Spartan's from blowing up D6.
His small hand held mine just as I was about to activate the detonator, stopping me from detonating the explosives. I felt them all through my mind and seeing every action of right and wrong. As well as how to protect even kill to protect. Now the Dark Ones, the remaining ones want to give me a gift the same young man that was ordered by the Polis's colonel Miller to erase them. Seeing them as a threat to the order and the very safety of all of the Metro lines was a mistake.
Still I followed feeling that they will finally punish me for every wrong deed I have caused them. After what felt and probably was hours we arrived at a large collection of two story homes. A ways from most of the city, but with the large structures of the city still well in sight. Walking down the line of homes we stopped at a park. The Little One squeezed my hand to gain my attention. He spoke once more in my mind "Artyom once we get inside we can't leave until you gain our final gift. Then we most part but we will come back". Once his voice faded from my mind my body moved mechanically. Deep in the park me found an arch with old columns similar to the ones in the front of the great Library.
As we came closer I saw that the columns held up a large hexagon shaped roof. Nothing was around the structure the stood before us. Walking up the low steps in the very middle was a pond water dripping from the cracked and jiggered hole in the roof. I felt only a nudge as a large Dark Ones moved me to the pond. With out a word my body still on automatic I walked not just to the ponds edge but soon I was a walking in the waters.
Soon the various minds of different Dark Ones touch mine guiding me in a circle around the pond. Not allowing me to venture deeper into the pond or further the five steps in. Still circling the water began to spiral as more water dripped at a brisker pace from the roof. The only sound I heard was the familiar ping of water in my mind as a low growing hum came from around me. They water shivered at the hum as the hum reach its peak my left hand lowered pulling me into a sitting position in the water. Soon I went even lower until I was on my back.
Water cascading into the dry portions of my cloths and body armor. The water slowly altered as new footsteps entered the pond. A hand slowly nudged me as I began to float my gasmask came free but a quick inhale revealed an old smell to my nostrils. I could not place it but it quickly ended as the water enveloped my entire body. A small volt twitched the muscles in my left arm followed by a chill. As my world faded to the darkness the little one spoke to me. He only said a small phrase, "Soon long my friend your really are a guiding star". With the connections end came the slow sleep. I found my self-siting against one of the columns of the structure still dazed from what occurred. A low breeze brush against my face the brown bangs upon my brow moving only slightly.
A hand slowly came to my cheek feeling the rough glove at my face brought another chill to me. Snapping open on the though of suffocating I looked to see the gasmask that was once under my helmet now resting in my left hand. Lifting it I then notice my lungs breathing in the air not even taking notice of the air. Now within the light I saw that my left glove as no longer on my hand. It too was resting along my lap like the mask.
Going over the gloveless hand I saw a banner or marking along my wrist. A tree rose from the top of my hand empty branch's followed my fingers. After I looked closer I saw that the banner around my wrist was similar to the Metro tracks. The tree it self looked as if an artist of old carved it into my very skin. Still taking in the air with the sun warm rays splashing me I rose to a standing position.
Looking around I saw the one sling backpack that I carry to the side with an RPK rifle. Quickly going through the pack I put the mask in and pulled out the metal photo case. Sliding it to the side I saw the only photo to my past and the mother I lost as a child, along with my younger self. How I wish I could see her to tell her of what I've done to see if she would be understanding or disappointed.
Taking off the other glove to replace with a pair of fingerless fight gloves I slung the pack over my shoulder an walked back to the Metro. The words of all the conversations I had with the Little One echoing through my mind. If I did redeem my self I will not know cause now they were gone. Following the path back I soon became slightly sidetrack. I walked to various homes testing the doors to see if they would open with a light push or a kick.
Several remained wedged but the ones I did manage to get into gave me a lot to carry. One home hid an arsenal that could only compare to at least a small fraction of what D6 armory once was. I knew the trip back would be long but in the Metro survival is key. Looking over the weapons I saw some familiar RPK's, revolvers, even a few double barrel shotguns. My attention came to the body arm that was laid on the same workbench. It was odd bulky even but on touching it relieved that the pieces of the armor were removable. (Authors note; the armor looks like the COG gear armor mainly Tai's from the comic books series in the Pendulum wars).
The armor was a murky green it a large right oval arm shield. Flipping over the armor it hid another weapon from my sight earlier. Picking it up I found it to be some kind of assault rifle with a short shotgun mounted under the front portion of the gun. The side read Scar-master key, not fully aware of what this strange weapon was I choice to keep them. Redressing my self in to the new armor it was bulky but body fitting. As I picked up the so-called master key I brushed past my shoulder contempt to keep my RPK. The master key quickly made a snapped and latched on to the back of the armor.
Touching the gun I pulled it free from the armors grip eyeing it once again with wonder. Not one to say no to any kind of unique weapon I choose to keep the gun. Putting my own pack over the new armor I looked around to see if there was anything I missed. A small truck remained under the workbench.
Pulling it out kicked up a puff of dust even as I opened the truck. Inside rested a black bandana rapped around a large revolver. Holstering the revolver quickly, I quickly scooped up the rest of the weapons into one if the duffle bags I was carrying. Looking out the basements low window I saw the sun now hanging cross to the center of the sky. My watch was in Anna's care. As Khan, Miller, and myself raced back to D6 she was order to stay. Before entering the train car I unclipped the watch that indicated both light and time and passed it to her.
Once one the train the events to protect D6 from the Red Line began. After its end Miller lost both his legs, Khan vanished once more, an Ulman was badly injured. Losing his left arm along with shattering his right knee. But even as the rescue teams came to give aid the Dark Ones ushered me way to the surface to give me their final gift. With the large duffle bags full of what I found I know I would come back to salvage more items.
With the added weight I moved at a still walk, the sun now hung in the opposite side of where it once was. Along with the bandana I found and hassle gray blue goggles. Once over my eyes they adjusted to the light as I wrapped the bandana around my face. Then just next to the stair that lead back into house I saw my reflection. The murky green and brown armor complementing my brown bangs that poked out from under my green Spartan helmet. The word savoir resting on a small sticker that Ulman slapped to the side of the helmet one day. He only laughed as I looked at him perplexed by his action.
He only said "Every one will recognized 'The Savoir of the Metro' now"! His laughter caused me to give a small chuckle as I was still cleaning the old bastards gun. I looked at the sun after my slow walk around the basement testing my ability to carrying everything. I knew night would reach me before I got back. But I pushed on knowing that I had been gone for some time.
The cool but mild air slipped under some of the new armor but not much. Upon nightfall I save the armor give off a low green glow from the right arm shield, belt buckle, and skull design on the chest plate. Once more in the dark hallow grasp of the city streets a low huff came from some alleys as I passed. I kept my pace until several watchmen jumped out around me. Some resting on top as a dismantled truck the rest on the ground. I snapped to attention dropping the bags from my shoulders and hands to pull the master key from its locked state.
Freeing the gun from its safety I looked to see four slowly approaching me. One out side the four rushed me pulled the trigger I felt a four round burst erupted from the gun. The watchmen moaned in agony as one of the four killed it sparing it from any more anguish. Two of the four them ran at me looking for blood, dispatching one with a two bursts from the master key. The other close to my left, ducking back I switched to the shotgun mount. Chambering one round and firing a shot nearly point blank into its neck.
Blood splashed my armor the smell horrendous to my nostrils even with the bandana over my mouth and nose. Wiping a few droplets of blood from the hassle goggles I could see the remaining two of the original four huffing at one another. One giving a low growl the other clearly lost interest in me signaling the rest hidden in the shadows to move on to another target. With a few quick bonds they vanished into the darkness that closed around most of the city. Lifting the goggles from my eyes it became clear that these goggles allowed me to see sight better in different forms of light. Over joyed with this fact I resume the slow trudge back to D6.
As my trip continues I heard the huffing again after the watchmen left me. Before I could turn a watchman as on me the bags dropping free from my grip. Rolling me onto my back I was face to face with it. Before it could bring down a claw I stabbed its large jagged paw. The knife curved with a knuckle guard sank in its paw. Before it could double back and free its self I aim the heavy revolver to fire twice. The first round leaving a large graze mark its head the next on went through its arm.
The shoots echoed from various parts of the dead city as the watchman took this as a chance to flee. Back up I picked up the bags keeping the revolver in a free hand. The sun slowly rose as the darkness of the dead city was swept away by the amber warmth of the morning. Signaling to the creature of the night they will become visible. Walking through the waist high dry grass I could see several Spartan's at the D6 side bunker hole. A few raised the weapons at me while another signaled me to hold position. Before the lead Spartan could say a word I lowered the bandana, and goggles from my face.
Their faces quickly turn from stern to surprised see my face. One quickly said what they were all wondering, "Holy shit Artyom is that you get over here…Where the hell have you been friend Savoir"? With out anything else said I just told them to tell Miller of my return. Artyom, "Also let Gunny that I'm bringing him some weapons". With that I was escorted down the winding stairs the bags no longer adding to the weight of my personal backpack. Upon reaching the Armory I saw Gunny with a look of shock as I stepped through the sliding doors with two other Spartans next to me.
Gunny voice spoke his joy as he hopped over from behind the armories counter to hug me. Still bruised and battered from not only the battle for D6 but the three-day hick on the surface left me drained. I could only lightly pat his back to show him my joy. Gunny as we hugged said "Ill be damned a lot of the Spartans thought the Dark Ones were going to keep you after the whole vanishing act they did to you. Where did you go Artyom and more importantly how did you get that armor"?
Merely giving a low smile I said "The Dark Ones are gone but they left me with a few gifts to help humanity ever so slightly". With that the Spartan's dropped the bags on Gunny's armory counter. Bullets, a good number of guns and miscellanies parts were in the bag to Gunny's delight. Gunny "Artyom you should do more Stalker trip's to the surface. You have a eye for finding things my friend." Gunny was not wrong I did have an eye to find things, its was these same eyes that help me navigate through the city with next to no light even with Demon's and watchmen chasing after me.
Before I could say a word a familiar voice boomed on the loud speakers for the base. Speaker's "To any Spartans that are with Artyom escort him to me at once I'm in the hospital wing of the base". It was Colonel Miller his voice was the same tone as before but with a hitch to it. Soon the same Spartan's moved for me to follow them. Waving Gunny as I left I knew he wanted to ask more questions. As I walked I received glances of amazement and shock as it appeared many heard of my disappearance. Now they saw me in new armor walking to the elevator lift.
Ducking low as to not inflect any more injure to my already weakened state. Feeling both shoulders slack both knees twitching with exhaustion the two Spartans escorting me parted as to allow me the slouch against the chain linked window of the lift. Providing only a momentary leave before we had to exit and continue walking. Reaching a side stairway we walked into a chamber as the doors slide shut behind us. Quickly spraying an alcoholic vapor on us to my best guess it was disinfecting us before we were give access to the medical wing. After the door swung open an Elder member of the Polis Brahmin stood her arms folded in front of her with a warm smile.
The Brahmin spoke firm with a sweet after tone saying "Spartan's you may return to your post's Artyom you will come with me to speck with Colonel Miller". Following the Brahmins instruction with not a word more spoken we left the Spartan's. As I walked trying as well as the state I was in allowed, I tried to remain at the Brahmin's left side. Noticing my state but not giving me notice she slowed her pace still with a firm smile on her face. Brahmin "My boy you've been through much an a few of the Polis Council wish's to hear from you the ordeal's you've had to over come from when you left to deal with the last Dark One till now roughly two weeks later.
"We are also curious as to why they suddenly vanished with you. Miller nearly lost his mind he was planning to seen two squads to get you back". Giving off a chuckle she pushed past the two sets of door into a moderately lite room. Miller and Ulman both lay bandaged on bed's drug tubes in their arms. Above all the other low voices in the room Ulman spoke up "Heeeyy our favorite savior of the Metro is back plus you look like you went ten rounds with a demon. Some body give him a chair already." At that another Polis Elder handed me a metal chair allowing my backpack and weapon to be placed at my side. Miller's eyes never left me his stern look of not accepting any bullshit from any of his Spartan's. Next to him stood Anna her look was still but her eyes betrayed her. They were filled with worry and joy to see me.
A few more chairs were placed around in an oval design as three Spartan's left the room but only to stop just out side. They were standing guard leaving two to stand next to the inside of the room. Looking around I saw four more Polis Elders besides the one that guided me here initially to the room. Miller spoke up "Artyom before we begin I want to introduce you to the Elders of the Council that have taken an…hmm. Interest in your encounters through the Metro as well as with the Dark Ones. Next to you are the oldest of the Elder Brahmin's Catharine and Joseph". Joseph only bowed his head a wide smirk on his face, while Catharine spoke "I look forward to what you have to say young man".
Miller spoke once more with a hint or resolve as he spoke of the next three Elders. "Next on your right are the Commanders of the Spartan's… Commander Moore, Yult, as well as Commander Halt". Moore spoke for his two companions he and Yult were men well into the forty to fifties like Miller. While Halt was female she looked young not even out of the thirties.
Moore "Young man nearly all of the Metro has heard of the tales of a young man facing odds others would either flee or die from. If you would please indulge us in what has transpired within the last two and a half weeks for you. Leave nothing out". Thus my recollection began as word after word left my mouth my listener's interests grow. How could a young man not even in his late or middle twenties face such odds? From the Nazis capture to how I escaped, from my traverse along the surface to the theater.
Then Pavels betrayal of my trust leading to not only my second captures but escape. Along with my encounter with the gangs and the creatures that lurked in the marsh's. My short reunion with my fellow Spartans to dealing with the havoc of the quarantine. Then to the trip across the desolate remains of Moscow with the Little One. That was when Elder Catharine eyes showed real interest of how the Little One ability changed my vision for short periods. But she held back her questions anxious to say something due.
Finally ending with the battle for D6 and my journey to the park with the Dark Ones and receiving their final gift. As I eyed all my listeners Miller, Anna, and Ulman showed utter awe at my tale. While two of the Commanders smirked widely and Elder Catharine and Commander Halt had eager smiles on their faces.
Elder Catharine spoke "Well Artyom you have showed us above all else that you are resourceful, skilled, and you keep your task at hand no matter how the situation parameters change. With that and your new gifts... We are pleased to tell you that your rank will be changed you are now a specialist rank Spartan. You will be receiving orders from every Commander and Brahmin in this room.
"Colonel Miller you will remain here at D6 to coordinate surface Spartan teams. Spartan Anna you will here forth aid Artyom keep him from killing himself on the surface. Seeing as you left him at the Gardens you might as well help him with his trips to the surface. Spartan Ulman in your condition you can hardly fight but you will be Anna and Artyoms radio link to the Metro. Seeing as he hardly listens to radio hails". Looking me over quickly her eyes came to rest on my hand walking over she pulled my hand into her grip eyeing the Dark Ones gift. Commander Halt asked, "Catharine we are all curious of his new abilities. So Artyom what have you discovered so far of your new gifts". My arm still in Elder Catharine's grasp I said, "Well so far I can only breathe on the surface nothing else has come to my notice".
Elder Catharine let out a long held in breath saying "Breathe... you can actually breath in the toxic air"? With a node of my head every Elder eyes lite up ready to ask me to under take a task to the surface. Thankfully Colonel Miller spoke on the state I was in. Miller "Before you send him off Elders let him rest by the look on his face he roughly hasn't slept the whole time he's been on his journey". With solemn looks Elder Catharine released me and once again I was escorted to my new quarters. One level above my old quarters but after the lift a lone corridor was the entrance to my new quarters. There rested a new mattress, my belongs in a few box's, then a few extra weapon nestled on a shop bench. Taking of the upper portion of my armor I quickly found myself asleep on my mattress.
As the cool moist air invaded the stillroom I resided in a lone figure entered the room. With a few quick stride the figure came to a rest next to the bed touching my right cheek ever so lightly with the outside of their hand. The figure combed over my sleeping form then started to remove what armor remain attached to me.
Waking up was a chore I felt the toll off the battles sting as I slowly rose. As one eye opened then the other there was a slight delay. My eyes were displeased with the current light with a few blinks they fully adjusted to the now lite room. Quickly surveying my body I saw that bandages, some body patches and med pack usage on exposed skin. Female voice, "So my little rabbit finally came back to me".
Turning to the voice I felt the bone of my neck crack pain jolted into me. "Ugrh…Anna what happened?" The question I asked her did not seem to register as she stood from the table walk over to me and once again sat on my lap. Anna, "When I heard the Dark Ones took you I thought they were finally going to get their revenge. Only for you to come back will these 'abilities' as you say". Placing a hand on my patch cheek she continued, "Artyom… I…" Her trailed off still holding my patch face.
Leaning over I lightly peek her lips before her arms locked around me keeping our lips intertwined. Pushing me back into the mattress I could feel her lips quiver opening one eye I could see a sliver of water at the corner of her eyes. 'She missed me I never know how some one else handled being so alone. She had her father but even he wasn't there all the time for her'.
Our lips separated as a knock came from the door, followed by "Heeey, Artyom you awake it's been two day's man wake up!" It was Ulman his voice filled with what enthusiasm he could muster in his current position.
Leaving Anna grip I walked to the door to see Ulman with a dolly of equipment next to him. "Sooo, you going let me in or what?" Moving to the side Ulman wheeled in the equipment his missing arm more apparent now. Anna went back to the table to my surprise she was looking over my weapons and armor. Ulman laughed "I see you beat me here Anna and Artyom we were all wondering if you died. I mean nothing can kill the 'Metro's Savior' right". Nudging me a short wince of pain shot to my face. Anna, "Ulman he's still sore it's a mystery to how he's even standing right now". Bobbing his head Ulman went over to setting up a stand next to the workbench. Pulling a radio monitor from amount the cases he quickly tuned the radio then handed both Anna and myself patches.
Anna "So the Elders were telling the truth when they said we would be working together. Hmmm I wonder why they are so interested in you". In a quick response I answered "Cause they know when it comes to suicidal missions I'll make it out with what they asked for. They probably don't fully expect me to live through what they need done".
Anna face was just as mine the Elders knew the skills I now possessed gave them an ideal way to go places other were unwilling to go. So their plan would be simple use me as a suicidal soldier who face fear it self. Even so I was not the bravest of men and still wondered if the Dark Ones gift had an effect or threat to my life. Ulman first began to chuckle then leading to a loud laugh saying in between, "The Elders want to see if they can use you hhaa, Artyom you can practically vanish on the surface now. This is to keep you distracted for a while until you've had enough".
Meanwhile near the border of Siberia
"I no longer feel them but something is off, it appears one was left behind". As the first figure move around in the shade of the night more figure stirred. "It appears that one was left to help the human's…that will be there down fall…they do not know we seek them but we lived just like them. But soon we will find what we asked the lives of old. Seekers!"
Several figures slowly pushed past the larger group coming to a stop, "We live to serve you Murkt". The figure now towering over all the others spoke once more, "Find the Changeling that lay's with the human's, then what we ask will finally be OURS!" Roar's and cheers begin to erupt as more figure emerged from the shadow's to join in.
Jester lying on the floor in pain Smiles holding a bat in one hand.
Smiles: Hey every body Jester and me had a little fight…I won by the way. Also hope you like this spin of the Metro universe Jester and I beat both games and read the book. All mind blowing by the way. Soooo if you don't want Jester to bleed out review and all that good stuff. Oh ya no flamers you don't like it TO BAD IF YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN PROVE ME WRONG! Ok peace off and we'll hug you later.