Halo: Spartan III

His whole body throbbed with anticipation, the squad leader’s head was placed dead center in the middle of his sniper rifles confines. He edged forward, slowly pulling the trigger inward. “Hey dumbass! Put the gun down, got some bad news.” Stolas, his A.I snarled, being the unfriendly creation he was. “Your working with the red team, so you better book it over there before you loose ‘em you -.”

“Don’t say it.” Tony warned, to the voice inside his head, throwing the sniper out of the tree in frustration. It landed in the sand with a soft thud, and he jumped out after it. Suddenly the three ran, and to his displeasure he had to keep up. Placing the sniper on his back, he unsheathed his magnum, and with a few choice curses, he followed. [i]”I swear to God, if they run one more time, I’ll shoot one of ‘em. Don’t care what’s happening.”

Toni jogged over to the small cluster, chuckling at Parkers struggle to stay conscious. “What’s his problem?” He asked, almost concerned at his team mates condition. “Whats our problem, what’s even happening?”

((Note even though the Spartans’ opponents are men and women, I refer to them as it in my post to avoid confusion between characters. It also servers to further alienate them and give the persona of a hostile.))

Axel smashed is way through the bottom branches of the two trees between him and the clearing Deuce was standing in. Even though one was nearly a foot thick, Axel had put the weight of his armour and the momentum of his speed into the force of the blows that’d shattered the wood barricade. Splinters of wood and larger chunks of tree rained into the clearing as he made his less than elegant entrance, the debris bouncing of the cloaked body of a large suit of SPARTAN revealing the position of their target to anyone limited by their eyes.

As he’d expected the Lieutenant was getting ready to shoot the other Spartan in the back with whatever kind of weapon he’d been using. Axel was blind, but nothing in existence got past his ears. Combined with his other heightened senses, it mattered little that his enemy could not be seen. Axel couldn’t see any of his enemies, and he’d killed thousands of them. Vaguely Axel heard his target shift position, turning to meet him…

He connected with the Lieutenant with a dull metallic thud. The opponents cloak faded, rippling away like water from the points of impact on the side of it’s head, torso, and leg. Points of black armour, partially translucent, floated through the air as its wearer staggered to the side. The force of the impact caused Axel’s shields to flare brightly, turning him into a being of flame. “Too slow old man.” Axel said grinning wickedly underneath is faceplate. He launched himself into another series of flowing attack patterns, not giving his opponent time to recover from surprise let alone the force of several hundred pounds of highly trained MJOLNIR colliding with it’ side.

Axel took two steps forward as he struck the spectre’s chest open palmed, putting as much brute strength into his blows as he could whilst keeping them pin-point, powerful, and expertly directed. Still not having its balance fully recovered from the initial assault, the ethereal warrior staggered back further unable to right itself. Axel lashed out with a metal boot, knocking one leg out from under his adversary who abruptly fell forward. A dark grey knee struck the larger Spartan’s faceplate. Instead of hitting the ground, its head snapped up and he was catapulted backward through the air, stopping as its back left several angular indentations in a convenient tree trunk. It’s arm a blur it raised a side arm and fired.

White energy lanced forth, a bolt of simulated lethality and vanguard to death. The energy splashed over Axel’s chest, the energy cascaded over his flaring shields forming an intricate web-like pattern as it wrapped around to his back before dissipating, raw energy all used up. The smaller Spartan took a fraction of a second to give attention at his neural HUD, past half strength. “No shields isn’t exactly fair when there’s more than one of you!” Axel said, delivering his next blow and drawing his combat knife. “That’s right. I’m blind, not deaf.” Two blades met with a clang. Both combatants locked in a trial of who could overpower the other, almost still like statues. Axel’s near useless eyes drifted to the two connecting blades. His left eyebrow rose, mildly impressed. His impatience to land a killing blow had cost him an easy kill.

He pitched forward as another white bolt of energy slammed into his back. His shields drained themselves, so a portion of the energy sparked over his armour. His armour’s power seemed to waver and he staggered forward, eventually falling into the river with a splash as he tried to stop what was mostly dead weight. He made no effort to reach the surface once submerged. As fluid spirals and the chaotic dance of bubbles filled his vision, and his world retreated into a dark yet calm ambient blue, the thought than ran through his mind was that he doubted the Lieutenant would expect him to play dead.

((Shields online in my opinion… You don’t get one-shot now.))

Then the world exploded. GG.

((Floating around in the endless space. "Anyone wanna play dungeons & dragons for the next million years?"😉)

Originally posted by Liquid_Fire
Then the world exploded. GG.

[lol. This is my fault xD. Uhm... Perhaps we should skip capture the flag and jump right into the real missions??? o_O]

Originally posted by SilentWolf
[lol. This is my fault xD. Uhm... Perhaps we should skip capture the flag and jump right into the real missions??? o_O]

Quietly, Axel watched, and listened as the Spartan's were getting ready for at least some time of relaxation before the funeral and the upcomming deployment. They had managed to overcome the unannounced challenge presented to them, and Axel had to give them credit for their innovative use of the tools made available to them. Now though, the aura about them had changed. On the field, when he was with them, they projected the sense of the powerful and refined combatants they were. Spartans… bred to kill. Now however, they were people, friends, family. Axel’s eyes cast themselves to the ground. His eyes usually stung when he used them, but this time it was for a different reason.

That feeling. It was familiar, yet strange… but never alien. These Spartans held at heart that they weren’t just a team. It was more than just instinct that they held onto to tell them it was more than that. Values he’d almost forgotten, values he’d almost forced himself to never remember. Why? His hands clenched into fists. It’s because it was too painful. Losing a family always is. Because you love them.

”A man I once respected very much once told me that a Spartan isn’t defined by the armour he wears, but by the warrior he has become.” The Lieutenant walked up behind Axel. He glanced over the smaller thirteen year olds shoulder, at the assembled Spartans, but his eyes quickly returned to the Spartan he’d known best. “I know it’s hard losing people you care about. Despite what people would believe, Spartans can understand in that in a way most people wouldn’t dream of.”

“Yeah.” Axel said, straightening somewhat. “I know.”

The Lieutenant stood further back in the shadows of the doorway than Axel did. Eyes glinting in what little light there was, he looked down at the younger Spartan. “You can’t destroy yourself over what happened. You know that situations are never under your total control. Your Spartans died doing what they were bred to do Axel. The impossible. You’re the one who lead them into that life. You taught them to become what they wanted to become. You were their commander, and in many ways you were like a father to your own brothers and sisters. Don’t spend your time feeling sorry for yourself. It’s not how they would want to be remembered. Of course, I shouldn’t have to tell you that.”

“Why’s that.” Axel’s eyes drifted to Spartan – 116. She would be the one best to talk to.

“Because you’re here.” The Lieutenant said. “You’ve figured it all out. You already know everything I just said.” Glancing once more at the other Spartans, the Lieutenant turned to leave.

”Maybe.” Axel turned to look at the man who’d taught him to become a Spartan. “Before you go, who told you what it is that defines a Spartan? I’d like to meet him.”

The Lieutenant smiled slightly, “You did.”

A man I once respected very much… Axel’s eyes fell toward the ground slightly. “So-“

“No.” The Lieutenant said, cutting Axel off. “I respect him a lot more than very much, not less. You managed to get over the one thing I never could. Good day Spartan 010.” He bowed slightly before retreating from view. Axel turned around and resumed his previous task.

He watched the other Spartan – IIIs. Some still in armour, while others who had gotten back earlier were already out. Crystal clear, his eyes let the blessing of sight grant him what it rarely was allowed. Light flooded his senses as it did only rarely. Funny… Axel thought. It didn’t seem to sting as much as it used to.

Jacob was in his room getting changed for the funeral. He had his armor removed and was now getting ready in military issued suits. He was tying the tie around his neck while straightening his pants. Jacob was looking in the mirror his eyes were showing him every wrinkle in his uniform.

He took a deep breath going over the names of his fallen comrades. William, Julie, Billy, Alex, etc. There voices rang in his head over and over. Jacob knew they were in the warm embrace of God now so he need not worry but he couldn't help but have this feeling of sorrow wash over him.

The sad realization came that this wouldn't be the last funeral he would attend whether his or his comrades. From this point on there was always going to be one more funeral Jacob would have to bare. He began to run his mind through is closet friends. Rae, Abbra, Wise, Parker,..............and Axel.

Jacob put one hand on the mirror to brace himself while stared at the floor closing his eyes so maybe just maybe he could be blind like that on day only a few days ago.

Finally he opened them to see his chained cross standing on the table near the mirror. Jacob grabbed and prepared to give his final good buys to his departed family. He made his way out fo the door to the meeting area.

Rayden looked at the shredded cloth that was his suit. It was... obviously too small.

You'd think the tailor who made this piece of crap would have known better.

He frowned and threw it to the side, deciding to wear a casual Uniform. After putting it on he checked himself out in the mirror. He was 7'2 and weighed about 245 pound...

...

All muscle, of course. Rayden grinned at himself and retrieved a hair pick from seemingly nowhere. He ran it through his buzz-cut which was at least three-inches longer then regulation allowed. He had grudgingly gotten rid of his afro, but he would damned if hed'd allow the bastards to get rid of all of his precious hair.

"Lookin good, sir."

Rayden glanced back at his A.I., which was projected by a holoprojector he had built before going back to fixing his hair.

"You always say that..."

"Because it's true!"

"Has anyone ever told you that flattery will get you nowhere?"

"Has anyone ever told you that you need to cut your hair? It looks like crap, and is against regulation."

Rayden grinded his teeth, and put his pick away. he turned around and cast a scowl at the A.I.

"I wear my hair this way as sense of individualism. I am a Spartan, yes. But I'm also a person. It singles me out."

"I don't understand the logic.

Of course you don't...

First, you are the largest Spartan out of your group. So, you already stand out. Second, individualism is useless. You all look the same with a helmet on, and completely indistinguishable when in full armor. You all live the same, were raised to be the same, and will die the same. What is the point of being different, when blending in is irrelevant? "

Raydeb closed his eyes and let out an irritated sigh before giving himself one more look in the mirror and leaving the room. On the way out he muttered to himself.

" I thought you'd have learned by now that Human thoughts and ideals transcend logic..."

Parker stood by a mirror in his dorm. He had already taken off his armor and placed on some black, military issued pants for the funeral. Without a shirt, he stared long and hard at his now "buzzed" head, which was starting to grow back some of his hair. His A.I., Alavaka, was still sitting inside his head, and was being as snappy as usual. "Put a shirt on you dumbass, the funeral will be starting soon!"

"Alright! Alright, calm down, sheesh." Parker picked up the shirt that was laying beside him on the desk and put it on. "Straighten that tie of yours, it's crooked." Parker snapped at the A.I. "Shut up, you b*stard, I'm tired of hearing you complain." Alavaka grumbled silently to himself and kept quiet as Parker was finishing up.

Raevynn stared solemnly at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were dark and bruised in the corners. Her hair had barely started to grow back, and her skin was much paler than usual. The Spartan sighed, running a hand over her scalp. Her appearance was a constant reminder of the biogenetic surgery they had all just endured. It would have been nice if she could simply forget what happened, but she would never forget the Spartans that were lost. Even after her body had recovered.

Taking a deep breath, Raevynn cleared her mind, refocusing her attention back at the mirror in front of her. The dress uniform was stiff and uncomfortable. She tugged at the hem of the dark blue skirt in an attempt to diminish a few wrinkles.

Perfecting her appearance was something the Spartan was not used to. It took her a while to get the uniform in order, but at long last, she was satisfied. Before leaving her room, Raevynn paused to close her eyes and regain her serious composure. The funeral hadn't even started yet and she was already showing signs of grief. Eventually, Raevynn strolled from her room and headed to meet the others.

Axel stood in the hallway outside Raevynn's room with his hands clasped behind his back. He was in an off-duty uniform, his own dress uniform for the occaison was back on Onyx. This time however, the medals weren't there. They only served to remind him of his accomplishments, and the price paid to acheive them. Neither were something to be proud of.

There was room to move around him of course, but his intention of being noticed was definately obvious. His eyes were closed, collecting thoughts was always chief on his extensive list of priorities. He heard her moving for the door long before it opened, so by the time she'd entered his line of sight his eyes were already open. Crystal orbs, filled with the smokey mixture of synthetics. He waited until she'd realized he was there. Judging her reaction, his left eyebrow rose slightly. "You look nice." He said, eyeing her over. "I may be blind but I remember at least that much." He paused. "If you have the time, I'd like to talk."

As Parker went to leave, he looked himself over once more. "I'm leaving you here in the holoprojector that was built in the dorm. I don't want to hear your snappy remarks at the funeral, it's bad form. Don't fall asleep in there." Parker carefully took Alavaka out of his slot and placed him inside the holoprojector. And with that, he left the dorm.

At the same time he noticed Raevynn walking towards him. He blinked for a little and smiled, trying not to show the grief he felt for all the friends he had lost. Once she reached him, he spoke quietly. "You look...Nice. Come on, we better get moving." He turned around and walked slowly beside her. "You don't need to hide your sadness, Raevynn. I can see it in your eyes. Remember, it's ok to feel sad for your lost comrades." Parker looked back at her, and his smile had faded.

[Bah, you posted before me. Ignore my post. 😐]

Until now she was rather numb about the whole situation. But now that she was confronted with it, forced to acknowledge that fact that her friends had died...That's when her whole composure crumbled. The suit she was given was dappled with tear stains, as well as her face. Cool water washed over her red eyes, cheek bones and lips. Her friends, they were too young to die. It just didn't seem fair that their young lives should end in such an abrupt fashion. On the operating table...Alone.

Striking blue eyes locked with those of her reflections. Ashamed, Abbra patted her face off with a towel. From the looks of it, she was simpering compared to everybody else. How did they do it? They were so much stronger. Her palms supported her as she leaned into the mirror. A long, rattling sigh escaped her lips. “Stiff upper lip.” Abbra reminded her reflection with nonexistent conviction. Today had the potential for her to make a complete fool of herself.

The cool liquid from the running tap reduced the redness in her face, but it didn’t completely erase it. Abbra examined herself in the mirror, it seemed impossible to get past the fact she looked like a hairless cat. But still, the florescent lighting always did point out every single flaw. Sick of the deafening salience, she abandoned the small lonely room still tugging at that dreadful blue skirt.

Abbra leaned against the wall, massaging her stiff eyes. “Rayden?...” She choked, and then attempted (and miserably failed) to mask it as if pretending to clear her throat. “Wanna walk – down together?”

Raevynn was less than pleased to see Axel standing outside her room. Her first impulse was to walk right past the boy, and so her eyes drifted past him, staring blankly into the hallway beyond.

"You look nice." He spoke.

His words were like a bullet to the back of the head. She had never expected to hear such a thing from Axel. Infact, she was sure he had shown up with the intention of belittling the Spartans. Perhaps, the boy they all missed was still alive. Even so, Raevynn couldn't help but keep her guard up.

"Spare me the sarcasm, Axel." She replied, her eyes finally locking onto his. "If you'd like to talk, I suppose I don't have much of a choice. So whats on your mind?"

Shawn had gotten ready for the funeral there was to be and he kknew nobody so what was the point but he still went. He went down to where they were meeting for the funeral and kinda just went and stood in the back. Awaiting for something to happen,someone to approach him or for the funeral to start.

Deuce had been standing in front of his quarter's bathroom mirror. Deep thoughts of the other spartans who hadn't made it made him sad but knew they gave their lives with honor. "I only wish they had survived the augmentations.." Letting out a deep, depressing sigh he managed to pull himself away from the mirror and his thought to get dressed. After he had gotten dressed in his depressingly drab apparel and exited his quarters. Not seing any of his comrades in the hallway and not being to sure where the funeral would be held, Deuce calmly walked around searching for anyone.

Jacob was walking out of the room. He turned right and began to walk down the hallway. It was the opposite way of the Funeral which was being held in a courtyard on the ship.

Jacob's A.I. realized this and as always chimed in. He didn't remove it from his head he saw no reason to. "Jacob I realized that you are not heading in the right direction. Where are we going then and why. I hope your not loosing your reserve and trying to miss out on this. You know you will never forgive yourself," Ambapali said in a soft worried, tone. Jacob answered, "Don't worry we will make it to the ceremony," Jacob paused briefly, "We just have a quick detour to make first."

With that Jacob made his way down the hallways. He could see into small rooms where other Spartans had their doors open and were finishing getting dressed. Finally though Jacob reached his destination. He stood by the large double metal sliding doors. Over the entrance stood the golden letters reading Chapel. This was the first time Jacob had sat foot i na church since childhood. Normally he never thought the need to. He felt God in his heart and most of the time that was enough but not this time. this time Jacob needed to be in some place that felt holy. Jacob walked in and found no one in there. Jacob knew the Chaplin would be at the funeral preparing and not many of the other Spartans were deeply religious so for now he was alone.

Jacob walked past the rows of seats until he reached the alter. The room was small probably only 25 feet by 25 feet. Jacob looked from the floor to over the Alter. On the back wall stood a giant cross made of wood. There was almost no light except from the hundreds of candles lit underneath the giant cross.

Jacob descended until he was on his knees. He bowed his head and with his cross dangling from from his hands placed them on his forehead. He whispered the prayers underneath his breath. Quietly only Ambapali would know what was said this day. Thankfully she understood that this of all moments was Jacob's time to speak and her time to be silent.

When the final word was uttered Jacob took his hand across his body north to south, east to west. Finally kissing the cross in his hand saying Amen.

Tears filled his eyes as he put his hands on his thighs and peered up the cross. Jacob was like a statue and kept kneeling long after the prayers.

Rayden still had a scowl on his face when he walekd past Abbra's quarters. He was in such deep thought that he hadn't noticed her own mood when he walked past.

“Wanna walk – down together?”

Rayden stopped and blinked. He shook his head, back into reality, and nodded.

"Sure."