Though he wouldn't admit it, the Arbiter was a little proud to call Zeratul his friend.

Most Sangheili hated the Protoss, for being so similar to them, but in some ways superior.

They looked through the cracked mirror. The broken plate. The shattered window.

As he stood, back to back with the Templar, facing down the Flood, Zerg, Zerg/Protoss, and Flood/Sangheili hybrids for the last time, he felt…content?

No, he told himself, it couldn't be that.

Content that the universe was in ashes around them?

Content that his Spartan brother had perished long ago?

No.

Content that he would go out fighting alongside his friend.

He activated his Energy Sword, Zeratul bringing out his emerald Warp Blade in preparation for the end.

'Goodbye, my friend. I hope we meet again.'