The tiny blue crystal floated gently before Nathan.
Its soft glow pushed back the darkness spreading through the ruined street.
Nathan couldn't breathe.
"Halo..."
The crystal pulsed once.
Then again.
Its familiar voice echoed inside his mind.
[Hello, Partner.]
[I missed you.]
Nathan laughed through the tears gathering in his eyes.
"I thought..."
"I thought I'd never hear your voice again."
Halo's light brightened.
[You promised to live.]
[I promised to watch over you.]
Nova smiled quietly.
"I knew you'd find each other."
The reunion lasted only seconds.
The crystal giant towering over the city raised its head again.
Its blank white eyes flashed.
A deep mechanical tone rolled across the skyline.
"Recovery Protocol interrupted."
"Guardian confirmed."
"Secondary objective initiated."
Thousands of glowing symbols spread across its crystal body.
Harold's expression changed immediately.
"Get down!"
The giant opened its mouth.
