Okay, some of the sentences may just end, and that is because I took bits and pieces of what I need to change and the thoughts just end. Just think if I went along with some of these, and how much the story could have changed.
Sorry it took me so long to get these all out. A month later... I hot a massive slump of not wanting to write. It sucks and I honestly played video games to distract me. My motivation was at an all time low. Hopefully, I can get back into it.
I appreciate all of your patience. Now enjoy my random Musings and I can now officially, for real this time, declare the end of A Chance Beyond Reality.
P.S.: No sequel unless I get a wild hair to do so.
...
Chapter 5 post interrogation.
Seb huffed as he took his armor off, starting with the cloak, then the helmet, then the chest plate, then the legs, and then the gauntlets. He hesitated on the left one though. Even though he accepted that it happened, a part of him resents it, but he had to do it, otherwise, he would have died that day too. "I know Dove, but I hit my breaking point, and from what you told me, their training programs did not allow them to express themselves. To not show emotion means they hollowed out half the person," Seb could his Ghost's eye on him. "Yes, Dove, I will give them a formal apology when I've cooled off. Speaking of cooling off, did you find a way where I can sneak outside and look at the sky? That room didn't sit well with me."
"Yes, Guardian, I did, but I won't reveal it to you until you apologize to them, Specifically Faye. Don't think I did not see the way you two looked at each other. You two are compatible," Dove said casually. "Your heart rates spiked accordingly."
Sebastian choked on his spit, "What? No Dove, that just isn't true. No. It isn't."
"Keep telling yourself that Guardian," Dove teased before going serious, "Do you want to relax with it off?"
Seb sighed for what felt like the millionth time today, "No, I'll leave it on," Seb left his gauntlet on as he doesn't want to go through the pain of it all. It was bad enough he was reminded of it then, but the memories hurt. Too much happened too fast and he regrets it.
It was simple, that mission, but when they got there, it went worse than Eris' descent into the pit back on Lua. So much happened, and he paid the price for it. It made Seb feel survivor's guilt for years to come. It left a lasting impression...
"Are you alright?" a voice came from the door. Seb grabbed the one knife he keeps under his armor and on his person at all times and threw it at the door. It went to the right of its target and stuck to the metal doorframe. Seb may or may not have charged that knife with Solar Light, making it puncture the wall. The person that was standing in the doorway was none other than Faye. "I'm fine, but don't ever do that again," Seb said, his voice hard, as he pulled the knife out of the doorframe, not looking into her eyes. The eyes that make him feel something. Something he hasn't let himself go from. "Now, why are you here?"
"I came to talk to you, in a non-interrogation format, since I didn't get to ask the real question that was on my mind, but it wasn't professional of me to ask since what happened was between you and me," Faye said, leaning against the doorframe.
"Well, get on with it, you Spartans are efficient, that much is accurate from the little I've gathered from you and your team," Seb said turning around, speaking over his shoulder. Faye nodded to his words, even though he wasn't looking, "You can come in, I'm not going to bite," he said in his now-signature teasing tone. "I am sorry for my comment during the interrogation, it was out of line and I didn't mean it. I just…"
"Hit your breaking point?" Faye finished his sentence. "Don't beat yourself up over it, we get those comments on the daily from the ODSTs," yet the apology coming from Seb eased her mind.
"I could kill those troopers if you want? They wouldn't know it was me…" Seb suggested.
"Not necessary," Faye pushed herself off the doorframe and went to the other free chair that sat on the opposite side of the room. Faye cut to the chase, "What did that Elite in Visegrád Relay actually say to you? I didn't bring it up back there, nor in the relay, but it wasn't about honor or whatever crap excuse you gave me. It said something to you, that set you off, and I want to know what."
Sebastian tsked before laying down on the cot placed in the corner of the room, "It's my turn to ask questions. I answered all yours except one," Seb held up a finger for emphasis. "So you owe me now. I need to know what world I'm in, what history has led this 'Covenant' here. I want an actual explanation, and maybe, just maybe, I can tell you more about my world."
"That seems fair, so are-"
"I want your word that this will stay between us and only us. Only bring in the rest of your team when absolutely necessary," Seb pointed at Faye, his eyes finally meeting hers. Faye said nothing for a few moments. A few moments too long, "If you aren't going to agree, then-"
"You have my word, Sebastian," Faye said, gaining Seb's full attention.
"Well then, care to explain the history of your universe's version of Humanity?"
Chapter 6: Ending after Seb walked away.
Faye had made it to the Falcon that would deliver them to Sword Base. Faye had her DMR and Magnum at the ready, and she noticed Seb in the opposite Falcon, arms crossed, and head down. Judging by the rise and fall of his chest, he seems to be getting a power nap. "What's our ETA to the base, sir?" Faye asked Carter.
"Twenty Mikes, Six, what's your status?" One asked over their commlink; his mood now in Commander mode.
"Green, Commander. Let's go make the Covenant regret ever stepping foot on Reach," Six replied in a monotone voice, going back to her roots, getting herself prepped to battle.
"Then what are we waiting for, I'm a little frustrated and I need an outlet. The Covenant will do just fine," Seb said from the Falcon across from her on comms. Faye assumed he wasn't sleeping after all then. Yet, even after all this, Faye has a few questions on her mind. This was something she couldn't shake, or even bring up the nerve to ask...
What happened in his past? Why is he reluctant to share? What is he holding back? And more importantly, why?
Chapter 10, if Seb wanted to go ape shit on a Marine for calling him a disgrace.
"Do you think you're better than us?" the Marine said boldly. Sebastian's eyes sparked, but the Marine didn't see it.
"No, I don't. What makes you think I do? The fancy abilities or the fact I can di-do certain things more efficiently?" His question was genuine, but the Marine didn't see it that way.
"The fact that you come in here and you think you own the place!" Most of the Marines cheered in approval. Others shook their heads and left the room. Those are the intelligent ones.
Sebastian scoffed before making a move to walk by him and let him spew his word vomit. That didn't stop Seb from muttering, "Ungrateful beings, I swear."
"What was that, you disgrace?!" the Marine yelled, making Sebastian stop in his tracks before spinning around and throwing a knife to the side of the Marine's head. It impaled the wall fifteen feet back.
"Go ahead, say it again, give me a reason to throw a little to the left," Sebastian said evenly, his tone dripped in venom. His cobalt eyes flashed dangerously, "You're just like the people back home, ungrateful. If you knew what I knew, then you might be spinning a different story. You haven't witnessed the horrors I have. You haven't seen what a vengeful alien race does to innocent people. You have the Covenant, yes, but what I have, they are pure savages compared to the Covenant. You haven't watched friends be ripped apart in front of your eyes while be forced to watch. You haven't listened to the sounds of their struggles, while the alien ripped out their organs and then ate them. The worst part is that I can't even tell you what happened next because of how disgusting it got. So, I'd watch your tone, before your ass gets splattered across the base, the green could use a little red." He leaned down to whisper into the Marine's ear, "Some of us have to do the dirty work so that others can stay clean." Standing tall again speaking to the entire room but still locking eyes with the Marine, "Now, beat it. If I hear more smack talk about me, and trust me, I will find out and the consequences will not be in your favor."
"Are you threatening us?" The Marine asked defiantly.
Sebastian let out a deep dark laugh, "I don't make threats. I make promises." The giddy grin, Sebastian had on his face was anything but pleasant.
Chapter 11, the fluff scene.
Sebastian doesn't turn right away but stands to check the shell, "Couldn't sleep. Nightmare." His fingers continue to stroke Dove's shell, checking to make sure he got most of the area around the center her shell. He continued to touch her fins and just hold her close in one hand. Who knows how long he'll be able to hold her like this…
"Do you want to talk about it?" The question stated far too shy for the voice
Sebastian turned to see Faye, in armor, her helmet off, so he gets to stare into those murky brown eyes. If there is one moment he would want to replay over and over again... it's this one. For once, it looks like she let her guard down and he can see the vulnerability in her gaze. He sighed, "Not really, it was in the past. I just thought I was hallucinating. I appreciate the offer though. Just not ready yet."
"The past has a way of catching up to people, Sebastian, and it's usually never the right time," Faye said softly, looking into his eyes. They were starting to look dimmer than before. Secretly, that worried her, more than she cared to admit. Deciding to say screw it, she slowly reached her hand out, in an attempt to link it with his. Sebastian saw it and decided to feed the flames and brought his hand to hers.
Neither one of them spoke, they were just staring into each others' eyes, neither one moving their gaze. Neither one wanted to moment to end. Their hands intertwined, even though the armor, Sebastian felt instant comfort, even more tears were boiling up because he hadn't felt this level of comfort in a long time.
Faye thought it was strange at first, this feeling, but even so, her heart was definitely liking it considering how it pounded against her rib cage. A Spartan, one of the deadliest to ever exist, scared of just a little contact? Faye subtly shook her head, and just continued to enjoy this moment.
At that moment, Dove floated from his hand to his neck and curled into it. That broke his concentration from Faye's eyes that he could fall for over and over again, and that made his heart clench. Not admitting it to her, when he so easily could, something that would either make or break him. Rejection isn't abnormal for him, and he understands it, but rejection from someone he genuinely wants to be around would hurt worse than anything else. Maybe that's why Dove was sending warm pulses of Light to him right now, to ease his mind. His hand in hers felt so right, and he would do anything to keep it like this.
Dove murmured sleepily, loud enough for both of them to hear, "Thank you for cleaning my shell, Sebby,"
Sebastian let out a small chuckle, "Rest little bird, you'll need it." Faye only smiled at their bond. He cares so much for her and that makes him all the better to the Spartan. Maybe Kat was right, he is getting through this shell of hers.
"So, 'Sebby', huh?" Faye had to tease him while the moment lasted, her hand still in his, something that feels amazing and something she really wants to continue.
Sebastian's smile didn't fade, it seemed to only get bigger. This time, this one reached his eyes, "Something she calls me when she's tired. Ghosts may be robotic by appearance, but they are also organic in some ways, similar to their Guardians. They are a piece of our souls, considering they bonded to our souls when they brought us back."
"Do you remember waking for the first time?" Faye asked softly, now looking everywhere but Seb.
A small sigh escaped the Hunter, "I couldn't forget it even if I wanted to, it was the day I learned that the world I had once known was gone and a new one was in place. I have many stories I could tell you one day, but I better go and attempt to sleep," Sebastian said half-heartedly, his eyes focused on her face. She looks beautiful, even with her hair pulled back. He was about to lean in but Dove chimed in breaking his trance.
"Come on, Sebby, walk me around the base, it's comforting when you do," Dove sleepily murmured, fully aware of what she was saving him from.
Faye wanted to say something, but the words never escaped her. Her mouth only opened and closed before she just looked away. Sebastian noticed this, "Your words will come to you when you're ready to say them and mean them, Faye. There will be a time for them, so save them, okay?"
His hand slipped from Faye's and the warmth was gone and his attention went to Dove. Faye let out an inaudible sigh as her hand dropped from his. Her words did fail her, and he's right, the words will count when she needs them. Is it bad to admit that I actually liked the warmth he gave? Of course, it isn't, but I can't bring myself to admit it aloud.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Faye," he said as he was walking away. Sebastian whispered to the Ghost in his hands, "Thank you for saving me from doing something I may regret." As much as she wanted to kiss her, he knew she wasn't ready for it, and maybe he wasn't either. Maybe it was because the moment was the best it could have been. Those moments aren't the right time for that, more a spur of the moment man himself.
Now, they just have to make it through tomorrow.
Pre-Battle Scene
A plethora of Warthogs, Mongeese-Mongooses… Mongai…, and Falcons all were charging in, waiting for the Covenant to counter-attack, and it allowed them to get close to the bomb that Jun planted the night before.
The two female Spartans were in a Warthog while Sebastian took his Sparrow. He wanted to go in style because he has a little surprise for the Covenant.
Chapter 12: Cave Scene
"Yes, and I'm starting to see the same signs I did before now," Dove said looking expectantly at Faye.
Faye took a glance back at Sebastian before looking at Dove, then back again. The realization hit her, "You can't be serious…"
"I could or couldn't be. I don't truly know the extent of it, but I know that his sights are on you," Dove replied, clinking her fins against Faye's visor. While Ghosts can't lie, Dove worded it so that it is the truth, but not the whole truth. By technicality, it is not a lie. Merely omitting some potentially crucial details. "Just don't be the one who makes him shut down," she whispered before floating back past Noble Team and resting in Sebastian's lap. His body instantly relaxed when she came into contact with him. "Just rest, my Guardian. It can't get you here."
Faye gulped before turning back to the horizon. Jorge came out to stand next to her, "Are you alright, Six?" Faye started to speak, but the words didn't come out. She didn't know what or how to say it. Jorge continued, chuckling, "Ah, I see now."
Faye's inquisitive gaze, even under the helmet, reached the Spartan-II. He laughed once more before saying, "I'll tell you when the time comes. You can figure it out, Six, I know you can."
Even after that, Faye didn't go to sleep until mere hours before they had to move out. When Sebastian finally got up, he felt
Chapter 16: Epiphany; Sebastian escape scene
Thel let go of his shoulder and Sebastian decided that if he doesn't try now, he probably won't get another prime opportunity to do so. So, he pulled the newly acquired Void Light through his veins, aiming to show. What none of the Elites expected was to have Sebastian's left arm to reform in the Void fire. His eyes started to glow violet, letting everyone know that the Void was with him. When Sebastian spoke, his voice glitched and slightly echoed, "Is t-this what you w-wanted?"
Thel was impressed, more so at the fact that the Human's arm had come back in the form of void fire. Sebastian maliciously smiled, the Void giving him a power boost, and the will to enact his half-assed escape plan. Within seconds, Sebastian was no longer on the bridge. He disappeared.
He disappeared back into the room. He grabbed all of his knives, putting them back into their proper sheaths before picking up his helmet and putting it over his head, with both hands. He fastened his cloak to his armor and prepared to step outside.
As he stepped out of the room once more, the alarms went off, and what Sebastian didn't expect was the same Huragok, wrapping a tentacle around his arm and dragging him along. In reality, it was trying to point him to a place of escape, the escape pods. Sebastian decided he had nothing else to lose, the Void surging him forward. Even with the alarms going off, it seemed that the Huragok knew the paths that would avoid any Covenant, but that doesn't mean he won't encounter anyone. Sebastian held a knife in his actual hand, while his void arm pulsed with power.
In Sebastian's eyes, he was being guided, it felt like every one of his natural instincts were enhanced, his vision sharper, his hearing finely attuned, and his breathing slower yet effective. His heart rate is at levels of Spartans, around sixty beats per minute.
While being led, a Sangheili came into view and Sebastian threw a knife to injure, not kill the Elite. Sebastian turned to inspect who it was. It turned out to be that Minor from the room before. "You're l-lucky that I wasn't aiming to k-kill," Sebastian voice still held that echo.
"You will not escape, Demon," she snarled.
"W-Watch me," he said before continuing to follow the Huragok. All of Sebastian's thoughts were on getting off the ship. After that, he would do what Hunters do best, wing it.
Much of the ship was on high alert, many of the Covenant were freaking out. Meanwhile, Thel remained calm. Even one of his shipmasters asked what he planned to do. Let him go. Everyone stopped before they outcried. If we let him go, we can learn what we couldn't obtain through our normal means. Thel continued to watch him through the cameras, seeing the abilities in action. A warrior indeed. An interesting thing to note was that he was not aiming to kill who crossed his path, merely wound them so they couldn't follow.
Sebastian took many more turns and twists, following the Huragok until they arrived at a drop pod. Sebastian's arm faded and his eyes returned to normal, but he was exhausted, it took a lot of his natural power to utilize the Void for that long. The Huragok waited no longer and pushed him into the pod before shutting it. "Wait, what are you doing?" he slurred through his exhaustion.
The Huragok chirped before pressing coordinates to the unexplored territory for both the UNSC and the Covenant. It also took the liberty of scrambling the pod, making its signal seem like debris, or garbage, in this case. Sebastian was too far in a state of exhaustion to even formulate a response, let alone fight back. The launch sequence was already initiated and by the time Sebastian could fully comprehend it, he was floating away from the Seeker of Truth and falling fast to the planet.
The worst part of it all… he didn't get to thank the Huragok who risked its life for him.
An unidentified object passed through the air space of a well-hidden UNSC firebase. They have these set up all over Reach in places even the Covenant wouldn't dare come near to. "Uh, sir. We have Covenant inbound!" Everyone in the station stopped and had looks of fear painted across their faces. For good reason too.
The commanding officer looked at the corpsman, "How many?"
"That's the thing, sir. It is only one pod," he replied. "I would say it was a scouting party, but normal Covenant scouting parties are much larger than this. I would advise extreme caution, sir."
"Agreed. Send our scouts out there to investigate, have the snipers cover them on the east and west sides," the Commander said pointing to spots on the corpsman's map. The south and north flanks can be covered by the party, but I leave the discretion to them."
"Sir, yes sir," he said before going for the PA system. "Charlie Delta squads one and two report to the Command Center."
Soon after, around fifteen people, male and female, all stood at attention. "We have a Covenant reading. Your orders are to investigate and only engage if you are spotted and the threat is deemed hostile, understood?"
"Sir, yes sir!" they all replied in unison before making headway to the armory and grabbing their gear. Without much conversation, they loaded up and headed out to investigate.
In all of the times Sebastian was trapped in a small space, he at least knew what buttons to push and how to get out of there. In this Covenant pod, all the buttons were foreign and oddly place, so naturally, he pressed all of the ones he could at least make out before the sound of hissing and the front cover popped off. Sebastian had to squint in order to see, the sun of all things was blinding him. Sebastian stumbled out of the pod before going to his knees. His head was spinning and he needed to get his priorities straight. He was going to pass out soon.
Sebastian felt pressure in his head, everything was swarming through his head, he was struggling to remember what had just transpired, but one goal was brought to mind. He had to find her. He had to find them and make sure they were alright. Traveler only knows what Dove is going through, even what Faye is going through.
Once he stood up, he willed himself to go forward and he would not stop until he could find them or at least get back to them before he actually drops dead. He must have lost focus before he stumbled again, and caught himself. His mind felt like soup. A soup that could leak out if given the chance.
He didn't even realize that he had fallen over until he felt his helmet hit the ground. His vision blurred and he slumped and he just knew he was not in any sort of condition to even move; much less stand. If he couldn't even walk, how could he even know where to search?
A voice was heard and it was muffled but he could make out, "Do we know anyone by that name?"
"I've already run a search, no matches, so whoever it is, this person needs to find them," and it was then that Sebastian had realized he was mumbling 'Faye' constantly.
Right before his vision failed him, he felt hands under his arm, and stump, and legs and then he felt himself being lifted and taken away. He wanted to fight but his body demanded rest and his whole being slumped to the side, letting his vision finally blackout.
Sebastian meeting with the other marines
In all of the times Sebastian was trapped in a small space, he at least knew what buttons to push and how to get out of there. In this Covenant pod, all the buttons were foreign and oddly place, so naturally, he pressed all of the ones he could at least make out before the sound of hissing and the front cover popped off. Sebastian had to squint in order to see, the sun of all things was blinding him. Sebastian stumbled out of the pod before going to his knees. His head was spinning and he needed to get his priorities straight.
"Why can't I remember what happened on the ship? I remember going to the bridge and then it was a blank and then I was in the pod," he said to himself. "Now, I'm here." Sebastian stood up slowly before taking in his surroundings. Mountains to a majority of his left and right and behind him was a hilly area. Where am I?
Checking to make sure his knives are on him, he began walking. If this is unknown territory, why do I feel like I'm being watched? "You know," he shouted, "I prefer to talk face to face." To prove his point, he put away his knife and pulled off his helmet, which was more difficult with one hand. He handled his helmet while multiple UNSC personal, or at least he thinks it's UNSC personal; they came into view, and he realized they had him surrounded. He pushed his cloak down as he waited for them to come to him.
"Where did you come from," one of the troopers said to him, quite harshly.
Sebastian narrowed his eyes, "I don't answer to you. I answer to Noble Team." Which made all of them step back
"You're serious?" and to Sebastian's ears, it sounded like they were mocking him.
"Don't believe me, radio Noble One and ask him if he was missing someone. I do believe Noble Six has something of mine," his tone took a dark turn and was close to snapping. His eyes were burning now, meaning he still has to give and take with the Void. He groaned as shut his eyes.
During this time, they were radioing back to Dispatch and see if this person's story and the claim was true. Reaching through multiple channels, the claim was true, they were missing him, the description matched. "Holy shit, he's telling the truth.
Chapter 21: Elevator scene
"My mentor had seen the Great Disaster, he was there when he watched friends and ole 'war buddies' die right in front of him, in violent and unmerciful ways. Thankfully, with his third life, his memories about it are hazy, but the survivors weren't the same. No one was." He sighed, weapon at the ready, knife in hand as he stepped out of the elevator; Faye followed while he spoke, "I asked him once what he felt, and he said, 'a feeling of dread that wrapped me in a vice grip and slowly collapsed like a cocoon.' It wasn't the best few weeks after that. We never did figure out how many died that day, but the number of Guardians were severely low in the following months."
Faye stopped and asked, "Were you there then?"
"Thankfully no, I arrived two days after everyone came back. I didn't have the guts to ask anyone what happened, at least, not up until thirty years ago.
Chapter 22: After Kat's 'Death' scene:
After they got inside the bunker and the door shut, Kat held the back of his neck to slow the bleeding, "Thank you," she said.
He nodded in confirmation but tried to make everyone go away. "Leave him," Dove's voice said aloud, seeming to get his point across.
"What?" Faye's voice was stern. Most importantly, she was upset. It wasn't really hard to figure out why.
"I can't close the wound when he's bleeding as heavily as he is. The round went through and through and while that normally isn't as bad; the round sliced his superior vena cava vein, which if you aren't informed-"
"Is where all the blood from your face, brain, and neck flows down to go back to the heart," Faye finished. "He's going to bleed out, no matter what."
"You forget, Madame Spartan, that I can bring him back. However, it would be easier if Ghe was actually dead, instead of suffering," Dove's voice was firm, unwavering in her decree, the implications were purposefully not hidden.
Noble Team and even some civilians in the background were shocked. "Damn, that's cold, even for you," Emile's voice carried over to her.
"Don't look at me, Sebastian is the one who said it to me. I'm merely the messenger," Dove said as the sounds of Sebastian choking on his own blood got louder. "That's going to be fun to clean."
Sebastian took out a knife and held it out to Faye. Why was he asking me? "Dove?"
"He says it will be your payback for his earlier stunt," Dove said apologetically. Faye, however, didn't want to kill the person she has the most emotional attachment to. She knows that he can come back, but she doesn't want his blood on her hands. There was enough of it already.
Seeing her hesitation, Sebastian turned the knife on himself and thrusted it into his heart, his body slacking instantly. When his body slid to the ground, leaning against the wall, "Alright, one of you pull out the knife and he'll be back up in the next fifteen seconds."
Chapter 23: Bulkhead scene
"By the Traveler, what were you thinking?! That was the most idiotic thing I've ever seen! You could have been killed! You know what that would have left him with?" she paused, her shell right in Faye's visor, "Nothing." Everyone stopped. Dove didn't move away from the Spartan's visor, her optic the brightest red she's ever seen. "Would it have been worth it?"
Silence. No one spoke. Noble Team made the smart decision to leave but the sound of retreating footsteps drew Faye's attention away, "Eyes on me, Madame Spartan," Dove commanded. "Was it worth it? He would have been up in a few moments because I can revive him in a matter of seconds, tell me why you risked your life."
Faye's mouth opened and closed, tongue twisted, no words were making it past her lips. "I-I don't know."
"You do know, but you won't admit it? Why would you do something that only he would do? Do you hear me? I can bring him back if he dies, but not you. Do you understand me? So, I'll ask again, why would you risk your life, and his heart?"
His heart? Realization dawned on her. She turned to see him out cold for the moment, but he was breathing.
"Answer me. Why?" Dove pressed. "You knew what he could do, you know what he is capable of. So why risk it all for a daring rescue?" Faye was beginning to stew, reaching her boiling point.
Her gun was in her hand and up against the shell. Dove was unfazed, "Do it, and he'll never forgive you. He will cast you aside and then die right before your eyes. Then what will you do? If you pull the trigger, then what would your rescue mean? Nothing, Faye. It would be worth nothing." Faye didn't know that Dove could be so... cruel.
Faye's hand shook, unsure of what to do next. All of her training, all of her instincts, worthless at the moment. In any other situation, she would be able to pull the trigger, so why can't she? Oh how far I've fallen.
"Tell me why you can't do it," Dove's voice was now soft, but her optic was still red. "Tell me why you can't pull the trigger?"
"Because…" Faye trailed off. Her heart beating faster at what she was trying to say.
"Don't stop there. Finish the sentence. If you can't, then pull the trigger," Dove said, back to the uncaring version.
"Because I… I…" the Spartan's words failed her again.
"Because you…" Dove looked right at her, pretending the visor didn't even exist. "Come on, a simple sentence shouldn't be that difficult," Dove chided.
"Because I'm in love with him!" Faye screamed, finally breaking down.
Dove backed off, "And so it is revealed. You finally said the one thing that has been plaguing you since our first visit to Sword Base, since the briefing."
"How…"
Dove scoffed, "I analyze everything, Faye. Even you. I could see the changes in your behavioral patterns, subtle, but ever-present."
Faye shook her head vigorously, "But I… I never said anything directly to him."
Dove giggled, "Actions speak louder than words, my dear Faye. You'll be happy to know that he will return your feelings ten-fold if you let him."
Faye stopped. It all makes sense now. "H-He does? He's never actually said it."
"Of course, my dear Faye, he was smitten with you from the very start but didn't realize it until later. As did you," Dove pointed out, her optic fading back to the blue it always has been.
"He's in love with me? A monster. A soulless Spartan?" Faye whispered, insecure.
Dove tsked, "You don't know Sebastian like I do. He sees something in you that you don't."
Chapter 24: Agent Rice's Vendetta Declaration.
Agent Rice was monitoring Noble Team's beacons and that was when he noticed that the Commander's vitals flatlined. While it should pain him that another Spartan has died, he couldn't really care less. They were expendable, as was the entire Spartan-III program.
However, his focus remained on Guardian Seven, or 'Sebastian', as his name is said to be. Rice thought it was an alias of some kind, to hide who he truly was; a threat to Humanity. For all Rice knows, he doesn't believe that he would save Humanity. Rice finds it completely impossible that he would. The ONI agent believes that this seventh member of Noble will turn on his fellow companions in order to help their enemies. The Covenant. Those alien bastards.
With a single gesture to one of his subordinates, his ship was to be prepared and rendezvous in the shipyard in Asźod to intercept him before he could turn. Agent Rice smiled maliciously at his monitor. He wanted Sebastian to pay for his crimes, and for his humiliation, just as an added bonus. Without the Commander to defend him, there would be no one to defend him now from the long arm of the law. Justice would finally be served.
While the thought of him not being a traitor did cross his mind, there were too many things to be considered. Showing up out of the blue, getting close with Noble Team, a survivor of missions that would have normally killed Marines within the first ten minutes. There was also something about his extraterrestrial abilities that just didn't sit right in the Agent's blood. It screamed alien and if anything was alien, it didn't have the right to be considered human, and that was that.
Chapter 26: Epilogue
A lone Female Titan strolled up to the Hunter leaning over the Tower railing. The Hunter said nothing. The Titan said nothing. It was awkward. "Are you Sebastian Rutherford?" The Titan asked.
Sebastian knew he was sort of a 'hot topic' since he was gone for so long, so unless this person was resurrected yesterday, why would they be asking. Deciding to not be a dick, he responded in a bored monotone, "Yep. That's me, what do you want?" In all honesty, he was bored with this conversation. Bored of life in general, not that he'll say that to anyone.
"Well, it would help if you looked at me before getting all snappy," they commented.
Sebastian's Light flared as he tensed, Solar and Void coming around his form, "Three seconds to leave before I defenestrate you over the side of the Tower."
"Look at me, Seven!" they shouted, which made Sebastian pause and finally look at them.
… That's impossible. "Who the fuck are you and where did you get that?!" he asked as he grabbed the chest plate and brought them closer.
"Me?" The Titan asked, "I've always had this since I was fifteen. It was made for me."
"Who the hell are you? No one else knows about it…" he trailed off, as his eyes were beginning to connect the dots… In a small voice, weaker than he ever thought it could be, his grip slacking "Faye?" With a small nod, Sebastian was relieved and pulled her close, not giving a single fuck. "Please tell me this isn't a joke and this is not a figment of my imagination?"
"I'm here, Seven," the words floated into his ears and that was what broke him. He clung to her and she supported his weight, slowly pulling him off to a secluded area. No one else needs to see this. The Titan pulled off their helmet and it was revealed to be the same face, the same eyes, the same lips that Sebastian remembers.
"How do I know you're not a fake?" Sebastian asked through his tears. "If you are, I'll kill you," he threatened. "Tell me something only I or Dove told you."
"The time you nose-dived at an event called 'SRL'? Details are fuzzy, but I specifically remember that bit. I remember laughing about it," she said, unfazed by his threat. It would be a pointless one anyway. She was here. She wasn't going anywhere.
Sebastian wiped his eyes and looked right at her, "Dove, I thought you said you wouldn't tell anyone."
"In my defense, she needed to laugh," Dove quipped.
"While she told me, I might as well tell you, I've been here for six months or so, getting my bearings," Faye reluctantly admitted.
"Why didn't you come to me?" Sebastian asked, crestfallen that she didn't come to see him.
"Well, we did, but that was the kick-off to my memories, mostly, returning," she admitted.
Sebastian put the pieces together, "So that was you who visited me?" Faye nodding was his answer. He opened the pouch where her dog tags resided and held them out, "Then these belong to you, Faye. I don't know how you slipped them to me, but they are yours." Faye reached her hand out, fingertips gingerly stroking the tag and chain. Then, her memory flashed, slowly losing her balance. "Oh shit, didn't think about memory flashes. Dove, my room, now!"
They were both gone in a flash. No evidence to be seen. Once they arrived in his room, he set her down before admiring her face, just for a second. He missed her dearly over these past months. His heart never felt fuller, his smile never felt more genuine. It was all thanks to her. "Dove, do you have some sort of explanation why she passed out, besides the obvious?"
A new voice cut in, "She doesn't, but I do."
"Ghost?" Sebastian said, shocked, but not surprised. At least, until it appeared. It was wearing Dove's shell. "Okay, explain. Now. First, tell me your name, if you have one, then begin explaining."
"The name is Eve. To put this bluntly, this isn't the first time we met." Which brought confusion to Sebastian's face. "Let me start from the beginning…"
Post Eve's Explanation
Sebastian sat in open-mouthed shock, blinking rapidly. That was until he rushed out the door, hellbent on getting an answer. He stormed his way to the Hall, and he was going to get answers. While he was somewhat filled in, he was still missing pieces to the overall puzzle.
He calmly walked through the Courtyard, but other Guardians knew he was sauntering in with a purpose and they parted the way. His steps were with a purpose. It was something that he needed to know. He walked by Lord Shaxx and Arcite, not bothering to greet the old Warlord. He burst into the Hall of Guardians Vanguard room, where all three of them were standing next to the Vanguard. "You have five seconds to explain, Kaz."
"Oh, so you know?" A knife was whipped right at Kaz's face, but he caught just before it reached his face. "Really? I taught you that." He sighed, "Yes, I knew. When was I supposed to tell you? If I did, you wouldn't have believed me, called me a liar, and pushed all off us away. You still did to some extent, but how else were we supposed to go about it. You have a streak of stubbornness to you, rivaling a certain someone."
"Watch it," Verra said, narrowing her eyes at Kaz. Cayde chuckled.
"Wasn't talking about you sweetie," he said endearingly. Then, he turned back to Sebastian, walking towards him handing him his knife back. "So, are you going to try talking instead?"
All the tension in his shoulders went away and he slacked into Kaz's awaiting arms. "Why did you hide it from me?"
Senea's gentle voice spoke, "Tell me, would you have believed that she was back in the first week?" Sebastian shook his head no. "Then you must understand that we never wanted to hide it from you. We genuinely thought she would have shown herself in the first month."
"I know, just another question, how did I get back here? Like here?" the youngest Hunter of three in the room asked.
Commander Zavala's voice cut in, "That is something I was hoping you could tell us, Hunter."
Offhandedly, Sebastian muttered, "I have a name too, you know?" Kaz chuckled, as did Cayde. Ikora rolled her eyes. Senea and Verra stifled their giggles. "If I knew, I would have told them. Dove doesn't know, neither does Eve."
"Eve?" Senea questioned.
"Faye's," Sebastian supplied. "Also, you really thought it was some sort of mistake?" there was no hint of accusation, but playfulness.
"Hey, I apologized for that!" Senea pouted. Sebastian smiled lightly, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"I believe I may be able to help with your predicament," a new voice came from the hall.
"Speaker," the Vanguard said in unison. Commander Zavala took over, "Close the door, everyone else, out." There was no room for argument in his tone.
"Do not forget me!" Sebastian perked up when he heard the voice. The last person slipped in right before the doors shut.
"Speaker, you were saying?" Kaz said, giving Sebastian a push to stand near Faye.
Once he was next to her, "When did you wake up?"
"Minutes ago, just listen, Seven," she playfully chided.
"The Traveler spoke to me, telling me of its deeds, and what I needed to do. They warned me that one of our own was missing and a second would be joining the Guardians. There was not much time for me to waste. The Traveler demanded that they are brought back to us. To come home," the Speaker said, somewhat cryptically.
Dove made her appearance, as she goes anywhere and everywhere with her Guardian, "So is that what that bright light was?"
"Yes, Ghost Dove. The Traveler, in lack of a better term, 'plucked' you from that world and returned you here, separately," the Speaker confirmed. "For reasons beyond my own understanding, the Traveler wanted you two to be together."
Sebastian thought back to his interaction with the Traveler and got a goofy smile as he looked to Faye. I know why, and I can't thank them enough. He let the explanation be left in the air. He would rather keep that portion a secret. As simple as the explanation was, it made sense. However, another lingering question happened, "Hey, Senea, where's her Hammer?"
The door opened and it looked like lab assistants wheeled in the massive weapon. Faye's eyes lit up as she greedily yanked it off the stand and put it on her back. "Never touch it again, you hear me?"
"Fine, but come on, what if we could make these and those Swords? That would be awesome!" Senea cheered. It was infectious as Sebastian laughed and stared lovingly at Faye. His heart was mending, but the thing was, he didn't have to hide it anymore.
Sebastian grabbed the sword off his belt and ignited it, "Well, Six, should we go? We have a lot to talk about." The teasing tone was overly obvious.
"Don't be mad if you lose," she teased right back.
"Who said anything about losing? I just want to spend time with you," he clinked the Sword close to the Hammer. "Plus, maybe we can see if we can retrofit these to other Guardians, if they learn how to handle them."
"Who said you could handle it?" she said, grinning like a fool. This version of her was so carefree, was this the side of her that came before her career?
"My defense, I killed the thing that had it and kept it with me. Plus, it's badass. Plus, what are you going to do about your armor?" Sebastian asked, dragging Faye out of the Hall, with everyone else smiling at them.
"Well, it was upgraded, remember? I want to keep it, plus, yours looks nice. I wonder what you look like out of it…" Faye purred. Definitely the before version. Sebastian stood shocked ignoring the laughing from behind him,
"Don't make me take you up on that!" he yelled running after her. Faye giggled and started running as well. They made their way around the Tower, laughing, screaming, and everyone knew that Sebastian Rutherford would be fine, as long as he had Faye Lockhart by his side.
When they were out of earshot, Kaz said, "Well, he deserves happiness. How long before they start going at it?"
Senea grimaced, "I don't need to hear that!"
"I wasn't implying anything, sister. I was merely asking how long it would take them to get into an argument?" Kaz defended with a shit-eating grin.
"Give them a week," Verra said. "Plus, do you think she's good for our son?" she had to know, of course. She wants the best for him.
"Oh please, Verra. Did you hear him on the way back, six months ago? He mumbled his praises and her name loads of time, plus we saw their interactions. They were made for each other. To top it all off, they are smitten with each other. Let's just face it, they get to experience a high that everyone else does."
A pause.
"A Chance Beyond Reality."