"Nothing more huh? Nice words to use Chief." Cortana suddenly spoke as she popped into Master Chief's head.
"It was nothing more. Is there any other way to say it?" Master Chief replied in a serious tone.
"John, I know something is happening between you and Samus. Why hide it? I'm sure she might like you too."
"Like? In what way?" Master Chief's tone went into a calmer one.
"Well, as in she likes you more than as a friend."
"I… don't really understand romance due to the fact I never really experienced it before. I don't really know how a couple acts, touches, or anything of that sort. Besides, I don't have time for a "relationship" anyways."
"I suppose, but she's not a soldier like you are. It is forbidden to have a relationship in the U.N.S.C. with a comrade, but Samus is a bounty hunter. Plus I don't think anyone will fret too much over it." Cortana giggled a bit.
"Hmm… Well, for now I feel nothing towards her. Is she my friend? In a way I suppose, even though we fight a bit. But as far as "romantic" feelings go, I feel none towards her."
"At least not yet." Cortana had a playful tone to her voice.
"We'll see about that." Master Chief and Samus walked to the next destination where Samus' map detected an unknown entity closer to the Chozo Ruins entrance. As they traveled back through the ruins, a mysterious figure watched from the shadows. It was sitting atop the ruins entrance, examining Samus and Master Chief. The creature was somewhat human, but it had bent in knees, jaws, glowing eyes, and maroon armor that covered its body, with an oddly shaped helmet on. It watched the pair closely, seeing if any type of attack will be made on it, or if they will spot it. The creature then swiftly jumped down and ran off from the ruins. It soon arrived at the Tallon Overworld, where a few types of the same creature stood, but each had different armor. The creature spoke to the one in the golden armor: its voice was growling, and deep.
"General, I have spotted Spartans near the forsaken ruins that are not too far from here. Shall we attack them?" The voice was male.
"No. Remember, we must stay hidden. The Prophets wants us to investigate the Phazon here on this planet, the energy that the Space Pirates mine here." The General's voice was growling as well, but it was calmer than the other creature.
"But sir, the Space Pirates are up to something treacherous! The Forerunners would be most displeased if we-"
"Silence! The High Council made a pact with the Space Pirates. They are our allies, and their leader Ridley promised to help us destroy all insignificant alien races that the Forerunners see as unfit. He persuaded the High Council well enough to let them consider joining forces with the Space Pirates. As a Sanghelie Zealot Yik'tanga, you should know what your orders are."
Yik'tanga stood in silence. He did not know how to respond to the Sanghelie General.
"Yes General Vit'ras."
Yik'tanga walked towards the edge of the waterfall and stood there, wondering what, and why, the Space Pirates are helping his race. "The Covenant allowed a race like them to work for us? Yes, some worship the Great Forerunners, but their blood does not course through their putrid bodies!" A figure suddenly walked up to Yik'tanga, and placed its hand on his shoulder. When it spoke, the voice was somewhat growling, but it had a sweet tune to it and was feminine.
"Yik'tanga, what troubles you?"
"It is nothing Lieutenant D'jtar."
"Please Yik'tanga, just call me Ciaran. Your expression says otherwise. You seem… disturbed."
"Ciaran, I do not trust the Space Pirates. I know that damn Ridley is plotting something against us! What, I don't know quite yet, but I have a feeling he will use the Phazon on this planet and use it to destroy the Covenant, let alone the whole Sanghelie race."
Ciaran hugged Yik'tanga tightly.
"My love… you really do worry too much."
"Hmph… I suppose. But with the way things have become, even the female Sanghelie have no choice but to fight now. You're a Zealot too Ciaran. I just don't understand why you females get two-sided energy swords…"
"They're sending some out to the male Zealots too, so worry not Yik'tanga." Ciaran stared at Yik'tanga deeply into his eyes.
"How… is our offspring?" Yik'tanga placed his hand upon Ciaran's stomach.
"Your son and daughter are fine. They seem to be healthy too. Can't you feel them kicking?"
"I do… but I don't understand why you entered the war pregnant Ciaran. Our offspring could be-"
Ciaran stopped Yik'tanga with a kiss. "They'll be fine. I haven't been pregnant for long, so my stomach is still small. And my fighting skills are superior. They will live."
Although this Sanghelie couple has been together for 5 years, their comrades do not know they are actually together, due to the fact that Sanghelie warriors, especially Zealots, cannot have a relationship with any females until the war ends. Luckily, no one saw them being romantic with one another.
"Once this war ends… I will make you my wife. You will be Mrs. Hi'tarvas soon."
"I look forward to that Yik'tanga." The couple embraced then kissed. Afterwards, they looked around to see if any of the others saw what they did. They then headed back towards the base camp, with General Vit'ras giving out orders to different Sanghelie.
"Private F'nortag, you shall fly around and investigate the area, see where the mines are located. Lieutenant U'targas, you and your team shall investigate to the north of us. If you see any Kig-Yar, Unggoy, Jiralhanae, or any other of our Covenant brethren, do not hesitate to help. As for the Space Pirates, do not shoot any of them. They are our allies. Now divide out and move!" The Sanghelie all moved in different directions, except for the way towards the Chozo Ruins. It is very unclear what the Covenant has in mind for the Phazon, but it might spell death for the human race. And what of the Space Pirates? Do they really intend on betraying their pact with the Covenant, despite offering help and peace? And what of their leader Ridley? Where is he hiding, and what does he have in store for the Covenant, let alone Samus and Master Chief? Only time will show what will happen. But for now, these burning questions will have to wait in due time until they can be answered.
I thought a little side story would be entertaining to the readers; I didn't want to bore them out even more. Hopefully I can post the next chapter very soon. :) Don't worry, I'll continue on with the main story, the next chapter will be all about Samus and Master Chief retrieving another part of Samus' Varia Suit. :P I hope you all will enjoy this chapter as much as the rest, and if you want to suggest anything to me to make it more interesting, please PM me or give me a review! :D Just don't be very rude with your reviews please, I need kindness, not hatred ^^ Thank you all! :D