//------------------------------// // Equestrian Black Crusade Arc: The Beginning of the End // Story: For the Emperor and the UNSC! (Old version) // by Titan Commander Sebaste //------------------------------// Equestrian Black Crusade Arc: The Beginning of the End    “Ahriman, we need to stop somewhere nearby. The Core guy and QAI want to prepare a small army to assist in the Siege of Equus. Plus, our ammunition stores are sorta running out,” Rainborg reported, walking up to the Warmaster. The fleet was currently in the Warp, on its way to Equestria, while the Edo Tensei had distracted the UDE forces.        “Very well. Let's see, what systems are nearby….” Ahriman replied, before gazing through the Warp. He spotted a decent looking planet. “Baal, huh….” He muttered, before returning to his body. “Well, it looks like we will be dropping into realspace in the Baal Sector, home of the Blood Angels. Midnight, prepare the Thunderhawk for us. You, Rainborg, The Core, QAI, Keagan, Madara, Teridax, and a few others will be accompanying us.” Meanwhile, on the Emperor's Hammer Sebaste stood on the bridge, looking out the viewport. It had been a month since the battle for the Cadian Gate and he had managed to heal from his encounter with Madara, but Sebastian was still in critical condition from his wounds and both Ultron and Echo were recovering from what they went through after their fight with Warsmith Keagan. As he looked out into space, he heard footsteps behind him. “Yo what up?” Scout asked as Erza, Blaze, both Magicians and him entered the room. Sebaste turned to face them, glaring at the RED Scout. “I’m not in the mood for your antics, understand?” he snarled. “My friend is in critical condition after he stopped Madara from killing me, and I don’t know if he’ll even make it…” His voice nearly broke as he finished. “Hey, I was just asking if you was okay. Plus Dark Magician Girl came to offer some healing magic,” Scout said in annoyance. Really, he would’ve thought that it would be obvious, given that Dark Magician Girl was wearing a TF2 Medic outfit and holding a medigun. “I don't know if you can even fix him. Madara destroyed his primary heart,” the Spartan replied. “But if you can, I’ll be very grateful for it.” “It’s time for ze Healing,” Dark Magician Girl said as she walked off towards Sebastian’s location. “Is this a bad time?” Allen asked walking in. In his hands was a bottle filled with some kind of red stuff.     “What is it, Allen?” Sebaste turned to him. “Unless you have something to report, I don't want to be disturbed.” “Yes I do, two things actually. Father Anderson is considering bringing, in his own words, ‘That vampiric idiot,’ which I believe is his Alucard. Also I had Yubel make this,” he handed him the bottle. “It’s a potion using my own blood. It can give someone my healing factor for a short period of time. I heard about your friend so I wanted to help.” Sebaste nodded as he took the potion. “I don't think it’ll work with the kind of injuries he has, but I’ll hold onto it for now. Thank you.” “It should, I would be dead without this healing factor,” Allen then turned as one of the ponies acting as comms officer in Echo’s place, called out to Sebaste. “Sir, we have a lock on Ahriman's fleet! It's in the Baal system!” Sebaste acknowledged this and ordered, “Set a course for it. We’ll get there before them and set up an ambush on Baal itself. Alert the rest of the fleet and prepare to jump!” “Yes sir!” The pony said before following the orders given him. “Let’s go stop them!” Dark Magician said. “ATTACK!” Dark Magician Girl shouted while wearing a TF2 Soldier outfit. “Oh and Sebastian is all better,” she added.   “Is he actually better or did you only manage to stabilize him?” Sebaste asked. “He has a hole in his chest from Madara punching through him, and I don’t think that's as easy to heal as it sounds.” “He’s good as new and ready to fight again… given a day of rest,” Dark Magician Girl said with a smile. “See for yourself: the only holes he has are his mouth, ears, nose and his asshole,” she added. “HOLD IT, SEBASTE!” A bright blue teleport flare lit the bridge blinding the UDE members there. As they got their sight back they realized that Keagan was standing at the command dias. Keagan was immediately pinned to the ground with large amount of familiar playing cards that were launched from a recently placed automatic trap and an echo could be heard from the medbay of maniacal laughter coming from Echo, a laugh that sounded far deeper than usual. “Ow! What the hell! I came all this way to talk to you guys and you immediately attack me. What the actual buck?!” “After what you did? I’m surprised they don’t just destroy you,” Yubel said walking in. “What is it, Keagan?” Sebaste asked in anger. “You have a lot of guts teleporting here after you hurt Echo and Ultron.” “Ok, first, I’m sorry about Ultron. How was I meant to know that the scrap code would do that to them. It was only meant to disable them, not bucking disintegrate them. And second if Echo checks his body, he will find that he can create any type of armour or weapon he wants. Third, I want to give Ultron a new code that is resistant to scrap code. And lastly, I wanted to tell you that the rest of my fleet and legion have finally rejoined mine, so I will need that company of grey knights to teleport aboard my flagship to deal with Midnight”.   Sebaste glared at the Warsmith before activating his comlink. ++Kirito, Asuna, I need you at the bridge.++ he said. He then took his helmet off and said, “I’ll get the Grey Knights ready, but you better keep your end of the deal.” A female voice was then hear over the comlink. ++I’ll be there soon, Kirito may take a bit longer.++ she responded before the comlink shut off. I just hope this goes better than last time… Sebaste thought meanwhile somewhere unknown  Mike slowly awoke. He tried to stand up, but felt an immense pain in his left leg.  “Wait. .why am I alive? “ he asked no-one in particular, as far as he knew, he was alone. He pulled out his IFAK, and began to patch himself up. He heard a noise and looked behind him. There was a six-legged creature there, but Mike remembered it, from something. Meanwhile……                         “This planet will work well for material gathering.” The Core Commander stated, placing down a metal extractor, the green nanolathe particles quickly forming into a bulky little building. The Core then began to build more things, like factories, solar generators, and factories. Meanwhile, Ahriman, Rainborg, Kharn, Madara, and a few others stood by as both the Core and QAI, who's Armored Command Unit was noticeably bigger than the Core Commander. By about 88 meters.          “According to these data files, they should have fully functioning experimental units in about….” Rainborg declared, watching as the numbers flew past the datapad in her hoof. “Two hours or so.”         “Those calculations are sound.” The Core Commander commented, as a KBot Engineer waddled past.         “Geez, those robots work fast.” Avak muttered, slightly amazed at the progress they were making. “Huh my robots work faster than that.” Dr Eggman said while working on a weapon.              “Experimental Assault Bot: Monkeylord, completed.” QAI announced, as his finished creation rose from the ground. It had six legs, with massive engines in the back spewing out smoke. On top, a massive rod slowly spun, the main weapon of the machine.              “Good.” Ahriman stated.              “Warmaster, transmission from the Scion: A fleet of United Defenders of Equestria forces has warped in. Orders?” Rainborg announced. “Warmaster my fleet have just exited the warp Can I speak with you aboard my flagship”             “Very well. Rainborg, you are in command here until I return. Everyone else, except QAI and the Core, we are returning to the fleet.” Ahriman ordered, walking back towards his Thunderhawk, flanked by Madara and Teridax. The others walked towards their own Thunderhawks.     Madara was walking alongside Ahriman and Teridax while silently thinking about what glorious battles awaited them. He then decided to ask Ahriman a question. “Ahriman,” he said. “What do you think shall happen once we get near our enemies?”    “Quite simple,” Ahriman replied calmly. “A battle will begin.” A demonic grin stretched across his face, his eyes switching to the EMS. “Oh, it seems my Edo Tensei form has finally returned. From these memories, I'd say he was successful in what I ordered.”         A Necron Builder Scarab came rushing up to them, beeping so much it would put an R2 to shame. It put its claws together and made a small green ball before the ball made a small pop and disappeared while it made a exploding motion with its claws.            “I understand…. I think.” Ahriman replied to the Scarab.                                         It stopped beeping and moving for a second then a hologram of Necrosis on his back with a large hole in his side appeared.         “Ahriman… I have news of an attack fleet heading to you. I couldn’t escape and had to take a Dirge Escort ship and land on Stygies” He coughed.  “The rest of my fleet shall join you shortly along with one of my Generals, General Necrinnie. She will explain what happened as well as give you my coordinates for evac.” He coughed again before the hologram disappeared.     “As soon as you receive the weapons you need, return to the Scion and retrieve him.” Ahriman ordered the Cyber Pegasus, whose eye narrowed before she nodded. Later, aboard the PRIDE OF OLYMPIA “Ahriman, would you mind addressing the whole of the New Black Legion?” Keagan asked Ahriman. They were standing in front of Keagan’s Holographic projector with Madara and Midnight standing guard at the bulk head.   “What would you have me say?” Ahriman asked, his Sorcerer armor equipped. Madara grinned and added his two cents, “Just give them a motivational speech on how we will beat every single enemy to dust!” “Yeah, and tell them how we will drive into Equestria and burn the imperial dogs alive”. Keagan said while activating the Hologram projector which transmitted a giant figure of Ahriman and Keagan on the planet's surface.    “Warriors of the New Black Legion!” Ahriman began, putting on an authoritative voice. “As soon as we finish our resource gathering here, we shall head straight to our goal: Equestria! And once we arrive, we shall teach the ‘United Defenders of Equestria’ what happens when your enemy is us! Soon, this war will be over, and you will all receive great rewards for your commitment! Gloriam Legionis!” “Perhaps sooner than you think, Ahriman” Keagan said At hearing this, Madara grinned crazily a bit. “Does that mean it's time?” “As soon as our mutual friends arrive. Yes.” Keagan said nodding to Madara. “Heh. That's all I needed to hear.” Madara said crossing his arms in his classical pose, but if you looked closely, he was twitching, ready for battle. Confused, Ahriman turned towards Keagan. “What exactly do you mean, Keagan…” At this he was cut off as Keagan’s power-claw shot through his chest. Lifting him up in the air.    Midnight charged at Keagan, yelling in rage as her Tenseigan Chakra Mode activated. “I'll kill you!” The Daemon roared, bringing one of the Truth-Seeking Orbs to bear. “Ha, you really think I would not prepare for this by, I don’t know, maybe disabling your chakra powers?” Keagan asked as the energy cloak around her vanished, along with the Orbs. A squad of Grey Knights, two armed with psycannons, teleported into the room. With their Nemesis force halberds ready, they advanced towards Midnight. The two armed with Psycannons opened fire, the psychically enhanced bullets screaming towards her.       “Trap Card: Magic Cylinder!” The bullets flew into a strange cylinder that had appeared, before another one popped up, and the same bullets flew right out of it, towards the Grey Knights. “And I summon Dark Magician, in attack mode!” A floating figure that looked almost exactly like the Dark Magician Displaced popped into existence, before unleashing a magical blast of energy towards the Grey Knights. The blast bounced off a psychic barrier in front of the Astartes. As one, they raised their halberds and charged them up with psychic power, then charged. Two took out the Dark Magician while the others plunged their weapons into Midnight, slicing off her wings and horn and pinning her to the wall, before the last Knight stabbed her in the heart.     “GYAAAAAAAAGGGGHHHHH!” Midnight screamed, her body spasming as a black mist erupted from the wound, circling around the Grey Knights before lashing out at them, forming black and very solid spears as they impaled most of the Grey Knights, killing them, before dissipating as Midnight slipped into unconsciousness. The last surviving Knight then swung his blade at her neck with a cry of “FOR THE EMPEROR!” beheading her before falling to his knees and notifying Sebaste of his success. “I think you forgot someone.” A voice said behind him, as a finger lightly tapped his shoulder.     The Knight turned and took a defensive stance as he faced Madara. Madara lunged forward, evading the Knight’s defence and landing a punch to his head, the armor surrounding it crumpling as Madara’s brute strength removed the Grey Knight’s head from his body. The corpse fell to the ground in a heap. “Oh great I’m late, well so is Father Anderson. Remind me who killed her?” A figure draped in victorian outfit from head to toe asked.     “The weakling I just killed. And who are you?” Madara asked, turning to face the newcomer while pointing at the corpse of the Grey Knight. Before he even answered a hound appeared behind him, several really, and ripped apart the corpse. A faint scream could be heard in the warp. “I called dibs on killing her, enjoy your new afterlife bitch.” The hat came off to reveal the face of Shining Armor with a smile full of fangs. “Name’s Shining Armor, or as everyone else calls me, A Real Motherfucking Vampire.” “I see. Well, you should have some luck with your little idea of killing Midnight.” Madara chuckled, as bits of paper-like objects floated next to him, forming into a familiar figure. “Because she isn't here. This is just her Edo Tensei.” Midnight reformed, eyes glowing brightly with rage. A silver bayonet flew by and implanted into the the Edo Tensei. It burned it’s target with white holy flames. “Really Shining starting the party without me.” Anderson said walking in. “So who want’s first go me or you?” “How about me. After all.” Two ammo casing flew up and soon were loaded in mid air into Shining’s hand cannons. “Family first.”    “Oh, I think it's my turn.” Madara growled from behind Anderson, before slamming him to the floor, before punching him cleanly through the floor and down five levels. “After all, I am not an opponent to treat lightly.” “ENOUGH before you two completely destroy my ship!” Keagan growled, grabbing Madara’s head and crushing it in his grip. He then walked over to where Midnight was lying and activated a series of buttons on the wall behind her trapping her in a tesseract vault. “And that is the end of that” He said. “You're no fun, hey Anderson you dead?” Shining asked. Anderson got back up dusting himself off. “Seriously? You know the answer to that.”          Meanwhile…..   On the other side of the planet a CCS Battlecruiser came out of slipspace. In the ship’s bridge Maria moved towards the ship’s comm system ++This is Shipmaster Runa. All hands move to level three defensive stations. All pilots prepare for launch when the signal is given. I want anything that threatens this ship or our allies destroyed.++ Maria turned to her Sword Brother, “I will be taking the second Sabre. I need you to command the ship in my absence.” the elite saluted and started checking over the ship’s systems. Soon, Terra's Wrath warped out behind the cruiser. As soon as they exited warpspace, Sebaste signaled Maria. ++ Maria, gather the rest of your team and meet us on the planet. Time to give Ahriman a surprise…++ ++Understood sir.++ Maria closed the cockpit of her Sabre and motioned for everyone to move out. ++All right my friends, let's show this guy what we can do.++ a chorus of cheers echoed through the ship as two Sabres, a longsword, and a pelican launched from the front port hanger. A swarm of banshees, seraphs, and a few phantoms with vehicles attached to the bottom followed them from the CCS.    Just as they arrived, the fleet led by the Scion of Prospero warped out, vanishing into the Immaterium, with everyone except Ahriman and the other two aboard. Below, on the planet's surface, multiple hostile readings were being reported. “All Displaced, report to the bridge! We bring the fight to Ahriman!” Sebaste roared on the intercom. “No need Sebaste, Ahriman is dead.” The voice of Keagan came loud and clear over the vox. “We still have multiple enemy contacts on the surface of the planet!” A Space Marine stated. “Don’t worry about them. Me and my iron warriors will deal with them” “Ready sir!” Allen said getting up. “Get the others, we move now!” The Spartan ordered. “Right,” Allen answered, he looked for Anderson. “Wasn’t he with me?” Sebaste was as confused as he was. “I have no idea…” he said. “But it doesn't matter right now, get ready to portal!”         “I’m afraid things have gotten far more complicated, my dear Sebaste…” A voice barely whispered, the shadows in the room growing into more monstrous forms.  Sebaste looked around the bridge. Shadows… check. He mentally checklisted A voice came over a radio, filled with static. “Hello? Is anyone or anypony on this frequency?” asked the voice. It was Mike. “This is Sebaste, go ahead Mike!” “Hello? Hello! Oh thank god I’ve be trying to reach someone for hours! I am somewhere in a field, with something with six legs, and it saved me from that battle for the gate. How long has it been anyway? I was out cold since.” Mike said. “A month” Sebaste replied. “...What?...” Mike replied, dumbfounded. “Holy shit… Anyway I need assistance, for I am in the middle of the… Oh shit…” His side ended with a roar and someone shooting, followed by static.         “You don’t have time for this...Sebaste, there are far more serious matters to attend to…” The voice continued, the shadows continually stretching violently.          “Yeah, says the shadow man.” Sebaste snarked. “I know it’s you Makuta!”         “Oh, so someone has done their homework,” Teridax growled happily, a projection of his Kanohi Kraahkan mask appearing before the man, two red eyes blazing from the dark steel.  “then you also know what I’m capable of...I must say that you and your forces have put up an admirable fight thus far.” “Yeah, I also know that you got drop kicked by Mata Nui on Bara Magna, smashed in by a moon.” the Spartan replied, readying a plasma Repeater.         “I’m afraid you mistake me for my predecessor,” The Makuta chuckled coldly, his mask’s projection mere inches away from the Spartan. “Do you truly think that weapon will harm me...or can you only hope that it may provide some form of protection?” “Well, how well can your armor stand Covenant plasma weapons?” Sebaste asked         The shadows moved violently and the illusion played a clip of a Rahkshi taking a full blast from a Wraith, running through the plasma explosion and attacking the Covenant tank.         “My children have already proven your weapons useless against Protosteel,” Teridax commented, his mask tilting in interest.  “I have tested countless weapons my foes could possible use on me, my own body undergoing such violent barrages. But I am not here to fight you…” “Then why are you here?” he asked.         “Do you really wish to protect Equestria, to keep its people healthy and alive?” Teridax questioned, his eyes narrowing at the foe that stood before him. “Are you ready to give up everything to stop their destruction?” “I never wanted this war, the only way to stop it is if Ahriman is defeated or killed.” Sebaste answered.         “We both know that this will never truly stop, spartan,” Teridax hissed, his metallic voice cracking as the sound of one of his creatures reporting to him.  “The Displaced will still fight, Equestrias will still suffer. This war will solve nothing...but there is an alternative to fighting...surrender and I promise you that I will ensure your Equestria remains safe!” “Sebaste… Don’t listen to him…He is lying, he will destroy everything.” Echo struggling to breath called out over the radio. “Do not mistake me for some petty warmonger,” Teridax replied to the accusation venomously, his projection now displaying more of his metal body. It was taller than what was originally expected, spikes and other oddities sprung from the metal shell.  “If Sebaste has truly studied me, he knows that I am not one to destroy when I can rule. Besides, if he doesn’t accept and he somehow miraculously wins, I will still come out on top and this world will be under my control.” “Well, I just got word from my Grey Knight strike squad that the head of the snake just got cut off. Keagan kept his promise and killed Ahriman and Madara, while Midnight has also been eliminated.” Sebaste smugly said to the Makuta.         “You mistake this as a victory, Sebaste,” Teridax replied grimly, his eyes’ blazing light somewhat dying upon the news. “Ahriman would have ensured your allies as well as your world’s survival...Keagan is now in position to destroy it. Unfortunately for all of you, I had already learned of your plot...The Crystal Empire will be the first, then Canterlot, then the world. Even now I have assumed control over your greatest assets.” “Even if Ahriman suddenly survived, we will not let Equestria fall.” A voice behind Teridax’s projection said. Sebastian walked onto the bridge, bandages still on his chest.         “No, you are once again mistaken of my intentions,” The Makuta growled happily, his eyes regaining their normal red color. Cries of confusion echoing all throughout the radios set in the Crystal Empire. “Equestria isn’t falling, It. Is. Rising! Even now your people forgot who they once were, their minds only filled with fear of their comrades. And I also have this--” Teridax then enlarged his projection with a white crystal-like tree standing behind him, its jewels pulsing a dark aura. “Sirs… I’m doing whatever I can... from my location to jam... whatever signal he is using.... There’s not much that... can be done though.” Echo panted out. “Warp take you, Teridax!” Sebastian swore at the Makuta         The shadows soon engulfed the tree, pulling it into a dark portal of some kind. Teridax gave the Spartan a hard stare, his eyes watching every emotion and action of those his viruses had infected. Their memories wiped clean and only willing to serve on master: Him.         “Maybe another time...we could have been allies, Sebastian…” The Makuta replied to the curse, turning around and making his leave to his personal dimension. “This is goodbye...my forces have already destroyed major towns and cities around this area, but their citizens still live. They hide in the mountains around here, they will not be harmed.”         With those final words, the Makuta was gone along with the Tree. The projection cutting off and the shadows around the bridge returning to normal. The voice on the radio came back. “ Okay… I was just attacked. So I need evac, if possible. I think I am in the Everfree Forest!” *Huff puff* “I just sent over… a chopper… Good luck, and welcome home.” Echo radioed over before falling silent for the last time and would later be found clutching a cassette tape in his mouth addressed to the entire UDE. Dark laughter echoed from everywhere, and a familiar voice called out, one they thought they wouldn't hear from again.        “It is time for the final part of my plan, Sebaste, Sebastian. You've been such good little pawns….” Ahriman's voice chuckled, before the room finally returned to normal. “All ships, ready a course to Equestria! We need to defend our home world!” Sebaste ordered. “This time, you will fall Ahriman!” He swore silently as the ships jumped into warpspace.                                                    Meanwhile on Baal     A large, metal machine marched onwards, two missile packs launching an endless stream of missiles screaming towards the enemy. A blue laser in it's head burned away anything it touched instantly, while in it's arms, two plasma cannons launched a barrage towards whatever was in it's path. An army of smaller robots, along with tanks, aircraft, and more, marched under it, built only to destroy. Back at the base, the Core Commander ordered his Krogoth to return to the base, while the endless army dealt with the remaining enemy forces. He had just received a message from QAI. Nodding in confirmation, he detonated the Decoy Commander he had left in charge of the Baal base, allowing the enemy to think they had won. As the base he built was destroyed by the nuclear explosion, an unknown code passed through his mind. Examining it, he found it was a simulation for being smug.                                     Meanwhile on Equestria. “HOLD THE LINE MEN! NOT ONE STEP BACK!” Yelled the commissar. Suddenly the sound of approaching dropships roared through the Imperial guard lines looking back the commissar saw a thousand or so dropships land in the ruins of manehattan the assault ramps opened, revealing an entire legion of chaos space marines lead by the familiar form of Keagan. The war for Equus had begun...