Dawn sat there on the floor, staring at the Elite as he addressed her.
"Kruk was a fool, he didn't see the brilliance in my plan. He meant to kill you, and your mother." the Elite clenched his hand into a fist. "Take solace in knowing you will not be harmed here. You are crucial to my plan."
"Be wary, however." the Elite growled. "Any sign of resistance will be seen as hostile, and you will be... dealt with. Now then, Major, place our 'guest' in the cell."
"Ship Master." Dawn said quietly, eliciting a curious look from the Elite. "How did you save me? I was flung out that window."
"Ah, you don't know about our gravity lifts." the Elite nodded. "I expected more knowledge of our race from the daughter of the Warrior."
"That Lich that chased you?" the Elite continued. "That's where you are now. Now no more talk."
As Dawn thought about it, she did remember seeing a green light as she was falling. Had the ship been cloaked while she fell? Thanking her lucky stars, she also came to the realization that she was now a prisoner.
"Mom." Dawn whispered to herself, worried that her mother thought she was dead.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
"The Pelican's on the roof." David said to Wyatt. "We need to get my mom off this planet."
"No." Autumn shook her head. "I was bringing her to the Embassy, where I could get some armor. I need to go there, please."
"Mom, that's not a good idea." Naomi hugged Autumn tighter. "Dad's going to be upset as it is. If you're still in play when he shows up... he'll tear this whole city apart."
"I deserve it then." Autumn said, staring at the window. "It was the first time in a very long time I got to spend alone time with her. Now... I can't even bring myself to say her name."
"It wasn't your fault, ma'am." Wyatt shook his head. "I was careless coming around that corner. I am a failure as a Spartan, and as a body guard."
"
You left your comm. on. What are you talking about? a gruff voice barked.
David, Naomi, Wyatt, and even Autumn's eyes widened when they heard Blaine's voice in the comm.
"How is he able to pick us up?" Autumn asked. "Oh god."
"
Sitrep Warrant Officer, have you, or have you not found my wife and daughter?!" Blaine's voice boomed out of Wyatt's comm.
"Admiral, he can't respond. He told me a Covenant glassing beam fried his comm. He can receive, but he can't send, sir."
"
David, what the hell are you doing on that planet? Blaine's voice growled. "
I thought you and Naomi were on an OP?"
"Sir, I'm sorry. We were in the system for our Operation. It was completed, but that's when we picked up the Aura's distress signal."
"
Fine, then tell me. Is Autumn with Wyatt?"
Autumn stared at David, who slowly nodded his head. Tapping a few buttons on his wrist, a microphone icon appeared.
"
Autumn, are you there sweetheart? Blaine asked.
"Y-yes. I'm here." Autumn said, defeated.
"
Is Dawn with you?" Autumn had only heard this bluntness from Blaine once in her life, it was a tone she never liked.
Autumn sat there, frozen. Tears continued to cascade down her cheek, as she stared at the floor, curling her fingers into the carpet.
"
I hear you crying." Blaine sighed, as she could audibly hear his teeth grind. "
WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO DAWN?!"
"Dad, please." Naomi replied. "Mom tried her best."
"
Tried her BEST?!" Blaine said. "
I want a straight answer now. WHERE. IS. MY. DAUGHTER?!"
"Blaine." Autumn cried. "We were on our way to an LZ, an Elite ambushed us... and-"
"
No...." Blaine said quietly. "
No no no. Don't say it. Don't you say it."
"She's gone sir." Wyatt shook his head. "The Elite broadsided me, and he... threw her out the window."
"
Nav." Blaine said. "
I want all available Golden Eagles, Pelicans, even Hornets/Falcons prepped and ready to extract civilians. I want Spartan teams on the ground, and I want them to...find her body. Tell the bridge to prime weapon systems, anyone not allied with the UNSC will burn today."
"Admiral, how are you talking to us? The Aura says there is no other UNSC ships in system?"
"
I'm on the Odin's Judgement, Autumn'll know what that means." Blaine sighed. "
Can you three at least get Autumn to safety?"
"Yes sir." David nodded.
"Blaine." Autumn frowned. "I know you hate me. I know you'll never forgive me, I'm so sorry."
"
I don't hate you, I could never hate you. I regret not being here to help her though, I regret not insisting you have your armor."
Autumn sighed with relief, as the shakes from her crying continued to kick in.
"What does that mean, he's on the Odin's Judgement?" Wyatt asked.
"It's a prototype Infinity Class vessel. Something Blaine is making to be the second Flagship for the UNSC fleet. It has Forerunner crystals in the slipspace drive. Making the four hour trip to New Italy only an hour." Autumn sobbed. "It's comm. range can also last much, much farther. It can also work while inside of Slipspace, which is where I imagine he is."
"Hey guys." Naomi said, turning from the opened window, her DMR now at rest by her side. "I've got good news, and bad news."
"It can't get much worse, can it?" Autumn shook her head.
"It's much better than what we originally thought." Naomi shrugged. "There's no blood on the pavement, like, anywhere down there."
"Wait, that means-" David started.
"Dawn's not..." Autumn smiled. "Blaine, BLAINE?!"
"
I heard that, but no UNSC personnel have picked up anyone of her description on the Aura. Aura's bridge just said that the Arbiter's men haven't seen her either." Blaine sighed. "
The only thing capable of saving someone from a fall like that is a grav lift."
"The Lich." Autumn said, turning to Wyatt. "They've captured Dawn."
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
When Dawn next awoke, she found herself in a UNSC made building. In fact, it had been an old prison from before the Covenant Human war. Her hands had been shackled above her head, but what really confused her, was the Sangheili sitting beside her. The beast's breaths were sharp, and it's eyes were closed. Curious still, the Elite's hands had been shackled too, but by plasma binders.
Why did they bother to bind me in metal, but this Sangheili in plasma? Dawn asked herself.
"I can hear your breathing, human." the Elite said, causing Dawn to squeal in surprise. "You have no reason to fear me, we are on the same side. I was a youth delegate for the summit. I was not present, as I had been on the Serenity of Night being held by Ship Master Xecse."
"That was that big Elite I saw earlier, in the ornate armor."
"Indeed, he was a High Counselor once, but he opposed much of what the Arbiter has preached about a Sangheili Human alliance after all of these years. As a show of respect, however, the Arbiter removed him from the counsel, and made him a Ship Master." the Sangheili shook their head. "He was not a fan of the Human's Admiral of Fleets, as he had fought him on the fields of battle numerous times before the alliance."
Dad. Dawn frowned, this had all been a vendetta against her father?
"Xecse believes that an alliance between our races is impure and a disgrace to our ancestors. Forerunners forgive me, but he is wrong. Humanity and the Sangheili, back in the time the Forerunners walked with us, had been a united pair of races. As had the San Shyuum and Humans."
"What do they plan to do with us?"
"It's simple." the Elite said bluntly. "They intend to publically execute us. I will be killed by a Human weapon, and you will be killed by a Sangheili weapon, likely a plasma pistol. News of this will spread between our species, and another war will erupt."
"We can't let them do this." Dawn shook her head. "There has to be something we can do!"
"I am bound, shameful rats tying up a Warrior. They are but mere cowards."
Dawn frowned, glancing up at the metal shackles holding her in place. Tugging as much as she could, she grit her teeth as the metal began to rub on her skin, causing a lot of pain.
"Might as well get comfortable, Human." the Elite sighed. "I don't know much of your culture, but if you have Gods you believe in, I would pray to them now."
"I have a name." Dawn shook her head, as the Elite looked curiously over towards her. "In Human culture, we introduce ourselves. Even if we are meeting once. My name is Dawn."
"I see." the Elite nodded. "I shall humor your culture, as a sign of respect. I am known as Lasp, I am daughter of a High Councillor for the Arbiter."
"Woah." Dawn said. "That's quite the title. But, wait. You said you were a female of your race?"
"Yes." Lasp nodded. "I know it is rare for you Humans to encounter a female of our species, but I am indeed a female. It was the belief of the Arbiter that sending one of our races Females would help strengthen the treaty between our peoples. As if to show there was nothing for us to hide."
"Very noble of you." Dawn smiled. "Well met, Lasp."
"Indeed, as it is a pleasure to meet you, Dawn." Lasp turned her head. "It is a shame it was under these circumstances."
"Well." Dawn frowned. "There must be something we can do."
Lasp stood, beginning to pace. Dawn glanced up, watching as the Elite paced back and forth. Glancing at the armored hooves, Dawn's eyes flickered, a smile forming on her face.
"They didn't bother to shackle your feet?" Dawn asked, as Lasp shook her head. "Then they are pretty stupid. Quickly, kick my restraints!"
Holding her arms apart, Dawn put her head down. The chains from the restraint were held taut. Lasp nodded in understanding.
"Keep your head down, and I shall break these primitive restraints."
Dawn did as she was told, flinching only when the chains above her head shattered, the force of the blow shaking her arms slightly. Nursing her slightly bruised wrists, Dawn stood, a grin rivaled only by her father sewn on her face.
"Let me have a look at that restraint." Dawn said. "It acts a lot like a Chinese finger trap. The more you restrain, the tighter they get."
Grabbing as hard as she could onto the metal ring encompassing Lasp's wrist, Dawn grunted as she began tugging in separate directions. It was then that she heard the metal of the ring groan from the stress. Using the last of her inherited Spartan strength, Dawn ripped one of the rings off of Lasp's hands. With one hand freed, Lasp gripped the other ring, assisting Dawn in tearing it off.
"Being the first Human I've met, you're setting a great example for your people." Lasp mused, in a tone that sounded approving. "I am ashamed that the majority of the Sangheili you've encountered are showing you our not so kind side."
"I've met the Arbiter, he is the example by which I've judged all good Sangheili." Dawn smiled. "Now c'mon, if we can get to a radio, I'm sure we can call for help."
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
One Hour Later Blaine stood before the SOEIV Pod he had prepared for the drop into New Italy. He had just finished transmitting with David, Naomi, Wyatt, and Autumn. They had successfully reached the ground level, and confirmed that Dawn had not... Blaine didn't want to think about it.
After his teams of Spartans had touched down on the planet, the Covenant that had betrayed the Arbiter had almost been completely wiped out, but there had been no sign of Dawn anywhere. With their ship destroyed, he knew they were hidden on the planet somewhere More importantly, he knew they were still within the city.
Before he could climb in, however, he felt a hand tap his shoulder.
"I'm going with you." the familiar voice said. "This injustice has spoiled the honor of the Sangheili, it will only be amended if I help you destroy these worms."
"Then get in a pod, I just got a transmission from my girl." Blaine said. "It'll be like old times."
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Minutes prior.Lasp roared as she turned the Energy Sword in her right hand off, the Sangheili trio that had ambushed them lying in a heap towards the middle of them. Dawn's heart raced, much like her father had said, she did not host the necessary military training.
However, she knew that their odds of survival were greater if she had armed herself. As such, she used a Plasma Pistol she had stolen from their prison guard, which had been a lowly, fearful Grunt. With Lasp's tutelage, she was able to fire the weapon much more safely than she had hours before.
"There." Lasp said, pointing to the far wall. "It's a communicator! What's the channel for your fleet?"
"I think Dad said it was Alpha Zulu Foxtrot Tango."
"Those mean nothing to me." Lasp sighed. "We only use numbers."
"Well, I think it might translate if we make the human letters into numbers." Dawn said, scratching the back of her head. "Alpha is A, which would be the first letter. Zulu is Z, being the twenty-fifth. Foxtrot is F, and Tango is T. F is sixth, and T is nineteenth. Try One-Two-Five-Six-One-Nine."
After a frantic moment of typing, there was a crackle.
"
Sir, we've received a transmission from an unknown source."
"
Designate yourself. Blaine's voice barked.
"Designate Valkyrie." Dawn said, rushing up to the communicator, much to Lasp's surprise.
"
Dawn?! Where are you at, can you tell?!"
"I can't say for certain, although the building itself seems like an old time prison. Please hurry, we escaped, but more of them are coming."
"
There's more than one of you? Who else is there?"
"My name is Lasp, my father serves loyally on the counsel of the Arbiter. Though I've never met my father, I am certain you've met him. I was a youth delegate for the summit."
"
I've traced the location of your call, Valkyrie. Sit tight, I'm coming."
With that, the line died. Dawn turned to Lasp, who nodded. There was a banging noise on the far end of the room, no doubt from the door Lasp had sealed shut with a Plasma Rifle.
"Y'know, you've never mentioned a last name. Do any Sangheili people have them?"
"Yes, but like most Sangheili, I never actually met my father." Lasp clicked her mandibles together.
"How awful." Dawn shook her head.
The banging on the door increased, before it finally burst. A pair of deep blue armored creatures entered the room, lumbering past Xecse, who shook his head.
"So you have tried to elude me, to try to spoil my plans? It's unfortunate yes, but I do happen to have something at my disposal."
The Elite lifted the DMR in his hands. Dawn's eyes widened, while Lasp tensed.
"You've sullied your once good name Xecse, why did you do this?"
"The UNSC's Admiral of Fleets was an enemy of mine once, when I engaged him on the battlefield, of the numerous times I have successfully survived, he would kill our race without mercy."
"It was on one fateful encounter with him, that the Admiral had actually
recruited one of our people. A Sangheili that had been marked as a Heretic for
sparing the very Spartan that recruited him. This same Spartan, who killed without regard for our people, then attempted to make NICE with us?" Xecse's clasp on the weapon tightened. "To add insult to injury, he has been widely regarded in Sangheili culture as a Legendary Warrior, and for our youth, he is regarded as a hero. Do you not agree with these claims?"
Dawn turned to Lasp, who closed her eyes with a nod.
"It is true, the stories I have heard of the Admiral of Fleets have at one point brought me inspiration. It is why I became a swordswoman, to defend my Father's keep. With hopes to be on the Arbiter's counsel on day, in hopes that I would meet the Legendary All-Father."
"At first, our people didn't agree with the Arbiter. There was a massive civil war, and our people were killed on their own soil, by their OWN people. To preserve this impure alliance with the pink apes, our own people had a WAR." Xecse said, pointing the gun towards Lasp. "Our Ancestors died out when the Forerunners walked with us, because they did not approve of an alliance between our races. It was the will of the Gods!"
"The Forerunners wiped out our species to stop the Flood." Dawn shook her head. "Forerunner ruins said so, extensive years of research is proof."
"Do you not see, child?!" Xecse growled. "The Humans even defile the sacred ruins of the Gods for their own selfish needs. Why would we ally with these heretical, inferior creatures."
"Nothing about this human beside me is inferior." Lasp snapped back. "She may lack the full strength of a warrior, nor does she stand at my height. But her intelligence, her ability to survive, that is what makes her a Warrior. She is not my inferior, she is my equal."
Lasp turned her head to face Dawn, performing the Sangheili equivalent of a smile.
"I would even go so far as to call her a friend." Lasp continued. "As such, I shall die protecting her, if necessary."
"A pity." Xecse shrugged, firing the DMR into Lasp's leg, in an unarmored spot. "I can arrange that. Kill the human."
The pair of Hunters growled, their weapons glowing green on the front. Before they could fire, however, there was a high pitched screeching noise emnating from the communicator behind Dawn. Dawn covered her ears, while Xecse flinched. The two Hunters roared, the worms composing their bodies slipped out of the armor in their stunned state.
There was a crackle, as music began to fill the room.
'Cause I'm FREE!
FREE FALLIN'!
Yeah I'm Free!
FREE FALLIN'!
"What is that infuriating racket?!" Xecse growled, his stolen DMR cascading to the floor.
The roof above them shattered, as a pair of metal pods crashed down. One Hunter, it's worms having reformed it's body, grunted as a pod landed on top of it, effectively killing it.
The music stopped, as the door from the pod on top of the Hunter burst open, smashing the chest of the Hunter.
"Who is this?" Lasp turned to Dawn, who smiled as the red and blue armored Spartan stepped out of the pod.
"That's my Dad." Dawn grinned. "Hey Xecse, hope you wanted to see your Gods sooner!"
"If he's lucky enough to see anything at all when I'm done with him, that is." Blaine growled, cracking his knuckles.
"You came unarmed, that's foolish. Especially for the Leader of the Human's military." Xecse turned to the Hunter, which stood, dazed.
"You clearly have a shit memory,
hinge head." Blaine grit his teeth. "My fists ARE my weapons."
"Dad..." Dawn said, turning her head towards Lasp, as Lasp raised a hand.
"It's fine. I know the insult is not meant for me." Lasp shakily stood, as the other Pod opened slowly.
"Accursed pod." the other Sangheili growled, stomping out. "How you Humans do it, I cannot say for certain. Deal with the Mgalekolo, I'll tend to Xecse."
"You got it Anch, but I won't be long."
"Anch..." Lasp's eyes widened. "Anch 'Ibort?"
"Anch 'Ibort, the Arbiter's Right hand. Highest Councilor in the Arbiter's Counsel." Anch turned momentarily towards Lasp. "-and you, young Warrior?"
"Lasp..." she clicked her mandibles. "Lasp 'Ibort."
"Now this... I wasn't expecting." Blaine chuckled. "You have a kid, Anch?"
"A daughter, though Sangheili culture prevents me from meeting her." Anch shook his head. "Gods, this is a blessing."
"Enough." Xecse said, reclaiming the DMR. "It'll be better killing you all here and now, and blame your respective races for it."
The Hunter growled it's weapon charging, Blaine leaned down on his haunches, before sprinting directly at the Hunter. Priming his left shoulder, Blaine smashed his shoulder into the Hunter's chest plate, actually denting the metal. Wrapping his powerful hands around the beast's shield, he planted his left boot firmly in the dented chest plate. Pulling with all of his might, Dawn listened as the Mgalekolo worms shrieked, ripped straight from their body.
Brandishing his new shield, Blaine held the Hunter's shield in front of him, the plasma spray from it's beam practically unaffecting the mysterious alloy. Swinging it mightily, Blaine's shield made purchase on the Hunter's head, snapping it backwards. Spinning on his boots, he pushed the front, almost pointed edge of the shield into the dented metal. The Hunter backed up to the wall from the force, growling from the blow, before the shield pierced it's armor. With one last gutteral roar, the behemoth became limp.
"He just.... destroyed that Mgalekolo, and he didn't break a sweat." Lasp said, as Anch and Xecse swung their swords at one another. "Some of the most skilled Sangheili have trouble combating them, minus the first Arbiter."
Dawn, deciding she didn't want to be left out, squeezed the trigger from the Plasma Pistol in her hand. The orb of green began to form, enough the energy shields would pop, but not enough to burn her hands when she released it. Releasing the blob, it homed in on it's target, a slight glow of gold encompassing it, as it struck Xecse in the chest.
"Anch, please." Blaine said as Xecse flinched from the shot, Anch slicing Xecse's sword hand off. "Tend to Lasp and Dawn. I won't be long."
"What do you plan to do? Kill me like many other of my race? Then act like their friend?!"
"Oh no, I don't plan to kill you." Blaine cracked his neck. "First, I'm going to make you suffer for laying your filthy hands on my daughter. Then, I'm going to fucking
destroy you."
Lashing out with his right boot, Blaine smashed Xecse in the chest, launching him into the next room. Pausing for a moment, the Spartan turned, his helmet deforming. Salt and pepper hair was the first thing that greeted Dawn and Lasp, as intense blue eyes, now outlined with gold, stared at them.
"For those with sensitive stomachs, cover your ears now." he grinned. "Be right back."
Dawn watched as her father continued into the next room, helmet completely off. Lasp stood, as if to assist the Spartan, Anch placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I know little about you, child." Anch said. "But I do know that you will NOT wish to witness this. I have fought alongside the Admiral of Fleets in combat, once upon a time. When he promises you death, the word 'mercy' leaves his vocabulary."
Almost on cue, the trio could hear a slamming of something against metal in the other room. There was the tell-tale Sangheili gargle of pain, followed by the sound of fresh asparagus snapping.
"What'sa matter, boyo?" Dawn heard her father taunt from the other room. "I thought you'd be a Warrior, not a PEASANT. C'mon, fight me!"
There was another loud thump, and another sickening crunch.
"You're right, you're totally missing a hand. Tell you what, I'll put one hand behind my back." Blaine chuckled. "Oooh, now biting just wasn't. very. NICE!"
There was another thump, before the trio jumped. Xecse, battered, broken, and beaten, came sliding across the floor. Laying there, purple blood splattered his combat harness. Xecse coughed, more blood drizzling through his mandibles. Blaine stomped in through the door, his pupils all but gold now.
"Where'd you go buddy? I wasn't DONE with you!"
Xecse whimpered, lifting his one remaining hand to his face, as the Spartan drew nearer. Turning to Anch, the Elite pleaded.
"Tell him of the tales of glorious battle we were in. If he truly observed our culture, tell him to grant me at least a Warrior's death!"
"You grovel to me, begging me to tell the All-Father to grant you the blessing of a Warrior's death. After you kidnapped his Daughter, used her as bait for your plan to break everything he's worked sixteen cycles on, not to mention kidnapping MY Daughter as well. In favor of
my race's alliance with the Humans, I will say;
You're fucked."
Blaine grabbed the Elite's right hoof, dragging him back to the other room. Xecse screamed the entire way, scratching at the floor with his remaining hand. Dawn felt a little remorse for him, until she remembered just what damage the Elite had caused for the town, her parents, and the Sangheili.
There was more slamming, screams of tortured pain, and snapping of bones. Eventually, they could hear the gargling of liquid filled choking in the next room.
"Shhhh... shhhh. Send the Didact my regards boyo, m'kay?"
Walking back into the other room, Dawn's eyes watered, as she sprinted towards Blaine. Jumping up, she wrapped her arms around his neck, as he knelt to the floor. Placing a massive hand behind her head, the Spartan sank to the floor with her, rubbing her back.
"It's okay now kiddo. Daddy's here."
"I'm so sorry Daddy." she cried. "You were right, I shouldn't have come."
"That's not your fault. Your mother was right, I can't keep you so sheltered. I have to let you experience your life." Blaine shook his head. "I'm sorry that your first experience had to be this, though. Besides, I think you made a friend."
Lasp performed the Sangheili attempt of a smile, before turning to Anch.
"Right hand of the Arbiter, it is a pleasure." she bowed.
"Nonesense child. The pleasure is mine." Anch returned the bow. "But let us observe Human culture for once. Call me... Dad."
With that, Lasp wrapped her arms around Anch, who stared at the far wall in confusion. After a second, he returned the hug, which felt foreign, yet correct, to him.
"Come on then." Blaine stood, wrapping one arm around Dawn's shoulder. "My Spartans finished cleaning this town of the betrayers. Xecse was all alone for the past hour, and he didn't even realize it."
"The Peace summit was in closing." Anch shook his head. "It is also likely that the Arbiter has returned to Sangheilios as a precaution."
"I see." Blaine nodded with a chuckle. "I was too busy being bored out of my fucking mind in a meeting."
With that, the four exited the building through another entrance, so as to prevent them from seeing the pile that was likely Xecse. Sure enough, a Golden Eagle's rear hatch opened, as Autumn stood. The wind billowing through her hair, as she stood there. David and Naomi stood to her sides, with Wyatt planted in a seat.
Running up the ramp, Dawn wrapped her arms around Autumn's neck, hugging her mother tightly. Anch and Lasp walked up the ramp, Lasp absorbing the new experience like a young child at an observatory.
"I thought I lost you." Autumn said, while David and Naomi slowly wrapped their arms around the two of them. "I'm so sorry sweetie."
"I'm fine, Mom." Dawn smiled, a sob escaping here and there.
She peeled off of her mother, however, as she took a look at Wyatt. The young blonde haired man stood there, rubbing a hand over his buzzcut. His elbows rested on his knees, as the AI in his armor played a song in his suit, which echoed throughout the troop bay.
Song is 'Wrong Side of Heaven' by Five Finger Death Punch
I spoke to God today, and she said that she's ashamed.
What have I become, what have I done?
I spoke to the Devil today, and he swears he's not to blame.
And I understood, cause I feel the same.
Dawn slowly walked over, as Wyatt turned to face her, a meek smile on his face. She sat beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. A tear ran down the Spartan's face, as he turned towards the picture in his hand.
Arms wide open, I stand alone.
I'm no hero, and I'm not made of stone.
Right or wrong, I can hardly tell.
I'm on the wrong side of heaven, and the righteous side of hell.
The wrong side of heaven, and the righteous side, righteous side of hell.
Placing her hand gingerly in his armored hand, Dawn frowned. She used her spare hand to gently wipe the tear away. At her kindness, Wyatt began to smile a bit. With his smile beginning to form, Dawn smiled back at him, wrapping her arm around his neck.
"Angela was a hero, and so are you." Dawn cried into his ear. "If it brings you comfort, I will never forget her for as long as I live."
At that sentence, Wyatt's head drooped, tears began flowing down his cheeks. He returned the hug, squeezing the picture of Angela in his hand.
"She was beautiful, and she was so excited whenever Blaine asked us to baby sit you." Wyatt sobbed. "We both viewed you as our surrogate daughter, until we both could have our own."
"Wyatt." Blaine said, stepping forward, sitting on the opposite side of Wyatt. "Your fiance's sacrifice to save my daughter is a price that I will never be able to repay. What I can promise you, is that she will always be known as a hero, the Sangheili will know of her heroics as well. Take some leave time, and if you need anything, my family is always in your debt."
Wyatt stared at Blaine, whom had been a hero of his in the Covenant War.
"Thank you Admir-"
"I'm going to stop you there, son." Blaine shook his head. "You don't thank me. I'm thanking you. You lost a great deal today, Spartan, to protect the Daughter of someone you hardly know."
"Negative sir." Wyatt shook his head. "We protected the little girl we came to know as our temporary daughter. The daughter of our Hero. If she was still with us, I know she'd do it again in a heartbeat. As would I."
"This is why you are one hell of a man, Wyatt." Blaine said, placing a hand firmly on the Spartan's back. "You are welcome to visit Dawn at any time, assuming she'll have you?"
Dawn nodded, as she hugged Wyatt tighter.
Arms wide open, I stand alone.
I'm no hero, and I'm not made of stone.
Right or wrong, I can hardly tell.
I'm on the wrong side of heaven, and the righteous side of hell.
The wrong side of heaven, and the righteous side of hell.
The wrong side of heaven, and the righteous side, the righteous side of hell.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
The following day Wyatt shifted uncomfortably, he had spent so much time in his Spartan armor, that his civilian clothes felt foreign to him. Blaine chuckled, gently patting him on the back, as Dawn, Autumn, even Anch and Lasp walked behind them.
"I can't believe you invited me to come along with you, Admiral."
"For all your service? You deserve much more." Blaine nodded. "Hell, everyone that serves the UNSC deserves something for their service. Unfortunately, I can't control that."
"What even is this place, Dawn?" Lasp asked, walking up beside Dawn.
"Oh that's right, Sangheili don't have amusement parks on Sangheilios, do they?" Dawn chuckled. "It's a place for families to go on vacations, to relieve their stresses. They have rides you can take for thrills, they have food galore, and sometimes you can even see professional performers."
"Yes." Autumn nodded. "God knows I need some stress relief."
With that, the day proceeded with thrills, food, and 'high quality' entertainment. Blaine and Dawn had a blast smashing Anch and Lasp in bumper cars, while Wyatt and Autumn tested each other's marksmanship at the arcade.
For once in a very long time, it seemed that peace could finally exist in the Galaxy, and Dawn couldn't have been happier.
Fin
