Following Equestria's arrival into sub-sector aurelia, a black legion warband descends upon the sub-sector once again, sowing destruction in it's wake.
With Equestria now in the sub-sector, and with the black legion's return, Chapter Master Angelos and Celestia must find the elements of harmony and defeat the warband. But, little do they know, an old enemy of Equestria has returned, seeking for revenge. And this enemy, will not stop to have it's vengeance.
Twilight ducked down as the bolter rounds began to sail into her tree library. The bolter rounds breaking apart the tree as if they were wet paper. It was actually only a few moments, before nearly the entire structure collapsed and Twilight was left in the open, with about four chaos space marines running right for her with chainswords and bolt pistols.
She had been separated from Spike only moments before the attack had begun. It was solace to know that Spike had been able to get away to safety while her world began to fall apart. She wondered, a prayed if her friends were okay.
She thought for a moment herself, if she was going to die. She was trapped, with no way out, surrounded by heavily armed madman intent on nothing more than tearing her world apart. She allowed herself a final mental goodbye to her friends as she charged up her magic. And sent a large beam at the closest attacker. To no avail, her attack was hardly stopped, as the beam only caused him to lose his balance for a few moments, before he got up again and resumed his attack.
Taking her last few moments and looking back, Twilight wondered exactly how her brother managed to kill one of these fiends. She had seen the body, Shining’s spell had tore a hole in the chest of the chaos marine, and he died within moments. But now, even the most arcane of unicorn spells seemed to do little, if anything against these monsters. Sitting down, she allowed herself another attack, sending it straight at the face of one of her attackers as they closed in. They moved quickly, like all of their kind, and in only a few moments, Twilight could hear the roar of the chainsword.
There was then, an even louder roar. Not from the chainsword, but from a human. A human throat screamed in agony, and pain as one of the chaos space marines was lifted up into the air, and smitted to death by the hands of a librarian. Around him, three other space marines, easily defeated the chaos mad men, whose motions looked unusually sluggish and slow.
“Get up.” Solomon said quickly as he killed a Raptor. “Angelos and Celestia both want to see you.” “At once!” Twilight said getting up. “But...”
“No buts... I went through an entire mob of them just to get here.” Solomon said. “I am not going to take no for an answer. I will take you back, even if I have to drag you back.”
Twilight seeing no alternative decided maybe it was best for her to listen. Nodding reluctantly, she went with Solomon and his men as they made their way through a ruined Ponyville.
“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity shrieked as the filly was attacked by a large hulking brute. “Back you ruffian! Back!” She started to throw various things at the crazed Khornate, which really... did nothing more than just to piss him off more. All the color of the boutique began to remind him of a certain enemy cult, which in turn, made him even more angry, and even more wanting to kill whomever resided in this home.
“KILL! KILL! KILL!” The maniac screamed as he swung his chainaxe wildly, hitting various objects that ranged from fine china to a chair.
“Stop that!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed as the berserker continued his rampage. Quick hilariously the berserker slowed down right as this happened, his movements began to grow slow, clumsy and even more mindless that your average berserker. After only a few seconds, did the Khornate collapse on his knees, hands at his chest as if he was suffering from a heart attack. Only a few moments later did he fall down, making gasping noises.
“Die, heretic.” Aramus said as he brought his foot down upon the traitor, thunderhammer in one hand as well as bolt pistol in the other, he quickly scanned the area for any more hostiles.
“Hurry, we must go to Canterlot at once.”
“You’re hair! It’s messed up!”
“Now’s not the time! We have to go. NOW!” Aramus raised his voice which promptly caused Sweetie Belle and Rarity to pack up and go with him. Quickly, he made his way out with the two ponies following him.
“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash cried as she quickly swooped up and caught her friend, saving her from the oddly dressed human’s fireball.
“Amusing.........” The sorcerer rasped sending doombolts all over at the duo. Using her natural agility, Rainbow Dash evaded all of them, still clinging on to Fluttershy.
The sorcerer laughed and flicked his wrist. This sent the two careening to the ground. While not outright killed them as it should have, he was able to stun both of them, making them easy targets for him. Raising his power sword high above the head, the sorcerer aimed to cut both of the two in half.
Rainbow tried struggling, but the invisible grip had an iron fist, and she simply couldn’t get loose. She watched in terror as the sword was sent behind the sorcerer's head, so he could have the full momentum of the blade come crashing down.
Squinching her eyes, shut, the rainbow colored pegasus hoped her end would be painless, but instead, she would hear a roar, and a rather loud scream.
A few moments had passed, and considering she wasn’t dead, and neither was Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash opened her eyes. She saw that the power sword had found itself buried into the earth, and that sorcerer had a large chainsword buried rather deeply in one of his shoulderblades. Another lightning fast move, and a knife had found it’s way into the vile head of the traitor, slaying him instantly.
“He didn’t hurt you did he?” Thaddeus asked as he sent the body into a ditch.
“No.”
“No, we’re fine. Thanks I guess.” Rainbow said as she got up and breathed a sigh of relief as Fluttershy was okay.
“Well, no time for chitchat, Celestia wants to see you two.”
Nothing more was said, as the trio quickly made their way to Canterlot castle.
“Well, you boys sure are clumsy!” Pinkie Pie said as she watched the two chaos space marines bump into each other. “I’ll stick my thumbs into your eyes and drown out your blood!”
“Whoa big guy! Getting cranky there, eat a cupcake!”
“You dare mock me?! ME?! I WILL HAVE YOU SKULL!!!”
Pinkie Pie suddenly jerked to a stop while being chased by the angry marines. For then, she begun to shake and spasm wildly.
“Watch out boys! My Pinkie sense says that things are about to fall!”
“What?”
“It’s a trick! Don’t believe her! Kill her!”
Before any of them could move a muscle, a loud scream cut the air. It was one of their own, who just gotten crunched to dust after Diomedes had jumped on him. Taking his Thunderhammer, Diomedes quickly smashed all his enemies to dust.
“See? I told them!”
“Thanks for distracting them for me.” Diomedes said ignoring the fact that Pinkie was talking to dead bodies. “Now then, let’s...”
“The Princess wants to see us? Well, what are we waiting for? Oh, and Applejack is already there.”
“Took the words right out of my mouth.” Diomedes answered. “Now, let’s go.”
“No need to worry.” Angelos said soothingly. “I sent my best men to go and retrieve these element bearers of yours.”
“I know... I know.” Celestia said pacing back and forth. “But... if just as much as one of them....”
“I understand. I know what it’s like to have every piece on the board to be vital. I’ve been there before.”
It wasn’t like Celestia to be panicking. But to face the truth, the worst that’s ever happened to Equestria was maybe Discord who in the end wasn’t half bad. Now, she was facing against chaos.The true face of chaos. Madmen and daemons who sought nothing more than destroy.
And of course, it wasn’t like Angelos to attempt to calm aliens down. His time spent in Equestria had taught him to be calmer in situations where he normally would of whipped out godsplitter, and more reasonable in situations where the air would of been cut with the a string of insults and threats. Now perhaps, he could teach this alien ruler, that being calm in the face of danger was the way to go.
“Princess Celestia! We’re here!” Twilight said as Solomon opened the door.
“Twilight! I am glad you’re okay! Where are the others?!”
“Ah’m here.” Applejack said. She’d been the first to arrive after all. “Ah think I just saw Rarity.”
A few moments later, and the white unicorn had also arrived, rambling to Aramus about how his hair was a mess and that it was a “crime against fashion” much to Aramus’ dismay. He remembered that ever since he was a normal person, he had spent an awfully long time to make sure his hair looked good.
As Aramus endured getting berated by Rarity about his hair, Thaddeus had arrived with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.
“Angelos, Celestia, we are here.”
“Excellent. Now where’s.....”
“I am right here!” Pinkie said emerging right on top of Angelos which made him almost jump. “Okay, now that we’re all here.” Celestia said. “I think it’s time we got down and discussed what just happened.”
“At approximately 0430 hours yesterday” Martellus said. “A large black legion warband descended upon sub-sector Aurelia. Due to the arrival of your planet into the subsector, Aurelia now has 3 habitable planets, all of which are under siege.”
“I have a ques...”
“Not now.” Celestia said. “Listen.”
“Thank you. Anyways, it appears that the black legion are mostly interested in this planet. As a result, they have sent large numbers of their men here. I estimate there is slightly over a thousand of the heretics. Now don’t let their numbers fool you, a single chaos space marine can cause grief to an entire planet if left unchecked. That is why we have deployed our entire chapter to defend this planet.” Much to the dismay of the Inquisition and many others who had kept an eye on the Blood Ravens.
“And of course, we got backlash from it. But I told them that you and your people are worth more than entire chapters of space marines if used against chaos. Something that was first observed merely moments after the first invasion, when we had gotten reports that random chaos space marines who went to attack anything native to this planet seem to have slower reaction times and fight worse than their usual clumsiness. others even claim a few had randomly dropped dead. Whatever the reason is for this, this information alone means your entire race is worth more than perhaps at least a dozen chapters when used against chaos.”
“You... want us to fight?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Do I get one of those things you’re using?!”
“Sure. First, pick it up.” Angelos took a bolter and threw it on the ground. Imagine how surprised he was when the pony managed to pick it up with hooves.
“Um.... alright.” Angelos said a bit amazed with all his officers. “Okay, pull the trigger.”
And not surprisingly, Dashie couldn’t pull the trigger, no matter how hard she tried. Her hooves just didn’t allow it. After a while, she gave up and returned the bolter.
“Anyways, what I wanted to you to do is merely to accompany my men into battle against chaos. All you really have to do is just stand there and don’t get shot.”
“S....s...shot?”
“Yeah. Remember, bolters can tear limbs off with just an indirect hit...... and maybe I shouldn’t of said that.” Angelos watched with a frown as Fluttershy hid behind Celestia.
“Okay.... yeah... so what’s the plan?” Diomedes asked.
“Eliminate their commanders.” Cyrus said. “Any form of organisation will be shattered and chances are, these fools will crawl back into whatever hole they came from or kill each other for us. But first, we must find out who is leading them.”
“Cyrus, I will leave that to you.” Angelos said.
“Very well. I will assemble a team and move out immediately.”
“What will we do then?” Tarkus asked.
“Sit tight. And make sure this city is still standing. I will have teams go out shortly to go and rescue any civilians.”
“Remember, try and find the elements of harmony!” Celestia said holding up a picture of the elements. “They will be essential in defeating chaos again.”
“Will do.” Angelos replied. “Everyone, you know what the drill is. While Cyrus gathers where the black legion’s leaders are, I will send a team to go and search for these artifacts.”
“If I may, I will do that with Tarkus and Martellus.” Solomon suggested.
“Do as you please, old friend.”
“May the spirit of harmony aid you on your quest, and may fortune travel with you on your task!” Celestia said wishing the best for these warriors from the stars.
Fools rely on their luck, while wisemen reply on the Emperor. I wonder if here they reply on their “elements.” Solomon pondered as he went on his scavenger hunt.
“So... now that we seen more than one type of human, you think THAT type will learn the secrets of harmony?” Luna asked. “I still have my doubts about the blood ravens, most of them seem reasonable enough after staying in Equestria for some time now, but it’s like... their entire race is so bloodthirsty! Whether or not they serve chaos or harmony.”
“They may use violence to accomplish their goals, but my understanding is they care for order and strive to accomplish harmony in their own special way.” Celestia replied, through the spyglasses, she and Luna both saw a blood raven beating a heretic to death with his bare hands, the look on his face saw a twisted joy in causing pain to the traitor. “Traitors, villains, monsters or whatever their enemies are, nothing deserves that.” Luna said in disgust as the space marine finished killing the heretic.
“Hard to imagine their enemies are even more into murdering and are senseless killers.” Celestia commented. “When I saw those humans sit down, and speak to us for the first time, I had realized that they fought and killed for a purpose. A good purpose nevertheless, to banish chaos but who would know that they would enjoy killing so much? And... that’s just horrible how they find it just to torment their foes. Bad creatures they may be, but... it’s just.... I feel...”
“Wrong?” Angelos asked as he walked in on the two, making both the alicorns jump. “My apologies for sneaking up on you. I was able to hear you from literally a mile away. I was merely interested in your conversation of course.”
“I hope harmony is what one day humans are trying to achieve.” Luna said.
“We do. We try. The Emperor commands it.” Angelos said. “His dream was to one day send humanity into a golden age of prosperity.”
“And should this come at the expense of others?”
“If it’s chaos? I will gladly slay them by the billions if they stand in the way of the Emperor’s vision.”
“But... what about... the others?”
“As in.... non-humans? Or xenos as we’d call them?”
“Yes... you mentioned before we are the first race of non-humans that...”
“You know what’s funny?” Angelos asked not letting Luna finish her sentence. “I was born and raised by how every other human was born and raised. I was taught that chaos was the enemy to the Emperor, the imperium, all beings, living or non-living. As even it’s wielders will eventually be harmed by it. Though.... I was never taught that the Emperor had hated aliens. I was only taught that my fellow brethren did.”
Luna and Celestia looked at each other, not knowing what this meant. They thought Angelos a friend, perhaps what he says next will prove one or the other.
“So anyways, of course, I went along with the ideals of my friends and kin. As they had been brought up, most aliens I met were villains, always seeking to do some evil.”
Pausing for a moment, he dug into his memories of the Eldar.
“Then one day, I met a particular alien. She was in command of a group of aliens known as the Eldar. Although when we first met, things ended in blood, she had agreed to help me later on when things got out of hand. That was when I first wondered, was my family and friends really thinking the right thing? And then afterwards, I heard stories of some doing business with outsiders. This practice was frowned upon, but not banned. Which shows.. some subtly in the Emperor’s view. And then of course, that was when I met you and your people. I am glad to see that there are some out there, who truly wish for the good of all beings. Even foolishly wishing that for those that may not deserve it.”
“But.. all the people you’ve killed. Doesn’t that bother you? You are a great fighter after all, after all these centuries, have you learned to hate war?”
“My brothers and I were built to be bloodthirsty.” Angelos replied. “But, deep down, I know something. The greatest warriors are the ones who hate war. Dante, the oldest among us, is living proof of this. No matter how many enemies he has slain, he never seems to feel the joy of battle. I know many others secretly share my opinion, that one day, we can put down our arms after chaos has been defeated, and enjoy life as normal people. Becoming a space marine has granted me the abilities to do what the Emperor wills. When his will is carried out, I can one day rest. But if chaos still breathes, there can be no peace.”
Celestia smiled to see that even something as violent as a human, truly didn’t like war. When Luna saw her sister’s expression, she knew it read.
“I told you so.” She felt her own confidence vindicated, maybe humans truly weren’t all there to go around and bashing everything in with a thunder hammer. Perhaps they can learn how to one day, resolve problems around a table instead of exchanging blows.
“Come....to....your......deaths....traitors...” Davian rasped as he sent a hail of bolterfire at the ranks of the traitors. The air was quickly pierced by screams of the dying and the ones in pain. Waving his men forward, Solomon rushed the chaos space marines and heretics who hid behind a hasty fortification. As the last of the wall was blasted to rubble by grenade launchers, assault terminators began to charge at the traitors. They were accompanied by a rainbow colored blur. When the blur reached the heretics and traitors, some of them began to drop down on their knees, others held their heads, while some made gasping and strangling noises. The weakened forces of chaos was no match for the fury of the blood ravens elite as they turned the entire mob of chaos into mincemeat. No deaths, and no injuries for the blood ravens.
“Impressive.............” Davian said as he saw his men wipe up the remnants of chaos. “The power.... you wield.... against chaos.... is a great..... blessing.....”
“Thanks! But... it’s not like I control it.” Dashie replied. “I had to say, you totally kicked their flanks! Anyways, how’d you get in there?”
“Oh..........” Dashie said awkwardly. “Were you the guy who fought some alien emperor thing and survived?”
“Yes..... the necron lord..... of Kronus.... but it was Nickolas.... that destroyed.... the necron lord.....”
“And he too also survived against a Tyranid warrior. Though.....” Tarkus said nothing afterwards. Only looked down at the ground as guilt began to poke at his soul.
“Wow! And now you’re a giant... fighting robot! Davian Thule?! You need a cooler name! Like 20% cooler! How.. bout... um... um... no.... Davian Cool?!”
If Davian could show it, he may of smiled at this statement. Nevertheless, he just said nothing and stood there as he waited on what was to happen next.
“Let’s get going. No time to rest and take things lightly.” Solomon said. “We still have to find this artifact. Davian, you coming?”
“Yes........”
“Good! Let’s get a move on brothers!”
Angelos graciously accepted a cup of tea from a unicorn as he continued reading the map, using an awkwardly small brush to draw out areas of interest. “And then I said to him! Hey there big guy! Eat a cupcake! I mean c’mon! Some of these guys make Cranky Doodle Donkey look... like nothing!” Pinkie said bouncing around a bemused Aramus and Thaddeus who were watching outside a window into the courtyard. “How goes the battle?” Luna asked as she walked up to them.
“Judging from what everyone’s saying on the vox, this fight is going our way.” Thaddeus replied. “We’ll have the entire sub-sector cleaned up on no time.”
“That’s easy enough. But something is bothering me.” Angelos said walking over.
“What is it?” Aramus asked looking outside.
“Well, if I recall correctly, the first three attacks on Aurelia were all orchestrated by Kyras. The black legion is now here. This can mean one of two things. A, there here just to wreak havoc again, or..... Kyras perhaps... was part of an even larger plan.”
“An even larger plan? This can’t end well.” Aramus commented.
“But with these equines aiding us, surely fighting chaos will be much easier than before!” Thaddeus said. “Their very being weakens chaos.”
“Nevertheless, that’s hardly a concession if we get another black crusade.” Aramus said. “What’s a black crusade?” Celestia asked nervously.
“Every once in a while, Abaddon, warmaster of chaos comes in, rallies all the traitor legions together, and wages war upon the imperium in a string of several ruthless battles. These battles normally end in major losses for the imperium. We normally rally our best and most fearless to battle chaos. Entire chapters may even arrive to aid in the defense. There are now rumors that Abaddon is readying another one. If it does come to that, I only ask, Celestia of Equestria, will you aid us?”
Celestia nodded.
“I will. If the defeat of chaos means securing harmony up on this weary galaxy, then I will do anything I must. Even if it means shedding the blood of others.”
Angelos nodded and smiled. This was the second time in his personal experience that aliens had agreed to help him. Perhaps the things he’d been brought by maybe... weren’t as true as they turned out to be. It was written in many texts of the atrocities committed by xenos during the 27th millennia, but truly, it may not be too hard in finding those who weren’t out there just to senselessly kill, take or manipulate.”
Hope, a word for fools. But as such, blessed was the mind that was too small for doubt. And right now, Angelos did not doubt those who resided in Equestria one bit.
“Anyone that looks like that their in command?” Cyrus asked as the scout gave his report.
“We got about a few dozen dead guys, but no one looks like he is in charge.” The scout replied.
“No? No sorcerer? No champion?”
“Nope. Either this is just another mob that felt like coming here, or their leader is really good at hiding.”
“Very well. Carry on.” Cyrus said as his brothers moped up any stragglers. Going on the vox, he quickly told Angelos the news.
“This bothers me.” Cyrus said. “Most chaos champions have about as much brains as a bolter round, unless we are facing a coward, then this one seems to be smarter than the rest.”
“Tell me more.” Angelos said interested.
“We’ve slain about a hundred of them already. And yet, I find no potential leaders. Perhaps we do this the regular way?”
“Hmm, I’ll get back to you on that. Continue with your mission.”
“Very well. Cyrus out.”
“So.... I heard space marines spend their entire lives in war?”
“Yes.... and I heard..... you spend....your entire lives.... in peace....” Thule said. “How fortunate.... you are.....”
“And hey! There’s my house!” Dashie said as she flew up and entered her cloudhouse. Due to the fact the majority of the space marines there had never been on Equestria for too long, most of them began to scratch their heads in wonder as they saw that Rainbow Dash’s house was made of clouds.
“Is......”
“Wha......”
“Eh....”
“How....?”
“Things on this planet just shouldn’t be questioned.” Martellus said. “I wonder if we can make use of that later on.”
“Well first, grow a pair of wings!” Rainbow Dash said coming down getting a saddlebag. “Um... shouldn’t we get Twilight if we are going to fi...”
“No need. Solomon is already on it.” Martellus said. “Where to brother?”
“There!” Solomon said pointing northward. “It’s going to take a few hours to trek there. So...”
“Full steam ahead?” Rainbow Dash asked eager to get fast.
“The sooner, the better.” Solomon said. “But why waste time?”
“Huh?”
“I am calling in a Thunderhawk.” Solomon said. “Martellus, how many brothers we got?”
“17 and of course, the entity known as Rainbow Dash.”
“Well, no time to waste, let’s get a move on!”
“Good day, human!” Said a familiar voice as Cyrus walked through the ruined streets in thought. “What’s on your mind today?”
“Didn’t your Princess tell you to go and get to the capital?” Cyrus asked.
“Yeah. But of course, I think my shop and my things are more important. Only got like 14 more lives left. Lucky guys, my kind are. We get a lot of lives, and get reborn like a certain creature. I was human-ish the last 13 times, and I think I like being human the most.”
“What’d you like most?” Cyrus asked.
“Hands.” Hooves replied. “You know, there’s a unicorn called Lyra, she’s obsessed with you guys. She used to bother me 24/7 about humans. Now that they are here, she decided to go annoy them.”
“Hmm, sounds interesting. But later. I have work to do. I am trying to find their leaders. If we can’t do that, I suppose we can try things the old-fashioned way.”
“Ah war, something humans tend to love to do. You know, I studied their history and found that their technology progressed cause of war!”
“Great. Let me tell you. The day I finally get to rest one way or the other will be the happiest day of life. But of course, the Emperor comes first, then myself. It’d be a hideous sin if I did anything for my sake.”
“So... you going to rest actually when whatever you do is done?” “Maybe some day. But when the enemies of the Emperor draw breath, there can be no peace.”
“Alright. Stay alert.” Solomon said. “This way, everybody. Last thing I need is to have an entire mob of havocs upon us.”
They trekked for a while. In the distance, an object glowed. Judging from the way Solomon was walking, he intended on going there, to where the light was coming from. They approached it, until it grew brighter and brighter.
“I can see the sun.” Tarkus said after a while. “Know how?”
“Eh... yeah. See those clouds? No pony really bothered to move them. See that bright shiny thing?”
Nod.
“Yeah, that’s the crystal empire! Twilight’s brother and sister-in-law are staying there.”
“Tell me about it.” Tarkus said as the band of space marines continued their way.
“Well.... I dunno much. Except for how some evil unicorn took it over like a long time ago and then got defeated, returned and got killed.”
“Remind me never to ask her to explain things.” Tarkus voxed.
“Holy..... Terra......” Solomon said as he gazed at the view that lay in front of him. The massive spires of pure crystal, and a large blue dome that surrounded this massive metropolis of crystal. He began to walk faster to get a closer view, all that happened was him hitting a straight wall of crystal. “So... someone going to open up in there?” Solomon asked. “This is the location of the first artifact.”
And right on cue, a certain white unicorn strolled out. He eyed the band suspiciously until he finally gave a nod. The forcefield came down in a flash.
“Greetings. My name is Shining Armor. Welcome to the crystal empire. If you’re not like any of those brutes that came here in the past few days then we will be glad to have you around.”
“My pleasure.” Solomon said bowing politely. “My name is Solomon, chief librarian of the blood ravens. I seek to obtain a certain artifact of immense power that is located in your empire. Will you permit us to go and seek it out?”
“You have my best wishes.” Shining Armor said. “Why not warm up in here? The bitter cold surely must take it’s toll on all creatures. You too Rainbow Dash, go warm up.”
“Glad to get out of the cold.” Tarkus said. “Well, best start searching.”
The blood ravens all nodded at one another as they continued down the street. Many of the crystal ponies eyed them with mixtures of apprehension and anxiety, but after a while, seeing they weren’t here to bash everything to bloody pulps, the eyeing and the suspicious glances ceased. Some even walked up to greet the astartes.
“Harder than adamantium....... wow.” Martellus breathed doing a scan of a building. “I am not sure you are aware of it yet, but this entire place could potentially be an impenetrable fortress.”
“Tell that to the ones that nearly lost their lives yesterday.” Shining remarked. “That was the first time I used that new spell I learned.”
“Ne..... oh.” Tarkus said. Looking over, he see the dismembered remains of a chaos space marine that was being thrown into a ditch.
“Impressive.” Solomon said. “I recall correctly you are a sort of fighter amongst your people.”
“Indeed. My special talent was defending my friends and family. I’d rather die than see them get hurt.”
“And stop!” Solomon said stopping a few blocks from the crystal palace. “It is here. You five, dig.”
“No need. Even then, I doubt you’d even make a dent in the ground.” Shining Armor said. “I have a feeling I know what you’re looking for. It’s deep down in the vault. A few foals had found it and given to me.”
“One of the elements of harmony?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Yep! And guess what? That one is yours.”
“Nice! Perfect for me to come here.”
“Anyways, Shining, if I recall correctly, how many of the chaos wretches were there?”
“Like eight.”
“Tell me what happened.”
“Well.......”
“Alright, so anyways, I just got another letter from Twilight.” Shining Armor said shaking his head while staring at the ground. “They say that a bunch of human maniacs started attacking Equestria.”
“Yikes..... they weren’t possibly...”
“No.” Shining Armor replied, reading the mind of his wife. “They weren’t part of the Blood Ravens. In fact, the Blood Ravens say that these guys are their worst enemies.” “So.. is war going to fall upon Equestria?”
“Absolutely no doubt about it. They say that the Blood Ravens transformed Canterlot into a fortress in just a few hours and are now deploying their men en masse to hunt these guys. Thank heaven for that. I doubt any of....”
The door opened loudly a messenger came in, panting heavily with a panicked look on his face.
“Sire! There is a family that is in danger! They are being attacked!”
“Oh no....”
When Shining Armor arrived on the scene. He had found Chaos Space Marines trying to force entry into a house. Some were mindlessly hacking at the walls (which were harder than adamantium) and others were just sending bolter rounds at the walls. A family was trapped inside, screaming for help.
Acting quickly, Shining Armor charged up a new offensive spell he had learned. The beam easily tore it’s way through the power armor of the closest chaos space marine. Almost as soon as this had happened, all the other chaos space marines began to start screaming, as if in pain. Some of them fell to their knees, others made strangling noises, one even dropped dead outright. The weakened chaos space marines were no match for Shining Armor’s wrath as he obliterated the group in a fit of rage, scattering body parts and bits of armor everywhere.
At first, Shining Armor had felt happy. He told the family they were safe, and smiled at the fact that he had just absolutely destroyed several of the barbarians, when months ago, he had trouble merely injuring one of their kind.
Then... guilt.. had seized him. He had just committed murder. An absolute atrocity in Equestra. Those brutes clearly meant harm to the family trapped within their home, but... was their truly pride in killing?
There shouldn’t be. But he had to do it anyways. He recalled the first time when he crossed swords with the Blood Ravens. He was scared of them. And that had prompted him to become violent. Like these attackers.
“You know....” Shining Armor said when he finished his story. “How do you manage to sleep at night, knowing that you’ve killed?”
“What we do is righteous.” Tarkus said. “But... I’d never harm anyone that never meant any harm to me....” This was a lie. He that time on Typhon when Kyras had manipulated he and his brothers in killing the seer council. This spelled doom for the planet, and he along with Diomedes and the others, were the ones to blame.
“I had always been brought up that killing was a bad thing to do, and that wars should only be fought with words.”
“You’re right. Winning a war without fighting is far better than winning one with bolters and chainswords. But unfortunately, the universe as we know it offers little choice. Where I come from, it’s kill or be killed. On your planet, that’s not the case. A gift in this harsh universe.” Solomon said. “And we’re here?”
“Welcome to the crystal palace!” Shining Armor said. “Tell Cadence we got guests.” He said to a messenger.
“Here we are again!” Rainbow Dash said happily. “C’mon! You guy’s will love it!”
“Speaking of which, I think I have means to aid you in your quest...” Shining Armor said. “Perhaps it can protect you in your mission against chaos. If the situation becomes as bad as it does... then... I promise, I will fight with you. Hopefully that never becomes necessary.”
“The enemy of my enemy..... is my friend.” Solomon muttered remembering an ancient Terran proverb. “I wonder how long he will be my friend.”
“As long as I draw breath.” Shining Armor said. How he was able to hear him, made Solomon jump. “He who stands by me... may not be my brother... but I know... he will be my friend. To the end.” Tarkus said. Partly to his brothers, partly to himself, and partly to Equestria.
“Oh.... hello.” Cadence said to the space marines as they walked into the throne room of the crystal empire. “Greetings Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” Solomon said politely. Still, even that made Cadence jump. The gruffness of the human voice just wasn’t really pleasing to the ears and of course, this being the first time meeting one.. well. “How... do you know my name?” Cadence asked. “Telepathy. Something all psykers like myself have. I assume, from your horn you too.. are a psyker, one who uses magic?” “Eh... yes. I also have wings too if that means anything to you.” “Ruling class most likely.” Martellus voxed. “The Tiara tells me she is of some sort of nobility.” Ignoring Martellus, Solomon introduced himself and his brothers as he would if he was addressing anyone of his race that held any importance. “My name is Solomon, chief librarian of the Blood Ravens. This is Tarkus, Captain of the 1st company.” “Greetings.” “And this is Martellus, master of the forge.” “My pleasure.” “I hope you don’t me asking but..... um...” “What are the things on his back?” Solomon said reading her mind. “Just a servo-arm. To simplify things, it helps him fix things.” “Always a step ahead eh?” Cadence asked. “So... if I have things right, then you are here to collect one of the elements of harmony?” “Yes.” “Okay, I will have a courier to go retrieve the one we found immediately.” “Thank you. Mi Amore Cadenza of Equestria.” Solomon said. “About your name.” Tarkus inquired. “It sounds awfully terran.” “Terran?” “He means human... I think.” Rainbow Dash said. “They well... I dunno how to put it.” “Yes.... now I remember, it was an old language spoken thousands of years ago. I don’t recall it’s name, but it’s still from Holy Terra. This begs the question, have you seen humans before?” “Just you.” Cadence said. “Why?” “Nothing.” Martellus said. “Okay, this is just getting...” “Strange? Yes I know. First we have them speak in our EXACT language, word for word pretty much. Then we find the architecture is very similar to ancient Terra....” Solomon said. “What else?” “And then we have Terran words used as names.... like... are these humans trapped in alien bodies or something?” “That sounds more and more plausible.... and ridiculous....” Martellus commented. “Let’s just get the thing and get out. While the enemies of the Emperor still draw breath, there can be no peace.”
“Damn it! Any luck brothers?” Judging from the chorus of no’s, luck wasn’t with them on this day. “Emperor knows where that damned monster is hiding. Letting him live was our first mistake!” Diomedes ranted. “This is my fault. I shoul.....” “Don’t blame yourself.” Angelos said. “It’s more important if we find him. I have a hunch he has something to do with the fact that we got a whole warband on our heads.” “When I get my hands on him.......” Diomedes gritted. “Wait, you don’t think HE did this do you?” Luna asked. “I th...” “OF COURSE HE DID THIS! WHO THE HELL ELSE WOULD?!” Diomedes said losing his temper in a heartbeat. “WHEN I FIND THAT HELLSPAWN...” Anyone sensible decided to put their fingers or hooves in their ears instead of listening to the massive rant of insults and threats that emanated from the raging space marine. A few years later, when the blood ravens looked back on this day, a few battle brothers would joke about that Diomedes made the Angry Marines look not even angry.
“Alright we got it? Good! Let’s get outside, Davian is waiting for us! Martellus! What are you gawking at?!” “That!” The techmarine pointed outside, where there was a literal tidal wave of chaos. A massive horde of daemons and chaos space marines was charging right at the crystal empire. “Holy sh... Cadence! The shield spell!” Shining Armor screamed in panic. “Rainbow Dash!” Solomon said. “You mentioned you could fly and break the sound barrier, go back to your Princess! We will remain here..” “I am not...” “That is an order! Do it! NOW!” Solomon seized the cyan pegasus and flung her straight up into the air, sending her sailing back home. “Davian! You hearing me? There is a giant wave of chaos coming in from the north! Get there! Make sure they do not set foot in this city!” “Understood.......” “As long as my spell and the crystal heart spell lasts, we should be fine!” Cadence said looking outside on the balcony. “Will it last against that?” Tarkus asked pointing at a figure that towered over the rest of the mob. A bloodthirster. “Heaven helps us....” Cadence said feeling the cold hand of fear grip tightly to her.
“Angelos! I got bad news!” Thaddeus said as he saw the chapter master peaking into yet another empty room. “Tarkus and the others are in trouble!” “But we can’t just leave a daemon running around!” Diomedes answered. “We have...” “They’re dealing with an entire daemonic horde! We have to help him and not waste time in trying to find someone who may or may not be responsible!” “He’s right!” Cyrus said. “Captain Thule, Martellus and Solomon are with them. We can’t abandon them!” “Cyrus, you and Thaddeus go help Tarkus and the others. Diomedes and I will remain here to search. Now go! Emperor keep all of you!” “Get going!” “Wait! I have to go with them!” Twilight said. “My brother is there!” “Come along then!” Thaddeus said. “Fluttershy, you too! I have a feeling you might be necessary..” “Bu..” “No buts! Get along.. now!”
“TAKE COVER!” Tarkus roared at the top of his lungs as a chaos predator fired it’s main cannon at the hasty defense that was erected. When the explosion cleared, he was surprised to find that this “hasty” defense was still standing. Seemed these crystals were made of tough stuff. “Martellus! See what you can do about that Predator!” Solomon screamed over the din of battle. “Done!” Martellus voxed grabbing a missile launcher. Aiming carefully, he knocked out the predator. “Eat this traitors!” “We got another wave incoming!” Shining Armor said pointing a hoof at a mob of chaos space marines. The space marines greeted them with a hailstorm of bolter fire. Not one of these madmen reached the blood ravens. “I.... have....grown....practiced.....at...killing....you....heretics...” Thule rasped out as he sent another storm of bolter fire at the chaos space marines. “So much hate.....” Cadence whispered as she watched the forces of order and chaos go to work on one another. “Another wave down!” Tarkus said as he discarded his bolter and pulled out his chainsword. “You’re not honestly going to use that are you?” Shining Armor asked. “Why?” “Against... that?” He pointed at the advancing bloodthirster that approached them with it’s mighty battleaxe. “This.....is... going to be bad.” Solomon said. “FALL BACK!” The space marines all packed up and ran back to a more defendable position. Even the best warriors of the Emperor had reason to worry in the face of the mighty greater daemon of Khorne.
“Thule! Our brothers need help! You have to help them!” Martellus said listening to the vox. “At once......” “May the Emperor watch over you!” Tarkus said wishing him luck. Watching the approaching daemon he clenched his teeth for a moment as a mob of bloodletters approached. “Incoming!”
“Incoming!” A battle brother yelled loudly as a mob of bloodletters and chaos space marines approached. The space marines quickly began to fire. This thinned the ranks of the mob, but did little to stop their advance as they closed the gap. Just as it looked like the enemy was going to be upon them, the roar of several bolters firing cut the air, scattering body parts around. “It’s Captain Thule!” Someone said as the venerable dreadnought approached with reinforcements. “Yes..... may the daemons.... fall before me...” The dreadnought replied as he turned to fire at another approaching mob. From the distance, he spied a particular looking traitor. A powerful khornate champion from the looks of it. He approached, surrounded by his men as they fired bolter rounds at the blood ravens. This is going to be a tough fight even if chaos was being weakened by the nature of this world.
Thaddeus grunted with grim satisfaction as he tore off the head of the daemon with his chainsword. He stood in a pile of corpses of daemons and chaos space marines alike. “Cyrus, I can hear that Captain Thule is in trouble! Go help him. I’ll help Tarkus!” “Then I am off!” Cyrus said. Twilight and Fluttershy following him as the rest of his squad accompanied Thaddeus. When they had arrived, the entire scene was total carnage. Mangled corpses of friend and foe littered the ground as everyone and everything fought tooth and nail against one another. Davian, at the top of a mound fired his storm bolter against enemies in the distance. However......
A group of daemons materialized out of nowhere as soon as Thule had finished throttling a Bloodcrusher, they all leapt upon him, swinging their blades at his dreadnought wildly, destroying it’s “feet” in moments. With the chaos champion approaching, this looked like it was going to be the end of Davian Thule.
For Twilight it looked like the world was in standstill. Every bolter round, every swing of a blade was in slow motion. In her mind, a voice screamed. “SAVE HIM!” Not knowing what to do, the spell discharged from her horn and hit Davian. Scattering all the bloodletters and throwing them over the ground. The heavy presence of harmony in her spell caused all the daemons to evaporate moments after. But the chaos champion wasn’t quite close enough. Now, he jumped upon the damaged Dreadnought and sent his fist straight in, piercing the armor.... and then gave a scream. Not a scream of victory. But as it seemed, it was cry of terror and shock. (Who knew khornates could get scared?)
The top of the dreadnought from where the champion had gotten on top of got dented. Until a piece of the metal gave way, shot out hitting the champion in the face. His other arm however, was still within the dreadnought. A few moments later and the snapping sound of bones breaking was heard, as something within the ruined armor tore off the arm of the heretic. Another piece of metal shot out which threw the champion of khorne off the ruined dreadnought. Out of the hole, emerged the head of a familiar person. A person with a glowing blue eye. “Die traitor!” Davian in full power armor roared as he jumped on the traitor and grabbed his enemy’s face, wishing the choke the life out of him. But in an act of desperation, his victim grabbed a chainsword, and sent into Thule’s back leaving a massive wound. Ironically, this sealed his fate as in doing so, Thule crushed his skull into a fine powder. Thule groaned as he slumped over the corpse of his victim and began to breath slowly. Fearing for his life... Cyrus ran over. “Captain Thule!” Everyone surrounded the injured captain and dragged him to safety.
When Thule regained consciousness, he found himself lying on his stomach on some comfortable bedding. When he fully regain consciousness, he saw he was without his power armor and his back was bare... though not burning as he last remembered. Then he noticed something else, which probably should of been the first thing he realized. He had his entire body in one piece. He felt some liquid drip over his back and he wondered what it was. Looking up, he saw a yellow pegasus work on him. “What do you think you’re doing?” Thule snarled attempting to rise. “Oh... I am..” “No it’s fine.” Tarkus said. “She’s operating on you... praise the Emperor that you didn’t break your back!” “Wait a second! Last time I spoke to you I heard you were...” “Later.” Tarkus said. “Is it done?” “Done...” Fluttershy said. “What, you talking about his disposition or his injuries?” Twilight joked. “Okay, first, can someone explain to me why I am...” “Alive again?” Twilight smirked. “Heh, you can say it was a happy accident sorta. There were some monsters on top of you and when I cast a spell, I saw you burst out in one piece!” “Any reason why I only have one eye though?” Thule asked tapping his implant to make sure he hadn’t mistaken. “I have no idea!” Twilight said. “I think.... I tried...no, I will go into it later. But thank Fluttershy, she was able to get the wound on your back!” “You did that?” Thule asked. He had pretty much disregarded Tarkus a few moments ago. “Yes... I hope it’s...” Thule’s expression gentled at that moment. It hit him. “You.. saved my life.” Thule said slowly. He couldn’t believe this. An alien potentially saved his life! The thought of it! If anything he had expected her to try and poison him or something.. but no. Instead, she had chosen to heal him. Something he would never expect from those like the Eldar or Tau. “Thank you.” He said getting up slowly. The moment he did, Twilight cast another spell putting him back in his power armor. “That Martellus guy fixed it. He said he was glad you were okay. And I think um.... Gabriel wished to talk with you. He’s right outside. “I will see him immediately.” Thule said as he got outside to meet Gabriel, he began to get a new feeling that was alien to him. He felt a warm feeling on the inside, in the area around one of his two hearts. It felt pleasant. “So this is what friendship truly is.” Thule said to himself. He had trusted these aliens about as much as he stayed awake on the average day, but now... he felt a change overcoming him. He wondered now, if perhaps... he had been wrong. But for now, he had things to discuss with an old friend.
“I still don’t understand. She healed by body, but why don’t I have both my eyes?” Thule asked as he tapped the blue glowing bionic. He had spoken with Gabriel for some time. Angelos apparently wanted to make sure Thule was back in the land of the living. Davian really was just glad to be alive again. “I didn’t use a healing spell...” Twilight said. “I actually took a look at what I had done. It was me doing a memory spell. Sorta. Mixed with a few other things, I made it so you were the way I last saw you. I should hit the books, maybe I can do that again and Gabriel can be the way he is as well!” “I am sure he will be very pleased with you if you do manage to do that.” Thule replied. “Anyways, so... Tarkus, last time I saw you, you were about to face off against a bloodthirstier. Mind explaining to me what happened?”
The daemon swung it’s axe. Though the crystal was strong, it was no match for a bloodthirstier as the axe buried itself deep within the ground, cutting the earth open. Even in the face of danger, the space marines didn’t move a muscle and only concentrated their fire on the greater daemon. Even in it’s weakened state, it was still able to cause serious damage to whatever came into the way of it’s wrath. Though a single bolter round was able to tear the flesh off of a lesser being, it did little more than to anger the daemon even more. It’s next cleave hit a building, instantly killing the crystal ponies within. Shining Armor could do nothing but watch with a gaping mouth and listen to the screams of the dying. He was powerless against such a monster. He felt something overcome him. It burned inside of him and he felt an anger as never before. Moving at a speed that would even put a space marine to shame, he charged the greater daemon firing several magical blasts at it. Probably to everyone’s surprise, where bolter rounds and the psychic abilities of Solomon had failed, the magic of an unicorn worked. The very blasts tore the flesh off the daemon, sending it to it’s knees. Shining Armor then had jumped upon it’s head and used perhaps the most powerful offensive spell in Equestria to date. His attack utterly vaporized the upper body of the daemon as well as pieces of the crystal ground. His next few moves made even the space marines gawk in amazement as he killed the last of the forces of chaos. The hate that radiated from Shining Armor that moment, Cadence described it to be perhaps the equal of the very khornates themselves.
“Wow.” Thule said. “Probably even puts Solomon to shame.” “Probably did.” Tarkus replied. “I can think of only a few men who fought a greater daemon of khorne and lived to tell the story. Though I have to say... how did you get out of the sarcophagus?” “I just punched it.” “Very funny. I didn’t know you had a sense of humor.” “Not many people do.” “Okay, whatever, just how did you do it? A carnifex would have trouble going through it, let alone just a space marine and his fists.” “I dunno. I just punched it and the thing gave way.” “By that logic we could just MAKE boys into warriors then.” Diomedes said dryly. “Warriors around trained, not made. It’s a very tedious process.” Cyrus said. “I watched all my scouts grow to be great warriors. It’d be a very damnable thing to do to disrespect the Emperor’s own methods.” “Indeed it would.” Thule said. “Where’s Angelos and Solomon?” “Still trying to recover the last of the artifacts.” Cyrus said. “We found... one.” “There were six last time I checked.” Thule said dryly. Getting up, he went outside. The crisp air of Equestria was something any human would learn to enjoy later. No air pollution, a beautiful night sky, and the scenery would even give Typhon a run for it’s money. If only he had more time to appreciate this all. Thule decided to kill time by taking a stroll through the Crystal empire. Many crystal ponies watched him with mixtures of awe and anxiety. However he interested himself in the local library. To his surprise, despite most of the books were awkwardly small, he was able to read them. History was a subject that had interested him. He would however, make a discovery later that night he would share later once this entire mess was fixed.
“Up there.” Celestia said opening her eyes. “The elements had been scattered. They are in the domain of humanity. At least in this sub-sector as you called it.” “Reports are in.” Martellus said. “Angelos, the good majority of the warband sent here either fled or is currently dead. We may depart at any time.” “Very well. So... Cyrus didn’t find who’s leading them? That’s a first.” “Nope. I doubt this is a disorganized mob though.” Martellus replied. “He must be good at hi... Not again.” “What’s wrong?” Solomon asked. “I can only think of one man who can hide his face yet be an effective leader for so long. Thule will have an idea of what I am talking about.” “Just tell us for Emperor’s sake!” “Eliphas. He had told us right before we killed him that he would rise again to plague the imperium..... and now...” “Well, on the bright side, Thule can finally settle the score.”
Somewhere in sub-sector Aurelia. A figure in chaos terminator armor watched the unholy ceremony. This ceremony was lead by a hooded.... thing..... “Is it done yet?” Eliphas asked for probably the millionth time. “Shut up. It’s almost finished.” The figure replied in a melodic voice. “And done.” A massive warp rift opened, and out tumbled several familiar faces and a few ones that weren’t known. One in particular. “Eliphas.....” “Araghast.” “Eliphas....” “Araghast..” “YOU TREASONOUS CUR!” BROFIST* Followed by haughty laughter, was jokes made about portals, treason and a certain chaos sorcerer who had also been in the mob of people. “So... it’s arranged?” “I am a man of my word Araghast. Our revenge is at hand. But.. tell me.. alien, why do you help me?” “Same reason as yours. I get as much out of it as you do if this all works in the end.” “Ah.... yes.... now then.. I think we have unfinished business with a few old friends of ours. Isn’t it right brothers?” A tidal wave of agreement was shown. Eliphas, with the aid of an unknown entity, had just fished out every soul that had been slain by the Blood Ravens. They would have their revenge against the chapter.
“So now that we can allow ourselves some time to rest, it is time we discussed matters about.... everything.” Angelos said sitting down. The trip back to Canterlot, he had been planning this whole thing. “So... have you found what you did with Thule?” “No...” Twilight said. “Like I said, I promise to get back to you as soon as I have.” “Please do, you will save many lives in doing so.” Gabriel replied. “Now then.... much to my disappointment, entity known as “Discord” could not be found. We can only assume he has fled.” “Discord would never hurt anyone!” Fluttershy said. “Oh? And what of last time we were here? He was more than good with killing us!” “But didn’t he bring everyone back to life?” “True, but to what purpose?” Cyrus said. “My guess is that he has plans that may involve us. I shudder at the very thought.” “But that thought aside, it also came to my attention you killed a Bloodthirstier...” Angelos said looking at Shining Armor. “Oh it was noth...” “It wasn’t nothing. I can tell you that right now.” Solomon said. “What you have done puts you on par with some of the finest soldiers in the entire galaxy. How... though?” “I just had to protect my friends and family. That’s been my talent!” Shining Armor said gesturing at his cutie mark. “Well.... now that we’ve located the other elements and that things are probably already done.” Angelos said. “I think it’s time we made our plans. Thule, Solomon, Twilight and I will go and retrieve the elements.” “Wait.. why me?” “Obvious reasons.” Angelos said. “Happened just before they came here if I recall. We can always drag you along in the event you object.....” This was said as a joke, but had a few hints of truth to it. “Okay, okay. I’ll help.” Twilight said. “You sure about this?! I mean how do we know you are not coming back in a casket?!” “You don’t.” Cyrus said flatly. “You’ll just have to trust Thule, Angelos and Solomon.” “Bu....” “Rainbow Dash,” Celestia began. “I trust the space marines to keep Twilight away from harm. The best we can do however is to make sure Equestria is still standing when they come back.” “Then we must depart.” Thule said. “Gabriel, may we speak in private?” “Sure.”
“Wow!” Twilight said as she saw the Litany of Fury for the first time from the view of a Thunderhawk. “How...” “Big is it?” Solomon said reading her mind. “About 25 kilometers. Welcome aboard. You’re going to be the first thing not human to actually be one of these.” “Heh.” “Alright, first we do. We go to the bridge. I want to try something.” Angelos said. Twilight wondered what this was for a moment. "So this is a warship?" "Yep. Doesn't need a large crew like the things the regular navy uses. Saves us a lot of manpower." "How much does it take to run one of these things?" "Only a few thousand for us. A few million if you're from the regular navy." "Man... how many humans are there?" "More than you can count."
Twilight never felt more out of place then she did when she was in the battle barge of Angelos. Looking around, she could see all the stares she was getting from the humans who worked on the ship and was rather creeped out by the servitors. She was called to the bridge later and spent much time admiring the ship the entire way. “So now that preparations are set. I want you to try something. I want you..... to open a rift in the warp, and get us where we need to go.” “Ummm... what now?” “You heard me. You know where we need to go. How you do it... I deduce will differ our methods. Our destination is Calderis.” “But I don’t even...” “Just do it anyways. It’s worth a shot and wouldn’t hurt to try.” Twilight closed her eyes for a moment and tried to think of a teleportation spell that move such a massive object. Nothing. Maybe a telekinesis spell? Nothing. Why not a combination? Nope. Something new? Denied.
“Okay this is getting us nowhere, let’s just get the na....” There was a massive flash of light in the room and Twilight jolted up in the air which promptly caused all the space marines and chapter serfs to grab the nearest bludgeon or bolter. Thankfully for Twilight, she was able to keep her brains in her head thanks to the efforts of Thule, Solomon and Angelos. They watched her intently as another explosion of light consumed the room. When someone had finally looked out the viewport.... they were there. “Welcome to Calderis.” Angelos said smiling. “Chaos beware.” He patted the panting Twilight on the back. “Took no time at all.” Solomon said. “Impressive. Even the technology of the necrons may finally have gotten a run for their money against your skills.” “Think for a moment, no more need to fear the hazards of warp travel, we could certainly use this!” “Discussion later, defend Calderis first and find the element of harmony!” Angelos said. “Whomever was behind this was wise in scattering them all across Aurelia. Let’s move!” Twilight felt a tidal wave of pride. She was the first Equestrian to be able to open a warp rift... no more than that. She was the first to make travel instantaneous. And now, she would be the first from Equestria to see how humanity lived for the first time. It was a great honor to meet people who hailed from the very stars themselves and work with them.
She wondered if Celestia's dream of peace in the entire universe could be fulfilled. The average human tended to shoot or stab anything that he or she thought to be "hostile" which probably encompassed at least 99% of all things on the face of the universe.
But no matter, maybe she could teach humanity the magic of friendship and the secrets of harmony. But first, they had to expel chaos. At least humans too seek peace and harmony. In their own special way... which was probably not as good as trying to reason it out... then again, judging the nature of most of their enemies, that probably wasn't an option. Oh well.
“Is this whole planet like this?!” Twilight asked on the top of a sand dune. Nothing but sand, sand and more sand. “Yep. Calderis. Favored place for getting recruits actually.” Thule said. “The tough desert conditions breed survivalists and hardened warriors. Not surprisingly, this planet has a fairly low population. Twenty five million.” Twilight for a moment wondered if Twenty five million was more than every soul on Equestria. Probably not. “So how much longer?” Twilight asked wiping sweat from her brow. “Rather hot...” “Wait till it’s night time.” Solomon said. “The temperature can sometimes be enough to give a lesser man hypothermia in just moments.” “Humans must be really tough to survive rough climates like this. So do they all live in the desert?” “No.” Thule said. “Thaddeus is from Meridian which the entire planet is made up of massive cities. A single block of that planet contains more people than the entire town you grew up in. And Gabriel is from Cyrene. Used to be the best place in the enti...” “Shut your mouth.” “Sorry.” “Is something wrong?” “Nothing. Cyrene is a can of worms I don’t want to see opened again. That place.....” Angelos stopped walking. He may of killed billions of faceless individuals, but in the end. He had murdered billions with just a few words. The burden at times was too great to take. He remembered for a second that the corruption of Cyrene hadn’t taken just his friends and family from his life before. Many battle brothers perished during that final battle.... Jonah Orion was one of them.
“Are you...” “I am fine.” Angelos said curtly. “Let’s get back on track. Solomon, are we on the right way?” “Yes. Let’s keep going.” Solomon said. “By the way Twilight... I have a question.” “Fire away.” “You told me that these elements of harmony are things of powerful... magic. You and your friends wield this power. But... what does it do?” “What do you mean?” “Like.... is this magic something that’s supposed to be all-powerful?” “To say the truth, I doubt even Princess Celestia would know. I know that it had banished the nightmare forces that tried to posses Princess Luna, it had sealed away Discord. I can say the power is great.... perhaps great enough to banish the vile chaos you fight on a daily basis. Princess Celestia says maybe there can be peace in the galaxy if chaos is defeated.” “It may solve many problems, but I doubt it can create peace. There’s still things like Orks, Tyranids, Necrons and other atrocities to attend to.” Thule said. “So, one thing I learned is your kind attempt to create “perfect” harmony?” “Do our best.” Twilight said. “In harmony can life truly be wonderful. Peace, prosperity can be enjoyed by all. Isn’t that what the man known as the Emperor tried?” “Is trying.... not tried. He’s still alive and guiding humanity onward.” Thule said in a menacing undertone. “Did I say something wrong?” “No. But one thing I do need to point out is.... when you managed to heal me. I wonder, can you do that again?” “The most I can do is since I last saw you. When we first met you only had one eye. I think I can make Gabriel back in one piece if I tried again.” “That’d be great.” Angelos said. “I am not sure if Thule was thinking of what I am thinking, but it’s rather ambitious.” “Let’s not forget what the Inquisition will say about it.” Solomon said half joking, half serious. “Ambitious it truly is. Funny....” “Can someone please tell me what’s going on?” Twilight asked trying not to interrupt the trio. “Well..... by our standards.... I’d say you were a... maybe a delta leveled psyker.” Solomon said. “But when you restored Thule back to one piece..... I am thinking that’s something along the beta or even lower alpha lines. From the way you’re people exist, an alpha level psyker is possible..... and not dangerous....” ‘Let’s not forget that their rulers are on par with the two most powerful psykers of our time.” Angelos said. “Say.......” “More crazy ideas I see.....” Solomon said. “The first one was reasonable. The second one would be blatant heresy.” “You wasn’t thinking I was serious right?” “Who knows? It’s not happening either way. But a librarian could learn that restoration spell..... or in a worst chaos scenario, we just use her again.” “Good luck convincing all three of them. You got the inquisition, the Emperor and the custodians.” Thule said. “I bet the Emperor is a man of reason.” Twilight said. “Like you three.” That one sentence just made all three space marines reevaluate their lives. Were they reasonable men? Angelos was....... maybe. He recalled refusing to listen to the Eldar at one point when if he had done so, disaster could of been averted. But for the most part, he did listen to anyone that had anything meaningful to speak. Solomon for the most part didn’t spend much of his time on the battlefield or in action despite perhaps being one of the greatest warriors in the chapter. He preferred spending time in the librarium and gathering knowledge. Thule knew prior to his coming in Equestria, he was anything but reasonable. He recalled the Kronus debacle. A conflict that may of easily been solved had he been more patient with Alexsander. Were xenos really all that bad? That was the next thing they pondered in silence. Angelos clearly didn’t think this. He was at times the only one would never object working with aliens, it was also rumored Angelos had close ties to the Eldar of craftworld Biel-tan... or wait....... but prior to his dealings with the eldar, Angelos did foster mistrust for them, though not open hate like most of his more fanatical brothers. Thule had always learned to hate xenos, since the day he was born he had regarded them as his enemies. Sweet talk from Eldar did little to move him and the deals proposed by the Tau only fueled his rage at time. But try as he might, hating the pastel colored horses was something he couldn’t do. In fact, if he was going to be honest with himself, ever since Twilight saved his life, he might as well as say he enjoyed their company. But even then, though he loved seeing the pastel colored equines, he secretly though Pinkie Pie had something to do with Slaanesh. And..... it seems that Solomon would have to agree with Thule after reading his mind. The sun was beginning to set and the cool air of the night was filling the desert. “Stop.” Solomon said. “There are people here. Chaos.....” “I think they see us!” Twilight hissed trying not to make too much noise. “They already have! Wait.... a know that chaos lord!” “What’s his name again?” Thule asked Gabriel as he took a look. “I don’t care, some madman ranting about some sorcerer in his warband. I slew him right as he finished his rambling.” “LOYALISTS!” Bale yelled. “ATTACK! FOR THE DARK GODS.” “Not good!” Twilight said she was about to turn to run when she realized the three space marines all got up and pulled out their weapons. “You crazy?! There’s like thirty of them!” “That’s a bit easy. I want to kill the chaos lord.” Thule said. “Isn’t too hard. Clumsy fool who had nothing better to do than ramble. Solomon and I will take out the trash. Twilight! Stand your ground. You may not think so, but you can harm chaos much more just by being here than we can with our bolters and swords.” Twilight really wasn’t sure about that statement, but then again, seeing how she had made a chaos space marine die just by standing near him, maybe she should take his word for it. “Come to your deaths, chaos filth!” “Death to the false Emperor!” “FOR THE IMPERIUM!” “BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!”
Twilight fired a beam from her horn at the closest chaos space marine. Much to her surprise, she killed him. Just like that. Maybe there was some truth in what Angelos had said after all. After just a few moments of hilariously one sided fighting, the entire mob of chaos heretics lay dead, with Bale absolutely going more berserk than he did with Sindri. “The chaos gods abandon these clowns! Come to me lapdogs of the corpse emperor! Figh....” Before Bale could even finish his sentence. Thule had already jumped on him and tackled him to the ground. A few moments more and the severed head of Bale was rolling down a sand dune. “Like most chaos dogs. Clumsy, stupid and incompetent.” Thule muttered. “We shall slay them all before long.” “Agreed. Their blood shall wash any stains on our honor.” Twilight wondered who was more bloodthirsty. Chaos or the ones who apparently serve a being that wishes for harmony. As Celestia would say. “In their own special way.” “And stop!” Solomon said. “If you thought they were fools before..... they had their entire mob stand right on where the element was.” “Nothing we wouldn’t expect from those clowns.” Thule said. “Start digging?” “No need.” Twilight said as she levitated the element straight out of the ground. “Wait.... somethings here.” The doombolts that sent dust flying was sure enough, evidence of that. As was the missiles and bolter fire. “Time we got out of here!” Angelos said. “I am calling for evac!”
“DUCK!” Solomon roared over the din of bolter fire as bolter rounds strafed the ground around them. Well-known fact. Chaos space marines are terrible shots. Even Lord Eliphas was and still is a terrible shot with the bolter. It took Twilight about ten seconds to figure this all out.
“Are we even in danger?” Twilight asked as she saw a bolter round pretty much go the wrong way.
“Not from those fools. But....”
The doombolts that almost took Thule’s head off was enough evidence to say that the chaos sorceror knew what he was doing. Taking his bolter, he fired rounds back intent on turning the heretic into swiss cheese.
Twilight allowed herself a peek at the action. To her dismay she couldn’t see a thing save for the dust that was kicked up from all the fighting. She wondered how..... oh yeah. Enhanced eyesight.
Unfortunately, she REALLY underestimated how enhanced their eyesight was, because literally three seconds after she poked her head out, a massive wave of fire came her way.
Time came to a standstill. She watched the tidal wave of heat come closer..... and closer... and closer....
After what seemed like an eternity’s passing, the fire was upon her. But to her surprise.... it did not connect and scorch her flesh. Instead, the tongues of the flames stretched out of the way, around Twilight leaving her intact.
“Holy Terra.....” Solomon muttered as he watched the whole thing unfold. “That was amazing! How did you do that?!”
“I didn’t do that.....” Twilight said running over. “I.... think it has something to do with like that magic he’s using!”
“Discuss it later!” Angelos said. “Our ride’s here!”
“Then let’s get out of here!” Thule said as he got on the Thunderhawk.
“Cease your firing..... now.” Sindri said as he stepped into the crowd. “What do you fools presume yourselves to be? It’d be a great shame if someone ruins Lord Eliphas’ plan.”
“I don’t take orders from you!” The aspiring sorcerer replied. “Why are we letting them go?!”
“Because..... that’s merely part of the plan. They have acquired one part of the those artifacts. Why not let them gather them all? Saves us the trouble of having to hunt for them later. But of course..... we can keep things amusing and pretend to go after our good friends.”
“Sounds like a waste of time. Why not kill them now and be done with it?”
“Because... those artifacts hold great power..... and as we all know.... all power demands sacrifice....”
“Sacrificing what? Or are we just taking a needless risk.”
“Forget it.” Sindri said baffled at the stupidity of the sorcerer. How could a psyker like himself be such a short-sighted fool.
“Lord Eliphas has contacted me.” Sindri continued. “We are to join him immediately.”
“Like I said, we don’t take orders from you!”
“Very well then. You, will stay here.”
And with that, Sindri put forth his hand and sent forth a tidal wave of warp fire scorching the aspiring sorcerer to ashes.
“Now then, who else would like to.... stay here?”
Nobody.
“And check. We now have two of the six elements.” Solomon said turning to scout. “Take this to Canterlot.”
“At once!”
“Still alive?” Solomon jested watching Twilight who was still in shock.
“I am fine... it’s..... I was....”
“Seconds from dying? You have no idea how many times I’ve been there before. Only through quick thinking did I manage to survive. Allow me to give you a piece of advice. Never, ever on the battlefield hesitate for a moment. That will be the difference between life and death. If Thule ever talks about it, you may know that he was seconds away from losing his entire face. Only by being quick did he only lose just an eye.”
Twilight said nothing but merely glanced at Davian who was apparently unaware of their conversation. He only looked up, with a triumphant grin on his face.
“Two down, four to go.” Martellus said. “The next location is Typhon. Angelos is going to return here. He says that it’s our turn now. Aramus, You, Cyrus, Solomon, Tarkus and myself are going to Typhon. Twilight will meet us there.”
“We must be cautious.” Cyrus said. “Dead planet as it may be, we can still expect for an ambush of some kind.”
“Got it. Let’s go.”
“What do you think they’re doing?” Rainbow Dash asked from her cloud seat with Fluttershy. Ever since the majority of the invasion force had fled, most Equestrians had chosen to return to their homes to rebuild.
“Maybe they’re helping.” Fluttershy said watching the techmarine take a quick run around the rebuilding of ponyville.
“Doesn’t look like it.” Rainbow Dash said. “You think he’s spying on us?”
“Rainbow Dash!”
“What?!”
“Why would he do anything like that?”
“I dunno. Maybe humans want to secretly take over Equestria!”
“I don’t think so..... maybe he’s just interested in the way ponies build things.”
“What does this remind you of?” The techmarine asked one of his battle brothers.
“Just a random house you’d see on a feudal world.”
“I was thinking of the same thing. But.... oddly familiar.” “I’ll bet. I heard some of our brothers make jokes about human souls being trapped in a horse’s body.”
“What, excuse someone wrote so that the Inquisition doesn’t burn this planet to the ground?”
“I don’t mind this planet. Why do you?”
“Their bloody xenos dimwit!” That’s why! Who cares about the fact that their souls repel chaos, it’s still the....”
“And then there are those people who say teleportation is a bad idea. Let’s not impede progress here. Ironic how you’re a techmarine.”
Well that set him off. A fist to the face was now in order.
“Ah, look. Dem humans are fighting again.” Applejack said to Rarity.
“I say, are those brutes going to murder each other? Rather unbrotherly like if you ask me.”
“They aren’t ACTUALLY brothers. Or that’d be one large family. I think it has something to do with their beliefs about that Emperor guy.” “I wonder, what do you think their god is like?”
“Maybe he’s a super-cool ruler like Celestia!” Scootaloo suggested.
“I dunno..... I mean I’d expect some kind of warlord.” Applebloom said. “Humans do seem awfully violent.”
“I bet he’s good at studying like Twilight.” Sweetie Belle said. “They say he knows more magic than Princess Celestia!”
“They also say he’s a hero AND a god!”
“Maybe he’s also a hero of fashion!”
“And maybe he’s some super cool human that goes off on adventures to fight evil and maybe secure harmony!”
“Does he like cupcakes?” Pinkie asked flying out of nowhere.
“I heard he likes animals....” Fluttershy said coming down. “I also heard he hasn’t left his home in ten thousand years. Shy thing....” “Come to think of it, getting to know like a being several times older than Celestia who went on a to conquer the galaxy would be pretty cool.....”
“I have to say..... that was better than any navigator.” Armus said getting off the Thunderhawk. “She is a talented psyker...” Solomon agreed. “Oh it was nothing. Just studying can make anyone good!” Twilight replied flattered at how THEY were complimenting her. “Say that again?” “Studying makes anyone good?” “Yes... aren’t you born with your powers? Like Celestia and Luna?” “No. It just takes time and effort to turn any unicorn in a skilled magic user. In fact Pegasi and Earth ponies all use a form of magic. It’s just more subtle.” Well, an entire race of psykers that had for the most part been untouched by the ruinous powers. That’s a new one. Oh and, not being born with your powers. Merely just learning it. Also a new one. “So... how easily do you learn things?” Solomon asked. “Well, I think I just learned the basics of telepathy. I can tell you’re interested.” “I think we all figured that one out.” Cyrus remarked. “And I can tell you’re cynical.” “Very funny.” “Martellus doesn’t really care.” “True.” “Aramus is somewhat interested.” “Hmm.... can’t deny that.” “Tarkus.... hates Eldar... whatever those are.” “Okay..... I think that probably means she learned it. Just by being around me?” “Yeah, I had a feeling you poked around everyone’s head.... don’t you feel that’s sorta a violation of personal privacy?” “I suppose.....” “Anyways... but are you born with like....the magic you use?” “Short answer, yes. Long answer, sort of. A skilled psyker and continue to allow his power to grow and become more powerful.” “Wait, are only certain humans able to use magic?” “Of course, isn’t that the same with your kind?” “No. Earth ponies and pegasi all have a more subtle kind of magic within their bodies. I am actually trying to make this.... less subtle.” “Speaking of subtly.... quiet! All of you!” Cyrus hissed. “I think I saw a rock move.” Tumbleweed* “Or maybe there’s no one here aft...” The rocket that flew at them said otherwise.
“Lord Eliphas... tell me... explain to me in greater detail of this scheme of yours.” “It is simple Sindri. We have our vengeance upon the Blood Ravens. But we can do this by stealing the precious relics of those they have allied themselves with. While they go on a reckless hunt for it, they are only saving us the work.” “I see.... and these relics hold power?” “Immense power Sindri. More than that trinket you called the maledictum. We do this right, and we have all the power any one of us could dream about....” “Fair enough.... but why do you insist that thing aids us?” “Only she knows how to unlock it’s power. And it seems we share a common goal. She’s willing to help us for as long as we are working at this common goal.” “Mind telling me your name alien?” Sindri asked approaching the still cloaked figure. “None of your concern sorcerer.” A female voice replied impudently. “For your information, I only intend to stay with you as long as it suits my purposes. I will be long gone before any of you reach your goals.” “Pity really. I do desire you acquaintance, it seems you are unwilling to give it.” “There are many things I am unwilling to give. But the elements of harmony will mean little to me after I am finished.” “Very well, then I presume the power is ours when you unlock it?” “Yes.” “Very well then. It seems I will have no such qualms working with even your kind.” “I don’t serve YOUR masters in case you’re wondering. Not that I could even if I cared to.” “A shame really. The power you and yours could wield would be unimaginable.” “I will have acquired that once I settle my business. I see you intend to get that once you finish yours.” “You may not serve chaos my dear, but we are not so different after all....”
Twilight had acted quickly and formed a shield around her and her companions. As the explosion shook the ground harmlessly around them, she could of sworn she heard Solomon mutter to himself about “rules” and “shouldn’t exist”. “Damn that alien! It protects the loyalist dogs! Kill it first!” Twilight’s throat bobbed visibly at the hailstorm of bolter rounds that were hitting around her. The shield began to crack visibly. “Help me!” She screeched in panic as a beam shot out from the ranks of their ambushers. The crack grew wider. Imagine the sheer terror Twilight felt when she found she was unable to move herself away. Probably to her surprise, before the word “me” left her mouth, she already began to hear the screams of the enemy emanating from behind the rocks plus bodies being thrown into the air. Cyrus had planted explosives right there the moment he had seen signs of an ambush.
“New spell?” Solomon asked Twilight as she regained her ability to move around on her own accord. “Yeah.” “Number one reason we generally don’t allow our people going around and messing around with their powers. Not being able to move is probably nothing when we compare to turning a man inside out with just a dirty look. That aside, down in that valley.” “Something feels wrong.....” “What?” “Don’t you find this like..... there almost not trying?” “What would they get out of that? We sent most of their forces running after your brother slew that daemon. I am only concerned about getting these elements so we may kill that vile traitor Eliphas.” “I dunno... I mean I feel like this is just what he wants us to do...” “Sounds something like he’d try. But even if he did, the elements wouldn’t work under him because.... well they repel and weaken chaos.” Twilight just nodded. But something still felt off. “You ever wonder who caused this?” “Either Eliphas or that thing Discord... say... I haven’t seen him.......” “Something tells me it was him..” Martellus said. “He had no problem dropping heretics on our heads, they say he doesn’t like to commit murder but..” “Come on, you’re not giving Discord a cha....” “Why should we give him a chance?!” Aramus asked. “That damn thing is chaos incarnate! For all we know he could do something that nobody could fix!” “You gave us a chance...” “Well, granted we crossed swords once, you didn’t try to backstab us once we were able to have an understanding.....” “But Discord is just like that! We didn’t think so too... the first few times actually.” “Okay, I will think about it.” Solomon said just really wanting not to hear any more of this nonsense. Well, that’s the lie of the century.
“And thanks for helping Angel for me....” Fluttershy said timidly as she cradled her precious bunny. “I thought those horrible chaos people were going to hurt him...” “Nothing much to it.” Thule said. He had spent the good portion of the day killing any of the chaos space marines that hadn’t escaped already. Most of them took refuge in the Everfree forest. Thule had personally tracked them all down and brutally murdered every single one, some bodies left to rot as a warning to their comrades that still hadn’t met a grisly fate at the hands of the vengeful captain. “You ever get hurt?” Dumb question right off the bat. “Well, you don’t suppose I wanted this do you?” Thule asked tapping his eye. “More times then you can count. I should be covered in scars right now if I was an ordinary person.” Well-known fact, Fluttershy faints at the sight of blood. This made her take a step back away from Thule. “But I have a question for you though.... you were capable of saving yourself... nay you were capable of even taking what was yours from that damn heretic. Why didn’t you?” “I couldn’t! He’s just so big! So strong and he had those...” “Fluttershy, let me give you a piece of advice. True strength, is not measured in size, talent, skill or how well equipped one is. True strength.. is measured in courage.” “Huh?” “Do you know how Angelos is like how he is? He battled a daemon prince. He lost both his legs, an arm and an eye. He told me several times in the past, once when he was trapped in the warp that he was scared, scared of what would happen as now he was as good as damned. To say the truth, when those daemons leapt on me, I too was scared. Only for a moment, any longer and I would have perished, when I am not afraid, only then am I truly at my strongest. I have defeated the most terrible monsters in all four corners of this galaxy just with nothing but courage. Those chaos space marines don’t have courage. Courage is not being devoid of fear, something that also isn’t true of them. Courage is mastery over fear. Every chaos dog you see is a coward at heart, stand up to them and they will fall. I know you have courage, you had enough to try and operate on me even though you were well aware I would probably try to murder you if even the smallest detail went wrong. Now then, please, the next time ANYONE comes to mean you harm. Show them strength, do not back down, NEVER back down. For far too many times, the only thing that stood between me and death was my mastery over my fear. Remember this, as perhaps there will be a time when you will need to show strength. Look at the stars, billions may one day depend upon you to save them from chaos. Will you have the strength to do so?” Rhetorical question, as Thule quickly was called away afterwards to handle another case of stragglers. Fluttershy wondered for a moment if she really was able to take on a chaos space marine. She certainly wasn’t brave. Or was she?
“And here it is Co.. I mean Captain.” Derosa said handing the element of harmony over to Aramus. “Permit me for asking.... what’s that purple thing that’s following you around?” “It’s called an Equestrian.” Aramus said. “Or should I say, she is called an Equestrian.” “It’s.... sentient?” “Indeed she is.” Aramus said. “Also a psyker, a damn good one at that.” Derosa slowly opened the drawer at her desk and began to pull out a laspistol. Though she kinda expected Aramus to stop her, she was still surprised at the way the space marine regarded the alien with respect as if they had been close friends, a rather large surprise under these circumstances. But deciding to keep her mouth shut, Derosa bid Aramus a good day and went back to work.
Twilight stood by the window and was sketching out her drawing of the hive city. While the smell was absolutely insufferable, the view was majestic to say the least. Even the best metropolis in Equestria didn’t hold a candle to this thing that the humans called a “hive world”. “Maybe Princess Celestia would like to see this.” Twilight said waiting for Aramus to get back. “So they already found it?” “They did. Said something about a random boy was digging around and found it sitting in an alley. Because of it’s strange properties, the governor decided to hold on to it.” “What happened to the boy?” “We wiped his memory.” Solomon replied. “Can’t have him knowing about this.” ‘Well....” “This is confidential if you hadn’t realized it. At least for us.” “Heh. So humans are also secretive?” “Very. Now then, Aramus is back. We’re going to Aurelia now. We're almost done. Just two more." "Then what are we waiting for?"
“Liking the story?” Rainbow Dash asked as she saw Thule sitting down and reading a copy of “Daring Do” outside of Twilight’s new library-house. The space marine really didn’t have much to do, and his only job as of now was to kill time until his brothers recovered the elements. The occasional chaos space marine was found and destroyed with ease. “It’s good.” Thule said. Thule as most would expect never really read a lot that didn’t involve something that was within his line of duty. But, why not take the time now? He had the time to kill and he may as well as do something that the average man got to do everyday. The story was good. About a "daring" pegasus who commonly went on adventures to strange and exotic places. (Rogue trader anyone?) This particular one was about the pegasus raiding an ancient temple that was built to commemorate the battle between chaos and harmony. A bit disrespectful in Thule's opinion, but nevertheless, the story was good and he kept reading with awkwardly large hands. Then he saw it and it reminded him of that day in the crystal empire. Any suspicions he had on the matter now went full-blown. “Rainbow Dash.” Thule began. “Does Equestrian originate from other languages?” “I think... I dunno, you’re gonna have to ask Twilight or the princesses. Why?” “I am assuming you read this story before, right?” “Yes.... read them all actaully.” “Well... there’s this part about a riddle in an old language.... and that language...well" “Spit it out, Cool!” “I can read in it.” “Okay? I mean I bet a bunch of egg heads like Twilight can too...." “No, no, no.... that language... it's in my own. Well, one of my own that is.....?” "Well....." “I think.... perhaps....” And of course, that drove the point home and confirmed any of Thule’s suspicions. Humanity had been on Equestria before the Blood Raven’s discovery. “Where does this story take place?” Thule asked. He was already on to something huge. “Across the ocean, but...” “Nothing.” Thule said. “Brothers, get me an astropath. I need to contact Gabriel, the inquisition, and maybe even the high lords of Terra themselves.” As the space marine he barked his orders to went off, it left Rainbow rather confused at all of this. “What? Why?” Rainbow Dash asked. “And what are these...” “Because Rainbow Dash, I now have proof of something. Humans have been here before... but that’s not all of it.” Thule showed Rainbow a particular picture in the story. It really meant nothing to the pegasus but to Thule, it meant more than his own life. For that picture, was the very mark of the sigillite himself....... But that was not all... for there was another one. One of the very symbol of the Inqusition's right hand. The Grey knights themselves.
“Did you say your people used to live here?!” Twilight asked peering down into the planet from orbit. “That planet looks so broken up!” “Indeed it is.” Aramus replied. “Used to be the best planet in the sub-sector. Now..... just a rotten icecube. Anyways, we’re going in by rhinos since the element is located within Selenon.” “I smell a trap.” Martellus commented. “Then let’s spring it.” “What’s a rhino just wondering?” Twilight asked as they made their way to the hangar. “You’ll see.”
Atop a hill outside of Selenon, a chaos space marine made his way back to his commander. “They come!” “Show me...” A few minutes later, a certain chaos lord found himself at the top of the hill watching a certain type of transport make it’s way to the keep. When his aide turned to look at his commander, he saw that the chaos lord’s eyes had begun to twitch, and that he was foaming at the mouth as if he was having a seizure. “Milord?” “LOOK! RHINOS! RHINOS! OUR ENEMIES HIDE IN METAL BAWKSES THE COWARDS! THE FEWLS!..... We......we.... should take away, their metal bawkses!” “Milord? We also have rhinos........” RAAAAAAAGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEEEEEE*
“Thule.... this is a storybook.....” Adrastia said awkwardly after reading “Daring Do”. “Captain, I hate to rain on your parade, but really, this is just made up.” “No it’s not! Not entirely that is....” Thule said. “Dash, can you tell me, how much truth is there in the story?” “Well... come to think of it, I think that old tomb thing did exist. Though I doubt it was just a gold icon they hid. I spoke to Zecora about it and she mentioned it was supposed to be like... somewhat of a monument or tomb... I dunno.” “That’s really not all that reliable....” Adrastia said. “Unless you have something more solid that some random rambling about whether or not something’s fact or fic...” “Adrastia.” Angelos said coming down. “I have reason to believe Thule’s discovery is valid. He had given me this a few days ago.” Angelos handed Adrastia the text that Thule had given him earlier after his stop at the library in the crystal empire. Much to her surprise, it was written in high gothic. “Everyone here is somehow able to read, write and speak in low gothic, but no one here knows high gothic, not even the two monarchs themselves. If that’s the case, then it’s very likely that they may of not been around when this was written.” “How do we know this isn’t a farce though?” Adrastia asked. “For all we know, they could be more deceptive than the Eldar...” “I don’t think so.... Thule wouldn’t be in one piece if that was the case.” “Oh yes right, Thule if I recall correctly you were entombed in a dreadnought, how exactly are you once again whole?” “They healed my body. My end was imminent. Only in their act was I pulled from the jaws of death. To be honest, one week ago, there was no way in the Emperor’s name I would have expected any help from them. But for some reason.... it’s awfully difficult to just as much as try to stop them from doing anything. Always there to help. So benign... yet naive about the galaxy around them. They truly believe they can secure this thing they call harmony upon the galaxy.” “And what did you say?” “Chaos must be defeated first. From the looks of it, they’d be willing to aid us. I am sure I had contacted you about their anomalous properties.” “Yes, yes you have. One reason that the inquisition has decided not to burn this planet to the ground or accuse you have heresy.” “Must be the third time in twenty years...” “Will be the fourth sooner or later.” Adrastia said dryly. (The irony was that Adrastia had hired mercenary bands before......) “Now then, but to leave this on a high note, you will be glad to know that a team of grey knights had decided to join you. They are lead by a man called Brother-captain Arven. They will submit to your wisdom for the time being.” “Any particular reason?” “They found your discovery of interest. However, it is said Arven has some..... strange ideas..... he has however been unwilling to share.” “Very well.” “Oh and remember Angelos, an open mind is like a fortress with it’s gates left open. But even then, even the best fortresses need to restock at some point. Be on your guard.” “I will. Farewell.” The inquisitor turned and left leaving the two blood ravens in debate on what to do next. It was eventually settled on “defeat Eliphas first, then go on some wild chase on whatever discovery there was.”
“You think that the war would ever end?” Luna asked Celestia as they watched an apothecary operate on an injured battle brother. “I hope.” Celestia replied. “Humanity, no, the galaxy has been at war for over 10,000 years while we’ve been blissfully unaware of it. It’s time Equestria with it’s elements of harmony steps in to give aid. There are many who I bet are willing to see reason, while many more that.... we’ll just have to leave them to the good judgement of men like Angelos and Thule.” “But... it’s just that... should we really leave the fate of the Equestria and the entire galaxy in the hands of barbarians and warlords?” “They are the lesser of two evils.” Celestia said. “It’s more likely they will see reason then those that sold their souls to chaos. However, they mentioned others amongst them. Remember the orks about half a year ago?” “They caused a massive carnage....” Luna replied. “I don’t think they will be very compliant.” “True, true. But I heard them mentioned about people like the Eldar or the Tau.” Celestia said deep in thought. “They perhaps may be willing to see reason. Angelos said through his experiences, those two aren’t bad when compared against their other enemies.” “It’s likely they will see reason come to think of it now.” Luna said also pondering. “They say the Eldar are even more weary than humanity, and the Tau fight for the “Greater good” whatever that really means. But nevertheless, perhaps we can find a way to make sure of that?” “We should. Harmony is something all beings deserve... I do weep for those that can’t achieve it.” “But I heard the humans talk.... about humanity being on Equestria before them?” “Interesting....” “Apparently Thule read some Equestrian texts and got some wild ideas. I never knew that man for optimism.” “No one did apparently. But they have their beliefs, and we do too. Perhaps we should also aid them, perhaps we can maybe even discover ourselves....” “Worth a shot.” Luna said as she flew off.
“METAL BAWKSES, THE FEWLS! TAKE AWAY THEIR METAL BAWKSES!”
“Pardon?”
“METAL BAWKSES!”
The chaos space marine stood awkwardly in front of his commander, unsure of what to do. Now like the rest of us, this certain chaos space marine knew that a good portion of his comrades were insane..... but this, this was a bit much. Time to slink silently away and perhaps take command himself.......
“WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!” Carron asked seeing the chaos space marine try to slither away.
“Eh... to alert the men milord!”
“Very well, carry on.... we shall take away their metal bawkses!”
“We’re here.” Solomon said as he stepped outside from the rhino.
“Man, it’s cold....” Twilight muttered as the cold air of aurelia whispered to them. They were standing in the massive ruins of a fortress like building.
“Best be cautious. I smell an ambush.” Cyrus said checking the area around him. His comrades did likewise.
“Man... it’s like there already was a battle here....” Twilight said gesturing at a frozen corpse.
“There was. Slightly over ten years ago, there was a massive battle against a mighty daemon, Ulkair the great, unclean one. The black legion desecrated the remains of one of the grandest chapter keeps. We made them pay the price for their impudence. Aramus defeated Ulkair himself.”
“What is a great unclean one?”
“Think the most vile, repulsive being you know, then multiply it about a few thousand times. Those daemons are more foul then....... anything!”
“Well.... what do they exactly do?”
“Spread every disease that is known to the galaxy to everybody. Even their own followers.”
“Why would they do that?”
“Ironically, it makes them stronger. Plague marines are very difficult to kill.... and as you know, war can be seen as a trade. It’s a trade of blows, weapons, tactics, knowledge and.... disease.”
“Yikes..... can you provide me with any sample of these viruses?”
“Why the hell would anyone want any of those things even near them?! That’s just insane!”
“No... maybe I can say.... make a cure? If I can’t... maybe Zecora can... she knows maybe like every cure to probably ever disease!”
“Doubtful....” Cyrus muttered.
“Well, maybe worth a try at least...” Tarkus said.
“I guess so....” Aramus said. “Solomon, how much more?” “I’d give it a few more minutes. Come on!”
“Ah........ so the blood ravens have located the fifth artifact?” Sindri asked.
“If you aren’t aware of it yet, they have methods of finding it!” Araghast said impatiently.
“I understand..... there quick way of working leaves little room for doubt.” The sorcerer stared into the edge of a lava pool for a second... allowing the heat to touch his face and gave a wicked grin.
“I presume this used to be the illustrious Gabriel Angelos’ home? We shall also make it his grave once we have finished, his chapter with it!”
And of course, that certain hooded pony also had her own personal vendettas.......
“So... what do we do with that thing after we’re done?”
“Apparently she’ll be gone before we even realize. Perhaps for the good sport of things, play a good host and ask her to stay?”
“I think not... I prepare to leave after our business with one another is done.” Sindri said. In reality, he planned for a backstabbing.... perhaps a triple backstabbing. Those two insufferable fools Eliphas and Araghast were too busy in their schemes of power to realize that HE, Sindri had his own agenda. And it sure as hell didn’t include two idiotic chaos lords, some simpleton xeno and this entire circus of idiots.
“You like the night?” Luna asked Angelos as she finally stopped flying. She had caught the space marine stargazing moments ago and wondered if he was appreciating the night. Every now and then, Luna always felt a twinge of jealousy at her older sister, as even in this day and age, ponies though not by much, still seemed to like the day better than the night. It seemed to be different however with your average human. Night was solace to him.
“How so?” Luna asked when Angelos had nodded and said he did like the night.
“Many reasons. That’s all I’ll say.” Angelos said as he continued to watch and number the stars. They both watched the skies for a while, both noting a shooting star that passed them. After what felt like hours, Luna once again felt like asking. “Do you enjoy killing?”
“What kind of a question is that?!”
“My apologies... but... is murder something..”
“No. I am not a bloodthirsty savage like those who I face off against on a daily basis.” Angelos said almost reading Luna’s mind. “I don’t go and raid every planet I see like some band of pirate orks, or rush and assault some random bastion in the middle of nowhere like a bloothirsty khornate. I may be a fighter, a soldier of the imperium and a servant of the Emperor, but I see reason. I don’t pick fights that are unnecessary, I don’t go off and do things without thinking. Reason, it’s a nice word. Too bad most of my brothers never appreciated it.”
Luna wondered whether or not if this was Cyrus’ guise at appearing to be reasonable, or if he actually meant it. She wondered how good humans were at deception.....
That’s when it hit her. She didn’t know much about humans at all. They had mentioned in the past, regular people among them.
Luna laughed inwardly. Really? Did she honestly think in the past that all humans were nine feet tall bipedals in armor that went around killing everything in sight? The idea felt sillier as she kept on thinking about it. But even then..... humanity had grown stronger in nearly every aspect because of war, not inspite of it. That worried her. They wanted peace and harmony, right? But peace by force shouldn’t be called peace OR harmony. She sat pondering for the rest of the night on whether or not if hu... no, if this entire galaxy could ever be in a state of harmony........
Probably not.... says the average person. But not Luna, not Celestia and certainly never the mane six.
“Are they even trying anymore?!” Cyrus asked as the decapitated head of Carron slumped down. One shot, one kill.
“Hardly. This mob of chaos can’t do anything right.” Tarkus said. “Solomon, you got it yet?!”
“Just a few more moments!”
“Get the word to Angelos. We are headed for Cyrene next.” Aramus said. “Hey Twilight... you think...”
“Already done. But if you want something like sending a long distance message, try Spike. If I recall correctly, there’s no limit to how far he can send stuff.”
“Will keep in mind. Tell Gabriel also that we suspect Cyrene is where Eliphas is hiding out on.”
“Will do. Think after this we’ll be done?”
“Just kill Eliphas and we’ll be done. Cut off the head and the snake will die. Unless it’s the Alpha legion.”
“And it seems the loyalists have recovered the last artifact.” Araghast said walking over to Eliphas.
“Good... let them come.” Eliphas said. “It’s to my understanding we do not have the last artifact?”
“We do not. That alien and Sindri are attempting to locate it.”
“Good... Good.”
“And that’s the last of those insufferable fools....” Sindri said tossing a body into a lava pool.
“You are a credit to those other fools that you work with.” The alien said taking off her hood. She had a light tannish coat, and a yellow and red mane.
“Of course. Now then, I presume you have means to find... this element?”
“Indeed I do.” Sunset said. “Make sure that they don’t interrupt the process.”
“Certainly. I presume my share of this power will be.... adequate?”
“It will be. I promise you. How do you divide infinity?” “Excellent. Take your time then.”
“It seems an old friend has decided to meet me here.” Eliphas said as he watched Thule single-handedly kill entire squads of chaos space marines and daemons alike. After all of these years, Davian seemed to be even more of a dangerous fighter than he was prior to his encounter with the Tyranids. “Wretched, weak, clumsy, treacherous. COWARDS!” Thule exploded as he flung a crippled traitor in a lava pool. “Come Eliphas! Face me. Or are you too much of a coward?!” “No one calls the Inheritor a coward!” Eliphas said angrily. “You will die this day Thule!” “Your head will decorate the banner of the Blood Ravens when this day is done, traitor!” “No brother, I will see to it that you rest peacefully here on Cyrene with your chapter and your allies. Prepare to die Thule.”
Aramus stood at the top of the hill facing against the figure in black. “Coward.” “Weakling.” “Traitor!” “Lapdog of the false-emperor!” “You will die this day.” “Khorne awaits brother.” Aramus glared at Araghast who in turn gazed back through his helmet. The fight had begun once again.
“I presume you are finished now.” Sindri said as he saw the unearthed element of magic. “Is it time we went?” “Yes.” Shimmer replied. “Come on, let’s go. While those fools kill each other, we can make our escape. I know just exactly where the elements would be stored once recovered.” “And those two ACTUALLY believed you once you said that they’d bring the elements with them?” “Evidently. Cooked up one helluva story. Now let’s go unless you want to get left behind.” “Very well.”
Shimmer began to conjure up a spell that would open a portal to Equestria but before she could, a certain some pony spotted her. “Sunset Shimmer?” Twilight asked dumbfounded. “Twilight! Hurry let’s go!” Sunset said as she quickly ran. Sindri, having saw that his powers had no effect over most ponies went along with her. Not that he was scared of Twilight, but he was scared of the mob behind her. “They’re getting away! They have the element!” Twilight said as she watched the pair run. Cyrus found a good spot. And he aimed his sniper rifle right at the element bearer...... a pony? “What the...” Cyrus hesitated for a moment, enough for the two to escape. He only crouched at where he was, dumbfounded at what he just saw. “Cyrus! What’s the matter with you?! Why didn’t you kill him?” Diomedes asked. He had only seen Sindri run but he hadn’t been able to catch a glimpse at Shimmer. “Because I could of sworn, that a pony was carrying one the missing element?” “Huh?” “Yes... I could of sworn I saw it too!” Twilight said jumping up. “And I think it was someone I knew!” “One of your friends?” “No. Of course not! What would make you ever think they’d do anything so horrible?!” “My apologies. But I was under the impression your race doesn’t... or as a matter of fact.. CAN’T have any connections with chaos.” “Myself as well... but something tells me Sunset doesn’t serve chaos.” “That’s her name?” ‘Yes.... Princess Celestia can tell you about it.” “Very well. Make sure Angelos and Thule know of this new turn of events.”
“Where the hell is Sindri?!” Eliphas voxed as he ducked a blow from Thule. Thule was even more fierce than last he remembered. “No clue! Where’s that alien you enlisted to help us?!” “Also gone!” “That bitch!” Araghast roared into the vox. “That turncoat sorcerer! That’s what we get for trusting those two!” “Change of plans then! We follow them!” “Very well, let’s get out of here then! Open the portal!”
“Damn it! That dog escapes my wrath once again!” Thule said punching the ground. “Thule! We got bigger problems. Sindri has fled to Equestria, Twilight suspects that an old enemy of hers is aiding chaos.” “Very well, I won’t be long.” Thule said. “Someone contact Angelos! Sindri is in Equestria. I suspect Gabriel would love a final fight against an old enemy.”
“Well, what in tarnation is Sunset thinking helping those varmints?!” Applejack exclaimed as Twilight told her the news. “I say, those chaos space marines are dressed absolutely dreadfully!” “Really Rarity? Is this really the time?” “Sorry. Sorry.” “I knew Sunset Shimmer wasn’t even the best pony... but to think she would go out her way to commit atrocities such as evil is beyond me...” Celestia said. “That’s not the worst of it. When I was in that other world, she tried to take it over. Perhaps she’s trying to take Equestria over now!” “Not going to happen.” Thaddeus said. “Traitors will all meet their fate before long. We will see to that.” “Please... whatever you do, don’t kill Sunset.” From behind the wall, Thule and Angelos both facepalmed at this statement. They kept listening to see how the conversation would go. “Not kill her? She’s dangerous to all of us! Twilight even said that she had attempted to “reform” her.” “Aye, and from the looks of it, she has grown a threat to Equestria. Allying herself with those like Sindri, Araghast and Eliphas, she has grown to be a threat to the entire sub-sector.” “Then I suppose your decision is to murder her?” Celestia asked staring at the ground. “Yes.... she has grown to a threat to every soul in the sub-sector. We cannot allow this.” Celestia sighed. A little voice in her head said. “I told you so.” She returned to her quarters to ponder on this.
“While they do wish for harmony and the common good for others, I do question their methods every now and then.” Luna said sharing some tea with Celestia. “You still believe?” “I do.” Celestia said. “Brutal, violent, and at times, even vile they may be, I still believe humanity wishes for harmony. But perhaps we should try to teach them on the matter?” “You think they’re going to WANT to sit in a room and listen to any of us? Chances are they’d be pulling out knives and stabbing each other long before you’ve finished the first paragraph.” “I am certain humans aren’t THAT violent.” “I know.. but seeing them sitting still and not thinking about killing anything just sounds a bit impossible....” “Speaking of which, I heard that another entourage of them are due in. I wonder what their business is.....” “Something to do with some old language and true origins of.. us...” “What?” “Yes... true origins of us... we never knew our parents..... or even our home as a matter of fact. For crying out loud, I can’t even remember when I first could remember.” “Perhaps we should tag along once they finish their battles and decide to go on some joyride throughout Equestria?” “Yes. I am just as interested as they are. I wonder what they are looking for though.....”
“Here it is.” Sindri said placing the final element down. The stupid aliens! Even without his psyker abilities, Sindri still could bludgeon them to death with his staff quite expertly. Khorne approved. “Unlimited power is within our grasp.” Sunset Shimmer said as her horn began to glow. A flash of light and she gave a sigh about to put a hoof on one of the elements. “Hey! There they are!” Thaddeus said firing bolter rounds at the two causing them both to duck for cover as squads of space marines showed themselves. Under normal circumstances, this amount of space marines was bad news for Sindri. But in his weakened state on this planet, he knew he couldn’t outfight ALL of them. Seeing how Sunset took off, he did the same. “Where are we running?!” “Nowhere!” “What?! Then why are we running?! We can’t outrun ALL of them for long!” “Who said I need to outrun them?! I just need to outrun you!” Sunset said as she leapt up conveniently placed platforms up a cliff. “BITCH!” Sindri yelled in anger. But Sunset’s treachery was probably the least of his problems as he saw the space marines close in. Time to run.
“This forest is dense. Beware of an ambush brothers.” Eliphas said as he looked around. “Be cautious, we are in the heart of the enemy.” “Eliphas... you hear that?” Araghast asked. “Sounds like footsteps...” “SINDRI!” Eliphas roared as the sorcerer ran right past him and his men. He was about to bark orders to have the sorcerer killed when he felt Araghast tap him on the shoulder. “WHAT?!” “That...” “SCATTER!” Eliphas said trying not to panic. There, right in front of him was hundreds of terminators, librarians, tactical marines, devastators and more of their brothers that weren’t too happy to see him. “That’s Eliphas!” Thaddeus said pointing at the chaos lord. “Slay him first!” “You die first Whelp!” Eliphas shot back firing bolter rounds at the loyalists. This did absolutely nothing to slow down the mob. “Captain Thule will want to know where he is. Get the word to him now!”
Sunset breathed a sigh of relief seeing how the space marines hadn’t found her yet. Relief! She started to cast her spell. This process, lasted about several minutes. By the end of it all, she was rather exhausted. She went to go get a drink at nearby stream submerging her entire head in the cool, refreshing liquid. To her horror, a hand grabbed her at the end of the next and held her in. When she was finally thrown out, she choked in air greedily with relief. She allowed herself a glance at her captor who held her by the neck, tightly to the ground. “Clever girl... not clever enough though...” Sindri said intent on choking the life out of her. “Wai...wai...wa....wait!” Shimmer said attempting to convince the sorceror not to kill her. Sindri stopped for a moment. “What is it?!” Sindri said. “You still need me to get the elements ready! Okay... just don’t hurt me!” Shimmer said nursing her neck as Sindri let go. “Try anything and you’ll wish I killed you back there.” “Okay, okay!” Sunset said. “Here! I just finished the process!” Sindri smiled underneath his mask. Mental images of him having some sport with this impudent alien smoked through his mind. Opening his hand, he grabbed the nearest element.
“Power.... unlimited power!” Sindri roared out. He felt it. He breathed it. And he felt it surge within him. Power. Today, he would become a god! But something felt off.... suddenly... he felt a lightning bolt of pain with his body. Then again, and again, and again. Something was wrong...... really wrong. The jarring feeling in his chest told him that. Sunset had started to smile. Her perfect white teeth showing in a ghost of a grin. “Something wrong?” “You.... what have you done?!” Sindri asked. The pain had become almost unbearable now. “You really think someone who serves chaos can wield the elements of harmony? Jokes on you my friend. You thought yourself so smart, so cunning. You were only just used... just like in the past you had used others.” Sindri wanted to say something.... but he was growing to weak to speak. Finally... he felt life slipping away as the world grew dark.
Sunset chuckled to herself as she went to retrieve the element. Sindri’s body had been lashed with powerful magic energy and she made sure not to touch him. Even traces of that powerful magic could be very harmful. Taking the elements she decided to find a more secluded area. Unlocking ALL their power, not just SOME of their power was a very tedious process. She needed a good place to hide to do so. She wondered whether or not those other two chaos lords would be easier to dupe, afterall Sindri had been the smartest out their band of idiots. But then again, his own ambition had been his downfall not once, but twice. Eliphas too was ambitious, but would his ambition blind him as well? Probably not. Eliphas was more patient than Sindri. More vengeful too. Shimmer wondered how she could use those two. An idea worked into her head. It was maybe a gambit, either buying her more time or costing her all the time she had, but it may be worth it. Readying a spell, she readied to drop both the entire chaos warband straight into the middle of all the loyalists.
“Captain Thule! Eliphas went down this pass!” Thaddeus said as Davian arrived. “Good. Tell the men they are not to lay a finger on Eliphas. He’s mine.” “Understood.... should I have the men go hunting for him?” “No need. He’s right there.” Davian said grinning wolfishly. “So Eliphas, how long do you intend to run from me?” “Davian?! Well then... look and observe brothers on how loyalists choose to die, and how little choice they have in the matter.” “I’ll fight both of you!” Thule said pointing at Eliphas. “Lord Araghast is it? Are you the pillager of a thousand worlds or a coward who fled a thousand battles against my chapter? You are no warrior heretic, just a worm that wiggles his way out of any fight.” “You dare insult me space marine?!” Araghast now had a good idea on whose face he would now use for his new banner. Who else than Angelos’ right hand man himself? “Then get fighting!” Davian said drawing his power sword.
“Dash...” Scootaloo said pointing from the cloud. Rainbow Dash had given her a lift to watch the fight. “Do you think Mr. Thule will need help? I mean there’s two of them and he might get hurt!” “No need to worry squirt, Cool is going to be the one that’s going to do some serious hurting.” The pair watched as the fight began to unfold. Davian Thule versus Lord Eliphas and Lord Araghast.
Araghast snarled in pain as Thule’s blow knocked out most of his teeth. Staggering back, he was received with a blow to the gut sending him down on his back.
Eliphas was having similar troubles, a flurry of blows sent him flying back right into a tree with apples falling down comically on his head.
“Death to the false Emperor!” Eliphas said as he got up to charge Thule again. This time, he was punched back straight into where he had been a moment before.
“Don’t you dare make mockeries out of us!” Araghast said retrieving his power sword. “You’re suffering will be epic!”
“The only thing that is epic is how much you’re glorious leader fails at defeating his enemies, and how much of a failure you BOTH are.” Thule said. “You’re thirteen lose streak is very admirable.”
“You dare?!” Araghast roared attempting to charge Thule. The captain hardly sidestepped before lashing out a blow that shattered bits of Araghast’s armor.
“Weak. Trash, all of you. How the Emperor trusted filth like you is beyond me.” Thule threw his sword away as he pummeled Araghast with bare hands before turning around to ensure Eliphas didn’t get back up again.
“Don’t you dare look down upon me loyalist dog!” Eliphas roared as he rose quickly forcing Thule back who quickly retrieved his sword. The two chaos lords getting their weapons as well.
“What’s the plan?!” Araghast voxed.
“There isn’t one! We just kill this slave of the dead-emperor and be done with it!”
They rushed Thule once again. This time, the majority of Araghast’s chestplate was shattered, and he lay on the ground, groaning in pain.
Eliphas saw his partner go down, and quickly sent a flurry of blows against Davian. Thule however, with the Emperor on his side wasn’t going to be defeated so easily. He dueled with Eliphas for the time being, not seeing that Araghast was slowly rising to his feet.
Araghast groaned. Finding his sword he saw that Davian’s back was turned away from him. Taking a quick glance around him, he saw that most of the blood ravens were occupied with his men. Hoping that no one would see him, he raised his blade right when the time was right.
Davian didn’t notice Araghast behind him. But what he did notice and actually almost jumped at was a loud crackle and a scream of pain. But not wanting to get distracted, he quickly decided play time was over and ran Eliphas threw. As it turned out, he wasn’t trying this entire time.
“Go to hell and burn, heretic.” Thule said. Turning around he saw the scorched corpse of Araghast, and Rainbow Dash poking his corpse, seeing whether or not he truly was dead.
“He was trying to sneak on you...”
“Yeah I get it. Thanks by the way. I didn’t notice.”
“THAT WAS SO COOL!” Scootaloo said not seeming to notice all the death and horror. “YOU WEREN’T EVEN TRYING AND YOU BEAT HIM!’
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Thule said nonchalantly. “The Emperor willed that I was stronger, and I was.”
That last statement held truth in it. But Thule, having his perfect memory recalled that last time he fought, he wasn’t nearly this fast or strong. He wondered if Twilight’s spell had anything to do with his increased fighting skills. If it did, then maybe Angelos could also use a boost. The blood ravens were due for another crusade against chaos, and he wanted his chapter to be at full fighting capacity.
“Almost... almost...!” Sunset said as she watched the space marines approach. The majority of the chaos warband lay dead in the Everfree forest. Just a little bit more!
“Oh my...” Scootaloo said watching the dead Blood Raven. “Is he...”
“He’s dead. No doubt about it.” Thaddeus said. “Apothecary is working on it.”
“With all due respect, shouldn’t you be giving him a burial and not sticking needles in his body?”
“We do that later. You see, there is many things that differentiates a space marine from the normal human. One thing is the gene seed. Without it, we can’t produce any more battle brothers.”
“He lives on, in our memory.” Thule said. “First, burn all these foul traitors. They don’t deserve a resting place like any true loyal man of the Emperor.”
“While his body rests, his spirit goes to join the Emperor.” Thaddeus said as he watched the men did a hole.
“It’s not over yet. We still have a renegade horse on the loose.” Thule replied. “We must hurry. Whatever her intentions maybe, while not serving chaos, still worries me.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Dashie asked. “I’ll get everyone.”
“Please do.” Thule said. “When did Adrastia say she would be back?”
“Just another day or two. We’ll be done before she get’s back.”
“Good. Because we’re going to southern Equestria, not those dragon infested badlands, but farther south. There is something to be discovered.”
“What is it?”
“Would you believe me if told you Malcador may of been on this planet?”
Eliphas coughed. To his and probably everyone else’s surprise, he was still alive.
“Still alive traitor?” Thule asked turning around. Taking a bolter he aimed it at Eliphas’ head intent on finishing the job.
“You....are....too late.....” Eliphas said. “My defeat here will not change anything lapdog of the false Emperor. You may of defeated me here now.... but I will return.”
“And I will kill you. Again and again every time you rise heretic.” Thule replied. “That won’t matter...” Eliphas said cackling manically. “Abaddon has devised a way to escape Cadia. You can’t stop him, neither can the foolish inhabitants of this planet or your corpse Emperor. Chaos will consume you will all!”
“No.”
Eliphas gave a painful gasp of surprise to find that it was not Thule, but the Princess of the sun herself that had spoken.
“No.” Celestia said. “Abaddon will not prevail nor will he ever. We will stop him. I will oversee that myself.”
“So.... I see you’ve finally decided to rejoin your brethren.” Eliphas said. “Understand even you and your pathetic other half can’t even stop Abaddon, no one can!”
“I grow tired of this.” Thule said. With a mighty blow, he severed the foul head of Eliphas watching it roll into a ditch.
“What was he talking about?” Scootaloo asked. “Something about..”
“Nothing. Nothing.” Thule said dismissively. “Mad men like him tend to ramble.”
Though in his heart, he knew what Eliphas had spoken had a hint of truth to it. If Abaddon had a means to escape Cadia then that would mean great catastrophe for all beings across the galaxy.
But at the same time, every dark cloud had it’s silver lining, for Eliphas perhaps had just confirmed Davian’s suspicions of Celestia and Luna’s true origins. They were once human. No doubt about it. What else could “rejoining their brethren” mean? Though who they were, and what they were once were remains a mystery, Thule was intent on finding out, if Celestia and Luna truly were who he thought they once were... and if Twilight’s memory/healing spell can be used once again, then he had just devised a means to restore the Emperor back to life.
And that would mean greatness for every being across the galaxy. Not just humanity, not just Equestrians but everyone.
He wondered how THAT would work out.
“Sunset!” Twilight said as she arrived at the site of the unholy ritual. “What have you done?!”
“The only sensible thing, Twilight!” Sunset said. “Consider this my revenge. And guess what? You can’t stop me nor can those imbeciles you befriended!”
The last part had a hint of truth in it. It would be a while before the space marines could find this place.
But the first part did not, Twilight knew she had the means to stop this. She hoped that she wouldn’t have to kill Sunset. Like most others, she believed ANYONE could be redeemed. Though a certain fast approacher didn’t share her views.
“We’re here, Davian!” Dashie said as she arrived with the others. “Now where are we headed?”
“I don’t kn... where’s Celestia?!”
The blast knocked Twilight off her feet, blood foamed at her mouth as she painfully got up battling the shock like no ordinary pony. “What’s wrong Princess?” Shimmer taunted. “You see, I can fight and do this ritual at once!”
Twilight sent another fireball at her, but Sunset raised her shield spell causing the ball of fire to disperse harmlessly. She aimed another bolt at Twilight who this time, got knocked down and didn’t get up.
“Yes... almost.. almost damn you!”
Twilight could only glance up at the explosion of the light. She braced herself expecting a super powered Sunset Shimmer... all she saw however was just the unicorn standing there waiting dumbly for something to happen.
“I say.... I am afraid I can’t let you do that!”
“Discord?!”
“That’s right! And I brought a few friends too!”
Emerging from the tree line, Angelos and another squad of terminators stepped out pointing their bolters at Sunset. Nowhere to run now.
Before any of them could actually open fire, a brilliant white alicorn came and grabbed Sunset and whisked her away much to the surprise of... EVERYONE.
“For the love of...” Angelos began until he heard Thule vox him.
“How you could do this... is beyond me.” Celestia began as she plopped her down sitting down and held her there. “Why?!”
“Because your “faithful student” humiliated me!”
“No. Why did you leave Equestria? Even better yet, why did you come back to destroy it serving the damning powers of chaos?!”
“I left because I could see that you along with everyone else in Equestria were blind fools! But... I never served chaos.. if anything they served me....” “And in your mad quest for who-knows-what.... what did you seek to gain? And at what cost?!”
“Power. I was taught by a friend that the universe rewarded those who would spill blood for power.”
Celestia shook her head.
“It’s true. You are lost. Good-bye Sunset, I don’t wish to ever see you again.”
Sunset smiled inwardly as she was thrown into a ditch. Foolish Celestia, she was too quick to give second chances. Another chance for vengeance.
“Do you really think ANYONE would give YOU a second chance?!” Solomon asked from behind her.
Only then did Sunset look up and realize she was surrounded by space marines.
“If I were you, I’d run.” Thule said. Sunset could only give one final shriek as the space marines descended upon her. The locals in the area would come up with many tales of what had happened to her. Many would be enough to give the average pony night terrors. Celestia too would have trouble sleeping that night, wondering whether or not if she did the right thing by killing one who was once close to her. She found comfort with Angelos and Tarkus who explained that they had to go through similar experiences. The threat of chaos had been averted but Eliphas words clung on to the hearts of everyone and every pony. Abaddon had found means to escape Cadia.....
“Greetings Celestia and Luna of Equestria. My name is Inquisitor Adrastia on behalf of all of humanity, at least, all the sensible ones. I thank you for kindly receiving me today.” Adrastia said formally meeting Celestia and Luna for the first time. “This is Brother-Captain Arven.” Adrastia gestured at the Grey Knight who nodded in acknowledgement. “Permit me for saying... but...”
“I know. I know. It’s my height and theirs. A space marine and an ordinary human are rather different you see.”
“Got it.”
“Now then. About two days ago, Captain Davian Thule had contacted me telling me about the true nature of this planet and it’s inhabitants. That was all fine and dandy, but what really caught my attention was something he showed me afterwards.”
Adrastia took out the official seal of the inquisition as well as the copy of “Daring Do” and the history book Thule had found with in the crystal empire. She presented this to Celestia. “While the idea is murky, it is believed by many that humans... one in particular may have actually been present. His name is Malcador. The greatest hero of mankind decreed by the God-Emperor himself. And my friend here, Arven believes you have something to do with him.”
“I can see why. A man named Eliphas before his death had told me something about... “joining my brethren.” I know not what this means but....”
“Mother of the Emperor....” Arven said. “Do you think you have any connections to humanity? Have you ever known any humans before our arrival?”
“No. No.” Celestia says. “I have not. Perhaps he is implying I will be slain in the days to come along with Luna?”
“Me as well.” Arven continued. “Wait... Captain Thule?”
“Yes. That’s my name. Speak your mind brother.”
“If I recall correctly, you were...”
“A dreadnought? Yes I was. I was recently healed by an Equestrian called Twilight Sparkle. She restored my body to as much as she could. Unfortunately, whatever miracles she performed were limited to memory. And as such, the first time we met, I only had a single eye. Angelos is as of now in the process of being restored to his regular self.”
“I see you’ve grown to trust them.” Adrastia said.
“I have. I didn’t at first. But I have. I never should have doubted Angelos, Celestia or anyone that resides here.”
“Celestia, I would like to ask however, may you present to me... the elements of harmony?”
“Of course...”
“Wait! Discord has them!” Thule said. “I am right here!” Discord said popping out of nowhere with all six elements. “Here you are old bean!”
“Thank you Discord. Your actions back in the Everfree prove to me you have been reformed.”
“As I have! Friends do things for each o... and why are you looking at me like that?”
“You give me bad memories.” Arven said. “I’ll be watching you.”
“Jeez, what’s up with humans? Do they hate like anything with the word “chaos” in it?”
[Yes]
“We are straying off topic.” Adrastia said. “Let’s see, if I recall correctly they are tools of great power?”
“Yes.” Celestia said. “Only six beings currently have access to their power. All six have to be present at the same time to do so. They will be instrumental in dispelling chaos from this plane for good. I pray for the day peace comes to a war weary galaxy.”
“I see. Those fools were wrong about you Celestia.”
“Pardon?”
“You aren’t like other xenos. You truly do mean well. May your good intentions be rewarded with results.”
“Thank you. I do propose that our people may benefit working together.”
“I agree. While a good majority of the monkeys I work with may not, it is my word that goes as of now.”
“Very well.” Celestia said looking at ponyville. In just a mere day, it had all been rebuilt. Such was the industriousness of Equestria.
“Your people work fast...” Thule said wondering what the large building was that used to be Twilight’s library. “I hope you put that to good use.”
“I will. I will.” Celestia said. “But about your quest to find this man known as Malcador. I do intend to join you. I may discover a few things about my origins as well.”
“An extra hand will be nice. We should make plans soon.” Arven said.
“Will be kept in mind. But as of now, we must ready ourselves.” Adrastia said. “Rumor has it the despoiler has found a means to escape Cadia. We must prepare for the coming storm.”
“Just when things got calm too...” Luna said coming down. “Will it ever end?”
“It will. But as of now, remember, this is merely the calm before the storm.”
"Equestria will need to prepare." Celestia said. "I will see to that. Tell everyone to make preparations. Things will get ugly from here on." Thule looked at the new large building that was being built in ponyville on top of Twilight's' old house. "What's the point of that anyways?" He asked pointing at the building. "Just some school of magic Twilight built." Luna said. "You see, every pony has magic within them. It's obvious with a unicorn, but rather subtle when it comes to an earth pony or a Pegasus. Twilight has been making plans of attempting to bring this hidden potential out. As she had said. "Magic is for the many, not the few." Also intends on making a vault to store the elements and knowledge."
"Knowledge is power, guard it well." Thule muttered.
"Perhaps we should keep the elements under guard?" Adrastia suggested.
"I will see to that if necessary." Thule said.
"I have a feeling it will be."
"Good. Get some Grey knights, Librarians and the finest of the chapter on it. No one as much as TOUCHES those artifacts."
Okay, maybe Thule was getting a bit paranoid. Celestia thought. Then again, he had good reason to. He believed that the elements would solve this problem with chaos.
"So is everything good?" Adrastia asked. "We make way to find Malcador soon. I will hand pick a team for that."
"It is good." Celestia said. "Brace yourselves my friends, for we are merely in the calm of the storm."
