Halo: Let It Die (Book 4, Arbiter x Female human series)

Chapter 25: Announcment

After building up her courage, Bria walked out of Cassie's office with her chest out and went to find Thel. She was quickly disappointed when he wasn't where she last saw him, or anywhere she thought he would be. She hoped he was okay.

     "Bria, just the woman I was looking for." Tyra walked up to her.

     Bria would admit she felt a little frustrated, she didn't want to get distracted.

     "I hope you're feeling better, I have information for our mission to the moon. Don't worry, I didn't run it by Price, this will be a private mission." She said.

     "Do you know where Thel went off to?" Bria cut Tyra off.

     The question took Tyra by surprise. "Uh yeah, he went to a briefing on Sangheilios."

     Of course, he did.

     "Do you know when he will be back? It's kind of urgent." Bria said quickly.

     "It should only be an hour or so. Is everything okay?" Tyra asked. "I can deliver a message if you need me to."

     The wall of fear grew in Bria's consciousness.

     Bria nodded but felt like crying. "Yeah. Yeah, I guess it's not that urgent..."

     "Okay." Tyra looked at her. "You know, I'll give you some time and send you the plans. Just let me know when you're ready to go." She walked off.

     Bria sulked and walked back to her living quarters. She sat down on a folded chair and patiently waited for Thel to get back.

     She patted her belly. She couldn't believe that she was going to be a mother. She always dreamed of being one, but never thought it would be possible. Especially with her powers and especially since she was torn apart and put back together again. She hoped she wouldn't run into any complications.

     Her whole body was trembling. Even though Cassie reassured her it would be alright, she was still scared.

     What if Thel hated her because of it? What if he forced her to get rid of it? What if it ruined both of their lives? What if she couldn't handle it?

     A million questions ran through her mind all at once and almost every one of them was negative.

      Was Thel going to abandon her? Was he going to reject her and her new child?

      She jumped as she heard her door open. Thel quickly walked in looking frustrated. Bria's body immediately tensed up.

     "Hi!" She said nervously.

     He looked at her and it seemed like he released some tension. "Hello, my love. How are you feeling?" He asked and placed a tablet on the table.

     She looked at the tablet, wondering what was on there. "Uh fine. Are you okay?"

     Thel sighed. "It's just issues about the Swords loyalty."

     Bria raised an eyebrow. "Well, I would hope they're loyal to you."

     Thel sat down on Bria's bed. "Indeed, but they're just questioning their leadership. I've been spending so much time with you, that I have not been able to focus on serious matters."

     "Oh..." Bria's shoulders slumped.

     "I'm sorry I've been selfish. I've been so worried about Kyle getting to you." He said and looked at her. "I know you are more than capable of taking care of yourself."

     "Right. About that..." she started.

     "I will not be accompanying you to the mission to the moon." He said.

     Bria was taken aback. "W-what?"

     "Please do not be offended. I have a lot to do with the Swords. I will be taking Tyra with me as well, I assume your sister and Spartan Buck will accompany you?" He said.

      She knew she shouldn't, but she did feel offended. "Y-yeah..."

     "Now, Tyra said you had an urgent message?" He asked.

     "Umm..."

     The wall of fear got thicker.

     "No, uh, just wanted to let you know that I was okay." She said slowly.

     "Good. I was concerned when Cassie took you in. But I know you always pull through." He rested a hand on the side of her face.

     "R-right..." she stuttered.

     He stood up. "I will be leaving soon. I trust you will be okay, but if you need me, you know where to find me."

     He started to walk out but she quickly stopped him. "W-wait..."

     He turned and looked at her. "Yes?"

     She looked at his golden eyes. She didn't want to tell him. Not at all.

      "I love you." She said. "Be safe out there."

     He pulled her into a loving embrace. "I love you too. I will be safe as long as I can look forward to coming back to you." He pulled away.

     Maybe a little bit more by then... she thought.

     "Oh." He turned and pulled something out of his armor. "I think you've been missing a piece of you." He pulled out the necklace that he made for her on Sangheilios.

     She gasped and took it. "I thought Kyle destroyed this. Where did you find it?" She hooked it around her neck.

      "I've had it ever since you died." He replied.

     "So you've been carrying it with you?" She asked.

     "Yes. I apologize that I haven't given it to you sooner, I guess I was used to having it with me." He said.

      She brought him down to her level and kissed the side of his face. "Thank you, Thel." She smiled.

     "Anything for you, my love." He rested his hand on her face again. "As hard as it is to leave you, I must."

     Bria felt the crystal on the necklace. Felt like a part of her was missing. "I understand."

     She watched him leave her room and threw herself on her bed.

     This was going to be more complicated than she thought.