Red Guardianby ConnorcooperChaptersPart 1Part 2Part 3Part 1(Reach) B-312 couldn't move his legs... Every heartbeat was agony... His lungs felt like they were on fire, with every breath he coughed up thick clots of blood. The Spartan III knew he was going to die. It felt like his entire body was being drained of life through the pierced hole in his chest from the Zealot's energy dagger. Opening his eyes, Six looked up at the dark ash-filled sky through blurry vision but even he could clearly see the beams of burning light coming from the sky. He has seen those beams before... It would be a matter of a few short hours before Reach was completely glassed into a wasteland. His eyes then laid on his helmet laying down before him the golden cracked visor of the pattern B of his Mark V helmet, it had been knocked around in the scuffle with the Zealots before they bailed leaving him to be glassed alive. In the damaged visor the spartan III saw a stranger looking back at him in his armor. Six didn't recognize himself. His pale skin was covered with his own blood that had the orange sand of Reach pulled at his flesh while the right side of his face was burnt from a Plasma weapon. Grabbing his helmet with all the strength he could muster he lifted it to his face. He was surprised to see one thing in his reflection. Tears... The big bad wolf was crying. He didn't know why. Maybe it was fear that ONI's personal grim reaper was finally going to meet the real reaper. Or maybe it was something else. Honestly, he didn't care. Dropping his arms Six turned to look at his free hand, scooping up a hand full of Orange sand Six lifted it up and let it pour through his fingers. Six's eyes grew heavy as he watched the sand fall... But he could have sworn the sand was white for a brief moment before his eyes closed shut. (???) "Hey, Six," Flinching at the voice Six 'awoke' stumbling slightly, looking around Six was no longer on Reach but in front of a large wooden gate with decorations of gold and jewels. And before him was a familiar giant with a friendly smile on his face. "Jorge?" "Long time no see barátja," Jorge said with a smile. Looking up at the Spartan-II Six felt a part of him want to rush up and hug the veteran warrior but another part told him to be on guard. "Your-" "Dead? So are you," Jorge's smile slightly faded but still remained on his face. "Well, not for long," Jorge's words confused Six. "What?" The behemoth in yellow and green armor placed a hand on Six's right shoulder. "Listen Six I don't have a lot of time to tell you this but... you are not ready yet," Jorge spoke only confusing Six even more. "I don't understand," "You will but not now. Six looks you have been through it all and trust me you of all people deserve a spot here... you and someone else I know," Jorge looked down at Six. "But you'll have to go back," That was when the other dead members of Noble team step in, that was when Six realized he wouldn't join his comrades just yet. "Why must I go back?" Six asked wanting to be with his battle-kin in Valhalla. "You'll see... stay strong Six," "This time you wouldn't be on your own Noble," Carter placed his hand on Six's other shoulder while Kat gave her best 'smile' to Six. "Stay safe Six," "We'll see you around Lietunet," Emile spoke through his skull-marked helmet. "Take care of my baby will you?" Then Noble leader and the giant pushed Six back. (???) "Sister it's not going to survive," A woman shouted before Six opened his eyes the pain from before washed over him but this time it was far worse. "These wounds I have never seen anything like them before," Six looked up to see a female stranger hoover over him with bandages covered with something. Looking down at his body his entire body was bare... his armor and nerve suit were all missing but his wounds remained. The moment the wet wraps touched his wounds he screamed. The reaction was enough that many hands grabbed down his nude body while the strange looked down at him trying to med his wounds. "Keep holding him down we must hold off till the goddess arrives," Ordered the woman. "Sister look at it! We don't even know what this thing is!" "HE will make it the goddess will arrive now be silent and help the others hold him down sister!" Looking up at the one dressing his wounds SIx looked up to see a pair of eyes filled with determination to save his life. But... They weren't anything he has seen before. Soon the pain was too much to bear before he entered the darkness again. ... "...When he fully recovers bring him to me," Six eyes opened again but this time he felt different his whole body ached in pain, he could barely move. "He will be in your care do you understand," "Yes, mistress," Turning his head on the pillow he rested on, Six looked up to see he was... on the floor? Confused with one eye wrapped Six looked up to see someone sit down next to him, he couldn't make out with his blurred vision but he could see her eyes. The same ones that weren't going to let him die. "Uuuuhggg," Six groaned trying to get up but a gentle hand pushed him down. "Hush rest now... save your strength," Spoke the woman, Six's vision began to set slightly but he couldn't make sense of it. It looked like this woman had... yellow fur? "I am Priestess Tao and I will help recover," 'Priestess?' Confused but he couldn't really ask any questions or move for that matter, he was kinda stuck where he was. "Here drink," Bring something to his lips, Six's numb mouth open enough to let the cold liquid run down his throat. From how numb his entire body felt he could taste it, if it were regular water or medicine he didn't know. "Your path to recovery will be a long one... your body was heavily damaged and the goddess did her best to rebuild you," Placing a cold cloth around his forehead Six stared up with a blurred vision. "It will take time for you to adjust but it will all be worth it in the end," 'Tao' looked down at him. "The goddess has given you a great gift but I fear Celestia Princess of Equestria will hear of the goddess's actions and will not be pleased that she went against the agreement," Okay, what did she do to him... Goddess? A princess named Celestia? Equestria? What the actual fuck is going on here. "GGGgGuhhhH!" Six tried to do something but the numbness could only block out the pain if he didn't move. "Don't move your body needs time to heal," Tao told him. Placing a hand on his chest Six looked down but flinched upon seeing a three-fingered hand... Even with his blurred vision, he could see this woman had three fingers and not five. Looking at her Six's felt his vision slowly start to clear but he passed out upon seeing Tao's face. (Dream realm) Luna floated past the doorways to dreams looking for any signs of nightmares. So far so good. Though a door caught her eye. Setting herself down at the sight of the door, Luna raised her brow upon seeing the casual-looking door, sure it looked normal like any other dream door but this one looked a bit... Faded? Pushing open the door Luna was met with the sight of a young buck's room, but this room looked different. The future looked strange but nothing too strange, there were a few toys on the ground but none of them she recognized from the many dreams she had seen before in other childern's dreams. Yet this dream seems more like a memory... All looked fuzzy and blurred but there was a child on the bed with his back to her but... 'Is that a human?' Confused at the sight of seeing a pony's mirror race but this child seemed to mess with something. Not wanting to interrupt the child she walked over and sat down next to the child by the foot of the bed, where she sat the princess of dreams noticed a small creature in the boy's arms. A yellow creature nuzzled into the child's arms, it was strange but something that warmed the princess's heart seeing the human child smile. "Hey kiddo," Look up Luna saw a blurred figure walk across the room to the child. "You like your new friend?" The human child nodded. "Yes sir... She is so soft and nice," Luna looked at the child who spoke to what she assumed was his father. "I'm glad but remember you can't tell anyone about her otherwise dad will get in trouble," This confused Luna before the child nodded. "Good remember she will grow up with you and one day will protect you... but remember till then you have to protect little Rena till then," The father pet the strange creature. "I will dad I promise," The child said but the father shook his head. "Don't tell me that... promise Rena that you'll protect her kiddo," The father told him before the Child held out the strange creature from him. Luna blinked at the features it held. It looked like a strange fox. "Rena?" The child spoke and the creature looked at him. "I promise to protect you," The princess felt her heart melt at the sit of the child holding the strange companion in his arms while the fox-like creature smiled. "Don't make a girl a promise you can't keep," Whispered a woman's voice from the darkness. Luna turned to see a woman walk away through the darkness of the door frame with something under her arm. Standing up Luna reached for the woman but the dream melted around her and before she knew it she was back in the dream hall and the door was no longer there. Staring at the place where the door was Luna closed her eyes before opening her real eyes back in the real world before pulling herself up. "I hope Celestia isn't asleep yet," The princess of dreams walked to find her sister to tell her what she had seen. Author's Note First off... That was Halsey but she IS NOT Six's mother! I repeat... Halsey IS NOT Six's mom! Though Six's 'father' might be connected to Halsey I wouldn't spoil anything but stay with me all will be explained later on trust me. I know this is a way different approach from the original story 'a red knight' but I wanted to mix things up if that makes sense. Well hoped you enjoyed it. Part 2(???) Something smelled good... Before he could open his eyes the Spartan III could smell the usually pleasant aroma that was in the air. It was strong enough to make his numb mouth water. Slowly he began to open his eyes but unlike before his vision in his unwrapped eye was much more than before, this allowed him to see his surroundings. Still unable to move Six only moved his head to look around. Was he in some sort of Japanese-style room? From the design of the ceiling, walls, floor, and even noticing the futon he was on made it was quite clear he was in what was called a 'washitsu' if he could recall. "Good morning," Turning his head he looked up to see someone sit down next to him... It was the strange woman from before: Priestess Tao. Six was finally able to get a good look at the strange humanoid seeing her yellow fur, blue eyes with blue irises, three fingers. Tao looked like some sort of anthropoid vulpine creature, yet the spartan III could feel a sort of familiarity when looking at her. "Iguuuuh-" His voice wasn't going to come out just yet and to this, Tao gently hushed him. "Don't speak," Moving her hand to the back of his head she gently pushed him up before bringing the bowl to his lips. "Here drink this," Looking into the bowl Six's nose flared at the source of the smell causing him to open up and begin to drink the liquid, even though his taste buds were still numb he could taste the deliciousness of the broth and soft small chucks that floated in it. It's been too long since the former-ONI agent had a freshly cooked meal, for years he only had the protein paste that he was given if he wasn't on a mission or placed in Cryo. So when this brown golden liquid touched his lips he took no time into scoffing it down as fast as he could. Drinking down so fast in fact it poured from his lips and down his mouth onto his neck, not noticing him move his arm to grab the fox lady's hand that held the bowl in a weak grip. In seconds the bowl was empty and Six let his grip on her hand go allowing her to place the bowl down before grabbing something and brought to his face cleaning it. "I'm glad you like my miso soup," Tao spoke in her low soothing voice. "You could notice the taste the herbs I put in it to help you recover," Placing the cloth down she then placed her hands on the blanket coving him before pulling it down, Six looked down at his chest which every inch of his skin was covered in blood-stained bandages. Feeling her glide her hand over his covered chest, then to his surprise, her hands began to glow with a golden hue. Tao was speaking some words in a whisper but due to how low she was speaking it was hard to tell, though it did sound like some sort of chatting. Baffled by what was happing Six then flinched at the feeling of pain slowly fading ever so slightly at the warm feeling that began to wash over him. Soon after the wounded spartan soon fall asleep drifting in and out of sleep seeing Tao take care of him while sometimes others would enter the room. They were similar to Tao looking like some kinda vulpine humanoid but some looked like strange equines humanoids... Six was still trying to process what was going on around him... Then something happened the warm feeling was gone allowing the spartan to think straight. The brightness of the room faded replaced by the glow of candlelight and his caretaker was gone. Confused Six looked around not seeing Tao or any of the others that were in the room, then he heard something. Screaming. Gritting his teeth Six got up but fell down on his side, he didn't get to his feet yet but still, the spartan III collected himself pain hissed through his body while the warm feeling had completely disappeared replaced by a cold wave that rushed over his body even though he was covered head to toe in bandages. Pushing himself up onto his feet the spartan immediately fell over again, his legs felt like jelly screaming at him to stop yet Six knew if he stayed whatever was happening out there would soon find its way to him. Biting through the pain, Six got up and hugged the wall before pushing himself over to the sliding door. Going to the door so he could push it open only for it to slide open before someone walked forward couched down dressed in dark clothing with a blade in his hand. 'Is that a ninja?' Seeing the Ninja not see the spartan along with the fact the blade was mostly meant for him Six threw himself at the intruder before getting him into a headlock. Throwing the Ninja to the ground Six's body screamed in pain at the action, this caused the assassin to try and fight off the spartan. Even though he was weakened his augmented body allowed him to keep a hold on the ninja, yet his attack wasn't going down without a fight. Rolling over where Six was now on his back, seeing the Ninja reach to his belt for a weapon the spartan acted fast grabbing whatever was close and slamming it in the eye of the assailant. The still-burning wick of the candle that Six grabbed burned the open eye of the ninja who screamed in pain and naturally grabbed his eye in pain. Acting quickly the reach 'survivor' reached down grabbing the weapon the ninja was going for before stabbing it into the Ninja's neck multiple times causing blood to fly out into the air. Looking up Six watched a second Ninja walk forward most likely to investigate the scream with a longer bladed weapon but acting quickly the spartan threw the bladed weapon at the Ninja. From the pain, Six's aim was off missing the part of the body of the Ninja that he was aiming for but hit knee of the assassin, watching the dark-robed attacker get to one knee after crying in pain the spartan threw the dead body off of him and leaped into the air before balled his fist to hit the ninja in the jaw. *Crack* The force caused the ninja to fall with Six on the ground screaming through a broken jaw the spartan reached out grabbing the ninja's own weapon before slamming it down into the ninja's head and the very floor. Pulling himself up the pain still present, Six tried to pull out the weapon but it wasn't going to come out any time soon. Grunting he got to the door frame leaning up against it but then noticed a corpse leaning against the wall to his left, it wasn't a ninja but one of those Equine creatures from before dead with her small intestine laid on the floor. Breathing heavily through the bandages, he reached up to his face and ripped the pieces of cloth around his face feeling his face go free being able to see through both eyes now. Though his head felt... different. Reaching out he felt his hand brush against his hair but like his head it was different and his ears were- "KAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" Six looked down to see another Ninjas coming down the hall with his blade out rushing at him. Unarmed the spartan began to try and get away limping slightly from the pain but biting through it before he was going at a full sprint, rushing forward down the hall before a Ninja turned to surprise to see him. Before he could attack the rampaging spartan the spartan grabbed the ninja and using inhuman strength was able to push through the wall behind the ninja even though. Landing with a thud onto the rocky ground Six got up panting looking to see the Ninjas were still on his tail, turning he looked at the Ninja either dead or knocked out the spartan III didn't care before reaching out and picking up the Japanese style sword and began to move forward. Even though it was night time the many lanterns and moonlight helped the recovering spartan see where he was going. Hearing screams and the sounds of a raging fire in the distance the spartan III found himself in some sort of village which was in the same style as the building he had escaped from. Six's heart raced at the sight and sounds of screaming in the distance. "GET BACK!" Six turned at the familiar voice. Two ninjas moved to Tao would be pinned under a wooden beam not knowing what to do Six rushed forward his body running of pure adrenal now. Running forward with the blade in hand Six strikes at the ninjas from behind but the keen ears of the shinobi are turned by his rush footsteps turning at him while he swung the stolen blade. (-) Tao looked up from the ground to see the convalescent that was under her care standing with a sword and covered in even more blood than before. Fear filled her thinking that he was injured by these attackers but from what she could tell the fresh blood that stained his bandages wasn't his. Then to her surprise, the wounded stranger that could barely move but an hour ago was moving faster than the ninjas, at first she assumed it was the goddess's gift that was bestowed to save his life. Even though the gift greatly changed his appearance it hadn't been fully unlocked this speed and strength was all his natural skill. It baffled her how he could be standing after so short of a time. The priestess watched him overpower the two ninjas by using a very usual form of combat but he end up disemboweling one of the ninjas while the other ninja was beheaded. As the head of the dead ninja fell to the ground so did the wounded being's left knee panting while holding over the wound that almost allowed death to claim him. Turning to her he dropped his blade before moving to her and grabbing the beam. "M-m-move," Speaking for the first time towards her that wasn't a jumbled mess, to her surprise he lifted the wooden beam allowing her to escape. Dropping the beam she moved to him catching him before he could fall down, Tao held her bandaged covered savor in her arms who was heaving from all the effort. "Priestess!" Turning her head she saw the temple guard rush down finally arriving. "Are you alright?" "I'm fine," She turned to look at the stranger who was now passed out from the overexertion. "He saved me," Author's Note This felt... short for some reason most because it was a straight-up attack and Six was trying his best not to blackout or sub come to the pain. I know this isn't the cool epic scene from my original story where the MC fights hordes of countless enemies without breaking a sweat but Six isn't a space marine. Sure he's a spartan but he doesn't have his armor or his weapons, plus he's still recovering from his injuries from reach which were more grievous than you would think. First off he was fighting for days before the mission 'lone wolf' the only break he had is when he was on the pelican with Emile and Carter trying to get Cortana to Captain Keyes. After delivering the AI he then ends up fighting wave upon wave of enemies to the point where he's on his last legs getting pelted by plasma weapons and then finally stabbed in the chest. (I was listening to the half-life 2 OST 'last legs' when writing the fight scenes) I guess you would have the first chapter and this one as a two-part prologue into the story (actually might rename it to that) to set the groundworks of the story. I'm really looking forward to being using some Japanese-style weapons that aren't a katana. (Hint: Drifter's weapons) Sorry, I'm rambling and I might be a little drunk, my uncle finally took me drinking as he promised. I'm sorry in advance if the chapter isn't as good as the first part. Part 3(Realm of dreams) Luna found the strange door again, the princesses were still wondering how a human was able to make it into passed the mirror without changing into a pony. Then again this human could be a pony but the magic of the mirror is still a mystery even to this day... then that begs the question. Is this stranger a pony now or something else? Maybe he was a Changeling or a Kirins or maybe a non-equine creature like a Diamond dog or an Abyssinian. This human couldn't be a dragon or hydra or... What was this human a siren? She pushed that thought out of her mind there was no way, but another thought lingered. 'What if he is now a true wendigo,' The thought of a cannibal creature from the days of old sent shivers down her spine, during the unification wars those things were nightmare incarnate. She questioned why her sister had rewritten most of history by turning the wendigos into the 'windigos' who were less than a threat of the almost unkillable cursed beasts. Luna took a breath before looking at the door. 'As the kids say: "Buck it",' Pushing the door open she looked to see that the darkroom was now a little brighter now and more organized with some of the toys from before were nearly paced on a shelf with some having small layers of dust on them. Then she saw the child who was now older looking like a colt now or what humans call a 'young teen', sitting at a desk with books with titles that had strange topics on the spines of the books. 'Future robotics, today,' 'Principles of artificial intelligence,' 'I robot,' 'Holo forms to life forms,' 'Laws of hybridization,' 'Keys of nature,' And on top of them held one book with bold white text: 'Human evolution by Dr. Catherine Halsey,' Looking down at the boy she watched him holding a pen while writing something but the words were a blur most likely from not remembering what he wrote. Luna was surprised how much the room had changed though even though the room was more bright and golden she couldn't make out the human's face. Has been though many dreams and some of them were memories like this one, it was kinda like those 'video cameras' from the human world only focusing on one side. Like memory though one would forget details as they grew older but seeing how detailed it had been so far unlike the one before it was surprising that she couldn't see the face of dreaming soul before her. 'Wait... how does one forget their own-' Just then the dream was filled with darkness causing Luna to jump thinking something happened but then came a cheerful voice from over the human's shoulder. "Guess who~" Luna gave a sigh of relief thanking her mother that the dream didn't become a nightmare. "Ahhhh Rena! Come on," As the memory lit up again the child turned to see a being standing behind him which baffled the princess. "I'm trying to study," Expecting the human's mother Luna was shocked to see a Vupline creature almost the same age as the young human by the looks of it. Then the princess remember speaking the name: Rena... 'Wasn't that the-' "Awww come on! I'm bored! You've been at it all day doing work and I've been doing nothing but waiting for you to be done! Please give me attentionnnnnnnnnn~" The yellow furred humanoid grabbed onto the human's arm trying to pull him from his desk. "I love to but Dad is going to get mad at me if I don't finish this work Lexi assigned me," This caused the vixen to groan in disappointment. "AGH! That AI is dumber than a bag of rocks! You spend way more time with her than me!" Rena then got down on her knees hanging her head. "It's not like you want me around any more," Flatting her ears and fake crying trying to make the human feel bad almost caused Luna to laugh at the childish act of these young teens. "Rena please stop," Yet this had the reverse effect as Rena was now not making any effort for it to sound real before howling like a drama queen. This time Luna giggle how Rena's actions reminded of the one time Rarity acted when a small drop of white stained her 'flawless' white dress at last year's gala. "Rena. Stop... please?" "No! You don't love me any more... you rather be with that drone who only a over sized calculator," Rena then pouted like a child before crossing her arms and turning away, only to receive a sigh from the human who put down his pen before going over to Rena. Watching the human go next to her leaning towards her but Rena gave him one glance before snapped her head to the side with her arms crossed frimely. Looking at the casual dressed vupline he then looked down at her ears seeing her left one twitch slightly before getting a idea. "Rena... I know what would cheer you up," The humans spoke causing the humanoid to look towards him. Seeing his hands out Rena's eyes filled with horror. "Don't you dare," She then yelped like a child before trying to get away as the human leaped out grabbing her before reaching out and began to pet her ears. "YIKE!!!! Hey! Cut that out!" Rena shouted trying to get free but the human's actions had her pinned in his grasp with her at his mercy only able to have her tail puffed out. "What? You said I don't give any attention," The human spoke causing Rena to blush slightly. "You could do it without hug trapping me," Rena mumbled. "Do you want me to let you go?" "No..." "Thought so," Rena looked at the two teen aged beings with a smile on her face, she couldn't help be reminded of her a Celestia as children but... this bond between the two. It was different but very loving. Though the question did come up in her mind how did this like fox like creature turn into a full on humanoid? Luna knelt down at the two looking at the face of the vulpine noticing something... familiar. But before she could find out what it was something caused a uneasy feeling, looking up at the ceiling she spotted cracks. These cracks were something she was too familiar with: The roots of the darkness within one's mind. Hearing a scream Luna looked up to see the room now held a dark figure standing over the two, Luna sprinted forward seeing that the memory was now starting to become a nightmare. Before she could swoop in her legs were grabbed turning to see the very floor was warped around her knees, all she could do was watch. "NO LET HER GO! RENA!" Seeing the dark figure grab the vulpine and lift it up above the teen kicking him to the ground and but unlike the princess the floor began to swallow him. The dark beast's unnatural laugh chilled her blood but the hand of the creature created a double curved blade from it's hand, a blade the was lifted to the squirming vulpine in his hands silently crying out for the human's help from the grip around her neck. The two reached out for one another but as the darkness began to cover the nightmare and the floor completely consumed the young human. All Luna could hear was a scream. (Luna's room) Shooting up Luna's heart raced feeling sweat cover her body, never had she felt such fear in her life before. So much so that very nightmare caused HER to wake up from the realm of dreams. Holding her head Luna's body shack at the feeling of terror the human felt. It was a nightmare yes but his mind... That mind was damaged. Pain, Hate, and Loss filled it. Turning from her bed to stand up Luna put on her robe before going to her baloncy window, looking to her moon that hung in the night sky. She need to find this human and help him put his mind back together and heal... Yet where was she going to find this human? He could be anywhere! Celestia told her that no a soul has used the mirror ever since Sunset came though but that was a year ago. Luna need to find this human... And fast for his mind was like a all you can eat buffet for the nightmare creatures hiding in the dream realm which would spread out like wild fire into the minds of others. Yet where should the princess even start for her search? He could be any race... He could be any where in or outside of Equestira... This wasn't going to be easy but nothing ever is. "Mother guide me," Luna whispered to herself. Author's Note Well... a short chapter but mostly for the fact I don't want the site staff to BAN my ass for not having any ponies so I had this entire chapter to Luna in Six's memory/dream. As for how it works well, for all you that played cyberpunk 2077 a memory dream is like when V (the main character of the series) is in a BD (Braindance). Yet she can't pause or inspect things like in cyberpunk... she can only watch. Plus I've been wanting to do more with Luna and the dream realm, I have done it before but not a entire chapter so kinda got to do that here. And hey some backstory of Rena and Six... One of the titles of the books on young Six's desk is real the rest I made up. Knowing Halsey is a scientist I wouldn't be surprised if she did write a book on the theory of AIs. Another chapter in 24 hours... maybe see if it keeps going or not. And again, sorry for how short it is but some of my followers know the brutality of the ban hammer from the staff. I don't wish to tempt fate. But I do hope you enjoyed it.
Part 1(Reach) B-312 couldn't move his legs... Every heartbeat was agony... His lungs felt like they were on fire, with every breath he coughed up thick clots of blood. The Spartan III knew he was going to die. It felt like his entire body was being drained of life through the pierced hole in his chest from the Zealot's energy dagger. Opening his eyes, Six looked up at the dark ash-filled sky through blurry vision but even he could clearly see the beams of burning light coming from the sky. He has seen those beams before... It would be a matter of a few short hours before Reach was completely glassed into a wasteland. His eyes then laid on his helmet laying down before him the golden cracked visor of the pattern B of his Mark V helmet, it had been knocked around in the scuffle with the Zealots before they bailed leaving him to be glassed alive. In the damaged visor the spartan III saw a stranger looking back at him in his armor. Six didn't recognize himself. His pale skin was covered with his own blood that had the orange sand of Reach pulled at his flesh while the right side of his face was burnt from a Plasma weapon. Grabbing his helmet with all the strength he could muster he lifted it to his face. He was surprised to see one thing in his reflection. Tears... The big bad wolf was crying. He didn't know why. Maybe it was fear that ONI's personal grim reaper was finally going to meet the real reaper. Or maybe it was something else. Honestly, he didn't care. Dropping his arms Six turned to look at his free hand, scooping up a hand full of Orange sand Six lifted it up and let it pour through his fingers. Six's eyes grew heavy as he watched the sand fall... But he could have sworn the sand was white for a brief moment before his eyes closed shut. (???) "Hey, Six," Flinching at the voice Six 'awoke' stumbling slightly, looking around Six was no longer on Reach but in front of a large wooden gate with decorations of gold and jewels. And before him was a familiar giant with a friendly smile on his face. "Jorge?" "Long time no see barátja," Jorge said with a smile. Looking up at the Spartan-II Six felt a part of him want to rush up and hug the veteran warrior but another part told him to be on guard. "Your-" "Dead? So are you," Jorge's smile slightly faded but still remained on his face. "Well, not for long," Jorge's words confused Six. "What?" The behemoth in yellow and green armor placed a hand on Six's right shoulder. "Listen Six I don't have a lot of time to tell you this but... you are not ready yet," Jorge spoke only confusing Six even more. "I don't understand," "You will but not now. Six looks you have been through it all and trust me you of all people deserve a spot here... you and someone else I know," Jorge looked down at Six. "But you'll have to go back," That was when the other dead members of Noble team step in, that was when Six realized he wouldn't join his comrades just yet. "Why must I go back?" Six asked wanting to be with his battle-kin in Valhalla. "You'll see... stay strong Six," "This time you wouldn't be on your own Noble," Carter placed his hand on Six's other shoulder while Kat gave her best 'smile' to Six. "Stay safe Six," "We'll see you around Lietunet," Emile spoke through his skull-marked helmet. "Take care of my baby will you?" Then Noble leader and the giant pushed Six back. (???) "Sister it's not going to survive," A woman shouted before Six opened his eyes the pain from before washed over him but this time it was far worse. "These wounds I have never seen anything like them before," Six looked up to see a female stranger hoover over him with bandages covered with something. Looking down at his body his entire body was bare... his armor and nerve suit were all missing but his wounds remained. The moment the wet wraps touched his wounds he screamed. The reaction was enough that many hands grabbed down his nude body while the strange looked down at him trying to med his wounds. "Keep holding him down we must hold off till the goddess arrives," Ordered the woman. "Sister look at it! We don't even know what this thing is!" "HE will make it the goddess will arrive now be silent and help the others hold him down sister!" Looking up at the one dressing his wounds SIx looked up to see a pair of eyes filled with determination to save his life. But... They weren't anything he has seen before. Soon the pain was too much to bear before he entered the darkness again. ... "...When he fully recovers bring him to me," Six eyes opened again but this time he felt different his whole body ached in pain, he could barely move. "He will be in your care do you understand," "Yes, mistress," Turning his head on the pillow he rested on, Six looked up to see he was... on the floor? Confused with one eye wrapped Six looked up to see someone sit down next to him, he couldn't make out with his blurred vision but he could see her eyes. The same ones that weren't going to let him die. "Uuuuhggg," Six groaned trying to get up but a gentle hand pushed him down. "Hush rest now... save your strength," Spoke the woman, Six's vision began to set slightly but he couldn't make sense of it. It looked like this woman had... yellow fur? "I am Priestess Tao and I will help recover," 'Priestess?' Confused but he couldn't really ask any questions or move for that matter, he was kinda stuck where he was. "Here drink," Bring something to his lips, Six's numb mouth open enough to let the cold liquid run down his throat. From how numb his entire body felt he could taste it, if it were regular water or medicine he didn't know. "Your path to recovery will be a long one... your body was heavily damaged and the goddess did her best to rebuild you," Placing a cold cloth around his forehead Six stared up with a blurred vision. "It will take time for you to adjust but it will all be worth it in the end," 'Tao' looked down at him. "The goddess has given you a great gift but I fear Celestia Princess of Equestria will hear of the goddess's actions and will not be pleased that she went against the agreement," Okay, what did she do to him... Goddess? A princess named Celestia? Equestria? What the actual fuck is going on here. "GGGgGuhhhH!" Six tried to do something but the numbness could only block out the pain if he didn't move. "Don't move your body needs time to heal," Tao told him. Placing a hand on his chest Six looked down but flinched upon seeing a three-fingered hand... Even with his blurred vision, he could see this woman had three fingers and not five. Looking at her Six's felt his vision slowly start to clear but he passed out upon seeing Tao's face. (Dream realm) Luna floated past the doorways to dreams looking for any signs of nightmares. So far so good. Though a door caught her eye. Setting herself down at the sight of the door, Luna raised her brow upon seeing the casual-looking door, sure it looked normal like any other dream door but this one looked a bit... Faded? Pushing open the door Luna was met with the sight of a young buck's room, but this room looked different. The future looked strange but nothing too strange, there were a few toys on the ground but none of them she recognized from the many dreams she had seen before in other childern's dreams. Yet this dream seems more like a memory... All looked fuzzy and blurred but there was a child on the bed with his back to her but... 'Is that a human?' Confused at the sight of seeing a pony's mirror race but this child seemed to mess with something. Not wanting to interrupt the child she walked over and sat down next to the child by the foot of the bed, where she sat the princess of dreams noticed a small creature in the boy's arms. A yellow creature nuzzled into the child's arms, it was strange but something that warmed the princess's heart seeing the human child smile. "Hey kiddo," Look up Luna saw a blurred figure walk across the room to the child. "You like your new friend?" The human child nodded. "Yes sir... She is so soft and nice," Luna looked at the child who spoke to what she assumed was his father. "I'm glad but remember you can't tell anyone about her otherwise dad will get in trouble," This confused Luna before the child nodded. "Good remember she will grow up with you and one day will protect you... but remember till then you have to protect little Rena till then," The father pet the strange creature. "I will dad I promise," The child said but the father shook his head. "Don't tell me that... promise Rena that you'll protect her kiddo," The father told him before the Child held out the strange creature from him. Luna blinked at the features it held. It looked like a strange fox. "Rena?" The child spoke and the creature looked at him. "I promise to protect you," The princess felt her heart melt at the sit of the child holding the strange companion in his arms while the fox-like creature smiled. "Don't make a girl a promise you can't keep," Whispered a woman's voice from the darkness. Luna turned to see a woman walk away through the darkness of the door frame with something under her arm. Standing up Luna reached for the woman but the dream melted around her and before she knew it she was back in the dream hall and the door was no longer there. Staring at the place where the door was Luna closed her eyes before opening her real eyes back in the real world before pulling herself up. "I hope Celestia isn't asleep yet," The princess of dreams walked to find her sister to tell her what she had seen. Author's Note First off... That was Halsey but she IS NOT Six's mother! I repeat... Halsey IS NOT Six's mom! Though Six's 'father' might be connected to Halsey I wouldn't spoil anything but stay with me all will be explained later on trust me. I know this is a way different approach from the original story 'a red knight' but I wanted to mix things up if that makes sense. Well hoped you enjoyed it.
Part 2(???) Something smelled good... Before he could open his eyes the Spartan III could smell the usually pleasant aroma that was in the air. It was strong enough to make his numb mouth water. Slowly he began to open his eyes but unlike before his vision in his unwrapped eye was much more than before, this allowed him to see his surroundings. Still unable to move Six only moved his head to look around. Was he in some sort of Japanese-style room? From the design of the ceiling, walls, floor, and even noticing the futon he was on made it was quite clear he was in what was called a 'washitsu' if he could recall. "Good morning," Turning his head he looked up to see someone sit down next to him... It was the strange woman from before: Priestess Tao. Six was finally able to get a good look at the strange humanoid seeing her yellow fur, blue eyes with blue irises, three fingers. Tao looked like some sort of anthropoid vulpine creature, yet the spartan III could feel a sort of familiarity when looking at her. "Iguuuuh-" His voice wasn't going to come out just yet and to this, Tao gently hushed him. "Don't speak," Moving her hand to the back of his head she gently pushed him up before bringing the bowl to his lips. "Here drink this," Looking into the bowl Six's nose flared at the source of the smell causing him to open up and begin to drink the liquid, even though his taste buds were still numb he could taste the deliciousness of the broth and soft small chucks that floated in it. It's been too long since the former-ONI agent had a freshly cooked meal, for years he only had the protein paste that he was given if he wasn't on a mission or placed in Cryo. So when this brown golden liquid touched his lips he took no time into scoffing it down as fast as he could. Drinking down so fast in fact it poured from his lips and down his mouth onto his neck, not noticing him move his arm to grab the fox lady's hand that held the bowl in a weak grip. In seconds the bowl was empty and Six let his grip on her hand go allowing her to place the bowl down before grabbing something and brought to his face cleaning it. "I'm glad you like my miso soup," Tao spoke in her low soothing voice. "You could notice the taste the herbs I put in it to help you recover," Placing the cloth down she then placed her hands on the blanket coving him before pulling it down, Six looked down at his chest which every inch of his skin was covered in blood-stained bandages. Feeling her glide her hand over his covered chest, then to his surprise, her hands began to glow with a golden hue. Tao was speaking some words in a whisper but due to how low she was speaking it was hard to tell, though it did sound like some sort of chatting. Baffled by what was happing Six then flinched at the feeling of pain slowly fading ever so slightly at the warm feeling that began to wash over him. Soon after the wounded spartan soon fall asleep drifting in and out of sleep seeing Tao take care of him while sometimes others would enter the room. They were similar to Tao looking like some kinda vulpine humanoid but some looked like strange equines humanoids... Six was still trying to process what was going on around him... Then something happened the warm feeling was gone allowing the spartan to think straight. The brightness of the room faded replaced by the glow of candlelight and his caretaker was gone. Confused Six looked around not seeing Tao or any of the others that were in the room, then he heard something. Screaming. Gritting his teeth Six got up but fell down on his side, he didn't get to his feet yet but still, the spartan III collected himself pain hissed through his body while the warm feeling had completely disappeared replaced by a cold wave that rushed over his body even though he was covered head to toe in bandages. Pushing himself up onto his feet the spartan immediately fell over again, his legs felt like jelly screaming at him to stop yet Six knew if he stayed whatever was happening out there would soon find its way to him. Biting through the pain, Six got up and hugged the wall before pushing himself over to the sliding door. Going to the door so he could push it open only for it to slide open before someone walked forward couched down dressed in dark clothing with a blade in his hand. 'Is that a ninja?' Seeing the Ninja not see the spartan along with the fact the blade was mostly meant for him Six threw himself at the intruder before getting him into a headlock. Throwing the Ninja to the ground Six's body screamed in pain at the action, this caused the assassin to try and fight off the spartan. Even though he was weakened his augmented body allowed him to keep a hold on the ninja, yet his attack wasn't going down without a fight. Rolling over where Six was now on his back, seeing the Ninja reach to his belt for a weapon the spartan acted fast grabbing whatever was close and slamming it in the eye of the assailant. The still-burning wick of the candle that Six grabbed burned the open eye of the ninja who screamed in pain and naturally grabbed his eye in pain. Acting quickly the reach 'survivor' reached down grabbing the weapon the ninja was going for before stabbing it into the Ninja's neck multiple times causing blood to fly out into the air. Looking up Six watched a second Ninja walk forward most likely to investigate the scream with a longer bladed weapon but acting quickly the spartan threw the bladed weapon at the Ninja. From the pain, Six's aim was off missing the part of the body of the Ninja that he was aiming for but hit knee of the assassin, watching the dark-robed attacker get to one knee after crying in pain the spartan threw the dead body off of him and leaped into the air before balled his fist to hit the ninja in the jaw. *Crack* The force caused the ninja to fall with Six on the ground screaming through a broken jaw the spartan reached out grabbing the ninja's own weapon before slamming it down into the ninja's head and the very floor. Pulling himself up the pain still present, Six tried to pull out the weapon but it wasn't going to come out any time soon. Grunting he got to the door frame leaning up against it but then noticed a corpse leaning against the wall to his left, it wasn't a ninja but one of those Equine creatures from before dead with her small intestine laid on the floor. Breathing heavily through the bandages, he reached up to his face and ripped the pieces of cloth around his face feeling his face go free being able to see through both eyes now. Though his head felt... different. Reaching out he felt his hand brush against his hair but like his head it was different and his ears were- "KAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" Six looked down to see another Ninjas coming down the hall with his blade out rushing at him. Unarmed the spartan began to try and get away limping slightly from the pain but biting through it before he was going at a full sprint, rushing forward down the hall before a Ninja turned to surprise to see him. Before he could attack the rampaging spartan the spartan grabbed the ninja and using inhuman strength was able to push through the wall behind the ninja even though. Landing with a thud onto the rocky ground Six got up panting looking to see the Ninjas were still on his tail, turning he looked at the Ninja either dead or knocked out the spartan III didn't care before reaching out and picking up the Japanese style sword and began to move forward. Even though it was night time the many lanterns and moonlight helped the recovering spartan see where he was going. Hearing screams and the sounds of a raging fire in the distance the spartan III found himself in some sort of village which was in the same style as the building he had escaped from. Six's heart raced at the sight and sounds of screaming in the distance. "GET BACK!" Six turned at the familiar voice. Two ninjas moved to Tao would be pinned under a wooden beam not knowing what to do Six rushed forward his body running of pure adrenal now. Running forward with the blade in hand Six strikes at the ninjas from behind but the keen ears of the shinobi are turned by his rush footsteps turning at him while he swung the stolen blade. (-) Tao looked up from the ground to see the convalescent that was under her care standing with a sword and covered in even more blood than before. Fear filled her thinking that he was injured by these attackers but from what she could tell the fresh blood that stained his bandages wasn't his. Then to her surprise, the wounded stranger that could barely move but an hour ago was moving faster than the ninjas, at first she assumed it was the goddess's gift that was bestowed to save his life. Even though the gift greatly changed his appearance it hadn't been fully unlocked this speed and strength was all his natural skill. It baffled her how he could be standing after so short of a time. The priestess watched him overpower the two ninjas by using a very usual form of combat but he end up disemboweling one of the ninjas while the other ninja was beheaded. As the head of the dead ninja fell to the ground so did the wounded being's left knee panting while holding over the wound that almost allowed death to claim him. Turning to her he dropped his blade before moving to her and grabbing the beam. "M-m-move," Speaking for the first time towards her that wasn't a jumbled mess, to her surprise he lifted the wooden beam allowing her to escape. Dropping the beam she moved to him catching him before he could fall down, Tao held her bandaged covered savor in her arms who was heaving from all the effort. "Priestess!" Turning her head she saw the temple guard rush down finally arriving. "Are you alright?" "I'm fine," She turned to look at the stranger who was now passed out from the overexertion. "He saved me," Author's Note This felt... short for some reason most because it was a straight-up attack and Six was trying his best not to blackout or sub come to the pain. I know this isn't the cool epic scene from my original story where the MC fights hordes of countless enemies without breaking a sweat but Six isn't a space marine. Sure he's a spartan but he doesn't have his armor or his weapons, plus he's still recovering from his injuries from reach which were more grievous than you would think. First off he was fighting for days before the mission 'lone wolf' the only break he had is when he was on the pelican with Emile and Carter trying to get Cortana to Captain Keyes. After delivering the AI he then ends up fighting wave upon wave of enemies to the point where he's on his last legs getting pelted by plasma weapons and then finally stabbed in the chest. (I was listening to the half-life 2 OST 'last legs' when writing the fight scenes) I guess you would have the first chapter and this one as a two-part prologue into the story (actually might rename it to that) to set the groundworks of the story. I'm really looking forward to being using some Japanese-style weapons that aren't a katana. (Hint: Drifter's weapons) Sorry, I'm rambling and I might be a little drunk, my uncle finally took me drinking as he promised. I'm sorry in advance if the chapter isn't as good as the first part.
Part 3(Realm of dreams) Luna found the strange door again, the princesses were still wondering how a human was able to make it into passed the mirror without changing into a pony. Then again this human could be a pony but the magic of the mirror is still a mystery even to this day... then that begs the question. Is this stranger a pony now or something else? Maybe he was a Changeling or a Kirins or maybe a non-equine creature like a Diamond dog or an Abyssinian. This human couldn't be a dragon or hydra or... What was this human a siren? She pushed that thought out of her mind there was no way, but another thought lingered. 'What if he is now a true wendigo,' The thought of a cannibal creature from the days of old sent shivers down her spine, during the unification wars those things were nightmare incarnate. She questioned why her sister had rewritten most of history by turning the wendigos into the 'windigos' who were less than a threat of the almost unkillable cursed beasts. Luna took a breath before looking at the door. 'As the kids say: "Buck it",' Pushing the door open she looked to see that the darkroom was now a little brighter now and more organized with some of the toys from before were nearly paced on a shelf with some having small layers of dust on them. Then she saw the child who was now older looking like a colt now or what humans call a 'young teen', sitting at a desk with books with titles that had strange topics on the spines of the books. 'Future robotics, today,' 'Principles of artificial intelligence,' 'I robot,' 'Holo forms to life forms,' 'Laws of hybridization,' 'Keys of nature,' And on top of them held one book with bold white text: 'Human evolution by Dr. Catherine Halsey,' Looking down at the boy she watched him holding a pen while writing something but the words were a blur most likely from not remembering what he wrote. Luna was surprised how much the room had changed though even though the room was more bright and golden she couldn't make out the human's face. Has been though many dreams and some of them were memories like this one, it was kinda like those 'video cameras' from the human world only focusing on one side. Like memory though one would forget details as they grew older but seeing how detailed it had been so far unlike the one before it was surprising that she couldn't see the face of dreaming soul before her. 'Wait... how does one forget their own-' Just then the dream was filled with darkness causing Luna to jump thinking something happened but then came a cheerful voice from over the human's shoulder. "Guess who~" Luna gave a sigh of relief thanking her mother that the dream didn't become a nightmare. "Ahhhh Rena! Come on," As the memory lit up again the child turned to see a being standing behind him which baffled the princess. "I'm trying to study," Expecting the human's mother Luna was shocked to see a Vupline creature almost the same age as the young human by the looks of it. Then the princess remember speaking the name: Rena... 'Wasn't that the-' "Awww come on! I'm bored! You've been at it all day doing work and I've been doing nothing but waiting for you to be done! Please give me attentionnnnnnnnnn~" The yellow furred humanoid grabbed onto the human's arm trying to pull him from his desk. "I love to but Dad is going to get mad at me if I don't finish this work Lexi assigned me," This caused the vixen to groan in disappointment. "AGH! That AI is dumber than a bag of rocks! You spend way more time with her than me!" Rena then got down on her knees hanging her head. "It's not like you want me around any more," Flatting her ears and fake crying trying to make the human feel bad almost caused Luna to laugh at the childish act of these young teens. "Rena please stop," Yet this had the reverse effect as Rena was now not making any effort for it to sound real before howling like a drama queen. This time Luna giggle how Rena's actions reminded of the one time Rarity acted when a small drop of white stained her 'flawless' white dress at last year's gala. "Rena. Stop... please?" "No! You don't love me any more... you rather be with that drone who only a over sized calculator," Rena then pouted like a child before crossing her arms and turning away, only to receive a sigh from the human who put down his pen before going over to Rena. Watching the human go next to her leaning towards her but Rena gave him one glance before snapped her head to the side with her arms crossed frimely. Looking at the casual dressed vupline he then looked down at her ears seeing her left one twitch slightly before getting a idea. "Rena... I know what would cheer you up," The humans spoke causing the humanoid to look towards him. Seeing his hands out Rena's eyes filled with horror. "Don't you dare," She then yelped like a child before trying to get away as the human leaped out grabbing her before reaching out and began to pet her ears. "YIKE!!!! Hey! Cut that out!" Rena shouted trying to get free but the human's actions had her pinned in his grasp with her at his mercy only able to have her tail puffed out. "What? You said I don't give any attention," The human spoke causing Rena to blush slightly. "You could do it without hug trapping me," Rena mumbled. "Do you want me to let you go?" "No..." "Thought so," Rena looked at the two teen aged beings with a smile on her face, she couldn't help be reminded of her a Celestia as children but... this bond between the two. It was different but very loving. Though the question did come up in her mind how did this like fox like creature turn into a full on humanoid? Luna knelt down at the two looking at the face of the vulpine noticing something... familiar. But before she could find out what it was something caused a uneasy feeling, looking up at the ceiling she spotted cracks. These cracks were something she was too familiar with: The roots of the darkness within one's mind. Hearing a scream Luna looked up to see the room now held a dark figure standing over the two, Luna sprinted forward seeing that the memory was now starting to become a nightmare. Before she could swoop in her legs were grabbed turning to see the very floor was warped around her knees, all she could do was watch. "NO LET HER GO! RENA!" Seeing the dark figure grab the vulpine and lift it up above the teen kicking him to the ground and but unlike the princess the floor began to swallow him. The dark beast's unnatural laugh chilled her blood but the hand of the creature created a double curved blade from it's hand, a blade the was lifted to the squirming vulpine in his hands silently crying out for the human's help from the grip around her neck. The two reached out for one another but as the darkness began to cover the nightmare and the floor completely consumed the young human. All Luna could hear was a scream. (Luna's room) Shooting up Luna's heart raced feeling sweat cover her body, never had she felt such fear in her life before. So much so that very nightmare caused HER to wake up from the realm of dreams. Holding her head Luna's body shack at the feeling of terror the human felt. It was a nightmare yes but his mind... That mind was damaged. Pain, Hate, and Loss filled it. Turning from her bed to stand up Luna put on her robe before going to her baloncy window, looking to her moon that hung in the night sky. She need to find this human and help him put his mind back together and heal... Yet where was she going to find this human? He could be anywhere! Celestia told her that no a soul has used the mirror ever since Sunset came though but that was a year ago. Luna need to find this human... And fast for his mind was like a all you can eat buffet for the nightmare creatures hiding in the dream realm which would spread out like wild fire into the minds of others. Yet where should the princess even start for her search? He could be any race... He could be any where in or outside of Equestira... This wasn't going to be easy but nothing ever is. "Mother guide me," Luna whispered to herself. Author's Note Well... a short chapter but mostly for the fact I don't want the site staff to BAN my ass for not having any ponies so I had this entire chapter to Luna in Six's memory/dream. As for how it works well, for all you that played cyberpunk 2077 a memory dream is like when V (the main character of the series) is in a BD (Braindance). Yet she can't pause or inspect things like in cyberpunk... she can only watch. Plus I've been wanting to do more with Luna and the dream realm, I have done it before but not a entire chapter so kinda got to do that here. And hey some backstory of Rena and Six... One of the titles of the books on young Six's desk is real the rest I made up. Knowing Halsey is a scientist I wouldn't be surprised if she did write a book on the theory of AIs. Another chapter in 24 hours... maybe see if it keeps going or not. And again, sorry for how short it is but some of my followers know the brutality of the ban hammer from the staff. I don't wish to tempt fate. But I do hope you enjoyed it.
