[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] random no337 C'mon Murph, don't let this one die as well...[/quote] I know, I'm a -blam!-, and I made a promise not to discontinue it this time, and I will stick by it. The next chapter will be up hopefully within the week.

C'mon Murph, don't let this one die as well...

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] ajw34307 [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Wolverfrog Just found this while browsing through the pages; how many times have you restarted this now? :P Very good though, the difference in quality between the original and re-write is huge. I still think you should move on to new things though. I don't know how you can stand just writing about one idea constantly; I've got a fan fiction and original novel on the go and still have an urge to post the prologue of my new fan fiction.[/quote] This is something Murph has to do for himself, trying to top everything you do by starting anew doesn't always feel right. Heretic or Hero seems to be the fic Murph wants to stick with.[/quote] Pretty much sums it up. This was something I began more than two years ago--it's the reason I joined and stayed on Bnet, started a group, and actually began [i]caring[/i] about writing. No matter how simple and foolish my writing was, it was something I was genuinely proud of. I haven't had that feeling in my writing since then. That's why I'm rewriting it--to finish what I started and left idle for too long...which brings me to the terrible revelation that it will be idle for a little while longer, as there is something else that I'm writing that has a deadline (I'm trying not to procrastinate :D) Hang in there :)

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Mr Evil 37 "This is something the Captain has to do for himself." "No! No, it's not!" "Oh." :P[/quote] Firefly FTW.

"This is something the Captain has to do for himself." "No! No, it's not!" "Oh." :P

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Wolverfrog Just found this while browsing through the pages; how many times have you restarted this now? :P Very good though, the difference in quality between the original and re-write is huge. I still think you should move on to new things though. I don't know how you can stand just writing about one idea constantly; I've got a fan fiction and original novel on the go and still have an urge to post the prologue of my new fan fiction.[/quote] This is something Murph has to do for himself, trying to top everything you do by starting anew doesn't always feel right. Heretic or Hero seems to be the fic Murph wants to stick with.

Just found this while browsing through the pages; how many times have you restarted this now? :P Very good though, the difference in quality between the original and re-write is huge. I still think you should move on to new things though. I don't know how you can stand just writing about one idea constantly; I've got a fan fiction and original novel on the go and still have an urge to post the prologue of my new fan fiction.

It's been a long time. I cant wait for the rest of the story. I loved the original and was really mad how you had to end it in a cliffhanger. That was a killer. Considering the following this story has I'm surprised it's not a top forum topic. [Edited on 09.01.2010 6:57 AM PDT]

When can we expect Chapter Three?

I will be waiting for the next chapter. Good stuff.

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] xBR 2 DA FAC3x it's about time :D this version looks a hundred times better than the originals. it looks like you've really improved over the last couple years :) Tell me, though--will there still be an epic duel at the end between [redacted] and [redacted]? EDIT: Names removed for those who haven't read the original story :)[/quote] Thank you, and yes. I plan to re-do the duel sequence as well, and hopefully give it a better end this time (I literally wrote the original conclusion in ten minutes because people were getting so anxious!) I'm not going to spoil the outcome of the new duel, but I will say that it has quite a bit to do with the Prologue (as does the rest of the story) [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] ajw34307 I took some time to read the whole thing again today, I still love how (even though it's totally different) it's still the same basic form of the old HoH. Chapter One was pulled off much better than the other (billion) times. ;) One thing I'd reccomend though is that you put more character thought in; and when you do, put it in italics. It makes the characters a lot more believeable and it goes a long way. Can't wait for more, I can't wait to see some of the old faces.[/quote] Ha! I felt so awkward rewriting that sequence (Old Prologue, now Chapter One) for a [i]third[/i] time. I'm just glad someone enjoyed it more than the other two attempts. Thanks for the feedback, I'll make sure to try and delve deeper into the characters in the upcoming chapters. If you liked seeing Burns and Anderson again, you should be ready to get re-acquainted with the most dishonrable antagnogist of all time...

I took some time to read the whole thing again today, I still love how (even though it's totally different) it's still the same basic form of the old HoH. Chapter One was pulled off much better than the other (billion) times. ;) One thing I'd reccomend though is that you put more character thought in; and when you do, put it in italics. It makes the characters a lot more believeable and it goes a long way. Can't wait for more, I can't wait to see some of the old faces.

it's about time :D this version looks a hundred times better than the originals. it looks like you've really improved over the last couple years :) Tell me, though--will there still be an epic duel at the end between [redacted] and [redacted]? EDIT: Names removed for those who haven't read the original story :) [Edited on 08.30.2010 7:22 AM PDT]

So, you're rewriting the whole thing? Did you even finish the original?

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Goalie Master 8 The new chapter is amazing![/quote] Thanks, I personally thought it was my best as well.

The new chapter is amazing!

[i]Chapter Two[/i] [b] To Walk the Path[/b] It was only after I took that last, fateful step that I knew how stupid a decision I'd made. I was a traitor, fending for myself in an unknown world. Brigades of humans; an immense Covenant Fleet-- all were my enemies now. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the brightness outside, the light of which had only seeped through the small openings in the temple's rooftops. The scenery was nothing short of fascinating-- a vast lake overshadowed by a crescent-shaped green mountain range, engulfing me in a semicircle though it was not time to marvel now. Now, it was time to escape. Find a place where I'd be safe. Find my way home, somehow. *** Private Jacob Burns hit the ground hard, practically faceplanting in the dirt. Bolts of multicolored plasma sizzled over his head, the superheated ammunition missing him by near inches. In the nine months he'd been enlisted, he'd felt the inimitable sting of a Covenant weapon once. He'd make damn sure he never felt it again. Hesitantly, Burns peaked out from behind the fallen pillar he'd taken cover behind. The material was ancient, and evidently not made by humanity or the Covenant. He didn't know how much more abuse it would take before giving out. The moment his head came out of cover, a Kig-Yar, which ONI had long since deemed 'Jackals', hissed furiously, letting loose another volley of green light while cowering behind the safety of his shield. Burns again evaded the attack, returning to his cover, frustrated. How long had he been pinned down here? He quickly glanced to his right, at the mutilated corpses of his two squadmates. He quickly averted his eyes. Stay focused. Don't be consumed by the grief. Fight it. Burns dropped to his stomach and crawled his way over toward his fallen teammates, who had taken cover behind a large, spire-like ruin. Good. The Jackal patrol wouldn't be ready for his flank. He closed his eyes and counted to three, all the while curling his fingers around his last M9 High Explosive grenade. [i]Three.[/i] He pulled the pin and whipped around the corner, lobbing the armed grenade towards the Jackal patrol. It bounced once, kicking sand into the air and alerting the patrol, but by that time it was too late. A moment later, an immense [i]crack[/i] resonated through the area. A fist of black smoke punched toward the sky, dismembered Jackals thrown left and right. A perfect toss. Burns fell to the ground, panting, wiping sweat off his forehead and loading another magazine into his BR55 Battle Rifle, hoping he wouldn't need it. Extraction should have been en route by now. There had been no chatter on the COM channel. Was he alone? Thunderous footsteps clamped into the dirt from behind him. The all-too familiar static of an activated Energy Sword found his ears. He was certainly [i]not[/i] alone. "Come out, vermin, and die with what honor you have left," a deep voice queried. Burns snuck a glance around the corner of the tower. Amidst the mutilated Jackal corpses, a tall, hulking, armor-clad alien stood, a brutal and yet vaguely elegant energy weapon at his side-- a Sangheili Energy Sword. The twin-pronged energy blade would slice through him with ease. There was nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. He was a sitting duck out here, waiting his turn to be gutted like a fish. He had no choice. Private Burns leapt out of cover, poising his BR55 in front of him. He let loose two three round bursts, the bullets slamming into the Sangheili, nicknamed 'Elites'', chest. His shields flickered, then gave out. It rolled to the side, narrowly evading the finishing shots. Odd. It usually took five bursts to the chest to drop an Elite's shields. Why was this one so weak? The answer came to him as the Sangheili began to fade into the environment, his body disappearing from immediate view. Of course. The bastard had swapped upgraded shield technology for an Active Camo generator. Why hadn't he seen it coming? Burns cursed, his hand flying to his belt to load another magazine. In an instant, the gun was twisted out of his hand, and an enormous, invisible hoof slammed into his chest, the effect of which could be compared to being hit by a school bus. The Elite shimmered back into view, his features becoming solid again before Burns' horrified eyes. He brought back his Energy Sword, taking his time. "I'll admit, human, you're more bold and formidable than most of your kind," the creature mused. "But your race never stood a chance." With that, he raised the blade, and then plunged down toward the helpless soldier... ...and a slug of accelerated metal sliced clean through his back. A spray of purple leapt from the alien's chest, then it toppled to the ground, it's head landing at Burns' feet and its sword skewering into the dirt. It twitched for a split second, then fell limp. A Warthog mounted with a Gauss cannon skidded to a halt a few feet away. Another followed close behind. Burns struggled to his feet. Two Marines clambered out of the Warthog and helped him over, leaning him against the combat reconnaissance vehicle. He snapped an uneasy salute at the uniformed Corporal in front of him. His tag read 'Parker'. "At ease, Private. You're not under my orders, anyway," Corporal Parker informed him. "Sir?" The Corporal gestured toward the second Warthog, the one that had fired the shot. Smoke emitted from the barrel of the mounted Gauss cannon. A figure hopped off it and walked toward him. Even through a near-blinding mixture of dirt, sweat and blood caking his face, Burns recognized him with ease. "Oh, hell," he remarked. "They sent [i]you?[/i]" Sergeant William Anderson chuckled lightly, approaching his lower-ranked friend and comrade. "If they hadn't, squid face would have cut you up and served your ass on a silver platter." Burns couldn't help but smile. Sometimes, it seemed to him that no level of misery and death and hopelessness could dampen Anderson's spirits. It had been several months since they'd seen each other, when Burns had been transferred to a different squad. The war didn't seem to have taken any toll on the Sergeant-- he was still on the shorter side, broad, a clean shaven head and a recently unshaved beard. There was a tattoo of an eagle on the side of his neck. Anderson's expression faded suddenly, however. He looked around, squinting. "Private Burns, Corporal Hughes and Private Stockley are--" "KIA, sir." Anderson sighed. "We'll have to send a team down here to recover them later. Right now, we've got a new objective, and it's damn important." "Sir?" "It's a fairly basic recovery mission, Private. I'll explain on the way." Anderson grinned, then climbed into the driver's seat of the Warthog. The ignition roared to life. "Get on that turret, Burns," he ordered. "We're going to find us a Spartan." [i]End Transmission[/i]

This is great writing. I like how the dialog fits well with how elites are presented in the game and how you made the Elites seem like a human by giving them the same sorts of thoughts.

Brilliant chapter Murph.

I'm sure you HoH veterans are tired of reading this chapter, but nevertheless, here it is, and it's better than before :D [i]Chapter One[/i] [b]Regrets[/b] I never wanted to be a traitor. I never sought after separating; not once had I considered switching sides, abandoning all that I'd come to know. I was taught that way. Taught to be at the obedience and convenience of my wicked master. Taught to be nothing more than a terribly misguided pawn, blinded by a furious honor and tied down by an oath sworn by my forefathers. My name is Sol. This is my story. *** [b]Delta Halo, Regret's Chamber November 2nd, 2552[/b] "Take your positions, my brothers! Defend the Hierarch!" The command was immediately answered. Eighteen Honor Guards spread out in a wide semicircle, as they'd always been taught, sealing off side routes between the entrance to the immense, segmented throne room and their master, the High Prophet of Regret himself. I was one of them. "When the Demon arrives, unleash everything you have!" the appointed Commander barked. "Unggoy in front and Sangheili behind. Let us use our strength in numbers against him!" I lined up in accordance with the other guards, taking my place on the left flank beside the bridge, which extended laterally across the entire chamber. Behind me, the tranquil sound of a waterfall filled my ears, though it was not the least bit soothing. Four Unggoy, Grunts as they were often called, tentatively took their positions in front of me. A shame. The puny, methane breathing creatures wouldn't last very long, and they knew it. They were simply there for the enemy to waste precious ammo on. To give their own lives for the Great Journey. Close behind, though I dared not look back, I heard the ominous hum of a gravity throne. The Prophet of Regret himself, humming thoughtfully. If he was frightened by the prospect of facing the human's most feared warrior in combat, he did not express it. "Let him come forth," the Hierarch prodded. I could easily picture the wry, wicked smile unfolding on his ugly face-- overconfident in his own abilities, and taking his enemies lightly, as always. As if in answer to his demand, a thunderous explosion cracked from just outside the throne room, blowing the door off its hinges and sending two Elites careening through the smoke, smacking against one of the many pillars before sliding down to the ground as corpses. We all knew he would come. It had only been a matter of when. I suddenly realized I'd taken for granted the precious moments of serenity before he arrived. My insides clenched, and I anxiously squeezed the handle of my Plasma Rifle, frowning, my heart sinking faster with every passing moment. I was not ready. [i]He[/i] was. Everything happened at once. A figure clad in a battered, iradescent green suit of armor and a shimmering gold visor waded through the smoke. It took a moment for me to realize that the blood stains that had long since dried on him were not his own. He made his way up to the balcony and looked out on the temple, and although I could not see his eyes, I knew his gaze had fallen upon the Prophet. The Hierarch himself drifted forward on his gravity throne, murmuring inaudibly. Perhaps a final plea to the gods? "You dare interrupt my sermon?" he boomed, hovering ever closer to the balcony, challenging the Demon to strike. In response, the human warrior lifted his weapon almost casually, poising it in a direct line to the Prophet. Regret snarled, embracing his true cowardice and gliding back to safety on the far side of the temple. "Guards! Remove this vermin from my sight!" A great battle cry erupted from the line of Guards, Elites and Grunts alike, and together we began to close the gap between the demon and the Hierarch, as we had always been told. Two swordsman flanked the Demon from the left and right, both eager to be the famed Sangheili to have slain him. Without hesitation, the Demon ducked under the arc of both swords, then, with impossible quickness, sidestepped to the left and slammed the barrel of his weapon into the Guard's back, cracking his spine. Hoping to catch his enemy by surprise, the second Guard lunged forward, roaring triumphantly, but to no avail. The Demon shuffled to the right, unloading his entire magazine into the Guard's head, mutilating the unworthy challenger. Horror took hold of me. I was no fighter. I didn't want to die for the Great Journey. I didn't want to die for anything, and if I faced the Demon in battle, the result would have me as naught but a lifeless shell, forever pondering why I had given my own life for something I didn't believe in. I was not going to die. Not today. By now, all hell had broken lose. Mutilated corpses tumbled to the ground like ragdolls. Volleys of searing plasma fire seemed to be fired blindly, even the most skilled marksmen unable to contend with the Demon's speed and cleverness. Even the Prophet himself had utilized the twin cannons attached to his throne, scorching the temple walls but never landing a blow. "'Solonee!" The voice startled me out of me out of my paranoia, but only briefly. I whirled around to face one of the Guards, clutching his arm, blood seeping through the gaps of his fingers. Several stray bullets had penetrated his shielding. I could see the pain in his eyes as he struggled toward me, gasping for breath. I grabbed hold of him and tentatively laid him down behind the cover of one of the pillars, looking all around for some way to help him. Some way to halt the endless flow of blood from several openings. Instead, he grunted loudly, calling for my attention. I knelt beside him. He extended his arm toward me, using all of his remaining strength. His bloody palm outstretched, and the Elite's deactivated Energy Sword fell at my feet. "Take it," he whispered. "Take it...and use it well." His eyes widened and his mouth slowly fell open. The warrior breathed his last. At that moment, everything fell into a new perspective. I gazed around the chamber, at the corpses littering the ground, their blood soaking the once immaculate ancient tiling. The forever echoing screams of pain and the thunderous crack of bullet and plasma fire, forming together in endless song. Below me, I caught sight of the Demon himself, easily dispatching another group of Guards. His gaze then averted back to the Prophet. Before anyone could react, he leapt to the side and sprinted forward, leaping up and catching the Prophet by surprise. A raspy wail erupted as a metallic fist clashed with the Hierarch's delicate face. Then the other. Regret's gravity throne spun wildly, smacking into pillars and knocking over an entire Grunt lance. "Animal! How dare you--" Another wail of pain, echoing. Joining the song. I snatched up the Energy Sword that the dying Sangheili had given me, but I did not start in the direction of the Prophet. A dark cowardice embraced my heart, and before I could change my mind, my legs were carrying me towards the exit. I flitted across the temple, faster than I'd ever run in my life. I didn't care what the consequences would be. I didn't care about honor, about the Covenant, about what it meant to be a member of the Guard. I certainly didn't care about the Prophet's life. The bastard would get what he deserved. I vaguely recalled something my father used to say, so long ago. [i]"There'll always be another day, my son. Live to fight for it."[/i] Yes. There would be another day. A better day. One without slaughter and death and warfare. Nobody stopped me as I drew up near the doorway-- everyone was dead or wounded-- but even so, I could feel a pair of eyes on my back. I didn't need to turn to know who it was, but I did anyway, slowly looking over my shoulder like a nervous child. The Prophet of Regret sat in his gravity throne, his face drenched in his own blood. The Demon grasped on to the hovering device, preparing to deliver the final blow. Something was different about him, though. No longer was his glare full of malice and hatred. Instead, he just stared at me, eyes wide in shock. He started to say something, then stopped, the pain overwhelming him. He was silently begging for his life. Begging for someone to come to his aid, to die for him, as they always had. For the briefest moment, on account of my 'honorable' instincts, the idea of turning back passed through my mind, but it was very quickly relinquished. The Hierarchs had taken everything from me once, not so long ago. They didn't deserve my help. They certainly didn't deserve my life. I drew in a deep breath and strode out of the chamber, Regret's last scream echoing behind me. [i]End Transmission[/i] Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, though I must admit it was tough to write for two reasons. For one, most of you guys have actually played this stage of Halo 2, so I had to try my best to mirror the image that you all have in your mind, and, to top it off, I've written this three times over the last two years, so I had to find ways to improve it form the originals. More to come soon. Thanks for reading! ~Murph

Good work, friend. It saddens me to see such nice work on the third page. Its common to get your work buried in this forum though. Good luck with the rest of your story.

IT'S BACK!

Brilliant read my friend, keep it coming!

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] ajw34307 As I explained in the Mirratord, Evil - Murph's use of "gods" is correct. :P[/quote] Yes, I concede. I saw it spelled without a capital G somewhere else. My apologises :)

I'm loving this right now.

Simply Epic :D [Edited on 07.28.2010 3:22 PM PDT]