Here we go, the next chapter of My Sangheli Daughter, hope you enjoy.

Originally this chapter was supposed to be longer. It was supposed to include Alex and Kepo's duel. Though I figured the chapter was long enough as it is, plus I just wanted to get this chapter updated.

Hope you enjoy the chapter

Chapter 9: The Challenge

Vadam Palace

Resha looks down at the document before her. Tears rolls down her eyes as she sees the signature Kepo Resam and a blank space beside it. The document to Resha feels like she's signing her soul away to the wife beater.

The document is a Sangheli variant of a wedding certificate. Though the fine print states that Resha is basically Kepo's property. In toher words, Kepo is free to beat Resah and trade her and Zume if he wants. Resha is very hesitant to sign it knowing the future it only means for her but also for Zume.

Around Resha stood Thel, Kepo, and a diplomat known as Rork. Resha tries to avoid eye contact with Kepo. She knows that Kepo is eyeing her figure, the thought of it sends shivers down Resha's spine. Meanwhile Rork is mostly there as a witness. He's one of the few diplomats with immunity, which he earned during the Covenant wars. Some would say that he earned it dishonorably.

"Hurry up and sign it Resha." Kepo growls. "I'd like to get to the wedding as soon as possible."

Resha looks up at her brother begging him to say something to get out of the marriage. But Thel just turns his head, not even wanting to look at his sister. Resha lowers her head as she picks up the pen and slowly rights her name, making the document legal. Thus, making her legally Kepo's property.

Kepo grabs the document as soon as Resha finishes signing it. "Smart woman, you will make a fine bride."

Thel leans in close to Resha and whispers, "I'm sorry Resha, I did not have much a choice."

"It is alright brother. We have to do this to cover up my mistake."

The door suddenly flies open and Resha finds herself looking into the visor of Alex followed by Zume and Hunter. Resha has to stop her jaw from dropping at the sight of Alex walking into the council room. She wants to scream at Alex for bursting into a private meeting.

The Arbiter steps forward growling at Alex. "What do you think you're doing here Spartan?"

Alex turns towards the Arbiter. "I have business here. I was told this was the best place to find the person I'm looking for."

Before the Arbiter could reply Rork turns to Hunter. "Well, well, Commander Hunter, it's been a long time. I bet you are missing the woman who used to take care of her name. Oh what was her name . . . Xulo 'Loham. Yeah that was her name. She deserved the sword I put though her."

Hunter looks at Rork not giving any sign of emotions. Alex and Zume realize that Kepo is the one who killed Xulo in front of Hunter during his captivity.

"How did it feel, Spartan? Tell me how it felt to watch me run her through with the sword? How did it feel, watching as she died in your arms from the blade of justice? Did you hear her desperate attempts to breathe through the blood filling her lungs? Did you enjoy watching what your corrupting touch did to her as she struggled, even knowing you were the cause of all her suffering to reach out to you?"

Hunter remains as still as a statue, not giving the Rork any indication on his emotions. The Sangheli's around them take a step back in fear of what Hunter will do. Even Alex remains silent not sure of what Hunter will do. With Hunter still wearing his helmet it's impossible to tell what Hunter is thinking.

The Arbiter steps forward placing a hand on Rork's arm. "Rork maybe you shouldn't anger a Spartan."

Rork lets out a slight laugh. "Oh no, I want to have some fun with this Demon. If you knew what this Demon did you would force him off our home."

"I am fully aware of who this Spartan is. That is why I'm allowing him to stay here. But if I were you I would watch my language."

"Well then you might want to cover your ears for this." Rork growls and then turns to Hunter. "You knew she was a useless whore of a soldier when you saw her. Is that why you corrupted her? You remember don't you, when those Brutes descended on her. Do you remember the look in her eyes, the sounds of her voice? You remember the fear, the pain that came from her voice as she screamed and groaned in agony before they plugged her mouth. Do you remember Demon? You were so mad? Why, where you mad that it wasn't you who was making her whimper as you thrust into her. Or were you mad because you saw it too? The pleasure in her eyes, the purrs in her throat. She liked it, at some level, that disgrace enjoyed the humiliation of those brutes taking her. Maybe it was because they did it in front of you? Or maybe it was because she got off on pain? Or maybe deep down, she wanted it, she wanted to be humiliated, owned by a monster who would treat her like a doll? That's probably it, and she hoped that you, a demon, would take her as such. Maybe she hoped that if you broke out, you would spare her so she could live the rest of her life as your lowly slave?"

Alex grips his shotgun tight fully expecting Hunter to lose his cool. Zume jumps behind Alex terrified. Even Resha and the Arbiter take a step back. But much to everyone's surprise Hunter just remains frozen, not giving away any emotion.

Alex has a feeling why Hunter isn't crushing Rork's skull beneath his boots. The training Hunter went through, especially the mental part, prevents him from striking out against an ally, even one as annoying as Rork. The Spartans were broken at their core so they could be built as the perfect soldiers. But the training made them very anti – social, acting awkwardly in social situations.

Alex suddenly notices Hunter's hand making a tight fist. His fists clinching so tight that if it wasn't for the armor he'd be drawing blood from the palm of his hands. For a moment, Alex saw a break in Hunter's conditioning.

The Arbiter suddenly steps forward. "That is enough Rork. Get out of here before the Guards have to carry your worthless body out."

Rork mumbles as he walks out of the chamber. Even Hunter lets out a sigh only Alex hears when Rork is gone.

"Ok now that that's over why are you two here?" The Arbiter asks.

Alex steps forward but keeps his visor facing Kepo. "Is this the so called Demon Killer?"

Kepo stands up full of pride. "Yes, I am the Demon Killer. Are you looking to challenge me Demon? It has been a while since I've killed one of your kind."

Alex grins under his helmet. "Then in honor of the Spartans you've killed I challenge you."

Out of the corner of his eye Alex sees Resha's jaw drop. He knew that would stun her. Alex knows he's going to have a lot of answering to do later. Even the Arbiter is frozen unaware how to respond.

Kepo suddenly starts laughing. "A demon wants to challenge me. How dare you insult me?"

"Then you shouldn't be afraid to accept." Alex growls.

Resha quickly steps up behind Alex. She has to restrain herself from placing a hand on Alex's shoulder. With other Sangheli in the room now is not the best time for Resh ato goa head touching a Spartan.

Alex notices Kepo's hands twitching as he tries to think of a response. Kepo remains cool enough to fool everyone except for Alex and Hunter. They see the nervous twitch in Kepo's fingers, meaning there's fear deep down in him.

Keo laughs. "Alright, I accept your challenge. We duel at sunrise tomorrow."

Alex nods. "Fine by me. I advise you make amends with your family, and those who worship you. They won't be worshiping you much longer."

UNSC Camp Alexandria

"Well that could've gone a little better." Alex says as he collapses on his bed.

Hunter rolls his eyes. "Considering that you could've been killed just for walking into a council meeting like that yeah it went better than I thought it would."

"I could say the same to you Hunter. The way that Elite was talking to you I know you wanted to rip his throat out."

Hunter growls. "No Alex, unlike you I know how to control myself. A real Spartan doesn't let anger control him."

"Oh please Hunter, I didn't need to see your face to know how you were feeling. I saw your fist clench up when he started taunting her. Even Spartans have a weakness. You don't have to admit it."

"Good cause she was nothing to me but a friend."

Before Alex can reply the door flies open and Zume runs inside. Zume jumps into Alex's arms and wraps his arms tight around his neck.

"Father, are you crazy?" Zume shouts into Alex's ear.

"Yes, just a little bit." Alex turns to Resha who looks absolutely furious. "Hey, I guess you heard what happened."

Resha suddenly punches Alex in the nose. Alex's head reels back as blood gushes out of his nose. Zume's jaw drops while Hunter tries hard not to laugh.

"Alex what are you thinking?"

Alex rubs his nose feeling the blood coming out of his nose. "Damn Resha, you sure know how to throw a punch. I guess I kind of deserved that."

"Are you stupid or something? Of course you deserved it and a lot more. Give me one good reason why I don't kick you right in the testicles."

Alex quickly covers his nuts. "Uh, well I did to protect you and Zume. Challenging him by the honor of the Spartans Kepo as killed no one will suspect I'm doing it for you."

"That is not why I am furious at you Alex. You are risking your life by challenging this guy."

"Oh please Resha, I know the guy is nothing more than a coward. Killing him won't be a problem."

"Alex its my people you have to worry about. You kill the Demon Killer and my people will attack you like animals."

"I know, but that doesn't matter to me. Al that is important is you and Zume." Alex places a hand on Resha and Zume's shoulder. "As long as you two are safe that's all that matters."

"But father, what if you die?" Zume asks.

"Don't worry about me sweetheart." Alex smiles down at Zume then turns to Hunter. "Hunter if anything happens to me please get Resha and Zume off world."

"Uh Alex you realize you have the kill Kepo to get Resha and Zume legally?"

"That won't be a problem. I'm talking about afterwards. After the fight, even if the Sangheli rush and kill me you can take Resha and Zume off world. Just take them to my father, he'll make sure they are cared for."

Hunter nods. "As much as I disagree with this I'll do what I can for your family."

"Thank you Commander. Once this is done I'll leave Sanghelios, and never return."

"I'm afraid that won't be possible Alex, your mission isn't over."

"What are you talking about Commander?" Resha asks. "I thought that Alex was supposed to be taking home."

"Yes he was, once the rebellion was dealt with. That mission was supposedly over when Rtakan was captured. But that changed when Rtakan escaped. The mission isn't over until Rtakan is dead. Although this time the Rebellion has two Spartans to worry about."

To be continued.

So Alex has challenged Kepo to a duel. Can Alex win the fight without the Sangheli turning against him? And can Hunter keep himself together dealing with Rork.

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 ya'll