A/N: Gotta love having back-up files. Makes updating go by so much more quickly.

I own nothing

The whole building was in complete chaos. I lept out of cover with my M4 ready and dispatched three guards from behind the bar. "Xero! Makarov's heading to the roof!" Price shouted over the radio. "Six! Go we'll cover you!" Emile shouted as he, Kat and Soap engaged the remaining guards on the floor.

Reloading the rifle, I ran into the next room and used my enhanced strength to leap up through the gaping hole in the floor. I saw dead guards laying everywhere. "Uhh..." I looked left and ran over to Yuri who was laying on his back pinned to the ground with a rebar sticking out of his shoulder.

"Ju-Just go...stop Makarov..." he grunted out. Setting hy rifle aside, I gently lifted him off the ground. Yuri gnashed his teeth as the rebar came out the back of his shoulder and blood gushed out of the open wound.

I quickly pulled out my last tube of bio-foam and stuck the nozzel into the wound and filling it with the sealing agent. "Kat, Yuri's wounded on the upper level. I treated the wound but he might need assistance." I said into my radio.

"On our way now Six." replied Kat as I gathered my rifle and went after Makarov.

Running out in to an open atrium. The glass dome above me shattered. Price tumbled down and slammed onto the walkway to my right. Another form fell through and stopped in midair with a loud snap.

Hanging from his neck by a strong nylon cable, was Vladimir Makarov. His head and neck bent at an odd angle as he swung slowly three stories above the ground below.

Looking from the dead Russian terrorist, I ran over to Price who had managed to light a cigar and smoke it casually as he looked at the hung man. "You alright Price?" I asked sitting next to him. "Better now that it's all over mate." he replied blowing out a cloud of smoke.

I chuckled, "Way to go, you crazy old bastard." Price chuckled and took another drag on his cigar.

As if on que, the light that had consumed me and my fellow Spartans from before surrounded us in a white haze.

I heard footsteps, through the light the same woman I've been seeing came toward me. "You know, you have to find a better way to contact me." I said passively. She smiled, "This is the only way I can, I'm afraid."

I removed my helmet and stood up to see her better. "So what is it this time, and try to go into more detail. Because all of these riddles are driving me crazy." She gave a light laugh, "You are doing very well on your journey. But there is still far more that needs to be done if you wish to stop the cycle."

That little tidbit caught my attention, "Wait a minute! You mean the Reapers." She nodded, "Precisly, but far more than that." I was starting to get really tense, what could be worse than the Reapers?

"Another entity has formed an alliance with the Reapers. Their combined might will lay waste to the universe. Then, when they are finished, they will move onto other dimensions and continue their wrath." She said with both fear and sorrow in her voice.

I shook my head, "Fuck...what can I do to stop them? And who or what is this other entity?" "The other entity is nearly as ancient as the Reapers. And it also has the ability to lay waste to all organic life." she said. Something about that statement made me feel dread.

"In order to stop them. You must finish finding the other travelers. They, combined with Shepard's team, will be able to stop them." She seemed to smile, "The Quarian woman, will also play an important roll."

"What do you mean? What does Tali have to do with this?" I asked still trying to recover from what she told me before. "Everything." She said smiling. "She is your present...and your future. Keep her safe, and close to your heart."

The light around us started to brighten again. "WAIT! Can I at least get your name this time!" I shouted as the light consumed us. "Sereanna" with that everything went dark.

X

I slowly came back to reality and realized I had fallen asleep leaning against the wall. I heard light snoring and saw Tali asleep on my shoulder. Her arms wrapped around my arm, and she seemed to be cuddling with it. Then I heard something, was she...purring?

Not wanting to wake her, I tried to untangle my arm from her. She tightened her grip and growled in her sleep. That almost had me laughing, apparently she didn't want to let me go...she didn't want to let me go?

It hit me. Perhaps...she felt something for me? Shaking my head, I slowly pulled myself away and laid her down on my bed, covering her with the sheets as I did so. I couldn't help but gaze at her. She looked so peaceful and fragile. But I knew that deep down she was dangerous to anyone in her way.

Reaching out, I slowly ran my hand over her veil. Wondering what her face really looked like beyond that visor.

I couldn't help but smirk. The UNSC did all they could to surpress our emotions through the augmentation process. Guess ONI fucked up, because what I was feeling wasn't 'regulation' for a Spartan.

My omni-tool beeped bringing me out of my daze. "Xero, we gotta talk. Me us in the cargo hold." said Kat. I sighed before looking back at Tali and smiled. I may have fought and killed hundreds of enemies, but I couldn't deny what my heart was telling me.

I was falling in love with Tali'Zorah nar Rayya

X

I made it to the cargo hold and saw that it was mostly empty. The only ones there were Emile, Price, Soap, Kat, Yuri, Heller and Dana. "So what's this about?" I asked. "Heller informed us about how he and the others got here." said Soap. "The same way we did." I stated rather than asked.

"Exactly. But the difference is the woman in white." said Price. "You guys have seen her too?" I said in shock. "Yeah. Everytime we sleep she passes this information about some weird fucking shit going down." said Heller.

Dana looked to me, "The others told us about this world, and the 'Reapers' that are suppose to be coming. Perhaps she is trying to help us help Shepard stop them." she offered.

I started to think, "She had told me once that we needed to find 'others'. The next mission we ran into you and the others Heller, who like us is from another dimension entirely." "So you think there are more." said Kat. "I know there are more. The thing is how many and where can we find them?"

"The woman told me to seek you out specifically. Could that be important?" asked Heller. "Probably. If she informed you about me, then she will do the same for the other people being transported here." I said as I started to pace.

"There was something else." said Kat. "Something about another being-" "Allying them selves with the Reapers." I finished. "That feels wrong. From what you've told us the Reapers are bad enough." said Soap. "Da, one army wiping out all life is already a lot to fight. Who the hell would join them willingly?" said Yuri.

"Something bad." said Emile. "We can't focus on that now." said Price, "What we need to do is help Shepard stop Saren and his tin cans. We'll worry about the possible end of the universe later." I nodded, "Price is right. We'll take care of what we have to for now. And in the process we'll try to locate the other travellers."

Everyone seemed to be ready for what was to come. But I had this feeling that things were going to be rougher than I originally thought.

"Hay Heller, where's your daughter?" I asked not seeing the little girl running around. "Asleep in mine and Dana's room. She seem's to like it here, everythings a lot different than what she has seen before." said Heller smirking.

"At least she's safe on a warship than in an infected city." said Dana. "Amen to that lass." said Soap.

After exchanging a few more words we all split up and went about various tasks around the ship. But the thoughts and information I had learned in the last couple of hours was still in the front of my mind.

X

Noveria was said to be the business capital in this corner of the Traverse. But for me, it was a place full of greedy assholes who think their better than everyone else.

Shepard had decided to bring me, Price, Tali, Liara and Heller with her. Heller, who was decked out in his old Commando uniform, walked though the cold air without any notice at the sufficient drop in temperature.

The nano suit kept my body temperature stable no matter the environment. Price and Shepard didn't seem to notice the cold. Tali and Liara however, they were visibly shaking.

"Is this place always this fucking cold?" asked Heller from the back. "I don't feel that bad." said Price. "This coming from the one who buries himself in snow to stealth kill patrol squads." I muttered.

I looked down at Tali, who was walking next to me. "You okay Tali?" She looked up at me trying to fight down the shivering. "I'm f-f-f-fine." I kept my gaze on her, "Prophet. Anything we can do?" "Scanning...Direct contact with suit systems will allow temperature regulation to be shared."

I reached out and gently held Tali's hand making her jump. "Xero? What are you-" She felt her suit start to warm up and gave me a questioning glance. "Prophet linked your suit with the nano suit. The temperature is regulated to that of 68 degrees." I smirked under my helmet, "Besides, it was either this...or I carry you." I said deeply.

Her body shivered, and I knew it wasn't from the cold.

"That's far enough." I looked up and saw our welcome committy. "Is there a problem officer?" Shepard asked. "You better hope their isn't." Said Stirling. "This is an unschedualed arrival. I need to see your credentials." said Matsuo.

"I'm a Spectre. My name is Shepard." said the Commander. "Load of horse shit ma'am." said Stirling. "We will need to confirm that." said Matsuo. "Also I must advise you that firearms are not permitted on Noveria. Sergeant Stirling, secure their weapons."

The Sergeant walked forward and found each one of us aiming a weapon at them. "You better back off mate. Or else this'll get very bloody, very quickly." said Price sighting his Mattock on Stirling's head.

"We shouldn't start a fight." said Shepard. "True. But my trigger finger is feeling a little itchy today Commander." I said keeping my rifle raised. "Captain Matsuo stand down! We confirmed their identity. Spectres are authorized to carry weapons here." Came a voice from the intercomm.

Matsuo nodded to us, "You may proceed Spectre. I hope the rest of your visit will be less confrontational." "As long as you keep your fucking dog's on their leashes." said shifting his claws back to normal. "What did you say?" Stirling growled getting ready to raise her rifle.

In the blink of an eye, I snatched the assault rifle from her hand. And with a light squeeze, crushed it with one hand. "I hate people like you." I said throwing the useless weapon at her feet. "People who think that just because they have authority, they can harrass who ever they want. Your the one, that should behave yourself." I said as Shepard led us toward the entry checkpoint.

"Xero, what was that back there?" asked Shepard rounding on me. "Relapse in emotional judgement ma'am. Won't happen again." I said taking a few calming breaths. "Try to keep it in check." she said as we approached the markets. Tali looked up at me briefly before looking forward again.

X

What the hell was happening to me? I couldn't possibly understand why I was slowly losing control of my anger, and it made me worry. I didn't want anything to happen to those around me because I lost control.

"Xero?" I snapped back to reality when I heard Tali's voice. Shepard had given us all temporary shore leave while she tried to find a way up to Peak 15. I had decided to head to a bar lounge and relax in one of the booths to think. Tali had joined me saying she would like the company.

"Sorry Tali, just thinking too hard." I said smiling. She tilted her head, "I'm a little worried about you. After what happened back when we first arrived, you seem to be lost in your own mind." she said scooting closer to me.

I sighed, "I don't know what's going on with me. Spartans were trained to control their emotions in every situation. But lately...I'm finding it hard to keep my anger in check." I looked to the other side of the bar in thought. "Like what happened with Udina back at the Citadel. I just can't seem to keep it under wraps anymore...I'm afraid of hurting someone."

Tali scooted closer until our legs touched. She rested her three fingered hand in mine on the table and squeezed, "I trust you not to hurt anyone. Dispite all that you've been through, you are the most controlled." I smiled again, "Thanks Tali. But to be safe I should have Kat and Chakwas look me over. After all, ONI and the UNSC weren't perfect with the Spartan programs."

She nodded. "Come on, we should look around a little more before Shepard calls us back." I said standing up and putting my helmet back on. Tali stood up and we stepped out of the lounge, heading toward the markets.

I don't know what it was, but being around Tali made me feel relaxed and comfortable. This was a new feeling, considering I was forced to fight in two completely different wars and helped end a third. Being relaxed could have got me killed in any of them.

But seeing her innocent persona, and the positive optimistic view on everything made all of that not matter anymore.

We were currently leaving a shop after buying a few things. "Xero, you didn't have to get me a new shotgun." Tali said looking over the weapon. "Your old one was rusted, the heat sink injector was cracked, and it could barely fold in and out of itself. I think you diserved it." I said with a smirk.

She rolled her eyes and giggled. We walked past a group of people who gave us weird looks. "Damn thieves." one of them muttered.

I froze, my fist clentched tightly as I started to feel the white hot rage build up inside me. A gentle hand held my arm. Tali looked up at me shaking her head, her glowing eyes showing nothing but kindness as my rage slowly disappeared.

After a few brief moments, we started walking again. Tali's arms now linked with mine as we kept going. Starting to enjoy ourselves once again.

Though, I kept getting the feeling we were being followed. But everytime I glanced back no one was there. "Prophet, are there any hostiles around." "Scanning...no threats detected within proximity." "Something wrong?" asked Tali. I shook my head, "Just a little paranoid."

Up ahead, Shepard and Heller approached us. "Well, don't you two look cozy." Shepard said grinning. I felt Tali let go of my arm, but her hand slipped into mine right after. "So what's the plan?" I asked. "We have a way to get a garage pass. But we have to get an OSD for someone first. I asked Soap and Price to meet us at the elevator."

That being said we headed to the elevator that would take us to the offices. Like Shepard had said, the two ex-141 agents leaning on the walls beside the lift. " 'Bout time. We were getting bored." said Soap. "Cram it shmuck." I said as we got into the elevator.

X

Getting up to the offices went exactly how I thought it would. Dirty cops shooting at us from nearly every direction.

I rolled out of cover firing my rifle, dropping a guard to the floor before putting a round through his head. Heller lashed out with his whipfist and sliced three guards in half splashing blood across the floors and walls.

"That was nasty mate." said Price. "But effective." said Shepard as we moved on. With weapons ready, we tredded up a nearby staircase , using the rail as cover. We reached the top, Price held up a clentched fist before taking out a small mirror and peering around the corner.

"Got eight of 'em. Well armed. Guess they heard all the noise and brought out bigger guns." he said putting the mirror away. Shepard peered over the rail and made a quick scan of the environment. "There's little cover between us and them. But thankfully there are a few benches and signs we can use over on our side."

She looked at each of us, "Soap, Xero. I want you two to make a run for the bench on the far side." She looked to Heller, "You think you can get over there unseen?" the Blacklight carrier looked over the railing and smirked, "Assholes won't know what hit them." he said before leaping over and slowly started shimmying his way to the guards' position.

"Tali, I want you to stay here just in case they call for backup." Tali nodded and crouched lower into the stairs with her shotgun ready. "Me and Price will head to the planter in the center while you guys give us covering fire, got it?" we all nodded. "Shepard, I'm in position." said Heller over the comms. "Wait for my signal." said Shepard before looking back at us.

I peered over the rail before looking back at Shepard. "Go!" Me and Soap bolted for the bench, firing our weapons in the direction of the guards as rounds flew past us. We made it to the bench and returned fire giving Shepard and Price the time to get into position.

I took my sniper rifle out as a guard stood up, the round blew out the back of his skull before he could get back down. "James now!" I heard Shepard shout.

In the span of a few seconds I saw a form land behind the guard's ranks. They never stood a chance as razor sharp claws sliced them to pieces before they even turned around. Shepard and the rest of us got out of cover and looked at the carnage, "Fuck." Soap muttered kicking a decapitated corpse aside.

We were about to move on when a loud scream pierced the air. "TALI!" I yelled.

She was being held at gun point by a wounded guard. "Put your weapons down now or I blow her brains out!" I clentched my fists. I wanted to rip the guy apart...but Tali's terrified eyes bored into me, pleading.

"I said put your gun-!" The guard was silenced from a well placed shot. Price lowered his Mattock with a sneer, "Fucking cunt." he said looking at the dead guard.

I jogged over to Tali and held her shoulders gently, "You okay?" I asked having Prophet check for any damage. "I'm fine Xero. It'll take more than that to stop me." she said picking up her dropped shotgun.

We regrouped and quickly headed into the office where we would find what we were looking for. Inside, Sterling and two other guards were waiting for us. "Do you know what we do to cop killers here?" she asked. "Know what we do to two faced lying motherfuckers where I'm from?" asked Heller shifting his arms into hammerfists.

The rest of us brought out our weapons ready to end the fight quickly.

Behind her, a ceiling grate fell and a white hooded figure fell to the floor. It all seemed to happen in slow motion. The guards turned, but they were cut down by a short sword that sliced through their throat's. Sterling turned last, but she recieved a palm to the collarbone where a hidden blade sprang out and pierced her throat.

Sterling gargled her last couple of breaths as the figure laid her down and closed her eyes. "May you find peace." he said in prayer.

We all lowered our weapons as the hooded man stood and faced us. Shepard looked from him to me. "Can there ever be one day where everything isn't a SNAFU?"

The man looked at us, a pair of dark eyes gazing at us from under the white hood. His eyes immediately locked with mine through my visor and I suddently realized where that feeling from before had come from.

"Greetings." said the hooded assassin, "I am Ezio Auditorie. And I believe that I have some vital information for you."

A/N: Another twist in the long line of freaky occurances. Now with an assassin from the creed you know things will be a little more...unique...Reviews always welcome guys, feedback is good in my books.