Rachel
Sitting in her room, Rachel had her knees pulled close to her chest as she rested her head on them and hugged her legs close. Staring at nothing for what seemed like forever, she couldn't get the pictures out of her head. She saw what the scientists had done, how they cut up her teammates, her friends, and she couldn't do anything about it. After going back down there and seeing Kaiden walk, it had brought all the feelings back, all the heartache and sadness. It was a living nightmare.
Rachel wanted to run and embrace him but Chief held her back, told her he was dead - brought her back to reality. Despite all the emotions rushing through her, and the impulses and urges that wanted to pill away from Chief, to yell that he was lying, she didn't. Beneath her frantic and emotional state she saw reason, she saw truth.
Years of training to be a soldier no, a spartan, did that to her. It made her put aside her feelings and emotions, made her think logically and strategically before anything else. Too long had Rachel not worn her suit, not acted like a true spartan. But Chief was right, once a spartan always a spartan. Although she may not realize it, her body will never forget. She needed to start acting like a spartan, to take up her role and make her teammates proud. The time for self loathing and reminiscing was over. She would never forget her fellow spartans. With each bullet she used to down an enemy, it would be in honor of the fallen. Sitting and crying about it wouldn't being them back, and neither would rejecting her destiny.
Standing, Rachel wiped her cheek from the falling tear. Eying her suit slowly, she knew that she needed to embrace her destiny and become the spartan she was always destined to be.
...
Standing in the training room, Rachel was suited up in her SPARTAN III attire. She had begun to stretch out some of her limbs so that her body could become comfortable. Looking into a piece of reflective metal she saw herself. It was a sight that she used to be seeing always, and one she needed to readjust too.
The door on the opposite side of the room opened and Master Chief entered. Looking over at him she stepped away from her improvised mirror and faced him as he approached her. They looked at each other for a couple moments.
"Are you sure you want to get back into training so soon?" he asked her, making sure.
Rachel didn't hesitate to answer. With a nod she got into a fighting position as Master Chief assumed the same. " Alright then, let us begin." and with that they began to fight testing their hand-to-hand combat.
...
Sitting in the mess, Chief and Rachel were both having a meal. It began silent at first until Rachel began to ask more questions about Chief's peril's from the Pillar of Autumn to when he fought to get back Cortana and the splitting of the ship he was in when it went through the wormhole. It was all so intriguing, and incredibly awesome it made Rachel realize just how strong Chief was. A model to all Spartans. Then came the questions of Master Chief's training and how he became a Spartan. Though she noticed he spoke of someone named Kelly a lot.
"Chief, tell me more about Kelly." Rachel said as she looked at him with curiosity.
Silent for a moment Chief nodded his head. " Well, like I said, I met her when I was first recruited into the Spartan program. We trained together and grew up together. There were many missions we completed and some where I had to save her. She was fast, very fast. Said to be the fastest human alive. Kelly could run up to speeds of 65km/h. Her nickname was ' rabbit '. Which she decided to get into by putting the emblem on her actual armor." he said
"Wow, that is fast. I could only imagine how much faster she became after the Spartan training and amplified suits." Rachel added.
Chief nodded slowly. " She was a great Spartan, better than most. Smart, funny, deadly. " he said slowly.
Rachel looked at him as he spoke and although she couldn't see his face she could only imagine the look he had in his eyes right now. As monotone as his voice was, she could hear the hint of emotion behind them.
"You loved her." Rachel said softly.
"Love? There wasn't time for love." Chief answered simply.
"There's always time for love." Rachel replied.
"Hm." came Chief's answer, although he was pondering the thought more deeply.
...
Hitting the ground hard, Rachel began to cough as the wind was knocked out of her. Quickly rolling to the side she jumped to her feet and ducked and dodged as Chief threw several more punches at her. He was stronger but she was faster. Adjusting to her suit she could move and avoid his hits, able to throw some of her own as well. Of course, hers didn't have as much impact as his did but it was still enough to through him off balance. Following up with a swift kick to the chest and a sweep with her feet under his Chief was knocked to the ground and Rachel landed ontop. However, Chief quickly used his body weight and strength and rolled her over pinning her down. The weight of her body kept her from moving as she tried to squirm free.
" I think we should move on to weapons training now." he said, still ontop of her as she replied with a nod.
...
" You spoke of Kelly in the past tense, did she.. die?" Rachel asked slowly, not wanting to make Chief feel uncomfortable by asking these questions.
"Spartans never die, they just become missing in action." he replied. " The last transmission of her came from the planet ONYX where her and another group of spartans both II's and III's had lured a large portion of he covenant army to the planet where they were to detonate nuclear warheads to wipe them out. " he said with a slight pause. "They were never heard from again." he added.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Rachel said sincerely.
Chief nodded slowly. " As am I, about Kaiden." he answered.
Rachel's eyes softened as he said this and a small smile appeared on her lips. It seemed that both of them were able to come to terms with the fate of their loved ones and move on to help the greater good of humanity.
Like true Spartans.
...
Shots rang through the training room as both Chief and Rachel stood on one end firing their bullets at targets situated on the opposite end of the room. This went on for a while as they fired several different weapons, even some of the covenants.
As the targets were checked to rate the accuracy, both Spartans had 110% accuracy on ever shot. Chief nodded as he was impressed that her accuracy and targets skills with a gun had never left her. Though it wasn't so surprising considering that Spartan training was intense and incredibly hard to forget. Though it was all for her to become used to her armor once more.
"You're good with a gun, there's no denying it. However, acquiring covenant weapons is very common when we're out on the battlefield, and one of my personal favourites.." he stopped as he reached into the weapons rack and grabbed a stick looking object. Activating it an energy sword formed as the familiar hum of the power surging through the blade surrounded them. " The energy sword." he ended.
Rachel reached for one and also activated it. As if on que they both ran at each other and began swinging the sword with grace and deadly precision.
...
"Dammit!" Rachel yelled in frustration.
"Something wrong?" Chief asked as he passed by the open door to her room.
Rachel looked over at him slightly startled. " Yeah, the damn machine in broken and stupid over there is taking forever to fix it. " she said motioning to the machine that removes and puts on the SPARTAN III armor and to T.I.M who was hovering in the air.
" If I was human I may have taken offense to that comment." the orb said as it continued to hover around the machine.
" I can have Cortona take a look at it." he said offering the assistance of the A.I.
Rachel nodded slowly. " Thanks, but I'm dying for a shower and I can't exactly do that inside of this." she said pointing to her armor. Her helmet was already off seeing as how it was easily removable. " And I've been trying to manually remove it but whoever the genuis was that invented these damn suits placed all of the buttons and devices at the back so I can't even reach it." she said blowing a piece of her auburn hair from her face.
"I could always assist in helping with the manual removal of your armor." Chief said before really thinking about how that sounded.
Rachel's eyebrow rose slightly at his offer and she nodded. Though it was rather unlikely she would ever get a male to help remove her amor, he was the only other human here and she really needed a shower. " Okay Chief, I'll take you up on that offer." she said, which she thought he wasn't suspecting because he just stood there for a moment before approaching her with a nod.
Rachel turned so that her back faced him and she puled all her hair that cascaded down her back so that he could see and have easier access. Rachel felt as he pushed several different buttons and the amor that was tight to her skin began to release and come apart as he slowly pulled the pieces off of her body. About fifteen minutes went by and his was finally done removing the pieces of her armor, leaving her in her black, tight, body suit.
Turning around, Rachel shook her head allowing her auburn hair to fall over her shoulders once more as she looked at Chief. " Thank you." she said with a smile as Chief simply nodded.
" I'll go inform Cortana now ." he said as he turned and exited the room heading to the comm room.
...
Run, jump, duck, roll, dodge, jump and roll.
Rachel moved fast through the obstacle course maneuvering herself through and around any obstacle in her way. It was a course specially designed to test the skills and limits of Spartans. It wasn't any kind of normal course, it had real dangers in it. Spinning blades, turrets that fired bullets and plasma shots, large hols, rotating platforms that stood over spikes. This was no joke.
Standing on one of the platforms, she could feel it moving beneath her feet as it was beginning to fall apart. Meters in front of her was single rope and beyond the rope a tall wall. Over the wall was the end of the obstacle course. However, hovering turrets and sentinels emerged from holes in the wall and began firing at her. Rachel had several shots left in her battle rifle as she fired at the turrets and sentinals. Dropping one turret and one sentinel she threw her gun at one of the remaining two causing it to sway in the air off balance for a moment.
Ducking she avoided the beam of the sentinel and using her momentum to get back up she jumped for the dangling rope as the platform she was on fell apart. Grabbing the rope she slid down a bit until she got a tighter hold. The sentinel had come around and the turret stabilized itself as they began firing at her again. Pushing herself she was able to swing herself back and forth onthe rope. The beam and some of the bullets had hit her and was beginning to drop her shields.
With one final swing she jumped from the rope to the wall. Grabbing the legdge she moved to pull herself up but it began to crumble from her weight and she had nothing left to hold on to. The bullet hammered into hr and the wall taking chunks out of it and the beam had focused straight on her back dropping her bullets completely until she could feel the heat burn into her skin. Still trying to pull herself up, the bullets ripped at the wall even more until it gave way and she began falling into the pit of spikes.
Stopping suddenly in dead air she looked up to see Master Chief hanging over the side of the wall holding onto her wrist, while with the other hand he shot down the sentinel and the turret. Pulling her up, Rachel winced slightly from the pain in her back. Chief positioned her on her side slowly as it was evident he was aware of the injury on her back.
Rachel's suit wouldn't stop beeping, signaling that her shields were down and on the inside HUD of her helmet it displayed her health and the damage done to her body. Scoffing at the readings she tried to stand, but Chief was there to steady her.
" Let's get you to the med bay." he said as he helped her out of the training room.
...
Rachel stood in the kitchen as she prepared herself a hot cappuccino. Leaning against the counter she wondered what Chief was doing. For the past two weeks he had been helping her get back on her feet, training her and helping her get used to her suit again. He had done so much for her and in return what had she done? Given him a hard time that's for sure. Not to mention a new problem, a new headache to deal with because of what happened in the lower labs. Grabbing another cup she decided that she would bring him a cappuccino as well and thank him for everything that he had done. It wouldn't amount to what he had done for her but, it was something.
Walking down the hallway, she checked the comm room and didn't find him there. After a short chat with Cortana she found out that he was in the library. So, that's where she went.
The doors opened and Rachel stepped inside. The walls were adorned with stacks and stacks of books. There were stairs that led up to another level where even more books were held. There were couches and chairs, tables with computers. Rachel used to love spending time here before.
Spotting Chief seated on one of the leather couches, he had a book in hand and looked up when she walked in, setting the book aside slowly.
"I forgot this place even existed." Rachel said slowly as she took in the sight of the cozy library once more before walking over to him. " I brought you a cappuccino." she said as she placed it on the table in front of him.
" Thank you." Chief answered in no specific tone
"I didn't know you like to read." she said as she sat down on the couch across from him, taking a sip from her cup.
" I don't mind some light reading now and then. Eases my mind." he said .
Eying the book in his hand she raised an eyebrow. " You call the Bible a light read?" she said with a smile. " Are you a Christian?" she asked curious.
" No, I've never had time for religion. I read for the inspirational quotes, the stories that hold deeper meanings and lessons. There's a lot of powerful things in here. " he stated. " A lot of journeys filled with dangerous trials and decisions, it's a lot like what I've gone through." he said.
" But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened. Take Courage. " Chief spoke, reciting one of the lines.
" Peter 3:14." she answered. " That one describes you well." she said simply taking another sip from her cup. " Or, reminds me of you I should say. I already know you're strong and courageous and will stand up for humanity no matter what. But that verse it represents what you have taught and shown me these past two weeks. You've taught me to be unafraid, to embrace what I am and to be strong." she said slowly.
"There is no fear in love." Chief said.
"But perfect love casteth out fear … John 4:18 " Rachel finished. " That's, one of my favourite verses." she said slowly as she looked at him.
"I know." he stated. " It was underlined with a little heart doodled beside it, I figured it was you." he said showing her the page.
Rachel let out a small laugh as she saw the page. " Wow." she said with a smile.
"That one reminds me of you." Chief said putting the book down on the table and picking up his cup. Standing slowly he looked down at her. " Thanks for the cappuccino." he said as he exited the library.
Rachel sat there and stared at the book.
Just what did he mean it reminded him of me...
...
Crouched down behind a rock Rachel reloaded her assault rifle. Peeking around the rock she looked or any sign of movement but didn't see anything. Checking her radar, it indicated nothing around her. Suddenly, a very small noise of a gun behind reloaded and Rachel jumped out of cover firing her weapon in the direction that she heard the noise.
Bullets began to fire back at her, crashing into her shield slowly taking them down. Rolling to the side, the stream of bullets seemed to follow her but she was fast. Jumping over a rock she armed grenade and tossed it ducking down behind another boulder. Peering around the corner she moved suddenly as she saw Chief standing right in front of her. He picked her up and threw her from the boulder.
Rolling along the ground she sprung to her feet and began firing at him once more as the bullets collided with his armor until there was an unsatisfying sound of clicking, her gun was out of ammo. Tossing it to the side she slowly stepped to the side as Chief approached her. His weapon was seemingly out of ammo as well as he stood barehanded.
They began to walk in a circle in front of each other. They both simultaneously reached for two sticks on their belts. Activating the energy swords they stopped walking and faced each other. Rachel was first to strike, her sword slamming into that of Chief's. It gave out a crackling sound as they continued to clash until Chief kicked her in the chest sending her to the ground. Rachel rolled and at the same time activated her camouflage technique becoming completely invisible.
She watched as Chief turned slowly searching for any indication of movement. Rachel had climbed on top of a boulder and waited until his back was facing her. Then, jumping from the boulder she brought the sword over her head and aimed it downwards on him, her camo worn off. He turned quickly as their sword met again and continued clashing against each other. Until finally , Rachel got the upper hand and hooked her sword in between hers twisting it just right so it was thrown from his hands, and she held the end of her sword at his neck.
However, looking down she felt something at her waist as Chief held a fully loaded pistol there. Rachel smirked on the inside of her helmet as she shook her head slowly.
"You're ready." Chief said finally, concluding the end of the training as the surroundings disappeared and they were left standing in the middle of the training room.
...
AUTHOR'S NOTES - Just a quick note. The bible references were nothing but that. This wasn't some insertion of Master Chief being Christian or favouring that religion or anything like that. It was solely used for the purpose of the quotes and because the love one is taken from ' JOHN ' haha get it ? Okay.. well, please no arguments or comments about that because I don't want this turning into some religion debate. thank you ! AND REVIEW ! 3