Note: This is my first English fanfic, Spanish is my mother tounge so I have to apologize in advance for the mistakes. If this has good engagement I promise to improve my writting in the next fanfic.

After defending Dr. Halsey's lab, Noble 6 was chosen to transport the artificial intelligence that would theoretically save humanity. The remaining members of Noble Team, after the deaths of Jorge and Kat, would split into two groups. Noble 6, Carter, and Emile would head towards the Pillar of Autumn, while Jun would stay to protect Dr. Halsey.

Before the lab was destroyed, the doctor, feeling sympathy for them, gave them a moment to relax. In a weapons storage area, Noble 6 sat on a bench, removed his helmet, and sighed as he placed the package containing Cortana next to him. The lone wolf meditated on everything he had experienced since the invasion of Reach began. As he analyzed everything with his helmet in his hands, the artificial intelligence proceeded to take on her corporeal form.

"Are you alright?" the AI called out to Noble Six.

The soldier looked at the AI, not surprised at all since, with everything he had seen, a blue hologram was the least surprising.

"I didn't think you could speak for yourself," the Spartan replied stoically.

"Really? The AIs on your planet can already do this. Do you find it surprising?"

It was just an assumption from what Dr Halsey told us, along with the urgency to deliver you to the Pillar of Autumn, I deduced that you would be in a charging state or low on energy," the Spartan explained, looking away towards his helmet.

"Yes, indeed, you could say I'm unstable. I can't maintain this form for to long," Cortana explained.

"What made you decide to talk to me?" Noble 6 replied coldly.

"Well, let me introduce myself. My name is Cortana. I could sense that something seems to be troubling you."

"Were you worried that your messenger wasn't in good condition?" Noble 6 replied, raising his gaze.

Cortana didn't know what to say. Her companion, the Spartan John 117, would be on the Pillar of Autumn. Noble 6 was just the messenger, and although she chose Noble 6 to deliver her, she only did so because statistically, he had the best chance of making it to the ship alive.

"That's not true I had access to all your information. You are outstanding in many aspects. You were the personal reaper of a high-ranking ONI official, you took down entire armies by yourself, and you are an excellent pilot," Cortana explained, trying to hide the fact that Noble 6 was merely a messenger.

"Don't lie to me. The planet is lost, and if it weren't, why wouldn't you stay? I don't know what's on that ship, but I'm not a fool. If Reach had a chance of being saved, I wouldn't have to deliver you to the Pillar of Autumn," Noble 6 said, interrupting the AI's explanation, his words dripping with palpable coldness. Dr. Halsey's creation thought perhaps the Spartan was upset, but there was no anger or fury in his words, just cold.

Cortana was shocked by this response. This Spartan was more aware than he seemed. Although it reinforced that he was the best choice for the mission, she could sense all the burden he carried deeply within.

From her conception, Cortana's purpose was to help humanity. She felt a deep connection to her duty. However, observing this soldier, this war machine that Noble Six had become, was somewhat painful for her.

"This is no longer like fighting the Insurrectionists. It's a much fiercer enemy, the war has been going on for a long time, and yet we don't seem to gain an advantage. In theory, you are what's needed to win the war. What will happen when I deliver you to the ship?"

Cortana softened a bit at the question. Should she admit that the planet was indeed lost? Was it right to tell this soldier that on the Pillar of Autumn was the true Spartan she chose?

"I can't say, but I promise it's the best for your race," the AI said sadly.

"I understand," the Spartan replied stoically.

"Don't worry. I trust your abilities. I'm sure we'll get through this. Together."

That comment from Cortana surprised the Spartan a bit. Noble Six turned to look at the AI.

"You're still lying. I thought it was obvious to both of us that this battle has no future."

"It's true. Honestly, I know nothing can be done for the planet anymore. But that doesn't mean nothing can be done for you. Even your team can survive. We can leave the planet, regroup, and fight stronger. It would be a shame to lose you, especially you," the AI explained with a small smile.

Noble Six looked away, thinking a bit about the AI's words.

"Do you really believe that?" the soldier asked, staring into space.

"Yes, I really do. Even if our paths separate after getting to the Pillar of Autumn, I will remember you as my first Spartan, even if the UNSC erases your records and no one ever mentions you again. I will never forget your nobleness and sacrifice," Cortana explained.

"Thank you," were all the words Noble Six replied.

"My energy is depleting. I can't maintain this form much longer. I must return to rest," the AI explained.

"I understand," Noble Six said as he put his helmet back on. "We have to get you to the ship anyway," the Spartan said, looking at her one last time.

Cortana smiled before returning to her blue core form.

The journey to the Pillar of Autumn was extremely tough. Carter and Emile died, the costs were very high, and the airspace was covered with Covenant forces. After clearing the battlefield, Noble Six waited for Captain Keyes, who descended from the Pillar of Autumn in a ship.

"Cortana," Noble Six said, removing the device from his back that kept her safe.

"I don't know if you can hear me, but this is goodbye. I wanted to believe your words. I realized that what you told me in Dr. Halsey's lab was a lie, yet I tried to think you were right, that a miracle would happen and I could be saved. Now I know there's no turning back."

Keyes' ship landed in front of Noble Six. Before the door opened, the Spartan said,

"I believe in you goodbye and thank you."

After delivering the package to Keyes, a soldier offered to let the Spartan aboard.

"Lieutenant, get on board. We need to get out of here quickly."

"Negative. I have the gun," Noble Six replied.

"Good luck, Spartan," Captain Keyes said.

Cortana managed to materialize once more before the ship took off, and in a strangled cry as she watched Noble Six fade away, she said,

"NO!" It was all she could say, a cry drowned out by the battlefield's noise.

Reach fell. There was nothing more to be done for it.

Away from the planet, after placing Cortana in a matrix on the ship, Keyes spoke to the AI.

"Master Chief will take a while to wake up. I hope you're okay with that."

"Don't worry, Captain. I don't mind waiting," Cortana replied, faking a smile.

"Alright," Keyes said as he walked away.

Cortana could now process her pain in peace. She would never lose a Spartan again. She would take care of her companion no matter what, even if she had to sacrifice herself.

"See you soon, Lone Wolf. I won't forget you," Cortana said before returning to her core form to cry, not wanting to attract unnecessary attention.