Well here's my first Halo story. Had this idea pop into my head after reading "Halo Reach: An Unexpected Alliance" by Christian Knight and I wanted to write it out.
Sorry if this chapter appears to be a little rushed. I really just wanted to get this chapter uploaded.
Disclaimer: I do not own Halo.
Hope you enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 1: Tensions
Sangehilo, 3 years after Halo event
"Damn it's hotter than the devil's nut sack." Private Hollows shouts.
Sergeant Wallis and Corporal Xavier look at the Private.
"Stop your grumbling Marine, you're here to do a job. Complaining doesn't make this hell of a deployment go by any faster." Corporal Xavier shouts at the Private.
"Oh please Corporal, no Marine wants to be in this hell hole. Let alone be close to an enemy who tried to exterminate our race."
The Marines groan under heat of Sangehilo's two suns. To the humans the heat is unbearable. They don't see how the Sangehili can live under such conditions. Though being stationed on a Sangehilo, the home species of the very race that's killed millions of humans, doesn't help.
"Remind me again why we're here Sergeant." Private Hollows asks after taking a long swallow from him canteen.
Sergeant Wallis sighs. "As stupid as it sounds, we're here to protect the Sangehili Lord against the revels and the Covenant. Apparently some of the Sangehili have so much hatred towards our kind, especially after the peace treaty was formed, that they felt like rebelling and trying to kill off the Lords. So our leaders, being the generous morons they are, decided to help by stationing Marines here. And that's why we're here in a nutshell."
Camp Alexandria, one of three Marine bases on Sangehili, is situated on a large hill overlooking the land belonging to Lord Visze Vadam, brother to the Arbiter. It was the largest base on the planet, hosting three companies of Marines and a small arsenal of tanks and warthogs. Anti-air guns were also placed strategically around the base and within a short walking distance in case of an air attack.
Most of the Sangehili were uncomfortable having a large human force not just within reach of their village but at a higher elevation than their village. But Visze understood that the Marines needed the elevation to protect the village and his keep from a Covenant or Rebel attack.
Despite being allies, there was still a deep tension between the Sangehili and humans. The war being reason. Even though they are allies the fact that the two species spent three decades killing each other just makes things very awkward and tense. Trust between the two species at the distance was hard enough, having humans on their home world didn't help. Many of the Marines felt the same towards the Sangehili.
"I don't see why we don't just nuke these guys and get it over with." Corporal Xavier shouts.
"Yeah, it's only a matter of time before they turn on us and the war starts again."
"We're here Marine because the Sangehili are our allies." A strong voice behind the Marines shouts.
The Marine jump at the sound of the masculine voice approaching them from behind. They spin around and see a black Spartan IV standing behind them. His armor is more rugged than most Spartans, indicating heavy use. His armor style resembles the Master Chief's only it's completely black, including the face shield. The Spartan isn't as big as the Master Chief but easily stands at least 6'5".
On his back is a M395 battle rifle with an M6H pistol on his hip. Also strapped on his back is a long machete. A large k-bar knife is strapped on his side, within each reach. As the Marine's look close they see what looks like sharp brass knuckles on both of his fists. What catches the Marine's attention is a patch on his right shoulder with two silver lines, indicating his rank.
"And when our allies are in trouble we do not abandon them."
The Marina jump to attention at the presence of one of their senior officers. All three salute him.
"At ease Marines." The Spartan chuckles. "You don't have to formal around me. I'm just a Spartan."
"YES SIR Captain." The Marine shout.
"Drop the sir shit Marines. Call me just Captain, Alex, or Hood."
"YES SIR." The Marine shout again.
The Spartan shakes his head and smirks inside his helmet.
"Uh are you the famous Alex Hood, son of the legendary Lord Hood?" One of the Marines asks. "The man who survived the Brute Assault on Meridian in 2551 all by yourself?"
The Spartan does answer for a moment. After a while he surprises them by taking off his helmet revealing his face. His face is dark skinned from a severe sunburn with a deep scar running down his face. The scar is evidence of an attack from a Brute weapon. His hair is dark brown with blue eyes.
"Yes that was me. But I didn't do it alone. If I was alone I wouldn't be standing here at this time."
Alex watches the Marines smirk quietly amongst themselves.
"Heck a Spartan doesn't need help."
Alex shoot his head. "I was ODST at the time. I didn't become a Spartan till two years later. But the past isn't important."
The Marine look at Alex confused. Since when has a Spartan not wanted to talk about his conquests.
"You guys should respect the Sangehili after everything they've done for us. If it wasn't for the Sangehili we would've been wiped out by the Flood."
"Yeah but they killed millions of us. Hell we spent three decades fighting them and now we're just supposed to be allies? It doesn't make sense."
Alex knows that what the Sergeant says is true. After everything the Sangehili did to the human race they shouldn't be trusted. But after Alex's experience with a certain Sangehili female, he can speak say that they can be trusted.
"You forget Marine they were misled for over a millennium into believing that we were their enemy. Just imagine that everything you ever known for a thousand years was a lie, and then have to survive without help. The Sangehili really had nothing when they found out the truth."
The Marines remain silent.
"When we needed help they were there. Now they need our help to keep them safe and end the rebellion."
The Marines laugh and the lowest ranking, Private Howard. "Whatever man, all I know is that if I even suspect these bastards as a threat I'm blowing them away."
Alex glares daggers at the Marine, making him wet his pants. "Then you'll risk not only ending the already tense alliance between us and the Sangehili but also my wrath as well. And I swear if you so much as point your gun in the direction of a Sangehili that is not a threat then I will cut out your heart and show it to you."
Private Howard slowly backs away from the Spartan. Alex just smiles as he watches the Marine spin around and take off running like a chicken with his cut off. It took Alex a long time to get used to people running away from him.
Alex suddenly hears a commotion going on a short distance away. It sounds like a bunch of little kids shouting at each other. He steps away from the two remaining Marines and walks towards the commotion.
Alex turns a corner to see a group of five Sangehili kids playing together. Why they're this close to the base puzzles Alex. But as Alex looks closer he notices something disturbing. Five of the children are ganging up and making fun of the little one. Alex feels a fury building inside of him. He knows how it feels to be bullied and seeing the small Sangehili in tears only infuriates him. Alex wants to intervene but knows her can't, not without getting into some serious trouble.
As luck would have it, Alex didn't have to wait long. A few moments pass and the Sangehili gang leaves, only bullied child remains. Even from where Alex is standing he can tell that she's in tears. Regulations tell Alex to stay out of it but his hearts says something else.
Alex takes off his helmet and slowly approaches the young Sangehili child. AS he approaches her Alex sees that she's looks different than other Sangehili he's seen before. Sure she's shorter, even for a five – year – old Sangehili. Her skin is a different shade, almost has a light brown coloring to it. Her mandibles are slightly shorter as well. As Alex gets closer he notices that her eyes are blue, like his.
Alex approaches her slowly so that he doesn't appear to be a threat and speaks to the girl in her native tongue. "Hey there little girl, why are you crying?"
The Sangehili girls jumps at the sound of Alex's voice. She turns around and freezes seeing Alex, a large Spartan, standing in front of her.
"Whoa there little girl," Alex says raising his hands to show her that he is unarmed. "I promise that I am not going to hurt you."
"Why should I believe you? I've heard the stories of Demons. Your kind is nothing but monsters, killing anyone who stands in your way."
Alex drops down to his knees to the girl's eye level. "Because I got something you'll love."
The child looks at Alex confused and scared, especially when Alex reaches back for something. But her fears turn to joy when she sees Alex pulls out a long slab that smells like meat.
"It's called beef jerky and it's yours if you tell me your name."
"It's Zume." The child says with a gleam in her eyes.
"Nice to meet you Zume." Alex says with a smile as he offers her the piece of jerky. "I'm Alex by the way."
Zume grabs to jerky out of Alex's arm and begins devouring it right before his eyes. In a moment Zume has completely eaten the jerky. Alex has never seen anyone eat a stick of jerky that fast.
"Thank you Alex. Can I have another?"
Alex smirks. "Maybe, if you tell me why those kids were bullying you."
Zume lowers her head trying not to cry. Seeing the girl tear up makes Alex heart break.
"They were making fun of me because I'm different and small. It
"You want to know how to deal with a bully?"
"Uh please, I'm tired of being bullied."
Alex smiles. "It's easy, all you gotta do is stand up to them."
Zume looks at Alex confused. "What do you mean Alex?"
"Well you see Zume, all bullies want is a response from you, to make themselves feel better. Most of the time you stand up to them, show them that you won't put up with their insults and they'll leave you alone and go looking for someone else."
"And what if they don't?"
"That's when you got to fight. And by fight I mean kick the crap out of them. If you have to fight dirty to do it then so be it. Just hope it doesn't come to that."
"Really, that's all I have to do, just stand up to them?" Zume says looking like she doesn't believe Alex.
"Yeah, that's all I had to do to end my bullies. Though they ended up with the hospital. I'd recommend not fighting unless you have to."
"Ok, I'll give it a try." Zume says. "Thanks for the advice, and the jerky."
"You're welcome, and here." Alex replies giving Zume another piece of jerky.
Zume smiles as she grabs the jerky and takes off running, a big smile on her face. It brings a smile to Alex's heart to see the little girl so happy. Alex doesn't understand why but he doesn't even know Zume. Though looking at the little Sangehili as she runs away Alex can't help but feel like he's connected to her somehow. Just being near her, Alex felt a warm feeling he hadn't felt in years, almost as if they're related.
Alex quickly pushes the feeling aside and heads back to the Marines. How could he even feel this way about a Sangehili? Sure he got really close emotionally to a certain Sangehili female once but that was a long time ago. Besides he's here to help the Sangehili with their rebel problems not fall in love.
"Why did you help that little split – lip out Captain?" A Marine calls out snapping Alex out of his trance.
"Does it really matter Marine? She needed the help and I was the only one around to help her."
"Not to step out of line sir but it does matter. She's a child, an elite child, you probably broke a few rules talking to her. Besides sir, her father should take care of it, not you."
Alex feels himself swell up with anger. "Two thing Marines, one, by Sangehili tradition, the child isn't told who their father is until they reach adulthood. Don't ask me why though, I think it has something to do with them having an equal opportunity."
The Marines look at each other stunned and feel like they've been put in their place. "Damn that's messed up."
"Hey it's their culture boy. Have some respect or I'll wipe your ass." Alex glares at the Marine, immediately calming down. "Second, I know how it feels to be bullied. As it's hard to believe I wasn't always the monster I am today. All I'm saying is that I couldn't just stand back and watch. If you don't like what I have to say then please . . . SHUT THE HELL UP."
The Marines takes a few step back away from the angered Spartan. They know better than to mess with a Spartan, especially Alex. The Marines know Alex's reputation.
Seeing the Marines cower before him brings a smile to his face, though his helmet, which he put back on after Zume walked away. Alex has always putting arrogant morons in their place. With Marines that wasn't exactly hard most times.
Alex is about to walk away when he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. A group a female Sangehili walking by. One of them in particular catches Alex's eye. She's slightly bigger and muscular than the other females. The female is actually attractive, even from a human's perspective. The elegant blue robe she's wearing only catches more of his attention, as if it's the last thing he expected to see on her. She hasn't noticed him yet.
The Marines look at Alex very confused, they've never seen a human stare this long at a Sangehili.
"What is it Captain?" The Corporal asks the Spartan who barely ever hears the Marine.
"Yeah everything's fine Corporal." Alex says not even looking at the Marine. "I think I just saw someone from the old days"
The two Marines look in the same direction as the Spartan to see three female Sangehili standing there. They don't see anything special about them. As far as the Marines are concerned those females are just animals standing there watching them, if not spying on them.
"Why do you even care about those female elites Spartan?"
"Yeah what are you doing, looking for one of them to take to your bed for tonight?"
The three Marines break out laughing at the thought of a Spartan IV and a Sangehili sharing a bed. The very thought of it is laughable at best. The three Marines laughing so hard they're almost vomiting is evidence of that. The Spartan just stands there and smile.
"I just might Marines." Alex says as serious as he can. "Now if you excuse me, I have a Sangehili to seduce."
Alex walks away without saying another word to the Marines, leaving them speechless. The Marines froze hearing the Spartans words, trying to figure out if he really means what he said.
Underneath his helmet Alex smiles. Stunning people like that has always been his specialty. Unknown to them he was half serious. Given his history with the female he was interested he might be getting an interesting time very soon.
X
"Resha is that you?" A familiar strong voice in the Sangehili language getting Resha's attention.
Resha turns around to see a black Demon walking towards her. Even though he has no weapon in his hands, the mere presence of him sends shivers down her spines. She's never seen a Demon in person before, only in videos and stories.
Even though the myths the Prophets spoke about Demons, them being pure monsters without a soul whose primary purpose is to kill Covenant, has been busted, Sangehili still don't like Demons. From the stories she's heard about Demons, single Demons killing hundreds of Covenant with ease, she has a reason to be afraid.
"How, how do you know my name?" Resha asks placing a hand on her plasma rifle, knowing that it's useless against a Demon, it still comforts her.
"What don't you recognize me?" The Demon says in a sarcastic manner.
Resha looks at the Demon confused. How could she recognize this Demon? She heard that the Demons supposedly were humans underneath their armor. But Resha can't even see the Demon's face, the helmet blocking her view. He might have a death glare on him and she wouldn't even know it. On top of that how could a Demon speak Sangehili.
"Maybe this will help you remember." The Demon said before doing something that Resha never expected.
The Demon reaches for his helmet and slowly takes it off. In a moment she finds herself looking at a dark skinned human with blue eyes. A long scar running down the side of his that Resha knows is from a Brute weapon catches her attention. It doesn't take long for Resha to recognize the human.
"Alex, First Lieutenant Alex Hood? Is that you?" Resha says stunned.
Alex smiles, "Yes, it's been what Resha, four years since we last each other? And its Captain Hood now."
"Oh so being a Demon got you a new promotion."
Alex shakes his head in amusement, Resha's always had a sense of humor, even for a Sangehili.
"Very funny Resha, nice to know that you haven't changed a bit."
The memories of their time on the human Meridian colony is still vivid in both of their memories. Resha, being one of the few female warriors of the time, was sent in with one of the extraction teams to search for Forerunner artifacts. Alex was a rookie on the ODST teams. The plan for Resha was supposed to be simple, locate the forerunner artifact and return to base. But things are never that simple.
One minute Resha and her team were recovering an artifact and the next they were under attack by the very Brutes they lead onto the city. Resha was the only one of her team who survived the attack. She managed to escape injured right into Alex, who had just been separated from his team. At first they nearly killed each other until Alex and Resha realized they need to stick together to survive.
Alex and Resha fought and snuck through enemy territory relying on each other. Despite them being separate species they bonded together so well. In the span of a few days Alex and Resha found themselves going from pointing their weapons at each other to sharing a bed just to be safe. Though they both knew it wouldn't last, if anything it'd get them both killed. So once Resha reconnected with her people she said goodbye to Alex and that was it.
"You'd be surprised Alex. A lot of things have changed, for both of us apparently." Resha replied pointing at Alex's Spartan armor.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Don't worry Resha I promise I'm not here to fight your people, just to keep the peace."
Resha smiles at Alex. "I know Alex; you always were a good man. I guess that's why I fell for you back in the day."
"Uh yeah, that was a memorable night." Alex replies blushing from embarrassment and rubbing the back of his head.
"That's a bit of an understatement." Resha says with a big grin remembering that night they spent together five years ago. "In more ways than you know."
Alex still remembers the last night he and Resha spent together vividly. He never counted on developing feelings for an elite, let alone admitting them to her. But Alex had developed feelings for Resha like he had never felt for another woman before. What caught him off guard was Resha pouncing on him, apparently she felt the same. That was the most magical night Alex and Resha had ever experienced. The feel of Resha's warm leather skin pressed against him, his tongue exploring her mouth, and her moans escalating with each thrust.
Alex looks at Resha confused. "What do you mean Resha?"
Alex suddenly hears the sound of small feet running towards him from behind. He turns around the see Zume running towards him. At first Alex thinks that Zume is running to him. But then she runs right past him and into Resha's arms.
"Hi mommy." Zume shouts as she wraps her arms around Resha's neck.
"Hey there sweetheart. How has your day been? Any more bully problems today?"
"No mommy, not any more. Alex here shoulder me how to deal with bullies."
Resha looks at Alex glaring daggers at him. Alex can tell that he's going to get a few choice words for this later. Though on his mind at the moment is Resha's apparently a mother. He knew that five years is a long time and the possibility that she'd be a mother, being as beautiful as she is, was a high possibility if he ever saw her again. Deep down he's proud of her, having a beautiful little girl.
Resha sets Zume down. "Go on to Aunt Dola's house. I'll catch up with you later."
"Ok mommy." Zume says before running away.
Alex waits till Zume is far enough away to speak. "You got a beautiful daughter Resha. What is she like four, five years old?"
"Thanks Alex, she's five years old by the way." Resha says smiling at Alex. "She's my whole world."
"I bet she is, your one lucky woman Resha. I hope that you mate treats her with good."
Resha looks at Alex with a sarcastic glint in her eyes. "And if he doesn't what will you do?"
"If he lays a hand on you or Zume I'll behead him and stick his head on a fence post."
A smile starts forming slowly on Resha's face. At first Alex thinks that she is just happy, until she just breaks out laughing. Resha laughs so hard she doubles over holding her guts. Alex looks at her like she's lost her mind. It's starting to tick her off.
"What the hell is so funny Resha?"
Resha manages to stop laugh long enough to answer. "It'd be kind of hard to cut off your own head."
Alex steps back stunned and confused at Resha's words. Did he just hear her correctly or was she making some kind of joke? Knowing Resha, he wouldn't be surprised if she was pulling a trick on him.
"What are you saying Resha?" Alex gasps.
Resha suddenly puts on a serious look as she lays a comforting hand on Alex's shoulder. "Alex . . . Zume . . . is your daughter."
To be continued.
Wow, Alex's word has just been turned upside down. Who would've imagined that a human could have a child with a Sangehili? How will everyone react when they find out?
Can Alex keep this a secret from the humans and the Sangehili, and be a good father at the same time?
Hope that you enjoyed the chapter. Please leave a review as any help to improve the story will be appreciated.
If anyone has any questions, please either PM me or leave a review and I will answer as best I can.
This is John Storm signing off, Stay Frosty y'all