What do you get when the dawn of war 2 guys land in Equestria?
After defeating the black legion in a skirmish, Captain Davian Thule and Captain Gabriel Angelos along with 2 companies of blood ravens are sucked into a warp storm and come out again in Equestria. There they are marooned and will have to settle there. Co-exist with the alien or destroy the harmless creatures? Aid them in their problems or remain hidden until rescue arrives? Maybe this is the Emperor's true test of a space marine.
First crack at writing 40k, I am just gonna say, I had a lot of fun writing this.
And of course having no life, I wrote more! Be sure to check them out!
"The heretics are retreating. None may stand before the emperor's mighty space marines." The marine said giving his report to Captain Davian Thule and Captain Gabriel Angelos.
"We routed the chaos filth. I think it's time we returned to give our report to the chapter master." Thule said. "But mark my words they will be back. The damned black legion never gives up."
"Agreed. I think however it's time we went home." Angelos said as he and Thule got inside a thunderhawk. "We're leaving brothers."
The space marines turned around to their thunderhawks which then was headed back to the battle barge. They were going home.
However one thing that the space marines neglected was that the warp storm had not died down yet. This would be their undoing.
7 thunderhawks containing all sorts of equipment and 2 companies of marines left orbit. But the moment that they did, the nearby warp storm began to pull them in. Despite efforts to get help or to escape, it was all to no avail. 2 companies worth of marines were instantly pulled into the warp storm. Emperor knows when they will come out.
“Alright spike! We got another meteor shower tonight. The whole gang will be there!” Twilight said happily as she packed a telescope into a wagon. “Do you know what this means Spike? This has happened in... forever!”
“Alright! I bet this is the sight to see! I got some fruit punch, some cookies and bananas like last time!” Spike replied packing everything.
“Alright! And off we go and oh wait!” Twilight remembered getting some scrolls, a feather and some ink. This would be one report Princess Celestia would want to hear.
By the time Twilight and Spike had arrived on the hill where everyone else was, night had fallen and it was almost time.
“Hello everypony!”
“TWILIGHTYOUEXCITED?!IKNOWIAMEXCITED!2ndMETEORSHOWERTHISYEARYOUKNOWHATTHISMEANS?” Pinkie said not even stopping to take a breath.
“Whoa sugar cube. Slow down a bit there.” Applejack said. “Applebloom brought her friends here too some other ponies also decided to drop by. Once in a lifetime opportunity to see a meteor shower twice y’know?”
“Doesn’t happen often! This will be sooooo awesome!” Rainbow dash smiled.
“And a lovely evening it is! Good for this new outfit.” Rarity chimed in.
“Ooooooohhh oooooh! Look you guys! The first meteor!” Pinkie pointed as the meteor shower began.
At about the same time, the warp opened up and the fleet of thunderhawks poured out all out of control and headed right for the planet’s surface.
“Hey Twilight.” Spike said munching on some gems. “Do those meteors over there look a bit odd?”
Twilight looked up. Sure enough a few meteors weren’t flying with the rest and had a rather reddish hint to them rather than the white color.
“That is strange.” Twilight said making sure to include that in her letter. “I wonder why...... Spike hurry. Run.”
“What? Why?”
“Because that meteor... is headed... right over there!”
Sure enough the loud thud was audible from a long distance away as pieces of machinery began to strike sections of the everfree forest and a mountain.
“Sweet Celestia! I can fill a year’s worth of letters doing this!” Twilight said happily in anticipation. “Let’s go check this meteor out girls!” She said as everyone else also followed her.
“Captains. All squads are here and alive but we have a lot of injured.” A marine reported to Thule and Angelos.”
“Survey the local area?”
“This planet is inhabited. That’s all I know.”
“Well, if we are marooned here then I must say, the emperor must be feeling like this is some kind of reward.” Thule said taking a look outside.
“Why do you say that old friend?” Angelos asked.
“Because we landed in paradise.” Thule replied as he showed Gabriel the surroundings. Their thunderhawk had crashed on the mountain where there was a good view of things. As they looked around, a scout sergeant with one eye approached them to deliver a report.
“Scout Sergeant Cyrus reporting in.” Cyrus said to his superiors.
“Speak.”
“I have located the others. Should we rendezvous with them?”
“Yes.” Both captains said simultaneously.
“The sooner we get together, the better.” Angelos said. “As nice and as beautiful as this planet looks, we don’t know what lurks here.”
“Agreed. Alright brothers, time to move!” Thule barked as everyone got their belongings and got moving to the everfree forest. They were promptly joined by the rest of the group as they went to every crash site.
“Apothecary Gordion reporting in.” A white apothecary said. “We have about thirty injuries so far. Most are minor and will be fine in a matter of minutes while some may take time.”
“Thank you apothecary.” Thule said. “Any place we can take shelter? There’s over two hundred of us. We need a place to accommodate all our brothers. It needs to be two things. Secure and well hidden. If the indigenous people prove to be hostile this can go very badly.”
"I wouldn't worry about it." Angelos said. "I am not worrying much to be honest. How we didn't end up in the eye of terror, the immaterium or some place that has legions of creatures that intend to murder us, we have only the Emperor to thank."
"What about the local populace?" Thule asked. "I am willing to be my other eye that they're xenos."
"Xenos or not, they may be our only chance off this planet. Our priority should be leaving not fighting. If we remain trapped here then it will be a blow to our chapter that may not be able to recover from. Ever." Angelos said.
“Captains! Scout is back.” Someone said as Cyrus once again returned.
“Captains, there is an ancient, abandoned castle not far from here. Let’s make way for it. If the inhabitants of this world are hostile, they can be dangerous. Let’s hide and plan our next move.”
“Good idea.” Angelos agreed. “Let’s go.”
And with that, over 200 marines were gone in just an instant with all their gear and equipment abandoning their thunderhawks.
“Whoa! What could of crushed all these trees! Must of been one big meteor!” Rainbow dash said looking at all the trees that’ve been bent out of shape or knocked down.
“Or maybe it was some huge, ginormous, red machine from outer space......” Fluttershy said pointing a hoof at one of the ruined thunderhawks.
“Whoa! Aliens.......” Pinkie said excited. “Let’s meet them and throw a welcome-to-this-planet party! What do aliens eat anyways?!”
“Whoa settle down there girl, who knows these aliens might not be so friendly? For all we know, they could be pony-eating monsters.”
As Applejack tried to reason with Pinkie pie. Twilight carefully looked at the thunderhawk.
“This is a spaceship? But how does it work?”
“eh.... twilight?” Rainbow dash chimed in.
“What?” “It’s... broken...”
“Anypony can see that, I am just wondering how it worked.” Twilight said carefully looking at the thunderhawk. After several more minutes of doing this, Twilight just gave up.
“Well, I got a report to write. Maybe princess Celestia can have a look herself. We can look at this more tomorrow.”
Everyone, especially Spike who was pretty tired agreed and decided to head home.
“Gabriel. Are you sure this is a good idea?" Thule asked as they walked into the abandoned castle. "You mentioned back there they are our only way off this planet. How do we know they aren't out here to kill us?" "That, we'll have to find out for ourselves. I have confidence that the locals may be friendly, or at the last helpful if they haven't come to kill us already." "I have my doubts, but I'll leave it to you." Thule said sitting down. "Alright then, I am going to take a look around. Why don't you salvage anything in case we left anything valuable behind?" "Alright then. And off I go."
Applebloom peered out the window and was greeted by Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle giving her a signal from a lantern. They had made plans to go see the crash site once again and maybe get their cutie marks in anything that has to do with aliens!
Applebloom stealthily left her farm and went to go meet the other cutie mark crusaders. Time to go meet some aliens!
Thule went outside. He was ready.
“Angelos, I am off to salvage.” He said. “You there, come with me.” He pointed at a few marines as they went off to go and retrieve whatever they may of left behind in their thunderhawks.
“So... what do you think the aliens are like?” Scootaloo asked. “Maybe they are really AWESOME! Like Rainbow Dash!”
“Maybe they are really quiet and don’t want to be seen like Fluttershy. They aren’t exactly coming out in open arms to greet anyone.” Sweetie Belle replied. “If Anything I think these Aliens are probably afraid of us.”
“Maybe....” Scootaloo said. “But meeting them will be totally awesome! And maybe they are also.....”
Scootaloo turned around to see that the others weren’t listening and were looking around and listening......
“Sweetie Belle, do you hear that?” Applebloom said. A low growl was cutting the quiet night.
“I think, I do....” She replied. “I think it’s coming from there.” She pointed at really large cave.
“You think that’s the aliens?!” Scootaloo said really loudly now excited. She quickly ran right into the cave. As soon as she did, she was greeted with several roars from the cave as well as mob of timberwolves.
“TIMBERWOLVES! RUN!” The three cutie mark crusaders ran off hoping the angered predators would not catch up to them.
“Well, that’s the first Thunderhawk.” Thule said taking a look around. Aside from a few trinkets of potential value, there was really nothing of value. He was just going to leave when someone said.
“You hear something?”
“Probably just some fauna of this world.” Thule replied as he picked up his bolter. Then as the noise got louder. Thule dropped what he was doing and ordered his men to hide.
For the space marines, it was a rather odd sight. What appeared to be a smaller version of the ancient Terran horse was being chased by a pack of wooden wolves.......
Almost paying no mind to this except for awkward looking at each other, Thule told his battle brothers to continue with their work. It was of no concern of his for the time being.
“We’re not running to the right side of the forest!” Scootaloo said.
“Yes we are!” Applebloom puffed. “We’re going for Zecora’s hut! It’s not too far from here!”
Not too far from here however was only an overstatement to keep them running, soon it became clear that they weren’t even headed the right way. Over time, the three cutie mark crusaders were giving in to fatigue.
Unexpectedly a large manticore came flying out of nowhere landing on most of the timber wolves crushing or scattering all the wolves.
But there was something strange about the manticore, it wasn’t moving. It’s eyes were open but it wasn’t blinking. Suddenly a sense of dread filled the three as they approached the manticore. Sure enough, the animal was dead.
“It’s... dead.....” Someone said as they felt it’s cold body. “What could of done this?”
Right on cue, what the cutie mark crusaders would later describe as a “moving house” appeared and picked up the dead manticore and broke it’s back with little effort. Then it carried the beast away followed by another one of the aliens.
“Whoa....... a moving house......” They thought to themselves as they ran back home.
“Applebloom, have you been sneaking off in the middle of the night again?!” Applejack asked in the next morning when Applebloom had trouble getting up.
“What!?...eh...no... not at all.” Applebloom said as she comically fell back in a heap.
“You gotta stop doing that. A little filly like you needs her rest! Now stay home and get some sleep. I am going to help Twilight. She told me she’s going to take a look at the crashed contraption of those aliens.”
Rainbow dash had also decided to help the other two. Now the three ponies went into the everfree forest to go and see the crash site.
Cyrus and Tarkus sat down by a fire as they began to eat their mid-day meal. The local wildlife weren’t too hard to track down and they were caught with relative ease while any edible flora was easily found.
“The food here is good and plentiful.” Tarkus commented eating a handful of blueberries.
“With luck it will last.” Cyrus said. “So why are here again?”
“Apparently Captain Thule and a few others ran into some local creatures. He wants us to keep an eye on this thunderhawk as the techmarines may decide to dismantle it.”
“Dismantle our only way off this planet?” Cyrus asked. “That’s just insane.” “I agree but we aren’t going anywhere without any warp capable ships or even just a navigator.” Tarkus said.
Cyrus scoffed and continued to eat. Jonah Orion arrived to join them.
“Glad of you to join us Librarian. Found anything?” Tarkus asked giving the librarian a few helpings of roasted rabbit.
“Yes, there are many psykers within this area. Though come to think of it, most of them are rather weak and aren’t much of a threat. But I feel staying in isolation may be the best thing to do. I’ve only taken a look at just the surrounding area not the entire planet. The last thing I will ever want is having to single-handedly face down a planet with 1/3 of it’s population being Psykers.” The librarian finished talking and got something to eat. Suddenly, he stood up and was alert.
“Something wrong Jonah?” Tarkus asked.
“Yes..... I sense a psyker approaching.”
Tarkus whispered something to Cyrus and Jonah who quickly found a place to hide as he put on a helmet and laid down on the ground not moving a muscle.
“I think this was where the ship landed.” Twilight said noting the upset trees and vegetation.
“Awfully large thing they must travel in.” Applejack commented. “Take a look at all of this......”
“Alright watch out for those thorns.” Twilight said as the three pushed through a few thorn bushes.
“Over there....” Cyrus whispered pointing at the rustling in the bushes. Drawing a serrated knife he got into a ready position.
The first thing they saw was a small, cyan Terran horse that was maybe 4 feet tall. It pushed through first falling into a heap with three others. After picking themselves up the purple one first noticed the prone Tarkus.
“Hey over there!” She said.
The three blood ravens could hardly contain their surprise that these things spoke their language. But nevertheless they stuck with their plan. “I think it may of done busted itself up.” Applejack said approaching Tarkus who lay still. “Maybe the crash had injured it.”
“Fluttershy can probably patch it up.” Rainbow Dash said. “He sure is a big guy.” Over twice as tall as any of the ponies were. Taller than Princess Celestia.
Twilight went closer to take a better look.. Without warning, a large hand seized her by the neck and held her down as the red giant got up. From behind them two others came over right behind them.
“Hey! What are you doing?! Let me go....” Twilight struggled.
“I am still surprised they can talk.” Cyrus said pinning Rainbow Dash and Applejack down. “Time we killed them?”
“No wait!” Jonah said. “That purple one..... I think it’s a psyker!”
Tarkus looked up and released Twilight who gingerly rubbed her neck.
“Cyrus? Your knife.” Jonah said. Cyrus handed him the knife and with that he seized hold of Twilight and gave her a little sting with the knife and lapping up some of the blood that followed.
“That hurts....” Twilight said looking at the wound.
“If he wanted to hurt you, you’d be dead as of now.” Cyrus said. “Alright Jonah what do you see?”
“Well, now I’ve seen everything.” Jonah said. “Have a see for yourselves.....” He passed them the knife.
After Tarkus and Cyrus both had a few drops of blood, they were all also surprised at the nature of this world.
“So... what should we do with them?” Cyrus asked.
“Well, I spoke to Captain Angelos. I don’t like the idea of having to live on a planet full of xenos but if we kill them, that’s not going to sway the odds in our favor. From what I heard we were supposed to keep hidden but that’s obviously not going to happen after what happened with Captain Thule and here.”
“What in the hay are these guys talking about?” Applejack said. Only to be shut up by Cyrus. “Librarian!” Someone said as a scout came to tell them something. “Our men have encountered a giant beast the size of a titan! Your assistance is needed.”
“I am coming.” He said. “Abandon these creatures, they aren’t of any threat to us, but I want to see what this creature is.” The three marines got their weapons to follow the scout who led them to the battle.
“I wonder what this “titan-sized” thing is.” Twilight thought.
“Come on girls! Let’s check out what these aliens are doing.”
Following the blood ravens the three ponies come across a squad of the aliens who are in battle with a large blue bear. An Ursa minor.
"I asked for heavy weapons? Where are they?" The Sergeant of the squad yelled to the scout.
"Not here yet! I bought the Librarian!" The scout replied.
Jonah quickly joining in doing what gamers would call "Spamming" as lightning bolts began to strike the Ursa but did little aside from scorching it's face.
Even though the weapons of the space marines were formidable, none of them were hitting where it mattered and so, the most the Ursa felt would be a Mosquito bite from the bolt guns. The three ponies watched that despite the "rampaging" Ursa kept trying to smash the aliens, it just couldn't hit any of them.
That's when another Alien arrived. From his armor and the way that the people greeted him, he was of some sort of leader figure. Twilight, Rainbow and Applejack watched as he went to fight the large bear armed only with a giant hammer.
The three then watched in awe as the Ursa brought down it's fists together to crush the alien. All he did was move to the side, and then with blinding speed, he jumped back onto the Ursa's frontal paw and jumped up all the way to it's head. Then with several mighty blows began to hammer the Ursa's skull to a bloody pulp. This process only took about 10 seconds to complete.
"That's disgusting...." Rainbow Dash whispered watching as Gabriel was greeted by his battle brothers and the bashed remains of the Ursa's head.
"Poor Ursa." Applejack thought.
"Listen girls," Twilight said. "Let's get back to ponyville. Princess Celestia needs to hear about this. Whatever they are, they aren't too friendly and pretty dangerous."
Twilight was worried. From where they were, it almost looked like the space marines were making sport of the Ursa. If that one had highhandedly beaten an Ursa in a fight what could an army of them do? And speaking of which, how many of them were there?
But Twilight wasn’t the only one who would be meeting these Aliens. Fluttershy was just taking a stroll around her cottage when she was greeted by angel.
“What’s wrong angel?”
Angel began to make loud stomping noises with his feet.
“There’s a monster out there? Maybe we should stay here and not.....” Angel frowned and made more motions with his body.
“And some animals have gone missing? Okay now maybe we should see what’s wrong.” She said as she went with Angel to the everfree forest.
The first thing that Fluttershy realized was the distinct lack of animals at around this time of the day. Normally the Everfree forest was loud with the noises of the calls of animals, but today, it was silent.
Fluttershy continued walking feeling a bit uneasy, Angel felt the same way as he began to hug his owner in terms of distance. Fearfully watching the forest around them. Something caught his eye, and he let out a little scream.
When fluttershy saw it, she too thought she was going to be sick. The scorched remains of several bones and half-eaten animals all piled up in a giant mound of corpses.
Fluttershy’s mind began to race as she became increasingly afraid. What new apex predator has started to roam the everfree?
Her question was immediately answered when she saw a funny new animal. It stood on 2 legs and was standing by large fire ripping meat off of some wild bird's leg.
Fluttershy and Angel both began to watch this new creature in awe. It was very big, and definitely ate a lot judging from all the bones that were littered around it. From the looks it, it was a carnivore eating all the meat. The space marine continued eating his food. Soon he was joined by a scout marine.
“Found some fruit from a farm or I think it's a farm. Looks awfully familiar strangely enough.” The scout said. “They had some ancient Terran fruit.”
“You weren’t see were you?
“Of course not.” The scout said reassuringly. “Captain Angelos would have my head if I was seen. Thule too.....”
“No. Just Thule now. A few natives got curious and decided to take a look around. The idea was to murder them and keep ourselves a secret until that Librarian got all panicky about psykers.” The marine said rolling his eyes. “So... instead they just dropped them and followed a few battle brothers to where they slew a mighty beast. I don’t think the natives will bother us too much. They’re too small to hurt us in any form.”
“You know, I once heard some of the space wolves say, it’s not the size of the wolf in a fight but the size the fight in a wolf.”
“Keep your proverbs to yourself.” The marine replied he then stopped as if to listen for something.
“One of the sergeants just voxed. Time to meet up with the others.” And with that, the two marines went to go meet up with their companions.
Fluttershy wanted to go home, as the large sizes and the carnivorous nature of the space marines did scare her, but angel persisted. So she got dragged by Angel to follow the space marines.
After a while of walking.... she saw it.
At the mouth of the cave was a baby Ursa or Ursa minor. It’s head had been crushed in by some very powerful object, and a large Ursa major was grieving over it’s loss.
“Oh....oh my......”
but that was just the beginning Fluttershy soon found many others....... a bear that had been stabbed to death, the grisly remains of several squirrels, and a manticore.... with it’s back broken..... the same manticore that Fluttershy had pulled a splinter out of.
Not able to take anymore of this Fluttershy ran home in sorrow.
Right as Fluttershy had gotten home, she was greeted by Twilight who told her that Princess Celestia need them urgently.
Twilight had originally planned on writing to Princess Celestia but unexpectedly, Princess Celestia had beaten her to the punch.In her letter, the Princess told Twilight that she needed to get her six friends to go and meet her in Canterlot. Shining armor, Luna and Cadence would also be there. Now they hurried quickly to Canterlot palace.
“Princess!” Twilight said as she entered the large doors into the palace. “We’re here!” “Twilight! You’ve bought your friends! Listen it is of utmost urgency!” “Does it have to do with those super scary aliens in the forest?” Fluttershy asked. “Yes... it does....” Celestia said. “They are quite dangerous..... and I am not sure whether or not I understand this situation too well to be honest. Shining armor here will fill you in....”
The white unicorn nodded and stepped forward.
“Well, here’s the situation. Since yesterday after these aliens landed, we’ve been surveying the area. Scout teams have been sent out to check everything. From what we know, these aliens are omnivores with huge appetites as scouts said that they’ve found lots and lots of animal bones.” Shining armor took out a few photos to show the mares. “Just a few examples.”
“Now then, we’ve found this too.” He said taking a picture of a dreadnought. “This, whatever it is, broke a manticore’s back. I don’t know what else in this world has the strength to do this except maybe for a dragon of some sort.” Taking a moment to paused to remember something.
“Twilight do you remember where you defeated nightmare moon?” Shining asked. “Yes, in the abandoned castle.” She replied. “Well, the aliens have taken refuge there and turned it into a complete fortress. Our scouts say that the aliens are probably intending to stay here in Equestria.” “Whoa whoa whoa!” Rainbow dash interrupted. “These.... things are staying here in Equestria?! I mean have you seen these guys? A single one of them killed an Ursa minor!” “Then they are indeed something to fear.” Shining said. “I am going to send a scouting party to go check out the situation.” “Listen... that is not a good idea....” Applejack said. “You have any idea...” “Weeeee! Let’s throw these aliens a welcome-to-equestria-party!!”Pinkie pie said sending confetti everywhere. “Pinkie.....” Twilight rolled her eyes. “Mr. Shining armor do you have any more pictures?” Rarity asked. “Oh yes.... I almost forgot.” The white unicorn said as he took out a picture showing a fully armored space marine. “This is what they look like. I’ve heard that this is just armor but most scouts haven’t seen a face yet.”
“We actually had!” Applejack said. “They are well.....” Applejack began to give the description of the face of the space marine with Celestia, Luna, shining armor and whomever that didn’t see one listening intently.
“Well, lyra would never let any of us here the end of this.” Twilight muttered. “But Shining, are you sure sending ponies in is a good idea?” “I am sending my best. No one would ever be able to catch them.”
“How many battle brothers did you count?” Gabriel asked Thule as he took a look around. “183” He replied. “We should have at least 30 more.” “Aye. And where did all our heavy equipment go? It’s not everyday someone loses a predator.” “I think 2 thunderhawks were lost during our fall to orbit. Current location: Unknown.” Martellus said walking by. “So we’re missing all our heavy firepower as well as thirty or so battle brothers?” Thule said. “This isn’t good.” “If the Emperor is watching us, which I know he is.” Angelos began.”Then I know we will find our brothers.” “Captain Thule, Captain Angelos!” Cyrus said walking in. “Our patrols have detected scouts from the native population. Orders?” "Drive them off of here." Angelos said. "But don't kill any of them. If we are to get their aid in getting off this planet, then the least we can is not murder any of them." "I still think we should slaughter them all and be done with it." A devastator sergeant said. Avitus. "I agree." Thule chimed in. "But I think I will let Angelos handle this one."
"Well, these things must be huge!" Moonlight, one of the scouts said as she looked at the tracks. "If that's the case, why haven't we found any?! They must all be scaredy-cats like Fluttershy or something." Rainbow Dash said. Perfect timing. As right as she finished her sentence, a loud scream rang out from the bushes. It was several marines led by Angelos screaming war cries armed with various weaponry. This was enough to cause most of the scouts to run away as fast their hooves could carry them. But Moonlight stood her ground and tried to do something...... this ended with her getting picked up by the neck gruffly and flung straight into the direction of ponyville.
"Moonlight!" Rainbow Dash screamed as she watched the pegasus being thrown high in the air and sent crashing down. "You monster!" She hissed at Angelos and proceeded to try and buck him in the face. This ended in absolute disaster as Angelos caught her and threw her into a far off direction as well. After a few seconds he stopped and sat down. "Did that thing just speak low-Gothic?" Angelos asked shaking his head in disbelief. "Sure did." Someone said. "Emperor knows what other surprises there are here." "Think they'll be back?" Another space marine asked. "Unless they have a deathwish I doubt it."
Moonlight found herself awake in the local ponyville hospital with most of his scouts. Most of them had suffered minor injuries but obviously uncomfortable.
“Well, those aliens really showed you who was boss.” The doctor said as he worked on Moonlight. "Those aliens were big. Red too. And very fast. Oh, and thanks for leaving Rainbow Dash and I to a bunch of aliens!" "Wait!" Someone said. "Where is Rainbow Dash?!"
Far out in the everfree forest. Rainbow’s unconscious form began to stir and groan. Painfully, she dragged herself up to a stream to get some water. She tried to fly, only to realize her wings were injured and flying was something that would have to wait. Taking a look around, she limped her way back to ponyville. Or at least where she thought ponyville was.
Meanwhile, Angelos was busying planning to find his brothers as he round up a team of those who were willing to help."
“Where’s Rainbow Dash?” Applejack asked. “She went with the scouts last night. She should've been back.” “I hope she’s okay.” Fluttershy said. “I bet she’ll be fine. She knows how to handle herself.” Rarity said. “Girls! I got news from my brother! Rainbow Dash is currently lost in the Everfree forest!” Twilight said nervously. “What?! Did those aliens eat her or do something to her?” Pinkie asked “No. From what some people say one of the aliens picked her up and threw her just like that to some random part of the forest.” Twilight continued. “Well what in tarnation are we waiting for?!”Applejack asked. “We’ve got to find Rainbow Dash!” “Yeah... about that....” Twilight said. “Princess Celestia just declared the Everfree forest to be off limits.” “WHAT?!” Everyone exclaimed all at the same time. “It’s just simply too dangerous. That’s it. We don’t know what these aliens are truly capable of.” Twilight said. “Bu...” “Hold on a sec now, would Rainbow Dash ever leave us behind?” Applejack chimed in. “Yeah, Rainbow Dash would never leave us to die to a bunch of Alien fiends, why should we?” “She is a great friend....” “And how would our parties be without her?!” “Well everypony just let me finish?!” Twilight asked impatiently. “We’re gonna be breaking the rules of this but we must do it. We’ve got to find Rainbow Dash and maybe we can talk some sense into the aliens so they wouldn’t try and harm anypony!”
The five friends agreed. Time to find Rainbow Dash!
“We’re approaching the first set of coordinates. Be ready for any contacts.” Angelos said. The first set of coordinates had taken them near a swamp. “Unless, the thunderhawk had sank into that swamp, then I have a feeling they did not land here.” Martellus said taking a look at the muddy water. "In that case, we're just wasting time.” Angelos said. “Let’s continue to the next set of coordinates.” The space marines continued, searching for their lost comrades. They continued to the coordinates checking each and everyone.
“Alright. Rainbow dash was last known to be here.” Twilight said taking a look. “Huh. You’d think for a place where a fight occurred..... there’d be more to it.” “I am only glad there’s none of that......”Rarity said. “These alien ruffians seem not too keen on making a mess.” “Maybe they ate the bodies?”Pinkie said. “Pinkie Pie! That would be absolutely awful! Why would you suggest such a thing?!” Rarity said aghast. “Well, they do eat meat after all and maybe Rainbow Dash was so delicious that they couldn’t help but to taste the rainbow! But this is of course just a hunch.” “Yeah.... an unrealistic one.” Twilight thought. “Alright girls, let’s get moving.... I think I might just know... we should keep looking...”
Rainbow Dash had knew she was lost. She did her best in not panicking. She had no clue where she was and her best hope what to wait until her wings healed but for all she knew, it may be a few hours to a few weeks before her wings heal. So quickly she stumbled around the forest.
“Ohhhhhh, I’ll never get out at this rate.” She sighed. “Why me?”
A bit frustrated, she kicked a piece of timber................wolf.
The timberwolf got up, rather angry over the fact it got kicked began to growl at Rainbow Dash who in turn ran. Summoning the rest of it’s pack, the wolves began to chase the pegasus as she ran as fast she could.
“So the next set of coordinates comes from this ravine?” Angelos asked peering over the ledge. “Yes. From my calculations, this is the last possible place our brothers could be, I expect to find them here.” Martellus said. “Be careful I have detected several predatory life forms down in the ravine.The sides of the chasm are also fairly unstable. Best approach with caution.”
The space marines made their way down the ledge, on the alert.
Rainbow Dash turned around to see how close the timberwolves were to her, this proved to be a mistake as she tripped over a root and fell face first and began to roll straight down a hill right into ghastly gorge. After a while of rolling down and writhing in pain, Rainbow picked herself up. Her body was aching and she was awfully dizzy but at least the timberwolves had given up chase and at least she was alive. Taking a look around she instantly knew she was in ghastly gorge. Knowing that she couldn’t fly her way out, she would have to walk all the way to the other side. Knowing that a tortoise isn’t going to come and save her this time, she knew she had to be careful. Taking a sip of water from a nearby stream, she bolted to the other side, happy that she was in a place where she knew the lay of the land.
“You hear something?” One of the space marines asked as they approached several holes in the side of the canyon. “No, but I do know there are predators in there waiting to ambush us.” The other space marine said. “Brother! You’re flamer will be of assistance.” The heavy weapons marine came over and began to torch the insides of every single hole. The screams of pain from the Quarray eels filled the air.
“Targets. Neutralized.” The space marine said to his brothers as they kept moving. “Life forms ahead.” “What is it?”Angelos asked. “Scanning..... our battle brothers.” “Time for them to join us.” Angelos said as he quickly took the lead again and ran to greet his men. They were being led by an assault marine sergeant. His name was Thaddeus.
“Good to see you, Captain Angelos. We have waited for someone to meet up with us. When we found we were alone, we decided against leaving this ravine in hope you would find us. Which you did.” Thaddeus greeted Angelos as soon as they met. “Allow me to brief you on the situation.” The captain said. “We are marooned on this planet for Emperor knows when. All we know is this planet is very friendly to life and that food and water are both plentiful. We’ve tried to stay in isolation away from the natives for now. That may change soon however. Best we get going.” “Oh yes Captain.” One of the marines said as if remembering something. “I was able to get into contact with our armor units. They know the location of the fortress and are moving there now. They however have to take a different route to this terrain.” “Understood. Let’s move blood ravens!”
“Hey look at this trail!” Pinkie said. “It looks like somepony slid down this hill....” “And something.....” Twilight thought examining the trails closely. “Aside from the giant slide mark, there was also these huge hoof prints they were undoubtedly very big and whatever made them was very heavy.” “You think Rainbow Dash came down here?” Fluttershy asked. “It’s worth taking a look. She’s hidden here in the past!”Pinkie pie said. “Well, come on girls! We’ve got a friend to help.” Rarity said as they made their way down with Twilight lagging doubtfully behind.
Rainbow Dash took a look around at her surroundings for where she had walked for some time. That’s when realization hit her. She was going the wrong way. Doing a facehoof while silently berating herself for being so foolish, she was about to start moving when she heard voices.... finding a rock, she quickly hid behind it and listened. “Good to see all of you again brothers. Though we may be stuck here for the rest of our lives, at least we know our Emperor is watching and at least he knows we will remain faithful.” One of them said. To this statement he was rewarded with many murmurs of agreement. “Captain Angelos.” The speaker said again. “What do we know about this planet’s inhabitants?” “Techmarine Martellus and Librarian Jonah Orion had both taken a look at it. Records seem to match the natives as a lost breed of the ancient Terran horse.” Angelos replied. “Haven’t been here for a long time, we are still unsure about their intentions. We only know they are very curious and keeping them off of our territory is rather difficult. Thule was contemplating on using more lethal ways of making sure they stay away. Their presence makes everyone, feel very uneasy.” “So what’s stopping us from cleansing the xenos?” One of the marines asked. “Surely there’s nothing that can stand against space marines.” “If we kill these xenos.” Martellus began. “Then as meager as our chances of returning home already are, they will most likely drop to zero.” “So... if we’re not going to go home anyways, then why not just slaughter these xenos and do what last favors to the Imperium that we can?” “Because......”
Rainbow was about to continue listening, but that was when she heard something that made her blood run cold.
“Captain, there is a xenos behind that rock.” Gabriel turned around. “Thaddeus and Martellus, you stay with me. The rest of you, take that route, it’s a shortcut.” He said pointing a less steep area of the ravine.
At this moment, Rainbow Dash seized her opportunity and ran, which was exactly what Angelos had wanted. “Rest of you go on your ways. Thaddeus, think you can catch her?” Thaddeus grinned and readied his jump-pack.
Nothing really surprised Rainbow Dash more than a half ton alien that fell from the sky right in front of her. Turning around, she then saw the one with the big hammer, the same one that killed an Ursa running straight for them.
Rainbow Dash then decided, the best thing to do was to make a break for it. So, she quickly began to run around hoping to evade Thaddeus. This of course ended in failure as Thaddeus caught to her every time and eventually picked up by the mane, to this which Rainbow voiced her discomfort over. This only got her a strange look from Thaddeus.
“I got it captain.” Thaddeus said. “Good.” Now turning to Rainbow Dash. “Now then, were you spying on us?” “What? Eh... no... I just happened to see you and hid! Now lemee go! Now!” Thaddeus was amused as he watched the small creature futilely trying to escape his grasp. Angelos clearly was also finding this situation humorous. “Are we the only two who seem to enjoy having them around?” Thaddeus asked. “The only one’s who seem to be mildly tolerant of them besides from us..” Gabriel said his voice carrying a now menacing undertone. “It's the three of us and our librarian.” “So what do we.......” Thaddeus thought he heard foot steps. Sure enough, right as he turned around, he saw more of the strange but funny little aliens approaching.
“They got Rainbow Dash!” Rarity said. “The ruffian...... my.... what lovely armor they got.....” Angelos and Thaddeus turned around to see the five ponies approaching them all mostly eyeing the one that Thaddeus has in his hand.
“Let Rainbow Dash go now!!” Pinkie said making a face at the space marines. The idea was to make a threatening look to have the aliens drop Rainbow Dash but it succeeded in almost making the three of them smile. Angelos looked at Thaddeus as if he wanted him to make the decision. “Your choice Thaddeus.” Angelos said. Martellus nodding in agreement. Thaddeus took a look at the five multi-colored equines and thought to himself. “Why was it that they wanted this one back so badly?” He pondered this for a few moments, and then it hit him.
The same reason Angelos and Martellus had gone all the way here to look for him on a world that could potentially be dangerous was the that they were battle brothers till the days they would die. These five had done something similar, gone all the way here to potentially of being killed just to save one of their one.
This touched Thaddeus, he remembers doing similar things as well as making oaths of helping his fellow battle brothers as well as citizens of the Imperium. Gently, he put Rainbow Dash down and watched with a hint of a smile on his face how happy they seemed to be when they were together again.
“Always the sentimental one.” Martellus thought. “Time we headed back, brothers.” Gabriel said as his two companions followed him.
As the three space marines turned around and left, and as the friends began to rejoice with the fact Rainbow Dash was back, Twilight was still eyeing the space marines as they walked back to where they were staying. “Come on girls, maybe Princess Celestia should know that we just saved Rainbow Dash.......” "I can't believe he caught me!" Rainbow Dash said. "I should of been easily able to take him on!" "Which one?" "That big brute that was holding me! He managed to catch me! And fly as well even though he does have wings....." "That's a bit strange...." Twilight said. "But then again they were Aliens. Let's head on back to ponyville. My brother's waiting for us there."
Celestia and Shining Armor took a look at the scouts, all of them had been frightened very badly, but at least there were very little injuries.
“So... they picked you up and threw you?” Shining armor asked once again shaking his head. “Yep......they did just that...”Moonlight said. “Any other scouting expeditions say that these aliens regard the Everfree forest or at least portions of it to be their territory.” “What do you think Princess?” Shining armor asked. “It’s your call.” “Can you give me a report of what these aliens have done besides from occupy the section of the forest?” The princess asked thinking about the subject for a moment. “Princess! We’re back!” Twilight said as she ran into the room where the three were having a discussion. The Princess smiled and nodded to acknowledge their arrival. “Well, they have begun to terrorize anyone who goes in and simply just don't seem to want us to go into the forest. No deaths or major injuries yet but this troubling. I think our best course of action will be to drive them out......” Shining armor continued. “Wait....” Fluttershy said “But these... aliens don’t have a home... if anything they seem as if they want to go home......” “Fluttershy, you’re not actually siding with these aliens now are you?” Rainbow Dash said in disbelief. “Come on, you’ve seen them hurt our friends as well as kill countless animals in the forest! They’re dangerous!” “Like I was saying....” Shining armor said not happy to be interrupted again. “I think we should drive them out or just completely destroy them. I’ll personally lead this one..” “Wait! Shining Armor! You can’t!” Twilight said. “Do you have any idea what these aliens are capable of?!” “Twilight, I am fully aware.” Shining armor said comforting his younger sister. “And that is why I am going to take charge personally.”
This was going to be final, until the door opened once again. This time, a messenger entered in a hurry.
“Princess! We have a serious problem!” The messenger said.” “What is it?” Celestia asked a bit worried. “One of the statues in the garden. it’s gone......” “Worry about that later! It's just a statue!” Shining armor said. “I've got some aliens to drive out.....”
“Captains, we have spotted natives along the forest. There’s about a thousand of them.” A scout said to Thule and Angelos. “From the way they are dressed I suppose that they are an army.” “So the xenos now wants a fight?” Thule said. “We’ll give them one. Alert all battle-brothers. We have some killing to do. You take charge or I take charge?” “You’re turn. I have my doubts about fighting as do a few other battle-brothers. But in the end we do need to protect ourselves and make sure the damned aliens know not to bother us.” Angelos said. “Excellent, it seems last night wasn’t enough to convince them that we the Emperor’s finest were not to be trifled with. Perhaps now they’ll learn.”
If he was going to be honest with himself, Shining Armor really didn’t know what he was going to be getting into. He had taken an entire regiment or about 1500 guards ponies with him. It was this, the large number of guards he had at his disposal that comforted him and made him feel comfortable about going to fight the aliens.
Knowing about the heavy weapons that made big explosions, Shining Armor had decided to spread his army out to counter this. Speed was of essence due to the fact that almost 2/3 of his army would rely on melee. The unicorns with their magical bolts would provide support while the pegasi could strike from the skies with sharp wing-blades and javelins.
“Enemy army approaching. They are about 900 meters away. Estimated time of arrival: 3 minutes.” Martellus said. “Finally, a chance to kill.” Said a wrathful devastator sergeant. “Always the blood thirsty one.” Said Tarkus as he got into position behind a rock with Avitus and Martellus.
While Shining armor had almost no data on the space marines, Thule had already extensive knowledge of everything in Shining’s army. Like Shining armor, he had spread his forces out so he could pin them down. To him and his officers, his plan was ingenious.
“Captain Thule, Xenos are about 400 meters away.” Martellus voxed to Thule. “Excellent, engage on my mark.” He said and began to count.
“Blazing glory.” Shining said to the pegasus next to him. “Take a look ahead of us, I don’t like this.” “Will do Captain.” The pegasus said as he flew over to the hiding spots of the space marines.
“Captain, we got a scout incoming.” Tarkus said. “Orders?” “Kill it. If it alerts the enemy, then so be it.” Thule replied. “After you do that, you have permission to engage.” “Cyrus, take it out!” Tarkus voxed. Just as the words left his mouth, a shot rang out sending the pegasus down to the ground instantly dead.
To Shining Armor, what happened next was complete chaos. He was at the rear directing his troops and could see things from a spyglass. From behind any good hiding spot, he saw the space marines burst out of hiding and beginning to attack his pones. This shouldn't be too hard considering their terrible strategy as well as their few numbers.
“I am going to lead them at the front.” Shining armor said putting on his helmet and rushed forth.
“Take a look at that one....” Jonah Orion said pointing at Shining Armor. “That alien’s psychic abilities are very powerful.” “Cyrus. Can you see an alien in purple armor? He seems to be of a leader type. Take him out.” Thule said over the vox channel. Cyrus cooly aimed his sniper rifle at Shining Armor’s head and pulled the trigger. What he didn’t expect however was a giant purple shield that blocked his bullet.
“Target has not been eliminated.” Cyrus voxed back to Thule. “It is using some type of psychic shield.” “Understood.” Thule said. Only a minor setback. “Thaddeus, are you ready?” The assault marine and his battle brothers had stayed out of the battle. Thule’s strategy was to have his marines pin down the enemy so when Thaddeus assualt marines came crashing down upon them, they would be attacked from all sides.
“Ready captain.” Thaddeus said. “Good, go get them.” Thule said. Thaddeus readied his jumppack and went soaring into the sky and came crashing back down right in the middle of several guardponies swinging his chainsword at them.
If he was going to be honest with himself, Thaddeus truly didn’t want to kill any of these ponies but he had orders to follow and battle brothers to aid so... diving headlong in the largest mob of guardsponies, he swung his chainsword scoring many kills.
The scene soon turned to chaos. If Equestria was going to be honest, most royal guards had about as much training as a low-budget mall cop and most of the weapons that were used by the ponies simply lacked in just stopping power when used against the space marines. The space marines on the other hand had the finest armor and weapons in the galaxy to use against these tiny xenos.
Shining Armor looked up grimly as he watched anther squad of the royal guard getting massacred. The situation was not looking good for him. Everywhere his ponies were being massacred and to make matters worse, the aliens seemed not to even be taking casualties. The javelins and arrows used by the royal guard proved to be ineffective as did most of the magic used by the unicorns. Little by little, his army thinned out .
Avitus stood at the top of the rock and continued firing into the giant crowd with his battle brothers. Somewhere, something in the back of his mind, was telling him to kill. It demanded more deaths as he mustered his hate. Hate for xenos. He had just cut down another dozen of these xenos when he saw plainly in view was probably their leader. A tall white stallion. Taking his heavy bolter, he aimed right at Shining armor who performed a shield spell that saved not only himself, but anyone next to him from the hail of bolter fire. This didn't stop Avitus at all, he only redoubled his efforts as he continued to send a deadly rain of bolter fire upon Shining Armor.
The shield wasn’t going to last for long under this heavy fire and Shining Armor’s mind began to race. Deciding to take a gambit, Shining Armor lowered his shield to fire several magical blasts straight at Avitus who in turn had to stop firing and move out of the way to avoid being hit. In doing so, his shield dropped and a bullet made it's way into the skull of the pony next to him.
Cyrus smiled grimly as he fired from his sniper rifle again causing even more panic among his enemies. They couldn't even see him let alone fight him. He watched as a marine with a flame incinerate several of the xenos unrelentingly while an assault marine engaging as much as eight of the aliens at the same time cutting them to ribbons once at a time.
Shining Armor could see this battle was turning to disaster. He had already lost hundreds of his own soldiers and the aliens seemingly had not lost a single one of theirs. He felt a cold rage beginning to engulf him as he sent a awfully large and bright beam straight into a random marine which struck squarely on the chest causing him to fall over on his back.
“Did you just see that?” Jonah Orion said pointing at the marine who fell. Only a moderate injury at worst yet the force of the attack was surprising and so was the large burn mark on his chest plate. “Not much of a threat.” Thule said. “Why these little primitives chose to fight us is....” His sentence was cut short when another large beam came flying at his direction, which almost took his head off, barely missing by a few inches.
Shining Armor had long identified Thule and Jonah leader figures to these aliens. The regalia Thule wore was distinctive, and he seemed to be the one giving the orders. Mustering up his strength Shining Armor fired more bolts..... while the most he did was give moderate, perfectly recoverable injuries to the random marine, it was enough to warrant Thule’s attention as well as Jonah’s.
“That one over there knows how to fight.” Avitus said pointing at Shining as he saw the equine dodge out of harm’s way from a marine’s knife and force him back with a hailstorm of magical bolts. “He would make a worthy foe for you librarian.” “If you insist.” Jonah Orion said as he went into the fray sending several bolts of lighting at anypony who got in his way.
Shining Armor made note that Jonah was fighting his way to him. So deciding that maybe he could give his men an opening if he killed one of their leaders. Making his way through he went to meet Jonah Orion.
Jonah Orion truly did admire the bravery of this little alien. He sensed that it was a very powerful psyker, the only one who seemed to be able to do any form of moderate harm to the space marines. Maybe he could sharpen his skills against this brave little thing. To a point, he would almost regret killing the thing.
Jonah made the first move by sending bolts of lightning straight at Shining Armor. This was more of test of his opponents abilities than an actual first strike, this simple strike was used for the sole purpose of evaluating Shining’s strength.
And of course, Jonah wouldn’t be disappointed, for Shining repelled this attack with ease while firing a few bolts of his own back at Jonah who in turn defended himself expertly.
“It’s such a shame a good fighter like that is forced to work with an army of fools.” Thule said admiring Shining Armor’s fighting skills. “As the space wolves commonly said. It’s not the size of a wolf in a fight, but the size of the fight in the wolf.” Tarkus said watching the fight between Jonah and Shining Armor. Shining Armor was holding his own in this fight, and while not a single space marine had been killed, it gave his seriously demoralized soldiers what they needed to keep fighting seeing that their leader was holding his own against a big hulking alien who fired lightning from his finger tips
“He truly does know how to fight and handle himself.” Cyrus said. “Permission to kill?” “No. Let Jonah test himself.” Thule said still watching the fight. "I am rather fascinated by this."
Telekinetically picking up a tree trunk, Shining quickly began to attempt to beat the Librarian with it. All these swings missed, save for the last one which sent Jonah flying back into another tree. Seizing this chance, Shining Armor began to fire magical bolts at the Librarian.
The bolts scorched sections of his armor, but did in reality little harm. Jonah then deciding caused a tree branch to fall which swung right at Shining Armor knocking him on his back. Picking up a discarded bolter, Jonah repeatedly fired right at the unicorn who shielded himself from all the bolts until the bolter ran out ammo. Discarding the bolter once again, Jonah began to strike at Shining with some basic psychic attacks which gradually caused Shining armor to back up into the ranks of his own men. This however, was exactly what Jonah and most likely any space marine that knew what he was doing wanted.
Jonah sent a wave of fear right at the heart of Shining Armor. The visions that he made the unicorn see were jarring to say the least. Taking this opportunity of when Shining was in shock, Jonah sent the full force of Emperor’s wrath straight at his him sending him flying straight back several dozen feet landing in a heap at the center of his men.
This broke all the morale that the equestrians had to fight. Shining Armor was the one thing that had inspired them to fight and now he lay critically injured. Quickly they seized up his unconscious and injured body and ran away.
“Well, that surely was fun while it lasted.” Avitus said. “Should we pursue and destroy?” “No. They had enough and I don’t intend on pressing our advantage.” Thule replied. “Jonah, did you sense any other power Psykers out there?” “There was more than I could count. This planet is crawling with them.” The librarian replied. “He may be a damned xenos, but at least he had the courage and skill to face me.” “Good. Angelos just voxed and said we have most of our heavy equipment now.” Thule said. “Let’s return. Status of our forces?” “No deaths.” Martellus said. “Several injuries however.” “Good. I want the wounded taken to the apothecary immediately.” Thule said taking a look at the blood soaked ground littered with the dead, the dying or just body parts and organs. “Today must be a day of mourning for the Xenos.” He said with satisfaction as he got up and returned back to the castle.
“Uhh.... my head.....” Shining groaned as he woke up on a stretcher right outside of the hospital. “How did it go... lieutenant?” He said to the pony sitting by him. “It was a disaster. Over half of our forces were slain and our troops reported that they didn’t kill any of the aliens. We really broke ranks and ran after you were knocked unconscious. You’re lucky you didn’t break anything. You did however suffer a concussion.” The lieutenant said.
Shining Armor nodded sadly. Centuries of peace had made Equestria underprepared for anything like this. Not only had inferior weapons caused them to lose the battle, so did their poor military training and tactics. Any pegasus who got close was hammered to a bloody pulp while most unicorns were singled out and destroyed by a hidden enemy. The worst part however was realization finally began to dawn on him. It was he who had gave this order to attack the aliens and it is now his fault that half of an entire regiment lay dead with many others wounded. He looked up to the sky and began pondering for a long time, but then something broke his concentration.
“Am I dreaming now or was that just a pink cloud?” He said to himself. “What was that?” “Nothing. I just thought I saw something. That’s all.”
“Oh... Twilight.... I hope he’s going to be okay.” A worried Cadence said looking at the battered form of Shining Armor. “I’ll be fine.” Shining Armor said watching the large group of ponies that crowded around him. Aside from his parents and sister, there was also his sister’s friends, three fillies and several of his friends. “That was one fight none of us could forget captain.” Sunblazer, one of Shining Armor’s other lieutenants said. “You really showed that alien that we could fight.” “Well, no matter how I fought, we still lost. And it’s my fault that 800 ponies are dead and another 200 need medical attention.” Shining armor said glumly. “Don’t blame it on yourself.” Mrs. Sparkle said. “You did your best. We are proud that we have such a brave colt.” Still....... Shining Armor thought... he was rather troubled...... Rainbow Dash and Twilight had a few things to say though as everyone else left. “Those aliens, what do you think about them?” Rainbow Dash asked.
Painfully, Shining Armor got up into a lyra sitting position and his calm eyes showed a hint of fear. “I don’t know where those things came from and what they plan to do but they were.......” Shining Armor stops and puts his hoofs to his face in a sign of distress. “They slaughtered those under my command, their weapons, their armor, their very bodies are very terrifying to behold.” Taking a moment to pause and recollect himself, Shining Armor once again looks up to continue. “Twily, you remember that spell I used a few years ago?” “The one where you were able to go through a few solid walls with that? Yes, I do.” She said. “Well, I remember hitting one of them with that same spell. All I did was knock him over. That’s it..... maybe I may of given that armor he did a small burn... but..... what I am trying to say is, I don’t think we can outfight these things...” “Maybe outfighting them isn’t the way to go.” Twilight said. “What if.... maybe... we can try talking?” “Like an embassy?” Shining Armor said. “That could work I suppose.... but these things are just so... so.... violent!” “You did attack them first......” Twilight said. “So if they decided to strike back, they had a reason to.....” Shining Armor sighed and grudgingly agreed. “Fine, go do what you must and speak with these aliens. But be safe, they have utterly massacred half of an entire regiment.”
Twilight nodded. I’ll get Fluttershy. She’ll be helpful in all of this one.
“Oh.... is this really a good idea?” Fluttershy asked timidly. “I mean I can talk with animals, but big scary aliens.... it’s just too much!” “I know fluttershy.” Twilight said sympathetically. “But listen, the fate of Equestria may hang in the balance! Who knows what they might be planning?!” Oh... all right.... I just hope we don’t have too much trouble.” Fluttershy said. “Whoa, Whoa!” Rainbow Dash said cutting between them. “If you two are going into a nest of aliens, then I am coming too!” “Alright Rainbow Dash, but just don’t do anything rash.” Twilight warned. “Actually, just let Fluttershy and I do the talking. Just watch our flanks for any trouble.” “Will do!”
“Captain.” Cyrus said to Thule. “We have three more xenos approaching. I’d say they are civilians. One of them is carrying a type of branch. Analysis shows this to match an ancient terran plant called olive trees.” “An olive branch? That was what our ancestors used to show peace.” Jonah said. “Are they here to talk?” “They attack us and now have the audacity to talk of peace?!” Thule said outraged. “This is preposterous!” “As odd as the situation may be, it would be wise to listen to what they have to say.” Tarkus said. “Who knows if they know of ways to send us back to our brothers?” “Tarkus is right.” Cyrus said. “Maybe these primitives have ways. They seem to have potent psykers and as Jonah said, there is a lot of psykers. Perhaps they can use some form of sorcery to send us back to where we belong.” Thule was convinced for the time being. Though it was clear he was still a bit angry from the Equestrian’s doing a preemptive strike when he clearly didn’t want any trouble. Something that was a rarity considering his dedication to the Emperor and the teachings of the Imperium. “Alright, I think I will talk with them personally.” Thule said. “If any of you wish to accompany me, you have the freedom to do so. Just listen, don’t speak unless absolutely necessary.” “Negotiating with aliens?!” Avitus said outraged. “Why not just massacre them all?! We didn’t want any trouble and they decided to try and kill all of us! Now they are talking of peace? The madness!” “I share your feelings.” Thule said. “But maybe we can get some answers.”
“So are we seriously going to try and talk to aliens who killed a few hundred ponies?” Rainbow Dash asked. “They are pretty dangerous.... and we saw what one of them did.” “You have to remember, we attacked them first!” “That’s cause they were spooking everypony who lives around here!” Rainbow said. “I really wish all this fighting would stop.” Fluttershy said. “The only thing that’s happened is more and more ponies and animals getting hurt.” “Fluttershy is right!” Twilight said. “If we are going to stop this all, we must make sure the aliens don’t get the wrong idea!” “While, WE must also make sure YOU have the sense to leave people be.” Thule said stepping out of hiding. “We still should of just massacred these tiny xenos.” Avitus muttered. “Oh..... um..... greetings.... I am Twilight Sparkle... these are my friends Fluttershy and Rainb....” “The Captain doesn’t want to hear who you are. Just what you have to say!” Avitus said. He was going to continue but was stared down by an icy glare from Tarkus and his other battle brothers. “Anyways..... I think we’ve met before.....” Twilight said looking at Cyrus, Tarkus and Jonah who indeed did recognize her and Rainbow Dash. “Ahh... the purple one.” Jonah Orion said. “Now what is it you need to say? We are listening.” “Well.... I am awfully sorry about.....” “Trying to kill us?” Avitus said contemptuously. “Maybe think twice abou....” Avitus quickly stopped again as he received more looks of disapproval from his brothers, setting down to grumble to himself. “Are you sorry about not being able to initially kill us or because we killed your most incompetent excuses of soldiers?” Thule said. “Captain....” Jonah objected. “She means what she says..... I can feel it...” Thule’s eyebrow went up and for a moment composed himself. “Alright, continue.” “Well.... we just would like to ask if.... you would leave.... you know..... like... don’t scare the poor ponies and critters......” Fluttershy said softly. Avitus looked like he was going to explode. Gritting his teeth, he wisely decided to stalk off and brood elsewhere. “Typical.” Tarkus said. “Ignore him, he’s just angry..... like usual. Now then..... I don’t think we scared any of your kind, or ponies if that’s what you're called. The animals were only killed because we like all others need to eat as well.” “My only question here is why did you attack us?” Thule said. “I actually don’t know....” Twilight said. “She doesn’t know......” Cyrus repeated. “You better hope you’re not hiding anything from us.” He said. “Cyrus... calm yourself. While as illogical as it sounds, she most likely doesn’t know. Something tells me the reason behind all of yesterday’s blood was over a misunderstanding.” Jonah said. “Of course.” Cyrus said still skeptical. “Then tell us, you chose to strike at someone who was doing the mundane acts of trying to stay here?” “Well... if I have my story right.” Rainbow Dash said. “After our scouts were chased away, Princess Celestia must of taken you as a threat.....” “Princess Celestia, is she a ruler of some kind?” Thule asked. “More than just that. She raises the sun in the day.” Twilight explained. “And her sister raises the moon at night.They are both over a thousand years old.” “Well... that’s interesting.....” Thaddeus said. “But wait..... that reminds me of....” “The Emperor.” All the space marines said at the same time. “So..... now then... you don’t want any blood... and we want to be left in isolation unless absolutely necessary.” Thule said. “I hope we can come to an agreement.” “I hope...” Twilight said. “But I am just here to ask your stance on it.... Princess Celestia may need to come here personally.... it’s not everyday a few hundred ponies die....” “A few hundred?” “Yeaahhhhhh.... that is a rather large number.....” Rainbow Dash said. “To think there are worlds out there like this one....” Tarkus said. “This truly must be a paradise.......” “What?” “Nevermind...” “So... eh... mister....” Fluttershy stammered. “What’s your name?” “Captain Thule.” “So.... Mister Thule... can you promise that you won’t scare any pony?” Fluttershy asked making a rather cute expression in hoping to persuade the space marine. “I don’t think that’s something we can uphold.... not even you fearless leader yesterday managed to mask his fright....” “Fearless leader?” “A psyker in purple armor.” Thule said. “A great fighter in a sea of failures.” “He’s referring to Shining Armor!” Rainbow Dash said. “Twilight, Shining Armor is still in the hospital because of this gu...” “Actually, it was I who made him in the state he is....” Jonah Orion said. “But that's beyond the point, I do have my doubts on how this will work.... Space marines after all are hardly accepted in where we come from..let alone on another planet.” “Jonah is right.” Cyrus said. “It’s almost like the worthless beings we...” “Don’t you dare talk about them like that!” Thaddeus said. “I know they appreciate our aid. How do and how would you even know that?!” “Thaddeus, I think I will let experience be your teacher on this one.” Cyrus said. “My point is these little aliens seem to be scared of their own shadows. Let alone our brothers and....” “Are you calling me a scaredy cat?!” Rainbow Dash said indignantly. “I am the best flyer and the biggest daredevil in Equestria!!” Cyrus put his hand to his face, these aliens were just too much. “Why not this? We give them their space, they give us ours! Done!” Tarkus said. “I am more worried about trying to get home then having to deal with a bunch of xenos all day.” “I agree.” “As do I.” “So.... we can come to an agreement?” Twilight said hopefully. “Maybe.” Thule replied. “Get your princess here. We will then discuss this.... and what’s up with this black rain?” He looked up in the sky and was surprised to see pink clouds.... “Is this a natural weather occurrence on this planet?” “What in Celestia...” Twilight looked up. “Oh... no....” “I have a feeling we are going to have bigger problems than just some aliens now.” Rainbow Dash said. “Chaos.” “Chaos?!” The space marines all asked at the same time. “Where?!” “I dunno.... that Discord... he only appears when he wants you to see him....” Twilight said. “His magic is truly beyond anything’s!” “Sounds like the work of Tzeentch.” Jonah said. “Whatever that is.” Rainbow Dash said. “Listen we are going to have a serious problem on our hands.... this may be too much... but can you help us?” “To destroy the vile forces of Chaos?! We were all born to do this.” Thule said turning to his brothers he said. “Get every battle brother. Chaos is here and we must purge it.”
Thule had discussed the matter with Angelos. If anything that seemed warp-tainted as much as showed up, they were to destroy it. Thule and Angelos both had all their marines spread out into hunting groups. Cyrus, Tarkus, Avitus, Jonah Orion, Martellus, Gordion and the two captains all gone together followed by the three small aliens.
"So tell me... um...Twilight." Jonah said. "How many times has chaos left it's vile mark on your planet?" "Three times now counting this time. Once a thousand years ago, again a few months ago, and now here we are." Twilight replied. "And did you deal with this?" Jonah asked again. He could not fathom how these small and pretty much defenseless aliens protected themselves against chaos. "Well, all we need is the elements of harmony. Their magic was enough to save us several times in the past. Even against Discord. His magic seems to be greater than even Princess Celestia's!" "I believe you mentioned that name before. Tell me, who are what exactly is he?" Jonah said, even more curious now. "He's the spirit of chaos.....Duh...." The rainbow colored alien said impudently. "Didn't you say you spent your lives battling chaos?" "Rainbow......." Twilight scolded. "Though I am curious myself now come to think of it. You spend your lives fighting Chaos....... So is there more than one chaos.......? "Yes. In the warp dwells four major chaos gods. Khorne, the blood god, Nurgle, the god of death, decay and disease, Tzeentch, the architect of fate and the lord of change, and finally, Slannesh, the prince of pleasure." Jonah explained. "It is to my knowledge however that there are more than just these four. So tell me about this Discord." "Well, he is a draconequus, which is pretty much just a mash of many creatures. He likes to mess with reality and other living things just for the sake of it being "fun"." "Alright. So how dangerous is he? How many great warriors using these elements of harmony did it take to stop him?" "It really only takes the elements to stop him. But I am more than willing to bet a hoof that he hid them in a place he thinks we won't be able to find. And as for these "warriors" it's just my five friends and I. "
All heads turned to face Twlight. "Well, that was unexpected." Cyrus said. "So tell me how do. You deal with your chaos problem?" Twilight asked deciding to change the subject. "Our problem with Chaos may truly never be solved." Cyrus said. "Until the day Leman Russ can finish his quest, then the best we can do is hold out." "Can you tell me more?" Twilight asked. "Sounds interesting."
And so Cyrus told Twilight the story of the imperium. Mainly just the great crusade, the primarchs and the godly figure known only as The Emperor.
"Ten thousand years of having to deal with chaos?" Twilight asked. "That must be a harsh life. And having your own children betray you and fight among each other... Some to remain loyal but disappear while others who seek to undo what you spent a lifetime to accomplish, how does the Emperor cope with all of this?" "He's a god. While his mortal body may be broken, his soul is a gleaming light that had made sure that the universe will not fall to chaos." "someone older than Princess Celestia...." Rainbow Dash thought. "Just how old are some of these guys?"
"So mister space marine........" Fluttershy asked. "What do you intend to do really, with Discord?" "Banish that vile thing back to the warp." Avitus said. "How are you going to do that?" "by destroying it." "You plan on killing him? But it's not like he ever hurt anyone......."
"Oh.... You're right.... I never hurt anyone.... But I doubt I can say the same for my associates.." a voice boomed revealing Discord. "Oh chaos....."
"Captain, we have reports of multiple chaos contacts...." Tarkus said. "Our battle brothers are engaging them on every front." "My cousins had cast me out long ago." Discord said. "So, why not kill two birds with one stone? I can derive them of some followers, and use them to spread chaos!" "Where are the elements?" Twilight asked starting to lose her patience. "I was just getting to that part! You see, your new friends here will play a role. I think I will begin by starting this game right now and I will do my best to make sure it's as challenging and as enjoyable as possible. Oh yes and I almost forgot.."
Discord snapped his finger. Sending Pinkie pie, Applejack and Rarity here. Snapping his fingers again, the element of honesty appeared. Taking it, he threw it into a nearby cave.
"Now let's make things a little more difficult..." snapping his fingers once again, a group of chaos space marines appeared descending upon ponyville causing carnage.
"Take your pick humans!" Discord said disappearing.
"To the cave!" Thule said running up but there was just one marine that wasn't listening. Thaddeus.
"What in the Emperor's name is that young whelp doing?" Avitus said watching the assault marine run off to ponyville. "He's headed to ponyville!" Applejack said. "ah, think he's off to help." "Young fool is going to get himself killed!" Avitus said watching Thaddeus activating his jump pack straight into the town. "Tarkus, Martellus, Gordion. Help him." Angelos said. "Everyone else, follow me." Finishing his sentence, he quickly ran to the cave with the 6 ponies and the other marines.
Thaddeus jumped headlong into a group of Chaos space marines laying them all low. Swinging his chainsword around wildly, he was able to finish three of before they even got up, and cut down the fourth in a short fight.
Turning around, he saw none of his enemies.... as of now. What he did see however, was amazed onlookers, some whom were being attacked by the bloodthirsty mad men watch in amazement as the newcomer slew four of them in a heartbeat. A young filly wearing a beanie screaming “Cool, Mom!”
Thaddeus made his way through the streets. Most of the inhabitants were looking up at the occasional drops of black rain while others were watching the weird animals that walked by but a few who were aware of the marauding chaos space marines, hid in their homes. Little did they know that their places of residence would offer very meager protection.
This point was proven, when screams were heard. A single one of the chaos space marines was firing bolters in a home. Thaddeus, attacking quickly, literally jumped on the attacker and began to bludgeon him to death with his bare hands. He was rewarded with a quick thanks from a terrified creature.
Thaddeus knew the fight wasn’t over yet. The screams off in the distance accompanied by the loud war cries made this evident. Grabbing his bloodied chainsword, he once again hurled himself into the nearest group of the servants of the dark gods.
To any pony watching this, it was a sight to behold. One single bipedal ape like thing was laying low several of beings that were similar to him.
After slaying several of his enemies, Thaddeus was once again confronted by more. This time, a lone skull champion.
While Thaddeus was probably should of been ready for it, he simply was underprepared as a savage charge knocked him back and left him momentarily stunned. But recovering quickly, he then took his chainsword and swung, making a glancing blow at his enemy. The attack while not making it’s mark entirely, the brutality of it was able to make his foe drop his chainaxe. In which then he tackled Thaddeus causing him to lose his weapon as well. The space marines then were locked in a fistfight as they rained heavy blows upon each other. However, nothing prepared for the savage kick in the ribs that knocked Thaddeus off his feet and into a house. Stunned he was unable to get up as his enemy retrieved his chainaxe and readied a killing blow.
But it seems as though the Emperor had been watching over him this time, as several bolts ended up tearing through the champions helmet. Looking up, Tarkus, Martellus and Gordion had arrived to help.
“Getting yourself killed already?” Tarkus said offering a helping hand. “Yeah.” Thaddeus replied as he painfully got up holding a arm to where he was hit. His face and armor were caked with mud and the blood of his enemies and well as his own.
“We got more of the traitors incoming.” Gordion said pointing at about ten chaos space marines. “No problem.” Tarkus replied as he took out a stormbolter which he rained bolts upon the advancing mob. Any stragglers were swept up by Gordion and Martellus. “You look hurt....” Said a random alien with a white cap. “Are you in pain?” “I’ll live.” Thaddeus said. But the little alien persisted as it had to do a thorough inspection of him. “You’re covered in blood!” “Probably theirs and not mine.” Nurse redheart looked at the stubborn alien. He had just been hit several times by a big, burly alien wearing a skull and was claiming to be alright. The very thought of it. “My analysis seems that... you are not alright.” Gordion said. “Lie down so I can heal you.” “That’s not necessary.” Thaddeus stubbornly insisted but allowed the apothecary to work on his injuries grumbling over not being hurt. “I have never seen anything like that in all me born days.” A green, venerable looking alien said. “He is.... just so cool!” Another orange looking alien said riding by on a scooter. “You gotta teach me that!” “All of us! We could be the cutie mark crusader fighting-aliens-and-such!” Applebloom said. “Thanks mister....” Sweetie Belle said. “You really saved some pony’s life.” “Well, I’ll be...” Tarkus began. “I think I’ve waited at least a few hundred years for someone to say something like that, and here it is. From a xenos.” “Surprising isn’t it?” Thaddeus said. “I can hardly believe that the xenos who’ve we crossed blades with are now thanking us.” “I don’t think Captain Thule can believe why you chose to help them.” Tarkus said. “Helping xenos afterall can be considered...” “I doubt it.” Thaddeus said. “Captain Angelos worked with the Eldar before.” “Worked with... not helped.... So care to explain?” “Well, they just needed help. That’s all. No one deserves to be slain or consumed by chaos.” “He has a point.” Martellus said. “Fine. But....” His sentence was cut short by a cry of help that had come from a collapsed house. Thaddeus ran to help in a few moments disregarding anything Tarkus had to say.
Tarkus could only sigh when he saw Thaddeus pulling out a trapped pony from the rubble. Maybe it was time to teach Thaddeus he had to think with his mind not his heart. He hoped only that the Captain and their other battle-brothers were okay. However what he wasn’t expecting was Thaddeus to come over running excited..... over the element of harmony that Discord had supposedly thrown into the cave.
“This is rather large to be a cave.” Thule commented. “More like a hollowed out mountain.” “Something must live in here.” Twilight said. “I doubt Discord would make this easy for us.” “What do you think sleeps in here Twi?” Applejack asked. “Well... I am guessing a manticore, a hydra or maybe even a dragon!” Twilight said. “But I have a feeling with these guys around, we’ll be fine!” This however was about to be put to the test when a giant purple paw crashed in front of them. Looking up was something that was maybe the size of Emperor class titan...... a seriously ticked off Ursa major roared at the party. Seeing this Titan sized monster, the space marines got themselves ready to fight. The six ponies however, could hardly do anything but try not to be smashed. The first “test” was about to begin.
“No! No! Noooooooooo!” Discord said pulling at his horns. It turned out that the space marines weren’t the bloodthirsty and mindless savages he thought them to be. He had almost had them. During the initial battle with the Ursa major, it just didn’t hit any of the space marines. While that, in turn the space marines ended up peppering the beast with thousands of bolter rounds which caused serious discomfort to the creature. Twilight had first tried to use any spell she had in any effort to incapacitate or calm the beast from it’s rampage but obviously, when you have a bunch of red creatures firing several rounds of explosive tipped bullets at you, it’s rather hard to calm down.
So this went on for a few minutes, where while the space marines could not really hurt the Ursa Major, the Ursa could not in turn hit any of them. So deciding to change this up a bit, Discord used his magic to have the Ursa divert it’s attention to the six ponies.
While most of the ponies decided to run, Fluttershy was just too scared. Instead she curled up in a ball hoping that whatever happened would happen quickly. Thankfully, it didn’t happen too quickly or Jonah may of not had enough time to help her. Sending a massive lightning bolt at the Ursa’s paw, he was able to make sure Fluttershy wasn’t going to crushed by a giant paw.
Fluttershy voiced her thanks, which of course, Jonah probably had a hard hearing but that was hardly a problem as they still have a 100 meter tall monster that was seriously pissed off at them.
Just when it seemed to everyone that this little fight would last forever, Thaddeus, Martellus, Gordian and Tarkus showed up holding one of the elements showing that Discord had duped them hoping they would be killed by the monster.
Discord hated to admit it, but he knew he lost this round. Using his magic, he made the ursa fall asleep as he readied his next test.
To the ponies, they were simply glad that Thaddeus had found the element. Knowing it belonged to one of them, Thaddeus then handed it to them despite the suspicions of Thule, Avitus and Cyrus. But of course with some reassuring from Jonah, they grudgingly agreed.
“Well, they seem ready to trust us....” Rainbow Dash whispered to her friends. “What’s gotten into them?” “Well, we typically don’t like to work with beings that aren’t our kind...... when we do, it normally involves one of us getting double-crossed.” Tarkus said remembering the Eldar ranger. “But what makes you think we’ll do something as dastardly as to backstab you?” Rarity asked. “While you may of well... killed some ponies........ you’ve been a great help to all of Equestria! Maybe Princess Celestia may even personally help you in whatever it is you need.” “If you can prove to be more honest than those we’ve dealt with before.” Thule said. “Then I will be willing to trust you. But from what I know, that’s not what I’ve seen.” Shouldn’t be too hard. Twilight thought. And they needed each other’s trust. If she knew Discord well enough, he would try to drive a wedge between them all. Well, maybe getting comfortable with one another may take some time....... as Twilight turned to hear Fluttershy gasping in horror as Gabriel readied to smash the Ursa’s skull in.
“WAAAAIIIIIITTTT!” Fluttershy said as she flew up in front of the space marine. “Please... stop! Don’t kill her!” “Her?!” “Yes........ I can talk to animals!” “Well.... that’s unexpected.....whatever, why shouldn’t I kill... her? It tried to smash us... and you’d be in pieces had it not been for Jonah.” “Because it’s only upset. It lost it’s baby just a few..... days... ago.....” Fluttershy said “Well, they were the ones who killed it.” Rainbow Dash whispered. “This thing is dangerous.....” Gabriel said. “Yes.... I know... but maybe I can calm it down later!” Fluttershy said reassuring. For the time being Angelos agreed not to smash it’s head in. But he made sure to tell the yellow pegasus that at the first sign of trouble, he would be smashing it’s head in.
“Alright, everyone!” Discord said. “I think it’s time I readied your next test!” “What is it daemon?!” Thule asked. “We’ve had enough of your games. Fight me!” “Captain that’s not a very good idea.... I sense a very powerful psychic echo coming from him! Jonah warned. “Oh... I don’t like fighting. That’s what my friends are for!” Discord laughed. “Speaking of which!” Snapping his fingers once again causing everyone to relocate.... to a large mountain.
Everyone was here.... well everyone but Rarity....... “Where’s Rarity?!” Twilight panicked “Why does it matter?” Avitus asked. “If she wasn’t sent here, that’s one less equine we have to watch out for.” . “But I was getting to the fun part!” Discord said. “You see now... I’ve already given her, her element! You just have to find her! Oh by the way.... this is the most popular dragon den. Good luck! I have a few friends to speak too.”
“I don’t serve you, abomination.” Eliphas said looking at Discord. “But don’t you serve chaos?” Discord asked. “Well, time to work for me cause I AM chaos!” “Why should I trust you?!” Eliphas said. “Well, I did drag your soul from the warp. I did it to him too.” Discord said pointing at a certain chaos sorcerer who looked at everything like it was none of his concern. “Now then, I believe BOTH of you have a certain thing against a group of people.... they call themselves the blood ravens...” Eliphas was all of a sudden interested and Sindri dropped his bored look. “Tell me more. .
“So tell me little alien, what exactly does this foe of yours do?” Avitus asked as they walked alongside the mountain.
“He’s a spirit of chaos.” Twilight began. “He was defeated first 1,000 years ago, when Princess Celestia and Princess Luna saw what grief he was causing among all ponies with all of his havoc. We defeated him again just a few months ago but now he’s back.”
“How exactly was he defeated?” Tarkus asked. “I think we better have an understanding of our enemy before we do anything rash.”
“Well, we used the elements of harmony.” Twilight said. “Like usual, he hid the elements and is now forcing us to play his game so we can get them. Mark my words, he’ll try something. He never would really ever hurt anything but from the looks of it, his “friends” are a different story.”
“Chaos space marines.” Cyrus said. “Traitors. Those who’ve betrayed their own kind for their own gains.”
“Can you tell me more about this?” Twilight asked. “It sounds almost like.....”
“Some of those who’ve we’ve fought used to be our own comrades back in the dark days of the horus heresy.” Jonah Orion said. “From the looks of it, this discord gathered a rabble of them just to spread chaos.”
“Why did they betray you?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“None of them have even just a shred of loyalty. They would gladly betray their own brothers for the sake of their own selfish gains.” Jonah said. “They have decided to turn their backs on the Emperor and now serve the dark gods for nothing more than just power, pleasure or sometimes just madness for madness sake. The power of the dark gods is formidable, but nothing compared to the Emperor’s holy light.”
“Reminds me of someone......” The ponies all muttered.
“So how exactly are we going to defeat the daemon using only a bunch of trinkets?” Cyrus asked skeptically looking at Applejack’s element. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a necklace kill anything.....”
“Noooooo silly! We aren’t going to kill him! We’re just going to turn him back into stone like last time! We rely on the magic of the elements as well as the magic of our friendship!” Pinkie Pie said bouncing around.
“Can she sit still?” Thule asked irritated over the little pink equine’s constant jumping.
“No.” Rainbow Dash said flatly. “It’s Pinkie, almost nothing anyone can do about it.”
“So.... we’ve been wandering up this mountain for the last few minutes, what are we doing again?” Thaddeus asked.
“Trying to find Rarity. She has her element. We just have to find her.” Twilight said.
“And also, if you were listening, beware of dragons.” Angelos said. “I have a feeling we may get a better view to find out little equine friend, but at the same time, we will be easily spotted by any form of predator.”
“What do we do if we get found?” Fluttershy asked. “Hide?”
“How are we going to hide? These guys don’t look like they can just duck into a bush or crawl into a tree!” Rainbow Dash said. “I say we take them on!”
“I am beginning to like this blue one.” Avitus said. “If we find anything, we kill it. None may stand against the Emperor’s space marines.”
“We’re here. Have a look around.” Angelos said as they reached the top. They found to their surprise there was a large crater and several pools of lava. With two dragons sitting down theire.
What’s the plan?” Rainbow Dash asked.
She was surprised to look up and she all the space marines had already gotten into positions. In a few moments, Thaddeus flew straight into the crater while Avitus sent down a rain of covering fire as the rest made their way down screaming war cries.
“Well, this is escalating quickly.” Rainbow Dash said watching the space marines attack the two dragons.
Thaddeus jumped up onto the giant lizard’s back and began drive his chainsword at it’s scales. This while creating great discomfort and pain, had no true killing power and only ended with him nearly getting thrown off it’s back. Dragging himself carefully up back, he began to wildly swing blows at the neck area, this only ended in him getting thrown off the dragon and nearly stomped to a bloody pulp. He was promptly saved by Avitus and Martellus who sent a hailstorm of bolter rounds straight at the Dragon’s front side as Thule began to climb on top of the dragon. As he reached the top, he quickly armed a melta bomb and stuck it straight into the dragon’s head and jumped off. The resulting explosion literally took it’s head off as a shower of skull fragments, bones, brains and blood flew everywhere.
Meanwhile, Captain Angelos, Gordian, Cyrus and Jonah were locked into battle with the other dragon. Making a plan, Angelos began to send savage blows at the legs of the dragon breaking them in a matter of a few swings while moving around quickly so he wouldn’t get crushed. In retaliation, the dragon sent a stream of fire straight at Jonah who was sending bolts of lightning at it. The librarian was able to create a shield that protected him from the flames. After finally downing the dragon, Cyrus jumped on it’s back and a sniper round straight into the back of it’s head going straight to the brain. Both fights ending both almost simultaneously and before the ponies were able to even get down.
“Where were you when we were fighting?” Avitus said as he watched the five colorful equines come down.
“Oh.... poor dragons.” Fluttershy said as she looked at the messy remains of the two dead lizards.
“What was that?!”
“Nothing.... nothing...”
“Well, this area is clear.” Martellus said. “I am detecting a life form in that cave.”
“Must be Rarity!” Some pony said as they all ran over to the cave. They found the entire cave stashed full with treasure as well as a white pony who admired it all.
“Isn’t this so marvelous?” Rarity said putting on a crown. “This is treasure truly fit for only a princess! I must get some!”
“Heellllloooooo! We got bigger problems!” Rainbow Dash said pointing outside to where a few pink clouds were seen in the distance.
“Oh... that’s right.” Rarity said dropping most of the treasure but stashing a few jewels inside a saddlebag.
“Well, that wasn’t so bad wasn’t it?” Discord said appearing as they left the cave. “I’d say that was pretty easy. Two dragons, not big of a challenge for space marines right? But no need to fret, I brought a friend!”
“Eliphas!” Thule said looking at the chaos lord.
“Eliphas’ head is mine!” Thule roared now VERY angry. “None of you interfere. I was denied this on Kronus, I will not be denied here.”
“Oh, but Captain, I have no intentions of being slain here or now.” The chaos lord replied. “We will meet again old friend, as we do have plenty of unfinished business. This.... whatever he is, dragged me out the warp so now we may once again continue where we left off. But now as of now, I do believe you have a few little ponies to help on some futile quest to lock away chaos from this planet.”
“Coward! Face me now!” Thule said impatiently drawing his power sword.
“A proper warrior of chaos knows no fear. But the same can’t be said for your tiny companions.” The chaos lord taunted.
“Speaking of which! The next challenge begins!” Discord said holding the element of laughter. “We got a hapless chick that is beset by wolves! Find it!” He said as he snapped his fingers and sent everyone back to ponyville.
“What in the hay is that supposed to mean?” Applejack said.
“Does he mean.... we’re the chicks?” Rarity said shuddering. “Wait.... over there! What’s that?”
It was Sweetie Belle, she was running very fast for such a small pony. Stopping when she saw Rarity, she began to weep and blubber incoherently much to the annoyance of everyone. “What’s happening?!” Rarity said. “Tell me! Tell everyone!”
“There-there-it’s horrible! Ponies are dying and... it’s just so.... awful!” She cried seeing Thaddeus she went to him and began to beg.
“Please.... I saw you help some ponies earlier.... please help us! It’s so terrible!”
“What’s going on?” The assault marine asked. “At least tell me that!”
“Their are so many of them! They are destroying everything and killing every pony! I saw several....”
“Shut up and tell us where these curs are.” Avitus said harshly.
“Town center!”
“Say no more. Let’s go!” Angelos said it was then when he saw what was going on.
Several of his space marines lay slain along with many of the little ponies. The killer, was a sorcerer in his hand was a odd looking staff. He looked at his victims intently.
“All.... power demands.... sacrifice.....!” Sindri said. “Thank you for yours........”
“Sindri!” Angelos roared as he grabbed his hammer.
“Ah.... the illustrious Angelos. You defeated me back on tartarus. The same will not happen here.” He said as he disappeared as he waved several chaos space marines forward.
“Get a squad over here. Now!” Thule voxed as he fired his bolter into the giant mob of chaos space marines.
“STRIKE FROM THE SKIES BROTHERS!!!!” Angelos voxed. Looking up, he was rewarded with the sight of several assualt marines descending upon the giant mob of Chaos space marines. The assault marines probably couldn’t finish the job on their own, so deciding to help, all the space marines save for Jonah, Cyrus, Tarkus and Thaddeus went to help their battle brothers.
“We’ve got to find the other element!” Twilight said. “Let’s go!”
“But where?” Jonah asked. “Sindri disrupts my powers that I can’t have even a clue of where the other artifact maybe.”
“We’ll just have to spread out, I guess.” Applejack said. “C’mon everypony and everyone, let’s go!”
“No! We cannot!” Jonah said. “He meant something specific... like a hapless chick descended on by wolves....”
“I am afraid I don’t follow....” Twilight and pretty much every other pony said or thought.
“Well, I have a feeling whatever this “hapless chick” is. It has the third artifact.” Jonah explained. “He just means we have to find it.”
“And how do we know we just aren’t going to get killed by a bunch of those Chaos... whatever...” Rainbow Dash asked. “And how do you know what he meant, are you a wizard?!”
“Yeah..........” Twilight said awkwardly. “He sorta is...............”
“Psyker is the correct term.” Jonah said. “But Wizard, magician whatever you feel like using provided it’s along those parameters.”
“Can we drop this and just find the element? Like now?” Rarity said. “We are wasting time!” “I agree.” Cyrus said. “We need to properly think this one out.”
“Well, let’s go to sweet apple acres!” Applejack said. “We can hide out there and properly think this one over. Also gets up away from that fellas.” She pointed a hoof at the large fight that was going on.
“Take us there then.” Tarkus said.
“Hey big sis!” Applebloom said as she greeted her sister. “I see you bought guests! I would offer you something to eat.... but the apples are kinda big.... and the...”
“It’s fine. We’re not here for a tea party anyways.” Rainbow Dash said. “We just need to discuss something.”
“Perhaps in a place where we won’t get spotted easily.” Tarkus said. “The last thing any of us need is chaos space marines knocking on our door.”
“We’ll try this cider cellar!” Applejack said opening the entrance. “In there!”
The cellar was actually pretty small for the blood ravens. They all had to end up kneeling just to fit and overall, most of them were very uncomfortable even then.
“Here try some of this mister.” Applebloom said handing Thaddeus a cup of cider.
“Thank you.” He said gulping the liquid down. It was very good. Much better than anything he’s had in the past. Applebloom promptly gave some to Jonah, Cyrus and Tarkus who drank and made nods of approval. Afterwards, it was time to go back to work.
“So what exactly does he mean by a chick set upon by wolves?” Rainbow Dash said. “Sounds like some stupid riddle.”
“That’s probably because IT IS a riddle.” Twilight said. “My only question is... what’s the chick and what are the wolves?”
“Fluttershy’s chickens? Nah, Discord wouldn’t make it too easy for us.” Applejack said.
A massive discussion went on. Ideas ranging from dragons to ursas went for the wolf, while things like actual bird related species to other herbivores were said. However, after about an hour of this, it didn’t take long for people to realize this discussion was really going nowhere.
“Think! Think! Think!” Twilight said to herself. “A chick set upon wolves....”
“Like that time when Fluttershy lost a chicken and we tried to find it?” Applebloom asked walking in.
“What?”
“Yeah, this one time. Fluttershy lost a chicken and we helped her find it! Then I remember that while on the way I had this argument with Scoota........” Applebloom all of a sudden stopped talking as her eyes turned to the size of dinner plates.
“What’s wrong?” Fluttershy asked. “Are you nervous like me?”
“No..... it’s... I have a sick feeling in my stomach.”
“Why?”
“Because... when....I had the argument with Scootaloo....I called her.... a chicken.........”
“Then what are the wolves?!” Twilight asked concerned. “That filly’s life could be in danger!”
“The black legion. No doubt about it.” Cyrus said. “Or, those same chaos space marines we were fighting.”
“WHAT?!” Twilight yelled so loud that it shook the roof of the cellar.
“Yes. Back before the days of the horus heresy, the black legion was called the luna wolves.”
“Oh no.....” Rainbow Dash said. “So what can we do?! She may already be dead!”
“Don’t give up faith.” Jonah said reassuringly. “Lead us to this Scootaloo and we will do we must.”
Alright, let’s face it. Discord in reality really doesn’t want to hurt anyone. But on the other hand, getting turned to stone really isn’t on his list of things to do. A thousand years ago, he had been cast out by his fellow gods of chaos because even he managed to get on their nerves. This left Discord rather bitter, but he made the most of it by messing with Equestria. Now seeing that once again the enemies of his cousins have landed, he saw an opportunity to cause havoc for both worlds. His promises of revenge and glory to the chaos space marines were in reality, further acts of manipulation as if things went as he expected, they would be defeated. Maybe for helping him aid in the undermining of his cousins, he should even help the blood ravens to a minor extent. Several of them had already perished in the battle against the space marines and more to come of course. So making his plan he decided to aid the blood ravens in this part of their quest while coming up with a plan of avoiding having to go back to his stone prison.
When Jonah randomly collapsed and began to cry out, it caused all the ponies to jump back while Cyrus and Tarkus went to see if he was alright.
“Librarian! Are you okay?!” Tarkus said frantically.
“Gah.... I am fine! I am fine! She’s somewhere in that direction!” Jonah said pointing on a path. “Let’s go! Hurry! I just know it! No time to ask.”
Cyrus did a facepalm as he heard the librarian ramble on but wisely, followed anyways as soon as he saw his brothers and the ponies follow the librarian who shot off like a bullet out of a gun.
So imagine this...... you’re a little filly who was minding her own business when one day, the local librarian tells you that there will be a meteor shower tonight and everypony will be there! Undoubtedly there would be a role model you’ve had and it would be nice to meet her there! But unfortunately you didn’t get to meet her while viewing the meteor shower, but what did happen was that you found out aliens had crash landed on Equestria! So meeting up with a few friends, you decided to investigate, only to be chased by timberwolves but at least getting a glimpse of the aliens. Then while being chased, a house on legs smashes your pursuers with a giant manticore while at the same time, breaking it’s back. So, for on the next day, you heard rumors of a military action that was ordered by the captain of the royal guard himself. But these were only rumors, but hey, they sounded cool so they must of been true! A day passes and you find that several of these guards ended up in a local hospital, including the Captain of the guard who began to speak of aliens. Big bipedal things with advance technology that Equestria probably won’t have for another few thousand years. But that soon turned out to be the least of your worries as later, you found the spirit of disharmony, or chaos had returned and began to cause havoc around town. That was when the element of laughter randomly hits you on the head and you find big bipedal things in black chasing after you with all kinds of weapons and such, This really spooks you and causes you to run. Soon after, you end bumping into an oddly dressed creature who is with more of his kind as well as a few pony friends! The odd bipedal creatures then proceed on to massacre those who’ve been chasing you with such levels of brutality that you feel like you were going to be sick. And now here you are explaining your story to everyone as you thank your saviors yet feel a sense of wonder. There was the one who had saved a few ponies earlier in the day, one who had no hair and constantly seemed bored, the oddly dressed creature whom his companions referred to as a “librarian.” Apparently, he was some kind of wizard and lastly, a cynical and grim alien with a red eye that is probably going to give you nightmares. That was how scootaloo felt for the last few days and that was how she essentially shared her experience.
“Well, that was interesting indeed.” The red-eyed one said. “But we now have three of the artifacts. I fear however that our other battle brothers may be tied down with other matters.”
But right on cue, he was wrong as several of his friends show up to say that they had defeated the chaos space marines. Which sounds just like an army that would serve discord. So after a while, you decide, why not hang out with these ponies and whatever the aliens were? Your friend Applebloom was with them, though she still isn’t saying much from surprise and it’s really not a true cutiemark crusader fashion without Sweetie Belle which you end up tasking if you could find her.
Out of all the aliens, the one who had saved you earlier nods and offers to help with some agreeing, which a few of the more cynical ones claim that there’s no time to be lost. But after a while, a leader figure steps out and sends one of his men to find Sweetie Belle with the aid of Rarity, her older sister. This takes some time and when they come back, there’s a flash of light and Discord comes once again.
“Ahhh..... so my friends you found the third element! You’re better than I’ve thought you to be! And with such speed too!” Discord said. “Well, I am bored and I think it’s time I played a little differently. This time I am going to have you fight your way to it!”
“We’ve been doing that this entire time!” Someone said. “Just give up already!”
“No..... I think not.....” A familiar voice came out as Eliphas stepped forward back by Sindri.
A snap of the fingers and they were in canterlot throne room with a bewildered Celestia. Well, only Thule and Eliphas that was.
“Defeat your enemy and you get the element! I expect a good fight!” Discord said propping a seat next to Celestia’s throne while teleporting her back onto her own throne. “Now this is entertaining! Won’t you agree ladies?!”
“Discord what are you doing?! These two are going to.....” Luna began.
“Of course they are! Haven’t you learned yet! Their lives revolve around fighting! So let’s be quiet and see what they do best!”
Thule glared daggers at Eliphas with his good eye as he got his power sword out and readied to fight.
“Your head is mine. Surrender now and this may be painless!” Thule snarled.
“I think not captain. I was denied a chance to properly kill you. Now this daemonic patron of mine has given me the proper chance! I think it’s time we settled our unfinished business.” Eliphas replied.
Right after, Angelos and Sindri were sent in. They were to fight as well much to Celestia and Luna’s displeasure.
“You defeated me on Tartarus. The same will not happen here.”
“My Emperor watches over me sorcerer. I will defeat you and cast you back into the warp.”
“And look at that!” Discord grinned eagerly as Sindri sent bolts of lightning at Angelos who in turn sent several bolter rounds right back at him causing Sindri to raise his defense or get shot full of holes.
Meanwhile, Twilight, her friends and the space marines had found out the location of the two captains. They decided they had to make their way there as soon as possible.
Discord smiled twiddling his fingers. He had his plan to evade getting imprisoned in stone when the time had come and he had deprived many able warriors from his cousins. Now he had taken the souls of two of their champions and made a new body for each of them. From the looks of it, the two space marine captains would have the advantage sooner or later.
Celestia clenched her teeth as she watched Thule and Eliphas brutally bludgeon each other with their fists as the two of them lost their weapons. The sound was not pleasant nor was the gasps, grunts and yells of pain that came from the two space marines as they brutally attacked each other.
Thule’s face was covered in blood. His good eye had been drowned in blood and he had already several internal bleedings. While that, Eliphas was in no better condition as he was covered with bruises and blood. The two champions looked as if they were ready to kill each other with their bare hands, which they indeed were. They faced each other for a moment before diving back into their brawl.
Sindri fired several doom bolts at Angelos who in turn retaliated by hurling a frag grenade right at him. The explosion disorienting him which gave Angelos an opening. Angelos in turn, fired several bolter rounds at Sindri which tore several chinks in his armor and began to back away. Angelos rushed forth with Godsplitter, intent on smashing Sindri to a million pieces when he was forced back by a literal hailstorm of the vile magic which forced him back. In an exchange of fire of bolter round and doom bolt, the two faced each other down in mortal combat. The first to make a mistake would undoubtedly the one who perishes.
Jonah Orion forced open the door to the great hall of Canterlot castle. His companions soon entered rushing to the throne room where the sounds of fighting was audible even from where they were. There they found Captain Thule and Angelos, locked in battle with Eliphas and Sindri while a crowd of onlookers watched in awe. Thule and Eliphas had dropped their weapons and were engaging in a fist fight, while Sindri and Angelos were on the other side of the room, firing bolter rounds and doom bolts at one another.
Intent on helping one of the captains, Jonah readied himself to strike, only to be blocked by two chaos space marines who came flying out of nowhere. “Out of my way!” Thaddeus screamed as he sent his chainsword in an arc that decapitated the first chaos space marine while fired several bolter rounds into the neck of the other. “The traitors are behind us!” Tarkus said as he turned around to see another mob of chaos space marines. “We’ll hold them off!” Cyrus said readying himself as Martellus set up a sentry guy. “Jonah go!”
The librarian nodded, followed by the six ponies. Summoning up his strength, he sent a massive ball of fire at Sindri.
This surprise attack hit the sorcerer out of nowhere. He was not expecting someone to strike him from the rear and he had to raise his defense. This allowed Angelos to kick him to the ground. Afterwards, pinning the sorcerer to the ground, Angelos began to smash the sorcerer to a bloody pulp with every swing from godsplitter. “Die! Die! Die!” Angelos said as he savagely bashed Sindri to pieces until nothing remained except for a few bits of armor and several body parts that splattered themselves around the throne room much to the distress of several of the onlookers.
“Do not intervene!” Thule ordered as he swung another blow at Eliphas. “His head is mine! And so will be this kill!” Drawing his fist back, Thule sent a massive blow at Eliphas’ head knocking him back. Then charging at him, he back Eliphas into a wall where he pummeled his mortal enemy until he literally beat the life from him.
“Very good!” Discord said clapping. Snapping his fingers, the two chaos champions disappeared and the element of loyalty and kindness appeared where their bodies should of been. “Now the last part of game....” Discord said grinning. “Is simple. Pick now. Any of your friends that died in the battle, I sent them to where they belong at home.” He said noting Cyrus, Avitus, Tarkus, Thaddeus, Martellus and Gordian. “Now then choose...... do you go home or do you stay? But before you start remember this, by going home, the last element remains hidden. By staying... then get used to this ground at your feet. Oh and by the way, Chaos remains if I remain.” “Those Chaos space marines!” Twilight exclaimed. “There still out there!” “And they will be until these good fellows decide! And depending on which one they pick, they may even stay there!” Discord said gleefully.
The space marines all looked at each other until they finally made their decisions. “I stay.” Thaddeus said. “We can’t simply just allow chaos to exist.” “We will ALL these chaos dogs before leaving.” Avitus said. “Chaos cannot be allowed to thrive anywhere!” Jonah said. “We’d all be neglecting our duties we didn’t kill these chaos dogs.” Tarkus said. “I am staying.” “If chaos is going to remain, then so will I.” Cyrus said. “Then I think it’s settled.” Angelos said. “We are staying.” Discord frowned for a moment but then nodded knowing that he maybe should of expected this reaction. “Fine. One of you get’s to leave.” Discord said. “The good Apothecary over there. Now don’t worry, after I am gone, everyone who has died will be restored to life, any of your men will be sent back to where they belong. Now then take it.” Discord threw the element of magic at Twilight. “Now then..... turn me back to stone and be done with it.” Discord said waiting. “So.... what was this question for? Seeing whether or not we’d shirk our duties?” Avitus asked. “The very thought of it!” “No. It was only a test. I’d expect someone like you to be unwilling to help anything that doesn’t walk on two legs.” Discord said as he watched the element bearers take positions. “Well, you passed my test.” Discord said frowning. “I will make good of my word.” I don’t trust him. Thought literally everyone and everypony in the room but surprisingly, when Discord snapped his fingers, all the destruction, chaos and death the chaos space marines had caused was gone. Discord was gone too, replaced by a stone statue of himself. Everywhere those who died found themselves once again in the land of the living, a rather traumatizing experience as they knew and felt every moment of their deaths and the memories were rather scarring. It was time for Equestria to once again move on. “Where’s Gordian?” Some said as they looked around. Sure enough, the apothecary was gone as was all their battle brothers. “He sent back everyone except for us. Maybe this is the price we have to pay.” Cyrus said. “I am only glad our chapter may live now that the rest of the 2 companies have been returned to them.” Tarkus said. “Yes. But the loss of it’s two finest captains will be a loss it perhaps may never recover from.” Martellus said. “I honestly don’t believe any of this.” Celestia said. “1,000 years, and I have never seen anything like this.” She looked at the backs of the space marines as they left canterlot hall, ignoring all the stares. “Maybe we should keep an eye on them?” Someone said. “I mean they are rather.... big, scary and red.....” “No. Let them be.” Celestia said wisely. “I don’t think they will mean any harm from then on. I just hope they can go home. Twilight, there is something I need to share with you.”
Twilight peered downstairs into her basement. The two were at it again. For the past fourteen days, Jonah and Martellus had non-stop tried to deduce where they were and how to return home. They had explained to the purple unicorn that a warp storm had swallowed them in and left them here but for now, they were unable to leave now without any vessel that could brave the warp. In fact, getting off the ground was going to be a problem as when Discord was defeated, he had sent the damaged vessels back with the rest of their battle brothers. They would have to rely on Jonah’s abilities if they ever wished to return to where they came from. “A price he wanted us to pay for our decision.” Jonah had said. But at least this planet for the time being was safe from the grasp of chaos. Twilight peered downstairs curiously at the discussion. They were truly clueless as to where they were. The techmarine had tried several times to deduce their location with the aid of the Librarian. “Morning...... you haven’t eaten in eight days.... or done anything as a matter of fact aside from stand there.” Twilight said. For the first time in a fortnight, the two stopped talking and acknowledged the unicorn. “She’s right. Our banter here has got us nowhere.” Martellus said. “I will try and observe the night sky tonight to see where we are.” “And I will maybe try to look at any texts or anything that may aid us.” Jonah replied. “Man.... they’re even more concentrated than you are.....” Spike muttered. “Even you need to eat and sleep but these guys..... I just don’t believe it.” He watched the Techmarine exit the front door with some difficulty as the librarian helped himself to any books about astronomy. Jonah prayed that somewhere, some close to that of imperial civilization. Jonah turned around to see Twilight peer curiously up. “Won’t give up.” Jonah said automatically reading her thoughts. “While it’s comforting knowing my battle brothers are safe and home. We, stay need to return as well. The blood ravens would be derived of two captains that they could not hope to replace.” Twilight sighed and walked out. The stubbornness of these humans was something that not even applejack could match. But then again, they hardly even received help from others and weren’t very likely to accept it. Twilight thought for a moment of their new guests. There was Tarkus, a reasonable person with a lot of sense. Twilight liked Tarkus to a great degree as did she enjoy Thaddeus’ friendliness and ease of trust. Then there was Jonah who probably even overshadowed her in terms of studying. She made a mental note to learn from him. Martellus was rather boring with his constant droning, but was obviously very bright. Twilight again, wondered if she could learn anything from him. Though, she didn’t really like Avitus, who always seemed to be bloodthirsty and Cyrus who was always so cynical about everything though he was certainly more tolerable than Avitus. She thought too about Thule, who seemed to dislike having to do any form of interaction with ponies and was very shut in, only appearing when he needed to, while the one called Angelos was easily more trusting and usually on a daily basis, appeared in the training field that Rainbow Dash had used to gear her pegasi into shape where he and some of his subordinates would be seen fighting with a manner of weapons.
Probably the most interesting thing about the space marines was their weapons and their gear. From what she knew from Jonah, the place they came from was a vast empire spanning entire planets and encompassing almost the entire known galaxy along with over 40,000 years of history. This deeply fascinated Twilight and to which she wished she could visit this massive empire in hopes of learning something new.
To the marines, the ponies really were something they now had to accept as being part of daily life. Tarkus wasn’t bothered by them at all, Martellus was only interested in finding where they were, Jonah wished to get home as soon as possible and was willing to accept any form of help if he needed it, Cyrus while feeling uncomfortable tolerated them to a degree and Thaddeus seemed to even be fond of them but Avitus was a different story almost always voicing his dislike for them, sometimes even in public to which he was shut up by his more reasonable battle brothers.
And of course, Thule wasn’t very trusting of them, but had the good sense to treat them respectfully while Angelos was overall indifferent about them having worked with xenos in the past and will most likely have to do it again later. What Angelos truly appreciated was the fact these Xenos would jump at the opportunity to help anyone. Something he found a rarity now in the 40th millennia, this truly was something impressive and for that, he found himself liking the xenos as well. But of course, he knew he could never truly call them “friends” as that would be heretical. The most he could do was accept help with some gratitude and at times, offer it in return.
Angelos stood at the training field the pegasi had used to get themselves into shape. Taking out a power sword, he decided to duel Davian. After about half an hour with no clear person with the advantage. They had decided to once again discuss their current situation. “I still don’t trust them. How many things in this galaxy would truly jump to help you? I think they are manipulating us in some way.” Thule said..... for the eighth time this week. “I’ve dealt with the Eldar before, and they have a tendency to keep things from you or not tell you the whole truth about things. I however, place my confidence that these ponies or whatever they like to be called will be more honest in their dealings with us. Granted, like most xenos, fully trusting them is something I will find difficult, but nevertheless, I have my doubts but at the same time, I think they truly seek to help us. We had aided them in ridding their planet of that daemon. If they are anything that is remotely human, they will probably think they should aid us in return.” “And what makes you think they would act human?” “Well, everything around here is very similar to ancient Terra. Whether it’s the architecture or even the wildlife. The only thing that’s different is the fact that creatures of legends exist, and that there are no humans.” “I may not trust them myself, but I think I will rely on your good judgement.” Thule said noting the crowd that had gathered to see them fight. “Should we resume?” “Not now. Do you see that?” “The Princess?” Thule asked seeing the chariot.Thule decided it was time to let Angelos handle things. “Greetings Captain Angelos and Captain Thule, I was wondering if you’d be interested in well..... it’s a very tedious task....” The Princess said. “One that I am sure you can handle.” “What is it?” Angelos asked. “We have discovered.... well..... a wreckage somewhere in southern Equestria. It’s not of your design but I thought it was worth taking a look at as it seemed to have come from space as well. Only you seem to have experience in this..... and well... you also had always wanted to return home. This may be your chance.” Gabriel smiled. “We will investigate as soon as possible. Just tell us when and where.” “Excellent!” The princess said. “Twilight will tell you. Go to the library this afternoon.”
“So..... wait.... it’s if it’s broken, what exactly are we supposed to do with it?” Avitus asked. “You don’t expect a ship that’s in several pieces to be able to work do you?” “I agree. This is just foolish. Does your Princess even know what exposure through the warp even do to anyone?” Cyrus said. “Well.... I had a few conversations with your Techmarine. He mentioned something about a warp drive. Maybe if you can retrieve it or.....” Twilight began. “Does she have any idea how large those things are?” Thaddeus cut her off. “Even if there were hundreds of us we couldn’t as much as move it off the ground.” “No! Will you just listen?!” Twilight said raising her voice in frustration. “We don’t expect anyone to move any giant devices or try and fly a broken ship, but I was wondering if maybe we can fix this ship and you send you lot back to wherever you belong.”
The space marines looked at one another. The technology of this planet is rather primitive. Is it really worth the risk to accept the help of primitives in such a delicate task in which their lives depend upon?
“May we see the wreckage? Any pictures or viewable recordings?” Jonah asked. “Well..... no. We did try and send a few scouts to look at the thing, but they never came back. All I know is that the ship is in a few pieces. We’re gonna have to go check it ourselves.” Twilight said looking at the ground. "Then how do you know the Ship is broken or if it's even a ship?! Avitus asked. "This is just stupid!" "I agree, we're going to get nowhere. For all we know, this may just be an asteroid." Cyrus said. "I guess that's why we need to take a look of it. I mean things from space normally don't land in Equestria, so this is a fairly good bet right?" Twilight said smiling nervously. “Very well.” Angelos said admist grumbling and mutters of doubt. “We travel tomorrow.” “Nice!” Twilight smiled. “I knew this would help!” She said as she opened the door. “I think maybe my friends may want to come along as well!” “Just wanted to say a final goodbye?” Tarkus said as he got up. “Well... that’s a first.... again.” "I also hope this isn't some hoax or a waste of time." Avitus said rolling his eyes.
“Can I puh-leeze come?!” Applebloom asked Applejack as she got a saddlebag on. “I just want to say goodbye to the aliens!” “Oh sugarcube, their not going just yet! We still have to fix their contraption!” Applejack said. “You’ll have plenty of time in saying goodbye or whatever afterwards!” “But maybe we can help! We can earn out cutie marks in Spaceship repairing!” Applebloom said “We?” Applejack asked nervously. Before she could say anything else, the rest of the cutie mark crusaders entered the kitchen giving each other high hooves and saying. “Cutie mark crusaders, space ship builders!” “Oh.... horseapples. Fine. You can come. Just don’t make any trouble.” Applejack sighed. “Yes! You’re the best Applejack!” Applebloom said as she nodded to her two friends.
“Darling, are you SURE you want to come along?” Rarity asked getting on a beautiful cloak and combing her mane. “The walk will be very long, and it’s no place for a little filly.” “I am POSITIVE, Rarity!” Sweetie Belle said. “I want to help the aliens build their ship!” “Oh fine, just wear something nice. I have a feeling Mister Martellus would accept help from someone that at least LOOKS professional.” “Yes!” Sweetie Belle beamed jumping up and down. “Thanks Rarity!” “Don’t mention it.”
“So... everyone ready?” Twilight asked the next morning. Everyone had gathered here for the trek to the crash site. Whether it was a half ton giant or a small filly, they were ready. This was it.
“So, can you tell me more about Terra?” Twilight asked Jonah as they made their way up a hill. “If I remember correctly, is it like a capitol planet?” “More than just that.” Jonah said. “It is the holiest place to all of mankind. There in the imperial palace, is the Emperor. Our god. While his body may be broken, his spirit is as powerful as ever.” “Ever been there?” “Not yet. But I would make a pilgrimage but a few things do prevent this unfortunately.” Jonah sighed. “But what really interests me it’s just that this planet.... it’s the same as ancient Terra. Maybe the same as it was I’d say 38,000 to 39,000 years ago.” “What do you mean?” Twilight asked. “Are you saying that your planet looked like ours?” “Yes... but not just in that way. I might as well as of said almost everything was exactly the same. Martellus had done some looking around. Almost every form of vegetation and animal he found has matches to something back on Ancient Terra.” “What is Martellus exactly? An encyclopedia?” Scootaloo asked. “He must be smarter than Twilight.” “He probably knows more that Princess Celestia!” Twilight said. “That one... um..... techmarine.. knows almost everything that this galaxy has to offer.” “Indeed he does.” Jonah said. “I, being a librarian have my own fair share of knowledge of this galaxy. But, your planet... even you.. ponies... has it’s matches to something on ancient Terra.” “Yes, Equus ferus caballus as they were called.” The Techmarine said. “They had gone extinct some time during the 27th millennia, though I have a feeling maybe in the Emperor’s garden there is some left. Along with all other traces of creatures on this planet.” “Wow.... do you think we can ever visit this place?” Rainbow Dash asked. “It sounds cool! I can only imagine meeting someone more awesome than Princess Celestia!” “I doubt the Custodians would let something that doesn’t walk on two legs in his throne room.” Thule said. “If you’re lucky, they’ll toss you in the garden because you conveniently look like an animal from ancient Terra. If you’re not lucky because they deem you a xenos and not from Terra, you’ll probably be dead then.” “Well........” Rainbow Dash stuttered “But all the animals! Maybe if they can put me in the garden, well only for maybe a day.... or so...” Fluttershy said. “She must really like animals." Someone muttered as they kept walking. "So.. what do you do on a daily basis?" Scootaloo asked. "I mean do you fight aliens that try to invade and steal your cows?" "What's a cow?" Thaddeus asked. "I don't think we have any of those." "Not any more that it is. Bos primigenius, was a creature native to Terra and seems to exist here. Was used primarily for it's meat and milk." Martelleus said. "Steal our farm animals?" Thaddeus said. "No. Some aliens just want to kill things. Others dream of conquest, while some we don't even know of their intentions. Then there are the traitors. Those who would try and tear down everything that had taken countless years to build. Wait, a minute... weren't you there when those chaos space marines began to raid you town?" "You mean those big scary guys in the huge armor?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Yeah. We remember. Mister Thaddeus saved many ponies just by himself!" "At least Discord was nice enough to fix everything and every pony who lost their lives." Rarity said. "Some daemon, to fix the damage he had done." Avitus said. "Maybe the other dark gods cast him out because he was too much of a failure." "Well, right now he's a lovely rock statue in Princess Celestia's garden." Rarity said. "And wouldn't it be best if someone made amends to their horrible deeds?" " If that ever happens, it will be miracle." Cyrus said. "I have never met a single traitor who decided to make amends. Once you sell your soul to the dark powers of chaos, you will always be theirs." "What about your other enemies? Haven't they tried to make things up for their past wrongs?" Twilight asked. "Never. I can think of countless..." "Stop right there Tarkus." Angelos said. "The Eldar were more than willing to help me when I had a sorceror to kill. They had tried to warn me. But by not listening to them, that would be a folly I had paid the price of. However, I just wish if we ever have to work together again, the eldar would tell me WHY....." "Eldar. I owe them several debts of vengance." Tarkus said. "So many dead brothers...." "Aye, and let's not forget the necrons." Avitus said. "That's the reason Thule only has one eye now." "I can think of even more foul enemies." Cyrus said. "Reason why I only have one eye as well." "Can we please stop talking about people or things we'd rather not want to see ever again?" Applejack asked. "I mean, have you ever tried to solve your problems?" "Aye, with my bolter." Avitus said gesturing proudly at his weapon. "It's killed more heretics and xenos then dinners you've had." "Trust me. Our people have tried." Thule said. "I can only think of one time it actually worked. And a few times it worked tempoarily. I doubt any long term relations will be built any time soon with any of our countless enemies." "But.... I see an exception." Angelos said. "Tell me, did you say dragons existed in the south?" "Yeah! But you totally don't want to go there. BIG MISTAKE, even for you guys." Rainbow Dash said. "Well.... I have an idea." Angelos said. "But that's for another time." "Liking this planet captain?" Tarkus asked. "I will have to admit, this place would be a crown jewel to any sub-sector. Maybe even a rival to holy Terra. Where else can you find all the native creatures to Terra?" "And sentient versions of a pack animal?" Avitus said. "I like this place too, but I doubt we can ever have people here without having to get rid of the natives." "That wasn't my idea." Angelos said. "I said, it's for sharing another time." "It's beginning to get late." Twilight said watching the sun. "Maybe we should find a place to camp?" "How about that cave?" Scootaloo asked. "It looks fine." "Provided that cave doesn't have a titan-sized animal." Cyrus said. "I will be fine staying there. Judging from some of the predatory creatures of this planet, I don't want to be seen in the open." "Oh... of course not!" Twilight said. "It's only in certain places of the everfree forest! This is just regular treeland!" "Fair enough." Tarkus said. "See anything in that cave?" "No lifeforms detected." Martellus said. "It should be safe for the night." "Alright. No mobs of dragons?" Cyrus said. "What are you worried about anyways?" Rainbow Dash asked. "We saw you all kill two dragons in like ten seconds flat!" "And if we made one mistake, we'd all be dead in ten seconds flat." Thule said. "It happens more than we all think. I made a mistake with the Necron lord and I lost an eye. A few others made a few more, and they lost their lives."
The cave was pretty big and it was located at the foot of a large hill. Getting inside, the ponies and space marines found themselves in a fairly comfortable place. "Apples anyone?" Applejack asked unpacking. The ponies right away helped themselves to the fruit. Avitus watched with a frown as he saw Cyrus and Thaddeus take a few. "Are you really trusting them?" Avitus voxed. "How do we know this doesn't end with us getting knives in the back?" "Does it LOOK like we're going to get knives in the back? From them especially?" Cyrus replied. "While I may not stake my life on them, I think the best we can do is show a level of trust." Avitus sighed and watched with a frown as the two captains also accepted food from the aliens. To a certain degree, he understood why Angelos would accept help from xenos. He had been quite known for such a thing in the past. But the fact Captain Thule was trusting them was rather disturbing to him. However he decided not to say anything in fear of receiving backlash from his brothers.
"Apples. Another relic from Terra." Martellus said. "Our chapter would be forever in glory if we were to ever bring these back." Cyrus said. "To be in possession of the fruit of Terra, I don't think there ever will be any greater honor." "What about defeating chaos?" Someone said. "Nevermind."
Twilight watched the space marines for a while until she got bored. Then taking a notepad and a telescope, she looked up into the night sky. "To think they come from up there." Twilight said as the she made her way to the top of the hill. "Indeed." Jonah said from behinhd her which made the purple unicorn jump. "And to think that most of the stars you see are in fact, owned by the Emperor." "How did he do all of that?" "When you are a god, nothing is impossible." Jonah said. "The same I suppose goes for your princess. While she raises the sun, the Emperor guides his people in a similiar manner." "Why does your Emperor dislike anything that's not human?" Twilight said suddenly looking up into the sky. "That's a rather difficult question to answer. But I think it's roots was that 15,000 years ago, aliens were our oppressors and sworn enemies. Something had to be done, and so it was that our leaders declared that it was time to take vengeance. Many crusades were taken and we had done much to destroy our enemies. Provided of course they were enemies. We had initially allowed a group called the Tau to be left alone. Only to find out a thousand years later that they were gnawing at the outskirts of our great imperium. The Eldar aren't bothered with unless they want war. Captain Angelos at times even seems to have friends in their ranks. While there are some who doubt him, I trust him with my life as do all our brothers." Jonah sat down and took a deep breath watching the purple equine jump around in a circle. "So.... you don't trust others merely because of a bad experience you had?" Twilight asked. "I am sure out there, there are those who would be more than willing to lend a helping hoof.... or hand." "Like those among your race?" Jonah asked. "What are you talking about? You aided us." Twilight replied. "We wouldn't of beaten Discord without you." "I know. It's fine. Your Princesses opened a portal to allow us to leave. This portal leads straight to sub-sector Aurelia. How they learned of where the exact location of it was or how they managed to do this will be a mystery to me." Jonah said. "You..... can read my mind?" "Indeed I can. I have a feeling that's a trait that's rather uncommon here." Jonah said. "I have my hope that a race of your benevolence truly never has to face with the horrors that we do on a daily basis. This world is untouched for the most part, I would hope it stays that way." Twilight nodded and watched as three fillies in the background began to run up the hill. "Hey Twilight! Looking at the stars?" Applebloom asked. "No, just having a discussion with a friend." Twilight said gesturing at Jonah who at the mention of the word gave a quizzical expression for a few moments but then sat down. [friend, friend/ He thought. A word that he would never expect any alien to use to describe him or any of his brothers. He starred at the sky for a moment for a few seconds and gave a smile for a fraction of a moment. "Best off to bed with you three." Twilight said. "We got more walking tomorrow." The purple unicorn left Jonah alone on the hill to shoo away the three fillies. The librarian looked up into the stars, thinking for a moment about what friendship truly was.
"Is she doing what I think she's doing?" Avitus asked looking up. "Yep. She's on a cloud alright." Cyrus said. "Emperor knows what more we can expect from here." "Can you sleep on a cloud on your planet?" Pinkie asked bouncing right up to the two. "No. Clouds aren't supposed to be that low either." Cyrus said. "How much more walking do we have?" "I'd say another four hours worth." Twilight said holding her map. "I am only wondering how long would it take for you to get off the ground." "And I am wondering if we actually need a warp drive anymore." Thule said to Jonah. The librarian had told his brothers of the conversation with Twilight last night. It seems that all they needed really was just a Thunderhawk. But then there was to consider about WHERE in sub-sector Aurelia was the portal located. So deciding to just stick with the plan, he moved on.
After a few more hours of walking, the group had moved to the top of a grassy hill. Around them, the smell of the plains made a pleasant welcome. "Well, the ship should be about in a few mile radius of this area." Twilight said. "I will have look around." Thaddeus said. "Rest of you stay here." "Can we come?" The three cutie mark crusaders ask at the same time. "Maybe then we can earn our cutie marks!" "Not this talent thing again." Avitus muttered. "Do whatever." Thaddeus said as he got his weapons just in case with the three fillies following him.
"What is that?!" Some voice rang out as Thaddeus and three fillies walked on the dirt road. "Who goes there?" Thaddeus asked taking out his chainsword and bolter in case of trouble. "Sweet Celestia! It can talk!" Another voice said. "Show yourselves!" Thaddeus said his thumb straying to the trigger of the bolter as he waved it around. "Yeah, come out! Stop hiding! Mr. Thaddeus doesn't like tha...." Scootaloo was cut off by Sweetie Belle who put a hoof over her mouth. "Come out. I don't mean any harm." Thaddeus said. "Do you wish to speak?" He asked lowering his weapons. A few moments passed until two ponies walked out from the bushes. A mare and a stallion both who appeared in terrible condition. Both were gaunt eyed and seem to have been injured in some manner. "What happened to you two?" Sweetie Belle asked. "We got attacked by something that walked on two legs." The stallion said. "I hope your friend over there doesn't have anything to do with this." "Why would Mr. Thaddeus hurt anypony? He's a hero!" Applebloom said. "He's saved lives!" "What, by beating ponies to death with that thing in his hand?" The mare said pointing at the chainsword. "Take me to these.... whatever they are." Thaddeus said. "What?! Are you crazy?! These things kill, break or destroy whatever they see!" "Take me to the them. Seems we may have something in common." Thaddeus said. "You really want to buy huh? Well that way." The stallion said pointing down the road. "Now if you excuse us, we don't fancy dying." Thaddeus gave them his thanks then went down the path followed by the cutie mark crusaders.
"What happened here?" Thaddeus said aloud as they walked through a ruined town. From the lack of bodies, it can be safely assumed most of the citizens were able to get away from whatever that was that started to rampage through here. For a few moments, he had hoped that it was his brothers that had gotten here to get them off this planet. But if it truly was his brothers, shouldn't he be hearing something on his vox channel by now? The last thing he needed was another warband of chaos space marines to deal with, but judging from the lack of a giant warp storm and that the natives never said anything about that the attackers looked like him, he dismissed this thought trudging his way through the ruined town with the three fillies he went deep into thought.
"So.... where exactly is the portal or whatever that your rulers opened?" Tarkus asked. "We should of at least been able to of seen SOMETHING last night. You did mention it was still open." "From here, we can't see it. The Princesses have cast a spell so that those who looked in the night sky won't be panicked if we saw some giant red spiral up there. It's only visible if we all somehow managed to go into space." Twilight explained. "And how did you know where the other end is going to be? For all we know, this may lead into the eye of terror, or worse yet, the realm of the dark gods." Jonah said. "Agreed. The chances of something going wrong are just too high for this to be of any reassurance." Cyrus said. "And this to assume anyone notices this massive rift. If I was to be reasonable, the first thing I would do is to make sure no one even get's near something like that." "Come on everyone! No need to be such a sour-pus! This probably step one! Why so hopeless?!" Rainbow Dash asked. "Hope is merely the first step down the road of disappointment." Avitus said. "I once wished that life would become centuries ago. Now I know better, that there never will be a day when this galaxy becomes perfect. Even if that happens, I know I will never live to see it." "Why so down?" Rainbow asked. "Is this really all you do? Just sulk and then find something to murder?" "That's pretty much it." Tarkus said. "Just him though. Some of us here still have dreams and goals to fulfill. While ambition is a dangerous thing, we hope that one day, our fighting in the end will pay off." "Speaking off paying off...... that armor is absolutely fantastic!" Rarity said. "How do you make it? "I didn't make it. Or any of us as a matter of fact." Tarkus said. "It's made from ceramite if that means anything to you." "But it's just so.... beautiful! Ever considered making changes?" "We get those all the time. I have some terminator honors here for example." Tarkus said pointing at the Crux Terminatus on his power armor. "Now.... these idle conversations aside.." Jonah said. "Care to explain HOW your princess learned how to open a rift in the warp? Or was that something they already knew?" "Well... sorta..." Twilight said. "I am not so sure of it myself. Just wondering, where's Thaddeus? He's been gone for a long time now. Oh.... I hope the fillies are all right." "Where is that whelp?" Avitus asked.
Thaddeus was still pondering over what happened when he heard voices. Voices that made him cringe. Stopping immediately and gesturing at the three fillies to do the same. He stopped at a corner to listen. "Az I was seying! These little puny gitz are too hard to catch! Theys run fasta then all of the boyz!" "den run fasta ya gitz! I always haves to do the tinking!" "den they runz even fasta! The boyz are too slow!" "den tell dem grotz that dey needs to run fasta! Gorgutz wants some heads for 'is pointy stik! Thaddeus took a peek to confirm if whether or not an old enemy of mankind was really here. Taking a peak, unfortunately proved this to be true. A nob and two regular boyz were having a heated conversation. Things looked like it was going to end with teef being knocked around. The subject? Why the rest of the boyz were having a hard time catching up to these "punies". "And as I iz saying....." The slugga once again repeating himself but this time, he was cut off by a small yelp. "Wot dat?" "It'z one of dem punies ya git! Catch it and take it's skull for the boss!" The nob said running at the general direction of the scream. "Hoi! Youse boyz over there! Get yaselves over here and help!" From his enhanced vision, Thaddeus could see the rustlings coming from a ruined house. If he was to make a guess, then one of the ponies had gotten trapped underneath. He could also point out about forty orks in the street. Turning around he turned to the cutie mark crusaders. "Run. We have to get out of here." "But we can't just leave some pony! She may need help!" Applebloom said. "Yeah! You saved some pony from a big nasty chaos whatever...." Scootaloo said. "Why can't you do it here?" "You have any idea how many of them are there?" Thaddeus whispered. "This is suicide! The best we can do is maybe we can get help!" "But what if they find her by then?" Applebloom asked. "Then it what do we do?" She had a point. Thaddeus sighed and knew he had to do something. "Maybe we can help!" Applebloom said. "How?! You have any clue what they'll do to you if they find you?" Thaddeus asked. "We may be small Mister. But we can help." Sweetie Belle said. "WE CAN!" She finished with as she saw the look on the space marine's face.
"Youse gitz still hasn't found that puny yet?!" The nob asked. "Youse boyz are useless and oi.... what's that noise?!" "Hey idiots! Come and get me!" Scootaloo said on top of her scooter. "It's one of dem puny gits! Get her!" The Nob said as the orks went after Scootaloo who immediately turned around and went pretty quickly away. A careful observer would note a particular sound was in the air. "What's that noise?" One of the orks asked before getting crushed by a half ton space marine falling from the sky. Likewise, several other orks were knocked off their feet, making them easy prey for Thaddeus as he shot them full of holes or cut them to bloody ribbons. The sound of the screams and screeching of the chainsword made Scootaloo turn around to a sight which she lost her lunch on. "Boss! There's a Humie that's stomping all the boyz!" "Now dere's a good fight! Let's show the Humie who's boss around here!" The Nob said picking up a big choppa.
"Ugh... look at him go." Sweetie Belle said watching Thaddeus cut several Orks to pieces. One ork ran in front of him wildly swinging a weapon that looked like an axe. This ended with the ork getting a bolter round in the face. Another few tried to swarm him with many axe and swordlike things that resembled the one Thaddeus carried. "Go get 'em Thaddeus!" Applebloom said as they saw Thaddeus take out like five orks over the course of a few seconds. "Whoa..... that's a big one." Sweetie Belle said pointing at the Nob with a BIG axe who was slowly moving for Thaddeus.
Thaddeus punched the Ork in front of him straight in the face sending several bits of teef flying and laying his opponent low. From the swarm of orks that rushed him, he could see a big ork behind all of them. Most likely a nob as they called them. "Outta me way ya gitz! This fight's MINE!" The nob said pushing several Orks away. "Youse fight good humie! But I fights betta!" He said swinging his Choppa forcing Thaddeus back. "I think Mr. Thaddeus may need our help with this one." Scootaloo said making her way back with her friends. "But how?! He's so big! We may only just get in the way!" Applebloom said. "I have an idea! Why don't we....................................... and then we'll get our cutie marks in fighting aliens!" Sweetie Belle said.
This ork really knew how to handle himself. Thaddeus thought as they exchanged blows once again. He was however a bit too slow with the last one and got himself knocked back a few paces. Seeing his chance the Ork then headbutted Thaddeus down who in a few acts of desperation kicked at the Ork's foot knocking him down as well. They both were equally as fast in getting up and getting their weapons, but what maybe no one would ever be fast enough in doing was avoiding a massive bed that fell on the Nob's head stunning him temporarily. Seizing his chance, Thaddeus lunged for the Nob with a savage blow from the chainsword that beheaded the ork. "Oi! That fing fell on 'is 'ead! That ain''t fair!" One of the orks said. "Look! It's dose puny gits! Sneaky punies!" Another ork said. "LOOK OUT YA GITS! THE HUMIE IS STOMPIN......." The ork's sentence was cut short by a chainsword that went straight through him. In a few moments, all the orks in the street met a similar fate.
"Alright girls! Did we get our cutie marks yet? What do you they look like?" "Nope yet I say girls! But thanks for saving my skin back there!" A brown stallion said. "And thank you...... um... well whatever you happen to call yourself, you gave those ruffians a dashed good walloping!" "My name is Thaddeus. What's your name?" Thaddeus asked the stallion who was able to free himself from the rubble. "My name is Turner Hooves! My family calls me Time Turner while those come to my shop call me Doctor Hooves! I work with clocks and such as well as a secret little project I won't mention as of now! But say good chap, are you hurt?" "Of course not!" Scootaloo said. "Mr. Thaddeus is a hero! Heroes don't get hurt." "I'd hate to disappoint you lass but your friend has some blood on his head." Dr. Hooves said pointing at the space marine's head. "I'll be fine." Thaddeus said. "Just a minor wound. But we best get out of here. Soon there will be thousands of Orks here." "Orks, so that's what those smelly buggers are called! Well lead the way chap! What are you called by the way?" "Well, I am a member of the adeptus astartes, or space marines. Or human. Which ever you prefer." "So you're from space eh? Sounds like you have a lot of stories to share!" "I always do with these three following me." Thaddeus whispered. "But they were helpful today. Hope the same can be said later. But for now. We must return to my comrades. It's safe there."
"Doctor! Didn't know I'd find you out here." Twilight said as she watched the four return. "I didn't either Ms.Sparkle! Nor did I expect something called a human to save my skin from a bunch of nasty green ruffians that call themselves orks!" The doctor said. "I was just visiting a few friends and land in a bloody warzone! And I say, more humans! Are they like deciding to live in Equestria?" "No." Avitus said flatly. "We were actually just leaving until now we get Orks to deal with. On the bright side, something to kill finally." "Now Orks.... too." Thule sighed. "Thaddeus any clue on who there warboss is?" "I think he's called gorgutz." "Not him again......" Thule sighed again. "Alright. We find the warboss. He's mine. His head belongs to me. He escaped twice in the past. He will not here." "These humans must really like fighting." Hooves said. "Say, good chap ever considered talking it out with those on your bad side?" "I do all the time from the barrel of my bolter." Thule said taking up his bolter. "Alright space marines, arm yourselves. We have greenskins to kill." The space marines looked ready to kill, but just then... something came out of the trees. The space marines got ready to kill. But all that came out was a baby dragon panting from fatigue. "SPIKE?!" Everyone said at the same time. "What are you doing here?" Twilight asked. "I thought I told you to take care of the library!" "I know! But it's a letter from Princess Celestia!" Spike said then turning to the space marines he said. "We got a problem across southern Equestria there are these big green...." "Orks." Martellus said. "Orks, rampaging everywhere! Princess Celestia herself is with a full detachment of the royal guard!" Spike said panicking. "So.... first chaos, now Orks. It seems everything in the universe just likes to chase us wherever we are." Angelos said. "Alright marines, we got some Orks to kill."
"Twiley!" Shining Armor said giving his little sister a hug. "Thanks for coming!" "Good to see you too! How's it going?" Twilight said. "Not well. These whatever they are...." "Orks." Martellus said. "Who let him in here?" Shining Armor asked glaring at nearby guards. "No, no. They're here to help! I know you may not of had the best experiences with each other... but... please.. there here to help." Cadence said to her indignant husband. "Indeed we are." Cyrus said. "I analyzed your defenses. Your defensive strategy is good. The only thing good about your army aside from you. These so-called royal guard are amongst the most incompetent soldiers I've ever met. Most of them panic at the sight of more than a small group of Orks. This low amount of discipline is worse than a chaos space marine warband." "Well, you have a better idea?" Shining Armor asked. "Indeed I do. In fact, my brothers and I will personally oversee this. I want a group of your best me... I mean ponies in terms of subtlety." Cyrus said. "So... hit them hard where it hurts with a bunch of stealth teams?" Shining Armor asked. "Fair enough. I have yet to join the fight myself." "Maybe the presence of an actual fighter can rally this broken band of soldiers." Cyrus said. "While morale is at an all time low, whatever "armor" your people use are of little protection. They however don't seem to restrict mobility aside from their weight." "The logical course of action will be to set up a defensive perimeter." Martellus said. "Avitus. You know what to do." "On it." The devastator said taking his heavy bolter. " "Excellent. Positioning is fine." Cyrus said noting the large hill. "I doubt however a charge can be ever used. Your kind seem to be ill-suited for war." "Save for the psykers in their army." Jonah said. "While most are of fairly rudimental in raw power, there are many who I consider on the same level as those of our own. We can use those to strike at the orks where it hurts the most. The most important thing to do should be eliminating the bigger orks. Then the smaller ones will turn out to be sitting ducks in the end as a lack of a common leader can cause chaos in their ranks." Shining waved them over with a hoof. Time to discuss strategy and about his enemies.
"The damn orks don't seem to be getting any fewer." Avitus said walking down to a camp fire the space marines made. "If I hadn't slain hundreds of them already, they are still going strong." "I feel as though this defensive strategy that codex astartes recommends isn't a permanent solution." Cyrus said. "Indeed." Thule agreed. "Warboss Gortgutz maybe a greenskin, but he's not stupid. He's been able to slay a powerful chaos lord and escape the imperium twice. It won't be long before he formulates a proper plan to defeat this defense. The natives of this planet really need to learn how to fight." "Aye." Avitus said. "I may as well as of had babes pick up lasguns and try to stop a chaos warband. Why are we helping these damn xenos anyways? Wouldn't it be smarter just to leave them to destroy each other?" "Where is your pride Avitus?" Tarkus said. "These ponies need us as much as we probably needed them. They were nice enough to help us find a way off this planet." "Aye, as well as send an entire ork wagh upon us. They're nothing but trouble." "And who knows?" Thaddeus said. "Maybe right as we speak Gordian may be arriving with the Litany Of Fury coming to help us. The Emperor protects." "Then let none find us wanting." Angelos said. "Alright space marines, we have more orks to purge. I have an idea." "Let's hear it." "We attack the orks head on." "WHAT?!" Every space marine said at the same time. "With all due respect captain, that's not a very good idea." "Codex astartes would not recommend this." "Tactical analysis shows many orks. We would be heavily outnumbered. Outmatched once they bring in any heavy weapons." "I understand my brothers." Angelos said. "But from what I know, these orks have no way of getting any reinforcements. No more orks will come or be attracted to this wagh. If we can smash the morale of these orks, then I think we can easily defeat them." "Yes. Remember, if we can eliminate their leaders, we can cause some havoc in their ranks." Thule said remembering his experience on Kronus. "I am still not too sure about this." Thaddeus said. "There are maybe thousands of orks and only a few of us." "I don't doubt the captain one bit Thaddeus." Tarkus said. "You shouldn't either. "I must agree with Tarkus on this one." Cyrus said. "What can seven of us do against a few thousand green skins? With luck, we'll kill hundreds but....." "That's where you're wrong!" Pinkie Pie said bouncing into the camp fire. "We'll help! It's will be a blast!" "What in the Emperor's na...." "You think we'd let you just all go in there and get killed? Think again." Rainbow Dash said. "If you're going to go on some crazy mission fighting aliens, I think I want to come too!" "Well...." "And I am coming along too! Fighting isn't really my thing of course, but maybe I do need to get a little excitement once in a while." Rarity said coming along. "Ah reckon I can buck a few of these green things...." Applejack said joining them. "I think I can maybe try to reason with them! Or practice my magic on them." Twilight said. "Well, if you're all interested in.... wait aren't there six of you?" Jonah said suddenly. "Eh..... yes...... um....maybe... I should stay ba...." Fluttershy stuttered. "Fluttershy! We need you! Maybe your medical knowledge can be of use! The royal guard get hurt and they will need your help!" Twilight coaxed. "Great. So they will be coming too?" "Best we've got." Tarkus said. "We've got plenty of Orks to kill. The best we can do is accept their aid."
"Wat? Humie boys are here too?!" Gorgutz asked "I'ves got too many of deir heads on me pointy stik! end where are der puny bosses?" "Over dier!" The nob said pointing at the general direction of where the equestrian line of defense lay. "Alrighty..... den.... let's get to the good ol' waghhh! Alright youse gits who wants ta fight?!" "'Ere we go! WAGGGHHHHHH!"
"You hear that?" One of the guards said to his partner. "That rumbling noise." "Take a look." The other guard said. The first guard who happened to be a Pegasus, flew up to a good position where he perched to have a good look. What he saw, made his jaw drop. "WE GOT A LARGE WAVE OF THEM INCOMING!" He screamed to his comrades. "Already?" Shining Armor asked. "When's Princess Celestia and our reinforcements going to be here?!" He asked to one of his subordinates. "Half an hour!" "We'll have to hold out till then!" Shining Armor said performing his shield spell as he went to the top of the hill while firing beams of magic down at the orks.
"Hoi, boss!" One of the boys said to Gorgutz. "Dat one over dere he looks like a puny boss." "He does! I sure 'ope dat puny boss doesn't break as easily as the rest of 'is gits!" This hope came true when an ork who was faster than the rest made it to the top of the hill. Shining Armor bounded over and sent a kick at the Ork's face sending him crashing down the hill. Without warning, lightning bolts began to strike the ork mob. "Boss! De boyz are getting zapped by some weird stuff!" And as Thule's analysis was, Gorgutz wasn't stupid. Looking up, he saw pegasi bouncing up on black clouds which sent down lightning bolts at his boys. "Shoot dose puny gits on dem clouds!" "Wut?!" "Do it ya grot!" With some hesitation, the orks fired their shootas at the pegasi. While the orks were horrendously bad at aiming, what they did forced all of the pegasi to get off from those positions and seek cover or be shot.
"And dats more like it! Up the hill boys!"
"Thought we could help!" Tarkus said as he ran up the hill and fired his bolter into the giant tidal wave of Orks. Likewise his brothers came bounding up the hill to do the same. "That's Warboss gorgutz headhunter." Thule said. "Same ork that escaped me on Krouns. When I claim his head, our enemies will know that no one escapes the blood ravens. "Where's that pony captain?" Cyrus asked. "They kill him and whatever we call this mob collapses like a sack of grain." "Over there!" One of the royal guards said pointing at the other side of the hill. "That's where the bulk of them are!" "Martellus, Avitus and Jonah will stay here." Angelos said. "Let's go get him old friend." "Will do!" Thule said smiling. "Onward!"
Shining Armor gritted his teeth as he sent one of his beams through another ork. The situation was looking grim. Little by little, these brutish invaders had been able to make their way up the hill. Many of his guardponies had died trying to hold the hill while others simply ran from fear. The ones still alive and loyally with him were being cut to pieces. "Try and hold them as long as you can!" Shining Armor yelled desperately once again raining down magical beams against the Orks. One particular glory seeking ork had managed to make it past the massive mob of ponies that had been fighting alongside Shining. When the captain of the royal guard had his back turned, the ork jumped for the kill..... kicking the captain to the ground.
The attack had disoriented Shining, for a while, he was too dazzled to do anything, all he saw was his life flashing before his eyes..... and blood and gore flying. When his eye sight turned back to normal, he saw the Ork's head was pretty much missing. And Cyrus standing over him with his sniper rifle.
"Back to the front?" "Indeed." Cyrus said. "I hope it's honestly not just the four of you." Shining Armor said pointing at the massive wave of orks. "Us four is a lot." Tarkus said. "Plus, we got them." The tactical marine pointed at the massive army of ponies that soon made themselves seen. As well as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna themselves. Shining Armor smiled watching the orks being routed. About time things went his way.
"Wut?! A giant mob of puny boys?! And their stomping all of me boys?!" "And two big humie bosses! They stomping and shooting all the boys and wez run back!" "Ya stupid grot!" In a fit of anger, Gorgutz picked up the Ork and threw him. "Dem humies and punies may of won these here fight! But I will win the WAGH!"
Thaddeus was looked at the dead orks. He was almost knee deep in corpses, from where he stood he saw many members of the royal guard throwing up. It was clear many of them have never been exposed to any real level of combat. Elsewhere, Thule and Angelos looked from the hill all covered in blood with the two Princesses behind them. "They will be back." Thule said. "Gorgutz never accepts defeat." "And that is why we have to kill him here and now or he will only return to cause more grief." Angelos said. "All of this horror." Luna said. "It has never of been here in Equestria." "Well. It's here now." Thule said. "Now then, we're only just lucky the other end of the rift led to some random section in space. Had it been say..... the eye of terror or worse, the realm of chaos, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Now how did you where sub-sector Aurelia is or do you even?! Did you just ASSUME that any section of the space is of the Imperium?!" "No...... We truly thought we knew." Celestia said. "We were able to find out after accessing some...... knowledge that had been kept locked up for some time." "What do you mean?" Angelos asked. "What else do you know?" "Well, we did end up...." Luna said nervously. "Taking a look in your heads....." "Don't you dare try anything." Thule said. "We won't. We can promise you that." Celestia said trying to calm the space marine. "We just went to see where you came from. We can assure you that. We simply have a particular way of looking at the stars, well just Luna and I. We found where you came from and used our magic to open a portal there. How these things got through, I am not sure." "Unless Sub-sector Aurelia got overrun by Orks." Thule said. "My only guess can be is that they just happened to be sucked in in a similar manner to how we got here. But something bothers me....... how did you know how to open a warp rift?" "Well, that is for another time............" Luna said. "We can show you later after we sort this all out." "Very well." Angelos said. "But cross us..." Here he gestured at all the dead bodies of orks. Celestia and Luna had both seen first hand the space marines had for the most part single-handedly slaughtered these hundreds of so orks by themselves. What they could potentially do to Equestria, none of them really wanted to think about that.
"Orks." Cyrus said to all the ponies in the area. "While they may be numerous and strong, keep in mind that Orks are not very intelligent and their organization is terrible." "The leader of this ork wagh is called Gorgutz" Angelos said. "You'll probably know him because he is the biggest ork. When it comes to these savages, whomever is the largest is normally the one in charge. If you find any ork slightly larger than the other ones. Kill him first. It'll cause some carnage in the ork ranks."
They were done for now. And so, the ponies got up and left to go and do whatever they had to. Thule got up and walked to Angelos. "I've probably said this a trillion times by now, but are you sure this is a good idea?" Thule said looking around in paranoia. "Are we honestly going to have to trust these xenos? We've been aiding them for far too long! This is almost heretical!" "Yes, and why not kill them all? All they've done is cause more trouble for us. Killing them would end all our problems for the time being." Avitus said. "What do you mean it'll end our problems?" Tarkus asked. "The only thing that'll do is deprive us of any potential help we can get." "Indeed." Cyrus said. "I'll be honest with everyone and myself, I am not too comfortable standing by a bunch of xenos. Only Angelos here would have any experience in that." "Why would anyone here doubt Captain Angelos?" Thaddeus asked. "We all know by now that we should trust him. When was the last time that we listened to his word and something bad befell us? Never." "Well said, Thaddeus." Tarkus said. "I don't think the ponies could be of any major threat to us." Martellus said. "I think our best course of action will just to see how this plays out." Jonah said. Murmurs of doubt and agreement were heard around the space marines as they once again got into a heated debate.
"Look at them, sister." Luna said. "I never thought I'd ever meet beings of such...... despair." "Hate and violence seem all to natural to them." Celestia said in agreement. "But it's not like we could judge them." \ "We can't. But do you think we can convince them of... better ways?" "As much as I want to say yes, we all know the answer to this question." Celestia took another look at the arguing space marines and shook her head. "Now they're having an argument over killing." "These humans must love violence." Luna said. "What in the whole wide universe could make anyone like that?" "Maybe it's the same thing that made the orks so violent." Celestia said. "Nevertheless, humans don't seem to know harmony too well." "Maybe most of us don't. But there was one of us who a vision." Both Princesses nearly jumped out of their skin from the voice behind them. It was Jonah Orion. "The Emperor once sought to guide humanity to a new age." Jonah said. "It almost succeeded." "What happened?" The two princesses asked. "It was the damned traitor Horus. He was once the Emperor's most favored son. However, the forces of chaos corrupted him like none other. It was then our great Imperium was plunged into civil war. In the end, the Emperor slew horus, but at the price of his own body. His body is physically dead by now. But in the warp, his soul remains constant, battling the foul gods that reside there." "About this Horus...." Luna said interested. "What was he like?" "Just like you." "I beg your pardon?" "I can read your mind, Luna." Jonah said. "I know of what happened. Your betrayed your family and friends out of jealousy and resentment. As did Horus for the same reasons. Both of you were corrupted by something out of your control. Horus never realized he was being manipulated. He never will. But at least you have a second chance. You should be grateful for that." Luna was speechless and was comforted by Celestia both knowing that the librarian was right. Horus had been killed and Luna was still alive and kicking. She hung her head for a few moments before once again looking up. "Can you tell me more about Horus?" "As a matter of fact, I can and I will." Jonah said. "Let's begin."
"About ten-thousand years ago." Jonah said beginning his story. "The Emperor had managed to reunite humanity under his rule. However, even before that we had already taken to the stars. So the Emperor set off on the great crusade where he sought to reunite humanity. His plan was to create twenty legions of space marines, soldiers that he himself would create. They would be his shield against terror, they were his space marines. To lead them, he also created the primarchs, These great men were his own children. They were however scattered across the stars which he ended up embarking to find them and then went on his great crusade. To put everything in a nutshell, the great crusade ended in success. After a while, the Emperor wished to complete his final project. Which no one really knows. However, he had left Horus in command. Horus out of jealousy and resentment later was corrupted by chaos and rebelled. The war that followed ended with brother fighting brother as the primarchs each picked sides in the conflict. In the end however, Horus was killed when he tried to attack holy Terra itself. The Emperor had destroyed him completely, to the point that not even his soul would remain. The Emperor himself however had been mortally wounded in the battle with Horus and we had to place him in the golden throne which keeps him alive at the cost of 1,000 souls everyday. Only a small price to pay however as without him, warp travel would be impossible and the vile powers of chaos would be unleashed upon the galaxy. And..... I'd be surprised if this doesn't sound awfully familiar to the both of you. If a both of you were to die, this planet too would also be dead." "It does..... I was just like Horus....." Luna said. "Well, luckier that is." "1,000 souls?" Celestia asked. "So 1,000 people are sacrificed everyday?" "It's a tiny price to pay." Jonah said. "Look up into the stars at night. In just the few viewable stars you may have already seen trillions upon trillions of us. 1,000 souls is nothing." "So your civilization has been around for 10,000 years?" "More. Human civilization had been around for as much as 45,000 years. You know... on ancient Terra there used to be things like you." Jonah said waving Martellus over. "Equus ferus caballus." Martellus droned. "Was used as a pack animal and a beast of burden by our ancestors. They had gone extinct during the 27th millennium though some may exist in the Emperor's garden. And not just the equines in general, almost everything on this planet once belonged to Terra. Whether it's actually of existed or in stories and legends." "A great honor it is, to have seen ancient Terra unspoiled by the scum that would sacrifice even their own brothers for the sake of power." Jonah said. "It is by far, tens of thousands of more times dangerous than these brutes we call orks. Our moon is referred to as Luna." Luna and Celestia looked at each other finding this rather humorous. "And..... what's your stance on others?" Celestia then asked. "What do you mean?" "You seem to have a tendency to call things not human. "Xenos" "Ah.... yes." Jonah said. "It's very complicated." "Librarian...... I need your honest opinion. What are you views on this planet and it's inhabitants?" Celestia asked. "I think I don't mind it too much...." Jonah said slowly. "Captain Angelos, Martellus, Tarkus and Thaddeus share this. Cyrus, Avitus and Captain Thule however..... aren't too trusting. Cyrus is simply uncomfortable with xenos around, Avitus flat out hats xenos and the same goes for Thule." "And what do you intend to do after you leave? Are you going to kill us too like how you do with most of your enemies?" "I have no say in this." Jonah said. "And that question really makes me feel uncomfortable." "I was only teasing." Luna said giving a friendly smile. Jonah nodded and played alone trying to lighten the mood as the other natives shot them fearful glances. "Librarian." Cyrus voxed. "The orks are still in disarray. We're going to need your help to advance." "I will make my way there." He said as he ran to the direction of where Cyrus was. Time to stop a wagh.
"Look over there!" Tarkus said pointing at a looted tank. "Loots like the orks are deploying their armored units." "Then we show them the fury of the Emperor." Avitus said grabbing a lascannon. "Alright here's the plan." Cyrus said as Thaddeus, Avitus and Tarkus all gathered around him and began to whisper.
"'Ere we go boys! Dose punies and humies won't stand a chance now!" A mek said moving with the tank. "And oi! What just happened?!" "Da tank is busted!" The driver said crawling out. "I always haveta fix all yer messes you stupid grots!" The mek said annoyed as he went over to inspect. Without warning, a brilliant blue beam hit the tank making an explosion that sent several orks flying. "It's da humies!" Some ork yelled out as Tarkus and Thaddeus ran straight at the orks. "Dere's only two of dem! Bash those humies!" A nob said as they got their weapons. All of a sudden, the nob sighed and fell down with a sizable hole in his head. "Oi! Dere's one of dem humie sni..." This ork's sentence was also cut short by a sniper rifle. Panic insured as the orks milled about trying to decide which was more important. The hidden sniper or the two space marines. To make matters worse for the orks another space marine cam flying out of nowhere landing on the group of orks scattering them more. The scattered and panicking orks were soon massacred with ease.
"Look... at that." Shining Armor said watching the space marines mop up any ork who tried running before returning to a ditch on the hill. "If only my ponies could fight like that." "Why would you want your men to be like those brutes?" Rarity asked. "They just kill... and kill and kill!" "Yeah!" Sweetie Belle chimed in. "Those.... um..... space marines only like to shoot and chop things!" "You know. Why do they hate almost everything?" Scootaloo asked. "There's an old proverb." Twilight said. "It's that those who were never loved only hate. From what Princess Celestia said, they really haven't been exposed to much of that. Maybe they should try and learn the power of friendship!" "I have a feeling their probably going to be familiar with that." Rainbow Dash said. "Those guys never leave each other's side." "And they call each other brothers......" Rarity said. "That's one large family." "Their not ACTUALLY related Rarity!" Twilight said. "It's that they have a brotherhood where they are supposed to treat each other as such. "Oh. I thought they didn't look very similar. What do you think their doing now?" "Probably planning on which poor critter get's killed next. Hope it's some of dem nasty ork things." "I made them some salad." Fluttershy said. "You think they'll like it?" She gestured at the baskets she held at her sides. "And I make them some baked goods!" Pinkie exclaimed showing off all sorts of baked goods. "Where'd she get the oven?" Applejack asked scratching her head. "It's Pinkie." Twilight said. "Don't question her." "Sending them food? I'll be surprised they won't eat you alive!" Rainbow Dash said. "Oh please Rainbow Dash, they don't eat ponies." Twilight said. "Tell you what girls, I'll come with you! Maybe I can get to know a bit more about their diet!"
"Cyrus, look, a few xenos are coming over here." Tarkus said pointing at the three ponies. "What now?" Avitus asked. "Bothering us again with their endless questions? Or telling us once again somethings wrong?" "No. I think their bringing us food." Thaddeus said. "So... their going to try and poison us now? They must take us for fools." Avitus said. "Highly unlikely. We're the only thing that has kept the orks at bay. I am interested in what they have to say though. Curb your tongue when they are here though." Cyrus said glaring at Avitus.
"Hi........" Twilight said awkwardly. "We're just wondering if you would like anything to eat........." She smiled nervously at the space marines, especially the one they called Avitus. Tarkus went over to inspect the contents of what they brought them grabbing a vanilla cupcake and taking whiff of it's aroma. "Rather high in carbohydrates." Tarkus said. "But fit for consumption." Finishing his sentence, he took a bite and gave a nod of approval. "No meat." Cyrus said with a frown. Not that he expected it. From Martellus' analysis, equines did not eat any other animals. Didn't bother him too much save that Tarkus was accepting food from xenos. But then thinking to himself, Angelos would probably be nodding his head in approval if this was happening........ of course with the chapter master and any other figure of authority in the chapter end up thinking they were heretics. But considering the already terrible figures of authority in the chapter save for a few, Cyrus was willing to let this one slide and do what Angelos would of done. Reaching out, he took some sliced oranges and savored the sweet and sour taste. "So.... what do humans eat exactly?" Twilight looked watching all the space marines save for Avitus take to the food. "Well..... we normally eat tasteless nutrient bars when out on another planet." Tarkus said. "At home, just any local food. Mostly the same as on your planet save we'd probably be eating meat as well. Something Martellus pointed out your diet lacked." "How much do you need to eat?" Twilight asked scribbling this down. "We usually consume around two and a half ounces of red meat daily." Thaddeus said. "Another way to measure the amount of protein we require is to multiply ones body weight in kilograms by .8." "So how's the cupcakes?!" Pinkie Pie asked after a while bouncing up and down while Twilight continued to watch with a fascinated smile. "Fine. Fine." Tarkus said. "We best be getting back to fighting the orks though." "If you're done accepting food from xenos than I think it's time we went down there and take the fight to them. Captain Thule wants this done by tommorow." Avitus said. "What is it this time?" Thaddeus asked. "Thule wants us to continue disrupting the orks to prevent them from massing. Intelligence suggest that all the orks are spread out but Gorgutz has built a fortress over there." Cyrus said his enhanced vision showing a poorly built orkhold. "That is Gorgutz primary base of operation. We kill all his orks and we are done with it." "Then we best attack undercover of the night." Tarkus said. "Alright, then stealth will have to be our friend." "What about us?!" Pinkie Pie asked jumping up and down. "WILL YOU BE FRIENDS WITH ME?!" "If you can provide us with a guide that can sit still for longer than a harlequin." Cyrus said. "Subtly is needed. Not senseless jumping up and done." "I can!" Twilight said. "I've been around here for some time. Can you come with me Fluttershy?" "Um..... okay." "This isn't another one of your hiding missions?" Avitus asked Cyrus with contempt. "You're free not to come along." Cyrus replied, his voice dripping with venom. "I'd rather have someone who for once can be quiet and listen." "So.... is it just us three?" Thaddeus asked. "From the way things are looking, I doubt Avitus wants to come along." "Someone get Jonah." Tarkus said. "He will probably be of use." Turning to Twilight he whispered. "Are you sure that one should be brought along? She's afraid of her own shadow!" "No she's not! She faced down a dragon on her own before!" Twilight said to a baffled Tarkus. "We'll find out tonight." Cyrus said evidently hearing them. "But I want to know all the ways to attack those orks. Hopefully their encampment runs by that river." "Well......." Twilight said as she told the space marines her plan.
"Shhhh!" Twilight hissed as she pointed at the ork patrol. The dark grassland fell dead silent. "And as I is saying!" One of the orks said. "Dose puny gits aint so tuff!" "And what about dem humies?! Dere's two humie bosses ya git!" "Humies ain't so tuff." "Dat's what you think ya grot! Dem humie bosses stomped all da boyz!" "Well dat's cause dem scum is so weak! Dem puny gits can't even fight! 'Cept for dat purple one. He knew how ter fight." "oi said dem HUMIES ya stupid git!" "Don'ts call me stupid. I's got der brains here!" "And oi! I tawt I saw dat rock move!" "Youse a crazy git! Keep moving!" "And look! Dat grass is moving!" "nore it! It's only graz."
The grass kept budging. Until without warning. One of the Orks was pulled down screaming. His screams stopped with a loud gurgling noise. The other orks immediately ran over to see what happened. "Oi! Somefing killed 'im! I's dinks it's a knoife!" That "somefing" once again returned as another ork was pulled down into the grass and was promptly stabbed to death. "It's da marine boyz!" Some ork yelled before something out of the shadows stepped out and stabbed him in the back of the head. Similar fates began to befall all the other orks. "Oh... my... the poor...." "Save your pity for others." Cyrus said. "These savages would of ripped you apart had they seen you. Now keep moving." "How much farther?" Tarkus asked Cyrus as they kept moving. "I'd say about another few minutes provided there's no more distractions like this." Cyrus said as they trudged through the cold night. "Speaking of which, another ork patrol. Remember, be silent." With this, the space marines began to slowly make their way to one of the ork encampments, one patrol at a time.
"Boss! I fink we lost some boyz!" "Whadeya mean we lost some boyz?!" "I can't find dem anywere!" "Den go and find dem youse git!" Gorgutz replied. "If anyting, I fink dose humie gits are doing something weird!" The warboss began to think for a moment almost worrying about the space marines, but then decided that they were of no concern. After all no one was bigger or meaner than an ork and no ork was bigger and meaner than him.
"Ork encampment ahead." Thaddeus said pointing at several huts and a large dump of weapons. "Twilight." Cyrus said at the purple unicorn. "Now then, do you know any spells that are fire related?" "Well I do know...."
"Too bad these punies don't have lots of gunz." A loota said as he polished off his bolter not noticing a scout marine and a purple unicorn. "Dose punies hardly has anyting!" Another loota said. "Dey are only weak scum that deserves to get stomped by us da orks!" "Wes the lootas! And theys got no gunz! Why den ar we even here?!" "Because dem other humies chased us here ya git! If it hadn't been for dose stupid humies we never woulda been here! And wat's dat smell?" "Smells like.... FOIRE!" The "foire" was placed right at the place where the orks would least want it. Right in the largest pile of ammunition and weapons. Any ork who was smart.... (most suprisingly) decided to make a run for it, others tried to retrieve anything they could lay their green hands on in an attempt to save whatever they could. This ended in a massive detonation that lit up the entire grassland and causing a massive fire.
From a safe distance, Cyrus gave a satisfied chuckle while Twilight still panted extremely hard from all the running hoping she would never have to end up doing anything like that again. "Can't give up now." Tarkus said listening to Twilight's complaints. "We still got all their other equipment to cripple." "If I know the orks right. They should have their squiggoths somewhere." Jonah said. "Over there." Thaddeus said pointing at another encampment. "I think I heard noises when we made our way here I heard something." "Now is it true this one can talk to animals?" Jonah asked Twilight pointing to Fluttershy. "Yeah..... are these...." "Squiggoths are war beasts used by the orks. Though we can use them to our advantage....." Thaddeus said with a grin of mischief. "But.... what if that goes wrong? Like it rampages where we don't want it to rampage?" "On top of the orks? That's exactly where I plan on having them go mad." Cyrus said. "Come along now, we got more walking to do." "Yes.... can we get this done quickly?" Fluttershy asked. "It's just that...." "She's afraid of the dark." Jonah said doing a facepalm. "Anyways, let's keep moving."
It's just that they're BIG FEROCIOUS STOMPING LIZARDS!
"Well you stop that?!" Cyrus hissed at Fluttershy who was pretty much clinging on to his leg. "That's getting more irritating then that pink one jumping up and down." "Oh.... sorry....." Fluttershy stuttered as she got down and still walked awfully close to a very annoyed Cyrus who began to grumble. "I honestly hope this is worth bringing her along." Jonah said turning to Twilight. "We said the same thing when we brought her to take care of a dragon." Twilight replied. "It went well." "I honestly can't imagine you fighting dragons." Thaddeus snickered. "Like Tarkus said... that one is afraid of her own shadow." "We didn't fight it. We just politely told it to move." Twilight continued. "If we let it go on, it's snoring may of covered untold miles of Equestria with smog!" "So.... you asked...it to move...and it moved?" Tarkus asked. "Maybe I can try that next time we have daemons knocking on our door." "Maybe if you asked it nicely it will leave." Fluttershy said floating next to Tarkus. "Oh, it'll leave alright. Leave a nice mountain of bodies." Tarkus grumbled. "You're starting to remind me of Avitus." Thaddeus said. "Can we just go on and not have to argue about how miniature horses somehow manage to get dragons to move?" "Thaddeus, your sensibility is something I have begun to admire." Cyrus said turning back. When he turned back around he quickly once again turned around and hid behind a tree instructing others to do the same. "Orks! Lot's of them! Coming this way!"
"As I told ya, dey torched de pile of gunz!" A loota said to a nob. "Dem sneaky little punies!" "I fink it was dem humie gits!" Another loota said. "methinks punies aren't so smart!" "Maybe it was both?" Someone suggested. "Maybe! 'ecause twas humies who chased us here in der first place!" As the orks continued to argue amongst themselves over who it was that had brought the misfortune of landing on Equestria on them. Twilght looked around and saw Jonah, Tarkus and Fluttershy who was..... disguised as a tree. "Where's Cyrus and Tarkus?!" Twilight ran over in a panicked voice. "I could of sworn I saw them a minute ago!" To answer her question. A large explosion illuminated this section of the grassland sending several body parts flying. After a few sounds of the teeth of a chainsword cutting through flesh with some screaming, Cyrus and Thaddeus came back covered in blood. "Good job, Thaddeus." Cyrus said. "Worked better than I thought." "How did you do that?!" Twilight asked. "You were there a minute ago!" "Just because he's big doesn't mean he's slow." Fluttershy said. "Harry can run fast." "And for some odd reason, she can disguise as a tree." Jonah said. "Emperor knows how that works." "Forget it. Keep moving." Tarkus said as the six continued on wards to where the orks kept their Squiggoths."
"WAT?! Dem humies and punies kill more of me boys?! I won't have enough boys to wage a proper WAAAAAAAGGHHH if dis keeps up!" Gorgutz raged once again picking up a random ork and throwing him for a few dozen feet. "Deys first torched the gunz and den they kill more boys! Dese humies are big and mean!" "And dem punies are sneaky too! Wez can't even find dem!" As to the space marines analysis, Gorgtuz wasn't stupid. While he continued to rage about his orks getting killed and his equipment getting destroyed he carefully decided to think for a moment. If the humans had decided to attack his equipment then where would they strike next? Judging from the fact that his boys never found anyone, it can be safely assumed they're not in big numbers. "Stop da hunting squads!" Gorgutz yelled out to a nob who was handpicking a squad. "Dem humies only want us to do dat!" "Den what do we do boss?! We's can't just let 'em destroy our property. Dat ain't right!" "Ya PROTECT ya stupid property you grot! Dat's what you do. When deh humies and punies arrive to torch our stuff, den we teach 'em good and proper dat theys don't as much as TOUCH ol' warboss gorgutz's stuff!"
"Typical of Orks." Jonah commented. "They're awful when it comes to construction." "I am surprised they can hold things of that size!" Twilight said in awe of the terribly built pens. "The only reason they haven't torn that place down is because of him." Cyrus said pointing at the handler. But judging from the amount of Orks guarding the place. I doubt I can get a good shot on and I am not risking our lives over some over-glorified assualt. But.... it's time we found whether or not bringing HER alone is a good idea." Grabbing Fluttershy with one arm he pointed at the squiggoths. "Can you sneak in and get those squiggoths to turn on their owners?" "But... wouldn't that hurt them?" "OF COURSE IT WOULD!" Cyrus said looking like he wanted to tear his hair out. "That's the whole reason we came here!" "But.... I don't want to hurt anything......" Facepalm* Facepalm* Sigh* Groan* "Are you kidding me?!" Cyrus said gritting his teeth. "I didn't come here to have you tell me, you don't want to get the orks off your planet!" "But..... it's just that...." "She's afraid of squiggoths...." Jonah said. "She was also afraid of that dragon." Twilight said. "Come on Fluttershy! They can't be half as bad as that dragon!" "Well, there's five of them! That makes it about 2.5 times worse!" "But can't you just do this? For us? For Equestria? For these guys here?" "But....." "We got a problem! I think they're on to something!" Thaddeus said pointing at the orks who begun to look in their general direction. "Damn it!" Cyrus said. "We got to make a run for it!" "Okay! I'll do it!" Fluttershy finally said. "Just.... can you.... make sure I don't get hurt?" She pleaded begging to Cyrus. "I'll make sure they don't as much as look at you the wrong way." "Okay!" With that, Fluttershy ran off trying to get into the pens. "Can't she fly?" Thaddeus asked. "I saw wings on her." "Guess who's scared of getting seen?" "Of course. Here they come!" Twilight said her horn glowing purple. "Fighting now? I thought your people didn't like killing." Tarkus said as he fired a few bolter rounds. "I doubt I could actually harm them." Twilight said. "Let's just say I am doing my part."
Cyrus gave a grunt of satisfaction as he saw his bullet tear through the Ork's skull. "Sweet Celestia!" Twilight grimaced. "I think I killed him!" She pointed a hoof at a decapitated ork. "Good job. Do it again." Cyrus said as he picked off another ork with his sniper rifle. "Librarian! Perhaps a demonstration in your powers?" "Very well." The librarian sent several bolts of lightning at the orks. "Over there! I think that's their warboss!" "Not good!" Cyrus said as he saw a giant mob of orks advancing on their position. Tarkus and Thaddeus ran ahead firing bolters and swinging chainsword and knife at the orks. "How many of them are there?!" Thaddeus asked as he decapitated another ork. "Maybe a few hundred if we're lucky." Cyrus said pulling back. "We got to get out of here!" Jonah said. "But what about Fluttershy?!" Twilight asked. "We can't just abandon her!" "Twilights right. Unless Fluttershy's dead, we're or the orks are dead then we stay here." Thaddeus said.
"Dere's dem humies!" Gorgutz said aiming his shoota at the space marines. "Too much humie skulls dough! I tink I want dat punies' skull! Now go get dem boys!"
"Looks like they're interested in your head." Thaddeus said to Twilight firing his pistol at the mobs of orks. "On the bright side..." "Their want to kill us..... That's the bright side." Twilight said rolling her eyes as she sent another bolt at a ork giving him a few burns at the chest area. "I was gonna say I that there's a rather odd rumbling noise......" Thaddeus grinned. "You may not be able to hear it but I can." "Same goes for us." Tarkus said smiling. "She did."
"Who's dat noise?" The squiggoth handler asked looking around. "It's the squiggoth ya bleeding idiot!" Gorgutz yelled before running for the hills as a massive 27 foot beast crushed the handler. "Haha. Dat's funny." Some ork commented noting the rather ironic situation as the orks retreated not wanting to get stomped by the squiggoths.
After a rather entertaining scene of watching the orks getting chased by their own war beasts, the grassland once again quieted down and the night was once again very silent and peaceful. This silence lasted even when a yellow pegasus came sprinting to the group.
"I did it! I did it! I told those squiggoths that there was that a huge squiggoth-eating monster showed up." She said. "Likely story." Jonah said. "Should we call it a night?" "I was planning on killing Gorgutz himself. But Captain Thule would have my head if I was to take his kill." Cyrus said. "Time we moved back." "Interesting night wouldn't you say?" Twilight laughed nervously. "I think I killed something....." "You'll have to get used to it if you want to live." Cyrus said. "That's never been the case! Dying for others isn't something that happens a lot either. Like that Emperor of yours... Princess Celestia would rather die then to be forced to watch as 1,000 of her royal subjects die each day." "If the Emperor dies, we all die." Jonah said. "The forces of chaos will then have their victory. We cannot allow that. There will be a time on your planet when that you all will have to make sacrifices. Whether or not you're ready. I think we all know the answer." "I hope.... I didn't hurt anyone." Fluttershy said obliviously. "You probably saved our lives from those orks." Thaddeus said. "You did well." Fluttershy grinned as Twilight could only shake her head and frown. Thinking what Equestria has begun to come to.
"Wat do we do now boss? We aint got no squigoths anymore." "Den we rely on dem tanks and whatever when we foight! It will be one good WAAAAGHHH I will make this into. I know one of dos humie bosses! He ruined me WAAAAAGGGGHHH on kronus! I ought to teach 'im good an proper on how not to ruin my WAAAAAGGGGHHHH. You hear that space marine?! I's coming for ya head!" "A humie boss without 'is boys. Dat ain't right!" "Ya git! Humie bosses don't need dier boys! Makes it easier for me to take his 'ead!" "Den shouldn't this be easy? He's got no boys but dose punies!" "No ya git! Cause these bosses know how ter fight! Now let's get ready cuz tomorrow I got to start a WAAAAAGGGGHHH good an proper!"
"How long have they been arguing?" Celestia asked looking at the Thule and Angelos. "Two days straight." Luna said. "I am surprised that none of them decided to stop and eat something or maybe at least have some water." "No, I want to see who wins. I must say the one-eyed captain as he is called is rather unpleasant. Almost as unpleasant as the one who carries a large weapon."
The subject of the debate between Thule and Angelos had turned from strategy on defeating the orks to whether or not these ponies could be trusted then to if whether or not this was heretical. Being old friends, despite being on opposite ends of the argument, greatly respected the opinion of the other. "So how isn't this heretical?! We are working with xenos. Nay, we are practically babysitting these things! What would a chaplain say? What would chapter master Kyras say? Why aren't we killing them?" "Toth and Adrastia would greatly disagree with you. They have worked with aliens before and probably will do it again. We are doing the same." "Working with them shouldn't mean babysitting the damned things! Are we getting anything out of this?!" "Yes. A way to get back to the chapter. That's what we're getting out of it." "No, we got a boatload of orks to deal with!" "I would like to object, Captain." Tarkus said entering the conversation. "If I may...." "Go on Tarkus." Both of the captains said eager to hear what he had to offer. "When I was with Cyrus the other night, I overhead the orks. They mentioned... that humans had chased them here. I don't know what it is that they are implying, then if humans truly chased them here and that alien said she opened a warp rift to Aurelia, then it's not much of a stretch to think that our brothers may not be too far behind." "Then what's keeping them?" Thule asked. "We don't know. For all we know our brothers may of been slow on the pursuit and can still be looking for these orks. But I have confidence that the aliens can be trust unlike some in the past...." Thule once again shook his head and sighed still skeptical. He was about to say something, until a loud rumbling caught his attention. Orks. Lots and lots of orks.
"INCOMING!" Some pony screamed as perhaps thousands of Orks came bounding up the hill. The royal guard made a hasty defense as Shining Armor once again went to the front flanked by Celestia and Luna.
"See dose three?!" Gorgutz said. "Dems the puny bosses! Kill dem and give me deir skulls! GO STOMP 'EM BOYS! "Eh... boss?" A random ork asked. "KEEP KILLING! THIS IS A GOOD WAAAAGGGHH!" Gorgutz said absolutely oblivious. "BOSS!?" The ork yelled finally getting Gorgutz's attention. "It's dat humie bosses!"
There it was, Captain Thule charging headlong with a power sword and a plasma pistol shooting and swinging brutally into the ranks of orks. He cut his way through the green tide killing any ork with enough stupidity to get near him. Along with that, Angelos with godsplitter killing entire mobs of orks.
"Two Humie bosses want to challenge me? Dis is a good day! And wait!!! It's dat humie boss from kronus! He's mine boys!" "GORGUTZ! I AM COMING FOR YOU!!" Thule screamed with rage as he stomped an ork's skull to a fine powder. Taking his plasma pistol, he fired several rounds at any other orks that stood in way. "COME AND GET ME HUMIE!" Gorgutz yelled back as he threw an ork out of his way to get to Davian.
"Captain Thule, wishing to settle a grudge." Tarkus said as he watched the two get into fighting position. "And he forbids us to help." Cyrus said as he took another potshot at a random unfortunate ork. "This fight will be interesting." "Aren't you going to help him?!" Rainbow Dash walked in asking the two. Clearly she hadn't been listening to their conversation. "No." Cyrus said flatly. "But why not? Don't you want to be a good friend and help him?!" "I am going to be a good friend by respecting his opinion. He is settling the score with someone who escaped him earlier." Tarkus rolled his eyes. "You know what honor means? He has to do this. It's HIS fight. It'd be a shame if he received help." "Aren't you at least going to help him take on those nasty green things?" "And I think that's my 42nd killed today." Cyrus said firing again. "We're helping." "Aren't you going do something cool like jump into a giant mob of them and fight your way out?" "Can you shut up and let us do our job? Make yourself useful and go fight before I decide you're not worth the trouble keeping around." Cyrus voice dripped with contempt. "Or are you going to go back frolicking in the clouds as your people die?" "What?! I would never leave my friends to die! I am going off to help them right now!" "Glad that worked." Tarkus grinned as Rainbow left. Cyrus only chuckled in satisfaction.
Gorgutz roared with pain as Thule sent a punch straight at the ork's face. The fight really had gone in nobody's favor. Thule had severed the shoota gorgutz had while he had lost his pistol. Gorgutz had managed to yank the power sword from Thule's grasp but at the same time, he himself had gotten banged up pretty badly from the task.
"TODAY YOU DIE GREENSKIN!" Thule said as he sent a kick straight at Gorgutz's jaw breaking sections of his armor. Gorgutz responded with a savage blow from his power klaw which gave a tore in sections of Thule's armor.
"Look at them go." Celestia said. "I've never in 1,000 years seen creatures of this ferocity." "I heard it's a grudge." Luna said. "Only one of them will leave this battlefield today." "Whatever it is, I hope that their friends come and take them away from here." Celestia said. "Equstria has never been devoured by so much hate and violence." Gritting her teeth, Celestia watched as Thule was hit several times by the power klaw yet held his ground bringing strength to take a rock and bludgeon the Ork in the face with it.
Thule roared in pain, battling the shock of probably of breaking several ribs by now as did Gorgutz who probably had quite a few skull fractures. Gorgutz, gathering the last of what strength he got readied his final attack, sending Thule on the ground.
Peace overtook Thule's mind. A similar thing that had happened when he was stabbed the necron lord. In the final moments of life, it was always peaceful. He saw Gorgutz in slow motion raise his power klaw. Turning his head, he readied himself............................... to smash Gorgutz's face with the barrel of a shoota.
The blow made a sickening crunch pretty much shattering the section of armor around Gorgutz's chest and sending him to the ground. Using his hands, Thule ripped off the powerclaw and began, in a fit of almost senseless brutality, beat Gorgutz's head with it until nothing remained save for a few loose pieces of flesh and bone.
And then, he allowed himself the luxury of passing out.
Thule's eyes blinked for a moment. He saw blurred shapes. "............. stubbornness......." ".......Finest........" His eyes forced to close, but he did his best to remain conscious. He once again blinked and heard voices. "......True space marine....." ".......Awesome....." ".....Hero......" "..........live?" His eyes closed again and flickered using all his will to try and stay awake. "He's coming.........." "...... A genius!" "Thank......." "Amazing I gotta....."
Thule jolt up and sat up . Finding himself on the ground in a random building. Several figures stood over him. They were Tarkus, Cyrus, Angelos, Thaddeus, Celestia several multi-colored equines and.... Gordian?!
"Apothecary?!" Thule asked lurching up. "What are you doing here?!" "We have much to tell you Davian." Angelos said. "But they did it. We're going home."
"2 years? 2 years?!" Thule asked the apothecary for the 18th time. "Indeed Captain. For you it has been only a month. For us, it has been 2 years." The apothecary droned. "How?!" "Emperor knows the answer to that. But what is important is that we detected a warp rift opening roughly a week ago." "That's the same time we opened it!" "Of course it is. My conclusion is upon the opening of the warp rift, and time warping stopped. We ended up chasing a few orks here from the looks of it. You handled yourselves well. The natives too know how to heal. That one especially." Gordian pointed at Fluttershy who took a step back. "She made a quick field operation that I for one will never know how, but she did it. It kept you alive and stopped you from dying." "To think I was saved by a xenos." Thule muttered under his breath. "Now then, the Litany of Fury is waiting for us." Angelos said. "Ready when you are." "I am ready!" "WAAAAIIIIIIITTTTT!" Pinkie screamed jumping out of nowhere. "WE HAVE TO THROW YOU A GOING AWAY PARTY!!!!" "Another time." Thule said smiling for the first time in probably about however many years he lived. "And thank you. Fluttershy."
"So, you going to tell me how you opened a warp rift now?" Jonah asked Celestia as the two were around ponyville. Jonah was readying to leave. "Yes. This." Celestia said using her magic to levitate a book. As soon as Jonah saw the title, his blood went cold and he went in shock for a moment. "Only a single page. The librarian had ripped it out and said it would be useful. Won't know why. I intend to maybe read this later or give it Twilight." "No. Do as I say. Burn this damned thing." "What? Why?" "It is tainted. It is damning. Save your people some grief and burn it. And have the librarian and whomever that was involved with this killed." "But..." "KILLED." Jonah said almost screaming into Celestia's face. "You have no clue how serious this is. Burn this and have anyone involved KILLED. No exceptions. Any copies you find. Have them burned. Celestia nodded.
From the distance Twilight eavesdropped. She had a look at the book. She saw the name of it's author. Lorgar.
When they were ready to go. The space marines went to where the Thunderhawks were landed. "So... I assume we will keep this planet a secret?" Gordian asked as his brothers got aboard. "Indeed." Angelos said. "For the time being at least. Perhaps one day it will be of use." "Will you come back?" Some pony asked as the door was about to shut. "Some day." Angelos said. "Some day. Librarian, close the rift on the way out." "Will do Angelos." Jonah said remembering his conversation with Celestia and the unholy text within Equestria. And so the Blood Ravens left. For the time being at least. It wouldn't be many years for them until they returned.
