Me: Hello everyone! I'm back with the next part of my Halo story! This chapter won't be focusing on Hyak and Rose, but rather someone we haven't seen for a few chapters, Orion. So, sorry if it wasn't what you all were expecting! But hey, at least I'm updating! Oh, and I have to go find someone to do the disclaimer. The others all esca- I mean, quit. So, I'll be back hopefully soon. (Leaves)

Gravemind: He's gone… Good thing I've been waiting for this! He does not own Halo or anything related to it minus his two OCs. But, I own all of you!

(The Real) Chapter Seven

Orion leaned back in his seat of the Phantom, sighing. The ringing in his head refused to stop, even though almost two weeks had passed since he had been knocked unconscious by the demon. He banged a four-fingered hand against his helmet, trying to get the annoying sound to stop.

Fruquot zzi, he thought, picturing himself shooting the demon in the face. One of his superiors, a Sangheili in red armor, walked by, eyeing him carefully, and with good reason. Orion had been able to take out three of the older Sangheili when he woke, and had to be knocked unconscious a second time just so he could be returned to the Holy City.

"Orion, are you well?" He looked up to see the Arbiter in front of him, head cocked slightly.

"Not as though you'd care," he growled back in their natural language. He knew the English language a bit, but hated having to use it at any time. The Arbiter released a small sigh, taking the seat by him.

"You were a pupil. I look out for those I taught, whether they know it or not."

"No wonder you took in that weakling, then. I am surprised you were not given such a shameful position years ago for taking in a human, Arbiter." Thel was taken aback by the harsh statement, but did nothing in response. The younger Sangheili scoffed, checking to see that his weapons were in proper working order.

I can't believe that pitiful human out did me on the battle field. It was bad enough in that training session, but still, he even went and fought his own kind like it was nothing more than a game. Orion made a slight snorting sound, pushing the thought out of his head.

Still, he did get that human female captured. Maybe I could use that to an advantage to put Hyak in his place, with the rest of those lowly parasites that call themselves intelligent. He splayed his mandibles in a slight grin at the idea, but hid the smirk as his father began to walk around the area of the drop ship, speaking of the oaths made to the Covenant as they neared the station that the ship would leave them at.

He glanced over to some of the others that were on the ship, wondering for a moment how many of them would not return to the Holy City after such a suicide mission. He shook his head, ignoring the idea.

It is an honor to die in battle, not some reason to mourn. The back hatch opened, and the entire group of Sangheili, along with a few of the grunts, left the ship, their feet landing on the station. Thel, Orion noticed, had landed in a similar position as Hyak had during the mission on Earth. They were truly alike, like they really were a father and son.

Orion tossed that thought as well, believing it to be impossible. He jumped off last, landing by Rtas, plasma rifles ready to fire.

"Orion, keep away from the Arbiter," Rtas said. "We are only here to assist, not to truly help. He will hopefully be the only one dead by the end of this day, as the Hierarchs wish for him to be."

"Of course, father. But, could I assist in his death? He is a shame among us of the elite, after all."

"No. These heretics are our priority, as they refuse the Great Journey. It has already been delayed by the destruction of a Holy Ring; we cannot allow any more delays to occur." Orion nodded, understanding what his father meant clearly. He looked over to the Arbiter as he led them all towards an elevator, energy swords drawn.

What I wouldn't give to run one of those blades through the soft-hearted bastard's chest, he thought, slightly smirking. As soon as the elevator doors opened, though, he could smell something rather disturbing; a scent that had wafted off his father after returning to the Holy City after a battle. It smelled of decay, corruption, death, and foul substances.

Orion had heard from those who had been on the ring before it was destroyed what something that was released there smelled of, and with his sense of smell being stronger than that of the average Sangheili, the young warrior knew they were in for a hell of a fight, not just against the heretics, but something far worse.

The Flood was somewhere in the station, waiting to strike and kill them.

Gravemind: Mm, delicious… Such an excellent contribution to this story…

Me: OMG! Giant Venus fly-trap! Run for your lives!

Gravemind: Please, continue to read this and send reviews… I'll find a way to get this simpleton to continue… (Laughs demonically)

Me: Meep…