Six

Disclaimer: I do not own Halo. I do own the plot.

POV: The Arbiter

(-)

Perhaps it seemed like yesterday that I was chasing the Pillar of Autumn, glassing the human colony of Reach, and letting Halo be destroyed by the so-called 'demon', John-117. While I was on the human worlds, I heard the rumor of Spartans never dying. If only that were true. I have seen Spartans die with my own eyes.

And here I stand on Reach, the planet that I destroyed all for the Hierarchs, the Prophets who lied to my kind. Had we stayed in the Covenant, and had I safeguarded Halo, this would have been the sight of my greatest victory. But I feel that this is one of my greatest sins. I have seen the life on Earth. Children were playing; civilians were rushing to their jobs. Just who did I murder to try and solidify us on a path that would inevitably lead us to our destruction? And here I pick up a helmet from the charred earth. One that was well documented well in the war papers of the UNSC. This helmet belonged to Noble 6. He was the one who protected the Pillar of Autumn from destruction. He chose to stay behind to protect the others. Such acts of bravery I applaud. I now realize how important his role was. Six was the spark to the fire. This fire would topple the Covenant and would protect Humanity. Six was the key. He played his role. The Spartan has played his role, as well. They both deserve rest. However, I feel as if my role is not done yet. I have yet to accomplish my task. What is that task? The task is simple: to lead my people into a brighter future. And once that task is done, I will deserve the rest that the protectors of humanity have earned.