There's a stark difference between being dangerous and being a danger. The Master Chief is dangerous; there's no getting around that. But he was raised, trained, and ultimately molded into a soldier who serves humanity. He is only a danger to humanity's enemies.
This child is clearly human. Therefore, he is no danger to her. She's someone he will protect.
He listens as she speaks, taking note of the emotions listed: desire, hope, and joy. The one she chooses—joy—unfortunately sounds the most difficult. It's difficult for John to scrounge up joy when he's so concerned for Cortana. Difficult for him to even recall the last time he felt it, fully and uninhibited. But the others…
"Emotions…" he repeats, turning his gaze from the child to the plant.
He tries what she says. Focuses on that desire to protect humanity, to save Earth from what is coming its way. Focuses on the hope he feels at the thought of getting Cortana to Halsey. Desire, hope—both swell in his chest, triggering … something. Something that he can't name.
no subject
This child is clearly human. Therefore, he is no danger to her. She's someone he will protect.
He listens as she speaks, taking note of the emotions listed: desire, hope, and joy. The one she chooses—joy—unfortunately sounds the most difficult. It's difficult for John to scrounge up joy when he's so concerned for Cortana. Difficult for him to even recall the last time he felt it, fully and uninhibited. But the others…
"Emotions…" he repeats, turning his gaze from the child to the plant.
He tries what she says. Focuses on that desire to protect humanity, to save Earth from what is coming its way. Focuses on the hope he feels at the thought of getting Cortana to Halsey. Desire, hope—both swell in his chest, triggering … something. Something that he can't name.
(Magic.)
On the table, the flower slowly begins to bloom.