Authors Note: Thanks to Luke-1539 for proofing this.
Disclaimer: Halo, Sangheili and Rtas belong to Bungie Studios. However, Original Characters, like Zeno, belong to me.
Chapter 7: Discovery
Zeno did fall asleep again, but it was a fitful sleep. Dreams and memories of Kou haunted him, bringing fresh tears and pain. Then he started dreaming of Miko, of his warm touch and kind smile. It was then he knew, that though Kou was now gone, he wasn't alone. There was now someone else to help him through his trials.
Despite that knowledge, he still woke up with a start. Looking up from his bed, he saw that he was completely alone in the room: Miko was not present. Zeno whined faintly, feeling alone and cold. You are mewing like a newborn for his mother, he told himself with a sigh. It couldn't be helped though, with how he felt. So he just sat on the edge of his bed, a blanket partly wrapped around him, wishing someone would hug him and hold him close….
The door opened then and in walked Miko, wearing only his bodysuit. Zeno stared at the fine shape of his body until he forced himself to look away. Not out of shame, for once, but out of respect for all that Miko did for him. "Morning, Zeno," Miko said cheerfully. "Sleep well?"
"Kind of…," Zeno replied.
"How do you feel?"
"Better…But that he is gone…Still hurts…."
"He will always be with you, Zeno, so long as you keep your memories of him close to your hearts." Miko patted him on the shoulder.
"Miko…." Zeno stood up and before he could stop himself, wrapped his arms around the other Sangheili and hugged him. "Thank you…."
He knew he should let go, but found himself not wanting to. The warmth of his body against his was so addicting, so soothing. He even wished these bodysuits would just disappear so that he could feel his bare skin against….
No, no stop it, Zeno thought, quickly realizing the road his mind was going. Since he still wasn't sure of Miko's feelings toward him, it would be rather inappropriate to get an erection right now. Brutes and Kig-Yar…Brutes and Kig-Yar! That worked, like Miko said it would. But there was one more problem. He was still holding Miko.
"You are welcome. You can let go now, Zeno," Miko said calmly, a sweet smile on his face as he patted his back.
"I…I am sorry," Zeno said, blushing as he finally forced himself to let go.
"It is alright. You have been through a lot recently, so it is understandable. Anyway….You better get dressed. Meal time is soon and I know you must be ravaging right now."
He was right: because of what happened, he never went to the evening meal. His stomach rumbled loudly in protest for having been empty for so long. As he started snapping his armor on, Miko started talking again.
"Oh, I saved your cute ass yesterday."
Zeno looked up at him, blushing slightly at the 'cute' remark. "How so?"
"After you fell asleep, Rtas came to our door."
"Oh blood…," Zeno cursed, remembering that he did indeed skip out on the training session.
"Yeah, he was fixing to drag you out and force you to train. I was able to stop him and explain what was going on. He understood completely."
"Thank the gods…."
"But…."
"But….?"
"You will have a double session today to make up for it."
"And I doubt he would allow me to avoid the standard training." A nod. "Oh I am going to be sore tonight…."
"Taking a nice hot shower will help avoid that."
Zeno felt a little disappointed that Miko didn't offer to give him a massage instead. Oh well, maybe some day. "I will consider that. Thanks."
They both finished getting dressed and headed for the meal hall. Zeno had to force himself not to gorge on food and only eat a light meal. It wouldn't do to eat a heavy meal only to regurgitate it during training later after all. Then it was time for standard training, which went well, though Zeno caught Rtas looking at him with a certain look. He knew then he was in for it when he came back for swordsman training later.
Ship duties came after training, followed by lunch and more duties. After that, Zeno had a brief break, which Zeno opted not to take full advantage of and left his quarters early. He felt he could save a bit of face with Rtas if he arrived early today. Whether he would have or not ended up not mattering, for as he headed for the training hall, he stumbled upon a disturbing sight.
He found Miko in the hallway with another Sangheili whom he did not recognize. This newcomer was SpecOps and taller then Miko, but not as tall as Zeno: what he lacked in size he made up for in muscle mass. Moreover, he was using that muscle to keep Miko pinned to the wall…By his neck. Either Miko bumped into this man at the wrong time, or there was some kind of history between them.
As he drew closer to the scene, his blood starting to boil over the fact that someone was threatening Miko's well-being, he would discover it was the latter.
"I still owe you for some of the pranks you pulled vileu…," the other SpecOps growled, his grip still firmly on Miko's neck.
"And it seems you still have not found your sense of humor," Miko retorted, trying vainly to pry the larger Sangheili's hand off his neck.
"I do not know what the commander sees in you filth and that you are favored above me really boils my blood."
"Maybe if you did not do your job half-assed you would be respected a bit more," Miko said with a smirk.
"Maybe I just need to eliminate the competition!" The other Sangheili then pulled his arm back, fist clenched.
Zeno's blood temperature, which was already high, jumped up a few more degrees. A strong protective feeling, mixed with rage, washed over him. Miko was like him, a virtual outcast just trying to find his place in this cruel galaxy. Fighting, competing against those that just do not understand them. He remembered how he felt when Ley refused to have anything to do with him, save to kill him. He remembered the bullying he got from Field Master Yuteri. The disgusted and shunning looks from members of his own keep and others.
I am tired of running. Tired of just taking it, he thought, a low growl rumbling in his throat as he rushed the other Sangheili.
"That is right…Squirm you little runt…," the other Sangheili growled, his still fist back and a malicious little smile on his mandibles. That smile was literally knocked off him when Zeno blindsided him by socking him in the jaw with a strong punch.
The other male staggered away from the blow, releasing his grip on Miko, whom quickly stood beside Zeno. The male quickly recovered and glared at them both. "Who the hell are you?" He growled. "And how dare you strike me."
"I am Zeno 'Ribalee," Zeno replied with a hiss. "Miko's new reconnaissance partner.
The other Sangheili looked him up and down. "I did hear something about getting a new Recon troop when I came aboard. Figures you would get stuck with the vileu."
"If I recall, Commander Anko prefers to put people in Recon teams he feels would be compatible. And I am certainly compatible."
It took only a moment for the other male to catch on. "Great…Another one of you freaks. Looks like I will have to deal with you too." Zeno saw the male tense up, preparing to attack.
Zeno dropped into battle stance. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Miko do so as well. "Really think you can take us both on Juwi?" Miko said.
Juwi snarled and seemed to consider attempting just that, but before committing to that, another player joined the scene.
"Is there a problem?" The unmistakable voice of Commander Anko 'Tidumee asked.
Juwi's eyes went wide and he quickly straightened up. "No commander, sir. None at all," he said, turning to face the commander. "I will be on my way…." He quickly left, but not without giving Zeno a 'this is not over' look before disappearing down a side passage.
"Pfft, coward," Miko muttered.
"Miko, mind your mouth," Anko chided. "And should I remind both of you that there is no fighting allowed in the halls?"
"No, sir." They both said in unison.
"Good. Zeno, do not forget about your training today. Rtas is especially eager to train you today."
"I imagine he is, sir," Zeno said, feeling mildly sheepish.
Anko simply nodded and continued on his way. When the commander was out of earshot Miko said. "Thanks for the assist Zeno, though I had him right where I wanted him. Was about to make my move…."
"Before or after he punched your brains all over the wall?" Zeno retorted, looking at him.
Miko opened his mandibles to say something, then closed them again and shook his head. "Alright…You got me. He caught me by surprise…A rare thing…."
"Who is he?"
"Juwi 'Hagumee," Miko replied. "He's from one of the other Recon pairs, just returned from a mission today. Nasty bugger with a big chip on his shoulder, no sense of humor whatsoever and, from what you can probably guess, he really despises people like us."
"If that is so, why do you keep insulting and pulling jokes on him?"
"Because people like him deserve it."
Zeno found it hard to disagree with him there.
Rtas was leaning against the wall of the training room, his arms folded across his chest, when Zeno arrived a few minutes later. "Ah. You decided to show up today," the sub-commander said, straightening up as Zeno approached.
"Skimping out on my lessons yesterday was…Unintentional," Zeno said quietly.
"So Miko told me. At least you did not do your little break down out in the hallway, that would have been shameful."
Zeno bristled a little at that: who was he to judge him? He obviously never lost someone so dear to him before. His tempered cooled though when he realized that Rtas was indeed correct in that assessment. If he had broke down in view of his fellow Sangheili, their opinion of him would have gone south very quickly.
"But enough about that," Rtas said, waving a hand dismissively. "Let us get started."
"What will be the focus for today, sir?"
"Your swordsmanship in regards to your right hand is coming along well. Now, if you wish to learn to duel wield, it is time to get your left hand used to holding a sword." Rtas picked up an object that was set by his feet. It looked like a standard belt, but on the back was some kind of strap.
"What is that?"
"A hand restraint. It will keep your right hand from interfering with your left's training." Zeno nodded and allowed him to slip it around his waist and tighten it. "Your right hand please." Odd, as Rtas started securing his hand in the back strap he felt a spike of anxiety. "Is it too tight?"
"No…Sir…," Zeno replied, his breathing deepening and his heart rate quickening.
"Zeno, what is the matter?"
"I-I do not know…." Why am I reacting like…
Suddenly, the memories of his time in that human lab surfaced. Memories of being restrained and helpless, as the humans did unspeakable things to him. It seemed so real, like he was there again.
He panicked.
"No!" Zeno cried, jolting away from Rtas' grip. "Get away from me! Let me go!"
He didn't hear Rtas calling his name. He heard the female human laughing at him. He could feel that feeding tube down this throat. Smell the foul soup they fed him. With a scream, he started running.
Next thing he knew, he was on the floor, a weight on his back. This only made him panic even more, the memories of the humans piling on top of him. Desperate to get away, he started thrashing.
Suddenly his right arm was free, but the weight on his back was still there. That weight didn't matter any more though, as slowly, his mind realized there was no threat and returned to the present. He lay still, panting, dimly aware of two voices talking. Then a pair of arms sat him up and leaned him against a wall. Finally, he looked up and recognized Rtas standing in front of him, his arms folded across his chest looking bewildered: beside him stood Commander Anko, whom just looked concerned.
"Commander…Sub-commander? Wha…What happened?" Zeno asked.
"We were hoping you could tell us, Zeno," Anko said softly.
"By the Rings, Zeno. You went nuts almost the moment I put the restraint on you," Rtas commented.
"Restraint…." Zeno shuttered, the memories still raw in his mind. "I…."
Anko seemed to catch on. "This has to do with what happened to you in the human base, does it not?" He asked. Zeno slowly nodded. "Tell us what happened in there, Zeno."
"I-I would rather not…."
"Zeno, if we are to ensure you do not have another incident like this, we need to know."
Zeno looked between them, shame and fear filling his hearts. He had no choice but to comply to Anko's order. With a heavy sigh, he told them everything that happened during that brief time he was in the human's care. By the time he was done, Rtas' eyes were wide with horror, while Anko simply nodded. "I understand why you did not want anyone to know this." Anko said softly, putting a hand on his shoulder. "But such things should not be kept secret. Have you told anyone else?"
"No, sir…You and Rtas are the first."
Anko nodded and said. "I will put a note in your records warning about restraining you with devices, that should prevent most possible incidences."
"Th-thank you sir."
"This no restraint business is going to put a hamper on his training," Rtas commented.
"There is always another way," Anko said. "In the meantime, I would suggest you end his training for the day. Give him a chance to calm his nerves."
"Yes, commander."
Zeno spent the rest of that day in his bunk, trying to come to terms with his newly discovered phobia. When Miko inquired as to how his training went he simply said that something came up and they had to cancel it. Miko obviously didn't quite believe him, but thankfully, he didn't pry: Zeno didn't feel like having to retell that horror twice in one day.
The next few days were normal and Rtas indeed found another way to further his swordsman training. Instead of trying to get his left hand used to wielding a sword individually, he opted to train it in conjunction with his right. Things went slow at first as Rtas got him used to alternating hands and then increased the speed gradually. His left arm was often sore afterward.
Then, roughly three weeks since he left the infirm, both he and Miko were summoned to the bridge. "Miko 'Kemotee and Zeno 'Ribalee reporting as ordered, sir." Miko announced as they both saluted.
"Excellent, come over here you two," Commander Anko said, beckoning them over to the tactical table. Above it was the holographic image of a planet, which looked to be a mix of dark blue, green and white. "It has been decided that you two are ready for you first mission."
Zeno felt his hearts leap for joy: his first mission as recon! He tempered his excitement though, especially since the supreme commander was in the same room. "It is an honor you believe so, commander," he said, Miko nodding in agreement beside him.
"Upon entering this system, our scanners detected signs of human activity," the supreme commander began. "A quick sweep of the system resulted in no physical confirmation of such activity. However, considering how prolific and widespread this human infestation is, I highly doubt they were just passing through this system. This…." He gestured toward the hologram. "Is the only habitable planet in this system. Our scanners have not detected any outward signs of the human infestation upon its surface. However, we noticed…Oddities…In the scanner results, which bare reason to take a closer look."
"Your mission is to scout this designated area," Anko continued, a close up of the region appearing on the hologram. "This area has been determined to be one of a few most likely areas humans may be inhabiting. Confirming human presence is your utmost priority, though any relics you may happen upon are to be reported back to us immediately. You will be given a holographic map of the region, to assist in your mission. Any questions?"
"Sir, if we come into contact with humans, are we to destroy them?" Zeno asked.
"If it is within your means, yes, but do not act recklessly. You will bring greater glory to the Covenant if you chose your actions with care."
"Sir, what will be our duration of stay on the ground?" Miko asked.
"If you find no signs of human presence, I foresee no more then a day on the ground. If humans are found, it will depend on the number and status of said humans. In that event, call in for further instructions."
"Understood, commander." They said in unison.
"Good. You will be departing in six hours. Take this time to have your armor acclimatized for the region, rest and gather the supplies you will need."
"Yes, commander."
"Acclimatized?" Zeno inquired as they left the bridge.
"The region we will be dropped in is cold, so we need to have our armors climate control functions adjusted accordingly," Miko explained. "Never been in a cold area I take it?"
"No, my keep is in hot region."
"Ha! Like most of Sangheilos! Anyway, our first time really working together: you must be excited."
"I would be lying if I said I was not," Zeno said with a grin.
A/N: Good reviews help writers improve.