Hello, everyone, and welcome back to my Halo - Terminator crossover. Now, before we get started, I noticed that one of my guest reviewers was sad that I didn't take into his account his or her criticism. Well, to that guest reviewer, I'm listening. Just send a review and I'll look at it when I moderate it. As for the rest of you, thank you for your continued support, and I hope to see you in the later chapters. Before I go, check out the new crossover that I'm writing, called 'BattleTech: The Mass Effect.' It's in it's early stages, but I can assure you, it's going to get better as time goes on.
As always, leave a review and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Halo or Terminator franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Microsoft Game Studios, 343 Industries, Bungie, Carolo Pictures, Hemdale, Skydance Productions, 20th Century Fox, Lightstorm Entertainment, etc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to their respective developers, producers and publishers. Any material not original to the franchises is of my own invention. I do not own any music listed in each chapter. Any music listed belongs to it's original composers and/or artists.
Covenant Holy City High Charity
Near Delta Halo
20th Age of Reclamation
Walking down the walkway to the meeting room ahead, Thel could see signs of the new orders that had been given to the Jirihanee and the Sangheili. Brutes on either side of the walkway roughly stripped the Sangheili of their armor and weapons, with a few fighting over the best gear. A loud, meaty THUMP prompted Thel to look to his right, just in time to see a Brute fall to the ground, courtesy of being whacked in the head by another Brute. He sighed sadly as he thought about the reason why this was happening. Just a few minutes ago, he'd learned that the Demon known as the 'Master Chief' had killed the Prophet of Regret, silencing one of the leaders of the Covenant. The loss of one of the greatest leaders of the Covenant had sent shockwaves throughout the Covenant, with many doubting whether or not the Elites were capable of even being around the Prophets, let alone protecting them. As a result, many of the Brutes were taking the leadership positions that the Sangheili used to have. All of this was due to one thing: SKYNET. Now that the Humans were on the ring, it was clear that the machines had been responsible for Regret's death, as they had spotted two individuals running out of the temple in the lake before it was destroyed. One was one of the Human's super soldiers, with this one being known as the 'Demon', while the other was the Machine, the one that had silenced Regret for good.
There was another development as well, when it came to Bero. The young Sangheili had, shortly after they had arrived, had developed a ravenous appetite, as was expected for a shape-shifter; what had surprised everyone was that he had eaten enough food to fill the stomachs of roughly four Sangehili warriors of the same age he was. In addition, after he had his food, he had started to feel strange, as though he was drifting outside of his body, though he had reassured R'tas and Thel that this wouldn't interfere with any missions that he went on. He simply didn't understand what was happening to him. As a result, he had consulted the Oracle as to what was happening before the Hierarchs plied it with questions. So far, Thel hadn't gotten word from him as to what was happening, but he had a feeling that he would tell him at some point.
When they were leaving the Heretic Station, which was now probably nothing more than ruins, Thel had questioned the Oracle as to what had happened to Bero after he survived being infected. According to the Oracle, Bero had been fully infected by the Parasite during his mission aboard the Infinite Succor, down to the genetic level. However, the Oracle had theorized that, somehow, his mind had remained relatively intact, though this wouldn't save him on his own. As a result, the Oracle was confused as to how Bero had managed to override the Parasite's control as well as why all of his mutations were beneficial to him, rather than detrimental or ineffectual. As a result, it had concluded that some outside influence must have given his mind enough strength to override the Parasite's control, allowing him to regain control of his body and remove the Parasite infesting him completely, while gaining beneficial mutations in the process.
As he walked inside, he could hear R'tas 'Vadumee talking with Truth and Mercy. "This is unprecedented," R'tas told Truth. "Unacceptable."
"A Hierarch is dead, Commander," Truth countered.
"His murderer was within our grasp," R'tas continued. "If you had not withdrawn our Phantoms."
"Are you questioning my judgment?"
"No, Noble Hierarch. I just want to express my concern that the Brutes..."
"Recommissioning the guard was a radical step," Truth admitted, "but recent events have made it clear that the Sangheili can no longer guarantee our safety. I understand your concerns, but this is necessary for the continued safety of the Covenant. Have I made myself clear?"
It was clear that R'tas was upset, but he restrained his disappointment and said, "Yes, Noble Hierarchs. I will relay your decision to the High Council." Walking away, he looked at Thel for a moment, their eyes locking for a brief second before he looked away. It was clear to Thel that the loss of one of the Hierarchs had made R'tas angry, but he also saw a hint of sadness as well.
Looking around, he found Bero standing in the room as well, though the young Elite was just as saddened as Thel was by the loss of Regret. "Politics," Truth sighed, clearly disgusted with what was going on. "So tiresome." Spotting the Arbiter, Truth came over to him and said, "Did you know that the Sangheili have threatened to resign. To quit the High Council, because of this simple… exchange of hats?"
"We have always been your protectors," Thel replied.
"Indeed," Truth replied. "Recent events have shown, though, that your kind is having trouble protecting us. Therefore, we have chosen to have the Brutes provide assistance, despite their more… animalistic tendencies."
"While the annihilation of the humans brought us satisfaction, the loss of Halo wracked our hearts with grief," Mercy added.
"I know," Thel replied. "My heart was also filled with grief as well."
"Indeed," Truth agreed. "However, many of us continued to faith in the prophecy that more Halos might be found. And now, look at how our faith has been rewarded." A moment later, he gestured towards Halo, which floated nearby their position.
"Halo," Mercy said, waxing more eloquent and poetic as he spoke. "It's holy wind will rush through the stars, taking all worthy of the Great Journey to salvation."
"Quite so," Truth replied, nodding in agreement. "But how to start this process. For years we have searched for an Oracle, one that would show us the way." Floating over to a nearby table, Truth continued to speak. "Thanks to your efforts, we have found such an Oracle." He motioned to 343 Guilty Spark, who was currently hovering in the chamber that the Hierarchs and Thel were inside.
"With great humility and respect, we plied the Oracle with questions," Mercy continued. "And, with clarity and grace, it has shown us the key." Moments later, a holographic image of the Sacred Icon appeared over the table.
"We have also learned the location of this Sacred Icon," Truth continued. "It is located in a Library, like the one that witnesses described on the first Halo. Be warned, however, the heretical Humans and their foul Machines have surrounded the place, and are locked in a mortal battle with the Parasite, the foul creatures you encountered on your last mission."
"What should I do," Thel asked.
"You will travel to the sacred Library and retrieve the Sacred Icon," Truth replied, "but be warned, there is a barrier that prevents the Humans, Parasite and our own forces, from being able to get inside. You will have to disable this barrier before you can pass through the wall separating the Library from the rest of Halo. Tartarus and his Brutes will transport you to this area of Halo."
"Will I be going alone?"
"No, noble Arbiter. Zealot Bero 'Kusovai has agreed to come with you on this mission. His immunity to the Parasite will allow him to go into places that you cannot. While it is clear that he is still evolving, as the Oracle has so finely put it, he will be accompanying you on this mission. Now go, and carry out our will, noble Arbiter."
After the Arbiter left and the door closed behind him, Mercy looked at his companion and said, "We might have to consider keeping the Sangheili in the Covenant in order to best them. I fear that we might not have the means of defending ourselves. If what we're seeing is true, SKYNET might come up with more inventive ways of killing us."
"A reasonable concern," Truth remarked. "However, it is clear that the Sangheili are no longer capable of defending us from harm. We can defeat the Humans and their Machines without the Sangheili. The Brutes have been receiving special training for this occasion."
"You've been training them over the half-year we were forced to spend?"
"Yes. Many of them have become more experienced in ship combat, with some starting to rival the Sangheili. Should things go wrong, we will keep the Sangheili, but I do not fear the Humans attacking High Charity. No enemy has ever withstood our might."
"I hope you are right, my friend." With that, both Hierarchs continued to watch as the recommissioning of the guard continued.
. . .
A few minutes later, Thel and Bero were on board the Phantom taking them to the Library. It was clear that Bero didn't like the Brutes, as he gave them what the humans called the 'stink eye' when they got close to him. As they flew along, Tartarus said, "Once we have reached the wall separating the Library from Halo, we will drop you off, Arbiter, and provide support. You will have to make haste, as I do not want to keep the Hierarchs waiting."
"The human and the Terminator that killed Regret," Thel asked. "Who were they?"
"Who do you think," Tartarus replied.
"The Demon and the Machine is here," Thel asked.
In response, Tartarus growled at the mention of that very title. After a moment, he calmed himself and said, "Why do you ask? Looking for a little payback?"
In response, Thel pulled out his T-51 Carbine, checking to see if it was ready for use. "Retrieving the Icon is my only concern." In response, Tartarus laughed, before muttering something under his breath.
While this was going on, Bero was gazing off into the distance. Normally, this would be cause for concern, but in this case, it was because he was wondering if he was still mutating or, as the Oracle had put it, 'evolving.' As a result, he was starting to wonder if he was still the same species as Thel was, or if he was evolving into a new species, one that was capable of shape-shifting. While he had those questions in his head, deep down in his heart, he knew the truth. I am still a Sangheili, he thought to himself. I have always been one, and I always will be one, even though my body is constantly changing and evolving now. Who knows? Perhaps I might ascend to a higher level of existence, perhaps all of my mutations are merely physical. I will just have to wait and see what happens next.
He was about to talk to Thel when it happened again. Suddenly, he had a very strange sensation, as though he was unable to move, yet he was able to do so. His eyes began to glaze over as he felt strange, as though he was drifting out of his body once again. Oh no, he gasped, horrified by what was happening. Not again! Please! If any gods exist out there, have mercy on me! I don't want to die, not now! Apparently, if there were any gods out there, they had mercy on him, as moments later, the sensation quickly faded into nonexistence and he felt in control once again. A halting gasp rattled from his mouth as he took a deep breath. He could feel his hearts hammering inside of his chest as he began to breath in and out in an attempt to calm them down.
A moment later, he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Bero," Thel asked him. "Bero, are you alright? You seemed to drift off just now."
"I… I'm fine," Bero replied. "I had another one of those episodes. I felt as though I was drifting out of my body, as though I was becoming a spirit in the void. What's strange is that I began to hear other people as well."
"Other people?"
"Yes, as though I was able to hear voices that were speaking to me, and to no one as well." Rubbing his helmet, he frowned at the implications. "I don't know what's happening to me, Arbiter. Am I going mad? Is my evolution slowly driving me into insanity?"
"No," Thel replied. "It must be your body mutating some more. Remember, the Oracle believed that what it was seeing was the beginning of what might be a new stage of evolution for you. Because of the fact that you can shape-shift, you are probably evolving faster than most organisms would. Where most would take millions of years to change, you are probably evolving within hours, or even minutes. I wouldn't be surprised if what you were feeling is another mutation that is causing you to evolve. As for if you are going mad, I do not think so. You are still able to distinguish reality from imagination, and you are still in full control of your body. Relax. All will be well." While Bero didn't reply, it was clear to Thel that his words had a calming effect on him, as he relaxed a moment later.
After a few minutes of travel, they reached their destination. Flying closer to a part of the Forerunner Structure that was their destination, the Phantom came into a hover over a large, metallic platform in the area. Moments later, both Sangheili exited the Phantom, landing on their feet before moving around. The area they were in was an entrance to the kilometers high wall that surrounded the Library. Currently, they were on a platform that led to an alcove in the wall, with rectangular blocks and angular Forerunner architecture present throughout the facility. Inside the alcove, Thel could see what looked like small panels located above his head on the walls, with small lights underneath them. A single column with a glowing panel was present, entering a small depression in the floor of the alcove. It was clear that the Covenant, and the Sentinels guarding the facility, had been locked in a battle. Everywhere he looked, he noticed craters and holes that were blackened, with glowing edges that indicated they were still very hot and fresh. With that in mind, he began to advance forwards, intent on getting into the alcove. Suddenly, Bero shouted, "Look out," before tackling Thel, the two of them flying into cover. he was about to ask him what was going on when he saw the reason why. A massive Forerunner construct, which looked like a large robot with shields on the front, and pincer arms on the middle section, rose from beneath the platform.
Spotting the two Sangheili, the machine was about to lunge forwards when plasma fire struck the Super Sentinel, causing part of it to detonate explosively. Moments later, Tartarus' Phantom flew overhead, with the Super Sentinel engaging in a pursuit. "Keep moving," Tartarus shouted. "I'll draw this beast away." Shaking his head, Bero got up, before helping Thel to his feet. Continuing onwards, they entered the alcove that they'd spotted earlier. Now that they were closer, he could see small robots flying around in the air, most likely Forerunner maintenance drones that had kept the facility in excellent condition.
Looking around, he was surprised to see an Unggoy that was in a nearby corner, it's body quaking in fear as it covered it's head and eyes. Lowering his weapon, he walked over to the Unggoy and, bending down to get closer, he said, "It's OK. Relax, little one. You're safe now."
A moment later, the Unggoy, having recognized his voice, hesitantly looked up at him. Realizing that it was the Arbiter, it stood up and said, "Oh, thank you. I was trapped by nasty machines. They killed my friends. Can I come with you?"
"If you wish to, yes," Thel replied. When he said that, the Unggoy happily laughed before grabbing it's single weapon, a small, partially depleted Plasma Pistol. Now that he had a friend, he had to figure out how to move on through the area, as there didn't seem to be any doors or gravity lifts. The answer came a moment later, when one of the small robots in the air flew over to what appeared to be a tall and wide column, with large, holographic panels on it. When it was close enough, a single energy beam shot out from the small drone and towards the panel. A moment later, Thel was surprised when the column began making noise, before retracting upwards and into the ceiling.
"Ah, a piston," Bero remarked. Walking over, he found that the piston had been connected to what appeared to be a tunnel that was built into the floor. "Interesting," he mused. "I wonder where this goes." He was about to get a better look when his right hoof lost traction. Suddenly, he felt as though his feet had been on ice, as he promptly flipped ass over teakettle and tumbled into the shaft, shouting loudly as he did so. The Unggoy, thinking this had been planned, promptly waddled over and hopped inside, shouting excitedly as it did so. Walking over, Thel carefully looked inside before he walked forwards and hopped inside, sliding on his back and buttocks in order to keep himself from being disoriented.
The slide down the shaft turned out to be a long, bumpy ride, as it changed direction constantly as it traveled downwards. When he slid down, he tried to rotate around, only to face plant unceremoniously against the next turn; before long, he too tumbled ass over teakettle, his arms wrapped over his head in order to protect it. The Unggoy was laughing and shouting as though it was having the time of it's life which, compared to what had happened to it's comrades, was probably the case. Moments later, he came rolling out of the shaft, landing on the floor beneath him with a loud THUMP, followed by the Unggoy landing on him moments later. "Oops. Sorry," the Grunt said apologetically as it hopped off.
Grunting quietly, Thel got up, but he noticed something wrong when he nearly yelped from a spike of pain in his right. When he tried to move his arm, it didn't wish to obey his commands. Looking at the affected limb, he was shocked to find that it had been dislocated. He was about to try and fix it when Bero, having spotted the problem, walked over and yanked on his arm… hard. A loud yelp came from Thel as his limb popped back into it's socket with a loud POP-CRUNCH. Testing the limb to make sure it was usable, he turned to Bero and said, "Thank you."
"It was the least I can do for you," Bero replied. "I'm sorry about tumbling in. I was trying to get a better look."
"It is alright," Thel replied. "No harm done. Given how long those are, do you think you can use your abilities to cushion the fall for me. I don't want to dislocate my arm again."
"Sure," Bero nodded. "I can do that." Moving forwards, the two Sangheili spotted another piston, with Thel pressing the holographic panel moments later. True enough, the piston lowered, allowing them to enter the floor beneath them by simply jumping down inside. The room opened up to reveal an avenue that was dotted with more of the glowing panels. Support beams, columns and more of the rectangular blocks on the floor were present, along with open ports that showcased another part of the area. As they moved forwards, he thought he heard something. Looking up, he watched as one of the panels opened, the light beneath flashing rapidly between red and blue. Moments later, a Sentinel popped into existence, with the drone flying forwards somewhat before turning towards them. "Look out," Bero shouted as the Sentinel fired it's energy weapon at them, with the beam narrowly missing the Sangheili as they dodged to the left and right. Firing his Carbine, Thel watched as the projectiles tore into the machine, splitting off sections of it's chassis before being fully destroyed. "OK," Bero grunted. "From now on, we shoot those panels. They are part of some kind of transportation system."
"Agreed," Thel nodded. Moving forwards, the two Sangheili proceeded cautiously, destroying any panels they found; they had to ignore the majority of the panels, as they saved most of their munitions for any fights that might happen up ahead. Finding another piston, with an accompanying Grunt inside, the now four member squad retracted the pistol, with each one dropping down inside. This time, they found themselves in an avenue that was split down the middle by a chasm, with Sentinel Teleporters on columns in the middle of the chasm. Short bridges crossed over the chasm, with each side of the avenue having a symmetrical, rectangular layout. It was also occupied, as he spotted a Unggoy and a T'Vao fighting off a pair of Sentinels. Moving up, both Sangheili and their charges engaged the Sentinel, destroying each one.
"Oh, look," one of the Unggoy shouted. "Arbiter, our savior!" When the T'Vao said nothing, the Unggoy said, "Stupid Jackal, say thank you."
"Not until we're out of here," the T'Vao retorted. "I'll say thank you when we're not about to die." Looking at the Arbiter, he said, "My apologies for my comrade's behavior. We've been trapped in here for well over three hours now. We're exhausted, our weapons are nearly drained and we don't have any spare batteries and we're starving on top of it. Can you help us?" As if to underscore his point, the Jackal's stomach growled loudly.
"Of course," Thel replied. "Here, take these spares. They'll allow you to continue using your weaponry. Get some rations while you're at it as well; you'll need them. We're heading deeper inside in order to retrieve the Sacred Icon; you'll have to come with us, as there's no way back."
"I figured as much," the T'Vao replied. "Alright, we'll follow your lead, Arbiter." With a nod, Thel and Bero continued forwards, with the Unggoy and T'Vao in tow. Moments later, another T'Vao met up with them, bringing the count up to six people in the squad. Continuing forwards, he noticed that the avenues joined together to form a walkway to another, identical avenue up ahead.
"You're getting close to the shield generator," Tartarus informed the squad. "Many of my Brutes have fallen, attempting to take it out. Let's see if you fare any better."
"That's odd," Bero remarked. "He never mentioned sending his own men ahead to try and get to the shield generator. I wonder if he's hiding something else from us."
"That would make sense," Thel remarked. As he walked along, Bero growled a moment later, holding his head again. This time, the dizzy sensation faded away almost immediately, thought the frequency was increasing, something that had him concerned. Reaching the new avenue, Thel said, "We'll split up to cover both sides. Bero, we'll take one of the T'Vao and two of the Unggoy and split up. We can cover each other in the event we're attacked." Nodding in agreement, Bero wordlessly complied, taking half of the squad with him in the process.
Moments later, more Sentinels appeared out of the teleporters, firing their Incineration Beam weapons all the while. Thel and Bero fired back, neutralizing the Sentinels on their respective side of the avenue. Neutralizing the enemy forces, they quickly passed through another avenue, with Bero finding another piston on the other side. Waving Thel over, he activated the pistol, allowing the Arbiter, and the Grunts and Jackals they recovered to drop down with them. Now, they were a fifteen man strong group. Dropping down, Thel activated another piston before dropping down, with this room having an entrance into a much larger room. A large platform was in the center of the room, with four power couplings on either side of the platform. A control panel was in the center of the platform, with the panel being depressed into the platform's structure in order to save space. All around, he could see corpses of Unggoy, T'Vao, a few of their cousins that the Humans called Skirmishers, and Jiralhanae lying around. Their killer was still present, as a Super Sentinel came down moments later, firing slow moving red needles at the group. "Take cover," he shouted. "We can't fight it from the front!"
Moments later, Tartarus chimed in as well. "Another one of those machines," the Brute Chieftain growled. "It's useless to attack it from the front. Stay in the shadows, wait until the beast is distracted, then strike it's back while it's turned."
"I've got an idea," Bero shouted. "Arbiter, keep it distracted." Following Bero's cue, Thel fired on the Super Sentinel, drawing it's fire while Bero moved to the side. As soon as it was distracted, the Zealot struck. Thel watched as Bero leaped into the air, his legs propelling him up and towards the Super Sentinel. At the peak of his jump, he liquefied his body, with his gelatinous flesh smacking into the Super Sentinel with a wet SLAP, while his armor clattered to the ground moments later. Moments later, the young Sangheili flowed inside, with the Super Sentinel turning around to see where the attack had come from. Moments later, Thel watched as Bero tore the machine apart from the inside, ripping off it's weapons and pincer arms before tearing out the power supply, causing the machine to fall to the ground with a metallic CLUNK. Flowing out of the machine, he flowed back into his armor, before regrowing into his normal form moments later.
The Grunts and Jackals were dumbfounded by his tactical maneuver, with the Unggoy cheering moments later. The T'Vao clapped slowly, clearly impressed by his actions. With that, they exited cover, moving onward onto the platform. "You'll need to release the power couplings," Tartarus informed the group. "That will allow you to gain access to the power core." After the group did so, he said, "Now, release the power core. That should disable the shield guarding the Library." Pressing the icon, Thel watched as the wall before him split open, revealing the exterior of the wall they were in.
It turned out, there was another wall up ahead, as the platform began to move forwards towards a similar entrance. Looking around, he looked up to see the night sky, with the blue glowing shield quickly fading into nonexistence as it deactivated. "Our path to the Library is clear," Tartarus reported, with his Phantom following the group closely. Moments later, the door on the other side opened, with a Super Sentinel attacking Tartarus' Phantom. "AAUGGHHH! Blasted machine! Make your way through the wall, Arbiter. I'll draw the beast away." Just as he said that, the Flood made their appearance. Dropping down on either side of the chamber the platform had arrived in, Flood Combat Forms began to fire on the group, weapons blazing as Thel, Bero and the others retaliated. A few Combat Forms went down, just as Sentinels came out and began firing on both groups.
As the Flood approached, Bero groaned loudly as he felt that sensation coming over him again. No, he screamed mentally. Not now! Again, he tried to fight the sensation, but this time, it was overpowering; unable to resist, Bero groaned loudly as he felt the sensation overwhelming all of his senses. He collapsed to the ground a moment later, unable to move as the buzzing sensation filled his body before suddenly… something happened. The Flood in the area seemed to stop, as they looked directly at Bero as he slowly got up, the buzzing sensation having suddenly stopped. Noticing what was happening, Thel and the others stopped fighting as well. Standing up, Bero found that he felt odd, as though he was expanding and growing, even though his body wasn't changing at all, with the sensations he was feeling earlier fading into nonexistence. What's happening to me, he thought to himself as he looked at his hands and body. Why do I feel like I'm changing even though I… That was when it hit him in the face: it wasn't his body that was growing and expanding. It was his mind that was. Looking up and around, Bero realized that he could now sense the thoughts, emotions and memories of each of the living beings around him, from the ravenous, all consuming rage of the Flood, to the organized thoughts and memories that were in Thel's mind. I… I'm telepathic, he gasped. That… that would explain those strange dizzy spells and moments of paralysis: my mind was evolving, changing into something new.
As if they could sense Bero's evolution, the Flood roared loudly and charged at him. Unlike last time however, when he had to rely on the other Sangheili in his squad to help him fight off the Flood, it was as though he had grown an extra pair of eyes out the back of his head, as Bero seemed to know exactly where and when the Flood were going to attack him. At the same time, his shape-shifting abilities had evolved as well, as when the Flood attacked, he did as well. Tentacles erupted out of his flesh as he began a living, breathing tornado of death and destruction for the Flood. Whirling around, Bero morphed his fingers into sharp talons before ripping into Combat Forms all around him. Limbs and decaying bodily fluids lfew through the air as he tore into the Flood with claws, tentacles, bony spines and other biological weapons that he grew. Looking at the young Sangheili, Thel watched as Bero became the literal definition of a one man army. Shaking himself out of his stupor, he continued firing at the Flood with the others, who were still fighting hard in order to defend themselves. Wave after wave of Flood came at them, only to either be incinerated by Thel and his team, or ripped to shreds by Bero.
Eventually, all that was left of the Flood were either smoking corpses, or dismembered bodies that looked like they'd been through a blending machine. Turning towards Bero, Thel hesitantly reached out with a hand to the younger Sangheili, since he hadn't reverted back to normal yet. Fortunately, he need not have worried, as Bero turned around calmly and looked at him. Even in his heavily mutated state, Bero was not only recognizable still, he was very much in control of his own body. "It's OK, Arbiter," Bero replied. "I'm alright now."
"What happened back there," Thel asked. "Something happened to cause the Flood to stop attacking almost immediately. The next thing I knew, you were mutating and shifting, using your entire body as a living weapon. What's strange is that you seemed to know exactly where and when the Flood were going to attack you. How?"
"I know what was happening to me," Bero replied, absorbing the extra appendages that he had grown into his body. "Do you remember when I had those strange episodes?" When Thel nodded, he continued, "Well, I now know why those episodes were happening. I don't know how to say this without sounding deranged, but… I'm telepathic."
There was a moment of stunned silence as Thel processed this information. "T-telepathic," he asked, surprised. "What do you mean, telepathic?"
A moment later, Thel was surprised to hear a voice inside of his head. I mean like this, Bero's voice said in his mind. Looking around, Thel tried to find the source of the voice, only to realize it was coming from Bero.
"You… you can hear what I am thinking", he asked, his shock growing deeper and deeper.
Yes, Bero replied, his mandibles clacking together as he nodded. I think the Oracle was right to say I was evolving some more. Apparently, I've evolved to the point where I can sense the thoughts, memories and emotions of any living organism that is near my position. I don't know how this happened, but I do know that it must be connected to when I was infected by the Parasite the first time around.
"I see," Thel remarked. "Can you hear my answers before I speak them?"
Yes, Bero replied. Just think your answers, and I'll be able to hear them as though you were talking out loud.
While that was convenient, Thel was somewhat hesitant as he began to think his answers instead of speaking them. This… this is unprecedented, shocking even. The ability to hear my own thoughts as though I was speaking them aloud… It is most unnerving.
It is, Bero replied. I don't know what I am anymore. I don't know if I am still a Sangheili, or if I have evolved into a new species, one that is separate from the Sangheili species. I don't even know if I'm the same person anymore.
You still are, Thel replied, surprising Bero. If you were a different species, you wouldn't look at all like a Sangheili. You still are one, Bero, and you will always be one. It's not just your body that determines if you are a Sangheili, it's your mind, your ethics, beliefs and emotions that define you as a Sangheili. Since you still look and behave like a Sangheili, you are one. You simply have unique abilities that you've been gifted with, albeit unwillingly.
For a moment, Bero was silent, then he said, I see… Thank you, Arbiter, for your wise words. I will think over them when we have some spare time. It could be that it's not my body that defines who I am, but rather my mind. Thank you for your words. Right now, though, we need to focus on getting out of here and to safety.
Agreed, Thel nodded. A moment later, he was surprised to feel Bero's mind touch his for a brief moment before it seemed to fade away. Shaking his head, he said, "Warriors, we will move through the area up ahead. It is likely that the Flood have infested the area heavily. If anyone wishes to leave, now is the time to do so." When none showed any signs of fleeing, he said, "Very well then. Follow me and my brother-in-arms. We will proceed through the wall and retrieve the Icon." With the others nodding in agreement, Thel continued forwards. As they moved forwards, he found the only way out was an opening in part of the wall, with part of the architecture arranged in a manner that would allow him and the others to climb up inside. Clambering up the block of Forerunner alloy, he reached down and hoisted Bero up, with the two helping their comrades climb over the edge of the barrier before dropping down. Clambering over more support beams, they reached a piston moments later.
Just as they were about to open it, Bero said, "Wait! There's something wrong." With the others moving back, he opened up the piston, causing a cloud of what appeared to be Flood Spores to drift upwards. "Just as I thought," he growled. "The areas ahead are infested with Flood Spores. If you breath those in, you'll be consumed by the Flood, turned into more, mindless servants of those beasts. I don't have to worry due to my immunity."
"What about us," Thel asked. "We do not have rebreather units."
"We do, actually," Bero nodded. Motioning to one of the T'Vao, he watched as it walked over to him, before depositing an armored backpack onto the ground. Opening it up, he pulled out two rebreathers designed for Sangheili use, as well as a few for the T'Vao. The Unggoy didn't need rebreathers, as the masks they wore for their breathing equipment were suitable for the task ahead. Grateful for the protection, Thel quickly put his on, with his mandibles wrapping around the contoured device before he made sure it had formed a solid seal. Once he was ready, he nodded to Bero.
Complying with his orders, Bero opened up the piston, allowing them access to the rooms beyond. Moments later, the T'Vao and Unggoy hopped inside, with each of them disappearing into the shaft beneath their feet. Thel was about to ask Bero something when the Sangheili walked over to him Moments later, his body distorted, with the Sangheili's mandibles and face stretching towards Thel. He was about to ask what Bero was doing, when he remembered what he had said earlier. Closing his eyes, he felt Bero's flesh flowing over his own, with the younger Sangheili flowing over his tech suit before enveloping his own body. It felt as though a warm, oily liquid was flowing over his body, only he knew that it was a living organism in this case. Moments later, he opened his eyes, noting that Bero's appearance had shifted, with the young Elite now looking like his armor's tech suit. This is strange, Thel remarked. Does it hurt?
No, Bero replied. It comes as naturally to me as breathing does to you. I should be able to get you down the shaft without injuring you in this manner. Is your rebreather fully sealed to your face?
Yes.
Then we cannot tarry any longer. Nodding in agreement, Thel walked over to the shaft and hopped inside, expecting to hit the wall of the shaft a moment later. He was surprised when tentacles grew out of Bero's body, with each one tipped with a sucker that attached to the walls of the shaft. They continued to move downwards, with Bero using each tentacle to move Thel down the shaft and into the next area. Landing on the ground below, he absorbed his tentacles, before flowing off of Thel's tech suit and reforming moments later. Another tentacle that had Bero's armor came down moments later, with the younger Sangheili flowing into his tech suit before regrowing.
"That's weird," one of the T'Vao remarked. "I heard rumors about a shape-shifter in the Covenant, but to see it with my own eyes…" He trailed off as he struggled to find the words.
"I know," Bero replied. "It is strange, but I'm glad that I can control it. Now, we must make haste." With that, the squad moved out, with both Sangheili taking point, while the others followed, entering another long avenue that curved around towards another piston.
As they moved along, Thel thought he heard weapons fire, but it wasn't Covenant weaponry. Listening in closely, he immediately recognized the distinct sounds of each weapon firing. It's the Humans, he realized. They're here! Peering around the corner, he could see Humans using their plasma weaponry against a horde of Combat and Infection Forms, with a few Carrier Forms in the back.
Apparently, the humans were currently occupied, as he heard one shout, "More Flood inbound. Open fire!"
"AAAAUUGGGHHH, GET IT OFF ME," another human shouted. Looking through the open view ports, Thel watched as a human struggled with an Infection form, just as another human pulled the creature off and stomped onto it, crushing the thing immediately. "Suppressing fire," the liberated human shouted. "Suppressing fire! We can't hold this position. Retreat! Let the Terminators handle them! They've been upgraded to deal with the Flood!" With that, the Humans retreated as quickly as they could, while ensuring they didn't fall victim to the Flood at the same time.
Moving on, Thel and the others quickly found more Combat Forms, as well as a few Carrier Forms. Firing their weapons, they quickly terminated them, killing the Combat Forms and preventing the newly released Infection Forms from creating more Flood units. Finding another piston, they traveled downwards into another series of avenues. It was clear that the Flood was making itself at home, as he noticed large, organic growths on the walls, as well as more Flood spores. I'll thank Bero later for getting these respirators, he thought to himself.
You're welcome, Bero replied, having heard his thoughts. The Arbiter merely shook his head, his mandibles forming the Sangheili equivalent of an amused grin, despite the fact he was still using the respirator. More Flood were present, forcing them to fire as they moved upwards. They traveled through many Flood infested corridors and avenues, firing their weapons while doing their best to conserve their energy and ammunition reserves. As they fought, Thel noted how there were no human Combat Forms, indicating the humans were exercising a lot of caution when it came to the Flood, which was a wise decision in his opinion. Eventually, they found another pistol, leading to the same shaft system. Again, Bero repeated his actions, allowing him to transport Thel down the shaft without dislodging his respirator. This time, they exited the shaft into a large room that held another piston. The back of the area had an open air viewport, showing the exterior of the place they were at. Ignoring the view, the squad traveled down another shaft, with this one ending at a large door that deployed upwards. This time, the area they found themselves in was different. Instead of a large room, they found themselves entering a large clearing which was separated into large, earthen bluffs that were covered in snow. Broken and partially destroyed walkways led to each bluff, with Flood patrolling each one. Pulling himself off of Thel, Bero said, Looks like we've got more trouble. I can sense more Elites coming our direction. R'tas is with them.
You can sense where someone is at, Thel asked.
Yes, Bero replied. I still don't know how I can do so. When we have time, I will need to explore the full capabilities of my telepathy, though I have a feeling that they will reveal themselves in due time. It was a frightening thought, but at this point, it was clear that such things were becoming uncomfortably commonplace for the young Sangheili swordsman. With that, they moved forwards, cutting down any Flood in their path. More Sangheili joined them as they moved forwards, killing any Flood before moving through a long, winding tunnel. The tunnel exited into a large clearing, with large holes glowing a teal color in the ground. A Covenant infantry tower was present, with Sangheili firing from the tower while R'tas manned a Shade Turret, killing any Flood that got too close to each them.
Spotting Thel, R'tas got off the Shade Turret and came over. "Arbiter, Zealot Bero, what are you two doing here?"
"Retrieving the Icon," Thel replied. "The Hierarchs sent us to retrieve the Icon. We have a few survivors of some ill fated attempts to break through the barrier that was around the Library."
"I see," R'tas remarked. Hearing a loud, feral roar, he said, "The Flood are coming. We must hold this position until reinforcements arrive. Can you help us?"
"Yes," both Sangheili replied simultaneously, causing the two to look at each other before turning back to the mission at hand. Moments later, the Parasite attacked. There were roughly three waves of Flood that attacked the group, each one consisting of Combat Forms, Carrier Forms, Infection Forms and a few Pure Forms. The Pure Forms were the most annoying combatants, as many morphed into large creatures that flung spines at them with lethal accuracy. For nearly five long minutes, both sides exchanged plasma fire, firing their weapons while trying to gain the upper hand. Thel leaped over a small barrier before him, flying for a few feet before plunging a Plasma Dagger into the Infection Form inside a Combat Form, killing the beast instantly. Whirling around, he fired his Carbine at several more, killing them as well.
Bero, in this case, proved to be the deadliest combatant out of all of them. Constantly growing and absorbing new limbs and extensions of himself, the young Sangheili was tossing the Flood around like foam. One Combat Form charged at him, only for a tendril to grow out of his chest and spear the Combat Form in the chest, killing the thing instantly. Roaring loudly, he removed his armor and morphed into a bipedal version of the reptilian creature he had shape-shifted into at the Forerunner Gas Mine. After changing into his new form, he immediately went on the offensive. Flapping his wings once, he propelled himself into the air as he jumped, snatching a Combat Form mid-jump before hurling it towards the ground, splitting it in half on some debris in the area. Coming down, he landed on another Combat Form, crushing it into the ground with his weight. Claws and talons flashed thought he air as he tore through the Flood with wild abandon. Eventually, all of the Flood in the area had been terminated, with piles of dismembered corpses lying on the ground. Looking around, it was clear that R'tas had seen Bero shape-shift, as the Sangheili Ultra looked at the dragon-like creature with an intense expression. "Bero, is that you," he asked a moment later.
"It's me," Bero replied, his voice having deepened thanks to his alternate form. "I might look different, but it's me." Moments later, he morphed back into his normal form, before using a tendril to drag his armor over, allowing him to put it on.
"I see," R'tas remarked. "I wonder if this is going to be normal for you now. I would not be too surprised to learn that you were a psionic being."
"Funny enough, I am," Bero replied after fitting the last piece of armor onto his body. "I only just discovered that ability."
R'tas reply was a simple huff. If he was surprised, he had done a clever job of concealing it. Turning to Thel, he said, "We will have to reach the Icon via the vehicles we have." Thel's reply was a mere nod as he looked at the vehicles that a Phantom was dropping off. Rallying the others, R'tas said, "Warriors of the Covenant, pay heed. The Arbiter will join us, cut through this infestation and retrieve the Sacred Icon. Let no enemy, Parasite or Heretic, stand in our way!" The other Elites roared in agreement as the Phantom left, having dropped off it's weaponry. Getting into the cockpit of a Revenant, Thel waited for Bero to get in before gunning the engine.
