The credits ended, and it said Survive.
I was like... "Oh shit!". I knew what was coming because of the start of the game, but I just simply wanted to hold it off for as long as possible. I wanted to take down as many Covenant as I could. I simply refused to give up.
I got shot bad, my helmet cracked... I thought it was over. I survived! Until I got fucked up again, another crack. I knew the end was close now.
Suddenly, I lose control. 6 takes his helmet off, and starts literally fighting with a number of Elite's. I was so angry! Why!? Why did 6 have to die!!? He starts to get the upper hand but gets floored. He's fighting them off while they lunge at him... One Elite raises the energy sword, thrusts it down... And the screen changes. It's over.
I felt attached to 6. 6 was me. This one "level" is the greatest level Bungie have ever created. The greatest bit of storytelling they have done, and one of the most emotional pieces of gameplay I've ever experienced.
Noble 6 is the real hero of the Halo franchise, not Master Chief. Without 6, Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2 and Halo 3 would all not have happened. WE are the heroes of the Halo franchise. It's just a damn shame it's unlikely we will get to step into that role one more time.
Halo: Reach really is the definitive Halo. It's Bungie's masterpiece.