Okay. I am going to resolve this once and for all, Isabel thought as she waited for Thel to come out of the meeting room. No backing out.
Her heart started to beat faster against her chest when she heard the doors open. She waited until she saw Thel. As soon as she saw him, she took a deep breath and walked over to him.
"Arbiter," she greeted.
"Capt," he said.
"Can I see you for a second?"
"Of course."
Isabel walked the opposite direction from the other Sangheili. Before Thel walked away with her, he saw Rtas staring at him with concern. He nodded at his friend and then turned away to follow Isabel. She continued to walk until she found a spot where no one could hear their conversation. She stopped and turned to Thel once she was satisfied with the location.
"I-" Her words halted when she saw she was only a few inches away from his chest. She cleared her throat while backing up a tad. "I've been meaning to speak to you about wanting to learn how to wield an energy sword." WHAT? her mind screamed. "Unless that was a onetime thing."
"I recall you saying you only 'wanted to get a feel for it,'" he said.
She laughed. "You remember me saying that, did you?"
"You do not lie very well," he said with a casual tone in his voice.
"As far as you know," she said smiling. "Anyway, if the offer is still up, I would like to take it."
Thel thought about her words. He did not openly offer to teach how to use an energy sword. However, it would be interesting to teach a human how to wield it. It would be beneficial in many different ways.
"So...? Is it a no-go or what?"
"All right. If you truly want to learn, then I will teach you."
"Great. I'm ready whenever you are."
"Meet me in the sparring room in a few hours," he said while turning to the side. "We will begin then."
She nodded. "Very well. I will see you then."
He bowed his head. "Capt."
Then the two parted ways.
That is not what you were supposed to talk him about, she argued to her herself. Why did you change your mind? She knew the exact reason why she changed the topic. She was worried about, not only the situation she would be put in, but also his reaction. She simply wanted more time to think about everything that has happened between her and Arbiter. By backing out, she gave herself that chance. But...was it really the best idea?
After his discussion with Dawson, he made his way to the hangar. Once he reached it, he was surprised to Rtas waiting for him near a Phantom.
"'Vadum, I did not expect you to wait for me," he said. "I had thought you went back to the Intent with the others."
"I would not make the leader of our people wait for a ride back," 'Vadum said.
"I appreciate this unnecessary, yet considerate act," Thel said as he stepped under the Phantom.
Rtas bowed his head. "Arbiter."
The Phantom's beam activated, lifting Thel then Rtas up into the ship.
Isabel fought the urge to turn around. She wanted to avoid Arbiter for a bit longer.
A bit longer? she thought. Yeah, right. More like avoid him for the remainder of his time here.
If the situation were different, she would leave and not turn up. Except, whenever she thought about not showing up, her stomach dropped and she felt like a sharp object stabbed her in the back.
You backed out last time. You are not backing out now.
And with that, she made her decision. She was going to see this through.
Soon, she arrived at the room where the Sangheili sparred. She walked into the empty room. She looked around to see if Thel was hiding. She never saw a hint of movement. In that case, she decided to wait for him. While she waited, she examined the room, taking in small, unimportant details.
All of a sudden, something covered her mouth. Then an energy sword activated across her throat. She struggled as much as she could while trying to stay away from the sword. She felt hot breath close to her ear. Then her attacker spoke in a whisper.
"Calm yourself, Captain. It is only I."
Isabel only calmed down once her attacker deactivated its camouflage. She instantly recognized Thel's the ornate armor plating. She sighed with her mouth still covered.
Thel chuckled while releasing her. "Did I frighten you?"
"No," she simply said. "I was just surprised. I did not expect a welcome like that."
"You are doing a poor job of lying," he said casually mocking her. He threw a disengaged energy sword at her.
"Oh, shut up. Let's get started."
"Very well. There are a few things-" He stopped when Isabel charged at him.
He swiftly activated his sword, preparing himself for her attack. Her first attack came high. Thel's superior height and skill allowed him to block her attack with little trouble. She tried to hit him in the side, but again his sword kept him from harm. She thrust her sword toward his abdomen, but he disappeared. With no target to hit, she stumbled forward. Luckily, she was able to get her footing. She jerked around to try and spot him. No luck.
She backed up a few steps, gripping the sword tightly. The room became too quiet to her liking. Suddenly, she bumped into something. She froze when two energy swords made an "X" over her throat.
"Submit."
"What?" she said.
Thel became visible once more. "Submit."
"No."
Ah. She does not give up easily, even when she is in a dangerous drawback, he thought. A rare quality in her species.
"Capt." He moved the swords closer to her throat, which pushed her closer to his body. "You are not in a good negotiating position."
"So do it."
He was drawn back by her comment. Did she presume he would kill her? Was her attack meant to antagonize him? He heard no fear in her voice. Her body did not tremble up against his.
You are a rare one indeed, he thought with a smile.
"This was meant to be a lesson, which do not end in death," he said releasing her.
Unexpectedly again, she swung her sword around, attempting to hit his head. He blocked her with his swords. After that, he used one of his blades to knock the sword out of her hand. Then he kicked her down. To prevent her from getting back up, he pinned himself on top of her. To keep her hands down, he put his swords through her sleeves.
"Damn it," she muttered. She breathed heavily from the adrenaline rush she got when she abruptly attacked Arbiter.
"An unforeseen attack," he pondered aloud. "Not what I expected." He gazed down at her. Her breathing was calming down. The features on her face were stressed, fatigued, yet exotic. And her eyes. Her gaze, with those vibrant, azure orbs of hers, told a story. He had no doubt. He knew every being had a story, but hers was the only one he wanted to decipher.
He titled his head inquisitively as her gaze stilled on him.
What are you thinking? he thought. What are your eyes trying to tell me?
Argh! Isabel's mind screamed. Why are you doing this? Is this how you treat prisoners? Drive them mad to the point of insanity with mind games? I am not supposed to feel like this. I am not supposed to think things beyond my duty. I swore not to go through something like this again. Yet...you enliven things I thought were bled out of me.
"You are upset," he said bringing her out of her thoughts.
"Why do you say that?"
"Your strikes. They were violent, critical. They did not flow."
"Well, I was not born with an Sangheili frame," she weakly joked.
"True," he said chuckling but becoming serious soon after. "Your figure is not the point. You must be calm." He simply stared at her for a minute. "You are troubled by something."
You don't know the half of it. "You took me down."
"Huh?"
"I have never been taken down before. There goes my reputation," she said with a faint smile.
Thel knew she was lying to cover something up. Simply pinning her down was not what bothered her, he knew that much. However, he would not push her. He would gain nothing by doing so. She was like a well-protected mausoleum. She kept her memories and facts about her life to herself. He chose to understand and respect her secrecy.
"You are inexperienced with the sword," he said getting off her. "Furthermore, no one else besides me saw you. I do not think your "reputation" is in peril." He reached out his hand to help her up. Her smile was more genuine than it had been when she took it.
The Intent's bridge door slid open, letting Thel into the room. Walking forward, he made his way next to Rtas who stood near the gravity throne.
"Excellency, transmission from Fleet master 'Zad," the senior communication's officer said.
"Patch him through," Thel commanded.
The senior comm. officer typed in a few keys. The bridge's main viewing monitor changed from the scene outside to the Fleet master.
Doing the traditional Sangheili salute, he said, "Excellency, Shipmaster."
"What news do you bring?" Thel asked.
"Regrettably, The Hunter's Reputation is in ruins. There are no reported survivors."
"I am sorry to hear of such distressing news, Fleet master."
"In spite of present circumstances, various bits of data were still intact. Most of the data contained were from prior destinations. I believe some were before the Great Schism during the war. The final location stood out, however. Arbiter, I realize you merely allowed me to investigate one of my ships. I ask you to reconsider and allow me to look into this ambiguity further."
"You are journeying further away from us, I suspect."
Fleet master 'Zad nodded.
Thel took in a deep breath. "Very well."
"My thanks, Excellency. I will report back when I encounter anything noteworthy."
"Be vigilant, Fleet master."
"Of course." Then the monitor shut off.
Thel and Rtas looked at each other. Then Thel made a gesture for Rtas to follow him. He nodded his head and followed his friend. Once the doors of the bridge opened and closed, Rtas spoke up.
"What is troubling you, Arbiter?"
"Does it feel like we are being dragged about?"
"What do you mean?"
"The signs presented to us seem...too manageable. I am not stating I am not content we might be closer to finding out what happened to our brother, but..."
"You question the data's authenticity?"
"In a way, yes."
"What do you suspect then?" He looked at his friend for a vocal response, but he got silence. However, he read the look in Arbiter's gaze. "Jiralhanae?"
"Perhaps."
"I admit I am surprised you think those beasts are behind this. They withdrew after the death of Truth. Stranglers are being hunted by us."
"I am not certain they are, but the way our fellow Sangheili was wounded, they seem to be the only ones capable."
"Interesting. Do you wish for me to delve into this?"
"No. Rebuilding and the treaty are our main concerns now."
"Of course, Arbiter."
Isabel stumbled back from Thel's attack.
"Focus, Capt," he said approaching her with his sword in hand. "Stand firm and keep your back straight. You told me not to go easy on you during your lessons. Thus, you have to take every strike seriously."
"I know," she said panting.
"Not enough."
He raised his sword and then brought it down. Isabel jumped back to dodge his attack. She charged forward, guiding her sword from the right to the left. Thel's sword met hers, creating bright, white sparks. Using his sword, he knocked her back. She spun around. Darting forward, she raised her sword diagonally and brought it down.
Thel turned around so he was facing her back. He saw she had left her backside vulnerable. If they were still enemies, he would have left a sizeable slice in her back. Since they were allies now, he reconsidered and instead took a few steps back to avoid mortally harming her.
"Come on, Capt. Demonstrate to me the skills I have taught you," he said.
Breathing heavily, she looked at him with a crafty smile. She came at him again. For a while, their swords flashed. Neither one of the combatants were able to find an opening.
Better, Thel thought as he watched her block his attacks.
Eventually though, he saw a opportunity and seized it. When their swords met in the air, he used his to push her sword down. While she was down, he raised his sword. As he brought it down, she swiftly rolled out of the way.
"You could've killed me," she yelled.
"Yet here you are still standing," he mocked.
She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. Oh, you!
The two stared at each other for a moment, sizing each other up.
"You have improved over these past few weeks," he said. "Nonetheless, you are putting too much energy into your attacks."
"What...am I supposed to put into these attacks?" she panted.
"Stability, honor."
"How can you put those things into a weapon like this?"
"Ah, there is where you and I differ."
"We differ in a lot of things," she said with a light tone.
"True. Rest and come at me again with the two qualities I mentioned."
"Fine." She took a couple of deep breaths to get herself together. She abruptly stopped a breath when she noticed Thel was staring at her. No. He was not staring at her. He was eyeing her and her body. She blushed.
"Stop it," she said running toward him.
"Stop what?" he asked blocking her attacks.
"Looking at me like that," she said.
He knew exactly what she was talking about. He was surprised she could tell what he was doing.
In her flustered state, he effortlessly block her attacks. Finally, he veered behind her. He took her sword-wielding arm and bent it behind her back. Then he placed his sword across her throat.
"Damn it," she sighed. Without thinking, she laid her head on Thel's chest. "Son of a-" She stopped when his sword moved a few inches away from her neck to her mouth. Her heart beat against her chest. The heat coming off it made her sweat more. "Your sword is dangerously close to me, you know this right? Plus, you are doing no favors for my arm."
"My apologies," he said softly in her ear.
Oh no, not again, she thought as she quivered under his touch. Shivers ran down Isabel's body when Thel slid his hand across her arm. He took her sword, deactivated it, and tossed it aside. Keeping a gentle grip on her arm, he guided it around to her abdomen. He held her hand while resting his arm over hers. He turned off his sword, placing it back onto the magnetic latches on his thigh armor.
Isabel kept her fast breathing quiet. She did not want him to know his small, tender gestures were having an effect on her. However, she could not deny how her body was reacting to him: her fast heart rate, the sweat, and her chest becoming tight. She gasped quietly when she felt his snout on her neck.
Thel took in her scent in small portions. He could smell her arousal. He took both of her hands into his, guiding them to her heart. He could feel faint vibrations coming from the beat of her heart.
"It appears your body is wound up," he said smiling. "Why is that?"
"I think what my body goes through is my business."
He chuckled. "Getting defensive, are we?"
"I am not getting defensive," she said breaking away from his grip. "Besides, you alwaysseem to begettinginvolved in my business, which is none of your concern."
"You sound angry about my involvement?"
She opened her mouth slightly to argue, but she could not. The only thing she wanted to argue about is why and how. Why does he do these kind deeds for her? How could his alien, yet caring touches make her want him? For the first time in a long time, she felt lost, vulnerable. She was at a complete loss. She hated it.
She put her hands on her hips, letting out an annoyed sigh. She looked up at Thel who stared back at her.
"Why?" she asked.
"Excuse me?" he said.
"Why? Why are you doing? Did I do something wrong?"
"I do not understand."
"Ugh." She started to pace around to drain the energy that was building up inside her. "You!"
"Me what?" He hated to admit it, but he was taking pleasure in her troubled state. It was endearing.
"You are so... aggravating, difficult, and...and..."
"Captivating?"
"Yes!" She covered her mouth, but it was too late. Her face flushed. Shit! "Damn you!"
Thel chuckled. "Am I making things worse for you?"
"You," she stabbed a finger at him, "are a frustrating individual." She covered her face with both her hands. Then she sighed. She relaxed as her hands slid down from her face to her sides. She looked at him with a small smile. "I don't get you."
"I do not require you to," he said.
"Look..." She gently rubbed the top of her nose. "Thanks for the lesson today. I need to go." Then she walked out.
Thel observed her movements as she walked out of the room. No matter how hard she tried to hide her bodily signals, he picked them all up. Her body yearned for his touch. Exploring a human in such a way would be an intriguing experience. His body shook with exhilaration.
He picked up the other sword and walked out.
Perhaps, he thought turning invisible.
Isabel rested against the shower's wall, letting the warm water flow down her body.
This is not right, she thought. This is not right at all. I should not be thinking or feeling like this. I mean look what happened between our races. We were in a war. Hundreds or thousands died possibly on both sides. We did not unite till the last part of the war. The only thing preventing another struggle from breaking out is the incomplete treaty...or maybe it's the leaders who are keeping the peace. She sighed. Who knows...
Before long, she turned off the shower and stepped out. She grabbed the towel laying on the sink to dry herself off. Once fully dried, she changed into a white tank top and casual pants. She breathed in and out when she felt the change in temperature between the bathroom and the bedroom. She then walked over to the bed. Her mind and body were exhausted from her long day. She was ready for bed.
Before she pulled back the covers to get into bed, she sensed a presence in her room. Freezing in place, her eyes scanned the room. She could not see anyone. Still aware of the being's aura, she reached over to the nightstand to pick up her magnum. Except, she neglected to remember she had moved her magnum from the nightstand to under her pillow. She hardened like stone when a hand snaked over hers. Goosebumps ran down her body as the mysterious figure wrapped its arms around her waist, pulling her close.
The figure licked her neck before leaning down to her ear to whisper, "Do not be afraid."
Isabel instantly recognized the voice. "A-Arbiter?" She peeked back, expecting to see him. She did see a Sangheili, but she questioned if it was Arbiter or not. That notion only made her body tense up even more. "Oh. I'm sorry. I thought you were someone I knew."
Thel chuckled. "I have to say, Dawson. I am somewhat offend you do not recognize me."
Isabel hesitated. She did recognize the Sangheili's voice. It was the Sangheili's look that made her doubt. To her, they all looked alike. She felt a little ashamed nonetheless.
"Let me help you," he said.
She opened her mouth to speak, but instead of words, she let out a moan as his tongue flowed up and down her neck. She tried to move away, but he kept her close. Not only did her legs begin to react, but also her vulva. Soon though, he stopped which allowed her entire body to return to normal. She stayed in place for a minute, letting her mind clear up. Once she was able to think straight, she became a bit irritated when she grasped the fact he had broken into her room.
"Hey! Wait a minute...how did you-"
Suddenly, she was reeled around and pushed up against the wall. Her heart pounded into her chest as her eyes met his. Looking into his eyes, she saw they were calm, yet they had an eager and seductive quality about them. The sensation and warmth in her vulva reawakened at the sight of his hungry, tempting gaze. She blushed when the realization of why he was in her room hit her.
Swallowing a lump in her throat, she said, "Arbiter, I don't think we should..." She clenched her heart as if doing so would calm it down. She turned her head away from him. Then, just like a flash, memories from her nightmare streamed in her mind.
A crushing grip. Trouble breathing. An intense light. An agonizing pain.
Thel noticed her body was rigid. He knew she was panicking. He did not blame her. This was going to be a new experience for, not only him, but also her. Memories from the time Dawson and him were in the hallway alone flooded back into his mind. Every arousal symptom coming off her body that day drew in his curiosity. Since then, his desire to explore her, though rather diminutive up until this point, had emerged.
Thel vowed to be gentle and take his time with her. He intended to savor every moment, every touch, every sound. He wanted this moment to be imprinted in his mind for years to come. In any case, he would enjoy this experience. Resting his hand over the hand on her heart, he whispered, "No harm will come to you."
Over the years, he has had his fair share of mating experiences. Thus, he was familiar with the female body. Except, he had become familiar with the Sangheili female body, not a human female. And Dawson was no Sangheili. She had been born into a frail, stubborn, and slow, yet respectable species. She was endowed with an entirely different form. Despite that, past experiences provided him a rough idea.
Thel placed his arms on each side of her. He dipped his snout down to the side of her forehead that was facing him. Once he felt her soft skin, he slowly moved his snout up and down in a soothing, stroking gesture. This was a peculiar situation for both of them; so he did what he could to ease and prepare her mind and body.
Noticing the tenderness of his gestures, Isabel's memories of her nightmare melted away. Now, pleasant memories flowed into her mind.
A caring pressure on top. Relaxed, yet excited. A feeling of passion.
Both the memoires and Thel's touches made her body shake with erotic tension.
Thel reached behind her neck and began kneading it. He smiled when he heard her moan. Then he licked her neck.
Stable, protected embrace. A pleasing sensation on her neck.
Isabel knew she would not be able to hold out for much longer. Her entire body was responding to his touches. The nerves, muscles, tissues, neurons, etc. did not care if the gestures invoking euphoria to flood through her veins was an alien or not. They made her ache for him. She knew she was going to need relief.
Thel noticed the tension of her body. He observed her heavy breathing and tight fists hugging the wall. He smiled. He knew she was bottling up all her sexual urges. Her body was preparing to receive him, even though her mind was putting up a fight. Ultimately, her body would betray her.
Awaiting for that moment, his body absorbed her sexual tension. His arousal built up while his shaft hardened.
Isabel shut her eyes so as to make herself more comfortable with the fact an Sangheili was aiming to have sex with her. It did not help much.
Azure and light green eyes glistened with emotion. Gazes assured promises.
Thel's hands moved from the wall to her shoulders. Shaking under his grip, he slid his hands downward to her sides. Then they snaked their way behind her back. When his hands reached her rear, he mischievously pushed her toward him. Gasping, Isabel put her hands in front of her to stop herself from making contact with his chest. Ignoring her resistance, he continued down until he reached her thighs.
Just like before, he wrapped his hands around her thighs to get a grip on her. Then he lifted her up to his level. Isabel planted her hands flat on the wall to catch her if he decided to drop her. Then she flinched, feeling his snout on her forehead before he streamed down to her lips. She shook when he slithered his tongue over them. Unconsciously, she parted her lips which permitted him to explore her mouth.
Anticipation. Parted pair of lips. Tongues dancing the jig.
Spreading his mandibles apart, Thel slipped his tongue into her mouth. Isabel's heart jumped and her senses stirred further. For an alien, he tasted pleasant. His masculinity flavor was nothing like she has ever experienced. Thel pushed himself up against her when she made a pleasant moan in her mouth. Moving out of her mouth, he moved down to her neck to give it some attention. He noted how greatly she took pleasure whenever he focused on it.
"I find it intriguing you enjoy being pleased on your neck," he whispered licking her throat causing her to moan again. "You and I may differ in many features, but we share the same longing for another's touch."
Isabel knew she could no longer resist him. Through the fog of lust in her mind, her moans had given her away. Not wanting to admit it, but she had already given up before she even realized it herself. Regardless, she tried to convince him one last time. She opened her eyes to look at him.
"Arbiter, I don't think-" But her words were sucked out of her mouth when she felt his covered, harden shaft press up against her covered vulva. Hanging her head down, she clenched her teeth to hold back a moan.
Thel licked behind her ear and then said softly, "It feels good, does it not?"
"N-No," she panted.
"Dawson," he said swaying his hips against her. "Why deny yourself? It is only natural your body yearns for this...notable type of attention."
Heated kissing. Sensations like no other. Cries filled with pure desire.
Isabel took a deep breath to relax, but her body would not allow it. It demanded. It demanded release. As a result, she wrapped her arms around his neck and thighs around his waist.
"Arbiter," she said sighing.
Thel smiled. She did not need to say anymore. He knew she was finally giving herself to him. He leaned down to her and licked her cheek. "You will not regret this decision." He moved his hips once more to be rewarded with her cry of pleasure.
It was his turn to moan as her lips nipped his neck. In return, he continued to caress her vulva against him. Still kissing his neck, her fingers clenched into fists.
They continued to pleasure each other for awhile until Isabel spoke up.
"Arbiter," she said between moans.
"Yes?"
"I need..."
"I understand," he said smiling and licking her cheek once more. He knew she was ready to mate with him.
A/N: Okay. I know what you are all thinking. I am evil for leaving you with a suspenseful cliffhangar like this. Oh well lol :P ;) See you in the next chapter. Remember read and review! :)
