The flood was everywhere... A lone Odst sprinted through the forest. "They didn't notice me...I just need to make it back home." As he quickly moved through the trees, he finally made it through the trees. He nervously looked around his surroundings, making sure no flood were in the area before making his way to the steel security door he covered in branches and leaves. There was an old UNSC post built inside of a small mountain, he put Bru-HIS security card into the scanner. The door creaked open, he walked into the gray room, there used to be many monitors and desks in this outpost, he removed them while cleaning to make room for more important things...like his bed.
"Reclaimer!" A black orb with a red lens came flying up to the exhausted odst. "Where have you been? You must warn me when you leave the premises! What would happen if you became infected?" The Odst shook his head and pointed at the floating ball Infront of him. "I am not being overprotective! It is too dangerous out there! What were you thinking?!" The Odst held up a small animal closely resembling a rabbit. "I see you were hunting. You can leave those meaningless tasks to me! I cannot be infected!" The human ignored the talking robot, He shook his head as he left for the garage and started to drain the blood of his catch. There wasn't anything special in the garage, it was surprisingly empty, save for a few tools and some oil pans. The orb followed closely and continued voicing its opinions. "The amount of flood has been significantly reduced thanks to your efforts; however, you are all out of ammunition, and the only place to resupply is a three-mile treck from here! Not to mention the amount of flood from here to there, if they grab you, it is over! Are you even listening?!"
The Odst looked up from his task and stared at his small companion, then shrugged, and went back to waiting for the blood to drain into the oil pan. "Unbelievable! I just cannot believe your thoughtlessness." the orb sputtered. The Odst reached for the bag on his back and pulled out a pen and paper.
On it he scratched "You're right I only have a few magazines for my rifle left. Sooner or later, we're going to have to head up to that abandoned stronghold and hope we can find something useful. However, we won't be able to make that trip anytime soon, unfortunately there's too much flood in this area, I've been too active recently."
"I see then we will need to wait them out again I suppose...Do you have enough supplies to last for another month?"
"If I use them sparingly, I just need to limit myself to a meal a day. If I can do that, I can easily last another two months if need be. Is that satisfactory Penitent Tangent?"
"Reclaimer, you might be able to survive on one meal a day however, you cannot continue doing this, your body may begin eating itself to try to sustain itself."
The Odst ignored the statement and shoved another piece of paper in the Tangent's direction "I thought I've asked you to stop calling me "Reclaimer." The orb let out a sigh.
"I apologize. Rust, please take better care of yourself, you may be the only sentient being left alive on this rubble." Rust let out a grunt and walked over to his cot. "Ah I see, well don't let me keep you. Good night, Rust."
Rust laid down, he didn't like sleeping but it was necessary. He silently hoped he wouldn't have nightmares tonight.
--
It was dark... "How long have I been here again?... hours? Days?" The young boy sighed. It was the same thing every day. He'd wake up, he'd be beaten down, strapped to a table to check what he thought was his vitals, and then darkness. Now was his favorite part. The door opened and light came in the boy looked up to a gruff looking man.
"Get up" the man ordered. The boy ready to receive yet another beating sat there and stared at this man. He heard the man sigh and walk towards him. He cocked his fist back and smashed his fist across the poor boys face. "Look kid, I am not in the mood for this today. You either listen or I'll just break your arm alright?" The boy nodded and stood up "Alright good, let's get this over with. I heard it's your favorite day." The man turned to the boy with a sickening grin. The boy obviously confused looked up at the man. "Why don't you remember? It's our 1 year anniversary of when I removed your fucking tongue." The man laughed. The boy just looked at him, but unfortunately the man wasn't done yet. "And guess what? We're celebrating this joyous occasion with needle day!' The boy groaned. "What are you telling me you don't like getting pumped full of mystery substances that cause you constant pain? Well, nobody gives a shit so get a move on." The man said while shoving the boy forward." Then it was just another day. He was strapped down, more needles than he'd like to count injected into him, some of the doctors would write something then continue, until, finally he passed out. It was like this day in and day out, sometimes they'd throw him a curveball where they'd make him run until he passed out or lift heavy objects that were impossibly heavy. One day though, he awoke in a box, he heard panicked hushes outside, until those hushes became louder turning into screams. Then everything shook hard, he felt the box lurch then started tumbling. For some reason it didn't feel like he was tumbling downwards though. Somehow, he was moving to the side. Eventually he slammed his head hard enough on the walls of the box that it knocked him out. Finally, he hit something hard enough to knocked him out. When he finally came to, he heard more voices.
"Th- -ne –ll al-?"
"Y-"
Great he was probably found by those lab coats again, well better not keep them waiting. He opened his eyes, but what was in front of him wasn't the men in lab coats, but strange men in some sort of black and grey armor. One of them peered down and asked
"Hey kid are you alright?" you stared at the man in question, waiting for the slap to come. The man just scratched his head. "Um, do you have a name kid."
The boy just stared, he opened his mouth to speak, when the men gasped in horror, the boy's tongue has been cut out. "Jesus Christ, what did those bastards do to him?!" one of them men at the side asked gawking at the wound. The boy quickly closed his mouth.
"I'm more worried about his eye." another said. The boy realized that this one was talking about how he was missing his left eye. Strange, he couldn't remember how he lost it.
"Well, what should we call him? He can't tell us his name and we're going to be stuck here a while."
"Charles, we can worry about that later, right now we need to get to safety. Who knows when the flood will get here." the gray man turned back to the boy.
"But Bruce, we already don't have enough supplies to survive here. He will just be another mouth to feed."
"Zip it, Jacob! I'm not leaving a kid to fend for himself. Not, when he's clearly injured and doesn't even know what going on," the man named Bruce stated
"First we need to name him, I doubt you'll find many people wanting to call him boy!"
"Scott now is not the ti-" Bruce stated
"Fuck it I'm going to name him Rust!" Scott said smirking
"Why Rust?" the bigger man Charles stated
"Cause the kid is literally in a rusty box!" Scott stated with a shit eating grin. True enough, the box the kid was trapped in was extremely rusty.
"That's the dumb-" Jacob started until they heard the boy let out a chuckle.
"See he gets my genius." Scott said triumphantly.
"Hes probably laughing at you not your dumb joke." Charles chuckled. The boy realized. He wasn't being sent back to that God awful lab. Was he safe? He wasn't sure but he wanted to trust these men, as he was pondering if he should trust them, the gray one extended his hand
"Alright that's enough! Hey kid can you stand?" The one named Bruce asked "We want to bring you with us, we promise we are not going to hurt you." The boy hesitantly reached back an-
--
"Good morning, Rust! It is time for you to get up!" Rust let out a small groan. "It appears you did not suffer any night terrors. This is remarkable maybe my sleep schedule if finally showing results!" Tangent chirped happily. While Rust was annoyed that he was woken up, he was also glad. The shitty part of that dream was about to start, and he didn't want to relive it again.
Rust stood up and stretched, he quickly put on his armor and went to the main room. Tangent was floating there staring at Rust as he looked out the windows for any sign of activity. "Rust, I did forget to inform you that I found footprints from what appears to be from a very large bird. So be careful, we do not know what kind of predators are still here. Rust grunted as a reply and continued to look out the windows. He hasn't seen many birds here, but if there's something that can make big enough tracks to make his A.I. friend worry then there was cause for alarm. Rust left for the garage, inside it was an eyewash station plus a working shower. He didn't know how the building was being supplied with water, but he wasn't going to complain.
Now about his ammo situation. The base was more of a hangar. Unfortunately, the hangar had no vehicles that he could use, but it was however, used by a base by some alien bastards back before everything died to the flood. Which means plenty of weapons and ammo. He could, of course, target the flood that use weapons and steal them but, doing that would draw more attention than he would want to himself. Plus, the flood never travels alone. Rust sighed; he didn't like his options. He needed that ammo though, alien weaponry or not digging and making traps rarely work, he had to shoot them. He tried to eat the vegetation around but so far, it's either been poisonous or disgusting. He cursed mentally, and his gaze turned toward the garage doors. He knew the flood was dwindling, even though they were swarming this area now, Rust realized there were far fewer flood around the last time he was this active. He hoped the rest would die down without him intervening, but he knew that wouldn't be the case. He went back to counting his magazines, he had two more left for his smg, three more for his pistol, and 7 shells for his shotgun. He stared at the pistol he kept in the corner, then he looked around the room at the other weapons he collected but didn't have ammo for. He had a sniper rifle, a fuel rod cannon, a covenant carbine, a battle rifle, and a needle rifle. He sighed, He might have to make that trip sooner rather than later.
"Reclaimer, the movement around the base has calmed. If you wish to gather more food or supplies now would be the optimal time." Tangent said as he floated his way. "Oh dear, this is not nearly enough. What will you do? If you require aid, I still have my sentinel beam." Rust shook his head. That beam once completely obliterated a rabbit looking thing he was hunting. As much as Tangent wanted to help, he knew that hunting with that laser wasn't going to work. Rust grabbed his pen and paper and started to write.
"Right now, might not be the best time. These things aren't stupid, they could be waiting for me to leave. I think I'll stay in today it's been a while, since I rested, we have enough supplies for now."
"I see. Well then, what is it you wish to do while we wait? It is already almost dark, you might want to start preparing your meal." Rust stared blankly at his companion. "Ah, did you not realize? You were in this garage all day! Now, let's get you some food, shall we?" Rust nodded and walked to the main room, he sat down and uncovered what was left of yesterday's dinner, Tangent didn't say much as he ate in silence. After, he finished his meal Rust stretched and stifled a yawn. He was surprisingly tired for not doing anything all day. He crashed into his cot and hoped that he wouldn't continue where he left off yesterday. Fortunately, his dream skipped a few years. Unfortunately, it skipped right near the end.
--
Rust was facing down Charles, the largest of Plague Squadron, Charles stands around 6 foot 5, and weighed 340 pounds. The man easily towered over him, Rust knew If he wasn't fast on his feet he would be easily defeated. However, he couldn't back down, he was so close. The two faced each other, until Charles broke the staring contest and charged straight at Rust, aiming to tackle him. Rust smiled, he knew this was going to hurt but, this was the only way to catch the large man off guard. As, soon as Charles got in range, with his arms outstretched ready to slam Rust to the ground, Rust kicked up his leg and kneed them man in the chin. Charles huge body slammed into Rust knocking the pair down into the dirt, however thanks to that quick strike stunning Charles, he rolled right over Rust. Rust quickly seized this opportunity to jump to his feet, he looked to his side to see Charles start to stand as well, Rust threw a hook directly aimed at the man's temple only for it to be blocked by Charles forearm. "You thought you had me didn't you, you little shit!" Charles spat and threw a punch at Rust's stomach, Rust merely side stepped, grabbed the man's arm and yanked him forward. Charles not expecting such strength from Rust stumbled forward and with Rust then punched the man in the gut with as much strength he could muster. Charles let out a wheeze having the air knocked out of him, but Rust wasn't finished, he let go of Charles arm and punched him right in the side of his head, knocking out Charles. Rust panted and realized he finally one. After 34 tries he finally passed his final challenge. Beating an Odst in close quarters combat. He heard clapping to his right. Bruce, Scott, and Jacob were all smiles as they walked up to Rust.
"Congratulations Rust! You completed your final challenge. You have completed all the necessary training to become an Odst." Bruce smiled. Rust beamed at the praise.
"God damn, how long has it been? Three years since we found you?" Scott said smiling "That's a lot of damn progress good job!"
"That knee was a nice touch, however if you both end up in the dirt you might leave yourself to open, so be careful." Jacob retorted. Rust nodded his head thankful for the advice, he's been sparring against each and every member of Plague Squadron separately, each one had something to teach him.
"Jesus kid was the punch necessary?" Charles said as he stood up "You gave me a pretty bad headache."
"Aw shake it off big man you'll be ok." Scott taunted.
"Alright enough," Bruce said "Follow me Rust we have one last gift to give you." Rust followed Bruce as the rest of the squad followed behind. Once they got to their cave, Bruce uncovered a chest underneath his bed. He picked it up and handed it to Rust. "This is your graduation present." Bruce said as he watched Rust open up the box. Rust gasped, inside was a clean set of Odst. Rust looked up in shock at Bruce. Scott then chuckled "Don't get too excited it's not brand spanking new. It's my back up armor. We were able to salvage it after we rescued you." Rust just stood there, there was so much he wanted to say. He ripped out his journal from his bed and started to write the longest thank you note he'd ever written when Charles snatched it from his grasp.
"Just put the damn thing on! We already know your thankful, no need to write us a book!" The rest of the squad laughed as Rust went red and nodded. He knew how to put on the armor and everything by himself, after all that was all covered in his training. The armor felt natural to him.
"Lookin good." Scott laughed. "Too bad we never got to actually see you drop from orbit." The squad laughed at the thought.
Over the next 5 months they practiced moving as a five man team, using the flood as target practice. The floods movements were slowing down, and Bruce found something interesting while fighting the flood. It was a keycard from an Oni operative. With this keycard they could get into anything Oni related, including a bunker they found that was installed at the foot of a mountain. It would be better than sleeping on a cave floor and they'd have more protection. They packed up and moved out, it was a three hour trip walking. After a little over 2 hours of this walk Scott started to complain "Hey how about we take a break first? It's not easy carrying my rifle through this forest."
Bruce turned to Scott and said "Negative, we're too exposed out here. We need to keep moving, we don't know when the flood will reappear."
Charles spoke up "C'mon Bruce it's been 4 months since the last time we've seen the flood. Those bastards probably are long dead by now."
Bruce shook his head "I get it you're all tired, but we need to reach this base first. We'll have better eyes on the area, until then keep mov-" Suddenly a bright purple needle came out of the trees and struck Scott in the ankle. Scott fell down with a cry, while Charles and Jacob immediately opened fire in the direction where the needle came from, they heard a deep groan as an infested jackal fell to the ground. "Quick Bruce yelled rip the needle out before it pops!" Scott reached down and yanked the needle out causing him to yell out in pain. He was bleeding, bad. To make matters worse, they heard groaning all over the forest. "Jacob, Charles, grab Scott! Rust, form up with me we're clearing a path!" Rust ran to the front with Bruce as Scott was lifted,
"Can you walk?" Jacob yelled as they stood the trooper up.
"N-no the bastard got me good!" Scott answered through clenched teeth. Jacob supported Scott as they began to move, with Bruce and Rust at the front. Scott and Jacob in the middle, and Charles protecting the rear. They moved as fast as they could, firing at anything that could come close. Eventually they could see the edge of the forest, as soon as they were about to make it out the moaning grew louder. Charles turned to see a group of infested elites charging straight at them. Charles turned around and yelled.
"Keep going I lead the fuckers away!" Bruce turned around and yelled back
"Negative keep formation! That's an order!"
"Sorry sir no can do." Charles said and charged straight at the enemy, throwing every grenade he had to try and slow their advance. Bruce cursed as he yelled to the rest of the squad.
"Move your asses we need to get to that bunker now!" They picked up the pace trying to exit the forest. Once they reached the exit Scott collapsed almost dragging Jacob along with him. Scott was breathing hard, he's lost too much blood.
"God damnit Rust, help Jacob and get Scott on his feet!" Bruce barked as he fired into the trees, they could hear the moaning growing louder. Scott scoffed and spoke.
"Not gonna happen, I can't move my legs anymore, I'll just get y'all killed. Now, y'all get your asses to that bunker, I'm gonna show these fucking green beans who the real monster is." Scott then whipped off his sniper off his back and fired. He could hear screeching wails coming from the woods. Jacob grabbed Rust and yanked Bruce before he could respond to Scott.
"We got to get moving!" Jacob yelled. Bruce grits his teeth and keeps running. They eventually reached the foot of the mountain and Jacob grabbed the Oni security clearance card, He ran up and swiped the card only for nothing to happen. "Shit shit shit shit shit!" Jacob cursed as he tried again. Again, nothing happened.
"We'll buy you time Jacob just get that goddamn door open!" Bruce yelled as he unholstered his battle rifle aiming it at the forest. Rust quickly aimed his smg up at the line of trees ready to pick off any monsters that entered his range. The first one came, then another, then another, until it was an entire army worth of flood charging at them. Bruce and Rust put as many bullets as they could into the arriving swarm, however, there were just too many. Just before the swarm overtook them Jacob slammed down the card one last time and heard a ding. The door opened, but as soon as the door opened and infested jackal leapt and bit Bruce in the leg. Before Rust could react, Jacob threw himself in front of Bruce and ripped the jackal off of him. Jacob then shoved both Bruce and Rust in the Bunker, then the door shut leaving Jacob outside to deal with the hoard. The last thing Rust heard from Jacob was a boom as Jacob ignited all the grenades on his belt and suicide bombed the hoard. Rust couldn't do anything in less than 3 hours he lost almost all of his squad...his family. Rust turned to Bruce, Bruce looked at him and coughed. "Sorry kid I ain't going to make it." Rust stared at him confused. Bruce didn't get hit, he only got... The Realization hit Rust like a hammer, He looked down at his leaders leg and saw where the Jackal bit him. It was slowly starting to grow with green growths.
He looked back at Bruce trying to figure out what he could do but Bruce just chuckled and said "Listen to me." Rust took off his helmet and looked at Bruce. "Listen. I am not going to survive this, but you...you will. Once, you get out of here and all is said and done I want you to remember us." Rust started nodding his head, but Bruce wasn't done yet "Look kid...you've been dealt a shit hand in life...so take this as an order...you don't get to die until you've lived that life that you should've got." Rust looked at him confused. "Until then you gotta survive...survive and make those bastards who did this to you wish they killed you when they had the chance." Bruce reached up and patted Rust's head which shocked the young Odst. "Now are you ready to jump feet first into hell?" Rust stared at the man and nodded. Bruce then puts his pistol in Rust's hands, grabs it then made Rust point the gun to his head. "Good luck soldier and don't die" Rust the squeezed the trigger.
--
Rust shot awake in his bed, cold sweat running down his face. He patted his cheeks with his hand waking himself up. He was tired of this, all the fucking nightmares. He let out a long sigh and went to go take a shower. After he was finished, he looked down at his guns again. Tangent floated into the room "Reclaimer! I have taken the liberty to scan the surrounding area and have found zero flood presence! If you wish to retrieve more ammo now might be the best time to do so!" Rust sighed, on one hand he needed that ammo to keep surviving, on the other hand he knew the flood didn't just disappear. However, he didn't really have a choice, as much as he didn't want too, he started to pack his remaining ammo and holstered his pistol and smg. It was going to be a long day.