October/10th/2007

Path of Hidden Chapters.

By Vile Deadboss

Notes: This was going to be up months ago. But between Renovations to my home, job, and other offline probs and stuffs came up. I've been super busy. Anyway, here it is. Enjoy!

Chapter VI: New Enemy.

Reaching the low level floor. It was a mess, Bodies of the Grunts, Jackals, and Elites were everywhere. Few were around, breathing hard, wounded. Remaining near the Lift's area with weapons up and ready to face Anything that showed up. Everyone was on alert for the slightest sound that wasn't their own breathing. The grunts squeaking, quivering. When they heard the hiss of the coming lift. All weapons turned and raised to meet the new bodies on the lift. However, they would soon lower when they recognized them. The leader of the group stood from his crouched position beside a tower and behind their weapons crates. Walking over to the lift to calmly greet the field commander leading that group.

"Juen Unalee."

The silver Elite looked around, assessing the damage around this area alone. How do the others fare? How do his Elites fare? "Umos Zuralee.. What has happened here?" He would step off the platform, but when he did he heard a "Squish" beneath his boot. Making him halt and glance down to what he stepped on. Lifting his leg to check what it was. It was nothing but mush, in a color of beige and orange. "..What is..?"

"It seems we have a new problem besides the Humans to deal with. I was able to contact Elos Zutamee who demanded we stand ground, here." Zuralee paused on that before he would look to the rest of the covenant that Were standing their ground and they all looked longingly at the lift. Wanting to leave after what they saw. "But.. he also said if it's to much and does not contact within three units. We leave." The Silver Elite returned his gaze on Unalee who looked at the stuff he stepped on questioningly still. And that Elite surveyed the area again, seeing more of this guck around.

"Alien pods that live on Halo." Zuralee started to explain. "The Guardians of Halo. That protect it from the intruders that dare tread on it's holy ground."

"Guardians?" Unalee looked to the other silver Elite. Confused. "Do you mean..."

"They came by the hundreds, we only managed to bring down the swarms but those who shields they penetrated." They both looked to the two Jackals and one Elite on the lift. Getting a better look of them, Rukamee knelt down beside one, realizing how he was killed. "If they come again, we'll need to be fast to rid of them."

Rukamee tilted his head as he studied the spots that were attacked, the spots that were vital to them, these beings knew where to kill precisely.

"Rukamee?" Juen Unalee was curious of what the other was finding on the bodies.

"They were eaten. Their wounds were not caused by any projectile or energy weapons of sorts. Purely eaten." He would bring a hand up to tap at the chest armor of the dead Elite, middle of the chest was a hole. "It looked like whatever it was.. tried to borrow through him."

"Tried." Zuralee sighed. "They were supposed to start the lift to meet with you but they were attacked by these.. things. And.. We were forced to shoot them and those things. We did not want any of that above while our escape is still open."

"Was open." Rukamee spoke. Moving to stand and step away from the bodies to go and join with the other two. Zuralee nodded in understanding.

"I know, Because I summoned you all down here..."

"No, Zuralee." Unalee returned his teal eyes back to the other Silver Commander. "We dealt with the humans and we were going to deal with more, However, something had happened to the pilot and he crashed the ship into the humans. Soon after, something else attacked them, we would've came down here anyway."

"Something else attacked them?" Zuralee's lips parted as shocked to hearing that but they would close to click together once. Turning his eyes away from Rukamee and Unalee to stare at the orange glob. "Than it's likely what attacked the pilot and the humans are these things."

Juen Unalee and Umos Zuralee may have understood what these Things were. But Van Rukamee was confused, turning his honey-colored sights to the orange glob. About to ask them however someone else had beaten him to it, One that actually surprised him.

"Exellancies? If you don't mind this lowly Unggoy asking..." the grunt shifted, nervous. "But what are those Things?" He would point to another orange mess near the lift. It was something the Grunts themselves, at least in his unit, that rarely been told about it. It was often sent to battle first, learn later. Both the field commanders turn their attention to the grunt, anger was not among them and Unalee explained.

"These were the things we've had to study on. That we Must watch out for the minute we set foot on the Holy ring." He would turn to face those on the lift. The blue minors especially looked confused and obviously didn't learn what the said things were. So the Silver Elite had their full attention. "They are called The Flood. They guard the Holy Ring and do not hesitate to make you part of them. Do not let Any of them touch you."

With that explained, He would turn and step past Zuralee to head towards the door that led for the main area where the bridge was and where their Shades were near, placed there to supposingly protect that area. Rukamee took in a small sharp breath before he stepped off the lift himself and went after Unalee, not wanting to leave him alone now. RuRin the grunt squeaked as he decided to follow also. Wondering where the leaders were heading for. Zuralee watched the grunt follow them, a bit surprised that RuRin didn't acknowledge him when they came down. He looked over to the blue minor Qutamee whom sniffed at the air, his teeth bared to growl as he smelled.. both decay and humans, coming from above the lift.

"Everyone off the lift.. Now."

After passing the Jackals that were guarding the door, and the passage that led to the otherside, Unalee was met with a sight he had not expected to see. The entire area was upside down, Dead Elites, Grunts, and Jackels laid all over the area and the Shades were all turned over and ruined. Even the tower they placed in here was not functioning. Rukamee and RuRin whom were right behind Unalee stepped out of the passage way but their steps slowed when they were greeted the same sight.

"How quickly The Flood move.." Unalee spoke, his tone saddened. His Elites were not here, was it possible they still lived? Or had The Flood consumed them? Rukamee growled to the damage around them.

"Why were we not Warned of this? Despite the teachings, why hadn't they equipped us with better weapons to Deal with this Flood?" Rukamee looked at Unalee, anger in his eyes. "Did they not know we would meet up with this?"

"No, Rukamee.. I don't think they expected us to meet The Flood at all." But.. He had a feeling the only one who knew and kept silent was Elos Zutalee. So this is why they Spec Ops Sangheili told him to escape if it's to much for any of them. Reaching to his back armor, Unalee retrieved the map he was using before. Tapping into and activating the map that the Covenant of the west were investigating. He began to connect their map with the West, trying to figure out what would be the shortest route to them. Rukamee glanced around before his eyes fell to what Unalee was doing. Taking a step closer to watch and study the layouts of the underground.

"The Cartographer. We got the map from there if that is what you're going to ask." Unalee spoke. The Red Major blinked once before he shook his head, returning to watch Unalee. RuRin was watching also until he heard a noise behind them. Turning to see what but it was coming from the passages. Soon the old mechanical doors slid open. Zuralee, and the Elites, Jackals and Grunts rushed through it.

"Hurry!" Zuralee demanded as almost every covenant made it through but a jackel whom was knocked down by a humanoid creature, grotesque in it's figure and gave a garbled snarl. It easily dug it's tendrils in the jackel who choked from the tendrils intrusion into it's body. It was the last for the two as Rukamee was quick to turn and fired off one of the human's Rocket Launchers. The shot flew and when it hit it's mark, a large enough explosion given that those near the door fell back stunned, shocked, but the Jackel and the Flood were no more.

Zuralee was stunned himself as he thought a Human was right there until his eyes turned to Rukamee and then the human weapon he carried. which still gave a small wisp of smoke from it's shot. "What are you..?"

"Hn.. this works Very well against the Flood." Rukamee's mandibles shaped to a pleased smirk. Checking the weapon to see if it had anymore rounds. He knew they shot twice and saw four more rounds clipped against it. He would have to learn to change the rounds quickly.

Unalee was relieved to know that threat was dealt with but were there more? Hearing more of the moans and cries of that he recognized as the flood with bodies. Rukamee's Elites didn't hesitate to throw grenades to either side of the passage ways. Diving out of the way as the grenades went off in the narrowed passages in more loud explosions. Even the walls shook. But it eliminated the cries instantly and one Elite looked in the passage carefully and quick. Seeing no more of the threats and gave a silent signal to allow them to know it's clear. For now.

"The humans from above." Zuralee sighed. They were safe momentarily. "They jumped down from the Lift's way above. They do not fear height."

"I'm disturbed over the fact that some of them Climbed down, Leader." Qutamee noted. Zuralee nodded as he had forgotten that but he was engaged in battle by then.

"Zuralee, Rukamee." Unalee started, Zuralee went over to Unalee to see what he was doing. Rukamee turned his attention back to his commander, no longer worried about the door now that his Elites stood guard. "The west is not far if we take this path." He already had it marked and showed them both. "According to the Cartographer maps we've had taken. It should be clear."

"The west?" Zuralee was confused. "Why do we need to head to the west for?"

"For if we want to leave this place Alive. And Victorious. This is the way we should take." Unalee explained. Turning his attention to Zuralee who's features turned grim and shook his head.

"Leaving our posts and then return empty, I wouldn't call that Victorious at all. We'll be punished. We were sent to guard this area from the humans." Zuralee wasn't sure about heading to the west.

"And we succeeded. If the humans are aware of the flood like we are, It is most likely they will not return. And besides.. " Unalee turned his attention over to Rukamee as his mandibles shaped to that of a smirk. "We have proof that we have dealt with the humans."

Rukamee understood and turned his attention to his Elites. "Do not let go of your weapons."

"Yes, Major.." All four of his Elites said. Each and every one of them holding tight to their newfound trophies. Zuralee wasn't sure if that was enough however.

"Also.." Unalee continued, tapping at the block he had to show another path on the map one that was very close to the path to the west. "Elos Zutalee took this way to do his mission. If he is still alive, we could assist him to retrieve whatever it is he was sent here for. And than leave. He is our other proof that we have been successful."

That Zuralee was convinced. "Alright. But one more question to this.. Mission." Seeing enough of the map his attention went to both Rukamee and Unalee. "Why the west? It is likely we'll meet more of the flood, both Human and Covenant alike, You say our escape is that way?"

Unalee looked to Rukamee to have him explain that. Rukamee was a bit surprised at that but explained like he did above. "The ship meant for us and it's pilot, our means of leaving is gone. But over there, they have more ships on hand so we have a better chance of escaping this swamp and leave the Holy Ring and back to our ship or..."

"Go to the Truth and Reconciliation." Zuralee finished. Finding that idea very well worth the chance to take. "Let's go than."

"Right." Unalee looked back to the rest of the Covenant. "Let us equip everyone with better weapons against the flood. I imagine you have a good idea what takes them down especially, Zuralee?"

"The humans weapons unfortunately works quite well. But some of our own works just as well." Zuralee went over to his group to better prepare them. Unalee followed to assist on that. Rukamee's group already well prepared, the Elites continued to guard the passage and prepared to take out anything that comes their way. Rukamee decided to look around their area to make sure there was nothing. The path they had to take.. he looked towards the door that obviously lead to another passage but to where? He read the map but it was all paths, nothing saying on what is in each and every area. He considered the idea of checking it out alone but he could not shoot in such narrow passages without taking himself in the process.

A small squeak broke the Crimson armored Elite out of his thoughts, glancing down to find the Grunt beside him. RuRin was looking at the door also but when he looked up to find Rukamee's gaze on him. He gave a small wave.

"I'm with you all the way, Leader!"

"Unggoy.." Rukamee frowned. "You are part of Zuralee's group, you should go and prepare yourself with a better weapon."

"Oh! But I am prepared!" RuRin lifted the plasma rifle he had. "Leader gave me a good weapon. I'll do very good with this!"

Rukamee scoffed. Doubting the grunt will.

"You'd be surprised how skilled RuRin is with a weapon. I wouldn't have left him alone with Qutamee otherwise." Zuralee spoke suddenly, approaching the two. RuRin practically bounced over to Zuralee. Rukamee was wondering about that Grunt, he seemed pretty carefree around the Sangheili unlike most.

"Leader! Look!" He waved his weapon to Zuralee. "He gave me this one, yes he did!"

"Ah, so you will shoot faster most likely." Zuralee gave a smile that definately confused Rukamee. "I was about to get concerned for awhile there RuRin. You like the company of Van Rukamee, yes?"

"Oh, yes! He's made sure I would be safe, he's a good one." RuRin spoke happily.

"That's not why I gave you My weapon, Unggoy.. I gave it to you because I do not need it." Rukamee grumbled, starting to get annoyed by that. RuRin looked back to the Crimson armored Elite and didn't look convinced.

"Oh? If that is true, why do you still carry RuRin's weapon?"

Rukamee frozed, glancing down to his thigh where the weapon was clipped against his armor. He had forgotten about it! he thought he threw the thing away. Zuralee also didn't look convinced but his lips shaped to an amused smirk at Rukamee.

"Yes, He will be a good one indeed."

Rukamee was confused by the two saying that, but didn't question it. Not when Unalee returned to them and carried a concerned look to his sangheili features. The silver Elite's attention fell to Zuralee than. "What has become of H'sn Urakaa? I had sent him down here before to assist you and expected to hear from him immediately."

Rukamee wondered about that Elite and his group also as he did not see any of them with Zuralee or among the dead. Umos Zuralee glanced over to the path they must take to the west. "When they assisted us on getting ground here, he had insisted on going ahead to find the Spec ops Commander Zutamee. I allowed him and his group ahead to do that.. and.. got so caught up with the Flood, I momentarily forgotten them. I pray that he and his group are alright."

Rukamee snorted lightly. "He didn't look like a pushover, he's likely to help the Commander before us." The crimson Elite turned his attention to the two Silver Commanders. "Are we ready?"

Both would look to eachother before giving an acknowledged nod. Unalee would turn to face the Jackels, Grunts, and Elites that were now properly armed. "Do not slow down when we meet the flood. We now move to our destination."

"Unalee." Zuralee almost forgot as he faced the other Commander. "Do not let go of your blade. It has been most useful against the flood." The silver Elite would pat the handle of the said blade that was clipped upon his thigh. Juen Unalee glanced to the weapon before giving a nod, understanding.

Rukamee would begin ahead of the two commanders, his Elites following suit and leaving the door unguarded. As for now they begin their journey to the west. When he made it to door they must take. Which hissed open. The crimson Major class Elite glanced both left and right. Finding both paths clear so far, but would take the left. His hand waving towards the right for his Elites to go through and one of them did. Both stepping at the same time and meeting the either halls of the complex just the same, just as empty. And forward they continued. The rest of the covenant following and the Silver Commanders allowing Rukamee to lead them.

The underground complex was large, and it was quiet. Disturbingly quiet as they followed the paths towards their destinations. Leaving behind more halls, tunnels, large areas that carried nothing of use whatsoever. Not one weapon, not one body, not one sound besides their own. It was like this until they heard gunshots ahead. Both Rukamee and his Elite rushed through the tunnel to see whom was fighting with whom. And looking past the door that was broken open carefully. They found humans fighting with Covenant.

But... the Covenant were no longer their same shape and their heads were broken, misplaced like the rest of their upper bodies and tentacles protruded out of them. None of them looked like they once were but monsters, truly monsters. That leaped into the air like gravity was nothing to them and jumped the humans with their tendrils. Striking them down and through those fragile bodies. Giving off throaty, garbled cries and growls as they went after the humans like a hungry infestation.

They were an infestation. Rukamee found himself stunned and watched the humans fall down one by one, those that ran certainly did, but those that put up a fight managed to stand. Keeping their ground but for what? But those that ran and fell, smaller versions of this Flood skittered across the room like spiders with massive heads and pounced the barely alive forms and the dead. The crimson Elite could see these things now begin to take those bodies for their own.

"Rukamee!"

A hand to the shoulder snapped the Major out of his staring and pushed back against the wall he was hiding against. Rukamee found himself still stunned until he looked up to the Silver commander. Unalee's gaze on him were both stern but concerned. But he would move past Rukamee to see past the door. To see the infestation going to work on the humans.

"We can't enter there. We have to go around this room. Or we'll meet the same fate as the humans."

Zuralee whom was near would lean past the blue-armored Elite that was glancing through the door opposite of Rukamee. Seeing himself these combat forms and the covenant shaped ones were new to him. But he also noticed, non of them were from his group or any of the others. "It will take to long to go around. If we remain here any longer, the more of these things there will be. Especially if they are gathering more bodies now."

Rukamee's breath halted. Was Zuralee suggesting they go through here? To take on these things? He would glance through the doorway slightly. He was... Afraid. But be damned if he admitted it. But after seeing how those things moved and took down the humans so easily? Did they really have a chance?

"Rukamee.." Unalee looked to the major. "...what do you think we should do?" They spoke in whispering tones now. For the humans it seems have been finally finished off and the flood began to connect themselves to those bodies. But slow their process seemed.

The Major was giving a small moment to ponder on that. And before he came to a decision. A watery garble caught his attention and he looked quickly to see one of the Flood, an Elite form, near their door. It stood there as though dazed but it faced the door. How long has it stood there? But seeing that thing and that thing noticed He. It gave a growl as it began to run towards the door. And in that instant Rukamee rushed past Unalee, through the door to meet the thing. And he would beat it down with one smack of the rocket launcher. So hard he hit it, it fell with a splat upon the floor and the body actually broke, as he also heard a pop come from it's chest.

At that moment, it didn't move and he knew he killed it. However, it's cry alerted the other flood about as they went towards the platform he stood. Tendrils and arms waving about but no way they could be up there with him.

Or so he thought.

For he had forgotten their unnatural ability to jump so high and reach the platform as though it was nothing. Five of the creatures made it, tendrils ready to take down Rukamee.

"Through it is!" Unalee growled an order to the covenant behind him and stepped through the door. Energy blade activated as he rushed towards the flood and taken down to instantly with one slash. Aiming for their chests that gave a pop similiar to the first Rukamee had taken down and immediately they fell and didn't get back up. Zuralee was quick to follow and taken down the other three fast enough. A few slashes to the first to gain attention of the other two from Rukamee and thus taken them down with the same slashes to the chest.

Rukamee was impressed to how fast they were though knew he had to be as well. Stepping forward and began to use the rocket launcher. Figuring out the trigger for it before and threw one shot to the pile of flood and the smaller forms below. That popped and broke in pieces once the rocket hit, and even if it missed to hit the floor. The explosion from it was enough to take them out. And those that survived. The minor of his group rushed forward to mimic the Major. Taking out the remaining the flood with the rocket launcher.

And did so until no Combat or small forms remained.

Silence came to the area they cleaned out already. Finding nothing, seeing nothing. The rest of the covenant would soon step out of the hall they hid in to see the minor and their leaders work.

"That... almost seemed to easy." The minor would say as he would equip the launcher with fresh ammo. Rukamee had to agree. Perhaps the swords and rockets gave them a much more advantage than they thought? Zuralee glanced down to the floor to see if there were anymore but seeing none. He would look at each door to see where they would head to next. Unalee pointed to the door ahead of them, on the same level. "We don't need to head below.. yet. Let's keep going that way."

Zuralee nodded as he walked over the platform to the sides. Making his way to the door that the other Silver Commander pointed to and took lead this time. The minor that was with Rukamee quickly went to follow.

Rukamee would remain behind this time and watched the Covenant pass him. Wanting to make sure the path behind them was clear before moving along. Unalee remained behind with the Crimson Major. When every Sangheili, Kig-Yar and Unggoy was accounted for. They would move along from behind. Taking the rear to protect.

"Were not far from the west now and Elos Zutalee." Unalee would note to the Major.

Rukamee gave a light sigh as he took in that note to mind. "I know.. just that.." He would glance down momentarily. "So much for a clear path. Let us get to him and soon."

"And hopefully find a transport out of here." The Silver Commander finished for the other Sangheili, whom nodded.

"Yes. That would be most helpful."

Onward they went and seeing as they met Humans and The flood, There was bound to be more ahead. And Rukamee hoped that when they do find the Spec Ops commander, that he would still be alive and whole. Though that heavy feeling he carried when they first got here still resided in his chest. Enough that he found breathing troublesome when he pondered on it even for a second.

That heavy omnious feeling of death. Something he can do without. So like before, he would push it out of his mind.

To Be Continued.

More Notes: And I know one person got impatient with my not updating for awhile. It doesn't mean I am giving up on my work. It means I am very, very, very busy. On to Chapter Seven.