Authors Note: Thanks to my beta for proofing this.

Disclaimer: Halo, Sangheili, Rtas, Thel/Arbiter and other canon characters belong to Bungie Studios/343 Industries. However, Original Characters, like Zeno, belong to me.

Chapter 4: History of the Hilvums

"Are you sure?" Zeno asked, a bit surprised that Sani was willing to open up to him so soon.

"I-I am sure," Sani said, fidgeting. "You need to know the full story so you can better help me…And to know whether or not I am really worth helping…."

Zeno nodded and directed him to the couch. After they both sat down, it looked like Sani was having difficulty continuing.

"Take your time," Zeno told him. "I know it must be difficult to admit these kinds of things."

"I…I do not know where to start…," Sani admitted: the man was shaking again.

"Let's start with something easy, then," Zeno offered. "Was what Rtas told me true? That your troubles center around someone named Runi?"

Sani visibly flinched at that name, confirming that much at least before Sani even responded. "Yes," Sani said softly. "Though there are things I never could bring myself to tell Rtas."

"We both suspected as much," Zeno said. "What else has he done to you?'

Sani started to shake and Zeno could see tears. The younger male wrapped his arms around himself, like the very memory brought him the same amount of pain and terror as when it actually happened. Zeno knew then, that even though Sani wanted to tell him, he couldn't.

"It is OK," Zeno said, reaching over and pulling Sani into an embrace. "You do not have to go into detail now if it makes you feel uncomfortable."

"I-I never wanted to leave home!" Sani cried, suddenly. "I wanted to stay with my ut'su flocks: I never wanted to join the military and fight…If I did, I would have joined the Tal'sora rather than the Ses'sora…."

Zeno blinked: he knew different keeps likely had different traditions and such, but he had never heard of anything like that before. Still, this would provide an opportunity to have Sani talk about something he was more comfortable with, even if it likely didn't have anything to do with his situation.

"Tal'sora? Ses'sora? What are those?" he asked.

Sani pulled away and looked at him, a bit confused. "Oh!" he said when it dawned on him. "I…I am sorry, I forget sometimes that my keep is very different from many others."

"How so?" Zeno pried, remembering Rtas mentioning something similar.

"Well, for one we have a ruling council, rather than a kaidon. The council is made up the most senior member from each sora, or caste. There are five soras in all: the Tal'sora, the warriors, Mon'sora, the scholars, Ses'sora, the herders and farmers, Chi'sora, the craftsmen, and the Tor'sora, the traders. All soras are based on the different groups we were in before our ancestors rebelled and took the keep for our own."

Zeno raised a brow at that. "Rebelled?"

"My ancestors were slaves."

He was definitely taken back by that. Zeno had never heard of a Sangheili keeping another Sangheili as a slave, let alone a whole keep worth of them. He was also having trouble seeing how any Sangheili could be reduced to being a slave: honor and pride usually led them to killing themselves at first opportunity. "How?" he asked.

"How exactly my ancestors became enslaved was lost to time," Sani replied sadly. "That they were denied any form of education, beyond what was needed for our tasks, likely ensured we forgot where we originally came from."

"I still fail to see how any Sangheili keep would sink that low to do such a thing."

"The Juroms, my ancestor's masters, were of the opinion their bloodline should only be warriors, even the females," Sani explained. "But seeing they needed people to do the tasks they felt were beneath them, they had my ancestors do it for them. They had them do everything save teach their own young. It would turn out to work against them in the end."

Zeno was starting to understand. If these Jurom kept knowledge from the Hilvum ancestors, they would not know about pride and honor. They likely didn't even know what it was to be a Sangheili.

"How did your ancestors free themselves?" he asked.

"The Sangheili and San 'Shyyum war," Sani said simply. "Towards the end, their numbers were decimated and since they had been sending in their female warriors to fight as well, they could not repopulate as quickly as a normal keep. In desperation, to give themselves time to recover before a rival keep noticed their weakness, they started sending the males of my ancestors to fight in their stead."

"By the gods…."

"Uneducated and untrained in the acts of war, most perished, but a few managed to endure. These few, likely with the help of sympathetic warriors from other keeps, discovered what they had been denied. When the war ended, they returned and started training others on what they learned in secret. When they felt they were ready, they attacked. The Jurom's fell quickly and the state became the State of Hilvum. The first warriors ultimately decided to not elect a kaidon: they felt one man having so much power would be too risky."

"So they went with a council, spreading the power."

"Correct."

"Quite a history. Unique even."

Sani blushed, a faint smile on his face. "The knowledge of our past is not widely known outside the keep and we prefer to keep it that way."

"Let me guess: those that found out you were slaves once felt you were easy pickings."

"Indeed, though each time they were proven quite wrong. My people learned to take care of each other and how to stand up to those that try to bully us."

"And yet…."

"My keeps past has little do to with my current situation," Sani said, sounding a bit insulted. "Yes, my people tend to be timid and shy, myself being no exception, but we stand up for ourselves when we feel threatened." He sighed as he added. "No, what happened with me was not instant, it happened gradually, getting worse and worse as time went on."

It sounded familiar, if he recalled what he read about humans in similar situations correctly. "Runi wore you down mentally, telling lies and half-truths, in order to control you?"

Sani shuddered and nodded. "Yes…Exactly. I did not realize it until it was too late, because I was too naïve to see the warning signs…."

"It is not your fault," Zeno told him. "From what I have read, humans end up in the same situation a lot, with the same sort of mind trickery and conditioning. Besides, you are here now; obviously you found a way to break free and try to break the cycle."

"Yes, but not before he had done so much to me…I am but a shadow of my former self…Broken, lost…."

Zeno sighed and took Sani's hand. "But you do not have to remain that way. You can recover and take back the life you once had."

"I do not see how."

"One step at a time. Rtas told me you are a sniper."

"Yes." There was a hint of pride in his voice, but it quickly disappeared when he said. "Though my long range abilities did nothing to help protect me from Runi."

"Do you have any hand to hand training?"

"I do, but I was never strong enough to fend him off when I did fight back."

"Fighting in melee is not always about strength, Sani," Zeno told him. "Technique, skill, speed and agility also play a factor. For instance, I duel wield an energy sword variant called the kisan: it is a blade meant for quick precise blows and parries, rather than heavy strikes like the traditional energy sword. How big is this Runi?"

Sani thought a moment. "Only a little shorter than you, Zeno, but more heavily built."

Zeno nodded. "So he sounds someone that likes to use the strength he has in a fight." When Sani nodded, he continued. "If I can have you trained in techniques that are designed to counter that, you may be able to stand up to him."

Sani balked at that. "St-stand up to him? But I…."

"You can, Sani. You just need the will and the knowledge on how," Zeno said. "And I know just the person to help you."

Sani had his doubts, but he could tell that Zeno had made up his mind and wasn't going to change it. He had learned the hard way that resisting someone whose mind was set was futile and often painful. Granted, Zeno had yet to do anything to actually harm in any way, but why take the chance? Like Runi, his current niceness could just be a front for terror later.

He really didn't want to believe Zeno was the same way as Runi. The positive things that had happened so far he wanted to keep happening. But the painful experiences of the past hung like a gloom over his head and in his mind, reminding him that things may not always be as they seemed. His mind kept switching between hope and doubt, with doubt lingering far longer.

"Y-you are sure of this?" Sani asked.

"I am," Zeno replied, smiling. "Just because someone is bigger and stronger than you, does not mean they are better than you."

That smile, it seemed so genuine. Was it because he wanted it to be so or because it truly was? "Alright," he said softly. "I have my doubts it will do any good though."

"It will, I promise. Oh, how much of the human language do you know?"

"Virtually none, why?"

"Ah, you will need to understand this guy I am going to introduce you too, as he does not know Sangheilian." Zeno walked over to a drawer, opened it and rummaged around a bit before pulling out a headset. "Here," he said, handing it to him. "It is a translator. I keep it around in case a visiting dignitary is without his armor translating software."

"Ah, yes, that will be helpful," Sani said as accepted it and slipped it on.

"Should probably teach you their main language as well, come think of it…."

"Main? They have more than one?"

"Aye, hundreds of different languages, including the dialects. All workers here in the UNSC though are required to know English, their primary language. That translator can translate all the different languages though, to be on the safe side."

"I see…so, when I am going to start this…training?"

Sani watched as Zeno looked at a calendar, then a clock. "Today, he should be in his dojo now," Zeno said. "Hopefully he will not still have that grudge against me…"

"Grudge?"

"Yeah…." Zeno sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck as they walked out the door. "When I first came here, I was looking for a place to practice my sword forms when I found his dojo. I thought it was a sparring room open to all, so I started working out. He came in, saw me, started screaming at me in Japanese, which I did not understand, then soundly kicked my ass. Never saw a human move like that before…."

"What did you do that pissed him off so much?"

"Many martial arts masters are big on respect for themselves and the dojo they do their teaching in. That I had come in without permission and started using the place like I owned it was a big no, no. Once a friend of mine explained this to me, I went back to apologize and ask for forgiveness for desecrating his dojo. It was clear he had little love for our kind: he started berating me again, this time in English, saying how we thought we were all big and bad, how we thought we know honor, that sort of thing."

"He really had it in for you…."

"Yeah, but he accepted my apology in the end, on the condition I be his training dummy for a month…."

"Oh my…."

"Yeah…I was well tenderized throughout that month: good thing we Sangheili are naturally built tough."

"I am surprised he did not lay off once he learned you were the Ambassador."

"Well, I suspect he was holding back for that very reason, plus a training dummy is no good if you break it on the first day after all."

Sani giggled slightly at that. "Yeah, I suppose that is a good point."

The walk to the dojo wasn't far and as they approached, Zeno could see that he was correct that Yamasheto was in: students from his last class were just leaving. He hoped he would be willing to take on a special student. Sani still looked doubtful this human could help him, but also apprehensive on what he may be facing.

"Zeno," Sani said as they reached the door. "A question."

"What is that, Sani?" Zeno replied.

"If he does not know Sangheilian, how is he to understand me? What if I have questions?"

"I doubt you will have many opportunities to ask a question, with the way this dojo is run. He may surprise me in that regard, depending on how he reacts to your situation. I will be with you to translate your questions, plus to be a…willing victim for demonstrations." Zeno winced at the thought, though he thought he heard Sani giggle at that. "Most of the time though, count on only being allowed to say things like 'Yes, Sensei'."

Sani looked a bit surprised. "Sensei? This translator just told me it means 'master'…."

"It also means 'teacher', which is the context you should keep in mind here: always refer to him as 'sensei'. Also, you are required to bow both when entering and leaving the main floor."

"More of that respect thing?"

"Correct."

Zeno had to stoop to get into the door, which he was used to by now, and entered the 'waiting' area of the dojo. The place hadn't changed much since he saw it last: same white walls various Japanese décor adorning them, the training floor itself made of wood covered by some kind of rubber material. This made the floor firm enough for practice, but provided some cushion to keep trainees from hurting themselves too much when they hit the floor. A feature that Zeno thought was counterproductive when came to making people stronger, but he dared not speak that opinion here.

Yamasheto himself must have gone into his office, for he was not out on the floor itself. Zeno knew better then to call out though, so he patiently waited for the sensei to emerge. Sani was getting more and more antsy, so Zeno put a hand on his shoulder to calm him.

Finally, Yamasheto emerged: a short, for a human, slightly dark, older male with a crop of short black hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a black T-shirt with white pants of similar style to a gi, with a black cloth belt tied around his waist. Yamasheto noticed them almost immediately.

"Ah, Mister Dummy, you come back," Yamasheto said, a big grin on his face.

"Aye, Sensei," Zeno replied. "I have a favor to ask."

"A favor?" The humans grin turned into a faint scowl. "I don't recall owing any favors to you. More Elite arrogance?"

"Please, Sensei, hear me out first, it is for a good cause."

"Speak then, and quickly, Mister Dummy, so I know whether or not I should kick your rear out of my dojo."

"This is Sani 'Hilvum," Zeno said, stepping aside and gesturing to Sani, whom looked down shyly as he waved. "He has a problem I am certain you have heard a lot of as a reason to come train under you, Sensei."

"And that reason is?"

Zeno took a moment to figure out what words to say. He did not know how Yamasheto viewed semos, so he wanted to avoid that label to be on the safe side. "A controlling bully, that likes to use his, larger size and greater strength to his advantage."

"I do not understand," Yamasheto said, folding his arms but his face no longer had a scowl. "You people are all big and strong. Why would he have such problems?"

"While my people do focus on agility along with strength in our own training, Sani's bloodline is naturally smaller and weaker than most. Plus, we do not train in the ways of using your opponent's strength and momentum against him. Such techniques I feel would help Sani greatly in dealing with this bully."

Yamasheto didn't speak for a moment, looking to be in thought. "How big is this bully?" he asked.

Before Zeno could respond, Sani lifted up his hand, palm flat, up to about the height of Zeno's upper mandibles. He then touched Zeno's shoulders with both hands and spread his hands away, obviously indicating shoulder width and thus, Runi's greater bulk. Hopefully, Yamasheto understood the gestures.

"Are you mute, Sani?" Yamasheto asked, though his tone was curious, not hostile. When Sani shook his head, he added. "Then speak!"

"Forgive him, Sensei," Zeno interjected. "Sani does not know English, only our native Sangheilian. I gave him a translator so he may understand your words, but he cannot speak them in turn. I am going to teach him the language, when I can."

"Well, all he will need to speak is 'yes, sensei' and 'no, sensei'."

"So this means you will train him?"

"You may be a dummy lizard, but you bring him to the right place. Come onto the floor."

"Yes, sensei." Zeno bowed before stepping onto the training floor, Sani copying his motions.

"Now, Mister Dummy, from Sani's description of this bully of his, you be perfect for demo."

"Oh…lovely…." Zeno grumbled, wincing at the pain and humiliation he was no doubt going to be receiving in a few moments.

"Sani," Yamasheto continued. "Look at Mister Dummy and myself. Who would you think would win a fight?"

Sani looked conflicted for a moment, then blushed, turning his head away slightly before pointing at Zeno.

"Oy! Look me in the eye and speak your answer, Sani. Dummy will translate if he has to."

The timid male took a moment, but at last he looked directly at Yamasheto and said. "Zeno, sensei."

"Ah, what are you judging this on? Size?"

"Yes, sensei."

"Size not always determine the outcome of a battle. I show you." Yamasheto turned toward Zeno: Zeno already knew what was coming. "Mister Dummy, attack me. Don't care how."

Meeting the floor in 3…2… Zeno thought as he threw a punch. Next thing he knew the room spun and he was now looking at the ceiling. Yep, hello floor. He looked up at Sani, who had a look of surprise on his face.

"H-how did you….?" Sani started sputtering in Sangheilian, but went into incoherent babbling.

"Calm down, Sani," Zeno told him as he got back to his feet. "Sensei, he asks how you did that."

"I didn't need a translation for that, Dummy," Yamasheto chided. "Meaning was obvious. Sani, what I did was energy redirection. I used the energy in his momentum and weight to power my throw: I use his own energy against him."

Sani still looked surprised, but Zeno could see interest now in those yellow-green eyes. "Can…can I see more, Sensei?" he asked.

After he translated, Zeno saw Yamasheto's face light up with a mischievous grin. Zeno knew he was going to be meeting the floor many more times today….

A/N: I mentioned this in a DA journal the other day, but I know not everyone here looks at my DA page so I'll repeat it here. Starting next week, Duel Hearts will be posted on Tuesdays and Fridays. Yes, this means the last of the series, titled Untold Truths, has been completed. There will be no delay in-between story arcs this time!