After Jason and Krystal got into the forest from Krazoa Palace, they had a few things to do before they could talk. Jason tried to contact Infinity and his team but there was some interference messing with his radio. He and Krystal also tried to find some other way to contact Infinity but found nothing so far.

After they decided to put aside the idea of contacting Jason's people temporarily, they went to search for shelter. It took a few hours but they found a cave in the forest that seemed to be a perfect place to spend a night in. While Krystal made a campfire, Jason went into the forest to hunt. Krystal waited in the cave until nightfall when Jason came back carrying a deer-like creature he had shot.

It was a little sad that he had to kill it but they needed food and the deer-like animals were one of the most reliable sources of food on New Requiem/Dinosaur Planet. After Jason skinned the animal he killed, he cut some pieces of meat, put them on sticks, and set them carefully above the campfire. When the meat was cooked, Jason gave some of it to Krystal before he took off his helmet and started eating as well.

While they were eating, Krystal couldn't help but admire Jason's looks. In her opinion, Jason was very handsome for a human and Spartan as he called himself. But now that they had time, she thought that it was time for questions.

"So, where do you come from?" Krystal asked.

"I'm from a planet called Earth," Jason said.

"Is it your home planet?" Krystal asked.

"Yes, we do have colonies but Earth is where my people originally came from," Jason explained.

They took another bite from cooked meat until Jason asked a question this time.

"I'm not asking this to offend you but what are you exactly," Jason asked being careful not to offend Krystal.

"I'm the blue fox," Krystal said.

"That's it?" Jason asked.

"Yes, it is what my race is called," Krystal said.

Jason was a little surprised but he then remembered that the Universe is a big place, it's full of all kinds of life.

"Alright, another question. Do you live on New Requiem?" Jason asked making Krystal look at him with a surprised look.

"New Requiem?" Krystal asked.

"This planet," Jason specified.

Krystal was a little confused now but then she thought that Dinosaur Planet must be known by many names throughout the galaxy.

"I think that is the name you call this world but I and its people know it as Dinosaur Planet," Krystal said.

Jason stopped eating as soon as Krystal told him the other name of the planet.

"Dinosaur Planet? You mean there are dinosaurs in this world?" Jason asked.

"Yes, of course. Don't you know about the dinosaurs?" Krystal asked.

"Yes, I do. They lived on Earth millions of years ago but went extinct," Jason said.

"What?" You must tell me more," Krystal asked politely.

"Oh boy. This is gonna take a while," Jason thought.

Meanwhile onboard Infinity

After the Majestic got back, they told Captain Lasky and Commander Palmer everything that happened in Krazoa Palace. It was a huge loss to lose a Spartan but Palmer thought that as long as they haven't found a body, there was a chance that Jason is still alive.

"As long as we haven't found a body. There's chance Connor is still alive," Palmer said.

"But we don't know where to search for him. He hasn't contacted us and we can't pick up the signal transmitted by his armor," Roland said.

"I hate to say this, Sarah. But Connor may have not survived," Lasky said regretfully.

"He's a tough kid. He may not have been part of this crew for as long as I have but I know just by looking at him that he's a survivor," Palmer said.

"I'll have to agree with the commander on that one, captain. We've seen him in action, he knows how to fight," DeMarco said.

Lasky knew that having hope was important but they also have to be ready to face the fact that Jason may have not survived. But Lasky was convinced that they had to go to search for Jason.

"I agree with you, Spartans. But there is one problem," Lasky said.

"What is it, sir? Palmer asked.

Lasky told Roland to show everyone the image of the planet and it revealed high Covenant activity along with some Promethean activity but there were also several natives of the planet that seemed to be in league with the Covenant.

"Unfortunately, we can't start a rescue operation because of the heavy enemy activity on the planet," Lasky told them.

"But we can do covert operations and recon," Palmer said.

"Yes, but with such a heavy presence and activity on the planet, it will be very difficult," Roland said.

"My team and I can handle it," DeMarco said.

"Are you sure?" Lasky asked.

"Yes, sir," DeMarco said.

Lasky looked at the Spartans and knew that he couldn't stop them from going to search for Jason despite the terrible odds. And that's what he liked about Spartans, they never give up and never leave anyone behind.

"Very well. You can take the Pelican and go back to the planet. Roland will give you all possible locations where you can search for Connor," Lasky said.

"Thank you, sir," DeMarco said while Palmer smiled.

Meanwhile with Jason and Krystal

After Jason told Krystal everything she wanted to know and she told Jason everything he wanted to know, they took a little rest in the cave after their meal. They slept in the cave at least seven hours before the sun came up. Its light shined on Krystal's face which made her open her eyes and get up.

"Is it morning already?" Krystal asked.

"Just about," Jason said.

Krystal quickly turned to the entrance of the cave and saw Jason standing there with his helmet on and holding the assault rifle.

"How long have you been awake?" Krystal asked as she walked to Jason.

"About an hour now," Jason said.

"I don't really mind but why didn't you wake me up?" Krystal asked.

"I didn't want to disturb you or anything. Besides, you looked so peaceful while sleeping," Jason said making Krystal blush.

"Uh, thanks," Krystal said shyly as she tried to cover her blush.

Jason couldn't help but smile under his helmet. Another and perhaps the biggest reason why he didn't wake up Krystal was that she looked so beautiful while she slept. Jason knew that as a Spartan, the rules forbade him to have romantic ties but he still felt something in his heart every time he looked at Krystal or talked to her.

"Could it be? Could I be falling in love with her?" Jason thought.

"Are you alright?" Krystal asked.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine," Jason said.

They suddenly heard what sounded like engines and Jason's helmet detected movement coming in their way. Jason told Krystal to get down and they hid in the cave until they saw Phantom fly past them.

"What was that?" Krystal asked.

"Phantom, the Covenant dropship," Jason said.

When Krystal looked in the direction where the Covenant dropship was going, she realized that it was heading towards the village where the EarthWalker tribe was living.

"Oh no! The ship is heading to the EarthWalker village," Krystal said in distress.

"A where?" Jason asked.

"The village of the EarthWalkers. One of the dinosaur tribes on the planet," Krystal said.

"But what would the Covenant want from them?" Jason asked.

"I don't know but I know that the SharpClaws are allied with this Covenant as you call them. Maybe General Scales told them to attack the village," Krystal said.

"Still, they could use help. Do you know how we can get there quickly?" Jason asked.

Krystal smiled and whistled and a few seconds later, a CloudRunner came and landed in front of them causing Jason to take a few steps back. He had seen dinosaur fossils in museums back on Earth but he never expected to see a live one in his life.

"Whoa! A real living dinosaur?" Jason asked.

"Yes and don't worry, he's friendly," Krystal said as she walked to the CloudRunner.

"Hey, Krystal. I'm glad to see you're alright. For a moment I thought that you may have been lost within the Krazoa Palace," the CloudRunner said.

"I'm fine, thanks for asking," Krystal said.

"Who is this fellow?" The CloudRunner asked.

"Oh, this is Jason. He saved my life back in Krazoa Palace," Krystal said introducing Jason to the CloudRunner.

"Nice to meet you, sir," Jason said.

"You as well, boy," the CloudRunner said.

"Look, I'm sorry to cut the chat but the EarthWalker village is in danger," Krystal said.

"I see. Jump on my back," the CloudRunner said as he lowered himself.

Krystal and Jason nodded and carefully got on the CloudRunner's back. After that, he got up and waved his wings and soon got them to the air and headed towards the EarthWalker village. While they were heading towards the village, Jason activated the locator beacon in his helmet hoping that Infinity would pick up his signal and send reinforcements.

"I really hope they'll pick up the signal," Jason thought.

Meanwhile with the Fireteam Majestic

After they got permission from Captain Lasky, DeMarco and his Spartan team suited up, grabbed their weapons, and departed from the ship with the Pelican. And after they penetrated the atmosphere, they began scanning for signals and emergency frequencies but didn't pick up anything so far.

"Anything?" DeMarco asked.

"Nothing yet, sir," Thorne said.

"Surely the kid would have turned on his locator beacon by now," Madsen said.

"There's some interference so it might be jamming the signals," Tedra said as she checked the computer.

"I just hope we'll get something to shoot at while rescuing the kid," Hoya said as he was checking his shotgun.

They kept flying in the Pelican for several minutes until they suddenly picked up the signal near their location.

"Hey! I got something," Thorne said.

"What is it?" DeMarco asked.

"It's Connor's emergency signal," Thorne said.

"Can you locate it?" DeMarco asked.

"Already done. We'll reach it in an hour," Thorne said.

"Well done, Spartan. Take us there," DeMarco said.

Thorne nodded and turned the Pelican to the direction where Jason's emergency signal was coming from. It would take an hour to get to him but they were going anyway because Spartans never leave anyone behind.

Meanwhile with Jason and Krystal

Jason and Krystal soon arrived at the outside of the village where the CloudRunner landed. They didn't get a good look at the village because of the thin forest and didn't see any sign of the Covenant dropship but they had to check it out anyway.

Before walking towards the village, Krystal turned to her flying friend to show her gratitude.

"Thank you for taking us here," Krystal thanked.

"Any time my young friends. But you'll have to be careful, I smell SharpClaws nearby," the CloudRunner said.

"Understood, thanks," Jason said.

The CloudRunner nodded happily before getting to the air leaving Jason and Krystal on the ground. After the CloudRunner was gone, Jason and Krystal turned in the direction where the village was located and started running.

It didn't take long until they reached the village but what they saw there was horrible. The SharpClaws and Covenant troops were taking the EarthWalkers out of their homes and putting them in irons. And those who resisted were shot by the Covenant troops.

Jason felt his anger growing in him while Krystal felt terrible while witnessing the cruelty of the Covenant.

"How can they do something like this?" Krystal asked not understanding how the Covenant could do something so cruel.

"They're the Covenant, that's why. It's also because of their leader, Jul 'Mdama," Jason said.

"Jul 'Mdama? I saw him meeting with General Scales on his ship," Krystal said remembering her first encounter with a Sangheili warlord.

"He's a tough bastard. He took control of the Covenant shortly after the Prophets were killed and declared himself its new religious leader," Jason told Krystal.

"They fight for a religion?" Krystal asked.

"Partly, they also want to rule the universe," Jason said.

"No one should get that much power to rule the universe. Everyone has a right to be free," Krystal said.

"Yeah, but Jul 'Mdama doesn't take no for an answer and he also doesn't tolerate anyone trying to stop him," Jason said.

"Like you and the UNSC? Krystal asked.

"Especially us since we kicked their asses during the last war with the Covenant," Jason said.

But their conversation was suddenly interrupted when one of the EarthWalkers fell on the ground and couldn't walk anymore because he was too tired. When the invading troops noticed this, one of the Elites walked to the lying EarthWalker.

"Get up you scum!" The Elite yelled.

"I can't. I'm too weak," the tired EarthWalker said.

Jason and Krystal didn't like where this was going and decided to do something about it.

"We'll have to save the EarthWalkers," Krystal said.

"I know but there are too many SharpClaws and Covenant forces," Jason said.

"But we'll have to do something," Krystal said.

"And we will so don't worry. I have an idea," Jason said.

"What do you mean?" Krystal asked.

"I still got a few grenades and plenty of ammo left and you have your staff," Jason said.

"You want us to attack at the same time?" Krystal asked.

"No, I need you to give me cover fire while I attack the Covenant. And when I have taken out most of them, you can come out and assist me," Jason said telling Krystal his plan.

Krystal wasn't sure about it at first but Jason's plan was good actually so she nodded and Jason sneaked to the village without the SharpClaws or the Covenant's notice. When Jason was hiding behind one of the huts, he observed the situation in the village.

"For the last time, get up!" The Elite commanded.

"I can't," the EarthWalker said weakly.

"Then you are no use to us," the Elite said as he activated his energy sword.

But when he was about to stab the EarthWalker, countless bullets hit him taking out his shield and then piercing his armor killing him. The Covenant forces looked at where the shots came from and saw Jason.

"Intruder! Kill him!" The Elite shouted.

The Covenant opened fire at Jason and he fired back at them while running behind the huts. He managed to kill a few Grunts and Jackals and even a few SharpClaws but the Elites were still standing thanks to their shields and fired at Jason.

When Jason ran behind another hut, he threw a grenade at the Elites, and it exploded. The grenade knocked out the Elites' shields and Jason opened fire at them killing most of the Elites. But when one of them was about to fire with his Covenant carbine until a red energy blast hit his head killing him. Jason looked at where the blast came from and saw Krystal holding her staff.

"Nice shot, Krystal," Jason said.

"Thanks," Krystal said blushing a little.

But their moment was short-lived when more Covenant troops were coming. Jason told Krystal to evacuate the EarthWalkers while he gave them cover fire trying to hold off the Covenant as long as he could. Jason kept firing but he was running out of ammo and more Covenant troops kept coming no matter how many he killed.

"I really wish Majestic was here," Jason thought.

"All of the EarthWalkers are safe now," Krystal said.

"Good. I could use some help here," Jason said.

Krystal nodded and joined Jason and fired the energy bursts from her staff at the Covenant forces. It was getting more and more difficult as the Covenant forces just kept going towards them like a massive tidal wave.

Jason was about to reload his assault rifle until the Elite jumped on him making him fall to the ground. Jason tried to get up but the Elite put his huge foot on his chest plate preventing him from escaping. The Elite activated his energy sword and aimed it at Jason. Krystal saw this and tried to hit the Elite with her staff but he pushed Krystal away. While the Elite was distracted, Jason quickly took his knife and stabbed the Elite in his throat. And with one strong swift move, Jason cut off the Elite's head.

After he killed the Elite, Jason ran to Krystal who was lying on the ground but seemed to be okay.

"You okay?" Jason asked.

"yes, I don't think I'm injured," Krystal said.

Jason nodded and helped her back on her feet and gave Krystal her staff. But when they were about to return to the battle, the Covenant troops quickly surrounded them aiming their weapons at them.

"You can not escape. Surrender now and we may let you live," the Elite said.

"But Jul 'Mdama wants these two alive," another Elite reminded the leader.

Jason and Krystal knew that there was no way they could get out of this one. But they knew what they were getting into when they decided to save the EarthWalkers from the SharpClaws and the Covenant.

"We'll never surrender to murdering tyrants like you!" Krystal yelled.

"Same here," Jason added.

"Stun them!" The Elite ordered.

But before the Covenant troops could carry out their orders, countless bullets pierced them like rain killing most of them. Jason and Krystal looked up and to their relief, they saw a Pelican hovering above them while shooting at the Covenant forces. Then it turned around and opened the door behind it and the Fireteam Majestic opened fire at the Covenant.

"It's Majestic!" Jason said with joy.

"They're your friends?" Krystal asked.

"Yeah, I'm part of their team," Jason said.

After they eliminated the Covenant troops in the village, the Pelican landed and the Fireteam Majestic exited the ship and walked to Jason smiling behind their helmets feeling good to see that their new member was alive and well.

"Hey, kid. We were looking absolutely everywhere for you," Madsen said.

"Sorry, I was kind of under the radar for a while," Jason said.

"It's alright, kid. We found you, that's what matters," DeMarco said.

While the Spartans were talking, Krystal took a good look at them. It felt kind of strange to see other Spartans like Jason but she quickly got used to it thanks to the quality time she spent with Jason while hiding in the cave. The other Spartans soon noticed Krystal and turned their attention to her.

"Who's this?" Thorne asked.

"Oh, this is Krystal," Jason said telling them her name.

"Is she one of the locals?" Tedra asked.

"Not exactly but don't worry, she's a friend," Jason said.

The Spartan looked at each other for a moment before introducing themselves.

"Uh, nice to meet you, Krystal. I'm Spartan DeMarco, leader of the Fireteam Majestic. These are Thorne, Madsen, Tedra, and Hoya," DeMarco said introducing his team.

"Nice to meet you. Jason told me about you," Krystal said.

"You did?" Madsen asked Jason.

"Only the good things," Jason said with a smirk.

"But how did you two meet?" Tedra asked Krystal.

She was about to answer until Jason interrupted.

"Look, I know you want to know what happened after the fight with the Prometheans in the Krazoa Palace but Krystal and I have been through a lot. We need a little rest first and then we can brief you onboard Infinity," Jason said.

"The kid is right, let's go," DeMarco said.

Everyone nodded and boarded to Pelican and headed towards the Infinity. While they were flying Krystal looked at Jason feeling her heart filled up with warmth.

"You saved me twice now, Jason. I promise I will make it up to you somehow," Krystal thought.

She didn't know what she was feeling towards Jason now after his heroic actions for her but she was willing to do anything for him just as he did everything for her. A thing like that could be described with only one word... love.