Chapter 3: Glimmer in the Shadows

Just a little heads up, this is all a filler, OC chapter. If you wish to skip, you can but you might miss certain elements for later on.

It didn't take much longer for them to arrive at their makeshift, temporary base. It had a fairly simple set up, with round the clock Marines as their guards. Plenty of rooms for Noble to sleep in, a big open area with tables so they can eat some MREs, some training areas if you wanted to lift weights and such, and it even had these machines to take off your armor for you, since it was kind of difficult without a technician with you. They also had TVs put in as well as a bunch of computers for someone like Kat to dig around in. She is a knowledge freak, so I wouldn't be too surprised to see her there.

The base wad surrounded heavily by forests. It was no wonder they had so many marine guards. It would be next to impossible to him defend a base with there being so much cover for anyone trying to attack. As Noble team walked into the entrance of the base, the guards at the front saluted them. "Alright Noble, make yourselves at home. We got a few hours before nightfall so let's kick back and relax while we can. We will eat at 20:00. Make sure to rack up your weapons in your rooms. Especially you 5 and 6, I don't want to see you walking around with an arsenal with you. Clear?" Carter finished off to his squad, with most of them responding in unison with, "Yes sir."

They found their rooms pretty easily. It was the biggest ones they had, and the only rooms with big machines in them that look like a giant should fit into the wall like a puzzle piece. The rooms went in the order of their team, from left to right. Noble 1-6, which means Carter is far left, and Six was far right, tucked into a corner. They spent no time wandering, and went ahead to their rooms to put their stuff away. They had an hour and a half before they were called to eat, so none of them removed their armor just yet. The place may be makeshift, but it seems like the place was built for Spartans before. Possibly when the first units of II's were being put into bases.

Six entered his rather large room, and saw that the bed was actually rather large. 'This place was definitely used before' he thought to himself as he racked his DMR and assault rifle onto the wall. He decided to keep his pistol, sword, and knife however, as he would feel bare without them. Upon walking out, Six saw none other than Kat, already sitting down at the computer, typing away with that data module attached. 'Great, so she is going to try and get into that data. She could get this done quick, or she could be up all night from what Carter tells me.' He thought to himself, sighing in mental exhaustion. He then glanced over at the TV area, and sure enough Jorge and Emile were there, watching some action/war type movies. Carter walked out of his room with his helmet off, and began to walk into the direction of the comm room. "Jun must still be in his room." He said to himself.

Six began to feel even more spaced out. All of the Spartans were having their helmets off, doing what they normally do during recreational time, but he kept his helmet on, and didn't exactly know what to do. He never really had time for recreational stuff, seeing as once he completed one ghosting mission, another was just there waiting on him. Jorge and Emile like to watch TV it seems, mostly towards action. Kat likes to stick her nose into formal things and gather up all the knowledge she can. Jun may be the "chatty" type according to Carter, but he can tell that he prefers to be alone at times. Possibly a way to cope with the stuff he has seen.

"You alright Six? You seem like you are still on duty. Something locked in your mind?" Carter said as he exited the comms room. Six turned and was standing at the ready for him Commander. "I'm fine sir. You gave me an order to relax sir, but I feel it would be a lot better if you were to send me out in a mission sir." He said sternly. Carter seemed a bit confused by his demeanor, but remembering his file made it a bit more understandable.

"Look Six, we always got a job to do here. You haven't seen a break in your life, have you? Seems like all you have done is kill, ghost, stand guard, rinse and repeat. We were made as weapons for the UNSC, but that doesn't mean we don't get to catch a break. The knife always returns to the sheath. The weapon finds a way back to the rack. You don't always have to be a grim reaper." Jun came out of his room finally, and he had changed out of his armor completely, except for his nanosuit underneath. He was now wearing a black t-shirt and some pants. He got a few glances from his comrades, causing him to shrug as he went and joined Jorge and Emile. "What? Boss said get comfortable. You think I wanna wear that armor all day?" The three of them began to chuckle as they continued to watch someone get blown to pieces by a grenade on the TV. "Damn! Should have ran away from that. Too bad they didn't have the armor we do today." Emile said kinda cocky.

"Yeah, but keep in mind we also have worse weapons and enemies then before. It seemed like a fairly even playing field back then." Jorge added with his stoic and gentle tone. Emile just shook his head no and continued to watch. Jun was sitting on the couch since he had his armor off, but Emile and Jorge were sitting on these bug chairs that looked to be made of some sort of metal able to withstand the weight of even jorge. "You should change out of that armor, no need to be in it any longer." Jun remarked. Jorge sat upwards and nodded his head. "Fair enough, pause it. I wanna watch this." He said as he trekked over to his room. Emile threw his arms up in annoyance as Jun paused it. "Aww, come on man. Gaaaaah I guess I'll change too." He said as he unwillingly got up and trudged over to his room to get out of the armor. Carter and Six had their attention on everyone else, but Six was thinking as he took in their conversations. Jun could feel this from the back of his head, and looked over to him. "What about you? You gonna get out of that? You haven't even taken your helmet off." Six just nodded his head no. From behind, he could hear Kat mumbling to herself in anger as she went over to her room. Possibly to change as well.

"As you know, I was simply augmented to be a relentless weapon. As much as I want to agree with you sir, I just can't adjust right away. It will take time. I apologize, but I will be stepping outside to think and clear my head." He said to both Carter and Jun. Jun just shrugged and went back to his business while Carter went over and put a hand on Six's shoulder. "Stay safe Six. Don't do anything crazy. Give us a shout if you need anything." Six nodded once again, turned and headed outside of the base. The guards were at the ready, and did not ask him anything. As he walked out, they simply said "Sir" as he went out. He walked down the dirt road and eventually went into the forest, using his tac-pad to give him the topography of the region.

Things were starting to head upward as he walked through the forest. It appeared that he was heading up a hill, and eventually at the top he found a clearing. He decided to walk right into it, and out into the distance, he could see the rest of the landscape. It was just a hill, and yet it brought him this wonderful view as the sun began to drop below the horizon. As he looked out, he felt that something was off. That feeling he had back at the Relay was going haywire. He reached across his waist and grabbed his energy sword off his utility belt. He did not activate it, but he continued to look around for something to reveal itself.

"Come out you bastard. I know your somewhere." He said to himself as he got into a combat position. He heard foot stomps, and he couldn't tell where they were coming from. Eventually, he had enough and swung out the sword, activating it with a loud clashing noise. The bright blue of the sword lit up his area like a beacon. Eventually, he identified the footsteps from behind him. In turn, he turned around fast and pointed his sword at where it came from, and was met with the barrel of a DMR. "Woah! Stand down Six, stand down!" The voice rang out as a blue armored man came out. It was Carter. "Oh shit, sorry Sir!" he yelled out as he deactivated his sword and put it back into his belt quickly. He lowered his DMR and came over to six with a stern expression. "You are way to jumpy Six. I like that you are cautious, but one wrong move and things could have been ugly for the both of us. Get back to base and have some R & R. That's an order soldier. Disobey and it will be considered insubordination." Six knew now that he had been defeated. "Yes sir." He says, knowing that it was about to be a very unnecessarily stressful mission. Carter led the way back to base, with Six following right behind. "Mind telling me why you got the sword on you? I know you must have gotten it from the elites you and Jorge killed back at the relay, but why do you have it on you?" Carter asked, genuinely wondering why he would wield a weapon made by the enemy.

"Honestly sir, I most trained in close quarters and long distance engagements. Snipers and knives have been my forté in the training days. I studied up a lot on the sangheili, and when I first encountered one, he wielded the sword. Ever since I laid my eyes on it, I knew I wanted it. I hope that one day I am able to spar with a sword of sanghelios one day, or maybe even a Kaidon leader. I know it may be a bit strange to be so fascinated by the enemy, but it's just how I came to be. It does not impact my skills whatsoever, so I don't shove those feelings aside when out on the field. I will wield this sword as an extension to my arm. A longer more deadly version than my knife. I won't put anyone in danger sir, I can guarantee you that." He explained. Carter chuckled a little bit when he finished, causing Six to be rather confused.

"Good to hear Six. Just don't be swinging it too close to me and we will be alright. I trust that you will be able to keep a level head, and you have proven yourself to be trustworthy and effective in the battlefield. A certified member of Noble Team." He finished it off with a smile as they made it to the entrance of the base. Carter and Six walked in, and Kat was back onto the computer again, but without her armor. She was dressed much like Jun, and Emile and Jorge were back on the couch without their armor too.

"I'm getting out of this armor. You go too Six, get out of that and kick back." He ordered as he went into his room. Six couldn't argue with the order he was given, so he was just going to have to suck it up. He went into him room, thankful that some watchful eyes were off him now. He stepped onto the designated panel, and a little data pad popped up in front of him, asking for specifics of what it wants to do. He entered in the requirements, and the machine went to work, doing it's purpose of taking off all the armor pieces, and embedding them into the wall in a manner that makes it look as if someone was inside it. Eventually, he was left with nothing but his nanosuit, and his helmet. It lifted it up, revealing a man with bright and vibrant blue eyes, short auburn hair, and a faded scar on his eye. It was barely noticeable. He, like most spartans, was jacked beyond all belief, and he was rather tall for a three. Noble team seemed pretty tall, but other threes tended to vary. He was at a staggering seven feet tall. He rubbed his hand against his five o'clock shadow, and sighed as he went over to the drawer and put some shorts and a t-shirt on. He was pretty much dressed in all black, not too different from his midnight armor color. He grabbed his knife from its sheath and inspected it a bit before placing it under his pillow for when he would go to sleep. Upon going to exit his room, he took one final glance at his armor, already beginning to feel lonely without it. He really didn't like being without it, even without his helmet.

As soon as his door opened, all eyes of his partners of Noble was on him. Kat took a good look at his face, and then immediately put her attention back onto her computer screen, desperately trying to crack the code on the data module. Jun seemed pretty content with his appearance, expected of a man of his caliber. Jorge and Emile looked over with a smirk on their face, with them chuckling to themselves. "So the lone wolf finally got out of his armor? Welcome to Noble Six." Jorge said, with Six nodding with a little smile. They then put their attention back to the TV. Carter walked out of his room and went to Six, extending his hand out for a handshake. "As expected, you'll follow the order with just a little pressure. Not that bad is it Six?" Carter said, laughing to himself. Six shook his hand, smirking as well. "It will take some getting used to sir, but I'm happy to be a part of this team. You guys are something else, that's for sure. Suppose you could be a lot better than solo running." he said, rather snarky.

"Ohhhh, you hear that Noble? I hope someone recorded that for his file." Carter said mockingly.

"I think that's the biggest compliment we will ever get from him. Especially with team play." Kat said rather smart like.

Jorge and Emile were laughing and mocking Six as they watched their movie. "Damn, it's like that then? Okay, I see how it is." Six said as he went over to the couch, plopping himself down and watching the TV. Carter followed suit, and sat on one of the chairs. The five of them watched TV while Kat worked on her data module. They had some time before dinner. Six had to admit, this was nice. They were acting normal, rather than being an uptight weapon or a machine or even a demon. We were people inside those suits of armor, and the more I talked with Noble, the more I realized this. We have more purposes than we realize.

Quite some time has passed as they all had their eyes glued to the TV. Eventually, Kat broke their silence as well as their concentration. "Damn it all! What could they have put on this to make it so hard to access, I just wanna know even more what's on the damned thing." Kat said as she fumbled around with her work. Carter got up from his seat and went over to her. "Just keep trying Catherine, don't let it get to you. Just make sure that what you are doing isn't going to end in a court martial." He said, trying to calm her down. He looked at the clock planted on the wall, and sure enough it was time.

"Alright Noble, time for dinner and then what you do after is on you. MREs should be set already. I'll go get them, take a seat." He ordered as he went out of the main room and out into the corridors, leading him to the kitchen. Emile sighed, wanting to finish up the movie. Jorge just punched his shoulder as they all sat up. "Quit you whining four, let's get some grub."

"It's about time. I've been starving for a while now. I was thinking about cooking up some of those covenant at the relay I was so hungry." Jun said with his signature tone and Slavic accent. Emile had a face of disgust as he turned to Jun. "Gross man, you got some problems if you considered eating split lip." Jun laughed, "Oh you have no idea how appetizing it looked, like when you go hunting and you just wanna eat your catch there and then."

"Well I, for one, am glad I didn't have to see that. I probably would thought you were insane. We would have had to replace you with Rosenda." They all laughed, except for Six. He had no idea who Rosenda was. Soon enough amongst their chattering, Carter came out from around the corner and had six trays stacked with six MREs, steaming and ready to eat.

He placed them down and took his seat, passing out the trays and the dinner. "Alright, let's eat. Before any of you ask, because I know at least one person will, the reason why we are eating these even though we have a kitchen is because of the fact that we don't have any supplies to cook. This base just got reestablished, and we don't have anything other than the rations inside these MREs." He explained, with a groan coming from Jun. Emile and Jun despised the taste of them, Kat and Carter didn't really care for them, but Jorge and Six actually liked them. The meals were a bit different from each other, but they all had basic rations (containing boneless pork ribs or beans with rice and bacon), coffee, protein bars, a hard vegetable cracker and other nutritional supplements. Pretty much all of Noble started digging in and all decided to save their coffee for tomorrow morning.

Six opened up his vegetable cracker and went ahead with eating that. It didn't have a very good taste, but went to town on it like an animal, sliding his coffee ingredients to Kat. "What are you doing? You don't like coffee or something Six?" She asked intently as she slid the coffee mix back towards his way with her robot arm. He took a second to swallow what he was eating, and then answered her. "Trust me Kat, you'll probably need it more than me if you are going to be struggling on that data module all night." He slid it back her way as Carter snickered to himself. "Oh shit" Emile said quietly to himself. "Here we go" Jorge said as well.

"I… I was not struggling Six! The computer is making things difficult for me. It's not like the ones back at home, this one is older and crappier." She hesitated, but grabbed his coffee anyway. "But… thank you Six." Emile threw his arms up. "Aww what!? We would have had our heads chewed off if we would have said some shit like that! What's the deal?" Jun began to tear into his rations of pork, while Jorge went in onto his bacon. Carter and Kat were going at a rather slow, more relaxed pace.

"Well, you are a whole different person compared to Six. Gotta cut the newbie some slack, I can't blame and get on him for everything. You Emile, are a whole different ball park." Jorge and Jun snickered yet again, and Six couldn't help but smile. "That's how it is huh? Okay, I see." He said, admitting defeat.

As they ate, Six decided to break the ice a little and start to learn more about Noble. "Jun, if you don't mind me asking, where did you get that tattoo?" Jun paused from his eating for a second to recall it. "Well, although I don't remember exactly what the fist full of arrows mean, I do know that I got it before I started doing ONI missions, make me stand out a little bit in the crowd. I like to think of it as the rounds for a sniper, like myself." Six nodded, rather intrigued by what he really did as a Headhunter.

"Can anyone explain why we have a walking tank on Noble? I figured we would be all IIIs, but Jorge is a II." He asked yet again. Jorge just shrugged, and Emile did so as well. "From what I could gather, we were formed originally to do damn near suicidal missions. Me and Kat are the only survivors from the original team as you know. Every single Spartan here has been proven to be a juggernaut, or a skilled assassin of some sort. Something to bring to the table. Holland must have figured a tank like Jorge, who was born on reach and is a Spartan II, would be a good add. I'm not complaining." Carter explained. The rest of Noble nodded while Jorge got a little flustered from his comments.

"I got a question Six, what is your REAL name. We have all just called you Six because there was no name to give. Now we have a face, let's add the name." After Jorge asked that question, he had the entire team looking at him with curiosity plastered on their faces.

"Well, to be honest I don't remember my real name. I was an orphan at a really young age, and I was taken in by somebody who worked for ONI. He was the one that put me into the Spartan program, and my higher ups began to call me Samael. I don't like that name, and would prefer if you call me by Six. I'm sorry, but being known as someone's personal grim reaper with the name of Samael, is all too fitting. Ever since I was moved to Noble, I began to grow on Six. I feel like Six would be a far better name for me. I don't care if it's just a number." He explained with a serious face and stern tone.

The other Spartans looked at each other with rather confused faces. Jun was the only one who seemed to be different, who had a face of realisation. "Wait a minute… you're THE Samael. You were a part of the Saber program. You led a counter-insurgency operation on Mamore on May 10th, 2552." Jorge's eyes went wide as Jun revealed just who he was. Carter and Kat were rather surprised as well, while Emile was rather nonchalant about it.

"Yes, that was me. That particular reason right there was all the more reason for Holland to add me to Noble. Said so himself."

"That's a real unique skill to have there Six, wouldn't mind flying in one of those." Jorge said, thinking about how reach must look as they took off.

"That is if your big ass could fit into one." Emile remarked, with Jorge punching his arm as Noble laughed.

"It's no big deal though Six. If you want to be Six, you will be Six, on my orders. After all, we need Six, none of that lone wolf reaper stuff that Samael brought." Carter said with a cunning tone. The rest of Noble seemed to agree. "Thanks guys. I'm proud to serve with you."

"Glad we could have you Six." Emile said as they all continued to eat and chatter about things like guns, battles, and other history gossip. Six genuinely enjoyed his time with his Spartan teammates, and he really began to feel human. He wasn't just a ghost, a machine, a demon, or even just a soldier. He was human.

Some time passed as Noble ate and finished up up their meals. After cleaning up, it was round about time to hit the hay. Most of Noble decided to use their bathroom faculties before they went to bed, seeing as how they have been holding it in the whole day (there are flaps in the nanosuits that they can open after activating a certain sequence. In actuality, I have no idea how Spartans do such things and I feel as if this is the least gross it could get compared to what they might have to actually do). Some of Noble needed the sleep after the long day they had, while some didn't really care for it, a certain female in particular. Six, Jun, and Carter went into their rooms to sleep, while Jorge, Emile, and Kat all stayed up. Six layed down on his rather huge bed, and didn't even pull the covers up onto him seeing as the suit regulated his temperature anyway. He just put his hands behind his head and closed his eyes, letting his mind and body take a nice rest.

*Six hours later*

Six jolted upward with his knife in his hand, scanning the room with frantic breaths. Calming himself down, he looked over at the clock on the wall and saw that it was nearing 0300. He got an adequate amount of sleep by his standards, but he wished he could have gotten more. He has done this for as long as he could remember, waking up thinking there is an imminent threat nearby. He got up after a few seconds and went over to his armor, placing his knife in its sheath and looking at his black visor. He liked the sleek appearance of the Recon, and the additions made it all the more better. One helmet he really wanted to have though, was either the commando helmet that Carter had, a tank built one like Jorge's, or the stealthy and tactical scout one that Jun wore. He also wouldn't mind one like Emile's, with a big skull on it. He didn't mind Kat's but he felt that it better suited the females. After some more thoughts, he went ahead and stepped on the panel, activating the machine to put his armor on. Before it went to work, he took off his shirt and shorts, throwing them aside so that the machine would get to work.

After a few minutes of the machine making computer noises and hissing, his armor was all in place. He was happy to be back into his suit of armor, feeling safe and ready for war. He grabbed his helmet from the machine and looked at it one more time before spinning it and putting it on. He then grabbed all of his weapons: Assault rifle, DMR, magnum, and Energy Sword. He placed the assault rifle on his back and his pistol into his holster. The sword hung onto his belt and he kept his DMR on hand. He then, quietly as he could, walked out of his room. The room was dark except for one computer screen, which lit up a certain Noble member. Kat had been working all night on trying to get into the module, but was eventually overcome by her fatigue. He felt kinda bad for her not being able to crack it, so after placing his DMR on his back, he went over to her slumped body and picked her up bridal style. She mumbled a bit in her sleep as a form of protest, but Six ignored it as he walked her over to her room and gently laid her down in bed. She curled up nicely on the bed, and Six took that as a good sign as he exited her room and the building.

Upon leaving and pulling out his DMR, he was met with two marines guarding the front door. "Lieutenant Sir, where are you headed so early?" asked one of the guards while they both saluted. "I'm going on patrol. I have suspicions that I always need to check corporal. Nothing too special."

"Roger that sir, holler if you need anything Sir." Six nodded as he went off into the forests, just he did yesterday. He activated his night vision as he trudged through the brush, waiting for his HUD to highlight anything that seemed out of the ordinary. He decided to make his way over to that clearing that he went to before, but it was just a little too far from base. "Screw it." He said as he went on anyway, rifle at the ready.

His HUD was a bit different from others. Normally, night vision would be a standard green, but his acted much like the VISR system in place within an ODST helmet, brightening up the area and outlining things in either neutral amber colors, friendly green, or enemy foreign red. It even highlights weapons for him in an assorted blue. He eventually made it to the clearing, and he eyed the area as the wind blew. The sound made him feel content as he took a peek up at the sky, gazing at the cluster of stars and their formations. He wanted to take off his helmet and feel the breeze, but he didn't exactly feel like it would be appropriate, seeing as the area around him is never safe. He began to have déjà vu, hearing some ruffling in the brush. As he looked around with his rifle at the ready, he saw a little amber outline, that stuck out to him, appearing to be like a creature. After a quick second of investigating the figure, he saw it move just slightly, causing a little glimmer to appear in its hand. He knew exactly what it was, and he according took off his weapons much like he did back at the relay. He threw them to the side, keeping his pistol in its holster, and took out the energy sword. "So you finally reveal yourself Marshal. I knew you didn't have the gal to retreat, on your honor to the prophets." He said in sangheili. Sure enough, the area began to brighten up in his visor, as an outline of a Field Marshal appeared out of the active camo. The energy sword lit the area like a beacon, and he responded by activating his sword as well, causing the elite to snarl.

"I felt something hit our falcon as we took off, I suppose that was a tracking beacon. You have come to take the data chip. There is something on there that you and the San'shyuum want." The Elite snarled once again, appearing rather angry before speaking to Six, in a lighter toned voice than the others. "I don't know how you know so much about us demon, but you will perish by my hand, and I will take that data after your comrades have been properly disposed of. You'll pay for what you did to Jetan and Sivo!" Six was taken aback by what the Elite was saying, and the voice was throwing him off even more. He noticed as the elite aimed the sword towards his face as a sign of starting the duel, that the sword was actually different from his. It appeared to have a more sharper edge to it, with longer blades that are more close together. It was also a darker blue, with more hints of purple towards the hilt. He pointed his right back at the Elite, and got into his stance. "I sent them off with Honor, Field Marshal. I will not allow you to hurt anyone else. You will follow down the same path as your fallen brothers, which saddens me. The sangheili are a proud race, and should not resort to being pawns for use in the covenant by the San'shyuum."

The elite lunged forward faster than Six could almost tolerate, and they both clashed swords. Sparks were flying off their swords as the elite looked right into his visor, and roared as it kicked him hard enough to knock him down to the ground. As soon as he hit the ground, his instincts kicked in, so he rolled over to his side fast, and sure enough a sword went straight into the ground where he just was. He then spun around using his hand, and sweeped the leg of the elite. It came down with a loud crash, allowing Six to get up and back off, catching his bearings. The elite managed to get their breath back as it stood up and peered as Six, watching as Six got ready again and waved his hand over for it to come to him again. "Lets go Marshal." It growled as it came at him again. He was prepared to block the swing that he saw its body project, but midway, it sidestepped and twisted around. The sword came out to his left side and almost hit him due to his delayed reaction. "Grrrggghh. What was that?!" He asked as he then proceeded to block the flurry of blades that came his way. This Marshal was much more skilled than the other two, using a type of fighting style that made it flow rather well. It was hard to read and keep a track of, and from the way it works, if he were to try and attack, he would end up mince meat. The swords continued to clash and spark as they parried blades.

After enough parrying, he turned his sword off quickly as a swing went for his neck. He expected something like this, so he dodged by lowering his head back and then out his hands onto the floor, doing a back handspring and kicking the elite right on the underside of its mandibles. With some good distance and a nice daze for the elite, he activated his sword and rushed towards it. He swung relentlessly, but each attack was getting blocked much like the Elite's were. He then used his skills as well, giving a left hook into its ribs and kicking it hard on its right side. It groaned in pain, but what he didn't expect was for it to grab him by the throat and lift him up. His quick thinking allowed him to straighten his body up and with all his might, kick right into the chest of the elite, causing him to hit the ground while it backed off. He then sprung upwards and pointed it's blade at it again, as a sign of continuing this battle.

"I can see why my brothers have fallen by your hand. You have fight in you Demon, and you know your way around the blade, however less gracefully. How is it that you know so much of our race demon? Answer me that before I spill your entrails." It snarled. Six bad a smirk on his face from the sense of pride the Elite had. Not very surprising. "I was trained to be a lone wolf unit, a one man ghosting squad. I am not sure if there is a rank in your structure for someone like me, but being sent on suicide missions with almost no thought of failure, is what brought me here. Also, I was taught many things, but I decided to read up on my enemies cultures and home worlds. Yours, just so happened to intrigue me the most. I learned the Sangheili tongue and about the honor structure, the households, the names and their meanings, all of the ways you live out on Sanghelios. Fascinating. I just wish that the Sangheili race would have just stayed with themselves. They shouldn't have joined the covenant. Your race is better than that, stronger than that, wiser and more honorable than that! We humans have done nothing to you! Yet I watch your forces slaughter innocent people day in and out. You killed that old man back at the relay… stabbed him right through the chest! That girl was scared to death, because you murdered her father right in front of her."

"Shut up demon!" It roared as they clashed swords yet again. Six grit his teeth as they clashed, and his anger against the covenant combined with his sense of justice and vengeance welled up. As they stood, swords crossed, he could feel himself losing focus, causing the elite to slowly overpower him. "You have left towns of innocent dead. You have left many without a loved one, losing one or both of their parents. I've come across a little girl… a little girl with two holes in her back! What kind if monster would stab a little girl, before she can even see what life really even is!" his strength and focus returned to him as he turned the tables, pushing the elite back hard and shoving it straight onto the ground, causing the Elite to lose its sword on the way down. The elite punched him hard in the chest, causing him to drop his as well, but he got on top of the elite, holding it down with his power and beat it. Punching it's face and chest and even the sides while he stayed over top of his opponent.

He eventually gave out one final punch, knocking the Marshal helmet right off, but he let his head stare straight down. They both huffed as their stamina was almost depleted, running on fumes at this point. "Why… why did any of this have to happen… why did the Covenant come to earth, slaughtering people without any remorse or mercy. They killed so many, even my own parents. I was so fucking young that I can barely remember their faces… do you know what's that like Elite? Do you?!" He yelled out as he looked into the face of the elite. He could clearly see the eyes of it, and he could tell something was different now. The voice and the way it carried itself in battle. 'No doubt about it.'

"Answer me, female. You can't mask your voice now." They both were breathing in heavily, but Six still had enough strength to keep her down while he unsheathed his knife and aimed it towards her. When she spoke then, it was clear that she had been lowering her voice in order to seem more menacing in ranks, to not seem weak and frail like they are probably portrayed as. "What do you know demon… you don't know what they would do to our home planet if we didn't agree to join the covenant. Do you know how difficult it was for me to join the covenant and become the rank of Field Marshal! It's unheard of at Sanghelios. We are supposed to be nothing but caregivers, and nothing more. I wanted to fight, find out why our race showed such cowardice in the eyes of the Covenant. I understood now, and the San'shyuum has made all of us believe that the great journey is ahead, and in order to reach it, we must get all of the forerunner artifacts. They clearly specified that the humans were our greatest threat." Six clenched a fist, and you could hear the tension in it as his anger boiled. He reared back and yelled out as he aimed his heavy punch towards the face of the elite. She closed her eyes, waiting for the impact, but she heard a loud crash right beside her head. She slowly opened up her eyes and looked over to her right to see a tiny crater, with Six's fist buried in it.

"The San'shyuum lied about us. We are just protecting ourselves. The forerunners set up a future for all living things, and who do the prophets think they are to dare go against that? Everything that they left behind was for us to learn about so that we may did what they did for us. Your prophets spit nothing but venom, and lies. They are holding your race hostage, and brainwashing you all to become their lap dogs. Nothing more." He then put a hand on his knee and got up off her, freeing her. He kept his knife clenched into his hand. He walked over to his sword, picked it up, and kept it in hand while it was deactivated.

The elite slowly got up and did the same as him, now beginning to question all of the covenants motives, even her own… She went over to her helmet and picked it up, reveling in its ornamental beauty with the sleek combative style they added. She put it back on and went over to her sword as well, turning back and looking over to the demon, with his black visor looking straight back. He flicked his wrist and activated the sword, keeping his knife in his left hand and getting into a new stance. "The great journey… ends here."

She looked down at her blade as it activated, and she didn't know what she was fighting for any longer. If everything he said was true, her entire race would be labeled as mindless murderers who left behind honor, showing cowardice by joining the covenant after a threat was issued. Could there be more lies? Could he be trying to brainwash her? He is a demon after all. She shook away her thoughts and was left with nothing. No emotion whatsoever, just apathy. She activated her wrist gauntlet blade which mirrored the colors of her sword, and got into her stance.

Six made the charge at her, swinging his sword down onto her. She blocked it with her own, and tried to stab him with the gauntlet. He used his knife to swipe her hand away and kick her in the chest. This time he lunged forward and went straight for her stomach. She sidestepped this and dragged her gauntlet along his blade as a form of deflect to keep his sword off target. She then brought her sword onto him, but he managed to guard the whole sword using his knife. He grit his teeth and looked into her eyes, seeing that she very well has lost all meaning to this fight. Unwavered, he shoved her blades off and kicked her right in her side. She faltered for a moment, but retorted with a kick of her own, landing right on his head and sending his helmet flying off.

Six looked back at her as if nothing had changed, and she could see the anger in his eyes. Pain, suffering, anger, vengeance, and so many more emotions came off of his icy blue eyes. In a swift movement, he intertwined his sword with hers, and twisted it, causing her to drop it as he kicked her center chest again. She jabbed using her gauntlet, but he deflected it with his on knife and brought his sword down upon her throat. She knew as soon as he copied her move, that it was over. She would really see what is to be found in the afterlife; if the great journey becomes a reality, or if it's all a lie. However, even though she closed her eyes and, she still felt herself breathing. She could still hear the hum of the energy sword. She slowly opened her eyes and saw the sword, close to her throat but not harming her. The heat it was giving off was intense, and she could feel it through her suit and armor. His hand was shaking as he kept it near her throat. She didn't move though, he hesitated and she could kill him now. She would gain high reputation for bringing down a demon, yet, she did not move.

"Unlike you people… I'm not a monster. You call us demons… but the covenant is hell itself. I won't kill you like I did the others. You are different in more aspects than what meets the eye. Keeping out the obvious traits, you actually keep your roots to honor, and your reasoning for joining the covenant might not be as bad as others. This will not clean your hands of the blood you spilt over your career as a soldier for the covenant. I have more blood on my hands than anyone could imagine… from enemies of the covenant, to the insurrectionist forces. I've had to kill my own species because of what they did. All I've done is kill, kill, and kill some more. I refuse to kill you now. I just won't." He lowered his sword, deactivated it, and put it on his belt. His eyes had shined onto hers until he turned his back and went to retrieve his helmet.

She was frozen in place, having no idea what to do. Her thoughts were jumbled and hazed, and she just can't seem to focus on one thing. "Why… what is this display? Is it cowardice?! Or is it that you feel pity for me, seeing me as a weaker specimen!" She snarled. Six went down and picked up his helmet, wiping off the dirt and dust from it. He turned around and looked her in the eyes as he put it back on, making sure that it is locked in place this time so that it doesn't get kicked off again. "I do not pity you nor is it cowardice. You can take it however you wish, but to me, I am doing what I think is right. Save yourself and others from the covenant. Open your eyes to new things, take on a new perspective, and you'll see the atrocities that the prophets commit. If you wish to cast my words aside, feel free. Just promise me one thing…" he trailed it off, as if asking for a name. The way he worded it allowed her to understand it all to well using her language.

"Thaya 'Vadamee. My name is Thaya 'Vadamee." She answered for him. He had a small grin under his visor.

"Thaya of the 'Vadam keep, I ask you to spare the life of the innocent humans that inhibit this system. Even if you wish to continue serving the covenant, please spare the lives of the innocent. Come after me if you have to. Hate me, despise me, I don't care, but do not hurt the innocent any more. They do not deserve to be gutted and slaughtered when it has nothing to do with them, the same as your people back at Sanghelios. I hope you'll see the truth in it all, and you will try to save others from the threat of the prophets and their lies. Fal 'Chavamee saw it this way, and look what was done unto him, his family, and his clan."

Her eyes widened upon hearing that name. It grows more and more apparent that he really does know of their history, but how did anyone attain such knowledge? "Why spare me… I could easily betray you down the line and go against all of what you say. I could easily go against this promise." She argued, but Six wasn't having it.

"But you won't, will you? You have doubts, and you know that somehow, what I'm saying could he true. See for yourself, and come find me again. I have never lied to anyone in my life, and I take my promises to the grave. On my honor, as Noble Six from Noble Team." He let out in a speech type manner.

"Noble Six… Y-you have my word, on my honor." She said nervously. It wasn't hesitation, but more of fear for what would come for her with the covenant. It was bad enough that most of her of the higher ups had a natural distaste for her due to being a female. The only ones who really leveled with her were older veteran troopers or the prophets themselves. Other zealots or generals naturally hated her.

Six nodded and walked over to her, not even remaining cautious to her. "You have my thanks Thaya. I hope that the next time we meet, you will truly understand. If not, then we will have one final duel to see who will get to go home a victor." She nodded at this, and watched as the demon went over to his weapons and put them on his back. He glanced over his shoulder to speak one last time. "I'm sorry, for killing your brothers in arms back at the Relay. Know that they went out honorably. Is there anyone I should watch out for myself?" he genuinely wanted to know, and it surprised her. The demon continued to surprise her the longer she communicated with him.

"As you can tell by my doubtfulness, I assure you that I hold no ties to the covenant forces. They were simply that, comrades. But now that I really think about it, were they really my comrades? If what you said is true, we all have been living a lie, killing innocent creatures that were merely defending themselves." Her tone appeared saddened.

"What do you think we are Thaya?" He asked with a bit of malice. She was confused by the question.

"What is it that you ask of me Noble Six?" She tilted her head slightly, a bit confused.

"You call us demons, but what are we really to the covenant." He looked forward and kept his back to her.

"The most dangerous of our enemies. Demons said to be able to kill full on squadrons single handed without breaking a sweat. Myths and legends surrounded what you were. I never expected them to be humans in a suit of armor." She spoke true, and meant no ill will in her words.

"We are humans. Modified from a young age to fend off against our enemies. We are super soldiers, weapons, machines, personal grim reapers, demons… this was what we are. We are known as Spartans, and we will defend humanity to our last breath." He finished the last bit with a sense of justice and courage.

"There is still so much I wish to talk about Spartan…" She said, looking down at her sword. Her ideals, her motives, her dignity, her honor, everything was being brought to question.

"There will be a time, but for now you must rejoin your comrades. Clear your head and really think about what I have told you so far. Believe it or don't, that's all up to you. Whether you like it or not, you will see me again. I just hope that you come to your senses and do what's right, for the sake of both our races." With that, he set off back to base. It was getting close to 4:30, and he wanted to take his own advice and clear his head from the bizarre experience he just had. She stared into his midnight armor until he was no longer in sight. She put her sword on her thigh piece, and let her mind wander and she trailed off into the other direction.

'From what he said, I am the only one to listen to him completely. I have heard many stories of the demons, and his fighting style was no mere child's play. He was definitely a seasoned warrior, but why is it that I am the only one to ever consider his words? Have the prophets buried our integrity that much? Was it simply because all of the sangheili he has tried to convince were all just stubborn? I just want answers… was he lying, or was the covenant?' She thought to herself as she, herself, disappeared into the dark forest brush.

*Break*

Six eventually made it back to base, and the guards from before were still there and seemed pretty focused. They saluted him as he nodded and walked into base. When he walked in, he was greeted by the big man himself. He was relaxing on the couch watching T.V. when he heard the door open up. "Jesus, Six? What are you doing up this early? Why are you already outfitted for a battle. Couldn't sleep or something?" He stayed seated, not all that worried for the Spartan but still concerned nonetheless.

"I was out doing some patrols. Got nothing to report, don't worry. Everyone was asleep so I figured I would let one of my habits let loose." Jorge chuckled as he looked back towards the T.V. "You are lucky I'm not a snitch Six. Better be careful with that old habit stuff. You are running out on those free newbie passes."

"Yeah yeah, I got it Five. No need to worry." He came back rather snarky. He went into his room, letting his nerves unravel as he sat down on the chair. His weapons and armor made it hard to sit back on it so he just leaned forward, putting his elbows on his knees and letting his mind wander just a bit.

"What a morning. I wonder what our mission is for tomorrow. Hopefully it's something simple, I could use a good mental break." He said to himself, taking his helmet off and setting it on the desk next to him.

Elsewhere, Thaya was seen entering what appeared to be a cloaked, two man operated stealth ship. It was rather small, but it contained everything necessary to get to different parts of the system. It was in itself, a perfect vessel. However, it was a prototype that, right now, only belong to high up personal. She closed up the ship and kept it's cloaking on as she sat down in her piloting seat, wondering just what she would do next.

Just another day on reach...

Gonna leave it off at that. Big chapter up next and we will start getting into some serious OC for this story. All in all I am loving doing this reach story, and I will continue to work strictly on this until it's caught up with Atlas's Revelation (sorry to disappoint :[ ) I hope you enjoyed this chapter, the 4th is already underway. Peace out my friends. Love y'all

~Red