I put a lot of work into this chapter hope you like this it! Enjoy!

By come of the second week, Vaman had the pleasure of reporting my, "Unacceptable" behavior to the prophets. I thought for sure that I was going to be sentenced to death for tyranny. Until, that is, when Mercy mentioned that it will be difficult for me, as I am, to adjust along with those who will equally struggle to coincide with me. Thankfully, Vaman was forced to silence his tongue, at least it was a vow only made to them rather than actually following through with it, I knew I was able to rest easier and practice more peacefully the second week.

"Welcome to your second week of training, whelps. Your task this week is fighting against each other in hand-to-hand combat. Fortunately, you are allowed to pick your training partner, as I am in no mood to boggle my mind on combat match-making. Have at it."

I knew instinctively that I was never to be picked as a partner, well, Nikhal would have but he knew better than to converse with me right now. The only upside to that is the possibility of sparring with Gharan, learning more about him, and becoming closer to him; if, for a high popular individual like him and a not so popular individual like me, were possible. The flip side is that Nikhal and I would be the ones to spar, as I previously mentioned to him. Though, I was still upset at what he did the week prior.

Waiting for Vaman to mention that I was partnerless and would either let me off the hook this week or side with his son, Eelo approached me, which surprised me, for whatever reason.

"Despite your lack of success last week, I am most eager to fight you, if you wish to be my partner." I looked at him for a moment.

"You wish to spar with me? Does no one else wish to with you?"

"The fact that I don't appear anywhere on the list raises question for individuals. Fortunately, the fear of the unknown allows me to pick and choose my partner carefully. And I see you as a beneficial candidate for a battle." He said. I hadn't really considered that Eelo's mysterious profile would make him just as ignorable as me. The way it looks, while no one has knowledge of his talents, I'm sure simply being a mystery causes him to be a 'runt', as they all continuously mentioned about me.

"Hmm…well, normally, there'd be another, if not two others, I'd like to spar with, however, I cannot choose both and they already have chosen their partners." I said glancing at them both talking to their partners. "And while, logically, as the only two left, it would only make sense to say yes since we do not really have a choice. However, you have been kind enough to me and haven't said any harsh words as of yet. Gladly, I'll be your partner." I said with a smile. He, also displaying a smile through outlines of his mask, bowed his head in respect.

"Well, I am not like the others. I greatly admire you being here. It is very rare that a female is allowed into the Covenant Army." He said, crossing his arms with a chuckle. "I assume, that once every individual completes the task of finding a partner, we immediately set up for the competition, as it were." I nodded, agreeing.

"Very good, whelps. You didn't waste any time finding your partners. Surprisingly, neither did Eyesore." Vaman said emotionlessly. His son chuckled a bit in response. My hearts sank in knowing this but I ignored it. But as to what I couldn't ignore was Nikhal's sad expression which I did not know the reason for. "Students, your task this week is simple. Firstly, there are twelve of you, and additionally, my son and I. Second, there will be seven fights in total. And thirdly, each fight will be no more or less than eight and a half minutes, as we have but a unit to complete each class for this week. In advance, each week, every class you attend will increase by thirty minutes. Expect long and disciplined hours of training. And for this week, you will fight your partner again each day, so don't expect a trade of partners tomorrow or the day after; who you have is who you keep. And so, this week you will fight your partner you have chosen for a total of roughly sixty minutes this week. Plot each move after today carefully. This week's assignment is not a competition, but you will treat it as so. The rules of your fights are simple: as of today and the next six, there will be no weapons handed to you. If you brought any, you will not be needing them until two weeks from now. Your fights consist of only using the limbs of the body the Gods gave you. Now, just so we understand, as is will be with every time we do these battles, Eyesore and any unfortunate partners in her midst will automatically be seen last; as I expect her to crumble under her partners and opponents hand." My rage was boiling as the others stifled their laughter, but I did not let up. "Without further ado, let me and my son have the first fight before I announce our first fight of the day between you. Everyone, take your partner and line yourselves up along the walls. Try not to be anywhere over the white lined square in the center of the room. That square is the battlefield; any outside the square are the observers. Oh, also, before I neglect to remember and move on without saying so, my son and I will display proper movements, gestures, etc in a battle."

With the instructions implanted into my mind, I was fully prepare to spar with Eelo. As the classroom took their places outside the line, Vaman and Gharan took their positions; bowing respectively to one another, and then took their stances. "

"Three…two…one…FIGHT!" Vaman said as they both clashed their forearms together, as if using swords, but that was only to keep the other in check, to make sure each was focusing upon the task. Their forearms clashed nicely; showing neither was distracted nor giving into retreat. While I admired Vaman's skills, I watched more closely upon his son. Nearing the end, they both had ended their fight in similar stance and never truly harmed one another; knowing that this was simply due to the fact that they most likely regularly spar together, this is a feat difficult to duplicate. Which told me, they truly were equal, at least in battle. Yet, I'm sure, Gharan still being young, had much to learn.

They both bowed once more, seeing their side of the room near the door.

"As you can see, this fight was a tie. And, for your curiosity, I do not judge sparring based upon my own fair judgment. I rightly have trained in many years as a warrior and teacher. So, Eyesore, as I'm sure you might guess, I'd love to have you fail, however, the only courteous thing I will give you is allowing you to stay if your fights are as strong as your stubbornness. If you manage to defeat your opponent, reluctantly, I will acknowledge your skill. If not, then that is one small step closer to leaving this room. Forever." I clenched my fists. I was growing weary of his constant calling-out just so he has a reason to embarrass me. How? And why would the Noble Hierarchs put me with such insolence? Eelo touched my shoulder as I tried to avoid walking towards Vaman with every ounce of my anger stored within my claws. How I'd give anything just to rip his throat out when he slept…

"Ruz, is something the matter?" I looked at her, she did not have a face of worry or sympathy; this question was rhetorical. "Do not be troubled by our teacher's words. I admire you, that is all you need to accept; not that they do not accept you." Admittedly, she was right. I shouldn't have to use my strength to fight against oppression when I need to save it for the fight. I eased up, sighing, having my back against the wall. She, too, did the same.

"Now then, the first fight will be…Ygar 'Putumee against Voro 'Kasamee!" The two Sangheili were enemies, from what I gathered. As soon as Vaman assumed the countdown, they both did not hesitate to clash their forearms. This fight was rather bloody; but not gory. This fight was one by Ygar.

Every fight after was more and more interesting as it went.

"Very good, class. Interesting tactics. I noticed a few of you took notice of things my son and I did during our fight. Impressive eyes. And for the last fight of the day, Eyesore and Eelo." Flexing my fingers, I readied for combat. I stood in front of Eelo, ready to prove Vaman wrong. Eelo readied himself, as well. As we both took our respective stances, I controlled my breathing, trying not to focus on the smirk on Vaman's face; I blushed at the sight of Gharan's face. I nervously waved to him, not caring that he didn't wave back.

"Father," Gharan asked Vaman. He looked to his son.

"What is it, my son?"

"From what I gathered, the Eyesore has a weakness. One that can be used to our advantage."

"Oh?" Gharan gave a wicked but calm smile.

"She seems to possess feelings for me that are not mutual."

"Good. Break her until she is rid from our class; she is a pestilence among us.

"Believe me father. I intend on putting quarantine upon our parasite to extinction. What if I seduce her to be my opponent for n ext week?" Vaman smiled broadly.

"I grant you permission to do so. In fact," He said turning to Gharan. "Silently do away with her during the fight, making it look like she truly is weak; in case she grows stronger over the next several days."

Gharan nodded his head in understanding and both eyes watched the fight begin.

"Three…two…one…FIGHT!" Called out Vaman. Eelo bowed a deep respectful bow, and I, turn, gave him one. As soon as our eyes met, we did not hold back. After we clashed forearms, I lifted my arm against his, immediately striking his shoulder. Though I barely missed, he jumped backwards, then plunging towards me. I dodged his next attack by taking myself underneath him, and swiping his feet. As he fell down, I got up, backing up some to claim victory but not take my eye off him.

"Distract her, Gharan." Vaman whispered to his son. He smirked, saying,

"Keep your courage in both hands, Ruz!" (Smugly, he waited for my foolish turn around. Sadly, I gave in.) Hearing a voice that sent chills down my spine, I turned around and waved again, this time having him wave back, I lost focus. "She is weak. She will be easy to crush." Gharan silently said. Eelo, taking advantage of this distraction, openly tackled me, having restrained my arms and legs.

"Look, I know you have affections for Gharan and I understand why, I would too if I wasn't more focused on the Journey; like you should be. So I suggest you keep your head in the fight, Ruz." I tilted my head in confusion to his 'I would be too" comment. Knowing I was confused, Eelo nervously got off me and picked me up, nodding towards me.

Vaman frowned.

"Eelo picked him up, he held back his fire upon her." Gharan looked at his father.

"Shall I also put him down, also, father?"

"No, my son. He is nothing more than a sympathizer.

"All more the reason to put him down."

"I said no! I am not threatened by him. That one has more purpose than we know. I sense it." Gharan, looking back to the fight, pondered on Vaman's words.

As I nodded back, I lifted my leg for a kick, expecting to be caught. Thus, it was so. However, I lifted my other leg, hoping to strike another attack, and, without emotion, he caught my other leg, turned me over on my stomach against the ground. I felt the cold ground, allowing its icy chills to wake me up from momentary defeat. I used my tail as a whip and with ease, I got out of his grasp, did a backflip, and being behind him, wrapped my arms around his neck, with claws at his throat. I knew he respected me, so my claws weren't digging into his throat where his honor would drip out. But they were deep enough to let him know that if I truly wanted, I could kill him right there if he ever became a threat.

Sensing this, he, with such strength, grabbed my arms and threw me on the ground. With his foot firmly planted upon my stomach, he pointed his fingers towards the middle of the eyes as if wielding a blade; equally showing me how he also could kill me just as easily.

"TIME!" The voice jolted me more into slight adrenaline mixed with a hint of fear. I was immediately picked up once more, less firmly this time; the grip was more friendly.

"Good fight, Ruz. I hope to do this again." He smiled. As he pat my back, between my wings, I slowly walked to my side of the room.

"You did very good!" A friendly voice called out to me.

"Your methods were of great effort." Another voice called out, putting chills up my spine. I didn't know who to acknowledge first. Looking to Nikhal, I went to nod towards him when I saw a grin from Gharan. I recoiled and nervously smiled back at him. I felt Nikhal's gloom from my peripheral vision.

"I'm am NOT sorry to say, that you have failed against your chosen partner, Eyesore. On the other hand, I AM sorry to say that those who failed against their partners have lowered themselves with Eyesore, here." Every time he threatens me in front of the students causes my inner rage to boil over just a little more to the edge. "Continue to train at home and perhaps, for those who failed to best their comrade will not do so tomorrow. Sleep well, my pupils. You are dismissed." I knew he was aiming that last comment about failure towards me, as usual. Heading for the exit last to leave, even from Vaman, Eelo stopped me in mid stride.

"Ruz, I feel like I could really learn from you." He said with a smile. Though, I didn't know whether that was an insult or not.

"How do you mean? I failed, as the teacher blatantly said." I told him with obvious hurt in my voice but trying to hold back the pain. He put his hand on my shoulder.

"I see something in you that clearly no one else sees except for maybe the Nikhal fellow. You see, I have a reason I am so mysterious…" He said guiding me out the door. (As we were walking, Gharan was in the shadows of a hallway, listening into the conversation, but awaiting a moment to fulfill his plot.)

"Oh? And what is that, Eelo?"

Away from the prying eye, (or so he thought,) he began his tale.

"You see…my father never wanted me to fight…he wished me to take care of the house, that I help raise our family."

"Please, stop for a moment, your father wanted you, a male, to do female's work?" I knew that my father had the opposite wish, being that he never married and, therefore, didn't have children of his own.

"Yes, let me explain." He insisted. "I am not who everyone thinks or wants to think I am. There is a reason for this veil over my face. It is true I am skilled as a male, however, there is more underneath the veil…" I was quite curious as to what he meant, (Gharan, in his shadowed corner, was also.)

"Wait, you don't mean to say…" I began, piecing together her words.

"I do. And the reason why I am telling you this is because I know in my hearts, you're the only one I can trust." I was flabbergasted.

"You're…you're female?!" I exclaimed, trying not to be too loud, but the shock could not be helped.

"Please, please, keep it down. I wanted to tell you because ever since you set foot into the class, I had hope - you gave me that hope. That hope of one day females being treated equal to males, I hope you will accept my loyalty to you; I wish to be your friend." I was speechless.

("interesting…not one, but TWO females…" Gharan thought to himself.)

"Well, I…I don't know what to say." I told her.

"I want to be there for you, you deserve a friend in need." She said, placing her hand on mine gently. I couldn't hold back the smile.

"Alright, I accept."

"She bowed. I will protect you and all you own, with my life. I will be loyal to you. I will be your apprentice until you no longer breathe!" She said holding her hilt in the air. I halted her from activating it.

"What happened to keeping it down? And why are you so loyal to me, as a stranger?" She put her hilt back, taking a deep breath, and looked at me with solemn eyes.

"I'm sorry, I got over excited. The reason why I am acting this way is because my father died of a horrible disease a few years ago. He could not continue his teachings on house keeping." She knew right away I'd empathize. "It took some time, but my mother gave up trying to teach me housekeeping and, siding with the war, she sent me off to be taught a warrior's creed. I struggled through being accepted, also. I had to kill my own mother to be accepted from the Council…"

"By the Forerunners! You what?"

"Yes."

"Did the Hierarchs-?"

"No, it was a Jiralhanae chieftain who had the affections of Garr Alakavee." I grimaced.

"That incompetent swine!"

"Indeed, I had the same thoughts. And while the Prophets looked down on this, they saw the potential of a warrior in me. The Council advised me to hide my face in case anyone recognized me. My voice is not a typical one but my face-" Revealing it to me, being delicate and definitely female looking, "This face is too valuable to reveal to just anyone. And so, I had heard about your story when I entered the Council Chamber on the day of your acceptance. And while some were still fuming over it, they genuinely accepted me. This similarity between us is why I wish to live a legacy by your side. I wish to be your shield when your blade fails you." She said, putting her veil over her face again and bowing a reverential gesture. I smiled, not being able to help myself.

"Again, I gladly accept." I told her, as a tear rolled down her cheek and into her veil.

"Thank you…" I only nodded

"See you tomorrow, friend?" She nodded back and went on her way.

I stood there, surprised but serenely pleased. I had made a friend.

As I looked towards the stars out the large window by my side, pondering on today, I heard footsteps from the shadows.

"You know, they don't shine as much as you did today in battle, 'Malamee." My hearts rose to the skies.

"I, um…Gharan, Sir…is there something I can help you with?" I nervously asked, playing with my hair.

"No, Beginner. I am here to offer you a challenge. I pleaded my father to let me be one of your opponents for this week. I prefer if I was your last of this week." Coming towards me, he took my hand and held it gently. My hearts were pacing; I could swear he heard the rhythm out of sync. "Will you accept?"

"Uh…yes, how I could not?" He put on a smile (a smug smile) that illuminated my whole being.

"Good. I look forward to sparring with you at the end of this week, Eyesore." Then my heart froze for what seemed like forever.

"I'm…still an Eyesore?" He chuckled.

"Just remember, I'm only pleasing my father when I say that. When I say it in public, remember that I am calling you Angel." He smiled and went to find his father. As if I had already been flying, I leapt in the air joyfully and sang all the way home.

"Father?" Gharan entered into his house.

"I'm here, Gharan. What news have you for me?"

"Firstly, Eelo is female. She is hiding as male undercover. What shall we do of her?" Vaman looked at him from his table, having papers upon papers atop it.

"That matter does not concern me. News of Eyesore?"

Shrugging off the other subject, Gharan said, "She was more simple than I planned to seduce her. She accepted my offer, she will be in the mindset of impressing me rather than focusing on a warrior. Even if she were one, any reputation she tries to build up through effort will break on that day when they see me kill her." He said wickedly.

"Don't think that this plan to quell our virus is entirely your plan, son." Gharan looked at his predecessor with disappointment.

"Of course not, father. But I do take part in the reward that the Prophets hand you when we kill her, correct?" Vaman shook his head.

"I'm afraid not. The Prophets ordered me and only me to dispose of her quietly and quickly. You will be my aide." Gharan withheld his anger as nothing but a tool but showed it on his face. "Do NOT give me that look, Gharan! If it weren't for me picking you up out of the dirt they call weakness, you NEVER would have become my shining sun, following in my footsteps!" His father at times scared him when they were alone and he raised his voice. "Now, go to your hole and stay there! Do not come back out unless you are called, do you understand?" Gharan looked solemnly at the ground and nodded.

"Good. I have a lot of decisions to make concerning this week and the next ones ahead. Leave me to my business."

As Gharan slipped into the basement of the corroded part of the house built in High Charity, he fingered the picture of his broken family; his father, his deceased mother, and himself. They all used to know what smiling was once. He cried nightly to himself, wishing that he had a whole family again.

Through his tears, he made a vow to himself. "If the day comes where I do not find acceptance or love from my father again, I swear by my ancestors and my honor, what little has not been torn from me, that I WILL slay him in his sleep. I would much rather have a home than be by myself though," He said looking at the picture again. He sighed softly. "I do not know whether disposing of this 'Malamee female will earn his approval finally, but if not and I fail, I swear I WILL kill him. And the day will come like a thief in the night" He said scratching the wall next to the meaning-held image. Climbing into the make-shift bed he created when his father went mad, he slipped under the covers and cried himself to sleep.

Wow, I really surprised myself with this chapter! My hands had a mind of its own! My own brain couldn't keep up or change whatever came out! At least I have thickened the plot :P I decided on one thing and then my hand chose another. Let's see how that works for the next chapter!

Next: Ruz fights Gharan and something happens to shock the class and the class learns how to fight with alongside a comrade.