Disclaimer-I do not own Naruto, Fallout, Mass Effect, Warhammer, or any other elements of game or manga, which I used while writing this… heresy.
Note: illustration for the fanfiction is a commission made for me by the great Osmar-Shotgan (seriously, he is superb), as every illustration on my fanfiction, all rights reserved.
Seeker of Truth.
Chapter II.
Lorn V was... a strange battle. Angelos once again met Macha and helped her return Necrons to their cold tombs. Well… Captain of the third company surely have some sort of a great destiny ahead of him. Even the Harlequins themselves called him 'Gabriel of the Hidden Heart'. However, conflict between the captains of other Blood Ravens Companies and Aeldari above the world of Rahe's Paradise forced us to start Exterminatus upon this world…
And I met Ahriman. Yeah, the one and only. Big Bro Ahriman. The Exile of an Elder Brother, who I have rather unpleasant right to call 'master' or 'teacher'. Yes, yes, you didn't mishear. First Captain of the Thousand Sons was my teacher. Why such an honor?
I served in Crusader Host. They took only the best to protect the Emperor Himself. Father himself ordered the First Captain to teach me, after I proved to be the superior swordsman among all the Astartes of 15th Legion.
Ahriman argued, but under stern gaze of Magnus bitterly agreed to take me as his apprentice. Truth to be told,, he had no reason to show displeasure. I was an excellent student. Quick learner. Especially good with psychic lightning.
However, despite Naruto's progress, Ahriman always saw him as an upstart and rude, barbaric child, who prefers to strike the problems with his hand rather then deal with them with his head.
It was not surprising that bastard started to blabber out when they met again.
Until Naruto shut him up with lightning that is.
…
Pull that nearly forced him to lose his balance returned Naruto from his thoughts to current problems. They finally reached the planet Kronus of sector Lithesh. 'Litany of Fury' went to join the Blood Ravens' fleet under command of captain Thule.
Alongside Gabriel's Third and Thule's Fourth Companies, regiments from Second and elite first were also under Thule's command. Impressive fighting force. Especially counting that all they supposed to face, according to the reconassance that is, were several bands of Orks and city that belongs to Tau.
Well… looks like they really had found out about his secret stash… because there was no other reason to deploy such forces, but information left in the secret vault by Azariah Vidya himself.
All forces arrived to the old Imperium's fortress, planning to restore it and use it as base during cleansing of Kronus. Later, Naruto met Thule on the war council, where officers of Blood Ravens gathered to discuss the battle strategy.
"Captain."
"Great Father." bowed Davian.
"Please, don't call me like this. I fear that… wait a minute Thule did you just try to find out do I know who our Primarch is?" raised his brow in surprise blonde librarian.
"Touche, I was too anxious." smiled the Force Commander.
"Rather too blunt." corrected him Naruto. "If you wanted to fond out such a piece of delicate information, I suggest more subtle way of action."
"Well… I nearly succeeded."
"Nearly doesn't count Davian. Unfortunately. Nevertheless, others are waiting. Let's go." and Great Father and Force Commander Davian Thule entered the improvised Council Chambers, where all the officers were already waiting for them. For several hours Blood Ravens argued and discussed the tactics and strategy. Everything from mere logistics to the first direction of their strike was discussed. Also Naruto met a couple of interesting persons on this meeting. Sergeants Tarkus and Avitus.
In the end Force Commander agreed with a plan to 'play from defense'. They will bunker in this castle, at the same time sending scout parties. When they will locate enemy's forces scouts will report and Blood Ravens will start their assault. Not sooner and certainly not later. When he spoke these worlds, Commander looked at Avitus. Looks like his anger problems weren't just rumors.
After the meeting, Naruto asked Thule to let him join one of the scout parties. Something like this was rather unusual yet Force Commander agreed and told him that Assault Bike Squadron was ready to depart and there were several spare motorcycles.
When it came to Naruto, his words very soon turned into actions, so several minutes later he was riding his bike enjoying the winter scenery of local nature.
"Lord librarian, there is some sort of a silhouette far away." Naruto instantly turned his head in direction his battle brother was pointing in. At the same moment green energy shot hit the front wheel of vigilant marine's bike, sending him and the remnants of the bike into the air.
"Scatter!" barked his command Naruto, and gave his fellow warriors an example taking turn to the right. However, enemy's fire just intensified, and Naruto did something that he hated to do. He accelerated the engine, increasing the speed, and in best traditions of the White Scars pierced the unknown enemy with his glaive.
There was no blood, no moan of pain… nothing. And when something strange and unnatural happened Naruto got used to fire several times before he tried to figure something out. That he did, taking bolt pistol from holster attached to the bike's saddle. Only then he let himself breathe out… to understand that he was looking into empty sockets of a Necron soldier. Remembering how tough they are, Naruto raised his pistol again and sent another bullet, this time straight into the 'skull' of tin man.
Half an hour later Naruto explained the situation to the Thule, who scratched his chin, deeply in thought.
"Necrons… At least this explains appearance of the Eldar." said he.
"Eldar?" raised his brow Naruto. "That is rather… Unexpected."
"Yes Sergeant Gaius faced one one of their scouting parties."
"Then we shall face them too." commented First Captain Diomedus, who personally decided to lead the elite warriors from his Company during Campaign on Kronus. Many believed that he was here to ensure that valuable artifacts of Blood Ravens will not get into the hands of unworthy, since such was his work as leader of the Chapter Master Kyras' Honor Guard.
Naruto scoffed in his thoughts. And they were wondering why so many called them bloody magpies.
"I believe that such actions are rather… hasty, Captain Diomedes." stated Naruto.
"They are vile Xenos! They must be destroyed!" nearly spitting in anger stated the First Captain. "Master Kyras was right in suspecting you of being nothing but impostor and marionette of Chaos!"
"Keep yourself in hands, Captain." Naruto's tone and dangerous fire that appeared deep within his eyes made Diomedes step back. "I had never tried to usurp anyone, using my previous achievements. It was not my position to lead after I had left so many years ago. If your Chapter Mastr feels himself threaten by my presence alone… well, maybe there is something to be threatened about? Nevertheless, I believe that I had never asked you to step away from guiding light that the Emperor provided to us. Just a mere diplomatic talk will help us understand their reasons better. Know thyself and your enemy and you shall never know defeat. Learn them well, Captain, for knowledge is power..."
"And we guard it well." finished Diomedes. Awkward silence filled the room. "I… I beg for pardon, lord librarian. I judged to hastily perhaps. In your words I see wisdom, worthy our Great Father. I do not know are you him or not… but we may need everything we need to keep secrets of our Chapter safe."
With these words Diomedes left Thule, Naruto and Gabriel alone. All three shared surprised glances.
"Now…" muttered Thule. "This was something… Unexpected. Nevertheless, captain Diomedes rises a good point: where are the guarantees of Eldar not betraying us during the fight?"
"They have the same goal as us." answered Naruto. "Moreover, they cannot let themselves lose warriors as much as we do, their race is dying. They need brute force, we need information. It will be a profitable agreement and temporal alliance. Even if they will not agree… well there is no harm in talking?"
"Most interesting… all in agreement, brothers?" everyone except still brooding Diomedes raised their hands in favor of Great Father's plan. The one responsible for diplomatic meeting was named the Great Father himself, since it was his idea and according to himself he had the most experience in such things. Truly, in his time as serving among the Astartes of Fifteenth Legion, he took part in several diplomatic missions.
However back then he had never had a peace talks with xenos. Time for the talks came much later, after Heresy, after Roboute was placed into stasis field, after Councils of Terra started to rule from Emperor's name.
These sad thoughts filled his head as his bike carried him to the place of hostile contact with Eldar. He arrived there after quarter of hour since he had left the fortress. It was downright disturbing that Eldar were lurking in shadows, especially so close to positions of Astartes. Nevertheless what was even more disturbing were the bodies. Soul Stones were still upon the corpses and lot of time passed. Either there was some sort of a problem that required attention of all Eldar on the planet, or…
He sensed multiple psychic presence in the Warp.
Bone spear stabbed into earth in front of him and elegant female, judging by crtain parts of the armor, figure landed in front of him. She pulled the spear out of the earth and slashed vertically, from down to up, trying to cleave Naruto's head in two. He barely manged to evade it. Next attack was stopped by his own glaive, but Warp Spiders, who surrounded them pointed their weapons at him.
"I came to speak." said Naruto nearly feeling the surprise of the Eldar, for he spoke in their language. 'I believe that presence of Necrons is problem for both of us."
Female Farseer in ebony armor stabbed her spear into the earth.
"I greet you once again, Azariah Vidya. We haven't spoken much since rising of Necrons on Lorn V, as you may know I am Farseer Taldeer of Craftworld Ulthwe. Sorry for harsh greeting, but some of your fellow brothers are well-known for taking… 'souvenirs' after battle. Now, speak librarian. What do you want to propose us?" asked she.
"I am man of actions, not of words, so I will be brief. You have information, we have warriors, lady Taldeer." answered Naruto.
"That you do." muttered the Farseer. "However, I fail to see why shall I agree to such alliance?"
"Maybe because after we deal with Necrons we shall wipe the floor with you?" asked Naruto, while Warp Spiders raised their pistols higher. "Oh, please, you know this is true. You are not as numerous as before and beside us there is also Imperial Guard. Not a good time to be you."
"Eldar warriors are the best in known Galaxy!" screamed one of the Warp Spiders.
"And how many shall you lose before you victory?" smiled Naruto. "That is… of course, if you will achieve your victory. Fate has a way to fuck with our plans. So… what is your answer? Either we fight and you lose your warriors, or you ally with us and we deal with Necrons together. Less problems and less losses. Win – win situation for both of us."
Finally… Taldeer nodded.
…
"So… They have agreed?" asked Captain Angelos.
"Yes, they did." nodded Naruto. "Now, we have to find the Necron's Tomb."
"Good luck with it." said Captain Boreales. "Entire fucking planet is their Tomb."
"Still, there must be a place where their leaders are sleeping." parried Naruto.
"Great Father is right and I have a hint to find such a place. Plateau Tur'Abiss, recently there had disappeared an archeological expedition. Last report stated that scientists have found a massive net of underground catacombs. We can start from there."
Captains agreed for such tactic and decided to send a group of scouts.
Nine days has passed since that gathering. And it took Blood Ravens a week to reach the plateau, after scouts didn't get I touch in due time. Very soon Eldar forces joined them, but Naruto personally believed that their warriors weren't suited for underground fights or fights in catacombs. All their jumps and acrobatics will be limited by the walls, so everything shall be decided in clash between two unrelenting powers in forms of Space Marines and Necrons.
When they had found archeological sight, very soon they had also found entrance to the catacombs. Tunnels led them deeper and deeper into the earth, until presence of the Necrons didn't become noticable, through strange markings on the walls. Several minutes later united forces get into the massive underground cave, lightened by the eerie green light.
Cave had two high grounds, one near the entrance where were Eldar and Blood Ravens and the other one, with massive black pyramid, covered by green runes was upon the other.
Between the allied forces and the pyramid was narrow landscape with metal forest of Necron soldiers.
Fortunately, techmarines of the Chapter knew their work and despite impossible odds, Predator Tanks supported the expedition. They were first to open fire. Very soon ordinary and heavy bolters joined the higher calibers.
While Tactical Marines and Devastators took positions behind the stones and rubble, Naruto led Assault Marines once more. Truth to be told, he never liked the jump packs. Really, carrying a massive canister of promethium and reactive turbine on his back? Construction was rather big and one lucky shot meant the end for him.
Teleporter on the other hand…
Not that he wasn't able to teleport through the Warp before. However technologies of the Dark Age were a bit more… safe than the ancient arcane arts.
He appeared behind the lines of Necrons and struck them with righteous fury. Truth to be told, Normal soldiers of this ancient race were rather… slow, so space marines had time to attack their bare backs, but when they finally faced Emperor's Chosen… let's just say that the battle quickly turned bloody.
Naruto pierced one of the Necrons with his glaive, damaging his rifle in the process and using him as a shield to protect himself from another. However when the third one tried to attack him from the right side, He was slayed by familiar Eldar in black armor who weilded a spear.
Soul-shaking howls of Banshees filled the air, as Eldar specialists of close combat entered the fray. Slowly they cut through the Necrons and step by step reached the top of the pyramid. Unfortunately, their path was difficult, due to the Necrons, hidden from sight.
"There!" screamed Taldeer, pointing at the Monolith on the level above. "Energies of the Necrons are oozing from it! If we destroy it, hidden forces will be revealed!"
Naruto was very of Taldeer yet he had no other way, but to follow her lead. He gathered psychic energies in his hands and threw a powerful blast in direction of the Monolith. However, several Necron spiders stood in a way of allied forces.
Blast scorched and destroyed one of them, another was faced by Taldeer, but the last one slowly got closer to the Eldars and Astartes. Suddenly one of the bolder Tactical Marines ran forward, placing his bolter between the powerful jaws of infernal xenos and attaching grenade to spider's head. Blast from explosion threw Astartes to the ground, knocking his helmet from his head. Naruto instantly recognized Tarkus, a sergeant from the fourth company.
He stretched his hand and Tarkus took it. There was no pity, Astartes rarely showed it. Just concern for the battle-brother's safety, since he took nearly a full blast from explosion and was left without a weapon, after loss of the bolter. Sergeant quickly proved that he was of sturdier bunch than most.
Only several minutes later he stood firmly and after he received a bolter, taken from one of his fallen brothers, Tarkus, with battle-cry, once again withstood tremendous attacks and sent death with his weapon to the enemy lines. Side to side with Astartes fought Eldars, elegant deathbringers, whose movements were sharpened by countless years of training. Astartes on the other hand… exceeded them in brute strength and whatever foolishness that pooled them into dangerous situations, where they committed acts of unimaginable bravery.
Nevertheless, despite everything, Necrons didn't know fear, there was only cold hatred burning in leftovers from their souls, but neither side wished to retreat. Finally, reinforcements led by Davian Thule arrived to the top of the pyramid, where Naruto alongside Taldeer tried to push further, but Necron Lord managed to repel off their attacks.
With Power Sword in hand he clashed with ancient menace, while his champions faced Taldeer and Naruto. Weapon of the Naruto's enemy was somewhat similar to Naruto's own, a halberd with blade growing with eerie green light. Despite Naruto's subconscious worry, Necron used it to disarm him and moment later two warriors fought barehanded.
Unfortunately for Necron, Naruto prefered such fight over any other. His Fists covered by glowing purple energy, smashed into the metal body of Necron champion. As he managed to put his hands through armor, Naruto pierced it from the other side with his clawed gauntlets and ripped his chest open. Green core, orb that emitted the light, inside the Necron's body seemed to be the main source of energy for Xenos, so Naruto did the best think he could… he ripped said core out.
Green fire was snuffed from the eye-sockets of the murderous creature, it silently fell upon the Earth, not moving. Satisfied, Naruto stretched his hand to his right and glaive immediately jumped into it.
Meanwhile Taldeer and Thule had already finished with their opponents, Thule even lost his eye in battle.
"Captain! Bomb is set and ready!" screamed one of the techmarines.
"Good!" said Thule. "Prepare to retreat!"
Retreat from the catacombs was far more problematic and dangerous than even the siege itself. Still functioning Necrons tried to destroy them, allied forces retreated slower than anticipated and countdown growing closer and closer to the zero also didn't raise their spirits.
Naruto fought alongside Taldeer covering retreat of the last forces, it was no surprise, in a way that those who were first to join the fray, also were last to leave it. Both were powerful psykers and protectors of their kin.
At some moment explosives finally worked and cave's ceiling started to fall upon them. Taldeer was one of those who was wounded by the fall of the stones. Unfortunately, entrance to caves was also sealed by recent fall.
They were trapped.
Naruto turned around. Either they will die from the hands of the Necrons or from the falling debris. He did the only thing possible… he raised his hand and for the first time… fully unleashed his potential for one single spell, that required his outmost focus and consentration. In bright flash of light, Astartes and remaining Eldar disappeared and appeared once again… on the surface.
Naruto cleaned the sweat from his forehead with his hand.
Surely such spell will gain attention of unwanted beings… but the game had already started. He stayed in shadows for too long.
…
On the Planet of Sorcerers massive giant with red skin and long mane of red hair suddenly opened his only eye. Large wings behind his back opened and Daemon Prince made a first step out of his personal chambers. He was smirking, glad that lost child was finally found.
On the Craftworld Ulthwe certain red-haired Farseer awakened from her meditation. She also smiled, seeing that her prophecies are finally coming in motion. She also anticipated a meeting with her old friend, gripping an amulet, in gorm of an an eagle, who raised it's wings and held with them a red stone. Amulet itself was rather crude, according to the tastes of the most Eldar and reminded them about the works of Mon-Keigh, according to Eldrad, 'similiar those, who lived in deserts near the river'. Nobody knew why he spoke like this, or why Farseer was so fond of this trinket. The last one who spoke ill of this amulet lost his eye.
Women were so scary and angry sometimes… absolutely for no reason.
On Holy Terra Atham stirred on the Golden Throne. He sensed a signature in the Warp, hidden before from him. One of his loyal warriors from Crusader Host survived the Heresy and ten thousand years, remaining loyal to Imperium and Truths written by the Emperor himself. Countless variants and possible ways to achieve the so needed conclusion were looked through. For a span of a second all attention of the Emperor was focused solely on the fate of one warrior… however, Dark Gods did nothing.
For they too looked at his fate.
Roars of Khorne who swore to destroy the mortal, who trifeled his plans with Maledictum. Rageful rantings of Nurgle, who remembered the bold mortal, who dared to try and steal Isha from him and taught Moria, who sacrificed himself to wound Ulkair. Someone who couldn't be wounded. Truly his sealing was great offense against God of Deseases. Tzeench madly cackled in his palace. Fate of this mortal and his corruption was a key to claim over all Blood Ravens… Truly, with them, finally returned to the side of their Gene-Father his forces will be unstoppable. Only Slaanesh looked at this with glee, enjoying every twist in warrior's fate. She saw human heart that was equally strong as the one of Astartes. She looked at the souls of others, that were, are and have yet to appear here. Red-haired Eldar Farseer, strangely pleasant-looking Tau girl, female with silver eyes and indigo hair, clad into armor of Battle Sister, druchii with strangely colored skin, who bore the mark of Khaine, red-haired human woman clad into black armor with red an white lines on it. Finally, her most powerful and dangerous creation Sanigeria, who could exist both in Warp and material plane according to her wishes.
All of them were beautiful in their own rights and all of them could become a key to his still human heart… Only problem being that he must give up on his own. Both parts of Slaanesh, male and female, saw it as perfect vengeance for his/her hurt pride. Male – for the loss against Nurgle, female - against Isha. After all, she will steal a champion marked by the Eldar Goddess herself and technically take down a man who bested countless Unclean Ones of Nurgle and offended Nurgle, who stole Isha from Slaneesh.
…
Naruto fell on his knee as he breathed in and out fresh surface air. All battle-brothers and Eldars were safe, Taldeera was puking her breakfeast on the ground near him. Not a sight such an arrogant and prideful alien as Eldar would let others see. Appearance of lone Eldar Ranger among the disorientated Astartes and and Eldars wasn't so surreal as current state of Farseer.
Rowan took his sister and remaining Eldar with him, to their camp. Of course, both Ranger and Librarian spent some time looking into each other's eyes, while Astartes and Eldars returned to their senses after teleportation. Needless to say Naruto was very proud by the result of his stare duel.
Rowan blinked first.
Meanwhile captain Thule was in the chapel, praying for the Emperor to show him a way, because he had a large problem on his hands. Many things bothered him right now. Absence of Great Father and many battle-brothers. Newly implanted bionic eye. Entrance to the secret chambers under the keep. Last one was the worst. It was kept secret between him, Gabriel and several librarians.
"My lord..." one of the Astartes visited him in the chapel. "You have to see it."
Thule followed warrior to the wall, where impressive crowd of Astartes already gathered above the gates. He stood there. Glaive in hand, eyes still blazing with psychic energies like it was during the battle in Necron Tomb, Great Father and all the brothers, who thought to be dead after the fall in the underground cave stood in front of the gates.
"Well?" asked Librarian. "Will you let us pass? Or I will make a path for us. Trust me, you will not like this.
"Open the gates." said Captain Thule. "I highly doubt that their destruction will help us in protection of the keep. Moreover, there is something I need to speak wih Great Father about."
"That being what?" asked said Librarian.
"Follow me."
Naruto already knew what they had found… or at least suspected. Chamber of Trials. Before the Unfounding, Blood Ravens used this room to test the members were they ready to know the greatest secret of their Chapter and find the truth about their Gene-Father.
"Behind this door is secret to our Founding?" asked captain Thule, with Gabriel standing behind him.
"Behind this door is knowledge. However, before you learn it… you must prove yourself worthy." answered Naruto.
"How?" asked Gabriel, also interested in said information.
"You must path three trials. Trial of Guilt, Trial of Humility and Trial of Truth. During the first one you must face whatever pains your hurt. During the second one you must see where you were wrong. Last trial… is the hardest, you must take the truth. Swallow a bitter medicine. Shall you not pass even one… the one, who will look over you… will slay you."
"The one who will look over us?" asked Thule.
"To start a Trial, ones who have nor passed them yet, must step to the door with senior member, who had already proven himself worthy of knowledge. In other words… I will look over you." said Naruto.
"I knew it!" said Davian. "You knew, who our Primarch was!"
"Yes..." said Naruto solemnly. "After all, it was I, who fought beside him during the Great Crusade, it was I, who created this chambers and it was I, who was forced to start the Unfounding. You shall see the reasons during the Trial of Truth. Now I ask you… Are you ready? For among all Blood Ravens, who right now are in the keep, I had chosen only you two for the Trials."
"We are ready." said Gabriel, with Thule silently backing him.
"Prepare yourself then." said Naruto with his eyes glowing from psychic power. We are starting."
One moment they were near the gates and the other one he found himself on the scorched streets, surrounded bu burning houses of rather familiar city. Davian gripped the hilt of his Power Sword and walked forward, down the very familiar street.
It was one of the kasars on Cadia… this particular city was well-known to him. First body he had found after several minutes of constant walking. Black Legionary lied in pile of his own blood, his body pierced by bolter rounds. Davian Thule remembered this particular Chaos Space Marine. He covered his armor by strange carvings and signs… he had never seen something like this, so it stuck. He remembered that it was by his own command that brothers opened fire. Davian Thule slowly continued his path, until he reached rather familiar square. Before it was place where citizens gathered to listen their leaders and holy men, now, corrupted by unholy signs of Chaos gods, covered by blood and filth and used as calcification stakes or crosses for fallen defenders or civilians, it was more like a filial of Hell, than city of the greatest warriors of Imperial Guard. Like incarnation of that hell, he stood in the center of the square, upon the ruble that once was a monument to bravery of long-forgotten space marine.
Champion of Nurgle, bloated and clad in rusty green armor, covered in filth and pus.
"Ha! Look who have returned to this place!" gurgled he like there was a pile of filth stuck in his throat. "You finally came here, again! We, look around! Don't you recognize where you are? Same city that you have abandoned same people, who now feed me!"
Thule looked around. He started to recognize the twisted faces of ones noble soldiers of Cadia, he saw young White Shields who were ripped apart and pinned to the stakes. Veteran soldiers from the Guard, who had already retired and returned to servitude during the raid. All those whom she had failed to protect, all those whom he had promised protection and victory over traitors… all those, who were dead, because of the Kyras' cowardice. He caught the movement on his right, but managed to parry the rusty blade, soaked in disease and dripping with venom. Davian Thule Jumped backwards, evading strike from the clawed and corrupted Power Fist.
"You will not escape, Blood Raven!" gurgled he. "You will not escape your fate!"
Meanwhile, in other nightmare, Gabriel Angelos faced monster made of his own guilt.
"Murderer! Butcher!" Gabriel threw a punch into blooded an twisted muzzle that once was face of a man… whom he called his father. Back when he first landed on Cyrene, he never expected his father, loyal soldier of Imperium to be one of the leaders of rebellion against the legitimate government to instate the democratic government. Back then he had slayed his father and it was a turning moment for him. He had nearly lost his mind to the nightmare he was in. Fortunately, the Daemon Hammer in his hands reminded him about the true nature of his surroundings.
He felt the energies from the hammer surge through his body. Shards of Avatar in it resonated with energies of human technologies mixed together. Gabriel rose to his feet and grabbed his Daemon Hammer with both hands. Head of his hammer smacked into the twisted illusion that used the image of his corrupted father extracted from his memory. Hammer completely vaporized his head splattering his blood, brains, shards of bones and teeth everywhere. Gabriel fell to his knees, with his hammer falling from his hands, illusion slowly shattering near him. At the same time Davian was finishing his opponent, finally remembering that this particular champion of Chaos fell from his hand before the city was taken. He saw faces of familiar Guardsmen, once again coming to his aid and fighting against their corrupted images. He managed to threw the champion to the earth and pierced his rotten armor with his sword, piercing him to the earth.
"You will not win… Ulkair will see… to it..." gorgled the champion, before shattering alongside the illusion.
"Ulkair..." muttered Davian turning to slowly appearing forms of Librarian and kneeling Gabriel. "Strange… I had never heard this name before… but it sounds familiar."
"You have passed the Trials of Guilt." said Naruto. "You have faced the nightmares and guilt of your past deeds and prepared yourself for another Trial. Trial of Humility will test the humanity in you. Have you lost it, while facing darkness for countless years? Do you see yourself above the others, because of Emperor's work that made you into what you are today? What are you? An Astartes, shield of Humanity against the terrors, which comes from the darkness between the stars. Or simple butcher, high on adrenaline from fresh kills?"
Librarian raised his hand and once again summoned his powers. Gabriel and Thule were once again attacked by set of visions. They saw every their deed, every their fight from different set of views… As Astartes, as normal humans, from point view of Eldar, from war-corrupted minds of Orks… They saw themselves and then… they saw the Truth of the Emperor. It was painful… nearly crushing… it ripped through their minds… but they bend their knee before the Truth… it differed much from the stories told by the Ecclesiarchy, by holy books and historians… his Truth was dictated by Logic and Hope for the better future of Humanity… despite very much alien feeling that they sensed during that vision, they still bend their knee before the Emperor's Truth.
"You had conquered your pride and bend before the vision Imperial Truth, created by the Emperor himself, but corrupted and twisted by priests and agents of Chaos, who used the first Book of Lorgar, which pictured Emperor as divine being, who ruled and protected Humanity.
"Finally, you have conquered your nature of Astartes and proved, that despite facing countless threats, you kept your human side intact. You had proven to me that you are worthy of one final Trial. Trial of Truth. For there is no greater burden and trial in life, than being knowledgeable among those, who intentionally keep themselves in darkness of ignorance and fanaticism." he raised his glaive and hit the door. Runes on the door glowed and stone obstacle soon became intangible. Naruto was the first to make a step into the dark maw of secret tunnel, but Captains were quick to follow. They went downstairs, using long stone spiral staircase, until they had reached large underground chamber. Librarian raised his arm and following his silent command countless torches started to burn with blue, psychic flame.
With surprise, Davian Thule and Gabriel looked around. Chambers were covered in gold and red tapestries. Walls were covered by book shelves, where invaluable scrolls and books that contained the ancient knowledge were kept behind the stasis fields. Images on the walls showed ancient history of Blood Ravens… starting from the Burning of Propspero.
"No… No… It;s not possible." said Davian Thule, as he fell to his knees, while he looked at the face of his Primarch. At one-eyed Crimson King, Magnus the Red. "It's some kind of trick."
"I remember that day." finally said Naruto, as he slowly walked to the image of his Gene-Father. "When his own arrogance assured our destruction. Magnus interfered with very delicate work of the Emperor and caused his failure and opening of Warp-portal on Holy Terra. Emperor knew that among his Sons there was a betrayer, he just didn't know who. Despite everything, he had sent Russ to take Magnus into custody and transport him to Terra. However, Horus sized this opportunity. He used distrust of Russ towards mages and his own authority, lied to his brother that the Emperor asked his trusted Warmaster to gave the Wolf King new orders, to deal with the Fifteenth Legion more… radically."
"You speak as if you were there… my lord." said strangely silent Gabriel. Instead of answering, Naruto just pointed at one painting. There was Wolf King standing among smoking ruins, surrounded by corpses of Wolves and Thousand Sons. Facing him, stood Naruto, trophy axe in his hand.
"I was there. I faced the Wolf King and due to his arrogance, I managed to wound him. I reforged the axe, now it is part of my glaive, after axe tasted the blood of the Primarch it was fused with a small essence of Russ' fury. Reforging was a tricky process, but I managed to increase it's power even more."
"That what is the reason?" asked nearly broken Thule. "What is the reason behind our service if our Gene-Father has betrayed the Emperor? What is the reason behind the Trials?"
"The reason is simple. Justice. Justice for the sins of our Gene-Father, whose arrogance costed us all. Justice for the sins of our once brothers. And Vengeance against Gods of Chaos, for desecration of our Father's remains."
"Desecration?" asked both Gabriel and Thule.
"That is not well-known, but when he had lost against Russ, Magnus used all his remaining strength to teleport his remaining sons away. This last action vaporized his body and shredded his soul. Ahriman managed to create the ritual that summoned most of the shards to location of the ritual to resurrect our Primarch as Daemon Prince. He nearly succeeded. Several shards were hidden too well and all of them were Magnus' most noble and positive traits. Our main… no I may even say, holy mission, to ensure that Thousand Sons will never lay their hands on remains of our Primarch."
"But…" said Thule. "Do we even know where they are?"
"All but two are unknown to me. One that represents his love for humanity is kept by our brother and First Grandmaster of the Grey Knights, Janus."
"Then… where is the second?" asked Thule, whose spirits seemed to be restored by the tidbit of information about the Lord of greatest daemon-slayers in Imperium being their brother. Instead of answering Naruto closed his eyes… to only open them again, glowing with golden light, never seen by anyone in the Chapter before. He grew… and grew… and grew… Until he had reached the size of their Primarch. Behind him opened a pair of wings made of pure flame, his wild mane of golden hair was now akin to blazing torch, armor also changed, it know reminded that of Crimson King.
"His Hope… is in me." and Both Gabriel and Davian kneeled, understanding… that their Primarch, in a way, had never left them. He always was there, through his last Champion, who looked over them for countless millennia. "I understand that you are disgusted by your relation with most vile sorcerers and heretics, but please, see it my way. Their Gene-seed is mutated beyond any recognition, they are not our brethren anymore. We were the last loyal Thousan Sons, descandants of Corvidae Cult… and for a while… thousand we shall be."
In the end, Captains swore that they will never tell anyone the truth of their origins without the blessing of Vidya. As Gabriel and Thule followed the Champion back, both of them guessed what his words meant… 'For a while… shall we be'.
...
After another quick gathering, Blood Ravens decided to unleash their anger upon the Tau. Blue skinned aliens gathered the bulkhead of their forces in the city of Tash'n, especially great were numbers of their allies specialized in close combat, Kruut and Vespids. Naruto faced Tau before, as lone Space Marine, as mercenary Blackshield and secretly, undercover in many Chapters. Nevertheless, it was always great to see the power of evolution, even not shown in human race. When he stopped about that and thought… he was alder than the recorded time of entire race. Ten thousand years ago, in his times, Tau… were unknown, five thousand years ago they barely used the fire. Now they have a pocket star empire…. Not even as big as half of Ultramar, but nevertheless… they have time, of course if Imperium would not decide to deal with them finally.
Deep in thought he didn't notice when one of the Space Marines, who fought alongside him in Necron Tomb. Tarkus if he was right. They spoke about the ancient battles of their Chapter, about good ald times when sun was brighter, grass greener and Orks were bigger. Tarkus was veteran of the tactical squad and served for more than a century. There were many questions he wanted to ask Naruto about, but soon their talk turned to the methods of fortification.
Keep on the planet was rather large, it was heavily fortified object and Naruto couldn't believe that Orks or Tau managed to capture such heavily fortified object. Moreover, according to the Codex, such large keep must have a garrison numbering at least a hundred of Astartes, not counting machines of war and artillery.
Noticing the similarity between the canons of fortress creation of Blood Ravens and Imperial Fists Naruto noted this, Tarkus in return noted that many of the highest and mighty built warriors of the Chapter had similar traits with the Praetorian. Naruto made a poker face and, in return made a notice about number of psykers among them, rather strange for usually rare psychically gifted Chapters, who came from the blood of Dorn.
At this moment Naruto remembered more strange things. Recently have arrived the forces of the Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy and sometime before them, rather impressive Tau fleet, who carried reinforcements for their garrison in the city and additional ones, for possible expansion. Because of the battle that happened in space, orbital bombardment was impossible, but Ravens had enough heavy machinery on their side and enough space in the fortress to keep it safe.
Meanwhile preparation for the siege continued. Space Marines prepared the infamous Siege Dreadnoughts and Vindicators. Unfortunately, Ravens didn't have Typhons, that Naruto got used to during the sieges in his service as Legionary. He heard about technologies of the Tau, but he was sure that they had nothing like this.
If critics like Dorn and Perturabo approved of said tank, then they didn't. Because impressing Primarch with firepower was something nearly unimaginable.
Next morning more than two hundred Astartes followed by Vindicators and Siege Dreadnoughts, marched in direction of Tash'n. Naruto looked at the moving column of Astartes and thought about young race that challenged Imperium. Tau… blue-skinned humanoids, who believe themselves wiser than anyone. Wiser… Naruto alone was older than generations of their Ethereals… fuck he was older than their little empire. Tau had yet to understand the dangers that lurks between the stars. They had yet to truly face Orks, Eldar, Tyranids and Chaos… among the Tau, Naruto had met only one, who truly understood the dangers they had faced… Commander Farsight. Maybe it was the respect for a fellow warrior, or logical decisions that he made after the loss of all Ethereals, or common hatred for the Greenskins… but Naruto… respected that warrior and his tactical genius.
When someone like him was cast aside, Naruto's opinion on the Tau Empire dropped even lower. Too deep in his thoughts about Tau and their inner politics, Naruto didn't notice how they reached their destination. There were no warriors on rather thin walls, but main danger was in snipers on the roofs and very thin streets, that let them fire without any sort of retribution.
Very soon Dreadnoughts destroyed the gates, but behind them warriors of the Fire Caste prepared their plasma rifles to face Astartes. However, instead, they looked into cannon of Vindicator. Only one shoot from it sent all Tau soldiers to Hell and destroyed the obstacle on the vehicles' path. Meanwhile, Astrates formed columns behind the Vindicators and attacked the city from two sides… Battle for Tash'n started and Naruto was sure that it will be bloody… for the Tau that is.
Assault Marines threw their grenades while they were still high in the sky, clearing the sniper positions for Blood Ravens' Scouts to capture. Under their fire, Tau snipers couldn't support their forces as effectively as they did before. Meanwhile, Vindicators and squads of Devastators dealt with warriors of the Fire caste, who still dared to stand on the way of Space Marines.
Last obstacle on their path was Crisis battle-suit, but one of the Devastators… Avitus, if Naruto saw his name of the pauldron right, destroyed it with lucky shot from rocket launcher.
When they reached the central square it was already red from the blood of Tau and their allies, for other columns of Astartes had already reached it. Last line of defense in this city was small keep, residence of their Ethereal, here, without a doubt, blue-skinned warriors will stay till the last drop of their blood. Tanks opened fire upon the keep, to force Tau retreated deeper into the fortress. Otherwise, shall they try to siege it, Astartes got under the crossfire, both from fortress and snipers in the city.
Tanks did their deed, but Tau still weren't completely destroyed. From the opened gates swarmed countless Kroots, barbarians uplifted by the Tau and armed with modern weapons, who serve as their assault forces. Nevertheless, these creatures, who ate flesh of their enemies and fallen allies, still were barbarians and bolters were rather effective way to stop them… permanently.
Battle brothers manged to hold them and even continue their path, until the reinforcements came. Followed by riders on Krootoxes, Large Kroot in armor, seemingly a leader, rode to theire positions atop the the back of Great Knarloc.
At this moment Naruto decided to interfere. He teleported atop the beast and used his glaive to pierce beast's sick skull, cleaving its brain in two. Then he grabbed the rider by his throat and summoned psychic flames burning him alive, after this lightning from his hands struck the rider of Krootoxes given them a proper roasting.
He grabbed the handle of his glaive, jumped into the air and glided over the earth, still wet from spilled blood and continued the massacre butchering Fire Caste warriors inside the fortress. He killed several at once cutting them in half with wide swing of his glaive and used psychic power to deal with remaining ones, but one Tau managed to evade death and reach the close-combat range. It looked like he was simply mad from sheer levels of brutality and death that happened in front of him. He raised his rifle and hit Naruto with it.
Naruto turned his face, hidden by the helmet, to the annoying pest that dared to insult him with such a pathetic attack. His eyes glowed sisterly, alongside the green lenses of his helmet. He simply grabbed the trooper by his head and squesged it into bloody paste as if it was nothing.
After several more skirmishes, they finally breached into inner sanctum of the keep. To Space Marines' surprise it was just the empty square. At the moment he stepped upon its sand Naruto grinned madly behind his helmet. Their Ethereal stood in front of the remaining forces and challenged Astartes for one-on-one fight.
…
Shas'Ui D'vanoi Naseira nervously gripped her rifle in her arms. She was among the last defenders of the city of Tash'n and she was scared. Of course, presence of Ethereal Aun'El Shi'Ores calmed dawn her fears, but still…
She felt someone's hand on her shoulder and turned her hand to see Gue… no, she must call the things by their names. She saw her fiend, Rhiane, human trooper, who fought alongside her for the Greater Good.
Both of them had their own problems, but together, working as one, they became an unstoppable killing machine… at least she thought so, before today. Their forces were squashed… the couldn't find more proper term and it was so. Before she thought that stars belonged to bringers of unity and harmony, to Tau, but after today… All hopes left were tied with Ethereal… their leader saw the Path, he simply couldn't suffer defeat.
Too caught in her thought she had nearly lost the start of the duel. Some of the Tau on the other hand blinked, or made a step behind, when from the lines of Astartes stepped a warrior clad in red Power Armor, armed with glaive. His power armor was also hidden by some sort of… robes? Yes, robes.
Naseria didn't know who he was, but she felt danger coming from him. Both warriors took their position in front of each other, Ethereal in battle stance, while his opponent just twirled the glaive in his hand. He ended everything in mere moment. Second ago he was in front of Space Marines and next one he is behind the Ethereal shaking blood off his glaive's blade.
Body of Ethereal fell upon the earth heavily, while his head rolled to the Astartes' leg. He knelled and took the head and Ethereal's spear. To the horror of Tau he just placed the head upon the spear. Naseria looked with horrified eyes how,a armed with glaive and still bearing the terrifying standard Space Marine crashed into their positions, followed by his brothers.
Only because of Rhiane's strength did she survive that day, she managed to get her out of the city and later, evacuate with remaining forces of Tau Empire. However, Naseira will always remember how the same Space Marine, who killed the Ethereal, Clashed with their commander. He ripped him out of his battle-suit and cut of his head. After placing it upon the ground, he pierced it with another end of the trophy spear, piercing through the skull of the alien, into the ground.
…
War for the Tau Empire was lost, their armies defeated, cities burnt and war commanders dead. Nevertheless, it was to early to relax. New Warboss of the Orks raised his head on South. From the Warp arrived twisted zealots under command of World Bearers Space Marines. Also Lord-Governor, who leads the forces of Imperium Guard denied their pleas to evacuate his men and civilian, because he has a direct order from Astra Militarum to return the planet to Imperium, which contradicts the Blood Raven's own orders to cleanse the planet to protect the secrets of their Chapter.
However, Imperial Guard wasn't as grand problem as Orks or Chaos Space Marines. So Davian Thule decided to deal with it later. However Naruto decided to deal with the problem beforehand and pulled some strings through his contacts in Astra Militarum, very soon Lucas Alexander shall receive an important order. He should leave the planet shall the Space Marines succeed in their crusade.
At the war council Davian proposed a plan to deal with both threats at once. They will divide their force in two, one, under command of captain Diomedes consisting of the First and Second companies, shall attack the Orks. Another, under command of Davian Thule, consisting of Third and Fourth companies shall attack the forces of the Word Bearers.
Among the second group was Naruto, ready to shed blood of traitors.
More they walked into the territories controlled by the Word Bearers, more notable presence of Chaos became. It wasn't only unholy sigils, crucified people, dark altars with maimed bodies, no. It was the earth itself as if nature started to change with presence of Chaos. This certainly wasn't good. Absolutly.
However the worst had yet to come. A fortified camp surrounded massive portal, where Word Bearers summoned daemons from Warp. Leader of this unholy army was Dark Apostle Eliphas. Naruto saw him from distance, massive figure in blood-red Power Armor, armed with two-handed Unholy Crozius.
Passage through the territory was hindered by countless trenches with spikes, moreover on the east side of the camp Chaos Worshipers built their unholy temple, where they sacrificed loyal Space Marines, who somehow found themselves in their dungeons. Such transgression infuriated even the most stoic brothers, so each and every Blood Ravens desired nothing but utter annihilation of heretic Forces.
After quick discussion, Davian ordered a main bulk of his forces under his command to attack the portal, before Eliphas managed to summon something really bad from Warp. Meanwhile several squads of Scouts under Naruto's command were preparing themselves to free their brothers from the prison near sacrificial ground.
Truth to be told, releasing all brothers would have been nigh impossible if Naruto didn't have the support of suppressing sniper fire. Scouts forced cultist away from the chained Astartes, and Naruto, after creating a bloody path in crowd of the demented followers of the Dark Gods, with wave of his hand turned the solid iron shackles into cold liquid ones. Soon, captured brothers joined Naruto in his fight and supported by scouts' fire, taking weapons of the fallen enemies,
In the end, on the path of librarian stood one of the Chaos Space Marines. Daemonic weapon in his hand glowed with unholy power and seem to laugh as he raised it into the air, but Naruto's glaive was faster. It peirced the heretic's chest, right where his main heart was and get from his back's armor.
Traitor spitted blood upon the earth… black… just like his armor's color. Just like his heart. Heavily he fell to his knees, and Naruto pulled out his glaive, letting his body fell upon the earth. From the hill, where the cultists held the captured loyalists, led a path to the center of the camp, where Naruto saw his target… Eliphas.
Dark Apostle still held his ground surrounded by elite forces. From time to time he was killing a lucky… or unlucky loyalist, who was close enough for him to strike down. Naruto, followed by his released brothers and scouts started to move in his direction.
...
Eliphas was rather sure in this raid. All that he needed was to open a stable portal through sacrificing these self-deluding 'cousins' of his and then… well with might of Great Deamons on his side nobody would manage to stop him from turning this planet into Demon World. All of them, Blood Ravens, Tau, Imperial Guard, Orks, Eldar, would be nothing but fuel for his great fire, fanned by constant, unstoppable war. And later… who knows? Maybe he will become the Daemon Prince himself?
However reality decided to correct his plans. Blood Ravens came to this planet with rather large contingent. They didn't fight Eldar and even forged a temporary alliance to deal with Necrons, how they did something like this was beyond his understanding.
Then was the blitzkrieg with the Tau, Eliphas simply couldn't call it otherwise. Just after day of marching and next one of fighting, Blood Ravens threw out Tau from the planet. Fight was brutal and bloody, Tau didn't expect such power being against them, well it's in young races' nature to overestimate themselves. If Legions were still around, they wouldn't have stepped pass the first expansion… Speaking about the Legions, tactics behind this bold raids and attacks was somehow… familiar.
Eliphas was ripped from his thoughts, by Chaos Spce Marine, thrown near him, he was still covered in lightning, when he rolled over the earth several times and stopped several meters away from Dark Apostle's position. He didn't need more clear invitation. Eliphas turned his head in direction where the body flew from and faced his opponent.
He instantly recognized him.
Mightiest warrior from the Fifteenth Legion, who served in Crusader Host and proved his power in countless battles, one of them being on Ullanor, after victory on which, Horus became the Warmaster.
"Seth..." muttered the heretic.
"Eliphas..." said Naruto, looking right into his eyes. "Looks like time in the Warp didn't treat you well. You look like a rotten avocado. A tattooed and scarred rotten avocado."
"I will make you eat your wards. With your teeth… and flesh..." Eliphas took his Accursed Crozius into both hands and charged. Naruto took the blow on the shaft of his glaive, blocking the strike from above. "You will not win… Seth. Dark Gods will have the souls of your brothers. Or maybe you believe that I do not know about the stain on Blood Ravens' Chapter? You are a fool to think so!"
Eliphas pushed with more power, but Naruto spun on his leg, letting the head of the Crozius go past him and hit Eliphas into his jaw. Dark Apostle spitted blood and lost orientation for a moment.
However, he managed to break the distance and evade the strike that was supposed to be his last. Naruto empowered himself with energies of the Empireas and jumped into the air, taking his weapon into both hands, hoping to cleave Eliphas in half. However, Dark Apostle evaded the strike and grabbed Naruto by his armor, headbutting him repeatedly.
During the last strike, Naruto managed to grab the heretic and use a bit of his power to summon the fire in his palm. Eliphas roared and threw Naruto away. While Word Bearer recovered, Naruto summoned his glaive. Slowly the Chaos Space Marine turned to Naruto. Blonde smirked, his last attack burnt out one of Eliphas' eyes. Dark Apostle roared and with series of powerful strikes forced his opponent to defend himself, then disarmed him and finally, with lucky strike he threw him away.
"Foolish psyker." Eliphas slowly walked to Naruto who was on his knee, breathing heavily. "Fighting a chosen of Dark Gods? Especially someone as powerful as me? You shouldn't have crawled out of the hole, where you were hiding during the last ten thousand years, but do not worry your death will empower me and serve the rightful cause… the cause of the Dark Gods! Just like you were supposed to do..."
With those words he raised his Crozius and Naruto raised his head… First thing that Eliphas understood… he wasn't looking into the eyes of defeated man. The damned psyker was smirking as if Eliphas was where… he… wanted… him…. Realization struck him, but it was too late. Naruto raised his hands and clawed hands made of pure fire grabbed Eliphas.
Accursed Crozius fell upon the earth and Naruto slowly rose to his feet.
"You… will not… manage to… kill me." managed to say Eliphas. "I have the favor of the Dark Gods… I will not be… vanquished… so… easily."
Naruto just moved his arms to different sides as if pulling something apart and hands made of fire did exactly the same thing. Screams of the Dark Apostle filled the air, but Naruto pulled… and pulled… and pulled… until with disgusting squelching sound he didn't rip Eliphas apart. Librarian stretched his hand and glaive eagerly jumped into it.
"Where are your Gods now? Eh, Eliphas?" he turned his back upon the remains of Dark Apostle and slowly walked back into battle, where he was still needed. Very soon explosion destroyed the portal and the last Chaos Space Marine was sent to meet his Dark Gods by Gabriel.
"Looks like we have finished here." said Naruto to Gabriel as they met with Thule.
"The forces of Imperial Guard still remain here." noted Gabriel.
"I do not think that general-governor will be so foolish to fight an army of Astartes."
"Do not worry, brothers." smiled Naruto. "I have pulled some strings and asked several favors. If on the planet will remain only our forces and those of Imperial Guard… they have orders to evacuate."
"I do not know how you did that, Great Father..." said Thule. "But it will be quiet handy."
Soon news about Diomedes' success reached them and united force of Blood Ravens arrived to the Victory Bay, where forces of Imperial Guard located. Delegation from Imperial Guard arrived to meet the Captains, alongside the delegation from Blood Ravens also was Naruto.
Situation was bad. Despite all the odds, general-governor denied Captain's Thule's pleas to reconsider his position about evacuation orders. Lukas stubbornly said that he had orders, however, before Captain Thule struck him in anger, Naruto stepped forward, gripping a scroll in his hand.
"You can hide behind your orders, Lukas, but we both know that you are lying. You have received a specific order, shall Blood Ravens prevail over other forces, who fight for dominion on Kronus, you are supposed to retreat." stated librerian.
"Yeah?" smirked Lukas. "How will you prove it? My people will follow my commands and I shall bring glory to Imperial Guard as the ones who returned this world to Imperium and defeated all enemies of the God-Emperor here, be they heretic Astartes, Xenos, or… too suspicious Astartes from Chapter already suspected in heresy by the Inquisition."
"I knew that between death and glory a true guardsman will always chose glory. Death is part of their work after all. Fortunately..." Naruto opened the scroll. "I have a copy of your orders signed by High Command and stamped seals of higher power. You either follow your orders… or your Commissars shall execute you… right on spot."
Prideful general was forced to bend his knee… metaphorically. Forces of the Imperial Guard and Imperial citizens evacuated from planet and librarians from the Chapter started their search for artifacts of the Chapter. Despite the fact that main secret was hidden from them, they have found secret stashes with ancient armor and weapons and many veterans of the Kronus crusade were granted ancient sets of armor as reminder of their bravery.
Several month after their victory, a very powerful person granted them with unforeseen visit. 'Thunder Hawk' landed near their keep on Kronis and several Astartes in Artifical Armor stepped out of it. Following them was Librarian, in old armor, bearing scars of old battles on his armor and body.
Azaria Kyras granted them with a visit. Naruto observed him with narrowed eyes from the wall of the keep. For a second he sensed something familiar… hidden darkness, just like he sensed in Isador. Naruto cursed under his breath. Looks like he had finally found the source of Chapter's corruption.
Meanwhile, Chapter Master and High Librarian walked to the Captain Thule and asked him about the result of Crusade.
"Captain Thule, I hope that losses during campaign were minimal?"
"Of course, Chapter Master."
"Any sort of conflicts with Imperial Guard?"
"In words only. We solved our differences diplomatically. One of our librarians helped."
"Hmm..." scratched his chin Kyras. "I heard that this so-called "Second coming of Vidya' is with you. Was it his doing?" asked Chapter Master.
"Yes, my lord."
"Good… please, send my regards to him. Also send him my wish to see him on 'Omnis Arcanum' I believe that such powerful librarians like us will find something to speak about." Thule raised his brow, surprised by Kyras' reaction, but High Librarian forced him away , to speak about the politics of their Chapter. While Naruto appeared from the shadows near Angelos.
"Gabriel… we need to talk." with a word, Third Captain followed ancient librarian away from others, into the secluded parts of the keep. He sensed worry of his brother… and he feared that the reason will be…. Terrifying.
To Gabriel's surprise Librarian led him to the old church dedicated to the Emperor. He followed the elder warrior and knelled in front of the Emperor's statue, clapping his hands together and Gabriel followed his lead.
"Gabriel…" whispered Naruto. "I watched Chapter Master today… I had sensed dark energy of the Warp oozing from him."
"Well..." replied Gabriel, still not understanding what Naruto was implying. "He is our High Librarian, I believe that it is… normal for him."
"Not in such way… I sensed power more suitable for a Sorcerer, than Librarian." answered him Naruto. "I fear that heresy struck right into the heart of our Chapter."
"You mean that… our Chapter Master is… a heretic?" nearly screamed Gabriel. "Then… why didn't none of our brother sense the darkness in him?"
"I do not know, brother, but think… he suddenly appears and quickly becomes Chapter Master, we know next to nothing about him or his past, but evades fights with Black Legion like a plague… isn't it strange?"
"You also appeared suddenly."
"Yet… have I ever evaded a fight against traitors and daemons?"
"What shall we do then?"
"We need to gather those still loyal to the cause and assure them to support us when time is right."
"Hmm… I think I know how to gain ally to our cause."
"How?"
"Recently, Davian lost a librarian assured to his Company… and you have saved many of his warriors. I believe he will not object, if I propose you candidature as his replacement."
"Hmm… You want me to become a librarian of the Fourth Company?"
"Davian saw you in action and he knows that you have a good head on your shoulders. He will ask your advice and you will be able to persuade him to support our cause."
…
Several years has passed after the Kronus Crusade. Fourth Company arrived to the Subsector Aurellia to protect it from Ork Waaagh! Planets in this systems are well-known among Blood Ravens, for their Recruit Worlds are situated here. Right now, captain Thule is on one of them, Calderis, holding down the Orks before arrival of the main Forces.
Naruto looked down at the deserted planet from the captain's board of Strike Cruiser 'Armageddon'. After Boreale's stunt during Kaurava Campaign, Chapter had lost half of it's forces, the only good coming from it being silencing of the most vocal supporters of Kyras.
At this moment massive doors that led to the captain's bridge opened, revealing Sergeant Tarkus and new face upon the Strike Cruiser, Force Commander Aramus. As far as Naruto knew, Aramus was worthy of his position and Thule spoke rather highly of this Space Marine. His talents were unquestionable, however he was promoted after his first serious success during Hadrian Campaign. Some brothers, especially those who didn't trust Kyras, whispered behind his back, because Chapter Master ordered his rise to power.
Nevertheless, just like Kyras, Naruto saw potential in young warrior and tried to brought the best out of him. They quickly found topics of equal interest and Naruto, with some surprise, had found that Aramus has a lot of common with him, back during his younger days.
"Aramus. Tarkus." greeted them Naruto.
"Great Father."
"Truth Seeker."
Replies from both Space Marines were stable. All Blood Ravens, except those who supported Kyras as noticed Naruto, called hum by one of his titles.
"What worries you brothers?" asked Naruto.
"Tarkus is worried about the presence of Orks on Calderis." answered Aramus, while smirking.
"Calderis isn't just my home planet." grimly stated Tarkus. "It's our main Recruit World. After failure during Kaurava Campaign, we have lost a chance to create a fortress-monastery on the world, to start taking people from local barbarian tribes as our recruits. Shall Calderis fall, entire Sub-sector will be endangered. Shall this Sub-sector fall, entire Sector will follow."
"Then we have an additional reason to win." said Aramus, checking his chain-sword and bolt-pistol.
"Aramus is right, Tarkus." said Naruto. "We have yet to see the situation upon the surface ourselves. Maybe the so-called Great Boss Boneysmasha isn't worth our time?"
"Each and every Xenos, who dares to claim his ownership upon our planet is worth our time, my lord." narrowed his eyes Tarkus.
"Wow, wow. Dow be so hasty Tarkus. You know what I meant. Veni, vidi, vici..." seeing the complete and utter… confusion in eyes of his friends Naruto raised his eyes to the plasteel ceiling. "Oh, really? Come on… it is one of the most famous catch phrases of ancient generals and rulers of humankind."
"What does it mean, my lord?" asked Armus.
"In our case it can be translated like… We came… we saw… we won." answered Naruto smiling. Tarkus and Aramus smirked in return… well at least Aramus did, Tarkus always had a rather grim expression, but Naruto sensed how a small spark of hope once again ignited inside him. Naruto knew that hope was a dangerous feeling nowadays… but he simply couldn't live without it and he couldn't keep his hope without sharing it with someone.
Couple of minutes later, Naruto stepped from the Drop Pod on the sand of Calderis, followed by Force Commander Aramus and Sergeant Tarkus with his squad. They followed the last known coordinates of Captain Thule, who stood in the way of t he Orks, supported only by several squads of scouts even if they were also Space Marines, Naruto and his battle-brothers were rather worried about the lack of armor on them. Meanwhile, Tactical Marines took positions behind the large rocks and Naruto used this moment to contact the captain.
"Thule. We have landed successfully, do you need assistance?" asked Naruto.
"Positive brother." answered Thule. "An unexpected strike shall stop their assault and save our positions."
Their group followed captain's orders and quickly attacked the Orks. Aramus' chain-sword roared biting into green flesh, sprouting geysers of red blood. Tarkus' bolter roared and spitted death, killing Ork after Ork and Naruto roasted his enemies with psychic lightning. Very soon they reached position of Captain Thule, which was a fortified hill, surrounded by layer of thin wall, with rear protected by natural ravine.
"Force Commander, Sergeant, Librarian." greeted them Davian.
"Captain." replied all three at once.
"We managed to stop the first assault, but Orks are known to attack till their last man or their last enemy. There are ruins to the east from our position. There, you can make another defensive point and break another assault… maybe even capture their leader unaware."
"It will be done, Captain Thule." hit his chestplate in old Legionary greeting Aramus. Behind him Naruto smirked. Looks like during the time spent together he had rubbed on the younger Space Marine. Maybe his presence alone may help his brothers return to rightful path.
Ten minutes later Blood Ravens took positions in ruins that once were some sort of settlement. Now, it shall be another battlefield among countless ones in eternal war. Ork's armored vehicle, that looked like a simple truck with lists of armor upon it, flew from the nearby sand dune and crashed into large rock near position of Blood Ravens. Tarkus chose this moment to through a grenade into it. However, even explosion did not stop the sturdy Greenskin Boyz, who can survive even the crush of asteroid, while being inside said asteroid. Orks simply jumped from the burning remains of their wagon and prepared their choppas and dakkas.
They roared, seeing enemies so close to them and one of them, large Ork much bigger than others, covered in blue paintings, jumped upon the the wall, armed with big knife and semi-automatic gun. His name wasn't known, but he fell first, pierced by Naruto's glaive and burned, while he was still alive, by psychic flames that surged from the blade of spear-like weapon.
At the same time, Aramus and Tarkus, alongside other Tactical Marines showed Orks that they were not welcomed on Calderis. Several seconds of non-stop bloodshed took care of the Ork problem.
"Vidya, Aramus, Tarkus… do you copy?" came voice from their vox-channel.
"Captain Thule?" answered Naruto. "We just dealt with another wave of the Greenskins. This time with supports of the armored vehicle."
"Hmm… not good." answered Thule. "Nevertheless, my scouts just reported that to the north from your position there is an Ork camp near the entrance to the mines. I believe that they use the underground tunnels to relocate their forces. Deal with them as you see fit."
"Got it, Captain." answered Naruto and turned to his fellow Astartes. "Brothers! We have a work to do!"
…
Aramus observed the fortifications of the Ork camp… well if he could cal the piles of garbage instead of walls with complete and utter lack of the reinforced gates and automated defense systems. Once again he checked his chain-sword and prepared bolt-pistol. Alongside him, preparing their battle knives and bolters were his battle-brothers under Sergeant Tarkus command. Alongside them was great Vidya, his psychic might as strong as in legends.
With such warriors backing him, Aramus was assured in victory. Nothing could go wrong. And he was right. They were like a hurricane, a force of nature, unstoppable might in form of greatest warriors of Humanity. Orks fell one by one, under bolter fire, psychic might and battle knives and chain-sword. Finally, Orks had they last stand near the crudely made watchtower. Naruto just created psychic shields and Tarkus threw a grenade into the tower.
"Is it all?" asked Aramus.
"No." said Tarkus, showing the last grenade. He walked to the pillars that held the entrance into the mine intact and threw grenade to them. Powerful explosion destroyed the pillar and ground shook as tunnels fell underground. Orks were cut from positions of Astartes, and couldn't relocate their forces as fast as before. Something like this was rather unusual and meant that their Warboss was smarter than ordinary Ork leader.
This was a possible problem.
"I'm glad to see you after successful mission, especially with no causalities. It is a rarity nowadays and we will need each brother in coming conflicts. Right now we are low on numbers and cannot afford ourselves unnecessary losses." said Thule. "Now… to the bad news. Unfortunately Warboss managed to flee."
"We could have dealt with this WAAAGH! with one swift strike." said Tarkus in grim tone.
"Yes." agreed Davian Thule. "But Warboss will return to spread the chaos and fight stronger opponents. Such is the nature of the Orks. They fight. They kill. They loot. They pillage. However, this time, we will be ready."Davian made a sign and Aramus, Naruto and Tarkus followed him to the nearby 'Thunderhawk'. Very soon it landed on 'Armageddon' and all four of them went to the captain's bridge, while simple battle-brothers went to their rooms aboard the Strike Cruiser, to pray or took care about their weapons or armour.
Naruto looked around. Countless people walked on the bridge, taking care of the systems, making giant ship work properly, like a giant clock. Naruto always found it interesting. Astartes protect normal humans, humans work on their fleets, create war machines for them and countless other munitions and equipment, necessary for Astartes to wage war. Astartes were necessary for protection of normal humans and forging of Imperium. All this was due to Emperor's vision. A symbiosis that's what they were… nevertheless, fear that they would be destroyed or exchanged for something… better, caused many Astartes to rebel. He saw it back then. Many didn't know what to do after the Great Crusade would be finished. Some, especially Word Eaters couldn't see their lives without constant conflict… ten thousand years ago Naruto feared that another Cull may happen. He had met a criminal lord Babu Dhakal and found the horrible truth about the Thunder Warriors. Nevertheless, Horus Heresy happened and after Naruto left the Grey Knight, he spent some time working for Arik Taranis on Terra, before he created Blood Ravens.
While Naruto was deep in his thoughts, Thule walked to the tactical panel and pushed several buttons summoning image of the Calderis' surface. Then he zoomed it and showed to the three Space Marines the reason of this gathering.
"Orks have taken control over the village near Argus. Now they control strategically important road, and we need to deal with them as fast as possible. If Orks will understand importance of this road… There are lot of places easy to fortify and shoot from there. I have already asked sergeant Cyrus and his scouts to assist you in this mission. His experience in dealing with Xenos will serve you well and he is the best when it comes to diversions and theory and practice of Big Bang Theory."
"Well brothers?" asked Naruto as three of them left the captain's bridge. "Back to war?"
Drop Pods… many things can be said about them, but not all of them positive. Yet… if you wish to send something straight from the stratosphere to the surface, Drop Pods were what you needed. They landed on supposedly enemy territory, infested with numerous Orks, so, while leaving the Drop Pod, glaive in hand and spell ready to leave his lips, Naruto was surprised to find that all Orks near their position were already dead.
However, it wasn't their landing that killed them. Their deaths were too clean. Moreover, death by crushing into bloody paste, does not leave wounds from sniper rifle. Seeing this, Naruto decided to scan the surrounding landscape and noticed several life signatures around their landing zone.
"Sergeant Cyrus?" asked he into the air.
"Yes." replied said sergeant decloaking near him. Naruto stretched his hand for old, but well-known among the Astartes, greeting. One of the few legacies, left from the Legions of old.
"Heard about you." said Naruto. "Managing to serve among the Deathwatch for nearly two centuries and returning to share his experience with newly initiated brothers isn't just noteworthy it demands for great respect. I'm glad that Captain Thule asked someone as knowledgeable as you provide us cover."
Cyrus smirked slightly and their hands clapped in greeting. Naruto felt that sergeant was rather cynical and expected the worst. However, Naruto didn't act as pompous douche, as Cyrus expected him and Naruto could sense that he was glad, but still wasn't showing it.
"I also heard about your exploits, brother librarian. Some say that you Azariah Vidya reborn, others, that you are him, returned to us after long battle in Warp against hordes of Daemons. And most minor, but most vocal, unsurprisingly all from the closest supporters of Azariah Kyras, our most noble Chapter Master, say that you are nothing but a fraud and pretender. So… who do you think is right?" to
"I believe that my actions will speak for myself." answered Naruto, still smiling friendly, even id Force Commander, Tarkus and his Tactical Marines gripped their weapons tighter.
"Good answer." smirked Scout-Sergeant. "Follow me, we have no time to waste."
Cyrus led them through the cliffs, to the nearest entrance to the Ork camp. Greenskins didn't just build their scrap watchtowers, they also barricaded inside the buildings on the edge of the village. Whoever commanded them, or gave them orders, surely was smart. Smarter than the Orks, who guarded the entrance to the mines.
This time Orks gave more thought to fortifications of their position. They molded together some rubble, metal lists and sharpened rocks and broken metal bars, making spiked walls from them. Moreover they made several watchtowers that blocked the entrance where it was possible before and made a gate. Of course, something like this wasn't an actual obstacle for Space Marines, but if they will use normal weapons they will not only spend too much time, they will gain attention of all Orks nearby and will be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers.
"Do you have explosive packs?" asked Naruto Cyrus.
"Yes. Three." answered Scout-sergeant.
"And Tarkus took four krak grenades." said Aramus, putting another round into his Bolt-Pistol.
"Hmm… three watchtowers… two fortified civilian objects… shall be enough. If something happens, I'm covering you with my powers. Force Commander, I propose a plan... when Cyrus will throw his explosive packs, you must show yourself on my signal. I will protect you with my powers, Orks will not leave someone challenging them without a proper answer."
"Risky plan." smirked Aramus. "I like it."
Blood Ravens slowly went in different directions, to get to their targets as close as possible and undetected. Naruto and Aramus remained in the main road, observing their moves. Cyrus was the first to reach his position.
"We have reached the position Commander. Shall we continue?" asked sergeant on their vox-channel.
"Wait a minute, Tarkus haven't reported yet." answered Aramus.
"Tactical Squad reporting. We are on position, Commander." came the voice of Tarkus through the vox.
"Good." whispered Naruto. "Looks like it's time to shine. Commander… do us all honor..."
Aramus smirked and raised his hand to his temple.
"Cyrus… you know what to do. Tarkus, wait for our signal." from Naruto's and Aramus' position it was seen clearly, how scouts used the cloaking device and prepared the explosive packs. Each one went to his watchtower, nearly instantly they threw their explosive packs atop the towers. Truly, Cyrus knew how to teach his students. Four seconds and three explosions later only two former homes built by people of Calderis protected the entrance to the village-turned-warcamp.
"It's time." said Aramus, while Naruto raised his glaive into the air and golden shield covered both of them.
"Time for a challenge. Don't leave the golden shield. And please… deal with Orks while we are in such state. All my attention is focused upon the task in hand." said Naruto.
"Don't worry." said Aramus, pushing the activation rune on his weapon and listening to song of swirling metal teeth of his blade. "I will show them why they shouldn't have landed on Calderis."
Aramus openly walked to the gates of the camp and due to the loud noise made by his chain-sword many Orks quickly noticed him. They raised their crude guns and opened fire, but golden shield deflected them all. Mockingly, Aramus raised his chain-sword, saluting to the angered Orks, who hid in the buildings.
"WAAAAGH!" Orks reacted violently to the challenge and most of them left their cover behind, in hopes of tearing arrogant Space Marine to shreds. They didn't notice frak grenades thrown into the houses behind them. Horde of Orks didn't notice this, And Aramus faced them head-on. His chain-sword roared, coming to life and it's mono-molecular teeth bit into the first Ork with greed. Aramus' Bolt-Pistol spit several bullets into heads of nearby Orks, when one of them managed to sneak behind and raised his choppa to cleave his head in half. However, bullet from sniper rifle make his head explode like a large watermelon.
Aramus managed to salute the hidden sniper with his sword before charge into fight once again. One by one Greenskins fell under his sword and he relished in fight, feeling that he and his brothers fought like one, well-oiled war machine. Speaking of his brothers, Tarkus and his squad attacked the horde from behind, sending bolter bullets into their bare backs.
Very soon, last Ork lost his head to Aramus chain-sword. Naruto stopped his spell and he, Aramus, Tarkus and Cyrus alongside their warriors joined together in front of the gates.
"Finally." said Tarkus. "We must hurry, we don't know when Orks will receive reinforcements, moreover we have lost the signal from the squad of Devastators in this area. I hope we can find something about their fate.
"Who was in command of their squad?" asked Naruto.
"Sergeant Avitus." answered Tarkus.
"Avitus… I remember him. He was with us on Kronus. Let us hurry. Loss of such a great warrior will be a great blow to our Chapter." with a silent strike of his lightning he opened the gates.
Blood Ravens silently entered the village, streets were stained by blood and chopped liver. In the center of the village Astartes found large pile of bodies, both Orks and humans and still alive Orks danced around it with torches in hands.
Naruto roared in anger and using power of the Aether filled his muscles with unimaginable, even for Astartes, strength. He was like a stampede of blades that fell upon the Orks. Cyrus and Tarkus alongside their squadmembers supported him with fire, while Aramus quickly reached Naruto and fought side by side with him.
Very soon Orks became ended. At least in that overrun village.
Breathing heavily, both from fatige and anger Naruto looked down and noticed a hand, clad in red Power Armor. With grim expression, not answering questions of his squad-mates he tried to get the body out of the pile of corpses.
"Come on. Help me." said Naruto and others pulled their fallen brother with him. It was Sergeant Avitus.
"At least his gene-seed will be return to the Chapter." solemnly said Tarkus, grieving for the fall of yet another battle-brother, but Naruto sensed something… a spark of life under the armor…
"He is still alive." said he. "We need to evacuate him."
"I have already contacted Captain Thule." said Aramus. "Unfortunately he will manage to send us 'Thunderhawk' only after we will cleanse the village."
"Then one of our brothers must stay here to guard him." said Naruto. "Tarkus. Which one of your squad-members can you spare for this task?"
"Brother Mark." answered Tarkus placing his hand upon the shoulder of closest Space Marine near him. "I believe that he will manage."
Soon after combined forces entered the village, cleansing it of Xeno filth. Main credit fell to Tactical Marines of Tarkus and Scouts of Cyrus, for their bolters and sniper rifles dealt with Orks, who dared to charge at them before they managed to reach them. Even if they were too many, none of them managed to pass the deadly duo of Aramus and Naruto, that guarder others from close fighters. Orks didn't run from the fight and most of them focused on challenge, so brashly given by Aramus and Naruto. To fight and to best them in close-combat.
Thus, giving Cyrus and Tarkus so needed time to aim well. Very soon the last of the Greenskins fell to the mud that earth turned into from all spilled blood. At the same moment Artamus was contacted through the vox-channel.
"Commander. From the west is coming a horde of Greenskins, thirsting for blood. You better face them on the bridge through the cliff, giving you a natural advantage to your squads more specialized in mid- and long-ranged fire." warned the Thule.
"Got it. We are changing position."
"Good. Thule out."
Blood Ravens prepared to face the coming Ork horde as best as they could, Heavy bolters of their fallen brothers were placed on the stationary positions and several Space Marines prepared to unleash death from them. Under orders of Aramus Astartes carried rubble and large rocks to the ruined defense line, where Avitus' squad faced their last stand. Large tower near the bridge took Cyrus and his snipers, while was helping in creation of barricade with his psychic powers.
Finally, with loud battle-cries, Ork horde appeared on horizon. Fortunately for Blood Ravens, this time without any sort of vehicle. Largest of them fell even before they managed to reach the bridge from the sniper fire of Cyrus and neophytes. As soon as they reached the distance where the bolters reached them, other battle brothers opened fire, easily killing dozens of Orks. Naruto quickly became bored and Armus alongside him. Their goal was simple: stand on the bridge to gain attention to themselves and force Orks to charge at them, leaving themselves vulnerable to suppressing fire of battle-brothers and neophytes. Orks were like a river… unfortunately it soon got dry and last of the Orks fell to the earth near Aramus, with a round from bolt-pistol put into his head. Very soon arrived 'Thunderhawks' and returned them to 'Armageddon'. Seargeants reported to captain Thule that village was returned, sergeant Avitus was still alive, gene-seed was taken alongside bodies of fallen battle-brothers, who will be soon buried with honor.
"Our last operation was successful, we are once again controlling the road to the road and the village, but to achieve victory we need to kill the Warboss. According to our data, several influencing Ork chieftains gather their kin, while fighting on the orders of said Warboss, Boneysmasha. However, their forces are far greater in numbers and we will require more mobile squads for surgical strikes that will provide us with more information about the enemy and would ensure safety of Argus. Therefore, your forces will join sergeant Thaddeus, he is a promising young officer, I had chosen him myself during the riots on Meridian… he managed to impress me. Also, after recovering, Sergeant Avitus will also join you… he has some words for our resident Greenskins."
"Tactical squad, Assault squad, Devastator squad, Scout squad, powerful Librarian and of course, a skilled close-combat fighter as leader. Heh, we are quite the overkill for one surgical strike." commented Naruto.
"That's the plan." smirked Cyrus.
"Very well, brothers." said Dvian Thule. "I will gather you again, when the time will come. Meanwhile… you are free to go.
