Chapter 108

As the battle raged around them, Axel was standing in front of Atriox who was shorter than him as Axel was over 11ft tall, while Atriox was only 8ft 6in.

While Atriox's body was bigger than Axel's as he was Jiralhanae, underneath his armor, Axel had a body that was augmented and enhanced, making even Atriox's strength pale in comparison.

In Atriox's mind, he knew exactly who the person standing in front of him was as the armor that he wore was well known to every member of the Banished. 

"The lord Protector himself, I didn't think you would find us this fast" stated Atriox, his tone carrying a small trace of surprise.

"A simple misunderstanding, Atriox. I've been tracking your movement ever since news of the formation of the Banished reached us." responded Axel.

"I see, I should've have known that I couldn't hide from you" Atriox was aware that the Banished were outnumbered in every possible way and their only hope for survival was to lay down their weapons and surrender. But Atriox was not one to go down without a fight.

"Let's get straight to the point Atriox, you are a powerful and influential Jiralhanae and have proven your abilities in numerous battles. So, I will only ask this once, lay down your weapon and you will be granted mercy" In response to this, Atriox had swung his gravity hammer at Axel who effortlessly caught it mid-swing, his augmented strength countering Atriox's brute force. Atriox struggled against Axel's grip, his muscles bulging out as he attempted to yank his weapon back.

"You forget, Atriox," Axel said, still holding the gravity hammer in place, "that I am not a normal man." His helmet had become translucent for a moment revealing his face as his eyes stared into Atriox's eyes, and for the first time ever, Atriox felt a thread of fear.

In a sudden move, Axel twisted the hammer out of Atriox's grasp, sending it falling onto the ground near his feet.

"I gave you a chance to surrender without getting beat up, Atriox," Axel continued. "But You decided to reject it." He released the hammer and took a step back, distancing himself from his opponent.

Atriox roared in anger and lunged forward to retrieve his weapon but was met by an uppercut, sending him 4 feet into the air before face planting into the ground.

"I won't ask again," Axel warned, standing over Atriox. "Surrender now or experience a near death experience"

Atriox growled low in his throat, pain and humiliation mixing with the anger boiling within him. He pushed himself up from the ground, swaying slightly as he steadied his stance.

Seeing this, Axel picked up his Gravity hammer and gave it back to him, a gesture both acknowledging the Jiralhanae leader's determination and further asserting his own dominance.

"Once more then," Axel offered.

Atriox received his hammer, his hands clenched tightly around the worn handle. A flicker of respect passed over Atriox's eyes as he regarded the human. This respect however was short lived as his anger and pride took over. He raised his hammer high above his head, shouting a fierce battle cry that resonated throughout the battlefield.

This time, Axel dodged the first swing from his gravity hammer delivering another blow to Atriox's side. He couldn't help but notice that the human hits were stronger than any he had ever received from his own kind.

Atriox grunted in pain, the impact of the hit resonating through his frame. He stepped back, attempting to regain his footing and balance. Axel didn't give him the chance. Kicking Atriox in the chest, he sent the Jiralhanae leader sprawling on the ground. The hammer slipped from Atriox's grip, skidding a few feet away.

"You fight valiantly, but with anger clouding your judgement," Axel said. "How will you lead your people if you let anger rule you?" Axel's words had stung more than his physical blows. He was right. Atriox had allowed his anger and frustration to take control, he had allowed himself to be overwhelmed by it.

Grinding his teeth, Atriox pushed himself up from the ground once more, refusing to allow himself to stay down. His side throbbed with pain from Axel's powerful blows, but he ignored it as best he could. He staggered back towards his weapon, retrieving it once more from where it lay on the battlefield.

"You... are not wrong..." Atriox admitted begrudgingly, his voice carrying certainty despite his weakened state. "But I will not surrender."

He charged at Axel again, baring his teeth as he swung his hammer with a primal rage. But regardless of his determination, exhaustion and pain were beginning to take their toll. His once powerful swings were now slow and predictable. Axel effortlessly sidestepped the blow, sweeping out a leg and sending Atriox sprawling to the ground.

Axel stepped forward, placing a boot on Atriox's hammer to stop him from retrieving it once more. "Your resolve is commendable, but this battle is over."

Atriox writhed beneath his foot, attempting to push himself up just to be held down by the weight of Axel's augmented strength. He growled, straining against the human's hold, his claws digging into the scorched earth beneath him.

To end it, Axel grabbed Atriox by his neck and held him up in the air. He continued to squeeze watching as Atriox struggled to fight back against his grip. Axel continued to hold onto his neck and squeeze until he could see Atriox fall unconscious.

The last thing that Atriox saw was a bright light before his consciousness faded away. It was as if he had a near death experience.

With his death, the battle was one and his forces were thoroughly defeated. After a few hours the other battles across the planet had also ended with the UNSC claiming victory and the last Banished resistance collapsing.

The final battle of the long war was now over, and now it was time for Axel to deliver the news to everybody.