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!