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This topic has moved here: Subject: Come Marching Home (Post-Halo 3 short story)
  • Subject: Come Marching Home (Post-Halo 3 short story)
Subject: Come Marching Home (Post-Halo 3 short story)
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Today was the day Mr. Hong Ou had been waiting for, he would finally be able to visit his son, Tao, who had returned from the war. He rose up from his bed and dragged his heels towards his bathroom sink. The cold water was a shock to his drowsy face. Upon gazing the mirror he saw his wrinkled face and receding hairline. His elderly facial features were from a mix of old age and from his constant worrying over his son.

He'd seen the reports, fire and death were a common sight on the battlefield and victories were hard to come by. With all that in mind, how could he not worry about his son's safety. He remembered the day when Tao joined the UNSC.

"I must join the military father, Tao reasoned, "It's only a matter of time before the Covenant find Earth and I want to protect our world, our way of life, and our family."

"But son," Mr. Ou pleaded, "You can't leave, you are all I have left. My brothers and sisters joined the war effort and had died. Your mother was absolutely struck with grief when she received the news her brother died and it claimed her in the end. Don't make me go through that, I beg of you."

"I'm sorry about our family father, but I have to do this," Tao said.

That was final. Tao left the next day to fight in the war, leaving his father to await for his return. Mr. Ou would constantly think about Tao and have numerous questions bounce around his mind.

Where was Tao? Is he alive? Wounded?

His fears would lesson when he received a letter from Tao talking about the war. He always made sure to tell Mr. Ou that he was alright and that he couldn't wait to return home, not because he regretted joining the UNSC, but because once he could come home, the Covenant would be defeated.

This process went on for many years as the war raged like a wild fire in the forest all across the galaxy. World after world fell to the Covenant, but through it all his son managed to survive it all.

But then they found Earth. However, against all odds, humanity prevailed and defeated the Covenant. Mr. Ou even learned his son had made it back to Earth and intended to visit him. So on this day, he made what was left of his hair as presentable as he could, put on his finest suit, and packed a basket full of goods such as Tao's favorite fruits.

Tao was across town, but it was no journey too great for Mr. Ou. He slowly made his way Tao casually and in no rush. Once he arrived at his intended destination, he walked past an ornate, ancient Chinese gate and into a field of rolling hills. And that is when he found Tao.

Mr. Ou crouched down, unpacked his basket and layout it's contents near the gravemarker. He said a prayer and knelled before the grave.

"I wish I could have said good-bye my son," Mr. Ou choked out amidst the steady stream of tears pouring out of his eyes.

He stayed by the grave for over an hour, crying and trying to release as much pain as he could. When he could cry no more, he got up, bowed, and left the cemetery.

  • 07.23.2010 12:15 PM PDT