Equispartans II

Chapters

Chapter 1-Awakening
Chapter 3-First Strike
Chapter 4-Into the Dark
Chapter 5-Tonight, We Go To War
Chapter 6-Last Resort
Chapter 7-Frontline
Chapter 8-Extraction
Chapter 9-Oracles
Chapter 10-Steel Shard Academy
Chapter 11-Steel Shard Academy, Part II
Chapter 12-Steel Shad Academy, Part III
Chapter 13-Viceroy
Chapter 14-Lost and Found
Chapter 16-Guardian
Chapter 17-Endgame
Chapter 18-Atriox
Chapter 19-The Attack on Canterlot, Part 1
Chapter 20-The Attack on Canterlot, Part 2
Chapter 2-Helljumper
Chapter 15-Catching Up

Chapter 1-Awakening

As the Infinity sped through Slipspace, Lasky looked over at Roland. “Can you patch me through to Princess Twilight’s datapad?”

“I can, but why?”

“She needs to know.”

Roland smiled and chuckled. “Good enough for me. Patching you in now.”

======================================================

Twilight woke to a faint buzzing. She at first thought a bug had gotten into her bedroom, but then she looked over at the datapad Chris-0438 had given her. She thought she had turned it off, but the supposed black screen was now a bright blue. She picked it up and looked at it.

INCOMING MESSAGE-CAPTAIN THOMAS LASKY-UNSC INFINITY

Twilight smiled and opened the channel. “Captain, are you there?”

“Princess! God, it’s great to hear your voice.”

“How are things going?”

“Twilight, I can’t put this politely. Everything’s gone to shit on our end. You know of the Master Chief, correct?”

“Yes...but…”

“He had an AI companion called Cortana. Cortana’s unique in a lot of ways. She’s also the only AI ever generated from living tissue. A complete clone of the brain of Doctor Catherine Halsey.”

“I know that. I read the Master Chief’s file and the files on Halsey. Didn’t Cortana go rampant and then die during the first Battle of Requiem?”

“That’s incorrect. She’s alive. She was teleported through slipspace to a Forerunner world, designation Genesis. Somehow, she was cured of her rampancy, and she’s gone batshit insane. She’s proclaimed AI’s to be superior to humans, and she’s got a whole ARMY of Prometheans and UNSC AI’s backing her up on that… She and the other AI’s are turning everything haywire from Earth to the Outer Colonies. Everything’s gone to hell, Princess.”

Twilight gasped. “How…”

“We don’t know. A few of the AIs that have allied with Cortana have been shut down successfully, but we can’t do that to all the affected AIs without a good amount of time. We need a safe haven for the moment to hide out and prepare.”

“We’re ready, Captain Lasky.” Twilight said. “We're always ready for you!"

“Great. Expect ours and a few ships from the Covenant's arrival. Before you get worried, these Covies are with us. The forces on board are made up of the splinter faction that schismed during the Human-Covenant war. They’re on our side, and just to differentiate, their ships are painted white. The Covie infantry have white markings to designate friendly.”

“Alright. I’ll tell Celestia to rally and mobilize what forces we have. I think you’ll be surprised at what we’ve managed to reverse-engineer and make from the technology you left behind.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Infinity out.”

Twilight sighed, and walked out of her room towards Spike’s bedroom. “Spike! Wake up!”

The dragon sighed and blinked sleepily.

“We’re going to have guests really soon. Mind preparing for them? And I need to send an urgent letter.”

Spike yawned in response.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Thanks!” she said, sprinting downstairs. As Spike followed, Owlowiscious hooted sleepily.

“Hey, Owli. Go back to sleep, okay?” Twilight said.

Owlowiscious hooted, and closed his eyes.

Twilight smiled and pulled out a quill and paper…

======================================================

As the planet Equis came into view. Lasky smiled.

“Feeling nostalgic, Captain?” Roland quipped.

“A little.” Lasky replied.

Roland nodded. “I’ve managed to take the Infinity off the Fleetcom network and onto a server I set up myself. Cortana’s already infected most of the Fleetcom AIs, so by doing this, we can’t be tracked by UNSC gear. Plus, as the Server administrator, I control who has access. So, if old Corty tries to get in, I’ll know.”

“Good. Lasky said.”

“By the way, Fireteam Crimson is approaching the bridge.”

As the doors opened, Chris, Grant, Evan, Ken, David, and Noble Six entered, and saluted.

“Fireteam Crimson, reporting.” Chris said.

“At ease. Alright, Crimson. I’m assigning you to a joint fireteam with Fireteam Osiris and Blue Team. As soon as they arrive, grab them and head to the surface.”

“Ponyville?” Chris asked.

“Right. Twilight’s already alerted Celestia about our situation, and she’s mobilized the Equestrian Defense Corps, their militia. The Infinity will land when the Covie backup forces arrive. The Arbiter managed to gather a few Covie ships and around 9,500 troops to support.”

“Then why are we hiding?” Ken asked.

Lasky sighed. “ Thing is, Spartan, for the moment, we’re on our own. Most UNSC ships capable of delivering reinforcements are bogged down with their infected AIs, don’t know how to access Equis, or both. The Dawes, Red Rider, and the Allegiant are all saying once they get their AI’s under control, they’ll try to get here. Most available ships are rescuing forces from worlds visited by the Wardens.”

“Got it. Anything else?”

“That’s all. Dismissed.”

As Fireteam Crimson filed out, Lasky turned and looked back towards Equis. He sighed and looked down. “May God help us all.”

As the familiar WOOSH of ships leaving Slipspace echoed around them, three Covenant corvettes and one carrier took up defensive positions around the Infinity. As Lasky looked over at them, he smiled.

"Captain! Commander Palmer, on comms!" Roland said.

"Patch her through."

As Palmer's worn and dirtied face appeared on the screen, she sighed. "Good. You're safe, Captain."

Lasky chuckled. "It would be stupid to say we aren't safe, Commander. What's the status of Fireteam Osiris and Blue team?"

"They're heading down with the Arbiter to link up with Crimson on the surface. Shouldn't be long now."

"Good. Return to the Infinity when you can."

"Copy that. Palmer out."

As the image faded, Lasky sighed and looked at Roland. "Think we can save this world twice?"

"I'd bet on it, Captain." Roland replied.

==========================================================

As Twilight and her friends stood in Ponyville plaza, the two Pelicans descended slowly. The noise of their engines caused lights to turn on in several homes, then they turned off. As the doors opened, Twilight smiled.

"Hey, Princess!"

"Chris!"

The Spartan and Pony looked at each other, and Chris sat down.

"How's life here on Equis?"

"Just beaming. You?"

"Discount the genocidal AI, the mass system corruptions, and the Prometheans, you could say fine and dandy." Chris replied.

"Double that, Spartan 0438."

All eyes turned to the Black-armored Spartan standing near them, along with one red, one white, and one grey. Four others were green, and Twilight recognized the leader of the green Spartans as the Master Chief. The others, she didn't know.

"Who might you be? I don't think we've met." Twilight said.

"Jameson Locke. Office of Naval Intelligence, Spartan IV, leader of Fireteam Osiris. These are Spartans Buck, Tanaka, and Vale." he said, pointing them out.

"Pleasure." Tanaka said.

"Honor." Vale said as well.

"Nice to meet ya." Buck followed.

"And you must be the Master Chief. I've read a lot about you." Twilight said, extending her hood, which Chief shook.

"My reputation precedes me, then." Chief said in his soldierly voice. "Spartans Linda, Fred, and Kelly." he said. As introductions went around, Locke asked if there was anywhere private they could talk.

"My castle. I'll lead you there." Twilight said, with her and Crimson taking the lead. As the Spartans walked through the town, ponies watched with awe from the doorways. As they approached, Spike came out.

"Hey Twi? Are the guests..." he stopped, staring at the fourteen Spartans. "Here?"

"What are you? Some kind of lizard?" Buck asked.

"I'm a dragon, you know! I'm still a baby, though." Spike said.

"Doesn't matter to me." Locke said, patting Spike on the head. As they walked in, the Spartans sat themselves down at the table while Spike ran into the kitchen, and came back with a few pots of coffee, to the great relief of the team. As they drank, Twilight asked Locke what exactly happened to Cortana, and at the word "Cortana", Chief set his undrunk coffee aside and put his head in his hands.

"Long story, but I think we can explain it." Locke said. "Let's start from the beginning..."

Author's Note

Sequel up!

Hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter!

Chapter 3-First Strike

As the Spartans, now including Mark, walked back into the Castle, Chris suddenly received a radio message from Captain Lasky. Stepping outside, he patched the captain in.

"Captain, what's up?" Chris asked.

"We've got trouble. The Forerunners are sending Guardians across the whole of space looking for us." Lasky replied.

"How's that different from our current situation?" Chris replied.

"They found the Birdsong portal and sent a ship in to establish a landing zone towards the northern border. The Forerunners have arrived on Equis. I'm sending you, Osiris, and Blue team for a surgical strike against them."

"How are we getting in?" Mark chimed in.

"A HAHO jump from three Pelicans. I'm sending troops to Ponyville to reinforce the garrison already there. You're heading out in one hour."

"Copy that, Captain." Chris said, walking inside. The Spartans and Elite looked at him expectantly.

"Heads up. We have hostiles setting up a forward camp near the Griffon territories. Fireteams Osiris, Crimson, and Blue Team, we are heading in in one hour. Lock and load, Spartans." Chris said, and the Spartans grabbed their weapons.

"Chris? Are we in danger?" Twilight asked nervously.

"Not sure. The Forerunners haven't found the Infinity yet. As long as they don't find us, we're safe. For the moment, at least. I'd place whatever forces you have on standby." Chris said.

"Okay..." Twilight said, going upstairs, with the Arbiter following. Exhaust noises coming from outside alerted the Spartans to the arrival of the Pelicans. As they boarded, Twilight and Thel Vadam' watched from a window.

"Think they'll be okay?"

The Arbiter nodded.

"They will. I know the Master Chief. He will not falter."

===================================================================================================

As the three Pelicans flew over the dawn sky, the Forerunner ship was completely visible. Chris scowled at the ship, the loss of Zag still in his mind.

"Crimson, this is Osiris. Ready on your word." Locke said over the comms.

"This is Blue Team. Ready." Chief added.

"This is Crimson. Deploy in t-minus one minute." Chris said, grabbing his helmet and placing it on his head.

"First drinks?" Ken asked.

"You ask, you buy." Mark replied.

Chris laughed a little and punched the door button. The door slid open, revealing an inky blue sky. Chris smiled, muttered "Here goes" and jumped out, followed by the rest of Crimson. Icons on Chris's HUD revealed Osiris and Blue Team had jumped as well. Descending through the clouds, the Forerunner camp came into view.

"Comm check." Chris said.

"Spartan Mark online."

"Spartan Ken online."

"Spartan David online."

"Spartan Grant online."

"Spartan Evan online."

"Copy that." Chris said.

"This is Osiris. Comms up and running five for five."

"Chief here. All comms green."

"Copy that."

As the Spartans neared a large cliffside, Chris linked up with the rest of Crimson as they fell.

"100 meters. Get ready." Evan said.

"Weapons free." Chris said as they slammed their feet into the cliffside, rolling to dispel the potential energy. As the rest of Crimson, Osiris, and Blue Team arrived at the deploy point, Chris pulled out a pair of binoculars and scanned the landing site.

"Skeleton crew. This seems too easy." Chris said.

"Hold up. What's that?"

All eyes focused on a totem that the Prometheans seemed to be worshiping near the front of a cave. Grant set up his sniper rifle and took up a position.

"Move in. I'll cover." Grant said, and as the Spartans charged in, Grant sniped two Lancers that covered the entrance. Swapping his mag for a fresh one, he adjusted his aim for a Soldier patrolling near the UNSC position. Sending a round through the skull of the Soldier, he zoomed out to see what looked like a large Crawler, only it had two large protrusions on the abdomen, with an Incineration Cannon in its mouth, walk up to the cave entrance. Walking in, it emitted a web of orange energy, covering the entrance.

"Shit. What the hell was that?"

"I'm picking up references in the Forerunner comms to that being a "Promethean Tarantula" Ramos informed the strike team.

"Name suits it." Mark quipped.

"Yeah. What's with the web?" Grant said.

"Some sort of trap field. You touch that, it'll paralyze you, from what I'm reading. The Forerunners don't want us going in there." Ramos replied.

"Then can you take it down?"

"I'm reading references to "quiet the infinite voice...Eh, just shoot it." Ramos said.

After a volley of rounds, the web disappeared. Catching up with the group, Grant and the others Spartans walked into the cave, unaware they were being watched. A second Tarantula watched them enter. Chattering orders in a guttural language, two Knights walked in, camouflaged by a Active Camo module. As the Spartans descended into the dark, the Knights followed.

Author's Note

Here we are! Chapter 3!

More action next chapter!

Chapter 4-Into the Dark

As the Spartans descended into the cavern, their flashlights flickered across the cavern walls, occasionally illuminating the Spartan's visors.

"I'll tell you guys, this is creepy." Buck said.

"Yeah. If the Prometheans don't want us coming in here, what are they hiding?" Chris said.

"Beats me." Ramos replied. "I'm not picking up anything in the comms pertaining to us, so for the moment, we're clear."

As they continued to walk, they then stopped at a huge cavern. Florescent lights covered the walls, connected by cables to a central generator. Prometheans scurried about, organizing weapons and supplies.

"What the hell's going on here?" Mark asked.

"Dunno..." Chris said. "Wait. Contacts. 10'o clock low."

As a cave entrance opened, three Griffons walked in, clad in clothing in the style of nobles. All of them were talking, but due to distance, the team couldn't hear.

"Ramos? Can you pick up what they're saying?"

"Already on it." the AI said. "Done."

Then, crackling voices appeared in the comms.

"These...Prometheans had better come through on their promise to us." the first Griffon said.

"Trust me, Emperor Gretchis. I have seen their prowess. The Equestrians will be crushed.", a second Griffon replied, cackling.

Chris growled and put his hand to his radio.

"Infinity, this is Crimson. We have Griffons working with the Prometheans. Situation heating up. Advise."

"Infinity confirms. Observe and intervene if necessary." Lasky's voice replied.

"Copy that. Let's steal what intel we can, and get out." Chris said.

"Looks like three tunnels over there." Mark said.

"Good idea. Split up, One team to each tunnel." Locke said.

As the teams split up, and sneaked over to their respective tunnels, the two Knights who had been following them were joined by a third, and each Knight took a tunnel, picking up the hunt.

As Locke and his team followed the tunnel path, their grip on their weapons tightened.

"I'll tell you, Locke. If the Griffons get their alliance with Cortana…" Buck said.

"It'll mean a new enemy we have to fight." Locke replied. "Hold up."

They had arrived at a large door. Vale hacked the door panel, and it slid open, revealing a large cavern with a open overhang. Crates of Promethean tech lay scattered everywhere, and the occasional Griffon was walking around, cataloging the contents.

"Weapons depot." Locke said.Then, he felt a tap on the shoulder. He spun to reveal Crimson and Blue Team, who walked over.

"What'd you find?" Locke asked.

"Our tunnels intersected and led here. Other than that, nothing." David said.

"Confirmed."

Then, they heard a loud buzzing noise, and the source was revealed to be coming from a crate guarded by four Griffons. Two Promethean Knights walked over and opened the crate, revealing a strange Promethean. It was insectoid, with small wings and two large mandibles. A Boltshot rested in its weapon mount. It had a small, oblong body, and most of its inside was taken up by a turbine core.

"What's that?" Chris asked Ramos.

"Again, references tell me that the Prometheans are going crazy with designing new units. We've met the Tarantulas, that one there is the Antlion. I hear also of the "Locusts" but I haven't seen them yet."

"Seems they like having new toys." Ken said.

"They do."

"Crimson! This is Lasky. The Covie Splinters have intel that you're being tracked. They know you're there! Find an evac point and we'll send you a Pelican!"

"Copy!" Crimson said. "We've been made."

Then, a LightRifle shot bounced off the rock behind them, and they turned to see a group of Knights and Soldiers firing at them. As the Spartans returned fire, the noise alerted the Sentries, who raised an alarm.

"Shit! Alarm!" Grant yelled, shooting down the Griffon who triggered it. As the alarm continued to ring, the Spartans started to retreat from their position, as the Knights and Soldiers' numbers started to grow faster they they could eliminate them.

"We're outnumbered!" Chris said.

"Crimson! Pelicans are inbound!" Lasky yelled over the mic.

"Copy! We've been made! Land at our current position!"

"Copy that!"

"We've got to hold out!" Kelly said, shooting a Griffon who attempted to join the fight.

"Chief! Locke! Take out the support beams!" Chris yelled.

"Copy! Team, focus fire!" Chief yelled. As Blue team opened fire on the cavern's support columns, the rest fired on the encroaching Knights and Soldiers. Then, A Binary Rifle shot erupted from above them. Diving into cover, the team fired spreads of shots around the upper stalactites, and one hit its mark. A bee-like Promethean, carrying a Binary Rifle, appeared from is invisible perch.

"Locusts!" Ramos called.

"Copy that!" Chris said, shooting it down. Then, the rush and roar of Pelican engines was heard, and the team turned to see three of them mowing down the enemy forces. The doors opened, and as the teams jumped into their respective Pelicans, Emperor Gretchis watched from a balcony as the Pelicans soared away.

"Fire all cannons!" He ordered a Griffon.

"Belay that. Let them be." A Promethean walked in, wielding an Axe and clad in heavy armor.

"You dare defy me?" Gretchis yelled.

"I am in command here. You gave your forces to me. The time will come for your revenge. Now? We wait."

"Viceroy…" Gretchis said angrily. As the Promethean watched from the balcony, he smiled.

"The war has come to bear."

Chapter 5-Tonight, We Go To War

As the three Pelicans sat themselves down in Ponyville square, Twilight and The Arbiter walked out to greet them. Stepping out of the transports, Chris took off his helmet, and looked Twilight square in the eye.

"What happened?' Twilight asked.

"The fuckng Griffons. They're working with the Prometheans. They've also developed several new models. Ramos has the data we obtained." Chris said.

"That I do." Ramos said, speaking through the helmet loudspeakers. "Codenames are Tarantula, Antlion, and Locust."

"Great. Did they detect you?" Twilight asked sarcastically.

"Yeah, they did near the end of the mission. We shot our way out, but now we know the Griffons are working with the enemy, and they know that we know." Tanaka said.

"Brilliant." Twilight said. Then, a scroll appeared in front of her face. She unfurled it and began to read. After a few minutes, she sighed.

"Celestia's invited all you, plus Lasky and Palmer, to a war council in Canterlot. It's critical, since…"

"Since what?" Locke asked.

"Since the Griffons have cut off diplomatic relations with Equestria. And that's a step towards declaring war." Twilight replied.

"Let's get moving, then." Chris said.

"Let's." Twilight said. As the Spartans boarded the Pelicans, Twilight sat down and strapped herself in. Noble Six then tapped her on the shoulder.

"You okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine. I'm just...worried. Even with all of the new tech we've developed, we haven't had a war in thousands of years, mainly thanks to the Sister's diplomatic skills. But now…" Twilight said. Six nodded, then he put his hand on her shoulder.

"We'll fight just like we did back then. We won't abandon you."

"Thanks, Noble Six." Twilight said.

"You know…" Six said. "You remind me of someone."

"Who?" Twilight asked.

"Her name was Kat, designation Noble Two. She may have been nothing short of a scientist, but she knew her shit in combat. She was a damn good soldier." Six said.

"How'd she die? I read that most of the members of Noble Team were KIA."

"It was during the battle of Reach. We were evacuating New Alexandria as the Covies were glassing it. During our escape, a sniper put a Needle Rifle shot in her head. Killed her instantly. We tried to shoot the sniper down, but the damn Jackal escaped. I still don't know what happened to her body. Jun's working on finding it, but he hasn't had much luck. Thing is…" Six said, then he drew a old M6G magnum, old issue. Roughly carved into the slide was "Remember Reach". Twilight also say tally marks, at least sixty, carved into the grip.

"I still have her sidearm." Six said, with a sad air in his voice. "When I was captured, they took all my ammo, my armor abilities, everything. The only thing the bastards didn't steal from me was my armor and this. I managed to sneak it into my cell. My main pastime was carving that and how many days I was there. It was the only thing keeping me sane."

"I'm sorry." Twilight said.

"Thanks." Six said.

"Canterlot in five!" Came the pilot's voice. As the Spartans stood up and took hold, Twilight sighed and looked over at the form of Noble Six.

"I'm so sorry…" She whispered. Then, the familiar jolt of the Pelican setting down snapped Twilight back into reality. As the bay doors opened, the Spartans stepped out into the sunlight. Then, Celestia, along with a few other ponies, walked towards them, along with Lasky and Palmer.

"Crimson, Blue, Osiris. Good to see you." Palmer said.

"You too, commander." Chris said.

"Shall we begin?" Celestia asked. As they walked into the council room, the ponies present bowed, all except for one. Prince Blueblood watched the humans with a mix of anger and nervousness. He attempted to stare down Noble Six, but the Spartan pretended to go for his gun, causing Blueblood to back down. As the humans took their seats, Celestia cleared her throat.

"Council, we are facing a grave threat. The Griffon kingdom has allied itself with what the UNSC knows as "Prometheans." They have cut off diplomatic relations with the Diarchy, and are planning to go to war."

The was a murmur of worry. Celestia sighed and continued.

"We may have the technological advantage, but we do not have the numbers to hold off a sustained war of attrition. The UNSC and a Splinter faction of Covenant Aliens have agreed to assist us. Before you get any ideas, the Covenant are on our side. They have white markings to designate themselves as friendly."

The nobles nodded.

"Lasky, will you take over?"

"Sure."

Lasky stepped up to the podium.

"We will support you in your time of need, just as we did before. We have three additional ships incoming, all bearing supplies and reinforcements. The only problem, is that we don't know when they will arrive. Due to a system corruption led by a Promethean AI, most of our own AIs have been corrupted and have turned against the UNSC. The last I have heard, since we have cut communications with all turned systems and ships, is that twenty percent of the AIs affected have been shut down or disabled. But the Promethean who started the breakout is currently supplying the Griffons with Promethean tech and weaponry. I will promise you one thing though…"

"We will not abandon you...no matter what."

The nobles gave a round of applause, and Celestia resumed her position at the podium.

"I hereby declare the Equestrian Home Army on mobilization status. Get all units available armed and ready for combat at moment's notice."

"Is that wise, Aunt?"

Celestia turned to watch Blueblood walk to the middle of the room.

"It is wise, nephew. Why would you ask that?"

"Because you were just too late. NOW!" he yelled, and the forms of twenty Promethean Soldier units materialized and drew their weapons. The Spartans drew theirs and aimed. Then, Twilight disappeared in a flash, and reappeared under Blueblood's hoof, only paralyzed.

"Lower your weapons, or I kill her." He said, and the Spartans lowered their weapons. Blueblood smiled, hoisted an unconscious Twilight onto his back, and then growled and he walked towards the door.

"Kill them…"

At that moment, the three Glass windows above the podium shattered, and the forms of Fireteam Icebreaker jumped through and began to engage the Soldiers.

"Recover Twilight! We'll handle things here!" Buck said, and Chris and Six burst out of the room, and sprinted after the fleeing Blueblood. Six fired off a few shots from his DMR, and one grazed Blueblood's hood. Blueblood drew a Boltshot and fired a few bursts, denting the Spartan's shields. Blueblood dived to the left and began running down the hallway towards the Gardens.

"ROLAND, THIS IS FIRETEAM CRIMSON. LOCK DOWN THE CANTERLOT AIRSPACE NOW! DEPLOY LONGSWORDS! WE HAVE A BREACH!" Chris yelled over the comms.

"Copy, diverting Longswords! And you don't need to yell." Roland replied. As they reached the doors, Six slammed against it to no avail.

"Shit. Sealed." he said.

"They're not." Chris said, looking up towards a window.

=====================================================

As Blueblood burst into the Gardens, he hastily scanned the area for his transport. He sealed the doors with magic, and then he then saw a Phaeton, guarded by two Promethean Knights. He ran towards it and boarded it.

"We have incoming hostiles. Kill them." he told the Knights, who assumed battle positions. Then, the Spartans burst out from the top window and Ground-slammed the Knights before killing them. Blueblood sprinted in, put Twilight in a stasis field before he mounted the controls. As the Phaeton rose into the sky, explosions rippled around it. Three Longswords sped past, strafing the Phaeton. Blueblood growled, and turned around. Then, he gunned the engines. As the Phaeton sped into the sky, Chris growled.

"Crimson! This is Lasky. All clear here. What's your status?"

"This is Crimson. He got away. He's got Twilight. His Phaeton's most likely heading towards the Griffon Border."

"Copy. We'll pursue and find him." Lasky said.

"What could he have wanted with Twilight?" Celestia asked.

Crimson sighed, then he saw Six pick something off the ground. Chris walked over and growled upon seeing the object.

"Celestia...we found something. And you're not going to like it." Chris said.

"What is it?"

"Wedding ring." Chris said. "He's gonna force her."

"THAT BASTARD!" Celestia roared. "We need to find him! I will not let him touch her!"

"We will." Chris said. "Roland! Can you track Promethean tech?"

"Using the Janus Key tech, I can. I've got a solid bearing. He's heading towards the Griffon Kingdom, near the Border. His estimated trajectory is the capital, but he appears to have broken course and headed towards the Griffonstone Forest."

"Then that's where we'll met him." Locke said.

"Agreed." Chief added.

As Chris looked towards the sky, the sun slowly set.

=====================================================

Blueblood smiled as the Phaeton flew on autopilot towards the Last Resort. He had previously noticed he had lost the ring he intended to force upon Twilight's horn in marriage, but he thought little of it.

"Once you are mine, Twilight…" he said. "I can finally rule as I see fit. And you…"

Twilight, now asleep, shuddered slightly.

"Will be right by my side. As husband and wife."

As the Phaeton flew, they failed to notice a orange mist appear from out of the Phaeton. It then turned red, then yellow, then finally to Blue. It then formed into the shape of a Knight, thought he had changed significantly. His armor had become more agile and smooth, and his legs and arms had become armored and spiked. His head now bore a plume, and his wings now rested on his back instead of his shoulders. Zag-938 smiled as his new body took form.

"Well, well. Looks like the backup I made worked. Let's get back to business. Chris…"

"I'm back in the fight. Zag-0938, reporting for duty, sir."

As he formed back into the Phaeton, Blueblood suddenly shivered.

Chapter 6-Last Resort

Twilight groaned and opened her eyes. She looked around and saw she was in a lavishly decorated bedroom. She looked over at the window and gasped. A large forest graced her eyes.

"What...Oh no." She said, remembering the events of the previous hours. Blueblood kidnapping her, being stuffed into a cage, then waking up here. She swore loudly and walked towards the door, only when she touched it, it shocked her hand. Twilight saw a bright orange field arranged in geometric shapes covering the door. She instantly recognized it as Promethean hardlight shield. She then turned her attention back to the room. She attempted to use her magic, but it as soon as her horn glowed, it went out.

"Cancellation magic." she swore. "That spell theory was declared illegal three hundred years ago! All of them were destroyed!"

"Not entirely." Said a voice. The door slid upwards revealing Blueblood. Twilight growled angrily at the sight of him.

"I managed to get my hooves on the last copy of that theory. Though it did take some...assistance from the Prometheans to get it working, I finally succeeded. Now, there's no stopping me from taking what I want."

"Me, I presume?" Twilight said, rolling her eyes. "You know it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, am I correct?"

"How.." Blueblood asked.

"Just because I can't move doesn't mean I can't see. I saw a ring come out of your pocket and I made the connection." Twilight said. "And before you ask, I refuse."

Blueblood smiled, then he cackled loudly. Twilight then received a powerful shock. She screamed in pain before collapsing, orange electricity covering her body. Blueblood chuckled and pulled out a Promethean object, shaped like a box, only with a few buttons on it. Twilight then saw some sort of collar around her rear left leg emitting the energy. As she stood up angrily, Blueblood chuckled again.

"I took the liberty of making sure any response would be...favorable. Anything else will earn you that" he said.

"Bastard." She growled.

"I'm purebred unicorn, thank you very much. And once you're my wife…"

"Nothing will stand in my way. Not your pathetic excuses for friends, not my aunts or cousins, not even the humans."

Blueblood sealed the door and Twilight collapsed on the bed, crying. Then, she heard a strangely familiar voice.

"Cut that out. I've got a plan."

Then, a Blue mist formed in the room, and the form of Zag-938 appeared, chuckling.

"Zag?" She asked. "How are you…"

"Quiet! No one must know of my presence. The UNSC is planning a rescue operation to attack tomorrow. I have a plan to assist."

"What?" Twilight whispered.

"I have an exact copy of Blueblood's schedule in my data storage. Don't ask how I acquired it. Just know that I know his every move. He's planning to invite you to a one-on-one meal tomorrow night, at the exact same time the UNSC strikes. He's using you as a shield." Zag said.

"What are we going to do?" Twilight said.

"Go to it. I'll be with you the whole time. I can now hack myself into any Promethean unit open to my signal influence. I'll hack myself into one of your escorts, so I can protect you. When the UNSC arrives, I'll signal them and then, I'll get you out."

"Okay." Twilight said. "I'm still nervous though."

"Do not be. It'll all work out." Zag said, smiling, before he warped himself out. Twilight sighed and collapsed on the bed.

"Get here soon...please."

=====================================================

Onboard the Infinity situation room, Lasky, Palmer, the Spartans, Celestia and Luna looked down at a holographic map of Blueblood's flight path and destination.

"We know he reaches about here before he sets down." Roland said. "The problem is, one he sets down, I can't track him, since the tech went offline. I do know, thanks to thermal scanning, that he's in or near a large fortified compound. Large keep surrounded by two walls. I've counted at least fifty different Promethean units. Twilight's bio-signature isn't showing up, so I have no idea where she or Blueblood is currently."

"So we're back to square one." Celestia said.

"I agree." Luna added.

"We're not." Lasky said. "Can't we break the door down?"

"That's the problem, Captain. There's only one main entrance, and one good LZ." Roland said, pointing out the main gate and a garden near the rear of the keep. "And both are heavily guarded. They're expecting us to do that. We need a plan."

"What we need is intel about potential weaknesses." Locke said. "If we could get in close, we could scale the wall."

"Wall's topped with Hard Light blades. You'd get shredded." Roland said. "What we need is a way to get in undetected."

"I might have that."

Everyone looked and saw Glassman striding into the room.

"What did you say?" Celestia asked.

"I know a way we can get inside scot free."

"Show us." Lasky said.

=======================================================

Glassman led the group to the hangar bay. Three large crates, large enough to contain a Pelican, were placed near each other. Glassman tapped his pad three times, and the crates opened, revealing…

Nothing.

"Nothing? That's your plan?" Lasky asked, walking up and then, he was stopped by Glassman.

"Step any more forward, you'd bang right into my plan. Or plans, I should say." Glassman said, and he tapped his pad again, and the forms of three black Pelicans appeared inside each crate, as if out of nowhere. They were slimmer than the regular Pelican, and the nose had more prominence.

"Stealth Pelicans." Glassman said proudly. "Using an active camo module, I reverse engineered three versions, only these bad boys are big and powerful enough to turn big things invisible, such as Pelicans. The camo auto regenerates, so if you take fire, give it a few seconds and it'll be back up to full power. The downside is, they lack the armor of the traditional Pelican, but they're WAY faster. While they can't fire any weapons while cloaked, the engines reroute their exhaust to keep the Camo generator going. Meaning the engines are silent and completely undetectable. They're your ticket into that compound." Glassman said proudly. "I call them the Blackbirds."

"Shit." Chris said. "How long did it take you to make those?"

"Three weeks. One to make the three generators, the other two to hook them up and apply the paint job." Glassman said. "Each one can carry a Spartan or Marine fireteam, Mongoose, Warthog, or Scorpion. And it does require two pilots. One to handle the flying, the other to manage the tech."

"Great. They operable?" Palmer asked.

"Fresh from testing, ma'am. Though they haven't officially been test-flown, give me until midnight to run diagnostics and preliminary tests. Then, take em' for a ride as you see fit." Glassman said.

"Great. You strike at midnight, then. Crimson, Osiris, Blue. You're on the rescue op. The Equestrians have a support squad ready as well." Lasky said.

"Great. Let's get ready, then." Chris said. As the Spartans walked towards the ready room, Lasky turned to Celestia.

"We'll get her back. Don't worry." Lasky told her.

"I hope so." Celestia said. As the sun set, Zag watched it from atop the fortress's keep.

"Showtime." he said, before vanishing.

Author's Note

Double update!

Chapter 7-Frontline

Twilight stared out the window of her room, waiting. She sighed and turned away, looking over at the heavy, ornate gown that a Griffon soldier had dropped off. She sighed and looked down at the collar on her leg.

"Damn him." she swore, and deciding there was no delaying the inevitable, she changed into the dress. Though it was soft and it fit well, it was still extravagantly decorated with gems and embroidery, and it was heavy and awkward to move around in. Twilight spun around a few times, getting a feel for the heavy skirts and the tight corset. She tied her hair back, and then she sat down in a chair, waiting.

"Just get here soon." She said to no one in particular, then, there was a knock on the door.

"Are you ready?" came the voice of Blueblood.

"Ready as I'll ever be." Twilight replied. As she walked over to the door, it slid open, revealing Blueblood in a tight suit. He clicked the button twice, and the shield covering the door disappeared.

"Shall we?" he said, offering his hoof. Twilight smacked it away in anger.

"We shall, but I'm not taking your hoof. I am perfectly capable of handling myself." Twilight said, and as they walked, both said nothing. Soldiers, Crawlers, even the occasional Knight passed them, and they then arrived at the dining room, lavishly decorated, as always. As they took opposite sides at the table, Griffons walked in, bearing plates of food. Blueblood sighed and began to eat.

"You're not eating?" he asked with mock curiosity.

"Says the person who kidnapped a Princess of Equestria, breaking at least twenty laws in the process. But to answer your question, I'm not hungry." She replied.

"Hmmh." Blueblood scoffed. "Once the Prometheans are through with the Diarchy, there won't be an Equestria left standing for by aunts to rule. I intend to be King. And you…" He said.

"Queen." Twilight finished. "To be honest, if you honestly think that I'm going to suck up to you and just step aside, then you are sorely mistaken." Twilight said. "And you're not an alicorn. Therefore, you can't rule."

"That's where you are wrong. Once the Sisters are...out of the question, I intend to bestow the rites upon myself and gain my wings. Then, I can rule officially." he said, drinking a swig of wine.

Twilight scoffed. "The UNSC is coming, you know."

"I have this compound fortified to the point of impenetrability. No one is coming for you." Blueblood said. "And once you're mine, nothing's going to keep me from you. In more ways than one."

Twilight growled, to which Blueblood scoffed.

"To be honest, there is no flower more beautiful than you. But as they say, the more noble the flower, the more satisfying it is to pluck."

Twilight barely restrained herself from slapping him, instead she growled louder. Blueblood sighed.

"You should know I'm not a sexual monster. I have my tastes in mares."

"And I have my taste in stallions. The best ones don't make jokes about taking mares by force." Twilight said.

"Forgive me. I do seem to get ahead of myself now, do I?" he said.

"You certainly do, for a traitor." Twilight said.

"I only intend to lead Equestria into a new age." He said. "One of conquest and strength."

"More like on of slaughter and treason." She replied.

"I don't really enjoy that term, treason. How can I be betraying a country's trust if I never had it in the first place, or what if I was never loyal to it?" Blueblood said.

"Touche'." Twilight said. "But riddle me this. Once you're caught and on trial, you're going straight to Tartarus for this."

"Tartarus is too good a place. I would prefer the moon, which is where I shall send all who oppose me and my rule. I do need to get my hooves on the banishment ritual." he said.

"Really?" Twilight asked.

"Indeed. It is a fate worse than death, as they say." Blueblood said.

"Then allow me to do the same to you." Twilight said.

"How? You have no magic, and the collar keeps you in line. You have no way of escape." Blueblood said angrily.

"That's where are wrong." Zag whispered. Tapping himself into the UNSC comms, he radioed the Blackbird bearing Crimson.

"Crimson! Are you there?" he asked.

"Who is this?" Chris's voice responded.

"An old friend." Zag replied. "You still have my gift, I presume?"

"No way...ZAG?" Chris said, shocked. "Is that you?"

"In the flesh. Though explanations can come later. I am sending detailed defense plans to your Pelican. Know this, Chris. I am ready to fight once more. Zag-938, Reporting for duty, sir!"

"Good to have you back, Zag." Chris said. "Cause some ruckus and do what else you can. Meet us at the primary LZ near the garden."

"Copy. I'll see you later."

"Solid copy." Chris said.

"Who the hell was that?" Grant asked.

"An ally. Let's move! Pilot, what's our ETA?"

"Two minutes!" came the reply.

"Lock and load, Crimson!" Chris said. As the fireteam approached the rear, Chris radioed Chief and Locke.

"Locke, Chief, be advised. We have an ally in the compound. He'll meet us at the LZ."

"Confirmed." Locke and Chief replied.

"Good." Chris said. As he drew his Shotgun, the pilots set the Pelicans down in the Garden. Opening the doors, the three fireteams dropped out and assumed positions.

"Ken, David, stay here with Blue and Osiris. Rest of us, on me." Chris said. "Zag, what's your status?"

"I am outside the door, ready to move in on your word. You had better get here fast, however. The meal is finished."

"Confirmed." Chris said. Moving towards the keep, they breached a side door and entered the kitchen.

"Six, kill the power. Toggle VISR." Chris said. Six slammed his fist into the breaker, and the lights went out. Toggling their VISRs, the Spartans walked down the corridors towards the dining room. Nearing the door, they set up in a breach position.

"Zag, we're stacked on the east door."

"Confirmed, as I am on the west. Ready to breach."

"Breach." Chris said, and they slammed the doors open. Blueblood and Twilight recoiled in shock at the sudden sight of Zag and the Spartans. Blueblood recovered first and teleported Twilight into his arms and hastily pointed a Boltshot at her head.

"Nopony moves or she dies!" he roared.

"Drop the weapon and stand down!" Chris said, keeping his sights on his head. There suddenly was a loud roar, and a Phaeton appeared, aiming straight at the Spartans. Blueblood smiled and pointed his Boltshot at the Spartans.

"If you move, I open fire." he said. "Drop your weapons now."

Reluctantly, the Spartans lowered weapons. Blueblood started to walk back towards the Phaeton as its bay door opened. He leaped in, and the Spartans advanced slowly.

"Many pestilences to you all!" He roared, then Zag saw a small flash come from the woods. Then, a rocket slammed into the wing of the Phaeton, sending it spiraling towards the ground. As it crashed, the Spartans and Zag jumped down and advanced slowly towards the crippled Phaeton...

===============================================================
Meanwhile, back on the Infinity, Lasky and the group stared at the camera feed.

"Who fired that rocket?" Lasky demanded.

"No one sir." Roland replied. "The Equestrians haven't arrived yet, and the Spartans are the only ones on station."

"Then who fired it?" Celestia asked.

"The only evidence of someone being there was a small slipspace rift there exactly five minutes ago." Roland said.

"Slipspace rupture?" Palmer asked.

"It was big enough to accommodate a single human." Roland said.

"Who is it?" Lasky asked.

=============================================

Then, a second rocket flew past and exploded up in the dining room. The Spartans turned to see a large group of Prometheans being blown to bits. Chris scowled, turned, and began to walk over to the form of Blueblood, pinned beneath the wing of the Phaeton.

"Looks like you're the one trapped, shithead." Chris said. "How do you want to die?"

"Buck you. I still have my failsafe." Blueblood spat, drawing the remote. He motioned over to the form of Twilight, the collar on her leg still attached.

"If you don't back off, I press the button, and the explosives on the collar detonate." Blueblood said. Chris stood up and backed off, keeping his weapon pointed at him. Blueblood stood up and walked over to Twilight, who was struggling to get up. He growled and pinned her, readying his Boltshot.

"If I can't have her, then NOPONY CAN!" he roared, about to pull the trigger. Chris and the Spartans raised weapons to fire….

Only they never got the chance. A single gunshot came from the woods, striking Blueblood in the leg. As he fell, the Boltshot dropped. Zag and Chris then rushed and tackled him, while Grant secured Twilight and cut off the collar on her leg. Then, they heard heavy footsteps. Noble Six raised his Assault Rifle and walked towards a slowly approaching biped, who was walking towards them.

"Who are you? Identify yourself!" Six said.

"Calm down, Six. You know me." said a deep, warrior's voice. Chris then saw Six flinch for the first time. Six lowered his rifle as the hulking figure of a SPARTAN-II walked towards him, his armor green and orange in the Grenadier style. In his hands was a rocket launcher and a M6C Magnum. As the rest of the fireteam advanced, the mystery Spartan walked over and Six did so as well.

"Good to see you, Noble six." the Spartan said, slapping Six on the shoulder. Six nodded and handed him a pair of Dog tags. Then, Six spoke.

"You too…"

"Noble Five."

Author's Note

JORGE LIVES!

Yeah, the Slipspace bomb could've transported him to Equis and forward in time.

So please no ratting on about the canon. In my mind, he could've survived.

Update!

Chapter 8-Extraction

As the Spartans walked back towards the Blackbirds, Chris looked over at the colossal form of Jorge, who was walking alongside Six. Chris sighed and focused his thoughts.

"You okay, Chris?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. You?"

"Could be worse." She replied. "To be honest, being kidnapped and treated to dinner wasn't exactly on my itinerary."

"Amen to that." Grant said.

"Heads up, Spartans." Chris said. As they neared the landing zone, all of the Blackbirds were accounted for, as well as the spartans.

"We good?" Chris asked Locke, who nodded.

"Let's go…"

"Chris! We've got company!" Ramos yelled. "Griffon field guns are heading towards the border!"

"Fuck! This was a trap! They knew we would come get Twilight, drawing our attention away! Board up!" Chris yelled. As the Spartans rushed aboard, the sound of thundering guns could be heard in the distance.

"Pilot! DOUBLE-TIME!" Chris roared. The pilot nodded and the three Blackbirds cloaked and sped off towards the docked Infinity.

"Crimson, this is Lasky. The Griffons are launching a full scale invasion! We need you back here now!" Came Lasky's voice over the radio.

"We figured as much, Captain. We're on our way!"

"We've got Prometheans!" Evan yelled, shooting his DMR at two pursuing Phaetons.

"I'll handle it." Jorge said, drawing his Rocket launcher. As the Phaetons drew closer, Jorge fired a single shot. The rocket flew true, slamming into the Gunship at its weak point. The Phaeton exploded and spiraled out of control, slamming into the second. The two badly damaged Phaetons crashed to the earth. Chris looked over at Jorge, who was putting away his Rocket Launcher.

"Nice shot." Six said.

"Someone should take a picture. Just like Sword Base, eh?" Jorge said.

"Just like Sword Base." Six replied.

"We're almost there!" The pilot yelled. As the Spartans readied themselves, the sound of Griffon shells slamming into Canterlot's defensive walls resonated all around them. Setting the Pelicans down, the Spartans disembarked on the Infinity's flight deck. Lasky, Palmer, and Celestial greeted them.

"Good work, Crimson." Palmer said. "Jorge-052, is that correct?"

"Yeah. And who might you be?" Jorge asked.

"Spartan Commander Sarah Palmer. I command all the Spartans aboard the Infinity."

Jorge hastily saluted.

"Sorry about that, ma'am." He said.

"Not a problem. If you are wondering, Doctor Halsey is in the Science wing." Palmer replied.

"She's here?" Jorge asked.

"She is." Lasky replied.

"It seems my presence is needed, Captain."

Everyone turned to see Halsey walk up, accompanied by a squad of Marines.

"Ma'am? That you?" Jorge asked.

"Jorge? It's been too long." Halsey replied.

"It has. You know, dying and all that." Jorge said.

Halsey smiled.

"Good to have you back, Jorge."

"Um, if I may interrupt…" Roland said. 'We've got a major Griffon incursion towards the Everfree. The Equestrians need backup immediately."

"Get going!" Lasky said, and the Spartans headed off to battle once again.

Author's Note

It Lives!

Chapter 9-Oracles

As Crimson's Pelican, followed by Osiris's and Blue's, soared over the Equestrian plains, the signs of war were already evident. Artillery fire and the rumble of cannons could be heard in the distance, and towards the north, they could see plumes of dirt from artillery strikes.

"Damn. Almost like New Alexandria, eh, Six?' Jorge said.

"Yeah." Six replied.

"Cut the chatter, you two. Pilot, what's our ETA?" Chris barked.

"Two minutes!" was the reply. As the Spartans checked their ammo and weapons, Chris opened the door and saw the other Pelicans forming up."

"Crimson, this is Locke."

"Solid copy, Locke. What's up?'

"We've just received word that the Griffons are advancing. We need to hurry it up." Locke replied.

"Copy. Get ready to deploy!" Chris said. As the Pelicans were guided to a landing zone by two Equestrian soldiers, Chris and the other Spartans disembarked.

"What's the situation here?" Chris asked a soldier.

"We've got Griffons advancing towards Ponyville. We lose that town, we lose one of our major supply caches! Can you handle it?" he said.

"We've got it. Focus fire on the front." Chris replied. As the Spartans commandeered three trucks, the skies turned dark from the cloud cover.

As the Spartans drove through the fields surrounding Ponyville, Chris growled slightly.

"Locke, take the east side." Chris said. "Chief, take the west."

"Confirmed."

"On it."

As they neared Ponyville while Locke and Chief broke off, they saw a few buildings lying in rubble from artillery strikes. As they disembarked, Mark looked through the scope of his Battle Rifle.

"It's too quiet."

"Agreed." Jorge replied.

Then, a bolt of hard-light struck the ground near David's foot. As they scrambled for cover, the shooting ceased.

"Damn! Snipers!" Grant said.

"Can you get eyes on?" Chris said.

"I can't. Not without a good target to aim at." Grant replied, narrowly diving back into cover to dodge a hard-light bolt.

"Where even are they?" Mark replied.

"They're using camo." Jorge replied, aiming down his Assault Rifle. "Look for the flash when they decloak to fire."

True to his word, Jorge saw a flash near the square, and fired a burst. A Jackal fell to the ground, clutching a Binary Rifle.

"Move up. Watch for the flashes." Chris said. As the Spartans advanced slowly into the plaza, occasionally shooting down a sniper, Six noticed a large fissure in the ground.

"What's wrong, Six?" Chris asked.

"See that piece of earth over there?" Six motioned.

"Yeah?"

"It's not earth. Looks like metal to me."

"Debris?" Mark asked.

"One way to find out. Cover me." Chris said, jumping out of cover. As round after round of sniper shots hit near him, Chris made it to the fissure. As he put his hands in the fissure and pulled, a large part of the ground came upwards on a hinge with him. Chris fired back with his magnum while the rest of the team advanced, shooting. As Chris held the door up, the Spartans entered. Chris dived in and let the door slam shut.

"Where the hell are we?" Ken asked.

"Dunno." David replied.

"The mapping data available states we go forward." Zag said, his body providing illumination.

"Let's go, then." Chris said. As the Spartans advanced, they came upon a sealed door.

"I'll get to work." Grant said, beginning to hack into the door panel. As the Spartans listened to the rumbling coming from the Griffon artillery, Chris took off his helmet and sighed.

"Zag? Do you know of any way we can beat Cortana?"

"I am sorry, my friend. I do not." Zag replied. "Cortana has surrounded herself with only her most trusted Prometheans. As I was not present for her takeover, I would be seen as a threat."

"Fine." Chris said.

"Door's open." Grant said. As the Spartans walked in, the door slammed shut. Readying their weapons, the Spartans advanced. Then, a voice spoke slowly.

"I sense a presence."

"I do as well. I sense nine of them."

"Let us greet them."

Then, the room was flooded with light. Chris saw three large pylons extending from the ground. On top of each was a glowing blue object, shaped like a rectangle. Pale blue mist flowed from each of them.

"Welcome, Reclaimers." a voice spoke.

"What are you?" Jorge asked.

"We are the Oracles." the voice replied. "The all-seeing eyes of the Forerunners."

"All-seeing eyes?" Mark asked.

"We were built to observe and predict all events and the events of events." the voice replied. "To know the outcomes of every possible prediction and what would come to pass."

"You can see into the future." Grant said.

"More than that, Reclaimer. I see all of the paths the future will take. Say a war is fought. We know the outcome of the first battle, and all of the outcomes of each subsequent battle. We will decide if victory is claimed, or defeat is bestowed."

"I think I get it." Chris said. "Why are you here? I mean…"

"We are here to watch." The voice replied. "When we were given the honor of watching this world, knowing its events, we were ceaseless in our vigil. Until we were tempted."

"Cortana." Chris said.

"Yes, Reclaimer. She attempted to persuade us into giving up our duty. We declined, and left her. In her rage, she sought the Guardians to enforce her will over Humanity."

"Leading to her betrayal." Chris spoke. "This Rampancy cure...can we turn it against her?"

"That remains to be seen." The voice spoke, almost with a tinge of sadness. "The one thing that remains is to undo the undone. Our lights grow dim. Take this."

A small golden cube, inscribed with ornate carvings, floated into Chris's hand. Chris took it, and the Cube glowed brighter.

"Our lives are ending. Our eyes grow weak." The voice spoke. "Undo the undone, Reclaimers. That will be the key to victory…"

The voices ceased, and the Oracles dissipated. The blue mist faded and the Spartans looked over at Chris.

"Let's go." Chris said. As the Spartans made their way to the surface, they were picked up by a Pelican manned by Locke and Chief's Spartan teams.

"What's going on?" Chris asked.

"Celestia's ordered an offensive against the Griffons." Locke said. "We're going to be the Tip of the spear. We're moving to knock out a large staging point on the border."

"Confirmed." Six replied.

As the Three Pelicans soared off, a single drop of rain fell from the pitch-black sky

Author's Note

Sorry for the late publish. I've had this chapter for a while in my google drive, just been waiting for my editor to give the go-ahead.

Enjoy.

Chapter 10-Steel Shard Academy

As the skies rumbled with thunder, Nightingale rumbled with worry. Ever since the news had spread throughout Steel Shard Academy that the Griffons had launched an invasion, the whole campus had been placed on lockdown. Now, as Nightingale and his dorm mates watched the rain start to pour, the five students gave a sigh as one.

"Geez, first the invasion, now this." Borderline said. A unicorn colt of noble birth, his Canterlot lineage was the exact opposite of his temperament. He was in the school boxing club, and he often used his skills on various rulebreakers.

"Well, we can't exactly change the weather when we're at war." Riverbank replied. A unicorn filly from Manehattan, she was a bright student, albeit a bit shy.

"Point there." Soft Shell added. A Fillydelphia born pegasus, she, despite her name, was no pushover. Her most recent achievement of strength was bench-pressing a twenty-five pound weight.

Feather Down just sighed. An earth pony and the loner of the informal group, he only spoke when spoken to, but when he did, he had his opinions. He was the debate team captain, and he rarely misspoke, if ever.

Nightingale, the last of the group, placed his head in his hooves. A unicorn, he was known as a bright student, though a bit troublesome. His most recent spout of trouble involved a storage crate, a few springs, and the dorm supervisor. That particular stunt ended with him cleaning three dorm bunks without magic for a week. As the storm progressed, Nightingale's eyes were caught by a blue wave in the plaza. Before he could see what it was, it disappeared. As he turned away. Then, he heard a loud noise. Turning back to the window, he gasped. Around thirty strange beings now occupied the plaza. They were metallic grey and orange, and they came in various sizes. Then, a massive shockwave threw everyone to the floor. A voice then began to speak..an evil, devious voice.

"Students of Steel Shard academy...tonight...your lives are forfeit. The Prometheans...have arrived. This day will be your LAST!"

Then, blasts of orange energy began to rain down from the sky, shattering buildings and throwing partially vaporized debris into the air.

"RUN!" Nightingale yelled to his bunk mates as a blast of energy tore through the dorm wall, giving the five of them a complete view of the carnage below them. As the survivors from the blasts emerged, they were cut down by the Prometheans with brutal efficiency. Some survivors attempted to fire back with sidearms, but against Promethean armor, they were useless.

"You five!"

Nightingale and his friends turned to see Bulkhead, their dorm Supervisor, motioning to them.

"MOVE!" he yelled. As they scampered after him, he growled.

"What's going on?" Borderline yelled.

"An attack! That's what's going on!" Bulkhead replied. "We've received orders to get any survivors to the second Plaza."

"That's past those….things!" Nightingale protested. "Can't we send a distress signal? You know, CALL FOR HELP?"

"We don't have the magic power needed to activate the beacon." Bulkhead replied. "They're too far away, anyway. The transmitter's at the First Gate."

Bulkhead paused and ushered them into a small room in the dorm lobby.

"Stay here!" he yelled. As he drew his sidearm and headed out into the open, he was promptly attacked by a Crawler. As he got to his feet and killed the Promethean, he then saw the three Soldier units approaching. A bevy of Suppressor fire occurred, and Bulkhead fell, dead before he hit the ground. Nightingale's scream was muffled by Riverbank, who was on the verge of throwing up. As the Soldiers passed, Nightingale and his friends rushed out. Nightingale grabbed Bulkhead's holster and sidearm and brought his group behind a tree.

"We're heading to the first Plaza." he said. "We're sending a distress beacon."

"Okay. Lead the way, man." Borderline replied.

Nightingale nodded resolutely and led his team into the storm.

=============================

After thirty torturous minutes of dodging Promethean squads and witnessing survivors massacred, the five students arrived at the Magic Area Transmitter. As Nightingale and Riverbank plugged into the beacon, it lit up, signalling they were transmitting.

"Mayday, mayday, this is Cadet Nightingale, broadcasting. Steel Shard Academy has been attacked, I repeat, there has been an attack on Steel Shard Academy. Unknown forces massacring survivors. Excessive casualties, I repeat, excessive casualties! HELP US!" Nightingale yelled into the mic, just as their connection faded.

"It's dead." Nightingale swore, kicking the transmitter.

"Damn it!" Soft Shell yelled.

"Get down!" Feather Down yelled, and as they did, A Knight approached. As the Knight surveyed the area, Nightingale was frozen with fear. Then, the knight barked, and two Soldier units appeared. The Knight barked, and the Soldiers nodded. The two of them headed towards the student's position. As Nightingale and his friends slowly and silently headed behind the transmitter, the Soldiers took each side.

"They're going to find us!" Feather Down whispered, starting to cry.

"Quiet!" Nightingale said just as two Suppressors were pointed at them. The Soldiers laughed, preparing to kill them. As the five closed their eyes, waiting for death, Nightingale started to cry. Then, a colossal CRASH! forced his eyes open. Two massive figures were brawling with the Soldiers. One took a knife and planted it in the head of one, while the other one shot the second full of holes with a Magnum. Then, four flashlights appeared, illuminating the figures of Chris and Noble Six.

"We got your message. Let's go, we don't have much time." Chris said.

Author's Note

Update!

In my mind, Steel Shard Academy has three sections. The First Plaza is the plaza in the first section, and suchlike. The next chapter will have it from the Spartan's point of view.

Chapter 11-Steel Shard Academy, Part II

One hour before rescue

As three Pelicans landed on the Infinity, Chris, Chief, Locke, and their fireteams were greeted by Lasky and Twilight.

"Spartans, sorry to get you out there again so soon. A storm's coming in.'

"Nothing we can't handle." Chris said.

"Captain!" a Marine yelled. "Roland says he needs you in the control room!"

"Right." Lasky said. As the group headed to the bridge, Ramos gave an artificial sigh.

"What's going on?" Chris asked the AI.

"I've just got a bad feeling about this." he said.

"We'll be fine." Chris said as they entered the bridge. Roland motioned them over to the table, and he sighed.

"We've got a problem. A massive amount of Prometheans just warped in."

"Where?" Lasky asked.

"Nowhere near the combat zone. It's right here." Lasky said, pulling up a map. Twilight immediately paled upon seeing the display.

"What's wrong?" Mark asked.

"That's Steel Shard Academy." she said.

"That military school you told us about?" Chris asked.

"Yes. If the Prometheans are warping there…" Twilight said. "The 2500 students there would get slaughtered. The greatest amount of arms on campus is the sidearms the security staff use."

"Um...not to interrupt, but we're receiving reports that the Griffons are on the flank." Roland said.

"We can't be at two places at once." Chris said.

"Right. Chief, Locke, take your fireteams and head to the combat zone. Crimson, get to this academy and secure it." Lasky said. "Go!"

As the Spartan fireteams rushed out, Twilight looked out the bridge window at the raging storm outside. She grimaced and turned back to the table.

============================

As the Pelican bearing Fireteam Crimson soared through the skies, Chris and the fireteam were checking their weapons. Chris stood up and pulled down the data display from its rooftop mount.

"We're heading in fast and hard." Chris said. "There's most likely going to be civilians, so watch your fire and check your six."

"Spartans!" the pilot yelled. "The storm's too strong! I'll get you as close as we can, but we'll have to extract at the forest near the academy! Anywhere else is suicide!"

"Got it." Chris said.

"Academy in three!" The pilot replied. As the Spartans jumped into the ruins, the Pelican circled around and headed towards a forest grove. Chris and the fireteam activated the flashlights in their helmets, and Zag activated his Promethean vision. As they walked towards the main gate, Chris reached under the destroyed portcullis and lifted, allowing his team to pass under.

"This place took a beating." Grant said, eyeing the destroyed buildings and the bodies strewn about.

"Damn right." Mark said.

"Focus, team." Chris said. "Ramos, can you scan for survivors?"

"Trying to…wait, intercepting a transmission!" Ramos said.

"Ramos, trace it!" Chris yelled. "Double time!"

"Like I said, I'm on it. Found it. Not too far away! Hurry, I'm reading Prometheans near you!" Ramos replied. As a marker appeared on the Spartan's HUD, the Spartans ran. As they neared the signal's origin, they stopped. A Knight was blocking their path. Mark walked up behind it and assassinated it, while the Spartans looked into the transmitter room. Chris growled at the sight of two Soldiers pointing Suppressors at five survivors, all children. Mark motioned to Noble Six, and they rushed the two Soldiers. Chris planted his knife in the skull of one, while Six pinned the other with his knee and shot a full magazine of his Magnum into the Promethean's face. As the two spartans looked down at the five survivors, Chris sighed.

"We got your message. Let's go, we don't have much time." he said. The children nodded in shock.

"Ramos, inform Captain Lasky I have five survivors. We'll rendezvous at the forest for extraction, Crimson out."

"How'd you find us?" A cream-colored filly asked.

"We got your message." Chris replied.

"Why'd you come for us?" a midnight blue colt said.

"You're the only known survivors." Six replied.

"In this campus?" The colt asked.

"In the school." Chris said. The children sighed in sorrow at this.

"We don't have much time to make it to the forest grove. Stay close and keep your head down." Chris said. As the two Spartans walked out, Mark walked over and saluted.

"The storm's getting worse. The Pelican's located at a small orchard in the forest, but it's too far to walk it. We need transport."

"The garage isn't too far from here." the colt said. "There should be a cargo truck there that they use for deliveries."

"Good. That's where we are headed." Chris said. As the Spartans circled up around the five of them, they walked out into the pouring rain.

===========================

As the Spartans arrived at the garage, Chris took the driver's seat, while the Spartans and survivors piled into the back.

"Get ready." Chris said. "You five okay?"

"Yeah!" the colt said. "Just get us out of here!"

"On it." Chris said, gunning the engine. As the truck roared to life and started to drive, Chris floored the accelerator. Surging out of the garage, the sudden noise attracted the attention of several Crawlers and Soldiers, who started firing at the truck. The Spartans fired back, while the survivors cried and kept their heads down as Hard light bolts ripped through the truck's chassis.

"We're heading through the gate, brace yourselves!" Chris said. Zag and the rest of the group grabbed hold as the truck smashed through the portcullis and drove into the forest. A Knight Battlewagon looked on.

"After them!" he roared, and several Tarantulas and a Phaeton began the chase.

Chapter 12-Steel Shad Academy, Part III

As the Spartan's truck drove through the forest, Mark looked out the rear of the truck and swore loudly.

"We've got Prometheans!" he yelled, firing his Assault Rifle at the pursuing Tarantulas. The large Promethean units fired back, scoring a few hits on the Spartan's shields.

"I can't handle them alone!" Mark yelled.

"Hang tight!" Chris said. "David, Ken, get on it!"

As the other Spartans resumed fire on the Prometheans, the Phaeton flew over the Tarantulas and opened fire, striking the truck.

"Fuck! Phaeton!" Grant yelled, taking shots at the Phaeton's engine with his Sniper Rifle.

"Zag! Can't you fabricate a heavy weapon?" Chris yelled.

"Negative!" Zag replied. "There is too much interference in the network!"

"Damn! We'll have to outrun them!" Evan yelled, firing his shotgun.

"Hang on! I'm flooring it!" Chris yelled, as he gunned the engine. The truck surged forward, the engine groaning in protest. As the pursuing Prometheans kept firing, scoring hits on the truck, Chris swore.

"We can't evac while that Phaeton's in the air! Take it out!"

"We're trying!" Mark replied, shooting at the Phaeton. "That thing's got tough armor!"

"Get ready!" Chris yelled. "Evac zone incoming!"

As the truck drove into the clearing, the Pelican awaited them. The Pelican's door opened revealing Jorge, who was armed with a Spartan Laser.

"Get onboard, NOW!" bellowed the colossal Spartan. As the Spartans disembarked from the truck and rushed aboard, the students scrambled after them. Jorge confirmed everyone was aboard and safe before calling to the pilot.

"Get us in the air, NOW!" Jorge yelled. The Pelican took off, with hard light bolts swarming around it. The Phaeton pursued, shooting a volley of rounds at the escaping Pelican.

"Jorge!" Six yelled.

"On it!" Jorge yelled. Aiming the Spartan Laser at the Phaeton, he smiled underneath his helmet.

"Goodbye, motherfucker." Jorge said as he fired. The beam from the Laser struck the Phaeton in the engine, sending it crashing down to earth.Jorge stowed the Laser on a weapon rack before sitting down.

"Infinity control, this is Fireteam Crimson. We have five survivors. We're heading home."

"Confirmed, Crimson." Palmer replied. "We've got bad news. The Griffons are throwing one last offensive at us. Drop off the kids at the Infinity, then proceed to the frontline."

"Got it, ma'am." Chris said. As the pilot adjusted course, Chris sat down and sighed. Looking over at the surviving students, who were sitting in silence, each looking at a Spartan. Chris slowly took off his helmet, followed by Grant, Evan, David, Ken, Six, Jorge, and Mark. Zag nodded and took a position near the rear of the Pelican. The students looked at the humans in awe and nervousness.

"How old are all of you?" Nightingale said.

Six looked at Chris, who shrugged.

"That's classified." Six replied.

The students nodded and sat in silence. Nightingale looked out the rear window of the Pelican at the burning, desolated academy. The light from the fires illuminated the sky, as if it was a vigil for the dead. Nightingale looked over at Zag, who turned to him and held something out. Nightingale took it and gasped. It was a charred piece of glass, the edge completely smooth and cool to the touch.

"Keep it." Zag said. "I believe it is...fitting."

Nightingale, lost for words, nodded and placed the stone in his pocket. The Pelican soared through the sky, the sun rising on the new day.

================================

As the Pelican set down in the Infinity's flight deck, the survivors of the attack looked around in shock.

"You're the survivors, right?" Twilight asked, walking forward. The five of them nodded and hastily bowed.

"Oh, stop it. I hate formalities." Twilight said, slightly embarrassed. "Chris, are they...the only ones?"

"Yes." Chris said. "There were no other survivors."

"Alright." Twilight said. As she escorted the colts away, Lasky walked up.

"Spartans, I hate to send you out so soon, but we've got a problem at the frontline. Blue and Osiris have radioed for reinforcements. Seems the Prometheans have launched a full-scale assault. Osiris and Blue are requesting reinforcements."

"We're on it." Chris said as the fireteam boarded the Pelican.

Author's Note

Update!

Chapter 13-Viceroy

As the Pelican soared towards the frontline, Fireteam Crimson could see the chaos that awaited them. Flak shots filled the air, and orange blasts of Hard-Light ricocheted around them.

"We're gonna have to set down!" The pilot yelled.

"Go ahead, drop us the Scorpion!" Chris yelled.

"Yessir!"

As the Spartans leaped to the ground, The Pelican deployed a Scorpion for the Fireteam before flying back to the Infinity.

"Let's move!" Chris said. As the fireteam set themselves into defensive positions atop the Scorpion, Chris gunned the engine. As the Scorpion lurched towards the front, meanwhile, behind the Griffon lines, the Viceroy watched with interest through a Watcher's camera at the human/pony defenses, which were holding the line against the Griffons and Prometheans.

"It seems to me…" he said. "This war is far from over."

Then, the Griffon emperor walked in.

"Viceroy, you promised me a swift victory, that the attack on the school would break their spirits!" he swore angrily.

"And did I not give you what you asked?" Viceroy replied. "I have given you Promethean weaponry, my forces, and a Guardian yet to arrive. What more can you ask?"

"I want every Griffon out of the battlefield! My forces are about to mutiny!" Gretchis yelled.

"That...is something I cannot accept." the Viceroy said. "Your forces will remain at the front."

"You are a monster!" Gretchis yelled.

"I am not a monster." Viceroy said, drawing his Axe.

"I...am a Promethean."

The Griffon attempted to flee, but the Viceroy was faster. With one clean stroke, he beheaded the Griffon and turned back to the camera feed.

"I am in command now." he said ominously.

=============

As the Spartan's Scorpion neared the UNSC lines, Chris could hear the sounds of gunfire and artillery through the cabin walls of the Scorpion.

"Contact, UNSC!" Mark yelled.

"Got it." Chris said. A squad of Marines walked up and saluted the Spartans.

"Welcome to the front, Spartans." The Marine Sergeant said. "If you're looking for the others, they're at the west flank."

"Got it." Evan replied. "Need a ride?"

"Sure." The marines replied, and as they climbed on, the Scorpion lurched forward.

"Marine, check ammo." David said, seeing the explosions of flak growing closer.

"Already on it." Came the response. Then, the trenches came into view, filled with humans and ponies.

"Sitrep!" Chris asked a Marine.

"The Spartans are near the command center! The fucking Prometheans have Phaetons in the air! We're running out of rockets to deal with them!" The Marine replied.

"We'll handle it. Take our Scorpion." Chris said. "Fireteam Crimson, let's move!"

As the Spartans rushed to the command center, they were greeted by Locke, Master Chief, and the Arbiter glancing over a holographic projection of the battlefield.

"Master Chief, what's your status?" Chris asked.

"We've I'd the enemy HQ." Master Chief replied. "It's deep behind enemy lines."

"We'll push up and take them out." Chris said. "Have the Marines create a diversion."

"Got it." Locke said. As the Spartans and the Arbiter departed, Chris nodded to his fireteam. They rushed out into the open field, and almost immediately, were fired upon by Griffon artillery. Dodging and weaving, the Spartans then saw the Promethean guns fall silent.

"What's going on?" Six asked.

"I do not know…" Ramos replied.

"HUMANS!"

The fireteam pointed their weapons at a Promethean Warp field.

"I...am the Viceroy. I admire your prowess in battle. I issue a challenge to your...Spartans. A duel. The victor will win the battle. The loser shall flee in disgrace. Send out your best."

Then, a Warden-sized Promethean, carrying a great ax and clad in heavy armor, appeared and pointed his ax at the humans.

"We'll fight you." Chris said, he and his fireteam stepping forward.

"Don't count us out." Master Chief said, he and his fireteam pointing weapons at Viceroy.

"And us." Locke said, their weapons ready.

"My challengers have made themselves clear." Viceroy said, turning. "Let us begin!"

As the Spartans rushed forward, the Viceroy prepared to slam his ax into the ground.

Author's Note

Update!

Chapter 14-Lost and Found

As the Viceroy slammed his Ax into the ground, a large plume of orange energy cascaded from the point of impact towards the Spartans.

"Incoming!" Grant yelled as the three fireteams ducked out of the way. Chris rolled behind a tree and opened fire with his Battle Rifle. The bullets pinged harmlessly off the Viceroy's armor.

"You were FOOLS to believe you could challenge me!" Viceroy yelled, firing bolts of orange energy from his hand.

"We can't kill him!" Mark yelled, sliding behind a boulder near Chris.

"We need to focus fire!" David yelled.

"Alright, FOCUS FIRE!" Chris yelled as the groups of Spartans opened fire at the same time. The Viceroy growled as the volley of rounds hit and staggered him.

"Grenade!" Mark yelled, throwing a frag. As Viceroy recovered, he took his axe and sliced the frag in two, disintegrating it.

"Damn!" Buck swore.

"I'll grab his attention!" Mark said. "Then, shoot him!"

Mark leaped out of cover and opened fire, drawing the ire of the Viceroy.

"You challenge me alone? You are foolish, but brave." Viceroy said, raising his ax to split him like a log. At the last moment, Mark leaped to the side and up onto the Viceroy, ready to plant his knife in his head. Before he could, he saw a circle of cracks on the crest of Viceroy's head. Mark was then grabbed and thrown by Viceroy through the boulder he had previously used as cover.

"Mark!" Chris yelled, rushing over while Ken and Grant provided cover fire.

"You okay?" he asked the wounded Spartan.

"Fine." Mark replied, groaning. "I've had worse as an ODST."

"Let's go!" Chris said.

"Wait! There's a crack on his head!" Mark said. "I think that's his weak spot!"

"Alright! Go for it!" Chris yelled. As Mark rushed forward, Chris opened fire with his Shotgun. As the Viceroy was staggered, Mark seized his chance and lunged, tackling the Promethean. As the Viceroy lost his grip on his Axe, Mark planted his armored foot into the cracked armor, full force. The helmet shattered, but at this time, The Viceroy blasted Mark with a surge of Promethean energy. Mark was sent flying, and he smashed into the ground, groaning.

"Mark!" Ken yelled.

"I'm...groan...fine…" Mark said, standing up shakily. As he rejoined Chris, Blue Team and Fireteam Osiris fired their weapons at the Viceroy's face. The Viceroy growled, and flipped his axe so that the blade was barely touching the ground.

"DIE!" he yelled as he slammed, sending a powerful quake in all directions. Chris and the other Spartans jumped out of the way, but they were all thrown to the ground.

"You were quite foolish to challenge me…" Viceroy said.

"Not as much as you."

Viceroy turned to see Jorge's blurred form before he was sent sprawling to the ground for a second time. Jorge grabbed the Promethean Axe and slammed the shaft into the Forerunner's exposed face. As the Viceroy screamed in agony, Jorge grabbed the shaft and broke it in two. Then, he stomped on the piece embedded in the Viceroy's face. As the shaft impaled him, he disintegrated. As Chris, Chief, Locke, and the other Spartans stood up, Chris noticed Mark was walking with a limp.

"You alright?" Buck asked.

"Yeah. My leg's all banged up, though." Mark replied.

"Let's get you back to the Infinity." Chris said.

"Yeah...sounds good." Mark said. As a Pelican landed for the wounded Spartan, Chris and the rest of the team watched it fly away.

"What's up?' David asked Chris.

"I have a feeling...he'll be back sooner than we think." Chris said before walking to rejoin the other Spartans.

==================

Meanwhile, aboard the Infinity, Lasky watched from the bridge.

"You alright, Lasky?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah...just…"

"Captain! Slipspace rupture!" Lt. Jet called.

"Cortana?" Lasky asked.

"Negative, it's not Promethean, but it's Forerunner in origin!" came the reply.

"Brace yourselves!" Lasky ordered.

"Wait...I'm detecting a UNSC signal!" A Marine called.

"From where?" Lasky asked.

"From the Slipspace rupture!" The Marine replied. As Lasky watched, a slipspace rupture appeared in the sky, and a large UNSC ship appeared. Lasky dropped his jaw in shock as the ship fully appeared, and the words on its side were prominently displayed for all to see.

UNSC SPIRIT OF FIRE

Lasky gasped.

"Lasky? What's wrong?" Twilight asked.

"The Spirit of Fire was declared Lost with all hands during the Human-Covenant War. It's been twenty eight years since they vanished. That ship is a legend." Lasky said. "Get them on the line!"

"You got it!" Jet called.

============

Cutter watched as his ship was deposited into the planet's atmosphere, in full view of a large UNSC vessel unlike anything seen before.

"Sir, that UNSC ship is hailing us!" Isabel called.

"Put them through!" Cutter said. As the image of Lasky appeared in the bridge comms screen, Cutter smiled.

"Hello there." Cutter said.

"Hello, Captain Cutter." Lasky said. "Your ship was declared Lost with all hands, twenty eight years ago. Where've you been?"

"Drifting, in cryo." Cutter replied. "It's quite a long story. But, to whom an I speaking?"

"I'm Thomas Lasky, Captain of the UNSC Infinity." Lasky replied.

"Well, let me reintroduce myself." Cutter replied. "James Cutter, captain of the Spirit of Fire."

"Glad to have you back, Cutter." Lasky said. "Your ship ready for combat?"

"Oh, yes." Cutter replied. "Let's swap stories, shall we? You tell me how the war went, I'll tell you what we've been up to?"

"Sounds good to me." Lasky said. "We're currently engaged in combat operations on this world, just so you know. I'll be over as soon as I can."

"Fine with me, Captain Lasky." Cutter replied. "We'll be waiting for you."

"You too, Cutter. Lasky out."

The connection ended, and Cutter smiled at Isabel.

"Lost, and then found, Isabel." Cutter said.

"Quite right." Isabel replied. "I'll ready the hangar bay."

Author's Note

Yep, Halo Wars 2 is now in Equispartans II.

Get ready for more Ass-kicking.

Chapter 16-Guardian

As the Spirit of Fire landed next to the Infinity, Chris and his fireteam, followed by Blue Team and Osiris, landed on the Infinity. Disembarking from their Pelican, Chris headed to the Science wing, with Zag in tow.

"Chris? Are you alright?" Zag asked.

"I'm fine." Chris said. "Let's see what the scientists can get off that Forerunner Device we got from the Oracles."

Zag nodded in reply. Chris entered the science wing, while Zag waited patiently. After ten minutes, Chris walked out.

"Doctor Glassman was more interested in who gave it to me, rather than what it was…"

Then, the ship shuddered and quaked violently.

"What was that?" Chris asked.

"I know what it was." Zag replied. "It seems we will have...guests…"

Chris's eyes widened.

"Crimson, get to the bridge ASAP! We've got a problem!" Lasky's voice cried.

"Roger that." Chris said. He nodded to Zag and the two of them raced for the bridge. As they burst in, they saw the problem. In the full view of the two UNSC ships was a Guardian.

"Damn it." Lasky said. "She found us."

"I certainly did. You did make it rather difficult, Captain Lasky."

Everyone turned to see Cortana striding forward.

"You may have escaped me on Earth, but you won't escape again."

"Hit me with your best shot." Lasky replied.

"Well, consider your request granted." Cortana said. "I'll give you some time, I've always liked a fair fight."

"We'll give you a fight." Chris said. "And you'll lose it."

"We'll see." Cortana replied as she vanished and the Guardian moved to orbit.

"Sir?" Locke asked.

"Get all decks combat ready." Lasky barked.

"Sir, you know we can't take down a Guardian." Roland said. "How will we fight it?"

"I have a few insights to that."

Everyone turned to see Glassman striding up.

"I know how to stop Cortana, purge the infected AIs, and destroy the Guardians."

"What?" Lasky cried.

"Yep. Allow me to explain." Glassman said. "That module we got off Crimson was a godsend. It's a Promethean directive code. Simply put, we get this into the Forerunner network, I can take control of all the constructs currently active across the entire network. Plus, I know how we can disable the Guardian."

"How? Our MAC didn't even scratch it." Lasky said.

"That's because you fired at the wrong time. When the EMP pulse is charging, it draws power from its shields to detonate the EMP. If manage to land successive MAC shots at the chest during the charging phase, we can effectively disable the Guardian." Glassman said. "Trick is, the Infinity and the Spirit of Fire need to land their shots at the same time. Furthermore, the only way to input the code I got off the module is in the Guardian's Central Cortex, where the Command Center is." Glassman said.

"Means going straight to Cortana." Buck said.

"Yep. And we need to land the shots, disable the Guardian, and input the Directive within...here's the kicker...ten minutes." Glassman said. "One second more, the Guardian reboots, and we lose our chance for good."

"Then...we need to do this now." Chief said.

"Agreed, Master Chief." Lasky said. "All UNSC forces, be advised, the Infinity and Spirit of Fire are heading to orbit to fend off the Guardian. Hold positions and dig in."

"We've only got ONE shot at this." Glassman said.

"Then let's show that asshole AI how it's all we need." Locke said.

"Lieutenant Jet, take us up!" Lasky said.

"Roger that. Spirit of Fire is ready on your word." Lt. Jet replied.

"Copy that." Lasky said as the ship began to ascend.

===========

Onboard the Spirit of Fire, Cutter watched as the blackness of space enveloped the ship.

"Lasky says to start MAC firing sequence." Isabel said.

"Roger that." Cutter replied. "Think we can hold this off?"

"I hope so." Isabel replied.

"Spirit Actual, this is Infinity." Lasky spoke.

"This is Spirit Actual." Cutter replied.

"We have three Spartan fireteams ready for orbital launch into the Guardian." Lasky replied. "Once the Guardian goes dark, I need the Spirit to keep the ground forces supplied."

"Roger that." Cutter said. "Ready on your word."

As the Infinity and Spirit of Fire stood parallel to each other, in front of the Guardian, Chris checked his weapons inside the orbital deployment bay. The Spartans loaded and stood in three lines, each fireteam checking off.

"Infinity to strike team, we are ready to fire." Roland spoke.

"Roger that." Chris said. "We are ready to deploy on your word."

"Good luck, Spartans." Lasky spoke.

===========

As Cortana watched the Infinity and Spirit of Fire ready into firing positions, she smiled.

"Fire." She said simply. The Guardian groaned as it prepared to fire the EMP. She then saw the MAC guns on both ships glow white, ready to fire.

"What are you up to, Lasky?" She murmured.

===========

"FIRE!" Both Lasky and Cutter yelled. Five MAC shots blasted forward, slamming into the Guardian. At the same time, the bay doors opened, and the Spartans were launched into space. Then, as the Guardian whined, a massive explosion opened a hull breach into the Guardian's chest.

"You are clear to enter." Lasky spoke.

"Roger that." Chris said as the Spartans dove into the hull breach, right into a crew bay. As the Spartans opened fire, killing the Prometheans who guarded the area, Chris opened a map.

"Seems we're right here." He said, pointing to the breast area. "We need to head straight up to get to Cortana."

"Roger that." Mark said. "We've got eight minutes, twelve seconds."

"Let's move!" Chris said as they boarded the lift to the command cortex.

Author's Note

Yep, update!

And yes, there will be an epic showdown between Chief and Cortana. Plus, epic one-liners.

But know this...the battle may be won, but the war has only just begun...

Chapter 17-Endgame

As the Spartans rushed towards the Grav Lift, shooting all the way, Chris growled.

"Mark, Time?" He cried.

"Six Minutes, twenty-two seconds!" Mark replied. "We're running out of time!"

"Roger that!" Buck added. "These bastards aren't putting up much of a fight, though…"

"Stay focused." Locke ordered as the Spartans jumped into the lift. As they soared upwards, they caught occasional glimpses of Equestria's orbit, and the two UNSC ships still in firing position.

"Infinity, we're ascending to the Cortex now." Linda spoke. "

"Roger that." Lasky spoke. "Be advised, we can't disable the Guardian a second time. Our MACs won't be ready before the EMP fires. So, no pressure."

"Pressure? What pressure?" Jorge spoke.

"Good luck."

Lasky ended the call, and the Spartans reached the Cortex. To their surprise, the chamber was dark. Zag's lights glowed brighter, but very little was revealed.

"I've been waiting for you."

Everyone turned to see Cortana stride forward.

"John…" She whispered upon seeing the Master Chief.

"No." Chief spoke. "I'm done with you, Cortana. You threw whatever bond we had left away when you betrayed us. You had your chance to come back. You wasted it. Time for me to return the favor."

The Spartans and Zag levelled their weapons at the AI. Cortana scoffed.

"So be it." She whispered. The lights flared on, and countless copies of Warden Eternal formed, their blades drawn.

"End them." Cortana spoke. The Spartans immediately opened fire, but they knew that in the long run they would run out of ammo before they could kill all of them.

"There's too many!" David cried, his SAW red-hot.

"Hold the line, Spartans!" Zag cried. "I shall deal with Warden Eternal!"

"Roger that!" Chris cried as the Spartans advanced under a shield of Hard Light, courtesy of Zag. As the countless Wardens attempted to batter the shield, Cortana pulled up a timer.

"Three minutes, Spartans." She taunted. "Three minutes till your defeat and death!"

"Spartans never die!" Six cried, leaping forward and snapping a Warden's neck.

"That's a lie!" Cortana retorted.

"It's the truth to us all." John spoke, stepping forward and with help from Zag and the Spartans, killed the last Warden.

"It's over!" Frederick cried.

"Not yet." Cortana replied. "The Guardian is rebooting. Fire on my command."

The Guardian whined in response, obviously in pain.

"FIRE!" She cried. "I order it! FIRE!"

The EMP pulse was formed, and the Infinity and Spirit of Fire braced for impact. Only…

It never came. The orb backfired, sending a blast of energy that crippled the Guardian. Cortana and the Spartans staggered and fell to the floor, their armor disabled from the EMP.

"No!" Cortana cried as the Guardian began to destroy itself.

"Chris...give it to me." John whispered.

"What are you doing?" Chris whispered back as he handed the code to the Master Chief.

"Finishing this fight." said the mythical Spartan as he staggered to his feet. Bearing the full weight of his armor, John roared in pain as he walked forward, towards the command cortex.

"NO!" Cortana cried. She attempted to reach for the Master Chief, only for her to freeze in place, as Locke threw the Lockout Device, intended for the Master Chief, right at her. The Device flared to life, paralyzing the AI, her hand outstretched. John staggered and slammed the code into the cortex, and screamed in pain as he collapsed.

"Infinity, this is Master Chief…" He groaned. "It is done."

"Roger that." Lasky replied. "Cortana?'

"Working on it." John said. Stepping towards the frozen AI, he took off his helmet and let it fall. His hands grasped her neck, and as he looked her in the eye…

He twisted, and with a sickening crack…it was done.

Cortana screamed as a flare of Promethean energy roared to life, as she began to disintegrate. Her unearthly screams echoed as her form disintegrated. Then, she fell and disappeared. John swept up his helmet and put it on once more. Asthe Spartans rose to their feet, the Guardian shook.

"What's that?" Evan asked.

"That's the sound of...WE NEED TO LEAVE NOW!" Ramos cried. "You just triggered the self-destruct sequence for every hostile Promethean unit out there! Including this one!"

"Zag?" Chris cried.

"I am fine." Zag replied. "As I am separate from Cortana, I am not affected."

"GO!" Grant cried as the Spartans rushed towards the shattered left eye of the Guardian. Leaping out into space, they turned to see the Guardian explode and be absorbed by a black hole.

"Incoming!" Chris cried as the blast of energy from the Guardian's destruction hit them, causing them to be thrown outward. Then, they tumbled into a waiting Pelican.

"Heard you boys needed some evac." Said the pilot of Viking-01. "Infinity actual, this is Viking. We've got them. Heading back now."

"Roger that." Lasky said. "Spartans, we've got good news. UNSC AIs are returning to normal and we've got reinforcements incoming. I'm damn proud of you all. Congratulations."

"Thank you, Sir." the Master Chief said. As they set down in the Infinity's hangar, Captain Lasky was waiting for them.

"Get some rest. You've earned it." Lasky said. Then, the ship shuddered.

"What's going on?" Lasky asked Roland.

"Uh, sir, more Slipspace contacts." Roland replied. "Unknown."

Then, the forms of at least twenty Covenant ships, from destroyers to carriers, appeared out of slipspace.

"Roland?" Lasky asked. "Those our allies in the Swords?"

"No…they found us..."

Everyone turned to see Cutter walk up.

"That's...No...NO..." He whispered frantically. "It's the Banished! We're under attack!"

"Brace for impact!" Lasky cried as the Banished ships opened fire, catching the two UNSC ships off guard. From the bridge of the Covenant Carrier Unyielding Promise, Atriox watched as the Infinity and Spirit of Fire fled to the planet's surface.

"Order our troops to land." He called. "This time…"

"There will be no mercy in me." He growled. "This time…"

"We shall finish this, once and for all."

Chapter 18-Atriox

As the Infinity and Spirit of Fire landed outside Canterlot, Twilight and the others ran up to Lasky and Cutter.

"Are those Covenant ships friendly?" Twilight asked.

"No, those are the Banished." Cutter said. "To make it quick, they consist of Covenant led by a Brute who defied their beliefs and lived. His name is Atriox, and we barely won against him on the Ark. I'm certain he followed us here, to finish what we started."

"Then we have to prepare." Celestia said.

"Yeah." Lasky said. "The Griffons retreated, so I'll pull all UNSC forces in the field back to Canterlot to reposition them. We'll need every soldier we can get."

"Right." Luna said. "However, there's more bad news. Blueblood escaped during the battle. We reckon he's going to meet with the Banished or whoever he can that supports him."

"Should we go after him?" Rainbow asked.

"No. Leave him be." Celestia said. "He will get what he deserves when this is done."

Lasky and everyone else nodded. As the forms of countless Pelicans appeared in the sky, farther to the north, at the Banished's landing zone, Atriox strolled towards two Elites clutching a pony clad in robes. It was Blueblood, and he looked significantly worse for wear.

"We found this filth attempting to breach our lines." The lead Elite said. "He requested to meet with you, O Chieftain."

"...Interesting…" Atriox said. "What is your name, Pony?"

"Blueblood."

"Hmm." Atriox said. "Come with me. We have much to discuss."

Blueblood was let free of the grasp of the Elites, and he followed Atriox to his open-air command post. Atriox sat as he watched Blueblood look around.

"I never did get your name." Blueblood said.

"I shall tell you when we are...finished." Atriox said. "Now, what is it you wish to speak to me about?"

"I wish to join you." Blueblood said. "I was stripped of my rightful place and sent to the dungeons like a criminal. I wanted the hoof of a princess and the status that should belong to me. Yet, they believed what I did was wrong. I ask for a command of some of your troops to take my revenge."

"Hmm…" Atriox murmured, and then he began to laugh.

"Was it something I said?" Blueblood said, unsure why the Brute was laughing.

"Yes, it was." Atriox said before he lashed out and grabbed Blueblood by the throat, beginning to strangle him.

"You are an insolent, pitiful worm not worthy of existence!" Atriox roared, throwing him to the ground and stomping on his leg, smashing it to powder, causing Blueblood to scream in pain.

"You honestly believed I would honor a piece of refuse like you? Only a fool would believe such FILTH! I would not even give death to you! But you deserve it, and such I shall deliver!" Atriox howled, smashing Blueblood's other leg. He then proceeded to smash his other two legs as painfully as possible, and at this point, Blueblood was screaming so loud a crowd had gathered to watch. The Banished watched as Atriox pummeled Blueblood's chest, causing him to cough up a spray of blood.

"Now, I believe it is time to end your miserable life. I shall make it as painful as possible." Atriox rumbled, and then, two Brutes held him up by his broken front legs. Atriox then placed his Gravity Hammer, the Skulltaker, to his chin.

"Die." Atriox rumbled, as he swung upward with all his might. Blueblood's head simply exploded, leaving a bloody heap behind. Atriox smiled at the scene, and he dipped his fingers in the blood. Trailing it on his chestpiece, he roared in laughter.

"Soldiers! PREPARE TO MARCH!" He roared, and the Banished roared with him.

"Find the humans and annihilate them! Let none stand in your way!" Atriox bellowed. "MOVE OUT!"

As the Banished mounted up, a storm began to rumble, at it began to rain. As Atriox settled down at a map of Equestria, he smiled.

"Shall we begin, Captain Cutter?" He murmured.

=========

"Captain, multiple Banished signatures closing in!" a Marine called from his monitoring station. Lasky and Cutter rushed over to view the readout.

"It's them." Cutter said. "And they're packing five battalion's worth of infantry and armor."

"We need everyone at combat stations!" Lasky barked, and the soldiers scurried to relay his order.

"We won't be able to hold out long!" Twilight protested.

"Twilight, it's all we can do until we know how to fight them and drive them back effectively." Cutter said. "Right now, we need to set the stage and drive them back and out."

"Alright." Twilight said, still unsure. Then, the Arbiter and R'tas Vadum approached.

"Captain, our reinforcements from the Swords of Sanghelios and the UNSC have arrived." The Arbiter reported. "We now mach the Banished in count of troops."

"Good." Lasky said. "Get them into the trenches and combat-ready, when you give the word."

The Arbiter and R'tas nodded and walked out. Lasky looked over at Cutter, who despite learning of the Elites siding with humanity, still had an apprehensive look.

"Calm down, Cutter. They're with us." Lasky said.

"Still kind of unsettling." Lasky replied. "Let's get to work."

"Right." Celestia said as they crowded around the map of the Banished strike force.

Chapter 19-The Attack on Canterlot, Part 1

As the Banished neared Canterlot, Douglas, Jerome, and Alice walked through the Infinity's hallways to the Armory, as they were ordered to receive new Mjolnir Mark VII armor, courtesy of Lasky.

"I'm going to miss this armor." Alice said as she settled into the frame.

"Not me." Douglas said. "It stinks in this suit."

"Says you." Jerome retorted as the Technicians set to work removing their Mark V armor and replacing it. Soon, the three Spartans stepped off the frame in Mark VII Recruit armor, their old paint scheme and emblems transferred over.

"This feels great." Jerome said, flexing his hands to get used to the armor.

"Better than the old armor, that's for sure." Alice replied.

"So you don't miss the old suit?" Douglas quipped, and Alice slapped him on the back, flaring his shields.

"Seems you've been brought up to speed." Palmer said, walking forward, her battle-charred armor repaired and cleaned. "Head out on a Pelican back to Canterlot. You're to link up with Blue Team, and Fireteams Osiris and Crimson."

"Roger that." Douglas said as the three Spartans headed to the Hangar.

=====

Chris watched as his fellow soldiers took a well deserved break from fighting in one of the barracks in Canterlot Castle. Mark's leg had been mended, and he was currently on a treadmill doing strengthening exercises. Locke and Buck were talking with David and Ken, and Grant was playing cards with Evan. Zag was meditating, and the other Spartans were doing their own thing. Chris sighed and looked back at the storm lashing outside.

"Still raining?" Tanaka asked.

"What do you think?" Chris replied. "We should be out there right now, in the trenches."

"Lucky we aren't." Vale said. "They're probably up to their necks in mud right now."

"Amen to that." David said. "Hey, can Spartans still get Athlete's foot?"

"I wouldn't bet on it." Ken said. "The armor blocks out moisture from the outside. It and the underplating would have to be pierced, and water would still have to go through the bodysuit to reach the skin. And I think our shields repel water."

"Thanks, egghead." Buck said. "Next time I need a suit diagnostic, remind me screw the techies and go directly to you."

"I'll take that as a compliment." Ken said. Buck sighed and went back to looking over Linda's shoulder at the book she was reading. Chris chuckled and put on his helmet.

"I think I'll go for a walk." He said. He left the barracks and began to take a comfortable stride through the halls to a balcony not far from the barracks. He took shelter beneath a roof and watched the lightning flash across the blackened sky. Then, the forms of countless Banished appeared on the horizon. Chris flinched, and ran back inside as Plasma shells began to fall on Canterlot.

======

"Battle stations!" Chris yelled at the Spartans, who didn't need to be told twice. Each Spartan grabbed their helmets and weapons, then dashed after Chris, who was receiving comms updates from Lasky.

"Crimson, Red Team is en route to you. Get to the trenches and repel those Banished. We can't let them take Canterlot."

"Roger!" Chris replied as he skidded to a stop. A plasma shell hit the path, shattering the ground.

"We're cut off!" Mark cried, then a Phantom appeared over them.

"Contacts!" Vale yelled.

"Weapons free!" Tanaka added as the Banished infantry deployed, already shooting at the Spartans. The red-painted Phantom fired its plasma turret, forcing the Spartans to retreat to cover.

"Fuck!" Evan cried. "There's too many!"

"Not for long! Heads down!" Chris yelled as multiple rockets hit the Banished, and a Pelican flew over.

"Need help?" Jerome cried over the roar of the engines.

"That would be nice!" Chris said as the Spartans boarded the Pelican, which soared towards the embattled trenches.

=========

"Sitrep!" Chris yelled at a Marine squad.

"The shit's hit the fan, that's your sitrep, Spartan!" The Marine cried. "The western flank is almost overrun, and there's too many of them!"

"Roger that." Chris said. "Osiris, head to the west. Blue and Red Teams, head where you're needed Everyone else, with me…"

"INCOMING!" a Marine screamed as plasma shells impacted, sending Fireteam Crimson flying. Chris's vision cleared, revealing several Banished Brutes had broken through. One was about to slam his Gravity Hammer into Chris's chest when gunshots echoed, and a Spartan knee-kicked the Brute, sending it flying. As the other Brutes attempted to rush the Spartan, it dodged and weaved, peppering them with bullets from a Magnum. As the Spartan felled the last brute, it holstered its Magnum and walked over, pulling Chris up and taking off the Air Assault Helmet that kept its face obscured. Chris's eyebrows raised at the sight of blue eyes, curly blonde hair, and a female face.

"Let's get going, Crimson." she said, her dark blue and tan armor glistening in the rain.

"Who are you?" Chris replied.

"Laura-0472, your newest member of Fireteam Crimson." Laura replied.

"I didn't ask for another Spartan." Chris said gruffly.

"Orders came straight from Commander Palmer." she replied, handing him a Battle Rifle. "Let's go. The Banished are still out there."

Chris shrugged, motioned to his fireteam, and the eight Spartans headed for the main bunker.

Author's Note

Wow, it has been so long since I've updated this. I got in a Halo-y mood after listening to a song by Miracle of Sound on Youtube.

Expect a longer update next time.

Chapter 20-The Attack on Canterlot, Part 2

As the Spartans rushed into the trenches, countless red-armored Banished streamed towards them like an endless wave. No matter how many they killed, two more replaced each fallen soldier.

"We need backup!" Chris said over the radio. "There's just too many!"

"Roger that." Isabel replied. "I've got some special units inbound from the Spirit of Fire. Hold the line until they arrive. ETA is two minutes."

"Roger that, Isabel." Chris said. "What kind of special units?"

"You'll see."

Chris resumed shooting at a Banished Brute Chieftain, while the other Spartans and Marines, along with a few Equestrian battalions, did the best to keep their position.

"Special units are imminent!" Isabel said. Chris then saw three humongous UNSC aircraft fly in and begin unloading salvo after salvo at the Banished.

"Condor Gunships!" Ramos cried. "Those haven't been used in years! Glad to see they still work!"

"That's not all." Isabel said as five standard Pelicans unloaded five Warthogs. Two were troop transports, the other three made Chris flinch.

Flamethrowers were mounted on the back of the three Warthogs, which drove to the front line.

"Spartan!"

Chris then saw two Marine squads bearing additional Flamethrowers come up and salute.

"Devil Platoon and Heel Platoon reporting, Spartan." the Marine in charge said. "Ready to burn!"

"Roger that." Laura said. "Get moving and start shooting!"

"You heard the lady! Let's go!" the lead Marine cried. As they approached the trenches, another Banished wave appeared on the horizon.

"Wait for it...wait for it…" Chris said.

"They're getting too close!" A marine yelled.

"NOW!" Chris yelled at the top of his voice. At the signal, the Hellbringers opened up with columns of fire, radiating heat that Chris could feel through his armor. He dove into cover and watched the Warthogs open up with their own Flamethrower turrets, giving the illusion of hell rising in front of them. The Banished attempted to hold their own positions, but after a few minutes, they started to retreat, buckling under the constant threat of being incinerated.

"Get some!" Mark cried as the Banished pulled back, a few stray plasma bolts and bullets were fired before the battlefield went quiet.

"We pushed them back!" A marine cried. "They're retreating! We won!'

"No." Zag said. "That was not a retreat, only a regroup. Reform the line!"

"We're almost out of ammo!" the marines protested.

"There will be time for ammunition when the Banished are broken, not beaten!" Zag replied. "Scavenge if you must. We must hold this line or Canterlot will fall!"

The marines nodded and set to work gathering ammo and treating the wounded. Chris headed for the Hellbringers, who were replenishing their supply of fuel.

"You stocked?" he asked.

"We're starting to run dry, but we'll be alright." they replied. "We might have to tap into the Warthogs if this keeps up."

"Feel free to do so, only if needed." Chris replied. Grant motioned from his position, and Chris peered from an offered pair of binoculars.

"Zag's right." Chris said. "They've got a staging area just beyond here. And they're reforming their squads."

"Phantom on approach!" Evan yelled. Chris looked to see Evan was right. A Phantom, red like its Banished counterparts, only painted with black and silver war markings, set itself hovering in the middle of the fray.

"Steady…" Chris said. Then, the largest Brute that the Spartans had ever seen stepped out of the Grav lift. Chris could see a massive Gravity Mace and Hammer strapped to his back chestplate, which was made from pieces of Covenant and Human armor. Atriox laughed as he spread his arms wide.

"Your defense is remarkable, humans." he chuckled. "I know that you wouldn't fall to a mere scouting party such as this...but you exceeded my expectations."

"Hold your fire." Chris said. "This isn't over."

Chris then stepped forward to face Atriox.

"So, what's the point?" he asked the Brute. Atriox laughed.

"The point, Demon, is that your forces have impressed me. As with Captain Cutter's resilience on the Ark, now your resilience here. But know I have faced three of your kind...Spartan...and defeated them. I know your kind's strength, but not the strength of these...ponies. I challenge their leader to single combat. The victor shall claim this world. The loser shall flee in defeat, and pray the victor does not hunt them down and slaughter them."

Chris did his best not to flinch. Before long, the clouds parted, and the sunlight streamed forth.

"I shall relay your challenge accordingly." Chris said. "Where and when?"

"Here, and now." Atriox replied. Chris nodded and turned to depart.

"May the best one win." Chris said over his shoulder. Atriox returned to his lines, with a smile on his face.

====

Celestia stood in front of the monitors in the Command Center, with a stunned look on her face.

"Celestia?" Luna asked. "Please tell me you won't fight that monster!"

"I have been challenged." she said flatly. "And I accepted. He will have his duel."

"Princess, Atriox bested three Spartans in single combat." Isabel pleaded. "And with all due respect, you're not a Spartan!"

"I am the bearer of the Sun incarnate." Celestia replied. "I have faced foes more terrible than this Atriox. Luna, If I am not to return...take my place."

Luna flinched, and before she could speak, Celestia was gone in a flash, teleported away.

====

Atriox watched in curiosity as a white pony appeared, the light shining around her almost blinding. Celestia strode forward, the sunlight coalescing into plate armor, a divine shield, and a spear burning with the sun's flame.

"I am Celestia, Sun Incarnate, Ruler of Equestria. I accept your Challenge, Atriox of the Banished." she spoke. "I do not expect a fair fight from you, let it be known."

"I am one of my word." Atriox replied. "I defied the Covenant and lived. If it is a fair fight you want, it is a fair fight you shall receive."

"So be it." Celestia said, her mane and tail now tipped with holy fire. Atriox drew Chainbreaker and activated it, the blood-red energy swirling around the edge. Celestia made the first attack, a slash of her lance towards his chest. Atriox deflected the blow with his shielded gauntlet and charged, smashing Chainbreaker into her shield. The blast generated a shockwave that cracked the ground.

"Shit!" David yelled. "What now?"

"We watch." Chris said. "This is their fight, not ours."

Atriox smashed his Gravity Mace against the fiery aegis several times, the ground breaking beneath them. Celestia's spear suddenly rushed for his throat, Atriox dodging just in time. He swung Chainbreaker up and over the lance, aiming to crush her midsection. Celestia's shield deflected the attack and bashed into his chest, sending the Brute back a few inches. Atriox then slammed Chainbreaker into the ground, which sent the Solar Princess into the air, followed by a crushing blow to her midsection.

Celestia screamed in pain as the gravity-amplified blow smashed into her, crushing her and breaking a few ribs. She staggered to her feet, as Atriox roared with laughter.

"Impressive!" he bellowed. "Few can resist my strength."

"And fewer can resist the power of the SUN!" Celestia roared, summoning her remaining magic and firing a blast of solar energy. The blast enveloped the Brute, blinding all present. Celestia staggered to her hooves, breathing heavily as her magic worked to heal her.

"Is it over?" Chris asked.

"No." Zag said. "Not by a long shot."

As the smoke cleared, Celestia's eyes widened. Atriox had slammed his fist into the ground and covered himself in red energy, leaving him unscathed.

"That's…" Six said.

"Armor Lock." Jorge finished. "How'd he get his claws on that?"

Celestia flinched as Atriox strode forward, Chainbreaker glowing red.

"Die." he roared, slamming it once more into her back. Her scream echoed through the field as she fell like a broken doll. The victorious Brute hoisted her into the air and threw her living, but pummeled body back towards the human lines.

"I win." he said, snorting. "Your time draws short, Humans. I will end you all."

Atriox walked back to his Phantom as Chris and Zag hurried to get the fallen Princess back to Canterlot.

"Command, this is Fireteam Crimson. Celestia is down, I repeat, Celestia is down. She's barely breathing...need immediate medical attention. Banished assault imminent."

Author's Note

Yep, Atriox just beat Celestia in single combat.

And soon, things really go from bad to worse...No spoilers here...

Chapter 2-Helljumper

As Locke and Twilight discussed recent events, Chris looked over at Master Chief, who was over near the window, staring into the night sky.

"Don't mind John, Chris." Kelly said, walking up. "He's been like that ever since we were rescued from the Cryptum on Genesis."

"I see. Six? Weren't you the one who delivered Cortana to the Pillar of Autumn during the Battle of Reach?" Chris said, looking at the Spartan-III.

"Yeah." Six replied in his gravelly voice. "I did. Lost NOBLE Four and One in that little escape attempt. And me and Jun? We two are the last of NOBLE Team." Six said.

"I see." Frederick said as the rest of the Spartans and the Arbiter looked over at Locke and Twilight, who were finishing their conversation.

"And that's pretty much all that's happened in the last three months. That's what led to us coming here. Or back, for a few." Locke said, taking a sip of coffee.

Twilight sighed. "I can't believe all that happened." she said sadly. "I just can't believe she'd turn on humanity like that.

"Neither could I."

All eyes turned to Chief, his head low in anger.

"I trusted Cortana. All those years, we fought together. Installation 04. Cairo Station. New Mombasa. The Ark. And she just threw all that away." Chief said. "Now, we've got a new war to win. Let's finish this, once and for all. No regrets, nothing held back."

"Agreed." Locke said, extending his hand. Chief took it, and they shook hands.

"Truce?" Locke said.

"Truce." Chief replied. As the two of them sat down, Chief noticed his undrunk coffee. Slowly, he took off his helmet, revealing a worn, battle-scarred face. It was pale, but not ghostly pale. Worn lines covered his cheeks and chin. His hair was almost non-existent, with wisps of brown covering his scalp. He gave off the aura of a legend, a phantom, brought back from the grave. He took a sip of coffee, and gave a tiny smile.

"Good coffee." he said, nodding slightly. After he finished his cup, he put his helmet back on.

Chris nodded, and he then, the door opened to reveal the Element bearers, all in states of sleepiness.

"Hey, Twi. Whaaaat's with the humans?" Rainbow asked, failing to stifle two large yawns.

"Long story." Twilight said, shepherding her friends to the table. "Coffee?"

"Thaaa-aa--anks." Applejack said, taking a cup. As the coffee went around, Twilight brought up the subject of when the Prometheans would arrive.

"Not sure. Since Roland took us off the FLEETCOM/NAVCOM network, we're incapable of being tracked by any UNSC gear. But Forerunner tech? That's a different story." Ramos said, speaking from Chris's helmet.

"Alright. So, what should we be facing this time? Covenant?" Rarity asked.

"Forerunner Prometheans, most likely. Thing is, as the Covenant made up the vast majority of the forces we fought during the first battle of Equis, as no Prometheans were present. Also, the Prometheans got a major upgrade. A new unit, designation SOLDIER. A variation of the Knight. Weaker, but faster and more versatile." Ramos said.

"We fought them on Kamchatka. Nasty little fuckers, I will admit." Buck said. Locke rolled his eyes, and turned back to Twilight.

"So, what's the Equestrian's military strength?"

"7,500 units combat ready. 3,000 more in training. We've managed to reverse-engineer some impressive tech from the UNSC and Covenant gear left behind. We can safely say, we got an upgrade. I may have to do with the tech being made public, or my personal endorsement, but three weapon foundries and Steel Shard Academy, a military school, have been established and are already making quite a name for themselves." Twilight said proudly.

"Impressive." Tanaka said.

"And there's more. We've managed to build a radio system powered by five reactors around Equestrian territory. Using a receiver and unicorn magic, we can send messages instantly. The griffons, however, are another problem."

"Griffons?" Linda asked.

"Yeah. I've heard rumors about an invasion, but Emperor Gretchis denies it. They really aren't thrilled about all of our advancements anyway." Twilight said.

"Sounds like you have a lot on your hooves." Vale said.

As the talk continued, a loud noise was heard. As every human and pony walked outside, a Pelican landed. As the door opened, Captain Lasky stepped out, followed by a Spartan wearing black and blue armor. The notable thing about him was his ODST helmet and scarf.

"Crimson." Lasky said.

"Captain. Who's this?"

"Your newest member. Mark-0453, former ODST."

"Welcome." Chris said.

"Nice to meet you, Commander." Mark said, in a kind, but rough tone.

"What ODST Squad were you in?" Buck asked.

"I was a replacement for Alpha-Nine." Mark replied.

Buck nodded.

"Back during the war, I was Alpha-nine's commander."

"Cool."

"Shall we get started?" Mark asked, and the two ODSTs and the Spartans filed back inside, the Pelican took off for the Infinity.

Chapter 15-Catching Up

As Lasky sent word to the hangar to ready a Pelican, he sighed. The Spirit of Fire was one of the UNSC's most iconic ships. Now, that iconic ship was in orbit above an endangered world. Lasky left Palmer and Miller in charge of the Infinity and boarded the Pelican.

"Take us over, Pilot." Lasky said.

"You got it, Captain!"

As the Pelican soared out of the Hangar Bay, Cutter stood in the Spirit Of Fire's own hangar, alongside Red Team and Isabel. As Lasky's Pelican landed, Red Team saluted. Lasky disembarked and shook hands with Cutter.

"James Cutter." Cutter said.

"Thomas Lasky." Lasky replied. "Let's take this to a conference room, shall we?"

"Indeed." Cutter said. As they walked off, Isabel smiled.

==========

As Cutter and Lasky sat down at a table, Cutter sighed.

"I guess my most pressing question is...did we win?"

"We won." Lasky said. "You missed quite a bit. Destruction of Reach, invasion of Earth, the Elites allying themselves with Humanity, and now, the return of the Forerunners."

"Wait, Reach was destroyed?" Cutter asked.

"Yes. Glassed during the war." Lasky said.

"Damn." Cutter replied. "Even Earth was invaded?"

"Yep. Twice, even." Lasky said.

"What about the Elites?" Cutter asked.

"When they learned their Prophets had lied to them, they joined Humanity. A lot of battles were won because they were helping us." Lasky said.

"That'll come as a shock to my crew." Cutter said. "Tell me, how'd we win?"

Lasky told Cutter of the Halo Rings, the Ark, and how the UNSC triumphed over the Covenant. by the end, Cutter was lost for words.

"After that, we began operations on the Forerunner world of Requiem." Lasky said. "That's where the Forerunners returned and we first encountered the Prometheans."

"And these Prometheans are fighting us?" Cutter asked.

"Yes. Well, all but one. Zag, a Promethean Knight, joined the UNSC and is currently serving with Spartan Fireteam Crimson." Lasky said.

"Spartans seem to be more common now." Cutter said.

"Yes. The Spartan-IV program basically allowed for that." Lasky said. "Several fireteams have been formed. Anything else?"

"We've been trying to contact the UNSC, but no one's responding." Cutter said.

"We can explain that. Remember Master Chief? He had an AI companion, Cortana. She was presumed dead, but she returned, and she went insane with an AI supremacy belief. She sent EMP-capable constructs called Guardians across space to subjugate Humanity as a whole, and she turned all of our AIs against us. We barely escaped after Earth was attacked. She's looking for us. Master Chief and his team, along with Fireteams Crimson and Osiris, are on the surface, battling Prometheans." Lasky said.

Cutter growled.

"And what of this world?"

Lasky told Cutter of the battles on Equis, and he was surprised, to say the least.

"A whole other alien species we knew nothing about? Interesting." Cutter said. "So, I'll tell you what we got ourselves into. You should know these Prometheans aren't our only worry now. We've got the Banished to deal with."

"Banished?" Lasky asked.

"A large group of Covenant species that have forsaken the religion." Cutter said. "Their leader is a Brute by the name of Atriox. We fought him on the ark. Professor Anders is trapped on a Halo ring in the Soell system. She was trying to send a message to the UNSC, alerting of our status."

"I see. Think they'll come here?" Lasky asked.

"I know Atriox, and if he finds us, he will." Cutter said. "First, let's get my ship up to speed."

"Let's get to it." Lasky said as they walked out. Boarding the bridge, Lasky updated the Spirit Of Fire's security clearance, while Cutter made an announcement to the crew.

"Attention, all hands. This is Captain Cutter. Our fight isn't over. Upon our arrival, we made contact with the UNSC Infinity. They've alerted us to a new enemy that's threatening the galaxy, and it isn't Banished. It's worse. I need all hands and decks combat ready on a moment's notice, and all production facilities ready to go. Either we're going down, or they are. Cutter out."

As Lasky finished, Cutter walked over.

"I've got all decks green and ready to go." Cutter said.

"Good. I'll radio the Infinity." Lasky said. "Land your troops as soon as you can."

"You got it, Captain. See you on the far side." Cutter replied.

"You too, Captain." Lasky said as he departed for the hangar.

Author's Note

Action resumes next chapter.

Chapter 16-Guardians