Chapter 3
Evan POV:
I hugged Ellen even closer. Watching as the elite's energy sword trembled in its hand, once raised with conviction, now extinguished as if its heart was lamented.
"What's going on?" Ellen whispered to me in a voice that still echoed of pain.
I had just realized I haven't spoken a word since I awoke from the life pod.
I sat in silence for a while. Then, I replied with a cracking voice: "I have no idea, but judging by that our friend here is on his knees and crying. It seems the metal sphere has given him a change of heart."
"So, we're safe, right?" She said while tightly holding my hand, to the point of sweating from warmth despite the cold. Her warm fingers interlocked with mine, providing a sense of comfort amid the chilling conditions. It reassured me, knowing that she was warm and safe.
I couldn't make any promises, but I couldn't let her lose hope. "I...can't be certain, but it's better than being dead."
"I don't want to die." Ellen confessed, her voice trembling with fear and vulnerability.
"We're not going to die, Ellen. We'll find a way out of this together." My reassurance felt empty, though better than nothing.
"That I can help you with." The metal sphere suddenly spoke, making yelp in surprise and fear.
That fear vanished the second the metal sphere shot out green lasers from its eye. The very same that had healed my frostbite.
"I have sent a message to your armies still on this planet, a distress signal to be precise."
"I have given you a mental location, proceed there and help will be found."
Those words filled me with hope, hope that we may survive this ordeal after all.
"As for the sentinels, they shall awaken from their Millennial slumber."
"And protect you and your kind, seeing as our enemies seem to have an unearned and unfair advantage."
I just sat there with Ellen, pondering the words that came from the metal sphere, pondering the implications of-
I was interrupted by the metal sphere:"Go, now. I have done all I can to heal your wounds. Our enemy will be here soon."
The metal sphere was right, for once I forgot the covenant was still an impending threat. I stood up and prepared to leave.
Ellen tried to stand, but the pain from the fractured bones and plasma burns was too great, even with the green lasers as treatment.
"I can't stand." Ellen whispered, her voice filled with frustration and despair. She looked at me, her eyes pleading for something that we both wanted.
"It's alright, I got this." I scooped her up gently and slowly.
She was now cradled in my arms once again, with her head nestled against my chest. I moved to leave the cave, making as little noise as possible, trying not to draw the attention of an eight feet tall killing machine, I left.
"I wish you good luck, reclaimer." A voice came from behind me, it gave me reflection like no other.
This whole ordeal had me thinking about things that I couldn't have possibly imagined no matter how thoroughly hungover I was.
The sight of the elite, once a formidable foe, now brought to tears by the mysterious metal sphere, has left me baffled.
"You're my hero, Evan." Ellen's voice came and shook me out of my thoughts.
Her beautiful blue eyes locked onto mine, making me feel warm and fuzzy inside once again.
I cradled her closer as if she were the most precious thing in the universe, and indeed she is.
While the storm raged around us, it couldn't diminish the warmth I felt, both from the precious life in my arms and the sincerity of her words. "You're my hero, Evan," That voice repeated in my head many times over, and the sentiment reached deep into my heart.
Xuka POV:
It all came too fast, the world around me had shifted, and the beliefs I had held dear for so long were unraveling before my eyes. The words of the Oracle echoed in my mind like a haunting refrain. I had been devout in my faith in the Covenant, unwavering in my loyalty to the Prophets, but now, I found myself questioning it all.
The Oracle had boasted pure heresy directly into my ears, as much as I hated it. It all made sense.
"It seems there is a reason why only the prophets may inspect Forerunner relics." I mutter under my breath, the time since the Oracle had released me felt like a lifetime ago.
"Indeed, my friend." The Oracle's voice echoed in my mind with renewed intensity. It had called me a friend, like it was lending a hand.
"On the surface, you may seem like any other, blind and ruthless."
"But I know what lies within, your hearts hold a bright and divine fire. Justice."
"You are a true warrior, one that brings happiness to all."
"You are the first to remove the veil of unquestioning faith."
"You are the catalyst."
"You are the harbinger of a new understanding."
"You are the key."
The words of the Oracle echoed in my mind, and with each repetition, their weight grew heavier. Their meaning slowly revealing itself.
"I shall accompany you back to your ship. There is little else for me to do back here. My purpose has been lost long ago. Now, It is to guide and enlighten, to aid those who seek the truth."
Tears were now running down the sides of my armor. They didn't come from bewilderment. They came from the responsibility I now had to endure. So many lives were now in my hands. So little time to process it all.
I had only now opened my eyes, the humans were gone, replaced by the haunting storm.
I stood up, and moved to leave the cave. The Oracle's hum followed me closely.
The storm still raged outside, and the biting cold returned once more.
I am now a heretic, and there is no turning back.
I shall hide amongst them, and they shall not find out, until it is too late.
My faith shall disappear with my ignorance, replaced by a more noble cause.
I shall let go of the old and embrace the new, the change.
Evan POV:
The snowstorm ate away at me once again, and there is no flare to help counter the cold this time. Each step through the thick snow was a battle against the elements, and my body trembled from the bitter chill. Holding Ellen close in my arms, I could feel her shiver, a constant reminder of the peril we are in.
Ellen clung to me, her fragile form seeking refuge in the warmth my body provided. Her eyes were closed, her head was nestled in the safety and warmth of my chest. I could tell she was fighting to stay awake, to keep from slipping into unconsciousness once more.
"We're going to make it, Ellen." I whispered, my breath forming a frosty mist in the frigid air. She was the embodiment of vulnerability, one that brought me both fear and delight.
The storm was roaring at this point, slowly getting louder and louder.
Then, I realized what was making the noise.
A light pierced through the blinding white darkness. A searchlight.
My heart leaped with hope as I squinted through the blizzard, trying to discern the source of the light. It wasn't the storm that was getting louder; it was the approaching Pelican.
I had to do something before they gave up the search and mistook us as casualties. But I couldn't yell. The storm had taken my vocal cords. Panic threatened to overtake me as the Pelican drew farther, unaware of our presence.
"OVER HERE!" A feminine voice cried. It echoed of weakness, like it was someone's dying breath. It was Ellen.
Her head was disconnected from my chest, twisted in an awkward angle to face the newfound light of the pelican. She had used the last of her strength to call out for the rescue team, strength built up from nestling in the warmth of my body.
Then, her head collapsed just as I reached to protect her face from the storm. I caught her neck in my arm before it could go limp completely. My heart raced as I watched over her, feeling the faint rise and fall of her chest, proof that she was still clinging to life.
The pelican descended onto the ground, its thrusters pushing back against the cold and warming our deeply frozen bodies. The Pelican's ramp lowered, revealing a medic accompanied by a group of marines, accompanied by someone of a higher rank.
I picked up the pace, intent on getting out of the cold. Then, just as I was about to board the pelican. I saw a figure wearing a cap step out of the pelican.
"You know we are risking a lot for …" The sergeant's voice trailed off, almost like he was unsure of what to say.
"Aww, look who's in love."
I stopped dead in my tracks, my face turning an even brighter shade of red through the cold. The combination of freezing winds, exhaustion, and the sudden, teasing comment from the sergeant had left me utterly flustered.
"It's not, I mean, uhh." My mouth stumbled around after such a long period of silence. My voice was barely above a whisper, but it was heard all the same.
The laughter of the marines swirled around me. It felt like they had walked in on a private moment between us. Though it was embarrassing. It was also comforting to see a touch of humanity in these dark times.
I tried to ignore them by stepping into the pelican's interior, but it was impossible.
"This is the most dramatic rescue I've ever seen."
"Jesus, what happened to your clothes? Why are one of your sleeves missing?" A marine questioned as his gaze turned to Ellen's broken arm. "Oh, looks like someone was willing to take on some severe frostbite just to continue holding hands."
"I couldn't even survive out here for two minutes, let alone carry someone."
"Look at them, they need help, so would you just shut up for a moment." The medic gave me a brief reprieve, before the quipping returned.
A voice came through the chatting: "What's your name, soldier?" The sergeant's voice was relaxed and calm, making me feel the same way.
My vocal cords were still partially frozen. But I managed to point at myself and Ellen while croaking out:"Evan, Ellen."The sergeant and the marines seem to have gotten the message.
I set Ellen down gently on one of the seats, ensuring she was comfortable, with warm blankets wrapped around her frail form. The medic continued to tend to her, administering the necessary treatment.
I sat down next to her, my body ached from the cold and exhaustion. The warmth of the pelican felt foreign and welcoming at the same time. The marines, still amused by the situation, settled into their seats and continued conversing, their voices creating a comforting background noise.
"Hey, did you see that frost on their armor? It looks like they just came out of the cryo tube."
"His armor and skin are shining white, just like a knight, all that is missing is a nice red cape."
"That's it, Evan, you're the new poster child for the Arctic Knights" Laughter filled the cabin, while I took Ellen's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, waiting for her to wake up.
The pelican lifted itself into the air, carrying us forever away from the frozen nightmare of the North Pole.
Xuka POV:
The cold did little to prevent me from trying to predict the future. The prophets had lied to us all. Pursued power at the expense of truth. My mind raced with ideas on how to overthrow them.
The sound of a hovering phantom suddenly came and caught my attention. It was the same one that had brought me here. It now came to pick me up.
Its side doors opened, revealing a lance of elites, they were clearly sent in case I failed.
Their mandibles opened wide in disbelief at the sight of the Oracle. The very symbol of the Great Journey. They all bowed to it in unison.
"Bow! You idiot. Do you want to ignite the wrath of the Forerunners?" The lead zealot whispered under his breath, I heard it but thought nothing of it.
"Please, there is no need for pleasantries. The wrath of the forerunners has long receded. All that is left is me." The Oracle replied with elegance, easing the minds of the warriors present.
The lead zealot Kneeled silently before finally addressing the Oracle:"We have been sent on a mission to retrieve you, our orders are clear. You must be returned to the Edge of Deliverance." His voice was uncertain but respectful.
He turned to me and said:" Holy Oracle, Who is this accompanying you?"
"A devout believer, one that has awakened me from the time of the Forerunners. I shall show you the path to ascension." The Oracle declared, bestowing me false praise made me smile slightly. Though I knew it was all a lie.
"Very well, come with us, Holy Oracle," the lead zealot conceded, and I joined the group as we boarded the phantom, wondering what my next steps in this complex journey would be.
My confrontation with the hierarchies was inevitable. The truth was a dangerous weapon, and I held it in my grasp, unsure of when or how to wield it.
As the Phantom ascended, The lead zealot, still uncertain of my presence, turned to me as we flew through the skies. "And what brings you into the company of the Holy Oracle?" he asked with a hint of suspicion.
"I was disembarked from this very phantom to find a Forerunner Artifact. There, I followed the footprints of two humans, which led me to a cave. There, I killed them while they were trying to interact with the Oracle. To protect its sanctity." My words were carefully chosen to maintain the deception.
"Holy Oracle, Is this true?" The Zealot asked to validate my claims.
"I awoke with him standing in my view, along with two human corpses." The Oracle said, seemingly testing the ability of the zealot to figure out the answer on his own.
The Zealot nodded to the Oracle with respect, then moved to the cockpit of the phantom. Giving me a reprieve from his presence and questioning.
My facade still stood, the lies the Oracle and I had made up deceived them.
"To speak the truth, one must first lie." The voice of the Oracle came to my head. reminding me of the sheer gravity of my mission. The lives of all the members of the Covenant would be affected.
That I will determine the outcome of so many lives, that thought alone was enough to send shivers down my spine.
Evan POV:
The Pelican soared through the wintry landscape, keeping us safe from the cold while bringing us to a nearby UNSC base. I held Ellen's hand tightly, waiting for her to wake up.
She stirred, her eyes slowly fluttering open. Her beautiful blue eyes, filled with exhaustion and pain, met mine. For a moment, we just gazed at each other, both of us silently acknowledging the trials we had faced and the bond that had grown between us.
"Look, she's awake." one of the marines announced, and soon, the attention of everyone in the Pelican was on Ellen. The relief that washed over me was almost overwhelming. I couldn't help but let out a shaky sigh of relief.
Ellen's gaze shifted to the marines and then back to me, her eyes finally focusing on the unfamiliar surroundings. The harshness of the North Pole was replaced by the controlled environment of the Pelican and the faces of the soldiers who had rescued us.
Then, with unexpected strength, Ellen pulled me closer with her functional arm that I had gently held onto for the past hour.
Ellen's lips pressed against mine. The warmth of her kiss thawed the chill that had seeped into my bones during our ordeal at the North Pole. In that fleeting moment, we weren't just two survivors; we were two souls who had found solace in each other's arms amid the chaos.
A gasp of surprise and a bit of laughter rippled through the Pelican as the marines bore witness to Ellen's impulsive, yet heartfelt kiss. I was taken aback for a moment, but then I felt a surge of warmth and affection, and I returned her kiss with a tenderness that conveyed all the emotions I couldn't put into words.
Her lips left mine, seemingly freezing my bones in an instant.
Then, I realized my heart had skipped three beats in a row.
I fell out of my seat and onto the floor with a loud thud. My mouth stayed open as I gasped desperately for air.
The marines in the Pelican watched in stunned silence as Ellen's kiss had such an effect on me that I tumbled out of my seat and onto the floor. My face turned a shade of red that rivaled the crimson of blood. The sudden silence was soon replaced with uproarious laughter.
"Man down! We've got a man down!" one of the marines shouted, feigning seriousness as he pointed to me on the floor while laughing.
"Did he just faint…from a kiss? Ellen, you must be full of surprises." A marine exclaimed with a playful grin, earning more laughter from his comrades.
"Look, he's hyperventilating, Ellen must have taken his breath away."
Amid the uproarious laughter and playful taunts of the marines, Ellen's face turned a vivid shade of pink, and she couldn't help but giggle at the absurdity of the situation. The Pelican's interior was filled with a sense of camaraderie and warmth, despite the freezing temperatures outside.
My breath returned to me as I settled back into the seat. The warmth of the Pelican's interior enveloped us. As I leaned back, I felt Ellen's head nestling on my neck. Her presence, her touch, was a source of reassurance amid the chaos that had enveloped our lives.
"Don't worry, Evan," she said with a twinkle in her eye, "I promise to be gentler next time."
I couldn't help but smile at Ellen's playful promise, even as the marines continued to share jokes and laughter at my expense. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, pulling her close as we both settled into their seats.
"Settle in your seats, friends. We're landing." The voice from the intercom echoed through the Pelican's interior, bringing an end to the laughter and conversation. Ellen and I exchanged one more reassuring glance before we fastened our seatbelts and prepared for landing. The marines in the pelican also secured their gear and took their seats, their expressions still remained a mix of amazement and excitement.
"Those marines are going to be the death of us, this story is going to spread through the base like wildfire." I nervously said, unable to take more embarrassment.
"So be it, you still have me." Ellen replied with a smile, her eyes filled with warmth and affection.
The Pelican touched down smoothly, and as the ramp lowered, revealing the UNSC base's interior, the marines couldn't contain their excitement. They were eager to share the incredible tale of Evan and Ellen's survival with their comrades, ensuring that their story would become legendary among the soldiers in the UNSC.
Ellen was taken away to the medical room. I moved to follow her, but was stopped by two men in suits, they had an insignia of a triangle engraved with an eye. It was unmistakable.
It was ONI.
"You, come with us." I followed their command without hesitation.
We went through a small hatch in a deep corner of the base and descended into secrets.
As we moved deeper into the base, the hallways grew progressively dimmer. The faint, sterile hum of overhead lights was punctuated by the soft click of our footsteps on the linoleum floors. Each corridor seemed like a portal to another level of secrecy.
The number of armed guards stationed in these passages increased, a testament to the heightened security. We passed through a series of heavily reinforced doors, each requiring a keycard to unlock. It felt like we were descending further into the labyrinth of classified information, leaving behind the world of ordinary soldiers and scientists.
"This is it, step inside," one of the ONI agents instructed, motioning toward the open doorway. I entered the room, finding it colder and darker than the corridor outside. The minimalistic space contained only a simple table and two chairs, bathed in the faint, sterile glow of a single overhead light. The sense of foreboding in the room was palpable, and the stark atmosphere made it clear that this was no ordinary meeting.
I took a seat and sat there, waiting for something to happen.
Then, the door to my room opened, revealing a man dressed in the same suit as those who escorted me here.
He took a seat and said:"We are aware that you have seen certain…Anomalies." His voice felt like it was from a machine, masquerading as a human.
"You will explain to me everything that happened since the ship you were aboard was destroyed. If you lie…you will never see her again." That struck me like a lightning bolt, the thought of losing the life I had come to treasure, of the warmth, the laughter, and the hope that Ellen had brought into my world. All taken away.
My eyes teared up immediately, my body threatened to shake to pieces. The room felt smaller, suffocating. I swallowed hard, trying to push down the lump that had formed in my throat.
The ONI agent's words had driven a wedge of fear and determination deep into my heart. My focus was unwavering, and I began to recount every detail of our journey since the ship was destroyed. The story unfolded like an epic saga, with moments of hope, despair, and revelation.
Each memory came to my mind as if it had happened only moments ago, vivid and poignant. I could see the desolation of the North Pole, feel the frigid wind biting at my skin, and hear the eerie hum of the mysterious metal sphere. Ellen's presence was a constant warmth amid the icy surroundings, and her touch, her smile, remained etched in my memory.
When I finished recounting the events, the agent nodded, and his gaze softened slightly. "We will verify your account. If it holds true, you may see her again."
The agent left the room, leaving me praying to every god in existence, that they wouldn't make a mistake, conclude that I had lied, and remove my anchor, my new center of the world.