Angels of The Empresses

by ZephyrStrife

First published 2nd of May, 2014

What happens when you mix a group of Warhammer Bronies with working space marine suits and weapons?

What happens when you mix a group of Warhammer Bronies with working space marine suits and weapons... All while being in Equestria as their combat instincts begin to get more and more like the real marines their costumes are based off of...? Well... We get to see as they find themselves becoming holy zealots of bolt and flame who march without fear or question for royalty that would rather the guys with fully automatic grenade launchers stay in a place where they won't kill someone... or somepony.

The group is based loosely off of how a Warhammer 40K Deathwatch organization is set up, OC's are welcome in later chapters since they'll be the foundation of more important squads once the genetic manipulation of ponies becomes a thing... a thing? Yeah, we'll go with that.

-- Small note--
The current coverart is a placeholder until I can get something better to show what the Lunar Templars are like, it shows the current paint job of their armor, it's just not a good pose...

Note 2: Sex tag is for rated-T scenes, as I do not trust my own skill for clop.

Chapter 1: The Switch

Yeah, we all know... It's been done to death... Lonely guy goes to a convention dressed up as something from their favorite game or show or even comic, then they get transported to Equestria to learn the magic of friendship... Well, this is a bit different.

My friends, Nick, Geoffrey and Brandon, are all sitting in my car... Yeah, it's like the opening to a terrible joke, but there we were as I checked the flat on my car. I was pissed, swearing up and down the street. My twenty-fifth birthday, and we were just on our way home from BronyCon. We had all decided to dress up as Space marines from the Deathwatch section of the Ordo Xenos, except instead of having the typical black color of the organization we went with a midnight blue with midnight purple trim. Trust me, the colors looked pretty badass.

We replaced the roman numeral two on the shoulderpads with a crescent moon though, well... Brandon and I did, while Nick and Geoffrey went with white armor that had gold trim and a sun for their shoulder sign.

Right now though... It was hot as FUCK! I mean seriously, how many people do you know that would stop on the highway and help out a shouting dark angel space marine. Not a single one... And now... Well... I'm nearly dying in my space marine suit. The worst part was that it was getting dark and I did NOT want to be stranded out on the highway at night. I sigh as I lean up against the car and slide down into a sitting position with my helmet on the ground next to me.

“Why? Why now?” I say to no one in particular. “Why must I have horrible luck like this? Phone without reception... no spare... If it was just me I'd drive on the flat because I'm stupid, but I got the lives of my friends to think about.” I start to rant just because it's a habit of mine.

Might as well get it out of the way since I'm just sitting here waiting for something to happen. I'm dressed up as your typical tactical marine, Brandon is dressed as a Techmarine, his backpack actually was programmed himself to do simple movements in order to make him look cool. The pack itself is currently stored in the trunk with the weapons we brought, Nick was an Apothecary, His Narthecium was stored with Brandon's backpack... and finally, Geoffrey was dressed as a devastator marine, weilding the most badass weapon of all, the heavy bolter. For each of us, except geoffrey, there was a boltgun custom-fashioned out of wood and we all had a ceremonial Dark Angel sword and combat knife, Geoffy was pretty good when it came to woodworking.

I looked up as I began to see a light above me, was it strange? Hell yeah! The highway was to my left and right, so a light above me was really weird.

To say I retained my composure would be stretching the truth a bit, and as the others got out of the car we all couldn't help but stare in at least a little bit of awe and fear as we saw the light get closer and closer. I shielded my eyes once the light got too bright to look at... which was only a few seconds before I realized that I no longer felt the ground beneath me.

-{DW}-

Sparks flew and sputtered out between the two Alicorns and their small entourage of mages, six unicorns... yeah, you read right, unicorns... that stood about five feet tall surrounded two winged unicorns that were noticeably taller than them. All of the equines that participated in the spell were breathing heavily with exhaustion

One of the unicorns, a stallion with a deep blue coat and... very oddly enough, a beard... looked to the larger ponies, making the bells on his outfit jingle as he moved. “Princesses...” He says between labored breaths. “Do... You think... The spell... Worked? Will we get... help?”

The larger white pony, about six and a half feet tall, looks at him with slightly sad magenta eyes, “We do not know yet, young Starswirl... Thou must be patient for spells such as this... For they do not show results after casting until they deem it necessary.” She says as she begins to control her breathing.

The dark blue one, only about five foot nine, takes a bit longer before she begins breathing easier.

Starswirl looks to her with concern, “I understand your majesty... It is just that time is short... And if our help does not arrive soon... We may have something to test thy strength...” He grimaces.

-{DW}-

I groan as I open my eyes realizing that I'm staring at the ground through green-tinted plexiglass lenses. I shift my position so that I can push myself up from the ground and begin looking around. I immediately notice a few things... First: was that I didn't have nearly as hard a time breathing as I used to, having a bit of a weight problem from being chubby did that... Second: upon standing I realized that I was standing much taller than I used to... And finally: I actually saw a legit Heads Up Display on my visor.

To be honest, I was scared and overjoyed at the same time, because everything felt so real, like the suit had actual weight to it instead of just a set of paper mache and cardboard. I could see evenly through both eyes instead of just one eye with a fuzzy view out of the other.

What did I want to do? I wanted to leap for joy because I just felt that much energy, but I also began to look around because I had no idea where my friends were.

Imagine my surprise when I saw my sword, combat knife, and the bolter that Geoffy had made only a few feet away from me. I quickly moved over to them to pick them up just before I saw why I was so tall... My armor was a lot bigger than it used to be, but, it didn't feel like it hindered me. Actually, it felt so much like a second skin that I had barely noticed it.

I quickly pick up my gun and add the sword and combat knife to my waist as skillfully as if I had been doing it my whole life. I smile a little as I begin looking around a little.

-{DW}-

One hour later

An hour... A fucking hour... I wasted an entire hour searching, and I knew that I wasted an hour because there was a digital clock in my HUD, I actually facepalmed so hard that I thought I was going to break my helmet. I brought my left hand up to the side of my helmet to activate the Vox Caster that is supposed to come with each suit... And pray that my friends are in range. “Uh... Nick? Brandon? Geoffy? ...Anyone on this frequency?” I said a bit awkwardly.

After waiting almost a whole minute a symbol of a plus sign shows up on my HUD as I hear Nick's voice over the vox. “Kris!? Dude! Where the hell are you?”

Only a few seconds later a picture of a heavy bolter appears and I hear Geoffy, “Guys... I think the car is trashed... Sorry Kris... Your insurance is going to be a big problem...”

I let out a groan and a small whimper before I start looking around, I raise a brow as I see smoke in the distance.

I saw a gear symbol flash on screen and heard Brandon's voice, “Guys... If you can see the smoke, lets regroup there...”

I immediately raised my hand to the vox again, “Dude! Why the hell would we do that!? Smoke means people that might try to kill us!”

Without missing a beat, which also leads me to blush in embarassment, Brandon replies with admittedly the best retort he could at the time. “Kris... As far as we can tell, we are legit space marines right now... If they can hurt us... it will be pure luck if we're still on earth. The worst they can do is... Maybe... scratch our armor.”

“How the hell can you tell that?” Nick asks.

“Because, by the way I woke up... I woke up in a position that should have broken my neck... but if it weren't for my armor and the strength I feel in me now... I would have died.”

“Point taken...” I reply. “Fine, lets go towards the fire.”

-{DW}-

Just at the base of a hill the forest begins to clear and I see the others. It was a bit jarring to see that they did change, not just height wise... but... the shape of the helmet was almost, horse-like. I had definitely seen space for horse ears and an elongated snout, and I'm pretty sure I looked the same way because we had all had a sort of confused posture before the HUDs registered us on screen as friendlies.

After getting a plan of action around and assessing the damage, we all came to the conclusion that pretty much the only thing that survived... Whatever the hell happened to us... was our weapons. Which meant everyone except Geoffy had a boltgun while he had a heavy bolter, Nick had his bolt pistol and everyone had a sword. Brandon's techmarine backpack was attached to him, but his wasn't really set up for combat in the moment, more towards construction and crushing.

We took stock of the available ammunition, all the boltguns had three extra magazines so it was one hundred and twelve bolts per boltgun, Geoffy had three extra heavy bolter packs, giving him about two hundred and forty rounds, and Nick's bolt pistol had an extra magazine for a total of twenty eight rounds ready for that. Sure, it sounded like a lot of ammo... but all of the guns were able to be set on automatic, which tended to eat up ammo very quickly. Aside from Geoffy, we all set our guns to semi-auto and began to move up the hill, trying to see what the plume of smoke was about.

When we got up there, we ALL had to do a double-take, just to make sure our eyes weren't messing with us.

Geoffy was the first to speak. “Uh guys... Is that the castle I think it is?”

I nodded, even if we were all too busy on the castle to notice anything else, “Yeah... That's... That's...”

“...The castle of the pony sisters...” We all said together, admiring the castle itself, oblivious to the source of the smoke as we felt the elation flow through us. It was like a dream, a lucid dream that you never wanted to wake up from.

It took us three seconds to notice the fires though, and what we saw made us angry... I'm not saying nerd rage angry, I'm talking burning passion of a thousand suns angry... We saw the battle, we saw the griffons, we even saw the minotaurs as their ground troops... what we wanted to do, was tear them all apart, limb... from limb.

We didn't even have to confirm with each other as we each began to raise our weapons, I saw the targeting reticule of my bolter as I aimed downrange, and from there... everything began to be an adrenaline-fueled blur. The beautiful roar of the boltguns raining down on the heretics, who dared to attack the holy empresses, cut them down with ease, their pathetic armor shredding like paper against the adamantine rounds. Nick, Brandon and I mag-locked our guns to our sides and drew our swords as we rushed into the fray.

What can I say? The battle... it was... enlightening, in those few moments as I cut down minotaurs and griffons alike, terror on their faces as their weapons and armor broke, their morale shattered, and their numbers retreated. It was beautiful, everything felt so clear, so... Right... I never wanted to stop, and neither did my friends, neither did my battle brothers.

-{DW}-

When I finally brought my blade down through the chest of the last heretic who had not died or fled I began to make sense of the world around me, no longer was everything a haze of metal and blood, now there were bodies strewn about the battlefield... and we stood among them, triumphant in the face of overwhelming numbers. I should have felt bad, no, I should have felt terrible... I had taken the lives of other intelligent beings, beings who could think and talk like me. The thing was though, I didn't, I didn't feel bad, I actually felt good... as if that was what I was supposed to do in life, that this... was my new role.

I stood with an unseen smile and began to survey a bit more of the surrounding area. Most of the bridges that led to the castle walls were broken, only the one that led to the main entrance of the castle remained, and I wasn't exactly going to test how good the strength of the rope was. The four of us regrouped in the center of the battlefield, realizing that we had only expended a minimum amount of ammunition. We all turned as we heard several sets of hooves coming from the bridge and... well... I hate to admit it... but... I nearly fangasmed when I saw how adorable Princess Luna looked when she was only about half my size, fortunately we all had enough combined adrenaline and self control to not just throw ourselves at their hooves the moment we saw them.

All of the guards tensed as we turned and even the alicorn sisters looked a bit shaken, admittedly, four eight-foot tall suits of armor covered in the blood of the creatures that fell like grass to a lawnmower tended to be a bit intimidating to creatures smaller than them.

Celestia was the first to speak, her voice quite calm considering what she had just gone through. “...Who... Are you?” She asks with a curious look. Her eyes seem to widen just a little as she notices the symbols on our shoulders.

The soldiers group a little closer around the princesses as Geoffy draws his sword and puts away his gun. I take the first step and plant my sword's tip in the ground, kneeling to the alicorns and try to keep my voice even despite the elation I'm feeling. Oh, and by the way, we had decided to just generate our names when we created these characters to role-play, so if any of the names appeared in one of the books, it was purely coincidence, fair warning.

“I... Am Brother Astelan, Tactical marine of the Dark angels, and these are my battle brothers; Brother Magron... our Apothecary.” I say as I point to Nick, “Brother Elyas... Our Techmarine.” I indicate Brandon, “And Brother Cadmus, our devastator marine.” I point to Geoffy. I turn my attention back to the princesses, “We are Space Marines, devoted in mind, body, and soul to the service of our empresses...” I let my hand indicate them, “We are your weapons of war, forged to slay any who oppose you.” We bow our heads and wait for her response. Honestly, I had just let myself speak unfiltered, not a single thought was given as I spoke so I just said what came naturally.

It took a while for her to speak again, and there was quite a bit of uncertainty in her voice. “You may rise... Dark Angels...” She says quietly. Once we stand she tilts her head to silently tell us to enter the castle. It was... nice, quiet, and beautiful as we traversed the magically reinforced bridge to enter the castle. The damage to the outside was apparent, but the structure remained intact as a whole, it was good, definitely good, to see the decorations and the intricate stonework.

We were flanked by the remaining soldiers that were able to be spared as the princesses took their positions upon the throne, Celestia elegantly placed one forehoof over the other and smiled at us. “Battle brothers... Please remove your helmets...” She asks politely. Seeing no problem with doing so I reach up and detach the clasps that secured my helmet with a practiced hand, the helmet made a slight hissing sound as the neck area depressurized. I had to blink a few times as I began to see the world as more vibrant colors than a monochrome green. We each removed our helmets and I felt a little surprised when I saw that we were all ponies, Nick was a dark green with a black mane, Geoffy was almost a bright purple with a mane that was only a few shades darker, and Brandon was slate-grey with a brown mane. I had found out later that my coat was a midnight-blue similar to Luna's coat with a slightly lighter mane color. The rest of the day passed in a bit of a blur, we were given accommodated housing within the castle barracks, and we spoke at length with the officers. Although one of the soldiers was stupid enough to try and use my bolt gun, poor guy couldn't even lift it with his magic. It wasn't so easy to remove the armor plating without another marine to help. Once we were all down in just the bodysuits we sat in the large room set aside for us.

“So... I don't know about you guys... but... I'm stayin' here...” Geoffy says with a smirk.

I don't know what he was expecting our reactions to be, but we all agreed with him, already we had a better time than back home, and I couldn't wait to go out and slay for the empresses... I mean, princesses... again. However, that night, we did make a few... adjustments to the space marine code... nothing really combat-changing, but more along the lines of how our R&D was going to work.

Author's Notes:

So, I finally got my idea for a warhammer 40k story out there, I don't currently have an editor so I apologize if I have a few mistakes, constructive criticism is much appreciated.

P.S. I AM ALIVE!!!! Finally, after such a big funk of having massive writer's block and a busy as hell schedule I finally was able to submit a story!

Chapter 1.5: What... Just... Happened?

I sat in my new room, a private one close to the ground floor of the castle, as I polished my armor. The blood was actually pretty difficult to get off of the reflective Deathwatch pauldron.

Pausing, I took a look at my reflection in the steel-silver metal with curiosity since I hadn't had too much time to take in the full effect of the changes.

The first difference I noticed was the pony face, While it still had the overall shape of an equine... it was still surprisingly close to human anatomy, it was still weird to have my ears twitch like they did whenever I heard a noise. The next feature that I took notice of was my dark blue coat. While it would've been a hindrance in the normal lore of the Space marines there didn't seem to be any issues with my armor connecting to my nerves even through the coat of hair.

It was so strange... so... surreal, to be here in Equestria, practically living any Brony's dream. But there was war going on... and I... I killed... I killed a lot of people... but... it felt so natural. Why did it feel so natural?

because they were the enemy... they chose to attack your new home.

I blinked as I processed the errant thought. It was so out of left field, I went through my entire life avoiding fights because I didn't like fighting.

no, you were scared you would kill them if you fought...

I frowned and let out a small muttered "No..." as I shook my head.

It's true, you took karate lessons, almost became a black belt... you were just too afraid to hurt someone that you didn't go through it all the way.

I let the pauldron fall to the floor as I held my head in my hands. "...no... no... no no no!" I repeated the mantra over and over, but it did nothing to hide the truth behind the words.

You wanted all those people who picked on you, who teased you... who hurt you in any way... to pay... while you may not get the chance to teach those people while you're here... you do have the strength and the firepower to make those who do cross you regret their decision, you even get to protect your favorite princess while kicking ass in her name.

After a little while the words truly didn't seem to be so alien, they really were things I had repeated over the years to myself, that if I had the strength to hurt them like they had hurt me... I'd probably take it the chance.

Here you have strength, you have that physique that you always wished you had... I looked down at my body and did take notice of all the rippling muscles that hid just beneath my coat. I could only shiver as I realized just how much my body had changed in the trip from Earth to Equus. You can use that strength to do whatever you want... you even get to be Luna's most devout guard, there to serve her whenever she needs...

I could feel my cheeks heat up as I quickly picked my armor up off the floor, it hadn't exactly been a secret between my friends that I really liked Luna, I even had a pinup of her in an anthro form on my laptop desktop background. Nothing Risque mind you, just... a damn good drawing I found on the internet.

My eyes widened as I looked up from my gear. "...Aww, Fuck..."

Yep, all of your more... mature... collections are no longer with you and you have no internet to recover them from. I swear, that voice began to sound smug by the end. You'll just have to get used to being a genetically modified super... pony... soldier completely devoted to your empress.

I put my hand on my chin in thought as I paced through the room, putting my armor on the bed opposite of mine which happened to be empty.

I really could, it would be the perfect chance to start anew. I was given a chance that few others ever were able to think of taking, would I want to give it up? Go back to a boring life in front of a computer and reading stories wishing I could have a life like the main character... or do I want to be that main character, embrace my new life as a Space Marine...

...No, not a Space Marine...

A Lunar Templars Deathwatch Marine, and I get to be damn proud of it. Besides, my friends and I would likely be joining in the war discussions now that we were officially part of the Equestrian Military.

Author's Notes:

At the behest of one of my lovely readers I have taken the initiative to add in an extra chapter that hopefully smooths the transition between chapter 1 and 2

As always, let me know if you find anything that doesn't seem to mesh and I'll smooth it over as best I can.

I always accept critique and am more than happy to work on early chapters if there are any glaring issues

Chapter 2: The Monastery and the War

Celestia scowled a little as she stomps a hoof on the ground in her war room, her mood had only gotten steadily worse when we found out about more and more races having separatists against the empire. The first gone had been a zealous group of griffons, their bodies had been twisted into mockeries of their old forms, they now called themselves harpies... And they were annoying as hell to kill, not due to strength, mind you, just that the bastards couldn't bother to sit still and die like good heretics. After that a good portion of the cliff wolves had left the empire, going by the new name of diamond dogs. It was Luna's request that we didn't just flush out their caves with fire spells. I think that the remainder of the cliff wolves had gone into hiding, leaving the gates of tartarus to just the Cerberi, which wasn't the best strategy. Yes, they were loyal, but good lord did they get on their own nerves a lot. The minotaurs had discovered that a portion of their population had turned into ridiculously tough ogres, nothing the marines couldn't handle mind you, and now they were causing us problems on the western side of the continent.

Celestia turned to me with a look, almost of desperation, “Is there any way we can find more of your kind? We need more help if we are to turn back the enemy, and we still have no idea who their leader is...” She sighed, “The only thing we've managed to find out is that he turned the foundation of the capital into chocolate and sank the city.” She looks almost on the verge of tears, Nick had been with her on the way to the city when it happened, if not for sheer luck Celestia and Nick would both have been taken down with the city. What arose from it only made our blood boil for revenge, minotaurs had been turned into grotesque ogres, griffons into harpies, cliff wolves into diamond dogs, and ponies into a twisted insect-like version of themselves. There were even rumors going around that these new ponies could shapeshift, and that set all the marines on edge. I mean seriously! There were only four of us, and the only way to clone the gene seed would be for one of us to die, or voluntarily sacrifice themselves to get our apothecary what he needed to clone the seed.

I could only grimace as I placed my hand on my helmet, “While we have bolts for our boltguns being made by Elyas, we have not received any new marines to help be anything other than your personal guard.” I wear a scowl as I look at the map, “I promise though, that should the enemy make it here, they'll find themselves in a whole new kind of hell.” I growl.

Celestia nodded, “The best we can do is pray that more help comes.” With another sigh she turned away and began her trot back to her room, while the enemy hadn't reached close enough to put too much pressure on the ponies, the pressure they were putting on the other races could still be felt here. I had to admit that even Celestia deserved some rest.

-{DW}-

I let a hand run through my mane as I walk through the castle gardens, it felt... good, to be able to just feel... I looked out over the forest as I got to a balcony and gave a sigh of sadness, knowing that innocent ponies were going to have to face the terrors of war. It only serves to stoke my own righteous anger, daring our enemies to come closer to us.

When I heard a noise behind me I spun around quickly, only to realize that Luna had cleared her throat to get my attention.

“Hello Brother Astelan... How fare thee this night?” She asks, I can't help it, she's just SO DAMN ADORABLE! Even if she comes up to my waist.

“I am well this night, the night sky is beyond beautiful, as always.” I say with a smile that gets her to do her cute little giggle.

“We are glad to hear that... Wouldst thee like to join us on a night-stroll?”

“I would love to.” I reply with a slight bow as I relinquish my position against the guard rail to follow the beautiful lunar diarch of the country I now serve.

We both walked in silence for a while, only the sounds of our hooves clicking against the floor could be heard, two pairs for her animal-like form, and a single pair for my human-like form. Only once had I been able to be graced with permission to touch her flowing mane before, and I could only compare it to the feel of silk sheets; it was cool and soft at the same time. I could have spent hours just petting her and not grow bored.

Call me fatalistic for the upcoming war, but all of a sudden I just seemed to notice more and more things that I never had before. It was a good feeling, and a scary one at the same time... not that I would admit to feeling fear, just that... mortality... seemed to be on my mind. I had no idea if I would be able to see this war to the end if the enemy's leader had killed an immortal.

“Astelan...” Her voice had taken me out of my thoughts and caused my head to look in her direction. “... Why does thou serve us? With all the strength that thou have... Why choose us? Our sister wants to end all wars, and We... I am shunned even by our subjects...” We had stopped in front of the library and I knelt in front of her, bringing her gaze to meet mine.

“Empress Luna...” I made sure to stress the Empress part, “... You are loved by your subjects... They feel safest at night.”

“No they do not... they fear the night...” I wipe away the tears at the edge of her eyes.

“Then why would they rest during the night? Why would the night be the time when they let their caution fall so that they can rest and recover? Even the most passionate acts of love are reserved for the night because they trust your night.”

She thinks about it for a minute before smiling at me, “Thank you Astelan... You are right...” I almost died of a heart attack because of how adorable she looked as she leaned forward to nuzzle my cheek. “This was a wonderful talk...” She says quietly in my ear, letting her breath wash over the sensitive organ. “...You are a most wonderful stallion... We shall see thee upon the morrow.” She finishes before standing straight again and trotting off, carrying herself with a bit more happiness in her step. I place a hand on my cheek as she trots away, feeling the warmth in my face as I think about how personal she had just been with me.

That night, I could hardly sleep.

Author's Notes:

Sorry about such a short chapter, little bit of backstory, and a call to arms for all Space marines! Anyone who wants to have a marine should check out my blog for details

The theme for the First Empire is from the story Drake's Empire by Pentel123, his story is wicked amazing and has the full details on the empire so you should all check it out because it's got all the awesome ingredients for an amazing story, and he needs just as much love for his story as any author does.

Everyone, leave a comment, I love talking to the people who love my story and talking to the people who want to help make the story better.

Chapter 3: A Night to Remember

I nearly ground my fist into the wall of my study, even with the monastery complete we still didn't have the means yet to make more soldiers, our forces were split between protecting Celestia and protecting Empress Luna... Although, she seemed... rather open... around me.

I relaxed my hand a little as I thought back to our various talks, all of them occurred while I was protecting her... mind you, so don't get any ideas... But, I couldn't help but see as she was starting to let her jealousy towards her sister begin. It wasn't as bad as the show made it though, although in the show she probably didn't have a genetically-altered super-soldier to talk to and vent her pent up aggression to so that her jealousy wouldn't cloud her judgment.

I smiled a little under my helmet as I thought back to one of our nights talking.

-{DW}-

I smiled as Luna laughed, mostly at the expense of my friend Geoffy, I had gotten around to telling her my actual name and she had been quite happy to accept it, although she did promise to only call me it when it was just us two.

“...So... Your friend... Geoffy, as thou say, had actually gotten himself nearly hit by one of those cars just because he was acting like a jester?” She asked with a giggle.

I stifled my own chuckle, “Yes, the man had even pulled his car over to the side of the road because he had thought that my friend was doing some sort of gang acting and was about to attack him. We managed to get the problem under control after explaining that Geoffy had only been acting like an idiot because he was listening to music. You should have seen his face when he nearly got hit, I think his adrenaline was going for a while after that.”

She lightly punched my shoulder, “Thy friends certainly do act like jesters at times do they not?”

I leaned back a little, “Yeah... They do a lot... I trust them with my life though, always have, always will...”

She leaned back as well, although she moved herself a little closer and laid her head against my shoulder, “Kris...” She said quietly.

“Yes my Empress?” I reply, for some reason, when it was just us two, that small phrase seemed to have more meaning behind it than just a title

Her smile warmed up a little more as she heard my reply. “...What made you choose me? Why are you a Lunar Templar instead of a Solaris Knight?”

I put my hand on my chin as I thought about it, “Hmm... I guess... It was a lot because you and I are so alike... Quite introverted, few hobbies that we truly enjoy, and that we prefer to have a smaller set of friends... ones that are true friends, not just nobles who wish to gain favor with you.”

She nuzzled into my shoulder with a smile. “Maybe...” She began quietly. “Maybe we could be... a bit more than friends...?” She asked with a soft voice that was filled with so much warmth that even Celestia's sun paled in comparison.

At the time, we still had no idea what a marine's gene seed would do when it came to the ponies, we had no idea if it was limited to just the earth ponies, or if it could be used on the other races... or if it could be passed on at all, in a way, I was concerned, as I rightly should be for my Empress...

There it was again, that feeling... That wonderful feeling of lightheadedness whenever I referred to her as MY Empress... I might be a little dehydrated though, I'll have to speak to Nick later to make sure I'm drinking enough water.

“Empress Luna-...” I began, but was stopped as she put a hoof on my mouth, it was pliant to say the least, kind of like play-doh, at least... texture-wise. There was a distinct difference between the soft hairs on her body and the firm keratin of her hoof and it felt nice as she cupped my cheek with it and turned my head to gaze at her beautiful, deep, caring pools of crystalline-turquoise that some had the audacity to call mere eyes.

“Call me Luna...” She says with that little edge of authority in her voice that sent my mind into a miniature spiral of pleasure, did I ever mention that I found a bit of attraction to women who could take charge in a situation? Yeah...

I let myself release the breath I had been holding, realizing that the night was far too silent for the moment, “Only...” I begin with a slight stutter, “Only when we are like this... as our true selves... Luna...” I say. At that very moment did I finally register how close her muzzle was to mine. I could feel her warm breath, which smelled slightly of marshmallows... oddly enough, across my own muzzle. It felt like I was being pulled closer by those beautiful turquoise orbs that I could stare into for hours on end. Her eyes began to close, as did mine, just before our lips met.

...Although I partially believe that her hoof had been pulling on my cheek the entire time...

Her lips were soft, and they trembled with her nerves, not knowing if it was right to do this. Unbidden, my hand began to stroke her chest and I could feel it as her heartbeat began to slow while she eased deeper into the kiss. I felt my own heart skip a few beats... or at least one of them skipped a beat... it was a good thing that I had two now, one on backup in case the first stopped, always a useful trick in case your enemy thought you were down for the count.

I heard her gasp a little and she pulled back with a slightly surprised look on her face. I could only look at her in confusion until she spoke.

“You... You have two hearts?” She asked as her look changed to curious.

“It's more of a survival feature... but yes, I have two, as does every space marine.” I reply, stroking her chest again, which caused her to shiver a little and move back into the warmth of my body.

“That... Is very interesting... There are very few creatures that have such a survival feature to their biology.”

“And they're hard to bring down for a reason, they're built to keep going no matter what, just as your Templars are forged to strike down your enemies.”

That night, even though nothing more happened after the kiss aside from light conversation, we made that silent promise between ourselves... That we were going to eventually find a way to make it work and we wouldn't have to hide our love.

-{DW}-

My smile drops only a little as I think back to the events that are going on around the world.

We're losing ground, and it looks that the forces of Chaos are fighting to bring us down like a whimpering mutt. I set my gaze into a slight glare as I stand back up again and make my way to the forge to get my gear. We had all gone into a kind of leadership position once the monastery was fully built, I became the Lunar Templars Chapter Master while Nick became the Solaris Knights Chapter Master. Brandon had taken his place as Master of the Forge and had already begun augmenting his servo-harness to add more mechadendrites to aid him, Geoffy? Well, Let's just say that he made sure that he had plenty of Dakka to lug around and is the only one of us to actually have a giant drum of adamantine bolter rounds strapped to his back.

I had to get my gear in order and pray to the machine spirits to aid my battle, for I could feel it in my bones...

… There will be blood soon... And we will get to show our full might to this Chaos, driving it back to the pits of the abyss that it came from.

Author's Notes:

We have a special today! Four marines for the price of one, you submit a marine and he gets a squad!

To everyone who has favorited the story, I love all of your favoriting, keep slapping that like button and more action shall come soon!

At any time you can submit a marine and right now there's a 95% chance that he shall appear in the story!

We march for the Empresses!
AND WE SHALL KNOW NO FEAR!

Chapter 4: The Invasion

Did I ever tell you why I hate changelings? No? Well let me count the reasons...

One: The bastards shapeshift, which makes detecting them among the common ponies almost fucking impossible without some sort of sample to tell them apart from the rest, fortunately we fixed that problem really quick.

Two: The bastards feed on love... The more they get, the stronger they get, which is easiest when they sneak into a relationship between two ponies and fuck one of them... Not cool, that is cock-blocking to the max, and that's just not at all acceptable for the bro-code, I'm sure that women have a similar code and it violates it just as much. You just don't do that stuff.

Three: There's a LOT of them when they decide to swarm, the only thing that makes them not as effective as Nids is the fact that their spells are bouncing off of us due to the purification tags on our armor, blessed thrice by the empresses themselves.

… But DAMN are they an annoying waste of ammo.

But that's just the Changelings, They are easy to just squish like the bugs they are, the Harpies and Ogres on the other hand, those things are a pain in the ass to take down. I literally just had to stab my sword repeatedly into an Ogre's back just to get the damn thing to stay the hell down, the bastards just don't die!

I was panting hard as I looked to the oncoming wave of enemies that were just barely matched by our own forces in numbers only. I could feel myself just becoming exhausted at the thought of needing to kill more of those damn ogres, Did I mention that they simply refused to die? I did? Well, Allow me to reiterate...

“WHY DON'T YOU FUCKING OGRES JUST LEARN TO STAY DEAD!?” I shout just before I raise my sword again, My suit began to make minor calculations to help the accuracy of my attacks, the elated feeling of slaying in Luna's name filled me, don't get me wrong, but I could only swing my arm so many times before the douche known as exhaustion decided to make himself comfortable. There was a pattern to it, A wave of Changelings to grind down our energy, a wave of harpies to exhaust our ammo, and then those FUCKING OGRES to make me just want to scream in frustration.

Then there it was, just to the left of the battlefield, I could see it coming like a blessing from the sky.

“Marine Drop Pod inbound! Landing behind enemy lines! I'm going in for them!” I call over the vox, each of my team's indicators blink once to let me know they have me covered.

I feel a new strength in my body as I swing my blade with this new elation, tearing through all of the enemies like they were made of paper, a bit of blood splashed on my visor but I didn't care because I was on my way to help out our reinforcements!

With a final fancy spin move that left me in a really cool looking crouched position I sprinted up to the pod and hit the release button, allowing the main door of the pod to fall to the ground.

The first marine, clad in the colors of a chapter I didn't know, walked out with his hand on his head, “Wha-...” I cut him off as I fired a bolter round into the coming crowd.

“No time Brother! We are under siege and your squad may be what we need to turn the tide in our favor!” I shout over the din of battle.

He takes a quick look around and gives me a nod before drawing his weapons, the bolt pistol and his sword shone as only a brand new gun could... I would've teared up at the beauty, but we had a battle to focus on. It seemed that the entire squad were assault marines as they flew into the air, I couldn't help but let out a joyous war cry as they descended into the fray and tore through the ranks of the army of chaos with the speed to make me as proud as a father seeing his son graduate.

Once again, filled with the ecstacy of battle flowing through my veins I could hear myself laughing with joy as I cut down all of the monsters before me; Changelings, Harpies and Ogres alike, Once again I saw the fear in their faces, once again... I felt myself get lost in the sheer joy of battle, Slaying in the name of The Empress... In the name of Luna.

-{DW}-

I felt the exhaustion of a hundred battles bring be to one knee after all of the enemy had fled before our might, only now as the battle began to fade and the adrenaline ended its rush through my veins did I feel the full weight of my exhaustion. I slowly got to my feet as the new recruits made their way over to us, one of them carrying their fallen brother.

“What happened?” I asked as I indicated the fallen marine.

“Entire company of Ogres swarmed him before we could get to him.” The skull-helmeted marine replied. The skull could only mean one thing, he was definitely a Chaplain.

I nod once, “His sacrifice will not be in vain, for it is thanks to him that we shall be able to bring to light a new generation of battle brothers.” I reply. “What are your names?”

The Chaplain speaks first, “I am Brother Alhardir, Of the Soul Drinkers chapter.”

The marine to his left introduces himself as Brother Navarre, and the marine holding the deceased marine introduces himself as Brother Khordel.

“Soul Drinkers... I've not heard much about them, but as you are now, I would be happy to induct you into the Lunar Templars Chapter, we are in dire need of soldiers who can handle themselves as well as you have.”

“How many are your numbers?” Alhardir asked.

“Only four at the moment, Elyas our techmarine, Magron our Apothecary, Cadmus our Devastator, and myself.” I let out a small sigh. “We are still working on many gene-altering processes, but without a gene seed to base our research on, our efforts have been... less than successful.”

He nods, “We will join you... We answer to the call of our battle brothers.” Alhardir says with what I know to be a smirk behind his helmet as we clasp hands in a firm handshake.

“Then welcome to the battle... Brother... For there is much blood to shed in the name of the empresses.”

Author's Notes:

Two Chapters today! A special gift to all of you who love the story.
...but mostly because I didn't get a chance to post last week...

And we have a few new marines this week! Shoutout for the Lunar Templars' new Chaplain Alhardir goes to JT, show that guy some love! If it wasn't for his squad, this chapter may not have gone over as easily.

FOR THE EMPRESSES!

Chapter 5: Bugs Make a Disgusting “Squish” Sound

Not even three days after the arrival did more battle brothers begin to arrive on the battlefield, it was a godsend. Already we had a full organization of battle brothers for the second companies, it was beautiful... and the absolutely lovely roar of bolter fire... It would make me sad when the thrill of battle was over because I could no longer hear the songs of angels from our holy guns.

But I am getting ahead of myself, one of our most interesting encounters with the changelings is when they tried to impersonate the Empress Celestia's adoptive nephew, Prince Blueblood the First. It was quite... a display when we found out that a changeling got to him.

-{DW}-

I stood alongside Empress Luna as we listened to the combat plans coming from what remained of the Empire, all we had were the Griffons, Zebras and Minotaurs, We had already lost the library of knowledge to the enemies' leader, and now the Cliff Wolves had gone into hiding after losing almost their entire population to the corruption that had spread through the land, The dragons seemed to refuse to help, some of them had even become more feral and joined the chaos which got my blood boiling every time I thought about it.

“They are making their way to this very castle, possibly even to the monastery of these warriors that have been appearing for you, it is still unfair that you refuse to help us by making our warriors like them to combat this threat!” The leader of the minotaurs, Chief ThunderPunch growled.

I placed a fist on the table to silence him, they had all known to fear the strength of the marines, “We would give you soldiers if we could, but as it stands the process is barely understood and we are still in the training stages for many new battle brothers, trying to make sure that they will survive the transformation.” That was enough to make them all get their eyes on me, “And as we are there are too few of us to fight on the front lines while keeping you all safe, too many risks are at stake to leave this place and fight, as much as we would like to.”

That seemed to appease them for now, but they would bring it back up eventually. I silently sighed as I watched them go back into the conversation about the defenses, the monastery had begun to function like a small town, a self-sustaining one fortunately, we had all the essentials at least... and a few more 'feral' livestock...

… what? We marines still had an anatomy close enough to a human... I ain't givin' up my bacon. And screw anyone who tries, I even got Luna to try it just because she was curious to how I could enjoy it, and she found that little piece of heaven that comes with every bite... although she learned real quick that she couldn't devour a plate of it without getting sick, so she resigned herself to a 'once in a blue moon' often.

All of a sudden a warning on my HUD began indicating the direction of the door just before it opened, revealing Lieutenant Blueblood, but instead of the usual blue indicator he was faintly outlined in red as my scanner silently began to examine him.

It was impossible, how could he be a defector? He was actually one of the most honorable ponies I knew... It did me proud the day he commanded his squad to flank the enemy and win us back Trottingham, THAT... was a damn proud day, it was what got him promoted to Lieutenant.

“Auntie Celestia... Could I have a word in private?” He asks. Aw, HELL no! Now that I got you in my sights you ain't going anywhere.

I saw Nick tense up just before I sprung, grabbing his throat and pinning him to the wall.

I'll admit... That caused a bit of a scene... not a big one, just one that caused each of the leaders to get up in surprise and get Celestia to begin asking me, quite loudly, what I thought I was doing.

There was a satisfying 'Ding!' from my helmet as the scan finished, with the Traitor struggling in my grasp, I had an almost demonic grin when I saw the results of the scan. “Terminating a Changeling...” I said in the dead silence that followed Celestia's outburst.

Now, I know what you're thinking... “Why didn't Celly just use her magic to separate us?” Well, that's because she found out real fast that when we do something, we do it for a damn good reason.

“A... Changeling?” She asked in a stunned tone, honestly, I was hearing that tone a lot these days, what is it with ponies being so... Trusting? I mean seriously, the enemies we have can DISGUISE themselves as our populace, why not get at least a little paranoid about that?

The pony, scratch that... Changeling, in my hand stopped struggling as he realized that I knew and I could see that lovely fear in his eyes, it was practically intoxicating, I knew that it was wrong, but that fear... oh that fear... if I could taste it, I bet it would taste like pecan ice cream. Why? Because that's my favorite ice cream.

“Brother Magron... Your sidearm please.” I say evenly as he walks over to me, nodding once before placing the grip of the bolt pistol in my outstretched hand. I brought the muzzle right up to the base of his horn. “You have five seconds before I pull the trigger... Where... Is... Blueblood?” I say with a growl.

One... The changeling looks a little like he's trying to defy me, as if daring me to do it, oh I hope that he realizes that he's got no hope.

Two... I can see him begin to sweat as he sees my finger adjust itself on the trigger.

Three... his eyes are flicking between me and the gun, oh this is going to be lovely.

Four... I can see that fear again as he is mentally ticking his time to live.

Five... “HE'S IN THE MINES BELOW THE CASTLE!!!” He shouts desperately.

“Thank you for your cooperation...” He lets out a sigh, and I simply let out a chuckle before pulling the trigger, getting his head to splatter and spread greenish-black ichor all over the wall.

I hand the gun back to Nick and he gives me a nod. Celestia looks a little unhappy.

“HE told you where my nephew was! Why did you kill him?” She demands as she nearly gets in my face.

“Because I told him that I would...”

“You said he had five seconds to tell you or you'd pull the trigger!”

I slowly remove my helmet, revealing the scar that ran along my muzzle as I look at her with a neutral look, “I told him that he had five seconds before I pulled the trigger... the information was just a bonus...” I say quietly before putting my helmet back on. “He's a soldier of chaos... the fact that he exists is the fact that ponies can be corrupted, I fight that corruption... You should as well.”

I began to see them less like the Empresses, and more like civilians that simply needed to be protected... well... I saw Celestia that way, Empress Luna still held a place in my heart... Although, Nick might be a tad upset that I practically insulted Celestia.

Oh well, better to ask forgiveness than permission and all that.

That night, I got a major talking to from Luna... She wasn't happy that I did what I did, and I'm sorry... but it doesn't change the fact that I would do it again and again. I'm not insane, I expect the same results, not different ones since half the battle is convincing your enemy they've already lost.

What was I getting at with that? I don't know, but anyways, back to the mines.

-{DW}-

I led the mission personally, with only Alhardir and Navarre as my support we moved through the mines quickly. My helmet mapped our path and displayed what was close enough to a minimap to help us navigate with only a few errors. I had brought along with me the one weapon that I chose to replace my bolter only because I knew what enemy we were fighting... I brought an Astartes Hand Flamer with a full tank of ammo, which I was just itching to use.

A green glow roused me from my thoughts of slaying more chaos monsters in the name of the Empress... es. Getting to the entrance of the cavern I saw my target, the few bits of goo that they used to light the place up also illuminated a pretty roughed-up Blueblood being 'questioned' by what could only be deemed a changeling captain due to how much more intricate his carapace seemed compared to the regular drones.

Despite our REALLY big size, our power armor is actually REALLY quiet, which made sneaking up on the group of changelings so much easier, they really didn't see it coming... When my blade sliced through three of their rear guard without so much as a whisper my Wraith marines made quick work of the rest of them while I busied myself with pulling off the wings of the captain.

On a slightly related note, changeling wings make that same kind of crinkle sound as paper does, which slightly disturbed me and made me want to do it more.

With him bleeding from his missing wings I took that momentary distraction to completely snap off his horn, well... maybe not completely... I left a jagged stub from where it used to be. His scream was absolute music to my ears... even if the others tell you it was like hearing baby mario cry... I found it to be quite pleasant.

“Well...” Blueblood begins with a smile, I can see a few of his teeth were knocked out and he's sporting a pretty mean bruise just below his left eye. “You all certainly took your time... What happened? Did Auntie Celly get mad about the changeling and try to make you guys look bad?”

“You know Lieutenant... I could Just leave you here...” I say with a very unamused tone.

“But if that was true then you wouldn't be down here... you know you love my handsome mug...” He chuckles.

“Yeah... Right, you have only a face that a mother could love.”

“The changelings loved it pretty good so that disproves your theory.”

“Just shut up and let me untie you so we can haul your ass out of here.” Let it be known, that Blueblood was the only pony ANY astartes was on what one would call friendly conversational terms... aside from Empress Luna and I.

“Welp, I'm getting pampered while I get my wounds healed.” Blueblood says with a smirk.

“Yeah right... We all know you hate that pampering crap, you're just interested in that adorable sapphire-blue nurse.” I retorted.

He simply shrugged as I hefted him over my shoulder, “...Well... You're right...” We all laughed a little, although my laughter could've been from when I was watching all the remnants of the changelings burning from the heat of my Flamer.

Chapter 6: Shock And Awe!

A week after the events in the cave made me feel a bit better as we moved the Empresses to a location closer to the center of Equestria, away from that damn forest and closer to the port towns that had sprung up. I even began to smile a bit more as the attacks from the front had ceased and receded to focus more on the minotaurs and the Griffons. As much as I didn't want to push our problems onto them, it gave us some much-needed time to get away and secure the Empress... es. What is an empire without a ruler?

The pegusai watched from the air as a mixture of earth pony and unicorn soldiers trotted along the ground with us, it felt good to have more than a couple battle-brothers at my disposal, since I was only able to bring two Nephytes with me this time, it was experimental... but we had managed to get the entire process working on earth ponies.

I kept my head scanning our surroundings because the entire path along the base of the mountain seemed to just be far too quiet, I kept getting a shiver down my spine and I didn't like it.

I must've been scanning the surroundings a bit too much since all the guards around us seemed tense, Good, I needed them alert... guards that weren't watching for the enemy were usually the first to die.

My mind began to drift back to the night after I had brought Blueblood back...

-{DW}-

I laid on the bed in just a simple tunic and pants as Luna laid her head on my stomach, something about her using me like a pillow just made me feel... happy... even more happy than when I saw the fear in that changeling's eyes.

“Kris... You have... It looks like you are getting gray hairs...” Luna said with that beautiful voice that I absolutely adored.

I simply shrugged, “Among the race I used to be, balding and graying hair was not only caused by age, but by stress... And the past few months haven't exactly been stress free, so I bet I'm going to come out of the battle as a much grayer pony.” I chuckle.

She nuzzles into the hair of my stomach, sending a shiver of pleasure up my spine that makes me instinctively reach down to rub her ear. “You're so much more beautiful at night... in your element...” I whisper.

She smiles, but then quickly makes me sad by frowning, “...You shouldn't have spoken to my sister the way you did... We could have found out more information from that changeling...” It was true that I had been thinking about that the entire trip back to the palace, but I wasn't about to admit I was wrong...

...After all, that beast had been the enemy, and I was purging chaos from the world!

...Right?

-{DW}-

The rest of the memory seemed to blur just before a shout above me got my attention, I reached out just in time to catch a falling pegasus, his wing had been impaled by a crystal that was pulsing a dark purple.

I was just a little proud that the scout-marines had already formed up on the transport and were picking off enemies with extreme prejudice, even if I won't freely admit to pride.

The hiss of lasers sounded off as many changelings fell to the ground, even the masterwork steel armor that the guards were wearing was almost nothing compared to the crystals, which seemed to be coming from some sort of crossbow that the changelings were firing, aside from the unicorns who had cast protective 'magic' the battle just seemed to be a repeat of my last one as I drew my sword scanning for the tell-tale signs of an ogre.

...Did I tell you how much I hated being right?

Not one, not three... but TEN Empress-damned ogres began to charge from hideaways on the side of the mountain, I inwardly groaned and cursed at my horrible luck.

Even if bad luck is still luck, I'd rather have no luck at all than bad luck.

I brought my sword up, knowing that the ten ogres, even if they weren't strong enough to beat my armor, would only be able to throw a few at me before I was overwhelmed. I took a deep breath, and prepared myself to bring down as many as I could before they got by me.

What came next all seemed to be a bit of a blur, but I could tell one major thing... I heard Howling...

From the treeline on the other side of us came three large armored figures, much in shape like myself, fur covered many spots of their armor and their forelegs... well, I think they were actually hands but they all ran like animals so it was hard to tell... Their armor was equipped with a set of Lightning Claws. I know for sure the ogres weren't counting on it because they fell like trees to a sharp axe.

And I'm not talking a regular axe, I'm talking like an anime-axe that is able to drop the tree in one swing, It was beautiful... like watching an artist at work on a masterpiece... The slaughter, the blood, the howling of the wolves on the hunt. It was a haunting melody that would be absolutely beautiful for the night.

In what time it seemed to take to blink the battle was over, the changelings were fleeing with their ogre brethren and the wolves stood to their full height, finally revealing their nature as space marines.

They showed the sign of the aquila in respect as I approached.

“At ease brothers... You are indeed a welcome respite... Our forces are stretched thin and we are unable to produce new battle-brothers yet... we have many who require training, but not any full-fledged brothers...” I let a small exasperated sigh escape me before I straighten my posture a bit.

“Then we made it just in time to partake in battle... Just as we like it, I am Brother Ticondrius... Assault marine of the Space Wolves.” The first of the three says to me.

The other two introduce themselves as Brothers Hakkon and Balmung, getting me to smile even wider behind my helmet. “Finally, marines who specialize in close combat... We need more men like you, Come... We are off to put the Empresses in their new seats of power before rejoining our brothers on the front lines.”

They noded and we continued along our route, the rest of the trip seemed to pass in a blur as well and before we knew it we were at the city that should've been a complete structural impossibility... Canterlot!

Ponies bowed and cowered before us as we marched through the streets, many of the nobility had already been transferred here to reinforce the defenses and we had one simple air-transport for Blueblood ready to go when he was able to get up... or stopped flirting with that nurse he liked so much, whichever came second.

Once in the courtyard I finally took a seat, my armor actually seemed to feel heavy for once, and I watched as the Empresses were escorted out of the carriages. Luna watched me with a little concern before the Space wolf, Ticondrius, walked up to me and held out his hand to help me up.

I took his hand with a grateful nod and as soon as we stood at eye level he spoke clear enough so that everyone in the courtyard could hear...

“...I challenge you to the duel of the Lion and the Wolf...”

Author's Notes:

What's this!? New marines? Ambushes!

Will Blueblood ever stop being an obsessive flirt?

And What is this duel Ticondrius speaks of?

Find out in the next chapter! "The Duel of the Lion and the Wolf!"

Chapter 7: The Lion And The Wolf

Exactly ten minutes later Ticondrius and I were standing opposite one another in a... largely assumed... ring that was outlined by our soldiers. Luna stood by me as we began making our final preparations for the duel, and she was worried... actually, worried was an understatement... but she tried not to intervene.

“We do not understand why thou must participate in such a contest... Is he not your ally?” I had to catch myself so that I didn't sigh, trust me... last time I did that... Not good. I looked over to her and placed my hand on her shoulder.

“It is because this duel is a time-honored tradition between the sons of Lion El Johnson and Leman Russ. It is a very honorable duel, and it will let me put this pup where he belongs in the pecking order.” I knew she couldn't see that I was smirking under my helmet, but I definitely was when she started to giggle at that.

She shakes her head with a smile and places a hoof on my hand. “As long as thee and thy friend do not kill each other...” She says quietly.

I nod and wait for Ticondrius' men to give him space to start the duel. Although he seemed to have the advantage of only just arriving compared to the exhaustion war has been having on me, I wasn't about to show it. We both stood, almost in perfect sync, and gave a small bow before we took our combat stances.

I stood with my sword held parallel to me and slightly to my right while he got into a slight crouch and held both of his claws to waiting positions on either side. I could tell right away that this was going to be an interesting fight.

I took a deep breath as we slowly began circling each other, waiting for one of us to make the first move.

The seconds ticked on before the world itself seemed to move in slow motion, both of us charging at one another simultaneously, meeting each other dead center in the ring.

Using my sword to block a stab with one of his claws I had to twist my body to block his second swing. With a mighty push I managed to get him off my blade as we circled each other on the field of battle, watching for potential weakness, an opportunity to win the match in one fell swoop and claim victory for the lion or the wolf.

We lunged once more, his claws ringing off my adamantine blade that was nearly as long as I was tall. I could tell he was smirking under his helmet because I held the same smirk under my own neutral visor. This was it, the thrill of battle once again, and this time I could feel the strength behind his attacks as I pushed him back once more. While we were not dueling to kill... He wasn't going to hold back, and the sheer joy, it was so addictive to release the restraint of civilization in the heat of battle where all warriors worth their strength were forged.

I didn't get so much as a second to plan after we dislodged our weapons before he charged again. I quickly leapt to the side to avoid his claws as I brought my sword up to meet his chest, underestimating his agility that the armor bestowed upon him as he quickly curled up to avoid the blade itself. I filled the swing to help me shift away from his claws that could have easily skewered me, bringing my foot up to make a satisfying CLANG against his helmet as he was sent sprawling. With a flip that I know was far too acrobatic than I used to be I landed on my feet with my sword at the ready.

He had recovered just as quickly as I had and was already pressing the attack again, forcing me on the defensive as I backed up and backed up. My smirk was replaced with a scowl as I saw that he was practically backing me into a corner to tire out my stamina by forcing me to block all of his attacks.

So I took a risk and ducked low under one of his swings, his claws scraped against the top of my power pack before I shoulder-rushed his gut to throw him off balance. Sure... it was probably not a good gamble since animal-fighters tend to keep their centers of balance low to the ground... but it was worth it as I began to go on the offensive again, bringing my sword in fluid motions to force each of us to dodge the others' attacks. I let out a growl as I began to increase the speed behind my swings, my mind furiously calculating the blades' path as I fought, trying to compensate for the weight of the weapon while I swung and tried to strike.

I was overcome with a sudden feeling of weightlessness before the sky began to fill my vision. ”...Oh shit...” was all I thought before Ticondrius' fist slammed me hard onto the ground, causing my vision to blur as I felt a weight on me.

“Remove your helm...” Came Ticondrius' growl. I slowly reached for my helm and began to slide it off, the HUD disappearing from my vision as everything lost its monochrome green tint. I looked into his visor as he growled again. “Submit to me, Son of The Lion...”

I adjusted my grip on my helmet as he growled again, “Submit to me!” I smirked before I answered with a helmet to the jaw-area of his head, throwing him off me as I scrambled for my sword again. As soon as I had it I made a mad rush at Ticondrius, putting enough force and speed behind my swing that he had two options; block or risk getting put down for a long while.

Honestly, his block had enough force behind it that I nearly stopped my plan right then and there... But I kept going, letting my sword drop as my right arm and leg snapped around his defenses. I used as much force as I could to pull his head back while my right leg snapped straight to throw his leg off the ground so that I could bring him to the ground in a grapple. Bringing my elbow around his throat I pulled against his grip as he tried to pry himself free. His flailing became weaker and weaker before I finally let him go, gasping and coughing while I sat a few feet away.

The world finally came back to me as a wave of exhaustion hit me, I grimaced as I could feel my suit trying to keep me cool so that I didn't sweat as much as I was. Ticondrius lay across from me coughing up a lung as I was panting like a shaggy dog on a hot day. One more victory, an improvised victory, but a victory nonetheless...

...And then the world was black as I passed out.

Author's Notes:

Finally! A cure for Writers' block!

Inspiration! Collaboration! Planning done right!

I now HAVE to advance the plot of my story so that I can get it where I want it for an upcoming war!

Chapter 8: Who Plays War Games?

I held the bridge of my nose as I took a look at the map of Equestria, there were too many positions that were showing to be held by enemy forces. Even with how much faster my battle-brothers were able to train the Neophytes we couldn't get enough reinforcements... We were on the losing side of a War of Attrition. I took a seat in one of the chairs at the table as I brushed my hand through my mane. I let out a breath as the entire situation took form; without any allies, even if we had the superior firepower, the enemy had superior numbers.

Because of the ogres we already had a couple dreadnaughts. My visage twisted into a scowl as I remembered the day that battle-brother Sven of the third legion fell... That day... oh yes that day we fought with a fury that scared even our empresses.

It was nothing short of an embarassment, we were overwhelmed in minutes and lost a good portion of our new recruits.

I slammed my fist on the table, making it crack just a little more from the repeated abuse. “This isn't how it was supposed to be...” I growl as I walk over to the single window of the entire room, its magnificent view marred only by the dark clouds that signaled the approach of our enemies. Their progress was slow, yes, but it never stopped, any of our positions we thought we held were kept for... oh... what was the current record? A week, that's it.

Pathetic...

I turned as the door to the war room was opened, giving me a view of our recently-titled Reclusiarch... Battle-brother Alhardir. We exchanged nods as he silently closed the door.

Alhardir let out a small sigh, “Astelan... You cannot continue this spiral of hate... it clouds your judgement... Please, come to prayer so that you may clear your mind and bring the battle back in our favor.” He all but pleaded.

I hung my head with a bit of shame, letting my hand brush through my short mane again. “I suppose you are right Alhardir... All this war has my fire for battle stoked, but my mind is short on strategy... perhaps some prayer to the Empresses is what I need.”

Despite the power armour and skull-shaped helmet that he wore, I had a feeling he was smiling. “Good, I shall prepare a spot for you, Chapter Master.”

With a small wave I send him away as I look out the window again with a frown, the appearance of the dark clouds causing nothing but fires of hate to stir once more...

Hate... At its core is what a space marine is meant to be, a weapon forged to slay the enemies of their Emperor, to be fine-tuned in the hate-fueled fires of war. But this? This hate was different. It was, in some way, on a more primal level. It was the kind of hate that would make someone sit idly by and laugh while they watched the world burn. I hated whatever was causing this chaos on such an instinctual level...

I let out a small shiver before turning to the door and heading to the dining hall. It was going to be a long night, I could just tell.

-{DW}- Three Days Later

Much of the primary construction was complete for the monastery at the top of the mountain behind the original castle of the Empresses, we had even gotten enough tech out that we had stopped the advance of the forces of Chaos.

Everything seemed to be looking up, even the Adeptus Astartes gene-therapy was working on more and more subjects, we still had less than a thirty percent retention rate, but we weren't deterred. Everything was moving along at an excellent pace and we had managed to fortify a few of the closer towns. We still didn't have a lot of air support aside from griffons with weapons but it wasn't anything new.

Still... The front lines had been too calm for too long... And I could feel the familiar itch of my trigger finger, I wanted release from the monotony of commanding troops, I wanted back into the excitement and constant change of battle... The adrenaline spike it gave was so addictive, and yet, I couldn't help but desire more combat, more war.

...What was wrong with me? A month ago I would've been afraid to punch a mugger because I wouldn't want to explain to the cops why I accidentally put a man in the hospital... Now? Now I'm fidgeting just because I haven't been in a good scrap!

I sat down in a nearby chair as I tried to collect my thoughts, a process that had been getting extremely difficult as of late. Unfortunately my quick meditation was interrupted when Alhardir burst into the war room.

“Brother Astelan! Trottingham is under attack!” He exlaims as my gaze snaps up to him.

“...Get my gun...” I growl.

-{DW}-

Less than thirty minutes later we were on one of the faster airships of the griffon armada, more like a small squadron, it barely numbered more than fifty ships. I draw my bolt pistol and sword as I spot the town of Trottingham. My face twists into a scowl as the sight of smoke and the sound of gunfire meet my ears. Once we were almost above the city I gave the command to leap from the aircraft...

The wind doesn't whistle...

After five new craters were made in the ground my squad and I quickly began sprinting to the town, the adrenaline once more began to pulse and I could feel myself become lost to my baser instincts... To find the enemy... To kill the enemy...

Everything was a blur. I had regained a sense of the battlefield sporadically throughout my journey, from slicing the throat of an ogre and watching as the blood splattered itself over my armor to shooting a changeling out of the sky and crushing its head beneath my boot as it begged for mercy. I will never forget that specific crunch...

I smiled a little as I had seen Blueblood in the battle. He looked a tad worse for wear, like usual, but after holding down the main street of a town for three hours I was willing to give him a little slack and not comment on how he looked like he got into a fight with a flamer and nearly lost.

Back to the battlefield I found the slaying of monsters and Heretics all too easy, even the Ogres seemed to no longer be posing a challenge. I mentally smirk as a thought forms itself at my new results. “I FOUND MY NEW WEAPON COMBO BITCHES!!!”

Oh the only thing that would've made the battle more glorious was a librarian screaming praise to Empress Luna as we liberated the enemy of what little brains they had left. Alas, It was just my fellow brothers shouting praises to Empress Luna... And Celestia... as we purged the world of the filth that dared marr our world.

A harpy let out a satisfying spray of blood as I ripped my sword out of her chest, painting more of the road crimson.

“They bleed as mortals! They can die as mortals!” I shout into the vox, spurring the troops, “We march for the Empresses!”

A resounding “AND WE SHALL KNOW NO FEAR!” answered me back and made it so I couldn't help but be proud of my war.

...Another changeling bites the dust!

-{DW}-

The splatter of another fleeing changeling was only second in my favorite sounds next to the heavenly roar of my boltgun. I had a smile on my face as wide as a mile as I watched the forces of chaos retreat in fear, cowering before the might of a Lunar Templar Chapter Master!

It felt good to fight, I had a way to take out my anger... anger at a war that should never have begun... which then gave me the adrenaline to continue the war, therefore providing me with a constant supply of hate and enjoyment.

Cadmus already was planning for the future, I hadn't seen him in weeks actually now that I think about it. I should really get over to his forge and see what he is doing.

I shake my head again, focusing on the here and now as I look around. The looks of fear on the faces of the ponies seem as satisfying as they are out of place, they should be overjoyed, we had slain the Empresses' enemies while sending their praises skyward. Yet they continued to look at me with the same fear that I had come to love seeing on the faces of the Heretics...

I am loathe to admit that it got my adrenaline going for more... What could these mere mortals do against me? I am steel and doom, the might of the Empresses incarnate... What are mortals to such deity-like strength?

Once more I shake my head, those kinds of thoughts are nought but heresy, to strike down the populus that I fight to protect, madness... And yet... I feel it deep within, the urge to continue slaying.

Author's Notes:

Hey All! Sorry for taking so long, you have no idea how much I couldn't think of how to proceed, so I just decided with this...

...Please don't kill me for such a late update...

Chapter 9: The Cooldown

[Third Person POV]

Blueblood trotted along the trench at Trottingham, helping out with a few of the emplacement crews as they re-armed the crossbows and cannons. He smiled a little to himself, proud that the army of his aunts' was learning so much from Forge-master Cadmus.

“They aren't up to where the marines are in technology...” He mused quietly to himself, enjoying the brief reprieve from battle. “...But they've got plenty to work with... We're even beginning to make some progress in stopping the enemy...”

He continues along the trench, stopping occasionally for idle chit-chat with the soldiers under his watch, until he finally reaches the bunker that leads to an underground forward operating base. Inside are a pair of almost identical unicorns, their coats turned gunmetal grey due to the color enchantments on their armor, the only thing that could mainly tell them apart was that the couple inches difference in size between the two.

“Good evening sergeants...” Blueblood says with a small smile. They return the salute and greet him in kind.

“Sir, the doc says you really should be getting off the front lines, get a few of those wounds treated before something happens.” The shorter one says with a genuine look of concern.

“I'll go, don't worry, I'm just doing another round before I head out to make sure the stallions I command are still in combat condition.” Blueblood chuckles. The officers give him a small nod and he takes his leave to check out a few more posts.

“I really hate doctors... it's always 'needle this' and 'stitches that'...” He gives a shudder before wincing when he puts pressure on his right flank. “... But maybe they're right...” He sighs. “...I should make sure that I don't have anything that will cause a break...”

-{DW}-

About an hour later Blueblood finally couldn't delay his visit to the field medics anymore and went in to find that he had an injured leg, probably caused by a nasty fall when he engaged an Ogre and miraculously didn't die. He let out a small sigh as he watched the town of Trottingham shrink away in the distance while he was travelling by pegasus air-transport. It left a hole in his heart as he had to leave the stallions and mares that he had been fighting alongside since they had moved the defense to Trottingham. Day Guard or Night Guard, he fought alongside both and it showed, they trusted him with their lives... only to be switched over to a new commanding officer now that he had been injured holding a key position... with just a damn sprain no less. It felt, unfair, that he had to leave when they didn't.

“I hope we can win soon... the troops are the ones that need the rest more than I do...” He whispers as he faces forward again.

-{DW}-

So far the only news that Blueblood had gotten from the front lines in the past day was that Trottingham was still holding its ground against the chaos, although many other border towns were feeling the strain. Even life at Canterlot was taking a hit now that the marines were still trying to perfect their gene-altering process to make more of their soldiers.

He had to admit, they were almost frighteningly efficient, only a small team had been dispatched to Trottingham after the battle a week ago had started, and within minutes the opposition had been quelled. The thing that frightened him the most though, was Astelan, He had been too quiet during the fight... Only speaking up to shout at the enemies and curse their souls to the warp, whatever that was. Even around the castle without all of his armor on, his coat had almost turned gray on its own and he was so withdrawn. It seemed as if the only pony he spoke to anymore was Luna, and that was only at her persistence.

Blueblood grimaced a little as he thought of his best friend, just one more thing that hurt because of the war. He wanted it to end so much, but there was nothing he could do since he was confined to his room and hadn't had a visi-... Oh?

The door to the room began to open with a slight creak, causing Blueblood to direct his attention at the mare who entered his room. A slight smile grew on each of their faces as their eyes made contact, his sapphire ones and her emerald ones.

To him, her coat was the most beautiful shade of royal-purple that he had ever seen, with her mane only slightly lighter.

Her name escaped his lips, barely above a whisper. “Lavender... It's good to see you again...”

The violet unicorn mare slowly trotted over to his bed after closing the door, “It's good to see you too Bluey...”

If anyone else had called him that name, aside from his aunts, he would've had them gelded on the spot... but for her, he always made an exception. “So... Your great soldier has been wounded in battle...” He starts with a hollow chuckle. “Sent home with a pathetic wound...”

Lavender pouts a little before giving him a kiss just below his horn. “Shh... An injured leg is nothing to continue fighting on... You'll want to be in the best shape you can be to fight for the diarchy.”

Blueblood smiles a little more, “Then I had better not do any strenuous activity...”

Lavender chuckles again. “Don't worry... I won't hurt you today...” She whispers in his ear as her horn lights up and the room is sealed from the inside. “Because I love you... and I'll always be by your side...”

Author's Notes:

A small chapter, one that focuses on a different character in the story for a little bit. I felt that a small change of pace would be a good option here before getting back to the slaying and such.

Chapter 10: The Crystal Empire and The Flames of The Empresses

I stood with my squad in the griffon-zeppelin that was taking us to our next destination, The Crystal Empire. It was definitely something to behold as we passed by some of the outlying towns that were still holding their ground.

Everything was quiet... Too quiet as we passed over the terrain, not even the sounds of the howling winds were there to keep us company, I could actually hear my own breathing.

The landing wasn't that bad, we were even greeted by a few of the Crystal Guard to be escorted to Lord Sombra.

“Why has the Crystal Empire stopped their daily communications with the rest of the Empire?” I ask the guard as we make our way to the palace, making sure to keep my eye on our standard-bearer since there's a risk that some of the Heretics have made their way deeper than we thought. Overall the main city is beautiful, but... oddly empty as we walked, like everypony had abandoned their homes. I kept scanning the buildings, trying to find some sign that we still had ponies to protect here.

“Anyone else getting a bad feeling about this?” Brother Mehran asks over the vox.

I blink my eye to activate my communicator, “Easy Brother... We don't know what's out here, and the standard isn't burning yet. Keep your eyes peeled and we'll be fine.”

I don't know who I was trying to reassure more; My battle-brothers... or myself...

-{DW}-

We managed to reach the base of the Crystal Castle within the hour, it actually was really impressive up close, almost as beautiful as Canterlot and thrice as detailed. There were even plenty of places that would help provide covering fire to troops on the ground. I began to feel a bit better as I looked around, admiring the strategy built right into the castle.

“It's beautiful...” I found myself whispering without realizing it.

“Thank you, it actually took weeks to make the entire crystal grow right.” My head snaps to the new occupant of the main hall, a tall, charcoal unicorn with dark green eyes and a mane whose color was only slightly lighter than his coat.

“Sombra, it's good to see you.” I say as I nod my head.

“As well it is to see you my friend.” He replies with a warm smile before it fades into a slight frown. “Although I wish this meeting was on better times.”

I narrow my eyes a little even though he can't see it, but he could definitely tell from my tone. “What do you mean...?”

“The Flames of the Empresses... They've... They've fallen...” He replies dejectedly as he refuses to look me in the eye, finding the floor of his castle to be more interesting. “They've fallen to chaos...”

That one sentence, 'they've fallen to chaos', sends my mind reeling. We were supposed to be infallible, we aren't mortal, we are not true flesh and blood... We are steel and we are doom...

I brace myself on one knee as the information seems to drain a bit of my strength, before my sadness is replaced by that familiar rage again, turning my blaze for battle into a roaring inferno as I stand up again with new resolve.

“Then they shall be dealt with as all heretics before them...” I growl.

“No...” Sombra replies, causing me to raise a brow before his form begins to shift, making him almost as tall as Empress Luna. His body seems to glow a sickly purple as his horn curves and I hear his body stretch painfully. I bring up my bolt pistol and ready my sword. “...You will be dealt with... Discord has had enough of your interruptions to his plans.” He growls as I hear something behind me.

“The standard is burning!” Mehran calls out as I pull the trigger on my pistol, firing a round right... through... Sombra.

His form shifts into a thick smoke as he rushes to me, slamming with enough force to knock me to the ground.

At that point I hear the one thing more ominous than the growl of a wolf...

...The hiss of a Flamer starting up and the screams of several of my Battle-Brothers as I try to right myself again. Managing to get up in time to only see Flames Astartes in a twisted mockery of their normal red and black colors and the charred remains of three of my battle-brothers on the ground in front of them.

A sharp pain in my side snaps me out of my trance, turning my attention to Sombra now that he was in a physical form. His smirk...

That disgusting smirk...

He should never be smiling like that...

No one deserves to smile...

My green vision seemed to swim with red as everything faded into a blur, screams of horror and pain mixing with my own as I moved.

-{DW}-

I collapsed to my knees in the snow, agony burning every inch of my body as I felt a warm liquid travel down my face.

I had lost my helmet somewhere in the city, and because of that I now had some sort of cut across my muzzle that was quickly making me lose feeling in my jaw. My sword and bolt pistol were gone, replaced only with a bloody, fouled chainsword. My armor was scorched in several places and I could smell the stench of death all around me as I tried to get a bearing on where I was, why I had no brothers asking if I could continue.

Through the blur I saw the burning remains of many outer buildings of the Crystal City, but after a half-block there was just a small crater, no evidence of battle, no blood save for the large drops leading to me, not even smoke in the air.

It had been noon when I got to the empire... And now it was night. I could only fall to the snow and struggle to look at the sky as I dropped the fouled weapon, it was useless anyway. As the world faded I saw two blurs, one white and one black. With a strain to use what little energy I had left I reached my right hand out to the black one. It seemed to be trying to say something but the words were so muted that I couldn't make them out before my hand fell to the ground and I lost my grip on consciousness.

Author's Notes:

I do apologize if there's a lot of errors on this one, I think I caught everything before submitting, but if you feel anything may still need a spell-check I am more than happy to have a comment saying where the error is so I can correct it.

As always, I love speaking with my readers so drop a comment and I'd be happy to respond.

Space marine submission is still open, and will be open until further notice. *Spoilers!* Once we get to the second arc of the story it won't just be marines that can be submitted.

Chapter 11: More down time

Alhardir let out a small sigh as he strode down the hallways of the monastery.

”What I wouldn't give to have a day where I don't have to worry about the enemy banging on our door...” He lets out a sigh as he gazes at the architecture, at blank walls that were supposed to house murals of the greatest deeds of the Marines. Only one wall had been painted so far, showing a glorious scene of the Defense of Trottingham, Lunar Templars were cutting down ogres and changelings while Solaris Knights cleansed the harpies with bolter fire. The painting was dominated with different shades of red and orange, depicting the fires of battle burning through the entire city as the marines held their ground and eventually began to push the forces of chaos back.

The Reclusiarch pursed his lips as he thought about something.

”Chaos... This chaos... Isn't like the warp-chaos... These creatures aren't madness given form... they still have much of their original size if not shape... Whatever the source of this chaos is, it can't possibly be from the warp. So that begs the question... If these ponies can so readily use their 'magic'... Why has nothing from the warp shown itself?” He kept thinking and puzzling over the question, seeking the answer until his neutral face slowly but surely shifted to a small frown at coming up with nothing.

Within minutes he finally reached the balcony overlooking the small town at the base of the mountainous Monastery to the Empresses, The twin Colossal statues of the Alicorn sisters watching over the town in a silent vigil. While the anthromorphing process had gotten to a seventy percent retention rate, there was still less than ten percent retention for the space marine processes, especially not for the ones involving the Wolf Pack, who refused to use any methods of breeding new marines than what they already had. So far starting the rumor of gigantic wolves roaming about the wasteland that used to be the Crystal Empire.

They had even begun quietly experimenting with the griffons, zebras and Minotaurs. Still no successes, but they were getting close.

Alhardir caught himself as he was about to sigh again, he had been doing that a lot lately and if he didn't catch himself soon enough it would become a tic for him, one that he really didn't want to deal with later. After taking a deep breath and straightening himself he made his way down to the depths of the monastery, to the forge where he could get the plates that would be engraved with his prayers to the empresses so that their soldiers could remain pure in battle and would never fall again to the travesty that had been Las Pegasus, the small colony had been why there were more dreadnoughts in service. It had been a bloody day... A day they won, but bloody nonetheless.

{[DW]}

Sergeant Firestorm of the twenty-second Brigade, one of the first batallions of ponies to be completely made of Anthromorphed ponies, gazed at the different buildings in town as he walked down main street, already there were forges and clothes stores being erected to help with the slowly growing demand for weapons and modesty. While it was still not a big deal to not be wearing clothes since many of the population's pony instincts were still intact, he still caught himself staring a bit more at the mares that had been changed than he would've considered proper, so he naturally had been completely behind getting the clothes stores built. He had even gotten a sharp-looking military uniform that had been laced with leather-tree sap leather for added protection when he wasn't wearing his carapace armor.

Already he was smiling at the sound of hammers ringing on metal to make swords and armor for their troops, doing away with any fancy designs and working to provide as much protection as could be afforded for the job. His hand drifted to the left side of his chest, one of the blades the harpies used, twisted and mangled just like them, had come so close to piercing his heart that if it had not been for the armor he had been wearing he would've died. A shudder threatened to make its way up his spine as he thought back to Las Pegasus, making him frown just a little at the near-failure they had.

“No... better to know that we won than that we lost... Like the Crystal Empire...” He mutters.

Much of Equestria seemed to be... less bright... now that the Crystal Empire, and the Crystal Heart itself, had seemed to vanish from existence with that unnerving trace of darkness that chilled you more than any cold ever could.

No! No thinking about it, He had to be positive, if they all started to give in to despair then the chaos that was approaching would pick them apart, he had to be strong, for him... For his town... For Equestria...

… For the Empresses...

{[DW]}

He could smell it... The chaos... It wasn't right... It held a foul taint on anything it touched and refused to give up any ground.

Ticondrius scowled as he looked out at the shifted landscape, only a few miles from the small colony that his squad was guarding.

Rolling hills that had been changed into a vile mixture of plaid and stripes like a horrible patchwork quilt, trees that had shifted into giant candy canes and even fauna that had been changed to disgusting warped forms of what they once were.

Rabbits that now had horrid stilt-like legs...

Ponies from other colonies who had been changed into a darker, greyed form if they hadn't been horribly morphed into changelings.

Dogs who began to walk on their front paws like a mockery of their physical forms and of the laws of the universe.

Ticondrius spat on the ground towards the deformed lanscape before he slid his helm back into place and walked back to the settlement. Once inside he looked to each pony he passed, a pang of grief spiking through his heart with each pony that used to be part of the crystal empire, sitting with less than acceptable living conditions all because of an enemy that refused to back off.

It had even been a few days since he had heard from the monastery about the condition of their Chapter Master. He had smelled the taint on Astelan, could smell the taint where the capital of the Empire had been... He knew something happened... But if he kept his thoughts on it he would've driven himself into paranoia. He had to be strong for all the other ponies who were looking to the Lunar Templars: Wolf Pack for strength... The pack had to be an unyielding shield for those who didn't deserve the fate that so many others had received. He could feel the chill in the air again, that instinct that had never driven him wrong before...

...Chaos was stirring again.

{[DW]}

I groaned as I held my head once more, the pounding headache refusing to leave me in peace no matter how quiet the room was and no matter how hard I prayed for guidance from the Empresses. No matter what I did, that damn pain persisted...

“...Empresses... Hear my prayers... Let my brothers never fall to your enemies, watch them as you do me and grant them the strength to continue in this never-ending tide of blood and evil... Empress Luna... Herald of the night... Patron of the Templars... Grant your sons the strength to strike down the chaos... Give them the strength to protect those who cannot protect themselves...” I take a small breath as I feel moisture running down my right cheek. I gaze into the light-green visor of my helmet, the face of my own armor staring back at me with the neutral gaze that so many others saw.

“Empress Celestia... Herald of the Sun... Patron of the Knights... Give us the resolve to burn away our fears... allow your sons and their charges to purify the battlefield with bolt and flame... bringing peace to a world at war... Give us the courage to move forward... to never back down... to never retreat in the face of fear. Your sun grants life, while Empress Luna's moon grants us rest... Both are beautiful and dangerous... I seek your guidance... because I hear whispers of what happened in the empire... I cannot understand them fully... but I feel their pain, I feel their sorrow... Please... Give us all the strength to fight until the war is done... until the world stands in peace, with every being unified...”

I let out a shuddered breath as I place a gauntleted hand against my eyes, wiping away the unbidden tears as thousands of faces flash across my vision... once the fear in their eyes bringing me pleasure as I crushed them in the name of the empresses... Now their horror making me realize just how much of a monster I was becoming. I let out one last prayer...

“...Please... Keep me from becoming like the monsters we fight to protect your ponies from... don't let them know our pain...”

Author's Notes:

ALL THE FEELZ!!!

Anywhoozle, I hope you all liked this look into the world of the marines when they weren't slaying in the name of the Empresses!

Chapter 12: Take Back The Land!

I glared at the landscape in front of me, its twisted form only making the headache in my mind worsen. I had to do something, medicine didn't help, only when I had been in battle... Slaying our enemies in the name of our Glorious Empress Luna had I been rid of the incessant mind-pain.

I gave the world one last sneer beneath my helm before I turned to speak with my Battle-Brothers.

“Alhardir... Would you like to give a speech before we set off into battle?” I ask somewhat quietly as the Reclusiarch seems to materialize by my side.

He gives a nod, “It would be best to give the soldiers the best words they could hear before many of them fall to the advancing enemy.” He places a hand on my shoulder, stopping us. “Part of me wishes that all it took was a speech to bring fathers and mothers back to their families after the war... while the rest of me knows that this battle will only bring about as many deaths on our side as the enemy will have.”

I let out a small sigh. “I know Reclusiarch... I know...”

Within minutes we stood on a stage in front of most of the assembled military force, made up of the remnants of the great kingdoms... In the last bastion of defense we could muster.

...The City of Canterlot...

We had lost all of our ground, most of the marines were busy defending the monastery at all times of the day and this was to be our final stand. The Empresses had found some sort of cryptic research into a force that could possibly undo the chaos that has imprisoned the land and we were going to be the distraction they needed to be able to bring their world back to some sense of normalcy.

My thoughts were interrupted as the Reclusiarch began his speech.

“On this day, our united kingdoms and nations fight against a powerful enemy, one that has sworn never to stop until we are all crushed underfoot.”

“But so long as we draw breath we will not let this city fall!” His shout gets a few cheers from most of the crowd. “Let this day be the day that will go down in history, not as the day the world lost to chaos, but as the day the nations of the world united to defend their very way of life! Let the future generations know that we did not whimper and give in to a powerful enemy! Let them know that the bravest of the brave and the strongest of the strong fought alongside their kin and allies to defend Canterlot to the very last life! Stand proud! As long as you draw breath you have the strength to fend off the enemy, prove that to them, make them regret ever fighting against our might!” The crowd cheered again, this time gaining more support.

“When the future looks back upon this day, let it be known as the day ALL of us became heroes! Whether you become a martyr for the cause, or slay many in the name of the Empresses, We will fight to the end! The world will hear our voice! And the chaos shall feel the strength in our arms! We will not go quietly! We will make them work for every inch of ground they will have to fight us through!”

The crowd let out a resounding cheer, letting me know that the Reclusiarch had managed to secure us against the fear that chaos would try to instill.

...But this blasted headache was definitely beginning to get on my nerves.

---

The walls of the city were built to be the best defensive barricades ever, each one rising above the nearest buildings so that no one could leap up and over. Only a few choke points, and plenty of places to put the few marines that I did have in service. I could only hope that the empresses returned soon, because if they did not, there would likely be nothing for them to return to.

As soon as I saw the advancing army I drew my blade, as the harpies began to close in my bolt pistol took aim, and when I could see them sharply from the barrel of my gun... I let loose the first volley of holy roars that would soon be followed by the praises of my brethren and their boltgun roars as the bolts would scream through the air to tear the harpies to pieces.

Within minutes my pistol was empty, forcing me to holster it as I waited for the force that would advance to the front gate, there, I would finally be able to purge myself of this headache. They were not too far off, and the boltguns were making quick work of the harpies, their holy roars were the most beautiful sound I could ever ask for.

My gaze snapped to the changelings and ogres making their way to the gate, I had my sword ready as I placed a foot on the crenelation.

I leapt from the wall... And into the horde.

---

It felt so... Right... As blood splashed onto my armor and visor, each slash bringing down a new enemy, forcing others to cower in fear at my might. The noise of the battle sounded far away as I simply focused on cutting down the enemy.

A changeling, beheaded to spray their viscous green blood everywhere...

An ogre, cleaved in two from brain to groin, left to flop to each side and spray blood onto others nearby.

At one point a few of my brothers had joined me, but I no longer cared, I was back in the heat of battle, my throat raw as I screamed my praises to Empress Luna while I sacrificed more and more in her name so that she may watch over me and take joy knowing that I protect the land for her.

Empress Luna... Please... Hear my prayer...

…

…

Let the enemy wash in the blood of their fallen, make them fear my gaze upon them, make them cower in fright at my presence... Let me claim their skulls to make you a throne to pay for their heresy, let me claim their blood in your name so that they may fear your champion to their core. They shall be my trophies, each... and every one of them...

---

My visor had gone from green to red as I continued to cut down the enemy, single-handedly defending the main gate with only my sword. My brothers had left after only a few minutes when the vox had let them know of a diamond dog attack from the mines.

But I had still yet to let an enemy pass, The narrow stone bridge that led to the gate was only wide enough for me, and no matter how hard they tried to swarm, their strength was nothing next to mine.

With one wide slice a spray of green blood painted my armor as five changelings fell victim to my blade... Huh... I should name it the life-drinker... Yes, They each fell, cut like a hot knife through butter as life-drinker greedily claimed their lives, I was more than happy to oblige.

Any harpies were shot down by crossbows, bows and any other projectile that our soldiers could find. The snarl on my face could nearly be called feral as enemy soldiers met their fate at the edge of my blade, not one of them had the strength to fight me.

Then I felt it again...

...That damned headache!

It simply refused to leave, heating up my burning righteous fury to an inferno of rage as I felt the world begin to slip away. My body moved faster, I reacted quicker than I thought, I finally began to let my instincts take hold and everything began to blur as I could only keep my mind on the damn headache!

I had heard someone... something over the vox... A voice that sounded familiar... But I could not place it as my hatred and fury grew.

I heard the roar of a boltgun... And then it felt like I was falling...

Author's Notes:

And now, I must increase my search for someone who can handle a psyker, because if they can do that, they can handle a marine that's in a bloodlust... hopefully...

Chapter 13: Crossover Chaos

I couldn't even feel the pain of landing on my chest when I finished falling thanks to my armor, but it still took me a minute before I was able to look around without blurry vision.

What I saw... I hated...

It reeked of chaos, the stench fueling the fire in my chest anew into a roaring inferno as I shakily started to stand. Blood stained my visor and gave the entire place a red-green tint as I scanned the woods.

A feral growl started in my throat as I saw what I could only describe as monsters; warped, twisted creatures that walked on various sets of legs and gibbered in unintelligible tongues. I quickly reached for my bolt-pistol only to realize that I no longer had it, but I could see my sword, it had only landed a few feet away.

I made the lunge, feeling the familiar presence of my sword accept my hand as I rolled into a crouch to bring my sword up to impale one of the creatures shishkebab-style on the flawless adamantium blade. With a quick swing I flung the beast at the rest of the group as we both charged.

We met within seconds, their claws and spear-hands merely bounced off of my blessed armor as I began to swing my blade with wild abandon, each swing letting out a satisfying wet squelch as another beast was either cleaved apart or lost a limb to my blade's insatiable hunger for the blood of heretics.

As I used my armored hand to tear off the arm of one of the beasts while keeping it down on the ground with my foot I realized that I had begun to laugh.

...It wasn't a laugh that one would have with friends...

...It wasn't one that would be chuckled in private...

...It wasn't even one that I truly recognized as my own if I hadn't regained a little bit of sense...

It was a laugh of a madman, a man who had let himself become absorbed with his lust. And the best part...

It was MY laugh, it was a laugh that I truly felt the exhilaration for as their blood splashed onto my armor.

My blade drank deep the blood of the beasts as I cut a swathe through the forest, quickly they began to flee in fear, the fear that I loved to feel as I pursued. My pace slowed as I came across another clearing, my heart nearly stopped dead as I felt the cold wash over me. We were locked in place, unable to tear our gaze from each other as my rage and hatred began to come back, bringing the pain in my mind as my power tried to force itself to the fore. In a moment of clarity I finally understood what was happening...

And it was all because of the Fallen Angel standing across from me.

As I finally let my resistance down I felt the flood of power course its way through my body, the power of psionics. It was beautiful, I charged with all of my hatred focused on the sinner before me and through my will did my heavenly blade call upon the very wrath of the Lunar Empress herself as it wreathed itself in a blue flame.

My sword met his winged mace and he nearly crumpled under the first strike, I could taste his fear... It was faint but it was there, with a mighty laugh I let out yet another prayer for the Empress.

“In the name of Empress Luna you shall burn in the fires of the warp, Heretic!” Whatever he had said was lost to the babble that he spewed, I cared not, for I had a new enemy to fight, one of my strength, one that I could savor the fight for.

He finally managed to loose his weapon from mine as we parted, I took note of the skull-helmet he had on yet it was one more detail that I didn't care for as I brought my blade up, readying to strike.

---

-[Alhardir]-

Alhardir felt a fleeting moment of confusion and slight surprise when he saw his chapter master in the forest clearing that the AI he had met earlier had marked for him. He had quickly blink-clicked away the connection before he noticed Astelan charge at him, loosing a war cry that sent a chill to the depths of his soul.

”This isn't the chapter master!” was all he could think before he had to bring his own mace up to keep his battle-brother's blade from cleaving him in half. With a slight grunt he began to struggle against the Chapter master as his friend began to swear at him in an unfamiliar tongue. A small shift later and he managed to get the enraged marine off of him to give him just a moment's breath before the blade came again, making inhumanely fast and strong swings. The effort to parry and block a few of the more deadly of attacks was slowly beginning to drain what little stamina the Reclusiarch had remaining from the battle they had left in Canterlot.

”If I don't do anything soon... I won't have the strength left to survive... … … HOW THE HELL DOES HE EVEN HAVE THIS MUCH STAMINA!?” The Reclusiarch cursed his luck as he quickly tried to remember where the old castle was. ”Maybe seeing Empress Luna here would give me the opening I need...” With his improvised, and quite shaky, plan in place he quickly aimed a swing at the Chapter Master's jaw to stun him and give the Reclusiarch enough time to start sprinting.

Alhardir could feel his head begin to hurt a little as he sprinted, the blood pounding in his ears while his heartbeat seemed to keep pace with his bootfalls.

"AI!! I... I DON'T REMEMBER WHAT YOUR NAME IS! I NEED YOU TO ALERT THE GROUP TO MY ARRIVAL, READY THEM TO SUBDUE THE CHAPTER MASTER, SOMETHING HAS GOTTEN TO HIM” Alhardir shouted into the vox.

Author's Notes:

Little bit of a short chapter, but hey, at least now we begin to see deeper into the mind of our beloved Chapter Master :D

Chapter 14: The Loss of a World...

Trees flashed across my vision, The Fallen Angel fleeing from me was but a few meters away. I could see the glint off of his corrupted helm as I gained ground.

He was the first to burst from the underbrush and shout something to the assembled forces, other heretics and from the corner of his visor he saw a dreadnought.

"Damned heathens! They have me outnumbered... but I will not fail, the glory shall be mine!" I growled as I tackled the Chaos Marine to the ground, I could hear the dull clangs against my armor and his as we traded blows. He managed to shift a foot under me to send me off of him and at a nearby tree, With my sword drawn I began to rush again only for a loud gunshot to force my sacred blade from my hands.

...I could feel the headache again... I wanted to kill... I wanted to slay...

I turned to the dreadnought, the monster only a little taller than me seemed to think he could take on one of Empress Luna's chosen sons. With a roar I dug my feet into the ground and seemed to take off as the hulking brute met me somewhere in the middle of our paths.

The monster's fist shimmered with blue power as I felt my fist numb at the lightning coursing through my arm, I didn't even feel it as my fist connected with its jaw, but I saw sparks as its fist struck my helm. Half of my visor cracked and I could feel the embers coming from the initial break in the circuitry. After that I went flying and the world was just smoke.

I could hear a groan as I began to sit up, blinking a few times as I made it to my feet. I let out a pained shout as I felt something sharp drive itself through my leg. I turned as far as I could to see the Fallen Angel from earlier gripping a sword he had managed to get through my armor.

...I couldn't feel it... I saw the blade... but I couldn't feel it...

My fist clenched as I began to bring it down, aiming right where his visor was. It was in slow motion as I began to see the reflection of many colors in the glass, with each second the colors grew in intensity.

The few seconds I had to react weren't enough as my vision was filled with the entire spectrum of visible light, Exactly five seconds in I began to realize that my throat hurt because I was screaming. It lasted exactly sixty seconds before everything stopped... Cloaking my world in the darkness that was the Empress' embrace.

---

Light flooded my vision as feeling returned to my limbs, looking at the sky I knew I was still in the same world as the demonspawn that I had been slaying, but... Why was I alive? I was unconscious... The Chaos had more time to do to me than it knew what to deal with. I slowly began to sit up, Glancing around before I managed to see the Reclusiarch.

"Brother... Alhardir... What happened to the Chaos Marine?"

"Astelan... There was no Chaos Marine... The levels of chaos in this world were playing tricks on your senses..."

"I... I'm tainted...?" My blood seemed to freeze in my veins as I watched his expressionless visor.

"no..." He replied quickly, placing a hand on my chest. "...The Empress had six heroes purify you with the Elements of Harmony, bringing balance to your core." I could easily hear the relief in his voice. "Thank the Empresses that the Elements worked... You are still able to fight...?"

"yes my brother... Just... Give me a few minutes and I will be fine." I let out a small wheeze as I get to my feet, scanning the world around and notice the lull in the sound of battle. My attention catches on the group speaking on the far side of the throne room. "Alhardir, what is it they are speaking of?"

The Reclusiarch followed my gaze and nodded a little. "This world is being overtaken by the forces of the void, we are fighting a losing battle... Just like home... but here we are giving the innocent time to flee this world, Let us show the monsters of the void what happens when they invoke the wrath of Empress Luna's chosen sons." He held a hand up that I grasped with a smirk under my helmet.

I took a passing note that my chest stung, but I'd see the Apothecary later anyway.

---

I had my sword back in my grasp again, by the Empress... It simply felt wrong not to have it, I let out a hearty laugh as the adamantine blade sliced through the monsters that I had been informed were called Voidlings. It was almost too easy to swing and kill these creatures in a wide arc, they didn't quite leave blood to splatter everywhere... but it didn't matter since I had found that I could wreathe my fist in blue flames bestowed by our Beloved Empress Luna, adding the flames to my sword let no creature stand long before me. I spoke and shouted my praises to Empress Luna as I fought but the sound didn't seem to come through as I enjoyed watching my beautiful sword cleave through these warpspawn.

I saw the large dreadnought-like being grab a rainbow-maned pegasus from the ground before going back to firing on the Voidlings. As I let my blade find its mark in another of the beasts I let out a shout.

"WE MARCH FOR THE EMPRESSES!"

The Reclusiarch met my shout with one of his own, stoking the fires of war. "AND WE SHALL KNOW NO FEAR!"

I felt my resolve warm my limbs as my swings renewed their strength, gladly slaying these heretics as they charged to their doom.

"REJOICE! FOR YOU GET TO LET LOOSE YOUR ANGER!" One of the litanies of hate from the Reclusiarch.

"IN THE NAME OF THE NIGHT!" I agreed as I brought my sword down to cleave one of the voidlings in half before bringing my blade back up and continuing on, swatting away voidlings like they were flies.

"WITH YOUR HATE AS YOUR SWORD, AND YOUR DISGUST AS YOUR SHIELD, MAY NO WARPSPAWN BREAK YOUR WILL!" I heard the report of the Reclusiarch's boltgun as he dropped more of the enemy, I let out a praise of the Empress as I tore the arms off of one of the voidlings, forcing it to dissolve. "Heh... now if only the heretics of my dimension were self-cleaning like these guys..."

Apparently I had missed out on slaying a large voidling as the rest of the swarm started to flee. I cursed a little to myself as I felt the weariness of battle force my limbs to feel heavy and sluggish, without taking my eyes off of the treeline of the castle grounds I managed to trudge my way back over to the group.

After noticing that the group had dwindled down to just the displaced like me and not even five ponies I could feel the pain and hate that they had to have for this new menace. They needed the guidance of the Empress even more than I did so I reached to one of my belt pouches, the one that I kept the pendant of my chapter in, and pulled it out to give to the one who called herself Essence. "You all fought well, but I have only one pendant to give, and I bestow it upon you, Essence... Wear it as a mark of honor and know that should you raise it to the sky and call for Empress Luna's chosen sons we will send a team to aid you. Consider yourself an initiate of the Lunar Templars chapter." I watched as she used her powers to duplicate the pendant and pass them among the assembled Displaced, who also gave their 'tokens' out as well.

The Reclusiarch and I crossed our arms and saluted with the Imperal Aquila as I felt myself changing worlds, "I hope to slay more warpspawn with you soon..."

---

I landed on the cobbled streets of what I hoped to be Canterlot once the shift had finished. I slowly pushed myself off of the ground and looked around, amazed a little once I saw the shield that had been erected around the city. I let out a groan as my legs refused to start walking again, screaming at me to sit and rest before I killed myself out of sheer exhaustion... well... resting didn't seem like too bad of an idea anyway.

I slowly closed my eyes, blinking a few times as I fell asleep. I could hear a faint buzzing as my body felt like it was getting lighter.

Author's Notes:

The story that this Crossover is for is The Songs Of True Madness, It's a good story, a little rough in the beginning but once you get to the crossover chapters there's a lot of nice detail put into the story.

Chapter 15: The Calm Before The Storm

Much of the city around Canterlot had a very somber mood compared to just a few weeks ago. While everyone still had fight in them, it seemed like there would be no way to stave off the corruption for long. Ogres, Changelings and Harpies constantly harassed the boundaries of the city and even began the need for an inquisition to root out any Changeling heresy and find weak links in the line of command.

The Lunar Templars Reclusiarch had been recovered about a street away from the Chapter Master and both had been hauled back to the infirmary wing of the castle. Upon their return some of the unicorns began to notice strange connections about them...

---

A unicorn medic quickly made his way down the hall of the infirmary wing, looking frantically left and right as his mousy brown mane bounced with each hooffall. He was muttering something to himself as he tried picking up his pace, catching sight of something he slid a bit as he tried to keep his footing. The occupants of the room were near silent as the medic walked in, his coat nearly making him blend in with the reflective topaz floors of the castle.

"Uh... S-Librarian Tenebras... There's... there's something off about the Chapter Master and Reclusiarch..." He panted as he worked to regain his composure.

"What do you mean Rune?" The gentle tone that answered the medic was a definite change compared to the other Astartes he had come across, He began to stand a bit straighter as he looked up at the massive figure.

"Well... Sir... Um... Doctor Trendly just did a scan of both of them and found a... Well... It's really hard to explain... I was sent to get you since he believes you would be the best to find out more about their condition..."

With a quick nod the Lunar Templar astartes quickly made his way to the part of the castle that the Chapter Master and Reclusiarch were in.

---

Doctor Simon Trendly, a simian doctor of all things, stood over the two massively-genetically changed ponies that were called the Reclusiarch and Chapter master. He hummed curiously to himself as he walked around them and occasionally waved a shaman-like staff above them which glowed a light blue for a few seconds.

The creaking of a door caught his attention and he turned just in time to see one of the more recent additions to the army, a fellow the others called a Librarian. He gave a small mental chuckle to match the wave and smile he presented the giant bipedal unicorn as he walked surprisingly lightly for his size.

"How are you today Sir Tenebras?" He said with a small flourish of a bow, receiving a terse nod from the giant unicorn in return.

"I am fine... although Mister Rune informed me that you have information that would interest me?" He asked in a slightly demanding tone.

Trendly gave a small nod as he beckoned the Librarian over. "Both of them... they have a source unlike you, me, griffons or any creature on this world that can normally use magic..." He caught the small twitch that the massive unicorn had as he mentioned the word 'magic'. "...While you have a lot of power focused on your inner strength, as most creatures do on this world, these two are showing something... else... something... darker."

"I would watch my words if I were you doctor... If you are saying what I am to believe you are saying, you stand to accuse the most loyal of our chapter of heresy..." Tenebras growled as the doctor took a step back.

Raising his hands defensively he quickly worked to make sure he wouldn't be boxed in, "No... Of course I don't mean that, it's that there's something that is providing them with a power not natural to us... it has it's own malevolence to it even stronger than the bloodlust of you marines. If you wish to test what I say, scan them yourself... I am not lying about this."

Slowly, the Librarian turned his gaze back towards the two recovering marines before closing his eyes and hearing the newly familiar chime that was his magic activating.

While he was cautious and used it sparingly, the 'magic' felt so much safer, warmer... less chaotic than what his memories of the warp were. Nothing but his own strength greeted him and he was in control, no need to worry about what could happen.

Letting his moment finish being savored he began to stretch his new sixth sense out to examine the Librarian and Chapter Master, only to recoil back and catch himself with how fast he had gone back. It took a few seconds for him to realize that he had unconsciously shifted away from them and quickened his breathing, although it would've sounded normal for anyone not accustomed to the astartes.

Trendly gave him an odd look, "What is it Tenebras?"

The next few seconds seemed agonizing, dead quiet as even some of the straggling nurses tried to hear what the giant unicorn was going to say.

The thick silence shattered as he spoke just more than a whisper.

"...The Warp..."

---

After much rushing around, quarantining and general security, the middle sector of Canterlot City remained quite peaceful... to an extent... as citizens tried going about their daily lives, hoping for news from outlying towns that were being defended by the marines, and even more were beginning to silently worry over the disappearance of their rulers. A pair of earth ponies sat in a quiet corner of what was once a park near Canterlot Square.

"I'm telling you Punch, With how long this is going... I don't think that the princesses are going to return... what if they got turned into changeling queens or something?" The first, a light blue stallion with a dark blue mane that had a white stripe going down it, panicked in a hushed tone.

The second, a burgundy stallion quickly smacked his friend across the face. "Floss! Don't say shit like that, do you know how fast Those Guys would be on your ass for heresy? They're coming back, they're just as strong as the marines... they'll be fine..."

With a slight growl Silver Floss glared at his friend. "Yet here we are, stuck a hundred miles from home in quite possibly the last scrap of civilization... I'm starting to think those 'space marines' can-..." He was quickly silenced as Fruit Punch shoved a hoof in his mouth when he noticed a figure on the other side of the park.

The red trim on the stallion's jacket was one thing that stood out against the slowly greying landscape, the other was that while he was a stallion... he stood only on his hind hooves like the marines did and had hands just like them. It didn't seem like he had noticed the two yet, but that didn't stop Fruit Punch from protecting his friend.

Once the burgundy earth pony moved his hoof away Silver Floss gave him an odd look, only to be just as frightened when he noticed who his friend had seen.

"I told ya..." Fruit Punch whispered. "...It doesn't matter how quiet you are... just talking about 'em invites them to stake ya..."

Author's Notes:

I hope you guys like this little chapter, I plan on making a few more before we get to any sort of retaliation.

Oh, and to those of you who want to submit a marine, or who have but want to make a change before they are cemented into the story, Unicorn psykers are now an option.

As always, I love feedback and love talking to you guys.

Chapter 16

The day actually seemed a little brighter than before, just as dawn began to rise over the horizon there were shouts all along the first wall of the city, warning that the legions of chaos had returned and every guardsmen that was armed with any weapon from swords to crossbows and everything in between made their way to the walls to brace the city against the impending tide. Tall armored human-shaped ponies patrolled the ranks, shouting and chanting litanies of battle to help bolster the troops' resolve, boosting morale as they brought the wrath and praise of the Empresses to the front lines even before the first wave of Diamond dogs began attacking the walls.

"Suffer not the taint of chaos to live!" one of the blue-clad warriors shouted, his skull-helm glinting in the morning light as the box-like bolt pistol roared its magnificent roar. "They seek only to bring ruin and sorrow, let your bolts fly true, may their blood drench the grass and their bodies turn to ash as you strike them down!" Each of the guardsponies seemed to take the words to heart, some letting out growls of anger as they fired their crossbows. Some, while nervous, refused to let their nerves show as their spears braced against the ground of the castle, just in case the enemy got past the walls. Archers let crossbow bolts and arrows sink into the unarmored harpy beasts and changelings alike, any attempt to pass the wall was met with enough projectiles to make a creature a pin cushion. One marine made his way just above the gate of the city, aiming a large gun down at an incoming battering ram, a hose attached itself to the back of the gun and looped around to a large tank attached to the marine's back. With the image of a dragon winding around the barrel and the jaws painted against the opening, it left little to the imagination as a loud hiss filled the air while flames poured out of the barrel of the flamer, dousing the ram and any nearby enemies in Celestia's heavenly flame, burning the unworthy to a crisp.

Near the middle and center ring ponies hugged what family they had, even some griffons and minotaurs found friends and honorary family among the populace as all realized that this could be the end to everything that they knew. Those that weren't saying what could be their last words to loved ones were readying themselves to join the guardsmen on the walls, hoping, praying that they could take at least one of the beasts of chaos down before they fell.

---

Within the walls of the castle itself Apothecary Magron was making himself busy as he guided several neophytes through the still-experimental surgery process that was making volunteers from the pony population more human-shaped. His white armor was tinted a slight orange in the torchlight as he walked from room to room, assisting the young new marines in the ways of surgery. He let out a sigh as he began to reflect on his situation, "for ones so young... to have to take up the mantle of apothecary..." Finding a mostly-empty room Magron took a seat as best he could on a large bench normally made to hold medical equipment.

With another small sigh he unclasped his helm from the rest of his armor, letting a small hiss of air escape as the environmental seal of his armor was broken. The yellow-furred pony looked at his reflection in the eyes of his helmet as if taking a look at his reflection for the first time since his arrival. His voice even seemed to sound a little gravelly, "... Not even thirty and already I feel like I'm sixty..." a smile cracks its way across his muzzle as he lets out a small chuckle. "...I miss being able to relax..." he mumbled as he let his gaze drift upward towards where the light sounds of fighting could be heard. "... I may have loved being able to fight... but a siege? We're on the losing end unless we get new allies..." He closes his eyes and his ears start to twitch every so often to keep him alert as he rested.

---

Dreadnought Maximus stomped his way down the main street of Canterlot as his burst gatling cannon and twin-linked meltas scanned around for any signs of enemy breakthroughs, one of the greatest things about having stone buildings was the fact that fire would really only harm the rooftops. He blinked open the vox-communication to speak with the other nearby marines, "Brothers... it is too quiet by the south wall..."

After only a few seconds a voice came in with a bit of static over the vox. "Understood Maximus, sending a tactical squad from second company over to you." With a small nod he blinked away the communication. It was a bit difficult at first, being in a dreadnought after nearly losing his life to an ogre in Las Pegasus, in a way... he still missed being able to actually feel the touch of real fur beneath his hands. He had noticed himself watching foals playing with siblings while their parents watched from a short distance back when the siege had started, wishing that he still could remove the armor and feel the world again.

"...It seems that you never truly know what you have until it is gone..." He sighed as his gaze continued to scan the world around him.

you don't have to stay in that prison...

Maximus quickly began to search around as he heard the strange voice. "Who's there! Show yourself!" He demanded as his meltas and cannon swept their deadly gaze over the whole area.

you won't be able to see me... I'm not there... But I can see your heart... I can see your desires...

"You lie..." Maximus growled as he continued to search, setting his visuals to look for heat signatures. He began to mutter litanies of hate and protection under his breath as he could feel what was left of his bodily fluids pounding in his ears like a loud drum.

You seek to be whole again... to be released from that prison-sarcophagus weapon that you are trapped in... not quite dead... but not quite alive either... you want to live as you used to, to feel the wind against your face, to feel the earth beneath your hooves... I know your true desires...

Maximus' weapons slowed their search as his mind began to envision his desires, everything that he wanted again, and suddenly he felt and tasted the heavy and stale air that seemed to permeate the inside of the dreadnought. It was strange, the voice seemed to be both male... and female at the same time, sometimes even shifting tones between the two.

I need no answer now, but when the time comes... when you truly see the chaos of this world and seek a bit of order... call for me...

Maximus was stunned a little, his weapons dropping a little as his mind seemed to race against the possibility of having his life back as it once was. "W-what is your name?"

Simply know me for now as the goddess of passion.

Maximus was quickly drawn to attention as he heard the footfalls of the incoming tactical squad, raising his weapons and making it seem like he had been searching. As the others took up defensive positions around him though, his mind wandered back to the offer that the goddess of passion had made for him... it seemed... almost too good to be true. But, if what she... he... the goddess said was true, then he would have to think thoroughly about the offer.

---

Within the western district of the mid-ring the homes had to be quarantined since a week into the siege, a sickness had sprung up in the district and only those who wore filtered masks were allowed to enter. While the sickness wasn't incredibly strong, it was enough that if it spread any further it would compromise the city. Within one of the smaller, more run-down homes was a small group of ponies, griffons and minotaurs sat around a dying fireplace as they all seemed to shiver in the summer morning.

A creak in the floorboards caused all their heads to turn and see several creatures that were minotaur-like in figure, but more like the marines in body type, each one seemed to have plants growing from various spots on their bodies, each plant blossoming with life. The closest creature spoke with a gentle, even voice.

"We are the lifebringers of Nurgle... we wish to help aid you in your time of suffering..."

Author's Notes:

And the plot thickens!!! Who are these newcomers who call themselves lifebringers? Who was that voice? Will we find out soon?

That's for me to know and you guys to find out.

On a more serious note though, this was actually a pretty fun chapter to write. I managed to get well above a thousand words before I realized it.

I love talking to my readers and I do hope to eventually give every submitted marine an appearance, no matter if it's just one scene or one line.

Chapter 17:

Elyas, the Lunar Templar Master of the Forge, quickly walked the length of the monastery wall. He smirked a bit to himself as the ponies and scouts manning the walls focused actual guns downrange of the wall. It had been a bit difficult at first, but once he had delved into his quite expansive memory banks he found the data files for stub automatics and quickly set to work smelting and forging with a bit of help from volunteers.

While he had instinctively wanted to hoard the information from those who were not tech-priests or tech-marines his logic won out in the end, knowing that if they could make and maintain their own weapons it would be a lot less stress on the tech priests and more time that could be spent researching ways to enhance their gear. He had already begun small modifications that were reducing the size of the power pack that supplied their power armor while keeping it at the same energy output. Admittedly the modification was only on his own suit, but one suit was better than none of them getting modifications. With each new design he added to his personal copy of the Standard Template Construct. It wasn't too hard, a few notes here and there about ways to cool the reactors on the power armor better, deconstructing his own Boltgun carefully to be able to set the diagram in the STC so that more Boltguns could be made without worrying about them jamming, more efficient methods to clean and worship your machine spirits to keep them in your favor.

All in all, their efforts here at the monastery would pay off when they could meet back up with their brethren.

Elyas turned his attention towards a few excited shouts just ahead of him as he picked up his pace, wondering what was stirring the soldiers now. Their recent turning of the chaos tide had bolstered their morale when it came to how easily they had been able to dispatch their enemies before they even made it up to the old Castle of the Empresses. Needless to say his jaw nearly dropped out of his helmet as he saw what his soldiers were seeing.

"Get everyone at attention, have a squad guard my back! I'm going out to get them!" He began to bark orders as he made his way to the gate. He quickly pointed at two of the Neophytes that had been stationed at the monastery before the attacks had started. "You two! With me!" without hesitation they fall in step with the slightly-larger marine as the gates open and he quickly makes his way out into the open air.

"We thought you two would be with the others in Canterlot." He gives a slight bow as he approaches two haggard-looking alicorns.

Celestia is the first to speak. "Well, we had to travel very discreetly because of Clover's discovery of a powerful set of artifacts." They both give him a smile as the Neophytes assist in bracing their empresses.

"You two look exhausted, what happened..." Elyas' concern tinged his voice a bit as he helped get the two Alicorns into the monastery.

Luna spoke this time. "We hath found them... twas a long and perilous journey that tested our mettle... but we triumphed when all was laid to rest." She had gained a bit of a smug grin by the time she was finished. "We are simply winded and we shall return to Canterlot upon the morrow."

Elyas pursed his lips. "if our enemies were strong enough to give our Empresses a challenge and pose a true danger... He refused to finish the thought as it would only mean that he was expecting the worst for Canterlot's situation. "We need to get you two rested, that way we can fight back more effectively."

The Techmarine's attention forced its way to an approaching soldier who quickly saluted him. "Speak Soldier..."

"Sir... We have... A small security breach..." He whimpers a little as he slowly drags out the end before letting out a yelp when the techmarine grabs the front of his uniform.

"...Where..." The marine growls.

---

Elyas couldn't believe what he was seeing, sitting calmly in a chair that... HAD APPEARED OUT OF FUCKING NOWHERE!!!... was a... He couldn't even describe it at first, now that he was calm... -er... he could finally see that he was standing across from a living shadow.

"Umbra Shadow-walker, at your service." The shadow says as his white smile curls like a used-car salesman.

"And what exactly do you do?" Elyas asked cautiously.

With that the shadow stood, the chair fading into a mist as he opened his arms wide. "I'm an inter-dimensional salesman! as well as a bunch of other titles that I don't need to get into now and likely you don't have the time for. I deal in what you need for a reasonable fee, I have everything that anyone could want. So!" He smiles a bit wider as he sits down, "...What do you want?"

Elyas took a small breath. "Its not about what I want... it's about what my brethren need. We need supplies, troops and weapons. Most of all though, we need a tactical genius to help turn the tide of the war."

The shadow lets out a small chuckle. "Buddy, like I said... I got everything you need and even some tech you can't get at all. So, how about I get you a data slate with a list of the wares I have... grouped conveniently of course... and you simply mark the items you want. After that's all said and done we can work out a price from there."

With a small flourish the shade produces a tablet and holds it out for Elyas, who accepts it with a nod and begins looking for supplies.

---

Defying logic and reason Umbra actually gave a small whistle in an impressed tone. "Wow... you guys really wanted a lot of stuff."

"I've been having digging teams around the area bring back enough gems that it should cover the cost." Elyas responds evenly. "So, how much."

"Well..." Umbra says slowly as he pulls out a scientific calculator and begins mumbling to himself. "....hmm... tanks... a few crews... plenty of ammo... tactical genius... alright!" He looks back over to the marine, "Factoring in bulk bundle buys and the fact that foodstuffs are the easiest for me to get, I'd have to say about three hundred of those magical gems should cover the cost."

Elyas purses his lips, the cost would drain most of his stock, but survivability over research. "...Done." he says as he holds out his hand to the shade, who completes the handshake in turn. "I need the refreshed troops placed in Canterlot, have the other stuff stored in our Monastery."

"Can do, I'm working on it now." The shadow replies with a cocky smile.

---

Astelan stood at the entrance to Canterlot Castle. His face under his helm simply reflecting the contempt he had for the twisted, chaotic monstrosities that preyed on his people, on those who were entrusted to his care by the mighty Empresses themselves before they began seeking out the weapon lost to the chaos outside.

With a low growl only his new squad heard him over their vox-comms. "...For the honor of the Empresses, our land shall stand, there will be order... and these heretics who follow the decrees of chaos shall burn in the fires of the hell their forms spawned from." He turned to his sergeant and gave him the signal to rally the troops before he began to step up to a podium.

With the ease of a political leader he removed his helmet and slowly looked over the gathered population, everyone who had been within the middle and inner rings of the city and were in fighting condition. The creatures that made themselves known as lifebringers had done an admirable job, but disappeared mysteriously after they had finished their work. It worried him how easily they had slipped through their defenses, but the fact that they were here to help wasn't unappreciated. He took a small sigh before clearing his throat and grabbing the attention of everyone, starting quietly.

"...Those of you who stand before me are quite possibly the last of the uncorrupted left on the planet. Those beasts out there seek to destroy us and our very way of life. You all know this, that is why you are here..." He takes another breath, letting the sentiment hang in the air for a few seconds. "The marines who stand proud to guard this city cannot hold out on their own, they need help just as any of you do. The saying that 'every little bit counts' matters more here than anything before. They outnumber us and we are on the losing side of this siege, but with your help, we can hold out longer." He starts making himself a bit louder. "We must hold true to our faith in the Empresses! They will return! And with them will be the weapons we need to undo this curse!" A few murmurs go through the crowd. "Look around you and what do you see? Ponies? Griffons? Minotaurs? Zebras? The crowd I see before me is so much more, you may have lived different lives up until now, but now... in this moment... you all stand to lose the last bastion that you call home, and here... It doesn't matter where you were born, you are all here now, fighting against a threat that doesn't discriminate. They don't care where you were born, they don't care what race you are, they don't care how old you are... If we do not kill these monsters... they will kill us." He gets even louder, nearly shouting for everyone to hear. "We may be fighting a losing battle, but I will burn in the fires of Hell before I EVER go down without a fight! I fight for the Empresses, My brothers fight to protect the land the Empresses call home! WHO WILL YOU FIGHT FOR!?" There was a dull roar going on as he finished, his scowl deepened only a little before letting out another roar, "WHO DO YOU FIGHT FOR!"

He almost smirked as he got a resounding "We fight for the empresses!" response back from most of the crowd.

"Then prove that courage! Make them fear the day that they decided to attack our world! We will neither give nor ask for quarter, there will be no mercy for those beasts!" The crowd was cheering with the speech. "We fight for the Empresses!"

"And we shall have no mercy!" most of the crowd cheers in unison before guardsmen start going through the crowd to arm whoever was capable of wielding a weapon.

Astelan had a dark look to his face before putting his helmet back into place. "...there will be no mercy..."

Author's Notes:

Sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. I was planning to release it at the beginning of the month...

Obviously not as a joke, but just because I wanted to...

But I was late, and I'm sorry... but you know what I'm not sorry about? The fact that I'm finally getting the story some momentum again!

Chapter 18:

Astelan sighed, he was having simultaneously a good day and a terrible day... Which was doing little more than creating a headache for him to deal with at an incredibly inopportune time. "So... Tell me again, this time with the most serious look you can... what happened in the quarantine zone?"

The guardsman stood in place a bit nervously before the towering, armored giant. "Well sir, by witness testimony there was a group calling themselves 'The Lifebringers of Nurgle' that made their way from one end of the zone to the other, curing all of the inhabitants of their ills. Many of the residents of that portion of the city have taken to... worshipping... the order god of life."

Astelan could only let out another sigh. "Nurgle is supposed to be the Plague lord... what's going on? This isn't right at all..." Sadly, all the sighing in the world couldn't help to avoid the facts that were practically staring into his face.

The guardsman tentatively spoke up. "S-sir... what would you like to do about the area?"

"Are they attacking anyone?"

"No sir."

"Are they blaspheming against the Empresses?"

"No sir, in fact, they seem to be giving praise to both the Empresses and this Nurgle god."

"Then simply keep the quarantine up, but more as a precaution than anything else, if they're not actively trying to depose the Empresses we have bigger matters to deal with." Astelan says as he straightens in the Lunar Throne.

"Understood sir!" The guard says before taking off to inform his superiors.

With the returning silence Astelan removed his helm and kneaded his temples. "Low on troops... supplies... weapons... The universe is just waiting for me to ask that damn question..." He muttered before he stood up and made his way out of the throne room. "And I'll be damned to the warp before I give it the satisfaction..."

---

Ticondrius settled himself at the large table that was set up in the middle of the outpost, his helmet was off and he raised a bottle of mead to his lips as he subtly listened to the chatter of his battle brothers and some of the local guardsmen.

"I just don't get it..." A slightly shorter guard-pony says, his cream colored coat covered by Faux-fur to combat the cold of being so far north.

His companion, a light blue unicorn stallion looks up to him. "What?"

"Those things we've seen moving around out there, those beasts... there are so many that they could easily overrun us and force us to join their number... but... they don't... They just sit out there and watch. It's creepy..."

One of the Lunar templars, his space wolf colors still showing from quite a few of the scratches and nicks on his armor, sits down with them. "Remember my little friends, The Empresses watch over us, for it is their protection that keeps those monsters from overrunning us... though a loaded bolter and a few crossbows don't hurt." They all let out chuckles, giving Ticondrius a warm feeling deep in his soul when he realized just how many others were having similar conversations. Several of the noble generals were even having a bottle of mead alongside some of their troops.

"Out here in the warzone... rank means little." He mutters to himself before a unicorn mare sits down beside him, garnering his attention.

"Hello good sir-knight..." she greets with a small smile, receiving a slight bow in return as he picks up another bottle. "...I saw that you were over here alone and thought you may want some company."

"Company is always appreciated m'lady." He replies with a toothy grin, revealing fangs among his smile and catching her a little off guard.

"O-oh my... Where did you get those... fangs?" She asks with more curiosity than fear.

"They're part of the Lunar Wolves Gene seed, the marines modified with them take on traits of the wolves of our homeland. With the way this war is going though, I'm fairly certain that this modification may extend to all space marines soon enough due to the small amount of gene seeds we have to work with."

She nodded with a contemplative look, "Well, if that means that there will be more stallions with your stature, I'm sure there won't be too many problems with it." She chuckled as she began eating the soup she brought with her. "Supplies are starting to get thin though..." She sighs as she looks around at the number of ponies that were actually eating.

"Feed the young first, the marines can last a while without food... although some mead isn't unappreciated among our ranks." Ticondrius replies. "This is a siege, and we have to last longer than them..."

The mare gives a small nod. "It's just so... strange out here, those things you marines have been fighting truly do outnumber us by a blanket of monsters that stretches to the horizon." She sighs. "While nopony doubts your skill, sheer numbers may be able to bring us down."

He places a hand on her shoulder. "I know... All of the marines know... but we have to keep a brave face for everyone else, to show weakness is to let the enemy win, to overcome weakness is to be a true marine at heart." He gives her a warm smile, a welcome change amongst the cold winds.

She returns the smile as she nuzzles his forearm. "Then I guess us simple ponies can only hope to become as strong as you one day..." she giggles.

"Aye lass, now if only the comms worked we could get a decent gauge on how well the other cities are doing."

"I do have family in Canterlot I'm worried about... I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I was safe and they had..." She cuts herself off as she brings her hoof up to her muzzle. The marine ruffles her mane a little.

"You'd have to live on to preserve the memories of who they truly are Lass, if we're lucky it was simply a comms shutdown and the forces from Canterlot are already pushing them back."

The mare gives a nod. "Yeah... lets hope for that... By the way, my name's Autumn Rose."

"It's good to meet a beautiful mare such as yourself Miss Rose."

---

Meanwhile, in Canterlot

---

Astelan let out a small breath as he heard his bootfalls on the stone steps beneath him while he ascended to the edge of the outer wall. Memories flashed in his vision as he moved almost as robotically as looked.

So much, yet so little, had happened in his life... Elementary school, middle school, high school, a few years of college and an unerring dedication to buying expensive plastic miniatures... had the situation not been so dire he would have laughed at the irony.

"Maybe somewhere out there, this battle just happens to be a miniature wargame for some one else..." That little thought was enough to make him crack a minuscule smile under the fearsome visage of his helmet. The smile changed to a curious one as he got to the top of the steps

"Who the hell are you?" he asks as the Vox crackles to life again, catching the cloaked figure's attention. With a small flourish on a wind that wasn't there the figure's cloak brushed out of the way to reveal a stallion in Astra Militarum battle-gear. The stallion's brown coat was tinted an aged-grey.

With a confident smirk he pulls out a cigar and lights it up. "From what I've been told, your salvation from this chaos menace..." He replies before taking a long drag from the cigar and exhaling like a snoring dragon. "Name's Castellan Creed, and I brought reinforcements." The wall shakes a little just before four giant tanks burst out of the wall in a shower of dust and debris, their treads squealing while their guns began to light up the horde waiting just down the path.

Astelan quickly pulls off his helmet and rushes to the crenelations as his mouth gapes a little in surprise. He mouths the words 'no... way...' as nearly a full legion of anthropomorphised guardsmen poured out of the holes taking cover in the rubble and behind the tanks just to pop out and light up the battlefield even more with light from their Lasguns.

Creed gives a jolly chuckle as he stands beside the stunned marine. "I betcha they didn't expect Baneblades." Astelan's face grows a smile of pure joy as the tanks let out a succession of roaring artillery fire and continue to tear the horde to pieces.

"No they didn't... and this... is one of the most beautiful sights a marine could ever see." Astelan agrees.

Author's Notes:

...please don't be mad...

It took me forever to think about where I wanted this chapter to end because I didn't know if I wanted to just go with a large number of 1,000+ word chapters, or longer chapters hopefully trying to break the 3,000 word line.

Honestly, I'd like your feedback on this, after this small hiatus where I sought to get my writing mojo back I want to know if you guys don't actually mind the small chapters, or if you would rather have some long chapters come up?

Chapter 19:

It was... Liberating... The sights, the sounds, the smells...

Once the Baneblades burst through the walls of the city I wasted no time in leaping from the battlements and following behind the tanks. I hadn't bothered to pick up a bolt pistol but I didn't need it anyway. My sword quickly found purchase in any enemies trying to climb onto or move around the tanks. Looking to my sides I had noticed that several of my Battle Brothers had begun to support the Militarum soldiers as well, our abundant close-range combat was able to complement the long range bombardment of lasguns, lascannons and lasrifles.

Gone was the headache, gone was the worry... and in their place... Elation! Pride! Excitement! I couldn't believe how much more fun the war had become now that we had the advantage. I saw every swing and every shot, I wasn't blacking out from blind fury, I was in full control and I felt every rush of joy and exhilaration as another corrupted creature fell before the might of the Empresses. Everything seemed to be moving fast and slow at the same time as my squad and I moved through the battlefield and pushed the deplorable warp-corruptions back.

Just after I brought my sword down into the skull of yet another ogre several las-shots rained down from the sky, garnering my attention to see several Valkyrie gunships soar overhead to lay down suppressive fire. Engines roared, missiles screamed and Lasguns hissed as the battle seemed to last forever, ending with the fleeing forms of what few troops were left after trying to siege Canterlot. I felt a tad exhausted as my feet eagerly requested to take a break while I turned my attention to one of the approaching Valkyries.

It landed several feet away only to slide open its side door and reveal the two ponies we were most concerned about. Dropping immediately to one knee I crossed one arm over my chest and bowed in respect. "My Empresses... It's good to see you again."

"And it is good to see thee again as well Sir Astelan." Luna replied as she walked up to me. "It relieves us greatly to know that thy soldiers have been able to outlast the siege of our home.

I could feel the pride welling up in my chest as I looked up to see eye to eye with her. "As much as I wish it was due to my own efforts, your citizens deserve just as much credit, for without their desire to keep their home safe we would not have lasted as long as we did."

"Very well..." Celestia began. "We shall see to it that everyone is justly rewarded, especially now that we have the artifacts to drive back the chaos menace."

I nearly stood up in surprise at that. "Truly, My Empresses?" They both nodded and I stood. "I shall inform the troops, soon... with your blessing, we shall take back our world."

I was more than eager to get back to my battle brothers, as well as excited when they reacted just as I had to the knowledge that we would finally be making our push outward against the forces of Chaos. It even seemed that the whole day was starting to get better and better as news of the anthromorphing process' success was being applied to unicorns and pegusai as well. This was just what we needed, Our populace would recover... and we would have our victory!

---

About four hours later, in the Canterlot Castle Med-wing

---

I pushed the door to the main lab open slowly with one hand while my helmet was held under my other arm. "You requested to see me Apothecary?"

Magron nodded to me. "With my apprentices as well as the fresh sterilization equipment that this Umbra person provided us we have made much faster progress in our augmentation experimentation and have managed to succeed where the original founders of our chapters had failed."

My eyes narrowed a little as I took the Solaris Knight's expression in. "I think it would be wise to explain what failure..."

He motions towards a door on the far side of the room. "In that room is our experiment, a volunteer from one of the surviving civilians in the earlier attack. Step through the door and you shall see what I mean."

With caution I slowly began stepping towards the door, opening it with my right hand. I was certainly surprised when I saw who was lying on the operating table, I turned back to the Apothecary and began to question him. "How long ago did the experiment succeed?"

With a smile he responded back. "It was just after the Empresses returned..."

"Do you realize what this means?"

"Yes I do, it means that we will no longer have to pass over mares when selecting for our Battle-Siblings, With enough time it is possible that we could make every pony into marines, tailoring the gene seed to bond with more than certain select gene pools. It's theoretically possible to merge the gene seeds into a more effective master-seed that would seek the true emulation of the Empresses."

I quickly closed the door and looked him in the eye. "Are you sure of this?"

"Right now it is only a theory, but it is one that is building its foundation every passing day. All I need is the genetic material of the Empresses and I can test my theories."

"I will speak with the Night Empress, although I am sure that you would be able to speak with Empress Celestia, since you are the Solaris Knights Chapter Master."

"I will ask her, since it is so soon after her return though she has been quite exhausted and I do not want to disturb her recovery. The acquisition will wait until they have both recovered from their journey to obtain the Elements of Harmony."

I put a hand to my chin as I thought back to when Empress Luna had informed me about the Elements. "To think... the very tree that held such powerful artifacts was underneath the original castle the whole time." I let out a small breath as I looked back over to Magron. "Thank you for this information and I hope that you will keep me informed if we get further developments like this."

"Of course my brother..." The Solaris knight replied before getting back to work. I took that as my cue to leave and speak with my Empress.

---

It wasn't long before I reached the doors to the Lunar tower, getting a salute from the two Lunar Templars that were guarding it I made my way quickly up the stairs until I reached the door to one of the most respected and private rooms in the entire castle... Luna's own private quarters. I hesitated as I brought my fist up to knock on the door, something about what I was planning to do just felt... well... it made me nervous. I could feel both of my hearts beating from a small adrenaline rush as it seemed simultaneously harder to breathe and easier to breathe. It was strange how opposites happening at the same time were occuring more and more often around me. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat before I knocked quickly on the door.

"Come in..." Was the slightly subdued response that I had been getting more and more used to around Luna in private. I opened the door and quickly shut it behind me. "I guess I should have expected you would still be dressed in your formal attire..." The lunar diarch chuckled as she stepped into the lighter part of the room. Her horn lit up and I could feel the connections I had to my armor fading away until I was in nothing but the jumpsuit I always wore under my armor. "At least you had the sense to wash up before coming up here."

Had I not been spending the past few months simply fighting until I was about to collapse with exhaustion I would've possibly had the humility to at least act embarrassed that my empress was practically seeing me naked, fortunately this wasn't the first time we had been alone together like this.. and it was hopefully not going to be the last time. "Of course... My love... It would be terrible if I were to meet with royalty looking and smelling like I had just come off the battlefield."

"You did just come off the battlefield though." She retorted as she used a wing to indicate for me to take a seat on the bed.

Without question I bowed a little before taking a seat. "Certainly, But that is not the point... I had plenty of time to recover."

I nearly flinched a little when she frowned. "no you didn't... This is a war... Nopony truly recovers from it... even after the war is over." She trotted over gracefully and hopped onto the bed to lay next to me and place her head in my lap so that I could scratch her ears as usual. "I can see it when I look into your eyes, these past few months you have become troubled... I have seen it many times in my own guards... I know the feeling myself. When you think back on those whose lives you have taken, do you not feel at least a hint of regret?"

When she said that my mind had involuntarily brought up a single memory, and it confused me as much as it made me just the tiniest bit angry at myself. The fear I saw, at the time it had seemed to thrilling to watch as the changeling knew I held its fate with a twitch of the trigger finger... just before a loud roar had destroyed it... I couldn't help think of other ways that I truly could have handled the situation, I wasn't acting myself... I could've taken the bug into custody, I... I could've interrogated it for the location of its hive or something like that... but... I wasted it... I killed it... just because I only wanted to slake a thirst for blood. When I had started first thinking back to that moment I could only think of how it seeded doubt in my own actions, how I began to doubt myself.

"You do... don't you..." Luna cooed from my lap as she rolled onto her back to look up at me without twisting her neck. At my nod she smiled. "That is good... Do not ever kill without regret for taking the life of another..." She did manage to surprise me by leaning up to nuzzle me just a little before she sat up again, lighting up her horn in order to use her power to place me in the center of her bed. I sat up and was about to protest but a gentle hoof on my muzzle stopped my protests. Looking into her eyes I saw more than just a mare who had gained the respect of powerful warriors... more than just a goddess of the night... I saw the feelings that she had, the sorrow at needing to keep her feelings hidden for the most part. "Shh... tonight... is just for us... worry not about the future... worry not about what goes on outside this very room... tonight... we only matter to each other..." She says quietly before leaning in for a somewhat chaste kiss that quickly grew into a more passionate one as my hand cupped her cheek.

A hoof on my chest gently pushed me back onto the bed as she broke the kiss. "...I missed you..." I say breathlessly.

"And I you... Astelan..." she cooed before leaning in for another kiss.

Author's Notes:

For those of you who are hoping for clop in this story... don't. I don't trust my own skill enough to accurately portray it, so unless I have a reader who decides to donate such a chapter any sort of intimacy in this story will be rated T.

I am sorry if this disappoints you, but I will not be sorry for not adding clop when I lack the skill to make them good.

Aside from that though, I'm happy to finally get a new chapter out