OddslayerFenrir: "Oh? Hello, I didn't notice you there! My name is OddslayerFenrir, and I'd personally like to welcome you to the amazing world of Pokemon!"

EAKsymphony: "Geez, Odd, wrong story."

OddslayerFenrir: Oof, my apologies. Anyway, I'm glad you came to check out our story! If you've made it this far, we might as well tell you a bit before the story actually starts, and trust me, it's a long one, woof!

EAKsymphony: This is a collaboration that was a bit unexpected. I don't mean to brag, but Odd came to me because of my extensive knowledge of the Halo Universe.

OddslayerFenrir: Honestly, I've been dreaming on writing a Halo story ever since I was a little pup. The franchise to me is just as significant as Pokemon. Anyway, with the help of EAKsymphony I was able to turn that dream into a reality. And now, I wish to share that dream with you all. I hope you enjoy and we'll catch you later on in the story, woof!

EAKsymphony: Honestly, he gets so excited that he forgets to mention the sorta less significant stuff. Anyway, there are two versions of the story, the version I will be posting on my account is clean and suitable for all ages, however, the version you're about to read now is Odd's version. It's not for kids under the age of twelve.

OddslayerFenrir: I totally forgot about that! You should expect to find erotic content in this story! Also, the male Sangheili will have genitals, or as I like to call it, the member! Like honestly, did you expect me to write a story that doesn't involve penis.

EAKsymphony: Odd! Not right now.

OddslayerFenrir: Oh please, you're in my territory now! Best believe I'm coming out the gate hittin' hard! With that being said, let the game begin!

Zeko 'Vutum and Thel 'Vadam were seen casually walking towards Thel's private corridors for a bit of privacy.

"Arbiter, you were the one that suggested that we not see each other in public like this, why the sudden change?" I asked. When the door closed behind us, he smiled a bit and approached me. Softly, he exhaled and started to speak.

"Is it so wrong for me to want to see my mate before I depart? Zeko, I cannot promise that I'll survive this mission. If that comes to pass, then there is a high possibility that the council will force you to become the next Arbiter," he said sternly.

I thought for a moment. I'm sure I'll be able to see Thel again, but if it happens that he does die, Well, I'll uphold his mantle with both pride and love.

"Hmph, Thel, I know you won't die. You're far too skilled for that. Even if you did, do you think my feelings for you would change?" I said looking him in the eyes with and ensuring gaze. He merely smiled and removed my helmet gently. I did the same for him, and we gazed into each other's eyes in only a way true lovers could.

Slowly, Thel, began to remove the rest of his armor, leaving his magnificent and exposed body facing me, I quickly followed. But there was one thing bothering me. That damn branding on his chest. He didn't deserve what the high priest did to him. Even so, I endured it and continued. He gently placed his hands on my side, and laid me down gently on his bed. He slowly climbed between my legs, and kissed me from my chest to my mouth passionately. I don't ever want this to stop. I thought in a moan.

"Zeko, since we won't be able to see each other for awhile, I'd like to give you a gift, so that you won't feel alone even when we're light years apart." Thel softly stated. I was a bit unsure of what he meant by that, but I had no doubt in my mind that it wasn't of bad intent.

"What could you give me that would be that wonderful?" I asked softly. He quickly spoke without a moment's hesitation. "My seed." He stated. He wants to give me his seed! I thought in a frenzy. "B-But Thel, it would do nothing but go to waste. I am a male after all, I wouldn't be able to bare your child." I stated faintly. Thel, smiled and lifted my head.

"Zeko, I don't care about that. Let this experience, this gift, show how dedicated I am to you. You will not bear children, yes, but you will have a part of me deep inside of you, and that's all I'll need to keep fighting until I see you again." He stated calmly gazing into my eyes. I knew immediately from that expression that he was honest. Thel, would never say something he didn't mean, he'd never lie, I could tell all this from the love we have for each other. And so, I kissed him deeply and braced myself.

"I take it you're ready now?" He asked. I nodded softly and watched as he lifted my right leg above his shoulder and positioned his member's tip, which recently emerged from his vent, at my entrance. "Don't close your eyes, I want you to watch me as I become one with you, Zeko." He stated slowly beginning to push his thicc member inside of me. It hurt, but it felt amazing. It didn't take long for him to enter balls deep into me. Once he did, he bent down to kiss me, and rapidly began thrusting himself in and out of my entrance. I gazed at him lovingly while he plowed me, and loved every moment of it, but after about fifty five minutes passed, I could feel him beginning to throb inside me. Within seconds, Thel blew his load inside of me. I quickly began to feel the warm seed of my mate cover my insides and fill me with bliss.

After resting on me for a short while, Thel, slowly pulled out of me, and watched as his seed in abundance, leaked from my freshly aching penetrated vent I sat up and watchex as Thel cleaned himself up.

"So it's that time already." I asked watching as he put back on his armor. He quickly nodded and approached me. "Unfortunately. As the Arbiter, I do still have an obligation to fulfill. Still...Zeko, there is something I'm uneasy about. It involves the counsel. If it is what I fear, I will need you to flee this place with the people closest to you as soon as possible, and meet me on our birthrealm, understand?" Thel stated with concern in his voice.

"I do. I'll remain in your room and await your message. I won't take action until you've verified the situation. Just be careful out there, Thel," I said kissing him one final time before he left the room.

With him gone, I cleaned myself, but noticed my vent was still very sore, and that not all of Thel had completely left my inside. I might be a Sanghili warrior, but eve I have soft spots. I'm smiled lightly to that. He truly is a Sanghili of his word. I thought.

It wasn't until a few hours later that I heard from him again. He had reached out to me through a private channel and told me that the Great Journey was a lie, and so much more. The news shocked me. My mind immediately raced to assumptions of Thel being a heretic. But, I couldn't bring myself to believe that. So, I verified Thel's claim using how desperate the council had become in their actions recently.

They seemed to focus much of their effort of retrieving an artifact known as an activation index and nothing else. It soon started to become clear to me of what Thel was saying.

I quickly raced to a friend of mine to confirm my thoughts. He as well was close to the council. He was one of the best of the honor guard had to offer. He was known as Baal 'Batrum. "Baal, we must speak in private," I said in seriousness. He immediately understood and we rushed to a place of secrecy.

"What's this about Zeko, have you pulled me aside to tell me about the a few fantasy's of Arbiter-," I immediately stopped him before he could continue with his ridiculousness.

"No. Have you noticed the behavior of the council lately?" I asked carefully. He nodded and told me exactly what I needed to hear to confirm my suspensions.

More and more I accepted the harsh reality of my own and many others' fates. But, I knew I couldn't do anything about it unless I was in a position of power. I needed the title of the Arbiter, that way I would be able to take some form of large action.

Luckily for me, it became evident to the council that Thel turned against them, and in their desperate time, they turned to me to help them. Just as he predicted, I thought.

A few hours later in the holy capital of the Covenant city High Charity, in a room known as The Mausoleum of the Arbiter, the Prophets of Truth and Mercy, appear to be gathered in wait of someone.

All are to a low mumble when the front doors open and a Sangheili Warrior, Zeko 'Vutum, was seen entering the room confidently, he seemed to bear the Mark of Honor painted on his chest. He stood in front of the Prophets of Truth and Mercy in pride.

"We are left with no other choice. It is time you accept this new fate of yours, Zeko 'Vutum. Do you know what this place is?" The Prophet of Truth asked.

"Yes, this is the Mausoleum of The Arbiter. I am not worthy of being here. I do not deserve to stand in the same room as my Grandfather, the very same Arbiter that brought an end to the grunt rebellion." Zeko stated passionately.

"Not just yet. You can feel that way once you've restored the title of Arbiter to its former glory," The Prophet of Mercy said raising his hands to the sky in a form of praise.

"You, Zeko 'Vutum, are to eliminate the Arbiter before you, Thel 'Vadam," The Prophet of Truth said in an almighty tone.

"You are to set an example of Thel, show him and his followers that the Great Journey will lead us to salvation," The Prophet of Mercy said with passion.

"Now, accept your mantle, and punish the heretics," The Prophet of Truth said.

Slowly, Zeko walked between the Prophets and approached the armor. Without them noticing, Zeko smirked in success. My plan worked, and now with this title, I can make a change. I can save my brethren from this cruel fate known as the Great Journey, and more importantly, I come closer to living with Thel in a bright future.

Slowly, a new model of the Arbiter's Armor could be seen floating towards Zeko. "Yes, I shall not fail in my mission," he said standing and approaching the armor. Slowly, Zeko reached for the helmet and looked into its shine for a moment.

"Now go Zeko, take what you need and show the Covenant that Thel merely speaks words of a deranged heretic," The Prophet of Mercy stated.

He nodded and immediately left the Mausoleum. As he exited, many of his friends, Baal and Zeref included, were kneeling in front of him. And, it wasn't just Sangheili, there were Brutes, Grunts, and even Jackels.

"Arbiter, preparations have been made. The shipmaster is ready for departure on your signal," Baal said standing at Zeko's side. "Good, let's get moving, we don't have time to waste here on High Charity.

As Zeko could be seen approaching the dock of an average-sized Covenant battleship. He noticed the Shipmaster, Dedus 'Eenvu approach him. "Arbiter, it's an honor to be working beside you." He stated.

"No, the honor is all mine, Dedus. Let's hurry, time is of the essence. They quickly warped onto the ship using the gravity lift and headed towards the captain's deck, where only the two of them could be seen. Zeko quickly approached the main terminal and input the coordinates that seemed a bit familiar to Dedus.

"Arbiter, aren't those the coordinates to a human colony known as Beta Gabriel?" Dedus asked. Zeko turned towards him calmly and explained. "Yes, as I explained to you earlier, we're going to need a much bigger ship if we want to be of use to Thel, for that reason, we're going to retrieve a lost ship known as the Valorous Salvation." Zeko stated beginning walking towards the captain's chair.

"The Valorous Salvation. That ship was apart of the Covenant Navy, and under the command of a Brute known as Chieftain Parabum. He was a truly despicable Brute. He slaughtered his crew and feasted on countless humans in his time. He was one of many to turn tail and run during the invasion of reach. Regardless, of the details we will retrieve his ship in your name." Dedus stated calmly.

"The human colony known as Beta Gabriel. It's an ocean world, with very little land found in the Epsilon Eridani System. I sent a Fireteam in secret to the planet, and they reported back that they'd found the ship submerged underwater. We can retrieve it, and it should be in working conditions." Zeko stated with a slight smirk on his face.

"Understood. then let's depart. If the ship was sunk, and if the humans haven't found it yet, we should be able to slip in and out without any confrontation." Dedus stated bowing towards Arbiter.

Soon the other flight crew members entered the bridge and got in their positions. Baal also appeared to have entered the bridge to speak with Zeko. He leaned in to whisper in his ear. "Arbiter, you have over a thousand troops at your disposal. Some of them are our allies, but many of them are not yet," he whispered concerningly. Zeko seemed to showed no concern.

"There is no need to worry. When the time arises to deal with the situation, I shall deal with it. In the meantime, you prepare yourself. When we arrive on the planet, we will most likely have to fight the doubtful ones." Zeko stated calmly. Baal showed his understanding by bowing slightly and leaving the bridge. As he did, Zeref entered and stood guard by the door.

Dedus turned from his position on the bridge towards me and asked if I was ready to depart. Zeko nodded and took a seat. Slowly, the ship began departed from High Charity, and once it was a safe distance from it, Zeko ordered the start of the slipspace drive.

"Onwards to Beta Gabriel," Zeko commanded. Dedus immediately activated the slipspace drive. At the same time, a Brute on the deck asked why we're heading there and not towards the ring. Zeko sternly told him to hold his tongue, and only speak when spoken to. He growled and fell silent. Moments later, he left the deck in frustration.

I don't need an uprising right now. It would be best to keep an eye on that Brute. Zeko thought calmly.

With a simple glace and nod towards Zeref, he followed the Brute to ensure he didn't misbehave. In the meantime, Zeko peacefully awaited our arrival on Beta Gabriel.

When they arrived about a day later, they found that the planet was stunning. Just as Dedus started, the planet was mostly a water world, even so, there were scattered bits of land.

"Arbiter, Taili 'Nocts is requesting to meet with in the docking bay. She's saying that she has a gift for you," The Shipmaster said turning from his post slightly towards me.

Taili and her gifts. I'm unsure of whether that woman generally wants to scare or me kill me. Regardless, she knows already of the seriousness of this mission. I just hope she can keep herself together. Zeko thought standing from his seat and headed towards the docking bay. At the same time, Zeko ordered to ship master to prepare to descend into the planet.

Dedus nodded in understanding.

When Zeko arrived at the docking bay he watched as Taili excitedly approached him carrying a rather large energy sword.

"Arbiter, thank you for meeting with me on such short notice! Anyway, lookie, I completed the Doom Slasher! The name and device were both inspired by Baal. He mentioned to me sometime ago that he wanted a weapon that would let him hack and slash threw his enemies with ease, and so, I put some thought into it and this was made." She stated excitedly smiling. Zeko appears completely dumbstruck to seeing her like this.

"Taili, right now is neither the time or place for you to be acting this way." He stated a bit annoyed.

Her eyes widened and she immediately seemed to smirk.

"Oh, okay. Serious mode, activate! Arbiter, sir, I made this weapon for you. It's heavier than most energy swords but is capable cleanly slicing threw all types of material including rare metals, sir," She said clearly in a playful tone.

She immediately shoved the weapon in his arms and whispered in his ear. "Zee, many of the brutes here are becoming suspicious of your actions. I'm pretty sure they're going to try something once we transfer ships, so I think I'll hang out around Baal when that happens. Oh, and please watch your back. I don't want my favorite test dummy to die by a cause unrelated to my experiments."

I swear that woman is a mess. I'm glad to have here. It's unfortunate that she followed me all the way from home. Still, I just wish she'd shape up a bit.

Taili immediately started to walk away from Zeko, but before she could get too far he called out to her.

"Taili, how am I supposed to use this?" He asked.

She laughed and turned backwards to speak.

"It works the same way an energy sword does, but you gotta swing really really really hard to do the energy slash projectile. Anyway, see you later, buddy- I mean- Arbiter!"

Zeko examined the sword for a moment by summoning it's blade. It was magnificent in color, and shined with a beautiful transitioning blue to green.

He smiled a bit in thought Damn, she's good.

Slowly, he began to be approached by his Fireteam. First was Baal 'Batrum, on the battlefield he's given the title: The Sangheili Berserker, Baal was known for getting a bit blood lustful on the battlefield. In some cases, he'd been acknowledged by other Sangheili as Zeko's rival.

To his left was the one Brute Zeko would trust with his life. She was a Jiralhanae Chieftain known as Asterisk. She carried a mighty Gravity hammer in the form of a Halbert. She joined the covenant around the same time he did. She and him rival apprentices at one point of time. At first, she wanted to kill Zeko, simply because she thought he was weak. It was only through an intense sparring match that she began to acknowledge him as an equal.

In combat, she was known as The Blood Moon Chieftain, and showed no mercy to the troops that would even dare question her authority.

Approaching on the left side of Baal was a Skirmisher from T'vao named Gal Huge. He's known for never missing a shot, regardless of the weapon he uses. He's close friends with Taili, so she constantly allows him to throw her ideas about sniper rifles. They're his favorite weapon, on occasion she'll make them, and ensure he gets it. His current weapon is known as a Dead Shot. A single bullet that enters his opponent's body explodes ensuring death.

And lastly, walking in front of the group was a Grunt named Knock-Knock. He's the trickster of Zeko's Fireteam. He mainly uses a battle mech that would eventually come to be known as a Goblin. This one, in particular, had cryo augmentations. He would freeze his opponents solid on the battlefield, and rig them to explode in a glorious fashion.

Each of them bowed before Zeko. He quickly halted them and stated that there was no need for that.

"Have we descended to the surface of the planet?" He asked looking towards Baal. Baal nodded. "Yes, everything is ready for our departure. We'll be taking a phantom to beneath the water's surface on your word, Arbiter." Baal stated.

"And what about the condition of the Valorous Salvation? is it functioning?" He asked. Asterisk started to speak.

"Yes, it's currently in a state of emergency, so it's definitely working. Who knows how long that distress signal has been on for. Regardless, we should prepare for whatever might still be living on that ship." Knock-knock agreed with her but immediately stated that he was looking forward to freezing everything on it. Gal remained silent.

"Come, we're wasting time. Our mission is simple, descend to Beta Gabriel's oceans and retrieve the Valorous Salvation. Any troops that remain in the ship must be killed. Leave no survivors, is that understood!" Zeko commanded.

His Fireteam yelled in understanding and followed him to a nearby landing phantom piloted by one of his trusted Sangheili.

His Fireteam headed to their seats, while he walked to the cockpit to speak with the pilot.

"Open a private channel with the shipmaster," he ordered. The sangheili didn't hesitate.

"On my signal you will begin docking with the Valorous Salvation, assuming it's in working condition. Have Zeref continue to keep a constant eye on that brute from earlier," He sternly said. The Shipmaster stated that he understood. Zeko quickly ended the call and ordered the phantom to undock, around the same time, he headed towards his spot at the tail end of the ship and sat waiting for it to arrive at the LZ.

About an hour later, Arbiter and his crew arrived at Beta Gabriel. Meanwhile on their main ship. Zeref could be seen closely following that brute from earlier. The two appeared to be in the docking bay when the brute turned and quickly slammed Zeref to the ground! Attention was quickly drawn towards them!

"I know Arbiter sent you to watch me! Did he really think that a weak Sangheili like yourself could keep me, Cerberus, son of former Chieftain Tartarus in check!" Cerberus grabbed Zeref by the head and dragged him across the ground, only to quickly slam his head against a nearby wall killing him instantly. Slowly, Cerberus held Zeref's bleeding body in the air with a single arm and spoke loudly.

"The Sangheili have betrayed us! They have betrayed the Covenant and even the Great Journey itself. The Arbiter, Zeko 'Vutum plans to turn us all over to the Swords of Sanghelios! There we will most certainly be killed! Stand with me, and overthrow all of him and his heretics!" Cerberus yelled rallying many troops excluding the Sangheili. They soon armed themselves, as they did Cerberus crushed Zeref head and dropped him.

Hiding in the distance, Taili appeared to be inside a sealed-off Phantom with a few other troops, including some of Asterisk's loyalists as bodyguards. She quickly opened a channel to the Shipmaster to inform him of the current situation in the docking bay. He tried his best to remain calm, and took the ship down for an emergency landing above nearby land. He knew things would get violently soon, and that many Sangheili on board could end up being casualties. He told Taili to take the Phantom she was in, and be the first to warm the Arbiter of Cerberus's plans. Taili nodded in understanding and took flight from the ship in the Phantom.

Once they were a few feet away from the ship, one of Asterisks's loyalists stepped in to pilot, while Taili attempted to contact the phantom Zeko took to the surface. She was successful, but according to the pilot Zeko' wasn't on board. They'd successfully arrived at the Valorus Salvation's docking bay. She was a bit relieved, but told the pilot to tell him of their current situation the moment he could. The pilot understand and gave Taili some useful information of where to hide based on geography nearby.

Meanwhile, on the main path to the control room of the Valorous Salvation, Zeko and his fireteam were shocked to see bones of all kinds lining the hallways. Gal looked at it all in disgust.

"They must have run out of food and resorted to cannibalism. Sounds just like a Brute." He stated casually. Asterisk gazed at him in irritation.

"Even so, why not have just surfaced and scavenge for food. This planet does have those kinds of resources?" Asterisk asked calmly.

"I think you both are overthinking this. I'm sure they all just fought each other to death," Baal said walking slightly closer to Zeko.

"You all have valid points, However, our mission does not involve the investigation of what happened to the crew." Arbiter sternly said. He seemed to leave a salty taste in their mouths afterwards. Moments pass, and with them, awkward intervals of silence between them loomed. But, It was soon interrupted by Knock-Knock, who was walking behind everyone with his CryoMech.

"Fine, Arbiter, but when we get to the control room and we find that it's been turned to a throne or something cool like that, you're gonna owe me." He said with laughter in his voice. Zeko smirked for a moment.

"Knock-Knock, I suppose I'll take you up on that." Zeko calmly stated. Baal soon chimed in.

"Oh, I see. Basically, we need to start forcing you into things, don't we? In that case, once we get this over with and join the Swords. Why don't you and I go get drunk, after all, we warriors do need breaks sometimes." Baal said smiling at Zeko. Gal's voice could be heard just lightly. "We should have a shooting competition between us, Arbiter. I'd like to see which one of us is the better shot."

Asterisk's loud voice could be heard immediately after Gal's.

"I don't know if I'd like to do anything with you, Arbiter, but I think I'd just be happy if I could find a man to love on. Preferably human, I find humans to be naturally attractive."

Zeko immediately picked up his walking speed and became lost in his thoughts.

It's just a thought, but if I could have anything, I'd just like to spend a few hours with Thel. It's unnatural for lovers to be this far apart from each other. Then again, we both have to keep our secret away from the Covenant. Still, that could change the moment I joined the Swords. I get that we'd still be fighting to make a better future, but at least we'd be able to see each other a bit more than we already are.

Soon Zeko returned from his thoughts and realized that his fireteam was arguing and irrelevant things.

"Focus, we're almost to the control room!" He yelled. Within minutes they found themselves entering the control room. In it, they quickly spotted a throne made of bones in the center of it. Knock-Knock laughed in hopes of embarrassing Zeko.

Zeko paid no mind to it, and instead headed to the control panel and attempted to make contact with the Shipmaster.

"Dedus, can you hear me? We've found the Valorous Salvation, it's in-," Suddenly Zeko was cut off by the sound of gunfire. The sound shocked him, and angered him a bit.

"Answer me Dedus, what's happening!" Zeko yelled. Moments of silence passed before Zeko got a response.

"Arbiter, it's the Brutes! Cerberus, he killed Zeref and rallied some troops. I've landed the ship nearby, Cerberus seems to be gathering our forces outside the ship to slaughter them. You have to get back here as soon as possible and put an to this." Dedus said suddenly being cut off by Cerberus himself.

"Hahaha, my suspicions were correct. You are a heretic aren't you, Zeko 'vutum." Cerberus stated menacingly. Zeko slammed his fist on the control panel in anger and yelled!

"How many of my troops, my people did you slaughter!"

Cerberus laughed before answering.

"You're just going to have to come and find out for yourself. You better hurry, otherwise I might start my kill frenzy." Cerberus stated immediately ended the link and sending Zeko into a passionate rage.

"Get this ship in the air now! We're going straight to Cerberus! I swear I'm going to kill that son of a bitch!" Zeko's Fireteam responded to his rage without hesitation and immediately attempted to start the ship. Slowly, the Valorous Salvation emerged from the great seas of Beta Gabriel. At the same time, Zeko rushed out the control room in anger and headed back towards the docking bay, back to the phantom they'd arrived on was. Baal noticed this, and as a friend, knew that his mind wasn't right. So, Baal followed Zeko and attempted to catch up with him.

"Zeko, listen to me," Baal said with concern in his voice.

"There is nothing more to say. Cerberus is out there killing my troops. He will pay for what he's done by my sword!" Zeko yelled continuing to head towards the Phantom. But, Baal got fed up with him not listening and grabbed him by his armor!

"Thel wouldn't approve of your actions!" Baal yelled quick pinning Zeko against a wall. Zeko kicked him away and yelled!

"This issue doesn't concern him! You need to stand down, Baal!" Zeko stated in anger. Baal's rage could be seen starting to grow in frustration of seeing Zeko like this.

"Damn it, Zeko! You're the Arbiter now! Is that really how the Arbiter responds to things like this. You've literally become the symbol of hope for many Sangheili and alien who still wish to free themselves of the Covenant! You can't get angry over something like this, it's exactly what Cerberus wants. In fact, he's probably already set up a trap for you to fall right into the second you face him. Zeko, calm down and think reasonably before you do something stupid. Besides, aren't you always telling me that anyway?" Baal stated with a passion.

Zeko stopped for a moment and slammed his fist into against a nearby wall. Slowly, Zeko could be seen starting to calm down.

"You have a point. Thank you, Baal. Don't worry about me at this moment, I've come up with a plan. I promise that I will not die here," Zeko said with beaming confidence.

Baal smiled and turned away heading back to the bridge to join the rest of the fireteam. Moments later Zeko arrived at the dock. Just beyond the Phantom was a beautiful view of Beta Gabriel's skies.

Soon, the pilot of the Phantom stepped out and informed Zeko of the news. He understood and ordered the pilot to remain on the Valorous Salvation while he himself took the phantom down to land, where Cerberus was waiting.

When Zeko arrived he stepped out the Phantom to see that Cerberus had already killed many of his crew. Many of them were being held at gunpoint, while others simply stood behind Cerberus, showing their allegiance. Zeko held his anger, and approached Cerberus while he sat on their dead bodies.

"Hahaha! You Sangheili are a pathetic race! Your morals, your determination, and even your appearances piss me off! Come, Arbiter! I want to kill you in the only way Sangheili see fit! That way you can know true defeat!" Cerberus yelled. He slowly stood and grabbed his gravity hammer resting next to him. Zeko slowly reached for his augmented Energy Sword, made by Taili, while he approached Cerberus. "So you're approaching me instead of running away! Good, I'm going to enjoy this!" Cerberus stated stopping a little ways away from Zeko.

"Shut it already, I just couldn't beat the crap out of you from all the way over there!" Zeko yelled! He immediately dashed towards Cerberus at blurring speeds. Cerberus quickly slammed his hammer towards the ground to shatter it, and kick up some rocks from underneath him. In that brief moment of the rocks being airborne, he swung his hammer again and hit them towards Zeko with immense force! The rocks were like bullets. However, Zeko immediately grabbed his normal Energy Sword to dual wield and slash the rocks coming his way! He did it in a way that didn't even seem like he was Sangheili.

"Cerberus, you were a fool to think the Covenant could offer you anything! You were a fool to believe your father died for a noble cause! You are nothing more than an out of toned instrument the prophets were using to bring about the destruction of everything!" Zeko yelled quickly moving into slashing range of Cerberus. Cerberus roared, and tightened his grab on his gravity hammer and swung at Zeko! Within seconds, Cerberus was close to slamming it on Zeko's head! But, he found this his arms weren't working properly. Before he knew it, Zeko was already behind him.

"W-What is this?!" Cerberus yelled!

Zeko put away his Energy Swords and turned towards Cerberus slowly.

"That's new. I had no idea the dead could speak." Zeko said calmly. In that instant, Cerberus's body literally apart. Zeko turned towards the troops that were standing with Cerberus.

"Drops your weapons now, otherwise I'll do the same to you," Zeko said. The troops looked at each other then back at Zeko and surrendered.

"I will not kill any of you. You were deceived by first the prophets, then by Cerberus, both of which knew not of what they spoke. What I'm offering is a change, one that protects rather than oppresses. Join me, and we shall change the way the universe works." Zeko stated with passion.

Soon all the troops started to shout Zeko's name in celebration. He smiled at the sound of it.

"Arbiter, I am in your debt." The Shipmaster said approaching him. "I'm just glad to see you're alive. We can relax when we're back home on Sanghelios. Prepare the ships for departure," Zeko said noticing Taili running towards him. "Am I to assume docking will have to wait till we're at Sanghelios?" The Shipmaster asked. Zeko nodded. And in that same instant, he was tackled by Taili, who was hugging him tightly.

"Remember to bear the banner of Sanghelios, otherwise you will be shot down immediately when entering the atmosphere." Zeko stated. The Shipmaster nodded in understanding and lead half of the remaining troops to his ship. The others began walking to the gravilift of the Valorous Salvation, which had just arrived.

Zeko soon gave his attention to Taili.

"I'm happy to see that you're still alive, my dear sister," Zeko said warmly.

Taili blushed excitedly. "Does that mean I can go back to using my real name?!" Taili exclaimed! Zeko nodded calmly towards her. She turned from her elder brother and pointed towards the sky in excitement!

Tailius 'Vutum has returned world! You'd better watch out, cause I'm gonna knock your block off!" She stated with an innocent smile on her face. Zeko rubbed her head and headed towards the Valorous Salvation with her. Within moments both ships were on their way to Sanghelios. On the way, Zeko took some private time to mourn his friend's deaths. But, That was quickly stopped by Baal and Taili bothering him. It took a weeks time in total to arrive in the solar system of Sanghelios. As they approached the planet, they admired the beauty of it all.

While approaching the first of the planet's atmosphere, both ships received a call from the planet's surface. The voice heard was one that soothed Zeko.

"This is Thel 'Vadam speaking. You are entering a restricted air space. State your purpose or be prepared to be blown out of the atmosphere. Suddenly, a warming feeling of joy overcame Zeko as he heard his lover's voice over the microphone. Before he could even mutter a word though, Baal, excitedly pushed him aside and yelled at the top of his lungs!

"Thel, it's me, Baal remember? I'm the one you left to babysit your-." Baal spoke with excitement, but was quickly interrupted by Zeko kicking him in the back! Zeko's Fireteam laughed in joy. A slight chuckle was heard over the microphone from Thel.

"Baal, you celebrate far too early. Still, you're only acting like that to embarrass Zeko aren't you. You really know how to steal his thunder, don't you?" Thel stated warmly.

Baal stood laughing. Zeko could be seen as a nervous mess.

"This is Arbiter, Zeko 'Vutum speaking. Requesting permission to land, Arbiter, Thel 'Vadam." Zeko sated with a smile on his face.

"Permission granted, I'm sending both your ship's landing coordinates now. Zeko, once everything is sorted out. I'd like to speak with you privately." Thel stated. However, towards the end of his sentence, he seemed to have a bit of sorrow in his voice.

"I understand," Zeko responded. Silence fell upon the bridge as the call ended.

"Baal approached Zeko from behind and placed his hand on his shoulder. Zeko looked back in slight curiosity.

"He's not going to like that new mark on your chest," Baal stated. Zeko exhaled rather loudly.

"I'm aware. It'll definitely be an uncomfortable conversation to have with him. As he never wished for me to become the Arbiter. Regardless, he'll overlook it. Thel has always been soft when matters tend to involve me." Zeko said heading to the captain's chair. Knock-Knock suddenly turned around in shock of what Zeko just said.

"Wait?! So like are you and Thel, lovers?!" He shouted.

Asterisk, Baal, and even Gal facepalmed themselves.

Zeko merely closed his eyes and blocked him out.

"Knock-Knock, you can be such an idiot sometimes," Asterisk said embarrassingly. Knock-Knock seemed to pout.

"Hey, I'm not an idiot! I just don't listen to Zeko sometimes." Knock-Knock stated. Gal and the others chimed in including Zeko.

"Don't you mean all the time." They all said. Knock-Knock merely laughed. The rest of the fireteam sighed in joyful annoyance.

Once they arrived at the landing Zone, Zeko was told by his fireteam to leave, and that he deserved a bit of quality time with Thel, but Zeko hesitated to leave at first, ultimately he was grabbed out the ship by Baal who told him that everything was going to be fine. Left with no other choice than to believe him Zeko left the ship. Slowly, amongst the troops transporting food and weapons from the base to the ship, Zeko noticed Thel approaching him.

"Zeko, Let's go somewhere more private. We have much to discuss." Thel stated leading Zeko away. Soon they arrived at the living space for the Swords. However, this space was special, it was designed for the Arbiter.

Zeko was taken by the beautiful view Thel had. When he turned to look towards Thel he found that he was looking at the same thing.

"Zeko, you've done so much in my absence. I truly am sorry for not being there with you." Thel stated looking directly at Zeko's mark.

Zeko lifted Thel's head and smiled.

"Stop talking nonsense, Thel. Besides, things ended up this way because of my choices, and honestly, I'm not upset with the outcome," Zeko said warmly. Thel laughed at him for a moment. Zeko seemed a bit confused by this.

"What's so funny, Thel?" Zeko asked. Thel quickly calmed himself.

"It's just amusing to me how you're implying that coming here was the end of your journey. Zeko, I want you to go help the UNSC while representing the Swords Of Sanghelios. I want you to build the growing relationship with the Human and Sangheili factions. I only trust you with this mission, because I know you wouldn't do anything to shame me." Thel stated grabbing Zeko's hand. Zeko smiled at the thought and nodded.

"I'll do it, but first you're going to have to build your relationship me with me," Zeko said softly. Slowly he gazed into Thel's eyes and smiled warmly.

"I thought you'd never ask," Thel said softly. Within minutes the two of them engaged in the heated sexual encounter they so desperately wanted with each other. The sensual moans of both Zeko and Thel's love making filled the room.

A few hours later, and after about four more rounds of Zeko and Thel mating. Zeko could be seen without his armor looking out towards the setting Sangheili sun from Thel's balcony. It's slight but a love marking could be seen the right size of Zeko's neck.

"Is something wrong, Zeko?" Thel asked. Zeko exhaled and turned towards Thel, who was resting on his bed.

"When should I prepare for departure?" Zeko asked calmly.

"It'll take about four year to complete the necessary repairs to the Valorous Salvation , so you'll have to stay for about a year, unfortunately, I need your help with skirmishes around the planet, so I doubt we'll be able to see each other very much, But I will make time for you, I swear it, Zeko." Thel stated with clear honesty in his voice.

"I see. In that case, I'll just have to enjoy the rest of the night with you," Zeko said softly. His words immediately reminded Thel of something he'd wanted to give him. Thel stood from his bed and walked over to a small device the size of an average human cell phone.

"Zeko, I had a few people make these for us. They're long-distance communicators. With them, we can remain in contact with each other even when we're far away." Thel stated handing him the device. Zeko smiled and hugged Thel. They soon returned to bed, but before the two of them could fall asleep, Zeko couldn't help but tell Thel he loved him. Far too tired from their sexual encounter to respond, Thel merely wrapped his arm around Zeko and slowly fell asleep cuddling him.

I love you too, Zeko. Thel thought briefly before completely succumbing to sleep. Before Zeko knew it four years and some months had come and gone. From dealing with skirmishes all over the planet, to gaining the trust of the Sangheili politics, he lost track of time. In the meantime, Zeko's ship was restored to fully operational condition. On the sunrise of that morning, Zeko and Thel awoke early and headed to Zeko's ship, which was renamed The Sword of Salvation. Thel watched and waved as Zeko boarded his ship and headed to the cockpit where he found his fireteam and a few other pilots from their other ship, including the Shipmaster Dedus.

"Arbiter, where will we be heading next?" Baal asked standing by his side. Zeko looked towards the sky before speaking.

"Onyx." He mumbled.

Knock-Knock chimed in.

"Onyx? Is that something I can eat?" He said. Everyone on in the cockpit literally sighed from fatigue of him and an awkward silence loomed. Dedus soon broke that silence.

"Arbiter, the coordinates for the joint controlled, former shield world, Onyx had been inputted. On your command, we shall depart from Sanghelios," He said calmly.

Zeko nodded in understanding and ordered the take-off of The Sword of Salvation.

"It'll take four days before we arrive. In the meantime, I think I'll go get Taili to build me something. It's better than sticking around here and listening to Knock-Knock's icy love stories." Baal stated beginning to leave the bridge. Zeko stood from his seat and followed.

"Good idea, Baal. I'll come with." He stated soon leaving with Baal.

"Knock-Knocks stories aren't that bad. I think you all are just overreacting," Asterisk stated with slight laughter in her voice. Gal pretended to pull his gun and shoot himself in the head only to immediately play dead. All the while, Knock-Knock could be heard laughing.

I'll never understand how Zeko deals with these people on a daily basis. Dedus thought with an awkward expression on his face.

Meanwhile somewhere on the Infinity Admiral Osman is standing in an office as she looks out the window towards the star-filled space.

I believe it's time I made Fireteam Scarb a reality. It'll be a good step towards improving Human and Sangheili relations, and more importantly a final dagger in the heart of what will soon be the forgotten Covenant, she thought.

A few soldier profiles appeared laid on her desk as she continued to look out at space. She then smirks and slowly heads back to the desk to carefully examine them once again.

Alexandra C. Nebulus, interesting… She thought.

TO BE CONTINUED!

OddslayerFenrir: The Story will continue in the next chapter! By all means, don't let this be your only reading of this chapter, it will be updated as time progresses, some things will change, others won't. My only wish is to know how you felt about it, so don't be afraid to leave a review, woof!

EAKsymphony: We look forward to seeing you in the next chapter.

Times Updated Post Release: 3